VS663
1. VS663 is an 18 clone synthetic variety. Parental clones were selected on the basis of extensive clonal and S1 progeny tests in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Idaho for forage, seed yield and for resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose, and pea aphid. The following germplasm sources (with percentage contribution) were used in the development of VS663: Expt germplasm LL3409 (a multipest resistant experimental germplasm), Beltsville 72, Apollo II, Sparta, Peak, Elevation and Epic, and Blazer, Dk 120, and Nev XX germplasm: M. falcata (6%), Ladak (8%), M. varia (16%), Turkistan (13%), Flemish (54%), Chilean (2%) and Peruvian (1%).
2. V5663 is intended for use in the northern U.S. for hay haylage, greenchop and dehy production. It has been tested in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Idaho, Washington, New York, and Montana.
3. Fall dormancy is similar to Saranac. Flower color is approximately 66% purple and 34% varigated with a trace of white, yellow, and cream.
4. VS663 is a moderately dormant variety with high resistance to Fusarium wilt, resistance to Verticillium wilt, bacterial wilt, pea aphids, anthracnose and Phytophthora root rot, and moderate resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid and stem nematode. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately tested.
5. Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation each of breeder, foundation, and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn 1), foundation (Syn 2), and certified (Syn 3) classes will be recognized. Breeder seed was produced in isolation in Idaho with sufficient seed maintained by Vista for the life of the variety. Seed increase is on a one generation basis for each class with stand limitations of 1, 2, and 6 years for the breeder, foundation, and certified classes respectively.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1990.
7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.