Lew
1. Lew is a 100-clone synthetic alfalfa cultivar. These parent clones trace their origin to 'African' and 'Indian' sources. Its major attributes are (a) high level of resistance to the stem nematode found in the Salt River Valley of Arizona, and (b) its adaptation to the low desert valley areas of southern Arizona. The parent clones were selected from Polycross Progeny test plots and farmers' fields in southern Arizona having high natural populations of stem nematode. Lew has slightly more resistance to Biotype H of the Spotted Alfalfa aphid than Hayden and Sonora-70. It has considerably more resistance to the stem nematode than Hayden or Sonora-70.
2. Lew is adapted to the low desert valley areas of southern Arizona where stem nematodes are a problem. It is suitable for grazing, green chop, hay, or haylage.
3. Flower color ranges from light to dark purple. It has slightly greater average vegetative growth in early spring than Hayden and Mesa-Sirsa when stem nematodes are present. Lew exhibits little or no evidence of damage when grown on soil heavily infested with stem nematodes.
4. Breeders seed was produced in 1973 and 1974 in an isolated block on the University of Arizona Yuma Branch Station. Foundation seed will be produced from Breeders seed and Certified seed will be produced from either Breeders or Foundation seed.
5. Fall of 1976.