Molecular Breeding of Transgenic Virus-Immune White Clover (\u3cem\u3eTrifolium Repens\u3c/em\u3e) Cultivars

White clover (T. repens L.) is a major component of improved pastures throughout the temperate world. It is, however, highly susceptible to virus infection. Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), clover yellow vein virus (CYVV) and white clover mosaic virus (WCMV) all contribute to a significant reduction in dry matter yield and persistence of white clover. Sources of natural resistance to AMV in white clover or sexually compatible species are not available. Pathogen-derived resistance strategies, such as the expression of viral coat protein in transgenic plants, thus provides opportunities for the development of virus immune transgenic white clover