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: A cotton variety, designated P07X.8244.RF, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety P07X.8244.RF, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety P07X.8244.RF with itself or with another cotton plant, and hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety P07X.8244.RF with another cotton variety or plant and to methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This disclosure also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety P07X.8244.RF, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety P07X.8244.RF and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A cotton variety, designated P07X.8213.RF, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety P07X.8213.RF, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety P07X.8213.RF with itself or with another cotton plant, and hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety P07X.8213.RF with another cotton variety or plant and to methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This disclosure also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety P07X.8213.RF, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety P07X.8213.RF and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A cotton variety, designated 99M-548, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety 99M-548, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety 99M-548 with itself or with another cotton plant, and hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety 99M-548 with another cotton variety or plant and to methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This disclosure also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety 99M-548 including variety 548WRF-CB2-B, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety 99M-548 and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A cotton variety, designated P07X.8212.RF, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety P07X.8212.RF, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety P07X.8212.RF with itself or with another cotton plant, and hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety P07X.8212.RF with another cotton variety or plant and to methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This disclosure also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety P07X.8212.RF, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety P07X.8212.RF, and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method of altering the metabolism of a plant by carrying out the steps of treating seeds of the plant with non-genetically engineered selected mutant pink-pigmented facultative methylotroph having a plant altering capability, and growing the plants from the treated seeds, wherein the plants that grow from such treated seeds exhibit an altered characteristic relative to non-treated plants.

Abstract: Microbial compositions comprising at least two components are disclosed. The first component comprises HYTa which is a consortium of microbes derived from fertile soils and commercial sources. The second component comprises at least one of chitin, chitosan, glucosamine and amino acids. The various microbes in HYTa are capable of fixing nitrogen, digesting proteins and other biopolymers such as chitin and chitosan, providing protection against plant pathogens and supplementing the microbial flora of soil. Also disclosed are processes where the aforementioned microbial compositions are used to treat soil, seeds, seedlings and/or plant foliage alone or in combination with chitin, chitosan, glucosamine and/or amino acids.

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: 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: The invention is directed to a seed coating composition, to a seed coating cocktail, to a method for preparing a coated seed, to a coated seed, and to the use of specific inorganic particles. The seed coating composition for a seed comprises water and at least 35 wt. % by weight of the coating composition of inorganic particles, wherein the mean particle size (D50) of said inorganic particles as measured by laser obscuration time technology is 250 ?m or less.

Abstract: Articles-of-manufacturing which comprise (a) a germinateable seed having a germinating end and an apparent germination polarity; or alternatively a germinateable seed having a hole formed therein; and (b) a cage or, respectively alternatively, a member securing the germinateable seed; the cage having a structure such that when securing the germinateable seed, the cage not inhibiting or slowing a germination process of the germinateable seed; the member is secured to the hole. Seedlings which comprise the cage or member engaged therewith. Articles-of-manufacturing which comprise the seed or seedling, the cage or member and a display article attached to the cage or member. Methods of making same and of displaying the display article in context of the seedling.

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: The present invention is in the field of product marking and identification, more in particular to methods of differentiating products or product versions and to methods of product authentication. The present invention further relates to marker systems for product authentication, to a kit of parts for applying a marker system to a product and identifying the marked product, in particular seed, to seed coating compositions and to coated seed.

Abstract: Cast pellets containing plants seeds and methods of making the cast pellets are described. The cast pellets include a mixture of one or more plant seeds and a setable, flowable casting substance. The casting substance can be a thermoplastic or another material such as plaster, polyacrylamide or a derivative thereof, polyacrylic acid, a melt processable starch, wax, polyvinyl alcohol, glyceride, partial glyceride, or mixtures thereof. The mixture can additionally contain other substances, such as fillers, plant growth regulators, insecticides, fungicides, bactericides, fertilizers, microorganisms, or mixtures thereof. The seeds can be of the same or different species, and can be selected to have, for example, the same or different flower colors.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for producing a liquid inoculant containing a desiccant. The method can improve survival and stability of bacteria in liquid inoculants in pack and on seeds. The method includes providing a liquid inoculant of a bacterium grown to a substantially stationary phase. A desiccant treatment containing a desiccant is added to the liquid inoculant to form a partially desiccated inoculant product. The partially desiccated inoculant product can be packaged and stored. The partially desiccated inoculant product can also be applied to seeds.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for producing a liquid inoculant containing a desiccant. The method can improve survival and stability of bacteria in liquid inoculants in pack and on seeds. The method includes providing a liquid inoculant of a bacteria grown to a substantially stationary phase. A desiccant treatment containing a desiccant is added to the liquid inoculant to form a partially desiccated inoculant product. The partially desiccated inoculant product can be packaged and stored. The partially desiccated inoculant product can also be applied to seeds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a colorant of the formula (2) where M=Ca, Sr or a combination of Ca and Sr.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel liquid aqueous plant protection formulation which comprises a) at least one organic plant protectant with a water solubility of less than 5 g/l at 20° C.; b) at least one organic solvent with a water solubility of over 100 g/l at 20° C.; c) at least one organic solvent with a water solubility of from 2 to 100 g/l at 20° C.; d) at least one organic solvent with a water solubility of less than 2 g/l at 20° C.; e) at least one nonionic surfactant; f) at least one anionic surfactant; and g) water. The invention also relates to the use of the plant protection formulation for the treatment of plants and seed, to corresponding methods, and to treated seed.

