Super CUF Alfalfa

Origin and Breeding:

'Super CUF' was developed by selection amond disease-resistant survivors from old fields of 'CUF101' with subsequent pollination from superior selections from 'Sequel'. Plants were selected on plant characteristics, superior fodder yield, reliable seed production and improved disease and pest resistance. In each cycle of selection plants with superior features were retained and others were eliminated before flowering.

The Australian variety 'Sequel' has performed very well in Northern New South Wales and Southern Queensland. Cuf101 is an important American aphid-resistant variety which was used in the breeding of both 'Siriver' and 'Sequel'. the aim was to produce a broadly adapted and high yielding variety by selection of superior plants from within proven varieties. Traditional breeding methods were used to develop 'Super CUF'.

Agronomic Characters:

Plants are moderately tall with erect leafy stems. Super CUF plants are winter active (rating 9) with strong autumn and spring growth and vigorous recovery from cutting or graszing. It is early flowering with flowers varying from light to dark blue, rarely white. In resistance to pests and diseases Super CUF is superior to 'CUF101' and 'Sequel' (see table1). Independent tests for levels of resistance in 'Super CUF' were conducted by Crop Characterisitics Inc. MN, USA.

Table 1 Disease and pest resistance of 'Super CUF', 'CUF 101' and 'Sequel'

* HR - highly resistant, R - resistant, MR - moderate resistant, S - susceptible

In a replicated cutting trial in 2002-03, hay yield was determined in one year old irrigated stands of 'Super CUF' and 'CUF 101'. Management was as in commercial crops. Cuts were taken on March 3rd, 2003. Cut material was field dried to approximately 12%  moisture before weighing. Mean while hay yield of 'Super CUF' was 32% higher than that of 'CUF 101'. In the same trial in 2003-2004 season 'Super CUF' out yielded 'CUF 101' by 21% in the first cut and 24% in the second.

In a comprehensive trial established at Keith in South Australia in 2003, the performances of 28 varieties and elite lines were compared in an irrigated replicated field trial. The highest yielding varieties over three hay cuts in 2003-2004 were 'Super Siriver' and 'Super CUF' which averaged 2.5 tones/hectare. In this trial 'Super CUF' out yield both 'Sequel' and 'CUF 101' by 20% (see below).

The above trials indicate the 'Super CUF' is clearly more productive and more pest and disease resistant han its parent varieties 'CUF 101' and 'Sequel'.