Melon Hybrid SVMF5677 Single Locus Conversion for Trait Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current plant breeding methods face challenges in producing uniform hybrid melon varieties with desirable traits such as herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, and disease resistance, as they often result in unpredictable performance due to genetic non-uniformity.

Innovation Solution

The development of melon hybrid SVMF5677, which involves introducing a single locus conversion through genetic engineering techniques like CRISPR/Cas systems, zinc finger nucleases, or TALENs to integrate specific genes at a single chromosomal location, conferring traits like herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, and disease resistance, while maintaining the uniformity of the plant's morphological and physiological characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional breeding methods are used to combine desirable traits, then genetic diversity is increased, but uniformity and predictability of performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegenetic diversityVSAvoiduniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by introducing traits through discrete genetic loci rather than relying on complex polygenic inheritance. Each desirable trait is introduced as a separate, identifiable genetic marker that can be tracked and maintained independently, allowing for precise control over which traits are present in the final hybrid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the genetic parameter from continuous polygenic variation to discrete Mendelian inheritance patterns. By using loci with clear dominant/recessive relationships and tracking them through marker-assisted selection, the patent transforms the breeding process into a controlled parameter change rather than relying on random genetic recombination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple genes are introduced through genetic engineering, then desirable traits are improved, but genetic complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrait expressionVSAvoidgenetic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing specific traits at specific chromosomal locations rather than randomly distributing multiple genes throughout the genome. Each gene is placed at its optimal locus, and the patent maintains focus on individual loci during selection, preventing the complexity that would arise from managing multiple scattered genetic modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by identifying and selecting plants with desired traits at early stages through marker-assisted selection. This allows the genetic engineering process to be guided by pre-identified markers, reducing the need to manage complex multi-gene interactions and simplifying the overall breeding strategy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If self-pollination is used to create uniform populations, then homozygosity is increased, but genetic variation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveuniformityVSAvoidgenetic variation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by using a hybrid breeding approach that combines the uniformity of self-pollination with the variation introduced by controlled cross-pollination. The process dynamically switches between selfing (to fix traits) and crossing (to introduce variation), creating a balanced population that is both uniform in its desired traits and genetically varied enough for adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses marker-assisted selection as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between self-pollination and cross-pollination. The markers allow breeders to identify and select for desired traits without requiring complete self-pollination, thus maintaining some genetic variation while achieving sufficient uniformity for commercial purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20200146238A1Melon hybrid SVMF5677
Publication Date: 2020.05.14 SEMINIS VEGETABLE SEEDS INC

AI summary

The invention provides seed and plants of melon hybrid SVMF5677. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of melon hybrid SVMF5677 and to methods for producing a melon plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another melon plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of melon hybrid SVMF5677, comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.