Title:
CARROTS HAVING INCREASED LYCOPENE CONTENT
Document Type and Number:
Kind Code:
A1

Abstract:
The present invention relates to carrot lines having roots containing increased levels of lycopene, as well as containers of such carrots. The present invention also relates to parts of carrot plants from lines having roots with increased lycopene content, including seeds capable of growing carrot plants with increased root lycopene content. The invention also provides seed and plants of the carrot lines designated RN 71-4904C, RF 71-4911A, RF 71-4912A, RIF 71-4966C, RIF 71-4967B, or RIF 71-4968B. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of carrot line RN 71-4904C, RF 71-4911A, RF 71-4912A, RIF 71-4966C, RIF 71-4967B, or RIF 71-4968B, and to methods for producing a carrot plant produced by crossing a plant of carrot line RN 71-4904C, RF 71-4911A, RF 71-4912A, RIF 71-4966C, RIF 71-4967B, or RIF 71-4968B with itself or with another carrot plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of carrot line RN 71-4904C, RF 71-4911A, RF 71-4912A, RIF 71-4966C, RIF 71-4967B, or RIF 71-4968B, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
Inventors:
Maxwell, Robert V. (Payette, ID, US)
Application Number:
11/874629
Publication Date:
04/24/2008
Filing Date:
10/18/2007
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Assignee:
Seminis Vegetable Seeds, Inc.
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
435/6, 435/410, 800/298, 800/260
International Classes:
A01H5/00; A01H1/00; A01H5/06; A01H5/10; C12N5/04; C12Q1/68
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
SONNENSCHEIN NATH & ROSENTHAL LLP (P.O. BOX 061080, SOUTH WACKER DRIVE STATION, SEARS TOWER, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, US)
Claims:
What is claimed is:

1. A carrot plant, the roots of which comprise an average lycopene content from about 110 ppm to about 250 ppm and an average brix content from about 11° brix to about 20° brix.

2. The plant of claim 1, the roots of which exhibit an average lycopene content from about 110 ppm to about 175 ppm or from about 110 ppm to about 160 ppm.

3. The plant of claim 1, the roots of which exhibit an average lycopene content that is at least about 110%, 115%, 120%, or 130% of the average lycopene content of carrot variety Nutri-red.

4. The plant of claim 1, further comprising resistance to root splitting or bolting.

5. A container of roots of the plant of claim 1, wherein the roots comprise an average lycopene content of between about 110 ppm and about 250 ppm and an average brix content of between about 11° brix and about 20° brix.

6. The container of carrot roots of claim 5, wherein said container comprises at least 100 roots.

7. The container of carrot seeds of claim 5, wherein said container is selected from the group consisting of a bag, a box, a packet, a pouch, a can, and a pail.

8. The container of carrot roots of claim 5, wherein greater than 75%, 85% or 95% of said seeds have an increased lycopene content.

9. A carrot seed of the plant of claim 1.

10. A container of carrot seeds according to claim 9, wherein said seeds are obtained from a cross between a cytoplasmic male sterile parental carrot and a male parent.

11. The container of carrot seeds of claim 10, wherein said seeds are hybrid carrot seeds.

12. The plant of claim 1, further defined as plant of a hybrid variety selected from the group consisting of red carrot hybrid 0710 0325, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8643; red carrot hybrid 0710 0339, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8644; red carrot hybrid 0710 0346, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8645; red carrot hybrid 710313, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-7904; red carrot hybrid 710305, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-7908; red carrot hybrid 710316, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-7905; red carrot hybrid 710319, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-7906; red carrot hybrid 710311, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-7907; red carrot hybrid 710304, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8121; red carrot hybrid 710310, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8122; and red carrot hybrid 710303, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8123.

13. A seed of the plant of claim 1.

14. A cell of a carrot plant of a variety selected from the group consisting of RN 71-4963C, a sample of the seed of which has been ATCC Accession No. PTA-8647; RN 71-4904C, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8648; RF 71-4911A, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8642; RF 71-4912A, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8646; RIF 71-4966C, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8651; RIF 71-4967B, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8650; and RIF 71-4968B, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8649.

15. A plant of a variety selected from the group consisting of RN 71-4963C, a sample of the seed of which has been ATCC Accession No. PTA-8647; RN 71-4904C, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8648; RF 71-4911A, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8642; RF 71-4912A, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8646; RIF 71-4966C, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8651; RIF 71-4967B, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8650; and RIF 71-4968B, a sample of the seed of which has been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8649, wherein the plant comprises the cell of claim 14.

16. A plant part of the plant of claim 15.

17. The plant part of claim 16, wherein said part is selected from the group consisting of a leaf, fruit, pollen, an ovule and a cell.

18. A carrot plant, or a part thereof, having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of the carrot plant of claim 15.

19. A tissue culture of regenerable cells according to claim 14.

20. The tissue culture according to claim 19, comprising cells or protoplasts from a plant part selected from the group consisting of embryos, meristems, cotyledons, pollen, leaves, anthers, roots, root tips, pistil, flower, seed and stalks.

21. A method of producing carrot seed, comprising crossing the plant of claim 15 with itself or a second carrot plant.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the plant of claim 15 is the female parent.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the plant of claim 15, is the male parent.

24. An F1 hybrid seed produced by the method of claim 21.

25. A plant produced by growing the seed of claim 24.

26. A method for producing a seed of a plant derived from the plant of claim 15 comprising the steps of: (a) crossing the plant of claim 15, with a second carrot plant; and (b) allowing seed to form of a plant derived from said plant of claim 15.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the steps of: (c) crossing a plant grown from said seed with itself or a second carrot plant to yield seed; (d) growing said seed to yield a progeny plant of a subsequent generation; and (e) repeating the crossing and growing steps of (c) and (d) to generate further derived carrot seeds.

28. A method of vegetatively propagating a carrot plant comprising the steps of: (a) collecting tissue capable of being propagated from the plant of claim 15; (b) cultivating said tissue to obtain proliferated shoots; and (c) rooting said proliferated shoots to obtain rooted plantlets.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising growing plants from said rooted plantlets.

30. A method of introducing a desired trait into the plant of claim 15 comprising: (a) crossing the plant of claim 15 with a second carrot plant that comprises a desired trait to produce F1 progeny; (b) selecting an F1 progeny that comprises the desired trait; (c) crossing the selected F1 progeny with a plant of the same genotype as said plant of claim 15, to produce backcross progeny; (d) selecting backcross progeny comprising the desired trait; and (e) repeating steps (c) and (d) three or more times in succession to produce selected fourth or higher backcross progeny that comprise the desired trait.

31. A carrot plant produced by the method of claim 30.

32. A method of producing a carrot plant comprising an added desired trait, the method comprising introducing a transgene conferring the desired trait into the plant of claim 15.

33. A method of determining the genotype of the plant of claim 15, comprising obtaining samples of nucleic acids from said plant and detecting in said nucleic acids a plurality of polymorphisms.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising the step of storing the results of the step of detecting the plurality of polymorphisms on a computer readable medium.

35. A method of producing carrots comprising: (a) obtaining the plant of claim 15, wherein the plant has been cultivated to maturity; and (b) collecting carrots from the plant.

Description:

This application claims the priority of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/852,397, filed Oct. 18, 2006, and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/905,809, filed Mar. 9, 2007, each of the disclosures of which are specifically incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the field of plant genetics and, more specifically, to the development of carrot plants having increased lycopene content.

B. Description of Related Art

Carrot ( Daucus carota var sativus ), a member of the Umbelliferae family, is one of the most important root crops and is grown on over 100,000 hectares worldwide. Carrots provide an excellent source of various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A (beta-carotene), as well as dietary fiber content in animal diets. Breeding efforts over the last half century have resulted in a 75% increase in the beta-carotene content in cultivated carrots. Recently, interest in the nutritional value of other carrot pigments, such as xanthophylls, lycopene, anthocyanins, and other phytochemicals, has increased. Despite recent breeding efforts, there remains a need for the development of carrots having increased levels of carotenoids, other than beta-carotene, such as lycopene.

In general, the goal of vegetable breeding is to combine various desirable traits in a single variety/hybrid. Such desirable traits may include greater yield, resistance to insects or pests, tolerance to heat and drought, better agronomic quality, higher nutritional value, growth rate and fruit properties.

Breeding techniques take advantage of a plant's method of pollination. There are two general methods of pollination: a plant self-pollinates if pollen from one flower is transferred to the same or another flower of the same plant or plant variety. A plant cross-pollinates if pollen comes to it from a flower of a different plant variety.

