Nitro
1. Nitro is a hand pollinated strain cross between two populations selected 2 cycles for high forage production, large root mass, high percent nitrogen in the root, and reduced leaf diseases during September and October in Minnesota. The two parental populations were U.C. Cargo and SW Comp AN4P3. The estimated genetic constitution of Nitro is: 5% Chilean, 5% Peruvian, 35% Indian and 55% African.
2. Nitro is intended as a special purpose alfalfa variety developed for use in the upper midwest as a one year hay source and as a fall plow down crop. It is most productive when planted in April or early May, harvested 3 times by early September with the top, crowns, and roots produced in October used as a source of residual nitrogen for subsequent crop rotations. It has been tested in MN, IA, IL, WI, NY, CA.
3. Flower color is purple. It has fall growth in late summer and fall similar to Moapa 69.
4. Nitro is resistant to Phytophthora root rot with moderate resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid. It is suceptible to anthracnose, bacterial wilt, and blue alfalfa aphid. It has improved fall leafspot resistance and frost resistance in the midwest when compared to other nondormant alfalfas. No information is available on Fusarium wilt, pea aphid, stem nematode, and Verticillium wilt resistance.
5. Seed increase is limited to one generation each of breeder, foundation and certified seed. Certified seed (Syn-3 or -4) may be grown only from breeder (Syn-2) or foundation (Syn-3) seed. The length of stand in years in the southern area of adaptation is breeder 2; foundation 3, (4th optional depending on breeder approval) and certified 6. The length of stand will be one year (year of seeding only) for all seed production in the northern area of adaptation.
6. Certified seed will be first offered for sale after the 1986 seed harvest.
7. Application will be made for Plant Variety Protection.