U.S. patent number PP26,119 [Application Number 13/986,482] was granted by the patent office on 2015-11-24 for peach tree named `texfirst`.
This patent grant is currently assigned to THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. The grantee listed for this patent is TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. Invention is credited to Natalie Anderson, David H. Byrne.
United States Patent |
PP26,119 |
Byrne , et al. |
November 24, 2015 |
Peach tree named `TexFirst`
Abstract
Disclosed is a new and distinct variety of Prunus persica named
`TexFirst`. This new variety, which requires 150 to 200 chilling
units of dormancy, is considered to be a peach tree of early season
maturity, which produces yellow fleshed fruit that are very firm,
attractively colored, and suitable for both local and long-distance
shipping.
Inventors: |
Byrne; David H. (Bryan, TX),
Anderson; Natalie (Calvert, TX) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY |
College Station |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
(College Station, TX)
|
Family
ID: |
51865929 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/986,482 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20140338077 P1 |
Nov 13, 2014 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
PLT/197 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01H
5/08 (20130101); A01H 6/7463 (20180501) |
Current International
Class: |
A01H
5/08 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;PLT/197 |
Other References
HortScience 47(12): 1803-1804, 2012. cited by examiner .
Byrne, D.H. and N. Anderson, TexFirst, an Early-ripening, Low-chill
Peach for the Subtropics, HortScience, 47(12):1803-1804, 2012.
cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Robinson; Keith O.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Jondle & Associates, P.C.
Claims
We claim:
1. A new and distinct variety of Prunus persica tree named
`TexFirst` as described and shown herein.
Description
Genus and species: Prunus persica.
Variety denomination: `TexFirst`.
BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT
This invention relates to a new and distinct peach tree variety of
Prunus persica named `TexFirst`. `TexFirst`, which requires
approximately 150 to 200 chilling units of dormancy, produces an
exceptionally high quality, firm clingstone peach that matures
early in the season.
ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY
Peach tree `TexFirst` is the result of an ongoing Stone Fruit
Breeding Program of Texas A & M University, College Station,
Brazos County, Tex. To this end, both controlled and hybrid crosses
are made each year in order to produce seedling populations from
which improved progenies are evaluated and selected.
The seedling `TexFirst` originated at the Texas A & M
University Horticultural Farm in College Station, Tex. in 1998, and
was chosen as `TX1A95` from a population of seedlings that resulted
from seed from an open pollinated seed lot from the Thai Tiger low
chill peach `TXW1193-1`, (Byrne and Boonprakob, HortScience
43:2226-2227, 2008) an unpatented peach selection of unknown
parentage released for use by the Royal Project of Thailand for the
development of the peach industry of the low chill tropical zones
in northern Thailand. The pollen parent of `TexFirst` is not known.
The seedling denominated as `TX1A95` was selected for its early
maturity, good productivity, yellow ground color, round shape, high
red overcolor, and excellent firmness. Resulting seed from this
cross were planted in 1996 at the Texas A & M University
Horticultural Farm in College Station, Tex. `TexFirst` was marked
for subsequent observation and noted as having exceptional
characteristics. Two-year and older trees of the variety were
subsequently evaluated during the 2000 through 2010 fruit growing
seasons in both California (Clovis) and Texas (Floresville and
College Station).
ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY
`TexFirst` was bud grafted onto virus-free Nemaguard ("The Brooks
and Olmo Register of Fruit and Nut Varieties," 3.sup.rd Ed.,
American Society of Horticultural Science Press, Alexandria, Va.,
1997) peach rootstock in June 1998 at the nursery site in Oakdale,
Calif. The variety was subsequently planted at the experimental
orchard in the central portion of the San Joaquin Valley, near
Fowler, Fresno County, Calif. and in two sites in Texas (College
Station and Floresville). Fruit from the resulting propagation has
been evaluated during the period from 2000 to 2010 fruit seasons.
