Bell Ringer
1. Bell Ringer was developed in the greenhouse by hand crossing 150 selected plants from an improved, moderately dormant germplasm source and 150 plants from a flemish germplasm source. Source materials of Bell Ringer trace primarily to: Washoe, Vertus, Titan, Pacer and some dormant by flemish crosses. The dormant germplasm source had been screened for Phytophthora root rot resistance prior to crossing. A complementary strain cross method of breeding was employed.
2. It is intended that Bell Ringer be used for forage production in the upper midwest and east central United States, as well as portions of Nevada and Idaho. The variety has been tested in: Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Idaho and Nevada.
3. Bell Ringer is similar to DuPuits in dormancy. Flower color is approximately 89% purple, 10% variegated and 1% yellow.
4. Bell Ringer is resistant to bacterial wilt and pea aphid, with moderate resistance to Verticillium wilt and Fusarium wilt, and low resistance to anthracnose and Phytophthora root rot. Bell Ringer is susceptible to spotted alfalfa aphid. It has not been tested for stem nematode.
5. Seed increases of Bell Ringer shall be on a limited generation basis, with one generation each of breeder, foundation and certified seed classes. Foundation fields shall be limited to a maximum of three classes. Foundation fields shall be limited to a maximum of three consecutive harvest years. Certified seed shall be the first generation from either breeder or foundation, and limited to four harvest years.
6. Certified seed will first be offered for sale in 1986.
7. Plans are to apply for Plant Variety Protection. No certification option will be requested.