Panicum Virgatum Cheyenne Sky Cultivar Upright Foliage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Switch Grass cultivars lack a unique combination of upright foliage habit and distinct concord-purple coloration, which limits their aesthetic and horticultural appeal.
Innovation Solution
The development of Panicum virgatum 'Cheyenne Sky', a new cultivar resulting from a controlled cross between 'Rostrahlbush' and 'Amber Wave', exhibiting upright, concord-purple foliage and a compact growth habit, achieved through successful propagation and reproduction, distinguishing it from other Switch Grass cultivars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional Switch Grass cultivars are used, then they have established growth habits and colors, but they lack the unique combination of upright foliage habit and distinct concord-purple coloration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by creating a new cultivar with specific genetic modifications that result in distinct visual parameters - concord-purple coloration and upright foliage habit. The controlled cross between 'Rostrahlbush' and 'Amber Wave' produced offspring with novel parameter combinations not present in parent cultivars, specifically achieving the desired purple hue and vertical growth pattern simultaneously
2Shape
If Switch Grass cultivars with upright foliage are selected, then they maintain structural form, but they lack distinct concord-purple coloration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two desirable traits from different parent cultivars into a single offspring - the upright foliage habit from one parent and the purple coloration from the other. The controlled cross successfully combined these separate characteristics into the unified expression seen in 'Cheyenne Sky', achieving both structural form and color appeal in one cultivar
3Adaptability or versatility
If new cultivar characteristics are developed through controlled cross, then unique foliage color and habit are achieved, but propagation stability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes division propagation, a simple and reliable asexual reproduction method that ensures genetic fidelity. By dividing rhizomatous clumps, the cultivar maintains its unique characteristics across generations without the complexity or variability of seed propagation, achieving both uniqueness and stability
Data Source
AI summary
The new and distinct cultivar of ornamental grass named Panicum virgatum ‘Cheyenne Sky’ with compact habit, erect culms and foliage and becoming concord-grape colored, suitable as a potted plant, for multi-seasonal interest mass or specimen landscaping, and for cut flower arrangements.