Developing the role of Lotus species in UK grasslands

Experiments have been carried out with the aims of quantifying: (a) the response of a cultivar of Lotus corniculatus L. to two contrasting cutting treatments, in comparison with other temperate forage legume species; and (b) variation within Lotus spp. for traits of agronomic interest, in particular productivity, morphology and tannin content. The results are discussed in terms on the needs of livestock systems in the UK and the future direction of the Lotus breeding programme at IGER is outlined.