Strawberry plant named ‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’

A new and distinct variety of strawberry plant named ‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’, selected for its high relatively early and late yield, shipping capacity, fruit size, juicy, sweet, aromatic fruit, as well as mite and botrytis field tolerance, is disclosed.

Varietal denomination: The varietal denomination of the claimed variety of strawberry plant is ‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cultivated strawberry is a hybrid species of the genusFragariathat is grown worldwide for its fruit. Modern strawberry was first bred in Brittany, France, in the 18thcentury by crossingFragaria virginianawithFragaria chiloensis. Strawberry fruit is an aggregate accessory fruit, with the fleshy part of the fruit being derived from the receptacle that holds the ovaries.

Strawberry varieties vary widely in color, size, shape, flavor, season of ripening, degree of fertility, and susceptibility to disease. Certain varieties vary in foliage, and some vary in the relative development of their reproductive organs. Typically, strawberry flowers appear hermaphroditic in structure, but function as either male or female. Generally, commercial production of strawberry plants involves propagation from runners and distribution as either plugs or bare root plants. Cultivation is either perennial or annual plasticulture. During the off season, strawberries can also be produced in greenhouses.

Strawberry fruit is widely appreciated for its characteristic bright red color, aroma, juicy texture, and sweetness. Strawberry fruit is a popular fruit that is generally consumed either fresh or in prepared foods, such as preserves and baked goods.

Strawberry is an important and valuable fruit crop. Accordingly, there is a need for new varieties of strawberry plants. In particular, there is a need for improved varieties of strawberry plant that are stable, high yielding, and agronomically sound.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to meet these needs, the present invention is directed to an improved variety of strawberry plant. In particular, the invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry plant (Fragariaxananassa), which has been denominated as ‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’.

Strawberry plant variety ‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’ originated from a cross between the female parent ‘DrisStrawTwentySeven’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 23,400) and the male parent ‘DrisStrawThirtyThree’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 24,533). Progeny plants from this cross, including ‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’, were asexually propagated via stolons in McArthur, Shasta County, Calif. in April of 2010. Strawberry plant variety ‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’ was later specifically identified and selected in Santa Maria, Calif. in November of 2010.

‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’ was subsequently asexually propagated via stolons, and underwent further testing at a farm in Tapalpa, Mexico for four years (2013 to 2017). The present variety has been found to be stable and reproduce true to type through successive asexual propagations via stolons.

‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’ exhibits the following distinguishing characteristics when grown under normal horticultural practices in Tapalpa, Mexico:1. Inflorescence at the same level as foliage2. Cordate fruit shape; and3. Partially remontant type of bearing.

‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’ was selected for its high relatively early and late yield, shipping capacity, fruit size, juicy, sweet, aromatic fruit, as well as mite and botrytis field tolerance.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

COMPARISON WITH PARENTAL AND COMMERCIAL VARIETIES

‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’ differs from the female parent ‘DrisStrawTwentySeven’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 23,400) in that ‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’ has sweeter and juicier fruit and higher yield compared to ‘DrisStrawTwentySeven’. Additionally, ‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’ differs from ‘DrisStrawTwentySeven’ in that ‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’ has inflorescence at the same level as foliage, a weak anthocyanin coloration on stolons, a cordate fruit shape, and a partially remontant type of bearing, while ‘DrisStrawTwentySeven’ has inflorescence above foliage, a strong anthocyanin coloration on stolons, a conical fruit shape, and a not remontant type of bearing.

‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’ differs from the male parent ‘DrisStrawThirtyThree’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 24,533) in that ‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’ has inflorescence at the same level as foliage, an obtuse shape of base of terminal leaflet, a cordate fruit shape, and a partially remontant type of bearing, while ‘DrisStrawThirtyThree’ has inflorescence above foliage, an acute shape of base of terminal leaflet, a conical fruit shape, and a not remontant type of bearing.

‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’ differs from the commercial variety ‘Driscoll El Dorado’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 16,238) in that ‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’ has inflorescence at the same level as foliage, an obtuse shape of base of terminal leaflet, a weak anthocyanin coloration on stolons, and a level with the surface insertion of achenes on fruit, while ‘Driscoll El Dorado’ has inflorescence above foliage, a rounded shape of base of terminal leaflet, a medium anthocyanin coloration on stolons, and a below the surface insertion of achenes on fruit.

‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’ differs from the commercial variety ‘DrisStrawSixtyTwo’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 31,527) in that ‘DrisStrawSixtyEight’ has a semi-upright plant growth habit, a serrate to crenate terminal leaflet margin, a cordate fruit shape, and an outwards attitude of sepals on fruit, whereas ‘DrisStrawSixtyTwo’ has a spreading plant growth habit, a crenate terminal leaflet margin, a cylindrical fruit shape, and an upwards attitude of sepals on fruit.