1. Cutter is a synthetic variety with 47 parent plants. Parent plants trace to 27 populations selected for resistance to Phytophthora root rot, bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, anthracnose, Aphanomyces and spotted alfalfa aphid using phenotypic recurrent selection. Parentage of Cutter traces predominantly to Apollo (11%), NAPB 35 (11%), Apollo Supreme (9%), Krasnodarskaja Ranniaja (6%), Duke, Raidor and NCW-21 (4% each), Dart, Anchor, WL 318, WL, 220, Sabilt, Europe, NCCR-1, MSEFP6Sn3W3P3, Apollo II, Atlas, Mercury, Advantage and Trident (2% each) with 25% from numerous other sources. Approximate germplasm source contributions are M. falcata (7%), Ladak (6%), M.varia (21%), Turkistan (16%), Flemish (30%), Chilean (11%), Peruvian (3%) and 6% unknown.
2. Cutter is intended for use in the North Central and Northeastern U.S. for hay, haylage, greenchop and dehy production. It has been tested in Iowa, Wisconsin and Idaho.
3. Fall dormancy of Cutter is similar to Saranac. Flower color is approximately 73% purple, and 27% variegated with a trace of white, yellow and cream.
4. Cutter has high resistance to Phytophthora root rot and Fusarium wilt, resistance to Verticillium wilt, anthracnose, bacterial wilt, spotted alfalfa aphid and pea aphid and moderate resistance to Aphanomyces. Reaction to stem nematode and blue alfalfa aphid has not been determined.
5. Seed increase is limited to one generation each of breeder, foundation and certified classes. Certified seed may be produced from either breeder or foundation classes. A 1, 3 and 6-year stand life is permitted on fields producing breeder, foundation and certified classes respectively. Foundation seed production is limited to the Pacific Northwest.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1990.
7. Plant Variety Protection will not be applied for.
8. This information may be forwarded to the PVP office.