Yield Of White Clover Research Articles

Effect of autumn harvest date on herbage yield and composition of grasses and white clover

In the maritime climate of Atlantic Canada, herbage growth declines rapidly during the cool and wet autumn period. This shortens the effective growing season by 6 to 10 weeks and impacts on herbage supply. The objectives of this study was to determine yield, tiller population, ground cover and herbage composition of five cool-season grasses and white clover ( Trifolium repens) in the third cut, 36, 56 and 76 days after the second harvest on 5 August. The dry-matter accumulation in the autumn was greatest for orchardgrass ( Dactylis glomerata) and tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea). Orchard-grass yield increased to 10 September while that of other grasses and white clover increased to 1 October. Reed canarygrass ( Phalaris arundinacea) was the most persistent species. White clover had high in-vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDDM), nitrogen and low neutral and acid detergent fiber contents. The in-vitro digestible dry matter of orchardgrass declined more rapidly than that of other species in the autumn. The S, Zn and Cu concentrations were below critical levels for plant and animal health.

Restrictions to root growth limit the yield of shoots of irrigated white clover

Pasture yields in irrigated northern Victoria are low. This experiment examined the degree to which restrictions in root growth explained the low shoot yield of white clover (Trifolium repens) grown in irrigated soils. Soils were collected as intact cores from various field sites producing from well above to well below average pasture growth. A vegetative cutting of white clover was planted into each soil core and the growth of the shoot and root systems was monitored over a 38 day period by a series of destructive harvests. All plants were managed to minimize water, oxygen or nutrient stresses. There were large effects of treatments on the productivity of plants with growth in the soil cores reflecting the field productivity of each soil. This suggested that despite managing the cores carefully, it was not possible to overcome the limitations to plant yield that occur in these soils in the field. The most productive soil was one for which the profile had been physically modified. Measures of soil physical properties (bulk density, air-filled porosity, volumetric water content, penetrometer resistance) were collected from the field sites when the soil was at field capacity, but it was not possible to identify which of these were associated with the differences in productivity between soil core treatments. No measures of the soil physical conditions were made in the cores, but it is possible that the field data did not accurately reflect conditions in the soil cores, particularly during each daily watering. There were strong correlations between shoot and root production whether measured in terms of dry weight or morphological characteristics. The most important characteristic of highly productive soil was the capacity to support the rapid proliferation of a large root system. Improved forage yield will only be possible if the potential for white clover to produce roots in irrigated soils is increased.

Pest status of slugs (Stylommatophora: Mollusca) in two New Zealand pastures

Slug populations, principally of Deroceras reticulatum, in two northern New Zealand pastures fluctuated markedly over a 2-year period. The abundance of slugs was generally highest in late winter to early summer, with numbers reaching 60–80 m −2. In both pastures, applications of molluscicide baits at approximately monthly intervals reduced slug numbers and increased both the proportion and yield of white clover in the swards. The molluscicide treatment significantly increased the numbers of white clover stolon growing points, indicating that slugs mainly influenced clover growth by damage to stolon apical tissues. These results are discussed in relation to the seasonal dynamics of white clover in grazed swards.

Influence ofAcremonium loliiinfection in perennial ryegrass on germination, emergence, survival, and growth of white clover

Abstract Four glasshouse experiments and two field trials were conducted to determine the effects of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) infected with Acremonium lolii Latch, Christensen & Samuels on white clover (Trifolium repens L.) germination, emergence, growth, and survival. Under controlled laboratory experiments, ryegrass leachates temporarily inhibited the rate of white clover germination, but did not affect white clover emergence or yield. In glasshouse experiments, the presence of A. lolii did not influence white clover emergence or growth. Emergence of indicator plant species grown in pumice sand substrate which previously grew ‘Ellett’ or ‘Grasslands Nui’ perennial ryegrass was not affected (‘Ellett’) or was enhanced (‘Grasslands Nui’) by the presence of A. lolii. In field trials, A. lolii infection did not significantly affect white clover survival, vigour, or leaves and stolons per plant, when ryegrass tiller densities were similar. Later, when tiller density of A. lolii-free plants decre...

