Abstract: The present invention provides a novel watermelon variety designated SP-5, and method for pollinating seedless watermelon plants. The present invention also provides methods for producing triploid, seedless watermelon fruit.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a row unit configured to deposit seeds within soil. The agricultural implement system also includes a bounce sensor rigidly coupled to the row unit and configured to output a signal indicative of a bounce magnitude, a bounce direction, or a combination thereof, of the row unit.

Abstract: A planting system for planting multiple seed varieties. The planting system includes a planter having a plurality of tanks and a plurality of row units. A plurality of seed meters are included in of the plurality of the row units. A seed transport belt is disposed below the plurality of seed meters to transport seed from each of the plurality of seed meters into a seed tube. Each of the plurality of seed meters is engaged and disengaged by a clutch, and the seed transport belt is disposed below the plurality of seed meters in an angled orientation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus, method and system for a seed planter. The seed planter has a planting, dispensing and metering assembly operatively attached to a mobile supporting structure. The metering assembly has separated seed pre-staging and/or staging positions for staging pre-specified counts of seed separated from other counts in the batch and maintaining separation of the pre-specified counts of seed from other counts in the batch for planting. Alternatively, the metering assembly has separated seed staging positions for staging a batch of seed in singulated form for planting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for administering at least one substance acting as treatment agent to plant material, comprising of: providing at least one substrate with a surface and at least one plant location therein; providing injecting means; moving the substrate and the injection means relative to each other; controlling an alignment of the injecting means relative to the plant location; and injecting the substance at the position of the plant location using the injecting means.

Abstract: A seed delivery device including a frame defining at least one seed chamber. The frame includes a sidewall and an air permeable floor. Seed can be received and deposited on the air permeable floor through an input port. An air input channel is utilized to introduce an air stream into the seed chamber and direct it through the air permeable floor such that seed is lifted from the air permeable floor to an outlet port. An air bypass channel is configured to separate the air stream into a first stream that is directed through the air permeable floor and a second stream that is directed through the bypass channel and recombined with the first stream, at a point prior to the output port, to prevent excess accumulation of seed in the seed chamber.

Abstract: A bushing is provided for mounting a pivot arm that has both a threaded portion as well as one or two smooth cylindrical portions. The threaded portion enables the pivot arm to be a laterally adjusted by rotating the bushing while the smooth portion or portions provide a bearing surface or surfaces for the pivot arm loads. This removes the load from the threads, reducing wear of both the bushing and the pivot arm, thereby reducing maintenance cost.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: A down pressure adjustment assembly for a disc opener of an agricultural implement includes a rockshaft to which one or more disc opener units are mounted and an actuator that rotates the rockshaft. Rotation of the rockshaft causes the disc opener units to be raised or lowered. When the disc opener units are lowered into a field engagement position, further rotation of the rockshaft will cause compression of down pressure springs for each of the disc opener units.

Abstract: An actuating system for a planting device. The actuating system has an electric motor that provides an actuating force for a seed shaft. A pneumatic acting member is connected to a source of compressed air through a valve and positioned to engage the electric motor to actuate the electric motor. The source of compressed air and electric motor can thus be connected to a controller that operates the source of compressed air and the electric motor in order to provide selective actuation to control planting of the planting device.

Abstract: A pressure sensing system for a seeding machine such as a planter to measure the down force on a planter row unit uses a wireless pressure sensor embedded in a load carrying wheel of the row unit. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure sensor is a passive piezoelectric pressure sensor that is a transmitter only, transmitting both pressure and RFID the information that identifies the particular sensor. Multiple sensors may be employed in each wheel and sensors may be employed in more than one wheel of the row unit, such as the gauge wheels on opposite sides of the trench opening disks. The sensors may be made of a PVDF, a known piezoelectric material. A wireless receiver is located on the planter frame or could be located elsewhere to receive the signals from the pressure sensor. A controller determines from the signal, any change in down force and commands the change to a down force generator on the row unit.

Abstract: An automated seed detection and planting synchronization apparatus, method and system is disclosed. The invention includes a seed detection protocol configured to monitor a derived metric equated to timing of movement of a seed carried by a seed metering unit from a seed pick-up to seed drop point. For controlling synchronization of planting of seed, a seed metering unit empty notification signal is provided if the derived metric is satisfied and sensor readings confirm the absence of seed in the seed metering unit.

Abstract: The method of crop production provides an ecologically friendly method of planting and harvesting a crop. The method includes the steps of initially planting the seeds of a crop to be grown in at least one row and, following the planting, spraying a first herbicide on the at least one row and on regions of the ground adjacent the at least one row on either side thereof. Preferably, the first herbicide is an herbicide preparation for destroying glyphosate-resistant weeds. The crop is then allowed to sprout and grow without further chemical applications and, following sprouting of the crop, a second herbicide is sprayed on the ground. The second herbicide preferably contains glyphosate. Following the spraying of glyphosate, the crop is harvested and a cover crop is preferably planted.

