Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Rubus idaeus.
Variety denomination: ‘VR-16.004-68’.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a new and distinct fall bearing raspberry variety designated as ‘VR-16.004-68’. This new variety is a result of a controlled cross made in 2016 in Watsonville, California between raspberry variety ‘VR 12.004-27’ (unpatented) as the female parent and raspberry variety ‘RR 10.032-41’ (unpatented) as the male parent in an ongoing breeding program. The variety is botanically known as Rubus idaeus and was tested as ‘VR 16.004-68’ and ‘VR-0468’.
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-16.004-68’ 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-16.004-68’. ‘VR-16.004-68’ 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-16.004-68’, which in combination distinguish this raspberry plant as a new and distinct variety:
-
- 1. Large berries.
- 2. Long conic fruit shape.
- 3. Light red fruit color.
- 4. Absent to very weak primocane glaucosity.
- 5. Good flavor.
The raspberry variety that is believed to be most closely related to the new raspberry variety ‘VR-16.004-68’ is the raspberry variety ‘MAJESTIC’ (patented, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 31,716). In comparison to the similar raspberry variety ‘MAJESTIC’, ‘VR-16.004-68’ differs by the following combination of characteristics described in Table 1:
Comparison between VR-16.004-68’ and Majestic TABLE 1
‘MAJESTIC’
(U.S. Plant Pat.
Characteristic ‘VR-16.004-68’ No. 31,716)
Predominate number Always 3 Equal 3-5
of leaflets
Leaf shape (cross Flat to slightly concave Slightly convex
section)
Rugosity Weak Medium
L/W ratio of fruit Much longer than broad Longer than broad
Fruit shape Long conic Conical
Prickle length (mm) 2.48 0.70
Long Short
Relative number of 40.1 22.1
pedicel prickles Very many Many
‘VR-16.004-68’ differs from its parents, ‘VR 12.004-27’ and ‘RR 10.032-41’ by the following combination of characteristics described in Table 2:
Comparison between ‘VR-16.004-68’, ‘VR 12.004-27’ and ‘RR 10.032-41’ TABLE 2
‘VR- ‘VR ‘RR
Characteristic 16.004-68’ 12.004-27’ 10.032-41’
Productivity High Medium Low
Crates/Acre (18-Mo) 10,639 8,825 7,112
Glossiness (fruit) High High Low
Firmness (fruit) High Medium High
Adherence of receptacle Very weak Strong Weak
Primocane time of fruiting Medium Medium Late
Fruit size Large Medium Medium
Primocane fruit weight (g) 6.2 4.0 4.2
Flavor Good Good Poor
Soluble Solids (% brix) 9.9 9.5 7.7
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-16.004-68’ 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-16.004-68’. The depicted plant and plant parts of the new raspberry variety ‘VR-16.004-68’ 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-16.004-68’ taken in the month of October 2022;
FIG. 2 shows typical shape, gloss, coloration, foliate and rugosity characteristics of ‘VR-16.004-68’ taken in the month of October 2022;
FIG. 3 shows typical fruiting lateral characteristics of ‘VR-16.004-68’ taken in the month of June 2023;
FIG. 4 shows typical floricane plant characteristics of ‘VR-16.004-68’ taken in the month of June 2023.
DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION ‘VR-16.004-68’ 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-16.004-68’, 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-16.004-68’ 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-16.004-68’ 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 RHS 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-16.004-68’ in comparison to the similar raspberry varieties ‘MAJESTIC’ (patented, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 31,716).
Comparison between ‘VR-16.004-68’ and Majestic TABLE 3
FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS
‘MAJESTIC’
(U.S. Plant Pat.
