Performance of nematode-resistant white clover in field trials

Abstract

Breeding for improved resistance and tolerance to the clover root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne trifoliophila, and the clover cyst nematode, Heterodera trifolii , has been successful in white c lover, Trifolium repens. White clover lines developed from three independent breeding programmes were established in field trials at Lincoln, Palmerston North, Cambridge and Kerikeri. Plants were established in areas either untreated or treated with nematicide, so as to have contrasting pest loads on the plant material and evaluated for up to 4 years. Plant vigour was scored before each grazing at each site. Clover cyst nematode cysts were counted twice in Palmerston North and all nematodes were counted in stained roots on four occasions in Cambridge. Resistant lines from the clover cyst nematode programme performed better than susceptible lines and as well as most cultivars reflecting the high level of resistance developed in this glasshouse-based programme. This resistance was also reflected in the generally lower number of cysts counted under resistant lines from Palmerston North. The root-knot nematode resistant material performed better than the susceptible and as well as most cultivars. The tolerance selections, developed under field conditions, performed as well as, or better than the cultivars. The selections from the breeding programmes have exhibited strong agronomic potential across locations and years and the best material has been crossed, with progeny being assessed in current field trials. Keywords: Heterodera trifolii, Meloidogyne trifoliophila, nematode, pasture, resistance, tolerance, white clover