C290
1. C290 is a 115-plant synthetic variety resulting from phenotypic recurrent selection for resistance to silverleaf whitefly (Bemsia argentifolii in a field nursery near Westmorland, CA. Source material traces to two very non-dormant lines selected for resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid. Parental germplasm traces to Hasawi, WL 605, and Pioneer 5929. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: Chilean -5%; Peruvian 5%; Indian - 10%; African -30%; and Arabian -50%.

2. C290 is adapted to and intended for use in the Southwestern United States. C290 has been yield tested in California.

3. Flower color of C290 at Syn 2 approximates 100% purple with a trace of cream and variegated. The fall dormancy of C290 is significantly greater than that of CUF 101.

4. C290 has high resistance to Fusarium wilt, pea aphid blue alfalfa aphid northern root-knot nematode and southern root-knot nematode; and resistance to Phytophthora root rot, stem nematode and spotted alfalfa aphid. Reaction to anthracnose (Race 1), bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, and Aphanomyces root rot (Race 1) has not been adequately tested.

5. Breeder was produced in 1995 on 115 plants under cage isolation at Bakersfield, CA. Sufficient foundation seed for the expected life of the variety will be maintained by W-L Research. One generation of Breeder (Syn 1) and two generations each of Foundation (Syn 2 or 3) and Certified (Syn 3 or 4) seed are recognized. The maximum permitted length of stand for Foundation and Certified seed fields are 3 and 5 years respectively. Production of Syn 3 Foundation seed requires consent of the breeder.

6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1998.

7. It is undecided whether application will be made for Plant Variety Protection.

8. The information in this application can be turned over to the PVP office.

9. Experimental Designation: C290. Date submitted:November 1997