Plants that have been self-pollinated and selected for type over many generations become homozygous at almost all gene loci and produce a uniform population of true breeding progeny, a homozygous plant. A cross between two such homozygous plants of different varieties produces a uniform population of hybrid plants that are heterozygous for many gene loci. Conversely, a cross of two plants each heterozygous at a number of loci produces a population of hybrid plants that differ genetically and are not uniform. The resulting non-uniformity makes performance unpredictable.

The development of uniform varieties often involves the development of homozygous inbred plants, the crossing of these plants, and the evaluation of the crosses. Pedigree breeding and recurrent selection are examples of breeding methods that have been used to develop inbred plants from breeding populations. Those breeding methods combine the genetic backgrounds from two or more plants or various other broad-based sources into breeding pools from which new lines are developed by selfing and selection of desired phenotypes. The new lines are evaluated to determine which of those have commercial potential.

Carrots ( Daucus carota ) are one of the most important root crops and is grown on over 100,000 hectares worldwide. There are two main types of cultivated carrots. Eastern/Asiatic carrots are often called anthocyanin carrots because of their purple roots, although some have yellow roots. They typically have pubescent leaves giving them a gray-green color and bolt easily. They have slightly dissected leaves with branched roots and are an annual plant. Western or carotene carrots typically have orange, red or white roots. These carrots were most likely derived from the first group by selection among hybrid progenies of yellow Eastern carrots, white carrots and wild subspecies grown in the Mediterranean. The leaves are generally strongly dissected with unbranched roots and bright green, sparsely hairy foliage and are biennial.

The biennial carrot is a plant that only flowers every two years. In the first year the plant produces the edible root and a leafy top. If a carrot plant is left in the ground for another year, aided by a resting and cold vernalization period, it flowers and seeds are produced. Sexual reproduction in carrots can therefore be carried out as with other flowering plants.

The Western carrot is the most popular carrot and is sub-divided into three groups: 1) short-rooted varieties that mature more quickly; such as Amsterdam Forcing, Tiana, Early French Frame, Early Nantes, Champion Scarlet Horn; 2) medium-rooted varieties, which are the most common type of commercially grown carrots and include varieties such as Mokum, Flakkee, Autumn King, Chantenay Red Cored, Royal Chantenay; and 3) long-rooted varieties, such as New Red Intermediate and Saint Valery.

Carrots are widely used as a fresh market or processed product. As a crop, carrots are grown commercially wherever environmental conditions permit the production of an economically viable yield. Carrots are highly regarded for their nutritional value and their storability. Carrots provide an excellent source of various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A (beta-carotene), as well as dietary fiber content. Recently, interest in the nutritional value of other carrot pigments, such as xanthophylls, lycopene, anthocyanins, and other phytochemicals, has increased.

Historically, most carrot breeding methods involved mass selection and pedigree selection resulting in a great number of open-pollinated carrot varieties (Stein and Nothnagel, 1995). The first carrot hybrids were sold in the 1960s in the United States following the detection and analysis of male sterility in carrot by Thompson (1961) and Hanschke and Gabelman (1963). Hybrid breeding in carrot is generally based on two systems of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) with different genetic backgrounds and origin: “brown anther” type and “petaloid” type (Stein and Nothnagel, 1995). A third CMS system has been detected in an alloplasmic form originating from a cross between the wild carrot D. carota gummifer Hook. fil. and the cultivated carrot D. c. sativus Hoffm. (Nothnagel, 1992).

While breeding efforts to date have provided a number of useful carrot lines with beneficial traits, there remains a great need in the art for new lines with further improved traits. Such plants would benefit farmers and consumers alike by improving crop yields and/or quality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to carrot lines having roots containing increased levels of lycopene, as well as containers of such carrots. The present invention also relates to parts of carrot plants from lines having roots with increased lycopene content, including seeds capable of growing carrot plants with increased root lycopene content.

The present invention also provides a seed of a carrot plant capable of producing a hybrid plant comprising roots having a lycopene content of at least 100 ppm, where a population of about 10 carrots contains an average lycopene content of between about 100 ppm and about 250 ppm.

The present invention also provides a method of producing a hybrid carrot seed comprising crossing a female parent having a lycopene content between about 100 ppm and about 200 ppm having cytoplasmic male sterility with a male carrot line having a lycopene content between about 100 ppm and about 200 ppm, and obtaining F 1 seed.

In still another aspect, the present invention is exemplified by plants or seeds of a carrot variety selected from red carrot hybrid 0710 0325, red carrot hybrid 0710 0339, red carrot hybrid 0710 0346, red carrot hybrid 710313, red carrot hybrid 710305, red carrot hybrid 710316, red carrot hybrid 710319, red carrot hybrid 710311, red carrot hybrid 710304, red carrot hybrid 710310, red carrot hybrid 710303, line RN 71-4963C, line RN 71-4904C, line RF 71-4911A, line RF 71-4912A, line RIF 71-4966C, line RIF 71-4967B, and line RIF 71-4968B. representative seeds of such varieties have been deposited with the ATCC as set forth herein below. As used herein, a plant of the invention includes any such plants.

In yet a further aspect, the present invention also provides hybrid carrot cultivar having a root comprising an increased lycopene level, where the lycopene content is measured as an average lycopene content of a plurality of roots obtained from the hybrid carrot cultivar compared to an average lycopene content of carrot roots obtained from Kintoki open pollinated variety carrots.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a carrot plant of the invention, as well as carrot plants having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a plant of the invention. Parts of the carrot plant of the present invention are also provided, for example, including pollen, an ovule, a fruit, and a cell of the plant.

The carrot seed of the invention may be provided as an essentially homogeneous population of carrot seed of a plant of the invention. Essentially homogeneous populations of seed are generally free from substantial numbers of other seed. Therefore, seed may be defined as forming at least about 97% of the total seed, including at least about 98%, 99%, or more of the seed. The population of carrot seed may be particularly defined as being essentially free from hybrid seed. The seed population may be separately grown to provide an essentially homogeneous population of carrot plants of the invention.

In another aspect of the invention, a plant of the invention comprising an added heritable trait is provided. The heritable trait may comprise a genetic locus that is a dominant or recessive allele. In one embodiment of the invention, a plant of the invention is defined as comprising a single locus conversion. In specific embodiments of the invention, an added genetic locus confers one or more traits such as, for example, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, disease resistance, and modified carbohydrate metabolism. The trait may be, for example, conferred by a naturally occurring gene introduced into the genome of the line by backcrossing, a natural or induced mutation, or a transgene introduced through genetic transformation techniques into the plant or a progenitor of any previous generation thereof. When introduced through transformation, a genetic locus may comprise one or more transgenes integrated at a single chromosomal location.

In another aspect of the invention, a tissue culture of regenerable cells of a plant of the invention is provided. The tissue culture will preferably be capable of regenerating plants capable of expressing all of the physiological and morphological characteristics of the line, and of regenerating plants having substantially the same genotype as other plants of the line. Examples of such physiological and morphological characteristics include those traits set forth in the tables herein. The regenerable cells in such tissue cultures may be derived, for example, from embryos, meristems, cotyledons, pollen, leaves, anthers, roots, root tips, pistil, flower, seed and stalks. Still further, the present invention provides carrot plants regenerated from a tissue culture of the invention, the plants having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a plant of the invention.

In yet another aspect of the invention, processes are provided for producing carrot seeds, plants and fruit, which processes generally comprise crossing a first parent carrot plant with a second parent carrot plant, wherein at least one of the first or second parent carrot plants is a plant of the invention. In one embodiment, the plant is selected from a line designated RN 71-4904C, RF 71-4911A, RF 71-4912A, RIF 71-4966C, RIF 71-4967B, or RIF 71-4968B. These processes may be further exemplified as processes for preparing hybrid carrot seed or plants, wherein a first carrot plant is crossed with a second carrot plant of a different, distinct line to provide a hybrid that has, as one of its parents, a carrot plant line provided herein. In these processes, crossing will result in the production of seed. The seed production occurs regardless of whether the seed is collected or not.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first step in “crossing” comprises planting seeds of a first and second parent carrot plant, often in proximity so that pollination will occur for example, mediated by insect vectors. Alternatively, pollen can be transferred manually. Where the plant is self-pollinated, pollination may occur without the need for direct human intervention other than plant cultivation.

A second step may comprise cultivating or growing the seeds of first and second parent carrot plants into plants that bear flowers. A third step may comprise preventing self-pollination of the plants, such as by emasculating the male portions of flowers, (i.e., treating or manipulating the flowers to produce an emasculated parent carrot plant). Self-incompatibility systems may also be used in some hybrid crops for the same purpose. Self-incompatible plants still shed viable pollen and can pollinate plants of other varieties but are incapable of pollinating themselves or other plants of the same line.

