
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Volaire, F 
A1  - Leliere, F 
A1  - Prosperi, JM 
T1  - Production of cultivars and native populations of <I>Trifolium subterraneum</I> L. in the south of France (Corsica)
JF  - Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture
JO  - Aust. J. Exp. Agric.
Y1  - 1992
VL  - 32
IS  - 5
SP  - 619
EP  - 625
KW  - 
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/EA9920619 
N2  - On the northern Mediterranean island of Corsica, 28 populations of subterranean clover were tested during 3 years: 18 French native ecotypes, and 5 Australian and 5 Spanish cultivars. A principal component analysis showed that dry matter yields, seasonal growth rhythms, and maturity date were the most important factors in the observed variability. By cluster analysis, 6 groups of subterranean clover were defined from these factors. Seasonal and total yields were linked to annual rainfall, but with a specific coefficient for each group. For 100 mm of rainfall, we obtained a range of production from 0.4 t DM/ha for the least productive group to 1.1 t DM/ha for the highest yielding group. The Australian cultivar, Clare, and 9 native Corsican ecotypes were the most productive genotypes (up to 10 t DM/ha.year in a wet year, with 2 t DM/ha during the winter period). These highest yielding ecotypes could be exploited to breed new mid-to- late-maturing cultivars better adapted to northern Mediterranean environments. In the short term, Clare may be used on large scale, for establishment of improved pastures in this region. 
ER  -

