Mesilla
1. N.M. 31 is a synthetic involving four clones of New Mexico Common and Turkistan parentage. The clones were selected on the basis of open pollinated and polycross progeny tests for aphid resistance, disease resistance and forage yield.
2. The present area of adaptation would be limited to New Mexico as no out-of-state tests have been conducted. This variety would be primarily utilized for hay production. This variety has been tested in southern New Mexico and will most probably be recommended for this area at the present time.
3. Flower colors are light to dark purple (less variability than Zia). More dormant than Zia, considerably more dormant than Moapa. Tolerant to green pea aphid, resistant to spotted alfalfa aphid, and tolerance or resistance to bacterial and Fusarium wilt.
4. Parent clones and breeder seed will be maintained by developing agency. The seed classes will be breeder seed, foundation, registered and certified. Breeder seed shall be the open-pollinated seed from the four parent clones bulked in equal quantities from each of the clones. The other factors will be governed by existing regulations of the New Mexico Crop Improvement Association.
5. 1969.