USPP10326P - `Early King` cherry tree - Google Patents

`Early King` cherry tree Download PDF

Info

Publication number
USPP10326P
USPP10326P US08/634,086 US63408696V US10326P US PP10326 P USPP10326 P US PP10326P US 63408696 V US63408696 V US 63408696V US 10326 P US10326 P US 10326P
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
king
medium
early
fruit
bing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US08/634,086
Inventor
Shinichi Mukai
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US08/634,086 priority Critical patent/USPP10326P/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of USPP10326P publication Critical patent/USPP10326P/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01HNEW PLANTS OR NON-TRANSGENIC PROCESSES FOR OBTAINING THEM; PLANT REPRODUCTION BY TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES
    • A01H5/00Angiosperms, i.e. flowering plants, characterised by their plant parts; Angiosperms characterised otherwise than by their botanic taxonomy
    • A01H5/08Fruits
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01HNEW PLANTS OR NON-TRANSGENIC PROCESSES FOR OBTAINING THEM; PLANT REPRODUCTION BY TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES
    • A01H6/00Angiosperms, i.e. flowering plants, characterised by their botanic taxonomy
    • A01H6/74Rosaceae, e.g. strawberry, apple, almonds, pear, rose, blackberries or raspberries
    • A01H6/7427Prunus, e.g. almonds
    • A01H6/7445Cherries

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a new and distinct variety of cherry tree Prunus avium hereinafter referred to by the name ⁇ Early King ⁇ .
  • ⁇ Early King ⁇ was discovered at Mukai Farms in Kingsburg, Calif. It is a spontaneous mutant of the patented ⁇ King ⁇ variety of cherry tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,478), hereinafter referred to as ⁇ King ⁇ .
  • ⁇ Early King ⁇ is characteristically vigorous, upright, dense, vase-formed and hardy. It is foliated with large, ovate, medium thick, smooth, abruptly pointed, dark green (approx. R.H.S. Colour Chart 137 A-C) leaves having a crenate to coarsely serrate margin, a petiole of medium length and thickness, and medium size, alternate, reniform, red glands. The buds are of medium size and length, are hardy and free. The flowers are white and of medium size.
  • ⁇ Early King ⁇ is further characterized (1) by flowers that bloom approximately two days after ⁇ King ⁇ and two days before ⁇ Bing ⁇ , and (2) by fruit that ripens approximately three to four days ahead of ⁇ King ⁇ and approximately ten to eleven days before ⁇ Bing ⁇ . When ripe, the fruit of ⁇ Early King ⁇ has a dark purple skin, similar in color to that of the ⁇ King ⁇ variety.
  • ⁇ Early King ⁇ is characterized by fruit having a tough skin which advantageously provides substantial resistance to disease and insect penetration, and reduces harvest damage.
  • the leaf of ⁇ Early King ⁇ is slightly smaller than that of ⁇ King ⁇ and slightly lighter in color.
  • ⁇ Early King ⁇ requires approximately 600 chill hours for fruit setting, compared to approximately 1,000 hours required for ⁇ Bing ⁇ . A low chill hours requirement is an advantageous trait for varieties grown in the central valleys of Calif.
  • the mature fruit of the ⁇ Early King ⁇ has a suture which is not as severe as that found on the mature fruit of ⁇ King ⁇ .
  • the new variety of cherry tree is illustrated by the accompanying color photographs in which the fruit and leaves from ⁇ Early King ⁇ and ⁇ King ⁇ , grown side by side in the same orchard in Kingsburg, Calif., are compared:
  • FIG. 1 compares the size and color of fruit from ⁇ Early King ⁇ and ⁇ King ⁇ picked on May 2, 1995.
  • FIG. 2 compares the size and color of fruit from ⁇ Early King ⁇ and ⁇ King ⁇ picked on May 5, 1995.
  • FIG. 3 compares the size and color of fruit from ⁇ Early King ⁇ and ⁇ King ⁇ picked on May 8, 1995.
  • FIG. 4 compares the size and color of fruit from ⁇ Early King ⁇ and ⁇ King ⁇ picked on May 11, 1995.
  • FIG. 5 compares the size and color of leaves from ⁇ Early King ⁇ and ⁇ King ⁇ picked on May 8, 1995.
  • Timing of full bloom --Approximately two days after King and two days ⁇ Bing ⁇ .
  • Type.--Semifree adheres to flesh along both dorsal and ventral edges. Free of sides.
  • the cherry tree and its fruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to climatic and soil conditions under which the variety may be grown.
  • the above description of ⁇ Early King ⁇ is of the variety as grown in the Central Valley of Calif.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physiology (AREA)
  • Botany (AREA)
  • Developmental Biology & Embryology (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Natural Medicines & Medicinal Plants (AREA)
  • Breeding Of Plants And Reproduction By Means Of Culturing (AREA)

