US-PP37417-P2 - Strawberry plant variety named ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of strawberry plant named ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’, particularly selected for its early beginning of flowering; and early time of beginning of fruit ripening, is disclosed.

Inventors

• Enrique Masiá Serrador

Assignees

• MASIÁ CISCAR S.A.

Dates

Publication Date

20260512

Application Date

20250210

Claims (1)

1. 1 . A new and distinct variety of strawberry plant named ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’ as shown and described herein.

Description

Latin name: Botanical classification: Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne x Rozier. Varietal denomination: The varietal denomination of the claimed variety of strawberry plant is ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Cultivated strawberry is a hybrid species of the genus Fragaria that is grown worldwide for its fruit. Modern strawberry was first bred in Brittany, France, in the 18″ century by crossing Fragaria virginiana with Fragaria chiloensis. Strawberry fruit is an aggregate accessory fruit, with the fleshy part of the fruit being derived from the receptacle that holds the ovanes. Strawberry varieties vary widely in color, size, shape, flavor, season of ripening, degree of fertility, and susceptibility to disease. Certain varieties vary in foliage, and some vary in the relative development of their reproductive organs. Typically, strawberry flowers appear hermaphroditic in structure, but function as either male or female. Generally, commercial production of strawberry plants involves propagation from runners and distribution as either plugs or bare root plants. Cultivation is either perennial or annual plasticulture. During the off season, strawberries can also be produced in greenhouses. Strawberry fruit is widely appreciated for its characteristic bright red color, aroma, juicy texture, and sweetness. Strawberry fruit is a popular fruit that is generally consumed either fresh or in prepared foods, such as preserves and baked goods. Strawberry is an important and valuable fruit crop. Accordingly, there is a need for new varieties of strawberry plants. In particular, there is a need for improved varieties of strawberry plant that are stable, high yielding, and agronomically sound. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to meet these needs, the present invention is directed to an improved variety of strawberry plant. In particular, the invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry plant (Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne x Rozier), which has been denominated as ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’. ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’ was subsequently asexually propagated via runners, and underwent further testing at test plots in Spain. The present variety has been found to be stable. The variety ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’ is a variety that was produced from a cross made in the winter of 2018. It is unknown which is the female parent and which is the male parent. The clones (daughter plants) of ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’ were initially propagated from a single mother plant in 2018. Since then, ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’ has been preserved through annual cycles of asexual propagation using stolons at a facility in Lepe, Huelva (Spain). ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’ exhibits the following distinguishing characteristics when grown under normal horticultural practices in Spain: 1. Fruit: difference in shape of terminal and other fruits;2. Many stolons;3. The early beginning of flowering; and3. The early time of beginning of fruit ripening. ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’ was particularly selected for the shelf-life and flavor of its fruit, high mid- to late season yield when grown in Spain. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS This new strawberry plant is illustrated by the accompanying photographs which show fruit of the plant, flowers, leaves, and the plants. The colors shown are as true as can be reasonably obtained by conventional photographic procedures. The average age of the plants in the Figures are 3.5 months. FIG. 1 illustrates whole fruit of variety ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’. FIG. 2 illustrates the whole fruit of variety ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’ being held. FIG. 3 illustrates longitudinal sections of fruit of variety ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’. FIG. 4 illustrates leaves of variety ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’. FIG. 5 illustrates the upper surfaces of flowers of variety ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’. FIG. 6 illustrates a view of whole plants of variety ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’. FIG. 7 illustrates an additional view of whole plants of variety ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’. FIG. 8 illustrates another additional view of whole plants of variety ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’. FIG. 9 illustrates another additional view of whole plants of variety ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’. FIG. 10 illustrates another additional view of whole plants of variety ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’. DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION The following detailed descriptions set forth the distinctive characteristics of ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’. The data which define these characteristics is based on observations taken in Spain. This description is in accordance with UPOV terminology. Color designations, color descriptions, and other phenotypical descriptions may deviate from the stated values and descriptions depending upon variation in environmental, seasonal, climatic, and cultural conditions. ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The variety ‘MC18-20 Cleopatra’ Cleopatra is a variety that was produced from a cross made in the winter of 2018. It is unknown which is the female parent and which is the male parent. The clones (daughter plants) of ‘M