DS-547
(Experimental Designation)
1. DS-547 is a 45 clone synthetic variety developed by Dairyland Research International, Clinton, Wisconsin. Parental clones traced to Magnum + (12), Iroquois (7), MSB-CW5AN3 (5), Vertus (4), Lahontan (2), PI206452 (2), Vernal (1), and derivatives of our experimental breeding lines from an unknown source (12). Parental clones were selected based on progeny tests for one or more of the following traits: forage yield, stand persistence, winter hardiness, seed yield, and resistance to bacterial wilt, Phytophthora root rot, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose, and Verticillium wilt. Parental clones were planted in a cage and interpollinated by bees to produce Syn. 1 as breeder seed for the first time in 1982. Germplasm sources trace to 7 percent M. falcata, 8 percent Ladak, 20 percent M. varia, 18 percent Turkistan, 22 percent Flemish, 5 percent Chilean, and 20 percent unknown.
2. DS-547 has been tested in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois. It will be marketed in Midwest states (WI, MI, MN, IA, IL, etc). The primary purpose will be for hay, greenchop, and dehydration.
3. Flower color is approximately 78 percent purple, 21 percent variegated, 1/2 percent yellow, and 1/2 percent cream. It is a moderately dormant variety similar to "Saranac".
4. This variety has high resistance to bacterial wilt, resistance to Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose, and Verticillium wilt. It has not been tested for stem nematode, pea aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid and blue aphid.
5. Breeder seed has been produced from cuttings of the parental clones in a cage as Syn 1. Breeder seed (Syn. 1) was grown for the expected life of the variety and will be kept separate from year to year. Foundation seed will be produced from Breeder seed and Certified seed either from Breeder or Foundation seed. One generation each of Breeder, Foundation, and Certified seed class is recognized. A maximum of three years each is permitted on stands producing Breeder and Foundation seed with five years for Certified seed.
6. Certified seed will be available for sale in 1989.
7. It is undecided whether Plant Variety Protection will be applied for.
8. Information on this application may be turned over to the Plant Variety Protection office.