The flowering pattern and seed development of Lotus species

Flowering pattern and seed development parameters of Lotus pedunculatus (tetraploid and diploid), Lotus corniculatus and Lotus tenuis were studied under identical management and environmental conditions. Flowering occurred a month earlier in L.. pedunculatus than L. corniculatus and L. tenuis; seed development occurred more rapidly in the tetraploid than the diploid species. Although peak flowering and time required for seed development were identified, it did not prove possible (due to poor weather conditions) to relate theory to practice and identify optimum time of harvest in the field.