Abstract: Plant treatment systems and methods are presented.

Abstract: An air-moving device (10) for pollinating at least one recipient plant using pollen collected on at least one donor plant includes a pollen collector for collecting pollen from the at least one said donor plant, and a distributor for distributing pollen on at least one recipient plant. A channel for conveying the pollen collected from the pollen collector to the distributor is provided. An air flow amplifier (18) employs Coanda effect for inducing a flow of air inside the conveying channel (16) from the pollen collector to the distributor for distributing the pollen. A pneumatic deflector deflects the Coanda effect flow of pollen disposed at the level of the pollen distributor.

Abstract: A breeding robot including a base and a support being movably connected to the base. The support is of a hollow cylindrical structure, a telescopic arm movably passes through the support, a first motor is mounted to an end of the telescopic arm away from the support, a transmission shaft of the first motor is connected to a rotating bracket, a saw blade is mounted to the bottom side of the rotating bracket, and the saw blade is used for cutting maize tassel. The end of the rotating bracket is mounted with a CCD detector, and the CCD detector is used for detecting the position of the maize tassel. A blower is further mounted to the base, an air outlet of the blower is connected to a first end of an air duct, and a second end of the air duct is connected to the air blowing portion.

Abstract: A pollen supplying method for supplying pollen to a pistil of a plant includes an air bubble production step of producing an air bubble with the pollen attached to the surface thereof, and an air bubble attachment step of releasing the produced air bubble into the air and attaching the air bubble to the pistil.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pollen control dry pollination machine for Abies ziyuanensis, comprising a lever; a side of a top of the lever is fixedly connected with one end of a square tube; another end of the square tube is rotatably connected with a pollination shell; a top of the square tube and a top of the pollination shell are slidably connected with a fan; the pollination shell is internally provided with a pollen box, a pollen outlet cover and a pollination chamber from a top to a bottom in sequence; the pollen box is communicated with the pollen outlet cover; a bottom of the pollination chamber is provided with an opening; an Abies ziyuanensis ovulate strobilus to be pollinated is placed in the pollination chamber; a bottom of the pollination shell is fixedly connected with a rotating opening; the lever is provided with a switch.

Abstract: Methods of Amaranthus control are provided, comprising, artificially pollinating an Amaranthus species at a growth area with an effective amount of pollen that reduces fitness of the at least one Amaranthus species, the effective amount comprising 1 mg to 1 gram per plant per application using a precision tool-assisted application or 10 gram to 100 kg per acre per application using a non-precision tool-assisted application during a flowering season of the Amaranthus species.

Abstract: A pollinating device for pollinating crop plants includes a base mountable on a carriage. At least one pollination unit is mounted on the base and includes a pollen-releasing apparatus configured to release pollen from male flowers of the plants and at least one nozzle for directing fluid along a flow path for delivering at least some of the released pollen to the pollen-receiving rows of crop plants. Certain pollinating devices include multiple pollination units spaced apart along a width of the base. Some pollination units include at least two opposing nozzles. Plants are pollinated by driving the carriage along a field and directing air from the nozzles over the pollen born by some plants to deliver the pollen to female flowers of other plants in the field.

Abstract: A method of weed control is provided. The method comprises artificially pollinating at least one weed species of interest with pollen of the same species that reduces fitness of said at least one weed species of interest. Also provided are compositions and kits which can be used for performing the methods described herein.

Abstract: A pollination machine (10) with improved cross-pollination abilities may feature a plurality of pollen recirculation chambers with an air circulation manifold (130A, 131A, 133A, etc.) connecting them in a manner that air in one chamber (30A), together with associated pollen, is removed from the one chamber and redirected to a second (30B), and so on until air is returned to the first (30A). The chambers' initial roller entrances (118) will serve to trip blossoms and release both pistol and pollen but a current in the air circulation manifold contains and will deposit foreign pollen grains on the plants' stigmas before they are inundated by the blossoms' own pollen. The air current also collects the plants' pollen and carries it to other chambers so that other plants will be cross-pollinated.

