W215 1. W215 is a 182-plant synthetic variety resulting from phenotypic recurrent selection for resistance to Aphanomyces root rot (Race 2). Source material traces to two elite breeding lines selected for cold tolerance and resistance to Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1) and Phytophthora root rot. Parental germplasm traces to Ovation, Paramount, Trident ll, WL 226 and WL 323. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata 9%; Ladak - 14%; M varia - 26%; Turkistan - 7%; Flemish - 37%; and Chilean - 7%.

2. W215 is adapted to and intended for use in the North Central and East Central-regions of the United States. W215 has been yield tested in Illinois, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

3. Flower color of W215 at Syn 2 approximates 100% purple with traces of cream and variegated. The winter survival of W215 is similar to Dart (Class 3), and the fall dormancy of W215 is similar to Legend (Class 4).

4. W215 has high resistance to anthracnose (Race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot and Race 1 Aphanomyces root rot; resistance to pea aphid and spotted alfalfa aphid; and moderate resistance to stem nematode and northern root knot nematode. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately tested.

5.Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced in 1995 on plants under cage isolation at Warden, Washington. Sufficient foundation seed for the expected life of the variety will be maintained by W-L Research. Foundation seed must be produced above 40 degrees North latitude. 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 tumed over to the PVP office.

9.Experimental Designation: W215 Date Submitted: November, 1997