Abstract:
‘Merced’ is a short-day (June bearing) type cultivar that produces fruit over an extended period when treated appropriately in arid, sub-tropical climates. When treated with appropriate planting regimes, ‘Merced’ is similar to ‘Camarosa’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,708), but with greater productivity, higher quality fruit, less vigorous plant, and lighter colored fruit. It is also similar to ‘Ventana’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 13,469) and ‘Benicia’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,542) but having a more compact plant, later fruiting, superior fruit quality, and firmer, better flavored fruit.

Description:
Genus and species: The strawberry cultivar of this invention is botanically identified as  Fragaria×ananassa  Duch. 
     Variety denomination: The variety denomination is ‘Merced’. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a new and distinctive short-day type cultivar designated as ‘Merced’. The new cultivar was the result of a cross performed in 2007 between two unreleased germplasm accessions, Cal 3.92-8 (unpatented) and Cal 2.95-4 (unpatented). Accession Cal 3.92-8 was chosen as a parent due to its very high productivity, large, firm, and high quality fruit, and very high plant vigor. Accession Cal 2.95-4 was chosen as a parent due to its compact plant habit and firm, flavorful fruit. 
     ‘Merced’ was first fruited at an experimental orchard near Winters, Calif., in 2008, where it was selected, originally designated Cal 7.132-3, and propagated asexually by runners. Following selection and during testing, the plant of this selection was designated ‘C229’. It was later designated ‘Merced’ for introduction into commerce and for international registration and recognition. Asexual propagules from this original source have been tested at facilities in Watsonville, Calif., in Irvine, Calif., and to a limited extent in grower fields starting in 2009. The cultivar is stable and reproduces true to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     ‘Merced’ is a short-day (June bearing) type cultivar that produces fruit over an extended period when treated appropriately in arid, sub-tropical climates. When treated with appropriate planting regimes, ‘Merced’ is similar to ‘Camarosa’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,708), but with greater productivity, higher quality fruit, less vigorous plant, and lighter colored fruit. It is also similar to ‘Ventana’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 13,469) and ‘Benicia’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,542) but having a more compact plant, later fruiting, superior fruit quality, and firmer, better flavored fruit. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures depict various characteristics of the ‘Merced’ cultivar. 
         FIG. 1  shows the general flowering and fruiting characteristics of the plant in a field planting. 
         FIG. 2  shows two typical leafs at mid-season. 
         FIG. 3  shows representative mid-season fruit. 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-section of representative mid-season fruit. 
         FIG. 5  shows a top-view of representative mid-season fruit. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     ‘Merced’ is typical of short-day strawberry cultivars and produces fruit over an extended period when treated appropriately in arid, subtropical climates. The production pattern for ‘Merced’ is similar to that for ‘Camarosa’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,708), although it is somewhat later to initiate fruiting with most cultural treatments. ‘Merced’ initiates fruiting substantially later than ‘Ventana’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 13,469) and ‘Benicia’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,542) when established in very early fall. ‘Merced’ will be of special interest for winter plantings, where ‘Camarosa’, ‘Ventana’, and ‘Benicia’ have been successful, and in summer plantings where ‘Chandler’ (U. S. Plant Pat. No. 5,262) and ‘Camino Real’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 13,079) have been successful.
     Plants and foliage: With most cultural treatments, fruiting plants of ‘Merced’ are more open and erect that any of the comparison cultivars, and somewhat smaller than ‘Ventana’ and ‘Benicia’ throughout most of the production season. ‘Merced’ plants are similar in size to ‘Camarosa’ in most production environments. Comparative statistics of foliar characteristics near mid-season are given for ‘Merced’ and three comparison cultivars in Table 1. Individual leaflets for ‘Merced’ are smaller than any of the comparison cultivars, and are less elongated than ‘Camarosa’ and ‘Ventana’. Further, leaves (including petioles) for ‘Merced’ are slightly shorter than for ‘Ventana’ and ‘Camarosa’, and substantially shorter than for ‘Benicia’. Petioles for ‘Merced’ are generally longer and thinner than those of the comparison cultivars. The adaxial (upper) and abaxial (lower) surfaces of leaves for ‘Merced’ are similar in color to ‘Camarosa’ and ‘Benicia’, and darker and less yellow than ‘Ventana’ leaves at mid-season. Leaves of ‘Merced’ have consistently more concavity than ‘Camarosa’, and are similar to those for ‘Ventana’. Serrations at mid-season are more pointed than for ‘Benicia’, but similar in shape and number to ‘Ventana’ and ‘Camarosa’.   

