ABI 8939

1. ABI 8939 is a synthetic variety with 49 parent clones. Parent clones trace to 25 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 a 2-year-old space-plant selection nurseries at Marshfield, Wisconsin, based on vigor, leafhopper yellowing resistance, leaf disease resistance, winter injury and fall dormancy reaction. Parentage
traces to Exp AP 8733 (20%), Stine 9227, Cutter, Aggressor, Nordic, Garst 645 and Exp AP 8730 (6% each), Exp AP 8822, Exp AP 8832 and Exp AP 8842 (4% each), Profit and Clipper (3%) each, Arrow, Apollo, Dart, Exp AP 8520, Exp AP 8630, Exp AP 8740 and Exp AP 8821 (2% each), with 12% coming from numerous other sources. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata (8%), Ladak (8%), M. varia (19%), Turkistan (15%), Flemish (33%), Chilean (8%), Peruvian (4%) and 5% from unknown sources.

2. ABI 8939 appears to be adapted to and is intended for use in the North Central U.S. It has been tested in Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Idaho and Indiana.

3. Fall dormancy of ABI 8939 is similar to Ranger. Flower color of Syn 2 generation is approximately 71% purple and 29% variegated, with traces of cream, white and yellow.

4. ABI 8939 has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose (race 1), and Phytophthora root rot and pea aphid; resistance to Verticillium wilt; 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.