AB17 Apple Tree Breeding for Larger Fruit and Lower Acidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apple tree varieties like 'Kidd's D-8' produce smaller, more acidic fruit with white flowers, lacking the desirable characteristics of larger, less acidic apples and distinctive purple-red flower colors.
Innovation Solution
The 'AB17' apple tree variety, resulting from open pollination of 'Kidd's D-8', produces larger, less acidic apples with attractive bi-colored appearance and purple-red flowers, exhibiting improved texture and storage life, and is grafted onto 'M26' rootstock for enhanced growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If 'Kidd's D-8' apple tree is used, then white flowers are produced, but fruit size is smaller and acidity is higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and breeding apple trees with specific genetic parameters that result in larger fruit size and lower acidity. The 'AB17' variety was developed through open pollination of 'Kidd's D-8' to achieve these improved parameters, producing apples that are both larger and less acidic than the parent variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by grafting 'AB17' scion wood onto 'M26' rootstock. This composite approach combines the superior fruit quality characteristics of 'AB17' with the enhanced growth and vigor properties of 'M26' rootstock, creating a synergistic combination that improves both fruit production and tree performance.
2Shape
If 'Kidd's D-8' apple tree is used, then simple white flowers are produced, but fruit lacks distinctive appearance and flavor characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by developing fruit with distinctive regional characteristics - the 'AB17' apples exhibit a blocky shape with specific coloration patterns and flavor profiles that are locally adapted to the growing conditions in Ephrata, Washington. This creates a unique product identity that distinguishes it from other varieties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes as a key distinguishing feature, where the 'AB17' apples develop specific color patterns during ripening that differ from 'Kidd's D-8'. The flowers also exhibit purple color with red-purple highlights, providing visual differentiation at multiple stages of plant development.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If standard apple varieties are used, then regular production is maintained, but storage life and texture quality are moderate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by selecting and breeding the 'AB17' variety specifically for its extended storage capabilities and superior texture qualities before commercial deployment. The variety was developed and tested over multiple years to ensure it meets the required standards for storage life and texture, allowing producers to plan ahead for seasonal and off-season markets.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct variety of apple tree denominated varietally as ‘AB17’ which produces fruit which is larger than that produced by the ‘Kidd's D-8’ apple tree under the ecological conditions prevailing near Ephrata, Wash. and which is further less acidic and which further produces a flower having a purple color with red-purple highlights.