AlfaStar II

 

1. AlfaStar II is a synthetic variety with 220 parent plants that were selected sequentially for multifoliolate leaf expression and for resistance to Phytophthora root rot and Aphanomyces root rot (race 1). Parent plants were selected from crosses between selections from three-year old Minnesota and Wisconsin yield trials. Yield trial source varieties were derived from various populations that 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, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), anthracnose (race 1), and Leptosphaerulina leafspot. Parentage of AlfaStar II traces to the following germplasm sources: BigHorn, DK 142, Gold Plus, Hunter, and miscellaneous Cal/West Seeds breeding populations. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation near Woodland, California in 1997. Seed was bulk harvested from all parent plants. Approximate germp1asm source contributions are as follows: M. falcata (8%), Ladak (5%), M. varia (27%), Turkistan (4%), Flemish (48%), and Chilean (8%).

2. AlfaStar II is adapted to and intended for use in the North Central, East Central, and Great Plains areas of the U.S. AlfaStar II has been tested in Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Nebraska.

3. AlfaStar II is a moderately dominant variety with fall dormancy similar to FD class 4 check varieties. Flower color observed in the Syn.2 generation is greater than 98% purple with 1% variegated, and a trace of white, cream, and yellow.

4. AlfaStar II has high resistance to anthracnose (race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), with resistance to Verticillium wilt, spotted alfalfa aphid, stem nematode, and northern root knot nematode (Meloidogyne hapla) and moderate resistance to pea aphid and blue alfalfa aphid.

  5. Seed increase of AlfaStar II is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of the foundation and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn. l), foundation (Syn. 2 or Syn. 3), and certified (Syn. 3 or Syn. 4) classes will be recognized. Production of Syn. 3 foundation seed requires consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation near Woodland, California in 1997. 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 AlfaStar II will be available in 2003.

7.  No decision bas been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.

8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.

9. Variety Name: AlfaStar II      Date submitted: November 30, 2003.

Experimental Designation: CW 74013

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