Evaluation of genetic resources of egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.)

Five hundred and fifty three germplasm accessions of Egyptian clover, commonly known as berseem (Trifolium a1exandrinum L.) collected from various parts of India were evaluated for quantitative attributes of green and dry matter yield. Limited amount of variability was observed for various characters. All the characters were significantly and positively correlated with green and dry fodder yield. Plant height had maximum direct effect and indirect effect via green fodder yield. A few lines namely HFB 163, 188 and 155 were better in both green fodder yield/plant and dry matter yield/plant, whereas genotypes HFB158, 173 and 136 possessed desirable height and HFB 260, 214 and 209 possessed high number of tillers/plant. Their use in breeding programmes to develop ideal plant types in Egyptian clover has been discussed.