1. Attainer is a 145-plant synthetic variety resulting from phenotypic recurrent selection for high forage quality (high crude protein, low acid and neutral detergent fibers) using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS). Source material traces to two elite experimental lines selected for resistance to Phytophthora root rot and Verticillium wilt. Subsequent selection was performed for winterhardiness in a field nursery at Evansville, WI. Parental germplasm traces to Thrive, Arrow, Vertus, Vernal, and Ranger. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata -9%; Ladak -16%; M. varia -28%; Turkistan -6%; Flemish -37%; and Chilean -4%.
2. Attainer is adapted to and intended for use in the northeast, north central, and northwestern U.S. Attainer has been yield tested in New York, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Washington.
3. Flower color of Attainer at Syn 2 approximates 97% purple and 3% variegated with traces of cream, white, and yellow. Its fall dormancy is similar to that of Ranger. Attainer appears to have high forage quality (high crude protein, low acid and neutral detergent fibers), similar to WL 322 HQ.
4. Attainer has high resistance to anthracnose (Race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and Verticillium wilt; resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid and pea aphid; moderate resistance to stem nematode; and low resistance to Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1). Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid and root knot nematode has not been adequately tested.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced
in 1990 on 145 plants under cage isolation at Bakersfield, CA. Sufficient
Foundation (Syn 2) seed was produced near Nampa, ID for the expected life
of the variety and will be maintained by W-L Research. One generation of
Breeder (Syn 1) and two generations each of Foundation (Syn 2 or 3) and
Certified (Syn 3
or 4) seed are recognized. The
maximum permitted length of stand for Foundation and Certified seed fields
are 3 and 5 years, respectively. Foundation seed must be produced
above 40 degrees North latitude. Production of Syn 3 Foundation seed
requires consent of the breeder.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1993.
7. It is undecided whether application will be made for Plant Variety Protection.
8. The information in this application
is available to the PVP office.