BUSINESS MEETING

Report of the Executive Secretary - June 10, 1996

Membership

NAAIC membership as of June 10, 1996 is shown below:

North American 391
United States 318
Canada 67
Mexico 6
Non-North American 147

Total Membership 538

In addition, 62 libraries (38 in the North America and 24 overseas) receive the NAAIC Proceedings

NAAIC Publications

Report of 34th NAAIC - 112 copies of the 500 printed remain in
inventory.

1995 Alfalfa Scientists Directory - 127 copies of the 450 printed
remain in inventory.

Standard Tests Notebook - 163 copies of 500 printed remain in
inventory.

Financial Statement
Reporting Period July 8, 1994 - June 10, 1996

-Total Funds in NAAIC Bank Account (June 10, 1996) $ 19,296.94

Respectfully Submitted
James H. Elgin, Jr.
Exec. Secretary, NAAIC
June 10, 1996

North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference
Executive Committee Meeting
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
June 16, 1996

In attendance: Mark McCaslin, Real Michaud, Jim Elgin, Dave Miller, Gary Bauchan, Dennis Cash, Craig Sheaffer, Jeff Volenec, John Caddel, John Busbice.

The meeting was called to order by Mark McCaslin.

1. Update on registration/program
Real Michaud reported that there were currently 125 registrations but some will register on
a day-to-day basis. There were 208 registered last year with 150-180 participants noted as
typical. The program is set with fewer presentations than last year but good quality papers.
The NCR138 decision is a probable factor in the lower number of papers.

2. Report from the Local Arrangements Committee.

John Caddel, chairman of the Local Arrangements Committee, discussed the various local arrangements and reported progress was on target. There was plenty of room available for participation in the post-conference tour.

3. Executive Secretary's Report/Financial Report.

Jim Elgin gave a report on membership, NAAIC publications, and finances. Total membership is 538 with an additional 62 libraries that receive NAAIC Proceedings. Sufficient copies of the Report of 34th NAAIC, 1995 Alfalfa Scientists Directory, and Standard Tests Notebooks are available. A detailed report of the Executive Secretary is included in this years report.

4. Sustaining membership fund.

Dave Miller indicated that there was a balance of $5,152.00 in the Sustaining Membership Account. Sustaining members have gone from 16 to 14 to a current number of nine. There is enough support for only two travel grants.

5. Support for Non-North American visiting scientists.

Jim Elgin indicated that the International Science Foundation funds only travel for scientists from certain countries to attend scientific meetings. They have funded travel for two scientists from Russia to attend the 35th NAAIC. A discussion centered around financial support for lodging and meals for such scientists. It was moved and passed that use of sustaining members funds should be expanded to include these scientists. It was suggested that funding would be flexible and available by NAAIC invitation only. The Executive Committee would review proposals on a case by case basis to approve funding and possible waiver of registration fees.

6. Joint meeting with AFGC.

Jim Elgin serves on the board of AFGC and reported interest from that organization to schedule a joint meeting. A discussion considered the pros and cons of such a meeting but it was agreed that the results could be positive. Dennis Cash moved that a committee made up of Joe Bouton, Dan Undersander, and John Caddel should be formed to further investigate the possibility of a joint meeting to occur in the year 2000 when the NAAIC meets in Madison, Wisconsin. The motion was seconded by Real Michaud and passed.

7. Locations Committee Report.

Dennis Cash reported that the next NAAIC would be held in Bozeman, Montana in early August, 1998. Dennis will chair the Local Arrangement Committee with Tom McCoy, Ray Ditterline and Robert Dunn as members It was suggested that the 2000 conference be held in Madison, Wisconsin.

8. National Alfalfa Review Board Representatives.

The Executive Committee reviewed financial support for representatives from NAAIC to attend the NAVRB. Jim Elgin mentioned that AOSCA was in the process of re-evaluating the purpose of review boards and how they should function. It was determined that with the increased fee for review board applications, travel for NAAIC representatives may be covered by AOSCA. Mark McCaslin will draft a letter to AOSCA to determine if funding is possible.

9. Award Nomination New Policy Review.

Craig Sheaffer led a discussion concerning the Awards Committee responsibilities. It was determined that the Awards Committee will write the letter to award recipients and send the letter to the president for his signature. The letter is then forwarded to the Executive Secretary and included with conference information when sent to the recipients. The Executive Secretary will continue to provide awards. It was determined that a person (a close associate of the recipient) will read the biography during the presentation.

10. NAAIC endorsement of CAIC yield testing policy.

The Executive Committee determined that Mark McCaslin will read the statement developed by the CAIC and Tim Woodward would provide copies of the statement during the discussion of standard tests to be held on Monday evening. A vote to determine NAAIC support would be held during the business meeting.

11. Transfer of R. R. Hill Trust Fund to NAAIC.

Jim Elgin proposed that the responsibility for the R. R. Hill Trust Fund be transferred to the NAAIC. The Executive Secretary would remain responsible for obtaining the plaque along with other award plaques. Gary Bauchan moved that the NAAIC accept the responsibility of the fund as suggested and take the responsibility of selecting the award recipient. The motion was seconded by Real Michaud and passed by the committee.

12. Preservation of Grimm alfalfa home site.

Jim Elgin discussed the idea of preserving the Grimm alfalfa home site. A committee has been formed to try to get funding from the Minnesota legislature to preserve the Grimm farm. Jim Elgin will write a letter of support for acquiring $300,000 from the legislature. Twenty million dollars is available for this type of project.

13. NAAIC Internet Home Page.

Jim Elgin reported the opportunity to get NAAIC information on the World Wide Web. David Hannaway at Oregon State University developed the forage network and indicated that he would help develop a home page for the NAAIC. It was agreed that Jim would provide a list of members, disk of proceedings, and the scientist directory as start up information that could be provided with this service.

14. Executive Secretary nomination.

Gary Bauchan was nominated to replace Jim Elgin as the NAAIC Executive Secretary. Gary agreed to accept the position and was unanimously supported by the Executive Committee.

15. Report from the Nomination Committee.

Gary Bauchan reported that the NAAIC Nomination Committee will be nominating Real Michaud as President, Tim Woodward as Vice President, and Joe Bouton as Secretary for the next term. The nominations will be voted on at the business meeting.

16. Other business.

It was determined that the procedure for new standard test developers will be a pre examination of the test and passed or rejected by a vote at the business meeting.

There was a discussion about registration fees and membership fees. The idea of a membership fee is good but is very difficult to administer. It was decided that the NAAIC did not need a membership fee but could adjust registration fees as needed.

Dennis Cash moved that the meeting be adjourned, Dave Miller seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned.

will be held at The University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, on July 13-16, 1 997.

B. Central Alfalfa Improvement Conference - Thad Busbice reported that the CAIC
   discussed yield data residing on the Internet, seed distribution for university variety
   testing purposes, and having a less formal and more interactive meeting in the
   future. The last meeting was in Spearfish, South Dakota, and the next meeting is
   planned for La Crosse, Wisconsin.

C. Western Alfalfa Improvement Conference - Dennis Cash reported that the last
   WAIC was held at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, June 19-21. It was
   determined that the next meeting would be held in Davis, California, June 27-28,
   1997.

7. Committee Reports

A. National Alfalfa Variety Review Board - Dennis Cash reported that the NAVRB
met during the first part of January, 1995. The meeting went smoothly while
reviewing 65 new applications and 40 amendments.

B. Industry Liaison Committee - Thad Busbice indicated that the membership of the
   committee would be expanded to include a person from each alfalfa breeding
   company. Each year the ASTA nominates a candidate for the NAVRB and ASTA
   would like the Industry Committee to nominate the candidate. Sam Stratton will
   be the new chairman of the committee replacing Thad Busbice.

C. Alfalfa Crop Germplasm Committee - Joe Bouton summarized the activities of the
   ACGC (see 1996 ACGC report). The committee met during the ASA meetings
   held in St. Louis. There are 20 members represented evenly by both the public and
   private sectors.

D. Biotechnology Committee - Robin Groose gave a brief report (see biotechnology
report) on the activities involving biotechnology and alfalfa. The report indicated
that efforts utilizing these new technologies may be declining.

E. Finance Committee - Dave Miller, chairman, reported declining participation in the
Sustaining Membership Fund. (See Finance Committee Report).

F. Standard Tests Committee - Austin Campbell reported on two new standard
   tests. The newly submitted Potato Leafhopper Tolerance and Grazing Tolerance
   standard tests were approved by the members of the NAAIC with suggested
   revisions. Austin agreed to compile a list of recommendations on how to conduct
   a yield trial. (See Standard Test Committee Report)

Minutes submitted by Tim Woodward, Secretary NAAIC.

35th NAAIC Business Meeting Oklahoma City, Oklahoma June 19, 1996

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by the President, Mark McCaslin, at 8:30 A.M.

