1. ZG 9531 has 334 parent plants tnoing to the cultivars Innovator +Z (50%) and ABI 923DD (50%). These cultivars were seeded into replicated plots at Eatonton, GA in October 1992. Plots were grazed continuously for approximately 150 days in 1993 and 1994. Plots were dug in November 1994 with the healthiest plants with large symmetrical crowns saved. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced in the greenhouse on the original 334 plants and harvested in bulk in the spring of 1995. Additional breeder seed was produced in the field near Nampa; ID in 1995 from the original parent plants and approximately 20 cuttings of each clone transplanted at random and harvested in bulk. Estimated % germplasm sources contributing to the genetic constitution of this variety. M. falcata, Ladak M.varia Turkistan Flemish Chilean 5 7 23 16 36 5 Peruvian Indian African Arabian Unknown 6 0 0 0 2
2. ZG 9531 appearsto be adapted to and is intended for use in the North Central Region of the U. S. . It is intended for use as a grazing crop as well as for producing stored feed. It has been tested in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Idaho.
3. Fall dormancy of ZG 9531 is similar to Ranger. Flower color of Syn 2 generation is approximtely 67% purple and 32% variegated with a trace of cream, white and yellow. Tolerance to intensive grazing is similar to Alfagraze.
4. ZG 9531 has high resistance to bacterial wilt, fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose (race 1) and Phytophthora root rot, resistance to Aphanomyces (race 1) and moderate resistance to pea aphid. It has not been tested for reaction to spotted alfalfa aphid, blue alfalfa aphid, stem nematode and root knot nematode.
5. Seed increase is limited to one generation each of breeder (Syn 1), foundation (Syn 2) and certified (Syn 3) seed classes. Certified seed may be produced from either breeder or foundation classes. A 2,3 and 6year stand life is permitted on fields producing breeder, foundation and certified seed classes respectively. Foundation seed production is limited to the Pacific Northwest. Breeder seed was produced in 1995. ABI will maintain sufficient seed stocks for the life of the variety.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1998
7. Plant Variety Protection will not be applied for.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.
9. Variety Name: Date Submitted November 1997
Experimental designations: ZG9531.