Pollen dispensing device for crop plants in agricultural field, corresponding use and method of operation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pollen distribution device (2, 102) for crop plants in an agricultural field (4, 104), the device (2, 102) comprising a carrier structure (6, 106) configured to move in a movement direction (10, 110) along a row of crop plants (8, 108) of the agricultural field (4, 104), and a blowing device (12, 112) attached to the carrier structure (6, 106) wherein the blowing device (12, 112) comprises at least one nozzle arrangement (14, 114), the nozzle arrangement (14, 114) being configured to spray pollen on the crop plants (8, 108) of the agricultural field (4, 104). The at least one nozzle arrangement is configured to blow air to pollen-bearing plants (16, 116) of an agricultural field (4, 104). According to the invention, it is proposed that the nozzle arrangement (14, 114) comprises vaporizing means (18, 118) for increasing the humidity in the air exiting the nozzle arrangement (14, 114), in particular wherein the vaporizing means (18, 118) are configured to increase the relative humidity of the air exiting the nozzle arrangement (14, 114) to between 60% and 80% by atomizing water particles, therefore, high relative humidity suitable for pollen viability preservation is ensured.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a pollen distribution device for crop plants in an agricultural field, the device comprising a carrier structure and a blowing device, the carrier structure being configured to move in a moving direction along the rows of crop plants in the agricultural field, the blowing device being attached to the carrier structure, wherein the blowing device comprises at least one nozzle arrangement, the at least one nozzle arrangement being configured to blow air toward pollen-carrying plants in the agricultural field.

[0002] In different crops (such as cereals, but also other crops), there are several systems that can be used to obtain male sterility in order to produce hybrid seeds on female plants through cross-pollination. Some of these systems include cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), chemically induced male sterility (using chemical hybridizing agents (CHA)), or nuclear male sterility (NMS). In any of these systems, male plants (producing pollen) are required to effectively pollinate female plants (male sterile), and ideally, there are no or few male seeds in the resulting hybrid seeds that are harvested.

[0003] There are basically 2 methods to obtain cross-pollination between male and female plants: mixed planting, where the male (pollinating) plants are randomly or evenly distributed among the female (male sterile) plants in a certain percentage; and strip (or row or block) planting, where the male (pollinating) plants are physically separated from the female (male sterile) plants in separate rows / field sections.

[0004] In a mixed planting method, male (pollinating) plants are randomly or evenly distributed among female (male sterile) plants in a certain percentage, but since male plants are self-pollinating, male seeds will still be produced in this setting, and male seeds need to be removed to obtain hybrid seeds of sufficient purity (to meet the requirements of customers or (certification) agencies), or male plants can only be present in limited quantities in female fields, which reduces the amount of males providing pollen.

[0005] In strip planting (also known as block planting) or row planting systems (where one or more female rows are planted next to one or more male rows), self-pollinating males are most easily removed by either removing the male plants physically separated from the female rows (after pollinating the female plants) or by ensuring that the male plants do not produce (normal-sized) seeds so that only hybrid seeds produced on female plants are harvested (or the smaller male seeds are removed at harvest). It is also possible to ensure that the male rows are excluded during harvest.

[0006] A key factor for the success of hybrid row crops such as wheat, rice or maize is the economics of seed production, i.e. seed production must be efficient and cost-effective (Whitford et al., 2013, Gupta et al., 2019), mainly due to the tendency of these crops to self-pollinate. In addition, some row crops rely on insects for pollination, and in Europe, a sharp decline in the frequency and diversity of various wild pollinating insects (such as wild bees, hoverflies, butterflies and moths) has been observed (see e.g.

[0007] https: / / ec.europa.eu / environment / nature / conservation / species / pollinators / inde x_en.htm), which reduces pollination efficiency.

[0008] WO 2019 / 175507 and WO 2022 / 023663 disclose an air moving device using the Coanda effect, which collects pollen from a pollen donor plant, the pollen moves through the device, and the device distributes the collected pollen on a recipient plant. This device is said to be particularly useful for crops (such as wheat, barley or corn) whose pollen is difficult to fertilize and not easy to maintain vitality for a long time.

[0009] WO 2018 / 129302 discloses a device for pollinating plants, the device comprising a pollination unit mounted on a base mountable on a carriage, the pollination unit comprising a pollen release device configured to release pollen from male flowers of the plants and at least one nozzle for directing at least some of the released pollen to rows receiving pollen. The plants are pollinated by driving the carriage along a field and directing air from the nozzles onto pollen produced by some plants to transfer the pollen to female flowers of other plants in the field.

[0010] The article "Pollen viability in the field" by M. Bots and C. Mariani involves a review of the scientific literature on pollen viability and an analysis of pollen viability in the field. However, the document does not discuss or disclose influencing environmental conditions by actively increasing humidity in order to provide conditions for pollen preservation.

[0011] Reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information obtained therefrom) or any known matter is not and should not be taken as an admission or permission or any form of implication that the prior publication (or information obtained therefrom) or known matter constitutes part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0012] However, particularly for row crops, such as, but not limited to, cereal crops (e.g., wheat, rice, or corn), there remains a need for a simple and efficient, improved plant cross-pollination system, both for female parent maintenance and for hybrid seed production. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved pollen dispensing device that will improve overall plant cross-pollination and preserve pollen viability.

[0013] The invention achieves the above object by proposing a pollen dispensing device according to claim 1. According to one embodiment of the invention, the pollen dispensing device comprises at least one nozzle arrangement, the at least one nozzle arrangement comprising a vaporizing device for adding humidity to the air leaving the nozzle arrangement, in particular, wherein the vaporizing device is configured to increase the relative humidity of the air from the nozzle arrangement by atomizing water particles to ensure a high relative humidity suitable for pollen vitality preservation (such as a humidity between 60% and 80%). The relative humidity may for example be (at least) 60%, 65%, 70%, 75% or 80% or be in the range of 60% to 70% or 70% to 80%. The vaporizing device may be configured as an atomizing device, which is configured to atomize a liquid (such as water) provided to the atomizing device. The vaporizing device is used to atomize water in order to increase the humidity of the air leaving the nozzle arrangement (using pressure and atomizing nozzles to produce an aerosol or small droplets suspended in the air).

[0014] This embodiment of the invention achieves the following advantages: The proposed device improves the distribution of pollen from male plants to female plants. By increasing the humidity in the air blown to the pollen, pollen dehydration is reduced and the air flow temperature is reduced, thereby further improving the vitality of the pollen. It has been found that adjusting or increasing the relative humidity to between 60% and 80% is beneficial to the preservation of pollen vitality. However, the relative humidity should be low enough to avoid the pollen absorbing too much humidity and becoming wet, otherwise the travel distance of the pollen will be significantly shortened. In addition, the device is also suitable for use with row crop plants whose pollen can be partially dehydrated and rehydrated (but resulting in a decrease in the amount of viable pollen), or for pollinating plants during warm temperatures (such as above 25°C or 30°C).

[0015] According to one embodiment, the exhaust direction of the air leaving the nozzle arrangement is inclined upwards at an angle of 1° to 45°, preferably 10°, relative to the vertical direction, so as to suspend the pollen upwards. By suspending the pollen upwards, the travel distance of the pollen can be increased. The angle can be in the range of 1° to 15°, 15° to 30°, 30° to 45°, or can be a single value, such as 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°. The expression "suspending pollen" can be understood in this article as blowing pollen or generally moving pollen.

