VS746
1. VS746 is a synthetic variety which was developed by phenotypic recurrent selection for persistence or resistance to anthracnose, Verticillium wilt, or the spotted alfalfa aphid. Parentage traces to Mede and Valley +. Estimates of the major germplasm sources that constitute this variety are: M. falcata (1%), Ladak (2%), M. varia (10%), Turkistan (1%), Flemish (39%), Chilean (13%) Peruvian (1%), Indian (5%), African (9%), and unknown (9%).
2. VS746 is intended for use in the Sacramento Valley and similar high desert valleys of California, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, and New Mexico for hay, haylage, or dehy production. VS746 has been tested in California, New Mexico, and Idaho.
3. VS746 is a moderately dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Lahontan. Flower color is approximately 90% purple and 10% variegated, with a trace of cream and yellow.
4. VS746 has high resistance to Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, pea aphid, and spotted alfalfa aphid, resistance to anthracnose, and moderate resistance to Verticillium wilt. Reaction to stem nematode, bacterial wilt and blue alfalfa aphid have not been adequately tested.
5. Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation each of breeder, and up to two generations of foundation and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn 1 ), foundation(Syn2 or Syn3), and certified (Syn 3 or Syn 4) classes will be recognized. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced under cage isolation near Woodland, CA in 1987. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of this variety will be maintained by Vista. Production of Syn 3 foundation seed requires consent of the breeder. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1990.
7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.