1. Absolute is a synthetic variety with 51 parent clones. Parent clones trace to 14 populations selected for resistance to the following pests: bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose (Race 1), stem nematode and spotted alfalfa aphid (biotype H). Phenotypic recurrent selection was used. Final selections were made from a two-year-old space-plant selection nursery near Marshalltown, IA, based on winter survival, vigor, color, leaf spot resistance, leafhopper yellowing resistance and fall dormancy reaction. Parentage traces to AP 8730 (27%), Blazer (10%), Peak (10%), Vertus (6%) and Apollo (5%), with Endure, Anchor, WL 318, Answer, Oneida, Riley, Spreador, Victoria, Atlas, Olympic, Trident, 524, 532 and 545 contributing approximately 3% each. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata (6%), Ladak (6%), M. varia (16%), Turkistan (8%), Flemish (30%), Chilean (10%), Peruvian (5%) and 19% unknown. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on cuttings of the parental clones near Nampa, ID, in 1988. An equal number of cuttings (approximately 60) of each parental clone was transplanted at random into an isolated block and harvested in bulk.
2. Absolute appears to be adapted to and is intended for use in the North Central United States. It has been tested in Iowa and Idaho.
3. Fall dormancy of Absolute is similar to Vernal. Flower color of Syn 2 generation is approximately 65% purple and 35% variegated, with a trace of cream, white and yellow.
4. Absolute has high resistance to bacterial wilt and pea aphid, and resistance to anthracnose (Race 1), Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt Phytophthora root rot and stem nematode. It has not been tested for reaction to Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1), 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 1988. 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.