A fourth step for a hybrid cross may comprise cross-pollination between the first and second parent carrot plants. Yet another step comprises harvesting the seeds from at least one of the parent carrot plants. The harvested seed can be grown to produce a carrot plant or hybrid carrot plant.

The present invention also provides the carrot seeds and plants produced by a process that comprises crossing a first parent carrot plant with a second parent carrot plant, wherein at least one of the first or second parent carrot plants is a plant of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, carrot seed and plants produced by the process are first generation (F 1 ) hybrid carrot seed and plants produced by crossing a plant in accordance with the invention with another, distinct plant. The present invention further contemplates plant parts of such an F 1 hybrid carrot plant, and methods of use thereof. Therefore, certain exemplary embodiments of the invention provide an F 1 hybrid carrot plant and seed thereof. For example, the invention provides plants and seeds of hybrid carrot variety 0710 0325, 0710 0339, or 0710 0346.

In still yet another aspect of the invention, the genetic complement of a carrot plant of the invention are provided. The phrase “genetic complement” is used to refer to the aggregate of nucleotide sequences, the expression of which sequences defines the phenotype of, in the present case, a carrot plant, or a cell or tissue of that plant. A genetic complement thus represents the genetic makeup of a cell, tissue or plant, and a hybrid genetic complement represents the genetic make up of a hybrid cell, tissue or plant. The invention thus provides carrot plant cells that have a genetic complement in accordance with the carrot plant cells disclosed herein, and plants, seeds and plants containing such cells.

Plant genetic complements may be assessed by genetic marker profiles, and by the expression of phenotypic traits that are characteristic of the expression of the genetic complement, e.g., isozyme typing profiles. It is understood that a plant of the invention could be identified by any of the many well known techniques such as, for example, Simple Sequence Length Polymorphisms (SSLPs) (Williams et al., 1990), Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), DNA Amplification Fingerprinting (DAF), Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs), Arbitrary Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs) (EP 534 858, specifically incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) (Wang et al., 1998).

In still yet another aspect, the present invention provides hybrid genetic complements, as represented by carrot plant cells, tissues, plants, and seeds, formed by the combination of a haploid genetic complement of a carrot plant of the invention with a haploid genetic complement of a second carrot plant, preferably, another, distinct carrot plant. In another aspect, the present invention provides a carrot plant regenerated from a tissue culture that comprises a hybrid genetic complement of this invention.

In still yet another aspect, the invention provides a plant of a carrot line, the roots of said plant exhibit a combination of traits comprising an average lycopene content from about 110 ppm to about 250 ppm and an average brix content from about 11° brix to about 20° brix, wherein the expression of the combination of traits is controlled by genetic means for the expression of the trait found in a carrot variety provided herein, including one or more of red carrot hybrid 0710 0325, red carrot hybrid 0710 0339, red carrot hybrid 0710 0346, red carrot hybrid 710313, red carrot hybrid 710305, red carrot hybrid 710316, red carrot hybrid 710319, red carrot hybrid 710311, red carrot hybrid 710304, red carrot hybrid 710310, red carrot hybrid 710303, line RN 71-4963C, line RN 71-4904C, line RF 71-4911A, line RF 71-4912A, line RIF 71-4966C, line RIF 71-4967B, and line RIF 71-4968B.

In still yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of determining the genotype of a plant of carrot line or variety disclosed herein comprising detecting in the genome of the plant at least a first polymorphism. The method may, in certain embodiments, comprise detecting a plurality of polymorphisms in the genome of the plant. The method may further comprise storing the results of the step of detecting the plurality of polymorphisms on a computer readable medium. The invention further provides a computer readable medium produced by such a method.

In still yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of producing a plant derived from a line or variety disclosed herein the method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a progeny plant derived from the line or variety, wherein said preparing comprises crossing a plant of a plant of the invention with a second plant; and (b) crossing the progeny plant with itself or a second plant to produce a seed of a progeny plant of a subsequent generation. In further embodiments, the method may additionally comprise: (c) growing a progeny plant of a subsequent generation from said seed of a progeny plant of a subsequent generation and crossing the progeny plant of a subsequent generation with itself or a second plant; and repeating the steps for an additional 3-10 generations to produce a plant derived from the line or variety. The derived plant may be an inbred line, and the aforementioned repeated crossing steps may be defined as comprising sufficient inbreeding to produce the inbred line. In the method, it may be desirable to select particular plants resulting from step (c) for continued crossing according to steps (b) and (c). By selecting plants having one or more desirable traits, a plant is obtained which possesses some of the desirable traits of the line as well as potentially other selected traits.

In another aspect of the invention, a plant of a carrot line or variety comprising an added heritable trait is provided. The heritable trait may comprise a genetic locus that is a dominant or recessive allele. In one embodiment of the invention, a plant of the invention is defined as comprising a single locus conversion. In specific embodiments of the invention, an added genetic locus confers one or more traits such as, for example, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, disease resistance, and modified carbohydrate metabolism. The trait may be, for example, conferred by a naturally occurring gene introduced into the genome of the hybrid by backcrossing, a natural or induced mutation, or a transgene introduced through genetic transformation techniques into the plant or a progenitor of any previous generation thereof. When introduced through transformation, a genetic locus may comprise one or more transgenes integrated at a single chromosomal location.

In another aspect of the invention, a tissue culture of regenerable cells of a plant disclosed herein is provided. The tissue culture will preferably be capable of regenerating plants capable of expressing all of the physiological and morphological characteristics of the hybrid, and of regenerating plants having substantially the same genotype as other plants of the hybrid. Examples of some of the physiological and morphological characteristics of the lines and varieties provided herein include those traits set forth in the tables herein. The regenerable cells in such tissue cultures may be derived, for example, from embryos, meristems, cotyledons, pollen, leaves, anthers, roots, root tips, pistil, flower, seed and stalks. Still further, the present invention provides carrot plants regenerated from a tissue culture of the invention, the plants having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a plant provided herein.

In still yet another aspect, the invention provides a container of hybrid or non-hybrid carrot seeds where roots grown from greater than 50% of the seeds have an increased lycopene content, where a population of about 50 roots grown from the seeds contains an average lycopene content of between about 100 ppm and 250 ppm.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a container of hybrid carrots having at least a portion of the carrots with increased lycopene content, where the increased lycopene content is measured as an average lycopene content in a population of at least about 10 carrots of between about 100 ppm and about 250 ppm.

These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the devices and methods according to this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides carrot plants and in particular carrot cultivars or lines having increased lycopene content. Such carrots can be referred to as high lycopene carrot varieties. In a certain aspects, the carrot plants are hybrid carrot plants. Also disclosed herein are carrot cultivars or lines having increased lycopene content and cytoplasmic male sterility. Methods of breeding high lycopene carrot lines are also provided. Also disclosed herein are F 1 hybrids of the high lycopene carrots.

As part of this invention, long, cylindrical shaped carrots containing the carotenoid lycopene have been developed to fit market needs, including the processing needs for the cut and peel market segment. Lycopene has received much attention with regard to its anti-oxidant capability in warding off cancer development, particularly in the digestive tract. In some embodiments, the carrots provided by this invention can be used to produce a solid red colored pack of cut and peel product or mixed into a blend of red, orange and yellow carrots. Oversize carrots also provided by this invention may be used for juice production.

Any carrot plant having a suitable lycopene content can be used in conjunction with the present invention. Carrots with suitable lycopene levels can be used in the methods of the present invention. In a preferred aspect, the source of an increased lycopene content is an elite plant. In an aspect, suitable lycopene carrots may be produced by breeding with the following lycopene sources: Nutri-red, red Indian descent carrots, and Kintoki open pollinated lines. In one aspect, a lycopene source carrot can be identified by determining the lycopene level in a carrot root, for example as described below. In an aspect, a lycopene source carrot plant may be crossed with any inbred carrot line having desired properties.

The invention also provides methods and compositions relating to plants, seeds and derivatives of carrot line RN 71-4904C (previously designated 71 0302), RF 71-4911A, RF 71-4912A, RIF 71-4966C, RIF 71-4967B, or RIF 71-4968B. These lines show uniformity and stability within the limits of environmental influence for the traits described hereinafter. Each of the carrot lines RN 71-4904C, RF 71-4911A, RF 71-4912A, RIF 71-4966C, RIF 71-4967B, and RIF 71-4968B provides sufficient seed yield. By crossing with a distinct second plant, uniform F 1 hybrid progeny can be obtained.

