California, United States
Comment: This invention relates to a new and distinctive day-neutral type cultivar designated as `CN209` also known as `Aromas`, which resulted from a cross performed in 1991 between advanced selections Cal 87.112-6 and Cal 88.270-1. This cultivar is botanically identified as F..times.ananassa Duch.
`CN209` was first fruited at the University of California Wolfskill Experimental Orchard, near Winters, Calif. in 1992, where it was selected, originally designated Cal 91.248-3, and propagated asexually by runners. Following selection and during testing the plant of this disclosure was designated `CN209`. With the decision that this plant was to be released, it was given the name `Aromas` for the purposes of introduction into commerce and for international registration and recognition. Asexual propagules from this original source have been tested at the Watsonville Strawberry Research Facility, the South Coast Research and Extension Center, and to a limited extent in grower fields starting in 1994.
A day-neutral strawberry cultivar; high-productivity replacement for Selva and Seascape.
`CN209` is moderate to weak in expressing the day-neutral character, being a stronger day-neutral than `Seascape` (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,614), comparable or slightly more day-neutral than `Selva` (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,266), and less so than `Fern` (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,267) or `Irvine` (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,172). The production pattern for `CN209` is similar to that for `Selva` or `Seascape`, and it will be of special interest for winter plantings, where `Selva` and `Seascape` have been successful and summer plantings where `Seascape` has been successful.
Fruiting plants of `CN209` are more erect and usually more vigorous than plants of `Selva` or `Seascape`. With appropriate treatment, `CN209` is a slightly larger plant than `Selva`, and similar in size to `Seascape`. Comparative statistics for foliar characters near mid-season are given for the three cultivars. Leaflets are somewhat smaller and more rounded than leaves of `Selva` or `Seascape`. Leaves including petioles are somewhat longer and more narrow than the comparison cultivars.
Petioles are thicker and more stiff than those of `Selva` and are similar to those of `Seascape`. `CN209` has variable leaf convexity, generally more concave than leaves of `Selva`, and has fewer and more rounded serrations than the comparison cultivars. The adaxial (upper) leaf surface for `CN209` is darker and more glossy than for the comparison cultivars, whereas the abaxial surface is slightly lighter.
`CN209` is similar to other California day-neutral cultivars (e. g. `Selva` and `Seascape`) in that it will flower independently of day length, given appropriate temperature and fertility conditions. Comparative statistics for flower and fruit characters near mid-season are given for the three cultivars.
The primary flowers for `CN209` are similar in size, perhaps slightly larger than `Selva` and `Seascape`; the sepals are somewhat larger than for `Seascape` and substantially larger than for `Selva`. The calyx for `CN209` varies from slightly indented to even, and each primary flower has 5-6 petals. The fruit shape for `CN209` can vary but is typically a short conic, sometimes heart-shaped or slightly flattened, and is easily distinguished from other California day-neutral cultivars. External and internal fruit color for `CN209` are darker than for `Selva` and slightly darker than `Seascape`, and fruit is substantially more glossy than either comparison cultivar (Table 2). Achenes vary but are red to dark red, and are slightly indented.
`CN209` has been tested under a variety of cultural regimes, and optimal performance is obtained when nursery treatments and nutritional programs similar to those for `Selva` and `Seascape` are used. In general, `CN209` is more vigorous than the comparison cultivars but requires similar chilling to insure fruit quality. `CN209` retains good fruit quality in summer planting systems, similar to `Seascape`.
When treated with appropriate planting regimes, `CN209` has larger fruit and produces greater yields than `Selva` or `Seascape` (Table 5). Production for `CN209` initiates slightly later than for the comparison cultivars and it produces substantially larger quantities of late-season fruit. Commercial appearance ratings have been superior to those for the comparison cultivars. Fruit firmness is similar to that for `Selva` and greater than that for `Seascape`. Subjectively, `CN209` has very good flavor, substantially better than `Selva`, and equal to that for `Seascape`. The fruit will be outstanding for both fresh market and processing, and will be useful for home garden purposes.
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