91-12

1. 91-12 is a 111-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 an elite experimental line developed through selection for winter survival in a spaced-plant nursery at Evansville, WI. Additional selection was performed for muhifoliate leaf expression. Parental germplasm traces to WI.. 316, Edge, G-2833, and Vertus. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata - 4%; Ladak - 5%~ M varia - 24%; Turkistan - 3%; Flemish -59%; and Chilean - 5%.

2. 91-12 is adapted to and intended for use in the northeast, north central, and northwestern U. S. 91-12 has been yield tested in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Washington.

3. Flower color of 91-12 at Syn 2 approximates 99% purple and 1 % variegated with traces of cream and yellow. The fall dormancy of 91-12 is similar to Vernal. 91-12 appears to have high forage quality (high crude protein, low acid and neutral detergent fibers), similar to WL 322 HO. At first flower in the Fall, approximately 58% of the plants show multi-foliate leaf expression.

4. 91-12 has high resistance to anthracnose (Race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, and Phytophthora root rot; resistance to Verticillium wil~and stem nematode; moderate resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid and Lepto leaf spot; and low resistance to Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1) and blue alfalfa aphid. Reaction to pea aphid and root knot nematode has nct been adequately tested.

5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced in 1991 on 111 plants under cage isolation at Warden, WA. Suflicient 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 fcr Foundation and Certified seed fields are 3 and 5 years, respectively. Foundation seed must be produced above 40 degrees Ncrth latitude. Production of Syn 3 Foundation seed requires consent of the breeder.

6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1994.

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.