ABI 9012

1. ABI 9012 is a synthetic variety with 121 parent clones. Parent clones trace to 31 populations selected for resistance to the following pests: bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose and Aphanomyces. Phenotypic recurrent selection was used. Final selections were made from 2-year-old space-plant selection nurseries at Marshfield and Livingston, Wisconsin, based on vigor, leafhopper yellowing resistance, leaf disease resistance, winter injury and fall dormancy reaction. Parentage traces to Clipper (10%), Venture (7%), Trident II (7%), Exp AP 8824 (7%), Dominator (7%), Exp AP 8834 (6%), Apollo Supreme (5%), Garst 645 (5%), Exp AP 8840 (5%), Exp AP 8841 (5%), Aggressor (4%), Exp AP 8832 (4%), Stine 9227 (3%), Exp AP 8834 (3%), Exp AP 8830 (3%), Cutter (2%), Exp AP 8730 (2%), Exp AP 8822 (2%), Genesis (2%), with 11% from numerous other sources. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata (7%), Ladak (8%), M. varia (20%), Turkistan (15%), Flemish (32%), Chilean (8%), Peruvian (5%) and 5% unknown.

2. ABI 9012 appears to be adapted to and is intended for use in the North Central U.S. It has been tested in Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana.

3. Fall dormancy of ABI 9012 is similar to Vernal. Flower color of Syn 2 generation is approximately 67% purple and 33% variegated with a trace of cream, white and yellow.

4. ABI 9012 has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, and Phytophthora root rot; resistance to Verticillium wilt, anthracnose (race 1) and pea aphid; and moderate resistance to Aphanomyces (race 1). Reaction to stem nematode, spotted alfalfa aphid, blue alfalfa aphid 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 1990.  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.