Overview
Trifolium resupinatum L. var. resupinatum, commonly known as Persian clover or reversed clover, is a species of clover family (Fabaceae). It is native to the eastern Mediterranean region, including Turkey, Syria, and Iran. This plant is widely cultivated as a forage crop in many parts of the world.
General Appearance
Persian clover is an annual plant that can grow up to 50 cm (20 inches) in height. The leaves are trifoliate, which means they have three leaflets. The leaflets are oval-shaped and have a smooth texture. The flowers are pink to purple in color, and they form a cylindrical or oblong-shaped head. The seeds are small and light brown in color.
Common Names
Persian clover is also known by several other common names around the world, including Berseem clover, Egyptian clover, balansa clover, and C. resupinatum.
Uses
Persian clover is an important forage crop that is grown in many parts of the world. It provides a source of protein for livestock, as well as improving soil fertility by fixing nitrogen. It can be used as a feed for dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, and goats. Additionally, it has been used in traditional medicine to treat coughs, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. The plant also has some potential as a biofuel crop due to its high biomass yield.
Growth conditions of Trifolium resupinatum L. var. resupinatum
Trifolium resupinatum L. var. resupinatum, also known as Persian clover or shaftal, is a cool-season annual legume that is widely cultivated as a forage crop in many parts of the world.
Light requirements
Persian clover requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In areas with hot and dry climates, it may benefit from some shade during the hottest part of the day to avoid wilting and stress. However, it is important to note that too much shade can reduce the plant's productivity and lead to lower yields.
Temperature requirements
Persian clover grows best in regions with mild temperatures and moderate rainfall. It can withstand some frost and cold temperature, but prolonged exposure to freezing conditions can damage the plant's growth and development. The ideal temperature range for Persian clover to thrive is between 10°C to 25°C.
Soil requirements
Persian clover prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, but it performs best in soils with a pH of 6 to 7.5. The plant has a shallow root system, so it is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Trifolium resupinatum L. var. resupinatum, also called Persian clover, thrives in well-drained soils and requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. The best time to plant this plant is when the soil temperatures range between 15-25°C, and there is sufficient moisture in the soil. The seeds should be sown using a seed drill and covered lightly with soil. In dry regions, it is advisable to plant the seeds deeper to ensure they have access to moisture.
Watering Needs
Persian clover is a hardy plant that requires moderate watering during the establishment phase. It is important to ensure the soil is moist to encourage germination, but not saturated. Once the plants are established, they can withstand long periods of drought, but it is recommended to water them after every 10-15 days to maintain healthy growth.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, Persian clover requires nitrogen and phosphorus-based fertilizers. It is advisable to use a balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Fertilizer should be applied before the first cut and once the plants have reached about 10 cm height. The application of fertilizer should be done in the morning or evening when the weather is cool to avoid burning the plants.
Pruning
Pruning Persian clover is essential to promote healthy growth, maintain plant vigour and prevent weed infestation. The best time to prune the clover is when it has reached about 10-15 cm in height. This can be achieved by mowing the clover plants down to a height of 5 cm. Subsequent pruning should be done after every 4-6 weeks interval, depending on the growth rate of the clover.
Propagation of Trifolium resupinatum L. var. resupinatum
Trifolium resupinatum L. var. resupinatum, commonly known as Persian clover, is a self-pollinating legume plant that is widely used as a forage crop for livestock. The plant is propagated through seeds, cuttings, and root divisions.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Trifolium resupinatum is through seeds. The seeds are sown in well-draining soil in the spring or fall. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about one to two weeks. It is important to ensure that the soil temperature is around 15°C for optimal germination.
It is recommended to scarify the seeds in order to improve the germination rate. Scarification involves breaking the seed coat mechanically, which can be done by rubbing the seeds between two sheets of sandpaper or by soaking them in hot water for several hours before sowing.
Propagation by Cuttings
A less common method of propagation is through cuttings. Cuttings are taken from the plant during the growing season, usually in the early summer, when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 5-10 cm in length and should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants.
The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they root. It is recommended to apply a rooting hormone to the cuttings to enhance the rooting process.
Propagation by Root Divisions
Propagation by root divisions is another method, although it is less commonly used. This method involves dividing the plant's roots into smaller sections and planting them in separate pots or directly in the ground. It is important to ensure that each division has a healthy root system and a portion of the plant's shoot system as well.
The soil should be kept moist until the divisions establish themselves and start to grow. This method is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant.
Overall, Trifolium resupinatum L. var. resupinatum can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and root divisions. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on the specific needs and circumstances of the grower.
Disease Management
Trifolium resupinatum L. var. resupinatum is prone to several diseases that can hamper its growth and yield. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by a fungus and is characterized by the development of sunken necrotic lesions on leaves, stems, and pods. To manage this disease, the use of resistant cultivars is recommended. Proper sanitation practices and avoiding overhead irrigation can also help in reducing the incidence of this disease.
- Sclerotinia: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the stems, leaves, and flowers of the plant. It results in the development of water-soaked lesions that later turn brown. The use of crop rotations, fungicides, and resistant cultivars is advised to manage this disease.
- Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that affects clover plants. The disease manifests as yellow spots on the upper surface of the leaves. These spots later develop into red-brown pustules, which release spores that can spread the disease. The use of resistant cultivars and fungicides can help in controlling this disease.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can cause damage to Trifolium resupinatum L. var. resupinatum. Some of the common pests that can affect this plant are:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause stunting and yellowing of the plant. They can also transmit viral diseases. The use of insecticidal soap and neem oil can help in controlling aphid populations.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillar-like insects that feed on the plant's stems at or below the soil surface, leading to wilting and plant death. To manage cutworms, the use of insecticides and physical barriers is recommended.
- Root-knot nematodes: These are microscopic worms that live in the soil and cause galls or knots on the plant's roots, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. The use of nematode-resistant cultivars and crop rotations can help in managing root-knot nematodes.
