Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a least a portion of one or more initial seed samples to create one or more treated seed samples for use in research applications is provided. In various embodiments, the apparatus and method utilize two or more seed treaters operating in parallel to increase throughput for treating a portion of one or more initial seed samples. The apparatus and method may also include a metering station configured to distribute at least a portion of the one or more initial seed samples to the two or more seed treaters. As a result, the apparatus and method are configured to efficiently and accurately treat seed samples.

Abstract: In an iron powder for coating a seed, the mass percentage of an iron powder with a particle size of 63 ?m or less is 0% to 75%, the mass percentage of an iron powder with a particle size of more than 63 gm to 150 ?m is 25% to 100%, and the mass percentage of an iron powder with a particle size of more than 150 ?m is 0% to 50%. This allows the iron powder to form a coating from which the iron powder is unlikely to drop during not only seeding but also transportation and also allows an iron powder-coated seed coated with the iron powder to be obtained. The following iron powder and rice seed can be obtained: an iron powder, unlikely to damage rice seeds and easy to handle, for coating a rice seed and an iron powder-coated rice seed coated with the iron powder.

Abstract: A use of a tannin and non tannin material phytocomposition or phytocomplex, either in a dry or liquid form, applied to the seedling seeds or seedling agamic multiplication members, or to implanted seedlings, to promote the starter effect, i.e. strong stimulation of the seedling initial growth. The phytocomposition is made by leaching a biomass of one or more of the following species: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Eucalyptus spp., Quercus spp., Salix spp., Vitis spp., Mimosa ssp., Schinopsis spp., Olea europaea, Onobrychis viciifolia, Rhamnus spp., Artemisia spp., Lawsonia inermis, either in a single form or in a mixture in all mixing ratios.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating, inhibiting or preventing the developing of a plant pathogenic disease. The compositions comprise volatile organic compounds effective to inhibit the growth of, or kill pathogenic microbes, including Ganoderma boninense. Invention compositions are especially useful in preventing and treating basal stem rot in the oil palm, and can be applied in the vicinity of the plant or used to sterilize the plant growth medium prior to or concurrent with plant growth therein.

Abstract: A seed-covering agent, which covers a seed surface and contains an iron powder and a binder, is specified such that, in the above-described iron powder, the mass ratio of an iron powder having a particle size of 63 ?m or less to a total mass of the iron powder is 0% or more and 75% or less, the mass ratio of an iron powder having a particle size of more than 63 ?m and 150 ?m or less to the total mass of the iron powder is 25% or more and 100% or less, and the mass ratio of an iron powder having a particle size of more than 150 ?m to a total mass of the iron powder is 0% or more and 50% or less, and the average particle size of the above-described binder is 1 to 150 ?m.

Abstract: A method and associated composition for growing plants is disclosed. The method includes the steps of mixing a gel precursor that is characterized by the ability to absorb water, form a viscous gel, provide water and nutrition to a plant, and remain capable of being reconstituted with a fresh supply of water, with a gel-forming nutrient composition in an amount sufficient to create a viscous gel, and adding a plant item selected from the group consisting of seeds and seedlings to the gel. An associated gel composition is disclosed that includes a gel precursor that is characterized by the ability to absorb water, form a viscous gel, provide water and nutrition to a plant, and remain capable of being reconstituted with a fresh supply of water, a plant nutrient composition, and a plant item selected from the group consisting of seeds and seedlings.

Abstract: A water insoluble micronutrient fertilizer, methods of producing, and methods of using the same are provided. The fertilizer may comprise at least one first micronutrient selected from the group consisting of chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc; a polyphosphate; and optionally at least one second micronutrient selected from the group consisting of boron, chlorine, iodine, molybdenum or selenium. The fertilizer compounds are preferably water insoluble, dilute acid soluble, and free-flowing powders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substituted cellulose acetates and methods of use thereof. One embodiment of the present invention provides a coating having a substituted cellulose acetate having a polar substituent that has an oxygen atom covalently bonded to a nonmetal selected from the group of sulfur, phosphorus, and boron; wherein the nonmetal is present in at least about 0.01% by weight of the substituted cellulose acetate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automated system and methods for separating and singulating plant embryos.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally towards to embryo insertion systems and methods for use with manufactured seeds. In some embodiments, embryo insertion systems according to the disclosure include an embryo delivery assembly and a fill material deposit assembly. The embryo delivery assembly may include an insertion member, a release assistance member, and a fill material deposit assembly. The fill material deposit assembly may include a fill material containment device, a fill material conveyance device, and optionally, a fill material separation device. Further aspects of the disclosure relate to methods for operating embryo insertion systems according to embodiments of the disclosure to enable simultaneous embryo insertion and fill material delivery.

