1. WL 322 HQ is a synthetic variety composed of 147 plants selected for high forage quality (high crude protein, low acid and neutral detergent fiber) using NIR spectroscopy. Source material traces to 22 clones derived from 18 experimental breeding lines that had been selected for resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and tolerance to potato leafhopper yellowing in field nurseries. Subsequent selection was performed for resistance to Verticillium wilt. Parental germplasm traces to Vernal, Saranac, Kanza, Atlantic, WL 305, and WL 309. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata -6%; Ladak -9%; M. varia -32%; Turkistan -7%; Flemish -31%; Chilean -14%; and Peruvian -1%.
2. WL 322 HQ is adapted for use in the northeast, north central, and northwestern U.S. for hay, haylage, and dehydration purposes. WL 322 HQ has been yield tested in NY, PA, IA, and WI.
3. WL 322 HQ is a moderately fall-dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to that of Saranac. Its flower color approximates 95% purple, 5% variegated, with a trace of cream. WL 322 HQ appears to have high forage quality (high crude protein, low acid and neutral detergent fibers) when compared to some commercially available varieties.
4. WL 322 HQ has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, pea aphid, and spotted alfalfa aphid; resistance to Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and blue alfalfa aphid; moderate resistance to anthracnose (Race 1) and Leptosphaerulina leaf spot; and low resistance to stem nematode and northern root knot nematode.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced
on 147 plants under cage-isolation at Warden, WA. Sufficient Foundation
(Syn 2) seed was produced near Warden, WA for the expected life of the
variety. 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 are 3 and 5 years, respectively. Foundation
seed must be produced above 40 degrees North latitude. Production of Syn
3 Foundation seed requires consent of the breeder.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1991.
7. Application will be made for Plant Variety Protection, it is undecided whether the certification option will be requested.
8. The information in this application
is available to the PVP office.