Pointer

1. Pointer is a synthetic variety with 200 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 Wisconsin nurseries and selections from 1993 breeder seed cages. Nursery selections were made from various populations which were developed by phenotypic recurrent selection for high relative feed value (using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy), and for resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), anthracnose (race 1), and Leptosphaerulina leafspot. Parentage of Pointer traces to the following germplasm sources: Gold Plus, 2888, DK 142, Nemesis, Alfaleaf II, 329, and miscellaneous Cal/West Seeds breeding populations. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: M.falcata (8%), Ladak (6%), M.varia (27%), Turkistan (5%), Flemish (45%), and Chilean (9%).

2. Pointer is adapted to the North Central area of the U.S. and is intended for use in the North Central and East Central areas of the U.S.. Pointer has been tested in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.

3. Pointer is a dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Ranger. Flower color observed in the Syn.2 generation is approximately 85% purple, 15% variegated, with a trace of cream, white, and yellow.

4. Pointer has high resistance to anthracnose (race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), and spotted alfalfa aphid, with resistance to Verticillium wilt, pea aphid, blue alfalfa aphid, and stem nematode. Reaction to root knot nematode has not been adequately tested.

5. Seed increase of Pointer is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of the foundation and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn.1), 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 near Woodland, California in 1994. 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 Pointer will be available in 1999.

7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.

8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.

9. Variety Name: Pointer Date submitted: December 1, 1998.