2. Approval of the Agenda

The agenda was presented by Mark McCaslin and approved as circulated.

3. President's Report

Mark McCaslin thanked the organizers of the meeting, especially Real Michaud, the program chairman and Johm Caddel and his team for local arrangements. He expressed his appreciation to all of the chairpersons and committee members and for the members participation and willingness to get together to share important information.

4. Executive Secretary's Report

Jim Elgin reported that the NAAIC membership stands at 538 which includes 147 non North American members. The number is down from 660 members in 1994. He reviewed the status of NAAIC publications. Sufficient copies of the publications are in inventory for those that would like to order. As of June 10, 1996 there was a balance of $19,296.26 in the NAAIC bank account. A summary is included in this issue of the NAAIC report. There was a motion to approve the report and the motion was accepted.

Jim mentioned that David Hannaway had offered to put NAAIC information on the Internet. The NAAIC will proceed to get this accomplished.

5. Memorials

J. L. Bolton, who passed away since the last NAAIC, was given memorial recognition at the 35"' NAAIC business meeting.

6. Regional Reports

A. Eastern Forage Improvement Conference - Don Viands reported that the 11th
EFIC meeting was held in Ottawa, Ontario, on July 6-8, 1995. The next meeting
will be held at The University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, on July 13-16, 1997.

7. Committee Reports

E. Finance Committee - Dave Miller, chairman, reported declining participation in the
Sustaining Membership Fund. (See Finance Committee Report).

G. Resolutions Committee - On behalf of the NAAIC participants, Sharie Nygaard
   conveyed her sincere appreciation to the Executive Committee, the Local
   Arrangements Committee, Oklahoma State University and staff, supporting
   commercial organizations, and contributing scientists.

H. Nominations Committee - Real Michaud, Tim Woodward, and Joe Bouton were
elected as President, Vice President, and Secretary, respectively, by unanimous
voice vote of the NAAIC membership.

I. Locations Committee - Dennis Cash reported that the NAAIC would be heading
   West in 1998 to meet in Bozeman, Montana, for the 36th NAAIC. Dennis will
   chair the Local Arrangements Committee. It was suggested that the 37th NAAIC
   be held in Madison, Wisconsin in the year 2000 and explore the possibilities of a
   joint meeting with the AFGC that year.

8. New business

A. Jim Elgin requested that any changes needed in the directory should be sent to him.

B. A discussion was held concerning the NAAIC joint meeting with the AFGC. The
Executive Committee nominated John Caddel, Dan Undersander, and Joe Bouton
to investigate the possibilities.

C. Thad Busbice made a motion that when yield testing at universities, commercial
   varieties should be compared only when commercial seed samples are used to plant
   those varieties and experimental designations should not be changed to commercial
   names or commercial designations after the test has been planted. The motion was
   seconded and after some discussion passed by the NAAIC members. It was
   suggested that the procedure for yield testing be published in the Forage Leader so
   those running the tests can be aware of new procedures.

D. Formal recognition and an award was given to Jim Elgin for his past efforts as
   Executive Secretary of the NAAIC. The Executive Committee nominated Gary
   Bauchan as the new Executive Secretary. The NAAIC membership unanimously
   voted their approval.

9. Adjourn

With no further business, President Mark McCaslin passed the gavel to the new President Elect, Real Michaud, who adjourned the NAAIC business meeting.

Minutes submitted by Tim Woodward, Secretary NAAIC

Minutes from the 11th Eastern Forage Improvement Conference
Business Meeting held at The Citadel Hotel, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Friday, July 7, 1995

The meeting was called to order at 11 :00 a.m. by chair, Yousef Papadopoulos
Mark McCaslin made a motion to waive the reading of the minutes from the last EFIC meeting
   due to their distribution to the membership. The motion was adopted.
The balance in the EFIC account remains the same as the last meeting, S342.00
Gary Bauchan made an announcement concerning the 34th North American Alfalfa Improvement
   Conference which was held on July 10 through the 14, 1994 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. There
   were over 200 participants who attended the meeting. The meeting consisted of 2 1/2 days of oral
   and poster presentations, 1/2 day tour, biotechnology workshop and concluded with a post
   conference tour.
The 35th North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference will be held on June 16 through 20, 1996
   at The Radison Hotel in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for additional information contact Dr. John
   Caddel, Oklahoma State University, Dept. of Agronomy, Agri. Hall 368, Stillwater, OK 74078
   0507. Phone (405) 744-9643, Fax (405) 744-5269, E- Mail john.caddel@okstate.edu The
   tentative schedule is as follows: Sunday - Reception; Monday - all day papers and posters;
   Tuesday - 1/2 day papers & 1/2 day tour + BBQ; Wednesday - all day papers & business meeting
   + awards luncheon; Thursday - Post Conference Tour.
The following report was submitted from the resolutions committee, consisting of Dr. Don Viands (chair) and Ralph Martin.
Be it resolved that the 11th EFIC at Ottawa, Ontario, on July 6-8, 1995 convey their sincere appreciation to Dr. I-larvey Voldeng for his warm welcome and for recognizing the importance of forage species, and to those who planned this meeting, including: The Executive Committee, Yousef Papadopoulos (Chair), Julie Hansen (Vice-Chair), and Gary Bauchan (Secretary Treasurer) and the Organizing Committee A. McElroy (Chair), Y. Papadopoulos, C. Portelance, J. Madill, P. Sullivan and H. McClelland. We also thank the Maloney and Plouffe families for the interesting and informative tours of their farms. We extend special thanks to the commercial organizations for their generous contributions to support the activities of the conference. Appreciation also is extended to the contributors of the oral and poster presentations about forage improvement, and to all other participants involved in making the meeting informative and memorable. Be it resolved that we, the participants in the conference, extend our sincere appreciation to these individuals and organizations for making the conference at Ottawa, Ontario, Canada so productive and enjoyable.
This motion was seconded and unanimously approved.

The nominations committee, consisting of Bert Christie (chairman), Gary Bergstrom and Gary Bauchan, proposed the following slate of officers for the 1997 EFIC:

Chairman: Julie Hansen, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York Vice-chairman: Ralph Martin, Truro, Nova Scotia, CANADA

There were no further nominations from the floor and the above executive was approved unanimously.

An invitation from Gary Bauchan was presented to hold the next (12th) EFIC at The University of
Maryland, College Park, Maryland as a joint meeting with the Northeastern Branch of the American
Society of Agronomy on July 13 - 16, 1997.

. . . .

Dr. Burt Christie announced that the International Grassland Congress will be held at Winnipeg,
Manitoba and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada from June 8 - 19, 1997.

The outgoing Chairman, Dr. Yousef Papadopoulos, transferred the office to Dr. Julie Hansen, who
thanked Yousef Papadopoulos for his efforts during the meetings especially his publication of the
proceedings before the meeting occurred. Dr. Hansen adjourned the meeting with the absence of
no further business at 11:10 a.m.

Respectfully submitted by:

Gary R. Bauchan
Permanent Secretary
Eastern Forage Improvement Conference

CENTRAL ALFALFA IMPROVEMENT CONFERENCE
June 19, 1996 - Oklahoma City, OK

The meeting was called to order by Thad Busbice at 7:05 A. M. Next Meeting: July 16-18, 1997, LaCrosse, Wl

Chair Busbice requested ideas for the 1997 program. Ideas included:

   1. Ron Hatfield - cell wall structure
   2. Dave Combs - dairy nutrition
   3. Neal Martin/others - alfalfa biofuels program
   4. Pat Hofmann, Gary Munkfold, Chip Moroka - alfalfa mycotoxins

Tours for the 1997 program may include:

   Cal/West and Forage Genetics Stations
   Mississippi River Research
   Dairy Farms
   Beef Pasturing/Grazing Alfalfa

. .
It was suggested that the CAIC place a home page on the WWW.

Publishing the variety test report would be one use of the home page.

Tim Woodward volunteered to ask Clive Holland to generate the home page.

It will include hypertext links that will connect people to individual state servers where the variety test information for that state will reslide.

The committee to coordinate this will include: John Caddel, Clive Holland.

Dave Miller suggested a three-year rotation for the CAIC instead of a two-year rotation. Tim Woodward suggested broadening the group worldwide, beyond North America. Less formality in presentations, with more time set aside for discussion, may be useful at future CAIC meetings.

Mark McCaslin suggested that private companies be given access to the bulk seed Dan Undersander provides to public testing programs. Jim Elgin indicated that it would be difficult for USDA to supervise the seed distribution activity on a national scale. Details on seed volumes, storage times, mailing costs, are needed before ARS can decide how it can help. Mark McCaslin indicated that the North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference (NMIC) is working on this and a recommendation should be forthcoming. Thad Busbice will work on behalf of the CAIC to work with the NAAIC committee to address this problem.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 A. M.

