Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preserving pollen and storing pollen in a diluent that contains between 10% and 50% starch granules by weight or by volume. The preservation technique maintains pollen viability such that the pollen can be used to pollinate plants and create seeds. The method results in stored pollen with improved viability as compared to pollen that is left in ambient conditions or that is mixed with other diluents that do not contain the starch component. The starch can be derived from any source. Also encompassed by the invention are compositions of pollen in diluent mixtures wherein the diluent contains between 10% and 50% starch granules by weight or by volume. The compositions include the separation of dead pollen contents from live pollen grains by using starch mixed with other solid particulates.

Abstract: This invention describes a new method of quantifying pollen collected from floral stigmatic surfaces to quantify pollination efficiency, predict seed or fruit set, and to make further production decisions based upon the predicted seed or fruit set. The invention also describes a new method of quantifying pollen contamination on stigmatic surfaces. In addition, the method describes ways of using the pollination efficiency to make one or more evaluations of methods, treatments, equipment, or other factors. More specifically, this invention relates to a method of predicting seed or fruit set early in the crop growth cycle, enabling decisions regarding additional intentional pollinations that may be necessary in order to maximize seed, grain, or fruit set and yield.

Abstract: A method of intentionally pollinating a Poaceae crop by monitoring one or more environmental parameters and intentionally pollinating said crop at a time based upon the monitored parameters. The correct selection of parameters has been shown to markedly increase seed set, yield, and/or other desirable characteristics, including but not limited to preferred content of oil, starch, protein, and/or other nutritional components. Parameters may include one or more of: temperature, relative humidity, and vapor pressure deficit.

Abstract: Described are methods of field conditioning and preserving dicotyledonous pollen and/or anthers. A method of the present invention includes collecting fresh pollen and/or anthers and introducing the pollen and/or anthers to field conditioning conditions which regulate pollen moisture content. The field conditioning conditions may include an air flow at a humidity ranging from 5% to about 100% and a temperature ranging from about ?10° C. to about 10° C. The field conditioning conditions and preservation conditions may further include a flow of one or more continuously refreshed, selected gases. The field conditioning conditions may dehydrate the pollen to achieve a pollen moisture content of about 15% to about 35%. The preservation conditions may dehydrate the pollen to achieve a pollen moisture content of about 40% to about 58%.

Abstract: This invention describes a new method to generate rice seed. The process involves the delivery of pollen of the male parent at will, as available either in a preserved pollen bank, or using real-time collection from male plants as they become available. Desired pollen is delivered to fertile females during the period when viable pollen from the females and locally proximal unrelated plants is not being released. The delivered male pollen is in such amounts and fortuitously timed that it preferentially pollinates the females. Such fortuitous timing may involve the intentional application of pollen to females a day or two prior to female parent pollen becoming viable, and/or during several periods wherein female parent pollen and/or other proximal plant pollen is not being shed.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising pollen grains such that the pollen has improved viability as compared to pollen that is left in ambient conditions. The compositions include the separation of dead pollen contents from live pollen grains. In some embodiments, pollen grains are stored with a substance that prevents dead pollen contents from interacting with live pollen grains. The substance may be a solid, liquid, gas, or combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of identifying a selected pollination window in a Poaceae crop by monitoring one or more environmental parameters and identifying a selected pollination window based upon the monitored parameters. The correct selection of parameters has been shown to markedly increase seed set, yield, and/or other desirable characteristics, including but not limited to preferred content of oil, starch, protein, and/or other nutritional components. Parameters may include one or more of: temperature, relative humidity, and vapor pressure deficit.

Abstract: Provided is a precision metering and delivery apparatus and method of use for the precise distribution of viable pollen in diluent or other particulate material via metering and delivery of said pollen or other particulate material, said precision metering apparatus comprising a metering apparatus, a delivery system, and a storage device. Apparatuses of the present invention ensure that the pollen or other particulate material is not harmed during the delivery and that the pollen is applied in the correct density or amount.