Scilate Apple Variety Genetic Selection and Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a new apple variety that combines distinct characteristics such as a later harvest season, firmer flesh, brighter red color, larger fruit lenticels, and improved flavor, which are not adequately met by existing varieties like 'Royal Gala', 'Braeburn', 'Scifresh', 'Scigold', and 'Sweetie'.
Innovation Solution
The development of the 'Scilate' apple variety, which is a cross between 'Royal Gala' and 'Braeburn', exhibiting a unique combination of characteristics including a later harvest season, brighter red color, larger lenticels, and firmer flesh, achieved through asexual propagation using MM106 rootstocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a cross between 'Royal Gala' and 'Braeburn' is developed to achieve a later harvest season and firmer flesh, then the harvest season is extended and flesh firmness is improved, but the fruit size and lenticel size increase which may affect storage and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and propagating seedlings with specific genetic combinations that naturally exhibit the desired parameters: later harvest season, firmer flesh, and larger fruit size with prominent lenticels. The asexual propagation method ensures these parameters are consistently transmitted to clones.
2Illumination intensity
If the fruit is selected for brighter red color and larger lenticels, then the appearance is improved, but the flesh firmness and storage quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different parts of the fruit to have distinct characteristics: the skin exhibits bright red coloration with prominent lenticels for visual appeal, while the flesh maintains firmness and crisp texture for quality eating experience. This differentiation is achieved through selective breeding and propagation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If asexual propagation is used to maintain true-to-type clones, then the genetic consistency is improved, but the disease susceptibility and storage requirements remain similar to parent varieties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying through asexual propagation by budding, where dormant buds from the original seedling are propagated onto MM106 rootstocks. This creates genetically identical clones that faithfully reproduce the parent's characteristics including both desirable traits and any susceptibility patterns, ensuring genetic consistency across the orchard.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct apple tree variety is described. The variety results from selection among a population of seedlings derived from crossing the apple varieties known as ‘Royal Gala’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,121) and ‘Braeburn’ (not patented). The fruit of the apple tree of this new variety has an attractive appearance characterised by its red colour and obvious lenticels and is notable for its excellent eating quality. The new variety has been named ‘Scilate’.