Strawberry plant named ‘Biscayne’

Abstract

This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry named ‘Biscayne’, 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’ by its strong plant vigor, concave cross section of the leaf, rounded teeth on the terminal leaflet, outward pose of the petiole hairs, larger to the same size diameter of the calyx relative to the corolla, medium fruit glossiness, strong adherence of the calyx to the fruit, fruit of soft to medium firmness, medium to early time of flowering and early harvest maturity.

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, California. 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. ‘Biscayne’ 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 of asexual reproduction.

2. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry named ‘Biscayne’. 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 vartieties which we believe to be closest to ‘Biscayne’ from those known to us are ‘Key Largo’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,649), ‘Captiva’ (U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 08/858,843, allowed) and ‘Mirador’ (U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 08/862,821, allowed). There are several characteristics of ‘Biscayne’ 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 ‘Biscayne’ compared with characteristics of ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’. Table 2 provides additional information of the plant and fruit characteristics of the new variety ‘Biscayne’ 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 the 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

This 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 ‘Biscayne’, ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’ were taken in side by side comparison 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 on 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 ‘Biscayne’ 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, respectively.

PLANTS AND FOLIAGE

Plants of ‘Biscayne’ are of strong vigor compared to medium vigor for ‘Captiva’, ‘Key Largo’ and ‘Mirador’. The habit of ‘Biscayne’ is flat globuse while that of ‘Key Largo’ and ‘Mirador’ is globuse. The density of ‘Biscayne’ is medium compared to open for ‘Mirador’. The average plant height is 20.4 cm, the average plant diameter is 39.5 cm, and the average number of crowns/plant is 3.3.

The upperside of ‘Biscayne’ leaves are dark green with an RHS color rating of 137A. The underside of the leaves is light green having an RHS color rating of 139C.

The leaf profile is concave and there is weak interveinal leaf-blistering. The plants have three leaflets only. The terminal leaflet margin profile is revolute and the length-to-width ratio of the terminal leaflet is broader than long. The leaves have medium glossiness. The shape of the base of the terminal leaflet is rounded and the average number of teeth per terminal leaflet is 28.5. The average length and width of the terminal leaflet are 9.2 cm and 9.8 cm, respectively.

The petiole has dense pubescence and the pose of the petiole hairs is outwards. The average petiole length is 12.7 cm. The petiole color has an RHS color rating of 144B.

The bract frequency is 100% and the bracts typically occur in pairs compared to ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’ having single bracts occurring with a frequency of 60%.

The stipule length and width are 4.2 cm and 2.3 cm, respectively. The stipule pubescence is sparse.

‘Biscayne’ has numerous stolons that are of medium thickness with strong anthocyanin coloration and medium pubescence.

FLOWER AND FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS

The position of the ‘Biscayne’ inflorescence is level with the foliage compared to that of ‘Key Largo’, ‘Captiva’ which are beneath and ‘Mirador’ which is above. The flowers are medium in size. The average petal length and width are 1.3 cm and 1.5 cm, respectively. The average flower diameter is 3.4 cm. The average calyx diameter is 4.4 cm.

The diameter of calyx is larger than the corolla. On secondary flowers, the diameter of the inner calyx is the same size 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 broader than they are long compared to ‘Key Largo’, and ‘Captiva’ which are as long as broad.

The fruiting trusses are long in length with an average length of 17.1 cm from the crown to the base of the terminal flower or fruit. The attitude at first picking is semi-erect compared with prostrate and erect for ‘Captiva’ and ‘Mirador’, respectively.

Observations of ‘Biscayne’ fruit were taken of secondary fruit on one year old plants. The fruit are predominantly conical in shape. The fruit length to maximum width ratio is longer than broad. The fruit are medium in size. The average length and width of the fruit are 3.8 cm and 3.7 cm, respectively. There is a slight differencce in fruit shape between the primary and secondary fruits. The band without achenes is narrow. The fruit surface has a weak unevenness.

