Dahlia Cut-Flower Cultivar With Strong Stems and Early Blooming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Dahlia varieties lack improved performance in open field conditions and do not produce high-quality cut flowers suitable for transport and sale, particularly in terms of stem strength, flower color, and branching characteristics.
Innovation Solution
Development of the Dahlia cultivar 'LeeAnn's FD61A' with strong upright growth habit, free branching, self-supporting plant habit, early flowering, and deep magenta flower color, which addresses these deficiencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Dahlia varieties are grown in open field conditions, then they can be cultivated outdoors, but they lack improved performance in terms of stem strength, flower quality consistency, and suitability for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selectively breeding plants with specific genetic parameters that result in improved stem strength, upright growth habit, and consistent bloom quality. The breeding program targeted specific phenotypic parameters including stem diameter, plant height, branching patterns, and flower attachment strength to resolve the contradiction between open field adaptability and structural strength.
2Shape
If Dahlia varieties are bred for ornamental flower characteristics, then they produce decorative flowers, but they do not produce high-quality cut flowers suitable for transport and sale
Solution Approach 1:
The breeding program changed key parameters including stem thickness, blossom attachment firmness, and flower head positioning to enable both decorative appeal and cut flower suitability. The new cultivar exhibits parameters such as strong self-supporting habit and firm blossom attachment that facilitate handling and transport while maintaining ornamental value.
3Loss of time
If Dahlia plants are bred for early flowering, then they bloom earlier in the season, but they may compromise flower size or quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by selecting for genetic parameters that promote early flowering while simultaneously maintaining parameters for large flower size and high bloom quality. The new cultivar achieves early season flowering with consistent bloom quality throughout the growing season, including early, mid, and late season flowers that all meet high quality standards.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct cultivar of Dahlia plant named ‘LeeAnn's FD61A’ is disclosed, characterized by a strong, upright growth habit, combined with free and early flowering. Flowers are held above the foliage canopy and have a consistent quality throughout the growing season. Flowering stems have an above average strength with a firm blossom attachment. Flower color is a deep magenta. Inflorescences have strong postproduction quality. The new variety is a Dahlia typically produced for cut flower purposes, or garden or landscape.