Maize Inbred PH46NM Breeding via Molecular Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

The development of new maize varieties is a time-consuming process that takes six to twelve years, and there is a continuous need for stable, high-yielding maize varieties with improved traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and better agronomic characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A novel maize variety, PH46NM, is developed through careful breeding and selection, incorporating traits like male sterility, disease resistance, and improved agronomic characteristics, using techniques such as backcross conversion, genetic manipulation, and transformation, allowing for the creation of hybrid maize seeds and plants with specific desirable traits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional maize breeding processes are used to develop new varieties with desirable traits, then the varieties achieve stability and high yield, but the development time becomes excessively long (six to twelve years)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of maize varietyVSAvoidbreeding development time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-selecting and characterizing inbred lines with specific desirable traits (disease resistance, drought tolerance, yield potential) before combining them. The inbred lines are prepared and evaluated in advance, allowing the actual breeding process to proceed more efficiently without compromising variety stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses molecular markers to copy and track specific genetic traits through generations during breeding. This allows breeders to identify and select plants carrying desired traits more rapidly and accurately, reducing the time needed to develop stable varieties while maintaining genetic precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple desirable traits are combined into a single maize variety through traditional breeding, then the variety achieves improved agronomic characteristics, but the breeding process becomes excessively complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveagronomic characteristicsVSAvoidbreeding process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the breeding process into distinct phases: selecting parent inbred lines with specific traits, controlled crossing to combine traits, and systematic evaluation of progeny. This segmentation allows complex multi-trait varieties to be developed through manageable, sequential steps rather than attempting to combine all traits simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses inbred lines as intermediary carriers of specific desirable traits. Each inbred line serves as a controlled source of particular characteristics (disease resistance, drought tolerance), which are then combined through crossing. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall breeding process by breaking down complex trait combination into controlled pairwise crosses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If new maize varieties are developed to meet evolving agricultural needs, then the varieties achieve improved yield and adaptability, but the continuous development process requires excessive resources and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaize yieldVSAvoidvariety development cycle
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through systematic evaluation and testing of bred varieties against current agricultural requirements. Molecular markers provide continuous feedback on genetic composition, allowing breeders to make informed decisions about which varieties to advance and which to modify, accelerating the development of high-yielding, adaptable varieties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key breeding parameters by using molecular marker technology to track and select for multiple desirable traits simultaneously. This allows breeders to monitor genetic progress in real-time and adjust breeding strategies accordingly, significantly reducing the time required to develop varieties with improved yield and adaptability compared to traditional phenotypic selection alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11690342B1Maize inbred PH46NM
Publication Date: 2023.07.04 PIONEER HI BREED INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A novel maize variety designated PH46NM and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH46NM with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH46NM through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH46NM or a locus conversion of PH46NM with another maize variety.