Stokesia laevis Divinity Cultivar Phenotypic Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of understanding of the phenotypic variations of Stokesia laevis plants under different environmental conditions, and existing cultivars do not consistently exhibit the desired traits such as large white flowers, compact growth habit, and ease of asexual propagation.

Innovation Solution

The new cultivar 'Divinity' of Stokesia laevis, characterized by large white flowers with a yellow center, wide strap-like leaves, compact mounding growth, and ease of asexual propagation, is developed and stabilized through division, root cuttings, and layering, ensuring consistent phenotypic characteristics across generations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If existing Stokesia laevis cultivars are used, then they exhibit some flowering traits, but they do not consistently produce large white flowers with compact growth habit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflower size and color consistencyVSAvoidtrait consistency across cultivars
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and stabilizing specific phenotypic parameters (flower size, color, growth habit) through asexual propagation. The cultivar 'Divinity' exhibits large white flowers (8-10 cm diameter) with compact mounding growth (30-60 cm height), representing optimized parameter values that distinguish it from other cultivars.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If asexual propagation methods are used, then phenotypic stability is achieved, but propagation time and effort are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephenotypic stabilityVSAvoidpropagation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action through asexual propagation methods (division, cuttings, layering) that establish phenotypic stability before commercial production. By propaging from selected parent plants with desired traits, the cultivar ensures consistent phenotypic expression in all subsequent generations, eliminating the need for repeated selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If environmental variations occur, then some phenotypic variation may occur, but genotype remains stable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidphenotypic consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by ensuring that the genetic material (genotype) maintains uniform quality across all propagated plants, while allowing natural phenotypic adaptation to local environmental conditions. The asexual propagation ensures that each plant receives identical genetic material, providing a uniform baseline that expresses consistently across different environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUSPP26164P3<i>Stokesia laevis </i>plant named ‘Divinity’
Publication Date: 2015.11.24 EMERALD COAST GROWERS LLC
  • USPP26164P3 patent drawing
  • USPP26164P3 patent drawing
  • USPP26164P3 patent drawing

AI summary

A new and distinct, vigorous cultivar of Stokesia laevis named ‘Divinity’, characterized by a compact growth habit, wide strap like leaves, and numerous white flowers.