1. TMF 4355LH is a synthetic variety with 25 parent plants. Parents were selected based on clonal and/or polycross progeny tests for forage yield, forage quality, fall dormancy reaction and pest resistance from several breeding populations previously selected for resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose (Race 1), Phytophthora root rot, Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1) and potato leafhopper. A combination of genotypic and phenotypic recurrent selection was used in the development of this variety. The parental populations from which all clones were derived trace to the following cultivars and germplasm releases: Rushmore (30%), DK133 (18%), Sterling (15%), Pacesetter (12%), DK121HG (10%), Legend (6%) and the germplasm releases- 81IND-2, KS108GH5, and KS94GH6 (3% each). Registration of the germplasm release populations were published in Crop Science. Breeder seed (Syn 2) was produced near Nampa, ID in 1996, harvested in total from all parent plants and bulked. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata (3%), Ladak(5%), M. varia (22%), Turkistan (4%), Flemish (55%), Chilean (2%) and Unknown (9%).

2. This variety is adapted to the North Central United States and intended for use in the North Central United States. It has been tested in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota.

3. Fall dormancy of this variety is similar to the FD3 checks and winter survival of this variety is similar to WS2 checks. Flower color in the Syn2 is 58% purple and 42% variegated, with a trace of cream, white, and yellow.

4. This variety has high resistance to anthracnose (Race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and potato leafhopper; resistance to Verticillium wilt and Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1); and moderate resistance to stem nematode and pea aphid. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid and root knot nematode 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 (Syn1), foundation (Syn2 or Syn3), and certified (Syn3 or Syn4) classes will be recognized. Production of Syn3 foundation seed requires consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced near Nampa, Idaho in 1996. 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 5 years, respectively.

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

8. The information in this application can not be forwarded to the Plant Variety Protection office.

9. Variety Name: TMF 4355LH Date Submitted 11/1/98

Experimental designations: FG 4R30