Burnectthirtyfour Nectarine Tree Ripening and Fruit Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a new variety of nectarine tree that offers improved commercial quality, with desirable characteristics such as large size, vigorous growth, regular fruiting, and good handling and shipping qualities, while also addressing differences in chilling requirements and ripening times compared to existing varieties.
Innovation Solution
The development of the 'Burnectthirtyfour' nectarine tree, which is a result of controlled and hybrid cross pollinations, exhibiting desirable traits like large, firm, yellow-fleshed, acidic clingstone fruit with a medium chilling requirement, and a more oblate shape with a lustrous finish, produced through asexual reproduction onto 'Nemaguard' rootstock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If early-ripening varieties are used, then earlier harvest is achieved, but chilling requirement and ripening time cannot be optimized for late-season market
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and breeding a nectarine variety with specific chilling hour requirements (600-700 hours) and ripening characteristics that differ from the seed parent. The 'Burnectthirtyfour' variety was developed to ripen 7-8 weeks later than the seed parent, with optimized chilling requirements suited for late-season harvesting in September, representing a deliberate change in temporal and physiological parameters
2Volume of moving object
If fruit size is increased, then commercial value is improved, but handling and shipping qualities may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes by achieving a balanced fruit size of 65-75 mm diameter (5.0 mm larger than pollen parent) while maintaining firm flesh texture and acidic flavor. The fruit exhibits improved handling and shipping qualities despite increased size, with the oblate shape and firm flesh providing both commercial value and operational ease
3Productivity
If vigorous growth is selected, then productivity is improved, but tree size control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting for vigorous growth characteristics that translate to regular and productive fruit bearing. The tree exhibits vigorous growth with regular fruit production, and the productivity is enhanced while the tree reaches a manageable size through selective breeding for optimal growth rates
4Illumination intensity
If external blush and glossiness are enhanced, then market appeal is improved, but natural skin finish may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes by developing a fruit skin with enhanced external blush coverage and lustrous finish. The 'Burnectthirtyfour' variety exhibits more external blush and a more lustrous finish compared to the seed parent, with the skin finish being more consistent and reliable due to the oblate shape and uniform ripening
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica var. nucipersica), which is denominated varietally as ‘Burnectthirtyfour’, and which produces an attractively colored yellow-fleshed, clingstone nectarines which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately September 10 to September 21 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.