524

1.   Nine clones were selected for green plant color under a heavy infestation of potato leafhoppers following spotted alfalfa aphid. The clones were previously evaluated for forage yield, seed production, and resistance to bacterial wilt and spotted alfalfa aphid. Parentage includes one clone from each of the following sources: AWPX, MSB-W4, PI 251205, ATRA 55, Saranac and Vernal; and two clones trace to Culver.

2.   The proposed area of adaptation and usage are the same as for 520 and Vernal. Forage yield evaluation has been in New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska.

3.   Flower color is comprised of approximately 70% purple, 27% variegated and 3% cream and yellow. Growth habit is semi-erect. 524 has moderate resistance to bacterial wilt, to biotypes of spotted alfalfa aphid found in the San Joaquin Valley of California, downy mildew and potato leafhopper yellowing. Resistance to anthracnose is low. Ratings for pea aphid, Phytophthora root rot and stem nematode have not been determined.

4.   Seed classes for 524 will be breeder, foundation and certified. Breeder seed is composed of bulk harvested seed produced in a cage or in field isolation of the nine parent clones. Foundation seed will be produced only from breeder seed in the Northern region of adaptation. Certified seed will be produced in fields established with breeder and/or foundation seed. No other class or generation will be recognized as 524.

5.   Seed will be first offered for sale in the spring of 1978.

6.   No application for Plant Variety Protection is contemplated.