Epic
1. Epic is a 10 clone synthetic variety. Parental clones were selected on the basis of extensive clonal, S1 and polycross progeny testing in Iowa, Minnesota and Idaho for forage, seed and pest resistance traits. Parent clones trace to or were derived from Pacer (2), Valor (1), Washoe (2), Alfa (1), Saranac (1), MnPD-1 (1), Washoe x Titan (1) and a Flemish intercross.
2. Epic appears adapted for hay, greenchop and other forage uses in the northern and central regions of adaptation. It has been tested in Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
3. Flower color is predominately various shades of purple with 1-2% variegated or yellow flowered plants. A moderately hardy variety with upright growth habit, late summer and fall growth having less fall dormancy than Saranac.
4. Epic has resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, moderate resistance to pea aphids and susceptible to anthracnose and spotted aphids. No information on stem nematodes.
5. Breeder seed (Syn. 1) was produced by diallel crossing and on replicated clonal cuttings in cages. Clones are maintained by Land 0'Lakes with breeder seed in cold storage. Foundation (Syn. 2) fields planted with breeder seed in the northern area of adaptation are allowed 4 harvest years. Certified (Syn. 3) fields to be planted with breeder or foundation seed are limited to six harvest years. Only one generation of each class is recognized.
6. Certified seed will be available in the fall of 1981.
7. Plant Variety Protection is being considered.