CW 4403

1. CW 4403 is a synthetic variety with 220 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 New York yield tests and selections from three year old Wisconsin nurseries. Nursery selections were made from various populations which were developed by phenotypic recurrent selection for high relative feed value (using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy), and for resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), anthracnose (race 1), and Leptosphaerulina leafspot. Parentage of CW 4403 traces to the following germplasm sources: Award, Tartan, Ultraleaf 87, Abbey, AlfaStar, Haymaker II, and miscellaneous Cal/West Seeds breeding populations. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: M.falcata (8%), Ladak (6%), M.varia (25%), Turkistan (4%), Flemish (47%), and Chilean (10%).

2. CW 4403 is adapted to the North Central, East Central, and Great Plains areas of the U.S. and is intended for use in the North Central, East Central, and Great Plains areas of the U.S.. CW 4403 has been tested in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Nebraska.

3. CW 4403 is a moderately dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Legend. Flower color observed in the Syn.2 generation is approximately 97% purple, 3% variegated, with a trace of cream, white, and yellow.

4. CW 4403 has high resistance to anthracnose (race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), blue alfalfa aphid, and pea aphid with resistance to stem nematode. Reaction to spotted alfalfa aphid and root knot nematode has not been adequately tested.

5. Seed increase of CW 4403 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 near Woodland, California in 1994. 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 4403 will be available in 1999.

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: December 1, 1998.

Experimental Designation: CW 4403