Of the hybrid carrot varieties developed by this invention, 0710 0325, 0710 0339, and 0710 0346, exhibit a more slender and longer root shape, which, for example, makes them well suited for use in the cut and peel market segment.

In contrast other carrot varieties also developed as part of this invention, for example, carrot hybrid varieties 710313, 710305, 710316, 710319, 710311, 710304, 710310, and 710303 are heavier and broader in diameter, which, for example, makes them more applicable to the juicing market segment.

A. ORIGIN AND BREEDING HISTORY OF CARROT LINES AND HYBRID VARIETIES

1. Development of Open Pollinated Inbred Carrot Line RN 71-4904C (Previously Designated 71 0302)

High lycopene carrot line RN 71-4904C was obtained as outlined below. This carrot line is the result of a pedigree breeding system, initiated with a fertile×fertile cross between ‘Lycopene 71B’ (a Seminis inbred line) and ‘7262B’ (a USDA carrot release containing anthocyanin and carotene). The ‘Lycopene 71B’ is an M4 high lycopene selection from the Seminis carrot release ‘Nutri-red’.

The breeding process can be summarized as follows:

Fall Year 1 Planted parental lines in Brawley, CA (‘Lycopene 71B’
and ‘7262B’)
Spring, Year 2 Harvested parental roots and crossed in Fertile × Fertile
fashion.
Fall Year 2 Planted Fertile × Fertile seed in California
Spring Year 3 Harvested vigorous F 1 roots from the F × F population
and self pollinate
Fall Year 3 Planted F 2 population seed in California
Spring Year 4 Made F 2 selections, one being a red colored, cylindrical
shaped root. Made a 3 root small mass for F 2 M
population.
Fall, Year 4 Planted F 2 M population seed in California
Spring Year 5 Selected the same root form as the F 2 . Again, increased
to F 2 M 2 via 3 root mass population.
Fall Year 5 Planted F 2 M 2 population seed in California.
Spring Year 6 Grew out F 2 M 2 population, but not harvested. No
breeding action taken.
Fall Year 6 Replanted F 2 M 2 population seed in California.
Spring Year 7 Selected for same criteria as the F 2 M population.
Increase via 4 root mass to produce the F 2 M 3 generation.
Fall Year 7 Planted F 2 M 3 population seed in California.
Spring Year 8 Selected for same criteria as in the F 2 M 2 population.
Increase via 3 root mass to produce the F 2 M 4 generation.
Fall Year 8 Planted F 2 M 4 population seed in California.
Spring Year 9 Selected for same criteria as in F 2 M 3 population.
Increase via a 12 root mass for a larger seed increase.
Fall Year 9 Planted F 2 M 5 population seed in California.
Spring, Year The name PSR 71 0302 was applied (subsequently
10 changed to RN 71-4904C) and the trial observed.
Fall Year 10 Planted F 2 M 6 population seed in California, as well as
the new male sterile lines developed for hybridization
(see breeding process Example 4, below).
Spring Year 11 Harvested roots of male sterile lines and pollinators.
Transplanted stecklings into hybrid cage isolations.
Fall Year 11 Planted hybrid seed in California.
Spring Year 12 Harvested and selected the best performing hybrid
combinations.

During the breeding program, a red cylindrical shaped carrot type emerged from the F 2 population and was selected. Small mass selection for the ‘Nantes’ root shape was repeated, and dark red color expressed through the core resulted in a very stable and uniform style root. One line was selected for having a high level of uniformity from one root to the next to obtain seed quantities for presentation, using a 12 root mass and designated Red Nantes, also designated RN 71-4904C. Very little variability within the line was observed, other than that expressed by environmental influence within any field condition.

2. Development of Open Pollinated Inbred Carrot Lines

Open pollinated carrot lines are also obtained from crosses using Indian red carrot lines as one of the parents. One source of genetic diversity is from the Indian germplasm, but these sources are basically tropical or annual type carrots. This can make them less suitable for use in temperate climates. These landrace lines also tend to have defects such as early, nearly annual bolting behavior, severe forking and irregular root shapes, prolific root hair growth, extreme variability in root type, shape, lycopene content, or any other phenotypic characteristic.

These Indian lines contain several advantages however, such as: 1) ability to accumulate moderate levels of lycopene and 2) extreme genetic diversity, including excellent eating quality. This eating quality can be the result of high juice content and low terpenoid levels.

Thus, to develop other high lycopene plant material, the following breeding strategy may be used:

    • a) Indian descent (red) crossed with Lycopene 71B (red) (see above).
    • b) Indian descent (red) crossed with cut and peel material (orange) (S-D813B, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,787,685).
    • c) Nutri-red (red) crossed with cut and peel material (orange) (S-D813B, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,787,685).

For example, the following scheme was used:

Fall, Year 1 Planted parental lines in Brawley, CA (‘Lycopene 71B’,
Indian germplasm, and S-D813B).
Spring Year 2 Harvested parental roots and cross in Fertile × Fertile
fashion.
Fall, Year 2 Planted Fertile × Fertile seed in California
Spring Year 3 Harvested vigorous F 1 roots from the F × F population
and sib-mate for the F 1 M populations (simulated F 2 ).
Fall, Year 3 Planted F 1 M population seed in California
Spring Year 4 Made F 1 M selections, selecting for cut and peel style or
any full, interesting carrot shapes of normal behavior and
expressing red color. Observations indicated vast
differences from the original Indian material, which is
severely early in bolting (almost annual in behavior),
tends to have multiple branched (forked) roots and
prolific root hair growth.
September Fall, Planted F 1 M 2 population seed in California
Year 4
Spring Year 5 Selected the same root form as the F 1 M; increased to
F 1 M 3 via 2 or 3 root mass populations.
Fall, Year 5 Planted F 1 M 3 population seed in California.
Spring Year 6 Selected for same criteria as the F 1 M 2 population.
Increased via 2 or 3 root mass to produce the F 1 M 4
generation.
September Fall, Planted F 1 M 4 population seed in California.
Year 6
Spring Year 7 Evaluated lines for possible use as parents. Chose most
promising lines for hybrid development and parental
increase.
Fall, Year 7 Planted new hybrids and parentals for advancement and
seed increase.

3. Development of Cytoplasmic Male-Sterile Carrot Lines

Carrot lines containing cytoplasmic male sterility having increased lycopene content can be produced, for example, using crosses between open-pollinated Nutri-red lines and an orange male sterile variety to introduce the cytoplasmic male sterility into the high lycopene background.

For example, below is a breeding process that has been used for the development of male sterile, high lycopene lines:

Fall, Year 1 Planted Nutri-red (red) and Orange male sterile seed in
Imperial Valley.
Spring, Year 2 Harvested roots of Nutri-red and orange male sterile lines
for F 1 hybrids.
Fall, Year 2 Planted hybrid seed in California.
Spring, Year 3 Harvested hybrids of Nutri-red and Orange roots (all
orange) in preparation of first backcross.
Fall, Year 3 Planted BC 1 seed in California.
Spring, Year 4 Selected red roots within the BC 1 population and
prepared for backcrossing to Nutri-red.
Fall, Year 4 Planted BC 2 seed in California
Spring, Year 5 Most backcrosses appeared to be nearly stable, though
some orange roots were observed. Red roots were again
selected and prepared for backcrossing to Nutri-red.
Fall, Year 5 Planted BC 3 seed in California.
Spring, Year 6 Harvested roots, 100% of all backcross populations have
complete expression of increased lycopene phenotype.
Selected best lines for hybrid production and possible
increase.
Fall, Year 6 Planted new hybrids and backcrossed lines for
advancement and seed increase.

Following the above program, carrot lines having increased lycopene content were been obtained, which also exhibited cytoplasmic male sterility.

4. Development of Hybrid Carrot Varieties Having High Lycopene Content

Hybrid carrots have been developed by crossing the open pollinators of Example 2 and 3 (male parents) with the male-sterile lines of Example 4 (female parents), and collecting the hybrid F 1 seeds. Several hybrid varieties have been developed that contain increased levels of lycopene. These are identified as hybrid varieties 710303, 710304, 710310, 710313, 710311, 710319, 710316, and 710305. After harvesting roots from the hybrid varieties, it was observed that hybrid line 710319 segregates for orange and red, and as such did not result in a high lycopene carrot. These hybrids comprise an average lycopene content in their roots of at least 115 ppm, as determined by HPLC.

