1. Hunter is a synthetic variety with 163 parent plants which were selected sequentially for multifoliolate leaf expression and for resistance to Phytophthora root rot and Aphanomyces root rot (race 1). Parent plants were selected from various populations that were developed by phenotypic recurrent selection for high relative feed value (using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy), for multifoliolate leaf expression, and for resistance to one or more of the following pests: bacterial wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose (race 1), Verticillium wilt, Leptosphaerulina leafspot, and spotted alfalfa aphid. Parentage of Hunter traces to the following germplasm sources: MultiQueen, CW 1404, CW 1434, Jewel, Precedent, Encore, 2833, WL 320, and Prism. Approximate germplasm source contributions are as follows: M.falcata (8%), Ladak (6%), M.varia (26%), Turkistan (4%), Flemish (46%), and Chilean (10%).

2. Hunter is adapted to the northcentral U.S. and is intended for use in the northern and central U.S.. Hunter has been tested in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

3. Hunter is a moderately dormant variety with fall dormancy similar to Saranac. Flower color observed in the Syn.2 generation is approximately 99% purple, 1% variegated, and a trace of white, cream, and yellow. Hunter has greater multifoliolate expression than Multiking I.

4. Hunter has high resistance to bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, anthracnose (race 1), Phytophthora root rot, and spotted alfalfa aphid with resistance to Verticillium wilt, Aphanomyces root rot (race 1) and stem nematode,. Reaction to root knot nematode, pea aphid, and blue alfalfa aphid has not been adequately tested.

5. Seed increase is on a limited generation basis with one generation of breeder and two generations of the foundation and certified seed classes. Breeder (Syn.1), foundation (Syn.2 or Syn.3), and certified (Syn.3 or Syn.4) classes will be recognized. Production of Syn.3 foundation seed requires consent of the breeder. Breeder seed was produced under cage isolation at Woodland, California in 1992. Sufficient foundation seed for the projected life of the variety will be maintained by Cal/West Seeds. Stands of foundation and certified seed fields are limited to 3 and 6 years, respectively.