Abstract:
A new and distinct short-day strawberry cultivar is provided. Attractive mostly symmetrical-conic fruit of very good quality typically is formed in a good yield. The fruit flavor is good and the fraction of non-marketable fruit tends to be low. The growth habit is very compact. Relatively small broad concave leaflets are formed that display semi-pointed serrations.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     A new and distinctive short-day type strawberry cultivar designated ‘Camino Real’ is provided that resulted from a cross performed in 1994 between advanced selections Cal 89.230-7 (non-patented in the United States) and Cal 90.253-3 (non-patented in the United States). The cultivar is botanically identified as  Fragaria×ananassa Duch.  The parentage of the new cultivar can be summarized as follows: 
     
       
         Cal 89.230-7×Cal 90.253-3.  
       
     
     ‘Camino Real’ was first fruited at the University of California, Wolfskill Experimental Orchard, near Winters, Calif., U.S.A., in 1995, where it was selected, was originally designated Cal 94.3-11, and was propagated asexually by runners. The characteristics of the new cultivar have been found to be fully transmissible by such asexual propagation. Following selection and during testing the plant was designated ‘C213’, and subsequently has been named ‘Camino Real’ for introduction. Asexual propagules from this original source have been tested at the Watsonville Strawberry Research Facility, the South Coast Research and Extension Center of the University of California, and to a limited extent in grower test fields starting in 1996. 
     It was found that the new cultivar of the present invention exhibits the following combination of characteristics: 
     (a) Exhibits a very compact growth habit, 
     (b) Typically forms attractive mostly symmetrical-conic fruit of very good quality in a good yield, and 
     (c) Forms relatively small broad concave leaflets having semi-pointed serrations. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS 
     The depicted plants and plant parts of the ‘Camino Real’ cultivar were grown at Watsonville, Calif., U.S.A. 
     FIG.  1 —shows rows of typical fruiting plants during early May, 2000; 
     FIG.  2 —shows a close view of a representative individual fruiting plant during early May, 2000; 
     FIG.  3 —shows a one-half crate of representative fruit during early May, 2000; 
     FIG.  4 —shows representative mature fruit externally on the upper row and internally on the lower row with dimensions in centimeters being shown at the left; and 
     FIG.  5 —shows a typical mature leaf during late spring. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     ‘Camino Real’ as other short-day strawberry cultivars produces fruit over an extended period when treated appropriately in arid, subtropical climates. The production pattern for ‘Camino Real’ is similar to that of the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,708), although it is somewhat later to initiate fruiting with most cultural treatments. ‘Camino Real’ will be of special interest for winter plantings where the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar has been successful, and in summer plantings where the ‘Pajaro’ cultivar (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,538) and the ‘Chandler’ cultivar (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,262) have been successful. 
     Plants and Foliage 
     Fruiting plants of ‘Camino Real’ are smaller and more compact, more open, more erect, and less vigorous than plants of the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar. The ‘Camino Real’ plants are more compact but less erect than those of the ‘Gaviota’ cultivar (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,461). Comparative statistics for foliar characters near mid-season are given for the three cultivars in Table 1 that follows. Individual leaflets of ‘Camino Real’ are smaller than those of the ‘Gaviota’ and ‘Camarosa’ cultivars, and are somewhat more rounded than those of the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar. Leaves (including petioles) are similar in length to those of the ‘Gaviota’ cultivar, but are much broader. The leaves of ‘Camino Real’ are shorter and broader than those of the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar. Petioles are similar in thickness to those of ‘Gaviota’ cultivar. Leaves on vigorous plants of ‘Camino Real’ occasionally have 4 or 5 leaflets. ‘Camino Real’ has a consistently concave leaf form, generally much more concave than leaves of the ‘Gaviota’ and ‘Camarosa’ cultivars, and has more and usually more pointed serrations than these comparison cultivars. Plant height and width values were obtained for established plants growing at Watsonville, Calif. that were established on October 23rd and were measured on January 21st. This is the industry standard for planting these cultivars at this location. The typical length and color of the stipule is provided. The stipule color varies somewhat depending on age and stage of development. Individual stipules commonly display a green interior and reddish margins. The stipules are substantially the same for all three varieties. Strawberry plants do not commonly produce stolons during the fruiting period in annual planted systems such as those used in California. The stolon information included in Table 1 is estimated from the initial stolon production in a foundation nursery located near Redding, Calif. 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Cultivar 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Foliar Character 
                 ‘Camarosa’ 
                 ‘Gaviota’ 
                 ‘Camino Real’ 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Plant height (mm) 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 mean 
                 56 
                 54 
                 62 
               
