Osteospermum Mutant Allele KLEDF Enlarged Disc Florets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Osteospermum and Dimorphoteca cultivars have a narrow gene pool and limited flower shape variations, with existing breeding methods failing to produce stable altered-flowering phenotypes with enlarged disc florets, which affects seed set due to reduced pollen availability.
Innovation Solution
A mutant allele is introduced to induce an altered flower phenotype with significantly enlarged disc florets, achieved through gamma-irradiation and interspecific hybridization, allowing for the development of genetically stable plants with enhanced flower characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional breeding methods are used, then flower shape variations are limited, but breeding stability and time consumption are improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using gamma irradiation to induce mutations in the Osteospermum genome, fundamentally altering the genetic parameters to produce enlarged disc florets. This mutagenesis approach bypasses conventional breeding limitations and generates novel flower shapes (spider, bowl, rose types) that would be impossible through traditional crossing methods alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of conventional breeding (manual crossing, selection, and repeated backcrossing) with a radiation-based mutagenesis system. By using gamma irradiation, the invention directly induces genetic changes that produce the desired phenotype, eliminating the need for time-consuming mechanical breeding operations and enabling rapid development of new flower forms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If disc florets are enlarged, then flower phenotype is altered and fertility is maintained, but seed set is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by inducing specific mutations that alter disc floret development parameters. The mutant allele causes disc florets to enlarge and change shape while maintaining the reproductive organs' functionality. This selective parameter change allows the flower phenotype to be dramatically modified without completely compromising fertility, though seed set is reduced due to the physical constraints of enlarged florets.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mutant allele is introduced, then flower shape is altered, but gene pool diversity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a specific mutant allele that affects only the disc floret development pathway. Rather than altering the entire genome or creating widespread genetic changes, the mutation is localized to specific genes controlling floret morphology. This allows the rest of the gene pool to remain diverse and stable while achieving the desired local phenotypic change in flower shape.
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
The altered-flowering phenotype is genetically stable, maintaining fertility and extending flower keepability, while reducing seed set, offering desirable traits for horticultural markets.
Implementation Method 1
achieved through gamma-irradiation and interspecific hybridization
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an Osteospermum and Dimorphoteca plant, seed, variety, and hybrid. Another aspect of the present invention relates to an Osteospermum and Dimorphoteca plant having a mutant allele designated KLEDF which results in an altered flower phenotype. The invention also relates to crossing Osteospermum and Dimorphoteca plants containing the KLEDF mutant allele with other Osteospermum and Dimorphoteca plants lacking the KLEDF mutant allele to produce intergeneric and interspecific hybrids. This invention further relates to specific lines of Osteospermum varieties exhibiting the altered-flowering phenotype. Furthermore, the invention relates to pollen, seed, and sexual, as well as asexual progeny of such plants with altered flowers. In addition, the invention relates to methods for propagating said plants and to uses of said plants.