U.S. patent number PP34,165 [Application Number 17/300,762] was granted by the patent office on 2022-04-26 for nectarine tree named `wanectsix`.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Wawona Packing Co., LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is Wawona Packing Co., LLC. Invention is credited to Kaylan M. Roberts, John Keith Slaughter.
![](/patent/grant/PP034165/USPP034165-20220426-D00001.png)
United States Patent |
PP34,165 |
Slaughter , et al. |
April 26, 2022 |
Nectarine tree named `Wanectsix`
Abstract
A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica
nucipersica), which is denominated varietally as `Wanectsix`, and
which produces an attractively colored yellow-fleshed, large sized,
low acid, clingstone nectarines which is mature for harvesting and
shipment approximately July 20 to July 30 under the ecological
conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central
California.
Inventors: |
Slaughter; John Keith (Fresno,
CA), Roberts; Kaylan M. (Fresno, CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wawona Packing Co., LLC |
Cutler |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Wawona Packing Co., LLC
(Cutler, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
1000005986285 |
Appl.
No.: |
17/300,762 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
PLT/190 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01H
6/7454 (20180501) |
Current International
Class: |
A01H
5/08 (20180101); A01H 6/74 (20180101) |
Field of
Search: |
;PLT/190 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
PP7506 |
April 1991 |
Bradford et al. |
PP21724 |
February 2011 |
Slaughter et al. |
|
Primary Examiner: Bell; Kent L
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Potter Anderson & Corroon
LLP
Claims
Having thus described and illustrated our new variety of nectarine
tree, what we claim is new, and desire to secure by plant Letters
Patent is:
1. A new distinct variety of nectarine tree substantially as
illustrated and described, and which is characterized principally
as to novelty by producing an attractively colored yellow-fleshed,
large sized, low acid, clingstone nectarine which is mature for
harvesting and shipment approximately July 20 to July 30 under the
ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of
central California.
Description
Botanical Designation: Prunus persica nucipersica.
Varietal Denomination: `Wanectsix`.
BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY
The present variety of nectarine tree resulted from an on-going
program of fruit tree breeding. The purpose of this program is to
improve the commercial quality of deciduous fruit varieties and
rootstocks by creating and releasing promising selections of Prunus
species. To this end, both controlled and hybrid cross pollinations
are made each year to produce seedling populations from which
improved progenies are evaluated and selected.
The seedling, `Wanectsix` was originated by the breeders and
selected from a population of seedlings growing in experimental
orchards located near Fowler, Calif. The seedlings, grown on their
own roots, were derived from planting seed of the `M15.142`
nectarine seedling (un-patented), which was used as the female
parent. The pollen parent was from a different nectarine selection
designated as `E45.013` (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 21,724). The resulting
fruit was collected from the female parent at a mature stage, and
seeds were extracted in July of 2009. After a period of
stratification, the seed was placed in the greenhouse by population
and then field planted for tree establishment and, ultimately, to
exhibit fruit for evaluation. One yellow-fleshed nectarine
seedling, which is the present variety, exhibited especially
desirable characteristics, and was then designated as `H6.219`.
This seedling was marked for subsequent observation. After the 2013
fruiting season, the new variety of nectarine tree was selected for
advanced evaluation and repropagation.
ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION
Asexual reproduction of this new and distinct variety of nectarine
tree was accomplished by budding the new nectarine tree onto 30
trees of `Nemaguard` Rootstock (un-patented). This was performed by
the breeders in an experimental orchard, which is located near
Fowler, Calif. Subsequent evaluations of these asexually reproduced
plants have shown those asexual reproductions run true to the
original tree. All characteristics of the original tree, and its
fruit, were established, and appear to be transmitted through these
succeeding asexual propagations.
SUMMARY OF VARIETY
`Wanectsix` is a new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, which
is considered of large size, and which has a vigorous growth
characteristic. This new tree is also a regular and productive
bearer of relatively large, firm, yellow-fleshed, low acid,
clingstone fruit which have very good flavor and eating
qualities.
