Evaluation of Self and Polycross Progeny Testing in Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) for Forage and Seed Yield

Self and cross fertility, forage and seed yield of parents, self (Sl), and polycross (PX) progenies were measured in a selected and an unselected population of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), Self fertility was significantly less than cross fertility in both populations. In a field planting S1 progenies had lower forage yield in 1979 and 1980 and seed yield (relative to the parents) was less in the selected population than the unselected in 1979. All correlation coefficients between years and progenies were non-significant for forage yield bur the parents-poly cross progeny correlation was significant for seed yield in the selected population. Percentage survival of plants after cutting in 1980 was higher in the selected population, and the parents and PX progenies survived better than S1 progenies in both populations. The better performance of the selected population may be due, in pan, to higher frequency of favorable genes resulting from four cycles of recurrent selection, S1 progeny testing does not appear to be worth while in birdsfoot trefoil because of low self fertility and the reduced vigour of the progeny.