               
                 range 
                 40-70 
                 50-50 
                 50-70 
               
               
                 Plant spread (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                 167  
                 143  
                 193  
               
               
                 range 
                 150-200 
                 130-155 
                 165-220 
               
               
                 Mid-Tier Leaflet 
               
               
                 Length (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                 91 
                 95 
                 81 
               
               
                 range 
                  80 to 100 
                  83 to 109 
                 64 to 90 
               
               
                 Width (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                 83 
                 95 
                 82 
               
               
                 range 
                  68 to 104 
                  71 to 105 
                 62 to 95 
               
               
                 Mid-Tier Leaf 
               
               
                 Length (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                 313  
                 254  
                 252  
               
               
                 range 
                 256 to 426 
                 201 to 314 
                 199 to 314 
               
               
                 Width (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                 161  
                 182  
                 150  
               
               
                 range 
                 130 to 183 
                 146 to 205 
                 125 to 173 
               
               
                 Leaf components 
               
               
                 Petiole length (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                 209  
                 168  
                 170  
               
               
                 range 
                 171-285 
                 133-208 
                 135-212 
               
               
                 Petiole diameter 
               
               
                 (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                 3.0 
                 3.2 
                 3.1 
               
               
                 range 
                 2.9-3.1 
                 3.1-3.4 
                 2.9-3.3 
               
               
                 Petiolule length 
               
               
                 (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                 11 
                 11 
                 11 
               
               
                 range 
                  9-16 
                  9-14 
                  9-14 
               
               
                 Number of 
                 3 
                 3 
                 3, rarely 4 or 5 
               
               
                 Leaflets/Leaf 
               
               
                 Leaf Convexity 
                 flat-convex, most 
                 most are 
                 very concave 
               
               
                   
                 are slightly 
                 concave, some 
               
               
                   
                 concave 
                 flat 
               
               
                 Serrations 
               
               
                 number/leaf (mean) 
                 19.4 
                 17.8 
                 17.8 
               
               
                 range 
                 18-21 
                 16-19 
                 17-20 
               
               
                 shape 
                 rounded, some 
                 rounded to 
                 semi-pointed 
               
               
                   
                 semi-pointed 
                 semi-pointed 
               
               
                 Leaf Pubescence 
                 light-moderate 
                 light-moderate 
                 light 
               
               
                 Petiole Pubescence 
               
               
                 density 
                 moderate to 
                 heavy 
                 moderate 
               
               
                   
                 heavy 
               
               
                 direction 
                 perpendicular to 
                 perpendicular 
                 perpendicular 
               
               
                   
                 acropetal 
               
               
                 Petiole color 
                 2.5 GY 5/5 
                 2.5 GY 6/8 
                 2.5 GY 6/8 
               
               
                 (Munsell) 
               
               
                 Stipule length (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                 22 
                 21.8 
                 26.2 
               
               
                 range 
                 20-23 
                 21-23 
                 23-30 
               
               
                 Stipule color 
               
               
                 core 
                 2.5 GY 6/8 
                 2.5 GY 6/8 
                 2.5 GY 6/8 
               
               
                 margins 
                 2.5 R 6/11 
                 2.5 R 6/11 
                 2.5 R 6/11 
               
               
                 Stolons per nursery 
                 215  
                 194  
                 184  
               
               
                 mother plant 
               
               
                 Venation pattern 
                 pinnate 
                 pinnate 
                 pinnate 
               
               
                 Color (Munsell) 
                 2.5 GY 6/8 
                 2.5 GY 6/8 
                 2.5 GY 6/8 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The adaxial (upper) surfaces of leaves of ‘Camino Real’ are darker than those of the ‘Gaviota’ cultivar and the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar, and the abaxial (lower) leaf surface colors are similar. See Table 2 that follows. 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Cultivar 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Color Character 
                 ‘Camarosa’ 
                 ‘Gaviota’ 
                 ‘Camino Real’ 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Leaf Color (CIELAB)* 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Adaxial 
               
