A new and distinct cultivar of caladium named ‘UF-48-5’, uniquely characterized by large heart-shaped leaves, a bright pink leaf face, pink veins, and a white background, and demonstrated to produce attractive pot plants when tubers are forced in containers and to produce attractive plants in outdoor shady landscape sites, is disclosed.

Patent
   PP24327
Priority
Apr 25 2012
Filed
Apr 25 2012
Issued
Mar 18 2014
Expiry
Aug 17 2032
Extension
114 days
Assg.orig
Entity
unknown
1
6
n/a
1. A new and distinct variety of caladium plant named ‘UF-48-5’ as shown and described herein.

Genus and species: Caladium×hortulanum.

Variety denomination: ‘UF-48-5’.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of caladium plant, botanically known as Caladium×hortulanum, commercially referred to as a strap leaf-type or lance leaf-type and hereinafter referred to by the name ‘UF-48-5’.

Caladiums [Caladium×hortulanum Birdsey, Araceae Juss.] are ornamental aroids valued for their bright colorful leaves. They are commonly used as container and landscape plants. Pink cultivars have been very popular and the most popular pink cultivars have been ‘Carolyn Whorton’ (unpatented), ‘Fannie Munson’ (unpatented), and ‘White Queen’ (unpatented) (Bell et al., 1998; Deng et al., 2008). They ranked No. 1, No. 3, and No. 4, respectively, in acreage (or popularity) according to a 2003 survey of the caladium cultivars commercially grown in Florida, where more than 95% of the caladium tubers used in the world are produced (Bell et al., 1998; Deng et al., 2008). Recently, these cultivars have been found rather susceptible to Pythium root rot and Fusarium tuber rot, the two most important fungal diseases in caladium tuber production (Deng et al., 2005; Goktepe et al., 2007). Thus, developing new pink cultivars is an important breeding objective.

This invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of caladium plant named ‘UF-48-5’. ‘UF-48-5’ originated from a cross conducted in 2000 in Bradenton, Fla. between the female parent ‘Red Flash’ (unpatented) and the male parent ‘Candidum Junior’ (unpatented). ‘Red Flash’ was used because of its plant vigor, excellent performance in large containers and landscapes, large tubers, large plants, large leaves, and tolerance to sunburn. ‘Candidum Junior’ (unpatented) was selected because of its attractive coloration pattern of netted green veins and bright white face and desirable growth habit when grown in containers. A single plant was selected in 2001 for further asexual propagation and evaluation.

‘UF-48-5’ was first asexually propagated via tubers in 2002 in Bradenton, Fla. Field and pot studies in Bradenton, Fla. between 2001 and 2005 and in Wimauma, Fla. since 2005 have shown that the unique features of ‘UF-48-5’ are stable and reproduce true to type in successive generations of asexual propagations.

Plant Breeder's Rights for this cultivar have not been applied for. ‘UF-48-5’ has not been made publicly available more than one year prior to the filing of this application.

The new caladium cultivar ‘UF-48-5’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. Its phenotype may vary somewhat with variation in the environment such as light intensity and temperature.

The following are the most outstanding and distinguishing characteristics of this new variety when grown under normal horticultural practices in Bradenton, Fla.

The accompanying photographs illustrate the overall appearance of ‘UF-48-5’. The colors shown are as true as can be reasonable obtained by conventional photographic procedures. Colors in the photographs may differ slightly from the color values cited in the detailed botanical description which accurately describe the colors of ‘UF-48-5’. The photographs were taken on seven-week-old plants.

FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of a typical plant of ‘UF-48-5’ grown from one de-eyed No. 1 tuber (left) or from one intact (non-de-eyed) tuber in a container in a shadehouse.

FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of a typical plant of the seed parent ‘Red Flash’ (left), ‘UF-48-5’ (center), and the pollen parent ‘Candidum Junior’ (right) grown in a shadehouse.

