Maxim
1. Maxim is a 111 clone synthetic variety. Clones were selected for resistance to Verticillium wilt from within 8 experimental cage combinations, WL 311 and WL 318. All experimentals trace to populations that were subjected to two or more cycles of field selection, recombination and yield testing. Two of the experimental cage combinations were screened in controlled inoculation tests for resistance to anthracnose and bacterial wilt, respectively. Source material traces primarily to Vertus and Grimm, with minor contributions from WL 311, WL 318 and Team.
2. Maxim is a moderately winter hardy variety adapted for use in the northeastern, northcentral and northwestern U.S. for hay, haylage and dehydration purposes. Maxim has been tested in Maryland, Illinois, Wisconsin, Washington, Pennsylvania and Oregon, and will be marketed throughout the northern US.
3. Approximately 70% of the flowers are purple to dark purple, with 10% blue, 10% blue variegated, 4% yellow-green variegated and a trace of yellow and a trace of cream. Mid-summer growth is erect, with fall growth similar to Saranac.
4. Maxim has resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose, stem nematode and spotted alfalfa aphid; and moderate resistance to Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora root rot and pea aphid and low resistance to blue alfalfa aphid.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on 111 clones grown under cage isolation at Wapata, Washington. Sufficient foundation seed will be produced at Nampa, Idaho, for the life of the variety. One generation each of breeder (Syn 1), foundation (Syn 2) and certified seed (Syn 3) is recognized. A maximum of 3 harvest years are permitted for stands producing foundation seed and 5 harvest years for stands producing certified seed.
6. Certified seed marketed in 1984.
7. Application will not be made for Plant Variety Protection.