Benicia

Strawberry

Variety Description

Varieties used for comparison: 'Nisgaa', 'Clancy' and 'Puget Reliance'

Summary: The intensity of anthocyanin colouration on the stolons of 'Benicia' is weak to medium whereas it is medium to strong on 'Nisgaa' and 'Puget Reliance'. The density of pubescence on the stolons of 'Benicia' is absent or sparse whereas it is dense on 'Nisgaa' and 'Puget Reliance' and medium on 'Clancy'. The glossiness on the leaves of 'Benicia' is absent or weak whereas it is medium on 'Nisgaa' and 'Puget Reliance' and strong on 'Clancy'. The intensity of anthocyanin colouration on the stipules of 'Benicia' is weak to medium whereas it is strong to very strong on 'Clancy' and medium to strong on 'Puget Reliance'. The arrangement of petals on the flowers of 'Benicia' is touching whereas it is free on 'Nisgaa' and overlapping on 'Puget Reliance'. The difference in shape of terminal and other fruits is very large in 'Benicia' and slight in 'Nisgaa', slight to moderate in 'Clancy' and very slight in 'Puget Reliance'. The calyx attachment of 'Benicia' is inserted in the fruit whereas it is raised in 'Nisgaa' and level with the fruit in 'Clancy' and 'Puget Reliance'. The fruit of 'Benicia' begins ripening very early whereas it is early in 'Nisgaa' and very late in 'Clancy'.

Description:

PLANT: semi-upright growth habit, dense foliage, medium to strong vigour, not remontant
STOLONS: many, weak to medium intensity of anthocyanin colouration, absent or sparse density of pubescence

LEAF: medium size, dark green on upper side, strong blistering, absent or very weak glossiness, no variegation
TERMINAL LEAFLET: moderately longer length in relation to width, acute base, serrate and crenate margin, concave shape in cross section
PETIOLE: medium length, slightly outwards attitude of hairs
STIPULE: weak to medium intensity of anthocyanin colouration

TIME OF BEGINNING OF FLOWERING: very early to early in the season
INFLORESCENCE: positioned at same level as foliage, medium number of flowers, horizontal attitude of hairs on pedicel
FLOWER: calyx diameter larger than corolla, stamens present
PETALS: touching, equal in length and width, white

FRUIT: moderately longer in length than width, medium to large in size, cordate, very large difference in shape between terminal and other fruits, very narrow band without achenes
FRUIT SKIN: medium red, even or very slightly uneven colour, strong glossiness, even or very slightly uneven surface
ACHENES: inserted below level of fruit surface
CALYX: inserted, upwards attitude of sepals, slightly larger than diameter of fruit, strong to very strong adherence to fruit
FRUIT FLESH: very firm, medium red, light red core, medium size fruit cavity
TIME OF BEGINNING OF FRUIT RIPENING: very early

Origin & Breeding History: 'Benicia' originated from the cross 'Palomar' with the unreleased germplasm accession Cal 0.18-601, conducted in 2004. 'Benicia' was first fruited at an experimental orchard near Winters, California, in 2005, where it was selected and propagated asexually by runners. Following selection and during testing, the variety was designated 'C225' and was subsequently named 'Benicia'.

Tests & Trials: Trials for 'Benicia' were conducted in Langley, British Columbia during the 2011 and 2012 growing seasons. The trials consisted of plots measuring 7 metres in length, replicated four times for each variety. Plants were spaced approximately 30 cm apart in the rows and 1.07 metres between rows. All observations and measurements were made on a minimum of 10 plants per variety.

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Strawberry: 'Benicia' (right) with reference varieties 'Clancy' (left), 'Nisgaa' (centre left) and 'Puget Reliance' (centre right)

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Strawberry: 'Benicia' (bottom) with reference varieties 'Clancy' (top), 'Nisgaa' (centre top) and 'Puget Reliance' (centre bottom)