Project
Breeding of white clover (WITTEKLAVER)
White clover is a perennial, protein-rich forage crop which is suitable for mixed cropping with forage grasses. It is a highly palatable crop that can be exploited under grazing as well as mowing. White clover fixes atmospheric nitrogen, which allows to reduce synthetic nitrogen fertilizer applications to the grass-clover mixture without affecting forage yield. The goal of this long-term breeding program is to introgress useful characteristics through traditional breeding such as higher forage yield, increased persistence (survival of plants in the sward), improved drought tolerance, and a better competition with forage grasses in mixed swards.
Research approach
To create novel varieties, we select individual plants (genotypes) with desired characteristics, and make different combinations of crosses among these genotypes. Subsequently, yield trials are performed to evaluate which combinations show sufficient improvement for desirable traits. Yield trials are done both in monoculture clover and in mixed cropping with forage grass. Material that shows sufficient improvement for desirable traits is ready to be applied to the official variety trials.
Relevance/Valorisation
Research results are translated into the development of novel, improved white clover cultivars that will benefit agriculture in Flanders, in particular organic farms. This could contribute to a more generalized use of white clover in Flemish meadows, which will increase crop diversity in Flanders and reduce our dependence on synthetic nitrogen fertilizer and imported protein sources.