Download a copy of the Losa sub-clover factsheet.
Losa is a black seeded Sub clover that belongs to the ssp. subterraneum family. It was derived from several elite lines of Sardinian germplasm and therefore is well suited to Mediterranean and temperate climates. Losa demonstrates a prostate to semi erect growth habit and persists well on various soil types. It has been selected for its superior early vigour and improved autumn and spring production, compared to other early season varieties such as Dalkeith. Losa requires a minimum growing season of 4 months. Its early vigour allows for quick ground coverage which is extremely important in low rainfall situations. Losa is a suitable replacement to Daliak, Geraldton and Dalkeith. The early maturity and hard seed levels of Losa makes it suited to medium term cropping rotations. Losa will provide the benefits of fixing soil nitrogen while also providing an effective disease break.
Key features
- Early season maturity - 97 days to flowering (Perth)
- More productive replacement for Dalkeith and Daliak
- Improved early vigour
- Very leafy variety forming a dense erect sward
- Suited to lower rainfall areas and cropping rotations
- High level of hard seed (30%) for good regeneration and persistence
Key benefits
- Losa exhibits superior early vigour (much higher than that of other early season varieties) and allows for quick ground coverage which is extremely important in low rainfall situations
- In trials conducted over a number of seasons, Losa has demonstrated dry matter yields far superior to varieties such as Daliak
- This superiority is related to the outstanding ability of Losa to self regenerate, resulting in its dry matter yields increasing from year to year
Pest resistance
Losa, as with all sub-clovers, is susceptible to red legged earth mites (Halotydeus destructor), blue-green aphids (Acyrthosiphon kondoi), blue oat mites (Penthaleus major) and spotted alfalfa aphids (Therioaphis trifolii). Therefore control is essential at the early seedling stage and appropriate pest management must be implemented as required.
Disease resistance / tolerance
Losa has demonstrated moderate resistance to clover scorch (Kabatiella caulivora). It is moderately susceptible to root rots caused by Pythium (Pythium spp.) and Fusarium (Fusarium spp.). As Losa is generally grown in dry, low rainfall environments, so the disease pressure of Pythium and Fusarium is significantly reduced and not considered a disadvantage under these growing conditions.
Agronomy and management
Regeneration - Losa has the ability to produce more seed as well as provide higher levels of hard seed (30%) compared to varieties such as Dalkeith and Geralton. This characteristic allows Losa to build up a greater reserve of seed in the soil over time, thus enhancing persistence and productivity for many years, particularly in cropping rotations.
Grazing - Losa has demonstrated excellent autumn, winter and spring growth levels. It’s a very “leafy” variety which forms dense swards which makes it ideal for grazing. It has demonstrated superior plant regeneration, compared to Daliak and Seaton park. Summer grazing should be monitored carefully in low rainfall areas.
Performance
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.