Abstract: A combination yard tool assembly for raking, receiving and moving leaves includes a blade that has a scalloped edge. The scalloped edge is used to rake leaves and receive the leaves on the blade. The blade comprises a front side, a back side, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The front side is concavely arcuate from the bottom edge to the top edge. The bottom edge comprises a serrated edge that includes a plurality of alternating concave indentations and points. The indentations extend inwardly from the front edge a distance greater than 1.5 inches. A plurality of ridges is attached to the front side and extends outwardly therefrom. A handle is attached to the blade and extends upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A scouting system can include an autonomous ground vehicle having a perception sensor and a motion sensor to construct an occupancy grid referenced to a coordinate system of the autonomous ground vehicle. The autonomous ground vehicle is configured to use information from the occupancy grid to detect crop rows in a crop field. The autonomous ground vehicle is configured to identify and classify one or more non-crop plant in-lier objects arranged within the crop rows and generate an output signal received by an external vehicle to cause the external vehicle to perform a task when the one or more non-crop plant in-lier objects are identified within the crop rows.

Abstract: A method includes performing a plurality of calibration routines in which a metering element operates at different speeds. The method also includes receiving a respective plurality of measurements of commodity amounts metered out during the calibration routines. The method further includes generating a calibration factor for operating the metering element based on data generated from the measurements taken from the calibration routines. Also, the method includes generating a control command for the metering element according to the calibration factor. The method additionally includes operating, by the control system, the metering element according to the control command.

Abstract: A carrier mountable to a vehicle for carrying a conventional broadcast spreader features a mounting bar for coupling to the vehicle in a mounted condition and a holder arranged at an end of the mounting bar for supporting the spreader. The holder has a first portion which is in fixed relation to the mounting bar and a second portion which is pivotally coupled to the first portion so as to be movable from a storage position to a lowered position where a front end of the second portion is arranged at the ground. The holder includes a first receptacle for receiving a lower portion of the spreader and a pair of channels, one of which is supported on the second portion so as to be movable therewith and another one which is supported in fixed position on the first portion, which collectively form an enclosure for receiving the leg of the spreader in the storage position.

Abstract: A method of operating a volumetric metering system for a work vehicle includes detecting, with a sensor as the work vehicle moves, a tilt condition of the volumetric metering system relative to a reference horizontal plane. The method also includes generating, by a processor, a control command for a metering element based, at least partly, on the detected tilt condition. Furthermore, the method includes varying an actuation speed of the metering element according to the control command. A system for this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A metering system includes a plurality of metering elements that are independently controllable. A calibration method of the present disclosure includes generating calibration factors for the individual metering elements. Also, a method of the present disclosure includes operating the metering elements according to the respective calibration factor.

Abstract: A seeding apparatus has a frame and a plurality of furrow openers spaced laterally along the implement frame. A like plurality of singulating meters is provided, each mounted on the frame close to a corresponding furrow opener, and seed tubes are configured to receive singulated seeds from a corresponding singulating meter and deposit the seeds in the furrow created by the corresponding furrow opener. A pressurized air stream conveys seeds through each seed tube and a seed supply supplies seeds to each singulating meter. A meter control operates each singulating meter to provide a variable seeding rate that is independent of the seeding rates of the other singulating meters. A seed catching member follows each furrow opener and catches the seeds exiting the seed tubes to maintain a consistent seed spacing in the furrow.

Abstract: A mower for turf or lawn includes a frame for use on a tractor, or to form a structure of a trailer, and a plurality of cutting units, at least six, generally disposed side by side, each cutting unit including at least one roller for rolling on the ground. The mower includes lift means linking the cutting units to the frame and configured for articulating the cutting units between a mowing position and a non-mowing position. In the mowing position, the lift means are configured for pressing the cutting units against the ground in order to distribute, at least partially, the mower's weight on the ground via the rollers of the cutting units. The mower includes lateral articulated beams linking the cutting units. The beams are foldable inwardly and forwardly.