[0016] Preferably, the exhaust direction of the air leaving the nozzle arrangement is inclined to the right or to the left relative to the longitudinal axis of the device, in particular inclined outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis. In other words, by tilting the exhaust direction of the air leaving the nozzle arrangement outwardly, the air is directed towards the rows of female (pollen-receiving) crop plants. According to another embodiment, the device comprises a blower, in particular a centrifugal blower, which is fluidically connected to the nozzle arrangement. The blower can be arranged on the device itself. According to an alternative embodiment, the blower can be arranged on a tractor, for example, configured to carry the device, wherein, in this case, compressed air is provided to the device by the blower arranged on the tractor.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the speed at which the air leaves the nozzle arrangement is in the range of 5km / h to 45km / h, preferably 8km / h to 40km / h. This speed can be, for example, in the range of 5km / h to 15km / h, 15km / h to 30km / h, or 30km / h to 45km / h. It has been found that the above speed range is beneficial for spreading pollen over a considerable distance while maintaining the vigor of the pollen. It has been found that it is beneficial that the speed of the air when impacting the wheat plant carrying the pollen is in the range of 10km / h to 20km / h. Thus, it is also possible to take into account the natural wind that may exist at the agricultural field. In other words, the speed of the additional air flow provided by the nozzle arrangement when the natural wind speed in the field is quite high may be lower than the speed when the wind speed is quite low.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the nozzle arrangement is a first nozzle arrangement, and wherein the device comprises a second nozzle arrangement spaced apart from the first nozzle arrangement. Preferably, at least one nozzle arrangement is directed to a certain pollen-producing crop row. For example, by utilizing two nozzle arrangements, air can be blown to two pollen-producing crop rows simultaneously when the device is moved on an agricultural field. Preferably, the device comprises 5 to 20 nozzle arrangements, in particular 10 nozzle arrangements. The device may also comprise 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 nozzle arrangements. By utilizing 10 nozzle arrangements, the device can blow air to, for example, 10 different rows of pollen-producing crop plants.

[0019] In one embodiment, the carrier structure comprises at least one diagonal brace extending diagonally outwardly from a central front portion of the device and rearwardly towards a rear portion of the device, wherein at least two nozzle arrangements, in particular 3, 4, 5, 6 or more nozzle arrangements are attached to the diagonal brace. Arranging the nozzle arrangements at the diagonal brace ensures that the nozzle arrangements can be spaced as required for certain crop-specific row spacings. Furthermore, the diagonal design ensures that the travel distance and distribution of the pollen is improved, since subsequent nozzle arrangements will participate in the lifting and / or spreading of the pollen when the device is moved. By arranging the nozzle arrangements at different positions on the diagonal brace, different row spacings can be accommodated.

[0020] In another embodiment of the present invention, the diagonal brace is a first diagonal brace, and wherein the carrier structure includes a second diagonal brace, which extends obliquely outward from the central front portion of the device and backward toward the rear portion of the device, wherein at least two nozzle arrangements, particularly 3, 4, 5, 6 or more nozzle arrangements are attached to the diagonal brace, and wherein these diagonal braces extend in opposite outward directions. In other words, the two diagonal braces form a triangle or wedge relative to each other. In this way, the overall pollen distribution is improved, wherein the design allows adaptation to different wind conditions and wind directions in agricultural fields. For example, it may be beneficial to only use the nozzle arrangement arranged on any one of these diagonal braces. It has been found that for some crops, it is beneficial to avoid having the nozzle arrangement blown against the wind. In this regard, when the wind passes, for example, from right to left, it may be beneficial to only use the nozzle arrangement on the left side of the device, so as to blow in the left direction relative to the moving direction of the device.

[0021] In another embodiment, the carrier structure comprises a carrier strut arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein a first diagonal strut and / or a second diagonal strut is attached to the carrier strut, wherein the carrier strut and the diagonal strut form a basic shape of a triangle. It has been found that the use of the carrier strut is beneficial to improve the overall rigidity of the device. According to another embodiment, the diagonal strut is connected with an additional pivotable strut, wherein the pivotable strut can be brought into a transport position and an extended position, in which the pivotable strut is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis or arranged inwardly toward the longitudinal axis, and in the extended position, the pivotable strut is arranged outwardly and extends so as to increase the overall width of the device. In this way, when the pivotable strut is in the transport position, it is possible to ensure that the device can be properly transported by reducing its overall width, wherein the overall width of the device can be increased in the field to accommodate a larger row spacing.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the exhaust direction of the nozzle arrangement arranged at the first diagonal strut is inclined toward a first outward direction, in particular at an angle of 1° to 90°, preferably 45° to 90°, for example 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85° to the longitudinal axis, and / or wherein the exhaust direction of the nozzle arrangement arranged at the second diagonal strut is inclined toward a second outward direction, in particular at an angle of 1° to 90°, preferably 45° to 90°, for example 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85° to the longitudinal axis, so as to suspend the pollen in the direction of the female plant. In other words, considering that each diagonal support rod is attached with five nozzle arrangements, the nozzle arrangement attached to the right diagonal support rod will blow to the right at the above-mentioned angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and the nozzle arrangement attached to the left diagonal support rod will blow to the left at the above-mentioned angle range relative to the longitudinal axis, as seen in the direction of movement of the device. In one embodiment, the device is arranged with its longitudinal axis located between two central crop rows. Between these two central crop rows, two nozzle arrangements are arranged. One nozzle arrangement is preferably attached to the first diagonal support rod, so as to blow in a rightward direction towards the central right row, while the other nozzle arrangement is attached to the left diagonal support rod, so as to blow towards the central left row. Between other pairs of crop rows, only one nozzle arrangement is arranged. In this way, a total of ten different crop rows can be affected by ten nozzle arrangements.

[0023] According to another embodiment, a valve, in particular a solenoid valve, is arranged between the nozzle arrangement and the blower, wherein each valve is configured to cut off or allow air flow from the blower to the nozzle arrangement, in particular to cut off or allow air flow from the blower to the nozzle arrangement arranged at the first diagonal brace and / or the second diagonal brace. In other words, according to one embodiment, each nozzle arrangement can be activated or deactivated individually. However, according to a preferred embodiment, only the nozzle arrangements attached to either the first diagonal brace or the second diagonal brace are grouped together, so that the nozzle arrangements attached to the first diagonal brace and / or the second diagonal brace can be activated or deactivated together, in particular under the control of the tractor carrying the device.

[0024] In one embodiment, the nozzle arrangements are spaced apart from each other by a distance of 7 cm to 45 cm, preferably 14 cm to 30 cm, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, so as to accommodate different row planting spacings. This is achieved, for example, by adjusting the position of the nozzle arrangement at the diagonal brace so as to place the nozzle arrangement between two adjacent crop rows for different row planting spacings.

[0025] Preferably, the nozzle arrangement is releasably attached to the carrier structure so that the spacing and / or height of the nozzle arrangement can be adjusted. In this way, the device can be flexibly used for a variety of different row spacings and plant types and heights. For example, the height of the nozzle arrangement can be adjusted to suit certain crop species. However, in one embodiment, the height of the device relative to the crop is adjusted by a tractor carrying the device.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the nozzle arrangement, in particular each nozzle arrangement comprises an air knife. The air knife comprises an elongated nozzle, which provides a uniform laminar air flow (also referred to as streamlined flow) thin layer. The air knife can be advantageously used to blow air towards the crop plants in a defined direction and in the elongated nozzle area. In particular, the air knife is a first air knife, and wherein, the nozzle arrangement, in particular each nozzle arrangement optionally includes a second air knife. It has been found that the use of two air knives is beneficial to providing uniform air flow and / or increasing the amount of pollen released to the crop plants. In one embodiment, the vaporization device is arranged in the middle and above the two air knives. In another embodiment, the vaporization device is included in the air knife. In another embodiment, the vaporization device can be integrated into an air supply system for providing air to the air knife, or can be located outside the air knife, for example at the exhaust port of the air knife. It has been found that this is beneficial to increase the relative humidity of the air leaving the air knife as described above and reduce condensation. In one embodiment, the length of the air knife along its longitudinal axis is in the range of 10cm to 40cm, preferably 20cm to 30cm. The length may be 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm or 35 cm. By providing an air knife having the above overall length, an air knife air flow may be advantageously provided to plants such as wheat plants.

