Variety traits

Maturity Group — Birdsfoot Trefoil

Lotus corniculatus L.

A classification trait for birdsfoot trefoil varieties that determines the duration of phenological phases from spring regrowth to budding and flowering.

In the reference 19 varieties crop Bird's-foot trefoil, where this is mentioned in the description.

Birdsfoot trefoil varieties are divided into four maturity groups: early-maturing, mid-maturing, mid-late-maturing, and late-maturing. The classification is based on the time intervals required to reach developmental stages. For early-maturing samples, the formation of the first cut takes 53–56 days, and the second cut takes 48–50 days, whereas these periods are longer for mid-maturing varieties.

This trait is crucial for establishing a forage harvesting conveyor, allowing for the optimization of cutting schedules and the minimization of nutrient losses. In seed production, the variety is selected taking into account the pod maturation timing, which is critical due to the crop's tendency toward uneven ripening and pod shattering under unstable climatic conditions.

General information about the subject — on the page Maturity group.

Sources8

Varieties of Bird's-foot trefoil mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.