This new nectarine tree has a medium chilling requirement of
approximately 500 hours, and further produces relatively uniformly
sized fruit throughout the tree's canopy. In addition to the
foregoing, the fruit of the new nectarine also appears to have good
handling and shipping qualities. The `Wanectsix` nectarine tree
bears fruit which are typically ripe for commercial harvesting and
shipment on approximately July 20 to July 30 under the ecological
conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central
California. In relative comparison to the `Summer Fire` nectarine
tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,506), which is the closest known
variety, the current variety of nectarine tree bears fruit that
exhibit a lower and more moderate flesh acidity and is 5.0 mm to
7.0 mm larger than comparator variety when grown under the same
conditions and fruit numbers per tree. In relative comparison to
the un-patented nectarine seed parent tree (`M15.142`), the current
variety exhibits yellow-flesh which is contrasted to the seed
parent that exhibits white-fleshed fruit. Additionally, the current
variety exhibits a higher concentration of red surface blush on the
fruit skin surface. In comparing the current variety to its
nectarine pollen parent, the current variety ripens approximately
35 days after the pollen parent (`E45.013`, U.S. Plant Pat. No.
21,724).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a color photograph of three whole mature fruit harvested,
from a fifth leaf year tree, displaying both the apical and basal
fruit aspects and one mature fruit from which a sagittal wedge has
been cut and placed beside the donor fruit, which reveals the
internal flesh color and the clingstone characteristics thereof.
The external coloration of the fruit as shown in the photograph is
sufficiently matured for harvesting and shipment. The colors in
these photographs are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a
color representation of this type. Due to chemical development,
processing and printing, the leaves and fruit depicted in these
photographs may, or may not, be accurate when compared to the
actual specimen. For this reason, future color references should be
made to the color plates (Royal Horticultural Society, Fourth
Edition, 2001) and descriptions provided, hereinafter.
NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY
The following detailed description has been prepared to solely
comply with the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, and does not
constitute a commercial warranty (either expressed or implied) that
the present variety will in the future display all the botanical,
pomological or other characteristics as set forth hereinafter.
Therefore, this disclosure may not be relied upon to support any
future legal claims including, but not limited to, breach of
warranty of merchantability, or fitness for any purpose, or
non-infringement which is directed, in whole, or in part, to the
present variety.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new
and distinct variety of nectarine tree, the following has been
observed during the tenth fruiting season, and under the ecological
conditions prevailing at the orchards of the assignee which are
located near the town of Fowler, county of Fresno, state of
California. All major color code designations are by reference to
The RHS Colour Chart (Royal Horticultural Society, Fourth Edition,
2001) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.
Common color names are also occasionally used.
TREE
Size: Generally considered medium-large in its growth pattern as
compared to other common commercial nectarine cultivars ripening in
the late season of maturity. The tree of the present variety was
pruned to a height of about 270.0 cm to about 310.0 cm at
commercial maturity. Fruit size can vary with crop load and the
conditions under which the fruit and tree are grown. Width: About
265.0 cm. Vigor: Considered moderately vigorous. The present
nectarine tree variety grew from about 175.0 cm to about 180.0 cm
in height during the first growing season. The new variety was
pruned to a height of about 150.0 cm during the first dormant
season, and primary scaffolds were then selected for the desired
tree structure. Productivity: Productive. Fruit sets are generally
more than the desired crop. Preharvest fruit thinning is required
when the new variety is grown in a suitable horticultural zone, and
under appropriate commercial nursery conditions. The fruit set is
spaced by thinning to develop the remaining fruit into the desired
market-sized fruit. The number of the fruit set varies with the
prevailing climatic conditions, and the cultural practices
employed. Fruit bearing: Regular. Fruit set has been more than
adequate during the previous years of observation, and thinning was
necessary during the past 8 years on both the original seedling and
on subsequent asexually reproduced trees. Tree form: Upright and
pruned into a vase shape. Density: Considered moderately dense.
Hardiness: The present tree was grown and evaluated in USDA
Hardiness Zone 9. The calculated winter chilling requirements of
the new tree is approximately 500 hours at a temperature below 7.0
degrees C.
The present variety appears to be hardy under typical central San
Joaquin Valley climatic conditions.
TRUNK
Diameter: About 22.0 cm in diameter when measured at a distance of
approximately 15.5 cm above the soil level. This measurement was
taken at the beginning of the 8th growing season. Bark texture:
Considered moderately rough, with folds of papery scarfskin being
present. Lenticels: Numerous flat, oval lenticels are present. The
lenticels range in size from about 4.0 mm to about 7.0 mm in width,
and between about 1.0 mm and about 3.0 mm in height. Lenticel
color: Considered an orange brown (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 167 A).
