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Effect of Last Fodder Cut on Fodder and Seed Yield of Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.)

PJAR_34_2_463-471

Research Article

Effect of Last Fodder Cut on Fodder and Seed Yield of Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.)

Muhammad Musa1*, Muhammad Riaz Gondal2, Aaqib Riaz3, Sikander Hayat2 and Iftikhar Haider1

1Ayab Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan; 2Fodder Research Institute, Sargodha, Pakistan; 3Hussain Park Military Farm Road, Sargodha, Pakistan.

Abstract | Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L) provides nutritious and palatable fodder in repeated cuttings during winter and early summer. However, its seed yield per unit area in Pakistan is relatively low as compared to other countries. The present study was aimed to evaluate the influence of climate on fodder production, seed vigour, seed yield and total income ha-1 of three berseem varieties and to enhance the production through management of harvesting at Fodder Research Institute, Sargodha, Pakistan during three rabi seasons from 2015 to 2018. The experiment was arranged in split plot design with three replications. Berseem varieties (Super Late, Agaiti Berseem, Punjab Berseem) were kept in main plots and last cutting dates (10thMarch, 20th March, 30th March, 10th April and 20th April) were kept in sub-plots. Results revealed considerable differences in the period of flowering as well as yield characters under different cutting managements. Seed production decreased and fodder tonnage increased with delay in last harvest for fodder. Similarly, seed quality in terms of % germination and seed size decreased with delay in last harvesting. The last performed on 20th April produced significantly higher green fodder yield but low seed yield and total income ha-1 whereas 10th March and 20th March produced higher number of seeds per head, 1000-seed weight, tillers m-2 and seed yield. It indicated that date of last cut of fodder up to 20th March could enable a balance between fodder yield and seed yield, resulting in higher income. Temperature ranging from 15 0C to 38 0C and relative humidity ranging from 60.70 to 38.69 % is required for successful completion of vegetative and reproductive phases of berseem.


Received | January 13, 2021; Accepted | March 21, 2021; Published | June 05, 2021

*Correspondence | Muhammad Musa, Ayab Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan; Email: mum96@hotmail.com

Citation | Musa, M., M.R. Gondal, A. Riaz, S. Hayat and I. Haider. 2021. Effect of last fodder cut on fodder and seed yield of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.). Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research, 34(2): 463-471.

DOI | http://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.pjar/2021/34.2.463.471

Keywords | Economics, Tillage, Sowing methods, Water use efficiency, Wheat, Yield



Introduction

Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L) is the key cultivated legume fodder in South-East Asia because of its profuse vegetative growth, multi-cut nature, better forage output after harvesting, prolonged time of forage provision, delicious feed resource with 20-21% crude protein and 62% total edible feed (Yadav et al., 2015). It is known as “king of fodders” due to its highest tonnage capacity among fodders. It has no toxic effects. It is mainly used as green fodder and during off-season, it may be used as hay and pallets (Nigam et al., 2010). Fodder and seed yield of improved varieties are significantly higher as compared the conventionally cultivated varieties by small farmers cultivating poor quality seed, unimproved cultivars (GOP, 2014). Vegetative and reproductive phases of berseem take place at the same time leading to deprived seed setting. Seed yield in forage crop is generally low due to more vegetative growth as well as reduced seed set (Yadav et al., 2015). The demand of berseem seed is increasing day by day in Pakistan due to which seed is imported every year. Berseem sowing continues from last week of September till November. It gives3-4 fodder cuttings up to the month of March, then the crop is left for seed in central parts of the country.

Seed production depends on many factors, out of which time of last cut for fodder is more important. Late last cutting leaves very little time for seed setting and maturity, hence, seed setting and maturity stages are quickly completed. Moreover, high air temperature and low humidity coincide with pollination and fertilization (Singh et al., 2019), resulting pollens infertility, post fertilization abortion and termination of developing seed. Furthermore, high temperature and low humidity restricts bee activity, thus leading to poor pollination and weak seed setting (Dixit et al., 1989; Yadav et al., 2015; Mohamed et al., 2017; Pasumarty et al., 1993). Bakheit et al. (2012) predicted that during the raising season of clover, high temperature might influence the seasonal distribution of fodder and grain yields. One of the reasons for less seed production is lack of adoption of recommended technology for seed crop management.

