U.S. patent number PP27,128 [Application Number 13/998,066] was granted by the patent office on 2016-09-06 for peach tree named `gulfatlas`.
This patent grant is currently assigned to The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture, The University of Florida, The University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture, The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture, The University of Florida, The University of Georgia Research Foundation. Invention is credited to Thomas G Beckman, Jose X Chaparro, Patrick J Conner.
United States Patent |
PP27,128 |
Beckman , et al. |
September 6, 2016 |
Peach tree named `GulfAtlas`
Abstract
A new and distinct variety of peach tree, denominated
`GulfAtlas`, has a winter chilling requirement estimated at
approximately 400 chill units (cu). The tree is medium size,
moderately vigorous, and semi-spreading in growth habit. It bears
showy, pink flowers, and leaves with reniform glands. Trees of
`GulfAtlas` are self-fertile and regularly bear heavy annual crops.
Fruit are uniformly firm and have yellow, non-melting flesh. Fruit
are nearly round, and uniform with substantially symmetrical shape,
and have an attractive approximately 75% red skin. The fruit of
`GulfAtlas` typically ripen about 3 weeks after `Gulfcrimson` in
midJune at Attapulgus, Ga.
Inventors: |
Beckman; Thomas G (Warner
Robins, GA), Chaparro; Jose X (Gainesville, FL), Conner;
Patrick J (Tifton, GA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
Agriculture
The University of Georgia Research Foundation
The University of Florida |
Washington
Athens
Gainesville |
DC
GA
FL |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The United States of America, as
represented by the Secretary of Agriculture (Washington,
DC)
The University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc. (Athens,
GA)
The University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
|
Family
ID: |
56877999 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/998,066 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
PLT/197 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01H
6/7463 (20180501); A01H 5/08 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A01H
5/08 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;PLT/197 |
Primary Examiner: Grunberg; Anne
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fado; John D. Poulos; Gail E.
Claims
We claim:
1. A new and distinct peach tree as illustrated and described,
characterized by a moderate chilling requirement, and bearing fruit
having firm, yellow, and non-melting, clingstone, and smooth
textures flesh of good eating quality and an attractive, high
percentage red skin with fruit ripening in mid-June, typically
three weeks after `Gulfcrimson` at Attapulgus, Ga.
Description
Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed:
`GulfAtlas` is a peach tree that is Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.
Variety denomination: The new peach tree claimed is of the variety
denominated `GulfAtlas` Prunus persica. (L.) Batsch.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of
peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] tree adapted to a subtropical
(moderate chill) winter climate. This new variety, named
`GulfAtlas`, produces highly colored, good eating quality,
cling-stone and non-melting flesh fruit for fresh market in
mid-June at Attapulgus, Ga. Contrast is made to `Gulfcrimson` peach
(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 20,174), a standard variety, for reliable
description. `GulfAtlas` is a promising candidate for commercial
success in that it has large, attractive red skin, sweet fruit that
ripens evenly.
`GulfAtlas` peach tree (genotype) originated in a cultivated area
of the fruit breeding program at the University of Georgia, located
at Attapulgus, Ga. where it was tested. The seed parent was
Flavorcrest (unpatented) and the pollen parent was FL98-10C
(unpatented, and of complex origin). `GulfAtlas` was selected in
2003 because it exhibited yellow, non-melting flesh, in a large
fruit with a bright red skin. It was designated and tested as
AP03-22. It was asexually propagated by budding onto `Flordaguard`
(unpatented) seedling rootstock (for rootknot nematode control) and
determined to have unique tree and fruit characteristics making it
worthy for commercial fresh fruit production. Trees were budded at
the USDA-ARS, SE Fruit and Nut Research Laboratory in Byron, Ga.
and transplanted to the evaluation site at the University of
Georgia Research and Extension Center in Attapulgus, Ga. There are
no known effects of this standard rootstock on this scion cultivar.
