This study aims to identify morpho-productive traits with predictive value for the efficient selection of Trifolium repens L. genotypes, a forage legume species of high agronomic and ecological importance. Due to its high protein content, adaptability, and nitrogen-fixing capacity, white clover is a key component of both permanent and sown pastures and represents an important target in breeding programs. The biological material consisted of 57 genotypes collected from Romania’s natural flora (forest-steppe area of Banat), tested in 2023 in the experimental fields of SCDA Lovrin. Following the selection process, 24 clones labeled T1–T24 were retained in 2024 for detailed biometric observations and measurements. The analysis of phenotypic variability and trait correlations aimed to identify useful indicators for selection within the breeding program. The results of phenotypic variability analysis revealed significant differences among Trifolium repens L. genotypes for most of the morpho-productive traits, confirming valuable selection potential. Traits such as clone diameter, number and height of generative shoots showed significant positive correlations with the number of inflorescences, recommending them as effective predictors of reproductive potential. A perfect correlation (r = 1.0) between the number of generative shoots and inflorescences highlights a direct relationship between generative vegetative structure and flowering capacity. Although less influential on yield, stable traits such as the number of leaves per shoot may still have value in indirect selection. The white clover genotypes T11, T12, T13, and T14 stood out through superior performance and are recommended for further testing, due to their high potential expressed through vigorous vegetative and generative development. The study provides a scientific basis for the use of morpho-productive traits as indirect, rapid, and effective tools in white clover breeding, with the potential to accelerate the selection cycle and support the development of productive cultivars well adapted to the agroecological conditions of Western Romania.
BOSTAN et al. (Wed,) studied this question.