Hosta First Blush Anthocyanin Pigment Leaf Coloration
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a new and distinct cultivar of Hosta that exhibits unique leaf coloration with a purplish-red 'blush' on the upper surface between the veins, which is not present in existing varieties like Hosta 'Purple Haze', and maintains this coloration for several weeks.
Innovation Solution
The development of the Hosta 'First Blush' cultivar, resulting from a hybrid cross between Hosta 'Beet Salad' and an unnamed Hosta seedling, characterized by medium-sized mounding clumps with green leaves featuring purplish-red petioles, thin red margins, and a unique purplish-red coloration on the leaf blade between the veins, which is stable and true to type through asexual propagation methods like division and meristem tissue culture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If Hosta 'Purple Haze' is used, then purple coloration is achieved, but the coloration is short-lived and glaucous wax is present giving a bluish tint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by developing a hosta cultivar that produces anthocyanin pigments creating a purplish-red blush on the leaf blade. This natural pigment-based coloration replaces the glaucous wax coating and provides persistent color without the bluish tint, directly addressing both the duration and appearance quality of leaf coloration.
2Quantity of substance
If existing Hosta varieties are used, then basic green leaf color is achieved, but unique purplish-red blush coloration between veins is absent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the biochemical parameters of the hosta plant through hybridization, specifically increasing anthocyanin pigment production in the leaf blade tissue. This chemical parameter change results in the distinctive purplish-red blush coloration that differentiates the cultivar from standard green-leafed hostas.
3Stability of the object's composition
If asexual propagation is used, then genetic stability is achieved, but propagation time and effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the plant's natural asexual propagation capabilities through division and tissue culture methods. These propagation techniques allow the cultivar to reproduce true-to-type offspring that maintain the distinctive purplish-red blush coloration, ensuring genetic stability while enabling efficient multiplication of the desired trait.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct cultivar of Hosta named ‘First Blush’, characterized by its medium sized mounding clump, green leaves with purplish-red colored petioles on both sides, that emerge with a thin purplish-red margin, become (“blush”) purplish-red on the upward side of the leaf blade in the space between the veins, and producing dark purple pink flowers on purplish-red scapes. In combination these traits set ‘First Blush’ apart from all other existing varieties of Hosta known to the inventor.