Open AccessThe positioning of white clover cultivars in New Zealand
Author(s) -
J. R. Caradus,
R. J. M. Hay,
D. R. Woodfield
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
grassland research and practice series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2463-4751
pISSN - 0110-8581
DOI - 10.33584/rps.6.1995.3376
Subject(s) - stolon , cultivar , biology , leaf size , edaphic , adaptation (eye) , agronomy , white (mutation) , ecology , biochemistry , neuroscience , gene , soil water
The breeding history of 10 white clover cultivars bred in New Zealand is described. The cultivars are compared for leaf size, cyanogenesis and stolon growing point density. Leaf size and stolon growing point density were negatively associated although more recent cultivars (Prestige, Demand, Sustain and Challenge) had higher stolon growing point densities than older cultivars of similar leaf size. Both leaf size and peak flowering period, and leaf size and cyanogenesis level were positively associated among the 10 New Zealand cultivars. The agronomic performance of cultivars is summarised on the basis of preferred management, key seasonal performance, disease tolerance, and climatic and edaphic adaptation. Keywords: adaptation, breeding, cultivars, cyanogenesis, flowering, leaf size, white clover