5. Development of Carrot Line RF 71-4911A

The development of carrot line RF 71-4911A can be summarized as follows:

September Year 0 Planted Nutri-red and Orange male sterile seed in Imperial Valley.
February Year 1 Harvested roots of Nutri-red and orange male steriles for
F 1 hybrids. Planted individual roots selected from Nutri-
red and made crosses with the male steriles, establishing
new sub-line populations of Nutri-red with their respective hybrids.
September Year 1 Planted hybrid seed and new sub-lines in California.
February Year 2 Harvested hybrids of Nutri-red sub-lines and Orange roots
(all orange) in preparation of first backcross to the
respective sub-lines.
September Year 2 Planted BC 1 seed in California with the respective sub-
lines.
February Year 3 Selected red roots within the BC 1 population and prepared
for backcrossing, again, to the Nutri-red sub-lines.
September Year 3 Planted BC 2 seed in California with the respective sub-
lines.
February Year 4 Most backcrosses appeared to be nearly stable, though
some orange roots caused concern about the possible
genetic inheritance. Red roots were again selected and
prepared for backcrossing to Nutri-red sub-lines.
September Year 4 Planted BC 3 seed in California with the respective sub-
lines.
February Year 5 Harvested roots and found that 100% of all backcross
populations had complete expression of lycopene. Selected
best lines for hybrid production and possible increase, one
set of lines being RF 71-4911A & B.
September Year 5/6 Planted new hybrids and backcross lines for potential
advancement and seed increase.
February Year 6/7 Evaluated and selected best hybrid combinations, including
0710 0325 and 0710 0339.

Line RF 71-4911A has been self-pollinated and planted for a number of generations to produce the homozygosity and phenotypic stability to make this line useful in commercial seed production. No variant traits have been observed or are expected for this line.

Carrot line RF 71-4911A, being substantially homozygous, can be reproduced by planting seeds of the line, growing the resulting carrot plant under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions and harvesting the resulting seeds using techniques familiar to one of skill in the art.

6. Development of Carrot Line RF 71-4912A

The development of carrot line RF 71-4912A can be summarized as follows:

September Year 0 Planted Nutri-red and Orange male sterile seed in Imperial Valley.
February Year 1 Harvested roots of Nutri-red and orange male steriles for F 1
hybrids. Planted individual roots selected from Nutri-red
and made crosses with the male steriles, establishing new
sub-line populations of Nutri-red with their respective hybrids.
September Year 1 Planted hybrid seed and new sub-lines in California.
February Year 2 Harvested hybrids of Nutri-red sub-lines and Orange roots
(all orange) in preparation of first backcross to the
respective sub-lines.
September Year 2 Planted BC 1 seed in California with the respective sub-
lines.
February Year 3 Selected red roots within the BC 1 population and prepared
for backcrossing, again, to the Nutri-red sub-lines.
September Year 3 Planted BC2 seed in California with the respective sub-
lines.
February Year 4 Most backcrosses appeared to be nearly stable, though
some orange roots caused concern about the possible
genetic inheritance. Red roots were again selected and
prepared for backcrossing to Nutri-red sub-lines.
September Year 4 Planted BC 3 seed in California with the respective sub-
lines.
February Year 5 Harvested roots and found that 100% of all backcross
populations had complete expression of lycopene. Selected
best lines for hybrid production and possible increase, one
set of lines being RF 71-4912A & B.
September Year 5/6 Planted new hybrids and backcross lines for potential
advancement and seed increase.
February Year 6/7 Evaluated and selected best hybrid combinations, including
0710 0346.

Line RF 71-4912A has been self-pollinated and planted for a number of generations to produce the homozygosity and phenotypic stability to make this line useful in commercial seed production. No variant traits have been observed or are expected for this line.

Carrot line RF 71-4912A, being substantially homozygous, can be reproduced by planting seeds of the line, growing the resulting carrot plant under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions and harvesting the resulting seeds using techniques familiar to one of skill in the art.

7. Development of Carrot Line RIF 71-4966C

The development of carrot line RIF 71-4966C can be summarized as follows:

September Year 1 Planted parental lines of Nutri-red and S-D813B in Imperial Valley
steckling bed.
February Year 2 Selected best parental roots within populations of Nutri-red and
S-D813B for fertile × fertile crossing pattern.
September Year 2 Planted F 1 seed from fertile × fertile crossing system.
February Year 3 Selected known hybrid roots within the population for
advancement to the F 1 M population.
September Year 3 Planted F 1 M seed from the F 1 selected roots in Imperial
Valley, California.
February Year 4 Selected F 1 M roots with slender, cylindrical shape that
would fit the cut and peel processing market. Also tasted
each individual root for direct eating quality evaluation.
Planted in a sib-mating breeding system.
September Year 4 Planted F 1 M2 population seed in Imperial Valley,
California.
February Year 5 Evaluated F 1 M 2 population roots and selected for
cylindrical shape, good eating quality and qualities for cut
and peel processing.
September Year 5 Planted F 1 M 3 population seed in Imperial Valley,
California.
February Year 6 Evaluated sub-selections and found one line, designated
RIF 71-4966C with uniform root shape and consistency.
The decision was to test in a hybrid combination scheme.
September Year 6 Planted new hybrids made from pollinator RIF 71-4966C in
Imperial Valley, California.
February Year 7 Evaluated and selected best hybrid combinations, including 0710 0325.

Line RIF 71-4966C has been self-pollinated and planted for a number of generations to produce the homozygosity and phenotypic stability to make this line useful in commercial seed production. No variant traits have been observed or are expected for this line.

Carrot line RIF 71-4966C, being substantially homozygous, can be reproduced by planting seeds of the line, growing the resulting carrot plant under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions and harvesting the resulting seeds using techniques familiar to one of skill in the art.

8. Development of Carrot Line RIF 71-4967B

The development of carrot line RIF 71-4967B can be summarized as follows:

September Year 2 Planted parental lines of Nutri-red and S-D813B in
Imperial Valley steckling bed.
February Year 3 Selected best parental roots within populations of Nutri-red
and S-D813B for fertile × fertile crossing pattern.
September Year 3 Planted F 1 seed from fertile × fertile crossing system in
Imperial Valley, California.
February Year 4 Selected known hybrid roots within the population for
advancement to the F 1 M population.
September Year 4 Planted F 1 M seed from the F 1 selected roots in Imperial
Valley, California.
February Year 5 Selected F 1 M roots with slender, cylindrical shape that
would fit the cut and peel processing market. Also tasted
each individual root for direct eating quality evaluation.
Found one root with exceptional eating quality and shape and self
pollinated.
September Year 5 Planted F 1 MS population seed in Imperial Valley,
California.
February Year 6 Evaluated the selfed line and designated it RIF 71-4967B
with uniform root shape and consistency. The decision was
to test in a hybrid combination scheme.
September Year 6 Planted new hybrids made from pollinator RIF 71-4967B in
Imperial Valley, California.
February Year 7 Evaluated and selected best hybrid combinations, including 0710 0339.

Line RIF 71-4967B has been self-pollinated and planted for a number of generations to produce the homozygosity and phenotypic stability to make this line useful in commercial seed production. No variant traits have been observed or are expected for this line.

Carrot line RIF 71-4967B, being substantially homozygous, can be reproduced by planting seeds of the line, growing the resulting carrot plant under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions and harvesting the resulting seeds using techniques familiar to one of skill in the art.

9. Development of Carrot Line RIF 71-4968B

The development of carrot line RIF 71-4968B can be summarized as follows:

September, Year 1 Planted parental lines of Nutri-red and S-D813B in Imperial Valley
steckling bed.
February, Year 2 Selected best parental roots within populations of Nutri-red
and S-D813B for fertile × fertile crossing pattern.
September, Year 2 Planted F 1 seed from fertile × fertile crossing system.
February, Year 3 Selected known hybrid roots within the population for
advancement to the F 1 M population.
September, Year 3 Planted F 1 M seed from the F 1 selected roots in Imperial Valley,
California.
February, Year 4 Selected F 1 M roots with slender, cylindrical shape targeting
the cut and peel processing market. Also tasted each
individual root for direct eating quality evaluation. Planted
in a sib-mating breeding system.
September Year 4 Planted F 1 M 2 population seed in Imperial Valley,
California,
February Year 5 Evaluated F 1 M 2 population roots and selected for
cylindrical shape, good eating quality and qualities for cut
and peel processing. Found an individual root with
exceptional eating quality and placed into a self pollinated
scheme.
September Year 5 Planted F 1 M 2 S population seed in Imperial Valley,
California.
February Year 6 Evaluated the selfed line and designated it RIF 71-4968B
with uniform root shape and consistency. The decision was
to test in a hybrid combination scheme.
September Year 6 Planted new hybrids made from pollinator RIF 71-4968B in
Imperial Valley, California.
February Year 7 Evaluated and selected best hybrid combinations, including
0710 0346.