FIG. 3 shows a side perspective view of a typical plant of ‘Kathleen’ (unpatented; left) and ‘UF-48-5’ (right) grown in a shadehouse.

FIG. 4 shows a side perspective view of a typical plant of ‘Florida Fantasy’ (unpatented; left) and ‘UF-48-5’ (right) grown in a shadehouse.

The following detailed descriptions set forth the distinctive characteristics of ‘UF-48-5’. The data which define these characteristics is based on observations taken in Wimauma, Fla. during the summer of 2011 on plants grown in a polypropylene-covered shadehouse and on plants grown in ground beds in Wimauma, Fla. during the late summer of 2011 in an outdoor nursery. All plants were grown in 20.3 cm containers under conditions and practices which approximate those generally used in commercial Caladium production. Plants grown in the shadehouse were about eight weeks from planting tubers when the photographs and the detailed description were taken. Plants grown in the outdoor nursery were about fourteen weeks from planting tuber pieces when the photographs and the detailed description were taken. Color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart (R.H.S.) (1986 edition), except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used.

‘UF-48-5’ differs from female parent, ‘Red Flash’ (unpatented), by having leaves with pink veins and a pink leaf face with white background, whereas the leaves of cultivar ‘Red Flash’ have red veins, a red leaf face with a green background, and pink spots.

‘UF-48-5’ differs from male parent, ‘Candidum Junior’ (unpatented), by having leaves with pink veins and a pink leaf face with white background, whereas the leaves of cultivar ‘Candidum Junior’ have green veins and a white leaf face.

‘UF-48-5’ can be compared to plants of the cultivar ‘Kathleen’ (unpatented). In side-by-side comparisons conducted in a greenhouse in Wimauma, Fla., ‘UF-48-5’ differs from ‘Kathleen’ by having a brightly pink-colored leaf center and narrow leaf margins, while ‘Kathleen’ has a dull pink-colored leaf center and wide, green leaf margins.

‘UF-48-5’ can also be compared to plants of the cultivar ‘Florida Fantasy’ (unpatented). In side-by-side comparisons conducted in a greenhouse in Wimauma, Fla., ‘UF-48-5’ differs from ‘Florida Fantasy’ in leaf size, leaf coloration pattern, and sunburn tolerance. Leaves of ‘UF-48-5’ are much larger than those of ‘Florida Fantasy’, and have a large pink-colored area covering the leaf center, while the red-pink coloration in ‘Florida Fantasy’ is confined to the main veins. Leaves of ‘UF-48-5’ are sensitive to sunburns and bleach in color, while leaves of ‘Florida Fantasy’ are tolerant of sunburns.

‘UF-48-5’ was evaluated for tuber production and plant performance in Wimauma, Fla. in 2006 and 2007. The soil was an EauGallie fine sand with about 1% organic matter and pH of 6.2. In 2006, raised ground beds (91 cm wide, 20 cm high) were fumigated on 30 March with a mixture of 67% methyl bromide and 33% chloropicrin (by volume) at the rate of 196 kg·ha−1 and covered with white-on-black plastic mulch. Caladium seed pieces (tuber pieces, ˜2.54 cmט2.54 cmט2.54 cm) were planted in the beds on 11 April with 15 cm spacing between rows and in rows. A constant water table was maintained below the beds using the seep irrigation system (Geraldson et. al, 1965). Osmocote 18N-2.6P-10K 8-9 month controlled release fertilizer (Scotts Co., Marysville, Ohio) was applied to the bed surface when shoot tips were emerging from the soil with N at 336 kg·ha−1. In 2007, the beds (71 cm wide, 21 cm high) were fumigated on 3 April using the same fumigant mixture (196 kg·ha −1). Caladium seed pieces were planted on 16 April, with 25.4 cm between-row spacing and 15.2 cm in-row spacing. A drip irrigation system was used to provide water (approximately 6 mm per day) and 6N-0.8P-3.9K soluble fertilizer with N at the rate of ˜1.9 kg·ha−1·d−1 (total N at 290 kg·ha−1 per growing season).