Abstract: A plant vine chopper rotor drum assembly is provided for use in chopping machines. The rotor drum assembly has a plurality of rotor rings each ring having a plurality of angled blades that effectively cooperate with each other to guard each blade and the drum against the wrapping of clogging fibrous strands and other clogging material around the drum. The chopper rotor drum assembly incorporates a plurality of rotor rings spaced along and encircling and attached to a main drum tube and distributed in a cutting zone along and surrounding the longitudinal rotational axis of the drum tube with each rotor ring having a pair or a plurality of pairs of cutting blades attached to respective alternately angled mounting tabs that alternate to the left and to the right to the general plane of the rotor ring.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a trailer for a lawn mower and more particularly to a system and method of charging a variety of batteries of the lawn mower including connecting the lawn mower to a towing vehicle, either directly or by placing the lawn mower on a trailer, towing the lawn mower, generating electricity upon towing the lawn mower utilizing a generator mechanically coupled to the wheels of the trailer. The generator converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy. The generator is electrically coupled to first type of battery and a second type of battery that is connected to the lawn mower and/or a first type of battery and a second type of battery that is connected to a charging station on the trailer. The system also includes a charging circuit for each of the first type of battery and the second type of battery.

Abstract: An agricultural mowing device includes a shaft, a first cutting device, and a second cutting device. The shaft has an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section. The shaft is advanced in a field between two adjacent rows of planted matter. The first cutting device is mounted to the lower section of the shaft. The first cutting device extends laterally from the shaft to a distance covering only a distance between the two adjacent rows. The first cutting device cuts plant matter that grows between the two adjacent rows. The second cutting device is mounted to the middle section of the shaft. The second cutting device extends laterally from the shaft to a distance covering at least a portion of at least one of the two adjacent rows. The second cutting device cuts plant matter that grows in the at least one of the two adjacent rows.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a discharge baffle assembly coupled to a cutting deck pan adjacent an opening. The discharge baffle assembly includes a discharge chute extending outwardly from the cutting deck pan. The discharge baffle assembly also includes a baffle plate movable within a gap between the discharge chute and the cutting deck pan. The baffle plate is movable between a first position, in which the baffle plate substantially covers the opening of the cutting deck pan, and a second position, in which the baffle plate is spaced apart from the opening of the cutting deck pan. The discharge baffle assembly further includes an actuator coupled to the baffle plate. The actuator is operable to move the baffle plate relative to the opening of the cutting deck pan.

Abstract: User interfaces are displayed so that a user can select a plurality of different performance issues, along with a severity level for each issue. A solution (or a set of solutions) that address(es) the performance issues is identified and the solution (or set) is surfaced for user interaction. A control signal is generated based on user interaction with the surfaced solution (or set of solutions), in order to take corrective action on the harvester based upon the selected solution.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining crop yield is disclosed. The sensor system comprises a mounting structure mounted to a housing of a grain elevator of an agricultural work machine and has at least one aperture formed therein. A fulcrum assembly is arranged on the mounting structure. A rocker arm is pivotal about a pivot axis of the fulcrum assembly and extends between a first end and a second end. An engagement member is coupled to the second end of the rocker arm and extends through the at least one aperture of the mounting structure. At least one gap distance sensor is mounted to the fulcrum assembly and is configured to detect an inclination of the rocker arm relative to the fulcrum assembly. A processing device is coupled to the gap distance sensor and is configured to correlate the detected inclination of the rocker arm to an applied force.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring crop yield is disclosed. The monitoring device is mounted to a housing of a grain elevator of an agricultural work machine proximate a crop conveyor assembly arranged in the housing and has at least one aperture formed therein. A material engagement member is arranged on the mounting structure and is pivotal with respect to the mounting structure about a pivot point. The material engagement member can comprise first end and a second end opposite of the first end. At least one rotational sensor is arranged in the monitoring device and is configured to detect spatial movement or position of the material engagement member. A processing device is coupled to the at least one rotational sensor and is configured to determine an aggregate crop yield based on the detected rotational magnitude of the displacement of the first end or second end.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for sensing harvested crop levels within an agricultural harvester may include a crop tank configured to receive harvested crop. The system may further include a sensor configured to emit a sensor beam into the crop tank for reflection off of the top surface of the harvested crop. Additionally, the system may include a reflection panel positioned at a minimum detectable crop level within the crop tank. The reflection panel may be configured to reflect the sensor beam when the current crop level is vertically below the minimum detectable crop level. A center of the reflection panel may be positioned closer to the sensor than an outer edge of the reflection panel such that the reflection panel diffuses the sensor beam as it reflects off of the reflection panel.

