New Era 90
1. New Era 90 is a synthetic variety resulting from an intercross between Verticillium wilt resistant selections (100 plants) and Phytophthora root rot resistant selections (100 plants) derived from two persistent and pest resistant experimental lines. Both lines were developed through greenhouse or field selection for resistance to bacterial wilt, anthracnose, pea aphid, and spotted alfalfa aphid. Parental germplasm traces primarily to Vernal, Atlantic, and Eagle, with lesser contributions from Ranger and Vertus. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata - 6%, Ladak - 10%, M. varia - 27%, Turkistan - 8%, Flemish - 43%, and Chilean - 6%.
2. New Era 90 is a moderately fall dormant variety adapted for use in the northern half of the U.S. for hay, haylage, and dehydration purposes. It has been tested for yield in NY, WI, IL, MN, WA and PA.
3. The flower color of New Era 90 at full bloom approximates 96% purple and 4% variegated with a trace of cream and yellow. Fall dormancy is similar to that of Saranac.
4. New Era 90 has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose (Race 1) and Phytophthora root rot; resistance to Verticillium wilt, pea aphid, Northern root knot nematode and stem nematode; and moderate resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately tested.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on 200 plants under cage isolation at Warden, WA. Sufficient Foundation (Syn 2) seed was produced near Nampa, ID for the expected life of the variety. One generation of Breeder (Syn 1) and two generations each of Foundation (Syn 2 or 3) and Certified (Syn 3 or 4) seed classes are recognized. The maximum permitted length of stand for Foundation and Certified seed fields are 3 to 5 years, respectively. Foundation seed must be produced above 40 degrees north latitude. Production of Syn 3 Foundation seed requires consent of the breeder.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1989.
7. It is undecided whether application will be made for Plant Variety Protection.
8. The information is this application is available to the PVP office.