1. Multiplier II is a synthetic variety with 30 parent clones. Parents were selected based on clonal and/or progeny test for forage yield, forage quality, fall dormancy reaction, persistence, multifoliolate leaf expression, and/or resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose (Race 1), Phytophthora root rot, Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1), and spotted alfalfa aphid. A combination of genotypic and phenotypic recurrent selection was used in the development of this variety. The parental populations from which all clones were derived trace to the following cultivars: Multiplier (60%), DK133 (15%), Achieva (15%), and Pacesetter (10%). Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced near Caldwell, ID in 1992. Breeder seed was harvested as the bulk from all plants. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata (4%), Ladak (4%), M. varia (29%), Turkistan (3%), Flemish (57%) and Chilean (3%).

2. This variety is adapted to the North Central United States and intended for use in the North Central United States. It has been tested in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota.

3. Fall dormancy of this variety is similar to the FD3 checks and winter survival of this variety is similar to WS2 checks. Flower color in the Syn2 is 80% purple and 20% variegated, with a trace of cream, white, and yellow. Multiplier II has high multifoliate leaf expression.

4. This variety has high resistance to anthracnose (Race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, pea aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid and Phytophthora root rot; and resistance to stem nematode, root knot nematode and Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1). Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid has 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 consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced near Caldwell, Idaho in 1992. 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 5 years, respectively.

7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection Act.

8. The information in this application can not be forwarded to the Plant Variety Protection office.

9. Variety Name: Multiplier II Date Submitted 11/1/98

Experimental designations: FG 2B07