Patent Grant
PP21273
Genus and species: Ugni molinae Turcz. (syn. Myrtus ugni).
Variety denomination: Red Pearl—INIA
The murtilla plant, also known as “Chilean guava” or “u{umlaut over (n)}i,” is native to Southern Chile. Fruit of the murtilla plant is used for fresh consumption, as well as for processing into jellies, syrups, desserts, and liqueurs. Until recently, commercially harvested murtilla fruit was obtained from wild murtilla plants, as there were no known, cultivated murtilla plants having the specific characteristics desireable for commercial production.
In 1996, a research project was initiated to domesticate murtilla and develop selections suitable for commercial production. The research project involved the creation of a murtilla gene bank, the first such collection in Chile, as well as the study of suitable reproduction techniques; phenotypic characterization of the germplasm collection; evaluation of the chemical characteristics of the fruit; molecular characterization of the fruit; reproductive studies; agronomic evaluations; development of agronomic management guides; identification and development of new varieties; and economic and commercial studies. As a result of the murtilla research project, several new varieties of murtilla plant were identified and selected for advancement and commercialization.
‘Red Pearl—INIA’ is a new variety of murtilla plant developed-through a murtilla research project. In 1996, germplasm samples were obtained from 103 murtilla plants at 36 collection sites in southern Chile. These samples were then cultivated at a testing facility in Chile for observation and testing as described above. After extensive evaluation and successive asexual propagations through rooted cuttings at the testing and elevaluation facilities at, Carillanca, Temuco, Chile, ‘Red Pearl—INIA’ was identified by the inventors as having characteristics that distinguish it from other murtilla plants, and make it particularly suitable for commercial production. The observed plant retains its distinctive characteristics and reproduces true to type in successive generations.
‘Red Pearl—INIA’ is distinguishable from wild murtilla and from its sister plant (‘South Pearl—INIA’, application Ser. No. 12/077,727). Table 1 sets forth some of the distinguishing characteristics of ‘Red Pearl—INIA.’
‘Red Pearl—INIA’ is a new variety of murtilla plant, characterized by intense dark red berries having excellent flavor, appearance, and shipping and storage qualities.
The colors of this illustration may vary with lighting conditions and, therefore, color characteristics of this new variety should be determined with reference to the observations described herein, rather than from these illustrations alone.
The following detailed botanical description is primarily based on observations of three year old plants made during the 2005 growing season at a Research Center at Temuco, Chile. It should be understood that the characteristics described will vary somewhat depending upon cultural practices and climatic conditions, and can vary with location and season. Quantified measurements are expressed as an average of measurements taken from a number of individual plants of the new variety. The measurements of any individual plant, or any group of plants, of the new variety may vary from the stated average. Where color descriptions are provided, reference is made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart except where general colors of ordinary siginificance are used.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PBR 731 | Mar 2007 | CL | national |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20080313782 P1 | Dec 2008 | US |
