1. CW 2870 is a synthetic variety with 62 parent plants which were selected sequentially for resistance to Phytophthora root rot, Anthracnose (race 1), and seed yield. Parent plants were selected from crosses between selections from various populations developed by a combination of phenotypic recurrent selection and strain crossing with selection for one or more of the following pests: Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, blue alfalfa aphid, and spotted alfalfa aphid Parentage of CW 2870 traces to the following germplasm sources: CW 446, Condor, CW 2818, Express, Mecca, Armona, and UC 332. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: Ladak (1%), M. varia (4%), Turkistan (10%), Flemish (6%), Chilean (8%), Peruvian (1%), Indian (28%), African (35%), and Unknown (7%).
2. CW 2870 is adapted to the Southwestern U. S. and is intended for use in the Southwestern U. S. , Mexico, and Argentina. CW 2870 has been tested in California.
3. CW 2870 is a nondonnant variety with fall dormancy similar to Mesilla Flower color observed in the Syn. 2 generation is greater than 99% purple, with a trace of variegated, yellow, white, and cream.
4. CW 2870 has high resistance to anthracnose (race 1), Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, spotted alfalfa aphid, blue alfalfa aphid, and pea aphid and resistance to stem nematode. Reaction to bacterial wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), and root knot nematode has not been adequately tested.
5. Seed increase of CW 2870 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 the consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under open isolation near 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 CW 2870 will be available in 1998.
7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.
9. Variety Name: _______________ Date submitted: 12/1/97. Experimental
Designation: CW 2870