Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Lotus-related species and their agronomic importance

  • Chapter
Lotus japonicus Handbook

Abstract

More than 180 species within the genus Lotus occur worldwide. Four have been domesticated and improved through selection and plant breeding: Lotus corniculatus, L. uliginosus, L. glaber and L. subbiflorus. Since the model legume L. japonicus is related taxonomically to these species, knowledge can be transferred to the agronomical arena. The slow progress observed in Lotus cultivar improvements to date could be explained by the polyploid nature of some of these species, a feature not present in L. japonicus. This chapter reviews briefly the taxonomical relationships among these species. Secondly, it illustrates how Lotus species are currently used to improve pastures for which other forage legume species are not suitable. Finally, it touches on beneficial microorganism-plant interactions and the benefits of using Lotus species as animal fodder.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Alison M, and Hoveland C. (1989) Birdsfoot trefoil management. 1. Root growth and carbohydrate storage. Agricultural Journal 81, 739–745.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aoki T, Kamizawa A, and Ayabe S. (2002) Efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Lotus japonicus with reliable antibiotic selection. Plant Cell Reports 21, 238–243.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Arambarri A. (1999) Illustrated catalogue of Lotus L. Seeds (Fabaceae) In: Trefoil: The science and technology of Lotus. (Beuselinck P, Ed.). American Society of Agronomy, pp. 21–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asuaga A. (1994a) Lotus subbiflorus cv El Rincón, a new alternative for extensive improvements of natural pastures. In: Proceedings of the First International Lotus Symposium (Beuselinck and Roberts, eds.), pp 147–149.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asuaga A. (1994b) Use and production of Lotus corniculatus in Uruguay. In: Proceedings of the First International Lotus Symposium (Beuselinck and Roberts, Eds.), pp. 134–143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Banuelos, G, Cardon, G, Mackey, B, Ben-Asher, J, Wu, L, and Beuselinck, P. (1992) Boron and selenium removal in boron-laden soil by birdsfoot trefoil. Lotus Newsletter. 23, 32–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barry T. (1989) Condensed tannins: their role in ruminant protein and carbohydrate digestion and possible effects upon the rumen ecology. In: The Role of Protozoa and Fungi in Ruminant Digestion (Nolan JV, Leng RA and Deneyer D.I., Eds.), Pernambul Books, Armidale, Australia, pp. 153–169.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barry T, and Duncan S. (1984) The role of condensed tannins in the nutritional value of Lotus pedunculatus for sheep. 1. Voluntary intake. British Journal of Nutrition 51, 484–491.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berreta, E, Risso, D, Montossi, F, and Pigurina, G. (2000) Campos in Uruguay. In: Grassland Ecophysiology and Grazing Ecology. G. Lemaire, J. Godson, A. de Moraes, C. Nabinger and F. Carvalho, (eds.), CAB International. pp. 377–394.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beuselinck, P, and Grant, W. (1995) Birdsfoot trefoil. In: Barnes, R.F, Miller, D.A, and Nelson, C.J. (eds.) Forages, 5th edn. Vol. 1, An Introduction to Grassland Agriculture. Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa, pp. 237–248.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blumenthal M, and McGraw R. (1999) Lotus adaptation, use and management. In: Trefoil: The science and technology of Lotus. Beuselinck P, (ed.) American Society of Agronomy, pp. 97–120.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buxton D, Hornstein J, Wedin W, and Marten, G. (1985) Forage quality in stratified canopies of alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil and red clover. Crop Science 25, 273–279.