1. Zenith is a synthetic variety with 227 parent plants. Parent plants trace to populations selected for resistance to Aphanomyces root rot and one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose, Phytophthora root rot, Leptosphaerulina leaf spot and spotted alfalfa aphid. Phenotypic recurrent selection was used. The following germplasm sources were used in the development of Zenith: VS--775, Ultra, 98, Surpass, and Legend. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata --10%, Ladak --9%, M. varia --30%, Turkistan --5%, Flemish --43%, Chilean --3%.
2. Zenith is adapted to and intended for use in the north central and northeastern U.S. for hay, haylage, greenchop or dehy production. It has been tested in Wisconsin, Iowa, Idaho, Minnesota and Pennsylvania.
3. Zenith is a dormant variety. Fall dormancy is similar to Ranger. Flower color is 61% purple, 39%variegated, and a trace of white, yellow, and cream.
4. Zenith has high resistance to anthracnose (race 1), Fusarium wilt, bacterial wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and spotted alfalfa aphid with resistance to Verticillium wilt, pea aphid, and Aphanomyces root rot (race 1 ) and moderate resistance to stem nematode. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately 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
the consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation
at Woodland, CA. 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 will be marketed in 1991.
7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded
to the PVP office.