1. Mercury is a 93 clone synthetic variety selected for winterhardiness, and resistance to Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose, bacterial wilt and Fusarium wilt at Ames, Iowa. Parentage traces predominately to Anchor, Citation, Vernal, Titan, Weevlchek, Nugget, Tempo and Kanza.
2. Mercury is a winterhardy variety adapted to the midwest for hay, greenchop or dehydration purposes. It has been tested in Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Idaho, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.
3. Flower color of Syn 1 was predominately purple, with some variegated and very few cream and yellow. Growth habit is erect in summer and semi-erect in the fall. Fall dormancy reaction is similar to Ranger.
4. Mercury has high resistance to Phytophthora root rot and Fusarium wilt, resistance to bacterial wilt and moderate resistance to anthracnose. It has not been adequately tested for resistance to pea aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid, and stem nematode. It is susceptible to blue alfalfa aphid.
5. Breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced on cuttings of the parent clones 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 foundation seed with five harvest years maximum 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.