86-24

1. 86--24 is a synthetic variety composed of 93 plants selected for resistance to Verticillium wilt. Source material traces to six experimental lines selected for bacterial wilt resistance and for creeping-rootedness in spaced plant nurseries. Subsequent selection was performed for resistance to bacterial wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and for creeping-rootedness. Parental germplasm traces to Ky Z--1, Rambler, Rhizoma, and Vernal. Approximate germplasm source contribution are: M. falcata -- 38%; Ladak -- 20%; M. varia -- 24%; Turkistan -- 14%; and Flemish -- 4%.

2. 86--24 is adapted for use in the northeast, northcentral and northwest U.S., and in western Canada for hay, haylage, and dehydration purposes. 86--24 has been yield--tested in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Wisconsin.

3. 86--24 is a fall--dormant variety with fall--dormancy similar to that of Vernal. Flower color of 86--24 approximates 72% purple, 20% variegated, 3% cream and 5% yellow. Under spaced--plant conditions at Highland, MD, 38% of the plants exhibited the creeping--rooted characteristic 14 months after planting.

4. 86--24 has high resistance to Fusarium wilt; resistance to bacterial wilt; moderate resistance to Verticillium wilt; low resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid; and is susceptible to Phytophthora root rot and stem nematode. Reaction to anthracnose, pea aphid, and blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately tested.

5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on 93 plants under cage--isolation at Warden, WA. Sufficient Foundation (Syn 2) seed is being produced near Warden, Washington 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 fields 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. It is undecided whether application will be made for Plant Variety Protection.

8. The information in this application is available to the PVP office.