Minutes of the Western Alfalfa Improvement Conference
Wednesday 19 June 1996
NAAIC Oklahoma City OK

Chair Dennis Cash called the meeting to order at 7:00am.

OLD BUSINESS

Don Miller moved, and Bill Ford seconded, to approve the minutes of the 1995 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

1995 WAIC Alfalfa Variety Trial results were briefly discussed.

NEW BUSINESS

The possibility of putting the 1996 WAIC Alfalfa Variety Trial results on the Internet was considered.

Treasurer's Report: Chair Cash shared a communication from Treasurer Peter Reisen indicating that the WAIC balance is $3,158.07.

Graduate Student Travel Awards for students presenting papers at the 1997 meeting were discussed. Applications would be handled in a manner similar to the NMIC Graduate Student Travel Awards. It was proposed that up to two grants of $300.00 each be awarded to students presenting oral papers at the 1997 WAIC. Bill Ford moved, and Mark Smith seconded, that WAIC adopt this program and the motion passed unanimously. It was noted that WAIC needs to publicize this program.

WAIC has received an invitation to hold the 1997 meeting in Davis California. Mark Smith moved, and Lauren Johnson seconded, that the 1997 meeting be held at Davis 27-28 June 1997. Passage was unanimous.

An interest in receiving an update on the white fly problem in California at the Davis meeting was expressed.

There was additional discussion of putting WAIC Alfalfa Variety Trial results on the Web and it was suggested that this might be coordinated with Dave Hannaway at Oregon State University.

Don Miller moved, and Mark Smith seconded, that the meeting adjourn and the motion passed unanimously. WAIC adjourned at 7:30am.

Respectfully submitted, Robin Groose substituting for Ron Delaney, Secretary

NAAIC INDUSTRY LIAISON COMMITTEE REPORT

1. Support for the 1994 and 1995 CAIC Variety Trials Report was arranged by the
committee.

Committee members:

Tours of University and Industry alfalfa trials were conducted in May of 1995 and 1996 in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.

During the 35th annual meeting of NAAIC held in Oklahoma City, the NAAIC Industry Liaison Committee met and proposed the following three recommendations. These recommendations were adopted by NAAIC at its business meeting.

The new chairman for the next biennium is to be Samuel Stratton.
The NAAIC Industry Liaison Committee is to be expanded to include one voting member from each company conducting alfalfa breeding research and releasing alfalfa varieties. The voting member is to be designated by the representative company.
By vote of the committee members, the committee is to periodically recommend to the American Seed Trade Association people to represent ASTA on the National Alfalfa Variety Review Board.

Thad Busbice - Chair Mike Peterson
Mark McCaslin Samuel Stratton
Jim Moutray Tim Woodward

NAAIC INDUSTRY LAISON COMMITTEE REPORT

1. Support for the 1994 and 1995 CAIC Variety Trials Report was arranged by the
committee.

2. Tours of University and Industry alfalfa trials were conducted in May of 1995 and 1996 in
Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.

3. During the 35th annual meeting of NAAIC held in Oklahoma City, the NAAIC Industry
Liaison Committee met and proposed the following three recommendations. These
recommendations were adopted by NAAIC at its business meeting.

A The new chairman for the next biennium is to be Samuel Stratton.
B. The NAAIC Industry Liaison Committee is to be expanded to include one voting member from each company conducting alfalfa breeding research and releasing alfalfa varieties. The voting member is to be designated by the representative company.
C. By vote of the committee members, the committee is to periodically recommend to the American Seed Trade Association people to represent ASTA on the National Alfalfa Variety Review Board.

Committee members:
Thad Busbice - Chair
Mark McCaslin
Jim Moutray

Mike Peterson
Samuel Stratton
Tim Woodward

1996 Alfalfa Crop Germplasm Committee Report

Role of the Alfalfa Crop Germplasm Committee (ACGC): The scientists of the ACGC serve the NAAIC by providing leadership on issues pertaining to Medicago germplasm. The ACGC has developed and helped to implement strategies for germplasm collection, seed increase and evaluation, the development of core collections and dissemination of information related to Medicago germplasm. The committee is primarily responsible for advising the NPGS about the perennial and annual Medicago species maintained at Pullman, WA. ACGC Activities: The present ACGC committee contains 20 members fairly equally divided between the public and private sectors (see below). From 1991 to 1995, Steve Smith served as chair. Joe Bouton is the current chair. Curation--Dr. Stephanie Greene began as Alfalfa Curator at Pullman in January 1995. Dr. Greene will concentrate on regeneration and curatorial activities along with organization of evaluation data, user support and research on regeneration techniques. An immediate goal was to update and clarify the accession histories so duplicate accessions may be eventually eliminated. Once completed, the GRIN data base will be carefully reviewed for duplication based on accurate passport information. Dr. Greene expects to complete this project by the end of 1996. Collection Management--Plant exploration and collection trips to Mongolia and the North Caucasus Mountains, Russia resulted in the addition of several new accessions of both perennial and annual Medicagos . These recent acquisitions have increased the collection to about 2936 accessions of perennial Medicagos and 2613 accessions of annual Medicagos. Since one of the committee's main objectives has been to regenerate seed of each of these accessions in cage isolation (e.g. to move away from open-pollinated seed), a current inventory shows that only 417 accessions of perennials and 406 accessions of annuals still require this type of seed increase. Evaluation Proposals--The committee decided to solicit and fund proposals on evaluation of the collection from the alfalfa community. In the initial year (1995), 14 proposals were received. Nine reviewers were selected from the committee with a majority of these from the alfalfa seed industry. The top 4 proposals were funded and included enhancement of Medicago germplasm for resistance to multiple virulence phenotypes of Aphanomyces root rot, enhancement of M. falcata germplasm for use in cultivar development, measuring genetic distances among accessions in the core collection, and evaluation of the collection for glandular trichome density and alfalfa weevil resistance. However, lack of funding for the future will eliminate this program and limit activities to only collection maintenance and increase. Communications--One of the ongoing objectives of the ACGC is to improve the user community's understanding of the resources held within the collections. In 1993, ACGC developed and distributed the first Medicago Germplasm Newsletter to members of the NAAIC in the U.S. The costs of the bulk mailing were covered by the NAAIC. A second volume of the newsletter was produced and distributed in 1994 and the committee plans to continue this activity in the future. The ACGC appreciates the support provided by the NAAIC that has made the success of the Germplasm Newsletter possible. Questions about the ACGC can be directed to Joe Bouton, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences,University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7272; phone:706-369-5808, fax:706-542-0914,or e-mail: jbouton@uga .cc .uga .edu.

1996 REPORT OF THE COMMlTTEE ON THE USE OF
BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH IN ALFALFA IMPROVEMENT
R.W. Groose, B.D. McKersie, and D.A. Samac

Preamble

The 1996 report was compiled from responses received from inquiries regarding biotechnology research at labs around the world.
The report is organized geographically. Names and addresses for a single contact person per location are included at the end of the report. These individuals are identified by a "*" in the narrative. Although we attempted to contact all labs conducting alfalfa biotechnology research, we regret any omissions that may have occurred. Please inform the committee of any omissions so that our next report will be complete. This year's report does not include a separate report on Rhizobium research.
Alfalfa biotechnology research appears to have become more concentrated as we have received reports from fewer locations, but involving a similar number of researchers as in 1994. We note that alfalfa biotechnology research has been dramatically curtailed in Canada by the reorganization of the Agriculture and Agrifood Canada research programs in forage crops at both Ottawa and Saskatoon.

Canada (eompiled by Bryan McKersie)

