Sheegene-10 Grapevine Hybridization and Grafting
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a new variety of Vitis vinifera that produces larger, red-colored, seedless grapes with improved flavor and a later maturity date compared to existing varieties like 'Flame Seedless', while maintaining consistent characteristics through asexual propagation.
Innovation Solution
The 'Sheegene-10' grapevine, developed by hybridizing 'Princess' and 'Red Globe', produces medium to large, red-colored, seedless grapes that mature approximately two weeks later than 'Flame Seedless', with enhanced flavor and size, and has been successfully asexually propagated and grafted onto 'Harmony' virus-free rootstock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a new grape variety is developed to produce larger grapes with improved flavor, then the quality and market value are improved, but the breeding and propagation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asexual propagation through grafting to create exact genetic copies of the superior 'Sheegene-10' grape variety. This copying process preserves the large size, red color, seedless characteristic, and very sweet flavor of the original plant without requiring repeated complex breeding operations, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while reducing long-term process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary hybridization and selection to develop the superior 'Sheegene-10' variety with optimal characteristics (larger size, red color, seedless, very sweet flavor) before widespread propagation. This preliminary action consolidates the complex breeding work into a single proven genotype, simplifying subsequent multiplication through asexual propagation
2Manufacturing precision
If grapes are bred to mature later in the season, then the growing period is extended allowing for larger size and better flavor development, but the harvest time is delayed reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the genetic parameters of the grape variety through controlled hybridization between 'Princess' and 'Red Globe' to achieve optimal balance between maturity timing and fruit quality. The resulting 'Sheegene-10' variety matures in late July (two weeks later than 'Flame Seedless'), providing sufficient time for large size and very sweet flavor development while maintaining a productive harvest schedule
3Manufacturing precision
If a new grape variety with distinct characteristics is created, then market differentiation and value are improved, but the propagation and uniformity maintenance become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses grafting onto 'Harmony' rootstock to create identical genetic copies of the 'Sheegene-10' variety. This copying method ensures that all propagated vines maintain the exact distinguishing characteristics (large red seedless berries, very sweet flavor, late July maturity) without the variability introduced by sexual reproduction, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while using a well-established propagation technique
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct variety characterized by medium to large, red-colored seedless grapes with a very good flavor that ripen in late July, approximately two weeks later than the Flame Seedless Grape (unpatented), when grown in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California. The grapes of this new variety are produced on strong woody branches and stems and are well adapted to commercial handling.