Molinia Whirlwind cultivar upright stems
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a new cultivar of Molinia caerulea that exhibits unique characteristics such as upright stems, late fall lodging, elegant and open inflorescences, and floriferous blooming habit, which are not found in existing cultivars like 'Moorflamme' and 'Moorhexe'.
Innovation Solution
A new cultivar named 'Whirlwind' of Molinia caerulea, characterized by a plant size of 1.35 m in height and width, light brown inflorescences, and upright stems that remain upright until late fall, achieved through open-pollination and stabilized by asexual propagation by division.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If existing cultivars like 'Moorflamme' and 'Moorhexe' are used, then the plant provides ornamental value, but the stems lodge (collapse) considerably earlier in fall and the plant height is much shorter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and breeding for specific phenotypic parameters: plant height (1.35 m), stem strength (resistance to lodging until late fall), and inflorescence characteristics (light brown color, elegant and open structure). These parameter selections directly resolve the contradiction between maintaining upright stems for extended periods and achieving greater plant height.
2Shape
If existing cultivars are used, then the plant provides ornamental grass characteristics, but the inflorescences are bristly, more stiff and darker brown in color
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by focusing on specific local characteristics of the inflorescence: the light brown coloration, the elegant and open structure, and the less bristly texture. By selecting for these specific local qualities rather than overall plant characteristics, the breeder achieved the desired inflorescence properties while managing breeding complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A new cultivar of Molinia plant named ‘Whirlwind’ that is characterized by its plant size of 1.35 m in height and width, its elegant and rather open inflorescences that are light brown in color, its stem that remain upright and don't lodge until late fall, and its floriferous blooming habit.