Kentucky Bluegrass Breeding for Sexual-Apomictic Hybridization

Solution Overview

Problem

Current breeding techniques fail to combine desirable characteristics from various Kentucky bluegrass genotypes into a single cultivar due to the challenges posed by apomixis, which limits access to genetic variation and complicates hybridization and selection processes.

Innovation Solution

Develop methods to produce 100% sexual cultivars from apomictic Kentucky bluegrass species, enabling the transfer of apomictic mechanisms to progeny through sexual x apomictic hybridization, and create apomictic turf type cultivars from hybridization with obligate/facultative apomictic germplasm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If apomixis is utilized in Kentucky bluegrass breeding, then genetic fidelity and cultivar stability are maintained, but access to genetic variation and ability to combine desirable characteristics from various genotypes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecultivar stabilityVSAvoidgenetic variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by creating a system where Kentucky bluegrass can switch between apomictic (asexual) and sexual reproduction modes. The cultivars are designed to reproduce apomictically under normal conditions to maintain stability, but can undergo sexual reproduction when specific breeding conditions are met, allowing access to genetic variation. This dynamic reproductive flexibility resolves the contradiction between maintaining cultivar stability and accessing genetic diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the reproductive parameters of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars. Specifically, the cultivars are developed with the capacity to change their reproduction mode from strictly apomictic to sexually reproducing under controlled conditions. This parameter change enables the plant to maintain genetic fidelity during apomictic reproduction while allowing genetic recombination during sexual reproduction, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional apomictic breeding methods are used, then cultivar purity is maintained, but hybridization and selection processes become complicated and less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecultivar purityVSAvoidbreeding efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by creating a system where Kentucky bluegrass can switch between apomictic (asexual) and sexual reproduction modes. The cultivars are designed to reproduce apomictically under normal conditions to maintain stability, but can undergo sexual reproduction when specific breeding conditions are met, allowing access to genetic variation. This dynamic reproductive flexibility resolves the contradiction between maintaining cultivar stability and accessing genetic diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the reproductive parameters of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars. Specifically, the cultivars are developed with the capacity to change their reproduction mode from strictly apomictic to sexually reproducing under controlled conditions. This parameter change enables the plant to maintain genetic fidelity during apomictic reproduction while allowing genetic recombination during sexual reproduction, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If 100% sexual reproduction is implemented, then genetic diversity and hybrid vigor are enhanced, but ability to maintain genetic fidelity across generations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegenetic diversityVSAvoidgenetic fidelity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by creating a system where Kentucky bluegrass can switch between apomictic (asexual) and sexual reproduction modes. The cultivars are designed to reproduce apomictically under normal conditions to maintain stability, but can undergo sexual reproduction when specific breeding conditions are met, allowing access to genetic variation. This dynamic reproductive flexibility resolves the contradiction between maintaining cultivar stability and accessing genetic diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the reproductive parameters of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars. Specifically, the cultivars are developed with the capacity to change their reproduction mode from strictly apomictic to sexually reproducing under controlled conditions. This parameter change enables the plant to maintain genetic fidelity during apomictic reproduction while allowing genetic recombination during sexual reproduction, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250344658A1Sexual kentucky bluegrass cultivars and breeding strategies

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 NEXGEN PLANT SCI CENT LLC

AI summary

A method for producing 100% sexual cultivars of a grass plant developed from facultative apomictic germplasm. Sexual cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass include those of breeder's codes: AKB020, AKB413, AKB419, AKB484, AKB357, and AKB397. Additionally, disclosed is a method for producing hybrid apomictic plants from hybridization of a completely sexual parent with a facultative or apomictic parent, including those of breeder's codes AKB1661, AKB1658, AKB3605, AKB2839, AKB2949, AKB3128, AKB3179, AKB3201, AKB3216, AKB3241.