Phenotypic Variations in T. repens (White Clover) Leaf Pigmentation

Authors

Danielle Sommerman '25, DePauw University
Chiamaka Nbubuokwu '27, DePauw University
Rose Keith, DePauw UniversityFollow

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Summer 2024

Abstract

There is a known variation in patterning amongst the leaves of variegated plants. The reasons as to why this polymorphism occurs has long been debated by botanists and biologists, but some hypotheses include thermoregulation, ultraviolet protection, and pollinator attraction among others (Kuo et al., 2024). We hypothesized that physical location may play a role in the leaf variegation of Trifolium repens (white clover). Starting mid July of 2024, we collected sample leaflets from multiple local populations from three distinct sites in Greencastle, IN. After collecting, we looked at the frequency of chevron presence as well as the size of the chevrons. We determined that there is a difference between chevron size and frequency between sites.

Comments

Funding provided by the Faculty Development Committee Summer Faculty-Student Research program

Recommended Citation

Sommerman, Danielle '25; Nbubuokwu, Chiamaka '27; and Keith, Rose, "Phenotypic Variations in T. repens (White Clover) Leaf Pigmentation" (2024). Annual Student Research Poster Session. 149, Scholarly and Creative Work from DePauw University.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/srfposters/149