     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Foliar and plant characteristics for ‘Merced’, 
               
               
                 ‘Camarosa’, ‘Ventana’, and ‘Benicia’. 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Cultivar 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Foliar Character 
                 ‘Camarosa’ 
                 ‘Ventana’ 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Plant height (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 227 
                 277 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 190-320 
                 250-300 
               
               
                   
                 Plant spread (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 368 
                 425 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 300-465 
                 375-525 
               
               
                   
                 Mid-tier leaflet 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Length (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 85 
                 89 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 70-95 
                 80-110 
               
               
                   
                 Width (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 79 
                 77 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 65-90 
                 70-90 
               
               
                   
                 Mid-tier leaf 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Length (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 120 
                 118 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 110-140 
                 100-140 
               
               
                   
                 Width (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 143 
                 153 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 120-170 
                 140-160 
               
               
                   
                 Leaf components 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Petiole length (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 110 
                 113 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 90-150 
                 80-120 
               
               
                   
                 Petiole diameter (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 3.6 
                 5.3 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 3-4 
                 4-7 
               
               
                   
                 Petiolule length (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 5.1 
                 6.9 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 4-6 
                 6-8 
               
               
                   
                 # leaflets/leaf 
                 3 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 Leaf convexity 
                 most flat to 
                 flat to very 
               
               
                   
                   
                 slight concave 
                 concave 
               
               
                   
                 Serrations 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 number/leaf 
                 20.8 
                 20.6 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 19-23 
                 18-25 
               
               
                   
                 shape 
                 semi-pointed 
                 semi-pointed 
               
               
                   
                 Leaf pubescence 
                 light- 
                 moderate- 
               
               
                   
                   
                 moderate 
                 heavy 
               
               
                   
                 Petiole pubescence 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 density 
                 heavy 
                 moderate- 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 heavy 
               
               
                   
                 direction 
                 perpendicular 
                 perpendicular  
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 to acropetal 
               
               
                   
                 Petiole color (Munsell) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Stipule length (mm) 
                 2.5 GY 8/9 
                 7.5 GY 9/4 
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 27.2 
                 24.0 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 20-34 
                 20-30 
               
               
                   
                 Stipule color 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 core 
                 2.5 Y 6/8 
                 2.5 GY 8/9 
               
               
                   
                 margins 
                 7.5 Y 6/7 
                 5 GY 8/8 
               
               
                   
                 Stolon base diameter (mm) 
                 11.7 
                 15.2 
               
               
                   
                 Stolons per nursery mother 
                 22.7 
                 18.8 
               
               
                   
                 plant 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Venation 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 pattern 
                 pinnate 
                 pinnate 
               
               
                   
                 color 
                 7.5 GY 8/7 
                 7.5 GY 9/4 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Cultivar 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Foliar Character 
                 ‘Benicia’ 
                 ‘Merced’ 
               
               
                   
                 Plant height (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 245 
                 261 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 220-260 
                 240-290 
               
               
                   
                 Plant spread (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 414 
                 374 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 360-500 
                 335-400 
               
               
                   
                 Mid-tier leaflet 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Length (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 80 
                 76 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 70-90 
                 70-80 
               
               
                   
                 Width (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 80 
                 77 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 75-80 
                 70-80 
               
               
                   
                 Mid-tier leaf 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Length (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 128 
                 114 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 110-150 
                 90-140 
               
               
                   
                 Width (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 161 
                 141 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 150-180 
                 120-160 
               
               
                   
                 Leaf components 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Petiole length (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 136 
                 163 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 110-160 
                 140-180 
               
               
                   
                 Petiole diameter (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 4.9 
                 4.2 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 4-6 
                 3-5 
               
               
                   
                 Petiolule length (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 5.3 
                 8.1 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 4-6 
                 7-9 
               
               
                   
                 # leaflets/leaf 
                 3, rarely 4 or 5 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 Leaf convexity 
                 flat to 
                 flat to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 concave 
                 concave 
               
