Mandarin plant named ‘Mikanken14’

Abstract

A new variety of Citrus sp. plant named ‘Mikanken14’ that has vivid orange as the surface predominant color of the fruit, strong orange as main color of the flesh, and very early to early maturity of the fruit for consumption.

Description

[0001] Common name: Mandarin.

[0002] Botanical classification: Citrus sp.

[0003] Variety denomination: ‘Mikanken14’.BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

[0004] The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of mandarin, Citrus sp., which has been given the variety denomination ‘Mikanken14’.ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

[0005] The parent varieties are ‘Unknown mandarin variety’ (male parent) and ‘Mikanken4’ (female parent) (U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 18 / 944,163), respectively.

[0006] The variety was developed and propagated in Uwajima, Ehime, Japan.

[0007] The variety was reproduced asexually by vegetative reproduction by top grafting one-year-old scions on rootstocks, in Uwajima, Ehime, Japan. The name of the rootstock is ‘MIYAGAWAWASE’ (not patented).

[0008] In 2005, crossing the parent varieties and collecting seeds to be grown in the next year.

[0009] In 2006 and 2007, seeds were planted and grown.

[0010] In 2008, scions were grafted on top of root stock.

[0011] In 2010, the first fruit was harvested, and lines were primarily selected.

[0012] In 2012, lines were secondary selected.

[0013] In 2024, breeding was completed with DUS status confirmed (distinct, uniform, and stable), whereby it was confirmed that the instant tree reproduces true to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction, and the variety was named ‘Mikanken14’.

[0014] Cultivation of variety does not require special conditions or treatments. The variety is currently mainly intended for fruit production.SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

[0015] This new mandarin plant ‘Mikanken14’ has medium orange as the surface predominant color of the fruit, medium orange as main color of the flesh, and very early to early maturity of the fruit for consumption, that distinguish it notably from its female parent ‘Mikanken4’ (dark orange surface as predominant color of the fruit, dark orange as main color of the flesh, late maturity of the fruit for consumption)

[0016] Also, ‘Mikanken14’ has very thin rind thickness of the fruit, absent or very sparse of filling of the core, very small diameter of the core, that distinguish it notably from its comparative variety ‘HAREHIME’ (not patented in the U.S., plant variety protection granted in Japan) (thin rind thickness of the fruit, sparse of filling of the core, medium diameter of the core).

[0017] In addition, the fruit of ‘Mikannken14’ has the following characteristics: the fruit size is from 150 g to 200 g, the strength of the segment walls is weak, the fruit has no seeds, in early December, the total soluble solids (Brix) of juice are about 15 degrees and the juice acidity is medium, and the time of maturity of the fruit is from late December to January.

[0018] Table 1 shows a comparison between the instant variety ‘Mikanken14’ and Female parent variety ‘Mikanken4’, as follows (average evaluation):

[0019] TABLE 1Comparison between ‘Mikanken14’ and ‘Mikanken4’FemaleparentPresentvarietyvariety‘Mikanken4’‘Mikanken14’CharacteristicsStatesStatesFruit: surface Dark orangeVivid orangepredominant colorFruit: main color of fleshDark orangeStrong orangePlant: time of maturity ofLateVery early tofruit for consumptionearly

[0020] Table 2 shows a comparison between the instant variety ‘Mikanken14’ and comparative variety ‘HAREHIME’

[0021] TABLE 2Comparison between ‘Mikanken14’ and ‘HAREHIME’ComparativePresentvarietyvariety‘HAREHIME’‘Mikanken14’CharacteristicsStatesStatesFruit: rind thicknessThinVery thinFruit: filling of coreSparseAbsent or verysparseFruit: diameter of coreMediumVery smallBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In the accompanying drawings, which are as nearly true as is reasonable possible to make in a color illustration of this type:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a color photograph showing a general view of an illustrative 12-year old mandarin tree of the variety named ‘Mikanken14’ bearing fruits.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a color photograph showing flowers of ‘Mikanken14’.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a color photograph showing leaves of ‘Mikanken14’.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a color photograph showing fruits of ‘Mikanken14’.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a color photograph showing fruits of ‘Mikanken14’ and ‘Mikanken4’, which indicates the difference of fruit: surface predominant color and main color of the flesh.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a color photograph showing fruits of ‘Mikanken14’ and ‘HAREHIME’, which indicates the difference of the fruit: thickness of rind, filling of the core, diameter of the core.