Bark coloration: Variable, but it is generally considered to be a
greyed tan (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 176 B).
BRANCHES
Size: Considered medium large for the variety. Diameter: Average as
compared to other nectarine varieties. The branches have a diameter
of about 16.0 cm when measured during the 8th year after grafting.
Flowering shoot thickness: Average for the species. About 7.0 mm to
15.0 mm. Surface texture: Relatively smooth. Crotch angles: Primary
branches are considered variable and are usually growing at an
angle of about 50.0 degrees when measured from a horizontal plane.
Current season shoots: Surface texture-Substantially glabrous.
Internode length: Approximately 3.0 cm. Color of mature branches:
Approximately Grey brown (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 177 C). Current
season's shoots: Color.-Light green (RHS Yellow-Green Group 145 B).
The color of new shoot tips is considered a bright and shiny green
(RHS Yellow-Green Group 146 D).
LEAVES
Size: Considered moderately large and narrow for the species. Leaf
measurements have been taken from vigorous, upright, current-season
growth, at approximately mid-shoot. Leaf length: About 178.0 mm to
about 183.0 mm (including the petiole). Leaf width: About 41.0 mm
to about 47.0 mm. Leaf base-shape: The leaves generally exhibit
equal marginal symmetry relative to the leaf longitudinal axis.
Leaf form: Lanceolate. Leaf tip form: Acuminate. Leaf color: Upper
Leaf Surface-Medium green (approximately RHS Green Group 137 B).
Leaf texture: Upper leaf surface.--Glabrous. Lower leaf
surface.--Glabrous. Leaf color: Lower Leaf Surface-Medium green
(approximately RHS Green Group N138 B). Leaf venation: Pinnately
veined. Mid-vein: Color-Considered a pale green (approximately RHS
Yellow-Green Group 145 A). Leaf margins: Gently undulating.
Form.--Considered crenulate. Uniformity.--Generally uniform. Leaf
petioles: Form.--Considered canaliculated. The petiole margin is
considered rounded when viewed from the ventral aspect.
Size.--Considered medium-small for the species. Length.--About 7.0
to about 10.0 mm. Diameter.--About 1.5 to about 2.0 mm. Color.--A
yellowed green, (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 145 A).
Texture.--Glabrous. Strength.--Durable for species until
senescence. Leaf glands: Size.--Considered relatively small for the
species; approximately 2.0 mm. in width; and about 2.0 mm. in
height. Number.--Generally, one and less common two glands appear
per marginal side are found. Type.--Glands reniform in shape.
Color.--Considered a yellowed green, approximately (RHS
Yellow-Green Group 146 C). Leaf stipules: Size.--Medium for this
variety. Length.--About 5.0 mm to about 7.0 mm. Width.--About 1.0
mm. Number.--Typically, 2 per leaf bud, and up to 6 per shoot tip.
Form.--Lanceolate in form and having a serrated marginal edge.
Color.--Green (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group N145 C) The
leaf stipules are generally considered to be early deciduous.
FLOWER BUDS
Hardiness: No winter injury (bud death) has been noted during the
last several years of observation in the central San Joaquin
Valley. The new variety of nectarine tree has not been
intentionally subjected to drought, cold or heat stress, and
therefore this information is not available. Flower bud:
Size-Variable, and dependent on the state of maturity. The flower
buds as described were observed approximately 7 days prior to
bloom. Length.--About 16.5 mm. Diameter.--About 9.5 mm. Surface
texture.--Pubescent. Orientation.--Considered appressed but appear
less so as the blossoms near opening. Bud scale color:
Approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 175 A.