[0027] According to one embodiment, one or more air knives are inclined relative to the vertical plane of the crop rows, in particular at an angle of 1° to 45°, preferably 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, so as to initially blow air from the bottom of the air knife to the male (pollen producing) crop rows and thereafter blow air from the top of the air knife to the male (pollen producing) crop rows. Furthermore, the described arrangement ensures that the pollen is blown upwards. Preferably, the angle is adjusted according to the crop row spacing. For smaller crop row spacings, it may be beneficial to reduce the angle to avoid that the air knife touches the crop rows. For larger crop row spacings, the angle can be increased without touching the crop rows. In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement and / or tilting of the air knife is performed manually. In an alternative embodiment, the arrangement and / or tilting of the air knife is performed by at least one actuator configured to align and / or tilt the air knife.

[0028] In one embodiment, the carrier structure includes an interface configured to couple the device to a tractor, in particular to a front receiving section of the tractor. When the device is attached to the tractor, the overall height of the device relative to the crop can be adjusted by lifting the device up or down. In one embodiment, the tractor provides a water source for the vaporization device and / or air pressure for operating the nozzle device or the air knife. According to an alternative embodiment, an air compressor and / or a water tank including a water compressor is arranged on the device itself. In addition, the energy for operating the air compressor or the water pump can be provided by the tractor power take-off (PTO).

[0029] In one embodiment, the device comprises a guard. The guard is preferably arranged adjacent to the air knife, in particular substantially parallel to the air knife. The guard is an optional component and can be used to protect the air knife from mechanical influences, in particular when the distance between the rows of plants is short. In one embodiment of the invention, the air knife does not have a guard.

[0030] In one embodiment, the device comprises a sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit comprises at least one of the following sensors: a camera, a satellite navigation system receiver, an altitude sensor arrangement, the altitude sensor arrangement being configured to determine the height of the crop row relative to the vertical position of the pollen dispensing device. The sensor unit may be part of a so-called "smart farming" system. The sensor unit may be a central unit comprising the above mentioned sensors, or may be a distributed system comprising components at different locations on the device. The camera may be mounted on top of the device to provide a suitable overview, and / or adjacent to (at least one) air knife or other parts of the device requiring special attention by the device operator.

[0031] In one embodiment, the height sensor arrangement includes two infrared sensors spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. The infrared sensors can be used to adjust the height of the device relative to the crop row. When using two infrared sensors arranged one above the other in the vertical direction, the height of the device can be controlled so that the lower sensor is blocked by the crop passing along the sensor, while the higher sensor receives the infrared signal, which means that the sensor is not blocked by the plant. This arrangement corresponds to the preferred operating height h of the device. When both infrared sensors are blocked, the height of the device is too low. When both infrared sensors receive infrared signals, the height of the device is too high. By controlling the height of the device so that the indications of the infrared sensors are as explained above, the height of the device can be reliably measured and adjusted. With the help of the sensor signal, the device can be operated in an automatic manner, wherein, for example, the height of the device is automatically adjusted. Moreover, the device can be automatically positioned correctly relative to the male crop row or the female crop row based on camera signals and / or a satellite navigation system.

[0032] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a front bar arrangement, the front bar arrangement comprising a front bar, which is arranged at the front part of the device substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement. The front bar is preferably foldable. In one embodiment, the front bar arrangement comprises at least one chain attached to the front bar, in particular, wherein the chain is a first chain, and wherein the front bar comprises at least one second chain spaced apart from the first chain. These chains are used to support a suspension rod, which stimulates female plants when the device passes along an agricultural field. The length of the chain is such that the suspension rod touches the female plant flower head, for example, these rods are positioned on the lower side of the air knife, or just below the flower head / flower. It should be noted that the use of the front bar arrangement is optional. Preferably, the female plant is touched to stimulate the flower to open, but the female plant will not be destroyed, broken or cut by the suspension rod or chain. In one embodiment, the suspension rod only touches the rows in the female plant block adjacent to the male plant, without touching the male plant from which pollen is to be dispersed. In one embodiment, for example, when the male flowers have not yet opened (the anthers have not yet extended), the male plants can also be touched by the hanging rod to stimulate the anthers to extend.

[0033] In one embodiment, a wire support structure is arranged above the front bar. Preferably, the wire support structure includes a central column extending vertically upward from the front bar, wherein at least one wire is tensioned between the front bar and the top of the central column. In one embodiment, the wire extends from the top of the central column to either side of the bar. The support structure helps to prevent the front bar from bending.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the front bar comprises four or six chains. Two chains are preferably arranged at the outer edges of the front bar, while the other two or four chains are arranged according to the block width of female plants in the field. In a preferred embodiment, the front bar arrangement comprises chain mountings, which are configured to releasably mount the chains to the front bar and / or adjust the position of the chains along the front bar. In this way, the positioning of the chains can be adjusted with respect to the field setting. In one embodiment, two chains are positioned at the outer edges and two chains are positioned outside the male plant row plots so that the suspension bar only touches the female plant rows.

[0035] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a heat shield that is positioned between the tractor and the plants to prevent the engine or other components from heating up during use and thereby potentially transferring heat to the plants. The heat shield may include a roller that can be rolled up (such as during transport) and can be secured in an unrolled state to provide thermal shielding. The support bar to which the air knife is releasably attached may include markings with preset row distances for predetermined air knife positions for specific row spacings (between male rows).

[0036] On the other hand, the present invention relates to a pollen distribution device for crop plants in an agricultural field, the device comprising a carrier structure and a blowing device, the carrier structure being configured to move in a moving direction along rows of crop plants on the agricultural field, the blowing device being attached to the carrier structure, wherein the blowing device comprises at least one nozzle arrangement, the at least one nozzle arrangement being configured to blow air toward pollen-carrying plants in the agricultural field.

[0037] Said aspect of the present invention achieves its object, wherein the pollen dispensing device comprises a vaporization device separate from the blowing device for increasing humidity, wherein the vaporization device is configured to increase the relative humidity of the air around the pollen dispensing device (for example, to between 60% and 80%) by atomizing water particles so as to ensure a high relative humidity suitable for preserving pollen vitality.

[0038] Another aspect of the pollen dispensing device utilizes the same benefits and preferred embodiments as the pollen dispensing device according to the invention and vice versa. In this respect, in order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0039] So far, the present invention has been described with respect to a pollen dispensing device. In another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a pollen dispensing device according to any of the preceding embodiments for dispensing pollen of the following crop plants while maintaining viability by reducing dehydration: wheat (Triticum spp.), in particular winter wheat and spring wheat, including triticale; rice (Oryza spp.) or Oryza spp.; oats (Avena spp.), including Avena sativa; barley (Hordeum spp.), including Hordeum vulgare; corn (Zea mays spp.), including Zea mays; onion or leek (Allium cepa spp.); carrot (Daucus carota spp.), including Daucus carota subsp. Sativus; and plants from another genus or species where cross-pollination of pollen-producing plants with pollen-receiving plants (such as male sterile plants of crops having male and female reproductive organs) is desired, and / or having a similar inflorescence structure suitable for mechanically assisted pollination.

[0040] The use of a pollen dispensing device utilizes the same benefits and preferred embodiments as the pollen dispensing device according to the invention and vice versa. In this respect, reference is made to the above explanations in order to avoid unnecessary repetitions.