Abstract: An inbred corn line, designated BD9122BM, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line BD9122BM, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line BD9122BM with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line BD9122BM with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line BD9122BM, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line BD9122BM and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the number of seedlings per number of sowed grains of seed comprising a) treating seed with a pesticide and an aqueous compositions comprising a polymer selected from vinylidene chloride copolymer or chitosan; and b) drying said treated seed. The present invention further relates to the use of a polymer selected from vinylidene chloride copolymer or chitosan for increasing the number of seedlings per number of sowed grains of seed, wherein the seed has been treated with a pesticide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for increasing the amount of enzymes in a grain by germinating the grain in conditions in which the grain is wounded. The invention also relates to hydrolases obtainable from grains for use in food processing and manufacturing industries, to the germination of grains such as barley and to isolation of enzymes from grains.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of producing a synchronized population of conifer somatic embryo germinants in preparation for transplantation. The methods of the invention comprise the steps of: (a) culturing conifer somatic embryos on sterile germination medium for a sufficient period of time to produce germinants comprising a visible, well-defined epicotyl stem of a desired length; (b) selecting a plurality of germinants having an epicotyl stem of the desired length; (c) storing the selected germinants having an epicotyl stem of the desired length produced in step (a) while still on the sterile germination medium from step (a) in a cold environment in which the temperature is in the range of 0.5° C. to 10° C. for a time period up to six months; and (d) transferring the germinants stored according to step (c) from the germination medium into water for a time of up to about four weeks at a temperature of about 0.5° C. to about 5° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymeric composition for coating solid substrates (S) consisting of: a) 0.5-90% by weight of polyethylene glycol with a weight-average molecular weight in the range from 1500 to 20 000 g/mol (component A), b) 0.5-20% by weight of a water-soluble polyvinylpyrrolidone with a Fikentscher K value in the range from 12 to 90 (component B), c) 0-95% by weight of a solvent (L), and d) 0-70% by weight of one or more non-polymeric aids (component C).

Abstract: A gel-coated seed is provided, which has sufficient strength for handling just after the production thereof and after the recovery following the storage under drying, and has a good property in terms of standing-up of seedling. The gel-coated seed includes: a seed of a plant; a coating gel-layer, which coats the seed, consisting of alginic acid-based aqueous gel gelled in the presence of a multivalent metal ion; and grains consisting of water-containing hydrophilic polymer, which is resistant to the multivalent metal ion, distributed in the coating gel-layer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for improving germination of manufactured seeds. The manufactured seed of the invention comprises a seed coat, nutritive media comprising an adsorbent material in a concentration from about 30 g/L to about 100 g/L, and a shoot restraint comprising a cavity. The manufactured seed further comprises a plant embryo. The adsorbent material may be nutrient-treated or non-nutrient-treated charcoal. The manufactured seed may optionally contain an adsorbent material in the cavity of the shoot restraint.

Abstract: Articles-of-manufacturing which comprise (a) a germinateable seed having a germinating end and an apparent germination polarity; or alternatively a germinateable seed having a hole formed therein; and (b) a cage or, respectively alternatively, a member securing the germinateable seed; the cage having a structure such that when securing the germinateable seed, the cage not inhibiting or slowing a germination process of the germinateable seed; the member is secured to the hole. Seedlings which comprise the cage or member engaged therewith. Articles-of-manufacturing which comprise the seed or seedling, the cage or member and a display article attached to the cage or member. Methods of making same and of displaying the display article in context of the seedling.

