Salvia Silver Sabre Cultivar Variegation and Growth Habit
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a new cultivar of Salvia officinalis that exhibits a lower, more branched habit and more evenly white marginal variegation, as existing varieties like 'Tricolor' do not meet these specific characteristics effectively.
Innovation Solution
A new cultivar, 'Silver Sabre', is developed through a branch mutation of Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor', characterized by a lower, more branched habit and evenly white marginal variegation, reproduced via asexual propagation, maintaining identical characteristics across progeny.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a branch mutation of Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor' is selected, then the plant exhibits a lower, more branched habit and more evenly white marginal variegation, but the plant height is reduced which may limit certain horticultural applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting for specific localized characteristics in the mutation - namely the white marginal variegation on leaves and the compressed internode structure in specific regions. This creates a plant with non-uniform distribution of traits (variegated margins versus green centers, compressed versus elongated internodes) that together produce the desired low, branched habit while maintaining aesthetic quality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If asexual propagation is used to maintain identical characteristics, then the variegation and habit are consistently transmitted, but the propagation process requires specialized techniques such as micropropagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs copying through asexual propagation methods to reproduce the mutant plant exactly. Stem cuttings and micropropagation create genetic copies that identical replicate the unique variegation pattern and compressed internode structure. This ensures the stable transmission of characteristics while the choice of propagation method balances ease of manufacture with the need to preserve precise phenotypic traits.
3Volume of moving object
If the cultivar is bred for compact growth, then it suits container gardening and dense plantings, but it may have reduced vigor compared to taller varieties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the internode length parameter through mutation selection. The compressed internodes create a compact plant form suitable for containers and dense plantings. The patent specifically notes that this cultivar maintains 'excellent vigor' despite the reduced size, indicating that the parameter change in internode length did not negatively impact overall plant health and vitality.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct form of Salvia plant characterized an evenly white, variegated margin, a low, well-branched habit, and excellent vigor.