Evaluating Species Diversity and Distribution using Ecological Niche Modeling and Diva-GIS in Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.)- A Temperate Forage Legume

Trifolium pratense L. (red clover) is a temperate, leguminous pasture crop cultivated in the Himalayan region, primarily as a fodder source for livestock. Its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and function effectively as a cover crop enables it to thrive as a companion legume in grass-legume mixtures. Beyond its local utility, red clover holds global significance for fodder security and the conservation of agro-biodiversity in the present climatic regime.

The present study employed novel ecological niche modelling (ENM) to identify ecologically suitable regions for the cultivation of red clover in India for the first time. Additionally, DIVA-GIS software was used to analyse the diversity and distribution patterns of Trifolium pratense L. within a defined ecological framework.

The study identified 26 districts across three Indian states/Union Territories as suitable for red clover cultivation and on-farm conservation: 16 districts in Jammu and Kashmir (J and K), 6 in Himachal Pradesh and 4 in Uttarakhand. Agronomic characterization of 26 red clover accessions collected from various locations in Jammu and Kashmir revealed notable variability in several traits, including plant height (34.8-64.6 cm), leaf length (22.8-65.4 mm), leaf width (13.7-45.5 mm), floret number per flower head (30.2-74.3) and dry matter yield per plant (18.0-49.4 g). Nutritional analysis also demonstrated variation in crude protein content (20.2-23.6%), neutral detergent fibre (48.3-54.2%) and acid detergent fibre (37.2-42.8%). DIVA-GIS analysis highlighted the existence of diversity-rich pockets in the southwestern region of Jammu and Kashmir. These areas represent valuable reservoirs of genetic diversity and could play a crucial role in conservation strategies while offering insights into the taxonomy, origin and evolution of the species in the Himalayan region.