Plumred XI Interspecific Tree Cross-Pollination Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a new variety of plum tree that is self-unfruitful and requires cross-pollination, producing fruit with specific characteristics such as medium size, orange flesh, and good flavor, which existing plum varieties do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
The development of the 'Plumred XI' interspecific tree, which is self-unfruitful and requires cross-pollination from an apricot or plum tree, producing medium-sized, red-skinned, orange-fleshed fruit with good flavor and firm texture, achieved through hybridization and asexual reproduction using 'Nemaguard' rootstock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If self-unfruitful variety is developed requiring cross-pollination, then fruit quality and flavor are improved, but pollination complexity and management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific pollinator trees (apricot or plum varieties) as intermediary elements to facilitate cross-pollination. These pollinator trees are strategically planted near the Plumred XI trees to ensure adequate pollen transfer, thereby maintaining high fruit quality without requiring complex manual pollination management.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If late season blooming is achieved, then fruit maturity is extended, but pollination window is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by selecting and cultivating pollinator trees (apricot or plum varieties) that bloom during the late season, specifically timed to coincide with the Plumred XI blooming period. This preliminary selection ensures that pollinators are available when needed, overcoming the reduced pollination window associated with late blooming.
3Reliability
If medium size fruit is produced, then shipping quality is improved, but yield per tree is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by optimizing the balance between fruit size and tree productivity through controlled cross-pollination and selective breeding. The Plumred XI variety maintains medium-sized fruit (improving shipping quality) while achieving very high productivity through enhanced pollination efficiency and tree vigor, thereby resolving the trade-off between individual fruit size and overall yield.
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 medium size, medium to weak vigor, hardy, and very productive tree. Being self-unfruitful, the present variety requires cross pollination from an apricot, interspecific, or plum tree that blooms during the late season. The present variety produces a moderate amount of blossoms with sufficient pollen to entice good bee activity to facilitate pollination. The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described during late July, with first picking on Jul. 24, 2014. The fruit is uniformly medium in size, mostly red in skin color with moderate freckling, clingstone in type, globose to oblate in shape, mostly orange in flesh color, firm in texture, typically 19 brix, and good in flavor.