Development of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) cultivar Grasslands Challenge (G23).

摘要

Grasslands Challenge (Trifolium repens) was developed to incorporate potential growth benefits, and disease resistance, from two double cross hybrids (Mediterranean X New Zealand) identified in evaluations at Kaikohe. Thirty-three elite selections of hybrids and New Zealand material were polycrossed for seed production. Progeny testing resulted in 27 parental lines with improved resistance to leaf disease and stem nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) relative to Grasslands Pitau. Testing of the maternallines for seedling characteristics resulted in the deletion of one parent. A bulk line was evaluated in mini plots, and a hill country grazing trial, and showed improved growth to the control. In a grazing trial conducted in the Manawatu, Grasslands Challenge showed outstanding winter production. The selection has a high stolon density in combination with a medium to large leaf size. This will allow Grasslands Challenge to recover quicker from drought stress and grazing pressure. The plant type and early results indicate that Grasslands Challenge will be best suited to a rotational grazing management, particularly in regions where significant cool-season growth occurs. Plant Variety Rights were granted in 1997.