E. S. P. Bromfield* and L. R. Barran at the Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre. Se, Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, Ottawa are conducting research on the effect of Medicago and Melilotus genotype on the ecology, structure, dynamics and nodulation competitiveness of field populations of Rhizobium meliloti. In collaboration with D. C. W. Brown, they are also examining the development of enhanced nodulation specificity in the alfalfa-R. meliloti interaction. Brown is continuing his studies on somatic embryogenesis in alfalfa and has recently modified the biolistic gun for use in alfalfa transformation.
At Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, Sainte-Foy, Quebec, L.P Vezina, S. Laberge, P. Nadeau* and Y. Castonguay are using biotechnology to improve cold tolerance in alfalfa and to find new uses for alfalfa forage. Cold-regulated genes are used as molecular markers for divergent selection of genotypes to establish their contribution to cold tolerance. Strong promoting sequences that control leaf-specific transcription, or transcription under cold stress and post-harvest wilting stress have been isolated and characterized. This group is also using genetic engineering to produce monoclonal antibodies in alfalfa in collaboMtion with Red Cross Canada. Finally, Vezina and Laberge, in collaboration with J.V. Cullimore at INRA in Toulouse, France, are using antisense technology to suppress asparagine synthetase activity in nodules and study this alteration on growth, development and efficiency of N fixation.
At the Saskatoon research station of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, M Gruber*, in collaboration with D. von Wettstein at the Carlsberg Laboratory, Denmark, is isolating genes for condensed tannin biosynthesis. B. Coulman is studying the genetics of condensed tannins.
At the University of Guelph, J.D. Bewley is studying the posttranscriptional regulation of protein synthesis during the early stages of somatic embryo development and the nature of the proteins that repress translation of st protein messages. KP. Pauls is studying gene expression during the early stages of somatic embryogenesis. Several cDNAs have been isolated and sequenced and their regulation is being studied in transgenic tobacco and alfalfa . B.D. Mekersie* is studying the effect of transgene expression in alfalfa on winterhardiness and forage qualily. The expression of transgenes involved in scavenging activated oxygen may improve environmental stress tolerance, whereas the modification of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism may increase the energy content and digestibility of alfalfa forage. S.R Bowley is conducting field trials of some of these transgenic materials. L Erickson is investigating pollination control systems for hybrid seed production and is developing novel animal feeds containing immunogenic and therapeutic proteins by plant transformation.
At the Nova Scotia Agriculture College, J. Nowak* is studying RFLP markers for proline overproduction. He is also using cDNA probes for cold-induced genes from alfalfa to detect cold-induced genes in red clover. Genetic transformation of clover with a cold inducible alfalfa gene is planned in collaboration with L. Vezina, S. Laberge and Y. Castonguay from Sainte-Foy, Quebec and J.Wright from Dalhousie University, Halifax.
At the University of Victoria, British Columbia, S. Misra* has transformed alfalfa with a human metallothionein gene. Tansgenic plants are now tested for metal tolerance to examine the efficacy of MT containing transgenic alfalfa in bioremediation of metal polluted sites.

Mexico (compiled by Robin Groose)

At CIATEJ in Guadalajara, Jalisco, B. Rodriguez Garay* and colleagues are using cell selection to isolate polyamine over producing variants in alfalfa and are examining ploidy level shifts in plants regenerated from salt-tolerant cells.
At the National School of Biological Sciences in Mexico City, T.L Villagas* and her colleagues have been investigating In vitro embryogenesis and the regulation of storage protein synthesis. They have identified embryo specific proteins associated with the cell surface during early stages of in vitro embryo induction.
At Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Cuernavaca, Morelos, G. Hernandez* and colleagues have determined that root exuded nod-gene inducing signal limit the nodulation capacity of different alfalfa varieties with rhizobium.

United Slates (compiled by Robin Groose)

At the USDA/ARS, Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland, G.R Bauchan* and his colleagues have developed C and N-banding techniques for identification of the individual chromosomes of diploid and tetraploid alfalfa. N. Diwan and P. Creagan are developing linkage maps in both diploid and tetraploid alfalfa using Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs). They are collaborating with Bauchan in assessing lhe use of SSR markers for germplasm identification and genetic diversity within the genus Medicago. T. C. Elden, A. C. Smigocki, and Bauchan are transferring plant genes encoding proteinase inhibitors into alfalfa, using Agrobacterium, in an attempt to develop alfalfa weevil resistant germplasm. T.A. Campbell and his colleagues are attempting to transfer the nptII gene into elite self-incompatible clones. These marker genes will be very useful in studies designed to establish levels of hybridity. They are also using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs) lo measure genetic distances in alfalfa populations. N. R. O'Neill and her colleagues are developing a new PCR-based DNA fingerprinting technique to characterize genetic variation and determine population structure in the genus Colletotrichum. They have screened the annual Medicago core subset for anthracnose resistance, and have identified several resistant lines. They are investigating the biochemical basis for this resistance.
At the University of Georgia, M. K. Sledge, S. M. Wright, G. Kochert, W. A. Parrott, and J. H. Bouton*, continue to develop a genetic map for diploid alfalfa based on molecular markers (mainly RFLPs). They have also identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling aluminum tolerance in diploid alfalfa. Finally, using the same probes from their alfalfa map, a genetic map was constructed for white clover which has proven useful for comparative mapping studies.
At Iowa State University C, Brummer* is mapping diploid and tetraploid populations to identify chromosome regions associated with heterosis and disease resistance.
At Kansas State University, D. Z. Skinner*, D. L. Stuteville, and D. E. Obert are developing methods for associating RAPD and AFLP markers with traits of interest. Skinner and P.C. St. Amand developed techniques to define pollen movement out of seed production fields using rare, naturally-occurring molecular marker fragments. Skinner developed statistical methodology to ascertain the presence of genetic relationships in large sets of molecular marker occurrence data. S.M. Ramaiah developed a highly advanced ACE database of the alfalfa genome. L.B. Johnson and J.D. Palmer (Indiana University) are using chloroplast DNA analysis to study phylogeny in alfalfa.
At the University of Minnesota D.A. Samac* USDA-ARS, is using an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system to investigate the regulation of genes involved in nitrogen assimilation. Also, genes involved in resistance to the root-lesion nematode and pathogenesis-response genes are being cloned. A chitinase clone isolated from a root cDNA library, was sequenced, and used to isolate genomic clones.
At the University of Missouri-Kansas City, J.H. Waterborg* is examining histone gene expression and function in alfalfa tissue culture cells. Cell cycle analysis of transcription and chromatin assembly is in progress, in parallel to analysis of the processing of transcripts, produced by replication-dependent and constitutive replacement histone H3 variants.
At Montana State University , T.J. McCoy* continues to use molecular markers to analyze the quantitative genetics at the diploid level and to monitor the complex introgression scheme for transferring agronomic traits from M. dzhawakhetica into alfalfa.
At the University of Nebraska, M.B. Dickman* is cloning genes involved in signal transduction pathways in Colletotrichum trifolii, causal agent of alfalfa anthraenose. To date, calmodulin, protein kinases, Ras, and g-proteins have been isolated all of which are
regulated at least in part by alfalfa. His group is also isolating plant induced fungal transcripts and fungal induced plant transcripts. Recently, a family fungal induced stress response genes have been cloned from alfalfa.
At New Mexico State University, I.M. Ray* and C. Sengupta-Gopalan are working on a transformation system for diploid alfalfa.

At the University of Nevada, Reno, L Winicov* continues to study salt tolerance of cell lines and regenerated plants. Recent work has demonstrated that roots of salt-tolerant plants show a doubling of root proline concentrations within 24 hr. exposure to 1% NaCl, while the control plants did not show any changes in proline levels until 48 hr. after salt treatment. Also, a root specific cell wall genomic clone has been obtained (MsPRP2) and coding region and 1500bp promoter sequence obtained. The putative transcription factor has been expressed in E. coli and has been shown to bind DNA. Over-expression or this gene is being tested in transgenic plants.
At North Carolina A&T University M. Kamp-Glass* is using cell culture and hematoxylin screening techniques for improving acid/aluminum tolerance in alfalfa. Her group has developed acid/Al tolerant alfalfa which performs well in pH 4.5, 80% Al Saturated soil. A new procedure yields multiple shoot propagation from a single seed is also being used.
At the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma, four groups in the Plant Biology Division are working on gene expression and gene manipulation in alfalfa. In the group of R. A. Dixon*, work focuses on modification of lignin for improved forage digestibility, and understanding/manipulating natural defense responses. V.J.H. Sewalt is analyzing lignin content and composition of transgenic alfalfa in which expression of the lignin biosynthetic enzymes caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and caffeoyl CoA 3-O- methyltransferase has been down-regulated by expression of antisense constructs derived from the homologous alfalfa genes. He and J.W. Blount are performing parallel studies in transgenic tobacco using antisense alfalfa COMT and cinnamate 4-hydroxylase gene constructs. X.-Z He has purified the alfalfa isoflavone O-methyltransferase (IOMT), a key enzyme in the synthesis of antimicrobial phytoalexins in alfalfa, and has obtained peptide sequence as a prelude to cloning the IOMT gene. J.T. Reddy is producing yeast two-hybrid libraries from alfalfa root RNA in order to address potential regulation of isoflavonoid synthesis by metabolic channeling involving physical associations between consecutive biosynthetic enzymes. K. Korth is characterizing a novel cytochrome P450 that is rapidly induced in elicited alfalfa cell cultures. Z.-J. Guo has demonstrated that elicited alfalfa cells release at least two low molecular weight secondary elicitors that may be involved in local signal transduction of the phytoalexin response. In collaboration with T. Clark, the group is performing field trials on transgenic alfalfa that overexpress chitinase and glucanase genes for improved fungal resistance. N. Paiva's research group continues to focus on understanding the biosynthesis of the isoflavonoid phytoalexin (-)-medicarpin in alfalfa, as well as determining how to alter the phytoalexin profile to increase disease resistance. L. Guo isolated a cDNA clone for vestitone reductase, the penultimate enzyme in the medicarpin pathway and one which determines the final stereochemistry of the molecule. B. Miao has used both in vitro and in vivo studies to identify the cis-elements in the alfalfa isoflavone reductase (IFR) promoter that are responsible for pathogen activation of transcription. M. Mazarei is analyzing expression of the IFR promoter in transgenic alfalfa plants, and an elicitor inducible alfalfa chalcone synthase promoter in transgenic cell cultures. Z Guo is attempting to isolate a medicarpin prenyltransferase from bean, which could be used to genetically engineer alfalfa to produce medicarpin derivatives which would be much more toxic to fungal and insect pathogens. J.W. Blount completed a series of bioassays which indicate that two phytoalexins, (+)-medicarpin and (-)-homopisatin, foreign to alfalfa but common in other legumes, are much more toxic to several alfalfa pathogens than the native phytoalexins. The group of M.J. Harrison is using Medicago truncatula, a diploid annual medic, as a model system for the study of the vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in alfalfa. M. van Buuren, S. Burleigh, H. Liu and M. Guttenberger are utilizing a combination of molecular and genetic approaches to characterize genes underlying the formation and functioning of the symbiosis; recent successes include the cloning of phosphate and sugar transporters, which are being reintroduced into transgenic plants. In the group of D. Post-Beittenmiller, R. Dekka and D. Huhman are investigating the potential for altering surface waxes in alfalfa, either by expression of an antisense acetyl CoA carboxylase construct, or by transformation with an elongase condensing enzyme with different specificity from the alfalfa epidermal enzyme. The purpose of these experiments is to evaluate the effects of modified surface waxes on resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses
At Utah State University, W.F. Campbell* and J. Macadams are attempting to develop bloat-safe alfalfa via electro-fusion of alfalfa and sainfoin protoplasts. They are also continuing to work with electroporation techniques to insert fragmented sainfoin DNA into alfalfa protoplasts. They have made some progress on characterizing the effects of non-lethal on alfalfa plasma membrane ATPase activity.
At the University of Wisconsin, scientists in several departments are genetically engineering alfalfa to produce enzymes for potential industrial use. Expression and recovery or ligninase, cellulase, and amylase are under investigation. DNA markers are being used lo understand the genetics of rall dormancy, winter hardiness and persistence. Personnel include S. Austin-Phillips at the UW Biotechnology Center; E. T. Bingham*, D. Brouwer, and T. C. Osborne, Agronomy; RJ. Straub, Agricultural Engineering; and R .G. Koegel, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Laboratory.

