SAM 1 Almond Rootstock Resisting Oak Root Fungus and Wind

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Solution Overview

Problem

Almond tree rootstocks in California are susceptible to Oak Root fungus and Root-Knot nematodes, leading to tree damage and reduced production, and are also vulnerable to high winds due to shallow and smaller peach rootstocks, which have become prevalent since the adoption of peach seedlings as rootstocks.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a new rootstock variety, 'SAM 1', which demonstrates resistance to Oak Root fungus and Root-Knot nematodes, and possesses a root structure that anchors trees well, preventing wind damage, allowing it to thrive in challenging conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If peach seedlings are used as rootstocks for almond trees, then resistance to wet soil conditions is improved, but resistance to Oak Root fungus deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to wet soil conditionsVSAvoidsusceptibility to Oak Root fungus

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and propagating almond seedling rootstocks with specific genetic characteristics that provide resistance to Oak Root fungus while maintaining adaptability to irrigated conditions. The inventor identified and propagated specific almond seedling varieties that possessed these desirable traits, changing the rootstock parameter from peach-based to almond-based with selected genetic parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional almond seedling rootstocks are used, then resistance to Oak Root fungus is improved, but vulnerability to high winds deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to Oak Root fungusVSAvoidwind resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selecting almond seedling rootstocks with specific local genetic characteristics that provide both disease resistance and wind firmness. The inventor identified particular almond seedling varieties with root system architectures and growth habits that confer resistance to both Oak Root fungus and high winds, making different parts of the rootstock system optimized for different functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If 'Mariana 2624' rootstock is used for almond trees, then resistance to Oak Root fungus is improved, but graft compatibility with 'Nonpareil' variety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to Oak Root fungusVSAvoidgraft compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by developing almond seedling rootstocks that serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide resistance to Oak Root fungus, ensure graft compatibility with 'Nonpareil' and other almond varieties, and maintain adaptability to irrigated conditions. The selected almond seedling rootstocks act as universal bases that can support various almond scion varieties while providing multiple protective and adaptive functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUSPP27952P3<i>Prunus </i>rootstock named ‘Sam 1’

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 LEWIS PAMELA SAMANTHA

AI summary

A new and distinct variety of root stocks is described and which is characterized as to novelty by its resistance to Oak Root fungus and Root-Knot nematodes.