531

1.   Eight parental clones of 530 were selected for resistance to both anthracnose in the greenhouse and leptosphearulina leaf spot in the field to make up the parental clones of 531. The clones were also selected for resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid biotypes found in the lower San Joaquin Valley of California. Four of the clones were derived from Saranac and four from (Flemish and Vernal) and Flemish backcrosses.

2.   The variety will be merchandised in those states where 530 and Saranac are being used for hay, haylage, and de-hy. Forage yield tests have been conducted in Virginia, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Kansas.

3.   The flower color of 531 is approximately 97% purple, 2% variegated and less than 1% white. Growth habit is nearly erect. 531 is moderately winter-hardy similar to that of Saranac, based on fall dormancy tests. Resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid, green pea aphid, bacterial wilt and anthracnose is moderate. 531 has not been evaluated for stem nematode, Phytophthora root rot and leptosphearalina.

4.   Seed classes for 531 will be breeder, foundation and certified. Parental clones and breeder seed are maintained by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. Breeder seed is composed of bulk harvested seed produced in a cage or field isolation of the eight parental clones. Foundation seed may be produced only from breeder seed in the Northern area of adaptation. Certified seed may be produced on fields established with breeder and/or foundation seed. No other classes or generations will be recognized as 531.

5.   Seed will be first offered for sale in the spring of 1978.

6.   No application for Plant Variety Protection is contemplated.