The effect of stem nematode on establishment and early yields of white clover

SummaryThe effects of stem nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) infestation on the establishment of white clover sown in mixed swards with perennial ryegrass, were investigated in two field trials. Clover cultivars known to have different degrees of resistance were sown on land in which stem nematode was controlled either by aldicarb (Experiment 1) or crop rotation (Experiment 2). The establishment of white clover was greatly improved and subsequent clover yields were inversely related to stem nematode infestation. At the first harvest after sowing, clover yields were 3.6 and 3.3 times greater from aldicarb and rotation treatment plots than from check plots; over the first nine months, total clover yields were increased by 3.5 and 8.9 times by aldicarb and rotation treatments. In both trials, plots of resistant cultivars had less stem nematode infestation and yielded better than the very susceptible cultivar, S184. Stem nematode infestations eventually developed on all plots, after the establishment phase.This is the first report showing that resistant cultivars improve establishment of clover in mixed swards on stem nematode infested soils. In both experiments, plots became dominated by clover and even cv. S184 eventually produced good clover swards.Aldicarb and rotation treatments also controlled clover cyst and root lesion nematodes, and numbers of these were inversely related to first harvest yields. Other soil borne pests and diseases, although not prominent, have not been ruled out as possible confounding factors. There was no correlation between grass yield and aldicarb treatment.

Effect of native weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on white clover establishment and yield in tussock grassland

Abstract A trial was carried out in unimproved tussock grassland on the East Otago Plateau of the South Island of New Zealand to investigate the impact of native broad-nosed weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) feeding on survival, establishment, and yield of oversown white clover. The trial consisted of 20 sites 1 km apart where two plots were established in each of 5 consecutive years. At each of the sites in each year, one of the plots was sprayed with parathion at 2-weekly intervals from September to December to allow seedlings to establish in “insect-free” conditions. The other plot was left untreated. The plots were sown in October and, by late December, seedlings suffered on average 40 and 6% mortality in the untreated and sprayed plots respectively. Sublethal insect feeding reduced nodulation on average by 46% and final established plant density by 39% in the unsprayed plots. Despite identical treatment of the two plots after the initial 3 months, white clover yields were significantly higher in th...

Winter temperatures and reproductive development affect the productivity and growth components of white clover and phalaris growing in a mixed pasture

The effects of low winter temperatures (means down to 5�C, daily air minimums to 3�C and 82 potential frost days), frost damage and reproductive development on productivity and growth components of white clover ( Trifolium repens cv. Haifa) and phalaris (Phalaris aquatica cv. Australian Commercial) growing together in a mixed pasture were studied during winter and spring. Initially there was a higher proportion of white clover in the pasture which was maintained throughout winter and early spring. Leaf appearance rates were similar for both species, but petiole extension rates of white clover were significantly less than leaf extension rates of phalaris. Growth rates were higher per tiller for phalaris than per stolon for white clover. Larger sward yields of white clover were only maintained because of the higher density of white clover growing points. The lower extension rates of white clover were due to a different temperature response curve to phalaris. Below 10�C there was little growth of white clover leaves whereas phalaris had some leaf growth down to below 5�C. There was evidence that leaf extension rates of both white clover and phalaris were stimulated by reproductive development. This had a larger effect on phalaris, but also resulted in greater susceptibility to frost damage, though the damage to phalaris was not enough to reduce leaf growth to the same level as white clover. Leaf damage from frost/low temperatures was generally marginal.

