BENITSURUGI Columnar Apple Tree With Alternaria Blotch Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a new apple tree variety that combines specific characteristics such as columnar tree type, thick shoot thickness, short internode length, long leaf blade, and medium to short fruit size, which distinguishes it from existing varieties like '5-12786', 'SANSA', 'SENSHU', and 'SHINANO SWEET', and exhibits resistance to diseases like Alternaria blotch.
Innovation Solution
The development of the apple tree variety 'BENITSURUGI' through asexual reproduction by grafting, which combines the desirable traits of its male and female parents, resulting in a columnar tree type with thick shoots, short internodes, and resistance to Alternaria blotch, while maintaining suitable fruit characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new apple tree variety is developed to combine specific morphological characteristics (columnar tree type, thick shoot thickness, short internode length, long leaf blade), then the variety exhibits distinct features and improved adaptability, but the breeding process requires multiple years of selection and propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing cross-breeding between selected parent varieties ('5-12786' and 'SANSA') in advance to create offspring with predetermined desirable traits. The breeding program systematically selected plants exhibiting columnar growth habit, thick shoots, and disease resistance before propagation, thereby preparing the genetic foundation for the new variety 'BENITSURUGI' years before commercial release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs partial action by focusing breeding efforts on specific key traits rather than attempting to optimize all characteristics simultaneously. The breeding program concentrated on selecting for columnar tree type, thick shoot thickness, short internode length, and Alternaria blotch resistance, while accepting that other traits would be optimized in subsequent selection rounds or through natural variation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the apple tree variety is propagated through asexual reproduction by grafting, then the desirable traits are maintained consistently, but the propagation process requires specialized techniques and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through asexual reproduction by grafting, where the selected apple tree variety propagates itself while maintaining genetic identity. The grafting process allows the new variety 'BENITSURUGI' to reproduce true-to-type offspring with consistent columnar growth habit, thick shoots, and disease resistance without requiring continuous genetic intervention or selection in subsequent generations.
3Reliability
If the variety is selected for resistance to Alternaria blotch, then disease resistance is improved, but the selection process requires careful evaluation and testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by systematically evaluating apple tree offspring for Alternaria blotch resistance through controlled inoculation tests and field observations. The breeding program used disease incidence data and severity ratings from multiple growing seasons to select resistant individuals, creating a feedback loop that guided further breeding decisions and validated the effectiveness of resistance selection in the new variety 'BENITSURUGI'.
Data Source
AI summary
A new variety of apple tree ‘BENITSURUGI’ that has columnar tree type, bearing on spurs only, thick to very thick shoot thickness, short internode length, long leaf blade length, long petiole length, short to medium fruit stalk length, medium size and short to medium height fruit with fully open locules.