5311
1. 5311 is a 24 clone synthetic with parental clones replicated in
"cage isolation". Seed harvested from each clone and bulked in 1980 is
considered breeder seed (Syn 1). Parental clones were selected for one
or more of the following: Seed yield, bacterial wilt, spotted alfalfa
aphid and Phytophthora root rot. Parents trace through several
intermediate experimental lines to: 545, Agate, Vernal, Culver, Atra
55, Cherokee, Dawson, 520, 521, Conquest, Iroquois, Narragansett,
MSA--C4, MSB W--4, Ramsey, MSB--C4, Flemish, Kayseri and others with
small contributions. In addition, parental clones were evaluated for
forage yield and pest resistance using OP progeny tests at several
locations. Germplasm sources are: M. falcata (7%), Ladak (20%), M.
varia (47%), Turkistan (7%), Flemish (1%), Chilean (8%), Peruvian
(1%), and 9% unknown.
2. 5311 is adapted to and recommended for use in the northern regions of the U.S.A. and southeast regions of Canada for hay, haylage, greenchop and dehydration. The states in which 5311 have been tested are: Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, Illinois and Wisconsin. It has also been tested in the Province of Ontario, Canada. The variety has been tested using the following experimental designations: XAF31, YAF31, 80P--1 and 80P--2.
3. 5311 has a fall dormancy and winterhardiness similar to Ranger.
Flower color of the Syn 3 generation is approximately 81% purple, 19%
variegated and a trace of yellow, cream and white. Growth habit is
erect in mid summer and semi--erect in the fall.
4. 5311 has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt and pea aphid; resistance to Phytophthora root rot and spotted alfalfa aphid; moderate resistance to stem nematode and Verticillium wilt. Resistance to anthracnose and blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately determined.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on parent plants in "cage isolation" and bulked. Seed classes will be breeder, foundation (Syn 2 or Syn 3), and certified (Syn 3 or Syn 4). Foundation seed may be produced from breeder or foundation. The second generation foundation seed may be produced at the discretion of Pioneer Hi--Bred International, Inc. Limitation on age of stand for producing breeder, foundation, and certified seed will be one, three and five years, respectively. Sufficient breeder and foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Pioneer Hi--Bred International, Inc.
6. Seed will be marketed in the spring of 1991.
7. Application for Plant Variety Protection will be made and the certification option will not be requested.
8. As a means of added varietal protection, information included in the Application for Review of Alfalfa Varieties for Certification may be provided to the PVP office.