[0029] Due to chemical and / or digital development, processing and printing, the plants or portions of plants depicted in the photographs may or may not be precisely accurate when compared to the actual botanical specimens.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Table 3 shows the botanical description of the ‘Mikanken14’ plants evaluated in 2023 (including the comparison with the reference plants ‘Mikanken4’ and ‘HAREHIME’). The values as provided are average. The ages of the trees evaluated was 13 years after grafted on top of Rootstock, and the location of the trees evaluated was in Uwajima, Ehime, Japan.

[0031] Colors are given according to the J.H.S. (Japan Horticultural Society) Color Chart (second edition, 1997 reprint).BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

[0032] TABLE 3Botanical description of ‘Mikanken 14’CharacteristicsStatesValuesPloidyDiploidTree: growth habitSpreadingTree: density of spinesAbsent or sparseTree: height2.5 mTree: spread3.0 mTree: trunk diameter (10 cm above 32.5 cmthe grafted area)Tree: trunk textureRoughTree: crotch angle71°Branch: length11.5 cmBranch: diameter3.8 cmBranch: textureSmoothLength of spines4.7 cmLeaf blade: length (apical leaflet in Long11.4 cmcase of compound leaf)Leaf blade: width (apical leaflet in Broad5.1 cmcase of compound leaf)Leaf blade: ratio length / width (apicalSmall2.2leaflet in case of compound leaf)Leaf blade: shape in cross sectionIntermediate(apical leaflet in case of compound leaf)Leaf blade: twistingAbsent or weakLeaf blade: blisteringAbsent or weakLeaf blade: colorDark green3509 (JHSColor Chart)Leaf blade: undulation of marginIntermediateLeaf blade: incisions of marginAbsentLeaf blade: shape of apexAcuteLeaf blade: emargination at tipAbsentPetiole: lengthMedium1.9 cmPetiole: presence of wingsPresentVarieties with petiole wings presentNarrow4.1 mmonly: petiole: width of wingsFlower: diameter of calyx0.8 cmFlower: length of petalShort13.4 mmFlower: width of petalBroad6.2 mmFlower: ratio length / width of petal2.2Flower: length of stamens9.8 mmAnther: colorPale reddish2202 JHSyellowColor ChartStyle: length7.0 mmInfructescence: clustering of fruitsAbsentFruit: length5.6 cmFruit: diameter7.1 cmFruit: ratio length / diameter1.27Fruit: position of broadest partAt middleFruit: shape in transverse sectionCircularFruit: general shape of proximal Flattenedpart (excluding neck, collar and depression at stalk end)Fruit: presence of neckAbsentFruit: presence of depression at Absentstalk endFruit: presence of constriction at Absentstalk endFruit: number of radial grooves Absent or few0at stalk endFruit: presence of collarAbsentFruit: abscission layer between Absent or weaklyfloral disc and fruitdevelopedFruit: general shape of distal partFlattened(excluding nipple, bulging of navel and depression at distal end)Fruit: presence of depression at Presentdistal endFruit: depth of depression at distal 1.3 mmendFruit: diameter of depression at 9.0 mmdistal endFruit: presence of areolaIncompleteFruit: type of areolaSmoothFruit: diameter of areola0.9 cmFruit: diameter of stylar scar1.4 mmFruit: persistence of styleNoneFruit: presence of navel openingAbsentFruit: presence of radial grooves atAbsentdistal endFruit: surface: predominant color(s)Vivid orange1605 (JHSColor Chart)Fruit surface: glossinessStrongFruit surface: roughnessSmoothFruit surface: size of oil glandsAll more or lessthe same sizeFruit surface: size of larger oil MediumglandsFruit surface: conspicuousness of Stronglarger oil glandsFruit surface: presence of pitting Pitting andand pebbling on oil glandspebbling absentFruit rind: thicknessVery thin1.5 mmFruit rind: adherence of fleshWeak to mediumFruit rind: strengthMediumFruit rind: oilinessDryFruit rind: conspicuousness of oil Absent orglands on inner surfaceweaklyconspicuousFruit: color of albedoYellowish white2502 (JHSColor Chart)Fruit: density of albedoMediumFruit: amount of albedo adhering Mediumto flesh (strand excluded)Fruit: presence of albedo strandsPresentFruit: amount of albedo strandsMediumFruit: main color of fleshStrong orange1606 (JHSColor Chart)Fruit: filling of coreAbsent of verysparseFruit: diameter of coreVery small9.4 mmFruit: presence of rudimentaryAbsent or verySegmentsweakFruit: number of well-developed11segmentsFruit: coherence of adjacent segmentMediumwallsFruit: strength of segment wailsWeakFruit: length of juice vesicles4.8 mmFruit: thickness of juice vesicles2.9 mmFruit conspicuousness of juice vesicleHighwallsFruit; coherence of juice vesiclesMediumFruit: presence of navel (viewedAbsent or veryinternally)rareFruit: juicinessHighFruit juice: total soluble solidsHigh14.2 (Brix)Fruit juice: acidityMedium1.07Fruit: strength of fiberWeakFruit: number of seeds (open Absent or very0pollinated)fewSeed: polyembryonyAbsentPlant: time of maturity of fruit forVery early toDecemberconsumptionearlyPlant: fruit: parthenocarpyPresentFruit productivity35 ton / ha

