Thunder
1. Thunder is an 89 clone synthetic variety selected for winter survival, fall dormancy, and resistance to diseases at Ames1 Iowa. Selections trace to Apollo (43%), Anchor (12%), Atlas (12%), Maverick (8%), Victoria (6%), with 19% derived from numerous populations under improvement at NAPB since 1971.
2. Thunder is a hardy variety adapted to the midwest for hay, greenchop, or dehy purposes. It has been tested in Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Idaho and Wisconsin.
3. Flower color of Syn 1 was approximately 93% purple and 7% variegated. Growth habit is erect in midsummer and semi-erect in the fall. Fall dormancy is similar to Ranger.
4. Thunder has high resistance to Fusarium wi1t, resistance to bacterial wilt and Phytophthora root rot, and moderate resistance to anthracnose. It has not been adequately tested for resistance to pea aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid or stem nematode. It is susceptible to blue alfalfa aphid.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on cuttings of the parent clones near Nampa, Idaho with sufficient seed for the life of the variety held in controlled storage. Certified seed may be produced from either breeder or foundation seed. One generation each of breeder, foundation and certified seed is recognized. A maximum of three harvest years is permitted on stands producing foundation seed with five harvest years maximum on stands producing certified seed. Foundation seed production will be limited to the northern area of adaptation.
6. Seed will be marketed in the spring of 1983.
7. Application for Plant Variety Protection has been made, but not under the certification option.