Berseem clover and Crimson clover variety trials (2010-2012)

From 2010 through 2012, the Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon ART and Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil ACW research stations tested in total eight varieties of Berseem clover and three varieties of Crimson clover in comparative variety trials at seven experimental sites. All varieties were grown in pure stands and in mixture with grasses. The parameters assessed were dry matter yield, juvenile development, vigour, competitive ability, persistence, resistance to leaf diseases and winter conditions and dry matter content. For each variety, an indexvalue based on field measurements and observations was calculated, allowing an accurate comparison of the varieties. According to the results, one new variety of Berseem clover (Bluegold) will be added to the «List of recommended varieties of forage plants». The previously recommended variety Elite II has been disqualified. With Crimson clover, one of the three breeds tested (Contea) reached the index-value required for recommendation. The two other varieties Clo and Carmina will not be recommended, but can still be used in standard mixtures until the end of 2015.