1. Admiral was developed from a cross of two experimental populations of approximately 1100 clones each. Syn 0 was formed by mixing equal portions of seed from each population. The two populations (N 1018 and N 1019) were previously selected for winter survival and resistance to Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose, bacterial wilt and Fusarium wilt followed by three cycles of selection for Verticillium wilt resistance. Parentage traces predominately (in order of contribution) to Apollo, Atlas, Olympic, Anchor, Trident, Answer, Armor, and Thunder.
2. Admiral is intended for use in the northern region of the U.S. as hay, haylage, greenchop or dehy production. It has been tested in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Idaho.
3. Fall dormancy is similar to Ranger. Flower color of foundation generation is approximately 81% purple, 17% variegated, and 2% cream.
4. Admiral has high resistance to Fusarium wilt, resistance to Phytophthora root rot, bacterial wilt and Verticillium wilt and moderate resistance to anthracnose. Reaction to pea aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid and stem nematode has not been adequately tested.
5. Breeder (Syn 1) seed was produced from a Syn 0 seed in isolation at Nampa, Idaho, and is held in cold storage. Seed increase is limited to one generation each of breeder, foundation, and certified classes. Certified seed may be produced from either breeder or foundation seed. A 3 and 6 year stand life is permitted on fields producing foundation and certified seed respectively. Foundation seed production is limited to the northern regions of adaptation.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1986.
7. No decision on application for Plant Variety Protection has been made.