SF1 Apple Tree Red Skin Color Mutation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing apple varieties, such as 'Scifresh', lack a consistent and intense red skin color pattern, which is desirable for market appeal and consumer preference.

Innovation Solution

A new apple variety, 'SF1', derived from a spontaneous limb sport mutation of 'Scifresh', exhibits a higher percentage and darker intensity of red skin color, characterized by a near red 53A hue with a solid flush and weakly defined stripes, distinguishing it from its parent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the existing apple variety 'Scifresh' is used, then the fruit production is maintained, but the fruit skin color intensity and consistency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefruit skin color intensityVSAvoidcolor consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and propagating a spontaneous limb sport mutation of 'Scifresh' that exhibits altered pigment parameters. The mutation results in higher anthocyanin content and different color expression patterns, achieving near red 53A hue with 96% skin coverage compared to the parent's 73% coverage and lighter intensity. This natural genetic parameter change resolves the contradiction by simultaneously improving color intensity and consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If a spontaneous limb sport mutation is selected, then the fruit skin color is improved, but the genetic stability across generations must be verified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvered skin color intensityVSAvoidgenetic stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by allowing the spontaneous mutation to naturally stabilize through vegetative propagation. The limb sport mutation was discovered growing in the cultivated area and was selected for observation because of its fruit skin color. Through multiple generations of asexual propagation and orchard planting (2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2019), the variety demonstrated true-to-type characteristics, confirming genetic stability without requiring additional genetic engineering or complex stabilization procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If the fruit skin over color percentage is increased to 96%, then the market appeal is enhanced, but the breeding complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin over color percentageVSAvoidbreeding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies taking out by extracting and isolating the desired spontaneous limb sport mutation from the parent 'Scifresh' population. The mutation was discovered in a cultivated area and was separated for focused observation and propagation. This extraction approach allowed the breeder to capture the high over color percentage trait (96% vs 73%) without having to develop complex breeding programs, as the mutation already possessed the desired characteristics in a stable form ready for propagation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUSPP34399P2Apple tree named ‘SF1’
Publication Date: 2022.07.05 THE NEW ZEALAND INSITUTE FOR PLANT AND FOOD RESEARCH LIMITED
  • USPP34399P2 patent drawing
  • USPP34399P2 patent drawing
  • USPP34399P2 patent drawing

AI summary

A new and distinct variety of apple tree is described. The variety results from a limb sport found in Washington, United States. The fruit of the apple tree of this new variety have an attractive appearance, characterised by a high proportion of red over color and an over color pattern that is a solid flush with weakly defined stripes.