Soybean Seed Lot Purity Molecular Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for selecting soybean seed lot purity traits are unreliable due to uncontrollable environmental factors and human error, leading to inefficiencies in soybean breeding programs.

Innovation Solution

The use of molecular markers to identify specific genotypes associated with desired phenotypes such as flower color, pubescence color, hilum color, and pod wall color by determining allelic states through DNA or RNA samples, allowing for accurate selection and introgression of desired traits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional phenotypic selection methods are used for seed lot purity traits, then the evaluation process is simple and low-cost, but the reliability and consistency of selection data are poor due to environmental factors and human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of seed lot purity evaluationVSAvoidcomplexity of molecular marker analysis system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/visual phenotypic observation methods with molecular marker-based genetic analysis. Specifically, DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization are used to detect genotypes associated with seed lot purity traits (flower color, pubescence color, hilum color, pod wall color), eliminating the subjectivity and environmental influence inherent in visual assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces molecular markers as intermediary elements that mediate between the genotype and the phenotypic trait expression. These markers serve as reliable indicators that directly reflect the genetic basis of seed lot purity traits, providing a consistent and objective measurement system that bridges the gap between genetic potential and observable characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If molecular marker analysis is implemented for seed lot purity traits, then the accuracy and consistency of trait evaluation are improved, but the time and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of seed lot purity trait measurementVSAvoidtime required for DNA extraction and marker analysis
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by developing and validating a panel of molecular markers and establishing the association between specific alleles and seed lot purity traits before actual breeding evaluation. This preparatory work includes identifying marker-trait associations, optimizing PCR conditions, and creating reference databases, which enables rapid and accurate genotype assessment during subsequent breeding operations without requiring extensive analysis time for each individual plant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If visual phenotypic observation is used for selecting soybean plants, then the method is easy to operate, but human error and environmental variability lead to inconsistent selection results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of visual phenotypic evaluationVSAvoidconsistency of selection data
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of visual observation with a biochemical-molecular system. Instead of relying on human eyes and subjective judgment, the method uses DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization to objectively detect the presence of desired alleles, thereby eliminating human error and environmental variability while maintaining operational feasibility through standardized laboratory protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach provides consistent and reliable data for evaluating seed lot purity, reducing the time and resources required for seed lot purification and improving the accuracy of soybean breeding programs.

Implementation Method 1

determining whether the allelic state of the soybean plant comprises the allelic form represented by SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHybridization:

Data Source

PatentUS10172305B2Diagnostic molecular markers for seed lot purity traits in soybeans
Publication Date: 2019.01.08 MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

The present invention is in the field of plant breeding. More specifically, the invention includes a method for breeding and selecting plants that uniform for one or more seed lot purity traits such as, such as distinct flower color, pubescence color, hilum color, and pod wall color. The invention further includes molecular markers associated with distinct flower color, pubescence color, hilum color, and pod wall color for uses in a breeding program.