Field plots were organized in a randomized complete block design consisting of three replications, and each plot contained 30 propagules. Tubers were dug in December 2006 and January 2008, respectively. Dried tubers were weighed and counted per plot and were then graded by maximum diameter; No. 2 (2.5 to 3.8 cm), No. 1 (3.8 to 6.4 cm), Jumbo (6.4 to 8.9 cm), Mammoth (8.9 to 11.4 cm), and Super Mammoth (>11.4 cm). The production index (PI), an indicator of economic value of the harvested tubers, was calculated as: N (No. 2)+2N (No. 1)+4N (Jumbo)+6N (Mammoth)+8N (Super Mammoth); where N=number of tubers in each grade. An analysis of variance was conducted using the GLM procedure in the SAS program (SAS Institute, 2009) to compare the performance of ‘UF-48-5’ to that of three commercial pink-leaved cultivars, ‘Carolyn Whorton’, ‘Fannie Munson’, and ‘White Queen’.

Table 1 shows the weight, weight, production index, number, and grade distribution of five caladium cultivars (2006 and 2007). Values presented are means of three replications with 30 propagules planted in a plot.

In 2006, ‘UF-48-5’ tuber weight was 43% to 71% greater and PI was 31% to 35% higher than those of ‘Fannie Munson’ and ‘White Queen’ (Table 1). In 2007, ‘UF-48-5’, ‘Fannie Munson’ and ‘White Queen’ were similar in tuber weight and marketable tuber number. ‘UF-48-5’ produced larger tubers than ‘Fannie Munson’ and ‘White Queen’, more tubers in Mammoth (14.7% vs. 3.0 to 3.3%) and in No. 1 (49.7% vs. 25.3 to 43.3%) in 2006. In 2007, no significant differences in tuber size distribution were observed between ‘UF-48-5’ and these two comparison cultivars. These data indicate that ‘UF-48-5’ is as good as, or better than, ‘Fannie Munson’ and ‘White Queen’, in tuber production.

Landscape performance under full-sun conditions was evaluated in 2006 and 2007 on the same plots used for evaluating tuber production. The overall plant performance was rated on 2 August and 7 September in the 2006 growing season and on 26 July, 28 August and 25 September in the 2007 growing season, on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being very poor (few leaves and lack of vigor), and 5 being excellent (full plants, numerous leaves, and bright color display). At the same time of plant performance evaluation, leaf sun burn tolerance was rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being very susceptible to sun burns and showing numerous sun-damaged areas or holes on leaves and 5 being resistant to sun burns and not showing any sun-damaged areas. At approximately 4 months after planting, plant height, number of leaves, and foliar characteristics were measured.

TABLE 1
Tuber
Weight Production Marketable
Cultivar (kg) index (No.)
Year 2006
‘UF-48-5’ 5.3 a 173 a 59.0NS
‘Carolyn Whorton’ 6.0 a 169 a 62.1
‘Fannie Munson’ 3.1 b 132 b 54.5
‘White Queen’ 3.7 b 128 b 47.1
Year 2007
‘UF-48-5’ 4.4NS 117NS 38.2NS
‘Carolyn Whorton’ 4.6 123 46.3
‘Fannie Munson’ 3.8 108 42.0
‘White Queen’ 4.7 166 50.9
Tuber distribution (%)z
Super
Cultivar mammoth Mammoth Jumbo No. 1 No. 2
Year 2006
‘UF-48-5’ 0NS 14.7 a 25.7 b 49.7 a  9.7 b
‘Carolyn Whorton’ 2.0 18.7 a 17.7 b 17.3 c 44.7 a
‘Fannie Munson’ 0  3.0 b 27.7 b 43.3 b 25.3 ab
‘White Queen’ 0  3.3 b 46.3 a 25.3 c 25.3 ab
Year 2007
‘UF-48-5’ 1.0NS 15.0NS 30.0 ab 38.7 ab 15.7 b
‘Carolyn Whorton’ 1.0 10.0 31.7 ab 23.3 b 34.0 a
‘Fannie Munson’ 0.7  8.3 18.0 b 54.7 a 18.7 ab
‘White Queen’ 0.7 12.3 42.0 a 34.0 ab 11.3 b
zTubers graded by maximum diameter; No. 2 (2.5 to 3.8 cm), No. 1 (3.8 to 6.4 cm), Jumbo (6.4 to 8.9 cm), Mammoth (8.9 to 11.4 cm), and Super Mammoth (>11.4 m). Tuber distribution data (%) were transformed using the formula arcsine [square root (percentage/100)] before analysis of variance and mean separation.
yThe production index is an indicator of economic value of the crop harvested and is calculated as: N (No. 2) + 2N (No. 1) + 4N (Jumbo) + 6N (Mammoth) + 8N (Super Mammoth), where N = number of tubers in each grade.
xMean separation within column by Fisher's least-significant-difference test at P ≦ 0.05.
NSNot significantly different within column by F test at P = 0.05.

