1. FG 4J03 is a synthetic variety with 144 parent plants. Parent plants were selected for forage yield, persistence, fall dormancy, and forage quality from one or two year old Wisconsin nurseries. Parents trace to breeding populations selected for multifoliolate expression and resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), Leptosphaerulina leafspot, pea aphid and spotted alfalfa aphid. Recurrent phenotypic selection was used. The following sources were used in the development of this variety: Chief, Pacesetter, DK133, Encore, Achieva and GH-777. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata -4%, Ladak -4%, M.varia -27%, Turkistan -3%, Flemish -58%, and Chilean -4%.
2. FG 4J03 is adapted to the northeastern and north central U.S. and intended for use in the northern and central U.S. It has been tested in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Idaho.
3. FG 4J03 is a moderately dormant variety. Fall dormancy is similar to Saranac. Flower color in the Syn. 1 is 90% purple, 10% variegated and a trace of white, cream, and yellow. At first flower in autumn approximately 91% of the plants show multifoliolate leaf expression.
4. FG 4J03 has high resistance to anthracnose (race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, and Phytophthora root rot with resistance to pea aphid, Verticillium wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1) and spotted alfalfa aphid. Reaction to stem nematode, root knot nematode and blue alfalfa aphid have 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 (Syn1), foundation (Syn2 or Syn3), and certified (Syn3 or Syn4) classes will be recognized. Production of Syn3 foundation seed requires the consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced at Caldwell, Idaho in 1991. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Forage Genetics. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1994.
7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded
to the PVP office.