Abstract

A cherry tree, Prunus avium, having the variety name `Early King`, is described. `Early King` is large, vigorous, upright, dense, vase-formed, and hardy. It is foliated with large, ovate, medium-thick, smooth, abruptly pointed, dark green leaves having a crenate to coarsely serrate margin, a petiole of medium length and thickness, and medium sized, alternate, reniform, red glands. `Early King` blooms from hardy, free buds of medium size and length about two days before `Bing` and two days after `King` varieties of cherry tree. The flowers are white and of medium size. `Early King` is a regular and very productive bearer of early and evenly ripening, semi-freestone, uniform, medium-sized fruit that is broadly compressed towards the slight to non-existent suture. `Early King` requires approximately 600 chill hours for setting fruit compared to approximately 1,000 chill hours required for `Bing`. The fruit ripens about three to four days before `King` and ten to eleven days before `Bing` and has a thick to medium thick, tough skin which is dark purple when eating ripe, and red flesh.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY
The invention relates to a new and distinct variety of cherry tree Prunus avium hereinafter referred to by the name `Early King`. `Early King` was discovered at Mukai Farms in Kingsburg, Calif. It is a spontaneous mutant of the patented `King` variety of cherry tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,478), hereinafter referred to as `King`.
`Early King` is embraced by Class 37, Plants, of the United States Patent Office Manual of Classification.
ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY
Subsequent to the origination of `Early King`, plants were asexually reproduced. Buds from the initial mother tree were budded on suitable rootstock. All propagations that have flowered and born fruit have been true to the original sport in plant, flower, and fruit characteristics, demonstrating that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed are maintained through successive generations.
SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY
`Early King` is characteristically vigorous, upright, dense, vase-formed and hardy. It is foliated with large, ovate, medium thick, smooth, abruptly pointed, dark green (approx. R.H.S. Colour Chart 137 A-C) leaves having a crenate to coarsely serrate margin, a petiole of medium length and thickness, and medium size, alternate, reniform, red glands. The buds are of medium size and length, are hardy and free. The flowers are white and of medium size. It is a regular and productive bearer of early and evenly ripening, semi-freestone, uniform, medium size fruit, with a clean suture (very slight to non-existent line), having thick to medium thick, tough skin which is dark purple when eating ripe and red flesh.
`Early King` is further characterized (1) by flowers that bloom approximately two days after `King` and two days before `Bing`, and (2) by fruit that ripens approximately three to four days ahead of `King` and approximately ten to eleven days before `Bing`. When ripe, the fruit of `Early King` has a dark purple skin, similar in color to that of the `King` variety.
Early King is still further characterized by the stem of the fruit which is easily detached from the fruiting spurs yet firmly attached to the fruit, and by resistance to the occurrence of spurs and doubling of the fruit in very hot climatic conditions.
Additionally, `Early King` is characterized by fruit having a tough skin which advantageously provides substantial resistance to disease and insect penetration, and reduces harvest damage.
The leaf of `Early King` is slightly smaller than that of `King` and slightly lighter in color.
`Early King` requires approximately 600 chill hours for fruit setting, compared to approximately 1,000 hours required for `Bing`. A low chill hours requirement is an advantageous trait for varieties grown in the central valleys of Calif.
Further, the mature fruit of the `Early King` has a suture which is not as severe as that found on the mature fruit of `King`.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS
The new variety of cherry tree is illustrated by the accompanying color photographs in which the fruit and leaves from `Early King` and `King`, grown side by side in the same orchard in Kingsburg, Calif., are compared:
FIG. 1 compares the size and color of fruit from `Early King` and `King` picked on May 2, 1995.
FIG. 2 compares the size and color of fruit from `Early King` and `King` picked on May 5, 1995.
FIG. 3 compares the size and color of fruit from `Early King` and `King` picked on May 8, 1995.
FIG. 4 compares the size and color of fruit from `Early King` and `King` picked on May 11, 1995.
FIG. 5 compares the size and color of leaves from `Early King` and `King` picked on May 8, 1995.
The colors are as accurate as is reasonably possible with color illustrations of this type.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY
The botanical details of `Early King`, with color definitions in common color terms, are as follows:
Tree:
Size.--Characteristically large.
Vigor.--Vigorous.
Branching habit.--Upright.
Density.--Dense.
Form.--Vase-formed.
Hardiness.--Hardy.
Production.--Productive.
Bearing.--Regular bearer.
Trunk:
Form.--Medium.
Texture.--Medium.
Branches:
Form.--Medium.
Texture.--Medium.
Color.--Dull gray.
Lenticels.--Number -- Numerous. Size -- Medium.
Leaves:
Size.--Large. Average length -- 5". Average width -- 13/4".
Form.--Ovate, abruptly pointed, with acute tip and base.
Thickness.--Medium.
Texture.--Smooth.
Top surface color.--Dark green (approx. R.H.S. Colour chart 137 A-C).
Bottom surface color.--Light green (approx. R.H.S. Colour Chart 138 A & B).
Margin.--Crenate and coarsely serrate.
Petiole.--Medium length and thickness.
Glands.--Average -- 2. Size -- Medium. Shape -- Reniform. Color -- Red. Position -- On petiole approximately 1/8" below leaf blade.
Stipules.--Present.
Flower buds:
Size.--Medium.
Length.--Medium.
Form.--Free.
Hardiness.--Hardy.
Flowers:
Timing of full bloom.--Approximately two days after King and two days `Bing`.
Size.--Medium.
Color.--White.
Pollination.--Cross-pollination.
Fruit:
Harvest period.--Date of first picking -- May 8th. Date of last picking -- May 18th.
Size.--Uniform medium. Average diameter axially -- 1". Average transversely in suture plane -- 3/4".
Form.--Uniform, symmetrical, and oblong. Broadly compressed toward suture.
Suture.--Clean (very slight to non-existent).
Ventral surface.--Lipped toward base throughout both sides.
Lips.--Equal.
Base.--Rounded.
Apex.--Rounded to truncate. Depressed.
Skin:
Thickness.--Medium -- thick.
Texture.--Tough.
Tenacity.--Free.
Tendency to crack.--Slight in wet season.
Color when ripe.--Dark purple.
Flesh:
Color.--Red. Surface of pit cavity -- Red, with off-white tinge.
Amygdalin.--Wanting.
Juice.--Abundant.
Texture.--Firm, crisp.
Fibers.--Few, fine.
Ripening.--Even.
Flavor.--Mild, very sweet.
Aroma.--Distinct.
Eating quality.--Best.
Stone:
Type.--Semifree, adheres to flesh along both dorsal and ventral edges. Free of sides.
Size.--Medium. Average length -- 7/16". Average breadth -- 3/8". Average thickness -- 5/16".
Form.--Oval
Base.--Straight.
Hilum.--Narrow.
Apex.--Rounded.
Sides.--Equal.
Surface.--Smooth.
Pits.--Oval (similar to almond).
Ventral edge.--Without wing toward base.
Dorsal edge.--Full.
Color.--Light brown.
Tendency to split.--Slight in wet season.
Use: Market.
Keeping quality: Excellent.
Resistance to insects: Medium.
Resistance to diseases: Good.
Shipping quality: Excellent.
The cherry tree and its fruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to climatic and soil conditions under which the variety may be grown. The above description of `Early King` is of the variety as grown in the Central Valley of Calif.