Abstract: A louver position sensing system for a sieve and chaffer of a combine harvester. The system provides that at least one sensor is in actual, physical contact with one or more louvers of the sieve and chaffer. More than one sensor can be utilized where multiple sensors are connected to multiple louvers of the sieve. The directly coupled sensing of the rotational position of the louver(s) allows for accurate, on-the-fly adjustment of the louvers in order to maximize the efficiency of operation of the sieve and chaffer. Preferably, the sensing system is configured such that sensed position of the louvers is broadcast on the bus of the combine harvester. As a result, the position information can be used to dynamically adjust the openings between the louvers of the sieve and chaffer to achieve more efficient grain cleaning as the machine and field variables change.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method is disclosed for automatically controlling a position of an implement of an agricultural work vehicle relative to a ground surface. The method may include monitoring, with one or more computing devices, an implement position parameter indicative of the position of the implement relative to the ground surface. The method may also include calculating a normal output signal based on the implement position parameter. The method may also include determining when a boost condition is satisfied based on a comparison between the implement position parameter and a predetermined implement position parameter threshold. The method may also include computing a boost output signal based on the implement position parameter. The method may also include adjusting the position of the implement relative to the ground surface based on the normal output signal and the boost output signal.

Abstract: A reel arm for a header of an agricultural harvester comprising a rotatable coupler, a first linkage assembly and a second linkage assembly is disclosed. The rotatable coupler has a central rotational axis and includes a control shaft extending therethrough parallel to the central rotational axis. The first linkage assembly includes a first end connected to the control shaft about a first lateral side of the rotatable coupler and a second end opposite the first end for connection to a reel tine bar of a first reel assembly of the header. The second linkage assembly includes a first end connected to the control shaft about a second lateral side of the rotatable coupler and a second end opposite the first end for connection to a reel tine bar of a second reel assembly of the header.

Abstract: A debris removal system for an agricultural harvester may include an extractor having an extractor housing defining a central airflow channel for directing debris through the extractor from a central inlet to a central outlet. The extractor housing may further define an outer airflow channel surrounding the central airflow channel. The outer airflow channel may define a flow path between an outer housing inlet and an outer airflow outlet. Additionally, the extractor housing may include an internal divider wall extending between the central and outer airflow channels. Moreover, the system may include at least one flow-generating device provided in operative association with the housing. The flow-generating device(s) may be configured to generate an airflow directed through the outer airflow channel, wherein the airflow generates a negative pressure within the central airflow channel that draws the debris into the extractor housing via the central airflow inlet.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header including a pickup reel mounted for rotation about a reel axis is disclosed and includes a plurality of reel bats peripherally disposed on the reel each having a plurality of outwardly extending fingers and being rotatable about a bat axis. A cam track adjacent to and surrounding the reel axis is immobilized w.r.t. the header and includes a cam surface and a guide surface. A linkage associated with each reel bat has first and second spaced apart cam followers that engage the cam surface at respective points of contact. The cam surface causes displacement of the linkage while traversing the cam track during rotation of the reel, the linkage being coupled to cause rotation of the reel bat about the bat axis for changing an angle of attack of the fingers.

Abstract: A mower has a plurality of rotary cutters for cutting a crop and a swathing unit for forming a cut crop into a swath. In some embodiments, the swathing unit includes an auger and a housing that extends around at least part of the auger and provides a swathing aperture through which cut crop material is ejected to form a swath. In some embodiments, the housing includes at least one guide plate that can be adjusted to adjust the width W of the swathing aperture.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural vehicle includes: a header frame; a flexible cutter supported by the header frame and including a plurality of cutting edges; a reel including a plurality of reel sections movably supported by the header frame, each of the reel sections including a plurality of tines and being independently movable from the other reel sections; and at least one rigid link connecting the flexible cutter to one of the reel sections, the at least one rigid link being configured to transmit flexing forces acting on the flexible cutter to the connected one reel section such that a substantially constant separation is maintained between the flexible cutter and the connected one reel section.

Abstract: An auger bed for a threshing and separation system of an agricultural harvester includes a bed having a trough and two augers positioned in the trough for conveying material along the trough.