This evaluation clearly demonstrated that the re-propagated trees
were true to the characteristics of the original seedling in all
observable aspects. The present invention has been found to retain
its distinctive characteristics through successive asexual
propagations via budding.
Plant Breeder's Rights for this variety have not been applied for.
`TexFirst` has not been made publicly available or sold anywhere in
the world more than one year prior to the filing date of this
application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The new peach tree variety `TexFirst` is characterized as to
novelty and is otherwise noteworthy by producing fruit that ripens
in the early season; is considered high quality; and which is firm
and has an attractive coloration. In this regard, the present
variety of peach tree bears fruit that are ripe for commercial
harvesting and shipment in mid May, when the fruit is grown in the
San Joaquin Valley of Central California and the last week of April
when grown in the medium chill zone of Texas. `TexFirst` ripens 7-8
days earlier than the `Flordaking` Peach, a non-patented variety
(Anderson et al., HortScience, 14:81-82, 1979). The new variety
exhibits the potential to be commercialized in low and medium chill
regions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS
The accompanying color photographs show typical specimens of the
new variety at various stages of development. The colors shown are
as true as can be reasonably obtained by conventional photographic
procedures. The photographs were taken from 7-year old trees.
FIG. 1 shows `TexFirst` (`TX1A95`) fruit (left) as compared to
fruit from `Flordaking` (unpatented; center) and `TexKing` (U.S.
Plant Pat. No. 14,627; right). These fruit were grown in
Floresville, Tex. and harvested on 30 April, 6 May and 22 May of
2007 respectively.
FIG. 2 shows a shoot of `TexFirst` showing leaves and young
stem.
FIG. 3 shows the abaxial and adaxial surfaces of the leaves of
`TexFirst`.
FIG. 4 shows various views of the endocarp of the cultivar
`TexFirst`. The scale is in millimeters.
DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY
The following detailed descriptions set forth the distinctive
characteristics of `TexFirst`. The data which define these
characteristics is based on observations taken at experimental
orchards in Fowler, Calif. from 2000 to 2010. Color designations,
color descriptions, and other phenotypical descriptions may deviate
from the stated values and descriptions depending upon variation in
environmental, seasonal, climatic and cultural conditions.
`TexFirst` has not been observed under all possible environmental
conditions. The botanical description of `TexFirst` was taken from
7-year old trees. Color terminology follows The Royal Horticultural
Society Colour Chart, London (R.H.S.) (Published 2001). Colors are
approximate as color depends on horticultural practices such as
light level and fertilization rate, among others.
DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION
Classification: Family.--Rosaceae. Botanical.--Prunus persica.
Common name.--Peach. Variety name.--`TexFirst`. Tree:
Size.--Generally average to above average as compared to other
common peach cultivars ripening in the early season of maturity
Height.--8.5 feet (2.58 m) at the end of the 2008 growing season.
Width.--6.2 feet width (1.80 m) at the end of the 2008 growing
season. Vigor.--High. Density.--Medium to high.
Productivity.--Productive. Shape.--The `TexFirst` peach has been
trained in central lead configuration but exhibits a generally
spreading growth habit typical of common low and medium chill
commercial varieties of peach such as `TropicPrince` (U.S. Plant
Pat. No. 12,965), `TropicBeauty` (Rouse and Sherman, HortScience
24:165-166, 1989) and `TexKing` (Byrne and Bacon, HortScience
39:442-443, 2004). Current season growth.--The current season
growth for the new variety was approximately 3.0 to 3.3 feet
(0.91-1.12 m). Regularity of bearing.--Regular, and considered
hardy under the typical conditions found in the central San Joaquin
Valley, Calif. and in south central Texas (Floresville and College
Station). Trunk: Size.--Approximately 3.4 inches (8.63 cm) in
diameter and 11.4 inches (29.0 cm) in circumference when measured
at a distance of approximately 12 inches (30.5 cm) above the soil
level, at the end of the 2008 growing season on a five-year old
tree. Bark texture.--Considered moderately rough with numerous
folds of papery scarf-like skin being present. Bark
coloration.--Variable, colors (R.H.S. colors) present are 166A,
174A, 175A, 175B, and 175C of the Grey Orange group, 201A and 201B
of the Grey group, and 201C and 201D of the Brown group. Branches:
Length.--Considered medium for the variety. Depending on soil,
fertility and climate, a minimum growth of 1 meter is expected, but
with high fertility can reach 2.5 meters or greater.
