Alternanthera Raspberry Rum Cultivar Leaf Color Mutation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a distinct cultivar of Alternanthera ficoidea that exhibits unique characteristics such as upright growth habit, hot pink and brown leaf color, and resistance to leaf spot pathogens, which are not adequately met by existing Alternanthera cultivars like 'Cognac', 'Grenadine', and 'Partytime'.
Innovation Solution
A naturally occurring branch mutation of Alternanthera ficoidea 'Cognac' resulting in the 'Raspberry Rum' cultivar, characterized by its upright to spreading growth habit, dense branching, strong and healthy leaves, and resistance to leaf spot pathogens, propagated through vegetative cuttings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing Alternanthera cultivars like 'Cognac' are used, then brown-colored leaves are produced, but unique leaf color variation (hot pink and brown) is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting a natural mutation that altered the pigmentation parameters of the plant. The mutant plant exhibits hot pink and brown leaf colors due to changes in pigment composition and distribution, representing a fundamental parameter change in the plant's biochemical properties that achieves unique coloration while maintaining stability through true-to-type reproduction.
2Reliability
If natural mutation is selected, then unique characteristics are achieved, but breeding time and selection process are extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining a controlled population of plants and systematically monitoring for natural mutations over time. The breeder performed preliminary observations and selections, allowing the unique hot pink and brown leaf color mutation to emerge and be identified in the population, thereby capturing a valuable trait that would otherwise be lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by allowing natural mutation to occur and select the desired traits without intensive human intervention. The plant population naturally produced the mutation, and the breeder simply needed to identify and propagate the mutant plant, leveraging nature's own variation-generating mechanisms rather than applying artificial mutagenesis or complex breeding programs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cultivar differentiation is pursued, then unique garden performance is achieved, but comparison and selection complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by focusing on specific local characteristics of the plant rather than attempting to improve all traits simultaneously. The breeder concentrated on selecting for the unique leaf color (hot pink and brown) and upright growth habit as key differentiating features, allowing the cultivar to excel in these specific qualities while accepting that other traits might vary.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct cultivar of Alternanthera plant named ‘Raspberry Rum’, characterized by its upright to outwardly spreading and mounding plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy growth habit; strong and healthy leaves; leaves that are hot pink and brown in color; good garden performance; and resistance to leaf spot pathogens.