Strawberry Variety FPS-14_540-041 Dual Flush Fruiting Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a new strawberry variety that is well-suited to the climate and growing conditions of the central coast of California, with specific traits such as medium-sized, long conical fruit, good flavor, and a unique fruiting pattern, which are not adequately met by existing varieties.
Innovation Solution
The development of the strawberry variety 'FPS-14_540-041', resulting from a controlled cross between 'Malling Centenary' and 'PE-3.211', which exhibits distinct characteristics including red medium-sized fruit, strong plant vigor, and a unique fruiting pattern of a large first flush followed by a larger second flush, adapted to the central coast of California's climate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing strawberry varieties are used, then general fruit production is maintained, but the specific combination of medium-sized conical fruit, strong plant vigor, and unique fruiting pattern adapted to central coast California climate is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and stabilizing specific phenotypic parameters (fruit size, shape, color, plant vigor, fruiting pattern) through controlled crossbreeding. The variety FPS-14_540-041 exhibits medium-sized conical fruit with specific dimensional parameters, red coloration, and a unique fruiting pattern with large first flush followed by larger second flush, all adapted to central coast California climate conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite genetic makeup by crossing two parent varieties (Malling Centenary and PE-3.211) to produce a new variety with composite traits. The resulting FPS-14_540-041 combines desirable characteristics from both parents, including medium fruit size from one parent and conical shape with red coloration from the other, achieving a superior composite phenotype adapted to the specific climate.
2Productivity
If fruit size is increased for better yield, then production quantity improves, but fruit quality characteristics (flavor, firmness, surface smoothness) may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains optimal fruit quality parameters while achieving good productivity. The variety FPS-14_540-041 produces medium-sized fruit (not excessively large) with consistent red coloration, smooth surface, and good flavor. The fruiting pattern of large first flush followed by larger second flush provides consistent quality across multiple harvests, balancing quantity and quality through controlled parameter expression.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing fruit size to maximize yield and risking quality deterioration, the patent inverts the approach by maintaining medium-sized fruit with superior quality characteristics. The unique fruiting pattern with multiple flushes compensates for not having continuously large fruit, providing both quality consistency and adequate productivity through temporal distribution of fruit production.
3Productivity
If plant density is increased to maximize space utilization, then productivity improves, but plant vigor and fruit quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes optimal plant density parameters for the variety FPS-14_540-041 in central coast California conditions. The medium plant size with upright habit and medium density allows adequate spacing for nutrient access and air circulation, maintaining strong plant vigor while achieving good space utilization efficiency. This parameter optimization ensures both productivity and plant health.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring each plant maintains sufficient resources for vigorous growth and quality fruit production. The medium density planting allows each individual plant to access adequate nutrients, water, and light, preventing the quality deterioration that would occur at high densities. The upright habit and medium size create optimal local conditions for both plant vigor and fruit quality.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry plant named ‘FPS-14_540-041’. This new strawberry plant named ‘FPS-14_540-041’ is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of the central coast of California, and is primarily characterized by its red fruit color, medium fruit size, and long conical fruit shape; good fruit flavor, good skin firmness, with seeds typically held even with to slightly above the surface; very smooth fruit surface, even in color, with a slight difference in size between primary and secondary fruit; unique trait of a large first flush, followed by an even larger second flush of fruit in the late season; medium plant size, upright in habit with and medium density; medium to dark green foliage color, and medium foliage size; and fruiting trusses typically held above to level with the plant, with low to medium pubescence.