Fire Time Nectarine Hybridization for Maturity and Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a new variety of nectarine tree that combines desirable traits such as firmness, large size, acidic flavor, and specific skin color characteristics, while also being adaptable to different growing conditions and suitable for long-distance shipping.
Innovation Solution
The 'FIRE TIME' nectarine variety is developed through a first-generation cross between 'Western Pride' and 'Grand Bright' nectarine trees, resulting in a clingstone nectarine with enhanced red skin color, later maturity, and improved productivity, which is self-fertile, moderately vigorous, and suitable for commercial orchards with specific pomological characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If early maturing nectarine varieties are selected, then the fruit can be harvested earlier in the season, but the skin color development and flavor acidity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and breeding for specific genetic traits that alter the maturity timeline while maintaining quality parameters. The 'FIRE TIME' variety was developed through controlled hybridization between 'Western Pride' and 'Grand Bright' to achieve a maturity date approximately one week later than 'Western Pride' while attaining superior red skin color and acidic flavor profiles that neither parent possessed alone.
2Ease of operation
If freestone nectarines are produced, then the fruit is easier to handle and ship, but the clingstone trait with its market preferences is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges desirable traits from both parent varieties through hybridization. The 'FIRE TIME' variety combines the clingstone trait from 'Grand Bright' (which was not present in 'Western Pride') with the firm texture and large size from 'Western Pride', creating a unique combination that satisfies both handling requirements and market preferences for clingstone nectarines with full red skin color.
3Productivity
If small blossom varieties are selected, then the tree produces more fruit per blossom, but the overall productivity and fruit set are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics through the large blossom trait inherited from 'Grand Bright'. The 'FIRE TIME' variety produces large, showy blossoms that enhance pollination efficiency and fruit set, thereby increasing total productivity despite each blossom producing only one fruit. This dynamic blossom characteristic compensates for the lower fruit-per-blossom ratio by ensuring higher overall fruit production through improved pollination success.
4Manufacturing precision
If nectarines with lower acidity are selected, then the fruit has sweeter flavor, but the shipping quality and firmness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining high acidity specifically in the flesh to ensure firmness and shipping quality, while achieving superior red skin color and balanced flavor in the overall fruit. The 'FIRE TIME' variety exhibits localized trait expression where the skin develops full red coloration and the flesh maintains acidic firmness suitable for shipping, creating a differentiated quality profile that satisfies both flavor preferences and commercial requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, Prunus persica, broadly characterized by a small size, moderately vigorous, hardy, self-fertile, very productive and regular bearing tree. The variety blooms during the mid to late season and requires about 650 chilling hours. The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described in the beginning of August, with first picking on Aug. 1, 2010. The fruit is uniformly large in size, acidic and sweet in flavor, globose to slightly oblong in shape, clingstone in type, firm and melting in texture, mostly red in skin color, and yellow in flesh color.