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Conference poster2008Peer reviewed

Influence of root rot on the sustainability of grass/legume leys in Sweden

Wallenhammar, Ann-Charlotte; Nilsdotter-Linde, Nilla; Jansson, Jan; Stoltz, Eva; L-Baeckström, Gärd

Abstract

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is the most important legume crop in Swedish forage production. The Fusarium root rot complex is widely prevalent and a major cause of poor persistence of red clover. In a field experiment, the sustainability, yield and quality of two red clover varieties were compared with white clover, lucerne and birdsfoot trefoil in mixed swards with timothy and meadow fescue during three harvest years (2005–2007). The prevalence of root rot was determined twice a year, in spring and late autumn. The results show that root rot was already prevalent in autumn of the establishment year, and after two years all red clover plants investigated were infested. Although the disease severity index (DSI) was high, the legume content was largest in the red clover treatments during the first two years, but decreased significantly in the third year. Disease level of the other legumes was considerably lower throughout the years

Keywords

Fusarium root rot; red clover; white clover; lucerne; birdsfoot trefoil; organic production

Published in

Grassland Science in Europe
2008, Volume: 13, pages: 341-343 Title: Biodiversity and Animal Feed : Future Challenges for Grassland Production
ISBN: 978-91-85911-47-9Publisher: Organising Committee of the 22nd General Meeting of the European Grassland Federation and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Conference

The 22nd General Meeting of the European Grassland Federation