Read the media release here.
FAR launches ‘White Clover - A Growers Guide', a technical resource which aims to provide growers with a better understanding of the growth and development of the white clover crop.
New Zealand has long been dominant as a world producer and marketer of white clover seed, producing over 30% of the world's white clover seed in 2008.
In order to retain this position, growers need to overcome the difficulties associated with inconsistent yields from white clover. The Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) saw a significant opportunity for NZ to increase its world market share, particularly of higher value proprietary cultivars. There was, and still is, increased demand for white clover seed in NZ for pasture renewal due to the impacts of varroa and clover root weevil, and the demands for high quality pasture for the dairy industry.
A three year project managed by FAR and co-funded by MAF Sustainable Farming Fund (MAF SFF) has now reached completion; it has helped to overcome the yield inconsistencies growers were experiencing and has provided them with a better understanding of the growth and development of white clover crops, whilst also assisting them in achieving more profitable crops.
The booklet, which is the third in a series of FAR Focus publications, is split into eight sections, all of which intend to transfer knowledge on the management of white clover seed crops.
Contents include site related issues, plant structure, manipulation of growth development, soil moisture and irrigation, pests, pollination, weed control and harvest time.
Richard Chynoweth, FAR Project Manager says "the project has provided some excellent research which has now been summarised into one easy to follow guide. It provides growers with a step-by-step overview to growing white clover seed crops, however individual management strategies will still need to be tailored to suit individual soil types, climate etc."
Authors of the booklet include FAR's Project Manager Richard Chynoweth, Prof Rod Thomas and FAR Researcher of the Year in 2008 Phil Rolston of AgResearch.
Sidebar:
This booklet is available from FAR. For more information contactfar@far.org.nzor call 03 325 6353.