At the University of Wyoming, recent research of RW. Groose * and F.A. Gray involves development of a monoxenic alfalfa root culture system for production of pure root-knot nematode inoculum and an in vitro method for evaluation of plant resistance to nematode.

Europe (compiled by Debby Samac)

In Bulgaria, at the Institute of Genetic Engineering in Kostinbrod, A. Atanassov* reports research using biotechnology in alfalfa is focused in four areas: D. Djilianov, R. Dragiiska, A. Inova and R Yordoanova have selected alfalfa seedling and somatic embryos for osmotic tolerance using 10% PEG during studies on drought resistance. Drought tolerance in the field and the correlation between endogenous levels of ABA, proline and ion leakage are being studied in F1 progeny. S. Purevin, M. Vlahova and A. Ivanova have developed a tissue culture system for alfalfa shoot formation from root pseudonodules. M. Vlahova and P. Petkov have initiated work to improve digestibility of alfalfa using antisense RNA expression of genes related to lignification in transgenic plants. M. Vlahova, A. Yaneheva and E. Bacalova have regenerated several annual Medicago species using direct somatic embryogenesis. Regenerating genotypes will be used to develop an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system for annual medics.

Also in Bulgaria, at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, N. Zagorslca* and B. Dimitrov have optimized culture conditions for production of haploid alfalfa plants from anther cultures. More than 500 regenerants of four genotypes have been produced with haploid, dihaploid or mixoploid chromosome number.

In Amiens, France, A. Savoure* is developing a program involving somatic embryogenesis and genetic transformation of alfalfa.

In Gif Sur Yvette, France, at the Institut des Sciences Vegetales, A. Kondorosi* and E. Kondorosi, are working on the molecular genetics of symbiotic and pathogenic plant-microbe interactions.

At INRA, Mauguio, in France, J.M. Prosperi*, L Bonnin, G. Genier, J. Ronfort, and colleagues are using molecular markers to evaluate, preserve, and utilize genetic diversity in Mediterranean alfalfa and annual medics including M. truncatula.

In Hungary, at the Institute of Genetics in Szeged, G.B. Kiss* and coworkers have continue work on molecular mapping and cloning of genes involved in organ differentiation and nitrogen fixation.

In Italy, at the University of Perugia, G. Bareaeeia, M. Falcinelli, F. Lorenzetti* and F. Vcronesi along with S. Tavoletti at the University of Ancona are using DNA markers to study alfalfa reproductive mutants. In collaboration with T.C. Osborn and E.T. Bingham, University of Wisconsin, an RFLP linkage map of a diploid mutant was produced. RAPD markers are being used to saturate the map and identify regions involved in control of meiosis.

Also in Italy, in Perugia at the Institute for Genetic Improvement of Forage Species, S. Arcioni*, A. Mariani, F. Damiani, and F. Pupilli are investigating the cytology and field performance Or somatic hybrids between alfalfa and M. coerulea, M. falcata and M. arborea. Molecular markers are being used for cultivar identification and selection of high-performing genotypes. The expression of sulfur-rich protein genes is being studied in transgenic alfalfa and Lotus corniculatus.

In Russia, at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics in Novosibirsk, E. Deineko* and colleagues have identified highly regenerable genotypes from M. falcata and M. varia that are well adapted to the Siberian region to be used in an alfalfa improvement program using cell culture and genetic engineering.

In the Slovak Republic at the Research Institute of Plant Production, J. Farago* and J. Kraie have developed a protocol for induction of somatic embryos and constructed populations of highly regenerable genotypes. These lines will be used in Agrobacterium-mediated transformation experiments with the aim of improving disease resistance.

Asia and Australlia (compiled by Robin Groose)

In Japan, T. Takamizo*, A. Brisibe, and S. Hiroi in National Grassland Research Institute in Japan are attempting to introduce cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase cDNA, ortho melhyl transferase cDNA, and a BT toxin gene into alfalfa by Agrobacterium transformation.

In Australia, at lhc CSIRO Division of Plant Industry in Canberra ACT, G Tanner, R Joseph and R. Larkin* are cloning genes for proanthocyanidin biosynthesis from forage legumes to transfer to alfalfa to produce bloat-safe varieties with improved bypass protein A combination approach of subtractive cloning and protein purification has led to good progress. Li Yuguang and Larkin have found a number of asymmetric somatic hybrids between alfalfa and Lotus pedunculatus which have proanthocyanidins, but all were unstable and have lost the capacity to accumulate foliar tannin. P. Stoutjesdijk, Larkin and P. Salc have screened a few thousand asymmetric somatic hybrids between alfalfa and Lotus pedunculatus and isolated a number of elite lines with greatly increased Al tolerance. J. Watson is cloning genes associated with lignin synthesis in continuing efforts to reduce stem lignification H. Schroeder and T. Wardley-Richardson have optimized the Agrobacterium transformation of Australian cultivars of alfalfa including Siriver and Aquarius L. Tabe and T.J. Higgins are carrying on with research designed to improve the sulfur amino acid nutritional status of alfalfa forage protein by genetic engineering with various genes encoding sulfur rich proteins such as sunflower seed albumin. Endoplasmic reticulum targeting for enhancing transgenic protein accumulation has not been as successful in alfalfa as in the clovers. Chloroplast expression is being explored. P. Chu, B. Anderson, A. Walter and Higgins have produced alfalfa mosaic virus resistance using coat protein genes. Little sequence differences exist across isolates in the coat protein gene. Alternative genes conferring viral resistance to AMV are being trialed.

