Suplum63 Plum Tree Breeding for Large Fruit and Early Ripening
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a new and distinct variety of plum tree that combines desirable traits such as large fruit size, dark red flesh, and early ripening, while maintaining disease and insect resistance, and being suitable for asexual propagation methods like grafting and cuttings.
Innovation Solution
The development of the Prunus salicina 'Suplum63' variety, which is a semi-upright tree with large, black-skinned fruit and dark red, mildly sweet flesh, resulting from hybridization between 'Suplumfiftysix' and 'PL1396RB', exhibiting earlier ripening and distinct characteristics compared to its parent varieties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the plum variety is bred to have large fruit size, then the fruit dimensions and weight are improved, but the ripening time may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selectively breeding for specific traits including fruit size, flesh color, and ripening time. The breeder modified the genetic parameters of the parent varieties to produce offspring with enlarged fruit volume (70-80mm diameter, 150-200g weight) while simultaneously advancing the ripening date to mid-August, resolving the trade-off between size and timing.
2Loss of time
If the plum variety is bred to ripen earlier in the season, then the ripening time is improved, but the fruit size may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing multiple genetic parameters simultaneously through hybridization. The early ripening trait (mid-August harvest) was combined with large fruit size parameters (70-80mm diameter, 150-200g weight) by selecting specific parent varieties and evaluating numerous offspring, achieving both early season ripening and large fruit dimensions.
3Shape
If the plum variety has dark red flesh color, then the visual appeal and marketability are improved, but the stone adherence to flesh may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction by changing the flesh color parameter to dark red (desirable for marketability) while simultaneously selecting for reduced stone adherence characteristics. The breeder evaluated multiple offspring for both color intensity and ease of pitting, selecting those that exhibited dark red flesh with acceptable stone separation properties.
Data Source
AI summary
The new variety of plum tree ‘Suplum63’ is characterized by a semi-upright habit, and by having fruit that is very large for a late season plum, with black skin, dark red firm flesh, a mildly sweet flavor, and a stone that is adherent to the flesh.