Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of controlling seed germination in non-dormant seeds. The invention is notably directed to a method of delaying germination or temporarily inducing dormancy in non-dormant seeds. The invention further relates to transgenic plants and seeds presenting controlled or delayed germination, notably under environmental favorable conditions.

Abstract: A device comprises an energy source capable of generating short bursts of energy at a variable pulse repetition rates. The repetition rates range from a single shot to several hundreds Mega-Hertz so that selective, three dimensional interactions with a volumetric zone of skin or issue can be created substantially without damage or substantial changes to overlying or underlying or surrounding tissue or skin.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated testing of seeds includes a testing device having a testing stage, for analyzing a seed delivered to the testing stage; and a conveyor for automatically individually conveying each of a plurality of seeds in a tray between individual compartments in the tray and the testing stage of the testing device.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of plant biochemistry. More specifically the invention relates to nucleic acid sequences from plant cells, in particular, DNA sequences from maize and soybean plants associated with the methionine pathway. The invention encompasses nucleic acid molecules that encode proteins and fragments of proteins. In addition, the invention also encompasses proteins and fragments of proteins so encoded and antibodies capable of binding these proteins or fragments. The invention also relates to methods of using the nucleic acid molecules, proteins and fragments of proteins and antibodies, for example for genome mapping, gene identification and analysis, plant breeding, preparation of constructs for use in plant gene expression and transgenic plants.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for devitalizing plant seed, the method comprising the steps of hydrating a viable whole plant seed and freezing the hydrated whole plant seed. The invention further provides a collection of devitalized whole plant seed wherein the integrity of genomic DNA and protein within the devitalized plant seed is preserved.

Abstract: A process of mechanical separation of embryos from seeds for genetic transplantation employs counter-rotating cylinders together with one or more culling, hydration, separation, and viability testing steps to provide high-throughput of viable, transplantable tissue.

Abstract: Insect refuge strategies are described for the management of insect resistance development. The present invention relates generally to the control of pests that cause damage to crop plants, and in particular to corn plants, by their feeding activities directed to root damage, and more particularly to the control of such plant pests by exposing target pests to seeds or mixtures of seeds having multiple different modes of action. The first one or more transgenes and the second one or more transgenes are each, respectively, insecticidal to the same target insect but have different modes of action, and bind either semi-competitively or non-competitively to different binding sites in the target pest. In addition, the treatment of such seed with a chemical or peptide-associated pesticide prior to planting the seed is also disclosed.

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: The present invention includes long-day onion plants comprising bulbs having low pungency and methods for obtaining such onions. The present invention also provides reagents and materials that can be used in the methods for obtaining such onions.

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: The present invention relates to feedstuffs for use in aquaculture, as well as methods for producing said feedstuffs. The invention also provides methods for rearing fish and/or crustaceans. In particular, the present invention provides a method of rearing a fish or crustacean, the method comprising feeding the fish or crustacean a feedstuff comprising lipid, the fatty acid of said lipid comprising at least 5.5% (w/w) stearidonic acid (SDA).

Abstract: The method for making a turf provides a seedling tray (1), for example, of plastic material, having a plurality of cells (5) having flaring or prismatic shape. Each cell (5) has a hole (6) at the basis (7) suitable for outflow of the irrigation water throughout cultivation of the plant species. In particular, the method provides the introduction in each cell (5) of a measured amount of growth substrate (13) containing the nutritive substances necessary to ensure the development of a seedling (10) of herbaceous species ready for being planted in a plantation site (20), once achieved a suitable maturation. The seedling (10) can be obtained starting from seeds (16), or alternatively, starting from parts of plants. The cultivation in the seedling tray (1) carried out starting from parts of plants is particularly advantageous in case seeds are not available of the chosen grass species, for example in case of hybrid species.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for administering at least one substance to a plant or plant material, comprising of: (i) providing at least one substrate with a surface and at least one plant location therein; (ii) providing injecting means; (iii) moving the substrate and the injection means relative to each other; (iv) controlling an alignment of the injecting means relative to the plant location; and (v) injecting the substance at the position of the plant location using the injecting means.

