Ariation in Tannin Content and Morphological Traits in \u3ci\u3eLotus corniculatus\u3c/i\u3e L. (Bird’s-Foot Trefoil)

Lotus corniculatus L. (bird\u27s-foot trefoil) is a potentially valuable species for UK grassland agriculture. The herbage contains proanthocyanidins, or condensed tannins (CT\u27s), which help to reduce bloat, have anthelmintic properties, can protect protein in the rumen, and thus potentially reduce N losses to the environment. It is currently a relatively minor species within UK grassland, as available varieties lack persistence in mixed swards (Hopkins et al., 1996). The seed used is of foreign bred varieties with no varieties bred specifically for the UK environment. To explore the feasibility of breeding L. corniculatus for the UK, variation in morphological traits, dry matter yield and tannin content within existing varieties was measured