1. PGI 8737N is a 157 clone synthetic
developed through phenotypic recurrent selection for reaction to Verticillium
wilt, stem nematode, spotted alfalfa aphid, Phytophthora root rot and anthracnose.
It was selected from 8 PGI breeding lines which trace to WL-316, DK--135,
Eagle, Vernema, Trumpetor, and Vector. The 157 plants were placed in a
cage at Nampa, Idaho where breeder
seed (Syn 1) was produced in 1987. Approximate germplasm source contributions
are: M. falcata 3%, Ladak 3%, M. varia 16%, Turkistan 8%,
Flemish 61%, Chilean 8%, and Unknown 1%.
2. PGI 8737N 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, Iowa and Idaho.
3. PGI 8737N is a dormant cultivar with dormancy similar to Ranger. Flower color is 97% purple, 2% variegated, 1% cream with a trace of yellow.
4. PGI 8737N has high resistance to Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt and pea aphid; resistance to anthracnose, bacterial wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and spotted alfalfa aphid; moderate resistance to stem and Columbia root-knot nematode (Race II). Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid 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 only be produced from breeder seed. A second generation of foundation seed (Syn 3) may be produced at the breeder's discretion. Certified seed may only be produced from either breeder or foundation seed. 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. Plant Variety Protection is undecided at this time. 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.