1. Starmaster is a synthetic variety with 58 parent plants. Parent plants trace to 14 populations selected for resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and anthracnose. Phenotypic recurrent selection was used. Final selections were made from a 2-year-old space plant selection nursery in Wisconsin based on vigor, color, winter survival and resistance to potato leafhopper yellowing. Parentage traces to: Apollo II (27%), Endure (26%), Apollo (8%), Atlas (7%), Olympic (6%), Trident (5%), Anchor (5%), Answer (5%), Saranac AR (3%) with 8% from numerous other sources. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata (6%), Ladak (9%), M. varia (17%), Turkistan (18%), Flemish (36%), Chilean (8%) and Peruvian (6%).
2. Starmaster is adapted to the Northeastern and Central cornbelt and is intended for use in the northeastern U.S. for hay and haylage production. It has been tested in Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia and Iowa.
3. Fall dormancy is similar to Ranger. Flower color is 81% purple and 19% variegated with a trace of white, yellow and cream.
4. Starmaster has resistance to Phytophthora root rot, bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt and pea aphid and moderate resistance to anthracnose (Race 1). Reaction to stem nematode, spotted alfalfa aphid and blue alfalfa aphid has not been determined.
5. Seed increase is limited to
one generation each of breeder, foundation and certified seed classes.
Certified seed may be produced from either breeder or foundation classes.
A 1, 3 and 6-year stand life is permitted on fields producing breeder,
foundation and
certified classes respectively.
Foundation seed production is limited to the Pacific Northwest.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1991.
7. Plant Variety Protection will not be applied for.
8. This information can be forwarded
to the PVP office.