Significance of Pollination in Seed Setting Efficiency of Berseem (<i>Trifolium alexandrinum</i> L.)

Abstract

Abstract The Egyptian clover ( Trifolium alexandrinum L.) commonly known as berseem in India, is a predominantly self‐pollinated autogamous fodder legume. It has a simple valvular type mechanism for pollination wherein tripping agencies like bees are needed for better seed setting. The seed setting efficiency and seed yield of berseem (g. m −2 ) under natural tripping or open tripping condition was extremely high (22.38) as compared to completely caged (0.52) which clearly indicates the significance of pollinators/tripping agencies in seed yield of berseem crop. Further, the influence of pollinators was well marked with diploid strains of berseem as compared to tetraploid because of difference in fertility levels (tetraploids are generally less fertile).