Abstract: A seed coated with a composition including a binder, a wax, one or more stabilizers, and an optional colorant.

Abstract: An artificial seed is provided. The artificial seed includes a seed shell having a live end, a dead end and a perimeter. A nutritive media disposed within the seed shell. The artificial seed also includes a restraint disposed within the seed shell and having a cavity housing an embryo. A primary end seal is attached to the live end of the seed shell. The artificial seed further includes an end seal disposed on the dead end of the seed shell and the end seal has at least three closure axes forming a seal in a direction extending along each one of the closure axes.

Abstract: A method of improving germination rate in pesticide-treated plant seeds involves forming a pesticide-free polymer coating on a plant seed before treating the seed with a pesticide, where the type of polymer and the coating thickness are designed to block phytotoxic contact of the pesticide with the seed while allowing sufficient transfer of oxygen to maintain the seed's viability and sufficient transfer of moisture under environmental conditions normally encountered by the seed after planting to enable its germination; and then treating the coated plant seed with a pesticide. Seeds that have been treated by this method, and plants that are grown from the treated seeds are also described.

Abstract: A method of dressing seeds is disclosed. The method utilizes a seed treatment slurry which is applied to seed by subjecting the seed and seed treatment slurry to a dual asymmetrical centrifugal mixing motion. The method provides uniformly dressed seeds and is suitable for dressing small seed lots.

Abstract: In general the present invention provides various embodiments of an encapsulated seed article and a method for encapsulating a seed to form an encapsulated seed article. The encapsulated seed article may comprise one or more seeds that are encapsulated by a compressible encapsulation medium. In various embodiments, the encapsulated seed article may include a surface coating and/or an intermediate coating. In some embodiments, the encapsulated seed article may include an additive. In some embodiments, a characteristic or a combination of characteristics of the encapsulated seed article may be configured to identify a feature of encapsulated seed article. The present invention also provides various embodiments for a plurality of encapsulated seed articles having uniform seed article sizes or seed article shapes and a method for encapsulating a plurality of seeds to form a plurality of seed articles having uniform seed article sizes or seed article shapes.

Abstract: The present invention provides innovative methods and techniques for improving seedling germination and plant establishment within wildland and forested ecosystems, cultivated systems, urbanized areas, and areas impacted by wildfire. The invention comprises novel seed coating methods for applying wetting agents (or surfactants), tackifiers, and other beneficial soil and plant amendments, to single seeds or agglomerates composed of pellets containing multiple seeds.

Abstract: A method of preparing a material for use in a manufactured seed is provided. The method includes providing the material having a melting temperature. The method also includes subjecting the material to a heat treatment at a temperature about 10% below the melting temperature for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method of controlling the release rate of an agricultural active ingredient from a seed that has been treated with that active includes providing a seed that has been treated with the active ingredient, applying to the treated seed a film that includes an emulsion of a polymer in a liquid in which both the agricultural active ingredient and the polymer have low levels of solubility, and then curing the film to form a water insoluble polymer coating on the surface of the treated seed. Seeds that have been treated by this method are also provided.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to soil erosion and the establishment of an appropriate seed bed. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a composition applied to exposed soil wherein the composition comprises organic material produced when the methane is burned from green manure and dried. This organic material combines seed and a liquid carrier, such that the substance can be hydraulically applied to the desired area. Fertilizer or other nutrients are often added to the mixture to further enhance the product and to encourage growth.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide seeds coated with an antagonistic microorganism, which have high-level disease control effects and high preservation stability. The present invention makes it possible to drastically elevate the survival percentage of an antagonistic microorganism in seeds coated with the antagonistic microorganism by vacuum inoculating seeds with the antagonistic microorganism, drying seeds inoculated with the antagonistic microorganism under low-temperature, low-humidity conditions, or a combination of these methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to semitransparent interference pigments having a neutral mass tone comprising a substrate and a coating comprising metallic tin and additionally at least one metal oxide, to a process for the preparation of these pigments, and to the use thereof.

Abstract: A package includes seeds of a plant variety, the seeds being ready to start germinating after being wetted and having a coating to accelerate or delay germinating. The package contains seeds with different coatings causing different accelerations and/or delays in the start of germination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diketopyrrolopyrrole pigment of formula (I) in which R10, R11, R12 and R13 independently of one another denote hydrogen, halogen, C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy, cyano or phenyl, characterized by a first maximum of the frequency distribution (according to weight fractions) of the crystal sizes at or below 700 nm and at least one further maximum of the frequency distribution (according to weight fractions) of the crystal sizes which is at least 100 nm above the first maximum.