The time of last fodder cut of berseem needs to be revisited in the context of changing climate because the prolonged warm summers and shortened cool winters affect the pollination and fertilization of the crop. Similarly, it is also important to find out the stability of berseem varieties in scenario of climate change. Shortage of fodder compels the farmers to continuously take berseem cuttings up to 15th April which results in lower foliage retention, weak blossoming, and less seed productivity. Moreover, farmers are least interested in its seed production. This practice aggravates the issue of seed shortage. (Bakheit et al., 2012). Hence, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of date of last fodder cut and temperature on seed yield as well as quality of berseem.

Materials and Methods

Site and sowing

Field experiments were conducted at Fodder Research Institute, Sargodha for three years during 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18. This field is situated at 72.4o E longitude and 32.01o N latitude. Sorghum was the previous crop sown during summer season. The field was prepared by two ploughing with cultivator. It was followed by one ploughing with rotavator. Sowing during all years was done during the first week of October by broadcasting the seed in standing water of each treatment separately.

Treatments and design

The experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design with three replications. Berseem varieties were kept in main plots and cutting dates in sub plots. Plot size was 6m x 3m. Three varieties (Agaiti Berseem, Super Late and Punjab Berseem) were sown using seed rate of 20 kg ha-1, while five dates of last fodder cut of the crop were 10th March, 20th March, 30th March, 10th April and 20th April. After last cut, the crop was left for seed. Fertilizer was used @ 57-57-57 NPK kg ha 1. Half dose of N and full dose of P and K were applied at the time of field preparation and other half of N was applied after 30 days of crop sowing. Ten irrigations were given each year.

Cutting and data collection

First cutting of fodder was obtained after 50-55 days of sowing when the crop achieved 55-60 cm height and fodder last cut was managed according to treatments of the experiments. After each cut, fresh fodder yield per plot was taken by using spring balance and then converted into fodder yield per hectare. Number of tillers m-2 were recorded randomly with the help of a quadrate (1m x 1m) at the time of each cutting for fodder by taking two samples from each treatment. Pre-harvest observations such as days to 50% flowering, days to 100% flowering, days to maturity were recorded. Post-harvest observations such as number of tillers m-2 at maturity, number of seeds per capsule, 1000-seed weight and seed yield were recorded. Seeds per capsule was counted by selecting 10 heads per treatment while 1000-seed weight were recorded by taking three samples from each treatment. Income per hectare was calculated from fodder and seed yield per hectare by multiplying market rate (seed @ Rs. 300 kg-1 and fodder @ Rs. 2.5 kg-1).

Seed germination

Seed germination was tested by taking four samples of 100 seeds from each date of last cut and sown in four replications next year using top of the paper method for 7 days. After that, observation about seedling were recorded, grouped into normal and abnormal seedling.

Seedling dry weight

Seedling dry weight was recorded according to standard method (Gupta, 1993). Ten normal seedlings selected from germination test were weighed after drying at 100 °C for 24 h and seedlings were cooled at room temperature in desiccators with silica gel before taking weight.

Seed vigour index

Seed vigour index was calculated by the product of germination percentage with seedling dry weight.

Data analysis

After analysis of variance, the treatment mean differences were compared by using LSD test at 5% probability level (Gomez and Gomez, 1984).

Results and Discussion

Phenological studies

Blossoming phenology was noted from sowing as well as last fodder cutting date. Significant increase in number of days was observed from sowing to achieve various blossoming phases with delay in last cutting date of fodder. Interactive effects of different varieties and date of last cut of fodder (Table 1) were significant. All varieties with last cutting date (20th April) of fodder took maximum number of days from sowing to 50% flowering, 100% flowering and maturity. It decreased with decrease of last cutting time of fodder. Overall, variety ‘Super Late’ took significantly more time to 50% flowering (216.33 days), 100% flowering (221.47 days) and maturity (240.13 days) as compared to other varieties (Table 1).

 

Table 1: Effect of varieties and date of last cut on flowering and maturity in berseem (3-year average).