FLOWERS
Date of first bloom: Observed on Feb. 21, 2018. Blooming
time.--Considered average to slightly early mid-bloom in relative
comparison to other commercial nectarine cultivars grown in the
central San Joaquin Valley. The date of full bloom was observed on
Feb. 28, 2018. The date of full bloom varies slightly with climatic
conditions, and prevailing cultural practices. Duration of
bloom.--Approximately 8 or more days. This characteristic varies
slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions. Flower class:
Considered a perfect flower, complete and perigynous. Flower type:
The variety is considered to have a showy-type flower. Flower size:
Considered large. The flower diameter at full bloom, is about 37.0
mm to about 42.0 mm. Bloom quantity: Considered abundant. Flower
bud density: Generally considered dense. Flower bud
frequency.--Generally, two flower buds appear per node,
occasionally one flower bud per node is observed. Petal size:
Generally considered large for the species. Petal length.--About
18.0 mm to about 20.0 mm. Petal width.--About 13.0 mm to about 15.0
mm. Petal form: Considered broadly ovate. Petal count: 5. Petal
texture: Upper petal texture.--Very finely pubescent, satin like.
Lower petal texture.--Very finely pubescent, satin like. Petal
color: Considered a light pink at the popcorn stage (RHS Red-Purple
Group 65 C). Fragrance: Slight. Petal claw: Form.--The claw is
considered ovate and is generally large. Length.--About 12.0 mm.
Width.--About 10.0 mm. Petal margins: Generally, slightly undulate.
Petal apex: Entire. Flower pedicel: Length.--Considered large with
an approximate length of about 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm.
Diameter.--About 1.0 mm to about 1.5 mm. Color.--A medium brown
(approximately RHS Grey-Brown Group N199 D) depending on pedicel
and fruit maturity and timing of visual observance.
Strength.--Tenacious. Average for the species. Texture.--Generally
smooth to slightly undulate. Floral nectaries: Color.--Considered a
pale yellow (approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group N163 D). Calyx:
Surface texture.--Finely pubescent. Color.--Approximately RHS
Greyed-Red Group 178 B. Sepals: Upper surface texture.--Moderately
pubescent. Lower surface texture.--Glabrous. Number.--5 sepals.
Size.--Considered medium. Sepal length.--About 4.0 mm to about 6.0
mm. Sepal width.--About 4.5 mm to about 6.0 mm. Sepal
shape.--Generally obovate. Sepal margin.--Considered smooth and
entire. Sepal color.--A pale green. Approximately RHS Green Group
138 B. Anthers: Generally.--Average in size. Color.--Yellow-gold
when viewed dorsally and prior to dehiscence (approximately RHS
Greyed-Orange Group 163 B). Position relative to
stigma.--Generally, the stigma is superior to the anthers by about
1.0 mm. Pollen production: Pollen is abundant and has a yellow
color (approximately RHS Yellow-Orange Group 17 C). Fertility:
Self-fertile. Filaments: Size.--About 15.0 mm to about 18.0 mm in
length. Color.--Considered white to a pinkish white (RHS White
Group N155 C). Pistil: Number.--Usually one, and only rarely more
than one. Generally.--Considered medium in size. Length.--About
18.0 mm to about 20.0 mm in length including the ovary.
Width.--About 1.5 mm. Depth.--About 2.0 mm. Color.--Considered a
very pale green (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 150 D).
Surface texture.--The variety has a long glabrous pistil. Position
relative to petals.--At flower maturity the stamens grow to be
superior to the petals. Ovary surface texture.--Glabrous.
FRUIT
Maturity when described: Firm ripe condition (shipping ripe). Date
of first picking: Approximately Jul. 20, 2021. Date of last
picking: Approximately Jul. 30, 2021. Size: Generally-Considered
medium large. Average cheek diameter: About 84.0 mm to about 92.0
mm. Average axial diameter: About 80.0 mm to about 85.0 mm. Typical
weight: About 285.0 grams. Fruit soluble solids. Approximately
15.0-20.0 Brix. Fruit firmness: Fruit flesh pressures generally
averaged 14.0 pounds at the time the fruit was analyzed. Titratable
acidity: Approximately 0.35 to 0.42 at commercial harvest maturity.
Fruit form: Generally-Considered slightly drupe shape. When viewed
from the basal aspect, both hemispheres of the suturial plane can
be extended giving some fruits a slight triangular appearance. The
fruit is generally very uniform in symmetry. Mucron tip: Absent.
Fruit suture: Smooth and uniform. No stitching exists along the
suture line. Suture: Color-Generally, the fruit appears blushed to
the same degree as the skin (approximately RHS Orange-Red Group N34
A). Ventral surface: Form-Considered even, and uniform in
appearance, when it is viewed from the lateral, sutural plane.
