Valador
Applicant: Northrup King Co.
P.0. Box 1406
Woodland, CA 95695
Description
Valador (K7-700) was developed by selecting plants from nondormant African type alfalfa as on the basis of resistance to Phytophthora root rot and anthracnose. Two generations of phenotypic recurrent selection for resistance to Phytophthora root rot were followed by two generations of phenotypic recurrent selection for anthracnose resistance. A minimum of 80 plants per generation were used to produce seed for the following generation.
Valador has been tested and is intended for use in the California central valley for hay, greenchop, dehydration and grazing.
Valador is similar to Moapa 69 in fall dormancy and has mostly purple flowers.
Valador has resistance to Phytophthora root rot and the biotype of spotted alfalfa aphid found in the California central valley. It has a moderate level of resistance to anthracnose and is susceptible to the biotype of pea aphid found near Woodland, California. It has not been tested for resistance to bacterial wilt or stem nematode.
Seedstocks will be maintained by Northrup King Co. and seed will be produced on a three generation basis with breeder, foundation and certified classes. Breeder seed (Syn 2) was produced under isolation near Woodland, California in 1977. This seed is sufficient to last the life of the variety. Certified seed may be produced from foundation or breeder seed according to state regulations.
Certified seed will be available in 1979.