Apollo II
1. Apollo II was developed by subjecting numerous breeding populations to two cycles of recurrent selection for Verticillium wilt resistance in the Pacific Northwest. These populations had previously been selected for winterhardiness and resistance to Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose, bacterial wilt and Fusarium wilt at Ames, Iowa. Parentage traces predominately to the varieties Apollo, Anchor, Trident, Answer, Atlas and Olympic.
2. Intended for use in the northern region of adaptation where Verticillium wilt is a serious problem. To be used for hay, greenchop or dehy production. Tested in Iowa, Illinois, New York, Oregon and California.
3. Flower color of Syn I was approximately 90% purple, 9% variegated and 1% yellow and cream. Growth habit is erect in midsummer and semi-erect in the fall. Fall dormancy is most similar to Saranac.
4. Apollo II has resistance to Phytophthora root rot, Fusarium wilt and bacterial wilt, and moderate resistance to Verticillium wilt, anthracnose and stem nematode. It has not been adequately tested for level of resistance to pea aphid and spotted alfalfa aphid.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on the parent plants 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 certified seed. Foundation seed production will be limited to the northern area of adaptation.
6. Seed will be marketed in the spring of 1982.
7. Application for Plant Variety Protection has been made, but not under the certification option.
(Revision of the original description)
When presented to the Review Board in December 1981, Apollo II was described as not
adequately tested for Spotted Alfalfa Aphid resistance. Additional testing indicates that
the variety should be rated as moderately resistant to the Spotted Alfalfa Aphid.