WestStar (Amendment 3)
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.

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, stem nematode, spotted alfalfa aphid, blue alfalfa aphid and Phytophthora root rot, with resistance to pea aphid and root knot nematode. WestStar has moderate resistance to anthracnose (race 1), bacterial wilt, and Verticillium wilt. Reaction to Aphanomyces root rot (race 1) has not been adequately tested.

5. Seed increase of WestStar is on a limited generation basis with two generations of the breeder, 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. 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: 1/97, 1/98

                    Date submitted: December 1, 1998

                          Page 3 of 3 (1998)

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