54Q25

1. 54Q25 is a synthetic cu1tivar comprised of 219 parent plants crossed in cage isolation. Parent plants were selected phenotypical1y in the greenhouse for resistance to stem nematode, northern root knot nematode, the Columbia Basin root knot nematode, and Phytophthora root rot. This variety traces to a broad based Pioneer experimental comprised of 28 sources identified as high yielding, winterhardy, and multip1e pest resistant. Spaced plant selections were made from the 28 sources for winter survival, vigor, and high relative feed value. These selections were crossed to form the base population from which 54Q25 was derived.

2. 54Q25 is adapted to the moderately winterhardy and North Central regions of the United States. It is intended for use in the Great Plains, East Central, winterhardy intermountain, moderately winterhardy intermountain regions, as well as in Canada. The states in which 54Q25 has been tested are: Iowa, Wisconsin, Oregon, and Washington.

3. 54Q25 is a moderately dormant cultivar with a fall dormancy similar to the FD 4 check. It is a high forage quality variety similar to the high quality check. Flower color in the Syn. 2 generation is approximately 88% purple and 12% variegated with traces of yellow, white and cream.

4. 54Q25 is highly resistant to anthracoose (race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wik, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, stem nematode, and northern root knot nematode; resistant to Aphanomyces root rot, pea aphid, and spotted alfalfa aphid. Resistance to blue aphid has not been determined.

5. Breeder's seed (Syn 1) was produced on 219 plants in cage isolation and bulked. Seed classes will be breeder, foundation (Syn 2 or 3), and certified (Syn 2, Syn 3, or Syn 4). Foundation seed may be produced from breeder or foundation. The second generation foundation seed may be produced at the discretion of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. Limitations of age of stand will be one, three and five years respectively, for breeder, foundation, and certified seed. Breeder seed must be grown in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

6. Seed will be marketed in the spring of 2003.

7. Application for Plant Variety Protection may be made and the certification option will not be requested.

8. As a means of added varietal protection, information included with the Application for Review of Alfalfa Varieties for Certification may be provided to the PVP office.

9. Variety name: 54Q25 Date submitted: November29,2001

Experimental designation: X54Q25, Y54Q25, 96NOlPL1