Width.--Average (about 2.5 cm in diameter as measured 10 cm from
the trunk on a five-year old tree) as compared to other varieties.
Surface texture.--Appearing furrowed on wood that is several years
old. Lenticels.--Numerous flat, oval lenticels present. The
lenticels range in size from approximately 4.0 to 6.0 mm in width
and were approximately 1 mm in height. Current season
shoots.--Surface texture -- Substantially glabrous. Internode
length.--Approximately 2.0 to 2.5 cm as measured in the middle of a
current season stem. Color of mature branches.--The predominant
colors (R.H.S. colors) are 165A, 165B and 177B of the Grey Orange
group, 199B and 199C of the Grey Brown group, and 200D of the Brown
group. Current season shoots.--Color (R.H.S. colors) -- Light green
(143B and 143C of Green group and 144A, 144B and 144C of the Yellow
Green Group) with some reddish-brown coloration appearing on
exposed surface of the shoots (165A, 165B, and 167A of the Grey
Orange group). The color of new shoot tips is considered a bright
and shiny green (mainly RHS Green Group 141A-C and 144A). Leaves:
Size.--Considered moderately large for the species. Leaf
measurements have been taken from vigorous upright current season
growth approximately at mid-shoot. Leaf length.--Approximately 162
to 180 mm. Leaf width.--Approximately 37 to 40 mm. Leaf
thickness.--Approximately 1 mm. Leaf form.--Lanceolate. Leaf tip
form.--Acuminate. Leaf upper surface color.--Green varying among
146A and 146C of the Yellow Green group. Leaf lower surface
color.--Green varying among 146B, 146C and 146D of the Yellow Green
group. Leaf mid-vein color.--Light yellow green (N144C-D and 144B-D
Yellow Green Group). Leaf margins.--Form: Considered crenate.
Uniformity: Considered generally uniform. Leaf petioles.--Size:
Considered medium long. Length: Approximately 12 to 14 mm. Width:
Approximately 1 to 2 mm. Color: Pale green (RHS Yellow Green Group
144A-C). Leaf glands.--Size: Approximately 1 mm in height and 1 to
1.5 mm in width. Number: Generally 2-4 per leaf. Type: Reniform.
Color: Greenish brown (199A RHS Grey Brown Group). Leaf
stipules.--Size: Small for the variety. Length: Approximately 2 to
3 mm. Width: Generally approximately 1 to 2 mm. Form: Lanceolate.
Color: Green (RHS Yellow-Green 144B-C) with reddish brown tips (RHS
Greyed-Orange Group 166A-B and 175A-B) when young. The stipules are
considered to be early deciduous. Ratio of wood (leaf) buds to
flowering buds.--1 to 2 flower buds per vegetative bud. Flowers:
Floral buds.--General: The floral buds are considered to be medium
to medium large in size, conic in form, and slightly appressed
relative to the bearing shoot. Color: The bud scales are
gray-brown, (approximately RHS Greyed Orange Group 165A and 166A
and Grey Brown Group N199B). The buds are considered hardy under
typical central San Joaquin Valley, Calif. climatic conditions.
Length: Approximately 5 to 7 mm. Density: Dense. Blooming
type.--Considered quite early in relation to other peach cultivars
commonly growing in the central San Joaquin Valley. Date of full
bloom was between February 5.sup.th and February 16.sup.th during
the period between 2005 and 2010. It blooms at the same time as the
low chill varieties "TropicPrince` and `TropicBeauty`. Flower
type.--Showy. Flower size.--Flower diameter at full bloom is
approximately 28 to 32 mm. Bloom quantity.--Considered abundant.
