Name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Rubus idaeus.
Variety denomination: ‘VR-16.001-39’.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a new and distinct fall bearing raspberry variety designated as ‘VR-16.001-39’. This new variety is a result of a controlled cross made in 2016 in Watsonville, California between raspberry variety ‘VR 12.002-15’ (unpatented) as the female parent and raspberry variety ‘VR 12.001-06’ (unpatented) as the male parent in an ongoing breeding program. The variety is botanically known as Rubus idaeus and was tested as ‘VR 16.001-39’ and ‘VR-0139’.
The seedling resulting from the aforementioned cross was asexually propagated by dormant canes in Santa Cruz County, California and was subsequently selected by the inventor from a controlled breeding plot in Watsonville, California in 2018. After its selection, the new variety was further asexually propagated by dormant canes, roots and non-dormant root shoot cuttings in Watsonville (Santa Cruz Co), Manteca (San Joaquin Co), and Macdoel (Siskiyou Co), California. The new variety was then extensively tested over the next several years in fruiting fields in Watsonville, California. This propagation has demonstrated that the combination of traits disclosed herein as characterizing the new variety are fixed and remain true to type through successive generations of asexual reproduction.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION ‘VR-16.001-39’ is primarily adapted to the climate and growing conditions of the central coast of California. This region provides the necessary year-round temperatures required for it to produce and maintain a strong vigorous plant and to remain in fruit production from July through December on primocanes and in the ensuing year from May through July on the floricanes. Damage to fruit and young leaves has been observed in summer temperatures at or above 95° F. (35° C.). No winter damage has been observed on fruiting plants in off-cycle (winter) production regions of USDA climate zones 9b and above. No winter damage has been observed on dormant plants in on-cycle (summer) production regions of USDA climate zones 7b-9b. In climate zones below this, winter hardiness is unknown for ‘VR-16.001-39’. ‘VR-16.001-39’ is not drought tolerant and requires frequent irrigation to maintain proper plant health. The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be unique characteristics of ‘VR-16.001-39’, which in combination distinguish this raspberry plant as a new and distinct variety:
-
- 1. Dark red prickles.
- 2. High fruit yield.
- 3. Vivid red fruit color.
- 4. Absent to very weak primocane glaucosity.
- 5. Very good flavor.
The raspberry variety that is believed to be most closely related to the new raspberry variety ‘VR-16.001-39’ is the raspberry variety ‘MAJESTIC’ (patented, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 31,716). In comparison to the similar raspberry variety ‘MAJESTIC’, ‘VR-16.001-39’ differs by the following combination of characteristics described in Table 1:
Comparison Between ‘VR-16.001-39’ and ‘Majestic’ TABLE 1
‘MAJESTIC’
(U.S. Plant Pat.
Characteristic ‘VR-16.001-39’ No. 31,716)
Petiole anthocyanins Strong Absent to very weak
(upper surface)
Predominate number Always 3 Equal 3-5
of leaflets
Leaf shape (cross Slightly concave Slightly convex
section)
Overall shape of Lobed Ovate
lateral leaflet
Rugosity Weak Medium
Color mature fruit RHS 46B RHS 43A
Vivid red Vivid reddish orange
Prickle tip coloration 183B N186B
Dark red Dark greyish purple
‘VR-16.001-39’ differs from its parents, ‘VR 12.002-15’ and ‘VR 12.001-06’ by the following combination of characteristics described in Table 2:
Comparison Between ‘VR-16.001-39’, ‘VR 12.002-15’ and ‘VR 12.001-06’ TABLE 2
Characteristic
‘VR ‘VR
‘VR-16.001-39’ 12.002-15’ 12.001-06’
Productivity High Medium Medium
Crates/Acre (18-Mo) 9,064 8,187 7,922
Glossiness (fruit) Medium High Low
Firmness (fruit) Medium Low High
Adherence of Very weak Strong Weak
receptacle
Primocane time of Medium Medium Medium
fruiting
Fruit size Medium Large Medium
Primocane fruit 4.1 6.6 4.0
weight (g)
Flavor Very good Poor Good
Soluble Solids 10.5 6.8 8.5
(% brix)
For identification, a series of molecular markers have been determined for this new variety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying color photographs illustrate the overall appearance of typical specimens of the new raspberry variety, ‘VR-16.001-39’ at various stages of development as true as reasonably possible with color reproductions of this type. Color in the photographs may differ slightly from the color value cited in the detailed botanical description which accurately describes the color of ‘VR-16.001-39’. The depicted plant and plant parts of the new raspberry variety ‘VR-16.001-39’ were taken in Watsonville, California and are approximately 2 to 16 months old:
FIG. 1 shows typical primocane fruit shape, color and gloss characteristics of ‘VR-16.001-39’ taken in the month of October 2022;
FIG. 2 shows typical shape, gloss, coloration, foliate and rugosity characteristics of ‘VR-16.001-39’ taken in the month of October 2022;
FIG. 3 shows typical fruiting lateral characteristics of ‘VR-16.001-39’ taken in the month of June 2023;
FIG. 4 shows typical floricane plant characteristics of ‘VR-16.001-39’ taken in the month of June 2023.
DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION ‘VR-16.001-39’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The characteristics of the new variety may vary in detail, depending upon variations in environmental factors, including weather (temperature, humidity and light intensity), day length, soil type, and location.
The aforementioned photographs, together with the following description of the new raspberry variety ‘VR-16.001-39’, unless otherwise noted, are based upon observations taken during the 2022-2023 growing season in Watsonville, California. Primocane measurements and ratings were taken from plants of ‘VR-16.001-39’ dug from a nursery located in Siskiyou County, California during the middle of October 2021 and planted approximately 3 to 4 weeks later in Watsonville, California. The approximate age of the observed primocane plants is 7 to 8 months. Floricane measurements and ratings were taken from the same planting of ‘VR-16.001-39’ at an approximate age of 16 to 18 months. Yield observations and fruit quality characteristics are averaged from three years of data collected from the 2020 through 2023 production seasons. Flower measurements and characteristics are from secondary flowers unless otherwise noted. Fruit characteristics and measurements are from secondary fruit unless otherwise noted. Foliage characteristics and measurements are from 3-foliate foliage unless otherwise noted.
Color terminology where noted follows The R.H.S. Colour Chart Sixth Edition, Royal Horticultural Society, London, United Kingdom (2015).
The following Tables 3-7 describe fruit, plant, foliage, flower and pest/disease characteristics of the new raspberry ‘VR-16.001-39’ in comparison to the similar raspberry varieties ‘MAJESTIC’ (patented, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 31,716).
Comparison Between ‘VR-16.001-39’ and ‘Majestic’ TABLE 3
FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS
‘MAJESTIC’
(U.S. Plant Pat.
Characteristic ‘VR-16.001-39’ No. 31,716)
Color mature fruit RHS 46B RHS 43A
Vivid red Vivid reddish orange
Color achenes RHS 159A RHS 159A
Light yellowish pink Light yellowish pink
Fruit length (mm) 20.96 25.49
Fruit width (mm) 21.84 22.73
Length/width ratio 1.11 1.12
Longer than broad Longer than broad
Seed weight (mg) 1.59 1.68
Drupelets per berry 88 131
Weight of single drupe 0.041 0.044
(g/drupe)
Drupe length (mm) 3.92 7.15
Drupe diameter (mm) 3.48 4.19
Relative size of drupes Medium Medium
Fruit size Medium Medium
Fruit per node 10 11
Predominant shape Conical Conical
Receptacle length (mm) 18.78 23.55
Receptacle diameter (mm) 8.21 10.41
Receptacle color RHS 158B RHS 155B
Pale yellow Yellowish white
Evenness of color (fruit) Even Even
Glossiness High High
Adherence of receptacle Very weak Weak
Firmness of flesh Medium High
Firmness of skin Medium High
Soluble Solids (% brix) 10.5 10.8
Flavor Very good Very good
Fruit use (Intended market) Fresh market Fresh market
TABLE 4
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
‘MAJESTIC’
(U.S. Plant Pat.
