57NO2

1. 57NO2 is a 1996 synthetic variety. Parent plants were selected for one or more of the following resistances: Phytophthora root rot, stem nematodes and Verticillium wilt. Prior to this, selection was also. made for agronomic traits such as yield and adaptation to the Italian growing conditions.

2. 57NO2 is intended for use in the Po valley and central areas of Italy. It should also be adapted to other alfalfa growing areas of the Mediterranean basin. It has been tested in Malagnino, Sissa and Medesano, Italy.

4. 57N02 has resistance to Phytophthora root rot and Verticillium wilt; moderate resistance to fusarium wilt, spotted aphid, pea aphid, root knot nematode (M. hapla); low resistance to bacterial wilt and southern root knot nematode (M. incognita); and is susceptible to anthracnose and stem nematode. 57NO2 has not been tested for blue aphid or Aphanomyces rootrot.

5. Breeder seed (syn1) was produced on 178 plants in 1996 and bulked. Seed classes will be breeder, foundation (syn2 or 3), and certified (syn2, 3 or 4). Foundation seed may be produced from breeder of 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 three and five years respectively, for foundation and certified seed. Sufficient breeder and/or foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.

6. Seed will be marketed in the spring of 2001 in Italy.

7. Application for Plant Variety Protection will 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: 57N02

Date submitted: November 30, 1999

Experiment designations: X57NO2, Z57NO2, 96P58PI1