CW 4888

1. CW 4888 is a synthetic variety with 222 parent plants which were selected sequentially for resistance to Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose (race 1), and seed yield. Parent plants were selected from crosses between selections from four year old California yield tests and multiple pest resistant selections from three year old California selection nurseries. Selections were made from various populations which were developed by a combination of phenotypic recurrent selection and strain crossing with selection for resistance to one or more of the following pests: Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose (race 1), spotted alfalfa aphid, blue alfalfa aphid, and stem nematode. Parentage of CW 4888 traces to the following germplasm sources: DK 189, 13R Supreme, Condor, Yolo, and miscellaneous Cal/West Seeds breeding populations. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: M. varia (3%), Turkistan (28%), Chilean (5%), Peruvian (5%), Indian (14%), African (42%), and Unknown (3%).

2. CW 4888 is adapted to the Southwestern area of the U.S. and is intended for use in the Southwestern U.S., Mexico, and Argentina. CW 4888 has been tested in California and Mexico.

3. CW 4888 is a nondormant variety with fall dormancy similar to 5715. Flower color observed in the Syn.2 generation is approximately 97% purple, 3% variegated, with a trace of cream, white, and yellow.

4. CW 4888 has high resistance to anthracnose (race 1), Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, pea aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid, and blue alfalfa aphid with resistance to stem nematode and Verticillium wilt. Reaction to bacterial wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), and root knot nematode has not been adequately tested.

5. Seed increase of CW 4888 is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of the 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. Production of Syn.3 foundation seed requires consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation near Woodland, California in 1994. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Cal/West Seeds. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.

6. Certified seed of CW 4888 will be available in 1999.

7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.

8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.

9. Variety Name: Date submitted: December 1, 1998.