ABSTRACT
It is a fact that forage is a significant component in the diet of small and large ruminants. Production of sufficient quality forage is a challenge for an efficient and productive livestock industry. Egyptian clover (berseem) is called the king of fodders because of its succulent green leaves, stem, and quick regeneration power. It enriches the soil by atmospheric nitrogen fixing. Red clover is also a significant forage in temperate climates. It is also grown in subtropical regions at high altitudes and is a highly productive forage used for pasture, direct feeding to animals, hay, and silage making. Like other crops, several plant pathogens attack and cause disease in these two clover species, hinder crop growth productivity, and reduce nutritional content. This chapter provides a detailed description of the stem and crown rot that emerged as a widespread disease, causing severe berseem crop losses in the Indian sub-continent during the past few years. We have completed a (Punjab Agricultural Research Board, Pakistan funded) research project on this disease’s etiology and management. This chapter also describes the etiology, development, and control of important diseases other than this disease. This chapter focuses on fungal diseases (Stemphylium leaf spot, Curvularia lunata leaf spot), viral diseases (mosaic disease), and root-knot nematode disease in berseem clover. It also sheds light on the various diseases of red clover and briefly introduces almost all the reported diseases of this clover.
