Download a copy of the Laser Persian Clover factsheet.
Laser (Trifolium resupinatum var. majus) is a soft seeded Persian Clover with a semi erect to erect growth habit that demonstrates late season maturity. This late maturity makes Laser well suited to areas with a long growing season. Laser produces large numbers of thin walled, hollowed stems, which contribute to the erect and bushy appearance. It is also well adapted to various soil types, tolerant to waterlogging and mild soil salinity. Laser was developed as a superior replacement for Maral, providing improved herbage production and Rust resistance.
Laser is very palatable, highly digestible (16–24% crude protein) and is well suited to multiple hay cuts, grazing or silage production. It can be successfully used in pasture mixes with ryegrass or oats to increase winter production. Laser Persian Clover is an effective disease break in cropping rotation and has the ability to fix high levels of soil nitrogen.
Laser Persian clover will also assist in the management of problem weeds, including those that are herbicide resistant.
Key features
- Late season Persian - approx 165 days to flowering
- Well suited to irrigation and summer rainfall
- Suitable for multiple grazings and/or hay/silage cuts
- Used for fodder cropping and HDL mixes
- Improved resistance to Rust compared to Maral/Shaftal
- Superior and genetically pure replacement for Shaftal
- Suitable to mix with winter active, short term ryegrass
- Long season growth
Key benefits
- Laser is well adapted to various soil types, tolerating both mild-waterlogging and mild soil salinity. This allows it to be used in a variety of regions throughout Australia.
- Laser is a large improvement over Shaftal, resulting in higher herbage production and Rust resistance
- With a later maturity than Shaftal, Laser is more suitable for ryegrass hay/silage mixes to hold quality for longer into the season
Agronomy and management
Laser is a very soft seeded variety and will require re-sowing. It is recommended that Laser only be used as a one year rotational crop, as Rust (Uromyces trifoliirepentis) can cause losses if consecutive crops are produced. Laser is well suited to hay and silage but not tolerant to heavy grazing and should be treated as a fodder crop and grazed rotationally.
Suggested sowing rates
The recommended planting rate for Laser Persian clover is:
Pure: 7–12kg/ha
Mixes: 3–6kg/ha
Disease resistance/tolerance
Laser is resistant to Clover Scorch (Kabatiella caulivora) and has low resistance to Rust (Uromyces trifolii-repentis) on stems and leaves.
Pest resistance
Persian Clovers are susceptible to attack from Lucerne Flea (Sminthurus viridis) and Red Legged Earth Mites (Halotydens destructor). Control measures will need to take place as required.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this brochure is from official and other sources and is considered to be reliable. It is provided in good faith and every care has been taken to ensure its accuracy. Barenbrug does not accept any responsibility for the consequences that may arise from the acceptance of recommendations or the suggestions made.