WL 516
1. WL 516 is a 219 clone synthetic variety. Parental clones were derived from two experimental WL varieties that exhibited excellent persistence and yield potential in forage yield tests at Bakersfield, CA. The two sources were screened for resistance to Phytophthora root rot, recombined and screened for resistance to anthracnose. Source material had been screened previously for resistance to one or more of the following: spotted alfalfa aphid, pea aphid, blue alfalfa aphid, Fusarium wilt and bacterial wilt. Germplasm sources trace primarily to Sonora, Lahontan, Moapa, Buffalo and Kansas common with limited contributions from Saranac, Ranger, and Atlantic.
2. Adapted to Southern region. WL 516 has been tested in California, and will be used in areas where non-dormant varieties are adapted.
3. WL 516 is a non-dormant variety that has purple flowers (100%) and an erect growth habit. Fall dormancy similar to Moapa 69.
4. WL 516 has high resistance to Phytophthora root rot, spotted alfalfa aphid, pea aphid, Fusarium wilt, and blue alfalfa aphid; moderate resistance to stem nematode and bacterial wilt; and low resistance to anthracnose.
5. Seed classes are breeder (Syn 1), foundation and certified, limited in stand age to 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively.
6. WL 516 will be offered for sale in 1986.
7. Application will be made for Plant Variety Protection, under the certification option.