Durango is a synthetic alfalfa variety selected from Key and Cimarron VR alfalfa varieties and 5 germplasm releases by phenotypic recurrent selection for resistance to anthracnose, phytophthora root-rot, Verticillium wilt, and the pea, spotted alfalfa, and blue alfalfa aphids. The germplasm of Durango consists of 25% Key, 37.6% Cimarron VR, 6.2% BAA-15, 6.2% BAA-17, 6.2 BAA-20, 9.4% UC123, and 9.4% UC143. The germplasm sources of Durango are estimated as follows: M. falcate = 1%, M.varia = 11%, Turkistan = 5%, Flemish = 21%, Chilean = 23%, Ladak = 1%, African = 34%, Unkhown = 4%.

Area of adaptation is southeast, Southwest, and Moderately Winterhardy Intermountains. Durango has been tested in North California and California. The proposed area of intended use is the Southeast and Moderately Winterhardy Intermountains.

Fall dormancy is similar to sutter. Flower color, measured in the Syn 1 generation, is 94% purple and 6% variegated.

Durango has high resistance to fusarium wilt, bacterial wilt, anthracnose, and phytophthora root-rot, the pea and spotted alfalfa aphids; resistance to stem nematode. Blue alfalfa aphid, and southern root-knot nematode; and moderate resistance to verticillium wilt and aphanomyces root-rot.