CW4978
1. CW 4978 is a synthetic variety with 301 parent plants which were selected sequentially for resistance to Phytophthora root rot, Anthracnose (race 1), and seed yield Parent plants were selected from crosses between selections from various populations developed by a combination of phenotypic recurrent selection and strain crossing with selection for one or more of the following pests: Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, blue alfalfa aphid, and spotted alfalfa aphid. Parentage of CW 4978 traces to the following germplasm sources: CW 3956, Mecca, DK 189, and UC 332. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: Turkistan (12%), Flemish (4%), Chilean (8%), Peruvian (4%), Indian (22%), and African (50%).

2. CW 4978 is adapted to the Southwestern U. S. and is intended for use in the Southwestern U. S. , Mexico, and Argentina. CW 4978 has been tested in California.

3. CW 4978 is a very nondormant variety with fall dormancy similar to CUF 101. Flower color observed in the SYN2 generation is greater than 99% purple with a trace of variegated, white, cream, and yellow.

4. CW 4978 has high resistance to anthracnose (race 1), Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, spotted alfalfa aphid, blue alfalfa aphid, and pea aphid, and moderate resistance to Verticillium wilt. Reaction to bacterial wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), stem nematode, and root knot nematode has not been adequately tested.

5. Seed increase of CW 4978 is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of the foundation, and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn 1), foundation (Syn. 2 or Syn. 3), and certified (Syn. 3 or Syn. 4) classes will be recognized. Production of Syn. 3 foundation seed requires the consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation near Merced, California in 1994. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Cal/West Seeds. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.

6. Certified seed of CW 4978 will be available in 1998.

7. No decision has been made regarding Plant Variety Protection.

8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.

9. Variety Name: ________________ Experimental Designation: CW4978