Growth of United States versus New Zealand white clover cultivars in diverse grasses in Mississippi, USA

Abstract

The use of plant material outside the country of development is common, but whether such material is superior to existing types of the same species is questionable. Seven United States and eight New Zealand white clover (Trifolium repens) cultivars, germplasms, or breeding populations were evaluated for plant spread and dry matter yield for two years at Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA, when grown in monoculture or with grasses having differing seasonal growth patterns, viz tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylori). Plant material originating in the United States had 49–53% greater plant spread and 79–222% greater clover dry matter yield in monoculture or in association with either grass than the New Zealand material. Osceola, SRVR, and Brown Loam Syn#2 white clover had greater plant spread than all New Zealand material at 9 of 11 sampling dates. White clover spread and yield under monoculture showed a closer correlation with growth in association with common bermudagrass than with tall fescue. White clover should be selected in the climate and with the grass association in which it is to be utilised.