1. Archer is a synthetic variety with 43 parental clones. Parental clones trace to populations screened for resistance (1--4 cycles) to Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose, bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, blue alfalfa aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid, stem nematode and northern root knot nematode using phenotypic recurrent selection. Parentage traces predominantly (in order of contribution) to Diamond, Apollo II, Trident, Endure, Oregon GXC, Oregon GXE, Apollo, Maverick and Atlas. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata (3%), Ladak (4%), M. varia (13)%, Turkistan (14%), Flemish (18%), Chilean (9%) Peruvian (1%), Indian (2%), African (1%) with 35% unknown.
2. Archer is intended for use in the northwest, lower midwest and mid--south for hay, haylage, greenchop or dehy production. It has been tested in Idaho, Iowa, California, Oregon and Oklahoma.
3. Fall dormancy is similar to DuPuits. Flower color is approximately 84% purple and 16% variegated with a trace of white, yellow and cream.
4. Archer has high resistance to Fusarium wilt, spotted alfalfa aphid and pea aphid, resistance to Phytophthora root rot, stem nematode, blue alfalfa aphid, northern root knot nematode, and anthracnose (race 1) and moderate resistance to bacterial wilt and Verticillium wilt.
5. Seed increase is limited to
one generation each of breeder, foundation and certified classes. Certified
seed may be produced from either breeder or foundation class. A 1, 3 and
6-year stand life is permitted on fields producing breeder, foundation
and certified
classes respectively. Foundation
seed production is limited to the northern region of adaptation.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1989.
7. Plant Variety Protection will not be applied for.
8. This information may be forwarded to the PVP office.