1. Seed fields of Tempo are established by blending equal amounts of two single crosses, each produced in isolated fields containing two clones vegetatively increased. All four of Tempos parents are self-fertile. Two of the parents were selected based on diallel crosses made in the winter of 1961-1962 and trace maternally to selections from the varieties Ranger and Buffalo. The other two parents were first used in crosses made in the winter of 1962-1963 and trace to wilt resistant segregates of a Flemish variety x Vernal cross.
2. Yield data indicate favorable performance throughout the Midwest and Middle Atlantic States. It will likely be used where Vernal, Ranger, Buffalo and Saranac are currently grown.
3. Purple and blue flowers. Recovery growth, leaf shape and color are quite uniform. Less dormant than Vernal, slightly more dormant than DuPuits and similar to Saranac. Upright. Leaf color is darker green than most varieties.
4. The four parent clones will be maintained by Farmers Forage Research Cooperative at Lafayette, Indiana. Breeder seed will be produced in two isolations with two parent clones each. Seed from these two isolations will be mixed in equal proportions to establish commercial seed fields. There will be two classes of seed - breeder seed produced on the parent clones and commercial seed (certified) which will be produced in fields established from breeder seed. Both classes will be grown in Western seed producing areas.
5. Spring of 1970. Revision in the generations of seed increase for Tempo (approved by the NCAVRB in 1969) from two generations to three generations. Modified as follows: The parent clones will be maintained by Farmers Forage Research at Lafayette, Indiana. Breeders seed will be produced in two locations with two parent clones each. Seed from these two locations will be mixed in equal proportions to establish either Foundation or Certified seed fields. There will be three (3) classes of seed: Breeders, produced on parent clones; Foundation, produced from Breeders seed; and Certified, grown from Breeders or Foundation seed. All three classes may be grown in western seed producing areas.