USPP12817P2

USPP12817P2 - Strawberry plant named ‘Marathon’

Info

Publication number: USPP12817P2
Application number: US09/396,213
Authority: US
Inventors: Kristie L. Gilford; Bruce D. Mowrey; Jorge Campos Garcia; Thomas M. Sjulin; Larry T. Kodama
Original assignee: Driscolls Inc
Current assignee: Driscolls Inc
Priority date: 1999-03-30
Filing date: 1999-09-15
Publication date: 2002-07-30
Anticipated expiration: 2019-09-15

Abstract

This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry named ‘Marathon’, botanically identified as Fragaria×ananassa. The closest known varieties are ‘Key Largo’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,649), ‘Captiva’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 11,277, allowed) and ‘Mirador’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 11,279, allowed). The new variety is a partially everbearing fruit bearing variety. The variety is distinguished from ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’ by its strong plant vigor, concave to flat cross section of the leaf, medium leaf blistering, same size diameter of inner to outer calyx, broader than longer fruit ratio length/width, large fruit size and cordate fruit shape.

Description

1. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The new variety originated as a result of a controlled cross between the strawberry plants ‘Key Largo’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,649) and ‘L3’ (unpatented proprietary) in an ongoing breeding program, and was discovered as a seedling in a controlled breeding plot. The original seedling of the new cultivar was asexually propagated by stolons in Shasta County, Calif. Propagules were transplanted to a controlled breeding plot in Valrico, Hillsborough County, Fla. where the new cultivar first fruited in December 1994 and was selected for further evaluation. ‘Marathon’ was subsequently asexually propagated and underwent further testing in the area of Valrico, Fla. from 1995-1999. This propagation and testing has demonstrated that the combination of traits disclosed herein which characterize the new variety are fixed and retained true to type through successive generations as asexual reproduction.

2. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry named ‘Marathon’. The variety is botanically identified as Fragaria×ananassa. The new variety is distinguished from other varieties by a number of characteristics as set forth in Tables 1, 2 and 3.

3. COMPARISON TO CLOSEST VARIETIES

The varieties which we believe to be closest to ‘Marathon’ from those known to us are ‘Key Largo’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,649), ‘Captiva’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 11,277, allowed) and ‘Mirador’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 11,279, allowed). There are several characteristics of ‘Marathon’ that are different from, or not possessed by ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ or ‘Mirador’. Table 1 provides information on the plant and fruit characteristics of the new variety ‘Marathon’ compared with characteristics of ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’. Table 2 provides additional information of the plant and fruit characteristics of the new variety ‘Marathon’ compared with characteristics of the varieties ‘Captiva’, ‘Key Largo’ and ‘Mirador’. Table 3 provides isozyme characteristics of the new variety as compared to the varieties ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying photographs show typical specimens of the new variety, including fruit, foliage and flowers, in color as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make in color illustrations of these characteristics.

FIG. 1 shows the fruit in longitudinal section, illustrating the typical flesh coloration.

FIG. 2 shows the upper surface of two typical folioles of the new variety.

FIG. 3 shows the flower and reproductive organs of the new variety, as well as the size and position of the petals and sepals and the underside of the calyx.

FIG. 4 shows typical whole fruit.

5. DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The following detailed description of the new variety is based upon observations taken of plants and fruit grown in Valrico, Fla., U.S.A. Observations of ‘Marathon’, ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’ were taken in side by side comparisons in 1999. This description is in accordance with UPOV terminology. 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. Colors are described and the closest matching color ratings are provided using The Royal Horticultural Society (R.H.S.) Colour Chart.

5.1 Propagation

The new variety is principally propagated by way of stolons. Although propagation by stolons is presently preferred, other known methods of propagating strawberry plants may be employed.

5.2 Characteristics of the New Variety

Information the new variety is presented in Tables 1, 2 and 3. In the tables, the flowers described are secondary flowers except where indicated. Petal color of ‘Marathon’ is white which is not referenced in The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart. The fruit described is the secondary fruit on one year old plants. Fruit and flower measurements are an average of both primary and secondary fruit and flowers.

