berseem is an important crop of
Answers
Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is one of the most important leguminous forages in the Mediterranean region and in the Middle-East. Berseem is an annual, sparsely hairy, erect forage legume, 30 to 80 cm high (Hackney et al., 2007; Hannaway et al., 2004; Suttie, 1999). Berseem has a shallow taproot. Its stems are hollow, branching at the base, with alternate leaves bearing 4-5 cm long x 2-3 cm broad leaflets. Flowers are yellowish-white and form dense, elliptical clustered heads about 2 cm in diameter. The flowers must be cross-pollinated by honey bees to produce seeds. The fruit is a pod containing one single white to purplish-red seed (Smoliak et al., 2006). Berseem is a variable species that can be classified into four cultivars groups according to their branching behaviour and subsequent productivity. Highly branching and productive types are Miscawi and Kahdrawi (Hannaway et al., 2004; Suttie, 1999).
Berseem is a fast growing, high quality forage that is mainly cut and fed as green chopped forage. It is often compared to alfalfa, due to its comparable feed value. However, unlike alfalfa, it has never been reported to cause bloat. It is slightly less drought-resistant but does better on high moisture and alkalinic soils. Moreover, berseem can be sown in early autumn and can thus provide feed before and during the colder months (Suttie, 1999). It is very productive when temperatures rise after winter (Hannaway et al., 2004; Suttie, 1999). The seeds are abundant under favourable conditions. Berseem can also be made into silage with oats or be fed chaffed and mixed with chopped straw (Hannaway et al., 2004; Suttie, 1999). Grazing is possible though less common than cutting. Berseem clover can also be used as green manure crop (Hannaway et al., 2004).
Distribution