Seed production of white clover cultivars and naturalized populations whengrown in a pasture

Small-type white clover, Trifolium repens L., plants predominate in most cl osely grazed pastures in the southeastern USA. The role of relative seed pr oduction in stand persistence of white clover types in pastures has not bee n quantified. This study compared the relative seed production of seven sma ll-type naturalized populations with that of seven large-type white clover cultivars and germplasms in a pasture. All entries were space-planted into plots in a common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] pasture at Mis sissippi State, MS, on a Savannah fine sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, s emiactive, thermic Typic Fragiudult) in fall 1995 and 1996, and gazed with cattle prior to flowering and seed production. All naturalized populations averaged about three times as many flowers and seed-bearing flowers as all cultivars other than 'Louisiana S-1' each year. Flower production differenc es were consistent throughout the study, though maximum now er production f or naturalized populations was earlier in the season than cultivars. Seed p roduction differences were similar to power production, as cultivars averag ed only 27 to 43% as much seed as naturalized populations. The low growth s tature and excessive seed production of naturalized populations enable them to tolerate close continuous grazing and have a greater opportunity to res eed in pastures than common large type cultivars. This reseeding potential probably contributes to the domination of small-type white clover in closel y grazed pastures of the southeastern USA.