Polar II
1. Polar II was developed from an intercross of plants selected from Polar I and Iroquois. Polar I underwent two cycles of selection for resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Ninety two plants were selected in cycle 1 and 139 plants in cycle 2. Iroquois underwent five cycles of selection for resistance to Phytophthora root rot, with 33 plants initially selected and over 100 plants in subsequent cycles. Equal quantities of seed from these reselected populations were bulked and interpollinated under isolation to produce MW-76-3 in 1976. During 1977, MW-76-3 was randomly pollinated in isolation to produce K7-25 (breeder seed) of Polar II.
2. Polar II is best adapted to the Northern region of the U.S. It has been tested in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
3. Flower color is approximately 13% dark purple, 64% medium dark purple, 13% light purple and 10% variegated. Fall dormancy is similar to Saranac.
4. Polar II has resistance to bacterial wilt and Phytophthora root rot. It has moderate resistance to Fusarium wilt and the stem nematode and is susceptible to anthracnose. The reaction to spotted alfalfa aphid and pea aphid has not been adequately determined.
5. Sufficient breeder seed was produced in Washington to last the life of the variety. Seed classes and limitations of age of stand are: breeder (Syn 2)- 2 years, foundation - 3 years, and certified - 5 years.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1981.
7. Application for plant variety protection is not planned.