Toxicity of white clover seed diffusate and its effect on the survival of <i>Rhizobium trifolii</i>

Abstract

Abstract A toxic, water‐soluble diffusate from white clover seed reduced the population of Rhizobium trifolii Dangeard 1926 that survived on seed surfaces. Such an effect could depress clover establishment in pastures. Survival of R. trifolii on seeds was increased either by removal of the toxin by seed washing or by treatment of seed with phenolic adsorbents such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone or activated charcoal before inoculation.