Blueberry plant named ‘Ridley 1104’

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of Vaccinium hybrid plant named ‘RIDLEY 1104’, characterized by its combination of spreading plant shape and strong plant growth vigor, evergreen foliage with broad leaves, early to medium timing of flowering and fruiting, medium to large fruit size, firm fruit suited to handling, attractive dark blue fruit color, medium to high berry sweetness and small picking scar.

Description

Latin name of genus and species of plant claimed: Vaccinium hybrid.

Variety denomination: ‘Ridley 1104’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct perennial variety of Vaccinium hybrid (Southern Highbush Blueberry), which has been given the variety denomination of ‘Ridley 1104’. Its market class is that of a fruiting plant. ‘Ridley 1104’ is intended for use as fresh fruit for shipping, customer pick and processing markets and as a home garden plant.

The new Vaccinium hybrid cultivar is a selection resulting from seedlings produced in a controlled breeding programme of Vaccinium at Lindendale, NSW, Australia in 2003 from the controlled pollination of seed parent ‘C97-390’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 20,642) and pollen parent ‘C97-41’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,757). The new cultivar was selected as a single plant within a population of plants resulting from this controlled pollination of Vaccinium hybrids in 2005 in a commercial field plantation environment at Lindendale, New South Wales, Australia. Selection criteria was a combination of strong plant growth vigor, low chilling requirement, early to medium season of flowering and fruiting, firm fruit suited to handling, sweet berries and small picking scar. The selection was subsequently evaluated for a number of years at the commercial farms at Lindendale, New South Wales, Australia.

Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar by cutting propagation since 2005 at Lindendale, New South Wales, Australia and has demonstrated that the new cultivar reproduces true to type with all of the characteristics, as herein described, firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of such asexual propagation.

The new variety can be compared to the seed parent ‘C97-390’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 20,642). In Lindendale, New South Wales, Australia the time of both flowering and fruit ripening of ‘Ridley 1104’ is classified as ‘early to medium’ whereas the time of flowering and fruit ripening of ‘C97-390’ is classified as ‘very early to early’. The berry diameter of ‘Ridley 1104’ is ‘medium to large’ whereas the berry diameter of ‘C97-390’ is ‘medium’. The new variety can also be compared to the pollen parent ‘C97-41’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,757). In Lindendale, New South Wales, Australia the time of flowering of ‘Ridley 1104’ is classified as ‘early to medium’ whereas the time of flowering of ‘C97-41’ is classified as ‘early’. The berry diameter of ‘Ridley 1104’ is ‘medium to large’ whereas the berry diameter of ‘C97-41’ is ‘medium’.

The new variety has been primarily compared to the variety ‘C99-42’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 20,695). In Lindendale, New South Wales, Australia the time of beginning of flowering of ‘Ridley 1104’ is classified as ‘early to medium’ whereas the time of beginning of flowering of time of ‘C99-42’ is classified as ‘very early to early’. The time of fruit ripening of ‘Ridley 1104’ is classified as ‘early to medium’ whereas the time of fruit ripening of ‘C99-42’ is classified as ‘early’. The leaf length of ‘Ridley 1104’ is ‘medium to long’ whereas the leaf length of ‘C99-42’ is ‘medium’. The leaf width of ‘Ridley 1104’ is ‘broad’ whereas the leaf width of ‘C99-42’ is ‘narrow to medium’. The berry diameter of ‘Ridley 1104’ is ‘medium to large’ (mean 16.2 mm) whereas the berry diameter of ‘C99-42’ is ‘medium’ (mean 15.5 mm). The berry sweetness of ‘Ridley 1104’ is ‘medium to high’ whereas ‘C99-42’ is ‘low to medium’. This combination of vegetative and fruiting attributes results in ‘Ridley 1104’ being a desirable variety for very early to medium season commercial production. See Table 1 for comparisons.

‘Ridley 1104’ can be compared to the variety ‘Star’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,675). The plant growth vigour of ‘Ridley 1104’ is ‘strong’ whereas the plant growth vigour of ‘Star’ is ‘medium’. The plant growth habit of ‘Ridley 1104’ is spreading whereas the plant growth habit of ‘Star’ is upright. The leaf length of ‘Ridley 1104’ is medium to long whereas the leaf length of ‘Star’ is medium. The leaf width of ‘Ridley 1104’ is broad whereas the leaf length of ‘Star’ is narrow. The berry diameter of ‘Ridley 1104’ is medium to large (mean 16.2 mm) whereas the berry diameter of ‘Star’ is large (mean 18.1 mm). The average berry weight of ‘Ridley 1104’ is 1.9 g whereas the average berry weight of ‘Star’ is 2.3 g. The berry calyx basin diameter of ‘Ridley 1104’ is small to medium (mean 5.5 mm) whereas the berry calyx basin diameter of ‘Star’ is large to very large (mean 8.8 mm). The berry calyx basin depth of ‘Ridley 1104’ is deep whereas the berry calyx basin depth of ‘Star’ is shallow. The berry sweetness of ‘Ridley 1104’ is ‘medium to high’ whereas ‘Star’ is ‘low to medium’.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following characteristics of the new cultivar have been repeatedly observed and can be used to distinguish ‘RIDLEY 1104’ as a new and distinct cultivar of Vaccinium hybrid plant:

