Katie Cole Red Maple Prolonged Leaf Coloration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing red maple cultivars lose their red leaf coloration as leaves expand, reducing ornamental interest beyond the typical red fall coloration period.
Innovation Solution
The Katie Cole cultivar of Acer rubrum maintains prolonged red coloration of new leaf growth from emergence to full expansion, combined with the typical red fall coloration, through unique genetic characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If red maple leaves are allowed to expand naturally, then the leaves achieve full size and structural maturity, but the red coloration is rapidly lost and changes to green
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the genetic composition of the maple tree to alter the biochemical parameters controlling leaf coloration. Specifically, the breeding program selected for trees that maintain higher concentrations of red pigments (anthocyanins) throughout leaf development, changing the temporal parameter of color stability from transient to prolonged. This genetic parameter change enables the leaves to maintain red coloration through full expansion rather than transitioning to green.
2Duration of action of moving object
If red maple cultivars are bred for early red coloration, then ornamental interest is enhanced at emergence, but the coloration is lost before full leaf expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action through a multi-year breeding program that pre-selects and propagates trees with the desired prolonged red coloration trait before commercial deployment. The breeding process involved preliminary identification of parent trees with exceptional red coloration retention, controlled pollination, and systematic evaluation of offspring over multiple growing seasons. This preliminary breeding action established a stable genetic line that reliably produces the prolonged red coloration phenotype without requiring complex annual interventions.
Data Source
AI summary
A red maple tree named ‘Katie Cole’, a medium tree distinguished by the prolonged red coloration of its new leaf growth.