Asexually propagated plants remained true to the original tree and
all characteristics of the tree and the fruit have transmitted for
2 generations. `GulfAtlas` differs from its seed parent,
`Flavorcrest`, in that `Flavorcrest` requires approximately 750
chill hours and `GulfAtlas` requires 400, ripens ca. 100 days from
bloom and `GulfAtlas` requires ca. 120, has melting flesh and
`GulfAtlas` is non-melting and is freestone and `GulfAtlas` is
clingstone. `GulfAtlas` differs from its pollen parent, `FL98-10C`,
in that `FL98-10C` requires less chilling , approximately 250 chill
hours and ripens in a shorter time, approximately 92 days, from
bloom.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The new and distinct variety of peach tree bears fruit that ripen
in mid-June at Attapulgus, Ga., and has a moderately low chilling
dormancy requirement. `GulfAtlas` typically blooms 3 days before
`Gulfcrimson` peach in mid-February at Attapulgus, Ga. The
estimated chilling requirement is approximately 400 chill units,
based on bloom time. `GulfAtlas` tree has fruit that are clingstone
and of good flavor and eating quality. The trees are vigorous,
productive and without alternate bearing. Trees attain in two
years, a height of approximately two meters and a spread of one and
a half meters at Attapulgus, Ga. Terminal growth of up to half
meter annually is common on mature 5-year-old trees with normal
pruning to a vase shape.
The first fruit ripen in mid-June at Attapulgus, Ga. or in about
120 days from full bloom, typically about three weeks after
`Gulfcrimson` ripens. The fruit are uniformly larger than
`Gulfcrimson`, averaging nearly about 200 g when properly thinned
to a full crop. Additionally, `GulfAtlas` fruit are more round and
slightly larger diameter than `Gulfcrimson` which has longer fruit.
Ripe fruit have averaged approximately 75% red skin. There is some
red pigmentation in the flesh at the pit. The flowers anthers are
yellow, and leaf glands are reniform, common characteristics of
many standard peach varieties. No buttons (parthenocarpy fruit)
have been observed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS
The accompanying drawings are color photographs which show a
typical specimen of the fruit, leaf, and stem (FIG. 1), typical
flower (FIG. 2) and typical tree (FIG. 3) of the new variety as
nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make in a color
illustration of this type.
FIG. 1 shows an attractive shape and exterior coloration of 6
specimens of fruit above a ruler in side view, stem end view, a
blossom end view, a side view showing the suture and a fruit cut
longitudinally to show with and without the pit.
FIG. 2 shows a typical showy flower of the new variety.
FIG. 3 shows the typical semi-spreading architecture of an 8
year-old tree of the new variety.
DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION
The tree, flowers, and fruit may vary in slight detail due to
variations in soil type, cultural practices, and climatic
conditions. The potential for commercial production of fresh fruit
by `GulfAtlas` is high, due to its attractive red skin over a
bright yellow ground color, large fruit of good flavor, and good
firmness with even ripening throughout the fruit. The present
botanical description is that of the variety grown on 6-year-old
trees on `Flordaguard` rootstock under the ecological conditions at
Attapulgus, Ga. Colors (except in common terms) are described from
"The Pantone Book of Color", published by H. N. Abrams, Inc., N.Y.
1990. Tree: Ploidy.--Diploid. Size.--Trees are medium stature when
trained to an open vase form Vigor. -- Moderately vigorous, and
must be summer and winter pruned when grown to a vase shape to keep
the tree open to get strong fruiting wood in the lower center.
Trees respond typically to irrigation and fertilization. Tree
growth of approximately 1.5 to 2 meters in height and width occurs
the first growing season in the field at Attapulgus, Ga.
Density.--Light to medium in branching habit. Pruning is required
to open the tree center to promote sunlight entrance for enhancing
fruit color and sugar. Form.--Semi-spreading, but easily pruned to
vase shape. Hardiness.--Hardy with respect to typical Georgia
winters. Bearer.--Productive annually without alternate bearing
observed. Trees are self fertile and must be fruit thinned to avoid
limb breakage and obtain large fruit size. Trees often set several
times the number of fruit needed for a full crop load. Trees bear
on both spurs and long shoots. Average length of spurs is
approximately 6.5 mm. Chilling requirement.--Estimated endodormancy
chilling requirement is approximately 400 chill units based on time
of bloom and leafing in relation to standard varieties. Trunk:
Size.--Medium trunk diameter attaining approximately 14 cm diameter
at a height of approximately 20 cm at the end of 5 years growth at
Attapulgus, Ga. Texture.--Medium smooth, but changes to light
shaggy as tree ages. Bark color.--Older bark gray, Chinchilla
(Pantone 17-1109). Lenticels.--Moderately low number, approximately
4 to 6 per approximately 4 square inches of surface area of trunk;
and medium length, approximately 16 to approximately 20 mm
perpendicular to the trunk. Color is grey, Sponge, Pantone 15-1344.
Branches: Size.--Strong growth of scaffold branches. Fruiting
branches are mostly large diameter, approximately 7 to
approximately 9 mm, and not overly twiggy, resulting in strong
fruiting wood. Thus, the tree growth and structure permits easier
and faster winter pruning. Texture.--Relatively smooth, numerous
lenticels but smaller size than found on trunk and old scaffolds.
