Changes in sward structure, plant morphology and growth of perennial ryegrass–white clover swards over winter

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is at a disadvantage to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.; PRG) due its limited cold tolerance and low growth rates colder temperatures, which can affect subsequent spring herbage dry matter (DM) availability. The effect of PRG ploidy on white morphology over winter, recovery in the following growing season, poorly understood. objective this study was compare inclusion sward structure, plant PRG–white swards winter. Four (diploid only, tetraploid diploid clover) were evaluated full winter period (November–February) farmlet scale. had no DM production, content or tissue turnover (P > 0.05) However, caused significant decrease production < 0.001; −254 kg DM/ha) tiller density −1,953 tillers/m 2 ) Stolon mass not affected by 0.05); however, stolon length number leaves per 0.05). Including alter dynamics, potentially causing difficulties management performance reduced over-winter rate when compared with PRG.