Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods to facilitate germplasm improvement activities through the use of high throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. In one embodiment, a high-throughput, non-destructive method for analyzing individual seeds in a population of seeds comprises removing a sample from a plurality of seeds in the population while preserving the germination viability of the seed and analyzing the sample for the presence or absence of one or more characteristics of at least one genetic or chemical trait.

Abstract: The present invention provides breeding methods and compositions to enhance the germplasm of a plant. The methods describe the identification and accumulation of transgenes and favorable haplotype genomic regions in the germplasm of a breeding population of crop plants.

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: Polymorphic soybean DNA loci are useful for genotyping between at least two varieties of soybean. Sequences of the loci are useful for designing primers and probe oligonucleotides for detecting polymorphisms in soybean DNA. Polymorphisms are useful for genotyping applications in soybean. The polymorphic markers are useful to establish marker/trait associations, e.g. in linkage disequilibrium mapping and association studies, positional cloning and transgenic applications, marker-aided breeding and marker-assisted selection, and identity by descent studies. The polymorphic markers are also useful in mapping libraries of DNA clones, e.g. for soybean QTLs and genes linked to polymorphisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides breeding methods and compositions to enhance the germplasm of a plant by the use of direct nucleic acid sequence information. The methods describe the identification and accumulation of preferred nucleic acid sequences in the germplasm of a breeding population of plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the identification and selection of loci modulating transgene performance and expression in plant breeding. In addition, methods are provided for screening germplasm entries for the performance and expression of at least one transgene.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring stalk strength and/or root strength of a plant is provided. In accordance with various embodiments, the apparatus includes a conveyer operably connected to a motor for circulatorily driving the conveyer around at least one guide device. At least one pulling finger is coupled to the conveyer. Each pulling finger is structured such that, when the apparatus is positioned adjacent the plant stalk and the conveyor is driven around the guide device, each pulling finger will contact and pull a plant stalk as each pulling finger travels around the guide device. The apparatus additionally includes a force sensor for measuring resistive force encountered by the motor as each pulling finger pulls the plant stalk.

Abstract: Polymorphic maize DNA loci useful for genotyping between at least two varieties of maize. Sequences of the loci are useful for designing primers and probe oligonucleotides for detecting polymorphisms in maize DNA. Polymorphisms are useful for genotyping applications in maize. The polymorphic markers are useful to establish marker/trait associations, e.g. in linkage disequilibrium mapping and association studies, positional cloning and transgenic applications, marker-aided breeding and marker-assisted selection, hybrid prediction and identity by descent studies. The polymorphic markers are also useful in mapping libraries of DNA clones, e.g. for maize QTLs and genes linked to polymorphisms.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring stalk strength and/or root strength of a plant is provided. In accordance with various embodiments, the apparatus includes a conveyer operably connected to a motor for circulatorily driving the conveyer around at least one guide device. At least one pulling finger is coupled to the conveyer. Each pulling finger is structured such that, when the apparatus is positioned adjacent the plant stalk and the conveyor is driven around the guide device, each pulling finger will contact and pull a plant stalk as each pulling finger travels around the guide device. The apparatus additionally includes a force sensor for measuring resistive force encountered by the motor as each pulling finger pulls the plant stalk.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods to facilitate germplasm improvement activities through the use of high throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. In one embodiment, a high-throughput, non-destructive method for analyzing individual seeds in a population of seeds comprises removing a sample from a plurality of seeds in the population while preserving the germination viability of the seed and analyzing the sample for the presence or absence of one or more characteristics of at least one genetic or chemical trait.

Abstract: Polymorphic soybean DNA loci are useful for genotyping between at least two varieties of soybean. Sequences of the loci are useful for designing primers and probe oligonucleotides for detecting polymorphisms in soybean DNA. Polymorphisms are useful for genotyping applications in soybean. The polymorphic markers are useful to establish marker/trait associations, e.g. in linkage disequilibrium mapping and association studies, positional cloning and transgenic applications, marker-aided breeding and marker-assisted selection, and identity by descent studies. The polymorphic markers are also useful in mapping libraries of DNA clones, e.g. for soybean QTLs and genes linked to polymorphisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides breeding methods and compositions to enhance the germplasm of a plant. The methods describe the identification and accumulation of transgenes and favorable haplotype genomic regions in the germplasm of a breeding population of crop plants.