Also in Australia, at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, RJ. Rose* has developed transformation systems for Medicago truncatula and, in collaboration with J. Randles, with University of Adelaide, in Adelaide South Australia, has obtained AMV resistance using the AMV coat protein. Work continues in collaboration A. W. H. Lake, South Australian Research and Development Institute, Adelaide to develop Sitona weevil resistance in M. truncatula via transgenic plants of this annual medic species. Asymmetric hybrids with M. scutellata (donor) X M. truncatula are progressing. Chloroplast DNA heteroplasmy is being
investigated in M. sativa

S Arcioni
Istituto di Ricerche sul Miglioramento
Genetico
delle Piante Foraggere del C N R
Via della Madonna Alta, 130
06128 Perugia ITALY
Fax: 003975-500-52-28

A. Atanassov
Laboratory of Genetic Embryogenesis
Institute of Genetic Engineering
Agricultural Academy
Kostinbrod BULGARIA
Email: atanas@icgcb.trieste.it

Gary R Bauchan
USDA-ARS-PSI
Soybean and Alfalfa Research
Laboratory
Bldg. 009, Room 3-4
BARC-West
Beltsville MD 20705-2350 USA
Tel: 301-504-6649
Fax: 301-504-5167

Edwin T. Bingham
1575 Linden Drive
Agronomy Department
University of Wisconsin
Madison WI 53706 USA
Tel: 608-262-9579
Fax: 608-262-5217

List of Respondents

1 H Boutoll
3111 Plant Sciences Bldg
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences
The University of Georgia
Athens GA 30602-7272 USA
Tel: 706-542-2461
Fax 706-542-0914
Email: jbouton@uga.cc.uga cdu

Edcn S. P. Bromfield
Plant Research Centre
Agriculture Canada
C E F, Building #20
Ottawa, Ontario
KlA OC6, CANADA
Tel 613-995-3700
fax 613-992-7909

Charles Brummer Agronomy Department Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA Tel: 515-294-2071 Fax: 515-294-6505 E-Mail brummer@mendel.agron.iastate.edu

William F. Campbell
Department of Plants, Soils and
Biometeorology
Utah State University
Logan UT 84322-4820 USA
Tel: 801-797-2233
Fax: 801-797-3376

Elena V. Deineko
Institute of Cytology & Genetics
USSR Academy Or Sciences,
Siberian Branch
10, Ac Laventjeva av
Novosibirsk, 630090
RUSSIA
Tel: (8-383-2-)-35-61-35
Fax: 10-7-383-2-3565-58
Email: deineko@cgi.nsk.su

M. B Dickman
Department of Plant Pathology
406 Plant Sciences Hall
University of Nebraska
Lincoln NE 68583-0722 USA
Tel: 402-472-2858
Fax: 402-472-2853
Email: mbd@unlinfo.unl.edu

R. A. Dixon
The Samuel Roberts Noble
Foundation, Inc.
Plant Biology Division
P.O. Box 2180
2510 Sam Noble Parkway
Ardmore OK 73402 USA
Tel: 405-223-5810
Fax: 405-221-7380
Email: radixon@noble.org

Juraj Farago
Research Institute of Plant Production
Laboratory of Cell and Molecular
Biology
Bratislavka eesta 122
921 68 Piestany
Slovak Republic
Fax: +42 838 26306
Email: seurka@vurv.bb.sanet.sk

Robin W. Groose
Plant, Soil & Insect Sciences
University of Wyoming
PO Box 3354
Laramie WY 82071 USA
Tel: 307-766-3151
Fax: 307-766-5549
E-Mail: groose@uwyo.edu

Margaret Gruber
Research Station
Agriculture Canada
107 Seienee Cres.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7N 0X2, CANADA
Tel: 306-975-7014
Fax: 306-242-1839
E-Mail: gruber@skrssa.agr.ea

Georgina Hernandez
Centro de Infestigacion sobre
Fijacion de Nitrogeno, UNAM
Apartado Postal 565-A
Cuernavaca, Morelos MEXICO
Tel: 73-174357
Fax: 73-175581
E-Mail: gina@n2.eefini.unam.mx

Marihelen Kamp-Glass
Department of Natural Resources
& Environmental Design
North Carolina A&T Univ.
Greensboro NC 27411-1087 USA
Tel: 910-334-7520
Fax: 910-334-7844
Email: glassm@athena.nea&t.edu

Gyorgy B. Kiss
Institute of Genetics
Biological Research Center
Hungarian Academy of Sciences
Szeged POB 521 H-6701 HUNGARY
Tel: 36-62-432-232
Fax: 36-62-433-503
Email: h4292kis@ella.hu

Adam Kondorosi
Centre National de la Recherche
Sicentirlque
Institut des Sciences Vegetales
Avenue de la Terrasse - 91198
GIF SUR YVETTE Cedex FRANCE
Tel: 331/698/23791
Fax: 331/698/23695

Phil J. Larkin
CSIRO Div. of Plant Industry
Black Mountain, Canberra ACT 2601
AUSTRALIA
Tel: 616/246-5060
Fax: 616/246-5000
Email: p.larkin@pican.pi.csiro.au

F. Lorenzetti
Inslitulo di Miglioramento Genetico
Vcgctale
Universita degli Studi di Perugia
Borgo XX Giugno 74
06100 Perugia ITALY
Tel: 397/558-56204
Fax: 397/558-56204
Email: imgvsq@ipguniv.unipg.it

T. J. McCoy
Dean, College of Agriculture
Montana State University
Bozeman MT 59717 USA
Tel: 406-994-3681
Fax: 406-994-6845
Email: usstm@msu.oscs.molltalla cdu

Bryan McKersie Crop Science Department University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, CANADA Tel: S19-824-4120 Fax: 519-763-8933 E-Mail: mckersie@crop.uoguelph.ca Santosh Misra Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology University of Victoria Victoria, British Columbia V8W 3P6, CANADA Tel: 604-721-7077 Fax: 604-721-8855 E-Mail: smisra@uwm.uvic.ca

Paul Nadeau
Research Station
2560 Hochelaga Blvd
Sainte-Foy, Quebec
G I V 2J3, CANADA
Tel: 418-657-7980 ext 232
Fax: 418/648-2402
E-Mail: nadeaup@em.agr.ca

Jerzy Nowak
Nova Scotia
Agricultural College
POB 550
Truro, Nova Scotia
B2N SE3, CANADA
Tel: 902-893-6688
Fax: 902-897-9762
E-Mail: jnowak@co.y.nsac.ns.ca

Benjamin Rodriguez Garay Plant Tissue Culture Deparnment CIATEJ, A.C. Av. Normalistas No. 800 S.H. Guadalajara, Jalisco, C.P. 44270 MEXICO Tel: (3) 624-33-66 Fax: (3) 624-22-30 E-Mail: brodriguez@cutcve.ciatc;. conacyt. mx

J.M. Prosperi Laboratoire de Resources Genetiques et d' Amelioration des Luzernes Mediterraneenes INRA-Domaine de Mclgueil 34130 Mauguio FRANCE Tel: 33/67 29 06 04 Fax: 33/67 29 39 90 E-Mail: prosperi@ensam.inra.fr

Ian Ray
Department of Agronomy and
Horticulture
Box 3Q
254 Gerald Thomas Hall
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces NM 88003-0003 USA
Tel: 505-646-3819

Ray J. Rose Department of Biological Sciences University of Newcastle University Drive Callaghan, Newcastle NSW 2308 AUSTRALIA Tel: 61-49-216143 Fax: 61-49-216923 E-Mail: BIRJR@cc.newcastle.edu.au

D. A. Samac
Department Or Plant Pathology
University of Minnesota
495 Borlaug Hall
1991 Upper Buford Circle
St. Paul MN 55108-6030 USA
Email: debbys@puccini.crl.umn.cdu

Arnould Savoure
Laboratoire de Biologie Moleculoire
Faculte des Sciences
Universite de Picardie Jules Verne
80039 AMIENS Cedex
FRANCE

T. Takamizo
National Grassland Research Institute
Nishinansuno
Tochigi, 329-27 JAPAN
Tcl: 81-287-36-0111
Fax: 81-287-36-6629
Email: zo@ss.ngri.arfrc.gojp

Thelma L. Villegas
Esc. Nal. de Cicncias Biologicas
l.P.N.
Carpio y Plan de Ayala
Casco de Sto. Tomas
Mexico 17, D.F. MEXICO
Fax: 5-341-4100

J. H. Walerborg
Div. Cell Biol. & Biophysics
School of Biological Sciences
Rm 414BSB 5100 Rockhill Rd.
Univ of Missouri - Kansas City
Kansas City MO 64110-2499 USA
Tel: 816-235-2591
Fax: 816-235-S158

I. Winicor
Department of Biochemistry
Mail Slop 330
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno NV 89557 0014 USA
Tel: 702-784-4111
Fax: 702-784-1419

N. Zagorska
Institute of Genetics
Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Sorla 1113
BULGARIA
Fax: 00 359 02 75 70 87

Finance Committee Report

The current financial condition of the NAAIC is satisfactory. Account details are contained in reports prepared by the Executive Secretary.

The only activity of the Finance committee over the last 2 years has been to solicit funding for the Sustaining Membership Fund (SMF), and to award travel grants for two graduate students. Activity in both of these areas for the 35"' NAAIC has diminished. The number of contributors to the SMF have been 15, 14, and 8 for the 33rd through 35th conferences respectively. Likewise, the number of requests for graduate student travel decreased from 7 for the 34"' to 2 for the 35"'.

Future activity for the committee will focus on increasing the SMF, and developing a list of appropriate uses for the SMF.

