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CULTIVAR
Contents Vol 47(1)

Grasslands Trophy — a new white clover (Trifolium repens L.) cultivar with tolerance of summer moisture stress

J. F. Ayres A , J. R. Caradus B , R. D. Murison C , L. A. Lane A and D. R. Woodfield D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Centre for Perennial Grazing Systems, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Glen Innes, NSW 2370, Australia.

B Grasslanz Technology Ltd, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.

C Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computing, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia.

D Grasslands Research Centre, AgResearch Ltd, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47(1) 110-115 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA04029
Submitted: 27 February 2004  Accepted: 12 May 2006   Published: 2 January 2007

Abstract

A breeding project has developed a new synthetic white clover (Trifolium repens L.) cultivar, Grasslands Trophy, that possesses tolerance of summer moisture stress in dryland pasture environments in the 850–1250 mm average annual rainfall temperate perennial pasture zone in eastern Australia. The breeding strategy used to develop Grasslands Trophy was an in situ breeding cycle for: (i) identifying and selecting superior genotypes, (ii) crossing elite germplasm and (iii) progeny testing derived breeding lines for the expression of key agronomic and grazing value traits. The primary selection criteria were early vigour, herbage yield, persistence and seed yield potential. Parental selection was also applied for seed yield, uniformity of leaf size, uniform flowering pattern and freedom from disease and virus symptoms. Grasslands Trophy is medium–large in leaf size with stable leaf size, combines intermediate stolon density with intermediate stolon thickness, and expresses high stolon survival and strong autumn regrowth following summer moisture stress. Grasslands Trophy has mid-season flowering maturity, intensive flowering prolificacy and high seed yield capability. Agronomic results from trials in northern New South Wales and New Zealand indicate that Grasslands Trophy has broad adaptation, expresses high summer and winter growth activity, and is reliably persistent for at least 4 years.


Acknowledgements

The breeding project involved collaboration between the NSW Department of Primary Industries and AgResearch Ltd. Funding for the characterisation and evaluation study undertaken in NSW was provided by Meat and Livestock Australia. Agricom (New Zealand) Ltd provided funding for the seed production study undertaken in New Zealand. The principal investigators are grateful for the support provided by staff in their respective organisations: NSW Department of Primary Industries — Dr Ken Archer for scientific and administrative leadership, Phil Dawes for management of facilities at Glen Innes Agricultural Research & Advisory Station, Len Doust for assistance in the field and glasshouse, Arnold Turner for laboratory assays, Christine Dempsey and Philip Manieri for financial administration, Carmen Elvins for word-processing and graphics; University of New England — Norm Thomas for management of facilities at Kirby Research Farm; and AgResearch Ltd — Ivan Baird, Keith Widdup, John Ford and Greig Cousins for seed production and field evaluations.


Seed released by: Agricom (New Zealand) Ltd, PO Box 539, Ashburton 8300, New Zealand.


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