Champ
1. Champ is a nine clone synthetic variety. Parental clones were selected on the basis of extensive clonal and progeny tests in Idaho and Iowa for forage and seed yield and resin stance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and pea aphids. Parental clones were selected from Peak (5) and one each from Epic, Apollo II, a Vernal x Weevlchek cross, and a Peak x Epic cross. An estimate of the percentage of the major germplasm sources that contributed to the genetic constitution of this variety is M. falcata (6%), Ladak (7%), M. varia (23%), Turkistan (6%), Flemish (42%) and Chilean (16%).
2. Champ is adapted for hay, green chop, and other forage uses in the Northern region of the USA and Southern Canada where Verticillium may be a problem. It has been tested in Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Idaho, Illinois, Oregon, and Michigan.
3. Champ is a dormant variety. Fall dormancy is similar to Ranger. Flower color is approximately 45% purple and 55% variegated with a trace of yellow, white and cream.
4. Champ has high resistance to Fusarium wilt, pea aphids and stem nematodes, resistance to bacterial wilt and moderate resistance to Phytophthora root rot, and Verticillium wilt. It is susceptible to anthracnose and has not been tested for spotted or blue alfalfa aphids.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on replicated ramets of the parental clones in isolation. Foundation (Syn 2) and certified (Syn 3) fields are planted with breeder and foundation seed respectively. Seed increase is on a one generation basis for each class with stand limitations of 1, 3, and 6 years for the breeder, foundation, and certified classes respectively.
6. Certified seed will be available in the spring of 1988.
7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.