               
                   
                 Serrations 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 number/leaf 
                 20.5 
                 21.0 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 18-23 
                 19-24 
               
               
                   
                 shape 
                 Round to 
                 semi-pointed 
               
               
                   
                   
                 semi-pointed 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Leaf pubescence 
                 moderate- 
                 moderate- 
               
               
                   
                   
                 light 
                 heavy 
               
               
                   
                 Petiole pubescence 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 density 
                 heavy 
                 moderate- 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 heavy 
               
               
                   
                 direction 
                 perpendicular 
                 perpendicular 
               
               
                   
                 Petiole color (Munsell) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Stipule length (mm) 
                 7.5 GY 8/10 
                 7.5 GY 8/7 
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 31.1 
                 25.1 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 25-40 
                 18-29 
               
               
                   
                 Stipule color 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 core 
                 2.5 Y 9/4 
                 2.5 GY 8/8 
               
               
                   
                 margins 
                 5 GY 8/8 
                 5 GY 8/8 
               
               
                   
                 Stolon base diameter (mm) 
                 16.5 
                 10.3 
               
               
                   
                 Stolons per nursery mother 
                 22.9 
                 12.1 
               
               
                   
                 plant 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Venation 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 pattern 
                 pinnate 
                 pinnate 
               
               
                   
                 color 
                 7.5 GY 8/7 
                 5 GY 8/8 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
         
         Disease and pest reaction: ‘Merced’ is moderately resistant to powdery mildew ( Sphaerotheca macularis ), but is moderately susceptible to Anthracnose crown rot ( Colletotrichum acutatum ), and susceptible to  Verticillium  wilt ( Verticillium dahliae ). It is resistant to  Phytophthora  crown rot ( Phytophthora cactorum ) and common leaf spot ( Ramularia tulasnei ) (Table 2). When treated properly, it has tolerance to two-spotted spider mites ( Tetranychus urticae ) equal to that of the comparison cultivars. ‘Merced’ is tolerant to strawberry viruses encountered in California. 
       
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Disease resistance scores for ‘Merced’ and three comparison 
               
               
                 cultivars;  Phytophthora  and  Verticillium  scores were obtained in 
               
               
                 evaluations conducted in between 2011-2012; 
               
               
                   Colletotrichum  was evaluated in 2009. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 
                   Phytophthora 
                 
                 
                   Verticillium 
                 
                 
                   Colletotrichum 
                 
               
               
                   
                 Resistance Score 
                 Resistance Score  
                 Resistance Score 
               
               
                 Genotype 
                 (5 = best) 
                 (5 = best) 
                 (5 = best) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 ‘Camarosa’ 
                 3.6 
                 3.1 
                 2.9 
               
               
                 ‘Ventana’ 
                 2.5 
                 3.1 
                 3.2 
               
               
                 ‘Benicia’ 
                 3.8 
                 1.6 
                 2.6 
               
               
                 ‘Merced’ 
                 5.0 
                 2.8 
                 2.9 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
         
         Flowering, fruiting, fruit, and production characteristics: ‘Merced’ is similar to other California short-day strawberry cultivars (e. g. ‘Ventana’, ‘Camarosa’, and ‘Benicia’) in that it will flower over an extended period and into spring or summer, given appropriate local temperature and horticultural conditions. With most planting treatments ‘Merced’ produces fruit later than ‘Ventana’ and ‘Benicia’ but earlier than ‘Camarosa’. Comparative statistics for flower and fruit characters near mid-season are given for the four cultivars in Table 4. The primary flowers for ‘Merced’ are similar in size to ‘Camarosa’, with a calyx that is distinctly larger than the corolla on primary fruit. The flowers are smaller than for ‘Benicia’ and ‘Ventana’. The calyx for ‘Merced’ varies in position but frequently has a slight indent early in the season. Each primary flower has 6-7 petals, similar to the comparison cultivars on average. The fruit shape for ‘Merced’ can vary but is typically medium to long conic, which is rarely flattened or slightly obovate. It is easily distinguished by fruit shape from ‘Camarosa’ (shortened and flattened conic), or ‘Ventana’ (medium symmetrical conic), and ‘Benicia’ (often flattened). External and internal fruit color for ‘Merced’ is lighter than that of ‘Camarosa’ and ‘Benicia’, and similar to that of ‘Ventana’ (Table 3). Achenes vary from yellow to dark red, and are even with the fruit surface or slightly extruded. 
       
