Empress
1. Empress is a synthetic variety composed of 250 plants selected for resistance to anthracnose and Phytophthora root rot. Source material to two elite experimental lines selected for resistance to bacterial wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and Verticillium wilt. Subsequent selection was performed for resistance to stem nematode. Parental germplasm traces to Kingstar. WL 316, 629, Vernal, Vertus, and Ranger. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata - 5%; Ladak - 13%; M. varia - 28%, Turkistan - 10%, Flemish - 38%; and Chilean - 6%.
2. Empress is a moderately fall dormant variety adapted for use in the northeast, northcentral, and northwest U.S. for hay, haylage, and dehydration purposes. Empress has been yield-tested in NY, WI and IL.
3. The flower color of Empress at full bloom approximates 97% purple and 3% variegated with a trace of cream and yellow. Its fall dormancy is similar that of Saranac.
4. Empress has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and pea aphid; resistance to Verticillium wilt, anthracnose (Race 1), stem nematode, and spotted alfalfa aphid; and moderate resistance to northern root knot nematode. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately tested.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on 250 plants under cage isolation in Bakersfield, CA. Sufficient foundation (Syn 2) seed was produced near Warden, WA for the expected life of the variety. One generation of Breeders (Syn 1) and two generations each Foundation (Syn 2 or 3) and Certified (Syn 3 or 4) are recognized. The maximum permitted length of stand for Foundation and Certified seed fields are 3 and 5 years, respectively. Foundation seed must be produced above 40 degrees North latitude. Production of Syn 3 Foundation seed requires consent of the breeder.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1990.
7. It is undecided whether application will be made for Plant Variety Protection.
8. The information in this application is available to the PVP office.