Nectapi Nectarine Tree Hybridization for Hardiness and Shelf Life

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a new and distinct variety of Prunus persica var. nucipersica yellow nectarine tree that offers improved hardiness, consistent maturity, high productivity, and excellent fruit quality for commercial fresh market production, particularly in regions with Mediterranean climates and drought conditions.

Innovation Solution

The 'Nectapi' nectarine tree, derived from hybridizing 'Maillarboom' and 'Maillardou' varieties and propagated on 'Franc Inra Montclar' rootstock, exhibits vigorous growth, early blooming, and ripening, with fruits that are large, semi-sweet, and resistant to damage, making it suitable for commercial production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If standard yellow nectarine varieties are used, then fruit production is achieved, but hardiness and consistency of maturity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardiness and consistency of maturityVSAvoidfruit production quantity and regularity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by creating a new variety through hybridization that alters key parameters including hardiness, maturity consistency, and productivity. The 'Nectapi' variety represents a parameter optimization that simultaneously improves reliability (hardiness and maturity consistency) and productivity (fruit quantity and regularity) compared to parent varieties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials principle through hybridization of two parent varieties ('Maillardou' and 'Maillarboom') to create a composite genetic structure in 'Nectapi'. This genetic composite combines desirable traits from both parents, achieving superior hardiness, maturity consistency, and productivity that neither parent alone possesses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If nectarine fruits are produced for fresh market, then good eating quality is achieved, but resistance to damage and shelf life are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to damage and shelf lifeVSAvoidsuitability for shipping

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by developing 'Nectapi' with modified physical parameters including thicker skin, firmer flesh, and altered cellular structure. These parameter changes result in enhanced resistance to mechanical damage during handling and extended shelf life, while maintaining good eating quality for fresh market consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If early ripening is achieved, then market timing is improved, but fruit quality and resistance to damage may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveripening timeVSAvoidfruit quality and damage resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the ripening parameter of 'Nectapi' to achieve early ripening (2-3 days after 'Nectalady') while simultaneously maintaining or enhancing quality parameters including damage resistance, shelf life, and eating quality. This represents a decoupling of the traditional trade-off between ripening speed and fruit quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUSPP21156P3Nectarine tree named `Nectapi`

Publication Date: 2010.07.13 R L AGRO SELECTION FRUITS

AI summary

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘Nectapi’, has fruits of very long shelf life withour alteration before and after harvesting, a semi-sweet yellow flesh of high-eating quality and an attractive red skin. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.