Merula and Pavo: new, persistent red clover cultivars of the Mattenklee type

Our two new, diploid red clover cultivars Merula and Pavo are distinguished by their excellent persistence for three years. Thus, one of the principal assets of «Mattenklee», a persistent form of early flowering red clover of Swiss origin, sees further improvement. Stands of Merula and Pavo suffer much less from attacks by Colletotrichum trifolii, the causal agent of southern anthracnose, than all Mattenklee cultivars recommended previously. This is why they remain vigorous until autumn of the third year of cultivation, even after hot summers which favor the growth of Colletotrichum. The two new cultivars are also at least as resistant against Sclerotinia rot and powdery mildew as the best Mattenklee cultivars recommended previously. They produce high and secure yields of good forage quality and can be particularly recommended for those clover-grass mixtures which are designed to best utilize the longevity of Mattenklee.