               
                 L* 
               
               
                 mean 
                 32.3 
                 29.0 
                 27.4 
               
               
                 range 
                 30.8 to 34.6 
                 27.4 to 30.0 
                 26.1 to 28.5 
               
               
                 a* 
               
               
                 mean 
                 −7.0 
                 −7.0 
                 −6.4 
               
               
                 range 
                 −4.8 to −8.2 
                 −6.1 to −7.7 
                 −5.3 to −8.0 
               
               
                 b* 
               
               
                 mean 
                 14.0 
                 11.5 
                 11.1 
               
               
                 range 
                  9.4 to 18.4 
                  9.7 to 13.7 
                  9.4 to 14.3 
               
               
                 Munsell 
                 5GY 4/3 
                 5GY 4/3 
                 5GY 4/3 
               
               
                 Abaxial 
               
               
                 L* 
               
               
                 mean 
                 46.1 
                 47.5 
                 45.7 
               
               
                 range 
                 43.9 to 49.2 
                 46.4 to 48.7 
                 44.0 to 47.5 
               
               
                 a* 
               
               
                 mean 
                 −7.6 
                 −7.6 
                 −7.5 
               
               
                 range 
                 −6.8 to −8.0 
                 −6.7 to −8.5 
                 −6.6 to −8.3 
               
               
                 b* 
               
               
                 mean 
                 21.8 
                 20.4 
                 19.8 
               
               
                 range 
                 20.1 to 25.0 
                 17.2 to 24.5 
                 18.4 to 20.7 
               
               
                 Munsell 
                 2.5GY 5/5 
                 2.5GY 5/5 
                 2.5GY 4/3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *CIELAB is the abbreviation of the international color system known as “Commission Internationale De L&#39; Eclairage” 1978. For recommendations concerning uniform color spaces, color difference equations, and psychometric color terms see Supplement No. 2 of CIE Publication No. 15, Paris.  
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Isozymes in Leaf Extracts 
     ‘Camino Real’ has been classified for three isozyme systems using Starch Gel Electrophoresis: Phosophoglucoisomerase (PGI), Leucine Aminopeptidase (LAP), and Phosphoglucomutase (PGM). It is distinguishable from the ‘Gaviota’ and ‘Camarosa’ cultivars using this methodology. See Table 3 that follows. 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Cultivar 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Locus 
                 ‘Camarosa’ 
                 ‘Gaviota’ 
                 ‘Camino Real’ 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 PGI 
                 A2 
                 A2 
                 A2 
               
               
                   
                 LAP 
                 B3 
                 B3 
                 B3 
               
               
                   
                 PGM 
                 C1 
                 C1 
                 C3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     For electrophoretic procedures see:  J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci.  106:684 to 687. 
     Disease and Pest Reactions 
     ‘Camino Real’ is moderately susceptible to common leaf spot ( Ramularia tulasnei ) and somewhat sensitive to powdery mildew ( Sphaerotheca macularis ). It is quite resistant to Verticillium wilt ( Verticillium dahliae ) and Phytophthora crown rot ( Phytophthora cactorum ), and relatively resistant to Anthracnose crown rot ( Colletotrichum acutatum ). When treated properly, it has tolerance to two-spotted spidermites ( Tetranychus urticae ) equal or greater than ‘Gaviota’ and ‘Camarosa’. ‘Camino Real’ is tolerant to strawberry viruses encountered in California. 
     Flowering, Fruiting, Fruit and Production Characteristics 
     Comparative statistics for flower and fruit characters near mid-season are given for ‘Camarosa’, ‘Gaviota’ and ‘Camino Real’ in Table 4 that follows. The primary flowers for ‘Camino Real’ are similar in size to those of the ‘Gaviota’ and ‘Camarosa’ cultivars. The petals for all three cultivars are white on both surfaces. The petal apex for all three cultivars is flat across the top with slightly rounded edges to slightly rounded across the top. The sepals are somewhat larger than those of the ‘Gaviota’ cultivar and are similar to those of the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar. The number of sepals equals the number of petals for all three cultivars. The calyx for ‘Camino Real’ varies from slightly indented to slightly necked, and each primary flower has 5 to 8 petals. The fruit shape for ‘Camino Real’ can vary but is typically rounded or symmetrical conic, and is easily distinguishable from that of the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar that is shortened flat conic. ‘Camino Real’ commonly has a greater proportion of symmetrical fruit than the ‘Gaviota’ cultivar. The fruit color information included in Table 4 was obtained using a reflectance spectrophotometer that integrates color over a 1.5 cm diameter circle. As indicated in FIG. 4, the internal fruit coloration is variable over a wide range and is lighter in the center than at the margin. This wide color variation is present in almost all strawberry cultivars. Achenes vary from yellow to dark red, and are generally even with the fruit surface or slightly indented. The pedicel information included in Table 4 was obtained on Jan. 21, 2002. 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Cultivar 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Character 
                 ‘Camarosa’ 
                 ‘Gaviota’ 
                 ‘Camino Real’ 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Number of Petals 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 mean 
                  6.3 
                  5.9 
                  5.8 
               
