54H69

1. Parents of 54H69 were selected phenotypically for resistance to one or more of the following pests: anthracnose (race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora rootrot, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), spotted alfalfa aphid, spring blackstem and potato leafhopper. In addition, parents were selected for forage yield, fall dormancy and field appearance.

2. 54H69 is adapted to and intended for use in the north central, and east central, regions of the United States. 54H69 is intended for use in the north central, east central, and Great Plains Regions of the U.S., and Ontario, Canada. It has been tested in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada.

3. 54H69 is a moderately dormant cultivar with fall dormancy similar to an FD-4 check. Flower color in the syn2 generation is approximately 37% purple, 52% variegated, 10% yellow and 1 % cream with a trace of white.

4. 54H69 has high resistance to anthracnose (race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora, root rot; resistance to Verticillium wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1); pea aphid, potato leafhopper, stem nematode; and moderate resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid. 54H69 has not been tested for resistance to root knot nematode and blue alfalfa aphid.

5. Seed was produced in the greenhouse during the winter of 1996-97. Seed was bulked equally from the two experimental lines to produce breeder seed (syn1). Seed classes will be breeder (syn1), foundation (syn2 or 3), and certified (syn2, 3, or 4). Foundation seed may be produced from breeder or foundation seed. The second generation of foundation may be produced at the discretion of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. Limitations of age of stand, will be three and five years respectively for foundation and certified seed. Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. will maintain sufficient breeder seed and foundation seed for the projected life of the variety.

6. Certified seed will first be offered for sale in January 2000.

7. Application has been made for protection under the Plant Variety Protection Act, and the

certification option will not be requested.

8. As a means of added varietal protection information in this application will be turned over

to the PVP office.

9. Variety name: 54H69

Date submitted: November 30,1999

Experimental designations: Y53H69, W96PM69, LH3