Physocarpus Bert Dart's G Compact Growth and Mildew Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Physocarpus opulifolius cultivars lack compact growth habits and sufficient resistance to Powdery Mildew, which limits their horticultural utility and adaptability in varying environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A new Physocarpus cultivar, 'Bert Dart's G', bred through controlled pollination, exhibits a compact, freely branching habit with yellow-green leaves and enhanced resistance to Powdery Mildew, achieved through asexual reproduction by softwood cuttings, distinguishing it from parent cultivars 'Dart's Gold' and 'Nugget'.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing Physocarpus opulifolius cultivars are used, then they provide basic ornamental value, but they lack compact growth habits and sufficient resistance to Powdery Mildew

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePowdery Mildew resistanceVSAvoidGrowth habit adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selectively breeding for specific phenotypic parameters including compact plant height, mounded growth habit, and yellow-green leaf color. The breeding program modified these parameters to create a cultivar that is more compact than existing varieties while maintaining ornamental value and disease resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The breeding program segmented the selection process into multiple generations, systematically evaluating progeny for desired traits. By dividing the breeding program into staged selections for compactness, disease resistance, and ornamental characteristics, the patent developed a cultivar that integrates multiple desirable parameters simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If plants are bred for compactness, then garden space is saved, but genetic diversity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePlant volumeVSAvoidGenetic stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changed the physical parameters of the plant (reducing height and spreading radius) while maintaining genetic stability through controlled breeding. The selection process focused on preserving desirable traits across generations while achieving compact form, thereby resolving the contradiction between size reduction and genetic stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If new cultivars are developed through controlled breeding, then desired traits are achieved, but development time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTrait consistencyVSAvoidBreeding program duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The breeding program applied preliminary action by pre-selecting parent plants with desirable traits before the breeding process began. By carefully choosing the female parent ('Dart's Gold') with good disease resistance and ornamental characteristics, and selecting appropriate male parents, the program accelerated the path to obtaining stable, reliable traits in the final cultivar.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUSPP26246P2<i>Physocarpus </i>plant named ‘Bert Dart's G’

Publication Date: 2015.12.22 VERHOEF GIJSBERTUS

AI summary

A new and distinct cultivar of Physocarpus plant named ‘Bert Dart's G’, characterized by its compact and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy habit; yellow to yellow green-colored leaves; showy inflorescences with numerous white-colored flowers; good garden performance; and resistance to Powdery Mildew.