Abstract: An indoor gardening appliance includes a liner defining a grow chamber and a grow module rotatably mounted within the grow chamber and defining a plurality of apertures for receiving a plurality of plant pods. A pollen pod is mounted to the grow module in one of the apertures and contains pollen for pollinating the plant pods to facilitate plant growth. A pollen ejection device, which may be a pressurized air nozzle or a protruding member for puncturing the pollen pod, is fixed to the liner or otherwise stationary relative to the pollen pod and is configured for engaging the pollen pod when the grow module rotates the pollen pod past the pollen ejection device to discharge and disperse pollen onto the plant pods.

Abstract: This invention describes a new method to generate hybrid seed in any crop plant while also reducing contamination from out-crossings and self-pollination. In contrast to conventional seed production methods, the method of the invention is not dependent on the use of any form of male sterility in the female parent plants, nor the use of isolation distances from unrelated and undesirable plants of the same species, nor the use of male parent plants in proximity to the targeted females. 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.

Abstract: A handheld, vibrating pollen sifter device is disclosed having a handle portion, a vibrating motor, an enclosure for storing pollen generating plants and a screen for dispensing the liberated pollen therefrom onto a target plant. The vibrating motor disturbs the pollen grains from the stamen of flowers placed within the enclosure. The pollen is then liberated into the air through the screen at the base of the enclosure, providing a means to fertilize a plant abiotically. The motor is electrically driven by a power means, preferably a battery pack to allow improved mobility outdoors. An embodiment of the device utilizes a vibratory wand attached to a fine-mesh sifter bowl at its distal end that supports the flower stamen.

Abstract: An apparatus configured for dispensing grains of pollen may include a pollen storage container, a flow source configured to dispense the grains of pollen from the pollen storage container, and a control mechanism configured to selectively activate the flow source. The apparatus may or may not apply an electrical charge to the grains of pollen. Related methods may include steps of collecting pollen, inserting the pollen into a pollen storage container, connecting the pollen storage container to a dispensing device such as the above-described apparatus, and dispensing the pollen from the pollen storage container with the dispensing device. Known grains of pollen may be dispensed to create predetermined gamete crosses with known plants. Further, an outlet of a fan which dispenses the pollen from the pollen storage container or other parts of the dispensing device may be cleaned when swapping the pollen storage container to prevent cross-contamination.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of handheld vibrating pollinators. Also disclosed are exemplary embodiments of pollination methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a pollinator generally includes a pollen capture device (e.g., a spoon, etc.) for capturing pollen released from a flower. The pollinator also includes a handle portion operable for generating vibrations and at least one member (e.g., one or more wands, etc.) configured to be installed on the handle portion. The at least one member is operable for transferring the vibrations generated by the handle portion to a flower for causing the flower to release pollen for capture by the pollen capture device.

Abstract: A method is provided for bulk pollination of a plurality of plants. In various embodiments, the method includes collecting a plurality of known grains of pollen, loading the plurality of known grains of pollen into a bulk pollen distributing apparatus, sensing a target pollination location of each of the plurality of plants using an electronic sensor, and distributing the known grains of pollen to the plurality of plants with the bulk pollen distributing apparatus when the electronic sensor senses the target pollination location of each of the plants within a predefined proximity, thereby pollinating the plurality of plants. A plurality of plants may be prepared for controlled pollination by preventing pollination of the plurality of plants by an alternate pollen source. Known grains of pollen may be dispensed to create predetermined gamete crosses with known plants.

Abstract: Methods for dispensing pollen contained in a solution onto a plant for pollination are provided herein. In one example embodiment, a method for dispensing grains of pollen comprises introducing a plurality of grains of pollen into a solution to create a pollen solution mixture. In some embodiments, the pollen solution mixture is contained in a pollen storage container. The method further comprises connecting the pollen storage container containing the pollen solution mixture to a dispensing device. The method further includes propelling at least a portion of the pollen solution mixture from the pollen storage container using the dispensing device to pollinate a plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to the cultivation of insect (840) pollinated plants (710, 711) in a greenhouse (700, 701 and 802) environment. In more particular, the invention relates to a lighting device and a method of illumination designed to enhance insect pollination in plants, such as the tomato. The best mode of the invention is considered to be the use of a LED (101, 102, 103 and 104) lighting device having emission peaks (401, 402, 403, 410 and 510) matching the photosynthetic relative absorption peaks of green plants, and the relative reflectance peaks of flowers of plants being cultivated and the relative sensitivity peaks of the insect's vision being used in the pollination. The inventive lighting device and method reduces insect mortality and increases pollination efficiency, photosynthetic growth and thereby increases the productivity of plant cultivation.

