Abstract: A wheeled hand truck incorporating a footplate; a segmented retainer flange; a left pin pivotally mounting a left segment of the retainer flange and allowing sliding flange motion to a clearance elevation; a right pin pivotally mounting a right segment of the retainer flange and allowing sliding flange motion to the clearance elevation; left and right stops extending downwardly from the left and right flange segments; and left and right pairs of sockets positioned for, upon alternative motions of the left and right flange segments toward and away from the clearance elevation, and upon forward and rearward pivoting of the left and right flange segments, alternately holding the left and right flange segments at laterally and forwardly extending positions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to generating and utilizing three-dimensional terrain maps for vehicular control. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: Steered caster wheel systems that include a disengagement system to enable a caster wheel steering mode and non-caster wheel steering mode are disclosed. In some embodiments, the caster wheels are mounted to a subframe that may be independently suspended from the chassis of a vehicle such as a self-propelled vehicle.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for reducing an overall transport profile of a multi-section tillage implement is disclosed. The tillage implement may include a frame including a center frame section and at least one wing frame section. The tillage implement may include a plurality of ground-engaging tools pivotally mounted to the frame. The method may include pivoting each of the plurality of ground-engaging tools away from the ground surface from a ground-engaging position to a retracted position. The frame may be disposed at an initial height relative to the ground surface before pivoting. After pivoting, the frame may be lowered to a transport height relative to the ground surface. At least one wing frame section may be folded relative to the center frame section from an operating position to a transport position to reduce a width of the tillage implement in the widthwise direction.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for automatically actuating wing assemblies an agricultural implement associated with a work vehicle may include monitoring, with one or more computing devices, a first wing movement parameter associated with folding or unfolding a wing assembly of the agricultural implement during the performance of a wing movement operation. The method may also include determining, with the one or more computing devices, whether the first wing movement parameter satisfies a first condition associated with a first predetermined threshold value defined for the wing movement operation. The method may include, automatically initiating, with the one or more computing devices, movement of the work vehicle relative to a surface on which the work vehicle is supported to assist the folding or unfolding of the wing assembly during the performance of the wing movement operation when it is determined that the first wing movement parameter satisfies the first condition.

Abstract: Provided are a seed including a magnetized magnetic particle having a coercive force of 40 kA/m or higher on a surface of the seed, and a method for growing plants, including sowing this seed in soil or a growing medium for plants.

Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a depth sensor coupled to the frame. The depth sensor is configured to generate signals corresponding to a depth of a furrow. The row unit also includes a controller configured to receive the signals, and a downforce adjustment mechanism coupled to the frame and to the controller. The controller is configured to activate the downforce adjustment mechanism to adjust a downforce on the frame based on the signals received by the controller.

Abstract: A sensor system for monitoring vapor concentrations associated with an agricultural implement is disclosed. The sensor system comprises a first sensor coupled to a support structure that is configured to sense a concentration of at least one component of a vapor sample associated with dispensed ammonia that is emitted from the soil. A controller is communicatively coupled to the first sensor, and is configured to receive and process output signals generated by the first sensor to determine an amount of the concentration of the at least one component that is loss during emission.

Abstract: A method for treating plants comprises estimating a growth state or maturity state of a plant based on a planting date, a current date and the crop type of the plant. A root zone estimator or data processor estimating a size, diameter or radius of a root zone of the plant based on the determined growth state or maturity state. The data processor adjusts a lateral offset of a distribution pattern of a crop input or nutrient from at least one nutrient knife based on the size, diameter or radius of the root zone and safety zone about the root zone, where the at least one nutrient knife tracks a path outside of or bounded by the root zone.

Abstract: A distributed pump system is disclosed. The distributed pump system comprises a supply source and a support structure arranged on or proximate an agricultural vehicle. At least two fluid distribution elements are mounted to the support structure and are coupled at an inlet to a first conduit to provide fluid communication between the fluid distribution elements and the supply source. An application system including at least two application units is coupled to one or more of the fluid distribution elements by a second conduit. A first monitoring device is associated with a respective application unit and fluid distribution element, and is configured to sense a downstream flow parameter of the second conduit and generate a corresponding output signal. An electronic control unit is communicatively coupled to each of the fluid distribution elements and is configured to dynamically adjust an input parameter of one or more of the fluid distribution elements.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus for applying liquid products to row crops. The liquid dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of drop assemblies supported by and laterally spaced along a boom structure. Each of the drop assemblies includes dribble hoses for dribbling a liquid product onto the soil in a rhizosphere of adjacent crop rows. The drop assemblies may include a spray assembly for spraying the row crops.

