WL 216
1. A 3-clone synthetic derived from 4th and 5th cycle progenies of spotted alfalfa aphid survivors intercrossed after each cycle of screening. The original parentage traced to over 16,000 seedling plants of Vernal, Culver, Minnesota 59-126-2, Nebraska 67-2813, and four falcata crosses between P.I. 231,731 and purple-flowered selections from Vernal. The falcata crosses were made among moderately resistant and/or tolerant plants to the spotted alfalfa aphid in 1960-61. The best four F1 plants in aphid reaction were inter crossed and exposed to heavy spotted alfalfa aphid populations four times. Simultaneously, selections and intercrossed progenies from the other parentage were similarly screened four to five times prior to 1967, when a number of test synthetics were made for forage testing. These were Ca 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 851, 852 and 853. Cages 803, 806 and 851 were 7-, 6- and 18-clone synthetics that combined good winter survival with high forage yield. The 30 clones (Cage 803 and 806 had one clone in common) comprise the parentage of WL 216.
2. Tested in Iowa, northern Illinois and northwestern Ohio. It is now planted in tests in adjacent States and Canada. It has been tested primarily for hay although the wide crowns may make it useful for pasture. It will be merchandised primarily in the northern region of adaptation as a hay variety.
3. Highly variegated flowers, approximately 15% purple and blue, 80% variegated and 5% yellow, cream and white. Uniformity similar to WL 210 and Vernal. Less dormant than Dawson and Vernal - similar to WL 210. Semi-upright growth. A highly variegated variety with spotted alfalfa aphid resistance.
4. Breeder seed is produced in isolation by natural cross pollination of the 30 parent clones. Foundation seed is the product from fields planted with breeder seed in the northern region of alfalfa adaptation. Certified seed may be grown only in fields planted with breeder or foundation seed. No other class or generation of seed is to be used.
5. 1972.