Abstract: The PAM delivery product is a solid form of polyacrylamide polymer (PAM). Among other things, the PAM delivery product can be used to prevent ruts formed during center-pivot irrigation, prevent erosion of irrigation ditches, clarify wastewater, and assist seed germination and seedling establishment. The PAM delivery product includes pure PAM and water to create a solid “loaf.” Water-soluble calcium (Ca) can also be added to the PAM delivery product depending on the specific application for the PAM delivery product. When Ca is used in the PAM delivery product, it is present in a 9:1 ratio to the PAM There are no fixing agents needed in the PAM delivery product; it is pure active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to producing a plant containing vitamin B12. Accordingly, the present invention provides a seed and a plant containing vitamin B12. The present invention is also directed to a method of producing a plant containing vitamin B12 comprising soaking a seed, spore or hypha of a plant in a soaking solution containing vitamin B12, and cultivating the seed, spore or hypha of the plant thus soaked. Furthermore, the present invention provides a soaking solution containing vitamin B12 for introducing vitamin B12 into a plant.

Abstract: An automated seed sampler includes a sampling station; a sampler for removing material from a seed in the sampling station; a seed conveyer for conveying the seed from the sampling station to a compartment in a seed tray; and a conveyor for conveying the material removed from the seed to a corresponding compartment in a sample tray. The method of the present invention comprises feeding seeds individually to a sampling station, removing a sample from the seed in the sampling station; conveying the sample to a compartment in a sample tray, and conveying the seed to a corresponding compartment in a seed tray. The samples can be tested, and the seeds can be sorted according to the results of the testing of their corresponding samples.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved seed coatings which facilitate fall or early spring planting while maintaining seed dormancy until soil temperatures are appropriate for successful germination. The improved seed coatings contain encapsulated phase change materials within a polymeric shell which preserve the dormancy of the seed during early planting by slowing the rate at which the seed temperature rises in the event of a temperature spike thus preventing premature germination. The encapsulated phase change material is a material characterized by a solid/liquid or liquid/solid phase change which occurs at a temperature which ranges from about ?5 to about 20° C., preferably between about 0 to about 19° C., most preferably between about 5 to about 15° C.

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: A growing medium includes a bulking agent and a water-retentive polymer blended together and compressed at a volume-to-volume ratio ranging from about 2:1 to about 10:1, being substantially free of a water-soluble binder material.

Abstract: A method for creating a verified food source comprises planting verified seed in accordance with planting protocols to create a crop, growing the crop in accordance with crop protocols, harvesting the crop in accordance with harvest protocols to obtain grain, storing the grain in accordance with storage protocols, inspecting the grain to identify grain that meets predetermined grain standards, verifying the grain that meets the predetermined grain standards, feeding the verified grain to a certified food source, fostering the food source in accordance with fostering protocols, inspecting the food source to identify food source that meets the fostering protocols, and verifying the food source that meets the fostering protocols.

Abstract: A method for producing polyploid plants of orchids includes the steps of: providing a protocorm or protocom-like body (PLB) of an orchid, the protocorm or PLB having an upper portion with a growing point and a lower portion without any growing point; cutting the protocorm or PLB approximately at a point of half height to separate the upper portion; subculturing the lower portion of the protocorm or PLB in an inducing medium, and putting a cut surface of the lower portion of the protocorm or PLB to face upward so that one or more next-generation PLBs grow from the cut surface of the lower portion. The method characterized in using no antimicrotubule agent can simplify the entire process of orchid polyploidy breeding, and can be used in mass-production of the stable polyploid plants.

Abstract: A process of recommending crop varieties based on management categories. The management categories are determined by utilizing indices, which measure the economic implication of physical and chemical properties of a specific soil type in a region. The management categories may then be indicated graphically by indicia overlaying digitized soil maps, each of the indicia grouping soil types within a management category. Each crop variety is characterized by how the crop variety performs in each of the management categories. Each of the crop varieties may then be assigned an indicium of the management category for which it is adapted.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to facilitate removal of a growing medium and the root structure of a plant surrounded by the growing medium while maintaining the integrity of the growing medium and root structure. The apparatus comprises a U-shaped connector body having a first blade and a second blade extended down there from. The first blade has a first end and a second end to which the first end of the U-shaped connector body is connected. The connection of the first blade to the U-shaped connector body is at an angle causing the first blade to extend downward when the U-shaped connector body is positioned horizontally. The second blade has a first end and a second end to which the second end of the U-shaped connector body is connected. The connection of the second blade to the U-shaped body is at an angle causing the second blade to extend downward when the U-shaped connector body is positioned horizontally.

