Alfalfa Variety C0415C4360 for Predictable Trait Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing alfalfa breeding methods are complex and unpredictable, requiring significant time and resources to develop agronomically superior varieties due to alfalfa's autotetraploid genome and self-incompatibility, leading to challenges in predicting final varieties and susceptibility to inbreeding depression.

Innovation Solution

The development of alfalfa variety C0415C4360, which is well-suited for crossing and propagation methods, including self-crossing and tissue culture, to produce stable and high-yielding alfalfa strains with improved traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutritional quality, along with genetic marker profiling for precise identification and selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional alfalfa breeding methods are used, then genetic diversity is maintained, but the breeding process becomes complex and unpredictable requiring significant time and resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepredictability of breeding outcomesVSAvoidbreeding process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing genetic marker profiling to transform the breeding process from phenotypic selection to genotypic selection. This changes the fundamental parameter of selection criteria, enabling predictable identification of desired traits (disease resistance, drought tolerance, nutritional quality) without complex multi-generational breeding trials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical breeding system (cross-pollination, multi-generational selection, field trials) with a molecular biology-based system (genetic marker profiling, DNA analysis). This substitution eliminates the unpredictability of traditional breeding by directly identifying plants with desired genetic traits through molecular markers rather than waiting for phenotypic expression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If self-crossing and tissue culture methods are used, then propagation efficiency is improved, but maintaining genetic integrity becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropagation efficiencyVSAvoidgenetic integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback through genetic marker profiling at multiple stages of the propagation process. By continuously monitoring genetic markers during self-crossing and tissue culture propagation, breeders can verify that desired genetic traits are being maintained and detect any genetic drift or contamination, providing real-time feedback to adjust propagation methods accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing genetic marker profiling before initiating propagation to establish a baseline genetic profile. This preliminary genetic characterization allows breeders to predict propagation outcomes and take preventive measures to maintain genetic integrity throughout the propagation process, rather than discovering genetic changes after propagation has occurred.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If genetic marker profiling is implemented, then selection precision is improved, but analysis complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrait identification accuracyVSAvoidgenotyping system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential genetic markers associated with key agronomic traits (disease resistance, drought tolerance, nutritional quality) from the entire genome for analysis. Rather than analyzing all genetic material, the method selectively targets specific marker loci that are known to correlate with desired traits, simplifying the analysis while maintaining high selection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12414531B2Alfalfa variety C0415C4360
Publication Date: 2025.09.16 FORAGE GENETICS INTERNATIONAL LLC

AI summary

The invention relates to the alfalfa variety designated C0415C4360. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the alfalfa variety C0415C4360. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the alfalfa variety C0415C4360 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing alfalfa plants by crossing the alfalfa variety C0415C4360 with itself or another alfalfa variety and plants produced by such methods.