77-8 Ca B

1.   77-8 Ca B is a 274 clone synthetic variety. Clones were selected for resistance to the blue alfalfa aphid from within 24 experimental cage combinations. All experimentals trace to populations that had been screened previously for resistance to two or more of the following: bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, stem nematode, pea aphid and spotted alfalfa aphid. Source material traces primarily to Saranac, Vernal and Ranger with lesser contributions from Agate, Team, Beltsville 3 AN-4, Vertus, Indiana Syn C, Kanza, Honeoye, Ramsey, Lahontan and a number of WL varieties including WL 305, WL 309, WL 311 and WL 318.

2.   77-8 Ca B is a moderately winter-hardy variety adapted for use in the northeastern, northcentral and northwestern regions of the U.S., and to the south-central portion of the Great Plains. It has been tested in MD, IL, WI and IA and will be marketed in the northern U.S.

3.   Approximately 95% of the flowers are dark purple to purple with 5% variegated. Fall dormancy is similar to Saranac.

4.  77-8 Ca B is highly resistant to Fusarium wilt; resistant to bacterial wilt, pea aphid and spotted alfalfa aphid; with moderate resistance to Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose, stem nematode and blue alfalfa aphid.

5.   Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on 274 clones under cage isolation at Bakersfield, CA. Sufficient foundation seed (Syn 2) was produced at Nampa, ID for the expected life of the variety. One generation each of breeder, foundation and certified (Syn 2 or Syn 3) is recognized with stands of 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively.

6.   Certified seed will be marketed in 1986.

7.   Application will not be made for Plant Variety Protection.