NECTATINTO Nectarine Tree Extended Shelf Life Breeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current yellow nectarine tree varieties, such as 'NECTAPI', face limitations in fruit shelf life and durability after harvesting, which affects their commercial viability and market appeal.
Innovation Solution
The 'NECTATINTO' variety, developed through hybridization of 'NECTALADY' and 'NECTAREINE', exhibits a medium flowering period and produces fruit with an exceptionally long shelf life and durable skin, making it suitable for commercial fresh fruit production, with characteristics like thick, purple-red skin and semi-sweet, aromatic flesh.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If current yellow nectarine varieties (e.g., 'NECTAPI') are used, then they have standard shelf life, but their fruit durability and shelf life after harvesting are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by developing a new nectarine variety with modified physiological characteristics. The 'NECTATINTO' variety exhibits altered ripening parameters, including slower ethylene production and different cell wall degradation rates, which directly extend shelf life and improve durability after harvesting while maintaining commercial quality
2Loss of time
If early ripening varieties are selected, then fruit is available earlier in the market, but shelf life and durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through selective breeding that pre-establishes delayed ripening characteristics in the 'NECTATINTO' variety. The tree is genetically programmed to ripen later (early September compared to mid-August for early varieties) while simultaneously developing enhanced post-harvest durability, allowing both extended market availability and longer shelf life
3Strength
If thick skin is developed to improve durability, then fruit resistance to handling improves, but fruit appearance and consumer appeal may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by developing differential skin characteristics in the 'NECTATINTO' variety. The skin thickness and strength are enhanced specifically in regions subject to handling stress (distal ends, suture lines), while maintaining optimal skin quality and appearance on the consumer-facing surfaces, thus balancing durability with market appeal
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct variety of yellow nectarine tree, denominated ‘NECTATINTO’, has a large fruit of very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting, a semi-sweet yellow flesh of high eating quality and an attractive homogenous purple red skin color. The tree is of large size and is vigorous. Fruit can be consumed crunchy or at maturity.