1. BigHorn is a synthetic variety with 145 parent plants which were selected sequentially for multifoliolate leaf expression and for resistance to Phytophthora root rot and Aphanomyces root rot (race 1). Parent plants were selected from crosses between selections from three year old Wisconsin yield trials and various populations that were developed by phenotypic recurrent selection for high relative feed value (using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy), for multifoliolate leaf expression, and for resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1),Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose (race 1), Verticillium wilt, Leptosphaerulina leafspot, and spotted alfalfa aphid. Parentage of Big Horn traces to the following germplasm sources: Encore, Alfaleaf, DK 133, 9323, Prism, Benchmark, Achieve, Pacesetter, and DK 122. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: M.falcata (9%), Ladak (6%), M.varia (25%), Turkistan (4%), Flemish (47%), and Chilean (9%).
2. BigHorn is adapted to the North Central U.S. and is intended for use m the northern and central U.S. BigHorn has been tested in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
3. BigHorn is a moderately dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Saranac. Flower color observed in Sin. 2 generation is approximately 99% purple, 1% variegated, and a trace of cream, white, and yellow. BigHorn has multifoliolate expression similar to Multiking I.
4. BigHorn has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), and blue alfalfa aphid, and resistance to Verticillium wilt, pea aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid, and stem nematode. Reaction to root knot nematode has not been adequately tested.
5. Seed increase of BigHorn is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of the foundation and certified seed classes. 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 consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation at Woodland, California in 1992. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Cal/West Seeds. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.
6. Certified seed of BigHorn will be available in 1995.
7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.
9. Variety Name: BigHorn. Experimental Designation: CW 2440
Date NA&MLVRB first accepted this variety: January 10, 1995.
Date previous amendments were accepted: January 1996.
Date this amendment submitted: December 1, 1996