Seed Production in Birdsfoot Trefoil, Lotus Species

Only a few of the approximately 100 species of Lotus are used extensively in agriculture. The following species namely, Lotus corniculatus L., Lotus glaber Waldst. & Kit., and Lotus uliginosus Schkuhr., are used in agriculture and are commonly referred to as birds foot trefoil. In this chapter, the culture of birds-foot trefoil for seed production refers primarily to these three species. S. K. White et al. evaluated the effects of growth retardants on flowering and plant morphology of birdsfoot trefoil. Reports on seed yields of birds foot trefoil highlight the gap between the maximum seed yields that can be obtained and the average yields usually achieved. Successful seed harvest of birdsfoot trefoil requires a series of careful and timely operations. For high and consistent seed yields of birdsfoot trefoil, cross pollination is essential.