Plants and Foliage

Plants of ‘Marathon’ are of strong vigor while those of ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’ are of medium vigor. The average height of ‘Marathon’ is 21.0 cm, the average diameter is 37.9 cm, and the average number of crowns/plant is 3.8. The upper leaf surface of ‘Marathon’ is dark green with an R.H.S. color rating of 137B, whereas the color of three comparison varieties have an R.H.S. color rating of 137A. The underside of the leaves of ‘Marathon’ has a R.H.S. color rating of 138B, while ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ or ‘Mirador’ have an R.H.S. color rating of 139C. The shape of leaves of ‘Marathon’ in cross section is concave while those of ‘Key Largo’ and ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’ are slightly concave. The leaves of ‘Marathon’ exhibit medium interveinal leaf-blistering. ‘Marathon’ has three leaflets and the leaves are of medium glossiness. The shape of the base of the terminal leaflet is slightly oblique and the teeth of the terminal leaflet are obtuse. The average number of teeth per terminal leaflet is 25.9. The average length and width of the terminal leaflet are 10.6 cm and 11.3 cm, respectively.

The petiole of ‘Marathon’ has medium pubescence. The pose of the petiole hairs is outwards compared to that of ‘Captiva’ and ‘Key Largo’ which is upwards. The average petiole length is 10.4 cm. The petiole color has an R.H.S. color rating of 141D.

The bract frequency is 30% and is typically single compared to that of ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’ for which the bracts occur with a 60% frequency. The stipule length and width are 3.7 cm and 2.3 cm, respectively.

The stipule pubescence is medium. Marathon has a medium number to many stolons that are medium to thick in thickness with medium to strong anthocyanin coloration and sparse pubescence.

Flower and Fruit Characteristics

The position of the ‘Marathon’ inflorescence is beneath the foliage compared to that of ‘Mirador’ which is above. The flowers are large in size. The average petal length and width are 1.3 cm and 1.4 cm, respectively. The average flower diameter is 4.1 cm. The average calyx diameter is 3.7 cm.

The diameter of ‘Marathon's’ calyx is larger than the corolla while that of ‘Mirador’ is the same size. On secondary flowers, the diameter of the inner calyx is the same as the outer calyx. On secondary flowers with 5 to 6 petals, the petals are overlapping. The petal length-to-width ratio on secondary flowers is as broad as they are long compared to that of ‘Mirador’ which are broader than long.

The fruiting trusses are long in length with an average length of 18.5 cm from the crown to the base of the terminal flower or fruit. The attitude at first picking is prostrate compared to the semi-erect ‘Key Largo’ and erect ‘Mirador’.

Observations of ‘Marathon’ fruit were taken of secondary fruit on one year old plants. The fruits are predominantly cordate in shape. The fruit ratio of length to maximum width is as broad as long. The fruit are large in size. The average length and width of the fruit are 4.3 cm and 4.3 cm, respectively. There is a slight difference in fruit shape between the primary and secondary fruits. The band without achenes is narrow. The fruit surface has a weak uneveness.

The fruit skin color is an even orange-red with an R.H.S. color rating of 42A and strong glossiness.

The insertion of the achenes is below the surface of the fruit as compared to that of ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’ which are level with the surface.

The calyx is set above the fruit and the pose of the calyx segments is spreading. The calyx diameter is larger than the fruit diameter. The adherence of the calyx to the fruit is medium.

The fruit flesh is medium firm when fully ripe. The color of the fruit flesh is medium red with an R.H.S. color rating of 42C. The fruit flesh color is slightly uneven, and the fruit flesh color distribution is marginal and central. The fruit has a medium sized hollow center.

The fruit has a medium sweetness with medium acidity and fine textures.

The time of flowering when 50% of the plants are at first flower is early. Initial flowering occurs in late-October to early-November.

The harvest maturity when 50% of the plants possess ripe fruit is early. Season of harvest is from late-November through early-April. ‘Marathon’ is a partially everbearing variety.

The average number of stamens is 28.

Anthocyanin coloration is red to purple.

The average number of pedicels/peduncle is 2.3. Average diameter of peduncle is 4.5 mm. Average length of peduncle is 5.8 cm. Average pedicel diameter is 2.7 mm. Average length of pedicels is 11.8 cm. Average petiole diameter is 3.8 mm.

