Author
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Smith, Richard |
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Submitted to: Grassland International Congress Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/1996 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Red clover, an excellent perennial forage legume, is used extensively in the eastern one half of the U.S. for hay, silage, and pasture, but it has traditionally been considered a short-lived legume. Selection for disease resistance and plant longevity over the past four decades has increased the persistence of current varieties. Plants of current varieties have excellent disease resistance and survive 3 to 4 years under grazing or hay management systems. Total 4-year forage yield of current varieties of red clover is twice that produced by varieties available in the 1960's. Farmers who use the new varieties will realize approximately $140 per acre benefit from increased production over the four year period. Technical Abstract: Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), an excellent perennial forage legume, has been considered for many years to be a short-lived (two to three years), forage. Over the past four decades, selection for resistance to foliar and root rot diseases and for longevity of stand has improved the persistence of the currently available cultivars. The present studies were conducted to evaluate the progress from selection for longevity and diseas resistance. Selection for stand longevity and improved disease resistance has reliably extended the production of red clover into the third and fourth year. Selection for healthy plants in 3- or 4-year old stands of red clover has simultaneously selected for resistance to root rots caused by Fusarium oxysporum. Total 4-year forage yield of current populations of red clover is twice those produced by cultivars and germplasm available in the 1960's. |