C143
1. C143 is a 120-plant synthetic variety resulting from phenotypic recurrent selection for high relative feed value (using NIRS and wet chemistry techniques). Source material traces to persistent plants selected for high yield in field nurseries at Bakersfield Fresno and Wasco, CA. Parental germplasm traces to WL 512, WL 514, Pioneer 581, Falkiner and VC76. Approximate germplasm source contributors are: Ladak - 3%. M varia -3%; Turkistan -8%; Flemish -6%; Chilean - 16%; Peruvian - 10%; Indian -24% and African -30%.

2. C143 is adapted to and intended for use in the Southwestern United States. C143 has been yield tested in California.

3. Flower color of C143 at Syn 2 approximates 100% purple with traces of cream, variegated and white. The fall dormancy of C143 is similar to 5715 (Class 8).

4. C143 has high resistance to Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, pea aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid and blue alfalfa aphid; resistance to stem nematode and northern root-knot nematode; and moderate resistance to bacterial wilt and southern root-knot nematode. Reaction to anthracnose (Race 1) and Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1) have not been adequately tested.

5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced in 1994 on 120 plants under cage isolation at Bakersfield, CA. Sufficient foundation seed for the expected life of the variety will be maintained by W-L Research. 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. Production of Syn 3 Foundation seed requires consent of the breeder.

6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1998.

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

8. The information in this application can be turned over to the PVP office.

Experimental Designation: C143 Date submitted:November 1997