Effect of cultivar of white clover on plant morphology during the establishment of mixed pastures under sheep grazing

Abstract The establishment of white clover from seed is characterised by two distinct morphological growth forms, a seminal tap‐rooted stage with radiating stolon systems lasting 1–2 years, followed by a clonal growth form. Transition of a plant from tap‐rooted to clonal form occurs when the tap root and primary stem axis die, releasing a variable number of stolon systems as independent clonal plants. The purpose of this study was to investigate any effect different cultivars of white clover may have on the morphology of plants during the transition of populations from tap‐rooted to clonal growth form when establishing in mixed pastures based on either perennial ryegrass or tall fescue. Cultivars studied ranged from small‐leafed to large‐leafed cultivars in the order of Prop, Prestige, Demand, Huia, Sustain, Le Bons, Kopu, and Aran. During the tap‐rooted phase there were no differences between cultivars in shoot growth apart from the small‐leafed cultivars (Prop, Prestige, Demand, and Huia) having a highe...