Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed:Vitis vinifera.

Cultivar denomination: ‘Sheegene 104’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new distinct variety of seedless grapevine named ‘Sheegene 104’. The variety originated from a hybridization performed in Mildura, Victoria, Australia during 2002 between ‘Crimson Seedless’ (unpatented), as the pollen parent, and ‘Autumn Royal’ (unpatented), as the seed parent. Abortive seed traces were embryo cultured and the resulting plant was planted in an evaluation block during 2004. The first evaluation of the fruit produced by ‘Sheegene 104’ was performed during 2007. ‘Sheegene 104’ was first asexually propagated by field grafting dormant hardwood scions to rootstock (1103 Paulsen Rootstock; unpatented) in 2010 in Irymple, Victoria, Australia. Fruit from the resulting four grafted ‘Sheegene 104’ vines was first harvested in 2012. All characteristics and distinctions remain true to form and are established and transmitted through succeeding propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following are the most outstanding and distinguishing characteristics of ‘Sheegene 104’. ‘Sheegene 104’ produces large, black (5RP 3/2), seedless berries that are harvested between September-October, in Murcia-Spain and weigh on average 8-9 g/berry.

‘Sheegene 104’ can be distinguished from its male parent, ‘Crimson Seedless’, in that the new cultivar produces black-colored grapes while ‘Crimson Seedless’ produces red (2.5R 5/10) grapes. Additionally, ‘Sheegene 104’ clusters are heavier than ‘Crimson Seedless’ clusters (average 902 g v. 650 g) and the average weight of ‘Sheegene 104’ berries is also greater than ‘Crimson Seedless’ berries (average 8.2 g v. 4 g).

‘Sheegene 104’ is believed to be most similar to ‘Autumn Royal’. Nonetheless, the new cultivar can be distinguished from its female parent, ‘Autumn Royal’, in that ‘Sheegene 104’ berries are heavier than ‘Autumn Royal’ (8.2 g v. 6.5 g); ‘Autumn Royal’ has 2 to 4 rudimentary seeds per berry while ‘Sheegene 104’ rudimentary (aborted) seeds are not detectable; ‘Sheegene 104’ berries are also more strongly attached to the pedicel than ‘Autumn Royal’. Additionally, ‘Sheegene 104’ exhibits high vigour compared to ‘Autumn Royals’ medium to low vigour.

‘Sugrathirteen’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,434) is a well-known black seedless commercial variety. ‘Sheegene 104’ can be distinguished from ‘Sugrathirteen’ based at least upon berry shape, berry size, and time of berry ripening. Berries produced by ‘Sheegene 104’ exhibit an ovoid shape, whereas berries produced by ‘Sugrathirteen’ exhibit a long elliptic shape. ‘Sheegene 104’ berries are heavier than ‘Sugrathirteen’ berries (8.2 g v. 4.7 g). Additionally, ‘Sheegene 104’ is a late ripening variety (end September), whereas ‘Sugrathirteen’ its an early ripening variety (July).

‘Sheegene 104’ is harvested between September and October in Murcia, Spain, which is later than the early September harvest period of ‘Autumn Royal’ and the early July harvest period of ‘Sugrathirteen’.

