Agroscope

A closer look at red clover: results of the 2016–2018 variety testing

From 2016 to 2018 inclusive, Agroscope tested 54 varieties of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) at six locations. Of these, 25 were new varieties and 29 were already-recommended varieties that were being retested. Yield, vigour, juvenile development, resistance to leaf diseases and anthracnose, winter-hardiness and persistence were all evaluated. For the persistent “mattenklee” type, the diploid varieties “TP 0715” and “TP 0815” as well as the tetraploids “TP 0925”, “Gregale” and “TP 0855” achieved results allowing a recommendation. For red clover destined for grazing, “TP 1105” cleared this hurdle. Of the short-lived red clover candidates, only the diploid varieties “Respect”, “Ganymed”, “SLM 3.274”, “Avisto” and “Elara” obtained the test results needed for recommendation. The new cultivars “TP 0715”, “TP 0815”, “TP 0925”, “TP 0855”, “TP 1105” and “SLM 3.274” have yet to pass the test for distinctness, uniformity and stability of traits before a potential recommendation. In addition, “TP 0815” and “TP 0855” are for the time being replacement varieties only. Owing to their results this time around, the already-recommended varieties “Formica”, “Elanus”, “Astur”, “Diplomat”, “Merian”, “Monaco”, “AberClaret”, “Dimanche” and “Taifun” are being deleted from the List of Recommended Varieties of Forage Plants. They may, however, still be used as recommended varieties until the end of 2021.

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