1. Mede is a synthetic variety which was developed by strain crossing and phenotypic recurrent selection for resistance to Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose, or the blue alfalfa aphid. Parentage traces predominantly to Valley +, Baron, Emerald, Crown, CUF 101, WL 316, and DKl35. Estimates of the major germplasm sources that constitute this variety are: M. falcata (3%), Ladak (4%), M. varia (10%), Turkistan (11%), Flemish (43%), Chilean (10%), Peruvian (1%), Indian (4%), African (7%), and unknown (7%).
2. Mede 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. Mede has been tested in California ,New Mexico, and Idaho.
3. Mede is a moderately winter variety with fall dormancy similar to DuPuits. Flower color is approximately 90% purple, 9% variegated, and 1% cream.
4. Mede has high resistance to the spotted alfalfa aphid, Fusarium wilt; resistance to pea aphid, blue alfalfa aphid, Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose, and southern root knot nematode; moderate resistance to Verticillium wilt and bacterial wilt. Reaction to stem nematode and northern root knot nematode is unknown.
5. Seed increase of Mede is on
a limited-generation basis with one generation each of breeder and certified
seed classes, and up to two generations of foundation seed. 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 1985. 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 Mede will be available in 1989.
7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection (PVP).
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.