Tomahawk
1. Tomahawk is a synthetic variety with 286 parent plants. Parents were selected for anthracnose resistance within two multiple pest resistant populations and the variety Apollo II. The breeding populations had undergone previous selection for resistance to one or more of the following diseases: bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose and Phytophthora root rot. The following germplasm sources, in order of contribution, were used in the development of this variety: Excalibur, Apollo II, DK-135, and Big 10.
2. Tomahawk is a moderately winter-hardy variety adapted to for use in the northcentral U.S. for hay, haylage and greenchop. The variety has been tested in Michigan and Wisconsin.
3. Fall dormancy is Similar to Saranac. Flower color is approximately 95% purple, 5% variegated and (1% yellow and white.
4. Tomahawk has high resistance to anthracnose; resistance to Fusarium wilt and pea aphid; moderate resistance to Verticillium wilt and Phytophthora root rot; and low resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid. Reaction to stem nematode is unknown.
5. Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation each of breeder and certified seed classes, and two generations of foundation seed. Breeder (Syn. 1) foundation (Syn. 2 or Syn. 3) and certified (Syn. 3 or Syn. 4) classes will be recognized. Production of Syn. 3 foundation seed requires authorization by the breeder. Stand limitations are 1, 2 and 6 years for breeder, foundation and certified seed fields respectively.
6. Certified seed will be marketed in 1986.
7. No decision has been made concerning Plant Variety Protection.