1. Nordic is a synthetic variety
with 56 parent plants. Parent plants trace to 36 populations selected
for resistance to the following pests: bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium
wilt, Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose and Aphanomyces. Phenotypic recurrent
selection was used. Final selections were made from a space plant selection
nursery near Marshfield, WI after the second winter based on winter survival,
vigor, color and resistance to potato leafhopper yellowing. Parentage traces
predominantly to Clipper (17%), Arrow (7%), NAPB 35 (6%), AP 8631 (6%),
Armor, Thunder, Answer, Trident, Riley (5% each), Titan, Weevlchek, Vernal,
Impact, NAPB 34, AP 8632, AP 8630, AP 8621, KyKx, Hunter River, Big 10
and Krasnodarskaja Ranniaja (2% each) and 15% to numerous other sources.
Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata (10%),
Ladak (9%), M. varia (19)%, Turkistan (20%), Flemish (31%), Chilean
(6%) and Peruvian (5%).
2. Nordic is adapted to and is intended to be used in the North Central U.S. for hay and haylage, production. It has been tested in Iowa, Wisconsin and Idaho.
3. Fall dormancy is similar to Ranger. Flower color is 67% purple and 33% variegated with a trace of white, yellow and cream.
4. Nordic has high resistance to Phytophthora root rot, bacterial wilt and pea aphid, resistance to anthracnose (Race 1), Fusarium wilt, and Verticillium wilt and moderate resistance to Aphanomyces (Race 1) and spotted alfalfa aphid. Reaction to stem nematode and blue alfalfa aphid has not been determined.
5. Seed increase is limited to one generation each of breeder, foundation and certified seed classes. Certified seed may be produced from either breeder or foundation classes. A 1, 3 and 6-year stand life is permitted on fields producing breeder, foundation and certified classes respectively. Foundation seed production is limited to the Pacific Northwest.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1991.
7. Plant Variety Protection will not be applied for.
8. This information can be forwarded to the PVP office.