87--223

1. 87--223 is a 222 clone synthetic variety. Parental clones were derived from two experimental varieties which had been screened for resistance to one or more of the following: anthracnose, Phytophthora root rot, spotted alfalfa aphid, blue alfalfa aphid, stem nematode, and bacterial wilt. The two populations were recombined and screened for resistance to blue alfalfa aphid. The resulting experimental variety exhibited excellent persistence and yield potential in forage yield tests at Bakersfield and Wasco, CA. After three seasons, the highest--yielding and disease--free clones were selected from these yield trials. Germplasm traces primarily to WL 512, WL 4450, WL 504, and WL 600. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata -- 3%, Ladak -- 2%. M. varia -- 7%, Turkistan -- 15%, Flemish -- 5%, Chilean -- 15%, Indian -- 31% and African -- 22%.

2. 87--223 is adapted for use in the southern U.S. for hay, haylage, and dehydration purposes. 87-223 has been tested for forage yield in California.

3. 87--223 is a non-dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Moapa 69. Flower color is 99% purple and 1% variegated.
Midsummer and fall growth is erect.

4. 87--223 has high resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid, blue alfalfa aphid, pea aphid, and Fusarium wilt; resistance to Phytophthora root rot; moderate resistance to anthracnose and stem nematode; and low resistance to bacterial wilt. Its reaction to Verticillium wilt has not been evaluated.

5. Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations each of foundation and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn. 1), foundation (Syn. 2 or Syn. 3) and certified (Syn. 3 or Syn. 4) classes will be recognized. Production of Syn. 3 foundation seed requires consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation at Bakersfield, CA. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by W--L Research.

6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1991.

7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection.

8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.