Yield and Quality of Subterranean and White Clover - Bermudagrass and Tall Fescue Associations

Overseeding perennial grass pastures with clovers (Trifolium spp.) can extend the grazing season and improve the quality of available forage. Our objective was to compare forage yield and quality of an annual and perennial clover overseeded on perennial grasses differing in seasonal productivity patterns. Common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], ‘Kentucky 31’ tall fescue (Festuca amndinacea Schreb.), and a mixture of the two were established on a Catalpa silty clay soil (fine, montmorillonitic, thermic Fluvaquentic Hapludoll) and oversown in the fall with annual ‘Mt. Barker’ subterranean clover (T. subterraneum L.) and perennial ‘Regal’ white clover (T. repens L.). White clover was oversown in succeeding years to maintain uniform stands, while subterranean clover was permitted to self-seed. Grass and clover dry matter (DM) yield, in vitro digestible DM (IVDDM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration of total forage were measured at each harvest in each of 3 yr. Overseeding the three grass swards with subterranean clover vs. white clover resulted in greater yield of total forage (3470 vs. 2670 lb DM/acre) and clover (1600 vs. 1080 lb DM/acre). Total forage yield was increased from 2460 to 3880 lb DM/acre and clover yield from 1050 to 1700 lb DM/acre when either clover was oversown on bermudagrass vs. tall fescue. Clover oversown on a mixture of the two grasses did not provide a consistent yield advantage (total forage or clover) over either grass in monoculture. Forage nutrient concentration and intake potential were positively related to clover yield and negatively related to grass yield. We conclude that overseeding bermudagrass rather than tall fescue with clovers will improve distribution and annual yield of superior-quality forage because interspecific competition is minimized during the spring as a result of the seasonal productivity pattern of bermudagrass.

White Clover Yield and Persistence As Influenced by Cypermethrin, Benomyl, and Root‐Knot Nematode

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) stands commonly decline within 2 to 3 yr after establishment, due to insects, fungi, nematodes, viruses, and other factors. This study determined the effect of application of insecticide and fungicide, and infestation of southern root‐knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood, alone and in all combinations, on white clover persistence, yield, and crude protein (CP) concentration. The insecticide was cypermethrin [(±)‐α‐cyano‐3‐phenoxy benzyl (±)‐cis,trans‐ 3‐(2,2‐ dichlorovinyl)‐2,2‐dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate] and the fungicide was benomyl [methyl l‐(butylcarbamoyl)‐2‐benzimidazole‐carbamate]. ‘Regal’ white clover was grown on a Marietta fine sandy loam (fine‐loamy, siliceous, thermic Fluvaquentic Eutrochrept) for 3 yr after establishment in 1986. No effects of the treatments on yield, stand, or CP were observed in 1987. In 1988 and 1989, yields were 52 to 85% greater in cypermethrin‐treated plots, 12% greater (1988 only) in benomyl‐treated plots, and 6 to 17% lower in M. incognita‐infested plots compared with untreated plots. The number of stolons per meter was 27 to 39% greater in cypermethrin‐treated plots, 20% greater (1988 only) in benomyl‐treated plots, and 12 to 20% lower in M. incognita‐infested plots, compared with untreated plots. All treatments had little effect on CP concentration. Fewer Sitona hispidulus Fab‐larvae were found in the cypermethrin‐treated than untreated plots in 1989. White clover decline in the field was not due to any synergistic interactions between the factors evaluated in this study. When stresses such as insect, fungi, nematode, or virus are present and limit white clover growth, selection for resistance to these stresses should contribute to improved stand longevity and production of white clover.

Effect of agrochemical applied at sowing on seedling emergence and herbage yield of perennial ryegrass and white clover

AbstractPlots of white clover (Trifolium repens) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) white clover were sown with and without fungicide seed treatment, seed treatment with Cytozyme (a proprietary growth‐promoting agent) and pesticide granules (carbofuran or carbosulfan) mixed with the seed. Sowings were made in April/May at Hurley (1986 and 1987), Dorchester (1987) and Bronydd Mawr (1987). Only treatments containing pesticide significantly improved seedling emergence or herbage yield in the 1986 sowing. In 1987, pesticide greatly increased seedling emergence of ryegrass and clover at Hurley and Dorchester, but had no effect at Bronydd Mawr. At Hurley, herbage yield and the proportion of clover were more than doubled for up to a year, by chemical treatment after sowing in 1986.Populations of plant parasitic nematodes were recorded at all sites and it is suggested that at Hurley and Dorchester seedlings with nematode damage were unable to survive the dry soil conditions that prevailed. In a subsequent pot experiment, pesticide granules controlled root endoparasitic nematodes and significantly increased seedling emergence of white clover in dry soil but had no effect in moist soil.