[0033] Other features of the plant are as follows:

[0034] Disease and pest resistance.—Not observed to date.

[0035] Tree Hardiness.—USDA Hardiness Zone 9a-9b (until −3° C.).

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0030]Table 3 shows the botanical description of the ‘Mikanken14’ plants evaluated in 2023 (including the comparison with the reference plants ‘Mikanken4’ and ‘HAREHIME’). The values as provided are average. The ages of the trees evaluated was 13 years after grafted on top of Rootstock, and the location of the trees evaluated was in Uwajima, Ehime, Japan.

[0031]Colors are given according to the J.H.S. (Japan Horticultural Society) Color Chart (second edition, 1997 reprint).

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

[0032]

TABLE 3Botanical description of ‘Mikanken 14’CharacteristicsStatesValuesPloidyDiploidTree: growth habitSpreadingTree: density of spinesAbsent or sparseTree: height2.5 mTree: spread3.0 mTree: trunk diameter (10 cm above 32.5 cmthe grafted area)Tree: trunk textureRoughTree: crotch angle71°Branch: length11.5 cmBranch: diameter3.8 cmBranch: textureSmoothLength of spines4.7 cmLeaf blade: length (apical leaflet in Long11.4 cmcase of compound leaf)Leaf blade: width (apical leaflet in Broad5.1 cm...

[0001] Common name: Mandarin.

[0002] Botanical classification: Citrus sp.

[0003] Variety denomination: ‘Mikanken14’.BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

[0004] The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of mandarin, Citrus sp., which has been given the variety denomination ‘Mikanken14’.ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

[0005] The parent varieties are ‘Unknown mandarin variety’ (male parent) and ‘Mikanken4’ (female parent) (U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 18 / 944,163), respectively.

[0006] The variety was developed and propagated in Uwajima, Ehime, Japan.

[0007] The variety was reproduced asexually by vegetative reproduction by top grafting one-year-old scions on rootstocks, in Uwajima, Ehime, Japan. The name of the rootstock is ‘MIYAGAWAWASE’ (not patented).

[0008] In 2005, crossing the parent varieties and collecting seeds to be grown in the next year.

[0009] In 2006 and 2007, seeds were planted and grown.

[0010] In 2008, scions were grafted on top of root stock.

[0011] In 2010, the first fruit was harvested, and lines were primarily selected.

[0012] In 2012, lines were secondary selected.

[0013] In 2024, breeding was completed with DUS status confirmed (distinct, uniform, and stable), whereby it was confirmed that the instant tree reproduces true to type in successive generations of asexual reproduction, and the variety was named ‘Mikanken14’.

[0014] Cultivation of variety does not require special conditions or treatments. The variety is currently mainly intended for fruit production.SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

[0015] This new mandarin plant ‘Mikanken14’ has medium orange as the surface predominant color of the fruit, medium orange as main color of the flesh, and very early to early maturity of the fruit for consumption, that distinguish it notably from its female parent ‘Mikanken4’ (dark orange surface as predominant color of the fruit, dark orange as main color of the flesh, late maturity of the fruit for consumption)

[0016] Also, ‘Mikanken14’ has very thin rind thickness of the fruit, absent or very sparse of filling of the core, very small diameter of the core, that distinguish it notably from its comparative variety ‘HAREHIME’ (not patented in the U.S., plant variety protection granted in Japan) (thin rind thickness of the fruit, sparse of filling of the core, medium diameter of the core).

