High Rebaudioside C Stevia Plant Breeding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Stevia plants used as natural sweeteners often have a larger aftertaste compared to sucrose, and existing methods do not effectively enhance the rebaudioside C content, which is known to improve sweetness aftertaste.
Innovation Solution
A high rebaudioside C-content non-genetically modified stevia plant with a genetic variation that increases rebaudioside C levels to 15% or more in dried leaves, along with a method for producing and screening such plants, utilizing genetic polymorphisms and non-genetic modification approaches like mutagen treatment and radiation to enhance rebaudioside C content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional stevia plants are used, then sweetness is provided, but a larger aftertaste occurs compared to sucrose
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the stevia plant by increasing rebaudioside C content from typical levels (3-8% by weight per dried leaf) to significantly higher levels (15% or more by weight per dried leaf). This parameter change directly addresses the aftertaste issue, as rebaudioside C is specifically identified as the compound that improves sweetness aftertaste.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rebaudioside C content is increased to improve aftertaste, then sweetness quality improves, but plant breeding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the plant's own genetic potential and natural breeding mechanisms to achieve high rebaudioside C content. By identifying and selecting for specific genetic variations that naturally lead to increased rebaudioside C production, the breeding process leverages the plant's self-capability to produce the desired compound, rather than requiring complex external interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a screening method that provides feedback on rebaudioside C content and genetic variation. By measuring rebaudioside C levels and identifying specific genetic markers, the breeding process can selectively propagate plants with desirable traits, creating a feedback loop that continuously improves rebaudioside C content while managing breeding complexity.
3Productivity
If genetic modification methods are used to increase rebaudioside C content, then production efficiency improves, but safety and acceptance concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the limitation of non-genetic modification (slower breeding process) into a benefit by emphasizing safety and consumer acceptance. By using conventional breeding and selection methods rather than genetic modification, the invention achieves high rebaudioside C content while avoiding the safety concerns and regulatory hurdles associated with GMOs, thus turning a potential disadvantage into a competitive advantage.
Data Source
AI summary
An objective of the present invention is to provide a stevia plant having a high content of rebaudioside C. The present invention provides a high rebaudioside C-content type, non-genetically modified stevia plant that has a higher content of rebaudioside C than wild-type stevia varieties, more specifically at least 20% higher content. The present invention further provides: a method for producing such a high rebaudioside C-content type, non-genetically modified stevia plant; and dried leaves obtained from such a plant.