Roughness increases with age. Color.--New wood is light green,
Celery Green Pantone 13-0532; old wood is brown, Clove Pantone
18-1320. Crotch angles.--Angles are selected at approximately 45 to
near approximately 90 degrees in first year of tree training.
Natural angles are within the normal range of standard varieties
for a semi-spreading tree. Leaves: Size.--Medium, approximately 15
to 17 cm length, including the petiole; approximately 38 to
approximately 44 mm width. Thickness.--Regular and average for
commercial varieties. Not noticeably unusual. Form.--Lanceolate.
Apex.--Acute. Margin.--Serrulate, slightly undulate.
Base.--Cuneate. Surface.--Upper, glabrous; Lower, medium large
veins that are pinnately netted. Color.--Lower surface is green,
Peridot Pantone 17-0336. Upper leaf surface is Elm Green, Pantone
18-0121. Leaf vein is Green Oasis Pantone 15-0538. Glands.--Usually
2, small reniform glands mostly on lower leaf blade, but
occasionally on petiole. Leaf glands on young leaves are light
green, Leek Green Pantone 15-0628. Size averages about 1 in length
and about 0.3 mm in width. Petiole.--About 1 cm, approximately 0.8
to approximately 1.1 cm.; approximately 1.3 mm in diameter. Light
green, Cedar Pantone 16-0526. Stipules.--Medium, equal to most
commercial peach varieties, usually about 2 per bud, and abscising
just before leaf becomes full size in summer growth. Color at full
size is green, Piquant Green Pantone 17-0235, but tinged at its
base with anthocyanin. Flame Pantone 17-1462 before abscising. Leaf
blade incisions.--Serrulate and slightly undulate.
Arrangement.--Alternate. Flower buds: Hardiness.--Hardy with
respect to south Georgia winters, approximately 15 degrees F.
observed. Abundance.--Very high due to shorter than average
internode length. Most buds set fruit in absence of spring frosts
and show little evidence of bud drop. Size.--Medium, average
approximately 5 mm length in mid-winter. Form.--Plump, conic and
free. Vegetative bud shape.--Vegetative bud apex is acute.
Vegetative bud size.--Average length of buds is approximately 5.6
mm with an average diameter of approximately 2.1 mm. Position of
vegetative bud to 1 year old shoot.--Vegetative buds are held
slight out from 1 year old shoot. Surface.--Pubescent scales.
Color.--Brown, Stucco Pantone 16-1412, in late summer. Flowers:
Blossom period.--Typically blooms 3 days before `Gulfcrimson`
peach-averages about 70% bloom February 18.sup.th at Attapulgus,
Ga., but occurring over an approximately 7-10 day period. Time and
length of bloom are dependent on ambient temperature. Aroma.--Not
detectable. Flower density.--Abundant, varying approximately 1 to
approximately 2 per node at the base of the flowering shoot, but
usually 1 at the distal end of the flowering shoot. Type.--Showy,
location and seasonally variable within the range of commercial
showy varieties. Average flower diameter-approximately 4.6 cm.
Average petal lengths, approximately 21 mm; width approximately 16
mm. Texture smooth. Margins are undulate and smooth. Color.--Orchid
Pink, Pantone 13-2010 at flower opening. Flower parts.--Stamens and
pistil size, shape and color are within the range of standard
commercial varieties. There are 5 sepals and petals. Sepals average
approximately 5 mm length and approximately 5 mm wide at attachment
to calyx cup and rounded at the distal end. Sepals are green,
Spinach Pantone 16-0439, on the interior and red, Cardinal Pantone
18-1643, on the exterior with a smooth pubescent margin. Sepals are
pubescent and petals are glabrous. Pistils are usually 1 per flower
and straight, without curls or curves, just prior to flower
opening. Pistil length from tip of stigma to base of ovary averages
approximately 15 mm. Pistils are light green, Pale Star Pantone
12-0626. Flower pedicel is approximately 2 mm length. Flower
arrangement of petals.--Petals slightly overlap, approximately 10%
of petal width, at dehiscence. Calyx up.--Medium small in the size
range of commercial varieties. Calyx cup diameter is approximately
7 mm at the top, at the time of flower opening. Calyx cup exterior
is red, Garnet Pantone 19-1655, and interior of the cup base is
orange, Persimmon Orange Pantone 16-1356. Stamen.--Anthers are
yellow, Cornsilk Pantone 13-0632, at flower opening. Number of
anthers varies from about 35 to about 40 and filament length is
approximately 7 to approximately 9 mm. Filaments are whitish, Water
Lily Pantone 11-0304, at flower opening, lengthening to
approximately 14 to approximately 16 mm at anther dehiscence and
darkening to Raspberry Wine Pantone 18-1741. Pollen.--Abundant and
bright yellow, Snapdragon Pantone 13-0840. Fertility.--Fully self
fertile, and no cross pollination is required. Fruit set is
abundant. Fruit: Maturity when described.--Tree ripe, Jun. 29, 2010
at Attapulgus, Ga. Size. -- Uniform, medium large, large size for
early mid-season maturity at approximately 130 to 150 grams. Varies
with fruit number per tree, soil type, climatic conditions and
cultural practices. Average equatorial diameter approximately 25/8
inches or approximately 66 mm. Average polar length, stem to distal
end, is approximately 21/2 inches or approximately 64 mm. Penduncle
size and color.--Length averages approximately 5 mm; Width is
approximately 3 mm. Color is green, Cedar Pantone 16-0526.
