Reseeding of crimson clover

Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) is a prominent cool-season annual legume used for overseeding warm-season perennial grasses in the southeastern US. Annual seed and establishment costs could be avoided if crimson clover could be managed for successful reseeding. Seven crimson clover cultivars were evaluated for their reseeding potential in northeast Texas when grazing was terminated at 2-week intervals from April 1 to May 13. None of the varieties flowered and produced seed at the May 13 grazing termination date (GTD) and only 'Columbus' did at the April 29 GTD. Grazing crimson clover until April 15 in northeast Texas did not reduce flower density, seed production or seed wt/flower. Hard seed percentage averaged about 35% after seed harvest but decreased to 12% by 90 days later. 'Flame' and 'Auburn' had the best volunteer seedling density the following fall and Columbus and 'Tibbee' the worst. Reseeding potential of crimson clover needs to be improved by selecting for increased hard seed percentages and slower rate of seed softening during the summer.