1. Quest is a synthetic variety composed of 250 plants selected for agronomic appearance and resistance to anthracnose. Source material traces to two elite experimental lines selected for resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, and spotted alfalfa aphid. Subsequent selection was performed for resistance to Phytophthora root rot and Verticillium wilt. Parental germplasm traces to Chief, 629, Vernal, Vertus, and Ranger. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata -- 5%; Ladak -- 13%; M. varia -- 28%; Turkistan -- 9%; Flemish -- 39%; and Chilean -- 6%.
2. Quest is adapted for use in the northeast, northcentral, and northwest U.S. for hay, haylage, and dehydration purposes. Quest has been yield-tested in Wisconsin, Illinois, Pennsylvania and New York.
3. Quest is a moderately fall--dormant variety with fall--dormancy similar to that of Saranac. Flower color of Quest approximates 96% purple and 4% variegated with traces of cream and yellow.
4. Quest has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, and Phytophthora root rot; resistance to anthracnose, Verticillium wilt, stem nematode, and pea aphid; and moderate resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid and northern root knot nematode. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately tested.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on 250 plants under cage-isolation at Bakersfield, CA. Sufficient Foundation (Syn 2) seed was produced near Quincy, Washington for the expected life of the variety. One generation of Breeder (Syn 1) and two generations each of Foundation (Syn 2 or 3) and Certified (Syn 3 or 4) seed are recognized. The maximum permitted length of stand for Foundation and Certified seed fields are 3 and 5 years, respectively. Foundation
seed must be produced above 40 degrees North latitude. Production of Syn 3 Foundation seed requires consent of the breeder.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1991.
7. It is undecided whether application will be made for Plant Variety Protection.
8. The information in the application is available to the PVP office.