[0041] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating a pollen dispensing device according to any of the preceding embodiments. The method achieves the object of the invention by moving the pollen dispensing device along at least one row of crop plants of an agricultural field at a ground speed of 2.5 km / h to 15 km / h, preferably at a ground speed of 5 km / h to 10 km / h, in one embodiment twice a day, in particular at short intervals, such as 5 to 30 minutes. By using the above speed range, the cross-pollination potential of the device is maximized. The device can be moved along the row of crop plants twice a day, wherein the first pass can stimulate the plants to open.

[0042] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of moving the pollen distributing device along the crop plant row at another time, wherein the time interval between the first pass and the second pass is in particular one day, preferably two days. It has been found that this is beneficial to improve cross-pollination. In addition, it is also possible to carry out 2 passes on one day and 2 passes on another day, with the 2 passes within one day being separated from each other by a short time, such as 5 to 30 minutes.

[0043] Preferably, the device is operated at an agricultural field under the following conditions: no rain; at least 30% of the ears of male (pollen-producing) plants include pollen, especially mature pollen (especially, at least 30% of the ears of male plants have extended anthers); female plants are receptive to pollen, especially, wherein at least 30% of the ears of female plants include open florets; no significant cloud cover; after the morning dew evaporates and before the temperature of the field rises to above 20° C., preferably before reaching a temperature above 25° C. or 30° C. It has been found that these conditions are beneficial for optimizing cross-pollination results.

[0044] Preferably, the size of the male plant plot is adapted to the size of the tractor, in particular the distance between the wheels of the tractor, so that the wheels can be driven between the male and female rows.

[0045] In order to more completely understand the present invention, the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific embodiments will illustrate and describe the contents of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. Of course, it should be understood that various modifications and changes in form or detail can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention may not be limited to the exact form and details shown and described herein, nor to any content in the entirety of the present invention disclosed herein and as claimed below. Further, the features described in the specification, drawings and claims of the present invention may be related to the present invention considered individually or in combination. In particular, any figure mark in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present invention. The word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps. The word "one" or "an" does not exclude plural numbers.

[0046] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example and not limitation, one of several possible embodiments of the device as proposed herein, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 : A pollen distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a three-dimensional diagram;

[0048] Figure 2 :The three-dimensional diagram shows the Figure 1 The nozzle arrangement of the pollen dispensing device of the embodiment;

[0049] Figure 3 :The top view shows the Figure 1 The pollen dispensing device of an embodiment of the present invention is adapted to accommodate larger spacing between crop rows;

[0050] Figure 4 : shows a pollen dispensing device according to the previous figures in a side view;

[0051] Figure 5 :The top view shows the Figure 1 The pollen dispensing device of an embodiment of the present invention is adapted to accommodate smaller spacing between crop rows;

[0052] Figures 6 to 12 : Alternative embodiments of the pollen dispensing device are shown in different views and perspectives;

[0053] Fig.13 and Fig.14 An alternative embodiment of a pollen dispensing device is shown in perspective view;

[0054] Fig.15 :shows the Figures 6 to 14 An embodiment of a sensor unit of a pollen dispensing device; and

[0055] Fig.16 : An embodiment of the method according to the present invention is shown in a schematic diagram.

[0056] Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The method for using agricultural fields 4 (such as Figure 3 2. The pollen distribution device 2 for crop row plants in FIG. 2 includes a carrier structure 6. The carrier structure 6 is configured as follows Figure 3 The pollen distribution device 2 moves in a moving direction 10 along a row of crop plants 8 of an agricultural field 4 as shown. The pollen distribution device 2 also includes a blowing device 12. The blowing device 12 is attached to the carrier structure 6. The blowing device 12 includes ten nozzle arrangements 14. The nozzle arrangements 14 are configured to blow pollen towards the rows of crop plants 8 of the agricultural field 4. Figure 3The air is blown over pollen-carrying plants 16 of the agricultural field 4 shown. The nozzle arrangement 14 comprises a vaporization device 18. In one embodiment, the vaporization device 18 is included in each air nozzle of the nozzle arrangement 14 or in an air supply system that supplies air to the nozzle arrangement 14, so that the air leaving the nozzle arrangement has a higher humidity. The vaporization device 18 is configured to add humidity to the air leaving the nozzle arrangement 14. In particular, the vaporization device 18 is configured to increase the relative humidity of the air leaving the nozzle arrangement 14 to between 60% and 80% by atomizing water particles, so as to ensure a high relative humidity suitable for preserving the viability of the pollen. In this regard, it is also necessary to ensure that the pollen does not become wet while still being viable.

[0057] The exhaust direction 20 of the air leaving the nozzle arrangement 14 is inclined upwards at an angle 22 of 1° to 45°, preferably 10°, relative to the vertical direction 21, in order to suspend the pollen upwards or to blow the pollen upwards. Furthermore, the exhaust direction 20 of the air leaving the nozzle arrangement 14 is inclined to the right or to the left relative to the longitudinal axis 24 of the device 2, in particular inclined outwards relative to the longitudinal axis 24. The device 2 or a corresponding tractor comprises a blower 26, in particular a centrifugal blower 26. The blower 26 is fluidically connected to the nozzle arrangement 14. The velocity v (e.g. Figure 2 The blower 26 is configured to adjust the speed v of the air leaving the nozzle arrangement 14 so that in the case of wheat plants, the speed of the air when it hits the pollen-carrying plants 16 is in the range of 10 km / h to 20 km / h.

[0058] The nozzle arrangement 14 may be a first nozzle arrangement 30, wherein the device includes a second nozzle arrangement 32 spaced apart from the first nozzle arrangement 30. In particular, as shown, the device 2 includes ten nozzle arrangements 14 spaced apart from one another. The carrier structure 6 includes a first diagonal brace bar 34. The first diagonal brace bar extends diagonally outward from a central front portion 36 of the device 2 and rearward toward a rear portion 40 of the device 2. Five nozzle arrangements 14 are attached to the first diagonal brace bar 34. The carrier structure 6 includes a second diagonal brace bar 42, which extends diagonally outward from a central front portion 36 of the device 2 and rearward toward a rear portion 40 of the device 2. Five nozzle arrangements 14 are attached to the second diagonal brace bar 42. The first diagonal brace bar 34 and the second diagonal brace bar 42 extend in opposite outward directions 38, 44, respectively, to form a wedge-shaped geometry.

[0059] The carrier structure 6 comprises a carrier strut 74. The carrier strut 74 is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24. The first diagonal strut 34 and the second diagonal strut 42 are attached to the carrier strut 46. The carrier strut 46 and the diagonal struts 34, 42 form a basic shape of a triangle. In addition, the diagonal struts 34, 42 are connected with additional pivotable struts 72. The pivotable struts 72 can be brought into a transport position, in which the pivotable struts 72 are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis 24 or inwardly toward the longitudinal axis. The pivotable struts 72 can also be brought into an extended position, in which the pivotable struts 72 are arranged outwardly in order to increase the overall width of the device 2, such as Figure 3 shown. Figure 5 , which can also be used for smaller row spacings. The exhaust direction 20 of the nozzle arrangement 14 arranged at the first diagonal strut 34 is inclined toward a first outward direction 38 (in the plane of the drawing, this means to the right). The inclination angle 48 with the longitudinal axis 24 is 1° to 90°, preferably 45° to 90°. The exhaust direction 20 of the nozzle arrangement 14 arranged at the second diagonal strut 42 is inclined toward a second outward direction 44, in particular at an angle 48 of 1° to 90°, preferably 45° to 90°, with the longitudinal axis 24. In this way, the pollen is suspended in the direction of the female plant or the plant receiving the pollen, or the pollen is blown in the direction of the female plant or the plant receiving the pollen.

