1. North Star is a synthetic variety with 112 parent clones. Parent clones trace to three populations selected for resistance to the following pests: bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose (Race 1) and Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1). Phenotypic recurrent selection was used. Final selections were made from an Aphanomyces/Phytophthora root rot evaluation nursery near Marshfield, WI, based on winter survival, vigor and root health. Parentage traces to Dart (38%), NAPB 34 (36%) and NAPB 35 (26%). Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata (9%), Ladak (5%), M. varia (20%), Turkistan (17%), Flemish (40%), Chilean (5%) and Peruvian (4%). Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on cuttings of the parental clones near Nampa, ID, in 1987. An equal number of cuttings (approximately 30) of each parental clone was transplanted at random into an isolated block and harvested in bulk.
2. North Star appears to be adapted to and is intended for use in the North Central United States. It has been tested in Iowa and Wisconsin.
3. Fall dormancy of North Star is similar to Saranac. Flower color of Syn 2 generation is approximately 77% purple and 23% variegated, with a trace of cream, white and yellow.
4. North Star has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot and pea aphid; resistance to Verticillium wilt and anthracnose (Race 1); and moderate resistance to Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1). It has not been tested for reaction to stem nematode, spotted alfalfa aphid, blue alfalfa aphid or root knot nematode.
5. Seed increase is limited to one generation each of breeder (Syn 1), foundation (Syn 2) and certified (Syn 2 or 3) seed classes. Certified seed may be produced from either breeder or foundation classes. A 1, 3 and 6-year stand life is permitted on fields producing breeder, foundation and certified classes, respectively. Foundation seed production is limited to the Pacific Northwest. Breeder seed was produced in 1987. ABI will maintain sufficient seed stocks for the projected life of the variety.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1994.
7. Plant Variety Protection will not be applied for.
8. This information can be forwarded
to the PVP office.