    
     ‘Merced’ has been tested under a variety of cultural regimes, and optimal performance is obtained when nursery treatments and nutritional programs similar to those of ‘Camarosa’, ‘Ventana’, and ‘Benicia’ are used. In general, plants of ‘Merced’ are similar in vigor to ‘Camarosa’, and less vigorous than ‘Ventana’ with very early season planting. ‘Merced’ retains excellent fruit quality in summer planting systems. 
     When treated with appropriate planting regimes, ‘Merced’ has larger fruit and produces individual-plant yields greater than any of the comparison cultivars (Table 5). Commercial appearance ratings have also been better than those for all of the comparison cultivars, especially in comparison with ‘Camarosa’. Fruit from ‘Merced’ is substantially firmer than fruit from ‘Ventana’, but similar in firmness to the other comparison cultivars. Subjectively, ‘Merced’ has outstanding flavor. The fruit will be exceptional for both fresh market and processing, and will be useful for home gardening purposes. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Foliar and fruit color characteristics for ‘Merced’ and  
               
               
                 three comparison cultivars. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Cultivar 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Color Character 
                 ‘Camarosa’ 
                 ‘Ventana’ 
                 ‘Benicia’ 
                 ‘Merced’ 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Leaf color  
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 (CIELAB) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Adaxial 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 L* 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 mean 
                 38.3 
                 39.2 
                 35.0 
                 37.9 
               
               
                 range 
                 37.3-39.8 
                 36.0-41.1 
                 33.3-36.4 
                 35.1-39.2 
               
               
                 a* 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 mean 
                 −12.2 
                 −14.3 
                 −11.7 
                 −13.5 
               
               
                 range 
                 −9.5-15.5 
                 −12.9-16.7 
                 −10.3-13.5 
                 −10.9-15.8 
               
               
                 b* 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 mean 
                 16.9 
                 20.6 
                 16.9 
                 18.1 
               
               
                 range 
                 13.3-19.9 
                 17.3-24.8 
                 13.1-21.7 
                 14.6-20.6 
               
               
                 Munsell 
                 5 GY 5/5 
                 2.5 GY 6/8 
                 5 GY 5/6 
                 5 GY 5/6 
               
               
                 Abaxial 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 L* 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 mean 
                 52.5 
                 53.2 
                 48.5 
                 50.2 
               
               
                 range 
                 51.3-54.6 
                 51.8-54.6 
                 41.7-52.3 
                 40.0-53.8 
               
               
                 a* 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 mean 
                 −13.1 
                 −14.2 
                 −13.5 
                 −14.0 
               
               
                 range 
                 −11.4-14.9  
                 −13.9-14.7  
                 −11.9-16.8  
                 −12.9-15.7  
               
               
                 b* 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 mean 
                 20.5 
                 21.7 
                 20.0 
                 21.3 
               
               
                 range 
                 18.9-22.4 
                 20.3-23.3 
                 17.9-21.9 
                 19.1-23.8 
               
               
                 Munsell 
                 7.5 GY 8/7 
                 10 GY 8/7 
                 7.5 GY 5/7 
                 10 GY 8/7 
               
               
                 Fruit color  
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 (CIELAB) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 External 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 L* 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 mean 
                 38.6 
                 38.1 
                 36.0 
                 36.9 
               
               
                 range 
                 34.7-42.7 
                 37.6-39.0 
                 34.2-37.5 
                 35.3-39.0 
               
               
                 a* 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 mean 
                 34.4 
                 33.4 
                 31.2 
                 33.0 
               
               
                 range 
                 33.6-36.2 
                 29.4-38.7 
                 26.6-36.3 
                 30.1-35.1 
               
               
                 b* 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 mean 
                 22.5 
                 19.2 
                 14.2 
                 16.7 
               
               
                 range 
                 18.8-29.3 
                 17.8-21.1 
                 10.6-17.3 
                 14.2-18.5 
               
               
                 Munsell 
                 7.5 R 4/11 
                 5 R 4/12 
                 2.5 R 4/0 
                 5 R 3/7 
               
