1. C/W 1404 is a synthetic variety
with 200 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 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 leaf spot,
and spotted alfalfa aphid. Parentage of C/W 1404 traces to the following
germplasm sources: Precedent, Alfaleaf, Encore, Crown II, Jewel, VS--775,
and Prism. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: M.
falcata (8%), Ladak (6%), M. varia (25%), Turkistan (4%), Flemish (47%),
and Chilean (10%).
2. C/W 1404 is adapted to the northcentral and northeastern U.S. and is intended for use in the northern and central U.S. C/W 1404 has been tested in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania.
3. C/W 1404 is a moderately dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Saranac. Flower color observed in the Syn. 2 generation is approximately 92% purple, 8% variegated, and a trace of white, cream, and yellow. At first flower in autumn approximately 87% of the stems show multifoliolate leaf expression.
4. C/W 1404 has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose (race 1), and Phytophthora root rot, with resistance to Verticillium wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), and spotted alfalfa aphid. Reaction to stem nematode, root knot nematode, pea aphid, and blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately tested.
5. Seed increase 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 1991. 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 C/W 1404 will be available in 1994.
7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.