Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for coated particles, compositions including coated particles, methods for making coated particles, methods of reducing dust, and the like.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining genetic material from plant embryos while preserving their viability are provided. In the methods, preservation of viability may be maintained by suspending the embryos in an aqueous solution surrounded by an oil matrix. Genetic material may be obtained from an aliquot of the aqueous solution and may be used directly for molecular analysis, or whole genome amplification may be performed prior to molecular analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product for use in agriculture or horticulture comprising a capsule dissolving or disintegrating in the presence of humidity wherein at least a seed and a controlled release system comprising an agrochemical compound is located.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new methods of selecting and breeding organisms, in particular organisms which exhibit symbiotic behaviour with symbionts such as fungal endophytes or epiphytes or bacterial microbiome in plants, and to new organisms and symbiota developed thereby. More particularly, the present invention provides artificial seeds comprising symbiota, and methods for preparing and using such artificial seeds, as well as plants, plant seeds and other plant parts derived from artificial seeds or symbiont-containing plants of the present invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pick-up and delivery system including a pick-up assembly and a delivery assembly. The pick-up assembly includes a robotic arm, a pick-up device rotatably mounted on the robotic arm, and a first vacuum pressure supply port operably connected to the pick-up device. The delivery assembly includes an insertion device and a second vacuum pressure supply port. The insertion device may include an insertion member and a release assistance rod arranged inside the insertion member. The release assistance rod is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the release assistance rod is in the extended position, a proximal end extends beyond an end of the insertion member. Further aspects are directed towards methods for grasping and releasing an object with a pick-up and delivery system.

Abstract: A material for assisting in at least one of germination, protection, hydration, and thriving of seeds and the plants originating therefrom treats a seed with a tackifier or binder, such as corn syrup or the like, which secures a layer of hydrating polymer particles thereto. Nutrients, protectants, and the like may be absorbed in the polymer before or after coating of a seed thereby. Weighting materials, extenders, flowing agents, and the like may assist in the functioning or handling of the coated seeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substituted cellulose acetates and methods of use thereof. One embodiment of the present invention provides a coating having a substituted cellulose acetate having a polar substituent that has an oxygen atom covalently bonded to a nonmetal selected from the group of sulfur, phosphorus, and boron; wherein the nonmetal is present in at least about 0.01% by weight of the substituted cellulose acetate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several exemplary seed coating compositions, and exemplary methods for creating and using the same. Also disclosed are several exemplary seed coating manufacturing processes, and the products created by such processes. The seed coating compositions for increasing crop production by protecting coated seeds after planting and during seedling emergence. The seed coating comprising a fungicidally effective amount of at least one zeolite.

Abstract: A seed-containing crayon is presented. The crayon includes an elongated member formed of a marking composition to leave a colored mark on a surface when the elongated member contacts the surface. The marking composition is formed of a wax, a pigment, and a plant nutrient that is activated by application of water to the elongated member. Plant seeds are embedded in the marking composition of the elongated member. The crayon can include a paper band that at least partially surrounds the elongated member along at least part of the length of the elongated member in which the plant seeds are embedded.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for reduction on apparent contact angle of seeds coat surface by cold plasma treatment, agricultural devices for said treatment and seeds obtained by methods thereof.

Abstract: A composite particle and a population of particles comprising a water-insoluble polyphosphate composition, methods of producing, and methods of using the same are provided. The polyphosphate composition may comprise at least one alkaline earth metal selected from calcium and magnesium and optionally at least one nutrient ion selected from the group consisting of potassium, ammonium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron, chlorine, iodine, molybdenum, selenium or sulfur.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pick-up and delivery system including a pick-up assembly and a delivery assembly. The pick-up assembly includes a robotic arm, a pick-up device rotatably mounted on the robotic arm, and a first vacuum pressure supply port operably connected to the pick-up device. The delivery assembly includes an insertion device. The insertion device may include an insertion member having a tip and a release assistance piston arranged inside the insertion member. The release piston is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the release assistance piston is in the extended position, a proximal end of is substantially flush with an end of the insertion member. Further aspects are directed towards methods for grasping and releasing an object with a pick-up and delivery system.

Abstract: A multi-plant product and a method of producing a container of plants are described. Cast pellets containing plant seeds selected for their seed germination timing are planted in a container with a vegetative cutting. The cutting can be selected for having root initiation timing synchronized with the seed germination timing of the plant seeds in the cast pellet. The seed germination timing of the plant seeds can be modified by selecting the volume of the cast pellet.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention comprises associating a marker with at least some of the seeds containing a genetic element of interest of the bulk sample, exciting the seeds using an photonic emitting device, evaluating at least some of the seeds of the bulk sample for the presence or absence of the marker, and sorting the seeds containing a genetic element of interest based on the presence or absence of the marker. In various other embodiments, the method may comprise associating a red fluorescent protein marker with at least some of the seeds containing a genetic element of interest of the bulk sample, evaluating at least some of the seeds of the bulk sample for the presence of the red fluorescent protein marker using an evaluating device, and sorting the seeds containing a genetic element of interest based on the presence of the red fluorescent protein marker.

