Development of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) genotypes for New Zealand pastures 2. Wairakei persistence evaluation

Abstract

A 3‐year trial to evaluate the persistence of a number of selected subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) lines and cultivars was carried out in grazed pastures in hill country of the central North Island, New Zealand. Seedlings were transplanted into existing swards on an easy (10–15° slope) contoured paddock. Spring cover, summer/autumn seedling emergence, and winter plant populations were measured, focussing on annual regeneration of the lines. Important factors in the success of subterranean clover genotypes were identified as late maturity and strong autumn regeneration. The recent cultivar ‘Karridale’ outperformed the well‐adapted ‘Tallarook’. Five other lines evaluated in this trial stood out in terms of successful persistence and the ability to make a substantial contribution to late winter/spring pasture growth. All had the ability to consistently regenerate winter plant populations in excess of 300 plants/ m2, and accumulate buried seed reserves of over 1000 seeds/m2. These lines were therefore considered suitable for further development towards a well‐adapted cultivar for New Zealand summer‐dry hill country pastures.

Keywords:

• cultivar
• evaluation
• genotypes
• hill country
• persistence
• subterranean clover
• Trifolium subterraneum