Description

Storm Large Leaf White Clover is a tall plant type that can aggressively compete and actively grow up through the sward. It offers excellent total forage production with exceptional yield potential across all seasons. Fast to establish, Storm is quick out of the ground, providing better competition with grasses and the potential to spray broadleaf weeds earlier. It also is persistent under grazing with high stolon density for a large leaf type clover. High production in winter and summer.

Key features

• Australian bred white clover
• Mid-maturity
• High forage production in winter  and summer
• Tall plant type that can aggressively compete in a mixed sward with ryegrass
• Stolen density high compared to other large leaf types
• Persistent under cutting and  remains dense

Key benefits

• High forage yield throughout all seasons (for a white clover)
• High stolon density for improved persistence
• Fast, vigorous establishment
• Excellent winter production for feed when you need it most
• Fixes nitrogen to drive grass  pasture growth

Product Fit

High performance, high output systems in the irrigation and higher rainfall regions – suited to use where other white clovers are used. May not be suited to very tight grazing under sheep.

Breeding History

Storm is an Irrigation by Tamar cross bred by the Victorian DPI. The key selection criteria included persistence, high production, with a specific focus on winter growth, leaf size and high stolon density.

Pest Resistance

Storm is susceptible to Red Legged Earth Mites (Halotydens destructor) and control measures will be required either prior to, or soon after germination. Other insects that need to be monitored carefully include Pea Aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), Blue Oat Mites (Penthaleus major) and Cut Worms (Agrotis munda).

Agronomy and management

White clover is generally sown as a component of a pasture mix with grasses. For sowing a pure stand multiply sowing rates by 2 – 3 times. White clover is tolerant of, and will persist under a wide range of management systems and has high feed value. Its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen makes a substantial contribution to the growth of companion grasses. White clover will grow over a wide range of soil and fertility conditions although a pH of 5.4 or higher with reasonable phosphorus levels is required for optimal results. It has poor tolerance of drought conditions and is best suited to medium-high rainfall or irrigation, where it will respond well to spring and summer moisture.