Cytoplasmic Male Sterile Pepper DNA Marker for Hybrid Seed Purity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying male sterility in plants, particularly in pepper, are inefficient and subjective, requiring lengthy grow-out tests that can be affected by environmental conditions, leading to delays and increased capital lockup for seed companies.
Innovation Solution
A DNA fragment specific to cytoplasmic male sterile pepper is identified, allowing for the development of a transgenic male sterile plant using a polynucleotide sequence and a method involving PCR primers to quickly and accurately distinguish male sterile from male fertile lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If grow-out tests are used to identify male sterility in pepper plants, then identification accuracy can be achieved, but the process requires lengthy time and is affected by environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the male sterility identification from the complex grow-out test process by developing a specific DNA marker (SCAR marker) that directly detects the presence of male sterility genes. This molecular marker approach isolates the identification function from environmental variables and time-dependent growth processes, enabling rapid detection without waiting for plants to mature and exhibit phenotypic traits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/biological grow-out test system with a molecular detection system. Instead of physically growing plants and observing their reproductive characteristics, the patent uses DNA-based molecular markers to detect male sterility at the genetic level. This substitution eliminates the need for lengthy growth periods and environmental conditioning while maintaining identification accuracy.
2Reliability
If grow-out tests are used to identify male sterility, then reliable results can be obtained, but environmental conditions affect the results and capital is locked up for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the identification process from environmental influence by using a DNA marker that detects the genetic basis of male sterility directly. The SCAR marker specifically targets the genetic region associated with male sterility in pepper, allowing identification without exposure to environmental variables that could confound phenotypic observations in traditional grow-out tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a molecular marker (DNA sequence) as an intermediary between the male sterility trait and the detection process. This DNA marker serves as a reliable proxy that directly reflects the genetic state of male sterility without being influenced by environmental conditions. The marker acts as a mediator that translates genetic information into detectable signals independent of external factors.
3Ease of operation
If traditional identification methods are used, then male sterility can be detected, but the process is subjective and requires manual assessment of morphological characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the subjective manual assessment system with an objective molecular detection system. Instead of relying on human observers to evaluate morphological characteristics and determine male sterility status, the patent uses DNA-based markers that provide binary, unambiguous results. This substitution eliminates observer bias and subjectivity while enhancing identification precision through molecular-level detection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables rapid identification of male sterility in plants, reducing the need for lengthy grow-out tests and minimizing environmental influences, thus streamlining hybrid seed production and reducing capital lockup for seed companies.
Implementation Method 1
a method involving PCR primers to quickly and accurately distinguish male sterile from male fertile lines
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a DNA fragment specific to a cytoplasmic male sterile pepper comprising a polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 1, a candidate polynucleotide (named orf456) associated with cytoplasmic male sterile pepper consisting of a 223rd to 678th nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO:1, and a polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 2. The DNA fragment specific to cytoplasmic male sterile pepper comprising a polynucleotide of SEQ ID NOs: 1 or 2 can be used for identifying cytoplasmic type between male sterile and male fertile pepper by the PCR method. In addition, hybrid pepper breeders/seed companies could detect impurities of the maintainer line within the CMS line, and by ensuring purity of the CMS line, a major source of contamination of the hybrid seeds is removed leading to obvious benefits for the seed industry and farmers.