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US Plant Patent PP18400

Honey Lite

Nectarine tree named: ‘Honey Lite’

PUBLIC DOMAIN

Patent expired April 9, 2026. This plant is in the public domain — anyone may propagate and sell it.

Twenty years from the filing date would end on December 29, 2025. This patent earned 101 days of term adjustment for delay at the Patent Office, which is why it runs longer.

Figure 1 of US plant patent PP18400, the photograph of Honey Lite printed in the patent.
Figure 1 from US Plant Patent PP18400, 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
PP18400
Filed
December 29, 2005
Granted
January 8, 2008
Expires
April 9, 2026
Assignee
GARDNER LEITH MARIE, ZAIGER GARY NEIL, ZAIGER GRANT GENE
Inventor
ZAIGER GARY NEIL; GARDNER LEITH MARIE; ZAIGER GRANT GENE

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree ( Prunus perscia var. nucipersica ). The following features of the 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. The tree having a winter chilling requirement of approximately 350 to 400 hours at or below 45° F. 2. A regular and productive bearer of large, clingstone fruit. 3. Fruit holding firm on the tree 7 to 8 days after maturity (shipping ripe). 4. Fruit with a high degree of attractive red skin color. 5. Vigorous, upright growth of tree. 6. Fruit with a mild, sweet, sub-acid flavor.

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

1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree ( Prunus persica var. nucipersica ), substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorous, upright growth, being a productive and regular bearer of large size, firm, yellow flesh, clingstone fruit with a mild, sweet, sub-acid flavor and excellent eating quality; the fruit is further characterized by having an attractive red skin color, holding firm on the tree 7 to 8 days after maturity (shipping ripe) and having good storage and shipping quality.

Read the full patent: US Plant Patent PP18400 in full — the complete specification, every figure, and the file history.