Claims (1)

What is claimed is:
1. A new and distinct variety of cherry tree, Prunus avium, named `Early King`, substantially as illustrated and described within.
US08/634,086 1996-04-17 1996-04-17 `Early King` cherry tree Expired - Lifetime USPP10326P (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/634,086 USPP10326P (en) 1996-04-17 1996-04-17 `Early King` cherry tree

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/634,086 USPP10326P (en) 1996-04-17 1996-04-17 `Early King` cherry tree

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
USPP10326P true USPP10326P (en) 1998-04-14

Family

ID=24542378

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/634,086 Expired - Lifetime USPP10326P (en) 1996-04-17 1996-04-17 `Early King` cherry tree

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) USPP10326P (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USPP5478P (en) * 1983-09-02 1985-05-28 Anderson, Deceased; Fred W. Cherry tree (King-44-p-477)
USPP8051P (en) * 1991-03-04 1992-12-01 Washington State University Research Foundation Sweet cherry tree PC 7144-7

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USPP5478P (en) * 1983-09-02 1985-05-28 Anderson, Deceased; Fred W. Cherry tree (King-44-p-477)
USPP8051P (en) * 1991-03-04 1992-12-01 Washington State University Research Foundation Sweet cherry tree PC 7144-7

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
USPP6025P (en) Peach tree (B-41871)
USPP6407P (en) Cherry tree, "Tulare"
USPP7953P (en) Peach tree (Crimson Lady)
USPP10326P (en) `Early King` cherry tree
USPP8932P (en) Apricot tree (Goldensweet)
USPP4399P (en) Peach tree
USPP9332P (en) Nectarine tree "Arctic Star"
USPP4903P (en) Peach tree
USPP4431P (en) Cherry tree
USPP4398P (en) Peach tree
USPP4436P (en) Cherry tree
USPP4827P (en) Peach tree
USPP7402P (en) Nectarine tree "Earliglo"
USPP9129P (en) `P. F. 1`peach tree
USPP5709P (en) Peach tree (Rs-2)
USPP10022P (en) Nectarine tree "Spring Glo"
USPP4984P (en) Nectarine tree
USPP4661P (en) Peach tree
USPP5839P (en) Peach tree (Primecrest)
USPP9857P (en) Cherry tree `Firm Red`
USPP4501P (en) Plum tree
USPP4644P (en) Peach tree
USPP4791P (en) Nectarine tree
USPP4970P (en) Peach tree (A3-10)
USPP6755P (en) Apricot tree ("Tri-Gems")