Alfalfa R413A316 Breeding via Marker-Assisted Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current alfalfa breeding methods face challenges in developing stable, high-yielding varieties with improved traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutritional quality, as they often result in inbreeding depression and unpredictable genetic combinations, requiring extensive research and time to produce agronomically superior varieties.

Innovation Solution

The development of alfalfa variety R413A316, which is resistant to multiple diseases and pests, tolerant to drought and heat, and suitable for various regions, achieved through phenotypic selection and introduction of transgenes for traits like glyphosate tolerance and improved digestibility, using methods like backcrossing and marker-assisted selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional breeding methods are used to develop new alfalfa varieties, then genetic diversity is maintained, but inbreeding depression occurs and trait combination becomes unpredictable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegenetic stabilityVSAvoidtrait combination reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Molecular markers serve as intermediary tools that allow breeders to indirectly select for desired traits without direct observation. By using markers linked to target genes, the invention enables reliable prediction of trait inheritance while maintaining genetic diversity through controlled crossing designs, thus resolving the contradiction between genetic stability and trait combination reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements feedback mechanisms through marker-assisted selection where genotypic information from molecular markers provides continuous feedback on the genetic composition of breeding populations. This allows real-time monitoring and adjustment of breeding strategies to achieve desired trait combinations while maintaining genetic stability, eliminating the unpredictability of traditional methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If extensive breeding cycles are conducted to introduce multiple traits, then trait improvement is achieved, but time and research resources are excessively consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrait improvement precisionVSAvoidbreeding cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary action by conducting molecular marker analysis and genetic evaluation early in the breeding process, before field performance data is available. This allows breeders to identify and select superior genotypes in advance, significantly reducing the time required for subsequent breeding cycles while maintaining precise trait improvement through targeted selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the traditional mechanical/phenotypic selection system with a molecular/genotypic selection system. By substituting field-based phenotypic evaluation with laboratory-based molecular marker analysis, the invention accelerates the breeding process while improving precision in trait selection, as molecular markers provide more accurate and earlier prediction of trait inheritance.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If phenotypic selection alone is used for breeding, then selection process is simple, but selection precision and efficiency are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreeding process simplicityVSAvoidselection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges phenotypic selection with genotypic selection in an integrated breeding approach. By combining the simplicity of field-based phenotypic evaluation with the precision of laboratory-based molecular marker analysis, the invention achieves both ease of operation and high measurement precision, allowing breeders to select for multiple traits simultaneously with greater accuracy than phenotypic selection alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10772282B2Alfalfa variety R413A316
Publication Date: 2020.09.15 FORAGE GENETICS INTERNATIONAL LLC

AI summary

The invention relates to the alfalfa variety designated R413A316. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the alfalfa variety R413A316. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the alfalfa variety R413A316 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing alfalfa plants by crossing the alfalfa variety R413A316 with itself or another alfalfa variety and plants produced by such methods.