Abstract:

The growth of perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne) and
white clover (Trifolium repens) in mixtures is the basis
of pasture production in many temperate humid regions of
the world.
traditionally bred separately without regard to their
compatibility in a mixture.
compatibility should be considered in breeding programmes
in order to develop a better ecological combining ability
and the purpose of the present study was to identify
differences in compatibility between a range of diploid
and tetrapioid rye grasses and white clover.
Agronomically it is required that both grass and
substantial dry matter yield in mixtures.
Variation in compatibility depends on the extent to which
the yielding ability of both grass and clover is modified
by interspecific competition. The late flowering grasses,
Meltra and Ba 10764 produced the highest
yields of white clover in addition to being highly
productive both in monoculture and in mixtures. An
agronomical implication of this is that grasses bred for
high yields in pure stands may also be good companion
grasses with white clover.
J
clover maintain a
Melle, Chieftain,
However, these two components have been
Where more productive mixtures are sought, such