REGALNAT Apple Tree Hybrid for Climate Adaptation and Fruit Quality
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an apple tree variety that produces fruits with a long shelf life and excellent eating quality, suitable for the Mediterranean climate of the Pyrénées Orientales region in France, which is characterized by a sweet winter and hot, dry summer, with irregular precipitation and intense winds affecting fruit quantity and quality.
Innovation Solution
The 'REGALNAT' apple tree variety, developed by crossing 'ARIANE 6407RT' and 'SELECTION INRA 6062RT', exhibits unique characteristics such as large, firm, dark red fruits with a cream flesh, late maturity, and high resistance to climatic variations, propagated using 'M9EMLA' rootstock trees, ensuring consistent and high-quality fruit production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If apple trees are grown in Mediterranean climate conditions, then the trees can adapt to hot and dry summers with irregular precipitation, but the intense winds and climatic variations negatively affect fruit quantity and quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by developing a new apple variety through controlled hybridization that specifically adapts to Mediterranean climate parameters. The cross between 'ARIANE 6407RT' and 'SELECTION INRA 6062RT' creates a genotype optimized for hot, dry summers and irregular precipitation patterns, transforming the tree's physiological parameters to tolerate climatic stress while maintaining fruit quality despite wind exposure.
2Speed
If apple varieties are selected for early maturity, then the fruits can be harvested sooner for market, but the shelf life and storage quality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes in the fruit's biochemical composition. The 'REGALNAT' variety exhibits altered starch-to-sugar conversion rates, anthocyanin accumulation patterns, and cell wall degradation kinetics that allow extended post-harvest storage. These physiological parameter changes enable the fruit to maintain firmness, color, and flavor quality for longer periods compared to conventional early-maturing varieties.
3Volume of moving object
If apple trees are bred for large fruit size, then the yield per fruit increases, but the firmness and crunchiness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves both large fruit size and firmness through parameter changes in cell structure and composition. The hybrid variety exhibits increased cell wall thickness, altered pectin composition, and optimized cellulose crystallinity that maintain structural integrity in large fruits. These physiological parameters enable the development of large fruits (exceeding 100mm diameter) that retain firmness and crunchiness comparable to smaller varieties.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct variety of apple tree denominated ‘REGALNAT’ produces high yield of firm fruits with large size, round slightly flattened shape, and a luminous dark red skin color, having exceptional eating quality; the fruit is further characterized by its good handling, its tolerance to main apple pests and diseases and its storage qualities.