Weston
1. Weston is a synthetic variety with 254 parent plants which were selected sequentially for multifoliolate leaf expression and for resistance to Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose (race 1), and seed yield. Parent plants were selected from crosses between selections from four year old California yield tests and multiple pest resistant selections from three year old California selection nurseries. Selections were made from various populations which were developed by a combination of phenotypic recurrent selection and strain crossing with selection for resistance to one or more of the following pests: Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose (race 1), spotted alfalfa aphid, blue alfalfa aphid, and stem nematode. Parentage of Weston traces to the following germplasm sources: DK 189, Condor, Yolo, and miscellaneous Cal/West Seeds breeding populations. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: M. varia (3%), Turkistan (26%), Chilean (6%), Peruvian (6%), Indian (18%), African (36%), and Unknown (5%).
2. Weston is adapted to the Southwestern area of the U.S. and is intended for use in the Southwestern U.S., Mexico, and Argentina. Weston has been tested in California and Mexico.
3. Weston is a nondormant variety with fall dormancy similar to 5715. Flower color observed in the Syn.2 generation is approximately 97% purple, 3% variegated, with a trace of cream, white, and yellow.
4. Weston has high resistance to anthracnose (race 1), Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, stem nematode, pea aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid, blue alfalfa aphid, and Southern Root Knot Nematode, with resistance to bacterial wilt and Verticillium wilt, and moderate resistance to Northern Root Knot Nematode. Reaction to Aphanomyces root rot (race 1) has not been adequately tested.
5. Seed increase of Weston is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of the foundation and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn. l), 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 under cage isolation near Woodland, California in 1994. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Cal/West Seeds. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.
6. Certified seed of Weston will be available in 1999.
7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the P.V.P. office.
9. Variety Name: Weston.
Experimental Designation: CW 4880.
Date NA&MLVRB first accepted this variety: January 1999.
Date previous amendments were accepted:
Date this amendment submitted: November 27, 2001.