Abstract: Described herein are implements and applicators for placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a fluid applicator for applying fluids to plants in rows in a field includes a base, at least one flexible or pivoting application member connected to the base and disposed to apply fluid to the plants, and a stabilizer associated with the at least one flexible or pivoting application member. The stabilizer can reduce movement of the application member to provide a more consistent fluid application to the plants.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural harvester including an epicyclical drive gear train operatively connected to a first cutter bar, an epicyclical driven gear train operatively connected to a second cutter bar, and a shaft extending between and operatively connected to the epicyclical drive gear train and the epicyclical driven gear train. The epicyclical drive gear train rotates in a first direction and the shaft is configured to rotate the epicyclical driven gear train in a second direction opposite the first direction or in the same direction as the first direction. Each of the epicyclical drive gear train and epicyclical driven gear train includes a bevel gear for operatively engaging bevel gears on the shaft. Operation of the epicyclical drive gear train and epicyclical driven gear train results in substantially linear oscillating motion of the cutter bars.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural harvester comprising a frame and first and second anteriorly facing, epicyclical cutter bar knife drives connected to the frame. A roller shaft extends between and operatively connects the first and second epicyclical drives. The roller shaft operates to deliver to crop material to a header infeed conveyor. In addition, the anteriorly facing epicyclical knife drives effectively rid themselves of harmful dirt and debris thereby prolonging the service life of the epicyclical knife drives.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural harvester comprising a frame and first and second anteriorly facing, oppositely driven epicyclical cutter bar knife drives connected to the frame. A roller shaft extends between and operatively connects the first and second epicyclical drives. The roller shaft or a drive roller drives rotation of a header infeed conveyor. The anteriorly facing epicyclical knife drives effectively rid themselves of harmful dirt and debris thereby prolonging the service life of the epicyclical knife drives.

Abstract: A cutting blade holder holding a string-shaped cutting blade is provided with a main body portion rotationally driven by a driving source, a hook row having a plurality of hook portions which are each capable of anchoring the cutting blade and which are provided on an outer peripheral surface of the main body portion at intervals in a rotation direction of the main body portion, and a guide portion provided rearward of the hook row in the rotation direction and directing the cutting blade outward in a radial direction of the main body portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting monofilament (1) for a vegetation cutting machine such as a brush cutter or an edge trimmer, having a cross-section comprising at least two portions (10, 11, 12) made of thermoplastic materials having different mechanical properties, said cross-section being constant along a longitudinal axis (X) of the monofilament, wherein each of said portions (10, 11, 12) has a continuously varying position along said longitudinal axis of the monofilament and the arrangement of each portion relative to the cross-section is constant along said longitudinal axis. The invention also relates to a process of manufacturing monofilament, comprising drawing the monofilament from a rotating extrusion head.

Abstract: A mower deck includes a top deck, a front wall, a rear wall opposite the front wall and a first side wall. The first side wall extends between the front and rear walls. A front baffle assembly extends downwardly from the top deck. The front baffle assembly extends from the first side wall toward a discharge opening that is positioned between the front and rear walls at a discharge side of the top deck. The front baffle assembly is configured to urge cut grass and debris toward the discharge opening. A discharge baffle is positioned proximate a rear end of the discharge opening and extends downwardly from the top deck. The discharge baffle and the rear wall define a discharge gap. The discharge gap is positioned on an opposite side of the discharge baffle from the discharge opening. The discharge gap is configured to allow airflow into the mower deck.