Treatments

Days to 50% flowering

Days to 100% flowering

Days to maturity

From sowing

From last cut

From sowing

From last cut

From sowing

From last cut

Varieties

Agaiti Berseem (V1)

208.33c

26.07c

212.47c

32.47c

232.67c

49.53c

Super Late (V2)

216.33a

33.85a

221.47a

39.47a

240.13a

57.13a

Punjab Berseem(V3)

213.55b

31.96b

218.87b

36.07b

238.20b

55.90b

LSD

1.691

0.525

1.008

1.297

0.151

0.161

Last Cut Dates

10 March (CD1)

206.33d

42.33a

211.00d

50.67a

233.00b

73.11a

20 March (CD2)

208.33d

36.33b

216.33c

46.33b

235.33ab

65.33b

30 March (CD3)

211.78c

29.33c

217.33c

37.00c

235.67ab

64.67b

10 April (CD4)

215.33b

24.67d

219.67b

27.33d

237.33a

45.00d

20 April (CD5)

221.78a

17.78e

223.67a

21.67e

237.67a

34.67e

LSD

3.342

1.964

0.923

0.318

2.276

1.633

Interaction (VXCD)

V1 X CD1

198.33i

37.33c

205.33j

44.33e

228.67h

66.33b

V1 X CD2

202.00hi

31.00d

210.33i

39.33f

230.67gh

58.00c

V1 X CD3

208.67fg

26.67e

213.67h

32.67i

232.33fg

51.33e

V1 X CD4

212.33def

20.00g

215.67g

23.66

232.33ef

41.67g

V1 X CD5

217.33pc

15.33h

219.33de

17.33n

234.33def

32.33i

V2 X CD1

211.33efg

47.33a

215.33g

54.33a

238.00abc

76.33a

V2 X CD2

212.33def

41.33b

220.33cd

49.33c

239.67ab

69.33b

V2 X CD3

214.33cde

32.33d

219.67de

38.67g

238.33abc

57.33cd

V2 X CD4

219.67abc

26.67e

221.67c

29.67j

239.67ab

47.67f

V2 X CD5

222.33a

21.33fg

225.33a

23.33l

240.00a

38.33g

V3 X CD1

206.33gh

45.333a

213.33h

52.33b

236.67cde

75.33a

V3 X CD2

210.67efg

39.67bc

218.33ef

47.33d

237.33abcd

67.00b

V3XCD3

212.67df

30.67d

217.67f

36.67h

236.33bcde

55.67d

V3XCD4

216.33bcde

24.33ef

219.67df

27.67k

237.67abcd

45.67f

V3XCD5

221.00ab

19.67g

223.33b

21.33m

238.33abc

36.33h

LSD

5.416

3.069

1.430

0.4766

3.384

2.391

 

More number of days from last cut of fodder to 50% and 100% flowering (left for seed) for all three varieties was recorded when last cut of fodder was taken on 10th March. It decreased with increase of date of last cuts (Table 1). Similar was the case with that of days to maturity (Table 1). Individually, variety ‘Super Late’ took more days for these traits as compared to other two varieties (Table 1).

Yield features

Number of tiller m-2 of each cut: Number of cuts, varieties and their interaction had significant effect on number of tillers m-2 (Table 2). Interactive effect of three varieties and six cuts showed that tillers were maximum at 3rd cut of Agaiti Berseem (510 m-2), which were statistically at par with same cut of Super Late (483 m-2) but significant to all other combinations (Table 2). Individually, tillers increased consistently up to 3rd cut and then decreased up to the last cut. Individually, Agaiti Berseem produced maximum number of tillers (387.8 m-2), which was significantly at par with those of Super Late (373.3 m-2).

 

Table 2: Effect of number of cuts, varieties and their interaction on number of tillers m-2 of berseem (3-year average).

Treatments

Agaiti berseem

Super late

Punjab berseem

Means

Cut 1

389.00 ef

389.67 ef

272.67 fgh

386.78 c

Cut 2

456.67 bc

436.67 cd

443.33 cd

445.56 b

Cut 3

510.00a

483.00 ab

459.00 bc

484.00 a

Cut 4

415.67 de

373.33 fgh

377.67 efg

388.89 c

Cut 5

443.63 ghi

336.33 hi

333.67 i

337.89 d

Cut 6

211.67 j

211.67 j

206.67 j

210.00 e

Means

387.78 a

373.28 ab

365.50 b

*LSD of varieties 19.23, LSD of number of cuts 21.48 and LSD of Interaction 38.75.

