WL 225
1. WL 225 is a 198 plant synthetic variety resulting from three cycles of recurrent phenotypic selection for resistance to Verticillium wilt (cycle 1), Phytophthora root rot (cycle 2) and Verticillium wilt again (cycle 3). The base population was composed of five experimental lines, in approximate equal numbers of plants, which were chosen on the basis of high forage yield potential and superior persistence. The five lines resulted from practicing recurrent phenotypic selection in the greenhouse and field nurseries for resistance to one or more of the following: bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose, Lepto leaf spot, Rhizoctonia crown rot, potato leafhopper yellowing, pea aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid and Phytophthora root rot. Initial selection was primarily from Vernal, Ranger, Grimm and Vertus with lesser contributions from Beltsville 3AN4, Travois, WL 318, WL 219, WL 307 and WL 309. Approximate germplasm sources are M. falcata - 8%, Ladak - 13%, M. varia - 46%, Turkistan - 11%, Flemish - 14%, Chilean - 7% and Peruvian - 1%.
2. WL 225 is a fall dormant variety adapted for use in the northeastern and northcentral U.S. for hay, haylage and dehydration purposes. WL 225 is also intended for northwestern U.S. where stem nematode is not a serious pest. WL 225 has been yield-tested in NY, WI, MN, WA, IL and IA and will be marketed throughout the northern U.S.
3. Approximately 94% of the flowers are purple, 5% variegated, 1% yellow, with a trace of cream in color. Mid-summer growth is erect. Fall-growth is similar to Vernal.
4. WL 225 has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt and Phytophthora root rot, resistance to Verticillium wilt, spotted alfalfa aphid and pea aphid, moderate resistance to anthracnose (Race 1) and northern root knot nematode, and low resistance to stem nematode. Reaction of WL 225 to blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately characterized.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on 198 plants grown under cage isolation at Warden, WA. Foundation seed was grown near Nampa, Idaho and Warden, WA. One generation of breeder (Syn 1), two generations each of foundation (Syn 2 or 3) and certified (Syn 3 or 4) seed is recognized. A maximum of 3 and 5 harvest years are permitted on stands producing foundation and certified seed, respectively. Foundation seed must be produced above 40 degrees N latitude.
6. Certified seed was marketed in 1987.
7. Plant Variety Protection was awarded in June, 1987 #8700060 with the certification option.
8. This information is made available for PVP use.