[0060] A valve 28, in particular a solenoid valve 28, is arranged between the nozzle arrangement 14 and the blower 26. Each valve 28 is configured to cut off or allow the air flow from the blower 26 to the nozzle arrangement 14, in particular to cut off or allow the air flow from the blower 26 to the nozzle arrangement 14 arranged at the first diagonal brace 34 and / or the second diagonal brace 42. Specifically, the air flow from the blower 26 to all nozzle arrangements 14 arranged on the first diagonal brace 34 or the second diagonal brace 42 can be activated or deactivated collectively. In this way, the device 2 can adapt to different wind conditions existing at the agricultural field 4. The nozzle arrangements 14 are spaced apart from each other by a distance d of 10 cm to 45 cm, preferably 14 cm to 30 cm, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24. For example, at Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the nozzles 14 are arranged approximately 30 cm apart. Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the nozzle arrangements are spaced approximately 14 cm apart corresponding to the spacing of the rows 8. The nozzle arrangements 14 are releasably attached to the carrier structure 6 such that the spacing and / or height of the nozzle arrangements 14 relative to the carrier structure 6 can be adjusted.

[0061] Each nozzle arrangement 14 comprises a first air knife 50 and a second air knife 52. The use of the second air knife 52 is optional. The air knife 50 is inclined at an angle 54 relative to the vertical plane of the crop row 8, which angle is particularly 10°. The angle 54 can be in a range between 1° and 45°. In this way, air is initially blown to the crop row 8 from the bottom of the air knife 50, and then air is blown to the crop row from the top of the air knife 50. Therefore, pollen is blown upwards. The air knife 50 also includes a length l. The length l is in the range of 10 cm to 40 cm along the longitudinal axis 56 of the air knife 50, wherein the preferred range is between 20 cm and 30 cm. In addition, the carrier structure 60 includes an interface 58. The interface 58 is configured to connect the device 2 to a tractor (not shown), in particular to a front receiving section of the tractor.

[0062] Furthermore, a water tank 60 is attached to the carrier structure 6. The water tank 60 contains water for the vaporizer 18 and may include a pump. The water tank is fluidly connected to the water manifold 64 by means of a hose 66 and is fluidly connected to the nozzle arrangement 14 by means of another hose 66 and leads to the vaporizer 18. Figure 1 In the preferred embodiment, pressurized air for operating the air knife 50 is provided from an external source, such as a tractor including a compressor (not shown), via a hose 70. The pressurized air is directed from the hose 70 toward the air manifold 62 and the air knife 50. In an alternative embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, a centrifugal blower 26 can be attached to the device 2 to provide compressed air to the air manifold 62. The device 2 also includes a support bar 72 that can be pivoted to adjust the overall width of the device 2. In addition, the device includes a plurality of posts 68 that can be used to place the device 2 on the ground, such as when the device 2 is not in use, or to couple the device 2 to a tractor (not shown) by means of a coupling interface 58.

[0063] As already briefly described, Figure 2 A more detailed perspective view of the nozzle arrangement 14 is shown. The nozzle arrangement 14 comprises a first air knife 50 and a second air knife 52. In the figure, the exhaust direction 20 of the air leaving the air knife 50 is shown. The air leaves the air knife 50 at a velocity v. The vaporization device 18 is arranged above and between the air knives 50, 52. Figure 4 In the figure, it is shown that according to Figure 3 A side view of an embodiment of a device.

[0064] Figures 6 to 9 An alternative embodiment of the pollen dispensing device 102 is shown. Figure 6, a pollen dispensing device 102 is shown in a perspective view. The device 102 comprises a carrier structure 106. The carrier structure 106 is configured to move in a moving direction 110 along a row 108 of crop plants in an agricultural field 104. As described with respect to the first embodiment in the previous figures, the pollen dispensing device 102 further comprises a blowing device 112. The blowing device 112 is attached to the carrier structure 106.

[0065] The blowing device 112 comprises ten nozzle arrangements 114. The nozzle arrangements 114 are configured to blow air towards pollen-carrying plants 116 of the agricultural field 104. The nozzle arrangements 114 comprise a vaporizing device 118.

[0066] In one embodiment, the vaporization device 118 is included in each air nozzle of the nozzle arrangement 114, or in an air supply system that supplies air to the nozzle arrangement 114, so that the air leaving the nozzle arrangement has a higher humidity. Alternatively, the nozzle arrangement 114 can produce atomized water particles. In an alternative embodiment, the vaporization device can be separated from the blowing device.

[0067] Generally, the vaporization device 118 is configured to add humidity to the air leaving the nozzle arrangement 114, or may provide atomized liquid without adding additional air. In particular, in one embodiment, the vaporization device 118 is configured to increase the relative humidity of the air leaving the nozzle arrangement 114 or the air striking the plant carrying the pollen by atomizing water particles (e.g., increasing the relative humidity to between 60% and 80%) to ensure a high relative humidity suitable for pollen viability preservation. In this regard, in one embodiment, for the device 102, it is also necessary not to wet the pollen while ensuring that the pollen remains viable.

[0068] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the exhaust direction 120 of the air leaving the nozzle arrangement 114 is inclined upwards at an angle 22 relative to the vertical direction 121, which is 1° to 45°, preferably 10°, so as to blow the pollen upwards. In addition, the exhaust direction 120 of the air leaving the nozzle arrangement 114 is inclined to the right or left relative to the longitudinal axis 124 of the device 102, in particular inclined outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis 124. The device 102 or a corresponding tractor includes a blower 126 ( Figure 8 or Fig. 91 ), in particular a centrifugal blower 126. The blower 126 is fluidly connected to the nozzle arrangement 114. The speed v of the air leaving the nozzle arrangement 114 is in the range of 5 km / h to 45 km / h, preferably 8 km / h to 40 km / h. The blower 126 is configured to adjust the speed v of the air leaving the nozzle arrangement 114 so that in the case of wheat plants, the speed of the air when it hits the plant 116 carrying pollen is in the range of 10 km / h to 20 km / h.

[0069] The nozzle arrangement 114 may be a first nozzle arrangement 130, wherein the device 102 includes a second nozzle arrangement 132 spaced apart from the first nozzle arrangement 130. In particular, as shown, in one embodiment, the device 102 includes ten nozzle arrangements 114 spaced apart from one another. The carrier structure 106 includes a first diagonal brace bar 134. The first diagonal brace bar extends diagonally outward from a central front portion 136 of the device 102 and rearward toward a rear portion 140 of the device 102. Five nozzle arrangements 114 are attached to the first diagonal brace bar 134. The carrier structure 106 includes a second diagonal brace bar 142, which extends diagonally outward from a central front portion 136 of the device 102 and rearward toward a rear portion 140 of the device 102. Five nozzle arrangements 114 are attached to the second diagonal brace bar 142. The first diagonal brace 134 and the second diagonal brace 142 extend in opposite outward directions 138 , 144 , respectively, to form a wedge-shaped geometry.

[0070] The carrier structure 106 includes a carrier strut 174. The carrier strut 174 is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 124. The first diagonal strut 134 and the second diagonal strut 142 are attached to the carrier strut 174. The carrier strut 146 and the diagonal struts 134, 142 form a basic shape of a triangle. In addition, the diagonal struts 134, 142 are connected with additional pivotable struts 172. The pivotable struts 172 can be brought into a transport position (such as Figure 7 102, in which the transport position the pivotable struts 172 are aligned parallel to or inwardly toward the longitudinal axis 124. The pivotable struts 172 can also be moved into an extended position in which the pivotable struts 172 are arranged outwardly to increase the overall width of the device 102, such as Figure 6 shown. Figure 7, which can also be used for smaller row spacings. The exhaust direction 120 of the nozzle arrangement 114 arranged at the first diagonal strut 134 is inclined toward the first outward direction 138. The inclination angle 148 with the longitudinal axis 124 is 1° to 90°, preferably 45° to 90°. The exhaust direction 120 of the nozzle arrangement 114 arranged at the second diagonal strut 142 is inclined toward the second outward direction 144, in particular at an angle 148 of 1° to 90°, preferably 45° to 90° with the longitudinal axis 124. In this way, the pollen is blown in the direction of the female plant or the plant receiving the pollen.

