1. Corona is a synthetic variety developed through selection and recurrent selection of non dormant plants with resistance to anthracnose (Race 1). The plants were interpollinated under an isolation cage in 1989 and 1990 to produce breeder seed (syn 1). About 37% of the plants were derived from seed of 1988 cages consisting of old plants selections from 2 to 6 year old fields in the San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys. About 63% of the plants resulted from seed of 1988 cages and germplasm that were previously screened for anthracnose and/or Phytophthora root rot. Germplasm contributing to this cultivar traces to Pioneer 572, Maricopa, WL 515, GT 13R, Madera, Mission 477 Brand, Yolo, Pierce, Sapphire, GT 13R+, and WL 512 and ND 85 Brand. The approximate germplasm sources are: M. falcata <1%, Ladak (1%, H. varia 12%, Turkistan 14%, Flemish <1%, Chilean IC%, Peruvian <1%, Indian 33%, Africans 8% and unknown 23%
2. Corona has been tested in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys of California. It is adapted to the southwestern region of the U.S. and similar areas where it is intended for use.
3. The flowers of Corona in the foundation field (syn 1) are over 99% purple with a trace of white, cream and variegated. The fall dormancy is comparable to Mesilla.
4. Corona has high resistance to Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and spotted alfalfa aphid. It has resistance to anthracnose (Race 1), pea aphid and southern root knot nernatode and moderate resistance to bacterial wilt. Its reaction to Verticillium wilt, stem nematode, blue alfalfa aphid and Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1) is not known.
5. Seed will be increased on the basis of three classes: breeder (syn 1), foundation (syn 2 or 3) and certified (syn 2 or 4). Breeder seed was used t~ produce first generation (syn 2) foundation seed. Syn 3 foundation seed will be produced from the syn 2 generation at the discretion of the breeder. Certified seed will be produced from foundation seed. The stand limitation for breeder, foundation and certified seed classes shall be 2, 4 and 6 years, respectively. Breeder seed produced in 1989 and 1990 will be bulked to produce foundation seed. Sufficient breeder and/or foundation seed will be maintained by I.K Seed Research, Inc. for the expected life of the variety.
6. The first certified seed will be offered for sale in 1994.
7. The need for application for Plant Variety Protection (PVP) has not been determined.
8. This information may be forwarded to the PVP office. Page 11 of 11