Paramount II

1.  Paramount II is a 101-plant synthetic variety resulting from phenotypic recurrent selection for high forage yield in a space-plant nursery. Parental germplasm traces to ABT 350, GH755, Paramount and WL 252 HQ. Approximate germplasm source contributions are M. falcata (7%), Ladak (17%), M. varia (20%), Turkistan (18%), Flemish (36%), and Chilean (2%).

2.  Paramount II is adapted for use in the north central region of the United States.  This variety has been tested in Illinois and Wisconsin.

3.  Flower color of Paramount II at Syn. 2 approximates 100% purple with a trace of variegated and white. The fall dormancy of Paramount II is similar to Pioneer 5246 (Class 3).

4.  Paramount II has high resistance to anthracnose (Race 1), bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot and Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1); and resistance to pea aphid. Reaction to blue alfalfa aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid, stem nematode and root knot nematode has not been adequately tested.

5.  Breeder seed (Syn. l) was produced in 1996 on 101 plants under cage isolation at Warden, Washington. Sufficient foundation (Syn. 2) seed will be produced for the expected life of the variety and will be maintained by W-L Research.  One generation of breeder (Syn. 1), two generations of foundation (Syn. 2 or 3) and three generations of certified (Syn. 2, 3 or 4) seed are recognized.  The maximum permitted length of stand for foundation and certified seed fields are three and five years, respectively. Foundation seed must be produced above 40 degrees north latitude. Production of Syn. 3 foundation seed requires consent of the breeder.

6.  Certified seed will be marketed in 2000.

7.  It is undecided whether application will be made for Plant Variety Protection.

8.  The information in this application can be turned over to the PVP office.

9.  Variety name:   Paramount II.

     Experimental designations:  W330.

     Date NA&MLVRB first accepted this variety:  January 2000.

     Dates previous amendments were accepted:  None.

     Date this amendment submitted:  November 1, 2003.