Madison, Wisconsin, USA
November 29, 2012

It is with great excitement that Legacy Seeds, Inc. announces the StandLife Genetics™ alfalfa breeding program. The StandLife Genetics™ program will consist of varieties of alfalfa bred for multi-strain resistance to Aphanomyces Race 2 and also Race 3. Legacy’s unique breeding and selection process promises to lead to the release of multiple varieties that have outstanding agronomic characteristics along with the exceptionally high resistance to multiple strains of Aphanomyces. Legacy L449APH2 is the first release from this breeding and selection process.

Why is the news of the StandLife Genetics™ program important? It is very important according to Doug Rouse, UW-Madison plant pathologist, who was quoted in Agri-View October 18, 2012.

“Alfalfa root rot caused by Aphanomyces euteiches is the single most important disease of alfalfa… according to Doug Rouse, UW-Madison plant pathologist. The UW’s plant pathology team has now concluded there’s at least one additional “race” of this damaging pathogen present in Wisconsin alfalfa fields that’s not being taken care of with varieties resistant for races 1 and 2.

Aphanomyces symptoms include stunting and yellowing of alfalfa plants, and in severe cases, reduced stand. Rouse reports yield can be reduced by as much as 50 percent. Because the pathogen is so long-lived in the soil, there aren’t really any effective cropping practices to get rid of it”. http://www.agriview.com/news/crop/new-race-of-aphanomyces-has-turned-up-in-alfalfa/article_7f1ffc6e-1958-11e2-a7d5-0019bb2963f4.html

Legacy Seeds alfalfa breeding program began in 2000 and the breeding program has introduced many excellent varieties through their history. These varieties include L447 HD, L333 HD, L449-APH2, and multiple private label varieties that perform exceptionally well in university yield trials. As of October 2012 Legacy Seeds, Inc. is the only privately owned alfalfa breeding program left in the industry.

For more information on the Legacy Seeds StandLife Genetics™ program please contact Dave Robison at 574-527-3360 or daverobison@legacyseeds.com or Bruce Ceranske at 715-467-2555 or bruce@legacyseeds.com.
 

Website: http://www.legacyseeds.com

Published: November 29, 2012