123

1.   123 is a synthetic made up of 7 parental clones all of Vernal origin. These 7 parental clones were chosen initially from 294 clones tested in replicated clonal nursery trials for 2 years at West Chicago, Ill./and for seed yield at Woodland, Calif. The 7 parent clones of 123 were the highest in average specific combining ability among 13 included in a complete diallel evaluated for 2 years at Atlanta, Illinois.

2.   123 is intended for use as in long duration stands for hay in the areas where Vernal and comparable winter hardy varieties now are most widely used. 123 has been or is being tested in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, North Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, and Ohio plus Canada. Intended marketing will be in the major area of its adaptation.

3.   Flower colors are blue to purple with approximately 1% yellow. In California, early spring and late fall growth of 123 is comparable to Vernal in growth habit uniformity, normal growth of 12-14 inches occurs after September seed harvest, and dormant after November 1. Growth habit is upright, similar in height to Ranger. Susceptible to spotted alfalfa aphid.

4.   Breeder seed produced in isolation from stands established with rooted cuttings of 7 parental clones. Breeder seed field inspected by California Crop Improvement Association. Foundation seed produced in Idaho from stands established with breeder seed and inspected by Idaho Crop Improvement Association. Certified seed may be produced from either foundation or breeder seed stocks. Only seed produced from foundation or breeder seed will be recognized as 123 by the originators of this variety.

5.   1968.