Patent Publication Number: US-PP32187-P3

Title: Blueberry plant named ‘MG11654-24-001’

Description:
Latin name of the genus and species: 
     Genus— Vaccinium.    
     Species—hybrid. 
     VARIETY DENOMINATION 
     The new blueberry plant claimed is of the variety denominated ‘MG11654-24-001’. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The proposed new variety ‘MG11654-24-001’ was selected as a seedling from a controlled pollination involving northern and southern highbush varieties ‘Duke’ (seed parent) (not patented) and ‘Ridley 1403’ (pollen parent) (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 25,432) respectively. The cross was made in 2011 in Moondarra, Victoria, Australia and the variety was selected in 2014 in Moondarra, Victoria, Australia. This new cultivar has been asexually propagated through cuttings since 2016 and grown in replicated field trials from 2017 in Moondarra, Victoria, Australia. The plants of ‘MG11654-24-001’ are tough and vigorous with an upright to whippy growth habit while the fruit is very crunchy, large and firm with a good flavor and bloom. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     As mentioned above, the proposed new cultivar ‘MG11654-24-001’ is a result of a cross between ‘Duke’ and ‘Ridley 1403’, whose characteristics are discussed below. 
     The seed parent ‘Duke’ is a northern highbush variety with early fruit ripening, high chill requirement and high yields with medium to large fruit and a moderate to strong bloom. 
     The pollen parent ‘Ridley 1403’ was produced from a southern highbush seedling selection of ‘S02-25-05’ (unpatented) and pollen parent ‘S03-08-02’ (unpatented) and was selected in 2008 at Lindendale, New South Wales, Australia with the criteria of strong plant vigor, early-mid fruit ripening, very large fruit size and very firm/crunchy fruit texture. 
     The proposed new variety ‘MG11654-24-001’ is a selection from seedlings produced from a controlled pollination between ‘Duke’ and ‘Ridley 1403’ in the breeding program at Moondarra, Victoria, Australia in 2011. 
     Asexual reproduction of the proposed new variety ‘MG11654-24-001’ by cutting propagation has occurred since 2016 at Moondarra, Victoria, Australia. This has demonstrated that the new variety is uniform, stable and true to type over successive generations of asexual propagation in respect to the characteristics aforementioned. 
     The proposed new cultivar ‘MG11654-24-001’ was selected as a single plant in a population of seedlings resulting from a cross between ‘Duke’ and ‘Ridley 1403’ and selected in 2014 at Moondarra, Victoria, Australia. The selection of ‘MG11654-24-001’; was based upon the characteristics of strong plant vigor and bush toughness, early fruit ripening and large, firm, crunchy berries with a good flavor and bloom. ‘MG11654-24-001’ has been evaluated in field trials since 2017 at Moondarra, Victoria, Australia. 
     The following characteristics of the proposed new variety have been observed and used to distinguish ‘MG11654-24-001’ as a distinct cultivar of  Vaccinium  hybrid:
         Very early-season fruit ripening.   Strong plant vigor.   Upright/whippy growth habit.   Large berry size.   Crunchy berry texture.   Small dry picking scar.   Sweet berry flavor.   Good light colored bloom.       

     The proposed new variety ‘MG11654-24-001’ differs from the seed parent ‘Duke’ as previously described in terms of ‘MG11654-24-001’ possessing a possible lower chill requirement, very early fruit ripening, large fruit and a crunchy fruit texture. 
     ‘MG11654-24-001’ differs from pollen parent ‘Ridley 1403’ in respect to having an expected higher chill requirement, smaller berry size and reduced plant vigor. 
     The proposed new variety ‘MG11654-24-001’ is uniform, stable and true to type over successive generations of asexual propagation through softwood cuttings in respect to the characteristics aforementioned. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying photographic illustration shows typical specimens in full color of the foliage and fruit of the new variety ‘MG11654-24-001’ ‘MG11654-24-001’ has been labeled Merliah NB-24-1 in the photographs. The colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type. 
         FIG. 1  is a photograph of the fruit of the new variety ‘MG11654-24-001’ at approximately 1 year of age. 
         FIG. 2  is are photographs of the new variety ‘MG11654-24-001’ at approximately 1 year of age, demonstrating the plant&#39;s fruit. 
         FIG. 3  is a photograph of the new variety ‘MG11654-24-001’ at approximately 1 year of age, demonstrating the plant&#39;s flowers. 
     
    
    
     The colors in the photographs are as close as possible with the photographic and printing technology utilized. The color values cited in the detailed botanical description accurately describe the colors of the new blueberry. 
     DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description sets forth the distinctive characteristics of ‘MG11654-24-001’. The data which defines these characteristics was collected from asexual reproductions of the original selection. Dimensions, sizes, colors, and other characteristics are approximations and averages set forth as accurately as possible. The plant history was taken on plants approximately 3 years of age, and the descriptions relate to plants grown in the field in Moondarra, Victoria, Australia. Descriptions of fruit characteristics were made on fruit grown in Moondarra, Victoria, Australia. Color designations are from The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart (sixth edition).
     Classification:
           a.  Family .—Ericaceae.   b.  Genus.—Vaccinium.      c.  Species .—hybrid.   d.  Common name .—Blueberry.       
       Parentage:
             Female parent .—‘Duke’. (not patented).     Male parent .—‘Ridley 1403’. (U.S. Pat. No. 25,432).       
       Market class: A fruiting plant intended for the fresh fruit market.   