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carter E, Theodorou M, and Morris, P. (1999) Responses ofLotus corniculatus to environmental change. 2. Effect of elevated CO 2 , temperature and drought on tissue digestion in relation to condensed tannin and carbohydrate accumulation Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 79, 1431–1440.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Danso S, Curbelo S, Labandera C, and Pastorini, D. (1991) Herbage yield and nitrogen fixation in a triple species mixed sward of white clover, lotus and fescue. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 23, 65–70.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Díaz P, Borsani O, and Monza. (1995) Effect of inoculation and nitrate on nitrate reductase activity and acetylene reduction activity in Lotus sp-Rhizobium loti symbiosis. Symbiosis 19:53–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Farnham D and George J. (1994) Harvest management effects on productivity, dinitrogen fixation, and nitrogen transfer in birdsfoot trefoil-orchard grass communities. Crop Science 34, 1650–1653.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gadgil R, Charlton J, Sandford A, and Allen P. (1986) Relative growth and persistence of planted legumes in a mid-rotation radiata pine plantation. Forestry Ecology and Management 14, 113–124.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gebrehiwot L, Beuselinck P, and Roberts C (2002) Seasonal Variations in Condensed Tannin Concentration of Three Lotus Species. Agricultural Journal 94, 1059–1065.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gonnet S, and Díaz P. (2000) Glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase activities in relation to nitrogen fixation in Lotus spp. Brazilian Journal of Plant Physiology 12, 195–202.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Handberg K, and Stougaard, J. (1992) Lotus japonicus, an autogamous, diploid legume species for classical and molecular genetics. The Plant Journal 2, 487–496.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heichel G, Vance C, Barnes D, and Henjum K. (1985) Dinitrogen fixation and N and DM distribution during four-year stands of birdsfoot trefoil and red clover. Crop Science 25, 101–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoveland, C, and Fales, S. (1985) Mediterranean germplasm trefoils in the south-eastern USA, Piedmont. In: Proceedings of the XV International Grassland Congress, Kyoto, Japan. The Science Council of Japan and the Japanese Society of Grassland Science, Tochigi-Kem, pp. 126–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Izaguirre P, and Beyhaut R. (1998) Loteae. In: Las leguminosas en Uruguay y regiones vecinas. Editorial Agropecuaria Hemisferio Sur SRL, pp. 314–327.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jean-Blain C. (1998) Nutritional and toxicological aspects of tannins. Revista Médica Veterinaria 149, 911–920.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang G, and Gresshoff P. (1997) Classical and molecular genetic of the model legume Lotus japonicus. Molecular Plant-Microbe Interaction 10, 59–68.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kunelius H, Campbell A, McCrea K, and Ivany J. (1982) Effects of vegetation suppression and drilling techniques on the establishment and growth of sod-seeded alfalfa and birdsfoot trefoil in grass dominant swards. Canadian Journal of Plant Science 62, 667–675.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laidlaw A. (1981) Establishment, persistence and nitrogen fixation of white clover and marsh trefoil on blanket peat. Grass Forage Science 36, 227–230.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lowther W, Horrell R, Fraser W, Trainor K, and Johnstone P. (1996) Effectiveness of a strip seeder direct drill for pasture establishment. Soil and Tillage Research 38, 161–174.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McGraw R, Russelle M, and Grava J. (1986) Accumulation and distribution of dry mass and nutrients in birdsfoot trefoil. Agronomy Journal 78: 124–13l.

