Raspberry Plant Named ‘VR-16.004-68’

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Rubus idaeus.

Variety denomination: ‘VR-16.004-68’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct fall bearing raspberry variety designated as ‘VR-16.004-68’. This new variety is a result of a controlled cross made in 2016 in Watsonville, California between raspberry variety ‘VR 12.004-27’ (unpatented) as the female parent and raspberry variety ‘RR 10.032-41’ (unpatented) as the male parent in an ongoing breeding program. The variety is botanically known as Rubus idaeus and was tested as ‘VR 16.004-68’ and ‘VR-0468’.

The seedling resulting from the aforementioned cross was asexually propagated by dormant canes in Santa Cruz County, California and was subsequently selected by the inventor from a controlled breeding plot in Watsonville, California in 2018. After its selection, the new variety was further asexually propagated by dormant canes, roots and non-dormant root shoot cuttings in Watsonville (Santa Cruz Co), Manteca (San Joaquin Co), and Macdoel (Siskiyou Co), California. The new variety was then extensively tested over the next several years in fruiting fields in Watsonville, California. This propagation has demonstrated that the combination of traits disclosed herein as characterizing the new variety are fixed and remain true to type through successive generations of asexual reproduction.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

‘VR-16.004-68’ is primarily adapted to the climate and growing conditions of the central coast of California. This region provides the necessary year-round temperatures required for it to produce and maintain a strong vigorous plant and to remain in fruit production from July through December on primocanes and in the ensuing year from May through July on the floricanes. Damage to fruit and young leaves has been observed in summer temperatures at or above 95° F. (35° C.). No winter damage has been observed on fruiting plants in off-cycle (winter) production regions of USDA climate zones 9b and above. No winter damage has been observed on dormant plants in on-cycle (summer) production regions of USDA climate zones 7b-9b. In climate zones below this, winter hardiness is unknown for ‘VR-16.004-68’. ‘VR-16.004-68’ is not drought tolerant and requires frequent irrigation to maintain proper plant health. The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be unique characteristics of ‘VR-16.004-68’, which in combination distinguish this raspberry plant as a new and distinct variety:

•

• 1. Large berries. • 2. Long conic fruit shape. • 3. Light red fruit color. • 4. Absent to very weak primocane glaucosity. • 5. Good flavor.

The raspberry variety that is believed to be most closely related to the new raspberry variety ‘VR-16.004-68’ is the raspberry variety ‘MAJESTIC’ (patented, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 31,716). In comparison to the similar raspberry variety ‘MAJESTIC’, ‘VR-16.004-68’ differs by the following combination of characteristics described in Table 1:

Comparison between VR-16.004-68’ and Majestic

TABLE 1

‘MAJESTIC’

(U.S. Plant Pat.

Characteristic ‘VR-16.004-68’ No. 31,716)

Predominate number Always 3 Equal 3-5

of leaflets

Leaf shape (cross Flat to slightly concave Slightly convex

section)

Rugosity Weak Medium

L/W ratio of fruit Much longer than broad Longer than broad

Fruit shape Long conic Conical

Prickle length (mm) 2.48 0.70

Long Short

Relative number of 40.1 22.1

pedicel prickles Very many Many

‘VR-16.004-68’ differs from its parents, ‘VR 12.004-27’ and ‘RR 10.032-41’ by the following combination of characteristics described in Table 2:

Comparison between ‘VR-16.004-68’, ‘VR 12.004-27’ and ‘RR 10.032-41’

TABLE 2

‘VR- ‘VR ‘RR

Characteristic 16.004-68’ 12.004-27’ 10.032-41’

Productivity High Medium Low

Crates/Acre (18-Mo) 10,639 8,825 7,112

Glossiness (fruit) High High Low

Firmness (fruit) High Medium High

Adherence of receptacle Very weak Strong Weak

Primocane time of fruiting Medium Medium Late

Fruit size Large Medium Medium

Primocane fruit weight (g) 6.2 4.0 4.2

Flavor Good Good Poor

Soluble Solids (% brix) 9.9 9.5 7.7

For identification, a series of molecular markers have been determined for this new variety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying color photographs illustrate the overall appearance of typical specimens of the new raspberry variety, ‘VR-16.004-68’ at various stages of development as true as reasonably possible with color reproductions of this type. Color in the photographs may differ slightly from the color value cited in the detailed botanical description which accurately describes the color of ‘VR-16.004-68’. The depicted plant and plant parts of the new raspberry variety ‘VR-16.004-68’ were taken in Watsonville, California and are approximately 2 to 16 months old:

