Variation in the development of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)

Red clover is an important perennial fodder plant for the production of quality fodder. Since it can be successfully produced even on soils of poorer quality, it is increasingly present in the sowing structure, primarily in hilly and mountainous areas. Trials were carried out on eight genotypes of red clover over several years. There were no significant differences between the average values of stem thickness and plant height of the two first cuttings from the two experimental years. The first cutting of the second year had the highest height (80.0 cm). Genotype 1 had the highest average height (78.0 cm) and leaflet length (45.52 mm). Genotype 6 had the lowest average plant height (74.0 cm), number of stems (7.15), stem thickness (3.31 mm) and leaflet length (36.68 mm). Genotypes 6 and 8 had the widest leaflet in the first cut of the second year of testing (28.94 and 28.93 mm). Aside from plant height, no significant differences were found between the genotypes. Nevertheless, all other examined variables showed statistically significant differences across clover cuttings and genotypes. The average values of the number of stems per plant, the length and width of leaflet in the first clover cut of the first year, and second clover cut of the second year were not statistically significantly different. Red clover is most productive in the first cutting of the second year of life, as confirmed by these investigations, which yielded the greatest values for the majority of the investigated features.