Promise
1. Promise is a synthetic variety resulting from an intercross between Phytophthora root rot resistant selections (100 plants) and Verticillium wilt resistant selections (100 plants) derived from two pest resistant experimental lines. Both lines were developed through phenotypic recurrent selection for resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and spotted alfalfa aphid. Parental germplasm traces primarily to Vernal, Ranger, Atlantic, and WL 316, with minor contributions from Saranac and Grimm. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata - 4%, Ladak - 15%, M. varia - 25%, Turkistan - 6%, Flemish - 45%, and Chilean - 6%.
2. Promise 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 yield tested in NY, IL, WI, IA, PA, OH and MN.
3. Flower color of Promise at full bloom approximates 95% purple and 5% variegated with a trace of cream. Fall dormancy is similar to that of Saranac.
4. Promise has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and anthracnose (Race 1); resistance to Verticillium wilt and pea aphid; 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 200 plants under cage isolation at Warden, WA. Sufficient foundation (Syn 2) seed was produced near Warden, WA for the expected life of the variety. One generation of Breeder (Syn 1) and two generations each of Foundation (Syn 2 and 3) and Certified (Syn 3 or 4) seed are recognized. Production of Syn 3 Foundation requires consent of the breeder. The maximum permitted length of stand for Foundation and Certified seed fields are 3 and 5 harvest years, respectively. Foundation seed must be produced above 40 degrees north latitude.
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.