Atomic Red Nectarine Tree Breeding for Color and Maturity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nectarine tree varieties lack desirable traits such as attractive skin color, early maturity, and consistent fruit production, with limited options for commercialization that balance flavor and market demands.
Innovation Solution
Development of the 'Atomic Red' nectarine tree variety through asexual reproduction, which exhibits vigorous growth, attractive dark red skin, earlier maturity, and consistent fruit production, characterized by its medium size, white flesh, and good flavor, addressing the limitations of existing varieties like 'Arctic Queen' and 'Honey Kist'.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If existing nectarine varieties like 'Arctic Queen' are grown, then they produce fruit with certain maturity characteristics, but they lack attractive dark red skin color
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by developing a new variety through selective breeding that simultaneously alters multiple fruit characteristics - achieving dark red skin color while also modifying maturity timing to be 23 days earlier than 'Arctic Queen'. This resolves the contradiction by changing the genetic parameters of the plant variety itself.
2Shape
If existing nectarine varieties like 'Honey Kist' are grown, then they produce yellow-fleshed fruit at a certain maturity time, but they lack white flesh and earlier maturity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the genetic parameters to produce white flesh instead of yellow flesh, and simultaneously achieves a maturity timing that is 14 days later than 'Honey Kist'. This resolves the contradiction by altering the underlying genetic parameters that control both flesh color and maturity timing.
3Productivity
If existing nectarine varieties are cultivated, then they provide certain fruit production levels, but they lack consistent and productive fruiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes that the new variety is self-fertile and self-pollinating, requiring no external intervention for successful fruit production. This self-service capability ensures consistent and reliable fruiting year after year, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability by making the plant independently capable of reliable production.
4Shape
If nectarine varieties are selected for commercialization, then they must meet market demands for flavor and appearance, but limited options exist that balance both requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a variety that simultaneously provides multiple desirable traits: attractive dark red skin color, excellent flavor quality, consistent productivity, and adaptability to different growing conditions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by creating a single variety that meets diverse market requirements, expanding commercialization options.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica var. nucipersica). The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with,standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:1. Tree with vigorous, upright growth.2. Regular and productive bearer of medium size fruit.3. Fruit with an attractive red skin color.4. Fruit with firm, white flesh.5. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality, with a good balance between acid and sugar.