Abstract: A mower deck can include a linkage that enables adjusting the height of the mower deck with a single action. The mower deck can include a rolling mechanism support arm at each corner and a coupling mechanism that extends between the front and rear rolling mechanism support arms on each side of the mower deck. A shaft can extend between the two front rolling mechanism support arms and can be rotated via an actuator. When the shaft is rotated, the front rolling mechanism support arms will rotate in unison, and the coupling mechanisms will cause the rear rolling mechanism support arms to also rotate in unison. In this way, a single action can cause the height of the mower deck to be adjusted.

Abstract: A mower unit 3 includes a rotational shaft extending upwards through a top wall of a mower deck, a cutter blade attached to a lower portion of the rotational shaft, a mower motor 4 having a rotor 43 disposed upward and a coil 42 disposed downward along an axial direction of an output shaft 41, a mount deck 5 having a horizontal mounting face for mounting the mower motor 4 in such a manner that the output shaft 41 assumes a vertical posture, the mount deck protruding outwards from a side wall of the mower deck, and a cooling arrangement 50 incorporated in the mound deck 5 for discharging heat of the mower motor 4.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a combine having a feeder housing for receiving harvested crop, a separating system for threshing the harvested crop to separate grain from residue, a grain bin for storing the separated grain, a bin level sensor for detecting grain in the grain bin; and a controller that controls the combine. The controller is configured to generate a usable operating range by discarding a selected range of values from an operating range of the bin level sensor, generate a shifted operating range by shifting the usable operating range by a shift value, receive a first value indicating a level of grain in the grain bin, generate a second value by shifting the first value by the shift value, and present the second value to an operator of the combine.

Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester corn head adapter allows a self-propelled forage harvester to utilize a corn head of the type used to harvest corn with a combine. The adapter includes a frame configured for coupling to a self-propelled forage harvester. A central panel is coupled to the frame and has an opening extending through the central panel. A lower roller assembly has a lower roller positioned to extend along a lower edge of the opening. An upper roller assembly extends across the opening having an upper roller being parallel to the lower roller assembly. The upper roller assembly is movably coupled relative to the central panel such that spacing between the upper roller and the lower roller is adjustable.

Abstract: A unique method of harvesting hemp plants is useful to isolate the leafy/flower-budded crop canopy from lower stalks of the plants to enable separate collection thereof, whereby CBD rich leaves/buds of the canopy can be processed more efficiently at an off-site facility. The harvesting method includes performing a first cutting operation at an elevated cutting height, during which the tops of the plants are detached from remnant lower stalks left standing in the field, and the detached plant tops are laid in a windrow or collected in an accompanying collection receptacle. A second cutting operation performed over the same field area at a lower cutting height serves to cut the lower stalks from the field and lay these cuttings into a separate windrow that is entirety isolated from the cut plant tops. This enables separate storage, transport and post-harvest processing of the different materials.

Abstract: A basecutter assembly for a sugarcane harvester comprises a first cutter, a second cutter, a first feeder, a second feeder, a cutter drive, and a feed drive. The first and second cutters are adapted to sever sugarcane stalk. The first and second feeders are adapted to feed the severed sugarcane stalk. The cutter drive is coupled to the first cutter and the second cutter to rotate the first cutter and the second cutter respectively about the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis. The feed drive is coupled to the first feeder and the second feeder to rotate the first feeder and the second feeder respectively about the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis. The basecutter assembly may comprise a variator. According to another aspect, the basecutter assembly may comprise a planetary gear set.

Abstract: A harvesting reel assembly for a header of an agricultural harvester is disclosed. The harvesting reel assembly includes a central rotatable shaft, a plurality of support members, a cam assembly and an extendable reel arm. The plurality of support members extend widthwise across the reel assembly and connect to the central rotatable shaft for rotation therewith. The cam assembly guides rotation of the plurality of support members. The extendable reel arm includes a first end engaged with the central rotatable shaft for rotation therewith. The extendable reel arm also includes a distal end opposite the first end connected to one of the plurality of support members.

Abstract: A roller support for draper belt supporting rollers of a harvester header may include a base, a first post extending from the base in a direction to support a first roller, a second post extending from the base in the direction to support a second roller, an arm extending from the base in the direction between the first post and the second post and a wear structure supported by and immovable relative to the arm. The wear structure may have a wear surface facing downwardly.

