Focus

1.  Focus is a synthetic variety with 100 parent plants. Plants were selected for multifoliolate expression and resistance to one or more of the following pests: stem nematode, Verticillium wilt and Phytophthora root rot. Germplasm sources used in developing Focus were LegenDairy (25%), MultiKing I (25%), Excalibur II (12.5%), Prism II (12.5%), Dividend (12.5%), and Acheiva (12.5%). Breeder seed (Syn. 1) was produced near Nampa, ID in 1994. Seed was harvested in total on all parents and bulked to form breeder seed. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata (3%), Ladak (6%), M. varia (27%), Turkistan (3%), Flemish (57%) and Chilean (4%).

2.  This variety is adapted to the Winterhardy Intermountain United States. This variety has been tested in Idaho and Oregon. It will be used in the Winterhardy Intermountain United States.

3.  This variety has fall dormancy similar to FD4 checks and winter survival similar to WS3 checks. Flower color (Syn. 2) is 90% purple, 9% variegated, 1% white and a trace of yellow and cream. Focus has high multifoliolate leaf expression.

4.  This variety has high resistance to Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, and anthracnose (Race 1, Phytophthora root rot, stem nematode and spotted alfalfa aphid; resistance to Verticillium wilt, pea aphid and northern root knot nematode. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid has 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 consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced near Nampa, ID in 1994. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Forage Genetics. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 5 years, respectively.

6.  Certified seed will be marketed in 1998.

7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection Act.

8.  The information in this application may not be forwarded to the PVP office.

9.  Variety name:  Focus  

     Experimental designations:  FG 3L171

     Date NA&MLVRB first accepted this variety:  January 1999

     Dates previous amendments were accepted:  None

     Date this amendment submitted:  November 1, 2003