Abstract: A fertilizer product for delivering starter fertilizer to crops in soils as an alternative to traditional phosphorus applications to enhance rapid early plant development. Specifically, the fertilizer product comprises a synergistic mixture of: from about 0.5 to about 1 part Mg: from about 2.4 to about 2.8 parts P2O5: from about 1.4 to about 2.8 parts Zn.

Abstract: Methods and uses of controlling the flowability of a population of plant seeds and dust drift therefrom by placing individual seeds in contact with particles of a flowability enhancing agent that is made up of at least one species of wax that adheres more firmly to the said plant seeds than a compound or composition that comprises a substance that is or includes a mineral earth component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automated system and methods for separating and singulating plant embryos.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pick-up and delivery system including a pick-up assembly and a delivery assembly. The pick-up assembly includes a robotic arm, a pick-up device rotatably mounted on the robotic arm, and a first vacuum pressure supply port operably connected to the pick-up device. The delivery assembly includes an insertion device. The insertion device may include an insertion member having a tip and a release assistance piston arranged inside the insertion member. The release piston is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the release assistance piston is in the extended position, a proximal end of is substantially flush with an end of the insertion member. Further aspects are directed towards methods for grasping and releasing an object with a pick-up and delivery system.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer is disclosed for the even distribution of a treatment fluid within a treatment chamber. The treatment fluid is delivered onto a rotating disk atomizer through multiple outlet ports. Fluid passages provide each outlet port with an even flow of treatment fluid at generally the same time and rate. This even and simultaneous flow of treatment fluid results in a more even distribution of treatment fluid on the seed that flows through the treatment chamber throughout the treatment cycle.

Abstract: A method for increasing crop yield using plant growth regulators is disclosed. The invention relates to plant growth regulators including but not limited to auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, ethylene and abscisic acid and any combination thereof. Auxin forms include but are not limited to phenoxy herbicide, phenoxy herbicide esters, and herbicides mixed with surfactants and fertilizers. The invention relates to the application of the plant growth regulators to seed, soil and seedlings. The invention further relates to using different application rates and combinations of the plant growth regulators to seeds, soil, seedlings and plants.

Abstract: This present invention relates to improvements in seed and seed-related products, processes for making such products and processes for establishing and improving seed beds and seed bed germination. As additional benefits, this invention is directed at improving soil productivity through enhancements in soil fertility, soil condition/tilth, and control of soil moisture. Further, the invention relates to productive use of certain types of abundantly available manufacturing waste, which waste is currently being disposed of in landfills.

Abstract: The invention consists of a sonication and imbedding process for the uptake of water and/or other beneficial substances into a seed for the purposes of reducing the time needed for germination of a plant and the time needed for full maturity growth of the resultant plant. This invention teaches that ultrasound applied to the shell of a seed will develop micro-punctures which enable the faster absorption of water and other liquid nutrients into the seed structure. The sonic energy may be at frequencies between 15 kHz and 30 kHz for periods between about 1 and 20 minutes, and can utilize either a sinusoidal waveform or an alternating ultrasonic transmission consisting of a saw tooth wave form lasting 50 milliseconds, followed by a square wave form lasting 50 milliseconds, or such similar combination of ultrasonic transmissions. The treated seed tends to grow into a mature plant at a substantially accelerated rate.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a manufactured seed comprising a seed shell and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The seed shell is a structure having an open end and a closed end. A primary end seal is disposed on the open end of the seed shell. A secondary end seal is arranged on the primary end seal, the secondary end seal being coated, at least partially, with a paraffin oil.

Abstract: A composition comprising super absorbent polymers, such as polyacrylates, combined with other materials, and provided to the seed at the time of planting in the soil, or shortly thereafter, provides hydration to the seed for proper germination of the seed. The composition is effective to provide hydration for an extended period when placed or injected underground adjacent to the seed, even if no rainfall is experienced. The material supports and aids uniform germination of multiple, plants, such as plants in an agricultural field.

Abstract: A particulate material treating system (458) includes a loss-in-weight particulate material bin assembly (460), a particulate material metering device (462), and a downstream treater (464) yielding a treated material output (468). A controller (470) is employed to determine the flow rates of material from the bin assembly (460) using loss-in-weight calculations, and this information is used to at least in part control the operation of the metering device (462).

