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US Plant Patent PP12438

Earlihoney

Nectarine tree named ‘Earlihoney’

PUBLIC DOMAIN

Patent expired May 1, 2021. This plant is in the public domain — anyone may propagate and sell it.

Twenty years from the filing date would end on April 16, 2021. This patent earned 15 days of term adjustment for delay at the Patent Office, which is why it runs longer.

Figure 4 of US plant patent PP12438, the photograph of Earlihoney printed in the patent.
Figure 4 from US Plant Patent PP12438, 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
PP12438
Filed
April 16, 2001
Granted
March 5, 2002
Expires
May 1, 2021
Inventor
ZAIGER CHRIS FLOYD; GARDNER LEITH MARIE; ZAIGER GARY NEIL; ZAIGER GRANT GENE

Abstract

A new and unique variety of nectarine tree ( Prunus persica var. nucipersica ) that has the following distinct characteristics, which are desirable in a new variety. The tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Hanford 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. 1. Heavy and regular production of fruit. 2. Fruit with firm, yellow flesh, good storage and shipping quality. 3. Fruit with an attractive red skin color. 4. Fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. 5. Fruit with the ability to remain firm on the tree approximately 8 days after maturity (shipping ripe). 6. Vigorous, upright growth.

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

We claim: 1. A new and distinct variety of necatrine tree, substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorous, upright growth, and being a productive and regular bearer of yellow flesh, clingstone fruit with good storage and shipping ability; the fruit is further characterized by having a mild, sweet, sub-acidic flavor and good eating quality, holding firm on the tree approximately 8 days after maturity (shipping ripe) and, in comparison to the sub-acid nectarine ‘Honey Kist’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,333), the new variety is approximately 12 days earlier in maturity.

Read the full patent: US Plant Patent PP12438 in full — the complete specification, every figure, and the file history.