Alfalfa Variety H0416A3126 for Predictable Trait Introgression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing alfalfa breeding methods are time-consuming and unpredictable, requiring extensive research and effort to develop agronomically superior varieties due to the autotetraploid genome and self-incompatibility of alfalfa, leading to inbreeding depression and difficulty in predicting final varieties.

Innovation Solution

The development of alfalfa variety H0416A3126, which is suitable for crossing with itself or other plants to propagate and introduce specific traits such as herbicide tolerance, disease resistance, and improved yield, using techniques like backcrossing and molecular marker profiling to ensure consistent genetic characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional alfalfa breeding methods are used, then agronomically superior varieties can be developed, but the process is time-consuming and unpredictable due to autotetraploid genome and self-incompatibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreeding predictabilityVSAvoidbreeding cycle duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing backcrossing operations before the traditional breeding cycle to establish desired traits. The method involves crossing a plant with desired traits to a tester plant, then backcrossing the F1 progeny to the tester plant, thereby pre-establishing genetic combinations that would otherwise require multiple generations to develop.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a tester plant as a mediator in the breeding process. The tester plant serves as an intermediate step to facilitate the transfer of desired traits through backcrossing, enabling more predictable and accelerated variety development compared to traditional direct breeding methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If backcrossing is used to propagate alfalfa variety H0416A3126, then specific traits like herbicide tolerance and disease resistance can be enhanced, but inbreeding depression may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrait consistencyVSAvoidinbreeding depression
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing molecular marker profiling at multiple stages of the backcrossing process. Molecular markers serve as feedback mechanisms to monitor genetic composition and track the inheritance of desired traits, allowing breeders to make informed decisions about which plants to advance and which to discard, thereby maintaining trait consistency while managing inbreeding depression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by utilizing molecular marker data to assess genetic diversity and inbreeding levels. By monitoring changes in genetic parameters through marker profiling, the breeding program can adjust backcrossing intensity and selection criteria to maintain optimal genetic health while achieving desired trait enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If extensive breeding steps are performed to develop novel plant germplasm, then improved combination of traits can be achieved, but the complexity of the breeding program increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety performanceVSAvoidbreeding program structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex breeding program into distinct, manageable phases: initial crossing, backcrossing, molecular marker profiling, and variety development. Each phase has specific objectives and deliverables, making the overall complex process more structured and easier to control while achieving improved variety performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12514220B2Alfalfa variety H0416A3126
Publication Date: 2026.01.06 FORAGE GENETICS INTERNATIONAL LLC

AI summary

The invention relates to the alfalfa variety designated H0416A3126. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the alfalfa variety H0416A3126. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the alfalfa variety H0416A3126 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing alfalfa plants by crossing the alfalfa variety H0416A3126 with itself or another alfalfa variety and plants produced by such methods.