Effects of Three Viruses on Growth of White Clover. P. B. Gibson, Research Agronomist, Agricultural Research, Science and Education Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29631. O. W. Barnett, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology and Physiology, H. D. Skipper, Professor, Department of Agronomy and Soils, and M. R. McLaughlin, former Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology and Physiology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29631. Plant Dis. 65:50-51. . This article is in the public domain and not copyrightable. It may be freely reprinted with customary crediting of the source. The American Phytopathological Society, 1981. DOI: 10.1094/PD-65-50.

The effects of single infections by alfalfa mosaic, clover yellow vein, and peanut stunt viruses on components of vegetative growth, neutral-detergent fiber and nitrogen contents, and nodulation of white clover plants were studied for 1 mo in a controlled environment chamber. Leaf dry weight, nodulation, and seven other components of growth were reduced by all three viruses. Other growth components studied, such as leaves per plant, petiole length, and rooting nodes in primary stolon, were reduced by one or more of the viruses. No effects of viruses on neutral-detergent fiber and nitrogen contents were detected. The detrimental effects of virus infections clearly indicate a need for virus control in white clover.

Keyword(s): Rhizobium trifolii, Trifolium repens L.