Oligonucleotide Primers for sh2-R Mutation Detection in Maize
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for methods to rapidly identify and reduce the presence of the shrunken2-R (sh2-R) mutation in maize plants, which results in reduced starch levels, increased sugar, poor seed germination, and decreased seedling vigor, affecting breeding populations.
Innovation Solution
The use of specific oligonucleotide primers that amplify regions of the sh2-R allele, allowing for the identification and subsequent reduction or elimination of the sh2-R mutation in maize germplasm through genetic analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional breeding methods are used to identify and eliminate the sh2-R mutation, then the mutation can be reduced from breeding populations, but the process is time-consuming and reduces breeding productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical phenotypic selection methods with a molecular-based detection system using oligonucleotide primers and amplification techniques. This substitution enables rapid identification of the sh2-R mutation at the DNA level, eliminating the need for time-consuming growth and phenotypic observation while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs mutation detection at the seedling or early plant stage using molecular amplification methods, allowing identification of carriers before they are advanced to later breeding stages. This preliminary action prevents propagation of the mutation early in the breeding process, significantly reducing the time and resources needed to eliminate the mutation from breeding populations.
2Productivity
If molecular detection methods are developed to rapidly identify sh2-R mutation, then breeding productivity is improved, but the complexity of the detection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into distinct functional components: specific oligonucleotide primers for amplification, detection reagents, and analysis procedures. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates standardization, reducing overall system complexity while enabling rapid throughput of breeding populations.
Solution Approach 2:
The oligonucleotide primer system is designed with universal applicability to detect the sh2-R mutation across different maize varieties and breeding programs. The standardized detection protocol can be implemented in multiple laboratories and breeding facilities, reducing the need for variety-specific detection methods and simplifying the overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient detection and reduction of the sh2-R mutation, improving kernel quality and yield by eliminating the mutation from breeding populations, thereby enhancing the breeding process.
Implementation Method 1
specific oligonucleotide primers that amplify regions of the sh2-R allele, allowing for the identification and subsequent reduction or elimination of the sh2-R mutation in maize germplasm through genetic analysis
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting the shrunken2-R (sh2-R) mutation and identifying maize plants, maize plant parts and/or maize germplasm having the sh2-R mutation.