1. Belmont is a synthetic alfalfa
variety selected from WL 316 (40%), Apollo II (30%), Oneida VR (10%), Trumpetor
(10%), and Vernema (10%) by recurrent selection for resistance to Verticillium
wilt, anthracnose, Phytophthora, spotted alfalfa aphid, pea aphid, and
blue alfalfa aphid followed by multiple strain crosses. The germplasm sources
of Belmont
are estimated to be 50% Flemish
and 50% unknown.
2. Belmont is intended for use as hay, haylage, greenchop, and dehydration products in the Northeastern and Central United States. It has been tested in Wisconsin, Iowa, Pennsylvania, New York and Georgia.
3. Fall dormancy (fall growth) is similar to DuPuits. Flower color is 86% purple, 14% variegated with a trace of cream flowered plants.
4. Belmont has high resistance to anthracnose (race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, pea aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid and resistance to Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, stem nematode, blue alfalfa aphid and anthracnose (race 2).
5. Seed increase is on a limited
generation basis with one generation each of breeder, foundation and certified
seed classes: i.e., breeder (Syn 1), foundation (Syn 2), certified (Syn
3). Breeder seed was produced under isolation in Apex, NC. Foundation and
certified classes are produced by Great Plains Research Company, Inc. under
contact with
seed growers. Age of stand for
seed production for breeder, foundation and certified seed is 1, 2 and
6 years, respectively. Breeder and foundation seed stocks are maintained
by Great Plains Research Company, Inc.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1991.
7. Application will be made for Plant Variety Protection under the Act. The certification option will not be requested.
8. This information can be forwarded
to the PVP office.