Maize PH4DFV Breeding via Molecular Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

The development of new maize varieties and hybrids is a time-consuming process, taking six to twelve years, and existing technologies face challenges in combining desirable traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and high yield in a stable and agronomically sound manner.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of the novel maize variety PH4DFV, which involves crossing with another maize plant to introduce traits like male sterility, disease resistance, and improved agronomic characteristics through backcross conversion, genetic manipulation, and transformation, along with specific breeding processes to produce hybrid maize seeds and plants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional maize breeding processes are used to combine desirable traits, then stable high-yielding varieties can be developed, but the process takes six to twelve years which is time-consuming

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a comprehensive set of molecular markers and genetic maps before breeding operations. This preparatory genetic framework enables rapid trait identification and selection in subsequent breeding cycles, significantly reducing the time required to develop stable varieties while maintaining reliability through systematic genetic analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple desirable traits are combined in a single variety, then agronomic performance and yield are improved, but the complexity of the breeding program increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveagronomic performanceVSAvoidbreeding program complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex breeding program into distinct modular components: separate marker development modules, trait-specific selection modules, and combination modules. Each desirable trait (disease resistance, drought tolerance, yield components) is addressed through independent genetic analysis and selection steps, making the overall complex program more manageable and systematic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If traditional selection methods are used to identify desirable traits, then accurate selection can be made, but the process requires extensive field testing and evaluation time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection accuracyVSAvoidfield testing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical field testing and visual evaluation with molecular marker-based genetic analysis. DNA markers provide direct, precise identification of desirable traits at the molecular level, eliminating the need for lengthy field testing cycles while maintaining or improving selection accuracy through objective genetic measurement

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

Data Source

PatentUS11470800B2Maize inbred PH4DFV
Publication Date: 2022.10.18 PIONEER HI BREED INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A novel maize variety designated PH4DFV and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH4DFV with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH4DFV 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 PH4DFV or a locus conversion of PH4DFV with another maize variety.