CW5440
1. CW 5440 is a synthetic variety with 230 parent plants which were selected sequentially for multifoliolate leaf m/ expression and for resistance to Phytophthora root rot and Aphanomyces root rot (race 1). Parent plants were selected from crosses between selections from three year old Pennsylvania yield trials and various populations which 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, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), anthracnose (race I), and Leptosphaerulina Ieafspot. Parentage of CW 5440 traces to the following germplasm sources: BigHorn, AlfaStar, Award, MultiQueen, and miscellaneous Cal/West Seeds breeding populations. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: M. falcata (9%), Ladak (6%), M. varia (25%), Turkistan (4%), Flemish (47%), and Chilean (9%).

2. CW 5440 is adapted to the North Central and East Central areas of the U. S. , and is intended for use in the North Central and East Central areas of the U. S. . CW 5440 has been tested in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and Nebraska.

3. CW 5440 is a moderately dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Saranac. Flower color observed in the Syn. 2 generation is approximately 94% purple and 6% variegated, with a trace of cream, white, and yellow.

4. CW 5440 has high resistance to anthracnose (race 1), bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), with resistance to Phytophthora root rot, pea aphid, and spotted alfalfa aphid. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid, stem nematode, and root knot nematode has not been adequately tested

5. Seed increase of CW 5440 is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of the foundation, and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn. 1), 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 near Woodland, California in 1995. 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 CW 5440 will be available in 1998.

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

8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.

9. Variety Name: ______________Date submitted: 12/1/97. Experimental Designation: CW 5440