D5503
1. D5503 is a synthetic variety developed by Dairyland Research International,
Clinton, WI. The percent of germplasm sources are M. falcata (5), Ladak (4), M.
varia (27). Turkistan (31), Flemish (26), and Chilean T4). Parental clones traced to
Iroquois (9), MSB-CWS AN3 (8), Cherokee (2), Lahontan (2), P1206452 (2), Glory (1), Thor
(1), Vernal (1), Everest (1), MNB1 (4), MNP-Ol (4), MNP42 (6), California Line (M.
sativa, E. H. Stanford) (4), and Teweles Multi-strain (origin unknown) (8). Parental
clones were selected based on progeny tests for one or more of the following traits:
forage yield, stand persistence, winter hardiness, seed yield, and resistance to bacterial
wilt, Phytophthora root rot, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose, and Verticillium
wilt.
2. D5503 has been tested in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota. It will be marketed in Midwest states (WI, MI, MN, IA, IL, etc.). The primary purpose will be for hay, green chop, and dehydration.
3. Flower color is 82% purple, 17% variegated, and less than 1% yellow, cream, and white, Fall dormancy is moderately dormant similar to DuPuit.
4. This variety has resistance to bacterial wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and Fusarium wilt. It has moderate resistance to anthracnose, Verticillium wilt, and spotted alfalfa aphid. Not tested for stem nematode, pea aphid, or blue alfalfa aphid.
5. Breeder seed has been produced from cuttings of the parental clones in a cage as Syn. 1. Breeder seed (Syn. 1) was grown for the expected life of the variety and will be kept separate from year to year. Foundation seed will be produced from Breeder seed and Certified seed either from Breeder or Foundation seed. One generation each of Breeder, Foundation and Certified seed class is recognized. A maximum of three years each is permitted on stands producing Breeder and Foundation seed with five years for Certified seed.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1988.
7. Application for Plant Variety Protection is undecided.
8. This information may be turned over to the Plant Variety Protection Office.