1. Express is a synthetic variety which was developed by phenotypic recurrent selection for persistance or resistance to anthracnose, Verticillium wilt, or the spotted alfalfa aphid. Parentage traces to Mede and Valley +. Estimates of the major germplasm sources that constitute this variety are: M.fakata (1%), Ladak (2%), M. varia (10%), Turkistan (11%), Flemish (39%), Chilean (13%), Peruvian (1%), Indian (5%), African (9%), and unknown (9%).
2. Express is intended for use in the Sacramento Valley and similar high desert valleys of California, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, and New Mexico for hay, haylage, or dehy production. Express has been tested in California, New Mexico, and Idaho.
3. Express is a moderately dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Lahontan. Flower color is approximately 90% purple, 10% variegated, and a trace of cream and yellow.
4. Express has high resistance to Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, pea aphid, and spotted alfalfa aphid; resistance to anthracnose, stem nematode, and blue alfalfa aphid; moderate resistance to Verticillium wilt and bacterial wilt; and low resistance to southern root knot nematode. Reaction to northern root knot nematode has not been tested.
5. Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation each of breeder, and up to two generations of foundation and certified seed classes. Breeder seed (Syn 1), foundation seed (Syn 2 or Syn 3), and certified seed (Syn 3 or Syn 4) classes will be recognized. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced under cage isolation near Woodland, CA. in 1987. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of this variety will be maintained by VISTA. Production of Syn 3 foundation seed requires consent of the breeder. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.
6. Certified seed of Express will be available in 1990.
7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection (PVP).
8. This information can be forwarded
to the PVP office.