Characteristic ‘VR-16.004-68’ No. 31,716)
Color mature fruit RHS 43A RHS 43A
Vivid reddish orange Vivid reddish orange
Color achenes RHS 159A RHS 159A
Light yellowish pink Light yellowish pink
Fruit length (mm) 28.57 25.49
Fruit width (mm) 20.09 22.73
Length/width ratio 1.42 1.12
Much longer than Longer than broad
broad
Seed weight (mg) 1.64 1.68
Drupelets per berry 106 131
Weight of single 0.056 0.044
drupe (g/drupe)
Drupe length (mm) 3.81 7.15
Drupe diameter (mm) 4.04 4.19
Relative size of drupes Medium Medium
Fruit size Large Medium
Fruit per node 11 11
Predominant shape Long Conic Conical
Receptacle length (mm) 17.74 23.55
Receptacle diameter 7.23 10.41
(mm)
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 High High
Firmness of skin High High
Soluble Solids (% brix) 9.9 10.8
Flavor Good Very good
Fruit Use (Intended Fresh Market Fresh Market
Market)
TABLE 4
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
‘MAJESTIC’
(U.S. Plant Pat.
Characteristic ‘VR-16.004-68’ No. 31,716)
General:
Habit Upright Upright
Plant height (m) 1.4 1.8
Plant width (cm) 38 35
Time to initiate roots (days) 12-14 10-12
Canes per hill 13.8 10.4
Productivity High High
Crates/Acre (18-Mo) 10,639 10,490
Self-fruitfulness Yes Yes
Type of bearing Everbearing Everbearing
Primocane:
Color (true) RHS 145A RHS 145A
Strong yellow Strong yellow
green green
Length (cm) 141.5 178.1
Basal diameter (mm) 12.26 13.62
Diameter central 1/3 (mm) 10.14 11.38
Lateral length at central 1/3 (cm) 39.3 28.5
No. fruiting laterals per cane 13.8 15.3
Total nodes per cane 33 35
Internode length at central 1/3 (mm) 43.21 39.01
Anthocyanin coloration RHS 59B RHS 59B
Deep purplish Deep purplish
red red
Anthocyanin intensity Absent to very Absent to very
weak weak
Pubescence Absent Absent
Vegetative bud length (mm) 7.70 10.34
Vegetative bud diameter (mm) 5.79 5.46
Vegetative bud shape Widely ovate Ovate
Vegetative bud color RHS 187B RHS 187B
Dark red Dark red
Strength of waxy coat (glaucosity) Absent to very Absent to very
weak weak
Time of flowering Early to Mid-season
Mid-season
Time of fruiting Early to Mid-season
Mid-season
Length of fruiting season Long Long
% of total yield 53% 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) 6.2 4.2
Primocane yield (g/plant) 1,869 2,571
Young Shoots:
Number (per meter) 20-25 15-20
High Medium
Anthocyanin presence Present Present
Anthocyanin coloration RHS 179A RHS 179A
Moderate red Moderate red
Anthocyanin intensity Absent to very Medium
weak
Prickles:
Prickle coloration (tip) RHS 183A RHS N186B
Dark red Dark greyish
purple
Prickle coloration (base) RHS 183A RHS N186C
Dark red Dark greyish
red
Prickle length at central 1/3 (mm) 2.48 0.70
Prickle base at central 1/3 (mm) 1.62 1.23
Prickle presence Present Present
Prickle density per cm at central 1/3 6.27 5.35
Dense Medium
Prickle texture Rigid Rigid
Attitude of the tip Horizontal Horizontal
Floricane:
Color (true) RHS 165B RHS 165B
Brownish Brownish
orange orange
Length (cm) 125.5 130.8
Width at central 1/3 (mm) 10.79 10.88
Total nodes per cane 19 20
Internode length at central 1/3 (mm) 41.82 40.70
Fruiting lateral attitude Erect Erect
Time bud burst (Endodormancy) Medium Medium
Late February Late February
Time of flowering Medium Medium
Time of fruiting Medium Medium
Length of fruiting season Medium to Medium to
long long
% of total yield 47% 56%
Flowering period Late April to Late April to
Late June Late June
Harvest period Late May to Late May to
Late July Late July
Floricane fruit weight (g) 6.0 4.0
Floricane yield (g/plant) 1,657 3,273
TABLE 5
FOLIAGE CHARACTERISTICS
‘MAJESTIC’
(U.S. Plant Pat.
