Echo
1. Echo is a synthetic variety composed of 170 plants selected for resistance to Verticillium wilt. Source material traces to 23 clones derived from 17 experimental breeding lines that had been selected for resistance to Phytophthora root rot, Fusarium wilt, bacterial wilt, anthracnose, and spotted alfalfa aphid; and for tolerance to potato leafhopper yellowing in field nurseries. Source material traces to Vernal, Saranac, Kanza, Atlantic, WL 305, and WL 309, with minor contributions from Team, Ranger, Grimm, and WL 215. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata - 6%, Ladak - 9%, M. varia - 32%, Turkistan - 7%, Flemish - 31%, Chilean - 14%, and Peruvian - 1%.
2. Echo is a moderately fall dormant variety adapted for use in the northeast and northcentral U.S. for hay, haylage, and dehydration purposes. It has been tested for forage yield potential in MD, WI, IL and PA.
3. Flower color of Echo at full bloom approximates 99% purple and 1% variegated with a trace of cream. Fall dormancy is similar to that of Saranac.
4. Echo has high resistance to pea aphid; resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, Verticillium wilt, and spotted alfalfa aphid; moderate resistance to anthracnose (Race 1) and stem nematode. Echo displays significant resistance to potato leafhopper yellowing but actual percent resistant plants has not been determined. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid has not been determined.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on 170 plants under cage isolation at Warden, WA. Sufficient Foundation (Syn 2) seed was produced near Nampa, ID for the expected life of the variety. One generation of Breeder (Syn 1) and two generations each of Foundation (Syn 2 or 3) and Certified (Syn 3 or 4)seed are recognized. The maximum permitted length of stand for Foundation and Certified seed are 3 and 5 years, respectively. Foundation seed must be produced above 40 degrees north latitude. Production of Syn 3 Foundation seed requires consent of the breeder.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1989.
7. It is undecided whether application will be made for Plant Variety Protection.
8. The information in this application is available to the PVP office.