Watermelon Line TCS-EJ09134 Breeding for Genetic Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in plant breeding is to develop uniform varieties that combine desirable traits such as high yield, resistance to pests and diseases, and tolerance to environmental stress, while ensuring genetic uniformity and stability.

Innovation Solution

The development of the watermelon line TCS-EJ09134, which involves creating a homozygous inbred line with specific desirable traits, such as herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, and disease resistance, through techniques like backcrossing and genetic engineering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If pedigree breeding and recurrent selection are used to develop inbred plants from breeding populations, then genetic uniformity is improved, but breeding time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegenetic uniformityVSAvoidbreeding time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by creating a standardized set of scoring criteria and evaluation protocols before the actual breeding process begins. The scoring system for evaluating plant traits (yield, disease resistance, uniformity) is established in advance, allowing for efficient and consistent evaluation throughout the breeding program, thereby reducing the time required to achieve genetic uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through continuous evaluation of breeding populations using defined scoring criteria. Performance data from each generation is collected and fed back into the breeding program to guide selection decisions, enabling more efficient convergence toward genetically uniform inbred lines with desired traits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple desirable traits are combined in a single variety through breeding, then product versatility is improved, but genetic uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct versatilityVSAvoidgenetic uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by evaluating and selecting for different desirable traits separately across multiple generations before combining them. Each trait (yield, disease resistance, uniformity) is scored and selected independently, allowing the breeder to maintain genetic uniformity for each trait while eventually combining all desired traits in the final inbred line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by giving different weights and scoring criteria to different traits based on their specific requirements. Each trait is evaluated using its own specialized scoring protocol, allowing for precise control over which traits are prioritized and how they are combined, thereby maintaining overall genetic uniformity while achieving product versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If self-pollination is used to create homozygous plants, then genetic uniformity is improved, but loss of genetic diversity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegenetic uniformityVSAvoidgenetic diversity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by practicing self-pollination for only as many generations as necessary to achieve the desired level of homozygosity and genetic uniformity. The breeding program uses self-pollination strategically in specific generations when uniformity is prioritized, while maintaining cross-pollination or outcrossing in other generations to preserve genetic diversity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12268143B2Watermelon line TCS-EJ09134
Publication Date: 2025.04.08 SEMINIS VEGETABLE SEEDS INC

AI summary

The invention provides seed and plants of watermelon line TCS-EJ09134. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of watermelon line TCS-EJ09134 and to methods for producing a watermelon plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another watermelon plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of watermelon line TCS-EJ09134 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.