Abstract: A handheld, vibrating pollen sifter device is disclosed having a handle portion, a vibrating motor, an enclosure for storing pollen generating plants and a screen for dispensing the liberated pollen therefrom onto a target plant. The vibrating motor disturbs the pollen grains from the stamen of flowers placed within the enclosure. The pollen is then liberated into the air through the screen at the base of the enclosure, providing a means to fertilize a plant abiotically. The motor is electrically driven by a power means, preferably a battery pack to allow improved mobility outdoors. An embodiment of the device utilizes a vibratory wand attached to a fine-mesh sifter bowl at its distal end that supports the flower stamen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to isolate at least a part of a plant from passage of things or materials of certain size or characteristics. In one aspect, a shroud or sock (10) of material can be removably placed over at least a part of the plant (3) with a releasable closure (13). The material is highly permeable to air and moisture and is substantially light transmissive. However, it has a pore size which blocks the undesirable materials or things (e.g., pollen or insects). The material can have a relatively light weight so that it can be optionally suspended by the plant (3) without significant effect on the growth or health of the plant. The material can have substantial tensile strength to resist deformation, tearing, or puncture during normal handling or in moderate to high winds. It can be utilized to provide a barrier over a part of a plant, substantially an entire plant, or a plurality of plants.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to isolate at least a part of a plant from passage of things or materials of certain size or characteristics. In one aspect, a shroud or sock (10) of material can be removably placed over at least a part of the plant (3) with a releasable closure (13). The material is highly permeable to air and moisture and is substantially light transmissive. However, it has a pore size which blocks the undesirable materials or things (e.g., pollen or insects). The material can have a relatively light weight so that it can be optionally suspended by the plant (3) without significant effect on the growth or health of the plant. The material can have substantial tensile strength to resist deformation, tearing, or puncture during normal handling or in moderate to high winds. It can be utilized to provide a barrier over a part of a plant, substantially an entire plant, or a plurality of plants.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of quantitatively obtaining a measurement of pollen of a plant. A quantitative collection of a sample of pollen is counted. Total pollen of the plant can be calculated. One way of quantitative collection of pre-shed pollen involves blending a part of the plant with pollen in the presence of liquid (e.g. water) in a blender. The action of the blender tends to destroy the non-pollen parts of the plant and release the pollen into the liquid. Extraction of the pollen from the blender can be through a sidewall port that includes a filter or sieve having a mesh size that passes relevant pollen but blocks most non-pollen plant parts. The sample can be efficiently prepared for counting of pollen. One method of counting comprises imaging the sample with the pollen well distributed in the focal plane of the imager.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated pest control dust applicator device for remote applications, such as bug or bee or hornet spraying in high areas, e.g., trees, overhangs, porch roofs, dormers, eaves, etc. Thus, the automated pest control dust applicator device includes: an elongated support pole having a predetermined length and having a distal end and a proximal end; a dust dispensing nozzle located proximate the distal end of the pole, and connected to a dust reservoir; a conduit and a compressor, with appropriate controls. The dust reservoir is located at the distal end of the elongated support pole. The dust reservoir has an air inlet connected to the conduit, and has an outlet connected to the dust dispensing nozzle for dispersion of the dust. The conduit extends from the dust reservoir a substantial distance in length along the elongated support pole and is connected at its lower end to an air compressor.

Abstract: Disclosure of a method for aerial distribution of pollinating agents into a field by either propelling the agent through the air from the field periphery or dropping the agent into the field from above. Aerial distribution of pollinating agents is a particularly effective, efficient, and economic means for achieving uniform saturation pollination of large fields of row crops.