1. WinterKing is a synthetic variety with 169 parent plants which were selected sequentially for multifoliolate leaf expression and for resistance to Phytophthora root rot and Aphanomyces root rot (race I). Parent plants were selected from crosses between selections from three year old Wisconsin and Minnesota yield trials and various populations which were developed by phenotypic recurrent selection for high relative feed value (using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy), and for resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), anthracnose (race 1), and Leptosphaerulina leafspot Parentage of WinterKing traces to the following germplasm sources: Pacesetter, Crown II, Encore, DK 133, 9323, Benchrnark, Prism, and DK122. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: M. falcata (9%), Ladak (5%), M. varia (25%), Turkistan (3%), Flemish (48%), and Chilean (10%).
2. WinterKing is adapted to the North Central U. S. and is intended for use in the northern and central U. S. . WinterKing has been tested in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
3. WinkerKing is a dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Ranger. Flower color observed in the Syn. 2 generation is approximately 98% purple, 2% cream, and a trace of variegated, white and yellow. Forage quality of WinterKing is similar to WL322HQ. WinterKing has greater multifoliolate leaf expression than MultiKing I.
4. WinterKing has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, and pea aphid with resistance to Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), spotted alfalfa aphid, and stem nematode. Reaction to root knot nematode and blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately tested.
5. Seed increase of WinterKing is on a limited generation basis with two generations of the breeder, foundation, and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn. I or Syn. 2), foundation (Syn. 2 or Syn. 3), and certified (Syn. 3 or Syn. 4) classes will be recognized. Production of Syn. 2 breeder or Syn. 3 foundation seed requires the consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation at Woodland, California in 1992. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Cal/West Seeds. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.
6. Certified seed of WinterKing will be available in 1996.
7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.
9. Variety Name:Winterking Experimental Designation: CW2360.
Date NA & MLVRB first accepted this variety January I 996
Date previous amendments were accepted
Date this amendment submitted: December l 1997