Trailblazer
1. Trailblazer is a synthetic variety with 18 parent plants. Parents were selected based on clonal and/or Px progeny tests for forage yield, forage quality, fall dormancy reaction, and pest resistance from several breeding populations previously selected for resistance to one of 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 (25%), Sterling (25%), Encore (13%), Pacesetter(12% ), DK133 (12%), Legend (4%), and the germplasm releases 81IND-2, KSlO8GH5, and KS94GH6 (3% each). Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata-3%, Ladak-5%, M.varia 22%, Turkestan-4%, Flemish-55%, Chilean-2%, and unknown-9%

2. Trailblazer is adapted to the North Central and East Central regions of the U. S. and intended for use in the North Central and East Central U. S. and Eastern Canada. It has been tested in Iowa, Wisconsin and Indiana

3. Fall dormancy of TrailBlazer is similar to the FD2 checks and winter survival of this variety is similar to WS2 checks. Flower color (Syn3) is 50% purple, 44% variegated, 2% cream, 1% white and 3% yellow.

4. TrailBlazer has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose (Race I) and Phytophthora root rot; resistance to potato leafhopper, Aphanomyces root rot (Race I), and spotted alfalfa aphid; and moderate resistance to pea aphid. Reaction to stem nematode, root knot nematode and blue alfalfa aphid 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 (SYN2), foundation (Syn3 or Syn4), and Certified (Syn4 or Syn5) will be recognized. Production of Syn4 foundation seed requires the consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced near Nampa, Idaho in 1995. Forage Genetics will maintain sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.

6. Certified seed was marketed in 1997

7. Application will not be made for Plant Variety Protection.

8. The information in this application can not be forwarded to the PVP office.

9. Variety Name: TrailBlazer Date Submitted 11/1/97

Experimental designations:FG3G14