Possible role of natural Italian populations of white clover for reclamation purposes in sub-humid and humid Mediterranean environments

In order to begin a breeding program aimed at synthesizing white dover (Trifolium repens L.) varieties to be used in sub-humid and humid Mediterranean areas, 48 natural populations were collected in Centralltaly in summer 1981. These populations and 3 New Zealand varieties available on the market were evaluated in 1983-84 at Perugia (ltaly) for winter dormancy, spring regrowth, bloom dates, dry matter and seed yield. The results of the research underline the presence of wide variability among the populations and suggest that progress can be achieved in breeding programs. It is worth noting that some of the ecotypes were able to produce more than the varieties available on the market. This suggests that simple multiplication of the best ecotypes could be the first step in problems connected with sowing pastures and importing seed. Seed yielding ability of the examined ecotypes and management applied to seed multiplication in this environment need to be further verified.