Red clover seed production - research and practice

Abstract

National average certified seed yields (1972.76) of New Zealand’s red clover cultivars are low, being 259 and 147 kg/ha, respectively, for Hamua and Turoa. Major factors considered important for improving these yields are: reduction in paddock size to improve pollination; preference for undersown pure sowings with the exception of wellmanaged Hamua/Manawa ryegrass mixtures; appropriate grazing management to promote a good level of individual plant development by closing; closing to be no earlier than the beginning of December; irrigation no later than closing date; harvesting dates brought forward 10 March for Hamua and early April for Turoa and Pawera by using a desiccant and direct heading when necessary.