 

Number of tillers m-2 at maturity: Last dates of cuts and interaction of varieties with last dates of cuts showed significant effects on number of tillers m-2 at the time of maturity but variety differences were non-significant for this trait (Table 3). The interactive effect of variety and date of last cut showed that Agaiti Berseem produced maximum number of tillers (525 m-2) on 10th March cutting date which was statistically at par with those of 10th and 20th March cuts of other two varieties. Individually, the results were same for last cut dates. 10th and 20th March cut dates produced statistically similar number of tillers but significant to all others.

Number of seeds per capsule: Varieties, date of last cut and their interaction showed significant effect on seeds per capsule (Table 3). The results for this trait were similar to those of tillers at maturity for interaction and last date cuts. As regard to varieties, Agaiti Berseem and Punjab Berseem produced statistically similar number of seeds per capsule, but significantly higher than Super Late.

1000-seed weight: Date of last cut for fodder, varieties, and their interactive effect on 1000-seeds weight were significant (Table 3). Results of 1000-seeds weight were similar to those of number of seeds per capsule for last date cuts, varieties and their interaction.

Seed germination and vigour index: Last dates of cuts and interaction of varieties with last dates of cuts showed significant effects on germination percentage and vigour index, but variety differences were non-significant for both traits (Table 3). Interactions showed that all varieties had statistically similar germination %age and vigour index at 10th, 20th and 30th March, but significantly higher than those of other combinations (Table 3).

Fodder and seed yield

Date of last cutting for forage considerably affected the total fresh forage productivity (Table 4). Interaction showed that total fresh fodder yield was enhanced steadily with each consecutive detain in the last date of cut for all varieties. All three varieties produced statistically at par fresh fodder yield on 20th April last cut but significantly higher than those of all other combinations.

Regarding seed yield ha-1, the trend was reverse to that of fodder yield (Table 4). The interaction revealed that all three varieties produced significantly more seed yield at early last cut of 10th and 20th March and then decreased with detain of the last cut of forage (from 30th March to 20th April). Individually, differences among varieties were non-significant.

Income per hectare

Data on interaction between varieties and last date cuts for fodder income revealed that all three varieties on 20th April last cut produced statistically at par income of fodder, but significantly higher than those of all other

 

Table 3: Effect of varieties and date of last cut on yield components of berseem (3-year average).

Treatments

Tillers at maturity

Seeds capsule-1

1000-seeds weight (g)

Germination %age

Vigour index

Varieties

Agaiti Berseem (V1)

372.20

48.20 ab

2.6933 a

83.80

1.1820

Super Late (V2)

369.60

47.33 b

2.5867 b

84.80

1.2133

Punjab Berseem (V3)

372.60

50.60 a

2.6200 ab

84.86

1.2071

LSD

NS

3.2202

0.0763

NS

NS

Last Cut Dates

10 March (CD1)

483.67 a

57.33 a

2.8556 a

91.22 a

1.2888 a

20 March (CD2)

485.33 a

55.33 a

2.8778 a

90.33 a

1.2783 ab

30 March (CD3)

381.11 b

52.00 b

2.6444 b

87.44 b

1.2414 b

10 April (CD4)

283.89 c

42.89 c

2.4667 c

79.33 c

1.1494 c

20 April (CD5)

223.33 d

36.00 d

2.3222 d

74.11 d

1.0460 d

LSD

24.33

2.867

0.0791

2.2293

0.0468

Interaction (VXCD)