Abstract: An extractor may include an extractor housing extending from an inlet to an outlet. The housing may define an airflow channel for directing debris through the extractor from the inlet to the outlet, with the housing forming an outer perimeter of the extractor. The extractor may also include at least one flow-generating device configured to generate an airflow directed through the airflow channel that creates a negative pressure at the inlet to draw debris into the housing. In addition, the flow-generating device(s) may be positioned adjacent to the housing along the outer perimeter of the extractor such that a central flow region is defined within the airflow channel at the location of the flow-generating device(s) that extends from a center of the housing radially outwardly towards the outer perimeter of the extractor, with the central flow region defining an unobstructed flow path for the debris through the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for cultivating plants is described. The system may include a tower structure having a vertical series of vessels for holding a netted pot or other container. The system may have a pressurized irrigation system that is in fluid communication with each vessel. The system may further include lamps to provide an adequate light source. The system may also include sensors, monitors and controls to establish and maintain environmental conditions suitable for proper plant growth. The system may further be implemented as a scalable system in which multiple tower structures may be installed into a scaffold system. Sets of towers may be slidably affixed to a scaffold such that the towers may be slid along a track thereby creating easy access to the plants, vessels, lights and the irrigation system. The system may be expanded to include multiple scaffolds affixed to a skeletal frame or compartment interior.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a first jaw; a second jaw rotatably coupled to the first jaw, the second jaw including a first set of projections and a first bearing surface, the first bearing surface having a first curvature; and a lever coupled to the first jaw, the lever including a second set of projections and a second bearing surface, the second bearing surface having a second curvature. During a movement of the first and second jaws from a full open position to a full close position, the first and second sets of projections are at least partially engaged to prevent a slippage between the first and second bearing surfaces that are in a rolling contact during the movement of the first and second jaws from the full open position to the full close position.

Abstract: A cutting device includes a first cutting element and a second cutting element configured to move relative to each other, and a first gripping element and a second gripping element configured to move relative to each other. The cutting device further includes at least one driving element configured to assist a movement of the second cutting element relative to the first cutting element in an assistance mode in which the at least one driving element is activated, and a sensor configured to recognize an object located between the first gripping element and the second gripping element in order to switch off the assistance mode.

Abstract: A system, device and method for delivering CO2 or other gases to plants in fields, orchards, vineyards and the like. A stake with a windbreak structure and gaseous emitters on the upwind side creates a leeward wind eddy surrounding a plant, such as an orchards sapling. This establishes and maintains a gaseous microclimate beneficial to the plant. The device delivers CO2 gas to a plant in an agricultural field, orchard, grove, orchard of the like. The device includes an elongated base adapted to be adjustably placed on the ground a predetermined distance from the plant, upwind of the plant. A wind foil is adjustably connected to the base along its elongated length. The wind foil has a curvilinear geometry with a first face having a generally convex configuration, and a second face having a generally concave configuration. An emitter assembly is disposed on the second face of the wind foil. A gas supply conduit is communicatively connected to the emitter and adapted to be connected to a gas supply.

Abstract: In general, one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a horticulture lighting device having a plurality of LED light channels that may be selectively energized to produce a predefined light pattern. Each of the LED light channels may emit one or more wavelengths and may be pulsed at a rate that may be imperceivable to a human eye, e.g., at 120 Hz to 720 Hz. Plants may respond biochemically to light patterns that include a period of delay between pulses of light, e.g., from 500 microseconds to 5 milliseconds. The biochemical response has been shown to significantly increase plant growth, e.g., up to 100%, relative to plants grown with lighting systems that use continuous, non-pulsing light sources. Thus, aspects and embodiments disclosed herein include a horticulture device capable of emitting light patterns which introduce a predefined delay period between energizing/pulsing of LED light channels to aid photosynthesis.

Abstract: Techniques and architecture are disclosed for horticultural lighting systems and devices, such as a light module assembly. The assembly includes a housing with a first and second light module attached thereto. The first and second light modules include a mounting block to be received in the housing. The mounting block includes a plurality of light sources to generate light to stimulate growth of a plant. The first light module includes a first removable lens to focus light from the light sources to a first portion of the plant and in a first direction relative to the plant. The second light module includes an optical conduit attached thereto. The conduit is to focus light from the light sources to a second portion of the plant and in a second direction different from the first direction. The assembly transmits light to an upper portion and a lower portion of the plant.