               
                 Internal 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 L* 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 mean 
                 50.2 
                 48.6 
                 44.0 
                 52.1 
               
               
                 range 
                 46.6-53.3 
                 46.2-52.3 
                 40.8-47.0 
                 45.5-56.6 
               
               
                 a* 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 mean 
                 30.8 
                 28.9 
                 30.9 
                 24.1 
               
               
                 range 
                 25.6-35.4 
                 23.5-33.0 
                 27.8-33.6 
                 17.9-33.5 
               
               
                 b* 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 mean 
                 30.1 
                 31.3 
                 27.5 
                 29.8 
               
               
                 range 
                 28.0-32.0 
                 30.6-32.5 
                 24.6-28.8 
                 25.2-33.5 
               
               
                 Munsell 
                 7.5 R 5/13 
                 7.5 R 6/13 
                 5 R 4/2 
                 7.5 R 6/12 
               
               
                 Achene color 
                 2.5 Y 7/10 
                 10 Y 8/11 
                 5 R 3/7 
                 5 R 3/7 
               
               
                 Munsell 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Flower and fruit characteristics for ‘Merced’ and 
               
               
                 three comparison cultivars. 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Cultivar 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Character 
                 ‘Camarosa’ 
                 ‘Ventana’ 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Petal number 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 5.8 
                 6.2 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 5-7 
                 5-7 
               
               
                   
                 Petal shape 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 apex 
                 truncate to  
                 truncate to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 slightly 
                 slightly 
               
               
                   
                 base 
                 obtuse 
                 obtuse 
               
               
                   
                 margin 
                 attenuate 
                 attenuate 
               
               
                   
                   
                 entire 
                 entire 
               
               
                   
                 Petal length (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 11.5 
                 13.3 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 10-13 
                 11-15 
               
               
                   
                 Petal width (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 12.0 
                 14.6 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 10-14 
                 13-16 
               
               
                   
                 Flower position 
                 most even 
                 even to 
               
               
                   
                 (relative to foliage) 
                 some 
                 exposed 
               
               
                   
                   
                 exposed 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Calyx diam. (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 40.4 
                 47.0 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 33-47 
                 40-50 
               
               
                   
                 Corolla diam. (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 26.1 
                 39.0 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 23-31 
                 35-45 
               
               
                   
                 Sepal length (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 14.3 
                 16.6 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 12-18 
                 14-19 
               
               
                   
                 Sepal width (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 8.3 
                 8.4 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 7-10 
                 7-10 
               
               
                   
                 Sepal color (Munsell) 
                 5 GY 7/10 
                 5 GY 5/5 
               
               
                   
                 Pedicel length (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 155 
                 115 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 130-180 
                 90-140 
               
               
                   
                 Pedicel diameter (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 2.7 
                 3.5 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 2-4 
                 3-4 
               
               
                   
                 Pedicel color 
                 7.5 GY 8/7 
                 5 GY 8/9 
               
               
                   
                 Fruit shape 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Fruit length (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 46.0 
                 48.4 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 40-48 
                 47-52 
               
               
                   
                 Fruit width (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 37.4 
                 42.6 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 33-46 
                 40-46 
               
               
                   
                 Length/width 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 ratio 
                 1.26 
                 1.17 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 1.0-1.4 
                 1.1-1.2 
               
               
                   
                 subjective 
                 Obovate-flat 
                 Medium 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 conic 
               
               
                   
                 Primary/secondary fruit 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 comparison 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 size (subjective) 
                 50-70% 
                 55-75% 
               
               
                   
                 shape 
                 similar 
                 similar shape  
               
               
                   
                   
                 shape, more 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 conic 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Extent/size of hollow core  
                 small-absent 
                 Small 
               
               
                   
                 Calyx 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 position 
                 indented- 
                 indent- 
               
               
                   
                   
                 neck 
                 reflexed 
               
               
                   
                 size relative to fruit 
                 equal or less  
                 equal or less 
               
               
                   
                   
                 than fruit 
                 than fruit 
               
               
                   
                   
                 diameter 
                 diameter 
               
               
                   
                 Seed position 
                 indented- 
                 mostly even 
               
               
                   