               
                 range 
                 5 to 8 
                 5 to 8 
                 5 to 8 
               
               
                 Petal shape 
               
               
                 apex 
                 truncate to 
                 truncate to 
                 truncate to 
               
               
                   
                 slightly obtuse 
                 slightly obtuse 
                 slightly obtuse 
               
               
                 base 
                 attenuate 
                 attenuate 
                 attenuate 
               
               
                 margin 
                 entire 
                 entire 
                 entire 
               
               
                 Petal length (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                 14.4 
                 14.4 
                 17.4 
               
               
                 range 
                 14-15 
                 13-15 
                 16-19 
               
               
                 Petal width (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                 14.2 
                 15.7 
                 17.4 
               
               
                 range 
                 14-15 
                 14-17 
                 17-18 
               
               
                 Flower Position 
                 mostly even 
                 exposed 
                 exposed 
               
               
                 (relative to 
                 some exposed 
               
               
                 foliage) 
               
               
                 Calyx Diam. 
               
               
                 (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                 48.1 
                 41.7 
                 47.1 
               
               
                 range 
                 32 to 58 
                 30 to 58 
                 37 to 57 
               
               
                 Corolla Diam. 
               
               
                 (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                 35.6 
                 37.9 
                 26.8 
               
               
                 range 
                 30 to 47 
                 32 to 48 
                 32 to 42 
               
               
                 Sepal length 
               
               
                 (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                 17.8 
                 16.2 
                 19.8 
               
               
                 range 
                 17-20 
                 15-17 
                 19-20 
               
               
                 Sepal width 
               
               
                 (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                  6.4 
                  9.6 
                 6-8 
               
               
                 range 
                 6-7 
                  9-11 
                 6-7 
               
               
                 Sepal color 
                 7.5 GY 4/4 
                 5 GY 4/3 
                 5 GY 4/3 
               
               
                 (Munsell) 
               
               
                 Pedicel length 
               
               
                 (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                 93.2 
                 72.8 
                 76.0 
               
               
                 range 
                  85-112 
                 62-87 
                 72-80 
               
               
                 Pedicel diameter 
               
               
                 (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                  2.4 
                  2.6 
                  2.8 
               
               
                 range 
                 2.2-2.5 
                 2.5-2.9 
                 2.7-2.9 
               
               
                 Pedicel color 
                 5 GY 6/8 
                 2.5 GY 6/8 
                 5 GY 6/8 
               
               
                 (Munsell) 
               
               
                 Fruit Shape 
               
               
                 Fruit length (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                 54   
                 54   
                 56   
               
               
                 range 
                 42-63 
                 45-70 
                 48-68 
               
               
                 Fruit width (mm) 
               
               
                 mean 
                 49   
                 44   
                 50   
               
               
                 range 
                 39-72 
                 37-51 
                 43-62 
               
               
                 length/width 
               
               
                 ratio 
                 1.13 
                 1.22 
                 1.14 
               
               
                 range 
                 0.61 to 1.51 
                 1.02 to 1.45 
                 0.92 to 1.28 
               
               
                 subjective 
                 short flat conic 
                 mostly rounded 
                 mostly 
               
               
                   
                   
                 conic, some flat 
                 symmetrical 
               
               
                   
                   
                 conic 
                 conic, some flat 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 conic 
               
               
                 Calyx Position 
                 even to 
                 even to 
                 even to 
               
               
                   
                 slightly necked 
                 slightly indented 
                 slightly indented 
               
               
                 Seed Position 
                 even to 
                 even 
                 even 
               