Abstract: In a draper harvesting head having a frame, a left side conveyor supported on the frame, a right side conveyor supported on the frame, a central conveyor supported on the frame and disposed between the left side conveyor and the right side conveyor, and a reciprocating knife fixed to the front of the frame and extending laterally across the frame, a method of controlling slippage between an endless conveyor belt of one of the left side conveyor and the right side conveyor and a crop mat carried on the endless conveyor belt is provided, including determining a speed of the endless conveyor belt and a speed of the crop mat; comparing a difference in the speed of the endless conveyor belt and the speed of the crop mat with a first threshold speed difference; and changing the speed of the endless conveyor belt based upon the step of comparing.

Abstract: A verge-cutting mower device (20, 30), for example for maintaining roadside verges, has at least one frame (16) intended to be mounted on an automotive agricultural machine (10) and on which there is mounted a piece of cutting/grinding equipment (20) intended to mow or grind plants. The cutting/grinding equipment (20) is actuated using an electric motor (33).

Abstract: A method of controlling an angular orientation of an agricultural combine having a chassis includes: determining a slope angle of the ground over which the combine is traveling; determining a tilt angle of the chassis; receiving an angle signal from an operator input device; combining the slope angle of the ground and the angle signal from the operator input device to calculate a desired angle of the chassis that is greater than horizontal (0°) and less than the slope angle of the ground.

Abstract: A unit for conveying agricultural products, such as grass, hay, forage, wheat, corn and the like, for agricultural machines (100) of the type of balers, round balers and the like, comprising at least one apparatus (2) for picking up previously cut agricultural products, and at least one device (3) for conveying the agricultural products picked up by the apparatus (2) toward an inlet to a chamber (102), which is comprised in the agricultural machine (100), for forming a bale; the device (3) comprises a main rotating shaft (4), which faces the apparatus (2) and is provided with teeth (5) for the transfer of the agricultural products to the chamber (102), and at least one auger (6).

Abstract: A method of collecting material with a harvester when a storage vehicle is spaced from the harvester includes moving material from the field into the basket, actuating the conveyor for a first time period when the sensed parameter is above the set amount, transporting a first portion of the material a first distance with the actuated conveyor, after the first time period has elapsed, stopping the conveyor to store the first portion of the material on the conveyor, after the first time period has elapsed, if the conveyor can store more material, actuating the conveyor for a second time period, transporting a second portion of the material a second distance with the actuated conveyor and transporting the first portion of the material a third distance with the actuated conveyor, and if the conveyor cannot store more material, alerting an operator that the conveyor is full.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a threshing and separating system for separating grain from non-grain crop material, and a residue handling system for receiving at least a portion of the non-grain crop material. The residue handling system includes a chopper and a windrow arrangement, each having an inlet. A door is movable between a closed position which directs the non-grain crop material to the chopper and an open position which directs the non-grain crop material to the windrow arrangement. A feed roller is positioned adjacent to and between the inlet of the chopper and windrow arrangement. The feed roller is rotatable in a first direction which directs the non-grain crop material to the chopper when the door is in the closed position, and a second direction which directs the non-grain crop material to the windrow arrangement when the door is in the open position.

Abstract: A crops management system includes an information outputting device disposed on a forming machine configured to form crops into a formed material having a predetermined shape and configured to output formed material information relating to the formed material, a wireless tag disposed on the formed material and configured to store identifying information of the formed material, and a management device having an obtaining part configured to obtain the identifying information of the formed material and the formed material information of the formed material, and a relating part configured to relate the formed material information to the identifying information obtained by the obtaining part.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming plant material includes a rotatable tumbler through which the plant material is to be axially propagated while rotationally tumbling, and a plurality of cutting reel systems adjacent the tumbler. The plurality of cutting reel systems includes a first cutting reel system adjacent the tumbler, and a second cutting reel system adjacent a landing zone of the rotatable tumbler. The landing zone is an angular range about the axis of the tumbler within which plant material tends to land on the tumbler after tumbling through a central volume of the tumbler.

