1. DK143 is a synthetic variety with 11 parent clones. Parents were selected based on clonal and/or Px progeny tests for forage yield, forage quality, fall dormancy reaction, persistence, pest resistance and multifoliolate leaf expression from several breeding populations previously selected for resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1) and spotted alfalfa aphid. A combination of genotypic and phenotypic recurrent selection was used in the development of this variety. The parental populations from which all clones were derived trace to the following cultivars: Encore (20%), Prism (20%), Alfaleaf (20%), DK133 (15%), Achieva (15%), and Pacesetter (10%). Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata-5%, Ladak-5%, M. varia-27%, Turkistan-3%, Flemish-57%, and Chilean-3%.

2. DK143 is adapted to the North Central and East Central regions of the U.S. and intended for use in the northern and central U.S. It has been tested in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Pennsylvania.

3. Fall dormancy of DK143 is similar to Ranger and winter survival of this variety is similar to Vernal. Flower color in the Syn2 is 81% purple, 19% variegated, and a trace of white, cream and yellow. DK143 has greater multifoliate leaf expression than Multiking I.

4. DK143 has high resistance to bacterial wilt, anthracnose (race 1), pea aphid, and Phytophthora root rot; resistance to Aphanomyces root rot (race 1),Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, and northern root knot nematode; and moderate resistance to stem nematode. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid and spotted alfalfa aphid has not been tested.

5. Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of foundation and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn1), foundation (Syn2 or Syn3), and certified (Syn3 or Syn4) classes will be recognized. Production of Syn3 foundation seed requires the consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced at Caldwell, Idaho in 1992. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Forage Genetics. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.

6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1995.

7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection .

8. The information in this application can be forwarded to the PVP office.

9. Variety name: DK143

Experimental designations: FG 3B12

Date NA&MLVRB first accepted this variety: January 1995

Dates previous amendments were accepted: none

Date this amendment submitted: November 1, 1998