CW5426
1. CW 5426 is a synthetic variety with 173 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 and Minnesota yield trials and 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 5426 traces to the following germplasm sources: Bighorn, Award, AlfaStar, MultiQueen, and miscellaneous Cal/West Seeds breeding populations. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: M. falcata (8%), Iadak (6%), M.varia (25%), Turkistan (4%), Flemish (47%), and Chilean (10%).

2. CW 5426 is adapted to the North Central and East Central areas of the U. S. ,and is intended for use in the North Central and East Central areas of the U. S. . CW 5426 has been tested in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and Nebraska.

3. CW 5426 is a moderately dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Saranac. Flower color observed in the SYN2 generation is approximately 93% purple and 7% variegated, with a trace of cream, white, and yellow.

4. CW 5426 has high resistance to anthracnose (race 1), Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and Aphanomyces root rot (race I), with resistance to bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, pea aphid, and spotted alfalfa aphid. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid stem nematode, and root knot nematode has not been adequately tested.

5. Seed increase of CW 5426 is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of the foundation, and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn. I), foundation (Syn. 2 or Syn. 3), and certified (Syn. 3 or Syn. 4) class will be recognized. Production of Syn. 3 foundation seed requires the consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation near Woodland, California in 1995. 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 5426 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: ________________ Experimental Designation: CW 5426