1. Zaino is a synthetic variety with 175 parent plants. Plants were selected for persistence in old nurseries and yield trials. Germplasm sources used in developing Zaino were Coronado (66%), DK189 (11%), FG 9T78 (15%) and FG 9L400 (8%). Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced near Nampa, Idaho in 1995. Seed was harvested in total on all parents and bulked to form breeder seed. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata (1%), Ladak (1%), M. varia (4%), Turkistan (12%), Flemish (6%), Chilean (10%), Peruvian (1%), Indian (20%), African (40%), and unknown (5%).

2. This variety is adapted to Moderately Winterhardy Intermountain and Southwest United States. This variety has been tested in Idaho and California. It will be used in the Moderately Winterhardy Intermountain and Southwest United States.

3. This variety has fall dormancy similar to FD 9 checks. Flower color (Syn2) is 100% purple.

4. This variety has high resistance to Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, pea aphid and spotted alfalfa aphid; resistance to Verticillium wilt, stem nematode and blue alfalfa aphid; moderate resistance to anthracnose (Race 1); and, low resistance to bacterial wilt. Reaction to Aphanomyces root rot and root knot nematode has 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 recognized. Production of Syn 3 foundation seed requires consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced near Nampa, Idaho in 1995. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Forage Genetics. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 5 years, respectively.

6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1999.

7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection Act.

8. The information in this application can not be forwarded to the PVP office.

9. Variety Name: Zaino Date Submitted 11/1/98

Experimental designations: FG 9T97