               
                   
                 slightly 
               
               
                   
                 indented 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     External and internal fruit color for ‘Camino Real’ is darker than that of the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar, and slightly darker than that of the ‘Gaviota’ cultivar. See Table 5 that follows where CIELAB fruit color information is presented. 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Cultivar 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 ‘Camarosa’ 
                 ‘Gaviota’ 
                 ‘Camino Real’ 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 External 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 L* 
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 23.3 
                 22.4 
                 20.1 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 20.7 to 27.0 
                 20.3 to 24.5 
                 15.6 to 22.9 
               
               
                   
                 a* 
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 26.6 
                 28.2 
                 26.3 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 21.6 to 29.5 
                 25.3 to 31.4 
                 21.6 to 29.4 
               
               
                   
                 b* 
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 12.8 
                 14.8 
                 13.6 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                  9.9 to 14.6 
                 12.0 to 17.7 
                  7.8 to 20.3 
               
               
                   
                 Munsell 
                 2.5R 3/7 
                 5R 3/7 
                 5R 3/7 
               
               
                   
                 Internal 
               
               
                   
                 L* 
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 44.0 
                 48.1 
                 40.2 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 40.7 to 46.9 
                 44.3 to 53.9 
                 26.3 to 45.4 
               
               
                   
                 a* 
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 41.4 
                 37.2 
                 39.2 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 35.0 to 45.1 
                 26.1 to 41.3 
                 31.8 to 43.6 
               
               
                   
                 b* 
               
               
                   
                 mean 
                 29.9 
                 28.6 
                 28.8 
               
               
                   
                 range 
                 24.1 to 35.3 
                 19.9 to 32.6 
                 19.8 to 35.5 
               
               
                   
                 Munsell 
                 5R 4/12 
                 5R 5/13 
                 5R 5/13 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Performance 
     ‘Camino Real’ has been tested under a variety of cultural regimes, and optimal performance is obtained when nursery treatments and nutritional programs similar to those used with the ‘Gaviota’ and ‘Camarosa’ cultivars are employed. In general, ‘Camino Real’ is less adapted to very early season planting but less sensitive to excess chilling than the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar. ‘Camino Real’ retains excellent fruit quality in summer planting systems. 
     When treated with appropriate planting regimes, ‘Camino Real’ has larger fruit and produces greater individual-plant yields than the ‘Gaviota’ or ‘Camarosa’ cultivars. ‘Camino Real’ is intermediate to the ‘Gaviota’ and ‘Camarosa’ cultivars in its production pattern. It is somewhat later to initiate production than the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar, with conventional winter planting in central California but has earlier average production than the ‘Gaviota’ cultivar. Commercial appearance ratings have been better than those for the ‘Gaviota’ and ‘Camarosa’ cultivars and trials conducted at Santa Maria, Calif., U.S.A. in 1998 to 1999 have indicated that the fraction of non-marketable fruit is approximately one-half that produced by the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar. Fruit for ‘Camino Real’ is substantially firmer than the fruit of the ‘Gaviota’ cultivar, and is similar in firmness to that of the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar. Subjectively, the ‘Camino Real’ fruit has very good flavor. The fruit will be outstanding for both the fresh market and for processing, and will be useful for home garden purposes as well. See the comparative data presented in Table 6 that follows. There information is provided for plants that were evaluated during 1998 and 1999 at the Watsonville, Calif., U.S.A., Research Faculty of the University of California. Such plants had been asexually reproduced by the use of runners at Macdoel, Calif., U.S.A., were harvested on October 15 th , and were subjected to supplemental storage for approximately 7 to 10 days prior to being transplanted. The test planting consisted of 52 inch two-row beds, 17,300 plants/acre. Harvest was initiated in early April and continued through the last week of August. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Yield 
                 Appearance 
                 Size 
                   
               
               
                 Cultivar 
                 (g/plant) 
                 Score 
                 (g/fruit) 
                 Firmness 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 ‘Camarosa’ 
                 1,783 
                 3.3 
                 27.2 
                 7.7 
               
               
                 ‘Gaviota’ 
                 1,437 
                 3.5 
                 27.8 
                 7.1 
               
               
                 ‘Camino Real’ 
                 1,813 
                 3.8 
                 31.1 
                 7.6 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     ‘Camino Real’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions to date. Accordingly, it is possible that the phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in the environment.