Phormium Cultivar PHOS6 Phytophthora Resistance and Climate Tolerance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Phormium cultivars lack resistance to Phytophthora and are not well-suited for extreme climatic conditions, high rainfall, and coastal environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of the new cultivar 'PHOS6', which is a naturally occurring mutation of Phormium tenax x cookianum 'PHOS2', exhibiting solid green foliage, vigorous growth, and resistance to Phytophthora, as well as tolerance to climatic extremes and low maintenance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing Phormium cultivars are used, then they provide basic horticultural characteristics, but they lack resistance to Phytophthora and are not well-suited for extreme climatic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a naturally occurring mutation that changed the foliage color parameter from bronze to solid green, and this parameter change is associated with improved resistance to Phytophthora and tolerance to climatic extremes. The mutation represents a natural parameter change that simultaneously improved multiple disease and environmental resistance traits.
2Productivity
If Phormium cultivars are selected for vigorous growth, then they provide attractive foliage and growth habit, but they require significant maintenance in the landscape
Solution Approach 1:
The new cultivar 'PHOS6' exhibits low maintenance requirements despite vigorous growth characteristics. The plant's natural attributes including its solid green foliage, evergreen habit, and resistance to diseases and environmental stresses allow it to maintain itself with minimal intervention, effectively serving its own maintenance needs.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If Phormium varieties are selected for evergreen characteristics, then they maintain foliage year-round, but they may be more sensitive to Phytophthora disease
Solution Approach 1:
The naturally occurring mutation in cultivar 'PHOS6' changed the foliage color parameter and was simultaneously associated with improved resistance to Phytophthora while maintaining evergreen characteristics. This natural parameter change broke the negative correlation between evergreen persistence and disease susceptibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct Phormium cultivar named ‘PHOS6’ is disclosed, characterized by solid green evergreen foliage. Plants remain evergreen in high temperatures, not going summer dormant. Phytophthera resistance has been observed in the new variety as well as tolerance for high rainfall, flooding and drought when established. Mature plant size of approximately 35 cm to 40 cm tall and 35 to 40 cm wide. Plants grow vigorously yet remain low-growing, useful for low maintenance landscaping. Plants are suitable for gardens, container cultivation and landscaping. The new variety is a Phormium, typically produced as an outdoor ornamental plant.