Abstract: High-growth plant cultivation techniques are provided that create efficient, optimized growing conditions, including a high concentration of photosynthetically active radiation (“PAR”) in terms of photon flux density, and with extremely low heat. In some aspects of the invention, these techniques comprise a specialized growth chamber and a control system that promote an enhanced level of growth, particularly for autoflowering cannabis. In addition, aspects of the invention create an accessible, user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing new type of display for a plant, ideal for cultivating cannabis and, in particular, autoflowering cannabis. The unique combination of techniques set forth in the invention create high yields of cannabis plant matter (up to 3 or 4 times greater than other methods) in substantially less time (just 60 days from seed to harvest).

Abstract: Embodiments can provide a system and method of light validation in a lighting device, comprising communicating a setpoint to a lighting device comprising a plurality of emitters; generating control signals for the plurality of emitters in response to the setpoint; calculating an estimate of the intensity and spectral power distribution of the composite radiant flux emitted by the lighting device through computing the control signals relative to lifetime performance data and a reference dataset.

Abstract: An epitaxial wafer for plant lighting light-emitting diodes (LED), the epitaxial wafer includes: a growth substrate; a first red-light epitaxial laminated layer; a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) semiconductor laminated layer; and a second red-light epitaxial laminated layer; wherein: the first red-light epitaxial laminated layer comprises a first N-type ohmic contact layer, a first N-type covering layer, a first light-emitting layer, a first P-type covering layer, and a first P-type ohmic contact layer; and the second red-light epitaxial laminated layer comprises a second N-type ohmic contact layer, a second N-type covering layer, a second light-emitting layer, a second P-type covering layer, and a second P-type ohmic contact layer.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems and methods for delivering therapeutic compositions to plants. Specifically exemplified herein is a device comprising a plurality of microneedles for creating pores in an effective area of a target plant and then applying a second device loaded with the therapeutic composition. The microneedle device is designed to impart pores that allow for access of the therapeutic composition to the plant vascular system including phloem.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of improving drought stress tolerance in plants by applying an effective amount of a mixture of abscisic acid and malic acid to the plant. The present invention is further directed to methods of growth in plants by applying an effective amount of a mixture of abscisic acid and malic acid to the plant.

Abstract: A system and method for cultivating plants is described. The system may include a tower structure having a vertical series of vessels for holding a netted pot or other container. The system may have a pressurized irrigation system in fluid communication with each vessel. The system may further include lamps to provide an adequate energy source. The system may also include sensors, monitors and controls to establish and maintain environmental conditions suitable for proper plant growth. The system may further be implemented as a scalable system in which multiple tower structures may be installed into a scaffold system. Sets of towers may be slidably affixed to a scaffold such that the towers may be slid along a track thereby creating easy access to the plants, vessels, lights and the irrigation system. The system may be expanded to include multiple scaffolds affixed to a skeletal frame or compartment interior.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a multilevel structure made up of several components that fit together to form a rectangular frame that can be combined with other such multilevel frame structures to form a desired size of greenhouse that can either be free standing, attached to the wall/fence or pegged to the ground. Additionally, the greenhouse offers a light intensity controller in the form of an externally provided or directly attached refractor/reflecting/magnifying lens/that can increase, reduce or change the amount of light. Furthermore, the greenhouse has the ability to run water tubing and electrical wires through its frame structure that allows humidity control, lighting and heating of the environment within, for hydroponic, aeroponic and conventional earth farming.

Abstract: An aeroponic system for supporting efficient low-resource-usage plant growth comprises a housing having one or more openings for a stalk of a plant to pass therethrough, and one or more root chambers for positioning therein of roots of the plant; one or more sealing members coupled to the one or more openings, each sealing member configured to substantially conform to the stalk of the plant and to substantially isolate a canopy of the plant from the one or more root chambers; a nutrient distribution system for introducing nutrients into the one or more root chambers; and a network interface configured to enable the aeroponic system to communicate with an external control system via a computer network.

Abstract: An indoor farming system includes a water-based nutrient bath resident in a tank and a pump for pumping the bath from the tank upwardly through a plurality of pipes to at least one divided high-density table comprising growing crops resting in at least one float. The plurality pipes includes at least one valve suitable to shut off the bath per each of the high density tables. At least one non-block drain is coupled to the at least one divided high-density table. The bath turbulently flows respectively across the at least one divided high-density table, down the at least one non-block drain, and back into the tank that includes the nutrient bath. A lighting system provides moving light from points above the growing crops.