Insertion of achenes is below surface. Achene color is yellow to red (12A to 46A).

Average sepal number is 10.9 and sepal length is 1.5 cm.

Percent brix is 8.3. Amount of pollen produced is abundant and fertile.

TABLE 1

DETAILED COMPARISON OF ‘MARATHON’, KEY LARGO,
‘CAPTIVA’ AND ‘MIRADOR’

		KEY
MARATHON	CAPTIVA	LARGO	MIRADOR

Plant Characteristics

Avg. Height	21.0 cm	13.0 cm	18.3 cm	20.0 cm
of Plant
Avg. Spread	37.9 cm	33.1 cm	39.2 cm	35.0 cm
of Plant
Avg. Number	3.8	4.4	4.0	3.0
of Crowns

Leaf Characteristics

Terminal	11.3 cm	7.3 cm	8.9 cm	9.0 cm
Leaflet Width
Terminal	10.6 cm	7.2 cm	8.5 cm	8.3 cm
Leaflet Length
Terminal	0.94	0.99	0.96	0.92
Leaflet
Length/Width
Ratio
Number of	25.9	25.4	23.8	20.0
Teeth/Terminal
Leaflet
Petiole	10.4	8.1	10.4	12.8
Length
Bract	30%	60%	30%	60%
Frequency	Typically	Typically	Typically	Typically
	Single	Single	in pairs	Single
Stipule	3.7	3.6	3.7	3.6
Length
Stipule	2.3	1.8	1.9	2.2
Width

Flower Characteristics

Petal Width	1.4 cm	1.4 cm	1.5 cm	1.6 cm
Petal Length	1.3 cm	1.4 cm	1.5 cm	1.5 cm
Petal	0.93	1.00	1.00	0.94
Length/Width
Ratio
Flower Diameter	4.1 cm	3.6 cm	3.9 cm	4.0 cm
Calyx	3.7 cm	4.3 cm	5.1 cm	4.0 cm
Diameter

Fruit Characteristics

Fruit Width	4.3 cm	3.6 cm	3.5 cm	3.5 cm
Fruit Length	4.3 cm	4.1 cm	4.2 cm	3.5 cm
Fruit	1.00	1.14	1.20	1.00
Length/Width
Ratio
Average	26.5	17.8	22.4	16.3
Berry Weight
(g)
Fruit Skin	Orange	Orange	Dark Red	Red
Color	Red	Red	46B	45B
	42A	45A
Fruit Flesh	Light Red	Light	Light Red	Pale Rose
Color	42C	Red	44C	43B
		49C
Total Yield	638	369	277	551
(g/plant)

TABLE 2

CHARACTERISTICS OF ‘MARATHON’,
‘KEY LARGO’, ‘CAPTIVA’, AND ‘MIRADOR’