FIG. 1 shows typical primocane fruit shape, color and gloss characteristics of ‘VR-16.004-68’ taken in the month of October 2022;

FIG. 2 shows typical shape, gloss, coloration, foliate and rugosity characteristics of ‘VR-16.004-68’ taken in the month of October 2022;

FIG. 3 shows typical fruiting lateral characteristics of ‘VR-16.004-68’ taken in the month of June 2023;

FIG. 4 shows typical floricane plant characteristics of ‘VR-16.004-68’ taken in the month of June 2023.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

‘VR-16.004-68’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The characteristics of the new variety may vary in detail, depending upon variations in environmental factors, including weather (temperature, humidity and light intensity), day length, soil type, and location.

The aforementioned photographs, together with the following description of the new raspberry variety ‘VR-16.004-68’, unless otherwise noted, are based upon observations taken during the 2022-2023 growing season in Watsonville, California. Primocane measurements and ratings were taken from plants of ‘VR-16.004-68’ dug from a nursery located in Siskiyou County, California during the middle of October 2021 and planted approximately 3 to 4 weeks later in Watsonville, California. The approximate age of the observed primocane plants is 7 to 8 months. Floricane measurements and ratings were taken from the same planting of ‘VR-16.004-68’ at an approximate age of 16 to 18 months. Yield observations and fruit quality characteristics are averaged from three years of data collected from the 2020 through 2023 production seasons. Flower measurements and characteristics are from secondary flowers unless otherwise noted. Fruit characteristics and measurements are from secondary fruit unless otherwise noted. Foliage characteristics and measurements are from 3-foliate foliage unless otherwise noted.

Color terminology where noted follows the RHS Colour Chart Sixth Edition, Royal Horticultural Society, London, United Kingdom (2015).

The following Tables 3-7 describe fruit, plant, foliage, flower and pest/disease characteristics of the new raspberry ‘VR-16.004-68’ in comparison to the similar raspberry varieties ‘MAJESTIC’ (patented, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 31,716).

Comparison between ‘VR-16.004-68’ and Majestic

TABLE 3

FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS

‘MAJESTIC’

(U.S. Plant Pat.

Characteristic ‘VR-16.004-68’ No. 31,716)

Color mature fruit RHS 43A RHS 43A

Vivid reddish orange Vivid reddish orange

Color achenes RHS 159A RHS 159A

Light yellowish pink Light yellowish pink

Fruit length (mm) 28.57 25.49

Fruit width (mm) 20.09 22.73

Length/width ratio 1.42 1.12

Much longer than Longer than broad

broad

Seed weight (mg) 1.64 1.68

Drupelets per berry 106 131

Weight of single 0.056 0.044

drupe (g/drupe)

Drupe length (mm) 3.81 7.15

Drupe diameter (mm) 4.04 4.19

Relative size of drupes Medium Medium

Fruit size Large Medium

Fruit per node 11 11

Predominant shape Long Conic Conical

Receptacle length (mm) 17.74 23.55

Receptacle diameter 7.23 10.41

(mm)

Receptacle color RHS 158B RHS 155B

Pale yellow Yellowish white

Evenness of color (fruit) Even Even

Glossiness High High

Adherence of receptacle Very weak Weak

Firmness of flesh High High

Firmness of skin High High

Soluble Solids (% brix) 9.9 10.8

Flavor Good Very good

Fruit Use (Intended Fresh Market Fresh Market

Market)

TABLE 4

PLANT CHARACTERISTICS

‘MAJESTIC’

(U.S. Plant Pat.

Characteristic ‘VR-16.004-68’ No. 31,716)

General:

Habit Upright Upright

Plant height (m) 1.4 1.8

Plant width (cm) 38 35

Time to initiate roots (days) 12-14 10-12

Canes per hill 13.8 10.4

Productivity High High

Crates/Acre (18-Mo) 10,639 10,490

Self-fruitfulness Yes Yes

Type of bearing Everbearing Everbearing

Primocane:

