Veronica Challenger Cultivar Compact Habit and Flower Color
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a new and distinct Veronica plant that exhibits specific traits such as upright and compact growth, moderate branching, and light purple to white-colored flowers, which are not consistently achieved in existing Veronica virginicum cultivars under varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of Veronica virginicum 'Challenger' through open-pollination, characterized by its unique features including a compact and freely branching habit, strong stems, and specific flower coloration, achieved through vegetative softwood cuttings, which are stable and reproduce true to type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If Veronica virginicum 'Roseum' is used as the female parent, then the plant exhibits certain floral characteristics, but the plant height and compactness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting specific parental lines with different height characteristics and environmental conditions to achieve the desired compact height while maintaining trait stability through controlled pollination and vegetative propagation
2Shape
If the plant is allowed to branch freely, then the habit becomes more open, but the stem strength and compactness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a plant habit that is compact at the base with stronger stems in those regions, while allowing controlled branching in upper regions, achieving both compactness and branching through localized structural differentiation
3Shape
If the flower color is light purple to white, then the aesthetic appeal is improved, but the flower density and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting parental lines and environmental conditions that produce light purple to white flower coloration while maintaining adequate flower density through controlled pollination and cultivation practices
Data Source
AI summary
A new and distinct cultivar of Veronica plant named ‘Challenger’, characterized by its upright and relatively compact plant habit; moderately freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; light purple to white-colored flowers arranged on long racemes; and good garden performance.