Abstract: The present invention is a plant cultivation device. The water tank supplies cultivation water to the cultivation tank via an irrigation conduit. The water tank also suctions cultivation water from the cultivation tank via a water-sucking pipe. The heat-collecting part receives sunlight, and the pressure of air that is heated inside the air-storage part presses the surface of the water inside the water tank. The water tank supplies cultivation water that has been pressed by the air to a culture medium material. The heat-collecting part raises the surface of the water inside the water tank as a result of the heated air being cooled by a decrease in the sunlight. The water tank suctions cultivation water from a bottom section of the cultivation tank.

Abstract: An incubator is disclosed. In one aspect, the incubator includes a housing, a reservoir disposed in the housing, and a vaporizer disposed in the housing so as to receive liquid collected in the reservoir. In certain embodiments the incubator includes a tray supported by the housing and disposed above at least a portion of the reservoir.

Abstract: A device for reducing hurricane speed is disclosed. In one version, it uses a floating object with a wind power generator, at least two pontoons floating on a surface of an ocean for stabilizing a horizontal deck of the floating object. The floating object also includes at least one water pump which pumps ocean water through a set of pipes to sprayers of the water, a braking fin and a steering fin wherein the water spray is used to reduce the destroying force of the hurricane.

Abstract: A blower is provided, which comprises a housing, a blowpipe coupled to the housing, a motor located within the housing, and blades driven by the motor to generate air flow. The blower also comprises a motion sensor. The motion sensor is adapted to control the operation of the motor in response to changes in position or angle of the blower. The motion sensor can determine the angle between the blower and the horizontal plane, thereby intelligently determining whether the user wants to carry the blower by hand and wants to perform air blowing, and controls the operation of the motor accordingly.

Abstract: An implement adjusting system having an implement with a plurality of adjustable components, a plurality of input values, at least one controlled system configured to adjust at least one of the plurality of adjustable components, and a controller that receives the plurality of input values, the controller configured to reposition the plurality of adjustable components based on the plurality of input values. Wherein, the plurality of adjustable components are repositionable by the controller based on the input values.

Abstract: A system for pulsed hydroponic plant growth without using a media substrate to support plant roots includes a growth platform, a mixing tank, and a hydraulic delivery system, wherein the growth platform is shaped to form multiple apertures, each configured to support a growth ring, and the hydraulic delivery system includes sensors, a high pressure pump, multiple inline valves, and multiple micro-sprayers, the high pressure pump, inline valves, and micro-sprayers being hydraulically coupled to the mixing tank. The mixing tank is configured to combine nutrients in water to generate a nutrient solution for a nutrient solution mist for release through micro-sprayers located in proximity to one or more growth rings, and the hydraulic delivery system is configured to pulse the release of the nutrient solution mist during a feeding cycle at a selected pulse-width.

Abstract: A system and method for cultivating plants is described. The system may include a tower structure having a vertical series of vessels for holding a netted pot or other container. The system may have a pressurized irrigation system that is in fluid communication with each vessel. The system may further include lamps to provide an adequate light source. The system may also include sensors, monitors and controls to establish and maintain environmental conditions suitable for proper plant growth. The system may further be implemented as a scalable system in which multiple tower structures may be installed into a scaffold system. Sets of towers may be slidably affixed to a scaffold such that the towers may be slid along a track thereby creating easy access to the plants, vessels, lights and the irrigation system. The system may be expanded to include multiple scaffolds affixed to a skeletal frame or compartment interior.

Abstract: Methods are described for selecting or producing a cereal plant comprising functional restorer genes for wheat G-type cytoplasmic male sterility and nucleic acids for use therein.

Abstract: Several embodiments provide cycle and soak irrigation control units, comprising: a housing; a plurality of pairs of actuation line connectors comprising input connectors to couple with output actuation lines of a separate irrigation controller, and output connectors to couple with actuatable devices; a plurality of electrical pathways each coupling a respective input connector to a corresponding output connector and allowing an activation signal to be passed; at least one switch configured to selectively allow or interrupt activation signals to pass to a corresponding output connector; and a timing control circuit controlling the switch, based on an application of an activation signal on an input connector, a duration of a series of cycle-on timings during which the activation signal is emitted from the output connector to activate an actuatable device and soak-off timings during which the activation signal is prevented from being emitted deactivating the actuatable device.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for the rapid isolation of monocot plant embryos suitable for transformation or tissue culture. The invention includes mechanical devices for substantially isolating plant embryos for use as transformable explants. Media suitable for isolating plant embryos and methods for their preparation are also provided.