Effect of generation and location of seed production on growth habit and anthracnose resistance in Arc alfalfa

Thirty-one seedlots of Arc alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), produced between 1971 and 1974 at Prosser, Wash.; Stanfield, Oreg.; and Shafter and Tehachapi, Calif., were evaluated for shifts in field growth habits (regrowth after cutting, winter injury, and date of flowering) and greenhouse anthracnose resistance. Seedlots represented one (Syn 2), two (Syn 3), and three (Syn 4) generations of increase beyond the original Syn 1 lot, grown under four diverse environments. Results indicated a tendency for shift in regrowth rate among the Syn 3 and Syn 4 generation seedlots produced at Shafter, Calif. No shift in regrowth rate was observed for the other locations and no significant trends away from the original lot were observed for winter injury, date of flowering or anthracnose resistance.Key words: Medicago sativa L., seed production, genetic shifts, anthracnose resistance, fall growth, regrowth