PLUMRED I Interspecific Plum Tree Hybridization and Pollination
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a new variety of plum tree that is self-unfruitful, requiring cross pollination, with fruit characteristics such as firm texture, high red skin color, and larger size, which are not met by existing plum varieties like 'YUMMYrosa'.
Innovation Solution
The development of the 'PLUMRED I' interspecific plum tree, which is self-unfruitful and requires cross pollination from an apricot or plum tree, producing fruit that is clingstone, larger, with a high red skin color, and firm texture, achieved through hybridization and asexual reproduction using 'Nemaguard' rootstock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing plum varieties like 'YUMMYrosa' are used, then the tree is self-fruitful and easier to cultivate, but the fruit lacks firm texture, has lower red skin color, and smaller size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by creating a new variety 'PLUMRED I' with fundamentally different genetic parameters from existing plum varieties. The hybridization between plum and apricot introduces new genetic parameters that result in fruit with firm texture, high red skin color, and larger size, while the self-unfruitful characteristic requires cross-pollination, changing the reproductive parameter from self-fruitful to cross-fruitful
2Manufacturing precision
If the variety is self-unfruitful requiring cross pollination, then the fruit quality is improved with firm texture and high red skin color, but the cultivation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing natural bee activity to perform the pollination function. The abundance of blossoms and pollen in the 'PLUMRED I' variety entices strong bee activity, which automatically facilitates cross-pollination without requiring human intervention or complex pollination management systems
Solution Approach 2:
The variety's blooming characteristics have been changed to produce abundant blossoms and pollen during mid-season, which attracts bees and enables natural cross-pollination. This parameter change in blooming intensity and timing converts the complexity of manual pollination management into a selffacilitating natural process
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fruit is produced for long-distance shipping, then the market reach is expanded, but the fruit must maintain quality under storage and transport conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by developing fruit with inherently firm texture and tenacious skin that resist softening and damage during storage and transport. The clingstone characteristic and firm flesh texture are genetic parameters that maintain structural integrity under shipping conditions, while the cold storage quality retention indicates improved physiological parameters for post-harvest durability
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an interspecific tree and more particularly to a new and distinct variety broadly characterized by a large size, vigorous, hardy, and productive tree. Being self-unfruitful, the present variety requires cross pollination from an apricot, interspecific, or plum that blooms during the mid season. The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described during late June, with first picking on Jun. 30, 2006. The fruit is uniformly large in size, full red to purple in skin color, clingstone in type, somewhat obovate to cordate in shape, significantly red in flesh color, firm in texture, and excellent in flavor.