Male sterility in birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.).

This paper describes six male steriles in birdsfoot trefoil. Data on the following characters were recorded on these plants and on two male fertile plants: chromosome number, presence of pollen at tripping, percentage of irregularly shaped anthers, percentage of anthers with acetocarmine stainable pollen inside, maximum range of percentage of pollen fertility among anthers within a flower presenting pollen, and percentage of pod setting with selfing. All male steriles showed a somatic chromosome number typical of the species. All were indehiscent and complete control of pollination occurred in all but one. They differed in percentage of irregular anthers, percentage of anthers with stainable pollen inside, and range of percentage of pollen fertility among anthers within a flower. Indehiseence in flowers having some pollen inside the anthers was probably due to lack of internal pressure. It is concluded that these genotypes can be of value in breeding birdsfoot trefoil.