Flower bud frequency.--Normally 1 to 2 per node. Petal
size.--General: Considered medium to medium large for the species.
Width: Approximately 9 to 10 mm. Length: Approximately 15 mm. Petal
form.--Broadly ovate. Petal count.--Nearly always 5. Petal
color.--Light pink when young (RHS White Group N155B-C), becoming
darker near the petal claw. Petal claw.--Form: The claw is
considered truncate in shape and has a medium size when compared to
other varieties. Length: Approximately 1 to 1.5 mm. Width:
Approximately 1 to 1.5 mm. Petal margins.--Generally considered
variable, from nearly smooth to slightly undulate. Petal
apex.--Generally the petal apices appear slightly domed. Flower
pedicel.--Length: Considered short, and having an average length of
approximately 2 to 2.5 mm. Width: Considered average, approximately
0.5 to 1 mm. Color: A light green (RHS Yellow-Green Group N144A-D).
Floral nectaries.--Color: Dull orange to orange-gold (RHS
Greyed-Orange Group 170B). Calyx.--Surface Texture: Generally
glabrous. Color: A brownish red (approximately RHS Greyed-Red Group
178A-B). Sepals.--Surface Texture: The surface has a short, fine,
wooly and a gray-colored texture. Shape: Ovate. Color: A dull red
(approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 176A-B). Anthers.--General:
Average in size for the species. Color: Golden yellow
(approximately RHS Yellow Orange Group 17A-B). Pollen
production.--Pollen is abundant, and is a yellow color
(approximately RHS Yellow Orange 16A). Filaments.--Size: Variable
in length, approximately 12 to 13 mm, with the filaments slightly
shorter than the pistil. Color: White with pink tinge
(approximately RHS White Group 155A-D) and darkening with advanced
maturity. Pistil.--General: Average in size, but slightly longer,
relative to the general anther height, overall. Length:
Approximately 15 to 17 mm, including the ovary. Color: Considered a
very light yellow when young (approximately RHS Yellow Group 9C-D
and 10C-D), and becoming slightly darker with advancing senescence.
Surface texture.--The variety has a long, silver white pubescent
pistil (approximately RHS White Group 155A-D). Fruit: Maturity when
described.--The present variety of fruit is described, as it would
be found in its firm ripe condition at full commercial maturity.
Under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin
Valley of Central California: Average ripe date was May 17.sup.th
with or slightly before the low chill peach `TropicPrince` and 8
days before the medium chill peach `Flordaking`. Size.--General --
Medium to medium large for the season and considered uniform.
Average Cheek Diameter: Approximately 58 to 63 mm. Average Suture
Diameter: Approximately 53 to 61 mm. Average Axial Diameter:
Approximately 62 to 67 mm. Fruit form.--Generally quite ovate in
its lateral aspect. Occasionally the fruit exhibits less symmetry
when comparing the suture height with the line opposite the suture.
The fruit is generally uniform in symmetry when viewed from the
apical aspect. Fruit suture.--Generally, the suture appears as a
thin line that extends from the base to the apex, and appears
deeper at the apex, forming a shallow basin at the apical point. No
apparent callusing or stitching exists along the suture line.
