Abstract: A vacuum pick-up device 20 includes a device body 22 having a pick-up tip opening 78 to which vacuum pressure is supplied. The vacuum pick-up device 20 further includes a mechanical release assisting device 36 that assists in the release of a grasped object contemporaneously with or slightly subsequent to the cessation of vacuum pressure. A manifold 38 may be included to efficiently and effectively supply vacuum pressure to the device body 22 from a vacuum pressure source.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for improving germination of manufactured seeds. In some embodiments, the methods comprise the steps of (a) incubating a plant somatic embryo under suitable conditions for reducing the size of the embryo to produce a compact plant somatic embryo and (b) assembling the compact plant somatic embryo of step (a) into a manufactured seed.

Abstract: An artificial seed (20) is provided. The artificial seed includes a seed shell (24) sized and configured to receive an embryo (42) therein. The artificial seed also includes a seal disposed on a surface of the seed shell, and the seal includes a least an inner sealing layer (44) and an outer sealing layer (60). The outer sealing layer is hydrophilic.

Abstract: An artificial seed (20) is provided. The artificial seed includes a seed shell (24) and a restraint (30) disposed within the seed shell. The restraint includes a cavity (34) sized and configured to receive an embryo (42) therein. The artificial seed also includes a seal disposed on a surface of the seed shell, and the seal includes a least a primary end seal (44), a secondary end seal (21) and a tertiary seal (60).

Abstract: The invention provides methods for disinfecting seeds, for example, conifer seeds such as loblolly pine and Douglas-fir. The methods comprise the step of contacting seed with an effective concentration of a disinfecting agent comprising at least one of o-phenylphenol and o-benzyl-p-chlorophenol.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for improving the germination of manufactured seeds. The methods comprise the steps of: (a) culturing a plant embryo in a germination medium; and (b) assembling the cultured plant embryo into a manufactured seed. The methods of the invention are applicable to zygotic and somatic plant embryos.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for improving the germination of manufactured seeds. The methods comprise the step of inserting a plant embryo having a shoot end into a shoot restraint comprising an interior surface, wherein at least one of the interior surface of the shoot restraint and the plant embryo is contacted with a hydrated gel before or after inserting the plant embryo into the shoot restraint. The hydrated gel may comprise nutrients for the plant embryo. Another aspect of the invention provides manufactured seeds comprising a hydrated gel disposed between the shoot restraint and the plant embryo.

Abstract: A vacuum pick-up device 20 includes a device body 22 having a pick-up tip opening 78 to which vacuum pressure is supplied. The vacuum pick-up device 20 further includes a mechanical release assisting device 36 that assists in the release of a grasped object contemporaneously with or slightly subsequent to the cessation of vacuum pressure. A manifold 38 may be included to efficiently and effectively supply vacuum pressure to the device body 22 from a vacuum pressure source.

Abstract: A combination end seal and cotyledon restraint (20) for an artificial seed (22) is provided. The combination end seal and cotyledon restraint includes a cap portion (30) sized to substantially seal one end of an artificial seed and a cotyledon restraint (32) unitarily formed with the cap portion.