Abstract: This application provides planting mix compositions that include pelletized coir. Seed, cornmeal or corn flour, fungicide, and optionally activated charcoal, compost, and/or a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) can be included in the planting mix compositions. Methods of making such compositions are also disclosed herein. In particular examples, such compositions include pelletized coir at least partially coated with a binder, seeds, charcoal, and optionally a SAP. In other examples, such compositions include a pelletized mixture that includes coir, cornmeal or corn flour, charcoal, a SAP, compost, a fungicide, and seeds, wherein the seeds are encased within the pellets.

Abstract: Manufactured seeds are disclosed that comprise a unit of totipotent plant tissue and a nutritive medium. The nutritive medium can contain a number of different components selected from the following: a gel solute, charcoal, a carbon source, urea, KNO3, NH4NO3, CuCl2, CuSO4, KI, KH2PO4, CaCl2, MgSO4, Na2EDTA, FeSO4, ferric citrate, MnSO4, MnCl2, H3BO3, ZnSO4, CoCl2, Na2MoO4, (NH4)2MoO4, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, HCl, Ca-pantothenate, nicotinic acid, biotin, folic acid, and myo-inositol. The nutritive medium can also include any of various protein amino acids, any of various polyamines, any of various oxygen-absorbing compounds, any of various non-protein amino acids, and/or a smoke suspension.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a least a portion of one or more initial seed samples to create one or more treated seed samples for use in research applications is provided. In various embodiments, the apparatus and method utilize two or more seed treaters operating in parallel to increase throughput for treating a portion of one or more initial seed samples. The apparatus and method may also include a metering station configured to distribute at least a portion of the one or more initial seed samples to the two or more seed treaters. As a result, the apparatus and method are configured to efficiently and accurately treat seed samples.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cotton variety, designated PHY499WRF, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety PHY499WRF, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety PHY499WRF with itself or with another cotton plant, hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety PHY499WRF with another cotton variety or plant, methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes, and the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This disclosure also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PHY499WRF, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PHY499WRF, and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A dry film coating composition comprising a cellulose film former, an oligofructose fiber, a plasticizing agent, and a processing aid is disclosed herein. Also provided is a film coating suspension comprising a cellulose film former, an oligofructose fiber, a plasticizing agent, a processing aid, and a solvent. The film coating suspension may be applied to a substrate, such as, for example, nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, tablets, capsules, softgels, granules, particles (e.g., micro- and nano-particles), agricultural seeds, and the like to form a dry film coating on the substrate. Methods of coating a substrate with the film coating suspensions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the seed loss due to pod-shattering using a composition comprising a low viscosity carboxymethyl cellulose and to the use of a low viscosity carboxymethyl cellulose as pod sealant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel precision customized control release fertilizers such as seed encapsulation nutrients, liquid formulation treatment for roots of seedlings before transplantation or for soil application or for foliar application and fertilizer granules or tablets for effective enhancement of crop yield. The fertilizer comprises a crop specific enstornized fertilizer and/or a normal fertilizer, an agropolymer made by—reacting an alkaline or hydrogen peroxide with plant material and a transition metal silicate or an amorphous silica.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for improving germination of manufactured seeds. The manufactured seed of the invention comprises a seed coat, nutritive media comprising an adsorbent material in a concentration from about 30 g/L to about 100 g/L, and a shoot restraint comprising a cavity. The manufactured seed further comprises a plant embryo. The adsorbent material may be nutrient-treated or non-nutrient-treated charcoal. The manufactured seed may optionally contain an adsorbent material in the cavity of the shoot restraint.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated NPFB7193, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPFB7193 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line NPFB7193, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line NPFB7193, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated NPID5702, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPID5702 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line NPID5702, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line NPID5702, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated NPFX6247, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPFX6247 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line NPFX6247, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line NPFX6247, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: A growing medium for use in plugging pest orifices includes a bulking agent and a water-retentive polymer blended together and compressed at a volume-to-volume ratio greater than 3:1, wherein the growing medium is at least 50% superabsorbing polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated NPIC3821, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPIC3821 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line NPIC3821, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line NPIC3821, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: Method of protecting a germinating seed treated with a pesticide comprising placing one or more pesticide-containing particles next to a pesticide-treated seed, wherein the amount of pesticide is such that the pesticide-treated seed and the pesticide-containing particles together contain an Effective Dose of the pesticide and the pesticide dose contained in the pesticide-treated seed is less than or equal to the Maximal Non-Phytotoxic Dose of the pesticide.