Table 2 shows plant characteristics, performance, and sunburn tolerance from planting 2.54 cm caladium tuber propagules in ground beds in full sun (2006 and 2007). Values presented for plant height, leaf number, length and width are means of three replications with three plants measured per plot per year, while performance and sun burn tolerance ratings are means of three replications based on whole plot evaluation.

‘UF-48-5’ was similar to ‘Carolyn Whorton’ in plant height (˜37 cm tall), leaf number (18 to 21), leaf length (27 to 29 cm), and leaf width (17 to 18 cm), but ‘UF-48-5’ was significantly taller than ‘Fannie Munson’ and ‘White Queen’ in plant height (Table 2). ‘UF-48-5’ produced significantly more leaves than ‘White Queen’ and its leaves were 2 to 5 longer than those of ‘Fannie Munson’ or ‘White Queen’. Plant performance ratings of ‘UF-48-5’ were comparable to those of ‘Carolyn Whorton’ in both 2006 and 2007 growing seasons. ‘UF-48-5’ performed better than ‘Fannie Munson’ in both years and also better than ‘White Queen’ in 2006. In full sun, leaves of ‘UF-48-5’ did not show any leaf tissue damages from sunburns (holes or “windows” on leaf blades), but did bleach out and fade into light pink, especially in July and August when sun light levels and air temperatures in Florida were high. As a result, ‘UF-48-5’ received lower sunburn tolerance ratings than ‘Carolyn Whorton’ and ‘White Queen’ (Table 2). This indicates that ‘UF-48-5’ is more suited for partially shady locations in landscape use.

TABLE 2
Plant Leaf
heightz numberz Lengthz Widthz
Cultivar (cm) (no.) (cm) (cm)
‘UF-48-5’ 36.7 a 18.8 ab 28.5 a 17.7
‘Carolyn 36.5 a 20.6 a 27.0 ab 17.6
Whorton’
‘Fannie 27.6 b 15.7 bc 26.1 b 17.0
Munson’
‘White 28.1 b 13.7 c 24.9 b 17.8
Queen’
Performance ratingy
Septem- Septem-
August ber July August ber
Cultivar 2006 2006 2007 2007 2007
‘UF-48-5’ 2.7 a 3.8 a 3.1 a 3.7 a 4.4
‘Carolyn 2.2 ab 3.2 a 3.1 a 3.7 a 4.5
Whorton’
‘Fannie 1.7 bc 2.5 b 2.1 b 2.7 b 3.5
Munson’
‘White 1.0 c 1.2 c 3.3 a 3.5 a 3.6
Queen’
Sun tolerance ratingx
Septem- Septem-
August ber July August ber
Cultivar 2006 2006 2007 2007 2007
‘UF-48-5’ 3.0 c 3.9 b 1.8 c 2.4 d 3.9 c
‘Carolyn 3.8 ab 4.2 ab 3.6 ab 4.3 b 4.3 b
Whorton’
‘Fannie 3.3 bc 4.1 ab 3.3 b 3.9 c 4.0 c
Munson’
‘White 3.8 ab 4.3 a 3.5 b 4.8 a 4.6 a
Queen’
zData were taken over two growing seasons (2006 and 2007), approximately 4 months (August 2006 and 2007) after tubers were planted in April each year.
yPlants were rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being very poor, 3 fair and acceptable, and 5 being excellent in plant vigor, fullness, and color display.
xPlants' sun burn tolerance was rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being very poor, 3 fair and acceptable, and 5 being excellent without showing any signs of leaf burns or resulted holes on leaf surfaces.
wMean separation within columns by Fisher's least-significant-difference test at P ≦ 0.05.

