Biomass accumulation, phenology and seed yield of <i>Trifolium alexandrinum</i> ecotypes evaluated in Central India

Abstract

Berseem or Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) comprises 3 ecotypes, Miskawi, Fahli and Saidi, with Miskawi being the most widely cultivated. The narrow genetic base coupled with low availability and utilization of genetic resources is hindering genetic improvement of Berseem in India. Exploitation of new and diverse sources of variation is essential for the genetic enhancement of the cultivated genepool of Berseem. In the present study 7 populations of the 3 T. alexandrinum ecotypes were evaluated over 2 years to analyze the patterns of biomass accumulation, phenology, nutritional value and seed yield. Results indicate that Fahli and Saidi populations accumulated higher biomass per unit area than the tested populations of Miskawi and were earlier maturing. While crude protein (CP) concentration in forage was higher for Miskawi, Fahli and Saidi ecotypes contained more than 17% CP at 50% flowering. Further, seed yields of Fahli and Saidi populations were significantly higher than those of Miskawi. It is possible that genetic improvement of cultivated populations of Miskawi could be achieved by incorporating genes for dry matter yield and seed yield from the populations of Fahli and Saidi ecotypes.