Abstract: A low-profile particulate handling assembly is provided for use in conjunction with a downstream treating device, such as a seed treater unit. The assembly includes a plurality of juxtaposed particulate bins and a surmounting turret assembly designed to successively deliver particulates to the bins. The particulates within the bins are delivered to the downstream treating device through respective lower outlets each equipped with an adjustable slide gate assembly and a lower, multiple-chute assembly. Preferably, each bin has a top wall which in plan configuration approximates a sector of a circle, planar sidewalls, and downwardly tapered, arcuate sidewall structure leading to the lower outlet; in this fashion, the bins can be grouped with the sidewalls in close adjacency, and with the outlets located to feed into a single inlet of the downstream treating device.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a manufactured seed comprising a seed shell and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The seed shell is a structure having an open end and a closed end. A primary end seal is disposed on the open end of the seed shell. A secondary end seal is arranged on the primary end seal, the secondary end seal being coated, at least partially, with a paraffin oil.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a manufactured seed comprising a seed shell and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The seed shell is a structure having an open end and a closed end. A primary end seal is disposed on the open end of the seed shell. A secondary end seal is arranged on the primary end seal, the secondary end seal having one or more dimples. Each of the one or more dimples each have a substantially parabolic shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a manufactured seed comprising a seed shell and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The restraint has a parabolic cavity. The seed shell is a structure having an open end and a closed end. A primary end seal is disposed on the open end of the seed shell. A secondary end seal is arranged on the primary end seal, the secondary end seal having one or more dimples. Each of the one or more dimples each have a substantially parabolic shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes manufactured seed comprising: a seed shell comprising a structure having an open end and a closed end; a restraint disposed within the seed shell, the restraint comprising a cavity; and a seal assembly disposed on the open end of the seed shell in a configuration effective to seal the seed shell. An embryo disposed within the seed shell in a substantially parallel or a substantially skew configuration with respect to a plane in which the sealing assembly is arranged.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a shoot restraint for use with manufactured seeds comprising. In some embodiments, the shoot restraint includes a substantially porous material having a top surface and a bottom surface. The substantially porous material is formed to define a substantially cylindrical upper portion having an upper diameter; and a substantially cylindrical lower portion having a lower diameter. The upper diameter is larger than the lower diameter. A parabolic cavity extends from the top surface to the bottom surface through the upper portion and at least partially into the lower portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a manufactured seed comprising a seed shell and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The seed shell is a structure having an open end and a closed end. The restraint comprises a parabolic cavity. A seal assembly is disposed on the open end of the seed shell in a configuration effective to seal the seed shell.

Abstract: A method of preparation of a plant tissue fragment is provided wherein apical dominance of plant meristematlc tissue is inhibited followed by fragmentation of the tissue. Also provided are methods of plant micropropagation and methods of artificial seed production using apical dominance suppression in preferably, a semi-automated process. Also provided is a plant tissue processing machine that generates plant fragments with high regeneration efficiency and an artificial seed production apparatus.

