Forage yield and persistence of red clover progenies in two environments

Abstract

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is one of the most important temperate legume species, used to lessen the lack of forage during the critical fall-winter period in Rio Grande do Sul, RS, Brazil. However, its utilization has been restricted mainly because of its lack of persistence. This work evaluates the dry matter yield and persistence of red clover half-sib progenies in two physiographic regions of RS: "Depressão Central", in Eldorado do Sul and "Encosta Superior do Nordeste", in Veranópolis. Experiments were carried out for two growing seasons and results were compared to two red clover commercial checks, Qüiñequeli and Estanzuela 116. The region of Veranópolis was more adequate for red clover forage production, enabling better yield and persistence. The best check for both locations was cultivar Estanzuela 116. At Eldorado do Sul persistence was highly affected and some progenies were superior to the best check. At Veranópolis the best check was very productive, with good persistence. The best progenies at both locations were selected to be propagated and submitted to additional recurrent selection cycles.