V1 X CD1

525.00 a

57.00 abc

2.9333 ab

91.67 a

1.2923 a

V1 X CD2

467.67 bc

54.00 bcd

2.8000 bcd

91.00 a

1.2817 ab

V1 X CD3

385.00 d

52.67 cd

2.7000 def

87.67 a

1.2303 ab

V1 X CD4

271.67 ef

42.33 e

2.6000 f

78.33 cde

1.1060 d

V1 X CD5

211.67 g

45.00 f

2.4333 g

71.33 f

0.9987 e

V2 X CD1

486.67 abc

55.00 abcd

2.8333 abc

91.33 a

1.2833 a

V2 X CD2

483.33 abc

53.00 cd

2.8667 abc

90.33 ab

1.2737 ab

V2 X CD3

377.67 d

50.67 d

2.6000 f

88.00 ab

1.2433 ab

V2 X CD4

316.67 e

43.67 e

2.4333 g

79.33 cd

1.2010 bc

V2 X CD5

228.33 fg

44.33 f

2.2667 h

75.00 ef

1.0650 de

V3 X CD1

484.00 abc

60.00 a

2.8667 abc

90.67 ab

1.2907 a

V3 X CD2

505.00 ab

59.00 ab

2.9667 a

89.67 ab

1.2787 ab

V3 X CD3

380.67 d

52.67 cd

2.6333 ef

87.67 b

1.2507 ab

V3 X CD4

263.33 efg

42.67 e

2.3667 gh

80.33 c

1.1413 cd

V3 X CD5

230.00 fg

38.67 ef

2.2667 h

76.00 de

1.0743 de

LSD

54.641

2.4446

0.1370

3.8612

0.0862

 

combinations (Table 4). Individually, fodder income of Super Late (Rs. 359222) was at par with that of Agaiti Berseem (Rs. 350452) but significantly higher than that of Punjab Berseem (Rs. 349552). Fodder income of last cut date of 20th April (Rs. 410456) was significantly higher than all other cut dates.

Regarding income from seed, all three varieties generated significantly more income at early last cut of 10th and 20th March, which were at par with each other but significantly higher that all other combinations. Individually, differences among varieties were non-significant.

As regards total income, all three varieties generated more income on 20th March last cut date. Same was the case with individual parameter of last cut date while varieties showed no effect on total income.

Last cutting made on 20th April had more time from sowing to flowering and maturing as compared to those of 10th March to 10th April. It shows that although phonology is one of the inherently controlled possibility specific to the variety, but it is also influenced by the control practices and condition of climate. Since plant needed certain vegetative growth prior to starting of reproductive stage, delay in last cut has prompted an increase in number of days from sowing to blossoming. Similar findings were observed by other scientists where the interval from bloom starting to the full growth of seed of berseem was significantly enhanced with detain in last cutting (Yadav et al., 2015).

 

Table 4: Effect of varieties and date of last cut on yield and income of berseem (3-year average).

Treatments

Fodder yield

(t ha-1)

Seed yield

(t ha-1)

Income fodder (Rs ha-1)

Income seed (Rs ha-1)

Total income (Rs ha-1)

Varieties

Agaiti Berseem (V1)

140.07 ab

0.749

350452 ab

222680

575230

Super Late (V2)

143.69 a

0.707

359222 a

212000

571233

Punjab Berseem (V3)

139.55 b

0.736

349552 b

220720

570270

LSD

3.776

NS

8779.7

NS

NS

Last Cut Dates

10 March (CD1)

120.85 e

0.909 a

302136 e

269500 a

574972 b

20 March (CD2)

133.51 d

0.929 a

333783 d

278600 a

612378 a

30 March (CD3)

140.53 c

0.765 b

351331 c

229633 b

580967 b

10 April (CD4)

146.62 b

0.707 b

367669 b

212000 b

579667 b

20 April (CD5)

164.00 a

0.342 c

410456 a

102600 c

513239 c

LSD

1.6715

0.086

37552

24663

29777

Interaction (VXCD)

