1. Ultraleaf 87 is a synthetic variety with 14 parent clones. Parent clones w.re selected for multifoliolate expression, forage yield and for resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose, Phytophthora root rot, Aphanomyces root rot, Leptosphaerulina leafspot and spotted alfalfa aphid. Clonal and OP progeny tests were used in this selection program. Parent clones trace to the following cultivars: Encore (4), Alfaleaf (4), Achieva (2), Jewel ~2), and Prism (2). Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M.falcata (7%), Ladak (6%), M.varia (27%), Turkistan (3%), Flemish (52%), and Chilean (5%).
2. Ultraleaf 87 is adapted to the northeastern and northcentral U.S. and is intended for use in the northern and central U.S.. It has been tested in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and New York.
3. Ultraleaf 87 is a dormant variety. Fall dormancy is similar to Ranger. Flower color in the Syn.1 is 86% purple, 14% variegated, and a trace of white, yellow, and cream. At first flower in autumn approximately 88% of the plants show multifoliolate expression.
4. Ultraleaf 87 has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose (race 1), and Phytophthora root rot with resistance to Verticillium wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), spotted alfalfa aphid, and pea aphid. Reaction to stem nematode, root knot nematode, and blue alfalfa aphid have not been tested.
5. Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of foundation and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn.1), foundation (Syn.2 or Syn.3), and certified (Syn.3 or Syn.4) classes will be recogna.zed. Production of Syn.3 foundation seed requires the consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation at Woodland, California in 1990 and bulked. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by VISTA. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.
6. Certified seed of Ultraleaf 87 will be marketed in 1994.
7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.