Osteospermum KLEDF Allele Enlarged Disc Florets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breeding methods for Osteospermum and Dimorphoteca plants have not successfully produced stable altered flowering varieties with enlarged disc florets, which are desirable for extended flower keepability and reduced seed set, as previous attempts using Gamma-irradiation and interspecific crosses did not yield genetically stable results.
Innovation Solution
Introduction of a mutant allele called the KLEDF allele, which induces an altered flower phenotype characterized by significantly enlarged disc florets, and the use of molecular markers for identification and propagation of these plants, allowing for stable transmission through asexual and sexual propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional breeding methods and Gamma-irradiation are used to produce altered flowering varieties, then attempts have been made to enlarge disc florets, but the results are not genetically stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a specific mutant allele (KLEDF) that alters the genetic parameter controlling disc floret development. This mutant allele causes a dominant phenotype where disc florets are significantly enlarged and remain open longer, transforming the floral morphology in a stable and heritable manner that conventional breeding and Gamma-irradiation failed to achieve consistently.
2Duration of action of moving object
If normal flower structure is maintained, then pollination can occur naturally, but flower keepability is reduced and seed set is high
Solution Approach 1:
The mutant allele changes the developmental parameter of disc florets, causing them to enlarge and remain in the open state longer than normal. This parameter change extends flower keepability while simultaneously reducing seed set, as the enlarged disc florets alter the pollination dynamics.
3Productivity
If emasculation and hand pollination are performed for hybrid seed production, then precise control is achieved, but production time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by creating a plant system where the mutant allele automatically controls pollination outcomes. The altered flower phenotype with enlarged disc florets naturally prevents unwanted pollination while allowing desired cross-pollination, eliminating the need for manual emasculation and hand pollination operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the labor-intensive steps of emasculation and hand pollination from the hybrid seed production process. By introducing the mutant allele that naturally controls pollination, these manual operations are removed, significantly reducing production time and complexity.
4Reliability
If a narrow gene pool is used in commercial breeding, then quality improvement is achieved, but genetic diversity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new genetic parameter (the KLEDF mutant allele) that creates a distinct phenotypic variation in disc floret morphology. This new parameter expands the available genetic diversity for breeding programs while maintaining the quality standards achieved through conventional narrow gene pool breeding.
Data Source
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AI summary
The instant invention relates to an altered flower shape in plants belonging to the genera Osteospermum and Dimorphoteca, which is induced by a mutant allele, as well as to the method of breeding Osteospermum and Dimorphoteca plants having this altered flower shape.