WL 357HQ 

1.  The selection criteria used in the development of this variety include forage yield, forage quality, persistence and resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose, Phytophthora root rot, and Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1).

2.  This variety is adapted to the North Central and East Central regions. This variety bas been tested in Wisconsin, Michigan and Kentucky and is intended for use in the North Central and East Central regions.

3.  Test variety is Moderately Fall Dormant, similar to FD5 checks. Test variety is Very Winterhardy, similar to WS2 checks. Flower color (Syn. 2) is 95% purple, 5% variegated with a trace of yellow, white and cream.

4.  This variety has high resistance to anthracnose (Race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, pea aphid and Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1); with resistance to stem nematode. Reactions to spotted alfalfa aphid, blue alfalfa aphid and root knot nematode have not been tested.

5.  Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations 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 consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced in the greenhouse in 1998 and in the field near Nampa, ID in 1999. Forage Genetics will maintain sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.

6.  Certified seed will be marketed in 2003.

7.  No decision bas been made concerning Plant Variety Protection Act.

8.  The information in this application may not be forwarded to the PVP office.

9.  Variety name:  WL 357HQ

     Date NA&MLVRB first accepted this variety:  January 2003

     Dates previous amendments were accepted:   None