Maize Hybrid X95M194 Trait Segmentation and Male Sterility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional plant breeding methods struggle to consistently combine desirable traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and improved yield in maize crops, while maintaining uniformity and stability necessary for mechanical harvesting.

Innovation Solution

The development of a novel maize hybrid variety, X95M194, achieved through crossing two inbred varieties and introducing specific genetic traits via locus conversion, backcrossing, and transformation, incorporating cytoplasmic or nuclear factors for male sterility and other desirable characteristics like herbicide tolerance and resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional plant breeding methods are used to combine desirable traits, then disease resistance and drought tolerance can be improved, but uniformity and stability required for mechanical harvesting deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisease resistance and drought toleranceVSAvoiduniformity of plant characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The breeding program segments the combination of traits by using separate inbred lines that each possess specific desirable traits (disease resistance, drought tolerance, uniformity). These segmented genetic components are then combined through controlled hybridization to create a unified hybrid variety that expresses all desired traits simultaneously while maintaining uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the genetic parameters by introducing specific inbred lines with known genetic compositions into the hybridization program. By selecting inbreds with complementary traits and controlled genetic backgrounds, the hybrid achieves improved reliability for disease and drought resistance while maintaining the uniformity parameter necessary for mechanical harvesting through precise genetic parameter selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple desirable traits are combined in a single hybrid, then agronomic quality and yield can be improved, but the complexity of breeding and maintaining the hybrid increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyield and agronomic qualityVSAvoidbreeding program complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The breeding program merges multiple inbred lines, each contributing specific desirable traits, into a single hybrid variety. This combining approach allows the hybrid to express multiple agronomic qualities and yield improvements simultaneously. The complexity is managed by using a systematic approach to selecting and combining inbred parents with complementary traits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid variety is designed to be multi-functional, expressing multiple desirable traits (disease resistance, drought tolerance, uniformity, yield) in a single genetic combination. This universality allows the single hybrid variety to perform multiple agronomic functions simultaneously, improving productivity without requiring separate varieties for each trait.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If cytoplasmic or nuclear factors for male sterility are introduced, then self-pollination prevention can be achieved, but the genetic management requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of self-pollinationVSAvoidgenetic management requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses cytoplasmic or nuclear factors as intermediary genetic elements that mediate the prevention of self-pollination. These factors act as biological mediators that control pollen sterility, ensuring cross-pollination while preventing self-fertilization. The use of these intermediary genetic factors simplifies the management of hybrid purity compared to manual detasseling methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The male sterility factors enable the plant to self-regulate its pollination behavior genetically. The cytoplasmic or nuclear factors automatically prevent self-pollination without requiring external intervention, allowing the plant to self-manage its reproductive strategy and ensure hybrid seed production through natural cross-pollination mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10219471B1Maize hybrid X95M194
Publication Date: 2019.03.05 PIONEER HI BREED INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A novel maize variety designated X95M194 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X95M194 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95M194 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X95M194, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95M194 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95M194 and methods of using maize variety X95M194 are disclosed.