Milkmaker
1. Milkmaker was developed by hand crossing 150 selected plants from each of two improved, northern hardy and flemish germplasm sources in the greenhouse. Germplasm sources had been screened for Phytophthora root rot resistance or anthracnose resistance prior to crossing. A complementary strain cross method of breeding was employed.
2. It is intended that Milkmaker be used in the upper midwest and east central United States where it will be used for general forage use. The variety has been tested in: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, New York, Pennsylvania, California, and Nevada.
3. Milkmaker is intermediate between Vernal and Saranac in fall dormancy. Flower color is approximately 48% purple, 50% variegated, and 2% cream.
4. Milkmaker is highly resistant to Fusarium wilt, resistant to bacterial wilt, pea aphid, and moderately resistant to Phytophthora root rot and anthracnose. It is susceptible to spotted alfalfa aphid, Verticillium wilt, and has not been tested for stem nematode reaction.
5. Seed increases of Milkmaker shall be on a limited generation system, with one generation each of Breeders, Foundation, and Certified seed classes. Foundation fields shall be limited to a maximum of three harvest years. Certified seed shall be the first generation from either Breeders or Foundation.
6. Certified seed will first be offered for sale in 1985.
7. Plans are to apply for Plant Variety Protection. No certification option will be requested.