1. Milk River is a synthetic variety with 263 parent plants which were selected sequentially for multifoliolate leaf expression and for resistance to Phytophthora root rot and Aphanomyces root rot (race 1). Parent plants were selected from various populations that were developed by phenotypic recurrent selection for multifoliolate leaf expression, and for resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose (race 1), Verticillium wilt, Leptosphaerulina leafspot, and spotted alfalfa aphid. Parentage of Milk River traces to the following germplasm sources: Alfaleaf, Chief, VS-775, Encore, Dk 122, Crown II, Achieva, and Prism. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: M.falcata (7%), Ladak (6%), M.varia (27%), Turkistan (5%), Flemish (46%), and Chilean (9%).
2. Milk River is adapted to the northcentral and northeastern U.S. and is intended for use in the northern and central U.S.. Milk River has been tested in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania.
3. Milk River is a dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Ranger. Flower color observed in the Syn.2 generation is approximately 96% purple, 4% variegated, and a trace of white, cream, and yellow. At first flower in autumn approximately 77% of the stems show multifoliolate leaf expression.
4. Milk River has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose (race 1), and Phytophthora root rot, with resistance to Verticillium wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), stem nematode, and spotted alfalfa aphid. Reaction to root knot nematode, pea aphid, and blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately tested.
5. Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of the foundation and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn.1), foundation (Syn.2 or Syn.3), and certified (Syn.3 or Syn.4) classes will be recognized. Production of Syn.3 foundation seed requires consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation at Woodland, California in 1991. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Cal/West Seeds. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.
7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.
Experimental Designation: C/W 1361.
Date NA&MLVRB first accepted this variety: January 1994.
Date previous amendments were accepted:
Date this amendment submitted: December 1, 1998.