U.S. patent number PP11,554 [Application Number 08/858,424] was granted by the patent office on 2000-10-10 for strawberry plant named `alta vista`.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc.. Invention is credited to Amado Q. Amorao, JoAnne F. Coss, Kristie L. Gilford, Bruce D. Mowrey, Kiyoshi Nishimori, Thomas M. Sjulin.
United States Patent |
PP11,554 |
Sjulin , et al. |
October 10, 2000 |
Strawberry plant named `Alta Vista`
Abstract
This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of
strawberry plant named `Alta Vista`, botanically identified as
Fragraia.times.ananassa Duch. The closest known variety is `Key
Largo`. The new variety is fully everbearing. The new variety is
distinguished from `Key Largo` by its medium to strong interveinal
leaf-blistering, flat profile of the terminal leaflet, rounded
basal shape of the terminal leaflet, rounded teeth on the terminal
leaflet, medium in density petiole pubescence, outward pose of
petiole hairs, medium anthocyanin coloration of the stolons in the
fall of the year, an inflorescence relative position level with to
above the leaves, broader than long petal length-to-width ratio,
light red fruit flesh color, and early season of initial
harvest.
Inventors: |
Sjulin; Thomas M. (Aromas,
CA), Mowrey; Bruce D. (La Selva Beach, CA), Amorao; Amado
Q. (Camarillo, CA), Coss; JoAnne F. (Salinas, CA),
Nishimori; Kiyoshi (Santa Maria, CA), Gilford; Kristie
L. (Dover, FL) |
Assignee: |
Driscoll Strawberry Associates,
Inc. (Watsonville, CA)
|
Appl.
No.: |
08/858,424 |
Filed: |
May 19, 1997 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
PLT/209 |
Current International
Class: |
A01H 005/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;Plt/48,49,208,209 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
PP6579 |
January 1989 |
Bringhurst et al. |
PP7615 |
August 1991 |
Bringhurst et al. |
PP8661 |
March 1994 |
Bringhurst et al. |
|
Primary Examiner: Locker; Howard J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Pennie & Edmonds LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A new and distinct variety of strawberry plant, substantially as
shown and described.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The new variety of strawberry plant was selected as a seedling in a
controlled breeding plot at a ranch in Santa Barbara County,
Calif., U.S.A., on or about April 1993. The new variety originated
as a result of a controlled cross between `Key Largo`, U.S. Plant
Pat. No. 8,649, and the Driscoll Strawberry Associate, Inc. variety
named `L2` in an on-going breeding program. The seedling of the new
variety was grown and asexually propagated by stolons at the
nursery of Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc., in Shasta County,
Calif. The new variety was further asexually propagated and
extensively tested. This propagation and testing has demonstrated
that the combination of traits disclosed herein which characterize
the new variety are fixed and retained true to type through
successive generations of asexual reproduction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new and distinct strawberry
variety. The varietal denomination of the new variety is `Alta
Vista` (formerly known as `DX-4`). The variety is botanically
identified at Fragaria.times.ananassa Duch. Among the
characteristics which distinguish the new variety from other
varieties of which we are aware are a combination of traits which
include interveinal leaf-blistering, the profile of the terminal
leaflet, the basal shape of the terminal leaflet, the shape of the
teeth on the terminal leaflet, petiole pubescence, pose of petiole
hairs, anthocyanin coloration of the stolons in the fall,
inflorescence position relative to the leaves, petal
length-to-width ratio, fruit flesh color, season of initial harvest
and fruit bearing.
COMPARISON TO CLOSEST VARIETIES
The variety which we believe to be closest to `Alta Vista` from
those known to us is `Key Largo` (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,649). The
comparison descriptions are in accordance with UPOV terminology.
There are several characteristics of the new variety that are
different from, or not possessed by `Key Largo`. For example, the
average height of a plant of `Alta Vista` is 22.00 cm, while that
of `Key Largo` is 23.15 cm. The average spread of a plant of `Alta
Vista` is 44.00 cm, while that of `Key Largo` is 41.70 cm. The
average number of crowns of `Alta Vista` is 4.13, while that of
`Key Largo` is 2.70 cm. The interveinal blistering of the leaves of
`Alta Vista` is medium to strong, while that of `Key Largo` is Weak
or medium. The profile of the terminal leaflet leaf margin of `Alta
Vista` is flat, while that of `Key Largo` is revolute. The basal
shape of the terminal leaflet of `Alta Vista` is rounded, while it
is obtuse on `Key Largo`. The average terminal leaflet width of
`Alta Vista` is 7.74 cm, while that of `Key Largo` is 6.89 cm. The
average terminal leaflet length of `Alta Vista` is 8.14 cm, while
that of `Key Largo` is 7.09 cm. The length/width ratio of the
terminal leaflet of `Alta Vista` is 1.05 while that of `Key Largo`
is 1.03 . The teeth on the terminal leaflet of `Alta Vista` are
rounded, while those of `Key Largo` are obtuse. The average tooth
length of `Alta Vista` is 6.40 mm, while that of `Key Largo` is
6.50 mm. The average number of teeth per terminal leaflet of `Alta
Vista` is 21.93, while that of `Key Largo` is 19.73.