The fruit skin color is even and red with an RHS color rating of 46B and has medium glossiness.

The insertion of the achenes is level with the surface of the fruit.

The calyx is inserted with the fruit and the pose of the calyx segments is spreading compared to that of ‘Key Largo’ which is reflexed. The calyx diameter is larger than the fruit diameter. The adherence of the calyx to the fruit is strong.

The fruit flesh is firm when fully ripe. The color of the fruit flesh is medium red with an RHS color rating of 44A. The fruit flesh color is slightly uneven, and the fruit flesh color distribution is marginal and central. The fruit has a large sized hollow center.

The fruit has a medium sweetness, with medium acidity and fine texture.

The time of flowering when 50% of the plants are at first flower 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. ‘Biscayne’ is partially everbearing variety.

The average number of stamens is 29.

Anthocyanin coloration is red to purple red.

The average number of pedicels/peduncle is 4.2. Average peduncle diameter is 4.5 mm and average peduncle length is 13.9 cm. The average pedicel diameter is 2.2 mm and average pedicel length is 9.5 cm. Average petiole diameter is 3.4 mm.

Achene insertion is level with surface. Achene color is yellow to red (13B to 46A).

The average number of sepals is 10.5. Average sepal length 1.14 cm.

Percent brix is 9.4. The amount of pollen produced is abundant and fertile.

TABLE 1
DETAILED COMPARISON OF ‘BISCAYNE’,
‘KEY LARGO’, ‘CAPTIVA’ AND ‘MIRADOR’
		KEY
	BISCAYNE	LARGO	CAPTIVA	MIRADOR
Plant Characteristics
Height of Plant	20.4 cm	18.3 cm	13.0 cm	20.0 cm
Spread of Plant	39.5 cm	39.2 cm	33.1 cm	35.0 cm
Number of Crowns	3.3 cm	4.0 cm	4.4 cm	3.0 cm
Leaf Characteristics
Terminal	9.8 cm	8.9 cm	7.3 cm	9.0 cm
Leaflet Width
Terminal	9.2 cm	8.5 cm	7.2 cm	8.3 cm
Leaflet Length
Terminal Leaflet	0.94	0.96	0.99	0.92
Length/Width
Ratio
Number of Teeth/	28.5	23.8	25.4	20.0
Terminal Leaflet
Petiole Length	12.7 cm	10.4 cm	8.1 cm	12.8 cm
Bract Frequency	100%	30%	60%	60%
	Typically	Typically	Typically	Typically
	in pairs	in pairs	single	single
Stipule Length	4.2 cm	3.7cm	3.6 cm	3.6 cm
Stipule Width	2.3 cm	1.9 cm	1.8 cm	2.2 cm
Flower Characteristics
Petal Width	1.5 cm	1.5 cm	1.4 cm	1.6 cm
Petal Length	1.3 cm	1.5 cm	1.4 cm	1.5 cm
Petal Length/	0.87	1.00	1.00	0.94
Width Ratio
Flower Diameter	3.4 cm	3.9 cm	3.6 cm	4.0 cm
Calyx Diameter	4.4 cm	5.1 cm	4.3 cm	4.0 cm
Fruit Characteristics
Fruit Width	3.7 cm	3.5 cm	3.6 cm	3.5 cm
Fruit Length	3.8 cm	4.2 cm	4.1 cm	3.5 cm
Fruit Length/	1.03	1.20	1.14	1.00
Width Ratio
Average Berry	Medium	Medium	Medium	Small
Weight (g)	19.8 g	22.4 g	17.8 g	16.3 g
Fruit Skin	Red	Dark Red	Light Red	Pale Rose
Color	46B	46B	45A	45B
Fruit Flesh	Medium Red	Light Red	Light Red	Pale Rose
Color	44A	44C	49C	43B
Total Yield	430	277	369	551
(g/plant)

