Baker
1. Baker is a 7-clone synthetic variety of alfalfa. Clones trace to third and fourth cycles of selection within open-pollinated progenies of Nebraska and other alfalfa Conference (C) clones, and to experimental Nebraska (N.S.) synthetics. Parentage includes germplasm from Atlantic, Baltic, Cossack, Grimm, Kansas Common, Ladak, Nebraska Common, Ranger, Turkestan, and Vernal; from Medicago falcata L. and M. glutinosa M.B. selections and a limited input from P1 numbers 107298, 206278, and 234205. Clonal selection was based on clonal and open-pollinated progeny data for the principal traits.
2. The area of adaptation for forage production is the North Central states. The anticipated usage is for short- and long-term hay production and in rotationally grazed pastures alone and in combination with grass. Forage yields have been obtained in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.
3. Baker is a winterhardy persistent variety. It has a high level of resistance to pea aphids, spotted alfalfa aphids, and bacterial wilt. It has moderate resistance to downy mildew and potato leafhopper yellowing. It has low anthracnose resistance. It is susceptible to Phytophthora root rot. Reaction to stem nematode is unknown. Spring and fall growth habits and rate of recovery after cutting are similar to Dawson and Vernal.
4. Seed increase shall be three generations; namely, breeder, foundation, and certified seed classes. Breeder and foundation seed are the Syn-2 and Syn-3 generations, respectively, grown in the Northern Region of Adaptation. (Syn-l seed is the bulk harvest from replicated rooted cuttings of the parental clones grown in isolated fields or in cages, pollinated by bees). Certified seed may be grown only from breeder or foundation seed.
5. Certified seed will be offered for sale after the 1977 seed harvest.
6. Application will be made for Plant Variety Protection under the certification provision.