C/W-331
1. C/W-331 is a synthetic variety with 275 parent plants. Parent plants trace to various populations selected for resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, anthracnose, Phytophthora root rot, blue alfalfa aphid and spotted alfalfa aphid. Parentage traces predominately (in order of contribution) to Baron, Jubilee, DK-187, WL-318, Granada, Expo, 167, Pierce, UC-123 and UC-143. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata - 2%, Ladak - 3%, M. varia - 11%, Turkistan - 12%, Flemish - 28%, Chilean - 20%, Peruvian - 2%, Indian - 8%, and African - 14%.
2. C/W-331 is intended for use in the southwestern U.S. where moderately dormant varieties are grown. It can be used for hay, haylage, greenchop, or dehy production. It has been tested in California and New Mexico.
3. Fall dormancy is similar to Mesilla. Flower color is 98% purple, and 2% variegated.
4. C/W-331 has high resistance to Fusarium wilt, spotted alfalfa aphid and pea aphid, resistance to Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose and blue alfalfa aphid and moderate resistance to bacterial wilt. Reaction to stem nematode and Verticillium wilt has not been adequately tested.
5. Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation each of breeder and certified seed classes, and two generation of foundation seed. 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 reuired the consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation at Woodland, CA. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Cal/West Seeds.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1987.
7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.