Line RIF 71-4968B has been self-pollinated and planted for a number of generations to produce the homozygosity and phenotypic stability to make this line useful in commercial seed production. No variant traits have been observed or are expected for this line.

Carrot line RIF 71-4968B, being substantially homozygous, can be reproduced by planting seeds of the line, growing the resulting carrot plant under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions and harvesting the resulting seeds using techniques familiar to one of skill in the art.

10. Development of Hybrid Carrot Varieties Having High Lycopene Content

Hybrid carrots varieties 0710 0325, 0710 0339 and 0710 0346 resulted from the following crosses:

0710 0325=RF 71-4911A×RIF 71-4966C

0710 0339=RF 71-4911A×RIF 71-4967B

0710 0346=RF 71-4912A×RIF 71-4968B

B. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CARROT VARIETIES

The physiological and morphological characteristics of carrot hybrid and inbred varieties described herein are presented in Table 1-17. The values presented in the tables are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of the invention.

TABLE 1
Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Hybrid Variety
PS 0710-0346
CHARACTERISTIC
1. Type Imperator
Area of Best Adaptation in USA Most Regions
2. Maturity
Days from Seeding to Harvest 110
3. Plant Top (Harvest Stage)
Habit Semi-Erect
Height from Shoulder to Top of 50 cm
Crown
Neck Diameter 35 mm
Top Attachment Single
4. Leaf (Harvest Stage)
Blade Color N134B in RHS Color Chart
Blade Divisions Medium
Blade Length (W/O Petiole) 25 cm
Petiole Length from Crown to First 20 cm
Pinna
Petiole Anthocyanin Absent
Petiole Pubescence Absent
5. Root
Cortex (Phloem) Thickness (Midpoint 11 mm
X-Section)
Core (Xylem) Thickness (Midpoint X- 8 mm
Section)
Carrot Length (Minus Taproot) 30 cm
Length of Taproot 20 mm
Diameter at Shoulder 28 mm
Diameter t Midpoint 19 mm
Amount Exposed (Above Ground) None
Shape Conic
Collar Level
Shoulder Sloping
Base Medium
Surface Smoothness Very Smooth
Number Secondary Root Scars Few
Appearance of Secondary Root Prominent
Scars
Halo Faint
Zoning Faint
Flavor Harshness Mild Harsh
Flavor Sweetness Moderate Sweet
6. Colors
Above Ground Exterior Color, Red (60A in RHS Color
Shoulder Chart)
Above Ground Exterior Color, Skin Red (60A in RHS Color
Chart)
Below Ground Exterior Color, Red (60A in RHS Color
Shoulder Chart)
Below Ground Exterior Color, Skin Red (60A in RHS Color
Chart)
X-Section Interior Color, Xylem- Red (60B in RHS Color
(Core) Chart)
X-Section Interior Color, Phloem Red (60C in RHS Color
Chart)
7. Flower
Flower Color 86 (193B in RHS Color
Chart)
Male Fertility Male-Sterile
Anthers Petaloid
8. Seeds
Height of Seed Stalk 105 cm
Stalk Pubescence Little
Diameter of First Order Umbel 100 mm
Seed Spines Present
per 100 Seeds 200 mg
9. Disease Reaction
Alternaria Blight Susceptible
Cavity Spot Susceptible
Powdery Mildew Susceptible
Pythium Root Dieback Susceptible
10. Insect Reaction
Root Knot Nematode Susceptible
11. Physiological Reaction
Bolting Resistant
Root Splitting Resistant

TABLE 2
Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Hybrid Variety
PS 0710-0339
CHARACTERISTIC
1. Type Imperator
Area of Best Adaptation in USA Most Regions
2. Maturity
Days from Seeding to Harvest 110
3. Plant Top (Harvest Stage)
Habit Semi-Erect
Height from Shoulder to Top of Crown 45 cm
Neck Diameter 35 mm
Top Attachment Single
4. Leaf (Harvest Stage)
Blade Color Dark Green, N132B in
RHS Color Chart
Blade Divisions Medium
Blade Length (W/O Petiole) 28 cm
Petiole Length from Crown to First 20 cm
Pinna
Petiole Anthocyanin Absent
Petiole Pubescence Absent
5. Root
Cortex (Phloem) Thickness (Midpoint 10 mm
X-Section)
Core (Xylem) Thickness (Midpoint X- 7 mm
Section)
Carrot Length (Minus Taproot) 30 cm
Length of Taproot 20 mm
Diameter at Shoulder 24 mm
Diameter t Midpoint 17 mm
Amount Exposed (Above Ground) None
Shape Conic
Collar Level
Shoulder Sloping
Base Medium
Surface Smoothness Very Smooth
Number Secondary Root Scars Few
Appearance of Secondary Root Not Prominent
Scars
Halo Faint
Zoning Faint
Flavor Harshness Moderate Harsh
Flavor Sweetness Moderate Sweet
6. Colors
Above Ground Exterior Color, Red (60B in RHS Color
Shoulder Chart)
Above Ground Exterior Color, Skin Red (60B in RHS Color
Chart)
Below Ground Exterior Color, Red (60B in RHS Color
Shoulder Chart)
Below Ground Exterior Color, Skin Red (60B in RHS Color
Chart)
X-Section Interior Color, Xylem-Core Red (60C in RHS Color
Chart)
X-Section Interior Color, Phloem Red (60D in RHS Color
Chart)
7. Flower
Flower Color 86 (193B in RHS Color
Chart)
Male Fertility Male-Sterile
Anthers Petaloid
8. Seeds
Height of Seed Stalk 100 cm
Stalk Pubescence Little
Diameter of First Order Umbel 110 mm
Seed Spines Present
per 100 Seeds 205 mg
9. Disease Reaction
Alternaria Blight Susceptible
Cavity Spot Susceptible
Powdery Mildew Susceptible
Pythium Root Dieback Susceptible
10. Insect Reaction
Root Knot Nematode Susceptible
11. Physiological Reaction
Bolting Resistant
Root Splitting Resistant

TABLE 3
Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Hybrid Variety PS 0710-0325
CHARACTERISTIC
1. Type Cut and Peel
Area of Best Adaptation in USA Most Regions
2. Maturity
Days from Seeding to Harvest 110
3. Plant Top (Harvest Stage)
Habit Semi-Erect
Height from Shoulder to Top of Crown 45 cm
Neck Diameter 30 mm
Top Attachment Single
4. Leaf (Harvest Stage)
Name of Color Chart RHS Color Chart
Blade Color Dark Green, 135B in RHS Color Chart
Blade Divisions Medium
Blade Length (W/O Petiole) 25 cm
Petiole Length from Crown to First 20 cm
Pinna
Petiole Anthocyanin Absent
Petiole Pubescence Absent
5. Root
Cortex (Phloem) Thickness (Midpoint 8 mm
X-Section)
Core (Xylem) Thickness (Midpoint X- 7 mm
Section)
Carrot Length (Minus Taproot) 28 cm
Length of Taproot 20 mm
Diameter at Shoulder 20 mm
Diameter at Midpoint 15 mm
Amount Exposed (Above Ground) None
Shape Cylindrical
Collar Level
Shoulder Sloping
Base Blunt
Surface Smoothness Very Smooth
Number Secondary Root Scars Few
Appearance of Secondary Root Not Prominent
Scars
Halo None
Zoning None
Flavor Harshness Mild Harsh
Flavor Sweetness Moderate Sweet
6. Colors
Above Ground Exterior Color, Red (60C in RHS Color Chart)
Shoulder
Above Ground Exterior Color, Skin Red (60C in RHS Color Chart)
Below Ground Exterior Color, Red (60C in RHS Color Chart)
Shoulder
Below Ground Exterior Color, Skin Red (60C in RHS Color Chart)
X-Section Interior Color, Xylem-Core Red (61B in RHS Color Chart)
X-Section Interior Color, Phloem Red (60D in RHS Color Chart)
7. Flower
Flower Color 86 (193B in RHS Color Chart)
Male Fertility Male-Sterile
Anthers Petaloid
8. Seeds
Height of Seed Stalk 105 cm
Stalk Pubescence Little
Diameter of First Order Umbel 110 mm
Seed Spines Present
per 100 Seeds 200 mg
9. Disease Reaction
Alternaria Blight Susceptible
Cavity Spot Susceptible
Powdery Mildew Susceptible
Pythium Root Dieback Susceptible
10. Insect Reaction
Root Knot Nematode Susceptible
11. Physiological Reaction
Bolting Resistant
Root Splitting Resistant

