Life History and Alternating Pattern of Shoot Generation of Galega (Galega orientalis Lam.) in an Ageing Pasture

Abstract

Galega is a deciduous perennial herb, the aboveground part of shoots, being responsible for foliage production, are replaced by new generation shoots in the spring of every year. In this study, the life history and alternating pattern of shoot generation of galega were examined based on seasonal changes in morphology of the rhizome, adventitious roots, and root nodules. The survival period of aboveground part of shoots was about 6 months from spring emergence to before wintering, that is to say only one growth season. On the other hand, the physiological function of the underground part of the shoots was retained for about two years, from development in the summer onward of the previous year, through the current year when foliage is produced, and to the summer or autumn of the next year. Thus, the alternating pattern of generation of galega shoot including its underground part is as follows: new generation shoots take over the principal role of foliage production of previous generation shoots, overlapping their survival period for about one year each other.