Rhododendron ROBLEZA Re-blooming via Selective Breeding

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for Rhododendron hybrid plants with re-blooming characteristics that are stable and consistent across varying environmental conditions, as existing varieties may not consistently bloom throughout multiple seasons and can be sensitive to temperature, day length, and light intensity.

Innovation Solution

The development of the Rhododendron hybrid cultivar 'ROBLEZA', resulting from crossing Rhododendron 'Red Slipper' and 'Arabesk', which exhibits unique traits such as consistent blooming in Spring, Summer, and Fall, clear red flowers, upright growth habit, tolerance to warm and cold conditions, and compact, uniform shape, achieved through vegetative propagation and controlled testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing Rhododendron varieties are used, then they may bloom in certain seasons, but they do not consistently bloom across multiple seasons and are sensitive to environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblooming consistencyVSAvoidenvironmental sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selectively breeding Rhododendron plants to modify their physiological parameters, specifically achieving consistent re-blooming characteristics across multiple seasons (Spring, Summer, and Fall) while maintaining tolerance to varying environmental conditions including temperature ranges from Zone 6 to Zone 9 hardiness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The new Rhododendron variety 'Robleza' exhibits multi-functionality by performing multiple blooming cycles throughout the year (Spring, Summer, and Fall blooming) and adapting to diverse environmental conditions, making it universally suitable for various climates and garden settings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If Rhododendron varieties are bred for re-blooming characteristics, then blooming consistency improves, but stability across varying environmental conditions may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblooming durationVSAvoidenvironmental stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The breeding program modified genetic parameters to extend blooming duration across three distinct seasons while simultaneously selecting for environmental stability, resulting in a variety that maintains reliable performance across varying temperatures and light conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If environmental tolerance is enhanced, then adaptability to different conditions improves, but blooming consistency may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental toleranceVSAvoidblooming consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The variety 'Robleza' was bred to universally perform across multiple functions: it tolerates environmental variations (Zone 6-9 hardiness) while maintaining consistent re-blooming behavior, demonstrating that adaptability and reliability can coexist through selective breeding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUSPP29770P2<i>Rhododendron </i>plant named ‘ROBLEZA’

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 PLANT DEVMENT SERVICES

AI summary

A new and distinct Rhododendron cultivar named ‘ROBLEZA’ is disclosed, characterized by upright fast growing, compact plants. Flowers are clear, bright red and occur as either single or double forms on the plant. Plants bloom Spring, Summer and Fall and exhibit good tolerance for both hot and cold conditions. The new cultivar is a Rhododendron, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.