1. DK180ML is a synthetic variety with 202 parent plants. Parents were selected for seed yield, multifoliolate leaf expression, late summer growth and resistance to one or more of the following diseases: Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose (race 1), Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Phenotypic recurrent selection was used. Parents trace to the varieties Parade, Kern, FG 6J92 and FG 6J95. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M.falcata (1%), Ladak (2%), M.varia (5%), Turkistan (15%), Flemish (3%), Chilean (11%), Peruvian (1%), Indian (20%), African (35%) and unknown (7%).

2. This variety is adapted to the Southwest U.S. This variety has been tested in California and Idaho and will be used in the Southwest U.S.

3. This variety has fall dormancy similar to FD8 checks. Flower color (Syn2) is 100% purple with a trace of variegated, yellow, cream and white.

4. This variety has high resistance to Fusarium wilt, anthracnose (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, pea aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid and blue alfalfa aphid; resistance to Verticillium wilt, southern root knot nematode and northern root knot nematode; and moderate resistance to stem nematode and bacterial wilt. Reaction to Aphanomyces root rot (race 1) has not been tested.

5. Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of foundation and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn1), foundation (Syn2 or Syn3), and certified (Syn3 or Syn4) classes will be recognized. Production of Syn3 foundation seed requires consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced near Nampa, Idaho in 1994. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Forage Genetics. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.

6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1997.

7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection Act.

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

9. Variety name: DK180ML

Experimental designations: FG 8L412

Date NA&MLVRB first accepted this variety: January 1997

Dates previous amendments were accepted: January 1998

Date this amendment submitted: November 1, 1998