TABLE 4
Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Variety RF 71-4912A and a
Comparative Variety
RF 71-4912A Nutri-red
1. TYPE:
Imperator Imperator
2. Region Of Best Adaptation In U.S.A.:
Most Regions Most Regions
3. Market Maturity
No. Days from Seeding to Harvest: No. Days to Market Maturity: 120
120
4. Plant Top (At Harvest Stage)
Habit: Semi-erect Habit: Semi-erect
Height from Shoulder to Top of Plant Top Height: 50 cm
Crown: 44 cm
Neck Diameter: 140 mm Top Diameter: 30 cm
Top Attachment: Single Top Attachment: Single
5. Leaf (At Harvest Stage)
Name of Color Chart: RHS Colour Name of Color Chart: RHS Colour Chart
Chart
Blade Color: Dark Green Leaf Blade Color: Dark Green
Color Chart Notation: 132B Color Chart Notation: N134A
Blade Divisions: Medium Leaf Blade Divisions: Medium
Blade Length (Without Petiole):; 26 cm Leaf Blade Length: 30 cm
Petiole Length from Crown to First Leaf Petiole Length: 20 cm
Pinna: 15 cm
Petiole Anthocyanin: Absent Petiole Anthocyanin: Absent
Petiole Pubescence: Absent Petiole Pubescence: Absent
6. Root (At Market Maturity)
Cortex (Phloem) Thickness (Midpoint Cortex Thickness: 10 mm
X-Section): 18 mm
Core (Xylem) Thickness (Midpoint X- Core Thickness: 10 mm
Section): 14 mm
Carrot Length (Minus Taproot): 27 cm Carrot Length (Minus Taproot): 24 cm
Length of Taproot: 20 mm Length of Taproot: 20 mm
Diameter at Shoulder: 38 mm Diameter at Shoulder: 32 mm
Diameter at Midpoint: 33 mm Diameter at Midpoint: 22 mm
Amount Exposed (Above Ground): Amount Exposed(Above Ground): None
None
Shape: Conic Root Shape: Conic
Collar: Level Collar: Level
Shoulder: Sloping Shoulder: Sloping
Base: Medium Base: Pointed
Surface Smoothness: Dimpled or Surface Smoothness: Dimpled or Corrugated
Corrugated
Number Secondary Root Scars: Few Number Secondary Root Scars: Few
Appearance of Secondary Root Scars: Appearance of Secondary Root Scars: Prominent
Prominent
Halo: Faint Halo: Faint
Zoning: Faint Zoning: Faint
Flavor Harshness: Moderate Harsh Flavor Harshness: Very harsh
Flavor Sweetness: Moderate Sweet Flavor Sweetness: Not sweet
7. Flower
Flower Color: 06 (Color Chart Flower Color: 01 (Color Chart Notation N155D)
Notation 194B)
Male Fertility: Male-Sterile Fertility: Fertile
Anthers: Petaloid Anthers: Normal
8. Seed
Height of Seed Stalk: 120 cm Height of Seed Stalk: 95 cm
Stalk Pubescence: Little Stalk Pubescence: Little
Diameter of First Order Umbel: 130 mm Diameter of First Order Umbel: 120 mm
Seed Spines: Present Seed Spines: Present
230 mg per 100 Seeds 210 mg per 100 Seeds
9. Disease Reaction
Alternaria Blight: Susceptible Alternaria Blight: Susceptible
Aster Yellows: Susceptible Aster Yellows: Susceptible
Sclerotinia Decay: Susceptible Cavity Spot: Susceptible
Motley Dwarf Virus: Susceptible
Powdery Mildew: Susceptible
Pythium Root Dieback: Susceptible
Sclerotinia Decay: Susceptible
10. Insect Reaction
Root Knot Nematode: Susceptible Root Knot Nematode: Susceptible
11. Physiological Reaction
Bolting: Resistant Bolting: Resistant
Root Splitting: Resistant Root Splitting: Resistant

TABLE 5
Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Variety 0710 0319 and
a Comparative Variety
0710 0319 Nutri-red
1. Type
Imperator Imperator
2. Region Of Rest Adaptation In U.S.A
Most Regions Most Regions
3. Market Maturity
No. Days from Seeding to No. Days to Market Maturity:
Harvest: 110 120
4. Plant Top (At Harvest Stage)
Habit: Semi-erect Habit: Semi-erect
Height from Shoulder to Top Plant Top Height: 50 cm
of Crown: 1.0 cm
Neck Diameter: 18 mm Top Diameter: 300 mm
Top Attachment: Single Top Attachment: Single
5. Leaf (At Harvest Stage)
Name of Color Chart: RHS
Colour Chart
Blade Color: Dark Green Leaf Blade Color: Dark Green
Color Chart Notation: N135B Color Chart Notation: N134A
Blade Divisions: Coarse Leaf Blade Divisions: Medium
Blade Length (Without Petiole): Leaf Blade Length: 30 cm
30 cm
Petiole Length from Crown to Leaf Petiole Length: 20 cm
First Pinna: 25 cm
Petiole Anthocyanin: Present Petiole Anthocyanin: Absent
Petiole Pubescence: Absent Petiole Pubescence: Absent
6. Root (At Market Maturity)
Cortex (Phloem) Thickness Cortex Thickness: 10 mm
(Midpoint X-Section): 12 mm
Core (Xylem) Thickness Core Thickness: 10 mm
(Midpoint X-Section): 13 mm
Carrot Length (Minus Taproot): Carrot Length: 24 cm
26 cm
Length of Taproot: 20 mm Length of Taproot: 20 mm
Diameter at Shoulder: 38 mm Diameter at Shoulder: 32 mm
Diameter at Midpoint: 28 mm Diameter at Midpoint: 22 mm
Amount Exposed (Above Amount Exposed: None
Ground): 1-10%
Shape: Conic Root Shape: Conic
Collar: Level Collar: Level
Shoulder: Sloping Shoulder: Sloping
Base: Medium Base: Pointed
Surface Smoothness: Dimpled or Surface Smoothness: Dimpled or
Corrugated Corrugated
Number Secondary Root Scars: Secondary Root Scars: Few
Few
Appearance of Secondary Root Appearance of Secondary Roots:
Scars: Prominent Prominent
Halo: Prominent Halo: Faint
Zoning: Prominent Zoning: Faint
Flavor Harshness: Mildly Harsh Flavor Harshness: Very harsh
Flavor Sweetness: Moderately Flavor Sweetness: Not sweet
Sweet
Name of Color Chart:
Colors: RHS Colour
Above Ground Exterior Color: 84 Shoulder (Color Chart
94 Shoulder (Color Chart Notation 59D)
Notation 60B)
Above Ground Exterior Color: Skin: 84 (Color Chart
94 Skin (Color Chart Notation 59D)
Notation 60B)
Below Ground Exterior Color: Shoulder: 84 (Color Chart
94 Shoulder (Color Chart Notation 59D)
Notation 60B)
Below Ground Exterior Color: Skin: 84 (Color Chart
94 Skin (Color Chart Notation 59D)
Notation 60B)
X-Section Interior Color: Xylem: 84 (Color Chart
04 Xylem (Core) (Color Chart Notation 63B)
Notation 60C)
X-Section Interior Color: Phloem: 84 (Color Chart
04 Phloem (Color Chart Notation 63A)
Notation 60C)
7. Flower
Flower Color: 86 (Color Chart Flower Color: 01 (Color Chart
Notation 193B) Notation N155D)
Male Fertility: Male-Sterile Fertility: Fertile
Anthers: Petaloid Anthers: Normal
8. Seed
Height of Seed Stalk: 95 cm Height of Seed Stalk: 95 cm
Stalk Pubescence: Little Stalk Pubescence: Little
Diameter of First Order Umbel: Diameter of First Order Umbel:
105 mm 120 mm
Seed Spines: Present Seed Spines: Present
220 mg per 100 Seeds 210 mg per 100 Seeds
9. Disease Reaction (1 = Susceptible; 2 = Resistant; Give Races
If Known)
Alternaria Blight: Susceptible Alternaria Blight: Susceptible
Aster Yellows: Susceptible Aster Yellows: Susceptible
Cavity Spot: Susceptible Cavity Spot: Susceptible
Cercospora Blight: Susceptible
Motley Dwarf Virus: Susceptible Motley Dwarf Virus: Susceptible
Powdery Mildew: Susceptible Powdery Mildew: Susceptible
Pythium Root Dieback: Pythium Root Dieback:
Susceptible Susceptible
Sclerotinia Decay: Susceptible Sclerotinia Decay: Susceptible
10. Insect Reaction (1 = Susceptible; 2 = Resistant; give rates if known)
Root Knot Nematode: Root Knot Nematode: Susceptible
Susceptible
11. Physiological Reaction (1 = Susceptible; 2 = Resistant)
Bolting: Susceptible Bolting: Resistant
Root Splitting: Resistant Root Splitting: Resistant

Notes:

Halo: Cross-section showing color difference between xylem and phloem.