P ‐ Mo interactions on the yield and nodulation of white clover grown on limed‐lignite overburden materials

Abstract A greenhouse study using lignite overburden surface soil from a lignite mine in northwest Louisiana was conducted to determine the yield response and nodulation of inoculated and non‐inoculated white clover (Trifolium repens L.) to P (0, 40, and 80 kg/ha) and Mo (0, 90, and 180 g/ha) fertilization. Results manifested a highly significant response of inoculated white clover to a single application of P and Mo. Application of P at the rate of 40 and 80 kg/ha increased the dry matter yield (DMY) of white clover by 164% and 154%, while Mo fertilization at the rate of 90 and 180 g/ha increased the dry matter yield (DMY) by 21% and 37%, respectively, over the control. The yield of white clover was also significantly affected by Rhizobium inoculation. Yield was increased from 2.1 to 2.5 Mg/ha which is equivalent to a 19% yield improvement over the non‐inoculated plants. Nodule formation (NF), likewise, was significantly favored by P and Mo fertilization. Results also revealed that Rhizobium inoculation ...

Herbage yield and nitrogen-fixation in a triple-species mixed sward of white clover, lotus and fescue

The herbage yield and N, fixed (based on 15N isotope dilution) in a three-species mixed sward [white clover ( Trifolium repens L.). birdsfoot trefoil ( Lotta corniculatus L.) and fescue (Frsluca uranjinacea Schrcb)] were evaluated over a 2 yr growth cycle (1986 and 1987). Three harvests were made in each year. The herbage yield of white clover was significantly higher than that of birdsfoot trefoil in only the first two cuts, with birdsfool trefoil accounting for 86% of the total legume herbage yield in the remaining four harvests. For both legume species the proportion of the aboveground N derived from atmospheric N 2 (% Ndfa) fluctuated little over the different harvests. The 2-ycar averages were. 88 and 91% Ndfa, for while clover and birdsfoot trefoil, respectively. The large fluctuations in the amounts of N; fixed (Ndfa) across harvests and between the legume species reflected differences in herbage yield. In 1986, both legumes contribued almost equally to the ca 130 kg N ha 1 fixed, compared to 1987. when white clover contributed only 5% of ihe 46 kg N ha ' fixed in the lust two harvests. The better persistence of birdsfoot trefoil than while clover was therefore not only reflected in higher yields, but also, in greater N, fixed. Nitrogen fertilisation had a differential ell'ect on N 2 fixation in the two legumes, with the application of 10 instead of 2 kg N ha 1 decreasing N 2 fixation in while clover, but not birdsfool trefoil.

Evaluation of clovers in dry hill country 2. Subterranean and white clover at Kaikohe, New Zealand

Abstract Nine subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) cultivars and 10 white clover (T. repens) lines were compared under grazing in a hill pasture. In the subterranean clover trial, cultivar ‘Clare’ of the subspecies brachycalycinum, was high producing in the first year but did not regenerate. Among the subsp. subterraneum cultivars, ‘Nangeela’ and ‘Woogenellup’ yielded less than the standard ‘Mt Barker’ over 4 years (−22 and −9% respectively), ‘Seaton Park’ about the same, and ‘Howard’ and ‘Tallarook’ yielded more (+28 and +30%). However, on this site, ‘Trikkala’ and ‘Larisa’ of the subsp. yanninicum were more productive than all other cultivars yields of (+63 and +165% compared to ‘Mt Barker’) and maintained good sward contents when normal intensive grazing resumed at the end of the trial. Both were relatively susceptible to leaf disease in spring but still had highest seedling densities in autumn (average > 500/m2). ‘Larisa’ and ‘Trikkala’ had better autumn/winter growth than ‘Tallarook’ and ‘Mt Barker’ and should complement these cultivars on winter-wet/summer-dry soils in Northland. Of the white clover lines, ‘Haifa’, ‘Tamar’, ‘Louisiana S1’, and ‘Clarence Valley’ had first-year yields similar to or below ‘Grasslands Huia’, but their persistence was poor. Yields of the small-leaved ‘Kent’ and ‘Hill Country’, and the medium-leaved ‘Grasslands Pitau’ and ‘Italy × New Zealand’, were similar to ‘Grasslands Huia’. Most productive was the large-leaved cultivar ‘Grasslands Kopu’ (27% better than ‘Grasslands Huia’ for white clover yield and 8% better for whole sward yield). The poor persistence of four varieties and the superior performance of ‘Grasslands Kopu’ is attributed to their relative resistance to stem nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci).

