U.S. patent number PP18,454 [Application Number 11/239,545] was granted by the patent office on 2008-01-22 for dianella revoluta plant named `drg04`.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Versascapes, L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Todd Anthony Layt.
United States Patent |
PP18,454 |
Layt |
January 22, 2008 |
Dianella revoluta plant named `DRG04`
Abstract
`DRG04` is a distinctive variety of Dianella revoluta, which is
characterized by the combination of a dense compact clumping habit
with red basal shoots and a slight weeping of clumps with age.
`DRG04` is further characterized by its glaucous leaves, which
result in a two-toned leaf color when viewed from a distance, with
a glossy green upper side leaf color and a dull green (slightly
blue-toned) lower side leaf color. When observed up-close the
leaves are a yellow-green. `DRG04` is also distinguished by the
ability to be easily and productively propagated by division.
Inventors: |
Layt; Todd Anthony (New South
Wales, AU) |
Assignee: |
Versascapes, L.L.C. (Mt.
Pleasant, SC)
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Family
ID: |
36127255 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/239,545 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2005 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20060075532 P1 |
Apr 6, 2006 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60614795 |
Sep 30, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
PLT/424 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01H
5/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A01H
5/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;PLT/263 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
(Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening, 1992, vol. II
D-K, McMillan Press, London; Stockton Press, New York, p. 49-50).
cited by examiner .
Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening, 1992, volt II
D-K, McMillan Press, London; Stockton Press, New York, p. 49-50.
cited by examiner .
Layt; "Dianella revoluta spreading flax lily `DRG04,`" Plant
Varieties Journal 16 (4): 123 (Feb. 6, 2004). cited by other .
Layt; "Dianella revoluta spreading flax lily `DRG04,`" Plant
Varieties Journal 17 (1): 597-599 (Apr. 28, 2004). cited by other
.
Australian Government, IP Australia, Plant Breeder's Rights;
Database entry for Australian Plant Breeders Right Application No.
2003/289; Variety `DRG04`
http://pbr.ipaustralia.optus.com.au/docs/2003289.doc, Oct. 2003.
cited by other.
|
Primary Examiner: Grunberg; Anne Marie
Assistant Examiner: Helmer; Georgia
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Myers, Bigel Sibley & Sajovec,
P.A.
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A new and distinct variety of Dianella revoluta plant named
`DRG04`, substantially as described and illustrated herein.
Description
Latin name of the genus and species: The Latin name of the novel
variety disclosed herein is Dianella revoluta.
Variety denomination: The inventive variety of Dianella revoluta
disclosed herein has been given the varietal denomination
`DRG04`.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new and distinct perennial
Spreading Flax Lilly variety of Dianella revoluta, which has been
given the varietal denomination of `DRG04`. Its market class is
that of an ornamental grass-like plant. `DRG04` is intended for use
in landscaping and as a decorative grass-like plant.
An application for plant breeders' rights for variety `DRG04` has
been filed with the Australian Plant Breeders' Rights Office, and
was first gazetted in the Plant Varieties Journal in October 2003
under Application No. 2003/289.
Parentage. The Dianella revoluta variety `DRG04` was first
discovered in October 1996 in an Australian nursery in the state of
New South Wales after an extensive breeding program. The parent of
`DRG04`, `Queanbeyan Ecotype` (`DR4000`, unpatented), is
characterized by tall plant height, broad basal shoot width, weaker
plant density, medium leaf size, dull green leaf colour and
frequent leaf spotting.
In 1995, Dianella species were grown together in an open bed
covering approximately 250 square meters of area. They were grown
in groups of species and ecotypes including Dianella revoluta
collected from the Queanbeyan area, and other regions. The other
Dianella species present were longifolia, tasmanica and caerulea.
The plants were open pollinated with possible assisted pollination
from general shaking of flower stems onto each other.
Seeds were collected and sown from the `Queanbeyan Ecotype` plants
in December 1995. Approximately 10,000 plants were grown. In
October 1996, using the selection criteria of contrasting upper and
lower side leaf colour and dense growth habit, a single plant was
identified as having a glossy green upper side leaf colour and dull
green lower side leaf colour. This plant was selected, potted into
a 140 mm pot for further evaluation, and named `DRG04`.
