Systems and methods for processing hybrid seed

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for systems and method for producing hybrid seed. In various embodiments, the disclosure provides a system for the high-throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. In another embodiment, a high-throughput, nondestructive method for producing hybrid seeds comprises removing a sample from a plurality of seeds in the population while preserving the germination viability of the seed and analyzing the sample for the presence or absence of one or more genetic markers indicative of a male-sterile gene.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 968,800, filed August 29, 2007. The disclosures of the aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to the field of crop breeding. More specifically, the present invention provides systems and methods for producing various hybrid seeds. Background technique [0004] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. [0005] Currently, various hybrid seeds are produced by artificial emasculation to remove the male flower portion of the female parent and subsequently artificially pollinate the female flower with pollen from the male parent. This method is labour-intensive and very expensive, and also limits seed production to areas where the use of human labor is available a...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The process is labor intensive and often inefficient because male fertile crops are difficult to identify in the field

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