Regal D17-121 Apple Tree Controlled Pollination
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a novel apple tree variety that combines desirable traits such as growth habit, fruit characteristics, and storage qualities, which existing varieties like Honeycrisp and CO-OP 39 do not fully meet, particularly in terms of maturity date, fruit pressure, sweetness, and resistance to browning.
Innovation Solution
The development of the 'Regal D17-121' apple tree, derived through controlled pollination of Honeycrisp with CO-OP 39 pollen, which exhibits an upright and spreading growth habit, produces medium to medium-large bi-colored fruit with a six-month shelf life, and has characteristics distinct from its parent varieties, including a later maturity date, higher fruit pressure, and resistance to browning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If controlled pollination of Honeycrisp with CO-OP 39 is performed, then fruit pressure and sweetness are improved, but maturity date is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by creating a new variety through controlled pollination that alters the genetic parameters of the parent varieties. The resulting 'Regal D17-121' apple tree exhibits modified parameters including higher fruit pressure (23.8 pounds vs 16.5 pounds for Honeycrisp), higher brix (15.4 vs 14.8), and delayed maturity (14 days after Honeycrisp), thereby resolving the contradiction by finding an optimal parameter set that balances both improving features and accepting the time trade-off.
2Ease of operation
If upright and spreading growth habit is achieved, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a semi-spur type apple tree with tip-bearing characteristics, where different parts of the tree have specialized functions. The upright and spreading growth habit provides ease of operation for pruning and management, while the semi-spur architecture with tip-bearing fruit clusters maintains productivity by concentrating fruit production in manageable locations along the branches.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinctive variety of Malus domestica apple tree from a controlled cross of Honeycrisp x CO-OP 39 that is distinctly different from its parents and other mid-season apples.