A Study of the Breeding Behavior and Morphological Variation in Kaimi Clover [Desmodium canum (Gmel.) Schintz and Thellung]

Abstract

Twenty-five accessions of Desmodiun canum (Gmel.) Schintz and Thellung (Kaimi clover) were studied for classification and identification based on their breeding behavior and morphological variation. This study was conducted to obtain information about D. canum in order to develop it as a forage crop in tropical pastures. Isozyme pattern determinations by means of electrophoresis were made to observe the variation in isozymes obtained from leaf and seed extracts from the 25 accessions. Crosses, including reciprocals, were made among three accessions (HAES5146, HABS5148, and P-2730). Performance of the parents varied from cross to cross depending upon which parents were used as female and male. Reciprocal crosses behaved differently from the originals. Incompatibility in the cross-pollination was manifested by the non-development of seeds in sane pods. Albino seedlings, seedlings without roots, and abnormal seedlings were observed among the hybrids of these crosses. The hybrid progenies of (HAESS146 i x P 2730 cf ) and (HAESS148 i x P-2730 cl' ) bore flowers and pods earlier. Reciprocal crosses were not yet in flower at the time this thesis was completed.