CW 9504

1. CW 9504 is an advanced generation synthetic variety of red clover with 589 parent plants. Parent plants were selected for resistance to northern anthracnose and southern anthracnose in the greenhouse followed by culling in the field seed increase block for susceptibility to Fusarium wilt and powdery mildew, poor vegetative vigor, and poor flowering intensity. CW 9504 was derived from the following varieties: Quinequili (60%), Estanzuela 116 (20%), Cherokee (10%), and Red Star (10%). Breeder seed (Syn.1) was produced under field isolation near Woodland, California in 1995. Seed was bulk harvested from all parent plants.

2. CW 9504 is adapted to the Southwest region of the U.S., Argentina, and South Africa and is intended for use in Argentina, Chile, and South Africa. CW 9504 has been tested in California, Argentina, and South Africa. The intended use of CW 9504 is for hay, haylage, greenchop, or pasture.

3. CW 9504 has resistance to southern anthracnose and moderate resistance to northern anthracnose and Aphanomyces root rot (race 1). CW 9504 is a nondormant red clover variety with a winter active growth habit in areas with mild winter climate. CW 9504 is significantly more nondormant than the variety Cherokee which is currently the only commercial red clover variety considered to be nondormant or semi nondormant. Maturity of CW 9504 is later than Cherokee. Flower color of CW 9504 is predominantly medium pink but nearly one third of the plants have light pink flowers. Leaf color is predominantly medium green and growth habit is erect to semi-erect. Leaf markings are present on 65 to 70% of the plants.

4. Seed increase of CW 9504 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 field 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 years.

5. Certified seed of CW 9504 will be available in 1999.

6. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.

7. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.

8. Variety Name: Date Submitted: December 1, 1998

Experimental Designation: CW 9504