Dave Miller- Chair

STANDARD TEST COMMITTEE REPORT

The new protocols (Potato Leafhopper tolerance and Grazing Tolerance) were approved by the voting members of the NAAIC with minor corrections. NAAIC President, Mark McCaslin, proposed that an alfalfa yield testing protocol be developed and it was mentioned that the American Society of Agronomy would have a forage variety testing symposium during its 1996 annual meeting. Chairman Austin Campbell agreed to present the collected views of the NAAIC in a memo to Gary Lacefield, Chairman of the symposium. Chairman Campbell mentioned that he still did not have all of the new standard cultivars and populations. President McCaslin agreed to work with him in acquiring this material.
Submitted by Austin Campbell

Resolutions Committee Report

Be it resolved that the members of the 35th North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference in session at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on July 16 - 20, 1996 convey their sincere and enthusiastic appreciation to:
The Executive Committee of the NMIC for conceiving the plans for this rewarding meeting including Program Chair, Real Michaud, for organizing the meeting program and Mark McCaslin, NAAIC President for his dedication and leadership;
The Local Arrangements Committee for the Oklahoma State University; John Caddell (Chair) and to- Christine Lemay (Registration), Jim Stritzke (Research tour), Richard Dixon (Noble Foundation tour), Richard Berberet (Posters), Lonnie Sellers (Production tour), Ron Justice (Braums tour) and, Steve Standridge (Producer demonstration). Special thanks to Terry Hale and John Edmonds for safe driving and tire changing during the Noble Foundation tour.
The Oklahoma State University, Departments of Agronomy and Entomology, for providing staff, facilities and warm Southern hospitality.
We also wish to extend a special thanks to the many commercial organizations that generously support the activities of the conference through their contributions.
Appreciation is also conveyed to the contributing scientists for their valuable oral and poster presentations communicating the latest in alfalfa science, i.e.. alfalfa improvement and biotechnology research; to the professional participants in the conference activities; and to all the others involved in making this meeting both memorable and informative.
Respectfully submitted,

Sharie Nygaard and Jessica Brummer

Nominating Committee Report

According to NAAIC Bylaws, the succession of officers shall alternate between public and private institutions. The secretary for the 1996 - 1998 conference period is to be from a public institution. Therefore the Nominating Committee nominates the following individuals as NAAIC officers for the 1996 - 1998 period.

President : Real Michaud , Agriculture Canada

Vice President : Tim Woodward , Pioneer Hi-Bred International

Secretary : Joe Bouton , University of Georgia

All nominees have agreed to serve in these positions.

The Nominating Committee consisted of the following individuals:

Dennis Cash : WAIC Chair
Lanny Rhodes : CAIC Chair
Julie Hanson : EFIC Chair
Ray Smith : Canadian Representative
Gary Bauchan : Immediate Past President

James H. Elgin, Jr. has decided to step down as Executive Secretary after having served the conference for the past 12 years. The Executive committee has elected Gary R. Bauchan, (USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD) as the new Executive Secretary.

Sustaining Members of the 35th NAAIC
June 16-20, 1996 --Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

AgriPro Seeds
Rt. 3
Ames, IA 50010

Cal/West Seeds
P.O. Box 1428
Woodland, CA 95695

FFR Cooperative
4112 E. State Road 225
West Lafayette, IN 47906

Forage Genetics
N5292 Gills Coulee Road
West Salem, WI 54669

Liphatech
3101 West Custer Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53209

Northrup King Company
7500 Olson Memorial Hwy.
Golden Valley, MN 55427

Pickseed Canada, Inc.
Box 304
Linsay, Ontario
Canada K9V 4S3

Pioneer Hi-Bred Int'l., Inc.
7305 N.W. 62nd Avenue
P.O. Box 287
Johnston, IA 50131

W-L Research
%Germain's, Inc.
P.O. Box 12447
Fresno, CA 93777-2447

AWARDS COMMITTEE REPORT

For the 35th Annual Meeting, nominations were solicited for the Honorary Life Membership Award and the Richard R. Hill, Jr. Achievement Award. Awardees for the Life Membership Award and for the Richard R. Hill, Jr. Achievement Award were chosen by the committee.

Committee members were Real Michaud, Bill Knipe, Robert Kalton, John Caddell, Michael Peterson and Craig Sheaffer (Chair).

PREVIOUS NAAIC LIFE MEMBERSHIP AWARDEES

Conference Awardees Date

30th NAAIC David F. Beard July 30, 1986
C. S. (Gary) Garrison
David H. Heinrichs
Hewith M. Tysdal

31 st NAAIC Clarence H. Hanson June 23, 1988
Royse P. Murphy
Dale Smith

32nd NAAIC Robert R. Kalton August 23, 1990
William R. Kehr
Vern L. Marble
Edgar L. Sorensen

33rd NAAIC Donald K. Barnes June 17, 1992
John E. Baylor
Donald C. Erwin
Bernard P. Goplen
Darrell A. Miller

34th NAAIC Kenneth T. Leath June 12, 1994
Richard N. Peaden
Melvin D. Rumbaugh

PREVIOUS RICHARD R. HILL, JR., ACHIEVEMENT AWARDEE
33rd NAAIC Barbara W. Pennypacker June 17, 1992
34th NAAIC Joseph H. Bouton June 12, 1994

1996 NAAIC HONORARY MEMBERS

Honorary membership in the NAAIC is awarded to individual members who are selected for their outstanding contributions to alfalfa improvement and/or utilization. This award recognizes alfalfa specialists, active or retired, who have made major contributions during their careers to the improvement and use of alfalfa.

BILLY A. MELTON: Dr. Billy Melton spent his 32 year career at New Mexico State University improving alfalfa through research and teaching. Until he retired in 1990, his alfalfa breeding research resulted in the release of 7 cultivars adapted to New Mexico and 7 registered germplasms. Dr. Melton's research program included in-depth investigations of seed production, inbreeding and heterosis, nitrogen fixation, performance with less than optimum moisture, phosphorus uptake, forage quality, fall dormancy, and multiple pest resistance. Though his research program developed several cultivars and germplasms, the primary goal of Dr. Melton's breeding program was to teach graduate students. His biggest contribution to alfalfa improvement and utilization is through the students he taught. Fifty students received graduate degrees under his guidance, and many more undergraduate and graduate students were influenced by his zeal for alfalfa breeding. Many of his former students are active in the NAAIC. He was a contributing member of the WAIC and NAAIC for many years, serving as NAAIC president from 1980-82. Through his research, Dr. Melton has supplied basic knowledge of alfalfa to be used by scientists for years to come. Through his students, that knowledge will be used for the ongoing improvement of alfalfa and the teaching of another generation of alfalfa breeders.

JAMES H. ELGIN: Dr. James H. Elgin, Jr. is the National Program Leader for forages and pastures, with the USDA-ARS in Beltsville, MD. He has been involved in alfalfa research for over 33 years as he started his career as a student working with Clarence Hanson on the alfalfa project in Beltsville, MD. He has made significant research contributions in many areas including alfalfa genetics, breeding, pathology, and entomology. Dr. Elgin had bred and released over 38 disease, nematode, and insect resistant germplasm lines for use in the U.S. alfalfa seed industry and was a co-developer of the variety Vernema. In addition, he has been active in the area of germplasm acquisition and collection as he has traveled to Turkey, Russia, and the Peoples Republic of China. He has served in many leadership capacities such as 12 years as the Executive Secretary of the North American Alfalra Improvement Conference, Chairman of the Alfalfa Crop Advisory Committee (now Alfalfa (Germplasm Committee), and National Program Leader for forages and pastures for the USDA-ARS. Since 1984, Dr. Elgin has served as the U.S. Representative to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and as such is responsible for the administration of the OECD Seed schemes in the U.S. Dr. Elgin's contributions of germplasm collection, research, germplasm lines and varieties and his leadership in promoting alfalfa utilization has had and will continue to have a profound impact on the use of alfalfa.

DWAYNE A. ROHWEDER: Dr. Dwayne A. Rohweder was an extension agronomist in lowa and Wisconsin for over 45 years. Probably the most significant contribution of Dr. Rohweder's was introducing the concept of alfalfa quality to dairy farmers and the importance of alfalfa quality to the animal diet and consequently to increased milk production.
Dr. Rohweder recognized that NIRS could be used to improve forage quality evaluation and was a national leader in employing this technology to solve practical problems. He led and participated in state, national and international educational programs that eventually resulted in the adoption and use of NIRS units by farm and agri-business clientele. Dr. Rohweder provided leadership in developing and promoting a new hay grading system which was based on "Digestible Dry Matter Intake". He also was a member of a Wisconsin Hay Marketing Task Force that was responsible for organizing the Wisconsin Hay Dealers Association. This in turn paved the way for "Quality Tested Hay Auctions." The alfalfa quality evaluation programs provided Dr. Rohweder with excellent opportunities to demonstrate the ties between alfalfa crop management, quality and profitability. He conducted effective educational programs in nearly every Wisconsin county, nationally, and internationally. Dr. Rohweder organized the Wisconsin Forage Council, in 1976 . This organization has grown to over 1,000 farmer, agri-business, and educator members. Equally important has been the formation of 27 affiliate county forage councils encompassing 40 counties. This state and county network has been instrumental in developing, conducting, and supporting educational forage programs. Dr. Rohweder's leadership in establishing these councils was outstanding, and his effervescent enthusiasm spread throughout this network of dedicated forage workers.