Table 3 shows plant performance for caladium cultivars grown from No. 1 tubers in 11.4 cm containers in a 45% shaded glasshouse, 2007, Wimauma, Fla. Values represent the means of 10 plants produced from intact or de-eyed No. 1 (3.8 to 6.4 cm in diameter) tubers planted individually per container. Data were taken 8 weeks after planting.

The suitability of ‘UF-48-5’ for container forcing was evaluated by forcing tubers in 11.4 cm containers and comparing them to forced plants of ‘Kathleen’ caladium. No. 1 tubers were planted either intact or de-eyed in a peat/vermiculite mix (VerGro Container Mix A, Verlite, Tampa, Fla.) on 26 Mar. 2007. The study was conducted in a greenhouse with 45% light exclusion during the summer in Wimauma, Fla. Average daily temperatures ranged from a low of 16° C. night to 29° C. day during the experiment. Potted plants were arranged on metal benches in the greenhouse in a randomized complete block design with 10 replications. Plant height, number of leaves, and foliar characteristics were recorded 8 weeks after planting.

When intact tubers were planted, ‘UF-48-5’ sprouted in about 31 days, nearly 6 days later than ‘Kathleen’. De-eyed tubers of ‘UF-48-5’ sprouted 13 days later than those of ‘Kathleen’ (Table 3). Plants from intact ‘UF-48-5’ tubers were taller, had less leaves but larger leaves, than ‘Kathleen’, resulting in lower plant quality ratings for plants produced in small pots. De-eyed plants of these cultivars were similar in height, but leaf number was less and leaf size larger for ‘UF-48-5’ compared to ‘Kathleen’. However, plant quality ratings were higher for ‘UF-48-5’ than ‘Kathleen’ due to the striking color and leaf display of ‘UF-48-5’. Overall, tuber de-eyeing improved ‘UF-48-5’ plant quality considerably.

TABLE 3
Days to sproutz Plant height (cm)
Cultivar Intact De-eye Intact De-eye
‘UF-48-5’ 31.4 a 35.8 a 31.6 a 27.7
‘Kathleen’ 25.7 b 22.8 b 24.1 b 23.5
Leaves (no.) Leaf length (cm)
Cultivar Intact De-eye Intact De-eye
‘UF-48-5’  6.1 b 12.3 b 33.9 a 23.3 a
‘Kathleen’ 13.9 a 20.0 a 19.0 c 14.9 b
Leaf width (cm) Quality rating
Cultivar Intact De-eye Intact De-eye
‘UF-48-5’ 23.7 a 15.0 a 2.4 b 4.4 a
‘Kathleen’ 12.0 b  8.7 b 3.2 a 3.6 b
zNumber of days from planting to the first unfurled leaf . Mean separation within column by Fisher's least-significant-difference test at P ≦ 0.05.

Deng, Zhanao, Harbaugh, Brent K.

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Apr 25 2012Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc.(assignment on the face of the patent)
Jun 28 2012DENG, ZHANAOFLORIDA FOUNDATION SEED PRODUCERS, INCASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS 0286380864 pdf
Jun 29 2012HARBAUGH, BRENT K FLORIDA FOUNDATION SEED PRODUCERS, INCASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS 0286380864 pdf
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