Beet Downy Mildew Resistance via Mutant Allele ACSDMR001

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current beet breeding methods are inefficient in developing beet cultivars with high resistance to downy mildew, a disease caused by Peronospora farinosa f. sp. beticola, which leads to economic losses and requires extensive research and resources due to the unpredictability of genetic traits and environmental factors.

Innovation Solution

Introduction of a novel mutant allele ACSDMR001 in Beta vulgaris, which confers high resistance to downy mildew, allowing for the development of beet plants and hybrids with significantly reduced disease symptoms through breeding and genetic engineering techniques, including recurrent selection, backcrossing, and transformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional beet breeding methods are used to develop downy mildew resistance, then some level of resistance may be achieved, but the process is inefficient, unpredictable, and requires extensive research and resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedowny mildew resistanceVSAvoidbreeding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the genetic composition of beet plants through introduction of specific mutant alleles (e.g., in the BvCHS3 gene) that confer downy mildew resistance. This genetic parameter modification transforms the breeding process from conventional, time-consuming methods to a targeted approach that achieves reliable resistance more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes molecular copying techniques by replicating and transferring specific resistance-conferring gene sequences into beet plant genomes. This allows the desirable resistance trait to be copied from donor plants or synthetic sources and introduced into target varieties, significantly improving breeding efficiency and predictability compared to conventional methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional breeding methods are used, then genetic diversity may be maintained, but the development of resistant cultivars is unpredictable and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegenetic diversityVSAvoidbreeding duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts specific resistance-conferring genetic elements (mutant alleles) from complex genetic backgrounds and isolates them as discrete, transferable units. By taking out only the essential resistance genes (such as modified BvCHS3 alleles) rather than relying on whole-plant breeding, the process achieves predictable results in shorter timeframes while maintaining the ability to preserve other desirable genetic traits through selective transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If downy mildew resistance is developed through traditional methods, then some protection may be achieved, but chemical applications are still required and economic losses occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedowny mildew infectionVSAvoidcrop yield
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously harmful interaction between beet plants and downy mildew pathogen into a beneficial relationship by engineering plants with enhanced resistance traits. The modified genetic composition (specific mutant alleles) enables plants to actively resist infection, transforming the scenario from one where chemicals are needed to protect against yield loss to one where the plants themselves provide protection, thereby eliminating or reducing chemical applications and preventing economic losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS9198364B2Downy mildew resistance in table beet
Publication Date: 2015.12.01 CHRISTIANSON ALF SEED CO

AI summary

The present invention relates to a beet plant, seed, variety and hybrid. More specifically, the invention relates to a beet plant having a mutant allele designated ACSDMR001 which confers resistance to downy mildew infection. The invention also relates to crossing inbreds, varieties and hybrids containing the ACSDMR001 allele to produce novel types and varieties of beet plants having downy mildew resistance.