1. VS-888 is a synthetic variety with 18 parent plants. Parents were selected based on clonal and progeny tests for vigor, winter--hardiness and resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose, Aphanomyces root rot, Leptosphaerulina leafspot, and spotted alfalfa aphid. The following germplasm sources were used in the development of VS--888: VS-775, G-2841, Bronco, 98, and Ultra. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata -- 7%, Ladak -- 7%, M. varia -- 32%, Turkistan - 3%, Flemish -- 45%, and Chilean - 6%.
2. VS--888 is adapted to and intended for use in the northcentral U.S. and eastern Canada for hay, haylage, greenchop, or dehy production. It has been tested in Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada.
3. VS-888 is a dormant variety. Fall dormancy is similar to Ranger. Flower color is 65% purple, 35% variegated, and a trace of white, yellow and cream.
4. VS-888 has high resistance to anthracnose (race 1), bacterial Phytophthora root rot, with resistance to Fusarium wilt, and Verticillium wilt. It has moderate resistance to Aphanomyces root (race 1). Reaction to stem nematode, blue alfalfa aphid, spotted alfalfa apid, and pea aphid have not been tested.
5. Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of the foundation and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn.2), foundation (Syn.3), and certified (Syn.4) classes will be recognized. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation at Caldwell, ID. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by VISTA. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1992.
7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be
forwarded to the PVP office.