Alfalfa varieties in the United States. Page: 7
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ALFALFA VARIETIES IN THE UNITED STATES 7
VARIEGATED GROUP
The variegated alfalfas have resulted from a natural cross between
the purple-flowered and the yellow-flowered species. The predominant
color of the flowers is similar to ordinary alfalfa, but brown,
green, greenish-yellow, and smoky flowers are not uncommon, and
pure yellow flowers are found occasionally. It is because of this
range in flower color that the designation " variegated " is applied to
the group. The various members of the group are often so similar
that it is impossible to distinguish between them, but there is usually
little difficulty in distinguishing between the common and variegated
alfalfas by the color of the flowers and shape of the pods. As a
rule, the alfalfas of this group are more resistant to cold than common
alfalfas, probably because of the presence of the yellow-flowered
blood in their ancestry. With the exception of Ladak, none of them
has shown any appreciable resistance to bacterial wilt.
GRIMM
Grimm alfalfa is the most important member of the variegated
group in the United States. It was introduced from Germany into
Carver County, Minn., in 1857 by Wendelin Grimm and eventually
attracted considerable attention on account of its cold resistance.
To the casual observer Grimm alfalfa differs little from the
common strains, but a closer examination will reveal a greater
diversity of forms. While the flowers are mainly similar to common
alfalfa in color, the presence of variegated flowers characteristic of
the group indicates definitely that the Grimm alfalfa is the result
of a cross between the common and the yellow-flowered species.
Variegated flowers are usually more in evidence in semiarid than
in humid districts.
The hardiness of the Grimm alfalfa is probably due in part to the
presence of yellow-flowered alfalfa in its ancestry and in part to the
process of natural selection that took place under the severe climatic
conditions to which it was subjected for many years in Minnesota.
On account of its superior hardiness the variety is particularly
recommended for all the Northern States where winter-killing is a
serious factor (figs. 3 and 4). In the southern half of the United
States it is less productive than some of the less hardy and more
rapid growing alfalfas.
In ability to produce seed Grimm alfalfa is at least the equal of
common alfalfa.
COSSACK
Cossack alfalfa was introduced into this country from Russia
through the efforts of the United States Department of Agriculture
in 1907. It is an earlier generation hybrid between the common
and yellow-flowered alfalfa than Grimm, and for this reason the
flowers show a higher percentage of variegation, the yellow and
white flowers being more abundant. In certain tests Cossack has
yielded somewhat more than Grimm and other variegated alfalfas,
but on the whole it has not shown evidence of being appreciably
superior for most conditions. It is adapted for growing under
practically the same conditions as Grimm alfalfa.
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Westover, H. L. (Harvey Leroy). Alfalfa varieties in the United States., book, 1940; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1732/m1/9/: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.