Hydrangea Kolmagimo Strong Stems Large Inflorescences

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Hydrangea cultivars lack strong and long flowering stems, resulting in smaller inflorescences and less impressive flower displays, particularly when compared to the cultivar Grandiflora.

Innovation Solution

The development of the new Hydrangea paniculata cultivar 'Kolmagimo' with upright plant habit, strong and long flowering stems, and large greenish-white inflorescences, achieved through cross-pollination and asexual reproduction, which distinguishes it from existing cultivars like Grandiflora.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If existing Hydrangea cultivars are used, then the plant structure is maintained, but the flower stem strength and inflorescence size are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflowering stem strengthVSAvoidinflorescence size

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and propagating plants with specific quantitative traits (stronger stems, larger inflorescences) through controlled cross-pollination and asexual reproduction. The cultivar 'Kolmagimo' was developed by changing the phenotypic parameters of existing Hydrangea paniculata plants, resulting in superior stem strength and larger flower displays compared to traditional cultivars like Grandiflora.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If cross-pollination is performed to create new cultivars, then flower size and stem strength are improved, but the breeding process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflower sizeVSAvoidbreeding process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing cross-pollination in a controlled environment (greenhouse) under specific conditions (temperature, light intensity) before the plants are released for commercial cultivation. The inventor conducted the cross-pollination in 1999 in Boskoop, The Netherlands, in a controlled setting, and only after selecting the desired traits in the progeny did the cultivar become available for commercial propagation, thereby managing the complexity through planned, staged development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If asexual reproduction by cuttings is used, then the unique features are stabilized, but the propagation time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrait stabilityVSAvoidpropagation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing sexual reproduction (which would introduce genetic variation) with asexual reproduction through cuttings. This allows the cultivar 'Kolmagimo' to maintain its superior traits (strong stems, large inflorescences) stable across generations without the complexity of selective breeding, although it does extend the propagation time as cuttings require rooting before becoming established plants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUSPP18438P2Hydrangea plant named `Kolmagimo`

Publication Date: 2008.01.15 KOLSTER HLDG BV

AI summary

A new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea plant named ‘Kolmagimo’, characterized by its upright plant habit; strong and long flowering stems; and large inflorescences with greenish white-colored flowers.