Lotus Newsletter (2004) Volume 34, 5-11. 5 Seed production potential in birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) SINDHU SAREEN Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Regional Research Centre, CSKHPKV Campus, Palampur 176062 (HP) India Abstract Lotus corniculatus (birdsfoot trefoil) is a perennial forage legume for pastures and has a high nutritive value. It tolerates infertile, acidic, drought or wet soil conditions. It does not cause bloat even if grazed directly, because of the presence of condensed tannins. It is palatable nutritious, high in protein and very digestible to cattle, sheep and horses. Compared to other pasture species, the forage quality and protein content remains high for longer periods even after the plants start going to seed. However, it suffers from low seed yields and pod shattering has been found to be a major reason for it. During the present study, eighteen populations of Lotus corniculatus were collected from mid hill Himalayas and raised at IGFRI Regional Research Centre, Palampur. The populations were compared for their potential to set seed. The study revealed that in all populations observed seed set was far less than the expected seed yield. Further, it was found that pod shattering is not the sole reason for low seed set in birdsfoot trefoil. Other factors, such as the indeterminate period of flowering, flower bud abortion, lack of pollination and genetic factors may also contribute towards low seed yield. Introduction Lotus corniculatus is a perennial plant though not long lived, that has an extensive root system with strong tap root. Under favorable conditions, it may produce up to 100 stems and reach a height of 2 – 3 ft. The growth form can range from prostrate to erect with numerous stems arising from a well developed crown and branches arising from axils. Leaves are pentafoliate, alternately on short stalks with two leaflets at the petiole base resembling stipules. It is a tetraploid (2n = 24) showing mostly bivalent pairing and tetrasomic inheritance. Flowering is indeterminate continuing for long time. Flowers are borne in an umbel at the end of a short stem. Each umbel consists of five bright yellow flowers. Flowers are bisexual and are largely cross pollinated by bees. Pressure is exerted by bee on the keel causing the staminal filaments to push a quantity of pollen out of tip. The pollen is exerted onto the ventral surface of the bee’s thorax and thereby it is carried from one flower to another resulting in pollination. Lotus corniculatus is a forage legume for pastures having high nutritive value. It does not cause bloat when direct grazed, because of the presence of condensed tannins. It tolerates