Abstract
White clover is used worldwide to improve the nutritive value of pastures and is an increasingly important component of environmentally-sustainable grassland ecosystems. In 1991, a white clover breeding program involving two New Zealand companies (AgResearch and Midlands Seed) and a European company (Barenbrug), was initiated to develop new varieties for agricultural systems in the United Kingdom. This collaborative international program has been very successful with three improved varieties, Crusader, Barblanca and Makuri, being released and listed in the United Kingdom. The improved persistence and productivity of these varieties has enabled them to secure a significant share of the UK proprietary seed market. In particular, the medium-leaved Crusader produces at least 30% more DM than any other small or medium-leaved white clovers in UK Recommended List trials. Changes in agricultural subsidies within the EU Common Agricultural Policy and the growing pressure to use environmentally sustainable agricultural practices should increase demand for new generation white clover varieties that can maximise both pasture production and animal productivity.
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