1. Accord is a synthetic variety with 111 parent plants. Parents were selected from a cross between two FG breeding lines for multifoliolate leaf expression and combined resistance to Aphanomyces root rot (race 1) and Phytophthora root rot . One line traces to selections from Encore made from a four year old Wisconsin yield trial and the other to a winterhardy multifoliolate population selected for vigor, persistence, forage quality and resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, and Aphanomyces root rot (race 1). Phenotyic recurrent selection was used. Parentage traces to the following cultivars: Encore (60%), LegenDairy (20%), Pacesetter (5%), Prism (5%), Alfaleaf (5%), and DK133 (5%). Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata-5%, Ladak-6%, M. varia-29%, Turkistan-3%, Flemish-53%, and Chilean-4%.

2. Accord is adapted to the North Central and East Central regions of the U.S. and intended for use in the northern and central U.S. It has been tested in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Pennsylvania.

3. Fall dormancy of Accord is similar to Saranac and winter survival of this variety is similar to Vernal. Flower color in the Syn2 is 68% purple, 32% variegated, and a trace of white, cream and yellow. Accord has greater multifoliate leaf expression than Multiking I.

4. Accord has high resistance to bacterial wilt, anthracnose (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, pea aphid, and Fusarium wilt; resistance to Verticillium wilt and Aphanomyces root rot (race 1); and moderate resistance to northern root knot nematode and stem nematode. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid and spotted alfalfa aphid 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 (Syn1), foundation (Syn2 or Syn3), and certified (Syn3 or Syn4) classes will be recognized. Production of Syn3 foundation seed requires the consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced at Caldwell, Idaho in 1992. 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 6 years, respectively.

6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1995.

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

8. The information in this application can be forwarded to the PVP office.

9. Variety name: Accord

Experimental designations: FG 3B44

Date NA&MLVRB first accepted this variety: January 1995

Dates previous amendments were accepted: none

Date this amendment submitted: November 1, 1998