Chrysanthemum plant named `Chahalu`

#The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum, botanically known as Dendranthema grandiflora, and hereinafter is referred to by the cultivar name `Chahalu`.

#The new cultivar of the present invention was created through the gamma irradiation of the `Chalecat` cultivar U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 08/273,998, filed Jul. 12, 1994). The parent `Chalecat` cultivar was formed by the crossing of the `Siky` cultivar (non-patented in the United States) and the `Prouesse` cultivar (non-patented in the United States) as described in my copending U.S. Plant patent application.

#During June 1980, at Saint Paul Lez Durance, France, groups of 1,000 rooted cuttings of the `Chalecat` cultivar having an age of two weeks were irradiated with gamma rays through the packing boxes at rates of 1.8, 2.5 and 3.0 Krads. Following irradiation the plants were shipped to Nuaille, Trementines, France, and planted in 4 liter pots, pinched, and grown outside until September, next grown in greenhouses, were not disbudded, and were carefully observed. It was found that most of the plants irradiated at a rate of 3.0 Krads died. Those plants that were irradiated at a rate of 2.5 Krads exhibits no growth following pinching and were discarded. Many different mutations were observed in the plants that were irradiated at a rate of 1.8 Krads. A single mutation that exhibits the characteristics of the `Chahalu` cultivar were discovered among these plants. Also, a single mutation that exhibits the characteristics of the `Chatupa` cultivar (U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 08/273,997, filed Jul. 12, 1994) and a single mutation of the `Chalurido` cultivar (U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 08/273,999, filed Jul. 12, 1994) were discovered among the same group of plants. It would have been impossible for a plant scientist to have predicted in advance that new cultivars having the combination of characteristics of the presently claimed `Chahalu` cultivar and the sister `Chatupa` and `Chalurido` cultivars could have been formed even if the parent `Chalecat` cultivar would have been available for such experimentation.

#The accompanying photographs were prepared during June, 1994, and show as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in color illustrations of this character, typical plants and plant parts of the new cultivar of the present invention. The plants were 12 weeks of age and were grown at Nuaille, Trementines, France, under standard greenhouse conditions which approximate those commonly utilized for the production of decorative pot mums. The plant had been disbudded in order to encourage the formation of one large bloom per stem. There had been one application of Alar growth regulant at a concentration of 3 grams per liter. A measuring tape is included in FIGS. 3 and 4 wherein centimeters and inches are shown for size comparisons.

#FIG. 1 illustrates typical specimens of the overall plant wherein five cuttings were placed in a 20 cm. pot. The large incurved lemon yellow blossoms generally in the form of large round balls, as well as the foliage, are apparent.

#FIG. 2 illustrates a closer view of a typical flower.

#The chart used in the identification of colors described hereafter is the R.H.S. Colour Chart of the Royal Horticultural Society, London, England. In some instances more common color terms are provided and are to be accorded their usual dictionary significance. The plants described were 12 weeks of age and were grown at Nuaille, Trementines, France, under standard greenhouse conditions which approximate those commonly utilized for the production of decorative pot mums.

#Classification:

#Botanical.--Dendranthema grandiflora, cv. `Chahalu`.