‘VR-16.004-68’ No. 31,716)
Characteristic (3 Foliate) (3 Foliate)
General:
Color of upper surface RHS NN137A 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 Flat to slightly Slightly convex
concave
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) 18.1 21.2
Total leaf width (cm) 21.1 22.1
Terminal Leaflet:
Length (mm) 133.7 116.2
Width (mm) 88.7 79.1
Length/width ratio 1.5 1.5
Longer than broad Longer than broad
Size Medium Medium
Shape Cordate Cordate
Shape of base Rounded Cordate
Shape of tip Acuminate Acuminate
Margins Biserrate Biserrate
Lateral Leaflet:
Length (mm) 105.3 104.9
Width (mm) 66.7 77.2
Length/width ratio 1.6 1.3
Longer than broad Longer than broad
Rachis length (mm) 33.17 43.11
Rachis diameter (mm) 1.27 1.90
Rachis anthocyanin coloration RHS 181C RHS 184A
of upper surface Moderate red Greyish red
Rachis anthocyanin intensity Absent to very Weak
weak
Orientation Opposite Opposite
Arrangement Compound Compound
Shape Ovate Ovate
Overlapping Overlapping Overlapping
Shape of the base Oblique Rounded
Shape of the tip Acuminate Acuminate
Margins Biserrate Biserrate
Petiole:
Length (mm) 42.05 61.10
Width (mm) 2.94 4.68
Prickle presence Yes Yes
Prickle orientation Erect Erect
Anthocyanin coloration of RHS 181C RHS 180B
upper surface Moderate red Moderate red
Anthocyanin intensity of Absent to very Absent to very
upper surface weak weak
Stipule length (mm) 10.37 10.70
Stipule width (mm) 0.74 0.89
Stipule orientation Erect Erect
Stipule anthocyanin intensity Absent Absent
Stipule coloration RHS 145A RHS 145A
Strong yellow Strong yellow
green green
TABLE 6
FLOWER CHARACTERISTICS
‘MAJESTIC’
(U.S. Plant Pat.
Characteristic ‘VR-16.004-68’ No. 31,716)
Petal color (upper surface) RHS NN155A RHS 155C
Yellowish white Greenish white
Petal color (lower surface) RHS NN155A RHS 155C
Yellowish white Greenish white
Flower diameter (mm) 25.22 21.22
Petal Length (mm) 7.93 7.46
Petal width (mm) 3.36 3.10
Petal length/width ratio 2.36 2.40
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 5.0 5.2
No. sepals/flower 5.0 5.4
Sepal length (mm) 9.34 9.70
Sepal width at base (mm) 3.64 5.20
Sepal shape Widely deltate Widely deltate
Sepal shape (apex) Acuminate Acuminate
Sepal coloration (upper RHS 144A RHS 144A
surface) Strong yellow green Strong yellow green
Sepal coloration (lower RHS 144B RHS 144B
surface) Strong yellow green Strong yellow green
Sepal margin Entire Entire
Sepal texture Slightly pubescent Slightly pubescent
No. stamen/flower 92 95
Filament length (mm) 4.06 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) 0.79 1.12
Anther diameter (mm) 0.31 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 green Light yellow green
Style length (mm) 3.11 3.10
Style diameter (mm) 0.40 0.40
Style coloration RHS 145D RHS 145D
Light yellow green Light yellow green
Ovule length (mm) 1.12 1.39
Ovule diameter (mm) 1.02 1.42
Ovule coloration RHS 145B RHS 145B
Light yellow green Light yellow green
Pedicle length (mm) 28.68 20.15
Pedicle diameter (mm) 1.25 1.42
Pedicle anthocyanin RHS 184C RHS 181C
coloration Moderate purplish red Moderate red
Pedicle anthocyanin Absent to very weak Absent to very weak
intensity
Relative number of 40.1 22.1
pedicel prickles Very many Many
Peduncle length (cm) 6.51 8.84
Peduncle anthocyanin Present Present
presence
Peduncle anthocyanin RHS 182C RHS 184A
coloration Dark pink Greyish red
Peduncle anthocyanin Absent to very weak Absent to very weak
intensity
TABLE 7
PEST AND DISEASE REACTIONS
‘MAJESTIC’
(U.S. Plant Pat.
Characteristic ‘VR-16.004-68’ 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 Moderately Moderately
(Podosphaera aphanis var. susceptible susceptible
aphonic)
Yellow rust Moderately resistant Moderately resistant
(Phragmidium rubi-idaei)
