Vortex
1. Vortex is a 77 plant synthetic variety. It was developed by mass selecting plants for persistence, good agronomic characteristics, and disease-free roots, in 3-4 year old established fields of northeastern California. Vortex traces to Apollo 26%, Magnum 23%, Atra 55 20%, WL 312 18%, and RS 209 13%. Plants were pollinated in 1983 near Woodland, CA to produce breeder seed (Syn 1) in an isolation cage. Vortex traces to: 5% M. falcata, 8% Ladak, 20% M. varia, 21% Turkistan, 9% Flemish, 11% Chilean, 6% Peruvian, and 2% unknown.
2. Proposed areas of adaptation are the central midwest which includes southern Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, and parts of the inter-mountain West. Primary use will be general forage. Vortex has been tested in California, Idaho, Michigan, and Minnesota.
3. Flower color is approximately 100% purple with a trace of variegated and white. Vortex is moderately dormant, with fall dormancy similar to Saranac.
4. Vortex has high resistance to bacterial wilt; resistance to Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, stem nematode, and spotted alfalfa aphid. It has moderate resistance to pea aphid and blue alfalfa aphid. Vortex has low resistance to anthracnose and Verticillium.
5. Sufficient breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced in 1983 in an isolation cage near Woodland, California, to last the life of the variety. It is maintained by Plant Genetics. Inc. in environmentally controlled storage. Foundation seed (Syn 2 or 3) may only be produced from breeder or Syn 2 foundation seed at the breeders option. Certified seed (Syn 2, 3, or 4) may be produced from either breeder or foundation seed. Stand duration will be 1, 3, and 4 years for breeder, foundation, and certified seed fields, respectively. No other generation or class of seed will be recognized.
6. Certified seed will be available in l988.
7. Application for Plant Variety Protection will be made. Certification option will not be requested.
8. Information may be given to PVP office.