88

1.   88 is a synthetic variety with 300 parent plants. 225 of the parent plants trace to selections from either Vertus or a (Vertus x multi-pest resistant) x Vertus population. Selection was based on resistance to bacterial wilt, anthracnose and freedom from leaf diseases in the field. 75 of the parent plants are from a population derived from anthracnose, Phytophthora root rot and spotted alfalfa aphid selections from crosses tracing to the varieties Jubilee, 120, 531 and Kansas germplasm release KS-77. The 300 parent plants were intercrossed under cage isolation at Woodland, California, to produce breeder seed (Syn. 1).

2.   88 has been tested in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania and is adapted to the Northcentral and Northeastern U.S. It can be used for hay, haylage, greenchop or de-hy.

3.   Fall dormancy is similar to Saranac. Flower color is approximately 95% light to dark purple with 5% variegated.

4.   88 is resistant to bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose, Fusarium wilt and Leptosphaeurlina leafspot with moderate resistance to Phytophthora root rot and spotted alfalfa aphid. Resistance characteristics to pea aphid and stem nematode have not been determined.

5.   Breeder (Syn. 1) seed was produced in cage isolation at Woodland, California, in 1981. Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation each of breeder and certified seed classes and two generations of foundation seed class. Breeder (Syn. 1), foundation (Syn. 2 or 3), and certified classes (Syn. 2, 3, or 4) with limitations on age of stand of 1, 2 and 6 years respectively, will be recognized. Sufficient foundation seed of this variety for its projected life will be maintained in environmentally controlled storage by the breeder.

6.   Certified seed will be marketed in the fall of 1984.

7.   Application for U.S. Plant Variety Protection is not contemplated.