Polar I
1. Polar I is a nine clone synthetic with parent clones derived from the cultivars Meeker Baltic, Lahontan, Vernal, Narragansett, Ladak and Cardinal. Parent clones were among plants selected from 1958 through 1964 on the basis of persistence, tolerance to leaf hopper yellowing, bacterial wilt resistance and freedom from foliar diseases. A population of 51 clones was further reduced to the nine parent clones on the basis of polycross progeny performance in replicated trials from 1965 through 1968.
2. The primary use is for hay, haylage and green chop with the probable area of adaptation being the Midwestern United States and Southern Canada. Polar I has been tested in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Ohio and currently is in test in Wisconsin and Canada.
3. Flower color is predominantly medium to medium dark purple with an occasional variegated plant and very rarely a cream or yellow flowered plant. Growth habit is semi-erect. Fall dormancy is intermediate, between Vernal and Thor. Polar I is resistant to bacterial wilt and has a low level of resistance to Phytophthora root rot.
4. Seed classes will be Breeders-Foundation-Certified with Breeder and Foundation seed production in the state of Washington.
5. 1975.
6. No decision on Plant Variety Protection Act.