The red clover breeding program at the Crops and Livestock Research Centre in Charlottetown has added a new member to its family of clover varieties. AC Christie will join AC Kingston, AC Charlie and AC Endure, all released within the last decade of the century.
Red clover is a short-lived perennial legume that's a key element in potato rotations.
The breeding program has focussed on winter hardiness and persistence, with a goal of getting at least two harvest years out of a planting. The variety is currently under seed increase and will be available to growers very soon. Meanwhile, researchers studying the role of red clover in rotations have become intrigued with the impact of bacteria on nitrogen levels. They are looking to see whether the clover, which is loaded with bacteria, adds some beneficial microorganisms that boost potato growth. The study will also take into account the role of nematodes.