5252

1. 5252 is a synthetic variety with 197 parent plants originating from an experimental line tracing to the varieties 5373 and Surpass. Parent plants were selected through phenotypic recurrent selection for resistance to Phytophthora root rot and/or Aphanomyces root rot. Germplasm sources are M. falcata (8%), Ladak (8%), M. varia (23%), Turkistan (10%), Flemish (42%), Chilean (7%), and Peruvian (2%).

2. 5252 is adapted to and intended for use in the north central, east central and winterhardy intermountain regions of the United States. The states in which 5252 has been tested are Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Oregon, and Washington.

3. 5252 is a dormant cultivar with fall dormancy similar to Ranger. Flower color in the Syn 1 generation is approximately 72% purple and 28% variegated with traces of yellow, white, and cream.

4. 5252 has high resistance to Aphanomyces (Race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot and Verticillium wilt; resistance to anthracnose (race 1) and pea aphid; moderate resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid and low resistance to stem nematode. 5252 has not been adequately tested for blue alfalfa aphid or root knot nematode.

5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced in 1989 on parent plants in "cage 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 (Syn 3) 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 was marketed in the spring of 1992.

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