V1 X CD1

123.00 f

0.995 a

307500 f

288600 a

606100 abc

V1 X CD2

131.67 e

0.917 abc

329175 e

275000 ab

604167 abc

V1 X CD3

139.10 cd

0.799 bcd

347750 cd

239700 bcd

587450 bcd

V1 X CD4

146.33 bc

0.732 e

365825 b

219500 cd

585333 bcde

V1 X CD5

160.27 a

0.302 f

400675 a

90600 e

493100 h

V2 X CD1

120.83 fg

0.831 bcde

302083 f

249400 abc

551438 ef

V2 X CD2

137.20 de

0.916 abc

343000 de

274900 ab

617900 a

V2 X CD3

145.17 c

0.738 de

362917 bc

221900 cd

584817 cde

V2 X CD4

150.83 b

0.688 e

377083 b

206500 d

583583 de

V2 X CD5

164.41 a

0.358 f

411025 a

107300 e

518383 gh

V3 X CD1

118.73 g

0.902 abcd

296825 f

270500 ab

567333 de

V3 X CD2

131.67 e

0.953 ab

329175 e

285900 ab

615067 ab

V3 X CD3

137.33 de

0.758 cde

343325 de

227300 cd

570633 de

V3 X CD4

142.71 cd

0.700 e

360100 bcd

210000 cd

570083 de

V3 X CD5

167.33 a

0.366 f

418333 a

109900 e

528233 fg

LSD

7.332

0.163

17659

47428

30284

 

Table 5: Weather parameters during last cut dates for three growing seasons.

Season

Wea-ther para-meter

Standard metrological period coinciding with last cut

February

March

April

May

1-10

11-20

21-28

1-10

11-20

21-31

1-10

11-20

21-30

1-10

11-20

21-31

2016

Max. Temp 0C

21.19

21.30

27.57

27.40

23.70

30.73

32.07

35.80

38.10

36.85

39.60

39.12

Min. Temp 0C

8.44

8.40

12.66

16.40

15.40

17.91

20.80

23.20

22.90

24.00

25.24

25.75

R.H. % age

68.04

67.40

60.02

64.50

72.15

51.02

51.50

38.12

30.80

48.88

44.22

45.32

2017

Max. Temp CO

20.87

24.85

25.66

24.20

25.10

34.00

32.20

41.20

36.60

36.16

38.66

38.50

Min. Temp 0C

10.10

12.50

10.80

14.10

12.00

20.45

19.40

23.50

23.00

24.00

25.55

27.12

R.H. % age

70.15

67.03

48.98

59.46

56.45

46.23

45.97

29.70

41.45

41.15

42.98

44.60

2018

Max. Temp 0C

23.33

22.50

25.25

27.70

30.70

32.18

33.50

33.20

38.30

34.00

35.33

41.77

Min. Temp 0C

7.44

10.88

14.75

14.90

17.20

18.09

21.00

21.40

22.40

22.00

24.25

24.87

R.H. % age

55.02

61.38

63.11

57.97

49.52

48.42

52.47

49.00

38.45

48.97

44.80

26.14

 

Longer period from early last cut of fodder to flowering and maturity was observed. Berseem transition from vegetative to reproductive stages is affected by photo and thermo periods. Duration of vegetative phase continuously increased by the delay of last cut date, and reproductive phase duration decreased. When last cutting date of fodder delayed up to 20th April, vegetative phase obtained maximum number of days (220.78) and reproductive phase obtained minimum number of days (17 days). Seed yield followed the trends of reproductive phase. These changes may be due to the interactive effect of various weather frameworks on flowering and seed maturity, especially the increase in sunshine hours might have decreased the flowering to maturity duration.

It was interesting to note that number of days increased with late last cuts of fodder but it was inverse when number of days from last cut of fodder to 50% and 100% flowering and maturity (left for seed) was noted (Figure 1). Yadav et al. (2015) also noted significant differences in flowering period of berseem under various cutting regimes.

 

The highest seeds capsule-1at early last cut dates was due to longer reproductive phase and a smaller number of cutting for fodder which resulted in higher production and transfer of photosynthates from source to sink (Singh, 1993). Surinder et al. (2019) observed more number of shoots of berseem in early last cut (25th March), then decreased with delay in the last cut (15th April). Sardana and Narwal (2000) also recorded higher seeds capsule-1 up till 2nd March last cut fodder of Egyptian clover, then decreased as last date increased during 1993-94. Almost similar findings in case of seeds per head of berseem were recorded by Yadav et al. (2015). They opined that increase in temperature at late last cut dates not only decreased the pollen activity of bee but also reduced the seed set of berseem.