Abstract: A low-profile particulate handling assembly is provided for use in conjunction with a downstream treating device, such as a seed treater unit. The assembly includes a plurality of juxtaposed particulate bins and a surmounting turret assembly designed to successively deliver particulates to the bins. The particulates within the bins are delivered to the downstream treating device through respective lower outlets each equipped with an adjustable slide gate assembly and a lower, multiple-chute assembly. Preferably, each bin has a top wall which in plan configuration approximates a sector of a circle, planar sidewalls, and downwardly tapered, arcuate sidewall structure leading to the lower outlet; in this fashion, the bins can be grouped with the sidewalls in close adjacency, and with the outlets located to feed into a single inlet of the downstream treating device.

Abstract: This application provides planting mix compositions that include pelletized coir. Seed, cornmeal or corn flour, fungicide, and optionally activated charcoal and/or a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) can be included in the planting mix compositions. Methods of making such compositions are also disclosed herein. In particular examples, such compositions include pelletized coir at least partially coated with a binder, seeds, charcoal, and optionally a SAP. In other examples, such compositions include a pelletized mixture that includes coir, cornmeal or corn flour, charcoal, a SAP, a fungicide, and seeds, wherein the seeds are encased within the pellets.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer products for use in agricultural applications, and methods of making the same, are provided. The superabsorbent polymer is used in a seed coating along with an active ingredient, and optionally a singulating substance, to improve seed germination and/or blooming; improve germination under dry conditions; decrease irrigation requirements; increase propagation, crop growth, and crop production; and improve the efficacy of the active ingredient.

Abstract: The use of tetra(2-hydroxypropyl)ethylene diamine as a seed treatment.

Abstract: A low-profile particulate handling assembly is provided for use in conjunction with a downstream treating device, such as a seed treater unit. The assembly includes a plurality of juxtaposed particulate bins and a surmounting turret assembly designed to successively deliver particulates to the bins. The particulates within the bins are delivered to the downstream treating device through respective lower outlets each equipped with an adjustable slide gate assembly and a lower, multiple-chute assembly. Preferably, each bin has a top wall which in plan configuration approximates a sector of a circle, planar sidewalls, and downwardly tapered, arcuate sidewall structure leading to the lower outlet; in this fashion, the bins can be grouped with the sidewalls in close adjacency, and with the outlets located to feed into a single inlet of the downstream treating device.

Abstract: A low-profile particulate handling assembly (24) is provided for use in conjunction with a downstream treating device, such as a seed treater unit (22). The assembly (24) includes a plurality of juxtaposed particulate bins (34) and a surmounting turret assembly (36) designed to successively deliver particulates to the bins (34). The particulates within the bins (34) are delivered to the downstream treating device through respective lower outlets (110) each equipped with an adjustable slide gate assembly (112) and a lower, multiple-chute assembly (114). Preferably, each bin (34) has a top wall (50) which in plan configuration approximates a sector of a circle, planar sidewalls (64), and downwardly tapered, arcuate sidewall structure (58) leading to the lower outlet (110); in this fashion, the bins (34) can be grouped with the sidewalls (64) in close adjacency, and with the outlets (110) located to feed into a single inlet (26) of the downstream treating device.

Abstract: Coating compositions and methods of use, allowing for improved water and/or nutrient usage by seeds, plants, shrubs, and vegetation, among others, are disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, an improved nutritive media is provided that comprises from 10 g/L to 100 g/L of an adsorbent material, from 350 mg/L to 450 mg/L of NH4NO3, from 2000 mg/L to 3000 mg/L of KH2PO4, from 5 mg/L to 25 mg/L of FeSO4, from 600 mg/L to 1500 mg/L of MgSO4; and at least one component selected from the group consisting of: from 150 mg/L to 300 mg/L of Myo-inositol, from 1.5 mg/L to 3.0 mg/L of Thiamine-HCl, from 0.30 mg/L to 0.80 mg/L of Pyridoxine-HCl, from 1.5 mg/L to 3.0 mg/L of Nicotinic acid, from 0.15 mg/L to 0.30 mg/L of Riboflavin, from 0.75 mg/L to 2.0 mg/L of Ca-pantothenate, from 0.01 mg/L to 0.03 mg/L of Biotin and from 0.15 mg/L to 0.30 mg/L of Folic Acid. In another aspect, a manufactured seed is provided comprising the improved nutritive media.

