Phosphorus responses of Trifolium pallescens and T. occidentale, the progenitors of white clover (T. repens)

Context Rock phosphate reserves are decreasing, and requirements to mitigate environmental impacts of farming soils with excess phosphorus (P) increasing.Aims White clover is an allotetraploid hybrid between Trifolium pallescens T. occidentale. Understanding the P response characteristics these progenitor species will allow selection germplasm for development synthetic white clovers improved phosphorus-use efficiency (PUE).Methods Shoot root weights nutrition were compared three pallescens, six occidentale accessions, a cultivar in glasshouse experiment using low soil amended five rates P.Key results had highest most responsive shoot dry (DW), was least P. In treatment, %P lowest DW:total plant ratio. There significant variation among accessions. Spanish accessions comparable DW higher PUE. Traits indicated strong adaptation but productivity, while traits more aligned cultivar.Conclusions The substantial within could be exploited breeding programs.Implications Comparing responses wider range inform improve clover’s tolerance through clovers.