Guayule Molecular Markers for Breeding Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for improving guayule plant breeding and natural rubber production are limited by the lack of effective molecular markers and breeding techniques, which hinder the diversification of natural rubber sources and the enhancement of desirable traits such as yield, size, uniformity, and rubber quality.

Innovation Solution

Development and use of molecular markers like single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and short tandem repeating microsatellites (SSRs) for identifying and characterizing guayule plants, along with associated primers for amplifying these markers, to evaluate genetic diversity, select for desired traits, and breed guayule plants for improved rubber production and agricultural suitability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional breeding methods are used for guayule improvement, then breeding process is simple and does not require complex molecular tools, but breeding efficiency is low and genetic improvement is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreeding efficiencyVSAvoidbreeding method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Molecular markers serve as intermediary tools that bridge traditional phenotypic selection and genetic improvement. The markers enable indirect selection of desirable traits through DNA analysis rather than waiting for phenotypic expression, thereby accelerating breeding efficiency without requiring complete overhaul of breeding infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Genetic analysis using molecular markers is performed at early seedling stages before phenotypic traits are fully expressed. This preliminary genetic assessment allows breeders to identify and select promising genotypes early in the breeding process, significantly reducing the time required for genetic improvement compared to traditional methods that wait for mature plant phenotyping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If molecular markers (SNPs, SSRs) are developed and used for guayule identification and characterization, then genetic diversity evaluation and trait selection capability are significantly improved, but the complexity of breeding methods and required technical infrastructure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegenetic characterization precisionVSAvoidmolecular marker system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of analyzing entire genomes or complex genetic structures, the invention uses specific molecular markers (SNPs and SSRs) that copy or represent key genetic variations. These markers serve as simplified proxies for underlying genetic traits, enabling precise genetic characterization through analysis of small, specific DNA segments rather than whole genomes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transforms complex genetic information into simplified, measurable parameters through molecular markers. By converting genetic diversity into detectable marker patterns (presence/absence, allele sizes, sequence variations), the system enables precise genetic characterization using standard laboratory techniques rather than complex genomic analysis infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If guayule is developed as alternative natural rubber source, then strategic importance and sustainability are improved, but current lack of molecular markers and breeding techniques limits production improvement and commercial viability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenatural rubber source diversificationVSAvoidbreeding and production improvement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Molecular markers provide feedback on the genetic composition and diversity of guayule breeding populations. By monitoring marker patterns across generations, breeders can track genetic progress, ensure maintenance of desired genetic diversity, and make informed decisions about crossing strategies, thereby facilitating commercial development without requiring complex trial-and-error breeding approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The use of these molecular markers and primers enables the genetic improvement of guayule, leading to increased plant yield, size, uniformity, and rubber production, making guayule a more viable alternative source of natural rubber and addressing the limitations of traditional breeding methods.

Implementation Method 1

the primers are used in a method to amplify a molecular marker such as an SNP or SSR

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerase chain reaction (PCR):

Data Source

PatentUS20190256933A1Guayule Molecular Markers And Primers And Use Of Molecular Markers, Primers And Rate Of Apomixis For Guayule Identification, Characterization And Breeding

Publication Date: 2019.08.22 BRIDGESTONE CORP

AI summary

The present invention is directed to guayule molecular markers and primers and use of those markers and primers for guayule identity, characterization and breeding. The invention is further directed to a method for breeding guayule that involves determining the rate of apomixis of one or more guayule plants, determining the genetic pedigree of one or more guayule plants, and using that information to identify one or more select guayule plants for use in guayule plant breeding to produce an advanced guayule plant.