How does white clover persist in pastures?
White clover persists and spreads by seed and by vegetative propagules called stolons. White clover produces abundant seed, some of which is dormant, so that when gaps occur in the sward because of management or environmental stresses, new seedlings can appear. Occasionally, moisture and temperatures are ideal and many white clover seedlings emerge. These “clover years” sometimes lead to “boom or bust” cycles where clover content of pastures can vary widely. However, not every year is ideal for white clover seedling establishment. Unfortunately, white clover seedlings can be relatively short-lived. An important persistence mechanism is the occurrence of stolons, the horizontal stems that enable white clover to explore the canopy for light, water and nutrients. Once established, white clover stolons form roots that can lead to genetically identical, independent sister plants. Vegetative growth is a more reliable way to maintain clover in a stand than through new seedlings. How can impro
White clover persists and spreads by seed and by vegetative propagules called stolons. White clover produces abundant seed, some of which is dormant, so that when gaps occur in the sward because of management or environmental stresses, new seedlings can appear. Occasionally, moisture and temperatures are ideal and many white clover seedlings emerge. These “clover years” sometimes lead to “boom or bust” cycles where clover content of pastures can vary widely. However, not every year is ideal for white clover seedling establishment. Unfortunately, white clover seedlings can be relatively short-lived. An important persistence mechanism is the occurrence of stolons, the horizontal stems that enable white clover to explore the canopy for light, water and nutrients. Once established, white clover stolons form roots that can lead to genetically identical, independent sister plants. Vegetative growth is a more reliable way to maintain clover in a stand than through new seedlings. How can impro
