INMoHoop Picea pungens Dwarf Conical Tree

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a new and distinct variety of Picea pungens that exhibits specific growth characteristics, such as orthotropic leader growth, dwarf and wide conical shape, compact habit, blue-colored needles, and long thin needles, which are not met by existing varieties like 'Fat Albert' and the parental lines 'Hoopsi' and 'Montgomery'.

Innovation Solution

The development of 'INMoHoop', a new variety of Picea pungens, achieved through a controlled cross between 'Montgomery' and 'Hoopsi' and asexual propagation via grafting onto Picea abies rootstock, which reproduces true to type and exhibits the desired characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a controlled cross between 'Montgomery' and 'Hoopsi' is conducted, then a new variety with distinct characteristics can be produced, but the propagation process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariety distinctnessVSAvoidpropagation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The propagation process is divided into distinct stages: controlled cross-pollination between specific parent trees, seed collection, germination, and asexual propagation via grafting. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized and controlled independently, ensuring the development of distinct variety characteristics while managing process complexity through systematic organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Picea abies rootstock serves as an intermediary carrier for the new variety. The grafting process uses this intermediate rootstock to propagate 'INMoHoop' asexually, allowing the new variety to be established and reproduced true to type while simplifying the overall propagation process compared to direct seed propagation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If asexual propagation via grafting is used, then true-to-type reproduction is achieved, but the initial grafting process requires skilled intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrue-to-type reproductionVSAvoidgrafting process ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The grafted scions are selected and prepared in advance, then the grafting process is performed to create self-sustaining plants that reproduce true to type. The system serves itself by using the successful grafts to produce additional true-to-type plants, reducing the need for continuous skilled intervention while maintaining reproduction reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Shape

If dwarf and wide conical shape is developed, then compact habit is achieved, but growth rate may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconical shapeVSAvoidgrowth rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tree exhibits orthotropic leader growth with orthotropic branching, creating a conical shape through localized growth patterns. The leader grows vertically while lateral branches grow at specific angles, producing the desired conical form. This local quality control allows the tree to maintain compact habit while achieving the characteristic conical shape through targeted growth directions rather than uniformly reduced growth rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUSPP34883P2<i>Picea pungens </i>tree named ‘INMoHoop’

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 EARLY MORNING LLC DBA ISELI NURSERY

AI summary

A new and distinct variety of Picea pungens tree having an orthotropic leader growth, a dwarf and wide conical shape, a compact habit, blue-colored needles/foliage, and long and thin needles, as disclosed.