CW 1344

1. C/W 1344 is a synthetic variety with 408 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 vigor, forage yield, winter survival, multifoliolate leaf expression, and early fall dormancy 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 1344 traces to the following germplasm sources: Encore, Jewel, Achieva, DK 122, Precedent, Benchmark, and WL 320. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: M. falcata (9%), Ladak (6%), M. varia (25%), Turkistan (4%), Flemish (46%), and Chilean (10%).

2. C/W 1344 is adapted to the northcentral U.S. and is intended for use in the northern and central U.S. C/W 1344 has been tested in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

3. C/W 1344 is a dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Vernal. Flower color observed in the Syn. 2 generation is approximately 94% purple, 1% variegated, 5% cream, and a trace of white and yellow. At first flower in autumn approximately 74% of the stems show multifoliolate leaf expression.

4. C/W 1344 has high resistance to bacterial wilt, anthracnose (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, and pea aphid, with resistance to Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), and spotted alfalfa 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 1344 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.