White Clover Seed Production in Northern Italy: Yield and Components for Five Cultivars

Two medium- (Hollandicum) nnd 3 large-leaved white clover (Trifolium repens.v L.) cultivar types (Ladino) were assessed for seed yield and components during 1988-1991, at Lodi (Po Valley). Dry matter yield wns also evaluated. The analysis of components showed significant (P=0.05) differences among the tesled cul ti vars. The large­lenved varieties Espana and Regal had the highest number of ripe heads/m2 and number of florets/head. The medium-leaved varieties Merwi RvP and Olwen showed good values for seed set only. As to potential and actual seed yield in the first harvesting year, Espanso and Regal were significantly the highest seed yielding. Harvesting losses were noteworthy (> 35%). This was due more to a lack of a suitable combine than lo weather conditions in summer. Forage production was significantly higher in Ladino than in Hollandicum varieties. Markel prices of seed, management and harvest techniques are the key lo developing white clover seed production with best­performing cultivars in the Po Valley.