     PLANT 
     
         
         General:
           a.  Parentage .—‘Duke’ x ‘Ridley1403’.   b.  Plant height.— 1-1.2 m.   c.  Plant width.— 0.9-1.1 m.   d.  Growth habit .—Upright/whippy.   e.  Growth  ( vigor ).—Moderate to strong.   f.  Productivity .—Medium to high (˜7.1 kg/bush).   g.  Cold hardiness .—Not tested.   h.  Cold tolerance .—Not tested.   i.  Chilling requirement .—Not tested.   j.  Tolerance to disease .—Not tested.   k.  Leafing .—Moderate to strong.   l.  Twigginess .—Low to moderate.       
     
       
    
     STEM 
     
         
         General:
           a.  Suckering tendency.— 3-4/plant.   b.  Mature cane color.— 159CD/197A.   c.  Mature cane length.— 0.7-0.9 m.   d.  Mature cane width.— 1-1.3 cm.   e.  Bark texture .—Medium roughness.   f.  Surface texture of new wood .—Smooth.   g.  Internode length on strong, new shoots.— 27-31 mm.   h.  Fruiting wood .—To 16 cm in length.       
     
       
    
     FOLIAGE 
     
         
         General:
           a.  Time of beginning of leaf bud burst .—Mid-late September.   b.  Leaf color  ( top side ).—133A/135A.   c.  Leaf color  (under side).—146C.   d.  Leaf arrangement .—Alternate.   e.  Leaf shape .—Elliptic.   f.  Leaf margins .—Entire.   g.  Undulation of margin .—Weak.   h.  Leaf venation .—Reticulate.   i.  Leaf apices .—Acute.   j.  Leaf bases .—Obtuse.   k.  Leaf length.— 55-58 mm.   l.  Leaf width.— 26-33 mm.   m.  Leaf length/width ratio .—Medium; 1:0.47-1:0.56.   n.  Leaf nectarines .—Absent.   o.  Pubescence of upper side .—Absent.   p.  Pubescence of lower side .—Absent.   q.  Cross sectional profile .—Flat.   r.  Longitudinal profile .—Straight.   s.  Attitude .—Semi-upright.       
     
         Petioles:
           a.  Length.— 5 mm.   b.  Width.— 1-2 mm.   c.  Color .—Yellow-Green N144D/145A.       
     
       
    
     FLOWERS 
     
         
         General:
           a.  Time of beginning of flowering .—Early; September at Moondarra, Victoria, Australia.   b.  Time of  50%  anthesis.— 20-28 th  September.   c.  Flower shape .—Urceolate.   d.  Flower bud density .—moderate.   e.  Flower fragrance .—Weak; sweet smell.       
     
         Corolla:
             Length.— 11-12 mm.     Width.— 10-12 mm.     Aperture width.— 5-6 mm.     Anthocyanin coloration of corolla .—Absent.     Corolla ridges .—Present.     Protrusion of stigma.— 0-1 mm.       
     
         Inflorescence:
           a.  Length.— 55-57 mm.   b.  Diameter.— 40-43 mm.   c.  Length of peduncle.— 14-15 mm.   d.  Surface texture of peduncle .—Smooth.   e.  Color of peduncle .—Mix N144A/144A.   f.  Length of pedicel.— 5-7 mm.   g.  Surface texture of pedicel .—Smooth.   h.  Color of pedicel.— 143C/145B.   i.  Number of flowers per cluster.— 6.   j.  Flower cluster density .—Light to moderate.       
     
         Calyx (with sepals):
           a.  Diameter.— 7-9 mm.   b.  Color  ( sepals ).—145B.       
     
         Stamen:
           a.  Length.— 7-8 mm.   b.  Number per flower.— 9-10.   c.  Filament color.— 149C.       
     
         Style:
           a.  Length.— 9 mm.   b.  Color.— 145B.       
     
         Pistil:
           a.  Length.— 11-12 mm.   b.  Ovary color  ( exterior ).—144A/137C.       
     
         Anther:
           a.  Length.— 4 mm.   b.  Number.— 9-10.   c.  Color.— 167A/165B.       
     
         Pollen:
           a.  Abundance .—Medium.   b.  Color .—N/A.   c.  Self - compatibility .—Good (˜75%).       
     
