Global Marketing of Persian Clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.) Accessions Based on Eco-geographical Distribiution

Abstract

Iran is considered one of the important centers of diversity of the Persian clover. In order to introduce the best populations for their marketing and sales, 48 accessions were collected from various parts of country and relationship between geographical distribution with ecological factors were studied. The results showed that the distribution of populations is mainly in the north, northwest and the center of country. Altitude and rainfall are two important environmental factors in the distribution of this species. Also it can grow on a wide range of soils but does better on fertile heavy moist clays. It is suggested that the accessions of Persian clover that are grow and cultivated in the north and northwest of the country are more important in marketing in terms of favorable geographical conditions, which should be considered by marketers.