1996 RICHARD R. HILL, JR. ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The R. R. Hill Achievement Award is presented in recognition of a recent, innovative accomplishment in any aspect of alfalfa improvement. It was not intended to be a career award, but rather a recognition of something new that had a significant impact on the utilization or improvement of alfalfa.

LANDON R. RHODES: Dr. Landon Rhodes has been dedicated to teaching, research and extension in plant pathology at Ohio State University for 18 years. Recently, he has become known as the nation's leading expert on Sclerotinia crown and stem rot of alfalfa, caused by Sclerotinia trifoliorum. In the past, researchers that have attempted to work with this disease on alfalfa have become thwarted by the pathogen's highly aggressive and temperamental nature. Dr. Rhodes' perseverance has led to numerous breakthroughs related to the disease's causal agent, epidemiology, control, histopathology, and the identification of host resistance. Notably, Dr. Rhodes developed a simple, but innovative Sclerotinia forecasting system to predict the risk of a severe disease outbreak in a field. This system helped to raise awareness of the disease and its impact on alfalfa's winter survival. Most recently, his development of a standard test for the characterization Sclerotinia resistance and subsequent evaluation of more than 200 alfalfa germplasm, has identified sources of genetic resistance to this devastating disease. By taking his findings, step-by-step, to the public, Dr. Rhodes has shown how University and private industry scientists can work together to solve a problem. Industry interest and progress toward resistant alfalfa breeding lines was evident to the Sclerotinia-infested field trials conducted by Dr. Rhodes over the past five years. Dr. Rhodes' efforts have changed the basic tenets of how Sclerotinia crown and stem rot will be understood and controlling in the next century.

Distribution of Conference Report

The conference report is sent to all those who attended the 35th North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference. It is also sent to libraries (listed below) that have requested copies of previous reports. If you are aware of new names that should be added to the Alfalfa Improvement Conference directory, or if you have a change of address, please send the Mailing List Questionnaire form at the back of this report to the conference secretary.

LIBRARIES: North American

University of California, Government Documents Dept., Berkeley, CA 94720
University of California, Government Documents Dept., Davis, CA 95616
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Department of Genetics, Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT 06504
Hume Library of Federal Documents, Institute of Food and Agricultural Science,
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611
University of Hawaii, Documents Collection, 2425 Campus Road, Honolulu, HI
96822
Deere and Co. Library, John Deere Road, Moline, IL 61265
University of Illinois, Documents Library, 200D, Urbana, IL 61801
Indiana State Library, 140 N. Senate Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204
Acquisitions Dept-Gifts, Parks Library, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
50011-2140
Library, Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506
Agriculture Library, Agricultural Science Center-N, University of Kentucky,
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St., Baltimore, MD 21201
USDA, National Agricultural Library, Current Serial Records, Beltsville, MD
20705
Michigan State University, Science Library, East Lansing, MI 48824-1048
Dept. Agronomy & Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus Library, 1984 Buford Ave., St. Paul,
MN 55108
Delta Branch Experiment Station, Stoneville, MS 38776
Linda Hall Library, 5109 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO 64110
University of Nebraska Libraries, Acquisition Department, Lincoln, NE 68588
Government Documents Department, Library of Science and Medicine, Rutgers
University, P.O. Box 1029, Piscataway, NJ 08855-1029
Albert R. Mann Library, Acquisitions Division, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
14853
New York State College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Agricultural
Experiment Station, Ithaca, NY 14850
North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102
Oregon State University, Documents Division, Corvallis, OR 97331
Pennsylvania State University, Documents Section, University Park, PA 16802
Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843
Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station, Library, Burlington, VT 05401
F. Cline - Library, Washington State University, Irrigated Agriculture
Research and Extension Center, Rt. 2, Box 2953-A, Prosser, WA 99350
Steenbock Memorial Library, College of Agric. and Life Sciences, Univ. of
Wis., 550 Babcock Avenue, Madison, WI 53706
The University of Alberta Library, Acquisitions Division, Serials Section,
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2JB
Library, Research Station, Agriculture Canada, Box 610, Brandon, Manitoba,
Canada R7A 5Z7

LIBRARIES: North American (continued)

Central Experimental Farm, AC, Ottawa, Ontario, K2E GC7 Canada
Agriculture Canada, Library Recording, Ottawa, Ontario KlA 0C5 Canada
Station de Recherche, AC, 2560 Boulevard Hochelaga, Ste-Foy, Quebec, GlV 2J3
Canada
Research Station, AC, 107 Science Crescent, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
S7N 0X2
Government Publications Department, University of Saskatchewan Libraries, Room
230 Main Library/Murray Building, 3 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A4,
Canada
Research Station Library, Box 1030, Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada S9H
3X2

LIBRARIES: Non-North American

INTA, Departmento de Genetica, CC 25, 1712 Castelar, Argentina
Serials Section, Head Office Library, NSW Agriculture, Locked Bag 21, Orange
NSW 2800, Australia
Vyskumny Ustav Rastlinnej Vyroby, 921 68 Piestany, Bratislavka, Cesta
2795/122, CSSR-Czechoslovakia
Department of Applied Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England
C.A.B. International, P.O. Box 100, Wallingford, Oxon OX10 8DF England
British Library, Lending Division, Boston Spa, Weatherby, West Yorkshire LS23
7BQ England
Universitats-Bibliothek, Abt. Zentralbibliothek der Landbauwissenschraft, Box
2460, 5300 Bonn 1, Federal Republic of Germany
University Hohenheim (350), Inst. Pflanzenzuchtung, Library, Postfach 700562
D-7000 Stuttgart 70, Federal Republic of Germany
Bibliotheque I.N.R.A., Station d'Amelioration des Plantes Fourrageres, 86-600
Lusignan, France
Station Centrale de Genetique et d'Amelioration des Plantes, Etoile de Choisy,
Route St. Cyr, Versailles, France
National Agricultural Library, Budapest I., Attila Ut 93, Levelcim: 1253,
Budapest 13, Hungary
Biblioteque, Institut Agronomique Hassan Ii, Bp 704 Agdal, Rabat Morocco
Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, Mt. Albert Res. Centre,
Private Bag, Auckland, New Zealand
George Forbes Memorial Library, Lincoln College, Canterbury, New Zealand
Agricultural College of Norway, N-1432, AS-NLH, Norway
Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitets Bibliotek, S-750 07 Uppsala 7, Sweden
Weibullsholm Plant Breeding Institute, Box 520, S-261 24, Landskrona, Sweden
Bernard Clement, Swiss Federal Inst. Tech., Gifts Section, Ramistrasse 101,
CH-8092, Zurich, Switzerland
Agricultural Univ. Library, P.O. Box 9100, 6700 Ha Wageningen, The Netherlands
Library, CPRO-DLO, P.O. Box 16, 6700 Wageningen, The Netherlands
The Library, Regional Agricultural Res. Inst., P.O. Box 9, Menemen-Izmir
Turkey
Central Scientific Agric. Lib., Vaskhnil, For. Pub. Acq./Exc. Dpt., Orlikov
bystreet, 3. 107804, GSP, Moscow B-139, U.S.S.R.
Welsh Plant Breeding Station, Aberystwyth, Wales
Institut za Oplemenjivanje, Marulicev TRG 5, 41000 Zabreb, Yugoslavia

North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference (NAAIC)
Mailing List Questionnaire

Returning this questionnaire indicates that you would either like to be added to the NAAIC mailing list or that you have an address or activity change.
Date:

1. Please check one of the following:

New address _______ New member _________ Activity Change_____________

PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT

2. Name: ___________________________________________________________________

3. Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Telephone No.: ____________________________ Fax No.: ______________________

Email: ___________________________________

4. Present activities with alfalfa: Check appropriate blank(s):

Research Activities

A Breeding
B Entomology
C Pathology
D Nematology
E Physiology & Microbiology
F Molecular Biology
G Forage Production
H Seed Production
I Utilization
J Chemical & Quality
Analysis

Non-Research Activities

K Administration
L Extension
M Forage Producer
N Marketing
O Seed Producer
P Student
Q Teacher
R Certification &
Variety Protection
S Writer or Publisher

For Canadian and USA Scientists Only:

What best describes your employment situation: USDA , SAES
U.S. Private Industry , Canadian Public , Canadian Private _

Would you like new variety release information?

5. Return To: Dr. Gary R. Bauchan
Executive Secretary, NAAIC
USDA/ARS/PSI
Soybean & Alfalfa Research Lab.
Bldg. 009, Rm. 3-4, BARC-W
10300 Baltimore Avenue
Beltsville, MD 20705-2350