Cultivation and Utilization of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.)

The theoretical study provides an overview of current data on red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), its cultivation and breeding, other practical uses and future prospects. Particular attention is paid to this taxon as a fodder plant of global importance in traditional and modern animal husbandry systems. Evidence is presented that red clover is a leading component, influencing the pasture management on all continents due to its high biomass production, protein content and overall nutritional value associated with the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some considerations cover important agrobiological and agrotechnological issues (e.g., plant interseeding) related to increasing adaptability, sustainability and yield of red clover and other crops coexisting in the same biosystems. Interesting biotechnological approaches have been pointed out in relation to the introduction to cultivation of new varieties, which are breeding hybrids of red clover and other wild species, with greater durability and yield-forming capacity. A separate part of the review is the assessment of the phytochemical profile of red clover with particular reference to biologically active specialized metabolites. Recent data from preclinical and human studies on existing and potential applications of this taxon and individual polyphenolic components in traditional and official medicine are also discussed.