The petiole pubescence of `Alta Vista` is of medium density, while
that of `Key Largo` is sparse. The pose of the petiole hairs of
`Alta Vista` is outward, while that of `Key Largo` is upward. The
average petiole length of `Alta Vista` is 16.81 cm, while that of
`Key Largo` is 18.45 cm. The Munsell color rating for petiole color
of `Alta Vista` is 3.7GY6.0/10.7, while that of `Key Largo` is
3.7GY6.7/12.2. The anthocyanin coloration of the stolons in the
fall of the year is medium on `Alta Vista` and strong on `Key
Largo`. The inflorescence position relative to the leaves is level
to above for `Alta Vista` and level to below for `Key Largo`. The
average bract frequency of `Alta Vista` is 0.13, while that of `Key
Largo` is 0.10. The average stipule length of `Alta Vista` is 3.43
cm, while that of `Key Largo` is 3.86 cm. The average stipule width
of `Alta Vista` is 9.10 mm, while that of `Key Largo` is 9.20 mm.
The stipule shape of `Alta Vista` and that of `Key Largo` are both
laceolate. The Munsell color rating for stipule color of `Alta
Vista` is 4.1GY7.4/13.2, while that of `Key Largo` is
4.3GY7.8/12.9. The stipule pubsecence of `Alta Vista` is medium,
while that of `Key Largo` is light.
The petal length to width ratio of `Alta Vista` is broader than
long (0.98), while that of `Key Largo` is as long as broad (1.02).
Specifically, the average petal length of `Alta Vista` is 12.70 mm,
while that of `Key Largo` is 12.20 mm. The average petal width of
`Alta Vista` is 13.00 mm, while that of `Key Largo` is 12.00 mm.
The average flower diameter of `Alta Vista` is 32.70 mm, while that
of `Key Largo` is 32.50 mm. The average calyx diameter of `Alta
Vista` is 34.10 mm, while that of `Key Largo` is 34.70 mm. The
average sepal length of `Alta Vista` is 10.40 mm, while that of
`Key Largo` is 12.44 mm.
The average fruit length of `Alta Vista` is 4.58 cm, while that of
`Key Largo` is 3.41 cm. The average fruit width of `Alta Vista` is
4.23 cm, while that of `Key Largo` is 3.52 cm. The fruit
length/width ratio is 1.08 for `Alta Vista` and 0.97 for `Key
Largo`. The fruit flesh color of `Alta Vista` fruit is light red,
while that of `Key Largo` is medium red. Specifically, the Munsell
color rating for fruit neck color of `Alta Vista` is 5.9R3.6/15.2,
while that of `Key Largo` is 5.5R2.9/11.6. The Munsell color rating
for fruit body color of `Alta Vista` is 6.0R/3.1/12.0, while that
of `Key Largo` is 5.5R2.9/11.6. The Munsell color rating for achene
coloration of `Alta Vista` is 6.3R/2.5/8.9 on the sun side ofthe
berry and 5.7Y7.3/12.7 on the shade side, while those of `Key
Largo` are 6.0R/3.1/12.0 and 5.6Y7.9/13.9, respectively.
The season of harvest is early for `Alta Vista`, while that of `Key
Largo` is early to mid-season. Lastly, `Alta Vista` is fully
everbearing, while `Key Largo` is partially everbearing. As to
tendency to form runners, `Alta Vista` has little tendency to form
runners in the fruiting field following supplemental cold storage,
averaging 0.06 runners/plant. This is similar to Commander (U.S.
Plant Pat. No. 7,024) (0.05 runners/plant) and less than `Key
Largo` (0.48 runners/plant). As to chilling requirements, `Alta
Vista` requires approximately 4 to 6 weeks of supplemental cold
storage before planting. This is higher than `Key Largo` and
similar to other everbearing or day-neutral varieties such as
`Seascape` (U.S. Plant. Pat. No. 7,614) and `Selva` (U.S. Plant
Pat. No. 5,266).