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a shoot restraint for use with manufactured seeds comprising. In some embodiments, the shoot restraint includes a substantially porous material having a top surface and a bottom surface. The substantially porous material is formed to define a substantially cylindrical upper portion having an upper diameter; and a substantially cylindrical lower portion having a lower diameter. The upper diameter is larger than the lower diameter. A parabolic cavity extends from the top surface to the bottom surface through the upper portion and at least partially into the lower portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the authentication of a product, comprising providing said product with at least one marker, wherein said marker is a phosphorescent marker selected from a set of m phosphorescent markers each having a different emission spectrum, wherein m is an integer equal or greater than 3, and wherein said marker is provided at an amount that results in a phosphor-specific emission below background radiation emitted from said product.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel and advantageous materials and methods for controlling phytopathogenic and/or soil-dwelling nematodes by attaching an effective amount of Pasteuria spores to a seed and delivering the seeds to the situs of nematodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cultivating sugar cane comprising removing buds together with meristematic tissue from the stalk of a 6 to 18 months old sugar cane plant, treating the buds with at least one fungicide and/or at least one insecticide and/or at least one nematicide and/or at least one growth regulator and/or at least one rooting enabler and/or growth-promoting bacteria, planting these buds in a growth medium, growing seedlings from the buds at a temperature of at least 15° C., and 10 to 120 days after planting the buds, planting the seedlings grown from the buds to the field if the growth medium is not a field, or, in case the growth medium is a field, exposing the seedlings obtained from the buds to ambient conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of seed germination and growing of plants. A composition comprising a clay, an inert material, optionally a fibrous material, and a fourth component is provided, characterized in that said fourth component comprises a cation selected from the group consisting of Al, Zr and Ti and an anion selected from the group consisting of oxyhydroxide, oxychloride, nitrate, sulfate, chloride, hydroxide and alkoxide, and wherein the concentration of said fourth component ranges from 0.1 to 70 percent by weight (w %), preferably 0.5-25 w %, more preferably 1-10 w %, of the total weight of the clay, the inert material, and optionally the fibrous material, together.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for methods for reducing dust by treating a seed with a dust reducing composition described herein. The disclosure also provides for methods of reducing exposure to vacuum planter dust released during seed planting by applying a composition described herein to a seed. Methods for increasing seed lubricity by coating a seed with a composition described herein are also provided for. Compositions and seeds useful in these methods are also described.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for efficiently producing polyploids in para rubber trees that are extremely useful for breeding new varieties. The method of the present invention is characterized by carrying out colchicine treatment on para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) seeds after rooting. In the present invention, the seeds are preferably seeds that have rooted but have not yet germinated. In addition, colchicine treatment is preferably carried out by allowing the seeds to contact a colchicine solution having a colchicine concentration of 400 ppm to 800 ppm.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pick-up and delivery system including a pick-up assembly and a delivery assembly. The pick-up assembly includes a robotic arm, a pick-up device rotatably mounted on the robotic arm, and a first vacuum pressure supply port operably connected to the pick-up device. The delivery assembly includes an insertion device and a second vacuum pressure supply port. The insertion device may include an insertion member and a release assistance rod arranged inside the insertion member. The release assistance rod is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the release assistance rod is in the extended position, a proximal end extends beyond an end of the insertion member. Further aspects are directed towards methods for grasping and releasing an object with a pick-up and delivery system.

Abstract: A manufactured seed is provided. The manufactured seed includes a seed shell housing a nutritive media and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The restraint includes a cavity. The manufactured seed also includes an embryo disposed within the cavity and a fill material disposed within the cavity. The manufactured further includes a seal disposed on the seed shell to seal the embryo within the seed shell.

Abstract: A method for growing plants is disclosed. The method includes the steps of mixing a gel precursor that is characterized by the ability to absorb water, form a viscous gel, provide water and nutrition to a plant, and remain capable of being reconstituted with a fresh supply of water, with a gel—forming nutrient composition in an amount sufficient to create a viscous gel, and adding a plant item selected from the group consisting of seeds and seedlings to the gel.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preventing flooding of a cavity within a shoot restraint of a manufactured seed by lowering the water potential of the nutritive media relative to the water potential of a plant embryo disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: A method for the control of soil-dwelling pests and/or soil-borne diseases comprising treating a plant propagation material with an effective amount of the pesticidal composition and/or applying an effective amount of a pesticidal composition to a locus where control is desired, provided that the composition comprises, as active ingredient, one or more pesticides (A) having a water solubility of at most 100 ?g/liter, at 25° C. at neutral pH, and at least one formulation auxiliary, wherein the size of particles in the composition is in the range 3.60 ?m to 0.70 ?m at X90. Abamectin has been found to be particularly effective against nematode damage.

