90-296

1. 90-296 is a 120-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 (NIRS). Source material traces to three experimental lines selected for persistence in a field nursery at Bakersfield, CA. Parental germplasm traces to WL 516, 86-222, Ca 898, and Maxidor.  Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. varia -5%; Turkistan -11%; Flemish -4%; Chilean -10%; Peruvian -11%; Indian  -29%; and African -30%.

2. 90-296 is adapted to central and south central California and intended for use in the southwestern U.S. 90-296 has been yield tested in California.

3. 90-296 is a non-dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Moapa 69. Flower color at Syn 2 is 99% purple and 1% cream with traces of variegated and white. 90-296 appears to have high forage quality (high crude protein, low acid and neutral detergent fibers) when compared to some commercially available non-dormant varieties.

4. 90-296 has high resistance to Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, blue alfalfa aphid, pea aphid, and spotted alfalfa aphid; resistance to stem nematode; and moderate resistance to bacterial wilt. Reaction to anthracnose (Race 1), Verticillium wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1), and root knot nematode have not been adequately tested.

5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced in 1990 on 120 plants under cage isolation at Bakersfield, CA. Sufficient Foundation (Syn 2) seed was produced near Yuma, AZ 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.  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.