Inbred Corn Line KW4ER1502 Yield Stability via Mutagenesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for stable, high-yielding corn hybrids that are agronomically sound to maximize ear or kernel production, which current breeding methods struggle to consistently achieve due to limitations in selecting superior parental lines and maintaining genetic stability.

Innovation Solution

The development of a novel inbred corn line, KW4ER1502, which includes methods for producing seeds, plants, and derivatives with specific physiological and morphological characteristics, using techniques like mutagenesis, TILLING screening, and transgenic modifications to enhance traits such as disease resistance, herbicide tolerance, and nutritional quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional breeding methods are used to select parental lines, then breeding process is simple, but yield stability and genetic stability cannot be consistently achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveyieldVSAvoidyield stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing mutagenesis to induce specific genetic variations in the corn population. Chemical or physical mutagens are applied to create stable mutations that improve yield characteristics while maintaining genetic stability. This allows precise control over the genetic parameters of the inbred line to achieve both high yield and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If mutagenesis and TILLING screening are used to enhance traits, then disease resistance and nutritional quality improve, but breeding process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovediseasesVSAvoidbreeding process
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback through the TILLING screening process, which uses molecular markers to detect and select for desired mutations. The screening method provides feedback on the presence of specific genetic variants, allowing breeders to efficiently identify plants with disease resistance traits. This feedback mechanism streamlines the complex mutagenesis process by enabling targeted selection rather than random screening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical breeding methods with molecular-based techniques. Instead of relying solely on phenotypic selection and manual crossing, the TILLING screening uses DNA analysis to identify and select for desired traits. This substitution of mechanical breeding processes with molecular diagnostics reduces the complexity of managing large populations while achieving precise trait enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If inbred lines are developed through repeated selfing, then genetic stability is achieved, but time required for development increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegenetic stabilityVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by creating inbred lines through a condensed breeding sequence that combines selfing with strategic outcrossing and selection. Rather than requiring the full traditional sequence of repeated selfing (F2, F3, F4 generations), the method uses preliminary crosses to establish genetic stability more rapidly. This preliminary breeding approach achieves the desired genetic uniformity in fewer generations, reducing the time required for inbred line development.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12156504B2Inbred corn line KW4ER1502
Publication Date: 2024.12.03 KWS SAAT SE & CO KGAA

AI summary

Inbred corn line, designated KW4ER1502, are disclosed. The disclosure relates to the seeds of inbred corn line KW4ER1502, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line KW4ER1502 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn line KW4ER1502 with itself or another corn line. The disclosure also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn line KW4ER1502 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent. The disclosure further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other corn lines derived from inbred corn line KW4ER1502.