1. Spark is a synthetic variety with 98 parent plants. Parent plants

trace to 25 populations selected for resistance to the following

pests: bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora

root rot and anthracnose. Phenotypic recurrent selection was used.

Final selections were made from 2- and 3-year-old space-plant

selection nurseries in Iowa, based on vigor, winter survival, color

and resistance to potato leafhopper yellowing. Parentage traces

predominantly to the varieties Apollo, Marvinskaja 425, Krasnodarskaja

Ranniaja, Armor, Thunder, Saranac AR, DK 120, Anchor, Arc, G-7730,

Titan and Spredor. Approximate germplasm source contributions

are: M. falcata (7%), Ladak (8%), M. varia (19%), Turkistan (11%),

Flemish (26%), Chilean (9%), Peruvian (2%) and 18% unknown.

2. Spark appears to be adapted to and is intended for use in the North

Central U.S. It has been tested in Iowa and Idaho.

3. Fall dormancy of Spark is similar to Ranger. Flower color of Syn 2

generation is approximately 76% purple and 24% variegated with a trace

of cream, white and yellow.

4. Spark has high resistance to bacterial wilt and resistance to

Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose (race 1), Phytophthora

root rot and pea aphid. Reaction to stem nematode, spotted alfalfa

aphid, blue alfalfa aphid, Aphanomyces and root knot nematode has not

been determined.

5. Seed increase is limited to one generation each of breeder (Syn 1),

foundation (Syn 2) and certified (Syn 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 1985.

ABI will maintain sufficient seed stocks for the projected life of the

variety.

6. Certified seed will be available in 1993.

7. Plant Variety Protection will not be applied for.

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