Rapture
1. Rapture is a synthetic variety with 81 parent plants. Parent plants were selected for multifoliolate expression and resistance to one or more of the following pests: stem nematode, Verticillium wilt and Phytophthora root rot. Germplasm sources used in developing Rapture were LegenDairy (20%), LeafMaster (20%), Dividend (20%), Excalibur II(20%) and Prism 2 (20%). Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced near Nampa, Idaho in 1994. Seed was harvested in total on all parents and bulked to form breeder seed. . Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata (3%), Ladak (6%), M. varia (27%), Turkistan (3%), Flemish (57%) and Chilean (4%).

2. This variety is adapted to the Winterhardy Intermountain U. S. This variety has been tested in Idaho, Colorado and Montana. It will be used in the Intermountain U. S.

3. This variety has fall dormancy similar to FD4 checks. Flower color (Syn I) is 82% purple, 18% variegated with a trace of cream, yellow and white.

4. This variety has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose (Race 1), Phytophthora root rot and stem nematode; and resistance to Verticillium wilt, pea aphid and root knot nematode (M. hapla). Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid and Aphanomyces root rot has not been tested.

5. Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of 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 near Nampa. Idaho in 1994. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Forage Genetics. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.

6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1998.

7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection Act.

8. The information in this application may be forwarded to the PVP office. 9. Variety Name: Rapture Date Submitted 11/1/97