1. FG 4G65 is a synthetic variety with 11 parent clones. Parents were selected for forage yield, persistence, forage quality, rapid recovery after cutting, and multifoliolate expression from two-and three-year-old Wisconsin breeding nurseries. Parents trace to breeding populations selected for multifoliate expression and resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1), Verticillium wilt, anthracnose (Race 1), Leptosphaerulina leaf spot, pea aphid and spotted alfalfa aphid. Recurrent phenotypic selection was used. Germplasm sources used in developing FG 4G65 were: DK 127 (25%), Lightning (20%), LegenDairy 2.0 (15%), Rushmore (10%), Excalibur II (10%), 5262 (10%), Magnum III (5%) and G2852 (5%). Syn1 was produced near Nampa, ID in 1995, harvested in total and bulked to form breeder seed. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata (6%), Ladak (4%), M. varia (32%), Turkistan (3%), Flemish (52%), and Chilean (3%).

2. This variety is adapted to the North Central United States and intended for use in the North Central United States. It has been tested in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota.

3. Fall dormancy of this variety is similar to the FD4 checks and winter survival of this variety is similar to WS1 checks. Flower color in the Syn2 is 75% purple and 25% variegated, with a trace of cream, white, and yellow. FG 4G65 has high multifoliate leaf expression.

4. This variety has high resistance to anthracnose (Race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, spotted alfalfa aphid, Phytophthora root rot and Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1); resistance to Verticillium wilt; and moderate resistance to stem nematode and pea aphid. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid and root knot nematode 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 1995. 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 5 years, respectively.

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

8. The information in this application can not be forwarded to the Plant Variety Protection office.

9. Variety Name: Date Submitted 11/1/98

Experimental designations: FG 4G65