98

1.   98 is a synthetic variety with 373 parent plants. Parent plants trace to various populations selected for resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose, Phytophthora root rot, Leptosphaerulina leafspot and spotted alfalfa aphid. Phenotypic recurrent selection was used. Parentage traces predominately (in order of contribution) to Ultra, Centurion, Summit, Oneida, M. falcata (PI 258754), Magnum, and Advantage. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata - 16%, Ladak - 5%, M. varia - 32%, Turkistan - 4%, Flemish - 39%, and Chilean - 4%.

2.   98 is intended for use in the northern U.S. for hay, haylage, greenchop or dehy production. It has been tested in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Pennsylvania.

3.   98 is a dormant variety. Fall dormancy is similar to Ranger. Flower color is 68% purple and 32% variegated, with a trace of white, yellow and cream.

4.   98 has high resistance to anthracnose and bacterial wilt, and resistance to Phytophthora root rot, Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, pea aphid, and spotted alfalfa aphid. It has significant resistance to Leptosphaerulina leafspot but actual percentage resistant plants has not been determined. Reaction to stem nematode and blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately tested.

5.   Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation each of breeder and certified seed classes, and two generations of foundation seed. Breeder (Syn. 1), foundation (Syn. 2 or Syn. 3), and certified (Syn. 3 or Syn. 4) classes will be recognized. Production of Syn. 3 foundation seed requires the consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation at Woodland, CA. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by VISTA.

6.   Certified seed will be marketed in 1988.

7.  No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection.

8.   This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.