Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2002-2007
Title: Lee W. Stoeckle: Innovating Strawberry Varieties in California
Introduction
Lee W. Stoeckle is a distinguished inventor based in Ventura, California, known for his contributions to the agricultural science of strawberry cultivation. With an impressive portfolio of four patents, Stoeckle has focused on developing new and distinct varieties of strawberry plants tailored for the southern coast of California's unique growing conditions.
Latest Patents
One of Stoeckle's notable inventions is the strawberry plant named 'BG-959'. This new variety is primarily characterized as a short-day variety, featuring a small plant with large, uniformly shaped berries. The foliage of 'BG-959' is small with short petioles, and it produces very few bract leaflets. This variety begins fruit production early, starting as soon as late December, and creates upwards of 20% to 25% of its total yield by the end of February. The fruits are large, firm, and characterized by a flat conical shape with a smooth surface devoid of creases and ridges.
Stoeckle's second significant patent involves another strawberry plant variety, 'BG-1975'. Similar to 'BG-959', 'BG-1975' is a short-day variety that thrives in southern California's climatic conditions. This plant exhibits medium to small-sized foliage with a light to medium green color. The production of 'BG-1975' also begins early, with yields of 50% to 60% expected by the end of March. Its attractive fruit is characterized by an orange-red to red color, medium to large size, and a firm texture, taking-on a conical to cylindrical shape with a smooth surface and slightly sunken seeds.
Career Highlights
Lee W. Stoeckle is associated with Berry Genetics, Inc., where he contributes his expertise in plant breeding and genetics. His continual focus on innovation in strawberry cultivation has positioned him as a noteworthy inventor in agricultural biotechnology.
Collaborations
Stoeckle works alongside talented colleagues, including Steven D. Nelson and Michael D. Nelson, further enriching the collaborative environment at Berry Genetics, Inc. Their combined efforts aim to enhance the sustainability and productivity of strawberry farming, benefiting both growers and consumers alike.
Conclusion
Through his inventive work, Lee W. Stoeckle has significantly advanced the development of strawberry varieties that meet the demands of modern agriculture. His patents reflect a commitment to improving fruit quality and production efficiency, marking him as a key player in the field of agricultural innovation.