[0017] In addition, the fruit of ‘Mikannken14’ has the following characteristics: the fruit size is from 150 g to 200 g, the strength of the segment walls is weak, the fruit has no seeds, in early December, the total soluble solids (Brix) of juice are about 15 degrees and the juice acidity is medium, and the time of maturity of the fruit is from late December to January.

[0018] Table 1 shows a comparison between the instant variety ‘Mikanken14’ and Female parent variety ‘Mikanken4’, as follows (average evaluation):

[0019] TABLE 1Comparison between ‘Mikanken14’ and ‘Mikanken4’FemaleparentPresentvarietyvariety‘Mikanken4’‘Mikanken14’CharacteristicsStatesStatesFruit: surface Dark orangeVivid orangepredominant colorFruit: main color of fleshDark orangeStrong orangePlant: time of maturity ofLateVery early tofruit for consumptionearly

[0020] Table 2 shows a comparison between the instant variety ‘Mikanken14’ and comparative variety ‘HAREHIME’

[0021] TABLE 2Comparison between ‘Mikanken14’ and ‘HAREHIME’ComparativePresentvarietyvariety‘HAREHIME’‘Mikanken14’CharacteristicsStatesStatesFruit: rind thicknessThinVery thinFruit: filling of coreSparseAbsent or verysparseFruit: diameter of coreMediumVery smallBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In the accompanying drawings, which are as nearly true as is reasonable possible to make in a color illustration of this type:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a color photograph showing a general view of an illustrative 12-year old mandarin tree of the variety named ‘Mikanken14’ bearing fruits.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a color photograph showing flowers of ‘Mikanken14’.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a color photograph showing leaves of ‘Mikanken14’.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a color photograph showing fruits of ‘Mikanken14’.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a color photograph showing fruits of ‘Mikanken14’ and ‘Mikanken4’, which indicates the difference of fruit: surface predominant color and main color of the flesh.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a color photograph showing fruits of ‘Mikanken14’ and ‘HAREHIME’, which indicates the difference of the fruit: thickness of rind, filling of the core, diameter of the core.

[0029] Due to chemical and / or digital development, processing and printing, the plants or portions of plants depicted in the photographs may or may not be precisely accurate when compared to the actual botanical specimens.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Table 3 shows the botanical description of the ‘Mikanken14’ plants evaluated in 2023 (including the comparison with the reference plants ‘Mikanken4’ and ‘HAREHIME’). The values as provided are average. The ages of the trees evaluated was 13 years after grafted on top of Rootstock, and the location of the trees evaluated was in Uwajima, Ehime, Japan.

[0031] Colors are given according to the J.H.S. (Japan Horticultural Society) Color Chart (second edition, 1997 reprint).BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