Abstract: A plant stem separating apparatus for separating a stem from plant portions extending from the stem is provided. The plant stem separating apparatus includes a cutter, and first and second rollers. The cutter includes a blocking member and apertures defined therein. The apertures are sized for receiving the stem therethrough and the blocking member is positioned and configured for blocking a passage of the plant portions through one of the apertures. The first and second rollers define an engagement region therebetween downstream of the aperture for receiving the stem, and are drivable to rotate in opposite directions in a forward feeding mode to grab the stem at the engagement region and pull the stem through the aperture, such that the plant portions are retained upstream of the blocking member while the stem is pulled through the aperture, thereby causing disengagement of the plant portions from the stem.

Abstract: The cultivation assistance information generated and provided by past systems has been insufficient as information for assisting even beginner gardeners to expertly cultivate plants. In this information processing device for assisting the cultivation of plants, a cultivation information acquisition unit 510 acquires information indicating the conditions for each plant being cultivated by each of a plurality of users. A growth model generation/update unit 612 generates the optimum growth model for each environment the plants are placed in on the basis of the acquired information. A comparison information generation unit 511 generates comparison information for comparing the acquired information and the growth model. A learning unit 511 compares the comparison information and the growth model and updates the growth model. A cultivation assistance unit 512 compares the comparison information and the growth model and generates information for assisting the cultivation of the plants.

Abstract: A plant growth lighting system (500) includes a plant support (503) and a light guide luminaire module (501), the plant support being configured to hold one or more plants (502). The light guide luminaire module includes at least one light-emitting element (LEE) (510), a light guide (511) arranged to receive light emitted by the at least one LEE at a first end of the light guide and guide the received light in a forward direction to a second end thereof, and an extractor (512) arranged to receive light from the second end of the light guide and configured to output light. The light guide luminaire module is disposed relative to the plant support such that at least a portion of the light output by the extractor impinges on the plants in predetermined directions.

Abstract: In an embodiment, computer processes are programmed to determine planting plans based on planting characteristics data received for an agricultural field and a plurality of management zone delineation options defined for the agricultural field. Each of the planting plans specifies different planting recommendations for the agricultural field. A first graphical representation of the planting plans, and an interactive object is generated and displayed on a computing device. The interactive object is configured to receive input specifying a relative importance ratio between the planting plans for determining a new planting plan for the agricultural field. A particular relative importance ratio is received via the interactive object, and is used to determine the new planting plan, which specifies new planting recommendations for the agricultural field. Information about the new planting plan is displayed on the computer device.

Abstract: An excavator attachment apparatus includes a first fork configured to be removably attached to the distal end of a dipper arm of an excavator, wherein the first fork has an inner side and an outer side. The excavator attachment apparatus further includes a power saw, wherein the proximal end of the power saw is rotatably coupled to the outer side of the first fork. The excavator attachment apparatus further includes a hydraulic cylinder configured to rotate the power saw when the hydraulic cylinder is actuated. The excavator attachment apparatus further includes a second fork configured to be removably attached to the bucket link and distal end of the dipper arm of the excavator and actuated by the hydraulic bucket cylinder of an excavator to alternate between an open position and a closed position relative to the first fork.

Abstract: An irrigation recirculation system and methods of filtering and cleaning water within the irrigation recirculation system. The system includes an above the ground water source and a fluid flow conduit that conveys the water into a filter element within a basin. The filter element separates solids from the water by causing the water to change direction before continuing on a fluid flow path. The water is then stored and distributed by a self-cleaning storage system that convey the filtered water to sprinkler heads of the irrigation system.

Abstract: In a flow system and method, a fluid delivery pipe is connected in series between a fluid distributor and a fluid valve that is connected in series between a fluid source and the fluid distributor. A controller, disposed remote from the fluid delivery pipe, can be programmed or configured to control the fluid value via a communication channel or communication network. A hydrogenerator, powered by fluid running from the fluid source to the fluid distributor, can charge a battery that can power a radio to wirelessly transmit flow data to the controller. The controller can control the open and close states of the fluid valve based on the wirelessly transmitted flow data received by the controller to control an amount of fluid delivered by the fluid delivery pipe, for example, for controlled irrigation of an area to a desired extent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method which includes a crop/soil analysis module which analyzes data collected and feeds the machine learning module, from one or more sources including imaging data from UAVs, satellites, span mounted crop sensors, in situ field and weather sensors. According to a further preferred embodiment, aerial data is combined and overlaid with span mounted sensor data in near real-time to generate irrigation management recommendations. According to a further preferred embodiment, the span mounted sensors may preferably provide field specific data of current field conditions and may preferably use the system's analytics to calculate crop water use and crop water stress index. According to a further preferred embodiment, vegetation indexes may preferably be calculated as checks against the values calculated from the aerial data and to provide information if cloud cover or other atmospheric interference is present.

