1. Comet is a synthetic variety with 464 parent clones. Parent clones trace to populations screened for resistance to Phytophthora root rot, anthracnose, bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Phenotypic recurrent selection was used. Parentage traces predominately, in order of contribution, to Endure, Apollo II, Apollo, Anchor, Trident, Saranac AR, Olympic and Atlas. Approximate germplasm source contributions are: M. falcata (10%), Ladak (8%), M. varia (22%), Turkistan (14%), Flemish (40%), Chilean (3%), and Peruvian (3%).
2. Comet is intended for use in the northern U.S. for hay, haylage, green-chop or dehy production. It has been tested in Iowa, Idaho, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
3. Fall dormancy is similar to Ranger. Flower color is approximately 72% purple and 28% variegated with a trace of white, yellow and cream.
4. Comet has high resistance to bacterial wilt, resistance to Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and Verticillium wilt, and moderate resistance to anthracnose and pea aphid. Reaction to stem nematode, blue alfalfa aphid and spotted 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 class. A 3 and 6 year stand life is permitted on fields producing foundation and certified classes respectively. Foundation seed production is limited to the northern region of adaptation.
6. Certified seed will be available in 1989.
7. Plant Variety Protection will not be applied for.
8. This information may be forwarded to the PVP office.