A review of the introduction and use of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) in Australia —significance for breeding objectives

Abstract

Summary. White clover was introduced to Australia with the early European settlers in the late 18th century and is now the most valuable pasture legume in high rainfall temperate regions of Australia. Through a process of ingress and naturalising in conjunction with pastoral expansion during the 19th century and widespread pasture improvement in the 20th century, white clover now occupies 6 million hectares in Australia and is of major significance for the sheep, beef cattle and dairy industries. This paper describes these historical influences on formation of the white clover zone in Australia and the continuing requirement for better adapted cultivars in key agro-geographic regions, with particular close reference to the northern tablelands of New South Wales—the most extensive dryland region. These considerations provide a basis for defining breeding objectives for white clover improvement in Australia.