VS-545
(Experimental Desig.)
1. VS-545 is a synthetic variety with 241 parent plants selected for vigor, persistence, and multifolialate expression in field nurseries. Parent plants trace to various populations developed by phenotype recurrent selection for multifoliolate expression and resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose, Phytophthora root rot, Leptosphaerulina leafspot and spotted alfalfa aphid. Parentage traces predominately (in order of contribution) to Legend, G-2841, Crown, DK-125, and Centurion. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata - 6%, Ladak - 5%, M. varia - 28%, Turkistan - 3%, Flemish - 52%, and Chilean - 6%.
2. VS-545 is intended for use in the north central and northeastern U.S. for hay, haylage, greenchop or dehy production. It has been tested in Wisconsin, Iowa, New York, and Pennsylvania.
3. VS-545 is a dormant variety. Fall dormancy is similar to Ranger. Flower color is 75% purple and 25% variegated, with a trace of white, yellow and cream. At first flower 36% to 81% of the plants show some multifoliolate expression, depending on environment.
4. VS-545 has high resistance to bacterial wilt, anthracnose, Phytophthora root rot, and Fusarium wilt, with resitance to Verticillium wilt, and pea aphid. It has moderate resistance to Leptosphaerulina leafspot but actual percentage resistant plants has not been determined. Reaction to stem nematode and blue alfalfa aphid 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 generations 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 requires 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 VISTA. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1989.
7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.