Year: 2007
Type: article
Abstract: This study set out to compare plant function and performance of strawberry clover to that of white clover. To test this, the two species were exposed to drought for 4 weeks under controlled environmental conditions. Water stress reduced the size and dry matter of white clover leaves by more than 50%, whereas strawberry clover leaves remained unaffected. White clover photosynthesis decreased by nearly 50% under drought, accompanied by a reduction in leaf water status (water potential) by more than one third. In contrast, strawberry clover maintained a higher water status, photosynthesis and transpiration rate under drought than white clover. In addition, we observed drought-induced reductions in white clover leaf quality, including lower nitrogen levels. We conclude that strawberry clover displays drought resistance in a number of key leaf parameters. The findings suggest value in testing strawberry clover as a complement or alternative to white clover in droughtprone pasture environments. Keywords: drought, strawberry clover, Trifolium fragiferum L., Trifolium repens L., white clover
Authors: R.W. Hofmann, W. Lin, S.A. Stilwell, R.J. Lucas
Institution: Lincoln University
Language: English
Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W1596356984