Asexual reproduction. `DRG04` was first asexually propagated by
division in April 1997 in the state of New South Wales, Australia.
`DRG04` was asexually reproduced again during November 1997 and
April 1998 and confirmed to be stable in character. The distinctive
characteristics of the inventive variety, `DRG04`, have remained
stable and true to type from generation to generation through
successive cycles of asexual reproduction including vegetative
division and micropropagation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`DRG04` is a distinctive variety of Dianella revoluta, which is
characterized by the combination of a dense compact clumping habit
with red basal shoots and a slight weeping of clumps with age.
`DRG04` is further characterized by its glaucous leaves, which
result in a two-toned leaf colour when viewed from a distance, with
a glossy green upper side leaf colour and a dull green (slightly
blue-toned) lower side leaf colour. When observed up-close the
leaves are a yellow-green. `DRG04` is also distinguished by the
ability to be easily and productively propagated by division.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The photographs in the drawings were made using conventional
techniques and show the colours as true as reasonably possible by
conventional photography. Colours in the photographs may differ
slightly from the colour values cited in the detailed botanical
description, which accurately describe the colours of the new
Dianella revoluta.
FIG. 1 shows two `DRG04` plants and illustrates the red basal
shoots, two-toned leaf colour, and dense compact growth habit that
are characteristic of the variety.
FIG. 2 shows leaf width and glaucosity of `DRG04` compared with
other Dianella revoluta varieties, `DR5000` (U.S. Plant patent
application Ser. No. 10/883,942, filed Jul. 2, 2004) and `DR4000`
(`Queanbeyan ecotype`, unpatented).
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT
The following is a detailed botanical description of a new and
distinct variety of a Dianella revoluta ornamental grass-like plant
known as `DRG04`. The descriptions disclosed herein are based upon
observations of the plant grown in 140 mm nursery pots and field
plots in New South Wales, Australia. The plants were approximately
12-months-old at the time of observation. Except as indicated, all
colors cited herein refer to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour
Chart (The Royal Horticultural Society, London, 2001 edition).
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain
characteristics will vary with older or, conversely, younger
plants. `DRG04` has not been observed under all possible
environmental conditions. Where dimensions, sizes, colors and other
characteristics are given, it is to be understood that such
characteristics are approximations or averages set forth as
accurately as practicable. The phenotype of the variety may differ
with variations in the environment such as season, temperature,
light intensity, day length, cultural conditions and the like.
`DRG04` is a perennial Dianella revoluta plant, which was produced
through an innovative breeding program. After its selection,
`DRG04` was asexually propagated by division and micropropagation.
`DRG04` has a dense compact clumping form with red basal shoots,
and a slight weeping of clumps with age. The leaves of `DRG04` are
glaucous and as a result have a two-toned leaf colour when viewed
from a distance, with a glossy green upper side leaf colour and
dull (slightly blue-toned) green lower side leaf colour. When
observed up-close the leaves appear yellow-green. A botanical
description of `DRG04` and a comparison with other varieties of
Dianella revoluta are provided below. Representative Dianella
revoluta `DRG04` plants are shown in FIG. 1.
