VS-623
(Experimental Desig.)
1. VS-623 is synthetic variety with 300 parent plants. Parent plants trace to various populations selected for multifoliolate expression and resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose, Phytophthora root rot, Leptosphaerulina leafspot and spotted alfalfa aphid. Phenotypic recurrent selection was used. Parentage traces predominately (in order of contribution) to Legend, Ultra, G-2841, and Centurion. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata - 6%, Ladak - 5%, M. varia - 27%, Turkistan - 3%, Flemish - 53%, and Chilean - 6%.
2. VS-623 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-623 is a dormant variety. Fall dormancy is similar to Vernal. Flower color is 68% purple and 32% variegated, with a trace of white, yellow and cream. At first flower 52% to 80% of the plants show some multifoliolate expression, depending on environment.
4. VS-623 has high resistance to bacterial wilt, anthracnose and Phytophthora root rot, resistance to Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, and pea aphid. It has moderate resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid. VS-623 has significant resistance to Leptosphaerulina leafspot but actual percentage resistant plants ha 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. 2 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.