Abstract: Disclosed are yellowing-stable, silver-white effect pigments having high whiteness based on synthetic mica flakes and to the use thereof in paints, lacquers, printing inks, plastics, button pastes, ceramic materials, glasses, for coloring seed, as dopant in laser markings of plastics and papers, as additive for laser welding of plastics, as additive for coloring in the foods and pharmaceuticals sectors and in cosmetic formulations, and for the preparation of pigment compositions and dry preparations.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of storing conifer somatic embryo germinants germinated on a sterile germination medium for delayed transplanting into a growth medium. The methods of the invention comprise the steps of: (a) placing the germinants while still on sterile germination medium into a cold environment in which the temperature is in the range of 0.5° C. to 10° C. for a time period up to six months, said germinants comprising a visible, well-defined epicotyl and radicle; and (b) placing the germinants in water for a time greater than about 1 hour at a temperature below about 24° C. prior to transplantation into growth medium.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically harvesting and screening plant embryos in multiple stages to identify those embryos that are suited for incorporation into manufactured seeds are provided. The method includes generally three steps. First, plant embryos are automatically sorted according to their rough size/shape and also singulated into discrete embryo units, for example by vibrational sieving. Second, the sorted and singulated plant embryos are classified using a first classification method. For example, each embryo may be imaged by a camera and the image is used to ascertain the embryo's more precise size/shape. Third, for those embryos that have passed the first classification method, a second classification method is applied. For example, a pre-developed classification algorithm to classify embryos according to their putative germination vigor may be applied to the same image used in the first classification method, to identify those embryos that are likely to germinate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of aerogels as carrier materials for active substances in agriculture and/or veterinary medicine.

Abstract: A gel-coated seed is provided, which has sufficient strength for handling just after the production thereof and after the recovery following the storage under drying, and has a good property in terms of standing-up of seedling. The gel-coated seed includes: a seed of a plant; a coating gel-layer, which coats the seed, consisting of alginic acid-based aqueous gel gelled in the presence of a multivalent metal ion; and grains consisting of water-containing hydrophilic polymer, which is resistant to the multivalent metal ion, distributed in the coating gel-layer.

Abstract: A method for securing seeds in an automatic seeding process includes the steps of placing individual seeds in pellets in a tray on a conveyor belt and then securing the seeds on each pellet by placing a gel film over each seed so that the pellets can be transported to a greenhouse. The gel film is provided by contacting a gel precursor with a gelling agent in the presence of the seed.

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: A method of preventing defective germination or rosette formation of a plant seed that tends to suffer from defective germination or rosette formation during growth thereof is provided, which can be easily carried out without using large-scale equipment and makes the sowing after the treatment of the method easy. The method of preventing defective germination or rosette formation of a plant seed includes the steps of: leaving the plant seed to stand in highly watery condition at low temperature in a dark place; and drying the plant seed.

Abstract: An artificial seed is provided. The artificial seed includes a seed shell having a live end, a dead end and a perimeter. A nutritive media disposed within the seed shell. The artificial seed also includes a restraint disposed within the seed shell and having a cavity housing an embryo. A primary end seal is attached to the live end of the seed shell. The artificial seed further includes an end seal disposed on the dead end of the seed shell and the end seal has at least three closure axes forming a seal in a direction extending along each one of the closure axes.

Abstract: The growth and development of cotton is enhanced by an application of relatively low concentrations of a cytokinin to cotton seed or to a growing cotton plant at a stage of growth between the cotyledon stage and the six-leaf stage. Application of the cytokinins is effective to elicit one or more effects in the resultant plant including reduced apical dominance, increased rate of development of fruiting branches, decreased time to first bloom, increased number of cotton squares formed, thickening of the hypocotyl, reduced rate of leaf wilting, reduced water usage, and increased root development.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a fluid dispensing pump interchangeably connected to a fluid dispensing pump manipulator that is capable of translating the fluid dispensing pump between two known positions along the Z-axis, and at least one open ended container, such as a seedcoat, disposed below the fluid dispensing pump for receiving fluid therefrom. The fluid dispensing system further includes a controller. The controller 30 sends control signals for automating the fluid dispensing process.