MAR-		KEY
ATHON	CAPTIVA	LARGO	MIRADOR

Plant
Habit	Flat	Flat	Globuse	Globuse
	globuse	Globuse
Density	Medium	Medium	Medium	Open
Vigor	Strong	Medium	Medium	Medium
Leaf
Color of upper	Dark	Dark	Dark	Dark
side	Green	Green	Green	Green
	137B	137A	137A	137A
Color or under	Light	Light	Light	Light
side	Green	Green	Green	Green
	138B	139C	139C	139C
Shape in cross	Concave	Slightly	Slightly	Slightly
section		Concave	Concave	Concave
Interveinal	Medium	Weak	Weak	Weak
blistering
Glossiness	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Number of	3	3	3	3
leaflets
Terminal	Revolute	Revolute	Revolute	Revolute
leaflet margin
profile
Terminal	Slightly	Obtuse	Slightly	Slightly
leaflet shape	oblique		oblique	oblique
of base
Terminal	Obtuse	Obtuse	Rounded	Rounded
leaflet shape
of teeth
Terminal	25.9	25.4	23.8	20.0
leaflet
average number
of teeth
Petiole	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
pubescence
Petiole pose	Outwards	Upwards	Upwards	Outwards
of hairs
Petiole Color	141D	141C	141C	141C
Stipule	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Pubesence
Bracts	30%	60%	30%	60%
frequency on	Typically	Typically	Typically	Typically
petioles	Single	Single	in pairs	Single
Stolon
Number	Medium to	Medium to	—	Many
	many	many
Anthocyanin	Medium to	Strong	—	Medium to
coloration	strong			strong
Thickness	Medium to	Medium to	—	Thin to
	thick	thick		medium
Pubescence	Sparse	Sparse to	—	Sparse to
		medium		medium
Inflorescence
Position	Beneath	Beneath	Beneath	Above
relative to
foliage
Flower size	Large	Medium	Large	Small
Diameter of	Larger	Larger	Much	Same size
calyx relative			larger
to corolla
Diameter of	Same size	Smaller	Smaller	Smaller
inner calyx
relative to
outer
Spacing of	Overlapping	Over-	Over-	Over-
petals		lapping	lapping	lapping
Fruiting Truss
Attitude at	Prostrate	Prostate	Semi-	Erect
first picking			erect
Length	18.5 cm	9.4 cm	16.6 cm	17.3 cm
Fruit
Predominant	Cordate	Conical	Conical	Conical
shape
Difference in	Slight	Slight	Slight	Slight
shapes between
primary and
secondary
fruits
Band without	Narrow	Narrow	Narrow	Narrow
achenes
Unevenness of	Weak	Weak	Weak	Weak
surface
Skin color	Orange Red	Orange red	Dark red	Red 45B
	42A	45A	46B
Evenness of	Even	Slightly	Even	slightly
color		uneven		uneven
Glossiness	Strong	Medium	Strong	Medium
Insertion of	Below	Level with	Below	Level with
achenes	surface	surface	surface	surface
Insertion of	Above fruit	Above	Above	Above
calyx		fruit	fruit	fruit
Pose of the	Spreading	Spreading	Reflexed	Spreading
calyx segments
Size of calyx	Larger	Larger	Larger	Larger
in relation to
fruit
Firmness of	Medium	Firm	Firm	Firm
flesh
Color of flesh	Light Red	Light Red	Light Red	Pale Rose
	42C	49C	44B	43B
Evenness of	Slightly	Slightly	Slightly	Slightly
flesh color	uneven	uneven	uneven	uneven
Distribution	Marginal	Marginal	Marginal	Only
of flesh color	and central	and	and	marginal
		central	central
Hollow center	Medium	Small	Medium	Medium
size
Sweetness	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Texture when	Fine	Fine	Medium	Fine
tasted
Acidity	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium

5.3 Insect and Disease Resistance and Susceptibility

The ‘Marathon’ variety is moderately susceptible to Xanthomonas fragariae and Botrytis fruit rot. The variety is susceptible to Powdery Mildew and Verticillium wilt. The ‘Marathon’ variety is also susceptible to injury by the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), lygus bug (Lygus hesperus) and Aphis spp. (Aphids). ‘Marathon’ is moderately resistant to the Strawberry Mottle Virus.

5.4 ISOZYME ANALYSIS

In addition to the morphological description above, the new cultivar ‘Marathon’ has been analyzed to obtain an indication of its genetic makeup to provide further means for identifying the new variety and distinguishing it from some other somewhat similar and/or related strawberry varieties. Specifically, leaf samples of ‘Marathon’, ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’ were analyzed by electrophoresis for isozyme patterns of the enzymes phosphoglucoisomerase (PGI), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and phosphoglucomutase (PGM). See J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 106:684-687. Isozyme characterization of the four varieties is presented in Table 3, with the letters representing the banding patterns for each enzyme as designated in the above-identified article.

TABLE 3

ISOZYME ANALYSIS FOR ‘MARATHON’,
‘CAPTIVA’, ‘KEY LARGO’ AND ‘MIRADOR’

Locus	MARATHON	CAPTIVA	KEY LARGO	MIRADOR

PGI	A1	A2	A1	A3
LAP	B3	B3	B3	B3*
PGM	C4	C2	C4	C4

*With a slower migration band staining more weakly than typical B3 pattern.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A new and distinct variety of strawberry plant, substantially as shown and described.