Abstract: Installation to be applied to self-propelled or tow-type agricultural seeders that comprises a general command central unit (5) fed from an electric power source and controls a corresponding individual control unit (10) that regulates the operation of the electro-pneumatic unit (6) associated to the seed dosing devices within the seeder to perform the pneumatic action. Electro-pneumatic unit may be a motor suction or a motor compressor unit. The invention envisages the association of these units to all the dosing devices in a seeding body of the seeder, to pairs of dosing units in the seeder, or else, on an individual basis, to each seed dosing device of the seeder.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a combination of different proteins insecticidal to Helicoverpa zeaor Helicoverpa armigerain an insect resistance management process, wherein such proteins are: a) a Cry2A protein such as Cry2Aa, Cry2Ab, or Cry2Ae and b) a Cry1A, Cry1F or VIP3A protein, particularly wherein such proteins binds saturably to the insect midgut membrane of Helicoverpa zeaor Helicoverpa armigera, as well as plants and seeds expressing such combination of proteins, which are used to delay or prevent the development of resistance in populations of such insect species.

Abstract: An actuating system for a planting device. The actuating system has an electric motor that provides an actuating force for a seed shaft. A pneumatic acting member is connected to a source of compressed air through a valve and positioned to engage the electric motor to actuate the electric motor. The source of compressed air and electric motor can thus be connected to a controller that operates the source of compressed air and the electric motor in order to provide selective actuation to control planting of the planting device.

Abstract: A watering apparatus comprising a storage container having a tubular section which is closed with an open-cell foam based on an aminoplast, and a method for watering or applying fertilizer.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for introducing a discrete, predetermined amount of material into soil at a plurality of predetermined points in the soil which includes a container for holding the material to be introduced into the soil, and tubing in fluid communication with the container at a first end thereof. At least one electrically controlled injector is provided in fluid communication with a second end of the tubing. Also, at least one shank is provided, which includes a base, and an injector mounting member attached to a surface of the base that is adapted for detachably mounting the electrically controlled injector onto the base. In addition, a controller is provided for activating the electrically controlled injector to introduce the material into the soil. Accordingly, enhanced control of the injection of the material into soil is achieved, and maintenance can be performed easily.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for applying an active substance to the root zone of a plurality of plants, the applicator assembly comprising: a subsoil applicator having a cutting element for generating an incision in the ground, an injector associated with the cutting element to allow the active substance to be injected into the incision; and a positioning device adapted to allow the position of the cutting element to change position such that an incision is generated in some material in the root zone while the cutting element moves over other material in the root zone.

Abstract: A seeding apparatus having a furrow opener attached to a first trailing arm, sensor for sensing the amount of ground force to which the furrow opener is being subjected, a second trailing arm, a packing wheel in secure engagement with the second trailing arm and adapted to pack a seeded furrow, an actuator and a control device in communication with the actuator and in communication with the sensor for applying a variable bias force to the packing wheel.

Abstract: Proposed is a biologically active nanochip for treating seeds of agricultural plants in order to improve seed germination conditions and development of plants and for protecting plants from anticipated and averaged adverse conditions. The biologically active nanochip contains a solid porous carrier, such as mineral, clay, turf, or polymer, the pores of which are intended for accommodating nanoparticles of biologically active substances that penetrate the pores when the substances are applied onto the nanochip surface, e.g., by spraying. Alternatively, the biologically active substances can be retained on the surface of the carrier by adhesion. The composition of the biologically active nanochips is selected with reference to anticipated and averaged adverse conditions. Also proposed is a method for application of the biologically active substances onto the surfaces of the biologically active nanochips.

Abstract: An application for a substrate for mixing with other ingredients such as water, seeds, fertilizer, wetting agents and dye, to produce Hydroseeding slurry. The substrate includes cardboard (e.g. double-line, Kraft fibers), paper (e.g. recycled newsprint) and a material known as diaper fluff that is created during the production of products such as disposable diapers. The diaper fluff improves moisture retention, improves viscosity and reduces friction, improves coverage.

Abstract: A pneumatic on-demand seed delivery system wherein seed from the auxiliary hopper enters the seed meter through an opening beginning rearward of the vertical axis of the seed meter. And a retrofit kit for existing on-demand seed delivery systems, and method of retrofitting such existing pneumatic on-demand seed delivery systems, so as to provide an auxiliary hopper that communicates seed to the seed meter through an opening beginning rearward of the vertical axis of the seed meter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus to improve seed distribution to a plurality of seed or row units of an agricultural planter. Each row unit is fitted with a seed box having an air/seed inlet and an air outlet through which air is allowed to escape. The present invention effectively closes off or substantially reduces the flow of air out of one or more of the seed boxes to reduce the amount of seed that is fed to the seed boxes. Through the use of restrictor plates, which may be vented to allow some air flow or solid to prevent air flow, the delivery of seed to the seed boxes can be equalized to provide more uniform seed distribution to the row units.