Zoning: Longitudinal cut showing color difference between xylem and phloem.

Color choices: 1 = White, 2 = Yellow, 3 = Orange, 4 = Red, 5 = Purple, 6 = Green, 7 = Salmon, 8 = Light, 9 = Dark

Color example: 0 2 = Yellow; 3 4 = Orange-Red; 9 4 Dark Red.

TABLE 6
Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Variety 0710 0305 and
a Comparative Variety
0710 0305 Nutri-red
1. Type:
Nates Imperator
2. Region Of Best Adaptation In
U.S.A.
Most Regions Most Regions
3. Market Maturity
No. Days from Seeding to No. Days to Market Maturity:
Harvest: 120 120
4. Plant Top (At Harvest Stage)
Habit: Semi-erect Habit: Semi-erect
Height from Shoulder to Top of Plant Top Height: 50 cm
Crown: 0.5 cm
Neck Diameter: 12 mm Top Diameter: 300 mm
Top Attachment: Single Top Attachment: Single
5. Leaf (At Harvest Stage)
Name of Color Chart: RHS
Colour Chart
Blade Color: Dark Green Leaf Blade Color: Dark Green
Color Chart Notation: N135B Color Chart Notation: N134A
Blade Divisions: Medium Leaf Blade Divisions: Medium
Blade Length (Without Petiole): Leaf Blade Length: 30 cm
24 cm
Petiole Length from Crown to Leaf Petiole Length: 20 cm
First Pinna: 20 cm
Petiole Anthocyanin: Absent Petiole Anthocyanin: Absent
Petiole Pubescence: Absent Petiole Pubescence: Absent
6. Root (At Market Maturity)
Cortex (Phloem) Thickness Cortex Thickness: 10 mm
(Midpoint X-Section): 9 mm
Core (Xylem) Thickness Core Thickness: 10 mm
(Midpoint X-Section): 8 mm
Carrot Length (Minus Taproot): Carrot Length: 24 cm
16 cm
Length of Taproot: 18 mm Length of Taproot: 20 mm
Diameter at Shoulder: 26 mm Diameter at Shoulder: 32 mm
Diameter at Midpoint: 21 mm Diameter at Midpoint: 22 mm
Amount Exposed (Above Amount Exposed: None
Ground): 1-10%
Shape: Cylindrical Root Shape: Conic
Collar: Level Collar: Level
Shoulder: Rounded Shoulder: Sloping
Base: Blunt Base: Pointed
Surface Smoothness: Dimpled or Surface Smoothness: Dimpled or
Corrugated Corrugated
Number Secondary Root Scars: Secondary Root Scars: Few
Few
Appearance of Secondary Root Appearance of Secondary Roots:
Scars: Not Prominent Prominent
Halo: Faint Halo: Faint
Zoning: Faint Zoning: Faint
Flavor Harshness: Mildly Harsh Flavor Harshness: Very harsh
Flavor Sweetness: Very Sweet Flavor Sweetness: Not sweet
Colors: Name of Color Chart: RH
Above Ground Exterior Color: 84 Shoulder (Color Chart
94 Shoulder (Color Chart Notation 59D)
Notation 59B)
Above Ground Exterior Color: Skin: 84 (Color Chart Notation
94 Skin (Color Chart Notation 59D)
59B)
Below Ground Exterior Color: Shoulder: 84 (Color Chart
94 Shoulder (Color Chart Notation 59D)
Notation 59B)
Below Ground Exterior Color: Skin: 84 (Color Chart
94 Skin (Color Chart Notation Notation 59D)
59B)
X-Section Interior Color: Xylem: 84 (Color Chart
04 Xylem (Core) Notation 63B)
(Color Chart Notation 59C)
X-Section Interior Color: Phloem: 84 (Color Chart
04 Phloem Notation 63A)
(Color Chart Notation 59C)
7. Flower
Flower Color: 86 (Color Chart Flower Color: 01 (Color Chart
Notation 193B) Notation N115D)
Male Fertility: Male-Sterile Fertility: Fertile
Anthers: Petaloid Anthers: Normal
8. Seed
Height of Seed Stalk: 100 cm Height of Seed Stalk: 95 cm
Stalk Pubescence: Little Stalk Pubescence: Little
Diameter of First Order Umbel: Diameter of First Order Umbel:
112 mm 120 mm
Seed Spines: Present Seed Spines: Present
205 mg per 100 Seeds 210 mg per 100 Seeds
9. Disease Reaction (1 = Suseeptible; 2 = Resistant; give rates if known)
Alternaria Blight: Susceptible Alternaria Blight: Susceptible
Aster Yellows: Susceptible Aster Yellows: Susceptible
Cavity Spot: Susceptible Cavity Spot: Susceptible
Cercospora Blight: Susceptible
Motley Dwarf Virus: Susceptible Motley Dwarf Virus: Susceptible
Powdery Mildew: Susceptible Powdery Mildew: Susceptible
Pythium Root Dieback: Pythium Root Dieback: Susceptible
Susceptible
Sclerotinia Decay: Susceptible Sclerotinia Decay: Susceptible
10. Insect Reaction (1 = Susceptible; 2 = Resistant; give races if known)
Root Knot Nematode: Root Knot Nematode:
Susceptible Susceptible
11. Physiological Reaction (1 = Susceptible; 2 = Resistant)
Bolting: Resistant Bolting: Resistant
Root Splitting: Resistant Root Splitting: Resistant

Notes:

Halo: Cross-section showing color difference between xylem and phloem.

Zoning: Longitudinal cut showing color difference between xylem and phloem.

Color choices: 1 = White, 2 = Yellow, 3 = Orange, 4 = Red, 5 = Purple, 6 = Green, 7 = Salmon, 8 = Light, 9 = Dark

Color examples: 0 2 = Yellow; 3 4 = Orange-Red; 9 4 Dark Red.

TABLE 7
Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Variety 0710 0304 and a
Comparative Variety
0710 0304 Nutri-red
1. Type
Nantes Imperator
2. Region of Best Adaptation in U.S.A.
Most Regions Most Regions
3. Market Maturity
No. Days from Seeding to Harvest: No. Days to Market Maturity: 120
120
4. Plant Top (At Harvest Stage)
Habit: Semi-erect Habit: Semi-erect
Height from Shoulder to Top of Plant Top Height: 50 cm
Crown: 0.5 cm
Neck Diameter: 11 mm Top Diameter: 300 mm
Top Attachment: Single Top Attachment: Single
5. Lear (At Harvest Stage)
Name of Color Chart: RHS Colour
Chart
Blade Color: Dark Green Leaf Blade Color: Dark Green
Color Chart Notation: N135B Color Chart Notation: N134A
Blade Divisions: Medium Leaf Blade Divisions: Medium
Blade Length (Without Petiole): 26 cm Leaf Blade Length: 30 cm
Petiole Length from Crown to First Leaf Petiole Length: 20 cm
Pinna: 22 cm
Petiole Anthocyanin: Absent Petiole Anthocyanin: Absent
Petiole Pubescence: Absent Petiole Pubescence: Absent
6. Root (At Market Maturity)
Cortex (Phloem) Thickness (Midpoint Cortex Thickness: 10 mm
X-Section): 11 mm
Core (Xylem) Thickness (Midpoint X- Core Thickness: 10 mm
Section): 9 mm
Carrot Length (Minus Taproot): 18 cm Carrot Length: 24 cm
Length of Taproot: 18 mm Length of Taproot: 20 mm
Diameter at Shoulder: 24 mm Diameter at Shoulder: 32 mm
Diameter at Midpoint: 19 mm Diameter at Midpoint: 22 mm
Amount Exposed (Above Ground): 1-10% Amount Exposed: None
Shape: Cylindrical Root Shape: Conic
Collar: Level Collar: Level
Shoulder: Rounded Shoulder: Sloping
Base: Blunt Base: Pointed
Surface Smoothness: Dimpled or Surface Smoothness: Dimpled or Corrugated