• • 1. Spreading plant growth habit
  • 2. early to medium timing of beginning of flowering
  • 3. early to medium timing of fruit ripening
  • 4. Strong plant growth vigour
  • 5. Dark blue berry color
  • 6. Berry firmness is firm
  • 7. Picking scar is dry
  • 8. Leaf width is broad
  • 9. Berry size is medium to large
  • 10. Berry sweetness is medium to high

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying photographs show, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in color illustrations of this type, typical flower and foliage characteristics of the new cultivar. Colors in the photographs differ slightly from the color values cited in the detailed description, which accurately describes the colors of ‘RIDLEY 1104’.

FIG. 1 illustrates a ‘RIDLEY 1104’ bush in a commercial field planting.

FIG. 2 illustrates a ‘RIDLEY 1104’ leaf, berry and flower shape and dimensions.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed botanical description of a new and distinct variety of an Vaccinium hybrid ornamental plant known as ‘RIDLEY 1104’. Plant observations were made on plants grown in Lindendale, New South Wales, Australia. Unless indicated otherwise, the descriptions disclosed herein are based upon observations made in August 2009 of mature ‘RIDLEY 1104’ plants (age 4 years) grown in outdoor field plantings with day temperature ranging from 21° C. to 23° C., night temperatures ranging from 10° C. to 12° C., and light levels ranging from 6 to 8 klux. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain characteristics will vary with older or, conversely, younger plants. ‘RIDLEY 1104’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. Where dimensions, sizes, colors and other characteristics are given, it is to be understood that such characteristics are approximations or averages set forth as accurately as practicable. The phenotype of the variety may vary with variations in the environment such as season, temperature, light quality, light intensity, day length, cultural conditions and the like. Color notations are based on The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, of The Royal Horticultural Society, London, 2007 edition.