       
    
     FRUIT 
     
         
         General:
           a.  Time of fruit ripening .—Very early; December in Moondarra, Victoria, Australia.   b.  Time of  50%  maturity .—November/December.   c.  Fruit development period .—Approximately 70 days.   d.  Cluster density .—Approximately 22 berries per cluster.   e.  Unripe fruit color.— 138D.   f.  Ripe berry color.— 203C/103A.   g.  Berry surface wax abundance .—Moderate to strong.   h.  Berry flesh color.— 157A/195D.   i.  Berry weight.— 3.3 g.   j.  Berry height from calyx to scar.— 10-11 mm.   k.  Berry diameter.— 19-21 mm.   l.  Berry shape .—Oblate.   m.  Fruit stem scar .—Small/dry.   n.  Sweetness when ripe .—Medium to high.   o.  Firmness when ripe .—Firm.   p.  Acidity when ripe .—Medium to high.   q.  Storage quality .—Good.   r.  Suitability for mechanical harvesting .—Not suitable.   s.  Self - fruitfulness .—Yes.   t.  Uses .—Fresh fruit.   u.  Type .—on one-year old shoots only.       
     
       
    
     SEED 
     
         
         General:
           a.  Seed abundance in fruit .—High.   b.  Seed length.— 1-2 mm.       
     
       
    
     COMPARISON BETWEEN PARENTAL AND COMMERCIAL CULTIVARS 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 ‘Ridley 1403’ (U.S.  
                 ‘Brigitta’ 
               
               
                 Organ 
                 Context 
                 ‘MG11654-24-001’ 
                 Pat. No. 25,432)  
                 (not patented) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Plant 
                 Vigour 
                 Strong 
                 Strong 
                 Medium 
               
               
                 Plant 
                 Growth habit 
                 Upright to semi- 
                 Upright to semi- 
                 Upright 
               
               
                   
                   
                 upright 
                 upright 
                   
               
               
                 One-year-old  
                 Colour 
                 Green 
                 Green 
                 Green 
               
               
                 shoot 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 One-year-old  
                 Length of internode 
                 Medium; 27-31 mm 
                 Medium 
                 Medium 
               
               
                 shoot 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Leaf 
                 Length 
                 Long; 55-58 mm 
                 Long to very long 
                 Long 
               
               
                 Leaf 
                 Width 
                 Broad; 26-33 mm 
                 Broad  
                 Broad 
               
               
                 Leaf 
                 Shape 
                 Elliptic 
                 Elliptic 
                 Elliptic 
               
               
                 Leaf 
                 Colour of upper side 
                 Green; 133A/135A 
                 Green 
                 Green 
               
               
                 Leaf 
                 Intensity of green colour on 
                 Medium 
                 Medium 
                 Medium 
               
               
                   
                 upper side (varieties with 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 green leaf colour only) 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Leaf 
                 Margin 
                 Entire 
                 Entire 
                 Serrate 
               
               
                 Flower bud 
                 Anthocyanin coloration 
                 Weak 
                 Weak 
                 Medium-strong 
               
               
                 Flower 
                 Shape of corolla 
                 Urceolate 
                 Urceolate  
                 Urceolate 
               
               
                 Flower 
                 Size of corolla tube 
                 Medium 
                 Medium to large 
                 Medium 
               
               
                 Flower 
                 Anthocyanin colouration of 
                 Absent or very weak 
                 Absent or very weak 
                 Absent or very weak 
               
               
                   
                 corolla tube 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Flower 
                 Ridges on corolla tube 
                 Present  
                 Present 
                 Present 
               
               
                 Fruit cluster 
                 Density 
                 Medium to dense 
                 Medium to dense 
                 Medium-dense 
               
               
                 Unripe fruit 
                 Intensity of green colour 
                 Light to medium 
                 Light 
                 Light 
               
               
                 Fruit 
                 Size 
                 Large to very large; 
                 Very large 
                 Medium 
               
               
                   
                   
                 19-21 mm 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fruit 
                 Shape in longitudinal section 
                 Oblate 
                 Round  
                 Oblate 
               
               
                 Fruit 
                 Attitude of sepals 
                 Erect 
                 Erect 
                 Erect 
               
               
                 Fruit 
                 Diameter of calyx basin 
                 Large 
                 Large 
                 Small-medium 
               
               
                 Fruit 
                 Depth of calyx basin 
                 Shallow to medium 
                 Deep 
                 Deep 
               
               
                 Fruit 
                 Intensity of bloom 
                 Strong 
                 Medium 
                 Medium 
               
               
                 Fruit 
                 Colour of skin 
                 Dark blue; 
                 Dark blue 
                 Dark blue 
               
               
                   
                   
                 203C/103A 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Fruit 
                 Firmness 
                 Firm 
                 Very firm 
                 Medium 
               
               
                 Fruit 
                 Sweetness 
                 High 
                 High 
                 Low-medium 
               
               
                 Fruit 
                 Acidity 
                 Medium to high 
                 Low 
                 Low-medium 
               
               
                 Time of 
                 Vegetative bud burst 
                 Early 
                 Early 
                 Medium 
               
               
                 Time of 
                 Beginning 
                 of flowering 
                 Very early 
                 Early Medium 
               
               
                 Time of 
                 Beginning 
                 of fruit ripening 
                 Very early 
                 Early Medium