N7-3 Sweet Orange Tree Later Maturity Seedless Fruit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard Valencia sweet orange trees have an early maturity date, resulting in a limited harvest period and seed-containing fruit, which can affect juice quality and commercial viability.

Innovation Solution

A new sweet orange tree variety, 'N7-3', is developed through somaclonal regeneration from protoplasts, exhibiting a later maturity date and producing virtually seedless fruit with maintained juice quality, suitable for extended harvest and dual-use as fresh market or processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If standard Valencia sweet orange trees are used, then early maturity date is achieved, but harvest period is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematurity dateVSAvoidharvest period

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the maturity date parameter of the Valencia orange variety through somaclonal variation. The N7-3 variant exhibits a later maturity date (2-8 weeks later than standard Valencia) while maintaining all other desirable Valencia characteristics, thereby extending the harvest period from a limited window to mid-March through June

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If standard Valencia sweet orange trees are used, then fruit production is achieved, but seeds are present in the fruit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefruit productionVSAvoidseedless fruit quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the seed content parameter of the Valencia orange through somaclonal variation. The N7-3 variant produces fruit that is virtually seedless (an occasional seed can be found) compared to standard Valencia which contains multiple seeds, while maintaining fruit production and all other quality attributes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If standard Valencia sweet orange trees are used, then harvest period ends early, but juice quality is maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejuice qualityVSAvoidharvest timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the harvest timing parameter while preserving juice quality. The N7-3 variant maintains juice quality equivalent to standard Valencia (the highest quality juice from oranges currently available) but extends the harvest period 2-8 weeks later, allowing collection from mid-March through June when no other quality commercial citrus is available

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

N7-3 trees provide a longer harvest period from mid-March to June with seedless, high-quality fruit and juice, retaining commercial viability and juice quality beyond standard Valencia trees, while being moderately vigorous and suitable for various rootstocks.

Implementation Method 1

N7-3 originated as a Valencia somaclonal tree regenerated from protoplasts isolated from an embryogenic suspension culture of standard Valencia

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSomaclonal variation:

Data Source

PatentUSPP21224P2Sweet orange tree named ‘N7-3’

Publication Date: 2010.08.24 FLORIDA FOUNDATION SEED PRODUCERS INC

AI summary

A new Valencia-derived sweet orange tree particularly distinguished by trees that bear virtually seedless (an occasional seed can be found) ‘Valencia’ type sweet orange fruit, fruit that ripens slightly later than standard ‘Valencia’ trees, good fruit quality which holds into June and fruit having good juice quality when no other commercial citrus is available in Florida, is disclosed.