Abstract: A seed metering device for agricultural seeders has a meter housing, a seed disk covering an open side of the meter housing, and a brush assembly mounted within the meter housing and contacting the seed disk. The meter housing has a seed delivery opening for delivering a supply of seed into a seed pool area, an air inlet provided above the seed pool area for receiving a supply of positive pressure air into the meter housing, and a seed exit area where seed can be dropped into a seed tube. The seed disk has seed pockets spaced around its outer circumference that pass through the seed pool and pick up individual seeds as the seed disk rotates. The device includes several features that help singulate and drop seeds in a way that provides a desired number of seeds per acre and a uniform spacing between the seeds in the furrow.

Abstract: A seed depositing device designed to facilitate the uniform distribution of seeds during planting applications. The device includes a tubular outer shell having an open end and at least one opening along its length. An inner core is concentrically located in the outer shell and has at least one row of dimples along the length of an outer surface of the inner core for holding seeds. The inner core fits tightly enough in the outer shell to disallow free movement of the inner core within the outer shell. Rotation means is provided for manually rotating the inner core relative to the outer shell. The inner core is rotatable by the rotation means to align the at least one row of dimples with the at least one opening and expose the at least one row of dimples through the at least one opening. When the inner core is rotated so the openings of the outer shell are aligned with a row of dimples of the inner core, seeds are manually loaded into the exposed row of dimples through the openings of the outer shell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to precisely meter and dispense two or more crop inputs with a common metering disc is presented to achieve proper placement in the soil relative to one another. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. A cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to plants includes a microporous hydrophobic tubing coated with a hydrophilic polymer that has a delivery portion positionable adjacent a root system of a plant and a lumen for channeling an aqueous solution from an inlet to the delivery portion. The tubing along the delivery portion has a porosity adapted for permitting a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough when acted upon by a surfactant root exudate generated by the roots due to water stress. A pressure regulating device is upstream of the tubing's inlet, and a reservoir adapted for holding the aqueous solution therein is situated in fluid communication with an upstream end of the pressure regulating device. Additional tubing can be provided for channeling a nutrient solution to the plant roots.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: A dense phase flow product delivery system for an agricultural implement is provided. The system comprises a primary container configured to accommodate dispensed product and that includes a product exit. The system also comprises a pressure supply assembly configured to provide a pressurized fluid to the primary container and a delivery conduit connected to the product exit and configured to permit the dispensed product to pass there through. The system further comprises a purge supply configured to provide a purge fluid to the delivery conduit. The system is configured for a dispensing operation in which the pressurized fluid forces the dispensed product in the primary container to flow through the delivery conduit in a delivery direction. The system is also configured for a purging operation in which the purge fluid forces residual product in the delivery conduit to flow in a direction opposite the delivery direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of growing a gramineous crop plant comprising the steps of providing a stem section of a gramineous crop plant which section comprises at least one node, planting said section, and growing a gramineous crop plant from said planted stem section. It also relates to a stem section of a gramineous crop plant comprising at least one node.

Abstract: A method of sowing watermelon seeds is provided, specifically a method for sowing triploid seedless watermelon seeds and enhanced watermelon pollenizer seeds in the same seedling tray through the use of a mechanical seeder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing, protecting, isolating, and individually identifying sets of one or more articles in a plurality of compartments such that information related to the sets can be easily and efficiently linked to the set. In an example of the apparatus, the apparatus has a compartment layer, a sealant layer, and indicia which may individually identify compartments. In another example, a method includes taking a compartment layer and sealant layer, loading compartments with sets of one or more articles, closing the compartment layer with the sealant layer, and identifying each compartment for each seed or portion thereof with a positionally-addressable ordered array of indicia on at least one of the layers of the package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of growing a gramineous crop plant comprising the steps of providing a stem section of a gramineous crop plant which section comprises at least one node, planting said section, and growing a gramineous crop plant from said planted stem section. It also relates to a stem section of a gramineous crop plant comprising at least one node.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of imparting pathogen resistance to plants. This involves applying a hypersensitive response elicitor polypeptide or protein in a non-infectious form to a plant seed under conditions where the polypeptide or protein contacts cells of the plant seed. The present invention is also directed to a pathogen resistance imparting plant seed. Alternatively, transgenic plant seeds containing a DNA molecule encoding a hypersensitive response elicitor polypeptide or protein can be planted in soil and a plant can be propagated from the planted seed under conditions effective to impart pathogen resistance to the plant.

