Florida Company patents strawberry varieties

J & P research of Naples FLorida recently applied for patents for three of
its proprietary strawberry cultivars. Below is a list of the cultivars and
their characteristics based on field trials in Florida and North Carolina.
A list of nurseries carrying these cultivars can be obtained from Gina
Fernandez.

JP1: Will be patented under the name Ruby. Ruby is characterized by its
low chilling requirement, open plant type, long fruit stem, easy harvesting
characteristics, semi-early production, high yield, large size, conic
shape, glossy red color, very firm but also very juicy fruit and sweet
flavor. This cultivar is adapted to growing in the major strawberry
production areas of the Florida and similar
climates.

JP2 : Will be patented under the name Gem Star. Gem Star is characterized
by its vigorous plant, easy harvesting characteristics , early production,
high yield, very large fruit size, good fruit shape, very glossy fruit skin
color, good flavor. It appears to have a shorter period of time between
flowering and ripe fruit than other cultivars. In Florida, Gem Star is as
resistant to antracnose as Sweet Charlie. The fruit is a conic to long
conic shape and bright, light red color. The fruit can have white
shoulders but they will turn red if fruit is allowed to ripen a day or two
longer. This variety is adapted to growing in the major strawberry
production areas of the North Carolina and similar climates.

JP3: Will be patented under the name Treasure. Treasure is characterized
by its vigorous plant, anthracnose resistance, long fruit stem, easy
harvesting characteristics , early production, very high yield, large
fruit size, excellent fruit shape, very firm fruit and very good flavor.
In Florida, Treasure is as resistant to antracnose as Sweet Charlie. The
fruit is a conic shape and dark red color. Treasure is adapted to growing
in the major strawberry production areas of the Florida and similar
cliamates although field trials are still going on in North Carolina.

Gina Fernandez, PhD
Assistant Professor/Fruit Specialist
North Carolina State University
Vernon G. James Research and Extension Center
207 Research Station Rd.
Plymouth, NC 27962

Tel: 252-793-4428 ext. 167
Fax: 252-793-5142
Email:Gina_Fernandez@ncsu.edu