Durana White Clover in Deep South.
This review is based on independent university trial data and public extension publications, not seed-company marketing materials. Trial source for this review: University of Georgia Forage Variety Trials, Auburn Forage Research.
Bield: Farm has no seed-company sponsorship. We do not earn affiliate commissions on seed sales.
Performance scorecard
Durana White Clover
Yield in Deep South
Disease resistance — relevant to Deep South
- Sclerotinia crown and stem rotGood
- Pythium root rotGood
Agronomic ratings
- Drought toleranceGood
- StandabilityGood
- EmergenceGood
- Winter hardinessN/A
Food plot ratings
- PalatabilityExcellent
- PersistenceExcellent
- Establishmentmoderate
Attraction timingMarch through hard frost — most-attractive perennial food plot species in the Deep South
Clover as a hunting food plot.
Clover is the single most important food plot species for whitetail deer. Permanent clover plots produce summer protein and fall attraction year after year. Plan your clover food plot in Bield: Hunt for peak rut timing.
Regional strengths
Durana is the most thoroughly tested ladino white clover variety for Southeast food plot and pasture use. UGA forage program data has documented Durana's stand persistence at 5+ years in well-managed Deep South plots — substantially longer than older varieties like Regal or Will Ladino. Heat tolerance and grazing tolerance are both class-leading.
Regional weaknesses
Durana stand establishment requires careful seedbed preparation, soil-test-driven liming to pH 6.2+, and patient management through the first summer — fast-establishment is not Durana's strength. On unimproved acidic Coastal Plain sand, Durana will struggle even with attention. Very heavy continuous browse on small (<1 acre) plots can still overwhelm even Durana's grazing tolerance.
Recommended for
- Deep South food plots with managed pH (6.2+)
- permanent perennial pastures
- year-round attraction systems
Not recommended for
- unimproved low-pH soils without lime
- very small (<0.5 acre) plots with heavy browse pressure
Where this data comes from
Clover variety trials in Deep South
Independent · Public UniversityThese results come from independent university variety trials — not seed company marketing materials. Variety entries, planting dates, and harvest measurements are controlled by the trial program. Land-grant universities publish full results annually.
- University of Georgia Forage Trialsgeorgiaforages.caes.uga.edu ↗
- Auburn Crops Extensionwww.aces.edu ↗
- Mississippi State Variety Trialswww.mafes.msstate.edu/variety-trials ↗
- Clemson Cooperative Extensionwww.clemson.edu/extension ↗
Trial reports are typically released in January–March of the year following harvest. For Clovervariety selection, the most recent year’s report is the most relevant data source.
Agronomic fit — Deep South
Humid subtropical with very long growing seasons, hot summers, and short mild winters. Heat tolerance and disease resistance dominate variety selection.
Durana White Clover as a food plot.
This variety is widely used in food plots for whitetail deer, wild turkey. Attraction timing: march through hard frost — most-attractive perennial food plot species in the deep south.
Clover as a hunting food plot.
Clover is the single most important food plot species for whitetail deer. Permanent clover plots produce summer protein and fall attraction year after year. Plan your clover food plot in Bield: Hunt for peak rut timing.
Trait package & sourcing
“Durana is the most widely-recommended white clover variety in National Deer Association food plot literature for the Deep South. Multi-year reports from food plotters in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi consistently rank it at the top of the persistence category.”
These observations are from farmer and hunter community reports — they have not been independently verified.
Compare alternatives in Deep South
Comparison — Clover in Deep South
2 varieties| Metric | Durana White CloverPerennial; 2–4 month establishment to full stand | Patriot White CloverPerennial; 2–4 month establishment |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | Excellent | Good |
| Data quality | University Trial Data | University Trial Data |
| GMO | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
| Drought tolerance | Good | Good |
| Standability | Good | Good |
| Sclerotinia crown and stem rot | Good | Good |
| Pythium root rot | Good | Unknown |
| Seeding rate | 5–8 lb/acre pure stand; 3–5 lb/acre overseeded into existing grass | 5–8 lb/acre |
Cell tinting reflects best (green) / worst (amber) within this comparison only. Always verify against the latest extension trial report for Deep South before purchase decisions.
Variety performance data changes as new genetics enter the market. Always consult your local extension service for the most current trial data — this is especially important for corn and soybean entries, where trait packages and disease ratings shift annually.
Related
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