Characteristic ‘VR-16.001-39’ No. 31,716)
General:
Habit Upright Upright
Plant height (m) 1.5 1.8
Plant width (cm) 37 35
Time to initiate roots (days) 10-12 10-12
Canes per hill 10.4 10.4
Productivity High High
Crates/Acre (18-Mo) 9,064 10,490
Self-fruitfulness Yes Yes
Type of bearing Everbearing Everbearing
Primocane:
Color (true) RHS 145B RHS 145A
Light yellow Strong yellow
green green
Length (cm) 153.2 178.1
Basal diameter (mm) 18.36 13.62
Diameter central 1/3 (mm) 10.21 11.38
Lateral length at central 1/3 (cm) 47.1 28.5
No. fruiting laterals per cane 12.9 15.3
Total nodes per cane 30 35
Internode length at central 1/3 49.11 39.01
(mm)
Anthocyanin coloration RHS 59A RHS 59B
Dark red Deep purplish red
Anthocyanin intensity Absent to very Absent to very
weak weak
Pubescence Absent Absent
Vegetative bud length (mm) 7.48 10.34
Vegetative bud diameter (mm) 3.89 5.46
Vegetative bud shape Ovate Ovate
Vegetative bud color RHS 187A RHS 187B
Dark red Dark red
Strength of waxy coat (glaucosity) Absent to very Absent to very
weak weak
Time of flowering Medium Medium
Time of fruiting Medium Medium
Length of fruiting season Long Long
% of total yield 57% 44%
Flowering period Late June to Late June to
Late November Late November
Harvest period Late July to Late July to
Late December Late December
Primocane fruit weight (g) 4.1 4.2
Primocane yield (g/plant) 2,103 2,571
Young Shoots:
Number (per meter) 15-20 15-20
Medium Medium
Anthocyanin presence Present Present
Anthocyanin coloration RHS 179A RHS 179A
Moderate red Moderate red
Anthocyanin intensity Weak Medium
Prickeles:
Prickle coloration (tip) RHS 183B RHS N186B
Dark red Dark greyish
purple
Prickle coloration (base) RHS 183B RHS N186C
Dark red Dark greyish red
Prickle length at central 1/3 (mm) 1.56 0.70
Prickle base at central 1/3 (mm) 1.39 1.23
Prickle presence Present Present
Prickle density per cm at 7.43 5.35
central 1/3 Dense Medium
Pricke texture Rigid Rigid
Attitude of the tip Horizontal Horizontal
Floricane:
Color (true) RHS 165B RHS 165B
Brownish orange Brownish orange
Length (cm) 139.5 130.8
Width at central 1/3 (mm) 10.92 10.88
Total nodes per cane 18 20
Internode length at central 48.65 40.70
1/3 (mm)
Fruiting lateral attitude Erect Erect
Time bud burst Late Medium
Time of flowering Late Medium
Time of fruiting Late Medium
Length of fruiting season Medium to long Medium to long
% of total yield 43% 56%
Flowering period Early May to Late April to
Late June Late June
Harvest period Early June to Late May to
Late July Late July
Floricane fruit weight (g) 3.9 4.0
Floricane yield (g/plant) 1,654 3,273
TABLE 5
FOLIAGE CHARACTERISTICS
‘MAJESTIC’
(U.S. Plant Pat.
‘VR-16.001-39’ No. 31,716)
Characteristic (3 Foliate) (3 Foliate)
General:
Color of upper surface RHS NN137C RHS 137A
Greyish olive Moderate olive
green green
Color of lower surface RHS 190B RHS 192A
Pale green Pale yellow green
Venation Pinnate Pinnate
Shape in cross section Slightly concave Slightly convex
Arrangement Compound Compound
Relief between veins Weak Medium
(rugosity)
Glossiness Weak Weak
Number of leaflets/leaf Always 3 Equal 3-5
Total leaf length (cm) 21.7 21.2
Total leaf width (cm) 19.6 22.1
Terminal Leaflet:
Length (mm) 128.5 116.2
Width (mm) 91.3 79.1
Length/width ratio 1.4 1.5
Longer than Longer than
broad broad
Size Medium Medium
Shape Lobed Cordate
Shape of base Cordate Cordate
Shape of tip Acuminate Acuminate
Margins Biserrate Biserrate
Lateral Leaflet:
Length (mm) 98.0 104.9
Width (mm) 62.0 77.2
Length/width ratio 1.6 1.3
Longer than Longer than
broad broad
Rachis length (mm) 30.12 43.11
Rachis diameter (mm) 1.59 1.90
Rachis anthocyanin RHS 181B RHS 184A
coloration of upper Moderate red Greyish red
surface
Rachis anthocyanin Strong Weak
intensity
Orientation Opposite Opposite
Arrangement Compound Compound
Shape Ovate Ovate
Overlapping Free Overlapping
Shape of the base Oblique Rounded
Shape of the tip Acuminate Acuminate
Margins Biserrate Biserrate
Petiole:
Length (mm) 58.57 61.10
Width (mm) 2.56 4.68
Prickle presence Yes Yes
Prickle orientation Erect Erect
Anthocyanin coloration RHS 181A RHS 180B
of upper surface Moderate red Moderate red
Anthocyanin intensity Strong Absent to very
of upper surface weak
Stipule length (mm) 10.56 10.70
Stipule width (mm) 0.78 0.89
Stipule orientation Erect Erect
TABLE 6
FLOWER CHARACTERISTICS
‘MAJESTIC’
(U.S. Plant Pat.