Abstract: A method of coating seeds is provided using observations of coating and coated seeds to modify the coating of yet-to-be coated seeds.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a manufactured seed comprising a seed shell and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The seed shell is a structure having an open end and a closed end. The restraint comprises a parabolic cavity. A seal assembly is disposed on the open end of the seed shell in a configuration effective to seal the seed shell.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cotton variety, designated PX433906WRF, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety PX433906WRF, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety PX433906WRF with itself or with another cotton plant, hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety PX433906WRF with another cotton variety or plan, methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes, and the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This disclosure also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX433906WRF, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX433906WRF, and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cotton variety, designated PX433915WRF, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety PX433915WRF, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety PX433915WRF with itself or with another cotton plant, hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety PX433915WRF with another cotton variety or plan, methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes, and the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This disclosure also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX433915WRF, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX433915WRF, and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cotton variety, designated P05X.5322-11WRF, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety P05X.5322-11WRF, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety P05X.5322-11WRF with itself or with another cotton plant, hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety P05X.5322-11WRF with another cotton variety or plan, methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes, and the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This disclosure also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety P05X.5322-11WRF, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety P05X.5322-11WRF, and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cotton variety, designated PX8262RF, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety PX8262RF, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety PX8262RF with itself or with another cotton plant, hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety PX8262RF with another cotton variety or plan, methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes, and the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This disclosure also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX8262RF, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX8262RF, and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: In-situ methods of applying ethylene response manipulation formulations are disclosed. The formulations comprise at least one ethylene response manipulation agent which is at least partially encapsulated, a polyol liquid medium, or a hydrogel medium, or a combination of polyol and hydrogel medium. A preferred ethylene response manipulation agent is 1-methylcyclopropene.

Abstract: An agricultural system including: at least one seed; a growing media in communication with the one seed; a biodegradable outer retainer surrounding a portion of the one seed and the growing media, and; at least one growing media additive.

Abstract: The efficiency of applied phosphorus can be improved by applying phosphorus as a coating onto plant growth (roots and shoots) or by applying phosphorus as a coating on prills or granules of other forms of fertilizers. The composition comprises (a) monoammonium phosphate, (b) struvite and (c) magnesium sulphate. The first two ingredients ensure that there is a source of rapidly available phosphorus (MAP) and a source of more slowly available phosphorus (STRUV). The third ingredient is to provide a source of sulphate which will, in the area surrounding the coated product following application thereof to the soil, act to stop ambient calcium from reacting with the phosphate thereby rendering it inactive.

Abstract: This application provides planting mix compositions that include pelletized coir. Seed, cornmeal or corn flour, fungicide, and optionally activated charcoal, compost, and/or a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) can be included in the planting mix compositions. Methods of making such compositions are also disclosed herein. In particular examples, such compositions include pelletized coir at least partially coated with a binder, seeds, charcoal, and optionally a SAP. In other examples, such compositions include a pelletized mixture that includes coir, cornmeal or corn flour, charcoal, a SAP, compost, a fungicide, and seeds, wherein the seeds are encased within the pellets.

Abstract: Phosphatic clays, and the use of phosphatic clays as a soil wetting agent. Phosphatic clays as wetting agents aid in the retention of water in sandy soil, and/or for prevention or reduction of leaching of nutrients. Due to its unique particle size and shape, phosphatic clay exhibits high water absorbing and retaining qualities. Further, phosphatic clay is readily available as a by-product of mining of phosphatic ore. The phosphatic clay wetting agents increases the effectiveness of the water applied to the soil, thereby reducing the amount of run-off, and reducing the amount of water needed to accomplish sufficient irrigation. The phosphatic clay wetting agents can be delivered to the soil as a sprinkle-on product, spray-on product, soil amendment, fertilizer or seed coating, or fertilizer composition.

Abstract: Seed index system and methods for treating agricultural seeds with one or more seed care products employing a size-adjusted application rate based on the size of the seeds. Such size-adjusted application rates can be determined by a supplier of seed care products and communicated to an applicator who applies the seed care product to a quantity of seeds. Such size-adjusted application rates can be in the form of a chart, an equation, or a calculator.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for applying a coating to an ear of corn are disclosed. An enclosure having a user accessible workspace and a motor to turn an ear of corn therein to apply a coating to the ear of corn rotated by the motor is also disclosed. The method includes providing an enclosure with a user accessible workspace for housing a motor assembly having a motor with a grip, releasably securing the ear of corn to the grip, rotating the ear of corn with the motor, and spraying the coating on the ear of corn with the coating applicator associated with the workspace. Each ear of corn has an identifier to track and index the ear corn during coating and drying.