1. Milkmaker II is a 651 clone synthetic developed through phenotypic recurrent selection for reaction to Verticillium wilt, anthracnose an Phytophthora root rot. It was selected from Milkmaker. The 651 plants were placed in a cage near Nampa, ID where breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced in 1988. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: Flemish 43%, M.varia 23%, Ladak 21%, Chilean 7%, M.falcata 4% and Turkistan 2%.
2. Milkmaker II is adapted to and intended for use in the northwestern and north central U.S. for hay, haylage, greenchop or dehydrated alfalfa production. It has been evaluated for forage yield and persistence in Wisconsin and Idaho.
3. Milkmaker II is a dormant cultivar with dormancy similar to Vernal. Flower color is 58% purple, 32% variegated, 5% cream and 5% yellow.
4. Milkmaker II has high resistance to Fusarium wilt; resistance to bacterial wilt, Phytophthora root rot, stem nematode and pea aphid and low resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid, Verticillium wilt and anthracnose has not been determined.
5. Sufficient breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced to last the life of the variety. Seed classes will be breeder (Syn 1), foundation (Syn 2 or 3), and certified (Syn 2, 3 or 4). Foundation seed may be produced from breeder seed and a second generation of foundation seed (Syn 3) may be produced at the breeder's discretion. Certified seed may be produced from either breeder (Syn 1) or foundation seed (Syn 2 or 3). Stand duration will be 1, 4 and 6 years for breeder, foundation and certified seed fields respectively.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1991.
7. It has not yet been decided whether or not to apply for Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information may be forwarded to the PVP office.