1. NK Vaquera 9 is a synthetic variety with 145 parent plants. Parent plants were selected for persistence and vigor from old forage trials. Germplasm sources used in developing NK Vaquera 9 were Coronado (46%), DK189 (22%), Beacon (18%) and 9L900 (14%). Seed was harvested in total on all parents and bulked to form breeder seed. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M.falcata (1%), Ladak (3%), M.varia (4%), Turkistan (12%), Flemish (6%), Chilean (10%), Peruvian (1%), Indian (18%), African (38%) and unknown (7%).

2. This variety is adapted to the Southwest. This variety has been tested in Idaho, California and Argentina. It will be used in the southwestern US and Argentina.

3. This variety has fall dormancy similar to FD9 checks. Flower color (Syn2) is 100% purple.

4. This variety has high resistance to Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, pea aphid and spotted alfalfa aphid; resistance to Verticillium wilt, stem nematode and blue alfalfa aphid; moderate resistance to anthracnose (race 1) and low resistance to bacterial wilt. Reaction to Aphanomyces root rot and root knot nematode 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 (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 near Nampa, Idaho in 1995. 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 1998.

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

8. The information in this application may be forwarded to the PVP office.

9. Variety name: NK Vaquera 9

Experimental designations: FG 9G515; FG Arg 96-2

Date NA&MLVRB first accepted this variety: January 1998

Dates previous amendments were accepted: none

Date this amendment submitted: November 1, 1998