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US Plant Patent PP16858

Polar Light

Nectarine tree named: ‘Polar Light’

PUBLIC DOMAIN

Patent expired June 2, 2025. This plant is in the public domain — anyone may propagate and sell it.

Twenty years from the filing date would end on December 15, 2024. This patent earned 169 days of term adjustment for delay at the Patent Office, which is why it runs longer.

Figure 1 of US plant patent PP16858, the photograph of Polar Light printed in the patent.
Figure 1 from US Plant Patent PP16858, 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
PP16858
Filed
December 15, 2004
Granted
July 25, 2006
Expires
June 2, 2025
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 persica 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. Having a low winter chilling requirement of approximately 250 hours at or below 45° F. 2. Fruit ripening in the early maturity season. 3. Producing firm, white-fleshed fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. 4. A heavy and regular bearer of large fruit. 5. Fruit holding firm on the tree 8-10 days after maturity. 6. Vigorous and upright growth of tree.

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, substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorous, upright growth, with a low winter chilling requirement of approximately 250 hours at or below 45° F., and being a productive and regular bearer of early maturing, large size, white flesh, clingstone fruit with very good flavor and eating quality; the fruit is further characterized by having firm flesh with good handling and shipping quality.

Read the full patent: US Plant Patent PP16858 in full — the complete specification, every figure, and the file history.