Liberty
1. Liberty originated from North Carolina breeding stock through six generations of recurrent phenotypic selection for adaptation, vigor, persistence and resistance to insects and diseases under field conditions. The variety expresses a high degree of tolerance to the alfalfa weevil. It possesses a high degree of resistance to anthracnose disease and has a moderate resistance to the pea aphid. Liberty is susceptible to the spotted alfalfa aphid and to the bacterial wilt disease.
2. It is intended for hay and haylage production in the upper south extending from the Atlantic westward through Oklahoma, in areas where damage from the alfalfa weevil and anthracnose disease exist. The variety has been tested in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas and Oregon. Liberty can be grown successfully under weevil infestation without the use of insecticides, but insecticides may be needed for maximum production.
3. Liberty is exceptionally vigorous in the spring; displaying heavy crown development, axillary branching of stems, and heavier than usual terminal buds. Growth habit is upright. It displays intermediate fall dormancy, but winter dormancy is more pronounced, i.e., crown growth during December and January is very limited. Flower color varies from purple to light blue with a low frequency of variegation. Seed pods are typical of Medicago sativa.
4. Seed increase shall be on a four generation basis: Breeder, Foundation, Registered, and Certified. Foundation seed is produced jointly by the North Carolina and Oklahoma foundation seed producers organizations. Registered and Certified seed will be produced by farmers under the auspices of the appropriate state certifying agency.
5. Certified seed will first be offered for sale in 1977 or l978.
6. Liberty will be protected under provisions of the Plant Variety Protection Act.