The inheritance of floral characters in white clover (Trifolium repens)

SummaryA diallel cross was carried out among seven varieties of white clover to investigate the inheritance of some of those characters which affect potential seed yield. Peduncle length and number of seeds/floret have low narrow‐sense heritabilities, while peduncle length displays the added complications of heterozygosity and non‐allelic interactions. Consequently, improvements in these characters will be difficult. Seed number m‐2 is a composite character which apparently exhibits heterozygosity. Higher seed yields will therefore be obtained by selection for its component characters, particularly floret number and floral density, both of which are apparently inherited in a comparatively straightforward manner. These results are discussed in the context of improving the potential seed yield of white clover.

Rapidly extracted (0.02 M CaCl2-soluble) reactive aluminum as a measure of aluminum toxicity in soils

This paper examines the use of short extraction times, and the determination of aluminium with chrome azurol S (CAS), for the estimation of 0.02 M CaCl2-soluble aluminium in soils. It reports the correlation between CAS-reactive aluminium in 5 min extracts and percent maximum yield of white clover (Trifolium repens) for a series of acid soils. The reactivity of soluble and colloidal aluminium species with the metallochromic reagent CAS has been assessed. ~ l ( a q ) ~ + , simple hydroxy species and complexes of weakly binding ligands (salicylic acid, tannins) are CAS-reactive (2 rnin). In contrast, complexes of strongly binding ligands (citric acid, fulvic acid) are not CAS-reactive ([Al] ~ [L] ~ [CAS] ~ 1-2~10-5 M). For a series of six limed phosphated topsoils and subsoils (pH 4.2-5.5), 0.02 M CaCl2- soluble aluminium, as determined with CAS, was negatively correlated against the percent maximum yield of white clover; r2 = -0.73** (5 min extraction), n = 20. This correlation is similar to that for yield against total aluminium as determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy after 60 min extraction (r2 = -0.77**). However, the colorimetric analysis is more convenient and sensitive; further, it does not measure colloidal and polymeric aluminium species (which may not be plant-available). The satisfactory correlation achieved for short extraction times suggests use of CAS for a rapid field method for aluminium toxicity in soils.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT AND PASTURE IMPROVEMENT IN SOUTH OTAGO TUSSOCK HILL COUNTRY

Over the past 25 years farmers in South Otago have raised the carrying capacity of native undeveloped tussock land from 0.6 su/ha to 15 su/ha through techniques of cultivation and oversowing. The success has been achieved by a whole range of mterrelated operations, which have evolved from cultivating ploughable undeveloped tussock land and sowing into pastures with white clover/fyegrass cultivars. and oversowing the rougher undeveloped hills with similar Pasture species. Soils of the region lacked molybdenum and phosphate, and topdressing with molybdlc superphosphate greatly increased white clover yields. In the 1950s animal production was based on breeding and selling store stock, but today the emphasis is on retaining stock and fattening for export The results of development over the last two to three decades have put the farmers in a good position to meet the future, especially the economic problems facing the industry. Keywords: molybdenum, oversowing. grarmg management, productivity, cultivars, tussock hill country

Compatibility of Five White Clover and Five Tall Fescue Cultivars Grown in Association

