Archer
1. Archer is a synthetic variety with 43 parental clones. Parental clones trace to 2 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 predominately 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%), and 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 cream, white, and yellow.
4. Archer has high resistance to Fusarium wilt and spotted alfalfa aphid, resistance to Phytophthora root rot, stem nematode, blue alfalfa aphid and northern root knot nematode and moderate resistance to anthracnose, bacterial wilt and Verticillium wilt. Reaction to pea aphid is not adequately tested.
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 Pacific Northwest.
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.