Apex: Shape-Rounded to slightly retuse. Base: Shape-Generally
smooth. Stem cavity: Generally-It extends in a rounded circular
form which is generally considered uniform. The stem cavity is
rounded and relatively deep. The average depth of the stem cavity
is about 10.0 mm to about 16.0 mm. The average width of the stem
cavity is about 18.0 mm. The average length of the stem cavity,
when measured in the suturial plane, is about 22.0 mm. Fruit skin:
Thickness.--Considered medium in thickness, and tenacious to the
flesh. Surface texture.--Glaborous. Conspicuousness of
lenticels.--Very few. Taste.--Non-astringent. Tendency to
crack.--Not observed in the previous years of observation and
evaluation. Fruit skin color: Blush color.--Generally speaking, a
red blush exists on much of the skin of the fruit (approximately
RHS Red Group 46 B). Ground color: A medium yellow-gold
(approximately RHS Group-Yellow-Orange 17C). Fruit glossiness:
Fruit considered to be medium glossy. Fruit stem: Size.--Relatively
long in length, about 6.0 mm to about 9.0 mm. Diameter.--About 2.0
mm to about 3.0 mm. Color.--Pale yellow green (approximately RHS
Yellow-Green Group N144 C). Fruit flesh: Ripening.--Considered
even. Texture.--Firm, juicy and dense. Considered non-melting in
flesh classification. Fibers.--Present but not prominent.
Aroma.--Slight. Eating quality.--Considered very good.
Flavor.--Considered balanced with sweetness and medium acidity.
Juice production.--Moderate. Brix.--About 14.0 to 20.0 degrees.
Acidity.--Considered medium. Approximately 0.4 titratable acidity
at fruit harvest. Flesh color.--It is considered a medium yellow
(approximately RHS Yellow-Orange Group 14 C).
STONE
Type: Considered a clingstone. Size: It is generally considered to
be medium large for the species. Length: Average, about 37.0 mm to
about 40.0 mm. Width: Average, about 22.0 mm to about 26.0 mm.
Diameter: Average, about 17.0 mm to about 21.0 mm. Form: Roughly
ovoid. Stone base: Shape-The stone is considered shortly attenuate.
Apex: Shape-The stone exhibits a very slight acute apex. Stone
surface: Surface texture.--Considered irregularly furrowed toward
the apex. Further, more pitting exists in nearly all portions of
the stone and is more common toward the base and ventral edges.
Ridges.--Ridging is generally more prominent, and is usually
oriented parallel, at the dorsal margins. Ventral edge.--The
ventral edge is generally described as having adjoining ridges
formed from each hemisphere. Dorsal edge.--Shape-Generally
considered even. The folds of the surface ridges appearing on the
external margins often end gently along the suture. Stone color:
The color of a mature, dry stone is generally considered a light
tan (approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 170 C). Tendency to
split: Splitting has rarely been noted. Kernel: Length.--About 16.0
mm to about 19.0 mm. Width.--About 12.0 mm to about 15.0 mm.
Thickness.--About 4.0 mm to about 6.0 mm. Size.--The kernel is
considered medium to large in size. Form.--Considered generally
ovoid. Kernel surface texture.--Kernel pellicle is shortly
pubescent. Color.--A dark tan (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 165 C). Use:
The present variety `Wanectsix` is a nectarine tree of the late
season of maturity, and which produces fruit which are firm,
attractively colored, and which are useful for both local and
long-distance shipping. Keeping quality: Appears excellent. The
fruit of the present variety has stored well for periods of up to
30 days after harvest at 1.0 degree Celsius. Shipping quality:
Good. The fruit of the new nectarine tree variety showed minimal
bruising of the flesh or skin damage after being subjected to
normal harvesting and packing procedures. Resistance to insects and
disease: No susceptibilities were noted. The present variety has
not been intentionally tested to expose or detect any
susceptibilities or resistances to any known plant, fruit diseases,
insect, frost, winter injury or other environmental factors.
Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the described
characteristics when grown under the ecological conditions
prevailing near Fowler, Calif., in the Central part of the San
Joaquin Valley of California, variations of the usual magnitude,
and characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions,
fertilization, nutrition, pruning, pest control, frost, climatic
variables and changes in horticultural management are to be
expected.
* * * * *