ASCEND
1. Ascend is a synthetic variety with 200 parent plants that were selected from crosses between selections from three year old Minnesota and Wisconsin yield trials and various populations that were developed by phenotypic recurrent selection for high relative feed value (using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy), and for resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Fusarium Wilt, Verticillium wilt, PhytopEthora root rot, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), anthracnose (race 1), and Leptosphaerulina leafspot. Parentage of Ascend traces to the following germplasm sources: 512, and miscellaneous Cal/West Seeds breeding populations. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: M.falcata (5¡/O), Ladak (5¡/O), M.varia (25%), Turkistan (5¡/0), Flemish (50¡/O), and Chilean (10%).
2. Ascend is adapted to the North Central and East Central areas of the U.S. and is intended for use in the North Central, East Central, and Great Plains areas of the U. S. Ascend has been tested in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Pennsy1vania
3. Ascend is a moderately dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to FD class 5 check varieties. Flower color observed in the Syn.3 generation is approximately 98% purple, 2% variegated, with a trace of white, cream, and yellow.
4. Ascend has high resistance to anthracnose (race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1) and spotted alfalfa aphid, with resistance to stem nematode. Reaction to pea aphid, blue alfalfa aphid and root knot nematode has not been adequately tested.
5. Seed increase of Ascend is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of the foundation and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn.2), foundation (Syn.3 or Syn.4), and certified (Syn.4 or Syn.5) classes will be recognized. Production of Syn.4 foundation seed requires consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation near Woodland, California in 1997. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Cal/West Seeds. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.
6. Certified seed of Ascend will be available in 2002.
7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the P.V.P. office.
9. Variety Name: Ascend Date submitted: November 30, 2001.
Experimental Designation: CW 75044.