Convolvulus Blue Moon Cultivar Breeding for Density and Color

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for Convolvulus cultivars with compact habits and abundant flowering for commercial ornamental horticultural purposes, as existing varieties lack density and vibrant flower colors.

Innovation Solution

The development of Convolvulus hybrida 'BLUE MOON' through an open-pollination breeding program, resulting in a dense, mounding plant with abundant dark Violet-Blue flowers, achieved by selecting from multiple Convolvulus species and propagating via vegetative stem cuttings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If existing Convolvulus varieties are used, then they are available for cultivation, but they lack density and vibrant flower colors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplant density and formVSAvoidflower color vibrancy

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The breeding program systematically varied genetic parameters through controlled cross-pollination between different Convolvulus species and selections, selecting for specific traits including plant density, growth habit, and flower color intensity. This resulted in cultivars with improved plant compactness and vibrant blue flower colors that differed from parent varieties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The new cultivars represent composite genetic material resulting from hybridization between different Convolvulus species and selections. By combining genetic traits from multiple parent plants with different characteristics (including dense habits and vibrant flowering), the inventor created composite varieties that exhibit superior density and flower color compared to single-parent varieties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If open-pollination breeding is used to develop new varieties, then genetic diversity and unique characteristics are achieved, but the breeding program requires extended time for selection and stabilization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegenetic diversityVSAvoidbreeding program duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The breeding program began with preliminary selection of parent plants possessing desired traits (dense habits, vibrant flowering) from available Convolvulus species and selections. By pre-selecting parents with complementary characteristics before crossing, the program accelerated the development of stable cultivars with targeted traits, reducing the overall time required for breeding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The breeding program incorporated continuous observation and selection feedback across multiple generations. Plants were monitored for stability of desired traits (density, flower color, growth habit), and only plants consistently expressing these traits were selected for further propagation. This feedback mechanism ensured rapid stabilization of cultivar characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUSPP29319P2<i>Convolvulus </i>plant named ‘Blue Moon’

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 EGGLETON STEVE

AI summary

A new and distinct Convolvulus cultivar named ‘BLUE MOON’ is disclosed, characterized by mounding, densely growing plants. Flowers are dark Violet-Blue. The new variety is a Convolvulus, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.