WL 316
1. WL 316 is a 567 plant synthetic variety. Selections were made in varying numbers from 7 experimental synthetics that were screened for either anthracnose or bacterial wilt. The 7 experimental represent 4 cycles of selection, recombination and evaluation in yield tests and nurseries. Original source material traces predominately to Vertus, with lesser contributions from Team and from germplasm derived from Grimm.
2. WL 316 is a moderately winter hardy variety intended for use in the Midwestern and Northeastern U.S. for hay, haylage, green chop or dehydration purposes. WL 316 has been tested in ND, PA, OH, IL, WI, IA and NE.
3. Approximately 78% of the flowers are dark purple or purple, with 17% variegated and 5% light yellow to cream. Midsummer growth is erect. It is somewhat more fall dormant then DuPuits but less fall dormant than Saranac.
4. WL 316 is resistant to Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose, pea aphid and spotted alfalfa aphid; moderately resistant to bacterial wilt and stem nematode; with low resistance to Phytophthora root rot and blue alfalfa aphid.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on the parent selections at Bakersfield, CA in 1978. Sufficient foundation seed will be produced at Montrose, Colorado for the life of the variety, and reserve seed held in controlled storage. One generation each of breeder (Sm 1), foundation (Syn 2) and certified (Syn 2 or 3) seed classes is recognized A maximum of 3 harvest years are permitted on stands producing foundation seed with 5 harvest years maximum on stands producing certified seed.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1982.
7. Application has been made for Plant Variety Protection but not under the certification option.