Leila Nectarine Tree Budded on Nemaguard Rootstock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nectarine tree varieties face challenges in early fruit production, fruit size, and flower petal count, with limited options for varieties that combine desirable traits such as large size, vigorous growth, and good handling and shipping qualities.
Innovation Solution
The development of a new nectarine tree variety, 'Leila' (Prunus persica var. nucipersica), which is budded onto 'Nemaguard' Rootstock, exhibiting larger fruit size, earlier maturity, and more petals compared to 'Zee Fire' Nectarine, with characteristics like dark red skin, good flavor, and regular fruit production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If existing nectarine tree varieties are used, then fruit production is maintained, but fruit size is limited and maturity is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and propagating a nectarine tree variety with specific genetic parameters that simultaneously achieve larger fruit size and earlier maturity. The variety 'Leila' was selected based on measured parameters including fruit diameter, weight, and maturity date, then propagated asexually to maintain these improved parameters across generations.
2Ease of operation
If nectarine tree varieties are selected for large fruit size, then fruit handling and shipping qualities improve, but flower petal count decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by carefully selecting and maintaining multiple parameters simultaneously. The variety 'Leila' was selected for large fruit size (improving handling and shipping) while also maintaining an average of 15 petals per flower, which is more than the commercial variety 'Zee Fire' (5 petals). This multi-parameter selection was achieved through systematic evaluation and asexual propagation to preserve the trait combination.
3Loss of time
If nectarine tree varieties are bred for earlier maturity, then fruit production timing is improved, but fruit size is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by identifying a genetic combination that achieves both earlier maturity and larger fruit size. The variety 'Leila' ripens approximately 8 days earlier than the commercial variety 'Zee Fire' while producing larger fruits. This simultaneous improvement was achieved through selective breeding and asexual propagation to maintain the superior parameter combination.
4Stability of the object's composition
If nectarine tree varieties are propagated asexually to maintain characteristics, then trait consistency is improved, but propagation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by using asexual propagation methods (such as budding or grafting) to create exact genetic copies of the superior nectarine tree variety 'Leila'. This ensures that the improved traits (large fruit size, earlier maturity, good flavor) are maintained consistently across all propagated trees without the genetic variation that would occur with sexual reproduction. The propagation was performed in an experimental orchard under controlled conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica var. nucipersica). The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:1. Tree with vigorous, upright growth habit.2. Regular and productive bearer of large size, yellow flesh fruit.3. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality.4. Fruit with an attractive dark red skin color.5. Fruit with good handling and shipping qualities.