
%0 Journal Article
%A Volaire, F 
%A Leliere, F 
%A Prosperi, JM 
%T Production of cultivars and native populations of <I>Trifolium subterraneum</I> L. in the south of France (Corsica)
%J Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture
%D 1992/09/01
%V 32
%N 5
%P 619-625
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/EA9920619
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/EA9920619 
%X On the northern Mediterranean island of Corsica, 28 populations of subterranean clover were tested during 3 years: 18 French native ecotypes, and 5 Australian and 5 Spanish cultivars. A principal component analysis showed that dry matter yields, seasonal growth rhythms, and maturity date were the most important factors in the observed variability. By cluster analysis, 6 groups of subterranean clover were defined from these factors. Seasonal and total yields were linked to annual rainfall, but with a specific coefficient for each group. For 100 mm of rainfall, we obtained a range of production from 0.4 t DM/ha for the least productive group to 1.1 t DM/ha for the highest yielding group. The Australian cultivar, Clare, and 9 native Corsican ecotypes were the most productive genotypes (up to 10 t DM/ha.year in a wet year, with 2 t DM/ha during the winter period). These highest yielding ecotypes could be exploited to breed new mid-to- late-maturing cultivars better adapted to northern Mediterranean environments. In the short term, Clare may be used on large scale, for establishment of improved pastures in this region. 