Regarding isozyme analysis, the phosphoglucoisomerase (PGI) isozyme
banding pattern for `Alta Vista` and `Key Largo` is A1. The leucine
aminopeptidase (LAP) isozyme banding pattern for `Alta Vista` and
`Key Largo` is B3. The phosphoglucomutase (PGM) isozyme banding
pattern for `Alta Vista` is C2 while that for `Key Largo` is C4.
See J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 106:684 (1981).
TABLE 1 ______________________________________ Isozyme Phenotypes
for `Alta Vista` and `Key Largo` Cultivar Locus `Alta Vista` `Key
______________________________________ Largo' PGI A1 A1 LAP B3 B3
PGM C2 C4
______________________________________
The `Key Largo` isozyme data is from U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,649.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS
The accompanying photographs show typical specimens of the new
variety, including fruit, foliage and flowers, in color as nearly
true as it is reasonably possible to make in color illustrations of
these characteristics.
FIG. 1 shows typical whole fruit and the fruit in longitudinal
section, illustrating the typical flesh and flesh coloration, core
and shape of the new variety.
FIG. 2 shows the upper surface of two typical folioles of the new
variety.
FIG. 3 shows the flowers and reproductive organs of the new
variety, as well as the size and position of the petals and
sepals.
DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY
The following detailed description of the new variety is based upon
observations taken of plants and fruit grown in experimental test
plots in 1997 at Garrison Farm in Hillsborough County, Fla., U.S.A.
The plant material was planted on Oct. 9, 1996, and `Alta Vista`
was grown in a forcing system during the winter. Observations of
`Alta Vista` and `Key Largo` were taken in a side-by-side
comparison in January 1997. Additional measurements were taken on
the ranch of Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc. in Monterey
County, Calif. in the summer of 1998. This description is in
accordance with UPOV terminology. Color designations, color
descriptions, and other phenotypical descriptions may deviate from
the stated values and descritions depending upon variation in
environmental, seasonal, climatic and cultural conditions. Colors
are described using standard Munsell Notation.
Propagation
The new variety is principally propagated by way of stolons.
Although propagation by stolons is presently preferred, other known
methods of propagating strawberry plants may be employed. As to
regional adaptation, `Alta Vista` is best adapted to a Winter plant
system in the area of Watsonville and Salinas, Calif. It also can
be grown in Florida for production of fruit in the winter
months.
Characteristics of the New Variety
The following information is provided to describe the new
variety.
Plant: The plants are of open to medium density with flat globose
habit and weak to medium vigor. The average height of a plant of
`Alta Vista` is 22.00 cm. The average spread of a plant of `Alta
Vista` is 44.00 cm. The plant of `Alta Vista` is typically smaller
and more compact when grown in Florida during the winter months
than when grown in northern California. The average number of
crowns of `Alta Vista` is 4.13. As to the comparative productivity,
`Alta Vista` is highly productive producing 2052 g of marketable
fruit per plant on average in northern California in 1997, compared
to `Key Largo` which produced 1272 g of marketable fruit per plant
on average. The length of the production season of `Alta Vista` was
from the week ending Apr. 12, 1997 through the week ending Nov. 1,
1997 in Watsonville, Calif. and from the week ending Dec. 7, 1996
through the week ending Apr. 15, 1997 in Dover, Fla. The length of
the production season for `Key Largo` was from the week ending Apr.
12, 1997 through the week ending Nov. 1, 1997 in Watsonville,
Calif. and from the week ending Dec. 14, 1996 through the week
ending Apr. 15, 1997 in Dover, Fla.
Leaves: The upperside of the leaves are medium to dark green with a
Munsell color rating of 8.9GY2.3/4.7. The color of the underside of
the leaves is gray-green which is not referenced on the Munsell
Color Chart.
The leaf profile is strongly concave and there is medium to strong
interveinal leaf-blistering. Plants have three leaflets only. The
terminal leaflet margin profile is flat and the length-to-width
ratio of the terminal leaflet is broader than long. The shape of
the base of the terminal leaflet is rounded and the teeth of the
terminal leaflet are rounded. The average terminal leaflet width of
`Alta Vista` is 7.74 cm. The average number of teeth on the
terminal leaflet of `Alta Vista` is 21.93. The average length of
the teeth on the terminal leaflet for `Alta Vista` is 6.40 mm.
The petiole pubescence is of medium density and the pose of the
petiole hairs is outwards. The average petiole length of `Alta
Vista` is 16.81 cm. The Munsell color rating for petiole color of
`Alta Vista` is 3.7GY/6.0/10.7. The average stipule length of `Alta
Vista` is 3.43 cm. The average stipule width of `Alta Vista` is
9.10 mm. The stipule shape of `Alta Vista` is lanceolate. The
Munsell color rating for stipule color of `Alta Vista` is
4.1GY7.4/13.2. The stipule pubescence of `Alta Vista` is
medium.