[0071] The nozzle arrangements 114 are spaced apart from one another by a distance d of 10 cm to 45 cm, preferably 14 cm to 30 cm, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 124 (see Figure 8 ). For example, in Fig.10 In the configuration shown, the nozzle arrangements 114 are spaced approximately 50 cm apart to accommodate a 30 cm row spacing. Fig.11 In the configuration shown, the nozzle arrangements 114 are spaced approximately 30 cm apart to accommodate a row spacing of 17 cm. Fig.12 In the configuration shown, the nozzle arrangements 114 are spaced approximately 25 cm apart to accommodate a 14.3 cm row spacing. The nozzle arrangements 114 are releasably attached to the carrier structure 106 so that the spacing and / or height of the nozzle arrangements 114 relative to the carrier structure 106 can be adjusted.

[0072] In one embodiment, each nozzle arrangement 114 includes a first air knife 150 and a second air knife 152. The use of the second air knife 152 is optional. The air knife 150 is tilted upward relative to the vertical plane of the crop row 108. The tilt angle can be in a range between 1° and 45°. In this way, air is initially blown to the crop row 108 from the bottom of the air knife 150, and then air is blown to the crop row from the top of the air knife 150. Therefore, pollen is blown upward. In addition, the carrier structure 106 includes an interface 158. The interface 158 is configured to connect the device 102 to a tractor (not shown), in particular to a front receiving section of the tractor. The air knife 150 is tilted at an angle 154 relative to the vertical plane of the crop row 108.

[0073] Additionally, a water tank 160 is attached to the carrier structure 106. The water tank 160 contains water for the vaporizer 118 and may include, for example, Fig.13The pump 194 is shown. The water tank is ideally flat to improve the operator's visibility of the field and the pollen dispensing device. The water tank is fluidly connected to the water manifold 164, which is fluidly connected to the nozzle arrangement 114, and in particular to the vaporization device 118, by means of a hose. Pressurized air for operating the air knife 150 is provided by an external source, such as a tractor including a compressor (not shown). In addition, the device 102 includes a plurality of posts 168, which can be used to place the device 102 on the ground, such as when the device 102 is not in use, or to couple the device 102 to a tractor (not shown) by means of the coupling interface 158. Fig.14 The vaporization device 118 is shown disposed above the air knives 150 , 152 .

[0074] Optionally, the device 102 further comprises a guard device 176 disposed adjacent to at least some or all of the air knives 150, 152. The guard device 176 is disposed substantially parallel to the air knives 150, 152. It should be noted that the guard device 176 performs only a protective function for the air knives 150, 152. The guard device does not have a pollen release function.

[0075] In addition, the device 102 includes a sensor unit 186, which is Fig.15 186. The sensor unit 186 comprises at least one of the following sensors: a camera 188, a satellite navigation system receiver 190, an altitude sensor arrangement 192 configured to determine the height of the crop row 108 relative to the vertical position of the pollen dispensing device 102. In the figures, the sensor unit 186 is schematically shown adjacent to the water tank 160. However, the sensor unit 186 itself and the sensors 188 to 192 may be arranged at any convenient location on the device 102.

[0076] The camera 188 may be mounted on top of the device 102 and / or adjacent to at least one of the air knives 150, 152 or other parts of the device 102 that should be monitored, for example, by an operator of the device 102. The sensor unit 186 may also include more than one camera 188. The height sensor arrangement 192 includes two infrared sensors spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. The height sensor arrangement 192 is used to allow the height adjustment of the device 102 relative to the height of the crop row 108. In one embodiment, the height of the device 102 is controlled so that the lower infrared sensor of the two infrared sensors is always blocked by the corresponding crop of the crop row 108, wherein the higher sensor receives the infrared signal. This means, for example, when both sensors are blocked by the crop, the device 102 is moved upward until the higher sensor receives the infrared signal and the lower sensor is blocked by the crop. In the case where both sensors receive the infrared signal, the device 102 is arranged too high relative to the crop row, and the device is lowered until the lower infrared sensor no longer receives the infrared signal.

[0077] The device 102 also optionally includes a front bar arrangement 177. The front bar arrangement 177 includes a front bar 178. The front bar 178 is arranged at the front portion 136 of the device 102 substantially perpendicular to the movement direction 110 and is fixed to the front bar support structure 184. The front bar 178 is foldable and deployable. Figure 6 , the front bar 178 is shown in the deployed position, i.e., the operating position. Figure 7 17, the front bar 178 is shown as being in a folded position. The front bar arrangement 177 includes a chain 180 attached to the front bar 178. The spacing of the chain 180 is variable and can be adjusted relative to the spacing of the crop row 116. To achieve this, the front bar arrangement 177 includes a chain mounting member 182. The chain mounting member 182 is configured to releasably mount the chain 180 to the front bar 178 and / or adjust the position of the chain 180 along the front bar 178. The chain 180 is used to carry horizontal bars 196, which stimulate the female plant flower heads / flowers, preferably only stimulate female (male sterile) plants, and do not stimulate male plants that provide pollen. Therefore, the device 102 can pass through the plant more than once (such as twice, or three times, or four times). During the first pass (when the air knife can be operated or not), the horizontal bar suspended on the chain 180 is used to stimulate the female plant. Some time after the first pass (such as 15 or 30 minutes later, but ideally during the morning of the same application), a second pass may be made with the air knife operating and the front bar in either the folded or unfolded position. Fig. 9As shown, the chain 180 includes a chain overlap c that ensures that the chain 180 touches the female plant flower heads / flowers, approximately at the lower height of the air knife 114, or just below the female plant flower heads / flowers.

[0078] Fig.13 An embodiment is shown in which a wire support structure 195 is arranged above the front bar 178. The wire support structure 195 includes a central column 198 extending vertically upward from the front bar 178. The wire support structure 195 also includes two wires 199, which are tensioned to both sides of the front bar 178 between the front bar 178 and the top of the central column 198. The support structure 195 helps to avoid bending of the front bar 178. The pollen dispensing device 102 further includes a water pump 194, which is arranged adjacent to the water tank 160. Further, the pollen dispensing device 102 includes a heat protector or insulation cloth 193. The heat protector or insulation cloth 193 is arranged between the tractor (not shown) and the plant. The heat protector or insulation cloth 193 can be contained in a reel, which includes a rolled insulation cloth (which can be rolled out and attached to the side and rear of the engine (to cover the engine)) to provide heat shielding. The insulation cloth is a smooth, heat shielding material that does not become charged due to static electricity and is a material that does not attract or retain pollen.

