Apollo
1. Beginning in 1971 Apollo was developed using three cycles of recurrent selection for Phytophthora resistance (2 cycles in greenhouse benches, one in field nursery). The 1148 selections trace to 75% northern hardy types predominately Titan, Vernal and Weevlchek, and 25% Flemish and central types predominately Anchor, Tempo, Saranac, Dawson, Cody and Kanza. The USDA release MnPB1 contributed a number of clones to the 2nd and 3rd cycles of selection.
2. Apollo was tested in Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, and South Carolina. It is adapted to the North Central states and other areas of the U.S. with similar and slightly milder climates. It is intended for use as hay, greenchop and dehydration.
3. The flower color is approximately 20% dark purple, 53% moderately dark purple, 11% light purple, 11% dark purple variegated, 5% light blue and less than 1% cream. (Refer to USDA handbook 424). Growth habit is upright and moderately uniform. Apollo has resistance to bacterial wilt similar to Vernal and Phytophthora root rot resistance similar to Agate.
4. Seed increase is on a three generation basis with Breeder, Foundation and Certified classes. Breeder seed was produced by interpollinating the 1148 parent selections in the greenhouse at Ames, Iowa. Sufficient breeder seed for the life of the variety is held in controlled storage. No restriction on area of production of Foundation or Certified seed.
5. Spring 1976.
6. Plant Variety Protection applied for, however commercial seed not restricted to a Certified class.