Stolons: `Alta Vista` has few to a medium number of stolons of
medium thickness with medium anthocyanin coloration and medium
pubescence.
Inflorescence: The position of the inflorescence is from level with
to above the foliage. The flowers are large in size. The average
petal length of `Alta Vista` is 12.70 mm. The average petal width
of `Alta Vista` is 13.00 mm. The average flower diameter of `Alta
Vista` is 32.70 mm. The average calyx diameter of `Alta Vista` is
34.10 mm. The average sepal length of `Alta Vista` is 10.40 mm.
The diameter of the calyx is larger than the corolla. On secondary
flowers, the diameter of the inner calyx is smaller than the outer
calyx. On secondary flowers with 5 to 6 petals, the petals are very
overlapping. The petal length-to-width ratio on secondary flowers
is broader than are long (0.98).
The fruiting trusses are long in length and the attitude at first
picking is prostrate.
Fruit: Observations of the fruit were taken of secondary fruit on
one year old plants. The fruit are predominantly conical in shape.
The fruit ratio of length to maximum width are longer than broad.
The fruit are large in size. There is a marked difference in fruit
shape between the primary and secondary fruits. The band without
achenes is narrow. The fruit surface has a weak unevenness. Primary
berries tend to be cylindrical to wedge shaped, while secondary
fruit are more conical to almost cylindrical.
Fruit Color: The fruit skin color is a slightly uneven red with a
Munsell color rating of 6.0R 3.1/12.0 and strong glossiness. The
Munsell color rating for fruit neck is 5.9R3.6/15.2, and that for
fruit body is 6.0R3.1/12.0.
The insertion of the achenes is from the level with the surface to
above the surface of the fruit. The Munsell color rating for achene
coloration on the sun side of the berry is 6.3R/2.5/8.9 and that on
the shade side is 5.7Y/7.3/12.7.
The calyx is inserted level with the fruit and the pose of the
calyx segments is reflexed. The calyx diameter is very much larger
than the fruit diameter. The adherence of the calyx to the fruit is
strong.
The fruit flesh has a medium to firm firmness when fully ripe. The
color of the fruit flesh is light red with a Munsell color rating
of 5.1R 4.1/16.1 and white. The fruit flesh color is uneven.
The fruit has a strong sweetness, with medium acidity and very fine
to fine texture. The soluble solids content of the fruit of `Alta
Vista` measured in percent Brix averaged 9.99 for the 1998 harvest
season. The percent Brix content is an indirect measure of the
sugar content or sweetness.
Chilling requirements: `Alta Vista` requires approximately 4 to 6
weeks of supplemental cold storage before planting.
Tendency to form runners: `Alta Vista` has little tendency to form
runners in the fruiting field following supplemental cold storage,
averaging 0.06 runners/plant.
The time of flowering when 50% of the plants are at first flower is
early. When the `Alta Vista` variety was planted in Florida in eary
October, the plants began flowering in early November.
Length of Season of Production: The length of the production season
of `Alta Vista` in Watsonville, Calif. was from the week ending
Apr. 12, 1997 through the week ending Nov. 1, 1997 and in Florida
it was from the week ending Dec. 7, 1996 through the week ending
Apr. 15, 1997.
The harvest maturity when 50% of the plants possess ripe fruit is
early. For `Alta Vista` planted in Florida in early October, 50% of
the plants possessed ripe fruit in early December. `Alta Vista` has
moderate shelf life and shipability. Shelf life of `Alta Vista` is
poorer than `Key Largo` and similar to the variety `Swede` (U.S.
Plant Pat. No. 6,191).
`Alta Vista` is a fully everbearing variety. Everbearing
strawberrry varieties are characterized as plants which fruit two
or more times per season, and the summer flowering is governed by
long photoperiods. See Advances in Fruit Breeding, page 86 (eds.
Jules Janick and James N. Moore, 1975).
Resistance to Stress
The new variety `Alta Vista` is moderately resistant to high
temperatures. `Alta Vista` is resistant to high pH.
Disease Resistance and Susceptibility
The `Alta Vista` fruit is moderately susceptible to decay by
Botrytis fruit rot. `Alta Vista` is moderately resistant to powdery
mildew and leaf spots (Xanthomonus fragariae).
The `Alta Vista` variety is susceptible to injury by Tarsonemus
pallidus, Aphelencoides fragariae, Aphis spp., and lygus bus (Lygus
hesparus).
* * * * *