CW 4791

1. CW 4791 is a synthetic variety with 274 parent plants which were selected sequentially for multifoliolate leaf expression and for resistance to Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose (race 1), and seed yield. Parent plants were selected from crosses between selections from four year old California yield tests and multiple pest resistant selections from three year old California selection nurseries. Selections were made from various populations which were developed by a combination of phenotypic recurrent selection and strain crossing with selection for resistance to one or more of the following pests: Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose (race 1), spotted alfalfa aphid, blue alfalfa aphid, and stem nematode. Parentage of CW 4791 traces to the following germplasm sources: Alfa 70, SPS 6550, Zeneca 771, Express, and Sutter. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: M.falcata (2%), Ladak (2%), M.varia (7%), Turkistan (19%), Flemish (17%), Chilean (10%), Peruvian (3%), Indian (14%), African (20%), and Unknown (6%).

2. CW 4791 is adapted to the Southwestern area of the U.S. and is intended for use in the Southwestern U.S. and Argentina. CW 4791 has been tested in California.

3. CW 4791 is a nondormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Sutter. Flower color observed in the Syn.2 generation is approximately 98% purple, 2% variegated, with a trace of cream, white, and yellow.

4. CW 4791 has high resistance to anthracnose (race 1), Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and blue alfalfa aphid, with resistance to stem nematode, pea aphid, and spotted alfalfa aphid, and moderate resistance to Verticillium wilt. Reaction to bacterial wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), and root knot nematode has not been adequately tested.

5. Seed increase of CW 4791 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 4791 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.