(Trifolium repens)

White clover is a valuable resource in the grass field because it increases the quality and digestibility of the feed, increases palatability, and increases animal intake. Varieties with small leaves are particularly robust under grazing, while big-leaf varieties are most productive when used for cutting.

If a field is to be used for both cutting and grazing, the grass mixtures should contain both big and small leaf varieties. 

After establishment, the plants spread with the aid of their stolons, which can take root. This is one of the reasons why the species tolerates grazing very well. White clover is also very winter hardy and disease resistant.

Breeding goals:

• Yield, focusing on the spring season
• Resistance to Sclerotinia
• General disease resistance
• Qualities such as low content of cyanogenic glycosides
• Winterhardiness 
• Production of quality seed
• Compatability with grass.

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