VACCINIUM PLANT NAMED 'FC13-044'

Abstract

The new Vaccinium plant variety FC13-044 is provided. FC13-044 is a commercial variety. The variety is produced from a cross of FL04-245 (female parent, unpatented) and ZF09-233 (male parent, unpatented). The new variety produces white colored inflorescences. A medium green colored foliage is displayed. A moderately vigorous, compact, and very dense growth habit is exhibited.

Claims

1. A new and distinct variety of blueberry plant named FC13-044, substantially as illustrated and described herein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The accompanying photographic illustration shows typical specimens in full color of the new variety FC13-044. The colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type. The color values cited in the detailed botanical description accurately describe the colors of the new blueberry. The illustrated Vaccinium plants of the new variety were approximately one year of age and were grown in Cochranville, Pennsylvania in August 2022.

[0015] FIG. 1illustrates container grown plants of FC13-044

[0016] FIG. 2illustrates plant of FC13-044 displaying overall growth habit

[0017] FIG. 3illustrates a close-up view of developing fruit of FC13-044

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following detailed description sets forth the distinctive characteristics of FC13-044. 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 of typical plants of two years of age set forth as accurately as possible. The chart used in the identification of colors described herein is The R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society, London, England, 2015 edition, except where general color terms of ordinary significance are used. The color values were determined under natural light conditions in Cochranville, Pennsylvania and represent the closest color observed on the majority of the specified botanical feature.

[0019] The new blueberry plant variety FC13-044 has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in environment and cultural practices such as temperature and light intensity without, however, any variance in genotype. [0020] General: [0021] Classification.Family Ericaceae. Genus Vaccinium. Species corymbosum. [0022] Parentage.Female parent FL04-245 (unpatented). Male Parent ZF09-233 (unpatented). [0023] Plant description.Commercial crop time. Approximately one year from a rooted cutting to finish in a one-gallon container. Growth habit and general appearance. Moderately vigorous, compact, and dense growth habit. Hardiness. USDA Zone 5. Size. Height from soil level to top of plant plane: Approximately 13.0 cm. Width: Approximately 23.0 cm. Branching habit. Freely branching. Pinching enhances branching. Quantity of lateral branches per plant: Approximately 4 main branches. Branch. Strength: Strong. Length: Approximately 6.0 cm on average. Diameter: Approximately 3.0 mm. Length of central internode: Approximately 5.0 mm. Texture: Mostly smooth with some rough areas where the wood is starting to become harder. Color of mature stems: Yellow-Green Group 146B with some coloring of Greyed-Orange Group 177B and 177A where the wood is starting to become harder. [0024] Foliage description.General description. Fragrance: None detected. Form: Simple. Arrangement: Alternate. Time of beginning vegetative growth: Early to mid-spring. Leaves. Shape: Elliptic. Margin: Entire. Apex: Acute. Base: Cuneate. Venation pattern: Pinnate. Length of mature leaf: Approximately 3.0 cm. Width of mature leaf: Approximately 1.3 cm. Texture of upper and lower surfaces: Glabrous and glossy. Color of upper and under surfaces of young foliage: Green Group 143C with indistinguishable venation. Color of upper surface of mature foliage: Green Group 137A with indistinguishable venation. Color of lower surface of mature foliage: Green Group 137C with indistinguishable venation. Petiole. Length: Approximately 2.0 mm. Diameter: Approximately 1.0 mm. Texture: Glabrous. Color: Yellow-Green Group 144B. [0025] Flowering description.Flowering season. Flowers in early spring in southeastern Pennsylvania. Lastingness of individual inflorescence on the plant. Approximately one week. [0026] Flower description.General description. Shape: Urceolate. Quantity per plant: Approximately 100 fully open on a plant at a given time. Fragrance: Very slight, sweet. Aspect: Pendulous. Bud just before opening. Shape: Oval. Length: Approximately 1.1 cm. Diameter: Approximately 0.5 cm. Color: Green-White Group 157D. Corolla. Color: White Group 155A. Length: Approximately 1.0 mm. Width: Approximately 6.0 mm. Aperture width: Approximately 4.0 mm. Calyx. Shape: Star-shaped. Depth: Approximately 4.0 mm. Diameter: Approximately 6.0 mm. Sepals. Quantity: 5. Shape: Ovate. Margin: Entire. Apex: Acute. Base: Fused. Length: Approximately 4.0 mm. Width: Approximately 2.0 mm. Texture of upper surface: Glabrous. Texture of lower surface: Glabrous. Color of upper and lower surfaces: Green Group 143B. Reproductive organs. Androecium: Stamen quantity per flower: Approximately 10. Stamen length: Approximately 3.0 mm. Anther shape: Narrow oblong. Anther length: Approximately 1.0 mm. Anther color: Greyed-Orange Group N167A. Pollen amount: Not observed. Gynoecium: Pistil quantity: 1 per flower. Pistil length: Approximately 1.2 cm. Stigma shape: Flat Disc. Stigma color: Yellow-Green Group 145A. Style length: Approximately 1.0 mm. Style color: Yellow-Green Group 145B. Ovary length: Approximately 2.0 mm. Ovary color: Yellow-Green Group 146C. [0027] Fruit description: Date of 50% maturity. Late June to early July in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Fruit Development Period. 80 to 85 days. Fruiting on one-year old shoots, not found on current season wood in most circumstances. Developing Berry Color. Black Group 202A. Ripe Berry Color. Greyed-Purple Group N186A. Berry surface wax abundance. Low. Fruit bloom intensity: Weak. Berry flesh color: Greyed-Green Group 198B. Berry size. Height from calyx to scar: 1.0 cm. Diameter: 8.0 mm. Berry shape. Oval. Berry firmness: Soft. Berry flavor and texture: Tart flavor, soft texture. Suitability of mechanical harvesting: Not suitable. Uses. Intended for home gardens, container gardening, and/or ornamental uses. [0028] Seed description.Seed abundance in fruit. Very low, with approximately 1 to 2 seeds per berry. Seed color. 200B. Seed size: 1.0 mm long; 1.0 mm wide. [0029] Disease and pest resistance.Resistance to pathogens and pests common to Vaccinium has not been observed.