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Author ORCID Identifier
0009-0001-8585-5731
Date Available
8-5-2026
Year of Publication
2026
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
College
Agriculture
Department/School/Program
Plant and Soil Sciences
Faculty
Chris Teutsch
Faculty
Arthur Hunt
Abstract
Low levels of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) have been shown to mitigate tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) toxicosis symptoms. This is because of the presence of plant-produced compounds known as isoflavones. Production of a red clover supplement on a commercial scale would require industrial-level processing of raw plant material into granules or pellets. The first study of this thesis evaluated the impact of drying temperature on bioavailability of isoflavones. Drying temperatures up to 104°C had minimal impact on isoflavone concentrations. Additionally, varietal differences in isoflavone concentrations were documented. The second study of this thesis evaluated optimal establishment timing for red clover production. Initial results indicated that fall establishment produced higher yields and fewer weeds. However, ongoing data collection in spring of 2026 indicated that plots established in the spring may be more productive in the year following establishment, potentially negating the initial yield advantage of fall establishment. In addition, it was determined that improved, regionally-adapted red clover varieties produced more biomass and had superior persistence. Collectively, these studies provide valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities for development of red clover-based feed supplements in transition states like Kentucky.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2026.398
Archival?
Archival
Funding Information
This study was supported by the United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement Grant (no.:58-5042-3-004) in 2024.
Recommended Citation
Stephens, Jonathan L., "RED CLOVER ISOFLAVONES AND ESTABLISHMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF TALL FESCUE TOXICOSIS MITIGATION IN THE MID-SOUTH" (2026). Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences. 212.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/pss_etds/212
