Abstract: Methods and materials are provided for coating hydrogel capsules containing botanic tissue with an inert substance that decrease capsule surface adhesiveness and facilitates singulation and flowability of the hydrogel capsules. The coating may be composed of at least one hydrophobic powder capable of forming a discontinuous film about the capsule surface.

Abstract: Novel methods are provided for the preparation and delivery of botanic seeds which are pregerminated and maintained in a hydrated state in gel capsules. Various types of botanic seeds are encapsulated, in some embodiments, with beneficial additives, in a gel matrix and pregerminated. These pregerminated seeds emerge more quickly than raw seeds from a number of planting matrices. These seeds can be encapsulated and pregerminated in variously described ways.

Abstract: Novel methods and compositions are provided for the delivery of botanic seeds to an environment for growth and development. Seeds are combined with beneficial adjuvants in an encapsulating, saturated hydrogel matrix which provides a system for the simultaneous delivery of seeds and adjuvants.

Abstract: Methods and materials are provided for desiccated analogs of botanic seeds which are created by removing a portion of the water by slow or fast drying so that the plant tissue is no longer saturated with water. In a second embodiment, the meristematic tissue is encapsulated in a gel or polymer followed by dehydration. In another embodiment, the meristematic tissue is dehydrated prior to encapsulation in a gel. Protectants can be incorporated in the gel capsule. Meristematic tissue can be isolated from, for example, somatic embryos, zygotic and germ line sources.

Abstract: Methods and materials are provided for coating hydrogel capsules which contain encapsulated meristematic tissue substantially free of intact seed coat with a membrane which controls the migration of solvents and their included solutes between the capsule and its environment, thereby creating an analog to natural botanic seed having an artificial seed coat which provides the benefits of natural seed coat. The membranes may be formed of a single compound or various compounds which provide control over the migration of distinct elements.

Abstract: Novel methods and compositions are provided for the delivery of plant meristematic tissue to an environment for growth and development. Isolated meristematic tissue from various sources are combined with beneficial adjuvants in an encapsulating gel matrix which provides a system for the simultaneous delivery of meristematic tissue and adjuvants which can replace true botantic seed.

Abstract: A novel analog to natural botanic seed, together with a process for producing this analog are provided. Plant meristematic tissue capable of producing an entire plant body, and generally from somatic sources, is encapsulated in a gel which protects the tissue during development, while allowing the meristem to grow and mature as normal plants. The chemical and mechanical characteristics of the gel can be varied to suit any plant or method of handling, while allowing inclusion of growth and development enhancing substances.