86-20

1.   86-20 is a synthetic variety composed of 64 plants selected for resistance to stem nematode. Source material traces to an elite breed-line selected for resistance to Phytophthora root rot, bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt. Subsequent selection was performed for resistance to aphid. Parental germplasm traces to Vertus, Vernal, Saranac, Ranger, WL 305, WL 307, WL 309, and WL 316. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata - 5%; Ladak - 8%; M. varia - 31%; Turkistan - 8%; Flemish - 40%; and Chilean - 8%.

2.   86-20 is a moderately fall dormant variety adapted for use in the northeast, northcentral, and northwest U.S. for hay, haylage, and dehydration purposes. It has been tested for forage yield in Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois and Washington.

3.   Flower colors of 86-20 at full bloom approximate 95% purple, 4% variegated and 1% cream. Its fall dormancy is similar to that of Saranac.

4.   86-20 has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, stem nematode, and pea aphid; and resistance to anthracnose (Race 1), Verticillium wilt, and spotted alfalfa aphid. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately tested.

5.   Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on 84 plants under cage isolation at Warden, WA. Sufficient Foundation (Syn 2) seed is being produced near Quincy, WA for the expected life of the variety. 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 1990.

7.   It is undecided whether application will be made for Plant Variety Protection.

8.   The information in this application is available to the PVP office.