This study further indicated that detain in the forage cuttings gradually decreased the 1000-seeds weight. Last fodder cuts of 10th and 20th March had highest 1000-seed weight and afterward decreased with detain in forage cutting up till 20th April. Sardana and Narwal (2000) also observed maximum 1000-seed weight on last fodder cut of 12th March, which decreased with late fodder cuts up till 11th April. Yadav et al. (2015) observed that 100-seed weight of berseem was gradually decreased with delayed in the last cut date. Findings of Puri et al. (2007) also supported these results.

 

The interactive effect of variety and date of last cut showed that all three varieties had statistically similar seed germination %age as well as vigour index on 10th, 20th and 30th March but significantly higher than other combinations. This could be due to reduction in reproductive stages period along with the rising of temperature during April. It was notable that both traits decreased with delayed last forage cuts in all varieties (Figure 2). Similar trend was observed in individual parameter of last cut dates i.e. a continuous decline in germination percentage from 91.22% to 74.11% and that in vigour index from 1.2888 to 1.0460. Seed harvested from three varieties showed non-significant response to both traits, showing thereby last cut dates of forage is more important for these traits. Yadav et al. (2015) found a gradual decrease in germination from 89 to 78% of seed collected from different dates of last cut, which were almost similar to our study (91 to 74%). He opined that this might be due to shorter period of vegetative and reproductive phases along with the increase in temperature at later cuts.

More time available for fresh fodder at last cut of 20th April than all other cutting dates was the cause for producing maximum fodder yield. Increase in fodder yield with delay in last cut of fodder was due to prolonged period of vegetative growth (Surinder et al., 2019; Sardana and Narwal, 2000).

During the time of vegetative phase, flowering, pollination and at seed maturity for last cutting date of fodder, the temperature situation remained quite different, and this was notable on the seed production. During all cutting dates, the vegetative growth period was from second week of March to second week of May, but reproductive phase occurred in period of third week of April to end of May. First and second (10th and 20th March) last cutting date of fodder completed their vegetative and reproductive phases up to third week of May when temperature remained between 15oC to 38oC (Table 5) that was most suitable for growth, pollination, fertilization and seed maturity. These results were supported by Mohamed et al. (2017). The reduction in number of tiller m-2, seeds capsule-1, 1000-seed weight, germination %age in the end of March and April cuts can be attributed to enhance in temperature and reduction in availability of nutrients. The higher temperature not only influenced the bees (main pollinators) activity but also decreased pollen fertility resulting in decreased in seed set of berseem where mechanism of tripping was required for seed setting. These explanations were supported by Yadav et al. (2015).

Definitely, more fodder yield ha-1 generated more income ha-1. It indicated that date of last cut of fodder up to 20th March could provide a balance between fodder yield and seed yield. Yadav et al. (2015)recommended last week of February to 1st week of March for taking last cut of fodder and then leaving berseem crop for seed production.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Seed yield and income per hectare enhanced with detain in date of last cut for fodder particularly up to 20th March and reduced when detain in last date of forage cut up to April. Berseem required temperature ranging from 150Cto 380C and relative humidity ranging from 38.69 to 60.70 % for its successful completion of vegetative and reproductive phases. The present study revealed that March 2nd week to 3rd week could be recommended for taking fodder last cut after that leaving the crop for seed purpose. This helps to maintain a balance between economic commodities, fodder and seed yield as well as to obtain better seed quality, this study also indicated a cue for further investigation on the relationship between accumulation of photoperiods and appropriate temperature and time for flowering, hence after duration of sowing with respect to seed purpose without enhancing biomass resulting to lodging and unnecessary vegetative growth in commercial seed production plots.

Novelty Statement

The study focuses problem of last fodder cut on fodder and seed yield of berseem and gives a simple solution by manipulating harvest window.

Author’s Contribution

Muhammad Musa: Analyzed and wrote the manuscript.

Muhammad Riaz Gondal: Designed and conducted the research study.

Aaqib Riaz and Sikander Hayat: Helped in collecting data.

Iftikhar Haider: Edited the manuscript.

Conflict of interest

The authors have declared no conflict of interest.

References

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Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research

September

Vol.37, Iss. 3, Pages 190-319

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