Howell TC3 Apple Tree Breeding for Red Flesh and Yellow Skin
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a new apple tree variety that combines the desirable traits of 'Airlie Red Flesh' and 'Honeycrisp', such as red flesh color and sweet/tart flavor, with distinct characteristics like yellow skin and improved storage capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of the 'Howell TC3' apple tree, resulting from an open pollination cross between 'Airlie Red Flesh' and 'Honeycrisp', which exhibits yellow skin, red flesh, and a unique flavor profile, along with enhanced storage and disease resistance, achieved through asexual propagation and selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an open pollination cross between 'Airlie Red Flesh' and 'Honeycrisp' is performed, then the offspring inherits red flesh color and sweet/tart flavor, but the skin color becomes yellow instead of the desired red or green
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting for specific traits (red flesh color, sweet/tart flavor, yellow skin) in the offspring while accepting variation in other characteristics. The breeding program focused on preserving desirable local qualities from each parent while allowing other traits to vary, ultimately selecting 'Howell TC3' for its unique combination of red flesh, yellow skin, and superior flavor.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple generations of asexual propagation are carried out, then the variety remains true to type, but time and resources are consumed in observation and selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting extensive observation and evaluation of multiple generations of propagated plants before final selection. The breeding program involved tracking and assessing numerous seedlings over several years to ensure the selected variety 'Howell TC3' would remain true to type through asexual propagation, thereby preventing future variability issues.
3Shape
If selection is based on fruit quality and flesh color, then desirable flavor and appearance are achieved, but other important traits like disease resistance and storage capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by selecting for multiple traits simultaneously rather than focusing on a single characteristic. The breeding program evaluated offspring for a comprehensive set of qualities including flesh color, flavor, skin color, tree vigor, disease resistance, and storage capability, aiming to create a variety that excels across multiple functions and applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct apple tree is disclosed. ‘Howell TC3’ is notable for its distinctive fruit, which has yellow skin and red flesh with a sweet/tart flavor.