1. WestStar is a synthetic variety with 187 parent plants which were selected for field persistence and for resistance to Phytophthora root rot and stem nematode. WestStar was developed by mass selection. Parentage of WestStar traces to the following germplasm sources: Maricopa (40%), Yolo (30%), Pioneer 5929 (10%), Baron (10%), and Diamond (10%). Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: Ladak (1%), M.varia (14%), Turkistan (26%), Flemish (1%), Chilean (9%), Peruvian (2%), Indian (22%), African (16%), and Unknown (9%).
2. WestStar is adapted to the Southwestern U.S. and is intended for use in the southwestern U.S.. WestStar has been tested in California and Mexico.
3. WestStar is a non-dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to 5715. Flower color observed in the Syn.2 generation is approximately 100% purple, with a trace of variegated.
4. WestStar has high resistance to Fusarium wilt and spotted alfalfa aphid, resistance to Phytophthora root rot, pea aphid, blue alfalfa aphid, stem nematode, and southern root knot nematode, and moderate resistance to anthracnose (race 1), bacterial wilt, and Verticillium wilt. Reaction to Aphanomyces root rot (race 1) has not been tested.
5. Seed increase of WestStar is on a limited generation basis with two generations of the breeder, foundation, and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn1 or Syn2), foundation (Syn2 or Syn3), and certified (Syn3 of Syn4) classes will be recognized. Production of Syn2 breeder or Syn3 foundation seed requires the consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under open isolation at Hollister, California in 1991. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Lohse Mill, Inc., Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.
6. Certified seed of WestStar will be available in 1996.
7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.
9. Variety name: WestStar. Experimental Designation:88 SWR Date
NA&MLVRB first accepted this variety: January, 1996. Date previous
amendments were accepted: Date submitted: December 1, 1996.