Abstract: A self-watering planter features wicking devices whose outer tubes feature a skeletal upper structure having a plurality of columns periodically interconnected by rings spanning circumferentially around the wicking material to delimit windows of large area for optimum water seepage to the soil. A flange at the bottom of the tube's skeletal upper portion cooperates with snap features at the top of a lower portion that hangs in the water reservoir to provide snap-fit installation of the wicking devices on a divider wall of a permanently enclosed planter. A soil drainage filtration device features filtration fabric held in a sandwiched state around a drainage opening in the divider wall by one or more mounting plates. In one embodiment, the fabric forms a sack that hangs into the reservoir to suspend a volume of soil therein, whereby the suspended soil serves as wicking agent in the absence of excess rainwater needing drainage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and useful (i) plant root feeding device (ii) plant root feeding system, (iii) method of feeding a plant, and (iv) method of manufacturing a plant root feeding device. The plant root feeding device comprises a fluid container (emitter) formed of semi permeable material that allows fluid to pass from the inside of the container to a plant root located in ground in proximity to the fluid container. The fluid container has a fluid inlet opening, and a fluid inlet tube is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet opening of the fluid container. The fluid inlet tube has a fixed, fluid sealed coupling to the fluid inlet opening of the fluid container, and the fluid container has a configuration that enables it to be located in ground in proximity to an in ground root system of a plant, and a permeability that enables fluid to pass from the inside of the container to the in ground root system of a plant in proximity to the fluid container.

Abstract: An accelerated plant-growing system is an apparatus that facilitates plant growth with the application of hydroponics and aeroponics. The apparatus includes a water-leveling distribution assembly, a plurality of planter assemblies, at least one spraying system, a manifold system, and a water supplying system. The water-leveling distribution assembly is the hydroponics application of the apparatus. The at least one spraying system is the aeroponics application of the apparatus. The water-leveling system submerges the roots housed by the plurality of planter assemblies in nutrient-rich water and upholds the plurality of planter assemblies. The at least one spraying system emits nutrient-rich water to the soil. The manifold system delivers nutrient-rich water to the at least one spraying system from the water supplying system. The apparatus further includes a cooler, a light source and a carbon dioxide supply in order to further facilitate plant growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agriculture, and particularly relates to a process for obtaining a root mass from plant seeds which are subjected to particular conditions of germination in hydroponic culture, and once germinated, placed in conditions that favor the development of its root system. The root mass thus obtained can have multiple industrial applications such as material alternative to wood for thermal and acoustic insulation and fire-resistant construction.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for growing more vigorous, larger and healthier cannabis plants, including from clone cuttings.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a system for a plant culture to promote plant growth while concomitantly providing microbial protection including a main housing having a hollow interior which is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment by a membrane that extends across the hollow interior of the main housing. The membrane provides a fluid barrier between the first compartment and the second compartment. The first compartment receives foliage of the plant and the second compartment receives a lower stem and roots of the plant.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is broadly directed to a hydroponic growing system. The disclosed system is a soil-free plant growth system comprising a water solution that includes dissolved nutrients and oxygen. The roots of the plants are submerged into the nutrient-laden aqueous solution, thereby providing nutrition to the plant. In this way, the exact amount of water, nutrients, and oxygen can be provided. The disclosed system further comprises an irrigation subsystem, environmental subsystem, and control subsystem that allows the system to be customized and motorized depending on the plant grown and the grow desired grow conditions.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of biotechnology, in particular to a hybrid breeding method for maize, which comprises sterile line reproduction and hybrid seed production, and more particularly to plant FL1 gene or alleles thereof, as well as mutant plants produced by the variation of the gene.