1. C/W 1226 is a synthetic variety with 398 parent plants which were selected sequentially for multifoliolate leaf expression and for resistance to Phytophthora root rot and Aphanomyces root rot (race 1). Parent plants were selected from a 12-clone polycross population where the 12 clones had been selected for high relative feed value (using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy), forage yield, winter survival and multifoliolate leaf expression from various populations which were themselves developed by phenotypic recurrent selection for multifoliolate leaf expression and for resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose (race 1), Verticillium wilt, Leptosphaerulina leaf spot, and spotted alfalfa aphid. Both clonal and half-sib progeny testing were used to select the 12 clones. Parentage of C/W 1226 traces to the following germplasm sources: Jewel, Crown, Encore, VS-775, DK 122, DK 133, Class, Prism, Pro-Cut 2, and WL 320. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: M. falcata (8%), Ladak (6%), M. varia (25%), Turkistan (4%), Flemish (47%) and Chilean (10%).
2. C/W 1226 is adapted to the northcentral U.S. and is intended for use in the northern and central U.S. C/W 1226 has been tested in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
3. C/W 1226 is a dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Vernal. Flower color observed in the Syn. 2 generation is approximately 99% purple, 1% variegated, and a trace of white, cream, and yellow. At first flower in autumn approximately 87% of the stems show multifoliolate leaf expression.
4. C/W 1226 has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, and spotted alfalfa aphid, with resistance to Verticillium wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), and pea aphid. Reaction to stem nematode, root knot nematode, and blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately tested.
5. Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of the 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 Woodland, California in 1991. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Cal/West Seeds. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.
6. Certified seed of C/W 1226 will be available in 1994.
7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.