COMMERCIALISATION OF APHID RESISTANT BARREL MEDIC CV.”JESTER” TO REPLACE “JEMALONG”

The South Australian Research and Development Institiute, in cooperation with the Grains Research and Development Corporation and the Woolmark Company has conducted a plant breeding programme to produce a replacement for the widely grown but aphid susceptible cultivar “Jemalong”. The new cultivar “Jester” has a high level of resistance to both bluegreen aphids and spotted alfalfa aphids. Developed by introducing aphid resistance from a number of sources followed by multiple back crossing to Jemalong the new cultivar is similar to Jemalong in all respects except for aphid resistance, including the familiar Jemalong leaf blotch. 500kg of breeders’ seed is available. A technical information document is available. Expressions of interest in commercialisation of “Jester” barrel medic are sought from plant commercialisation organisation, in writing to: Dr. Philip Beale, Turretfield Research Centre, Rosedale, SA 5350. [phone hidden] Fax: [phone hidden]