BICOLAM Cherry Tree Self-Fertility and Cracking Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cherry tree varieties face challenges such as short shelf life, sensitivity to cracking, and requirements for cross-pollination, which affect their commercial viability and fruit quality.

Innovation Solution

The development of the 'BICOLAM' cherry tree variety, which is self-fertile, resistant to cracking, and produces large, firm fruits with a long shelf life, achieved through hybridization with 'FIRELAM' and propagation using 'Maxma14' rootstock, allowing for adaptable grafting methods and extended harvesting windows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional cherry tree varieties are used, then cross-pollination is required for fruit production, but this increases operational complexity and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefruit production efficiencyVSAvoidpollination management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The 'BICOLAM' cherry tree variety is self-fertile, meaning it can pollinate itself without requiring external pollinators or cross-pollination. This self-service capability eliminates the need for managing pollination relationships between different tree varieties, thereby simplifying operational complexity while maintaining high fruit production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Duration of action of stationary object

If cherry fruits are harvested early to maintain quality, then shelf life on tree is extended, but harvesting window is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf life on treeVSAvoidharvesting window

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fruit quality and color of 'BICOLAM' cherries are dynamic and evolve during maturation. The fruits maintain acceptable quality for an extended period on the tree, allowing harvesters to flexibly choose the optimal harvesting moment based on market requirements. This dynamic quality progression effectively extends the harvesting window while preserving fruit quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Weight of moving object

If fruit size is increased for commercial appeal, then market value improves, but susceptibility to cracking increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefruit sizeVSAvoidcracking susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The 'BICOLAM' variety exhibits parameter changes in fruit development, producing large fruits with improved firmness and reduced cracking susceptibility. The genetic composition and cultivation parameters are optimized to achieve this balance between fruit size and structural integrity, making the fruits suitable for commercial markets while resisting cracking during growth and harvest.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUSPP31686P3Cherry tree named ‘BICOLAM’

Publication Date: 2020.04.21 R L AGRO SELECTION FRUITS

AI summary

A new and distinct variety of cherry tree denominated ‘BICOLAM’ has fruits that ripen medium in the season, said variety being self-fertile and resistant to cracking, allowing a high production of fruits with large size and light to dark red or two-colored fruit skin, depending on maturity stage, firm, and with a good flavor and eating quality; the fruit is further characterized by its good handling and storage qualities.