VS-448
(Experimental Designation)
1. VS-448 was developed by strain crossing three breeding populations which had undergone intensive phenotypic recurrent selection for resistance to the blue alfalfa aphid, Phytophthora root rot, and anthracnose. Equal quantities of seed of each of three crosses was used to establish a Breeder seed cage. Parentage traces predominately (in order of contribution) to: Pierce, CUF 101, DK-187, WL 512, UC 143, UC 123, and UC Cargo. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: Ladak - 1%, M. varia - 2%, Turkistan - 16%, Flemish - 1%, Chilean - 6%, Peruvian - 12%, Indian - 20%, African - 36%, and Unknown - 6%.
2. VS-448 is intended for use in the San Joaquin Valley of California and low desert valleys of California, Arizona, and New Mexico for hay, haylage, or dehy production.
3. VS-448 is a nondormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Moapa 69. Flower color of foundation generation is approximately 99% purple and 1% variegated.
4. VS-448 has high resistance to the blue alfalfa aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid, and Fusarium wilt; resistance to Phytophthora root rot and anthracnose; and low resistance to Verticillium wilt. Reaction to bacterial wilt, pea aphid and stem nematode are undetermined.
5. Seed increase of VS-448 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 (Syn. I), foundation (Syn. II or III), and certified (Syn. III or IV) classes will be recognized. Breeder seed (Syn. I) was produced under cage isolation in 1984 at Woodland, CA. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of this variety will be maintained by VISTA. Production of Syn. III foundation seed requires consent of the breeder.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1988.
7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection (PVP).
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.