1. Four clones constitute the parentage of Ramsey. Minn. 589 was selected at Minnesota from a cross of C-10 (Nebraska) x Ind. 73 (Indiana), Minn. 1166 and Minn. 1172 were selected at Minnesota and trace to Ladack germplasm, and C-318 (Pa. 53-13) was selected at the United States Pasture Research Laboratory, University Park, Pennsylvania. Breeder seed was produced at Lamberton, Minnesota from plants representing equal numbers of the six possible single crosses of the four parent clones.
2. This is a long-lived hay type alfalfa for use on moderately well drained soils. Area of intended usage is Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North and South Dakota and parts of Iowa. Its winter-hardiness and high level of multiple pest resistance makes for intended use for long term stands, through five years or longer. It is relatively susceptible (similar to Vernal) to anthracnose; and therefore, it should not be used in the Southern Cornbelt area where this disease can be a problem.
3. The flower color is nearly all purple, full dormancy similar to Vernal, upright growth habit, very winter-hardy with higher levels of resistance to spring black stem and common leaf spot than other varieties with which it has been compared in Minnesota trials (about 100 other varieties included in the test.) It also has moderate to high levels of resistance to downy mildew, Leptosphaeria leaf spot, bacterial wilt, crown rot, potato leafhopper yellowing and lodging.
4. Ramsey shall be in the limited generation sequence with one generation each of Breeder, Foundation and Certified classes. Certified seed is the first generation increase from Breeder or Foundation seed. Area of adaptation for seed production is defined as the Northern Region.
5. Spring 1975.
6. No.