1. Runner is a synthetic variety with 14 parent plants. Parent plants are the results of two cycles of phenotypic selection for vigorous plants with the creeping-root habit and high seed yield potential. The first cycle was initiated from crosses of selected strong creeping-rooted plants from Spredor 2 with experimental Fl crosses. Approxixnategermplasm source contributions are: M. falcata(20%), Ladak (18%), M. varia (24%), Flemish (10%), Chilean (1%), and unknown (27%).
2. Runner is adapted to and intended for use on well drained soils in the northern region of the United States. Primary use will be for hay. It has been tested in Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
3. Approximately 65% of the flowers are variegated, 35% purple with a trace of white, yellow or cream. Fall dormancy is similar to Norseman. Thirty percent of plants exhibited the creeping-rooted characteristic under spaced planted conditions at Kenyon, Minnesota 2 years after planting.
4. Runner has resistance to bacterial wilt and Fusarium wilt. It has low resistance to the stem nematode. It is susceptible to anthracnose (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, Verticillium wilt, pea aphid and the spotted alfalfa aphid. Reactions to blue alfalfa aphid, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), and root-knot nematode have not been determined.
5. Sufficient breeder seed was produced and will be maintained by Green Genes, Inc. near Adrian, OR under controlled environmental conditions to last the life ofthe variety. One generation each ofbreeder (Syn 2), foundation(Syn 3), and certified (Syn 3 or 4) is recognized. Up to 2 harvest years are permitted on stands producing foundation seed with 6 years allowed on certified production. Foundation seed production will be permitted in Nevada, Oregon, or Idaho. There are no restrictions on the area of production of certified seed. Breeder seed was produced in 1987.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in the fall of 1994.
7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection.
8. Information in this application may be turned over to the PVP office.