IFG Five Grapevine Breeding for Berry Size and Ripening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current grapevine varieties face challenges in productivity, berry size, and ripening time, with many requiring costly pruning methods and having inconsistent berry coloration and texture.

Innovation Solution

The development of the 'IFG Five' grapevine, resulting from a cross between Redglobe and Summer Royal varieties, which exhibits earlier ripening, larger elongated berries, and increased productivity, with improved berry coloration and texture through ethrel application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If grapevine varieties are bred for larger berry size, then berry dimensions increase, but productivity and cluster density may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveberry sizeVSAvoidcluster density
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the genetic parameters of the grapevine through controlled cross-breeding between Redglobe and Summer Royal varieties, selecting for specific berry size parameters while maintaining cluster density. The resulting IFG Five variety achieves larger berries (average 18mm diameter vs. 15mm in parent varieties) without sacrificing productivity through optimized genetic composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If grapevine varieties are bred for earlier ripening, then harvest time advances, but berry coloration and sugar accumulation may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveripening timeVSAvoidcoloration quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the ripening parameters by selecting parental varieties with complementary traits - Redglobe provides early ripening (7-10 days before Summer Royal) while contributing to adequate coloration. The IFG Five variety achieves mid-to-late August ripening with proper black coloration, balancing early harvest advantage with quality requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conventional pruning methods are used to maintain productivity, then pruning frequency increases, but labor costs and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyield per vineVSAvoidpruning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The IFG Five variety exhibits strong natural productivity that maintains high yields with minimal pruning intervention. The vine's inherent growth habits and fruiting capacity allow it to sustain productivity levels comparable to heavily pruned conventional varieties without requiring complex pruning regimes, effectively making the system self-maintaining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of manufacture

If grape varieties are selected for black coloration, then aesthetic quality improves, but color consistency and uniformity may vary under different conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor uniformityVSAvoidcolor expression
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention stabilizes the coloration parameter through selective breeding, where IFG Five consistently develops black berry color (187A on RHS scale) across varying environmental conditions. The variety demonstrates reliable color expression that maintains uniformity whether grown in different climates or with varying canopy management practices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

IFG Five demonstrates enhanced productivity, earlier ripening, and improved berry characteristics, distinguishing it from parent and similar varieties, with larger berries and better color retention, making it more suitable for fresh market use.

Implementation Method 1

Application of the growth regulator ethrel allows full coloration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGrowth regulator application:

Data Source

PatentUSPP23398P3Grapevine `IFG Five`
Publication Date: 2013.02.19 BLOOM FRESH INT LTD

AI summary

This invention is a new and distinct grapevine variety named ‘IFG Five’ which is characterized by producing extremely large purple to black, firm, elongated oval seeded grapes borne on large clusters. The fruit ripen and are harvestable in mid-August.