Longitudinal section form.--Slightly squat. Transverse section
through diameter.--Mostly round. Suture.--Slightly ridged from stem
to distal end. A slight crease at stem end of fruit. Ventral
surface.--Usually rounded. Shape of fruit base.--Slightly cordate.
Apex.--Usually rounded to slightly obtuse. Crater at stem
attachment.--Flaring oval to the suture. Depth is 12 to 15 mm;
breadth is 15 mm at top and 5 mm at pedicel attachment. Skin:
Thickness.--Medium in comparison to commercial peach varieties.
Texture.--Medium in comparison to standard varieties.
Tenacity.--Tenacious to flesh. Color.--Red, Salmon Red Pantone
15-1626, over approximately 80% to approximately 100% of skin.
Ground color is yellow, Snapdragon Pantone 13-0840. Fruit exposed
to sunlight have a higher Degree of enhanced red skin. Tendency to
crack.--None observed. Taste.--No astringency observed.
Epidermis.--Pubescent and about the same as `Gulfcrimson`. Flesh:
Ripens.--Evenly within each fruit. Texture.--Firm, juicy,
non-melting when fully ripe. Fibers.--Very fine, small, tender, and
abundant. Aroma.--Moderate and in the middle range of commercial
peach varieties. Eating quality.--Good, moderately sweet, slightly
acid. Soluble solids average 11.2 brix, Approximately 2.8
penetrometer firmness with a standard about 5.16 inch tip following
a seven day post-harvest storage protocol. Juice.--Moderately
abundant, slightly more than Gulfcrimson. Color.--Bright yellow,
Snapdragon Pantone 13=0840. There is red, Chrysanthemum Pantone
17-1641 at the pit, but no red in the flesh. Browning by
oxidation.--Not detectable on tree ripe fruit beginning to soften.
Amygldalin.--Undetected. Texture.--Smooth as found in
`Gulfcrimson`. Stone: Type.--Clingstone. Size.--Medium large:
average length is approximately 34 mm; average width is
approximately 27 mm; average thickness is approximately 17 mm;
average wall thickness is approximately 5 mm. Color.--Red, Baked
Apple Pantone 18-1648 when flesh is freshly cut. Form.--Oblong.
Base.--Straight. Apex.--Slightly acute. Sides.--Near equal.
Surface.--Regularly furrowed toward the ventral edge, smooth on
dorsal edge and lightly pitted from base to apex. Tendency to
split.--None observed. Seed.--Bitter kernel, amygdalin is abundant.
Viable if stratified upon removal from fruit at harvest, and
without drying. Kernel is yellow, Pale Banana Pantone 12-0824, when
first removed from ripe fruit. Seed is approximately 19 mm in
length, approximately 1.1 mm wide and approximately 5 mm thick.
Shape is acute tip with obtuse base and overall ovate shape. Use:
Fresh, dessert. Resistance to disease: High resistance to bacterial
spot incited by Xanthomnonas campestris pv. Pruni Pruni (Pers.)
Diet. No unusual resistance or susceptibility to insects and
diseases noted. Keeping quality: Excellent after about 10 days at
approximately 2 degrees C. and with minimal bruises or scarring
appearing on skin. Shipping quality: Degree of firmness at harvest
and firmness retained in refrigeration for approximately 10 days at
approximately 2 degrees C., with no internal breakdown of flesh or
appreciable loss of eating quality, indicates fruit should be
highly acceptable for shipping.
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