The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleed-through, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. UMI UMI Microform DP12493

Saponin content of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was affected by variety, stage of growth, and percentage of leaves. Leaves were higher in saponin content than stems and immature growth was higher in saponin content than more mature growth. The ‘Du Puits’ variety was higher in saponin content than ‘Lahontan’ and this difference became greater as the growing season progressed. The varietal difference was reflected in the growth rate of chicks fed alfalfa meal differing in saponin content and in the growth rate of Trichoderma viride Pers. ex Fr. growing on water extracts of the varieties. Both qualitative and quantitative differences in alfalfa saponin are suggested by the Trichoderma bioassay. Saponins extracted from the varieties inhibited the germination of lettuce seed to different degrees. This was attributed to qualitative differences in the saponins from the different varieties. Improvement of the feeding value of alfalfa by breeding for low saponin content is an attractive possibility.

Synopsis The protoplasmic salt resistance of plants as measured by the effect of NaCl upon the vacuole and cytoplasm was found to be in agreement with field results and leaf succulence determinations.

No abstract

Synopsis The leafhopper, Scaphytopius acutus (Say) was the only insect, of six tested, found to be a vector of the alfalfa witches’ broom virus in Utah. Transmission attempts with three dodder species failed to transmit the virus from alfalfa to alfalfa.