AbstractThe need for tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) pasture renovation due to a fungal endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum Morgan‐Jones and Gams) that causes fescue toxicosis in grazing cattle (Bos taurus L.) has given farmers the opportunity to add white clover (Trifolium repens L.) to their improved pastures. This study was conducted to determine the compatibility of five white clover and five tall fescue cultivars grown in association during two seeding years and to determine any interactions between cultivars. ‘Regal’, ‘Tillman’, ‘Louisiana S‐1’, ‘Osceola’, and MS Brown Loam Syn. #6 white clover were grown in all combinations with ‘Kentucky 31’, ‘Kenhy’, ‘Johnstone’, ‘Triumph’, and ‘Missouri 96’ tall fescue in two separate seeding year studies. The studies were grown on a Catalpa silty clay (fine, montmorillonitic, thermic Fluvaquentic Hapludoll) at Mississippi State, MS. Louisiana S‐1 associations produced significantly less total dry matter (DM) and white clover (WC) yield and more tall fescue (TF) yield than those of the other white clover cultivars across tall fescue cultivars. Triumph associations produced significantly less WC yield and more TF yield than those of the other tall fescue cultivars across white clover cultivars. No differences in total DM yield were observed for the tall fescue cultivars. No interactions between tall fescue and white clover cultivars were found in either seeding year. The cultivar relationships were constant over years an over harvests within years, though the botanical composition of the plots varied between harvests and years. Triumph was more competitive with white clover than the other tall fescue cultivars, and Louisiana S‐1 was less competitive with tall fescue than the other white clover cultivars during the seeding year. No advantage was found for any specific combination of white clover and tall fescue cultivars during the seeding year.

Genotypic coadaptation in plant growth promotion of forage species byBacillus polymyxa

The effect of a plant growth promoting strain ofBacillus polymyxa was investigated using genotypically-defined mixtures of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Addition ofB. polymyxa to a mixture of the species did not induce significant yield effects in perennial ryegrass, but resulted in a 23% (P<0.05) yield increase in the clover component. The clover yield advantage increased further when clones of the legume were inoculated with theB. polymyxa genotypes with which they had previously coexisted in the field from which collections were made. The highest white clover yield was attained when clones of all three organisms (T. repens, L. perenne, andB. polymyxa) that had previously coexisted in the field were grown together in the experimental system.

Effect of fertilizers on the yield and chemical composition of pure sown white clover and on soil nutrient status

AbstractThe effects of three levels of potash, phosphate and lime fertilizers on the yield and mineral content of white clover (Trifolium repens) and on soil nutrient levels were studied in a field experiment over 7 years. The aim of the experiment was to define an optimum fertilizer programme for breeding nurseries and experimental fields.Potash was the main factor limiting production: clover yield was negligible after 2 years where no potassium was applied. Phosphate increased yields after the third year, while liming had no significant effect on clover yield.The soil potassium status improved with the repeated application of potash over the 7–year period, but no consistent pattern was discernible for the phosphate treatments. There was a slight increase in soil pH with liming.Application of phosphate increased the phosphorous content of herbage, but had no effect on other plant constituents for the first 2 years. Subsequent applications increased the calcium and sodium contents. Potash reduced the content of all constituents other than potassium as the treatment levels increased. Lime had little effect on plant constituents other than calcium.

Soil acidity factors and growth of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) in acid hill soils

Abstract. Correlation analysis was used to determine the main factors related to soil pH and to yield of white clover in a range of hill soils. Results for 109 Northern Ireland pasture soils showed that pH (H2O) was significantly correlated with exchangeable Ca, total exchangeable bases, base saturation, P, exchangeable Al and Al saturation, but not with exchangeable Mn. Clover yield (dry weight of shoots) in 12 acid soils from Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Falkland Islands was significantly correlated with exchangeable Ca, total exchangeable bases and Al saturation. The results support the use of Al saturation rather than exchangeable Al, soil solution Al or pH when calculating lime requirements to overcome these limiting factors in hill soils.