Color: The suture normally is the same color as the underlying
blush (RHS Orange-Red Group 34A and N34A). Ventral surface.--Form
-- Considered uniform. Stem cavity.--Size: Considered moderately
shallow for the species. Width: Approximately 12 to 18 mm. Length:
Approximately 16 to 19 mm. Depth: Approximately 9 to 11 mm. Form:
Considered variable from round to flat. Fruit base.--Generally
considered truncate in form, and uniform. Fruit apex.--Generally
considered depressed and usually recessed below the height of the
apical shoulders. Fruit stem.--Length: Considered medium in length,
approximately 8 to 9 mm. Thickness: Approximately 2 to 4 mm. Color:
Generally a light green with brown (RHS Yellow-Green Group 144A-C,
Greyed-Orange Group 165A and Greyed-Orange Group 166A). Fruit
skin.--Thickness: Generally considered medium or average in
thickness. Surface Texture: The variety has very light, short
pubescence. Skin Acidity: Considered neutral. Tenacious to Flesh:
Yes at commercial maturity. Tendency to Crack: Not observed. Skin
Color: Variable, with approximately 40-65% of the fruit surface
covered with an attractive orange red blush that ranges from an
orange red (RHS Orange Red 34A to N34A) to red (RHS Red 42A). Down:
Light and short. Blush Color: The blush color is generally more
prevailing apically. This red blush ranges from an orange red (RHS
Orange Red 34A to N34A) to red (RHS Red 42A) with many degrees of
shading and blending occurring between these colorations. The type
of blush coloration would be categorized as a striped, chimeric or
tigered covering. Skin Ground Color: This is generally present in
variable percentages covering approximately 35-60% of the fruit's
surface. The skin ground is a yellow green color (approximately RHS
Green Yellow Group 1B-C). Flesh color.--Generally considered
variable from a yellow to orange (RHS Yellow Group 4A-C and 9D and
Orange Group 24B-C). Flesh fibers.--Present, numerous and lightly
colored. These fibers are present throughout the flesh. Stone
cavity color.--Generally considered variable from a yellow to
yellow green color (RHS Green Yellow Group 1A-C). Flesh
texture.--Generally, the flesh is considered firm and fine at
commercial maturity. Ripening.--Generally the fruit ripens evenly.
Flavor.--Considered very sweet and a rich, with slightly acidic
flavor. Aroma.--Pleasant and reasonably abundant.
Eating.--Generally considered very good to excellent, particularly
for an early ripening variety. Stone: Attachment.--Clingstone at
commercial maturity. Stone size.--Generally considered medium to
medium-large relative to the ratio of stone to fruit size. Length:
Approximately 27.5 to 30 mm. Width: Approximately 23 to 25 mm.
Thickness: Approximately 17 mm. Fibers.--Generally a few medium
length fibers are attached along the entire surface of the stone.
Stone form.--Generally the stone is considered oblate to round.
Stone base.--The stone is medium to wide. Base angle.--The base
angle of the stone is variable, but most frequently is considered
slightly oblique to the stone axis. Hilum.--Generally considered
medium in size, and rather poorly defined as is common in very
early ripening varieties. The hilum is approximately 4 to 5 mm long
and 2 to 4 mm wide. Form: Considered oval. Apex shape.--The stone
apex is wide. Stone shape.--Considered variable. The stone normally
ovid to elongated. Stone surface.--Surface Texture: Minor surface
markings are honeycombed with numerous single pits with a few
rosettes of pits. Ridges: Numerous fine ridges are present basally,
and converge towards the base of the stone. Ventral edge.--Width --
Considered small to medium and having a dimension of approximately
6 to 7 mm at the mid-suture. Dorsal edge.--Shape -- Grooved and
having moderately rough edges. Stone color.--The color of the dry
stone is light brown (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 164B-C and
Greyed-Yellow Group 161A). The color of the inside surface of the
endocarp is primarily RHS Greyed Orange 164C and 164D. Tendency to
split.--Splitting is relatively uncommon. Kernel.--The kernel fills
the endocarp at harvest and measures approximately 5-6 mm in
thickness, 9-11 mm in width, and 15-16 mm in length. When dried the
shriveled kernels measure approximately 1-1.5 mm in thickness, 7-9
mm in width, and 12-14 mm in length. The colors of the shriveled
kernels are primarily RHS Greyed Orange Group 165B and Greyed Brown
Group N199C-D. Use.--`TexFirst` is considered to be a peach tree of
early-season maturity, which produces fruit which are very firm,
attractively colored, and which are useful for both local and long
distance shipping. Keeping quality.--Good. Resistance to insects
and disease.--No particular susceptibilities were noted. Shipping
quality.--Average.