Abstract: A method of treatment and seeding or planting of seeds and/or plantable material in a substrate with at least one planting position, including in any order: (a) treating the seeds and/or the plantable material with a treatment substance by depositing the treatment substance in or at the planting position with the aid of treatment depositing device; and (b) depositing the seeds and/or the plantable material at the planting position with the aid of a seed and/or plantable material depositing device; (c) displacing the substrate and at least one of the treatment depositing device and the seed and/or plantable material depositing device relative to one another; (d) providing a substrate having at least two plant positions formed independently from the process in advance thereof at a pre-defined distance in the direction of relative displacement; and (e) controlling the treatment depositing device and the seed and/or plantable material depositing device for depositing at least one specimen of the seeds and/or the

Abstract: A method of optimizing the nutritional content of seeds to create nutritionally enriched foodstuffs for consumption by both humans and animals alike. Seeds are germinated under controlled conditions amenable to large scale, high-throughput commercial processing, and their germination is arrested at the apex of germination, where they have achieved peak nutritional value. Arrested germination seeds can be consumed directly, or dried for long term storage and later use. Additionally, nutritionally optimized seeds can be popped or puffed to create nutritionally enriched snack foods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a least a portion of one or more initial seed samples to create one or more treated seed samples for use in research applications is provided. In various embodiments, the apparatus and method utilize two or more seed treaters operating in parallel to increase throughput for treating a portion of one or more initial seed samples. The apparatus and method may also include a metering station configured to distribute at least a portion of the one or more initial seed samples to the two or more seed treaters. As a result, the apparatus and method are configured to efficiently and accurately treat seed samples.

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 a method for repairing, regrassing or establishing a green, which method comprises incorporating in the soil surface of the green and/or putting in holes in the surface of the green an/or applying at the soil surface of the green a flowable primed grass seed which displays physiological activity. The invention also relates to the use of primed grass seed to repair, regrass or establish a green which grass seed displays physiological activity. Further, the invention provides a flowable primed grass seed displaying physiological activity.

Abstract: An automated seed sampler includes a sampling station, a sampler for removing material from a seed in the sampling station; a seed conveyer for conveying the seed from the sampling station to a compartment in a seed tray, and a conveyor for conveying the material removed from the seed to a corresponding compartment in a sample tray. And a method for bulking up a quantity of plant seed having a desired characteristic generally includes testing each seed for the desired characteristic, cultivating plants only from seeds which tested positive for the desired characteristic, recovering seed from the cultivated plants, and repeating the processes of testing, cultivating, and recovering seed for one or multiple generations.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for promoting the growth of shoots from a log, the methods each including the step of applying a fertilizer solution, that includes less than about 0.01% (w/v) nitrogen, to a member of the group consisting of an Alder log, a Beech log and a Birch log, in an amount sufficient to promote the growth of shoots from the log.

Abstract: A plant growth-promoting and quality-improving agent is disclosed. The agent contains a water-insoluble inorganic micronutrient pulverized to a particle size of not more than a specified particle size, and is effective for a long period of time if applied a small number of times to a seed, a root, a nursery box, and a base of a plant. A method for promoting the growth and improving the quality of plants is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for germinating seeds is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of translucent hollow spheres, each sphere having apertures therethrough for entry and egress of liquid and air, wherein each of the plurality of translucent hollow spheres includes soil and at least one of the seeds; a tray, for confining the spheres to an basin area within a periphery of the tray while permitting the spheres to roll on a rolling surface within the periphery of the tray; a platform; and a plurality of solenoids disposed on the platform for tilting the tray to displace the spheres, each solenoid having a shaft longitudinally extendable in a direction away from the platform upon activation of the solenoid and each shaft having an end distal from the solenoid coupled proximate to the periphery of the tray.

