‘Grasslands G27’ red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)

Abstract

‘Grasslands G27’ red clover was bred from the tetraploid cultivar ‘Grasslands Pawera’, with selection aimed at reducing the concentration of the isoflavone, formononetin. Selection proceeded for seven generations and resulted in the formononetin level being less than half of that in Pawera under sward conditions. This reduction increases ewe ovulation, conception, and lambing rates by a significant amount.Other characteristics of G27, probably a consequence of reduced formononetin level, are increased palatability and reduced disease tolerance. Since both of these characters would tend to reduce sward persistence, G27 was selected also for increased shoot density and prostrateness to help counteract these weaknesses.