COMMON VETCH AND ITS VARIETIES 7 
Although hybridization does not seem to offer much hope for the 
development of new forms of Vicia sativa, there are possibilities of 
improvement by selection. It seems probable that the many 
varieties now existing are due to mutations and that new forms cart 
well be sought. All the variations noted in varieties of V. sativa 
breed true to form and suggest mutative origin. A large number of 
these have been included in the present study. From an agronomic 
standpoint the best are those making heavy growth and having 
good seed habits, winter hardiness, and aphis resistance. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETIES 
The best of the varieties included in this study are referred to by 
number in the agronomic data presented. Following is a descrip- 
tion of these varieties, together with a statement of their distinguish- 
ing characteristics : 
VICIA SATIVA ALBA 
F. C. I. 02830. — Stems mid-stout, 6 to 12 dm. long, branching freely at the 
lower nodes, slightly pubescent; leaves 7 to 10 cm. long; leaflets 12 to 14, linear- 
ovate to linear-obovate, 22 mm. long, 8 mm. wide, mucronate, slightly pubescent 
on the under side; flowers two; calyx 4 mm. long, pubescent; corolla white, 
with darker veins in the standard, 20 to 25 mm. long; pods 5 or 6.5 cm. long, 
8 mm. wide, slightly compressed, pubescent, 6 to 8 seeds; seeds globose, 3 mm. 
in diameter, mottled dark brown._ 
This is a white-flowered selection from Oregon vetch. It is somewhat later 
than this variety and does not dehisce so readily. It is characterized by rapid 
spring growth. * This is a desirable variety for spring planting when late feed is 
desired or when for any reason fall seeding is not possible. 
VICIA SATIVA MACROCARPA 
S. P. I. 17024 and 18138. — Stems mid-stout, 6 to 12 dm. long; internodes 
4 to 6 cm. long; leaves 8 cm. long; leaflets 12 to 14, obovate, somewhat trun- 
cate, 13^ to 3 cm. long, 7 to 14 mm. wide, slightly pubescent; flowers two, 
almost sessile, 2 to 23^ cm. long; calyx tube 3 to 5 mm. long; calyx teeth 
5 to 7 mm. long; corolla purple; pods very large, not compressed, prominently 
reticulate veined, 5 to 6 cm. long, 10 to 11 mm. wide, dehiscing very easily, each 
containing 8 to 10 seeds; seeds large, 6 to 8 mm. in greatest diameter, dark 
solid brown or mottled brown and gray; cotyledons yellow; season early. 
This early variety is readily distinguished by its large, very dark brown and 
prominently reticulate-veined pods. In the early seedling stage it can also be 
distinguished by its large and elongate leaflets. It is also characterized by a 
very high percentage of hard seed. This is not a desirable variety for general 
use, on account of light yields of both forage and seed. It may have value for 
obtaining a better strain w T ith a high percentage of hard seed that will volunteer 
from year to year for pasturage or green manure. 
VICIA SATIVA CARNEA 
S. P. I. 18805. — Stems mid-stout, 6 to 9 dm. long, slightly pubescent; leaves 
6 to 9 cm. long, 12 to 14 leaflets 12 to 20 mm. long, 5 to 10 mm. wide, linear- 
obovate to obovate; flowers pinkish white, the keel darker than the standard, 
15 to 20 mm. long; pods pale brown, 4.5 to 5.5 cm. long, 6 to 7 mm. wide; seeds 
small, 3 to 4 mm. in diameter, reddish brown with distinct dark coloring around 
the hilum; season mid-early. 
This variety is especially distinguished for having proved resistant to aphids. 
The pods shatter but little. While good yields of both forage and seed have 
been obtained from this variety, it is not so winter hardy as Oregon vetch and 
can not be recommended for use except in areas with milder winters than 
western Oregon. It will probably stand the winters in all parts of California 
and Arizona except the mountain areas. 
