Dart
1. Dart is a 117-clone synthetic variety. Parent clones were selected following
3 or 4 cycles of field selection for resistance to Verticillium wilt, from
populations which had previously been screened for winter survival plus resistance to Phytophthora
root rot, anthracnose, bacterial wilt and Fusarium wilt. Parentage traces
predominately (in order of contribution) to Apollo II, Endure, Saranac AR, Anchor, Apollo
and WL-318.
2. Dart is intended for use in the northern region of the U.S. as hay, haylage, greenchop or dehy production. It has been tested in Iowa, Illinois, Idaho, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
3. Fall dormancy is similar to Saranac. Flower color of foundation generation is approximately 77% purple and 23% variegated.
4. Dart has high resistance to Phytophthora root rot, bacterial wilt and Fusarium wilt, resistance to anthracnose and Verticillium wilt and moderate resistance to potato leafhopper yellowing. Reaction to pea aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid and stem nematode has not been adequately tested.
5. Breeder (Syn 1) seed was produced on cuttings at Nampa, Idaho, and is held in cold storage. Seed increase is limited to one generation each of breeder, foundation, and certified classes. Certified seed may be produced from either breeder or foundation seed. A 3 and 6 year stand is permitted on fields producing foundation and certified seed respectively. Foundation seed production is limited to the northern region of adaptation.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1986.
7. Application for Plant Variety Protection has been made and the certification option was not requested.