Warrior
1. Initial development began in 1956, with release and seed sales in 1962. Warrior was developed from two large populations maintained separately from Flemish (Synthetic Population A) and diverse winter hardy U.S. germplasm (Synthetic Population B). These populations were selected on the basis of combining ability between the two populations. The two populations are planted in alternate rows for seed production of the certified generation.
2. Warrior is adapted across the Northern United States and Canada wherever alfalfa is grown except under extreme dryland conditions. It has been grown extensively throughout the Midwestern States and mainly for hay.
3. Intermediate blue and purple flowers with a limited number of dark purple, greenish and yellow flowers. Rather variable in plant type, height and shape. Winter dormancy similar to DuPuits to slightly more dormant. Tall upright.
4. Warrior is the total seed crop from fields planted to the Flemish type synthetic (A) and the U.S. type winter hardy synthetic (B) seeded separately in alternate rows. Breeder seed for synthetics (A) and (B) are bulks from the original clones within the respective synthetics. Foundation seed of each of synthetic (A) and synthetic (B) is produced in the States of Washington, Idaho or Nevada. Foundation seed is used to plant the certified generation fields with the production limited to the States of Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and possibly Utah. Fields will be harvested for four years or less, depending upon the uniformity of stands between the two populations.
5. Certified seed will be available in 1971. Uncertified seed has been sold widely since 1962.