Abstract: Fuzzy cotton seeds with an aqueous polyurethane dispersion are provided which have a smooth and non-sticky surface. Said coated seeds have at the same time a sufficient hardness for use in machine-seeding and possess also excellent germination properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides means and methods for simple and efficient introduction of foreign genetic material into the plant cell. Particularly, the present invention combines seed priming and virus-based DNA constructs for efficient introduction of heterologous DNA into plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the authentication of a product, comprising providing said product with at least one marker, wherein said marker is a phosphorescent marker selected from a set of m phosphorescent markers each having a different emission spectrum, wherein m is an integer equal or greater than 3, and wherein said marker is provided at an amount that results in a phosphor-specific emission below background radiation emitted from said product.

Abstract: An agronomic carrier coated with an acidifying agent and a method for preparing same is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating composition containing at least one polyurethane urea which is terminated with a copolymer unit of polyethylene oxide and poly-C4-C12-alkylene oxide.

Abstract: Proposed is a biologically active nanochip for treating seeds of agricultural plants in order to improve seed germination conditions and development of plants and for protecting plants from anticipated and averaged adverse conditions. The biologically active nanochip contains a solid porous carrier, such as mineral, clay, turf, or polymer, the pores of which are intended for accommodating nanoparticles of biologically active substances that penetrate the pores when the substances are applied onto the nanochip surface, e.g., by spraying. Alternatively, the biologically active substances can be retained on the surface of the carrier by adhesion. The composition of the biologically active nanochips is selected with reference to anticipated and averaged adverse conditions. Also proposed is a method for application of the biologically active substances onto the surfaces of the biologically active nanochips.

Abstract: A novel transgenic corn event designated MIR162 is disclosed. The invention relates to nucleic acids that are unique to event MIR162 and to methods for detecting the presence of the MIR162 event based on DNA sequences of the recombinant constructs inserted into the corn genome that resulted in the MIR162 event and of genomic sequences flanking the insertion site. The invention further relates to corn plants comprising the transgenic genotype of MIR162 and to methods for producing a corn plant by crossing a corn plant comprising the MIR162 genotype with itself or another corn variety. Seeds of corn plants comprising the MIR162 genotype are also objects of the present invention. The invention also relates to methods of controlling insects using MIR162 corn plants.

Abstract: A composite, time-delayed, polymer-coated, granulated material for maintaining hydration in plants is formulated to delay acceptance of water in order to operate in drilling, plugging, and disking equipment used for aeration, soil amendment, or both. Whether potted or outdoors, whether relying on a third-material binder or a small, hydrated portion of the polymer itself as a binder, the material may be injected or otherwise placed below the surface of soils. Water is eventually absorbed sufficiently to expose the bulk of the hydrating particles attached to each granule. Addition of the granulated material as a soil amendment resists dehydration normally occurring in plants between waterings, yet its initial delay in hydrating supports water-jet injection and soil integration by resisting premature expansion from hydration.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for improving the germination of manufactured seeds. The methods comprise the step of subjecting a manufactured seed to at least one change in ambient pressure for a period of time sufficient to generate a conditioned manufactured seed.

Abstract: A low-profile particulate handling assembly (24) is provided for use in conjunction with a downstream treating device, such as a seed treater unit (22). The assembly (24) includes a plurality of juxtaposed particulate bins (34) and a surmounting turret assembly (36) designed to successively deliver particulates to the bins (34). The particulates within the bins (34) are delivered to the downstream treating device through respective lower outlets (110) each equipped with an adjustable slide gate assembly (112) and a lower, multiple-chute assembly (114). Preferably, each bin (34) has a top wall (50) which in plan configuration approximates a sector of a circle, planar sidewalls (64), and downwardly tapered, arcuate sidewall structure (58) leading to the lower outlet (110); in this fashion, the bins (34) can be grouped with the sidewalls (64) in close adjacency, and with the outlets (110) located to feed into a single inlet (26) of the downstream treating device.