[0032] TABLE 3Botanical description of ‘Mikanken 14’CharacteristicsStatesValuesPloidyDiploidTree: growth habitSpreadingTree: density of spinesAbsent or sparseTree: height2.5 mTree: spread3.0 mTree: trunk diameter (10 cm above 32.5 cmthe grafted area)Tree: trunk textureRoughTree: crotch angle71°Branch: length11.5 cmBranch: diameter3.8 cmBranch: textureSmoothLength of spines4.7 cmLeaf blade: length (apical leaflet in Long11.4 cmcase of compound leaf)Leaf blade: width (apical leaflet in Broad5.1 cmcase of compound leaf)Leaf blade: ratio length / width (apicalSmall2.2leaflet in case of compound leaf)Leaf blade: shape in cross sectionIntermediate(apical leaflet in case of compound leaf)Leaf blade: twistingAbsent or weakLeaf blade: blisteringAbsent or weakLeaf blade: colorDark green3509 (JHSColor Chart)Leaf blade: undulation of marginIntermediateLeaf blade: incisions of marginAbsentLeaf blade: shape of apexAcuteLeaf blade: emargination at tipAbsentPetiole: lengthMedium1.9 cmPetiole: presence of wingsPresentVarieties with petiole wings presentNarrow4.1 mmonly: petiole: width of wingsFlower: diameter of calyx0.8 cmFlower: length of petalShort13.4 mmFlower: width of petalBroad6.2 mmFlower: ratio length / width of petal2.2Flower: length of stamens9.8 mmAnther: colorPale reddish2202 JHSyellowColor ChartStyle: length7.0 mmInfructescence: clustering of fruitsAbsentFruit: length5.6 cmFruit: diameter7.1 cmFruit: ratio length / diameter1.27Fruit: position of broadest partAt middleFruit: shape in transverse sectionCircularFruit: general shape of proximal Flattenedpart (excluding neck, collar and depression at stalk end)Fruit: presence of neckAbsentFruit: presence of depression at Absentstalk endFruit: presence of constriction at Absentstalk endFruit: number of radial grooves Absent or few0at stalk endFruit: presence of collarAbsentFruit: abscission layer between Absent or weaklyfloral disc and fruitdevelopedFruit: general shape of distal partFlattened(excluding nipple, bulging of navel and depression at distal end)Fruit: presence of depression at Presentdistal endFruit: depth of depression at distal 1.3 mmendFruit: diameter of depression at 9.0 mmdistal endFruit: presence of areolaIncompleteFruit: type of areolaSmoothFruit: diameter of areola0.9 cmFruit: diameter of stylar scar1.4 mmFruit: persistence of styleNoneFruit: presence of navel openingAbsentFruit: presence of radial grooves atAbsentdistal endFruit: surface: predominant color(s)Vivid orange1605 (JHSColor Chart)Fruit surface: glossinessStrongFruit surface: roughnessSmoothFruit surface: size of oil glandsAll more or lessthe same sizeFruit surface: size of larger oil MediumglandsFruit surface: conspicuousness of Stronglarger oil glandsFruit surface: presence of pitting Pitting andand pebbling on oil glandspebbling absentFruit rind: thicknessVery thin1.5 mmFruit rind: adherence of fleshWeak to mediumFruit rind: strengthMediumFruit rind: oilinessDryFruit rind: conspicuousness of oil Absent orglands on inner surfaceweaklyconspicuousFruit: color of albedoYellowish white2502 (JHSColor Chart)Fruit: density of albedoMediumFruit: amount of albedo adhering Mediumto flesh (strand excluded)Fruit: presence of albedo strandsPresentFruit: amount of albedo strandsMediumFruit: main color of fleshStrong orange1606 (JHSColor Chart)Fruit: filling of coreAbsent of verysparseFruit: diameter of coreVery small9.4 mmFruit: presence of rudimentaryAbsent or verySegmentsweakFruit: number of well-developed11segmentsFruit: coherence of adjacent segmentMediumwallsFruit: strength of segment wailsWeakFruit: length of juice vesicles4.8 mmFruit: thickness of juice vesicles2.9 mmFruit conspicuousness of juice vesicleHighwallsFruit; coherence of juice vesiclesMediumFruit: presence of navel (viewedAbsent or veryinternally)rareFruit: juicinessHighFruit juice: total soluble solidsHigh14.2 (Brix)Fruit juice: acidityMedium1.07Fruit: strength of fiberWeakFruit: number of seeds (open Absent or very0pollinated)fewSeed: polyembryonyAbsentPlant: time of maturity of fruit forVery early toDecemberconsumptionearlyPlant: fruit: parthenocarpyPresentFruit productivity35 ton / ha

[0033] Other features of the plant are as follows:

[0034] Disease and pest resistance.—Not observed to date.

[0035] Tree Hardiness.—USDA Hardiness Zone 9a-9b (until −3° C.).

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0030]Table 3 shows the botanical description of the ‘Mikanken14’ plants evaluated in 2023 (including the comparison with the reference plants ‘Mikanken4’ and ‘HAREHIME’). The values as provided are average. The ages of the trees evaluated was 13 years after grafted on top of Rootstock, and the location of the trees evaluated was in Uwajima, Ehime, Japan.

[0031]Colors are given according to the J.H.S. (Japan Horticultural Society) Color Chart (second edition, 1997 reprint).

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

[0032]

TABLE 3Botanical description of ‘Mikanken 14’CharacteristicsStatesValuesPloidyDiploidTree: growth habitSpreadingTree: density of spinesAbsent or sparseTree: height2.5 mTree: spread3.0 mTree: trunk diameter (10 cm above 32.5 cmthe grafted area)Tree: trunk textureRoughTree: crotch angle71°Branch: length11.5 cmBranch: diameter3.8 cmBranch: textureSmoothLength of spines4.7 cmLeaf blade: length (apical leaflet in Long11.4 cmcase of compound leaf)Leaf blade: width (apical leaflet in Broad5.1 cm...

Claims

1. A new and distinct variety of Citrus sp. plant named ‘Mikanken14’, substantially as described and illustrated herein.

Images