Tolerance of Trifolium tumens (Talish Clover) to pre- and post-emergent herbicides

Trifolium tumens (Talish Clover) is a long-lived, deep rooting perennial legume, with the potential to be developed as a drought tolerant forage plant suitable for growing in low rainfall temperate regions. The research objective was to develop an effective herbicide program for management of weeds in seed crops of T. tumens during establishment. Glasshouse experiments were undertaken using 8 pre-emergent and 29 post-emergent herbicides. The effect of herbicides on plant numbers, leaf number, shoot number, leaf width, plant height, and damage rating, were recorded, and lists of potential pre- and post-emergent herbicides were assembled. Further field and glasshouse experiments will confirm acceptable rates of application for implementing a successful weed control program in seed crops of T. tumens.