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Growth Analysis of Two Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciaefolia Scop.) Growth Types¹

Adaptation of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciaefolia Scop.) to dryland may be related to differences in growth habit that permit the most efficient use of available moisture and incident radiation during the active growing season. This study was conducted to quantitatively analyze growth of ‘Remont,’ a "two-cut" type cultivar, and ‘Eski,’ a "onecut" type cultivar, in relation to adaptation to dryland or to areas with limited irrigation water. Growth was studied during three periods in the spring of 1971. Yields of Remont were significantly higher than those of Eski when sampled on May 12, but because of a greater relative growth rate (RGR, g/g/wk), Eski surpassed Remont in yield when sampled on June 21. The greater RGR of Eski was associated with a significantly greater leaf area ratio (LAR, dm²/g). The LAR of both species decreased with advancing maturity as a result of increasing stemleaf ratio. Net assimilation rate (g/dm²/wk) of these two cultivars was not significantly different. Crop growth rate (CGR, g/m²/da) increased as the season advanced and appeared to be greatest for Eski. Both species produced the majority of their leaves early with maximum leaf area index occurring on or before June 8. Specific leaf weight (cm³/g) of cultivars was similar at the first three sampling dates, but was significantly greater for Remont at the last sampling date. The data indicate that a late-maturing "one-cut" type sainfoin would most efficiently utilize soil moisture and incident radiation in areas where soil moisture is limiting after July 1.

Key Words: Adaptation • Legumes

² Agronomist, PSRD, ARS, USDA, Bozeman, Mont. 59715.

Received for publication December 23, 1971.