[0079] Fig.16An embodiment of a method 200 for operating a pollen dispensing device 2 is shown, which method can also be used with any pollen dispensing device according to the invention, such as the pollen dispensing device 102 herein. The method 200 comprises the following steps: moving 202 the pollen dispensing device 2, 102 along at least one row 8, 108 of crop plants of an agricultural field 4, 104 at a ground speed of 2.5 km / h to 15 km / h, preferably at a ground speed of 5 km / h to 10 km / h, in particular twice a day, such as twice in one day. The first movement of the device 2, 102 along the row 8, 108 can be used to stimulate the opening of the crop plants. Furthermore, the female plants can be stimulated by means of a horizontal rod suspended on a chain of the front rod 178. The method 200 further comprises the following steps: moving 202 the pollen dispensing device 2, 102 along the row 8, 108 of crop plants at another time, wherein the time interval between the previous pass and the current pass is in particular one day, preferably two days. The device 2, 102 is operated in particular at an agricultural field under the following conditions: no rain; at least 30% of the ears of the male plants include pollen; the female plants are receptive to pollen, in particular, wherein at least 30% of the ears of the female plants include opened florets; no significant cloud cover; after the morning dew evaporates and before the temperature of the field rises to above 20° C., preferably before reaching a temperature above 25° C. or 30° C. The second pass can be performed immediately after the first pass on each different day to stimulate opening, so two passes are performed on the first day and two passes are performed on the second day, in particular the two passes are separated from each other by a short time, such as 5 to 30 minutes.

[0080] Subsequently, the results of initial indoor tests that have been conducted to provide proof of concept will be described. Under indoor conditions, the system including the air knife and the spray device as proposed in the claimed invention has been passed along wheat plants in a pollen release state. Petri dishes with PDA growth medium (potato dextrose agar) were arranged at different distances from the wheat plants and the amount of pollen received by the petri dishes and the pollen viability were analyzed.

[0081] Table 1 shows exemplary results of the test scenario. The culture dishes were spaced apart in the blowing direction of the air knife, which was angled so that the pollen was blown toward the culture dishes and lifted upward. Each position was spaced 500 mm from the subsequent position in the longitudinal direction. At some positions, two culture dishes were provided on the right side of the surface and on the left side of the surface. All other positions included only one culture dish arranged centrally on the surface.

[0082] Although the indoor conditions were suboptimal (artificial light and heated (dry) indoor space) and the amount of pollen produced in this first trial was low, the pollen was distributed between 0.5m and 4m from the plant, and the viability (for most of the dishes that received pollen) was 50% and higher. Pollen viability was determined using standard methods by counting the number of dead pollen and the number of live pollen observed in a fixed area using a microscope USB Dino-Lite. Exemplary results are summarized in the following Table 1:

[0083]

[0084]

[0085] Based on the above data, a first cautious conclusion can be drawn that under these settings, the use of the air knife allows the pollen to be distributed over a fairly large area of ​​about 4 meters, while increasing the air humidity by using a spray device helps to ensure that a fairly large amount of pollen remains viable.

[0086] List of Reference Numerals

[0087] 2 Pollen distribution device

[0088] 4 Agricultural fields

[0089] 6 Carrier structure

[0090] 8 rows of crop plants

[0091] 10 Direction of movement

[0092] 12 Blowing device

[0093] 14 Nozzle Arrangement

[0094] 16 Plants carrying pollen

[0095] 18 Vaporization device

[0096] 20 Exhaust direction

[0097] 21 Vertical direction

[0098] 22 Vertical tilt angle

[0099] 24 Longitudinal axis

[0100] 26 Centrifugal Blower

[0101] 28 Solenoid valve

[0102] 30 First nozzle arrangement

[0103] 32 Second nozzle arrangement

[0104] 34 (First) diagonal brace

[0105] 36 Center front section

[0106] 38 First outward direction

[0107] 40 Rear part of the device

[0108] 42 Second diagonal brace

[0109] 44 Second outward direction

[0110] 46 Pole

[0111] 48 outward tilt angle

[0112] 50 (First) Air Knife

[0113] 52 Second Air Knife

[0114] 54 Air Knife Tilt Angle

[0115] 56 Air knife longitudinal axis

[0116] 58 Connection interface

[0117] 60 Water tank including compressor

[0118] 62 Air manifold

[0119] 64 Water manifold

[0120] 66 Hose

[0121] 68 Column

[0122] 70 Hose

[0123] 72 Additional pivotable support rod

[0124] 74 Carrier support rod

[0125] 102 Pollen distribution device

[0126] 104 Agricultural fields

[0127] 106 Carrier structure

[0128] 108 rows of crop plants

[0129] 110 Moving direction

[0130] 112 Blowing device

[0131] 114 Nozzle Arrangement

[0132] 116 Plants carrying pollen

[0133] 118 Vaporization Device

[0134] 120 Exhaust direction

[0135] 121 vertical direction

[0136] 124 longitudinal axis

[0137] 130 First nozzle arrangement

[0138] 132 Second Nozzle Arrangement

[0139] 134 (First) Diagonal Bracing Bar

[0140] 136 center front section

[0141] 138 First outward direction

[0142] 140 Rear part of the device

[0143] 142 Second diagonal brace

[0144] 144 Second outward direction

[0145] 146 Pole

[0146] 148 Outward Tilt Angle

[0147] 150 (First) Air Knife

[0148] 152 Second Air Knife

[0149] 154 Air knife tilt angle

[0150] 158 Connection interface

[0151] 160 Water Tank

[0152] 164 Water Manifold

[0153] 168 Column

[0154] 172 Additional pivotable support rod

[0155] 174 Carrier support rod

[0156] 176 Protective Devices

[0157] 177 Front pole layout

[0158] 178 Foldable front bar

[0159] 180 Chain

[0160] 182 Chain mounting

[0161] 184 Front rod support

[0162] 186 Sensor unit

[0163] 188 Camera

[0164] 190 Satellite navigation system receiver

[0165] 192 Height sensor arrangement

[0166] 193 Thermal protector / insulation cloth

[0167] 194 Water Pump

[0168] 195 Wire support structure

[0169] 196 Horizontal Bar

[0170] 198 Wire support structure columns

[0171] 199 Wire

[0172] 200 Operation method

[0173] 202 Moving the device along at least one row of crop plants

[0174] 204. Moving the device along at least one row of crop plants at a second time or on the next day.

[0175] v Exhaust speed

[0176] d Nozzle arrangement spacing

[0177] l Air knife length

[0178] h Operating height

[0179] c Chain overlap

Claims

1. A pollen distribution device (2, 102) for crop plants in an agricultural field (4, 104), the device (2, 102) comprising: a carrier structure (6, 106) configured to move in a movement direction (10, 110) along rows of crop plants (8, 108) of the agricultural field (4, 104), a blowing device (12, 112) attached to the carrier structure (6, 106), wherein the blowing device (12, 112) comprises at least one nozzle arrangement (14, 114) configured to blow air towards pollen-carrying plants (16, 116) of the agricultural field (4, 104), The invention is characterized in that the nozzle arrangement (14, 114) comprises a vaporization device (18, 118) for adding humidity to the air leaving the nozzle arrangement (14, 114), in particular, the vaporization device (18, 118) is configured to increase the relative humidity of the air leaving the nozzle arrangement (14, 114) to between 60% and 80% by atomizing water particles, so as to ensure a high relative humidity suitable for preserving pollen vitality.

2. The device (2, 102) according to claim 1, in, The exhaust direction (20, 120) of the air leaving the nozzle arrangement (14, 114) is inclined upwards at an angle (22) of 1° to 45°, preferably 10°, relative to the vertical direction (21, 121) in order to suspend the pollen upwards, and / or Therein, the exhaust direction (20, 120) of the air leaving the nozzle arrangement (14, 114) is inclined to the right or to the left relative to a longitudinal axis (24, 124) of the device, in particular inclined outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis (24, 124).

3. The device (2, 102) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The device (2, 102) comprises a blower (26, 126), in particular a centrifugal blower (26, 126), which is fluidly connected to the nozzle arrangement (30, 130), in particular, wherein the speed (v) of the air leaving the nozzle arrangement (30, 130) is in the range of 5 km / h to 45 km / h, 8 km / h to 40 km / h, or 10 km / h to 20 km / h.

