LRP40/205 Plum Ripening Time and Fruit Shape

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current plum varieties, such as 'Royal Star', 'Omega', and 'LRP40A', lack distinct ripening times, fruit shape, and skin color characteristics, making them less distinguishable under New Zealand growing conditions.

Innovation Solution

The 'LRP40/205' variety, with its unique characteristics of ripening three weeks earlier than 'Royal Star', having a red mottled skin, cordate fruit shape, and larger size compared to 'LRP40A', addresses these distinctions by offering a distinct ripening schedule and aesthetic differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing plum varieties such as 'Royal Star' are used, then they have established market presence, but they lack distinct ripening times and fruit characteristics for market differentiation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarket differentiationVSAvoidripening time distinction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and propagating a plum variety with specific altered parameters: ripening time (3 weeks earlier than Royal Star), fruit shape (cordate vs. other varieties), and skin color (red mottled pattern). These parameter changes create distinct market differentiation while maintaining commercial viability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If varieties with similar characteristics are used, then breeding complexity is reduced, but product distinguishability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreeding program complexityVSAvoidfruit shape distinction

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetry by selecting a fruit variety with cordate (heart-shaped) fruit form that is asymmetric in its growth pattern and morphology. This asymmetric shape characteristic provides clear visual distinction from other varieties while the breeding program maintains manageable complexity through controlled propagation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Loss of time

If early ripening varieties are selected, then market window is extended, but fruit size and weight may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveripening timeVSAvoidfruit weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by selecting a variety that achieves parameter optimization: ripening 3 weeks earlier than Royal Star while maintaining fruit weight of 130-170g and diameter of 60-70mm. This represents a balanced parameter change that improves ripening time without sacrificing acceptable fruit size for commercial purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUSPP24877P3Plum tree named `LRP40/205`

Publication Date: 2014.09.16 THE NEW ZEALAND INSITUTE FOR PLANT AND FOOD RESEARCH LIMITED

AI summary

A new and distinct plum variety is described. The variety results from selection among a population of seedlings derived from collecting seed from open pollinated fruit. Seedlings generated from the open pollination were planted out at Lawn Road, Havelock North, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. In 2003, ‘LRP40/205’ was identified as having potential as a new variety and was propagated for further trials. ‘LRP40/205’ was selected for its desirable tree and fruit characteristics, and timing of the harvest.