Copyright © Françoise Herrmann
Although, living
organisms are technically and legally un-patentable, the Plant Patent Act of 1930
allows for the patenting of plant varieties, in honor of the great American
botanist Luther Burbank, father of countless plant varieties such as the “Santa
Rosa” plum, the “Flaming Gold” nectarine, the “Russet Burbank” potato, the
plumcot (a cross between the plum and the apricot), and a spineless cactus for
feeding cattle!
Thus, in the
tradition of Burbank, the Regents of the University of California filed for an Almond
variety named “Sweetheart” in patent
US2008201808. Consistent with research on the health benefits of
monounsaturated kernel oil, and in particular oleic acid, this variety of
almond is engineered with a high kernel quality, also capable of acting as a
pollen-producing plant for another California almond variety called “Nonpareil”.
Indeed this is a true “Sweetheart” almond!
The abstract for US2008201808
is included below. There are no patent drawings, so only images of this
marketed sweetheart are included!
Abstract US2008201808
An improved Prunus dulcis variety is provided
that is well suited for serving as a replacement for the premium quality
'Marcona' variety (non-patented in the United States). A distinctive
heart-shape kernel in combination with very high kernel lipid quality is
displayed. Good bloom overlap is displayed with the widely-grown 'Nonpareil'
variety (non-patented in the United States) and pollen is cross-compatible with
'Nonpareil' and all major California almond varieties. The tree exhibits an
upright-spreading growth habit with good productivity. Desirable fruit and
kernel characteristics for shelled and processed almond production are
displayed.
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