1. Maximum I is a synthetic variety with 133 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 crosses between selections from three year old Minnesota yield trials and 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 Maximum I traces to the following germplasm sources: Jewel, Alfaleaf, Encore, WL 320, Precedent, Achieva, Prism, and Crown II. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: M.falcata (8%), Ladak (6%), M.varia (25%), Turkistan 15%), Flemish (46%), and Chilean (10%).
2. Maximum I is adapted to the North Central U.S. and is intended for use in the northern and central U.S. Maximum I has been tested in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
3. Maximum I is a dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Ranger. Flower color observed m the Syn.2 generation is approximately 96% purple, 1% variegated, 3% cream, and a trace of white and yellow. Maximum I has greater multifoliolate expression than Multiking I.
4. Maximum I has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, and pea aphid, and resistance to 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 Maximum I 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 consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation at Woodland, California in 1992. 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 Maximum I will be available in 1995.
7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.
9. Variety Name: Maximum I. Experimental Designation: CW 2339.
Date NA&MLVRB first accepted this variety: January 1995. Date previous
amendments were accepted: Date this amendment submitted: December 1, 1996.