Sutter
1. Sutter is a 65 clone synthetic cultivar developed by mass selecting plants for persistence, good agronomic characteristics, and disease-free roots, in 3-4 year old fields in the northern San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys (CA). Germplasm traces to Amador (12), AS49R (3), 167 (2), 581 (6) and WL 318 (42). Approximately, three cuttings of each clone were transplanted and pollinated in an isolation cage to produce Sutter breeder seed (Syn 1). Sutter can be traced to 12% Turkistan, 4% Chilean, 1% Peruvian, and 83% unknown.
2. Proposed areas of adaptation are the western and intermountain regions of the U.S. and other similar areas. Primary use will be hay, greenchop, and dehydrated alfalfa. Sutter has been tested in California and Idaho.
3. Sutter is a moderately dormant cultivar with fall dormancy similar to Mesilla. Flower color is approximately 95% purple and 5% variegated. The stems are erect in the summer and semi-erect in fall.
4. Sutter has high resistance to Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and spotted alfalfa aphid; resistance to bacterial wilt, stem nematode, and pea aphid. It has moderate resistance to blue alfalfa aphid and low resistance to Verticillium wilt. Sutter is susceptible to anthracnose.
5. Sufficient breeder seed (Syn 1) was produced in 1983 and 1984 in isolation cages near Woodland, California to last the life of the variety. Breeder seed produced in 1983 and 1984 was not bulked. It is maintained by Plant Genetics, Inc. in environmentally controlled storage. Foundation seed (Syn 2 or 3) may only be produced from breeder or Syn 2 foundation seed at the breeders option. Certified seed (Syn 2, 3, or 4) may be produced from either breeder or foundation seed. Stand duration of breeder, foundation, and certified seed will be 2, 3, and 4 years, respectively. No other generation or class of seed will be recognized.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1988.
7. Application for Plant Variety Protection has been made. Certification option was not requested.
8. Information may be given to PVP Office.