Strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum): current status and future role in Australian agriculture

Abstract

Strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum L.) is periodically raised as an alternative perennial pasture legume for temperate regions of Australia. Its tolerance of waterlogging is widely known, yet its ability to persist through periods of soil moisture deficit is often understated. Other desirable characteristics include its stoloniferous growth habit and tolerance of mildly saline conditions. Only four strawberry clover cultivars have been registered in Australia, and the most popular, cv. Palestine, is a direct introduction, released in 1938 and first certified in 1951. Furthermore, strawberry clover's distribution has largely been confined to niche environments, particularly waterlogged and saline areas. This paper reviews the taxonomy and breeding system, morphology, distribution and ecology, and subsequent transfer of strawberry clover to Australia. It reviews and maps the suitability of strawberry clover for perennial pasture systems in the medium--high rainfall and irrigated temperate zones of Australia, with reference to future climates. The paper also highlights the breeding focus, commercialisation and marketing required to supersede cv. Palestine and lists the germplasm available in the Australian Pastures Genebank, with origins. We conclude that, although strawberry clover is unlikely to become a dominant perennial pasture legume species in Australia, it could be used in a wider range of environments than just those affected by salinity and/or waterlogging stress.

Legume persistence for grasslands in tableland environments of south-eastern Australia

“…the Series 3 network), the data demonstrated it to be substantially less productive than lucerne. In a review of the use of strawberry clover in Australia, Smith et al . (2023, in press) conclude that it is unlikely to become a dominant pasture species that encroaches in a significant way on the current mainstream perennial legume species such as white clover and lucerne, but they suggest a greater role for strawberry clover as a companion species in mixed pastures in regions too dry for white clover.…”

Australian Grassland Association research symposium 2023: pasture legumes for sustainable productive systems

“…Smith et al . (2023) provided a comprehensive review of the potential role for strawberry clover. Hardseededness breakdown patterns (Newell et al .…”

“…Stutz et al (2023) evaluated the role of summer active legumes to support livestock finishing systems in southern Australia and finding that lucerne was the most reliable option on suitable soil types, but some alternative species were worthy of further investigation. Smith et al (2023) provided a comprehensive review of the potential role for strawberry clover. Hardseededness breakdown patterns (Newell et al 2023) and persistence of pasture legumes (Hayes et al 2023) were explored in south-eastern Australia where again the importance of understanding the phenology and seed characteristics was highlighted.…”