Patent Grant
PP28124
Genus and species: CYNARA scolymus.
Variety denomination: ‘PIETRO #3’.
None
This is a Non-Provisional Plant Patent Application based Continuation of currently pending Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/854,894 filed Apr. 1, 2013, which claimed priority to upon Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/686,292 as filed on Apr. 2, 2012, and claims priority under 35 U.S. C. 199(e). Each patent application identified above is incorporated here by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.
The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of CYNARA known commonly as Italian purple artichoke a perennial herb that is grown as a food crop for the production of edible vegetable delicacies. The new invention is known botanically as CYNARA scolymus and will be referred to hereinafter by the cultivar name ‘PIETRO #3’. Cynara is in the family Asteraceae, formerly known as Compositae.
An individual plant of Cynara scolymus ‘PIETRO #3’ is comprised of main stem, lateral stems, leaves, and immature flower buds known as involucra. Each involucrum is made up of imbricate phyllaries also known as involucral bracts. Freshly harvested immature flower buds can be baked, grilled, boiled, or steamed, making the smooth part of the bracts, the setaceous receptacle, and the uppermost part of the peduncle, edible. If not harvested, but permitted to mature, flower buds will develop into flower heads known as capitula.
The new Cynara variety named ‘PIETRO #3’ was derived from a formal plant-breeding program that originated in Tarquinia, Italy and was in effect for more than twenty years. The program began with the goal of producing new hybrid plants that yield homogenous red and green edible artichokes. The inventor in Lompoc, Calif. has received and developed 42 lines of artichoke plants, from this specific breeding program in Italy. Bi-color Italian artichokes are popular in Italy and referred to as Romanesco artichokes, however, the solid red color is less desirable in Italy.
As part of the breeding program in Tarquinia, Italy, deliberate controlled cross-pollination took place in 2007 that resulted in whole plants, one of which yielded immature flower buds that were predominantly solid red in color as opposed to the desired bi-color. Vegetative propagules called ovoli were removed from said plant and transported to Lompoc, Calif. in 2008 where they were given to the inventor in Lompoc for further consideration and evaluation of potential commercial value in the United States. The inventor subsequently learned of the death of the individual who had supervised the breeding program in Italy. The actual parents of the 2007 cross are unknown, as they were unnamed, and identified only as proprietary plant material used in the Tarquinia breeding program for the purposes of cross-pollination.
In Lompoc, Calif., under the direct supervision of the inventor the vegetative propagules were field grown to maturity, after which ‘PIETRO #3’ was selected by the inventor in early 2010 based on the criteria of artichoke color, shape, size, and yield. The new Cynara plant variety named ‘PIETRO #3’ is a hybrid selection made by the inventor in Lompoc, Calif. and derived from the original propagule collection sent from Tarquinia, Italy. The original propagule collection was derived from the deliberate controlled cross-pollination of an individual unnamed Cynara scolymus (unpatented) as the seed parent and an individual unnamed Cynara scolymus (unpatented) as the pollen parent. Other than genus and species, the identification of the parentage is limited to—proprietary plant material from the original breeding program in Tarquinian. Italy.
The closest comparison plant is Cynara scolymus ‘BCV 8-11’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 16,429). The comparison plant yields immature artichoke flower buds used as miniature gourmet delicacies, whereas immature artichoke flower buds from ‘PIETRO #3’ range in size from small to medium. The new cultivar ‘PIETRO #3’ is distinguishable from the comparison plant by immature artichoke bud size, shape, color, and yield.
The new Cynara variety named ‘PIETRO #3’ is characterized by upright habit, and tight, globe-shaped, dark red immature flower buds. ‘PIETRO #3’ exhibits high yield, producing 1 central and up to 34 lateral immature flower buds the first year. Asexual propagation is accomplished by the methods of division and tissue culture. Cultural requirements include full sun, well-draining soil, and moderate water. Hardiness is classified as USDA Zone 6.
The first asexual propagation of the new variety named ‘PIETRO #3’ was conducted in the inventor's laboratory in Lompoc, Calif. under the direct supervision of the inventor in 2010. The method used was tissue culture. Since that time field propagation has been carried out using the method of division. Under careful observation, ‘PIETRO #3’ has been determined uniform, stable and true to type in subsequent generations of asexual propagation.
The following traits have been repeatedly observed and represent the distinguishing characteristics of the new Cynara cultivar named ‘PIETRO #3’. These traits in combination distinguish ‘PIETRO #3’ from all other existing varieties of Cynara known to the inventor. ‘PIETRO #3’ has not been tested under all possible conditions and phenotypic differences may be observed with variations in environmental, climatic, and cultural conditions, however, without any variance in genotype.
The accompanying color drawings illustrate the overall appearance of the new Cynara cultivar named ‘PIETRO #3’ showing color as true as is reasonably possible to obtain in color reproductions of this type. Color in the drawings may differ from color values cited in the detailed botanical description, which accurately describe the actual color of the new variety ‘PIETRO #3’. Drawing labeled
Drawing labeled
Drawing labeled
The drawings were made using conventional techniques and although immature flower bud and foliage color may appear different from actual color due to light reflectance, it is as accurate as possible by conventional photography.
The following is a detailed botanical description of the new Cynara cultivar named ‘PIETRO #3’. Color determinations are in accordance with The 2001 Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart of London, England, except where general color terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations, measurements and values describe the new cultivar named ‘PIETRO #3’ as grown in Lompoc, Calif. under conditions used in horticultural practice.
Lompoc, Calif. is located on the central coast in Santa Barbara County. Conditions in Lompoc vary with air temperatures ranging from 15.5° Centigrade to 26.6° Centigrade. The relative humidity is generally high. Prevailing winds are northwesterly and rainfall averages twelve inches per year. The plants were grown in rows where row spacing (bed centers) was at 3 meters and individual plant spacing at 120 cm. Data was collected in March 2009 from field grown plants. Growing requirements are similar to the species.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20140317802 P1 | Oct 2014 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61686292 | Apr 2012 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13854894 | Apr 2013 | US |
| Child | 13998849 | US |