    Google Scholar 

  • Monza J, De Felipe R, and Bedmar E. (1992) Nódulos Fix- formados por rhizobios de crecimiento rápido en Lotus subbiflorus. XVI Reunión Latinoamericana de Rhizobiología. La Pampa Argentina. p. 42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Monza J, Díaz P, Borsani O, Ruiz-Argüeso T, and Palacios J. (1997) Evaluation and improvement of the energy efficiency of nitrogen fixation in Lotus corniculatus nodules induced by Rhizobium loti strains indigenous to Uruguay. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 13, 565–571.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mendoza R. (2001) Phosphorus nutrition and mycorrhizal growth response of broadleaf and narrowleaf birdsfoot trefoils. Journal of Plant Nutrition 24, 203–214.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mendoza R, and Pagani E. (1997) Influence of phosphorus nutrition on mycorrhizal growth response and morphology of mycorrhizae in Lotus tenuis. Journal of Plant Nutrition 20, 625–639.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Orea A, Pajuelo P, Pajuelo E, Quidiello C, Romero J, and Márquez A. (2002) Isolation of photorespiratory mutants from Lotus japonicus deficient in glutamine synthetase. Physiologia Plantarum 114, 352–361.

    Google Scholar 

  • Papadopoulos Y, and Kelman W. (1999) Traditional breeding of Lotus species. In: Trefoil: The science and technology of Lotus (Beuselinck P, Ed.) American Society of Agronomy pp. 187–198.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parniske M. (2001) Euroconference on Molecular Genetics of Model Legumes. Impact for Legume Biology and Breeding. John Innes Centre, Norwich

    Google Scholar 

  • Peterson P, Sheaffer C, and Hall M. (1992) Drought effects on perennial forage legume yields and quality. Agronomy Journal 84, 774–779.

    Google Scholar 

  • Refi R, and Escuder C. (1998) Nitrogen fixation by Trifolium repens and Lotus tenuis-based pastures in the Flooding Pampa, Argentina. Agronomie Paris 18, 285–297.

    Google Scholar 

  • Russelle M, McGraw R, and Leep R. (1991) Birdsfoot trefoil response to phosphorous and potassium. Journal of Production Agriculture 4, 114–120.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shiferaw W, Shelton H, and So H. (1992) Tolerance of some subtropical pasture legumes to waterlogging. Tropical Grasses 26, 187–195.

    Google Scholar 

  • Udvardi M. (2001) Euroconference on Molecular Genetics of Model Legumes. Impact for Legume Biology and Breeding. Max Planck Institute. Golm.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vance, C, Johnson, L, Stade, S, and Groat, R. (1982) Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) root nodules: morphogenesis and its effect for forage harvest on struture and function. Canadian Journal of Botany 60, 505–518.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vance C, Reibach P, and Pankhurt C. (1987) Symbiotic properties of Lotus pedunculatus root nodules induced by Rhizobium loti and Bradyrhizobium sp (Lotus) Physiologia Plantarum 69, 435–442.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vignolio O, Fernández O, and Maceira O. (1994) Response ofLotus tenuis andL. corniculatus to flooding in seedling stage. In: Proceedings of the First International Lotus Symposium (Beuselinck and Roberts, Eds.), pp. 160–163.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vignolio O, Fernández O, and Maceira N. (1999) Flooding tolerance in five populations of Lotus glaber Mill. (syn. Lotus tenuis Waldst. et. Kit.) Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 50, 555–559.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waghorn G, Jones W, Shelton I, and McNabb W. (1990) Condensed tannins and the nutritive value of pasture. Procceedings of New Zealand Grasses Associations 51, 171–176.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waghorn G, Ulyatt M, John A, and Fisher M. (1987) The effect of condensed tannins on the site of digestion of amino acids and other nutrients in sheep fed on Lotus corniculatus. British Journal of Nutrition 57, 115–126.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wedderburn M. (1980) Investigations into Lotus species. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Glasgow.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weeb, K, Jones S, Robbins M, and Minchin F. (1990) Characterization of transgenic root culture of Trifolium repens, T. pratense and Lotus corniculatus and transgenic L. corniculatus. Plant Science 70, 243–254.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wheeler D, and Dodd M. (1995) The effect of aluminum on the growth of a range of temperate legume species and cultivars: a summary of results. Plant-soil interactions at low pH: principles and management. Proceedings of the Third International Symposium, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 12–16 September 1993. p.439–445. Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences Vol. 64. (Date RA, Grundon NJ, Rayment GE, Probert ME, Eds.) Kluwer Academic Publishers Dordrecht, Netherlands.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wheeler D, Edmeades D, Christie R, and Gardner R. (1992) Effect of aluminium on the growth of 34 plant species: a summary of results obtained in low ionic strength solution culture. Plant Soil 146, 61–66.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratorio de Bioquímica, Departamento de Biología Vegetal, Facultad de Agronomía, CP12900, Montevideo, Uruguay

    Pedro Díaz, Omar Borsani & Jorge Monza

Authors
  1. Pedro Díaz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Omar Borsani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jorge Monza
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Pedro Díaz .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Seville, Spain

    Antonio J. Márquez

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2005 Springer

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Díaz, P., Borsani, O., Monza, J. (2005). Lotus-related species and their agronomic importance. In: Márquez, A.J. (eds) Lotus japonicus Handbook. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-3735-X_2

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation