1. AF 21 is a 160 plant synthetic variety resulting from two cycles of recurrent phenotypic selection for resistance to Verticillium wilt (182 plants in cycle 1) followed by anthracnose (Race 1) (160 plants in cycle 2). The base population was composed of three experimental lines which were selected for resistance to Phytophthora root rot and combined in approximately equal numbers of plants totaling 370. These three lines, tracing primarily to Vernal, Saranac, Ranger and Vertus, with lesser contributions from Atlantic, Sabilit, WL 305 and WL 309, were developed through recurrent phenotypic selection for resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, pea aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid, Fusarium wilt and stem nematode. Estimates of parental germplasm sources comprising AF-21 are M. falcata - 7%, Ladak - 6%, M. varia - 32%, Turkistan - 8%, Flemish - 42%, and Chilean - 5%.
2. AF-21 is moderately fall-dormant and adapted to the northern half of the U.S. for production of hay, haylage and dehydrated forage. AF 21 has been tested in PA, NY, WI, IL, MN, OR and WA. It will be marketed throughout its area of adaptation.
3. Flower color of AF-21 is approximately 70% purple, 28% variegated, 2% yellow and a trace of cream. Mid-summer growth is erect. Fall-growth is similar to that of Saranac.
4. AF-21 has high resistance to bacterial wilt and anthracnose (Race 1), resistance to Phytophthora root rot, Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, pea aphid and spotted alfalfa aphid with moderate resistance to stem nematode and northern root knot nematode. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately characterized.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) of AF-21 was produced under cage isolation on 160 parent plants at Warden, WA. Foundation (Syn 2) seed was produced near Nampa, ID in sufficient quantity for the expected life of the variety. One generation of breeder, two generations each of foundation (Syn 2 or 3) and certified (Syn 3 or 4) seed is recognized. A maximum of 3 and 5 harvest years are permitted for stands producing foundation and certified seed, respectively. Foundation seed must be produced above 40 degrees N latitude.
6. Certified seed of AF-21 will be marketed in 1988.
7. No decision has been made relative to an application for protection under the Plant Variety Protection Act.
8. This information is made available to the PVP office.