90-111

1. 90-111 is a 135-plant synthetic variety resulting from phenotypic recurrent selection for high forage quality (high crude protein, low acid and neutral detergent fibers) using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy. Source material traces to three elite experimental lines developed through selection for resistance to Phytophthora root rot and winter survival in a space-plant nursery at Evansville, WI. Parental germplasm traces to Chief, Thrive, Vertus, and Vernal.  Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata -8%; Ladak -18%; M. varia -32%; Turkistan -5%; Flemish -31%; and Chilean -6%.

2. 90-111 is adapted to and intended for use in the northeast, north central, and northwestern U.S. 90-111 has been yield tested in New York, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Washington.

3. Flower color of 90-111 at Syn 2 approximates 99% purple and 1% variegated with traces of cream, white, and yellow. Its fall dormancy is similar to that of Ranger. 90-111 appears to have high forage quality (high crude protein, low acid and neutral detergent fibers), similar to WL 322 HQ.

4. 90-111 has high resistance to anthracnose (Race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, and Phytophthora root rot; resistance to Verticillium wilt, spotted alfalfa aphid, pea aphid, and stem nematode; and low resistance to Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1). Reaction to blue alfalfa
aphid and root knot nematode has not been adequately tested.

5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced in 1990 on 135 plants under cage isolation at Bakersfield, CA. Sufficient Foundation (Syn 2) seed was produced near Warden, WA for the expected life of the variety and will be maintained by W-L Research. 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 1993.

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.