Hydrangea SMHAMWM Breeding for Large Inflorescence and Strong Stems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Hydrangea cultivars lack distinct characteristics such as large inflorescence, strong flowering stems, and bright white blossoms, which are desirable for horticultural and ornamental purposes.

Innovation Solution

The new Hydrangea cultivar 'SMHAMWM' is developed through a breeding program combining the proprietary variety 'SVG' as the seed parent and 'Pink Pincushion' as the pollen parent, resulting in a plant with larger inflorescence, stronger stems, and bright white blossoms, which are stable and reproduced true to type through asexual reproduction by softwood cuttings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If existing Hydrangea cultivars are used, then the plant structure is maintained, but the inflorescence size remains small and stems are weak

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinflorescence sizeVSAvoidstem strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and breeding Hydrangea plants with specific genetic parameters that produce larger inflorescence volume and stronger stem structure. The breeding program modified key horticultural parameters including inflorescence diameter, stem diameter, and stem strength to achieve the desired characteristics in the new cultivar.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials principle through cross-breeding different Hydrangea varieties to create a composite genetic makeup. By combining the seed parent 'SVG' with pollen parent 'Pink Pincushion', the new cultivar integrates desirable traits from both parents, resulting in a composite plant with enhanced inflorescence size and stem strength that neither parent possessed alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If existing Hydrangea cultivars are used, then the plant structure is maintained, but the flowering abundance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflowering abundanceVSAvoidplant form

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the flowering parameters of the Hydrangea plant. The breeding program selected parents and offspring with increased flower production parameters, resulting in the new cultivar that produces significantly more flowers while maintaining an acceptable plant form and structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If Hydrangea varieties are bred for larger inflorescence, then the flower size increases, but the plant compactness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinflorescence volumeVSAvoidplant height

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully balancing inflorescence volume parameters with overall plant size parameters. The breeding program adjusted the genetic parameters to achieve larger flowers and inflorescence while controlling plant height and maintaining compactness, resulting in a cultivar that does not exhibit excessive vertical growth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUSPP28729P3<i>Hydrangea </i>plant named ‘SMHAMWM’

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 SPRING MEADOW NURSERY INC

AI summary

A new and distinct Hydrangea cultivar named ‘SMHAMWM’ is disclosed, characterized by large inflorescence, strong flowering stems, bright white blossoms and compact habit. The new variety is a Hydrangea, normally produced as an ornamental plant for containers or gardens.