Vangard
1. Vangard was developed through three cycles of recurrent selection for anthracnose resistance. Parentage (77 clones) traces predominately to the USDA germplasm releases MSA-CW-3-An-3 and MSB-CW5-An3 with Kanza, Cody and Dawson also contributing.
2. Vangard has been tested in Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Illinois, Wyoming, Montana, Wisconsin, Ohio, North Dakota, Louisiana, New York and Virginia. It is adapted to the central midwest and middle Atlantic states where it is intended to be used for hay, greenchop and dehydration.
3. Flower colors are varying shades of purple with a low percentage of blue and 1% cream. Growth habit is upright and moderately uniform. Vangard has resistance to bacterial wilt and anthracnose. It is susceptible to Phytophthora root rot. Its reaction to the spotted alfalfa aphid, the pea aphid and stem nematode has not been adequately determined.
4. Breeder seed was produced by interpollinating cuttings of the 77 parent clones in isolation. Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation each of breeder, foundation and certified classes. No restriction on area of production of foundation or certified seed.
5. Certified seed will be available in Spring of 1977.
6. Plant Variety Protection has been applied for.