Plants – Broadleaf tree
Plant Patent
1999-09-13
2002-07-09
Campell, Bruce R. (Department: 1661)
Plants
Broadleaf tree
Plant Patent
active
PP012766
ABSTRACT:
The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of a birch tree, botanically known as
Betula papyrifera
, and is hereto referred to by the cultivar name “Oenci”.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
‘Oenci’ was discovered by the inventor in a group
Betula papyrifera
in test plots of Evergreen Nursery Company, Inc. in New Carlise, Ohio, in 1986. ‘Oenci’ was originated from the open pollinated cross in a birch selection/breeding program in Wooster, Ohio. The non-patented female parent was
Betula papyrifera
. The pollen parent was
Betula papyrifera
. ‘Oenci’ was first noticed with broad, dense pyramidal growth habit, white exfoliating bark and a very high resistance to the Bronze Birch Borer. The growth habit renders it ideal for clumping. The first act of asexual reproduction of ‘Oenci’ was accomplished by cuttings by the inventor from the initial selection in our test plot in New Carlisle, Ohio. Currently, asexual reproduction is accomplished by micropropagation or tissue culture in Olympia, Wash. Horticultural examination of selected units has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for ‘Oenci’ are firmly fixed and retained through its successive generations of asexual reproduction. ‘Oenci’ has been observed in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., and New Carlisle, Ohio, since 1986 and characteristics have been stably maintained. The cultivar reproduces true to type. The new cultivar has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in environment such as temperature, day length and light intensity, without a change in the genotype of a cultivar. The following observations, measurements, and comparisons describe the plants grown in New Carlisle, Ohio, and Sturgeon Bay, Wis. under natural field conditions which approximate those generally used in commercial operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be basic characteristics of ‘Oenci’ which in combination distinguish this birch tree as a new and distinct cultivar:
1. Distinctive broad, dense pyramidal growth habit with branching angles about 33-35°.
2. Bark color changes as the tree matures; from mahogany reddish brown turning to white.
3. Exfoliating bark when mature.
4. Very high resistance to the Bronze Birch Borer.
5. Moderate growth rate.
6. Drought tolerant.
The novel cultivar ‘Oenci’ can be compared with the nonpatented
Batula papyrifera
. The foregoing characteristics are distinctive from the nonpatented variety because the nonpatented variety has a loose oval growth habit, a brown bark that turns white at maturity, variable resistance to Bronze Birch Borer and is not drought tolerant.
Campell Bruce R.
Drehkoff W. Dennis
Evergreen Nursery Company, Inc.
Ladas & Parry
McCormick Susan B.
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