Global Research Trends and Hotspots in White Clover ( Trifolium repens L.) Responses to Drought Stress (1990–2024)

Xiaolin Deng, Xiangtao Wang, Yuting Yang, Junqin Li, Yang Gao (), Haiyan Huang, Yu Zhang, Jing Du and Puchang Wang ()
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Xiaolin Deng: School of Karst Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
Xiangtao Wang: School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
Yuting Yang: School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
Junqin Li: School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
Yang Gao: School of Karst Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
Haiyan Huang: School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
Yu Zhang: School of Karst Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
Jing Du: School of Karst Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
Puchang Wang: School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-24

Abstract: White clover ( Trifolium repens L.) is cultivated worldwide as a forage crop, green manure, and turfgrass, valued for its adaptability and broad distribution. Although numerous studies have investigated the adverse effects of drought stress on white clover growth and yield, a comprehensive bibliometric review has been lacking. To address this gap, we analyzed relevant publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (1990–2024) using VOSviewer (1.6.19.0) and R (4.3.1) software. Our findings reveal a consistent annual increase in research outputs, indicating sustained scholarly efforts to enhance white clover’s drought tolerance. China, New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and France lead in publication volume and maintain active international collaborations. Keyword co-occurrence analysis underscores the importance of phenotypic, physiological, and molecular mechanisms linked to drought resistance, particularly regarding plant growth and yield. Emerging directions include further exploration of transgenic technologies and molecular pathways to bolster white clover’s resilience under water-limited conditions. Overall, these insights offer a theoretical foundation for future research and provide a valuable reference for advancing sustainable agricultural practices in arid and semi-arid environments.

Keywords: white clover; drought; plant growth; yield; bibliometric analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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