1. Garst 645 is a synthetic variety with 34 parent plants. Parent plants trace to 24 populations selected for resistance to the following pests: bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose, and Aphanomyces. Phenotypic recurrent selection was used. Final selections were made from a space-plant selection nursery near Marshfield, WI, after the second winter, based on winter survival, vigor, color and resistance to potato leafhopper yellowing. Parentage traces predominantly to Riley (12%), Clipper (9%), Arrow (8%), Apollo (6%), Impact (5%), Garst 636, Big 10, Vernal, Weevlcheck, Titan, KyKx, Answer, Trident, Armor, Thunder, Atlas, AP 8621, AP 8631, AP 8632, Olympic and Krasnodarskaja Ranniaja (3% each), and 12% to numerous other sources. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata (7%), Ladak (7%), M. varia (19%), Turkistan (22%), Flemish (33%), Chilean (6%) and Peruvian (6%).
2. Garst 645 is intended for use in the North Central U.S. for hay and haylage production. It has been tested in Iowa, Idaho and Wisconsin.
3. Fall dormancy is similar to Ranger. Flower color is approximately 71% purple and 29% variegated, with a trace of white, yellow and cream.
4. Garst 645 has high resistance to Phytophthora root rot, bacterial wilt and anthracnose (race 1); resistance to Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt and pea aphid; and moderate resistance to Aphanomyces (race 1), spotted alfalfa aphid and stem nematode. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid has not been determined.
5. Seed increase is limited to one generation each of breeder, foundation and certified classes. Certified seed may be produced from either breeder or foundation classes. A 1, 3 and 6-year stand life is permitted on fields producing breeder, foundation and certified classes, respectively. Foundation seed production is limited to the Pacific Northwest.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1991.
7. Plant Variety Protection will not be applied for.
8. This information may be forwarded
to the PVP office.