1. AlfaStar is a synthetic variety with 200 parent plants which were selected sequentially for multifoliolate leaf expression and for resistance to Phytophthora root rot and Aphanomyces root rot (race 1). Parent plants were selected from various populations that were developed by phenotypic recurrent selection for high relative feed value (using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy), for multifoliolate leaf expression, and for resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose (race 1),Verticillium wilt, Leptosphaerulina leafspot and spotted alfalfa aphid. Parentage of AlfaStar traces to the following germplasm sources: Precedent, Alfaleaf, Encore, Crown II, Jewel, VS-775, and Prism. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: M.falcata (8%), Ladak (6%), M.varia (25%), Turkistan (4%), Flemish (47%), and Chilean (10%).
2. AlfaStar is adapted to the northcentral and northeastern U.S. and is intended for use in the northern and central U.S. AlfaStar has been tested in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Pennsylvania.
3. AlfaStar is a moderately dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Saranac. Flower color observed in the Syn.2 generation is approximately 92% purple, 8% variegated, and a trace of white, cream, and yellow. At first flower in autumn approximately 87% of the stems show multifoliolate leaf expression.
4. AlfaStar has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, and pea aphid, and resistance to Verticillium wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), stem nematode, and spotted alfalfa aphid. Reaction to root knot nematode, and blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately tested.
5. Seed increase of AlfaStar is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of the foundation and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn.l), 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 Woodlands California in 1991. 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 AlfaStar will be available in 1994.
7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.
9. Variety Name: AIfaStar. Experimental Designation: CW 1404.
Date NA&MLVRB first accepted this variety: January 1994. Dates previous
amendments were accepted: January 1996. Date this amendment submitted:
December 1, 1996.