WL 317
1. WL 317 is an 83 plant synthetic variety resulting from two cycles of phenotypic recurrent selection; the first for resistance to stem nematode and Verticillium wilt (sequentially within the same cycle), followed by one cycle for resistance to Phytophthora root rot. The source population resulted from an intercross between two WL experimental lines, one screened for anthracnose resistance and the other for Phytophthora root rot resistance. Parental germplasm traces primarily to Vernal, Vertus, Atlantic and Saranac, with a lesser contribution from Ranger. Approximate germplasm source contribution are: M. falcata - 6%, Ladak - 11%, M. varia - 38%, Turkistan - 4%, Flemish - 34%, and Chilean - 7%.
2. WL 317 is a fall-dormant variety adapted for use in the northern half of the U.S. for hay, haylage, and dehydration purposes. It has been tested for forage yield potential in NY, IL, MN, WI and WA.
3. Flower color of WL 317 at full bloom approximates 99% purple and 1% variegated flowers. Fall dormancy is similar to that of Ranger.
4. WL 317 has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, and Phytophthora root rot and pea aphid; resistance to Verticillium wilt, anthracnose (Race 1), spotted alfalfa aphid, and stem nematode; and moderate resistance to northern root knot nematode. Reaction to the blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately tested.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on 83 plants under cage isolation at Bakersfield, CA. Foundation (Syn 2) seed is being produced near Warden, WA. One generation of Breeder (Syn 1) and two generations each of Foundation (Syn 2 or 3) and Certified (Syn 3 or 4) seed are recognized. The maximum permitted length of stand for Foundation and certified seed fields are 3 and 5 years, respectively. Foundation seed must be produced above 40 degrees north latitude. Production of Syn 3 Foundation seed requires consent of the breeder.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1989.
7. Application will be made for Plant Variety Protection.
8. The information in this application is available to the PVP office.