Color (true) RHS 145A RHS 145A

Strong yellow Strong yellow

green green

Length (cm) 141.5 178.1

Basal diameter (mm) 12.26 13.62

Diameter central 1/3 (mm) 10.14 11.38

Lateral length at central 1/3 (cm) 39.3 28.5

No. fruiting laterals per cane 13.8 15.3

Total nodes per cane 33 35

Internode length at central 1/3 (mm) 43.21 39.01

Anthocyanin coloration RHS 59B RHS 59B

Deep purplish Deep purplish

red red

Anthocyanin intensity Absent to very Absent to very

weak weak

Pubescence Absent Absent

Vegetative bud length (mm) 7.70 10.34

Vegetative bud diameter (mm) 5.79 5.46

Vegetative bud shape Widely ovate Ovate

Vegetative bud color RHS 187B RHS 187B

Dark red Dark red

Strength of waxy coat (glaucosity) Absent to very Absent to very

weak weak

Time of flowering Early to Mid-season

Mid-season

Time of fruiting Early to Mid-season

Mid-season

Length of fruiting season Long Long

% of total yield 53% 44%

Flowering period Late June to Late June to

Late November Late November

Harvest period Late July to Late July to

Late December Late December

Primocane fruit weight (g) 6.2 4.2

Primocane yield (g/plant) 1,869 2,571

Young Shoots:

Number (per meter) 20-25 15-20

High Medium

Anthocyanin presence Present Present

Anthocyanin coloration RHS 179A RHS 179A

Moderate red Moderate red

Anthocyanin intensity Absent to very Medium

weak

Prickles:

Prickle coloration (tip) RHS 183A RHS N186B

Dark red Dark greyish

purple

Prickle coloration (base) RHS 183A RHS N186C

Dark red Dark greyish

red

Prickle length at central 1/3 (mm) 2.48 0.70

Prickle base at central 1/3 (mm) 1.62 1.23

Prickle presence Present Present

Prickle density per cm at central 1/3 6.27 5.35

Dense Medium

Prickle texture Rigid Rigid

Attitude of the tip Horizontal Horizontal

Floricane:

Color (true) RHS 165B RHS 165B

Brownish Brownish

orange orange

Length (cm) 125.5 130.8

Width at central 1/3 (mm) 10.79 10.88

Total nodes per cane 19 20

Internode length at central 1/3 (mm) 41.82 40.70

Fruiting lateral attitude Erect Erect

Time bud burst (Endodormancy) Medium Medium

Late February Late February

Time of flowering Medium Medium

Time of fruiting Medium Medium

Length of fruiting season Medium to Medium to

long long

% of total yield 47% 56%

Flowering period Late April to Late April to

Late June Late June

Harvest period Late May to Late May to

Late July Late July

Floricane fruit weight (g) 6.0 4.0

Floricane yield (g/plant) 1,657 3,273

TABLE 5

FOLIAGE CHARACTERISTICS

‘MAJESTIC’

(U.S. Plant Pat.

‘VR-16.004-68’ No. 31,716)

Characteristic (3 Foliate) (3 Foliate)

General:

Color of upper surface RHS NN137A RHS 137A

Greyish olive Moderate olive

green green

Color of lower surface RHS 190B RHS 192A

Pale green Pale yellow green

Venation Pinnate Pinnate

Shape in cross section Flat to slightly Slightly convex

concave

Arrangement Compound Compound

Relief between veins Weak Medium

(rugosity)

Glossiness Weak Weak

Number of leaflets/leaf Always 3 Equal 3-5

Total leaf length (cm) 18.1 21.2

Total leaf width (cm) 21.1 22.1

Terminal Leaflet:

Length (mm) 133.7 116.2

Width (mm) 88.7 79.1

Length/width ratio 1.5 1.5

Longer than broad Longer than broad

Size Medium Medium

Shape Cordate Cordate

Shape of base Rounded Cordate

Shape of tip Acuminate Acuminate

Margins Biserrate Biserrate

Lateral Leaflet:

Length (mm) 105.3 104.9

Width (mm) 66.7 77.2

Length/width ratio 1.6 1.3

Longer than broad Longer than broad

Rachis length (mm) 33.17 43.11

Rachis diameter (mm) 1.27 1.90

Rachis anthocyanin coloration RHS 181C RHS 184A

of upper surface Moderate red Greyish red

Rachis anthocyanin intensity Absent to very Weak

weak

Orientation Opposite Opposite

Arrangement Compound Compound

Shape Ovate Ovate

Overlapping Overlapping Overlapping

Shape of the base Oblique Rounded

Shape of the tip Acuminate Acuminate

Margins Biserrate Biserrate

Petiole:

Length (mm) 42.05 61.10

Width (mm) 2.94 4.68

Prickle presence Yes Yes

Prickle orientation Erect Erect

Anthocyanin coloration of RHS 181C RHS 180B

upper surface Moderate red Moderate red

Anthocyanin intensity of Absent to very Absent to very

upper surface weak weak

Stipule length (mm) 10.37 10.70

Stipule width (mm) 0.74 0.89

Stipule orientation Erect Erect

Stipule anthocyanin intensity Absent Absent

Stipule coloration RHS 145A RHS 145A

Strong yellow Strong yellow

green green

TABLE 6

FLOWER CHARACTERISTICS

‘MAJESTIC’

(U.S. Plant Pat.

Characteristic ‘VR-16.004-68’ No. 31,716)

Petal color (upper surface) RHS NN155A RHS 155C

Yellowish white Greenish white

Petal color (lower surface) RHS NN155A RHS 155C

Yellowish white Greenish white

Flower diameter (mm) 25.22 21.22

Petal Length (mm) 7.93 7.46

Petal width (mm) 3.36 3.10

Petal length/width ratio 2.36 2.40

Much longer Much longer

than broad than broad

Petal shape in cross Flat Flat

section

Petal shape (overall) Narrowly Spatulate Narrowly Spatulate

Petal shape (apex) Rounded Rounded

Petal shape (base) Attenuate Attenuate

Petal margin Entire Entire

Petal texture Glabrous Glabrous

No. petals/flower 5.0 5.2

No. sepals/flower 5.0 5.4

Sepal length (mm) 9.34 9.70

Sepal width at base (mm) 3.64 5.20

Sepal shape Widely deltate Widely deltate

Sepal shape (apex) Acuminate Acuminate

Sepal coloration (upper RHS 144A RHS 144A

surface) Strong yellow green Strong yellow green

Sepal coloration (lower RHS 144B RHS 144B

surface) Strong yellow green Strong yellow green

Sepal margin Entire Entire

Sepal texture Slightly pubescent Slightly pubescent

No. stamen/flower 92 95

Filament length (mm) 4.06 5.19

Filament color RHS 155C RHS 155C

Greenish white Greenish white

Pollen quantity High High

Pollen color RHS 196D RHS 196D

Yellowish white Yellowish white

Anther length (mm) 0.79 1.12

Anther diameter (mm) 0.31 0.51

Anther coloration (pre- RHS 155C RHS 155C

dehiscence) Greenish white Greenish white

Anther coloration (post- RHS 165B RHS 165B

dehiscence) Brownish orange Brownish orange

Stigma shape Lobed Lobed

Stigma length (mm) 0.10 0.10

Stigma diameter (mm) 0.40 0.41

Stigma coloration RHS 145D RHS 145D

Light yellow green Light yellow green

Style length (mm) 3.11 3.10

Style diameter (mm) 0.40 0.40

Style coloration RHS 145D RHS 145D

Light yellow green Light yellow green

Ovule length (mm) 1.12 1.39

Ovule diameter (mm) 1.02 1.42

Ovule coloration RHS 145B RHS 145B

Light yellow green Light yellow green

Pedicle length (mm) 28.68 20.15

Pedicle diameter (mm) 1.25 1.42

Pedicle anthocyanin RHS 184C RHS 181C

coloration Moderate purplish red Moderate red

Pedicle anthocyanin Absent to very weak Absent to very weak

intensity

Relative number of 40.1 22.1

pedicel prickles Very many Many

Peduncle length (cm) 6.51 8.84

Peduncle anthocyanin Present Present

presence

Peduncle anthocyanin RHS 182C RHS 184A

coloration Dark pink Greyish red

Peduncle anthocyanin Absent to very weak Absent to very weak

intensity

TABLE 7

PEST AND DISEASE REACTIONS

‘MAJESTIC’

(U.S. Plant Pat.

Characteristic ‘VR-16.004-68’ No. 31,716)

Spotted wing drosophila Susceptible Susceptible

( Drosophila suzukii )

Two spotted spider mite Susceptible Susceptible

( Tetranychus urticae )

Grey fruit mold Susceptible Susceptible

( Botrytis cinerae )

Powdery mildew Moderately Moderately

( Podosphaera aphanis var. susceptible susceptible

aphonic )

Yellow rust Moderately resistant Moderately resistant

( Phragmidium rubi - idaei )