TABLE 2
CHARACTERISTICS OF ‘BISCAYNE’,
‘KEY LARGO’, ‘CAPTIVA’ AND ‘MIRADOR’
			KEY
	BISCAYNE	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 green	Dark	Dark	Dark green
side	137A	green	green	137A
		137A	137A
Color of under	Light	Light	Light	Light
side	green	green	green	green
	139C	139C	139C	139C
Shape in cross	Concave	Slightly	Slightly	Slightly
section		Concave	Concave	Concave
Interveinal	Weak	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	Rounded	Obtuse	Slightly	Slightly
leaflet shape			oblique	oblique
of base
Terminal	Rounded	Obtuse	Rounded	Rounded
leaflet shape
of teeth
Terminal	28.5	25.4	23.8	20.0
leaflet average
number of teeth
Petiole	Dense	Medium	Medium	Medium
pubescence
Petiole pose of	Outwards	Upwards	Upwards	Outwards
hairs
Petiole color	144B	141C	141C	141C
Stipule:	Sparse	Medium	Medium	Sparse
pubecence
Bracts	100%.	60%;	30%,	60%
frequency on	Typically	Typically	Typically	Typically
petioles	in Pairs	single	in pairs	single
Stolon
Number	Many	Medium	—	Many
		to many
Anthocyanin	Strong	Strong	—	Medium to
coloration				strong
Thickness	Medium	Medium	—	Thin to
		to thick		Medium
Pubescence	Medium	Sparse to	—	Sparse to
		Medium		Medium
Inflorescence
Position	Level	Beneath	Beneath	Above
relative to
foliage
Flower size	Medium	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	Over-	Over-	Over-	Over
petals	lapping	lapping	lapping	lapping
Fruiting Truss
Attitude at	Semi-erect	Prostrate	Semi-erect	Erect
first picking
Length	17.1 cm	9.4 cm	16.6 cm	17.3 cm
Fruit
Weight (g)	19.8	17.8	22.4	16.3
Predominant	Conical	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	Red	Orange	Dark Red	Red
	46B	Red	46B	45B
		45A
Evenness of	Even	Slightly	Even	slightly
color uneven		even		even
Glossiness	Medium	Medium	Strong	Medium
Insertion of	Level with	Level	Below	Level with
achenes	surface	with	surface	surface
		surface
Insertion of	Level	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
Adherence of	Strong	Medium	Strong	Medium
Calyx
Firmness of	Firm	Firm	Firm	Firm
flesh
Color of flesh	Medium Red	Light Red	Light Red	Pale Rose
	44A	49C	44B	43B
Evenness of	Slightly	Slightly	Slightly	Slightly
flesh color	uneven	uneven	uneven	uneven
Distribution of	Marginal	Marginal	Marginal	Only
flesh color	and	and	and	marginal
	central	central	central
Hollow center	Large	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 ‘Biscayne’ variety is moderately susceptible to Xanthomonas fragariae and Botrytis fruit rot. The variety is susceptible to Powdery Mildew and Verticillium wilt. The ‘Biscayne’ variety is also susceptible to injury by the two-spotted spider mite ( Tetranychus urticae ), lygus bug ( Lygus hesperus ) and Aphis spp (Aphids). ‘Biscayne’ is moderately resistant to Strawberry Mottle Virus.

5.4 Isozyme Analysis

In addition to the morphological description above, the new cultivar ‘Biscayne’ 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 ‘Biscayne’, ‘Captiva’, ‘Key Largo’ 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 ‘BISCAYNE’ AND
‘KEY LARGO’, ‘CAPTIVA’ AND ‘MIRADOR’
Locus	BISCAYNE	CAPTIVA	KEY LARGO	MIRADOR
PGI	Al	A2	Al	A3
PGM	B3	C2	C4	C4
LAP	C4	B3	B3	B3*
*With slower migrating band staining more weakly than typical B3 pattern.

Claims

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