Characteristic ‘VR-16.001-39’ No. 31,716)
Petal color (upper RHS NN155C RHS 155C
surface) White Greenish white
Petal color (lower RHS NN155C RHS 155C
surface) White Greenish white
Flower diameter (mm) 27.86 21.22
Petal Length (mm) 8.99 7.46
Petal width (mm) 4.06 3.10
Petal length/width 2.21 2.40
ratio Much longer Much longer
than broad than broad
Petal shape in cross Flat Flat
section
Petal shape (overall) Narrowly spatulate Narrowly spatulate
Petal shape (apex) Rounded Rounded
Petal shape (base) Attenuate Attenuate
Petal margin Entire Entire
Petal texture Glabrous Glabrous
No. petals/flower 5.2 5.2
No. sepals/flower 5.2 5.4
Sepal length (mm) 11.26 9.70
Sepal width at base (mm) 4.40 5.20
Sepal shape Deltate Widely deltate
Sepal shape (apex) Acuminate Acuminate
Sepal coloration (upper RHS 144A RHS 144A
surface) Strong yellow Strong yellow
green green
Sepal coloration (lower RHS 144B RHS 144B
surface) Strong yellow Strong yellow
green green
Sepal margin Entire Entire
Sepal texture Slightly pubescent Slightly pubescent
No. stamen/flower 87 95
Filament length (mm) 6.05 5.19
Filament color RHS 155C RHS 155C
Greenish white Greenish white
Pollen quantity High High
Pollen color RHS 196D RHS 196D
Yellowish white Yellowish white
Anther length (mm) 1.01 1.12
Anther diameter (mm) 0.44 0.51
Anther coloration (pre- RHS 155C RHS 155C
dehiscence) Greenish white Greenish white
Anther coloration (post- RHS 165B RHS 165B
dehiscence) Brownish orange Brownish orange
Stigma shape Lobed Lobed
Stigma length (mm) 0.10 0.10
Stigma diameter (mm) 0.40 0.41
Stigma coloration RHS 145D RHS 145D
Light yellow Light yellow
green green
Style length (mm) 3.00 3.10
Style diameter (mm) 0.40 0.40
Style coloration RHS 145D RHS 145D
Light yellow Light yellow
green green
Ovule length (mm) 1.38 1.39
Ovule diameter (mm) 1.39 1.42
Ovule coloration RHS 145B RHS 145B
Light yellow Light yellow
green green
Pedicle length (mm) 20.23 20.15
Pedicle diameter (mm) 1.12 1.42
Pedicle anthocyanin RHS 181B RHS 181C
coloration Moderate red Moderate red
Pedicle anthocyanin Medium Absent to very
intensity weak
Relative number of 15.2 22.1
pedicel prickles Medium Many
Peduncle anthocyanin Present Present
presence
Peduncle anthocyanin RHS 181B RHS 184A
coloration Moderate red Greyish red
Peduncle anthocyanin Medium Absent to very
intensity weak
TABLE 7
PEST AND DISEASE REACTIONS
‘MAJESTIC’
(U.S. Plant Pat.
Characteristic ‘VR-16.001-39’ No. 31,716)
Spotted wing drosophila Susceptible Susceptible
(Drosophila suzukii)
Two spotted spider mite Susceptible Susceptible
(Tetranychus urticae)
Grey fruit mold Susceptible Susceptible
(Botrytis cinerae)
Powdery mildew Susceptible Moderately
(Podosphaera aphanis susceptible
var. aphonic)
Yellow rust Moderately Moderately
(Phragmidium rubi-idaei) resistant resistant