Abstract: The process for dispersing plant seeds comprises the steps of feeding a suspension of seeds in an aqueous medium into an axially symmetric vertical device until its circulation circuit including a pump and piping is filled up, dispersing the seeds by pumping the suspension through the circulation circuit closed, involving turbulent motion and attended heating of the flow of the suspension upstream of the device, and spirally whirling the flow within the device until a product of a predetermined consistency and temperature is obtained, degassing and discharging the product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing young moss seedlings preferable as greenery plants, by which a plenty of young moss seedlings can be produced with high speed under artificially controlled atmosphere. In nutrient solution, young moss seedlings are grown with regeneration buds 2 bred around gametophytes 1, at a temperature of 0 to 60° C., with photosynthetic active photon flux density (PPFD) of not greater than 200 (?molm?2s?1), fertilizer concentration (mS/cm) of 0 to 1.0, and by repeating light periods and dark periods in cycles of 24 hours or less duration, aerating and stirring, and controlling growth of young moss seedlings.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for separating a seed aliquot from a bulk sample and preparing the seed aliquot for downstream research purposes is provided. The system embodiments may comprise a counter device, which is configured to receive at least a portion of the bulk sample and to separate the seed aliquot from the portion of the bulk sample, and a packaging device, which is configured to receive the separated seed aliquot and to dispense the aliquot into an aliquot container. Other embodiments may include a conveyor system for advancing the bulk sample and/or seed aliquot along a conveyance path that may be determined from a research protocol received from an input source. Various embodiments of the present invention may maintain an identity of the seed aliquot as it is advanced along the conveyance path and may selectively subject the seed aliquot to a variety of processing steps in accordance with the research protocol with little or no manual control or supervision.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increased yields of water-soluble polyphenols from plant seeds is provided. The method includes inducing seed germination within a selected range of temperatures. The method also includes inducing germination in an atmosphere having elevated carbon oxygen concentration and/or a reduced concentration of oxygen. The method further includes exposing the seeds to light and extracting water-soluble polyphenols with an aqueous solution without adding an organic solvent such as alcohol.

Abstract: A transport mechanism (20) for use in a manufactured seed assembly is provided. The transport mechanism includes first and second arms (24a and 24b) attached to an actuator (22). Each of the first and second arms having an attachment end (46) coupled to the actuator and a free end (48). The first and second arms being deployable between a closed position, wherein the first and second arms are displaced towards each other for clamping onto an object (34) having a shape, and an open position. The transport mechanism also includes a gripping member (50) located on the free end of each of the first and second arms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing Tricholoma matsutake-infected young pine trees by coculturing aseptic seedlings of a pine tree with a T. matsutake isolate, comprising the steps of liquid-culturing fruit bodies of naturally occurring matsutake mushrooms in PDB (Potatto Dextrose Broth, Difco) and inoculating T. matsutake KBFERI 20T05 isolated from the cultured fruit bodies; placing mixed soil of perlite and sphagnum peatmoss and K-liquid medium onto the inoculated fungus; and planting aseptic seedlings obtained by aseptically germinating pine seeds into the mixed soil, and then culturing the pine seedlings with the T. matsutake isolate to allow ectomycorrhiza formation on the fine roots of the pine seedlings. The method of the present invention is advantageous in terms of giving objectivity for the fungal inoculum by employing as an inoculum a fungus having DNA homology with the conventionally known T. matsutake, and of making it possible to mass produce T. matsutake-infected pine trees throughout the Year.

