1. Garst 636 is a 411-clone synthetic variety. Parent clones were selected following 3 or 4 cycles of screeing for resistance to Verticillium wilt, from populations which had previously been screened for winter survival plus resistance to Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose, bacterial wilt and Fusarium wilt. Parentage traces predominantly (in order of contribution) to Endure, Apollo II, Apollo, Anchor, Trident, Saranac AR, Atlas and Olympic.
2. Garst 636 is intended for use in the northern region of the U.S. as hay, haylage, greenchop and dehy production. It has been tested in Iowa, Illinois, Idaho, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
3. Fall dormancy is similar to Vernal. Flower color of foundation generation is approximately 71% purple, and 29% variegated.
4. Garst 636 has high resistance to bacterial wilt, resistance to Phytophthora root rot, Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt and pea aphid and moderate resistance to anthracnose and potato leafhopper yellowing. Reaction to spotted alfalfa aphid and stem nematode has not been determined.
5. Breeder (Syn 1) seed was produced on cuttings at Nampa, Idaho, bulked over two years 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 classes respectively. Foundation seed production is limited to the northern region of adaptation.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1986.
7. No decision has been made on application for Plant Variety Protection.