629

1.   629 is a 13 clone synthetic variety; derived from 7 experimental cage combinations, D 111, WL 307, WL 311 and Saranac AR. All source material had been screened for resistance to anthracnose, bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot and spotted alfalfa aphid. Parental clones were selected for fall growth, vigor and absence of foliar diseases. Parental germplasm was derived primarily from Vernal, Saranac, Saranac AR, Ranger and Vertus.

2.   629 is a winter hardy variety adapted for use in the midwestern and northeastern US for hay, haylage and dehydration purposes. It has been tested in the midwestern region and will be marketed in the midwestern, northeastern and Pacific Northwest regions.

3.   Approximately 74% of the flowers are dark purple to purple, 20% variegated, 5% blue, with a trace of cream and yellow. Mid-summer growth is erect, with fall growth similar to that of Ranger.

4.   629 has resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, stem nematode and pea aphid, and moderate resistance to Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose and spotted alfalfa aphid.

5.   Breeder seed (Syn. 1) was produced on the parent clones at Bakersfield, CA in 1977. Sufficient foundation seed was produced at Nampa, Idaho for the life of the variety. One generation each of breeder (Syn. 1), foundation (Syn. 2) and certified seed (Syn. 3) is recognized. A maximum of three harvest years are permitted for stand producing foundation seed, and five years for stands producing certified seed.

6.   Certified seed will be marketed in 1985.

7.   Application will not be made for Plant Variety Protection.