Red Clover Variety Persistence Trial

In response to questions about the longevity of the forage legume red clover (Trifolium pretense) in northwest Iowa, a variety trial was initiated in 2010 with a few examples of alternative red clover varieties. For a long time, red clover has been considered a shortlived (2-year) perennial, with some yield in the planting year and generally good production for one additional production year. Plants generally are lost because of a combination of root and crown diseases and winterkill. Red clover breeders have been selecting for improved plant resistance to the root/crown vascular wilt diseases, as well as northern and southern anthracnose. With improvement in anthracnose resistance has come somewhat better persistence. Several new red clover varieties are being marketed as 3and 4-year production varieties.