Abstract: The invention provides a new form of vegetative propagating material, referred to as “the grass plantlet”, as well as a method for producing it. The new vegetative planting material and the method by which it is obtained make it possible to replicate and increase both warm and cool season grasses more rapidly than by the conventional methods of seeding, sprigging, or plugging. Three to five new, clean, and pure generations of a newly developed seeded or vegetative cultivar can be obtained each year. Outcrossing, the need for burning and possibly for herbicide use are eliminated by the present invention. The present methodology embodies a sterile production system resulting in grass plantlets that are free of nematodes, pathogenic fungi, and damaging insects.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for bio-fumigation using Brassica seeds. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method for controlling monocot and dicot weed populations and maintaining plant growth and production through bio-fumigation using Brassica seeds. Brassica seeds may be mixed with zeolite to enhance the effect of bio-fumigation in some instances. The method for bio-fumigation of the present invention includes seeding using yellow mustard, (Brassica juncea (L.), Czernj. & Coss.), and/or rape, (Brassica napus L. var. napus).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for evaluating the physical strength of husks of a barley ingredient for malt manufacture. Barley kernels with husks are disposed in a sulfuric acid solution with a concentration of approximately 40% to 60%, and are agitated for a prescribed time (e.g. approximately 1 hour) using a stirrer bar or the like. After agitation, the barley kernels are treated with a mixed liquid of Methylene Blue and Eosin, and the degree of peeled husk (remaining degree) is examined by referring to the degree of dyed barley kernels, to thereby evaluate the physical strength of the husks of the barley kernels.

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 for creating a verified food source comprises planting verified seed in accordance with planting protocols to create a crop, growing the crop in accordance with crop protocols, harvesting the crop in accordance with harvest protocols to obtain grain, storing the grain in accordance with storage protocols, inspecting the grain to identify grain that meets predetermined grain standards, verifying the grain that meets the predetermined grain standards, feeding the verified grain to a certified food source, fostering the food source in accordance with fostering protocols, inspecting the food source to identify food source that meets the fostering protocols, and verifying the food source that meets the fostering protocols.

Abstract: A method of creating and preserving the identity of non-GMO seeds, grains, and processed food products by selecting seeds which are known to contain non-GMO varieties, planting the non-GMO crop, inspecting grower's operation and machinery to certify that the operation is free of contamination prior to harvest, harvesting the crop, inspecting the processing facility to verify that its operation is free of contamination prior to harvest, tracking all containers holding non-GMO crops each time the crop is moved, and processing the non-GMO crops into containers for shipment where the containers possess tracking information.

Abstract: The method for treating seeds includes combining a seed treatment, a foaming agent, and a solvent to form a seed treatment composition. The seed treatment composition is foamed to form a foamed seed treatment composition. The foamed seed treatment composition is applied to the seed to form at least one treated seed. The treated seed includes a seed and a seed treatment composition applied to the seed. The seed treatment composition includes at least one seed treatment, a foaming agent, and a solvent. The seed treatment composition preferably also includes a polymer or binder.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a seed germinating apparatus, comprising a soil for cultivating the seed and a container having the soil potted therein. The seed is germinated after the container is opened, and produces a seed leaf formed with a predetermined mark indicative of a message or the like, thereby making it possible to send a message or the like after a certain period of time to an addressee without using an internet computer terminal, a display unit and a printer, or a durable capsule or the like to be buried deep in the ground.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating seeds, comprising the following steps: (a) a sterilization step wherein, for 0.1 to 60 seconds and at a minimum pressure of 0.5 bar absolute, the seeds are contacted with a condensing medium having a condensation temperature of 80-200 DEG C., wherein the medium condenses on the seeds and the temperature of the surface of the seeds is raised to 200 DEG C. at most; and (b) a cooling step wherein the sterilized seeds obtained in step (a) are cooled, wherein the temperature of the surface of the seeds is lowered, within 30 seconds at most, to 50 DEG C. at most, and wherein the conditions of steps (a) and (b) are set such that the germination capacity of the seeds is relatively preserved or increases. The invention further relates to seeds obtainable with the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A mat configured to mount at or around the base of a post to prevent vegetation from growing around the post base and facilitates landscaping around the post is disclosed. The mat has a slot that radiates from a center portion to an outer edge. The slot has interlocking slot sides that mate together to form a seamless or nearly seamless appearance. The center portion can be configured to tightly fit around the outer perimeter of the post. A post cone may be added to or integrally formed with the mat. The post cone extends vertically up the post and provides additional contact area between the post and the mat. Preferably the mats is flexible, maintains its shape during exposure, and thin enough to not interfere with landscaping equipment, but thick enough to provide sufficient weight to allow the mat to maintain contact with the ground.