Technical Description of the Variety
Growth habit: `DRG04` forms a dense compact clumping tussock. Its
growth habit is erect, its height is medium-tall (mean 53.3 cm),
and the density of its shoots is strong. Foliage: Leaf attitude
erect, with medium (mean 9.0 mm), upper side colour (waxiness
removed) is yellow-green (RHS 146A), the lowers side colour
(waxiness removed) is yellow-green (RHS 147B), upper side
glaucosity medium, shape ligulate, apex acute, cross section
concave, cross-sectional shape with midrib keeled, margin flat to
weakly revolute. Basal shoots: Red (approximately RHS 182A). Basal
sheath: Anthocyanin colour red-brown to purple (RHS 182A proximally
and approximately RHS 183A distally with greatest intensity towards
the sheath margin). Intensity of colour strong. Inflorescence: The
inflorescence (flower spike) is a panicle with a length (range
60-80 cm). The inflorescence is positioned above the level of the
foliage. The flower spike is soft to the touch. Peduncle color is
yellow green (approximately RHS 146B-C). Flowering season late
spring-summer. Flowers: The flower buds are 8-10 mm long and 3-4 mm
wide. Bud color changes from yellow green (RHS 147B) to violet blue
(approximately RHS 89A) prior to opening. Mature flowers have 6
petals with ovate shape. Petal color is violet-blue (approximately
RHS 94B). Anther filament color is yellow orange (approximately RHS
23A). Flower diameter range is 10-13 mm. Petal attitude is
reflexed. Fruit: A succulent berry, shape is globose, color of
unripe berry is yellow green (RHS 146A) and color of ripe berry is
approximately violet blue (RHS 89A), surface texture is smooth and
glossy. Seed color is black. Environmental tolerances: `DRG04` has
shown potential for shade tolerance. The winter hardiness of
`DRG04` is at least to -12 degrees Celsius. `DRG04` has good winter
color retention. Disease resistance and susceptibility: `DRG04` has
excellent tolerance to pests and diseases. Tolerance to diseases
can refer to root rot which is caused by the disease causing
organism Phytophthora. Tolerance to pests can refer to no damage
from snails, slugs, mites, aphids, whitefly, beetles, caterpillars
and moths.
These features and other characteristics of the plant are apparent
from the figures.
`DRG04` Compared to Other Varieties of Dianella revoluta
Grouping characteristics used to identify the most similar
varieties of common knowledge to `DRG04` were medium-tall plant
height and dense growth habit. Based on this the `Queanbeyan
Ecotype` (`DR4000`) was selected as the most similar suitable
comparator. `DR5000`, a sibling cultivar, was also included in the
trial. No other similar varieties were identified.
The comparative trial of Dianella revoluta `DRG04` with other D.
revoluta was conducted in open beds in Summer 2002 through Autumn
2003 in Clarendon, New South Wales, Australia. The plants for this
trial were propagated from divisions and planted into 130 mm pots
filled with soilless potting mix. Nutrition was maintained with
slow release fertilizers and pest and disease treatments were
applied as required. The plants did not flower during the trial.
Trial design included fifteen pots of each variety arranged in a
completely randomized design. Measurements were taken from ten
plants at random with one sample taken per plant.
In comparing `DRG04` with the `Queanbeyan Ecotype` and `DR5000`,
`DRG04` has an upper side leaf colour of glossy green (making the
leaf two-toned as lower side is dull), whereas the `Queanbeyan
Ecotype` (seed parent of `DRG04`) has a dull green upper leaf
colour and `DR5000` has a blue-green upper leaf colour. `DRG04` has
a dense growth habit with many shoots and a somewhat weeping habit
at maturity, whereas `DR5000` has a dense upright growth habit and
does not weep at maturity, and the `Queanbeyan Ecotype` is less
dense and more upright. `DRG04` has a medium width basal shoot,
whereas `DR5000` has a narrow-medium basal shoot width, and the
`Queanbeyan Ecotype` has a broad basal shoot width. `DRG04` has an
improved resistance to spotting compared to other varieties.
`DRG04` divides for nursery production better than any other known
Dianella revoluta, producing both more divisions and at a higher
success rate. `DRG04` is more compact in height compared to most
other Dianella revoluta, with the exception of `DR5000`. Further
comparisons are presented in Table I.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Comparison of Dianella revoluta varieties
`Queanbeyan `DRG04` `DR5000` Ecotype` (`DR4000`) PLANT: HEIGHT (cm)
- Mean 53.3 24.7 57.1 Std deviation 2.4 1.9 4.9 LSD/sig 3.82 P
.ltoreq. 0.01 ns PLANT: DENSITY OF SHOOTS strong strong weak LEAF:
WIDTH (mm) Mean 9.0 9.1 10.4 Std deviation 1.0 1.0 1.0 LSD/sig 1.13
ns P .ltoreq. 0.01 LEAF: GLAUCOSITY medium strong medium LEAF:
COLOUR (RHS 2001, where denoted * better match with 1995 chart)
Upper side 146A 147A 146A Lower side 1478 189A* (1995) 146C-D LEAF:
CROSS SECTION concave concave flat-revolute BASAL SHEATH INTENSITY
OF COLOUR strong medium medium
* * * * *
References