1. VS-9012 is a synthetic variety
with 14 parent clones. Parent clones were selected for multifoliolate expression,
forage yield and resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial
wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose, Phytophthora root rot, Aphanomyces
root rot, Leptosphaerulina leaf
spot and spotted alfalfa aphid. Clonal and OP progeny tests were used in
this selection program. Parent clones trace to the following cultivars:
Encore (4), AlfaLeaf (4), Achieva (2), Jewel (2) and Prism (2). Approximate
germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata -7%, Ladak -6%, M.
varia -27%, Turkistan -3%, Flemish -52% and Chilean -5%.
2. VS-9012 is adapted to the northeastern and northcentral U.S. and intended for use in the northern and central U.S. It has been tested in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and New York.
3. VS-9012 is a dormant variety. Fall dormancy is similar to Ranger. Flower color in the Syn. 1 is 86% purple, 14% variegated and a trace of white, yellow and cream. At first flower in autumn approximately 88% of the plants show multifoliolate expression.
4. VS-9012 has high resistance to Fusarium wilt, anthracnose (race 1) and Phytophthora root rot with resistance to bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), spotted alfalfa aphid and pea aphid. Reaction to stem nematode, root knot nematode and blue alfalfa aphid have 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 the
consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation
at Woodland, California in 1990 and bulked. 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 1994.
7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded
to the PVP office.