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Bred in Australia to be an improvement on the common variety Riverina, Franklin has superior field performance and low formononetin levels, making it safe for grazing animals by reducing the risk of infertility problems. Due to its vigorous, upright growth habit and performance within a pasture sword, Franklin produces quality feed, hay, silage and grazing opportunities.
Franklin subterranean clover thrives as a permanent/semipermanent pasture, in hot dry summers and in areas where the growing season extends into November. Franklin can be sown into a wide range of soil types; it is well adapted to loamy/clay soils with good water retention, moderately acidic soils that are prone to waterlogging and flood irrigation systems as a break crop option.
Franklin has demonstrated similar “days to first flower” as Riverina based on an early May sowing in Perth, Western Australia.
Sowing rate (mixed): 6-10kg/ha
Sowing rate (sole): 15-20kg/ha
Across all trials, Franklin produced higher autumn/winter and winter/ spring total dry matter than Riverina.
Similar susceptibility to powdery mildew (Oidium sp.)in comparison to other ssp. yanninicum cultivars. Higher resistance to both Race 1 and 2 of clover scorch (Kabatatiella caulivora) than Riverina. This is due to both the breeding of Franklin and due to it belonging to sub clover subspecies yanninicum, which has greater waterlogging tolerance than both subspecies subterraneum and brachycalycinum.
Similar susceptibility to redlegged earth mites (RLEM, Halotydeus destructor) in comparison to other ssp. yanninicum cultivars.
After the autumn break, sow Franklin into a finely prepared seed bed (approximately 1–1.5 cm deep). As Yanninicum subterranean clovers tend to have larger seeds than other subterranean, they require a higher sowing rate of at least 6-10kg per hectare within a seed mix. This will help to ensure adequate plant numbers establish within a pasture stand. Additional care is needed if sowing into dry conditions or after late autumn breaks.
(Establishing/new pastures)
Franklin is safe to graze after 6-8 trifoliates have developed and a height of 10-15 cm (4-6 inches)has been reached. This typically occurs around 8-10 weeks after planting, depending on growing conditions. Grazing too early can damage the young plants and reduce their ability to establish a strong root system. Ensure the soil is not too wet when grazing to avoid damaging the clover and compacting the soil. If grazing early, monitor newly sown pastures carefully to avoid overgrazing/causing plants to pull. Consider light grazing during the establishment phase to help control weeds and promote dense, low growing vegetation.
(Established pastures)
Consider heavier grazing up to the flowering stage to enhance seed production. Once flowering starts, decrease grazing/stocking rates to maximise seed set and future regeneration. A good seed set is vital for the regeneration and persistence of subterranean clovers in subsequent years.
A grass blend including Franklin can be used for making hay and silage. However, it is recommended to avoid this in the first year to aid with seed set and regeneration in following years.
For clover seed sowing rates specific to your farming needs, contact your local DLF Seeds Sales Agronomist here.
Joint venture: Franklin was developed by the Annual Legume Breeding Australia (ALBA) joint venture between The University of Western Australia and DLF Seeds with prior contributions by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (Western Australia).
Minimum 450mm rainfall per annum unless irrigated