Abstract: A system for distributing a product on an agricultural implement is provided. The system comprises a primary container having a primary container inlet and a product exit, and the primary container is configured to accommodate the product and permit the product to move through the product exit in response to fluid pressure. The system further comprises a pressure supply assembly including a pressure source that provides a pressurized fluid to the primary container through the primary container inlet. The system further comprises a delivery conduit having a first end connected to the product exit and is configured to permit the product to pass there through by dense phase flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel gene sequences encoding insecticidal proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis strains. Particularly, new chimeric genes encoding a Cry1C, Cry1B or Cry1D protein are provided which are useful to protect plants from insect damage. Also included herein are plant cells or plants comprising such genes and methods of making or using them, as well as plant cells or plants comprising one of such chimeric gene and at least one other of such chimeric genes.

Abstract: A soil treatment device that reconditions topsoil by removing an amount of topsoil, treating the topsoil, placing bacteria and small organisms within the topsoil, and then returning the topsoil to the ground surface. The device removes the topsoil from a ground surface by a front-mounted set of cutter blades that remove topsoil down to a specific depth and places it on a conveyer belt. The belt then transports the topsoil into the device, where it is irradiated; seeded with bacteria, microorganisms, and seedlings; and then discharged back onto the ground surface.

Abstract: A slope planting structure includes containing bags laid on the surface of a slope, stuffing filled in the containing bags, and fasteners. The containing bags are provided with plant seeds. The stuffing composed of plant growing material and absorbent material is filled into the containing bags. The containing bags are laid on the surface of the slope, and then the fasteners are inserted through the containing bags to secure the containing bags on the slope. The containing bags are integrated with the slope to secure the slope, providing protection and green effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a geomat for preventing erosion, for recultivating fallow land and for cultivating plants, said mat being completely biodegradable, cost-effective and simple to produce and fulfilling all ecological requirements. According to the invention, the geomat substantially consists of a continuous strand (1) of untreated sheep's wool, arranged in a serpentine to form the desired width of the mat and held together in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A pneumatic on-demand seed delivery system wherein seed from the auxiliary hopper enters the seed meter through an opening beginning rearward of the vertical axis of the seed meter. And a retrofit kit for existing on-demand seed delivery systems, and method of retrofitting such existing pneumatic on-demand seed delivery systems, so as to provide an auxiliary hopper that communicates seed to the seed meter through an opening beginning rearward of the vertical axis of the seed meter.

Abstract: An access assembly leading to first and second storage tanks of a planting implement is provided. The access assembly includes a central ramp located between and fixed in relation to the first and second storage tanks, and an extended ramp having a forward end opposite a rearward end aligned in a fore-and-aft direction relative to the direction of travel of the implement. The forward end of the ramp is pivotally connected about a first horizontal axis at a rearward end of the central ramp. The access assembly further includes a ladder pivotally independently coupled about a second horizontal axis at the rearward end of the extended ramp. The ladder and the extended ramp pivot together about the first horizontal axis at the forward end of the extended ramp between a lowered, operative position and a raised, inoperative position above the central ramp.

Abstract: A planter for planting multiple rows of seeds in which the spacing between rows and the spacing between seeds in a row can be varied includes at least two planting units, each planting unit adapted for planting a row of seeds, the planting units being mounted so that the spacing between the at least two of the planting units can be changed, and the rate of planting of at least one of the planting units being independently changeable. A method of planting seeds in a field with a multi-row planter having a plurality of planting units each adapted for planting a row of seeds, includes selectively changing at least one of the spacing between at least two adjacent planting units and the rate of operation of at least one of the planting units during the planting so that at least one of the row spacing or the seed spacing in the rows is not uniform across the planted field.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for deploying refuge seeds together with transgenic crop seeds are provided. The refuge seeds can be non-transgenic seeds of a similar variety to that of the transgenic crop seeds, or the refuge seeds can be a transgenic variety.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control apparatus for a planter implement having a drill shaft and at least one row unit including a seed meter. A clutch unit is mounted inside the row unit so that it is protected against contact and damage by crop debris and other material passing by the planting implement. An input of the clutch driven off of the drill shaft of the planting implement and an output of the clutch is operably connected to the seed meter so that operation of the clutch unit interrupts dispensing of seed by the seed meter. The clutch unit is controlled by an electrical control system to limit or prevent overlap of seed being planted by the planting implement.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agricultural implement and a method of making an agricultural implement. The agricultural implement has a primary containment unit and a plurality of sections. At least one dense phase delivery line connects the primary containment unit to each of the sections. A transport control system allows for individual control of the dense phase transport of the granular product from the primary containment unit to each of the plurality of sections via the at least one dense phase delivery line.

Abstract: The invention consists of a method of planting seeds of plants selected for enhanced colony growth attributes in a hill plot seeding method to produce an enhanced commercial yield of cereal grain as well as a method of producing seeds selected for enhanced colony growth attributes.