Sumner Hop Cultivar Compact Growth and Genetic Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for compact Hop plants with high alpha acids and desirable aroma that can reproduce stably and maintain their unique characteristics across varying environmental conditions and cultural practices.
Innovation Solution
A new cultivar of Humulus lupulus, 'Sumner', was developed through planned breeding, combining the traits of proprietary selections 35/96/7 and 15/92/2, characterized by an upright and compact growth habit, reddish-brown stems, and dimorphic leaves, which are stable and reproduce true to type via softwood cuttings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If Hop plants are bred for compact growth habit, then plant size is reduced, but growth rate may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selectively breeding for specific growth rate parameters while maintaining compact size parameters. The 'Sumner' cultivar was developed with a moderate growth rate (intermediate parameter value) that balances compact plant architecture with acceptable development speed, resolving the contradiction between small size and growth rate through controlled parameter optimization.
2Ease of manufacture
If Hop plants are bred for distinctive leaf color, then ornamental value is improved, but genetic stability across environments may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asexual reproduction through softwood cuttings rather than seed propagation. This method creates genetically identical clones that preserve the distinctive lime green to yellow green leaf color and other desirable traits across generations, ensuring genetic stability and true-to-type reproduction without the variability introduced by sexual reproduction.
3Quantity of substance
If Hop plants are developed for high alpha acids, then brewing quality is improved, but plant vigor may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating desirable traits (high alpha acids, compact habit, distinctive leaf color) in specific regions or aspects of the plant while maintaining overall plant health. The 'Sumner' cultivar achieves high alpha acid content in the cones while maintaining moderate overall vigor through balanced breeding, allowing localized optimization without compromising total plant strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct cultivar of Hop plant named ‘Sumner’, characterized by its upright and relatively compact plant habit; freely branching habit; stems reddish brown in color during the late summer and autumn; and attractive lime green to yellow green-colored leaves.