                   
                 extruded 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Adherence of Calyx to Fruit 
                 Weak 
                 Intermediate 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Cultivar 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Character 
                 ‘Benicia’ 
                 ‘Merced’ 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Petal number 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 6.1 
                 5.9 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 5-7 
                 5-7 
               
               
                   
                 Petal shape 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 apex 
                 truncate to 
                 truncate to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 slightly 
                 slightly 
               
               
                   
                 base 
                 obtuse 
                 obtuse 
               
               
                   
                 margin 
                 attenuate 
                 attenuate 
               
               
                   
                   
                 entire 
                 entire 
               
               
                   
                 Petal length (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 11.7 
                 13.6 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 8-13 
                 10-15 
               
               
                   
                 Petal width (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 14.4 
                 14.9 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 8-13 
                 12-16 
               
               
                   
                 Flower position 
                 even to 
                 even to 
               
               
                   
                 (relative to foliage) 
                 exposed 
                 exposed 
               
               
                   
                 Calyx diam. (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 50.8 
                 39.1 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 47-53 
                 33-45 
               
               
                   
                 Corolla diam. (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 39.6 
                 27.4 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 39-41 
                 24-31 
               
               
                   
                 Sepal length (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 16.4 
                 13.5 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 13-20 
                 10-17 
               
               
                   
                 Sepal width (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 8.4 
                 8.0 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 7-10 
                 6-9 
               
               
                   
                 Sepal color (Munsell) 
                 10 GY 8/7 
                 7.5 GY 4/4 
               
               
                   
                 Pedicel length (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 183 
                 185 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 150-210 
                 150-220 
               
               
                   
                 Pedicel diameter (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 3.7 
                 3.5 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 3-5 
                 2-5 
               
               
                   
                 Pedicel color 
                 2.5 GY 8/9  
                 2.5 GY 9/8 
               
               
                   
                 Fruit shape 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Fruit length (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 46.5 
                 52.3 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 41-52 
                 49-62 
               
               
                   
                 Fruit width (mm) 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 42.4 
                 47.4 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 36-46 
                 43-54 
               
               
                   
                 Length/width 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 ratio 
                 1.08 
                 1.15 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 1.0-1.2 
                 1.0-1.2 
               
               
                   
                 subjective 
                 Medium 
                 Medium-long 
               
               
                   
                   
                 conic 
                 conic 
               
               
                   
                 Primary/secondary fruit 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 comparison 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 size (subjective) 
                 55-65% 
                 60-75% 
               
               
                   
                 shape 
                 similar shape 
                 similar shape 
               
               
                   
                 Extent/size of hollow core  
                 small-absent 
                 small-absent 
               
               
                   
                 Calyx 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 position 
                 even-indented  
                 even-reflexed 
               
               
                   
                 size relative to fruit 
                 equal or 
                 equal or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 greater than 
                 greater than 
               
               
                   
                   
                 fruit diameter 
                 fruit diameter 
               
               
                   
                 Seed position 
                 even-indented 
                 even-extruded 
               
               
                   
                 Adherence of Calyx to Fruit 
                 Weak 
                 Weak 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Flower and plant measurements were obtained in April 2012. Fruit measurements were obtained in between May 10-20, 2012. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Performance of ‘Merced’ and three comparison cultivars were 
               
               
                 evaluated in Watsonville, CA, in between 2010-12. All plants for 
               
               
                 these trials were harvested from a commercial nursery near 
               
               
                 Macdoel, CA, in between October 15-16, and transplanted 
               
               
                 after 6-7 days to supplemental storage. Fruit harvest was 
               
               
                 initiated in early April and continued through the last 
               
               
                 week of August. (52″ 2-row beds, 17,300 plants/acre). 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Appearance 
                 Fruit 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Yield 
                 Score 
                 Size 
                   
               
               
                 Item 
                 (g/plant) 
                 (5 = best) 
                 (g/fruit) 
                 Firmness 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 ‘Camarosa’ 
                 1,960 
                 2.9 
                 28.5 
                 11.7 
               
               
                 ‘Ventana’ 
                 2,112 
                 3.2 
                 31.3 
                 10.4 
               
               
                 ‘Benicia’ 
                 1,959 
                 3.5 
                 34.2 
                 11.1 
               
               
                 ‘Merced’ 
                 2,339 
                 4.3 
                 35.0 
                 11.9