4. The device (2, 102) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The nozzle arrangement (14, 114) is a first nozzle arrangement (30, 130), and wherein the device (2, 120) comprises a second nozzle arrangement (32, 132) spaced apart from the first nozzle arrangement (30, 130), in particular wherein the device (2, 102) comprises 5 to 20 nozzle arrangements (14, 114), preferably 10 nozzle arrangements (14, 114).

5. The device (2, 102) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The carrier structure (6, 106) comprises at least one diagonal brace (34, 134) which extends diagonally outwards from a central front portion (36, 136) of the device (2, 102) and rearwards towards a rear portion (40, 140) of the device (2, 102), and wherein at least two nozzle arrangements (14, 114), in particular five nozzle arrangements (14, 114), are attached to the diagonal brace (34, 134).

6. The device (2, 102) according to claim 5, in, The diagonal brace (34, 134) is a first diagonal brace (34, 134), and wherein the carrier structure (6, 106) includes a second diagonal brace (42, 142), which extends diagonally outward from a central front part (36, 136) of the device (2, 102) and rearwardly toward a rear part (40, 140) of the device (2, 102), wherein at least two nozzle arrangements (14, 114), in particular five nozzle arrangements (14, 114), are attached to the second diagonal brace (42, 142), and wherein the diagonal braces (34, 36, 134, 136) extend in opposite outward directions (38, 44, 138, 144).

7. The device (2, 102) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, in, The carrier structure (6, 106) comprises a carrier strut (74, 174) arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (24, 124), wherein the first diagonal strut (34, 134) and / or the second diagonal strut (42, 142) are attached to the carrier strut (46, 146), wherein the carrier strut (46, 146) and the diagonal struts (34, 42, 134, 142) form a triangular basic shape, In particular, the diagonal struts (34, 42, 134, 142) are connected to additional pivotable struts (72, 172), wherein the pivotable struts (72, 172) are capable of entering a transport position and an extended position, in which the pivotable struts are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis (24, 124) or inwardly toward the longitudinal axis, and in the extended position, the pivotable struts (72, 172) are arranged outwardly so as to increase the overall width of the device (2, 102).

8. The device (2, 102) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, in, The exhaust direction (20, 120) of the nozzle arrangements (14, 114) arranged at the first diagonal strut (34, 134) is inclined towards the first outward direction (38, 138), in particular at an angle (48, 148) of 1° to 90°, preferably 45° to 90°, to the longitudinal axis (24, 124), And / or wherein the exhaust direction (20, 120) of the nozzle arrangements (14, 114) arranged at the second diagonal strut (42, 142) is inclined toward the second outward direction (44, 144), in particular at an angle (48, 148) of 1° to 90°, preferably 45° to 90° to the longitudinal axis (24, 124), so as to suspend the pollen in the direction of the female plant.

9. The device (2, 102) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, A valve (28, 128), in particular a solenoid valve (28, 128), is arranged between the nozzle arrangement (14, 114) and the blower (26, 126), wherein each valve (28, 128) is configured to cut off or allow air flow from the blower (26, 126) to the nozzle arrangement (14, 114), in particular to jointly cut off or allow air flow from the blower (26, 126) to the nozzle arrangements (14, 114) arranged at the first and / or second diagonal struts (34, 42, 134, 142).

10. The device (2, 102) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, in, The nozzle arrangements (14, 114) are spaced apart from each other by a distance (d) of 7 cm to 45 cm, preferably 14 cm to 30 cm, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (24, 124) to accommodate different row (8, 108) planting spacings, and / or Therein, the nozzle arrangements (14, 114) are releasably attached to the carrier structure (6, 106) such that the spacing (d) and height of the nozzle arrangements (14, 114) can be adjusted.

11. The device (2, 102) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The nozzle arrangement (14, 114), in particular each nozzle arrangement (14, 114), comprises an air knife (50, 150), In particular, wherein the air knife (50, 150) is a first air knife (50, 150), and wherein the nozzle arrangement (14, 114), in particular each nozzle arrangement (14, 114), optionally comprises a second air knife (52, 152).

12. The device (2, 102) according to claim 11, in, The air knife (50, 150) is inclined relative to the vertical plane of the crop row (8, 108), in particular at an angle (54, 154) of 1° to 45°, preferably 10°, so as to initially blow air from the bottom of the air knife (50, 150) towards the crop row (8, 108) and then blow air from the top of the air knife towards the crop row, and / or Wherein, the length (l) of the air knife (50, 150) along its longitudinal axis (56, 156) is in the range of 10 cm to 40 cm, preferably 20 cm to 30 cm.

13. The device (2, 102) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The carrier structure (6, 106) comprises an interface (58, 158) configured for coupling the device to a tractor, in particular to a front receiving section of the tractor.

14. The device (102) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The device further comprises a guard device (176) arranged adjacent to the air knife (150, 152), in particular, wherein the guard device (176) is arranged substantially parallel to the air knife (150, 152).

15. The device (102) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The device further comprises a sensor unit (186), wherein the sensor unit (186) comprises at least one of the following sensors: - Camera (188), - a satellite navigation system receiver (190), - a height sensor arrangement (192) configured to determine the height of the crop rows (108) relative to the vertical position of the pollen distribution device (102).

16. The device (102) according to claim 15, in, The camera (188) is mounted on top of the device (102) and / or adjacent to at least one of the air knives (150, 152).

17. The device (102) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The device further comprises a front bar arrangement (177), which comprises a front bar (178), which is arranged at a front part (136) of the device (102) substantially perpendicular to the movement direction (110), in particular, wherein the front bar (178) is foldable.

18. The device (102) according to claim 17, in, The front bar arrangement (177) comprises at least one chain (180) attached to the front bar (178), in particular, wherein the chain (180) is a first chain (180), and wherein the front bar arrangement (177) comprises at least one second chain (180) spaced apart from the first chain (180), and / or Wherein, the front bar arrangement (177) includes a chain mount (182) configured to releasably mount the chain (180) to the front bar (178) and / or adjust the position of the chain (180) along the front bar (178).

19. Use of the pollen dispensing device (2, 102) according to any of the preceding claims for maintaining pollen viability by reducing dehydration while dispensing pollen of: - wheat (Triticum spp.), especially winter and spring wheat, including triticale, - rice (Oryza sativa) or rice of the genus Oryza, - oats (Avena spp.), including oats (Avena sativa), - barley (Hordeum), including Hordeum vulgare, - corn (Zea mays), - onions or leeks (Allium spp.), including Allium cepa, - carrot (Daucus carota subsp. Sativus), - and a plant from another genus or species for which cross-pollination of a pollen-producing plant to a pollen-receiving plant is desired, and / or which has an inflorescence structure suitable for mechanically assisted (cross-)pollination.

20. A method (200) for operating a pollen dispensing device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, the method comprising: - moving (202) the pollen distribution device (2, 102) along at least one row of crop plants (8, 108) of an agricultural field (4, 104) at a ground speed of 2.5 km / h to 15 km / h, preferably at a ground speed of 5 km / h to 10 km / h, in particular twice a day.

21. The method (200) of claim 20, further comprising: - moving (204) the pollen distribution device (2, 102) along the row of crop plants (8, 108) at another time, wherein the time interval between the previous pass and the current pass is in particular one day, preferably two days, and / or In particular, the device (2, 102) is operated at the agricultural field under the following conditions: - No rain, - at least 30% of the ears of male plants contain pollen, - the female plants are receptive to pollen, in particular, wherein at least 30% of the ears of these female plants comprise opened florets, - No significant cloud cover, - After the morning dew has evaporated and before the temperature of the field rises above 20°C, preferably before reaching a temperature above 25°C or 30°C.

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