1. Maxileaf was developed using phenotypic recurrent selection within progeny rows. Ninty--eight parent plants were selected on the basis of one or more of the following criteria: Forage quality (multifoliate leaf expression and leaf--stem ratio), vigor, seed yield, and resistance to leafhopper yellowing and Phytophthora root rot. This selection cycle was preceded by 4 breeding cycles in which the primary criteria included forage quality, vigor, and resistance to anthracnose (race 1), Phytophthora root rot and downy mildew (race unknown). Fifty percent ~f the original parentage source trace to selected plants from the variety Multileaf which was outerossed to Spredor 2 (8%) and unidentifiable sources (42%). Seed harvested on the parent plants was bulked and planted in isolation in 1989 near Adrian, Oregon to produce the Syn 2 or breeders seed. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: H. falcata--7%, Ladak--7%, H. varia--19%, Flemish--17%, Chilean--1% and unknown--49%.
2. Maxileaf is adapted to and intended for short rotations in the Intermountain and Midwestern U.S. It has been tested in Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
3. Maxileaf is a moderately dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Saranac. Flower color in the Syn 2 generation is-- approximately 90% purple, 10% variegated and a trace of yellow or cream.
4. Maxileaf has resistance to anthracnose (race 1) with moderate resistance to Fusarium wilt and Phytophthora root rot. It has low resistance to Verticilliurn wilt and the pea aphid and is susceptible to Aphanomyces root rot (race 1). Reaction to bacterial wilt, stem nematode, root knot nematode, spotted alfalfa and blue aphid have not been determined.
5. Sufficient breeders seed (syn 2) was produced in 1989 and will be maintained by Green Genes, Inc. near Adrian, OR under controlled environmental conditions to last the life of the variety. One generation each of breeder (Syn 2), foundation (Syn 3), and certified (Syn 3 or 4) is recognized. Up to 2 harvest years are permitted on stands producing foundation seed with 6 years allowed on certified production. Foundation seed production will be permitted in Nevada, Oregon or Idaho. There are no restrictions on the area of production of certified seed.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in the fall of 1994.
7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection.
8. Information in this application may be turned over to the PVP office.