Premier
1. Premier is a synthetic variety composed of 320 plants selected for resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Source material traces to two elite experimental lines selected for persistence and vigor in the field. Subsequent selection was performed for resistance to Verticillium wilt. Parental germplasm traces primarily to Vernal, Vertus, Eagle, and 529, with lesser contributions from Saranac and Ranger. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata - 7%, Ladak - 12%, M. varia - 32%, Turkistan - 5%, Flemish - 40%, and Chilean - 4%.
2. Premier is a moderately fall dormant variety adapted for use in the northeast and northcentral U.S. for hay, haylage, and dehydration purposes. It has been tested for forage yield potential in NY, MD, IL, IA and WI.
3. Flower color of Premier approximates 97% purple and 3% variegated with traces of cream and yellow. Fall dormancy is similar to that of Saranac.
4. Premier has high resistance to Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, pea aphid and anthracnose (Race 1); resistance to Verticillium wilt and bacterial wilt; and moderate resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid, stem nematode, and northern root knot nematode. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately tested.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on 320 plants under cage isolation at Bakersfield, CA. Sufficient Foundation (Syn 2) seed was produced near Nampa, ID for the expected life of the variety. One generation of Breeder (Syn 1), and two generations each of Foundation (Syn 2 or 3) and Certified (Syn 3 or 4) seed are recognized. The maximum permitted length of stand Foundation and Certified seed are 3 and 5 years, respectively. Foundation seed must be produced above 40 degrees north latitude. Production of Syn 3 Foundation seed requires consent of the breeder.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1989.
7. It is undecided whether application will be made for Plant Variety Protection.
8. The information in this application is available to the PVP office.
Variety Description Amendments
Paragraph four (4), bacterial wilt changed to having "high resistance" from having "resistance".