EVALUATION OF ALFALFA FOR RESISTANCE TO BACTERIAL WILT IN FIELD AND GREENHOUSE TESTS

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Abstract
This paper describes the application of improved methods to large scale field and greenhouse tests of alfalfa for resistance to bacterial wilt, Corynebncterium insidiasum (McCull.) Jeoson. In field tests rooted cuttings or seedlings were inoculated by the bare-root soak method when planted in the field in May and by hypodermic injection of each root in the fall. In the following spring or fall the plants were cut off below ground with a special blade, pulled and individually evaluated for wilt resistance. In the greenhouse the root-ball soak method of inoculation was used and readings of seedlings were made after 3 months.Greenhouse tests were as reliable as those obtained in the field, and were particularly useful for rapid screening of large populations. Field tests proved desirable for simultaneous studies on wilt resistance, growth habit, winter hardiness, and other qualities, and for final evaluation of potential variety material.