AGWEST Sothis: Trifolium dasyurum (eastern star clover)

Abstract

Trifolium dasyurum C. Presl. (eastern star clover) is a species native to the eastern Mediterranean regions. AGWEST Sothis is the first cultivar of eastern star clover released to world agriculture. It has high levels of dry matter and seed production and seed can be harvested with modified grain harvesters. AGWEST Sothis is suitable for use on acid and alkaline fine-textured soils in low to medium rainfall areas (325–450 mm) in southern Australia. AGWEST Sothis is an early to mid-maturing variety, flowering ~100 days after emergence in Perth, Australia. Individual seeds weigh ~6 mg. In regenerating stands, AGWEST Sothis germinates very late in the season compared with traditional pasture legumes such as subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) and annual medics (Medicago spp.) and weeds. The delay in germination allows the use of non-selective herbicides or intensive grazing after the break of season for a long period 3–6 weeks to obtain >90% control of troublesome crop weeds. In spite of its late germination, AGWEST Sothis grows rapidly in late winter/spring and can become a productive legume-dominant pasture for grazing or forage conservation.