1. Nine-clone synthetic of Flemish-type, with one clone each selected from Saranac, Apex, and Alfa, and three tracing each to Alfa and DuPuits through two cycles of recurrent selection for bacterial wilt, pea aphid resistance and other desirable agronomic characters. Parent clones were selected after rigorous clonal, polycross and S1 testing for bacterial wilt and pea aphid resistance in nurseries at Ames, Iowa, which started in the early 1960s. Evaluation of parental selections for seedling vigor, hardiness, tall-growth vigor and combining ability was also conducted in clonal, S1, polycross, and singlecross tests at Ames, Iowa; Caldwell, Idaho; Hamel, Minnesota; and Princeton, Illinois.
2. A hay and greenchop variety where Flemish varieties have performed well. Because of its good winter hardiness and excellent bacterial wilt resistance, it is expected that Anchor can be used for longer rotation stands than Flemish varieties currently available.
3. Mostly light to dark purple flowers with very few variegated flowers. Greater fall growth than Vernal and Rangcr but less than DuPuits. Erect, with better spring vigor than Apex, Saranac and Vernal. Recovery after cutting is equal to or faster than the Flemish varieties Apex and Saranac.
4. Breeder seed produced in 1969 in an isolated block in Idaho by transplanting approximately 900 cuttings of each of the nine parent clones in a randomized arrangement. Stability of the cultivar will be assured since all commercial seed will trace to this original breeder seed which is held in storage by The Rudy-Patrick Company. Foundation seed will be produced only from breeder seed, while certified seed will be produced from either breeder or foundation seed. Seed produced from certified seed will not be recognized as Anchor.
5. Spring 1972.