WL 457
1. WL 457 is a 250 clone synthetic variety. Parental clones were derived from two experimental varieties which had been screened for resistance to one or more of the following: anthracnose, Phytophthora root rot, spotted alfalfa aphid, blue alfalfa aphid, stem nematode, and bacterial wilt. Both experimental varieties exhibited excellent persistence and yield potential in forage yield tests at Bakersfield, CA. The two populations were recombined and screened for resistance to blue alfalfa aphid, stem nematode and anthracnose. Germplasm traces primarily to WL 512, WL 450, WL 504, and WL 600. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata - 3%, Ladak - 2%, M. varia - 7%, Turkistan - 15%, Flemish - 5%, Chilean - 15%, Indian - 31%, and African - 22%.
2. WL 457 is a non-dormant variety adapted for use in the southern U.S. for hay, haylage, and dehydration purposes. WL 457 has been tested for forage yield in California and Georgia.
3. Fall dormancy is similar to Mesilla. Flower color is 99% purple and 1% variegated. Midsummer and fall growth is erect.
4. WL 457 has high resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid, blue alfalfa aphid, pea aphid, stem nematode, and Fusarium wilt; resistance to Phytophthora root rot; moderate resistance to bacterial wilt: and low resistance to anthracnose. Its reaction to Verticillium wilt has not been evaluated.
5. Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations each of foundation and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn. 1), foundation (Syn. 2 or Syn. 3) and certified (Syn. 3 or Syn. 4) classes will be recognized. Production of Syn. 3 foundation seed requires the consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation at Bakersfield, CA. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by W-L Research.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1990.
7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.