1. Defiant is a synthetic variety with 69 parent clones. Parent clones trace to 26 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 two-year-old space-plant selections nurseries near Marshfield and Livingston, WI, based on vigor, leafhopper yellowing resistance, leaf disease resistance, winter survival and fall dormancy reaction. Parentage traces to Clipper (9%), Venture (9%), AP 8824, AP 8840 and Garst 645 (7% each), Trident II and AP 8834 (6% each), AP 8730, AP 8734, AP 8822, Genesis, AP 8830, AP 8832 and Dominator (4% each), Stine 9227, Apollo Supreme, Cutter, Aggressor and AP 8841 (3% each), and WAPH-1, Nordic and AP 8821 (2% each). Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata (7%), Ladak (8%), M. varia (20%), Turkistan (15%), Flemish (32%), Chilean (8%), Peruvian (4%) and 6% unknown. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on cuttings of the parental clones near Nampa, ID, in 1990. An equal number of cuttings (approximately 40) of each parental clone was transplanted at random into an isolated block and harvested in bulk.
2. Defiant appears to be adapted to and is intended for use in the North Central United States. It has been tested in Iowa, Illinois and Idaho.
3. Fall dormancy of Defiant is similar to Vernal. Flower color of Syn 2 generation is approximately 64% purple and 36% variegated, with a trace of cream, white and yellow.
4. Defiant has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt and Phytophthora root rot; resistance to anthracnose (Race 1), Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1) and pea aphid; and moderate resistance to stem nematode. It has not been tested for reaction to 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 1990. 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.