5246

1. 5246 is a synthetic variety with 315 parent plants originating from an experimental line tracing to the varieties 5373 and 5262. Parent plants were selected through phenotypic selection for resistance to Phytophthora root rot and/or Aphanomyces root rot. Germplasm sources are M. falcata (7%), Ladak (9%), M. varia (26%), Turkistan (4%), Flemish (47%), Chilean (7%).

2. 5246 is adapted to and intended for use in the north central east central and winterhardy intermountain regions of the United states for hay, haylage, greenchop, and dehydration. The states in which 5246 has been tested are Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Oregon, and Washington. This variety has been tested under the experimental designations XAE92, YAE92 and 88W6PV1.

3. 5246 is a dormant cultivar with fall dormancy similar to Ranger. Flower color in the Syn 1 generation is approximately 73% purple and 27% variegated with traces of yellow, white, and cream. Growth habit is erect in midsummer and semi--erect in the fall.

4. 5246 has high resistance to anthracnose (Race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, and Phytophthora root rot; resistance to Verticillium wilt, spotted alfalfa aphid and pea aphid; moderate resistance to Aphanomyces (Race 1) and stem nematode. 5246 has not been tested for blue alfalfa aphid.

5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced in one year on parent plants in "field isolation". Seed classes will be breeder, foundation (Syn 2 or Syn 3) and certified (Syn 2, Syn 3, or Syn 4). Foundation seed may be produced from breeder or foundation. The second generation foundation may be produced at the discretion of Pioneer Hi--Bred International Inc. Limitations on ages of stand will be three years and five years, respectively, for foundation seed and certified seed. Sufficient breeder and foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Pioneer Hi--Bred International, Inc.

6. Seed will be marketed in the spring of 1992.

7. Application for Plant Variety Protection has been made, and the certification option has not be requested.

8. As a means of added varietal protection, information included with the Application for Review of Alfalfa Variety for Certification may be provided to the PVP office.