1. Class is a synthetic variety with 85 parent plants. Parent plants were selected for vigor, multifoliolate expression and resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose, Phytophthora root rot, Aphanomyces root rot, Leptosphaerulina leaf spot and spotted alfalfa aphid. The following germplasm sources were used in the development of Class: Jewel, Prism, Pacesetter, VS-904, WL-320, and Magnum +. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata -5%, Ladak -6%, M. varia -27%, Turkistan -3%, Flemish -53% and Chilean -6%.
2. Class is adapted to and intended for use in the northern U.S. for hay, haylage, greenchop or dehy production. It has been tested in Idaho, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and New York.
3. Class is a dormant variety. Fall dormancy is similar to Ranger. Flower color is 90% purple, 10% variegated and a trace of white, yellow and cream. At first flower in autumn approximately 97% of the plants show multifoliolate expression.
4. Class has high resistance to anthracnose (race 1), bacterial wilt, and Phytopbthora root rot with resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid, pea aphid, Fusarium wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1) and Verticillium wilt. It has moderate resistance to stem nematode. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid has not been tested.
5. Seed increase is on a limited
generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of
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 the
consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation
at Woodland, California. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life
of the variety will be maintained by VISTA. Stands of foundation and certified
seed fields
are limited to 3 and 6 years,
respectively.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1992.
7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.