• Botanical classification: Vaccinium hybrid cultivar RIDLEY 1104.
• Parentage:
  • • Parents.—Seed parent ‘C97-390’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 20,642); pollen parent ‘C97-41’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,757).
• Plant:
  • • Growth habit.—Spreading.
    • Growth vigor.—Is strong.
    • Plant height.—Is approximately 1.9 m.
    • Plant width.—Is approximately 1.5 m.
    • Flower bud density.—Is medium.
    • Twigginess.—Is low.
    • Time of beginning of flowering.—Is early to medium (begins early May; peaks late July) when grown as an evergreen in Australia.
    • Time of fruit ripening.—Is early to medium (begins mid June; peaks late September) when grown as an evergreen in Australia.
• Stem:
  • • Suckering tendency.—Plants typically have 5-7 major canes per plant from a base 25 cm in diameter on 5 year old plants.
    • Canes.—Semi-erect with moderate branching; color greyed orange 198C; 2 year old cane diameter 12 mm, colored greyed orange 177B, some flaking of bark, current season wood diameter 3-4 mm, colored yellow green 144C.
    • Internode length on strong, new shoots.—15-20 mm.
    • Fruiting wood.—Numerous twigs to 10 cm in length.
    • Surface texture of new wood.—Smooth.
• Fully developed leaf:
  • • Length.—Medium to long 60-70 mm.
    • Width.—Broad approximately 40 mm.
    • Shape.—Elliptic.
    • Color of upper surface.—Yellow green 137A.
    • Color of lower surface.—Yellow green 148C.
    • Intensity of color.—Medium.
    • Margin.—Entire.
    • Undulation of margin.—Weak.
    • Pubescence of upper side.—Absent.
    • Pubescence of lower side.—Absent.
    • Cross sectional profile.—Flat.
    • Longitudinal profile.—Straight.
    • Attitude.—Broad acute to horizontal.
    • Shape of apex.—Is acuminate.
    • Shape of base.—Is obtuse.
• Inflorescence:
  • • Length of peduncle.—To 12 mm.
    • Length of pedicel.—Long 4-6 mm.
    • Number of flowers per cluster.—Median 7.
    • Flower cluster density.—Is medium.
    • Diameter.—20-30 mm.
    • Length.—30-50 mm.
    • Color of peduncle.—146C.
    • Texture of peduncle.—Is smooth.
    • Color of pedicel.—146C.
    • Texture of pedicel.—Is smooth.
• Flowers:
  • • Length of bud.—Medium (to 12 mm), bud shape tubular, oblong with acute apex.
    • Bud color.—Green 138A (calyx) with white 155D corolla.
    • Length of corolla tube.—Medium to long (to 15 mm).
    • Width of corolla tube.—Medium to broad (to 11 mm).
    • Corolla aperture diameter.—3-4 mm.
    • Color of corolla.—White 155D.
    • Anthocyanin coloration of corolla.—Absent.
    • Corolla ridges.—Present.
    • Protusion of stigma.—Absent.
    • Fragrance.—Weak.
    • Shape.—Urceolate.
    • Abundance of pollen.—High.
    • Calyx (with sepals) diameter.—5-6 mm.
    • Calyx color.—Green 138A.
• Productivity: 3 to 4 kg per season from 3-4 year old plants planted at 3.0 m×0.9 m density.
• Cold hardiness: RIDLEY 1104 has not been grown in all environments including harsh winter environments. Cold tolerance is expected to be low.
• Chilling requirement: RIDLEY 1104 has not been grown in all environments and is typically grown as an evergreen crop where chilling hours are not important. RIDLEY 1104 is classed as ‘low chill’, typical of Southern Highbush Blueberry varieties with an estimated chilling requirement of 250 hours (not tested).
• Leafing: Plants retain leaves year round (at Lindendale, NSW Australia) and RIDLEY 1104 is grown commercially as an evergreen crop. New leafing occurs in mid to late August at Lindendale, NSW Australia.
• Fruit:
  • • Unripe fruit color intensity.—Light.
    • Unripe fruit color.—144A.
    • Cluster density.—Is medium.
    • Diameter.—Is medium to large (mean 16.2 mm).
    • Weight.—Medium (approximately 1.9 g).
    • Shape.—Round.
    • Attitude of calyx.—Erect.
    • Diameter of calyx basin.—Medium (mean 5.5 mm).
    • Depth of calyx basin.—Is deep (to 2.2 mm).
    • Intensity of bloom.—Strong.
    • Intensity of blue color of skin with bloom removed.—Is very dark.
    • Color of skin.—202A.
    • Sweetness when ripe.—Medium to high.
    • Color of flesh when ripe.—Yellow green 145D to yellow green 150D.
    • Firmness when ripe.—Firm.
    • Acidity when ripe.—Medium.
    • Size of scar.—Is small (1.0-1.5 mm).
    • Storage quality.—Good.
• Date of 50% maturity: Approximately 25^th August at Lindendale, NSW Australia.
• Fruit development period: Approximately 55 days in protected cultivation at Lindendale, NSW Australia.
• Seed:
  • • Seed color.—Greyed orange 165B.
    • Seed abundance in fruit.—Medium.
    • Seed size.—1.6-1.8 mm long for fully developed seeds.

TABLE 1
Comparison with other varieties (extract from Australian PBR data)
Organ/Plant Part: Context	Ridley 1104	C99-42	Star
Plant: vigour	strong	medium	medium
Plant: growth habit	spreading	semi upright	upright
Leaf: length	medium to long	medium	medium
Leaf: width	broad	narrow to	narrow
		medium
Leaf: shape	elliptic	elliptic	elliptic
Leaf: colour of upper side	green	green	green
Leaf: intensity of green	medium	medium	medium
colour on upper side
(varieties with green leaf
colour only)
Leaf: margin	entire	entire	entire
Flower: size of corolla tube	medium to large	medium	medium
Flower: anthocyanin	absent or very	absent or very	absent or
colouration of corolla tube	weak	weak	very weak
Flower: ridges on corolla	present	present	present
tube
Fruit cluster: density	medium	dense	medium
Flower: protusion of stigma	absent	absent	present
Unripe fruit: intensity of	light	light	light
green colour
Fruit: size	medium to large	medium to large	large
Fruit: shape in longitudinal	round	round	round
section
Fruit: attitude of sepals	erect	erect	erect
Fruit: diameter of	small to	medium	large to
calyx basin	medium		very large
Fruit: depth of calyx basin	deep	medium	shallow
Fruit: intensity of bloom	strong	strong	strong
Fruit: colour of skin	dark blue	dark blue	dark blue
Fruit: firmness	firm	firm	firm
Fruit: sweetness	medium to high	low to medium	low to
			medium
Fruit: acidity	medium	medium	medium
Fruit: size of scar	small	small	small
Fruit: average weight of ripe	1.9	1.6	2.3
berry (g)
Time of: beginning of	early to medium	very early to	early to
flowering on current year's		early	medium
shoot (varieties which fruit
on one-year-old and current
season's shoots only)
Time of: beginning of fruit	early to medium	early	early to
ripening on current year's			medium
shoot (varieties which fruit
on one-year-old and current
season's shoots)

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Vaccinium hybrid plant named ‘RIDLEY 1104’, substantially as herein shown and described.