COMPARISON WITH PARENTAL AND COMMERCIAL VARIETIES
`TexFirst` differs from parental peach `TXW1193-1` in that
`TXW1193-1` blooms 1-6 days before `TexFirst` and ripens 15-39 days
after `TexFirst` depending on the location and year.
`TexFirst` can be compared to commercial varieties `Flordaking`
(unpatented) and `TexKing` (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 14,627). Table 1
shows a comparison of fruiting characteristics of `TexFirst`
compared to `Flordaking` and `TexKing` from data taken in
Floresville, Tex. from 2003 to 2010. Table 2 shows a comparison of
fruiting characteristics of `TexFirst` compared to `Flordaking` and
`TexKing` from data taken in Fowler, Calif. from 2000 to 2010. For
Tables 1 and 2: full bloom indicates 60-80% of flowers are open;
FDP indicates the fruit development period (number of days from
full bloom to ripe); ripe date indicates the date when 20% of fruit
is at the firm ripe stage; size indicates a rating of diameter in
millimeters (mm) from 0 to 9, where 4 equals 51 to 57 mm, 5 equals
58 to 64 mm, 6 equals 65 to 70 mm, and 7 equals 71 to 76 mm; the
data for firm, shape, tip, ground color, appearance and taste are
given in terms of a rating scale from 0 to 9, where 0 to 4 equal
unacceptable, 5 equals marginal, 6 equals good, 7 equals very good,
and 8 to 9 equal excellent for commercial use; blush is rated on a
percent basis, where 0 equals no red, 5 equals 50% of skin surface
with red, and 9 equals 90% or more of the skin surface with red;
the mean separation within columns by Duncan's Multiple Range test
at the 5% level is shown as items with the same letter are not
significantly different, whereas no letters within a column
indicates no significant differences.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Fruiting characteristics of `TexFirst`
compared to `Flordaking` and `TexKing` at Floresville, TX Full FDP
Ripe Weight Name bloom (days) date Size (g) Firm Blush TexFirst
Jan. 87 a Apr. 26 c 4.9 b 109 b 7.3 a 7.2 a 29 b Flordaking Feb. 78
b May 03 b 6.2 a 137 a 6.2 c 3.4 c 18 a Texking Feb. 85 a May 14 a
6.1 a 140 a 7.0 b 5.6 b 19 a Soluble Ground solids Name Shape Tip
color Appearance (Brix) Taste TexFirst 7.9 a 7.9 a 7.0 a 7.8 a 10.0
6.2 Flordaking 5.7 b 5.9 b 6.1 b 5.5 c 9.3 5.7 Texking 6.0 b 6.3 b
6.5 ab 6.4 b 8.9 5.7
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Fruiting characteristics of `TexFirst`
compared to `Flordaking` and `TexKing` at Fowler, CA Full FDP Ripe
Weight Name bloom (days) date Size (g) Firm Blush TexFirst Feb. 96
a May 17 c 5.8 b 134 b 7.5 a 6.0 a 10 b Flordaking Feb. 85 b May 25
b 7.0 a 178 a 6.3 b 3.0 b 26 a Texking Feb. 99 a Jun. 04 a 7.3 a
190 a 7.0 ab 6.4 a 25 a Soluble Ground solids Name Shape Tip color
Appearance (Brix) Taste TexFirst 8.1a 8.6 a 6.9 a 7.0 a 10.0 6.4
Flordaking 7.2 b 7.2 b 6.1 b 5.4 b 10.5 6.0 Texking 7.1 b 7.4 b 6.8
ab 6.8 a 10.5 6.2
* * * * *