AC NORDICA ALFALFA

AC Nordica alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was developed by the Agricultu re Canada Research Station at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It is similar t o Beaver alfalfa in having a broad crown and a tap root with many bran ches. AC Nordica is 1-2 d earlier in maturity than Beaver. It is short er than Beaver at 10% bloom, is slightly slower in regrowth following harvest, and displays less spring vigor. However, it excels in winter hardiness, rating similar to Anik and Drylander alfalfa. AC Nordica is highly resistant to bacterial wilt (Clavibacter michiganense subsp. i nsidiosum [McCulloch] Davis, Gillaspie, Vidaver and Harris), and moder ately resistant to snow mold (Coprinus psychromorbidus Redhead and Tra quair). AC Nordica is intended as a special-purpose cultivar for the n orthern prairies, the Peace River area of Alberta, and other high snow fall areas where snow mold (winter crown rot) may occur and where extr eme winter hardiness is required.