Abstract: A catheter-based procedure system comprises: a robotic drive body; a support arm supporting the robotic drive body; a first drive module configured to move along a longitudinal axis of the robotic drive body; a second drive module configured to move along the longitudinal axis of the robotic drive body, the second drive module being separate from the first drive module; and a sterile barrier.

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: Disclosed are methods of preserving pollen such that the pollen has improved viability as compared to pollen that is left in ambient conditions. A method of the present invention includes separating 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. In some embodiments, the substance may at least partially regulate pollen moisture content, such as maintaining pollen moisture content at 15-60%.

Abstract: A catheter-based procedure system comprises: a robotic drive body; a support arm supporting the robotic drive body; a first drive module configured to move along a longitudinal axis of the robotic drive body; a second drive module configured to move along the longitudinal axis of the robotic drive body, the second drive module being separate from the first drive module; and a sterile barrier. The sterile barrier includes: a first portion covering a portion of the support arm and a portion of the robotic drive body; a second portion that is removably coupled to the robotic drive body, the second portion being more rigid than the first portion; a resilient third portion extending from the second portion, the resilient third portion having a first free edge arranged along the longitudinal axis and the first free edge being adjacent the first drive module.

Abstract: Provided is a self-adjusting applicator apparatus and method for use in applying solid, particulate compositions or liquid compositions to plants. In particular, the applicator is self-adjusting on a row of plants regardless of any curvature or inconsistency in plant row spacing. The applicator may include a biasing member, at least one pivot member, and at least one guide member. Contact between the at least one guide member and a plant may be configured to cause the at least one pivot member to pivot about a pivot point. The application means may be directly or indirectly attached to the at least one pivot member, such that the application means moves to best position itself about the plant to which material will be applied, thereby ensuring proper alignment of the application with a row of plants.

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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: Described are methods of Poaceae pollen preservation which improve the viability and longevity of such pollen for use in pollinating plants. In addition, methods of thawing and stabilization of cryogenically stored pollen are described. Methods of statically drying pollen in preparation for cryogenic, refrigerated, or ambient storage that help preserve high pollen fertility levels are described. In addition, the requirement for a specific relative humidity range during drying is demonstrated. Using a rate of drying that is optimized to predict the pollen moisture content is used to maximize pollen fertility post-storage. In addition, the consideration of evaporative demand at the time of preparing pollen for storage is demonstrated to be important to maximizing post-storage fertility.

Abstract: A catheter-based procedure system comprises: a robotic drive body; a support arm supporting the robotic drive body; a first drive module configured to move along a longitudinal axis of the robotic drive body; a second drive module configured to move along the longitudinal axis of the robotic drive body, the second drive module being separate from the first drive module; and a sterile barrier.

Abstract: This invention describes a new method to generate oilseed 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: A sterile barrier for a robotic drive comprises a first drive module configured to move moving along a longitudinal axis of a drive body. The sterile barrier comprises a first resilient member having a first free edge proximate the longitudinal axis. The first free edge adjacent the first drive module is resiliently biased away from and returned to the longitudinal axis as the first drive module moves along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: This invention describes a new method to generate cereal crop 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: Described are methods of field conditioning and preserving pollen and/or anthers from the Poaceae family of plants. 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 50% to about 100% and a temperature ranging from about ?10 to about 10° C. The field conditioning conditions and preservation conditions may further include a flow of one or more continuously refreshed, selected gases passing through pollen held on a permeable or impermeable surface. 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 wheat 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: Described are methods of preserving cereal crop 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 a an air flow at a humidity ranging from 0% to about 99% and a temperature ranging from about ?10-10° C. The field conditioning 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%.

Abstract: Described are methods of grain production with field conditioned pollen. A method of the present invention includes growing one or more designated female plants that include both female and male components, collecting fresh pollen from designated male plants from a different genetic background, and subjecting the fresh pollen to field conditions, which may regulate pollen moisture content. The field conditioning conditions may include a relative humidity ranging from about 50% to about 100%, a temperature ranging from about ?10-10° C., and an air pressure ranging from about 15 kPa to about 150 kPa. These conditions may result in pollen having a moisture content of about 40% to about 58%. The one or more designated female plants are intentionally cross-pollinated with the field conditioned pollen and then grown to maturity such that the grain may be harvested therefrom. Also provided is a method of preventing undesirable pollination in grain production.