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US Plant Patent PP14599

Emerald Gem

Interspecific tree named ‘Emerald Gem’

PUBLIC DOMAIN

Patent expired June 16, 2023. This plant is in the public domain — anyone may propagate and sell it.

Twenty years from the filing date would end on May 9, 2023. This patent earned 38 days of term adjustment for delay at the Patent Office, which is why it runs longer.

Figure 1 of US plant patent PP14599, the photograph of Emerald Gem printed in the patent.
Figure 1 from US Plant Patent PP14599, reproduced as printed. Photographs in a plant patent are taken by the applicant. Reproduction of the patent document is permitted; the image is shown whole and uncropped for that reason.

The record

Patent number
PP14599
Filed
May 9, 2003
Granted
March 16, 2004
Expires
June 16, 2023
Inventor
ZAIGER GARY NEIL; GARDNER LEITH MARIE; ZAIGER GRANT GENE

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features: 1. Fruit with excellent flavor and eating quality. 2. Fruit having a high degree of soluble solids (average 20° Brix). 3. Mild, sweet fruit having a good balance between acid and sugar, with a flavor blend of plum and apricot. 4. Heavy and regular production of medium size fruit. 5. Vigorous, upright tree growth. 6. Fruit maintaining firmness on tree approximately 2 weeks after maturity (shipping ripe). 7. Relatively uniform size of fruit throughout the tree.

Show the legal claimThe single numbered claim as granted — the legal text that defines what this patent covers.

It is claimed: 1. A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree, substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorous, upright growth and being a productive and regular bearer of medium size, yellow flesh, clingstone fruit with excellent flavor and eating quality; the fruit is further characterized by maintaining firmness on the tree for approximately 2 weeks after maturity, having high soluble solids, averaging 20° Brix and, in comparison to the interspecific fruit of ‘Flavor Queen’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,420), the fruit is approximately 18 days earlier in maturity.

Read the full patent: US Plant Patent PP14599 in full — the complete specification, every figure, and the file history.