Gas measurement system for determining mass parameter of seed

Abstract

A gas measurement system for determining a mass parameter of a seed is provided. The gas measurement system has a sample chamber for receiving a seed of a seed, a number of electrochemical gas sensors fluidically connected to the sample chamber to determine a number of concentrations of a number of target components of the gas present in the sample chamber and to provide a measurement signal corresponding to the number of concentrations, wherein a quantity of concentrations is determined continuously and a measurement signal is provided, and an evaluation unit which is designed to automatically receive the measurement signal, determine a quality parameter on the basis of the measurement signal, and provide the quality parameter via a data technology interface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a gas measurement system for determining quality parameters of seeds. Background Art

[0002] The goal in the context of commercial seed use is to use seeds of the highest possible quality in order to achieve a high yield.Therefore, there is a need to be able to make statements about the quality of seeds along the different stages of seed production.

[0003] In commercial seed production, the quality of seeds is determined by means of complex, mainly manual methods. Here, seedlings are individually grown into plants and an estimate of their germination capacity is established via a sample size of at least 100 plants. The estimate is based on mainly subjective visual criteria.

[0004] Additional research methods are known, such as the tetrazolium test (a color test for vigorous seeds), on-farm vigor checks using reactive sample bodies in which a color change occurs in the presence of ethanol, and complex X-ray examinations of seeds.

[0005] Efforts are underway to develop new methods. Buckley, W. et al., Canola Seed Vigour Ethanol Test, 2003, pp. 150-156, discloses a method in which a large number of seeds in a common container are introduced into an evaporator, from which ethanol samples are collected at predetermined intervals using a gas measuring device not optimized for this purpose. These experiments show that the amount of ethanol produced during the germination process is directly correlated with seed quality.

[0006] Without being bound by this theory, the inventors posit that during the initial germination of high-quality seeds, anaerobic energy production occurs, associated with the breakdown of glucose into lactose and ethanol. After a while, good seeds switch to aerobic metabolism, where oxygen from the environment is consumed in downstream reactions, and ethanol is no longer formed. In contrast, in damaged, treated, or immature seeds, anaerobic energy production continues, and since no conversion occurs, ethanol continues to be produced.

[0007] However, this method has been shown to have low accuracy in determining germination capacity and requires manual interaction with the seeds. Summary of the Invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a gas measuring system for determining quality parameters of seed, with which the quality of a seed sample can be accurately stated in a simple and reproducible manner.

[0009] These and further objects are achieved by the gas measuring system according to the invention for determining quality parameters of seed.

[0010] The description and the drawings provide advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] The gas measuring system according to the invention for determining the quality parameters of seeds comprises: a sample chamber for receiving (preferably precisely receiving) seeds of seeds; a certain number of electrochemical gas sensors, which are flow-technically connected to the sample chamber in order to determine a certain number of concentrations of a certain number of target components of the gas present in the sample chamber and to provide a measurement signal corresponding to the certain number of concentrations, wherein the determination of the certain number of concentrations and the provision of the measurement signal are carried out continuously; and an evaluation unit, which is set up to: automatically receive the measurement signal, determine the quality parameter based on the measurement signal, and provide the quality parameter via a data technology interface.

[0012] In this way, a gas measurement system can be provided which is able to automatically and objectively provide quality parameters.

[0013] Compared to previously known methods for determining seed quality parameters, a particular advantage is that, on the one hand, a continuous determination of a certain number of concentrations and the provision of a measurement signal are possible, which is not possible with a single measurement of the ethanol concentration. This allows the time-resolved profile of the concentrations of a certain number of target components to be determined, thus providing more and better information about the germination process and incorporating this information into the determination of the quality parameters. Within the scope of the present invention, it is recognized that the quality of the seed, and therefore also the quality parameters, is indicated or influenced not only by the total amount of the target component formed or consumed during the measurement period, but in particular by the temporal profile of the target component's amount.

[0014] On the other hand, the gas measurement system according to the invention makes it possible to perform a single seed measurement (also called single grain measurement) or to perform a plurality of corresponding single seed measurements in parallel, thereby providing information about the quality of each seed in the seed batch.

[0015] Overall, a gas measurement system can be provided that enables detailed monitoring of the entire germination phase of the seeds. Furthermore, at the level of individual seeds, it is possible to investigate which differences and commonalities exist between the properties of the individual seeds in a seed batch.

[0016] In order to improve the operating and measurement environment, it is preferred that the sample chamber is formed by a sample container, the internal space of which defines the sample chamber has a volume that is so matched to the type of seed to be used that the concentration of the target component affected (i.e., formed and / or consumed) during germination among the gas components initially present in the sample chamber is within a range that can be measured by a certain number of electrochemical gas sensors.

[0017] It is possible to determine and provide more than one quality parameter using the gas measurement system according to the present invention. For example, two quality parameters may be determined and provided. However, it is preferred to provide only one quality parameter. It is also possible to combine multiple quality parameters (e.g., weight them) to provide a combined quality parameter as the quality parameter.

[0018] The gas measuring system according to the invention can be designed as a compact assembly or in a locally distributed manner (for example as a multi-sensor array).

[0019] For example, a certain number of electrochemical gas sensors can be arranged at the sample chamber and directly connected to it by flow technology. Alternatively, a certain number of electrochemical gas sensors can be arranged locally separated from the sample chamber and indirectly connected to it by pipeline flow technology.

[0020] The evaluation unit can be designed, for example, as an electric or electronic circuit and / or as a microprocessor on a circuit board. If the evaluation unit is designed as a circuit board, it is preferably accommodated at one or all of a number of electrochemical gas sensors.

[0021] The evaluation unit can additionally or alternatively be designed as a data processing device, such as a PC or a handheld device with appropriate programming. If the evaluation unit is designed as a data processing device, it is preferably provided locally separately from a number of electrochemical gas sensors and is connected or connectable thereto wirelessly or by wire.

[0022] The gas measurement system may include a potentiostat (either as part of the evaluation unit or as a separate component of the gas measurement system) or have circuitry or programming to act as a potentiostat.

[0023] The target component may be a gaseous component of the gas present in the sample chamber or of the gas formed during germination.

[0024] As the number of electrochemical gas sensors, either exactly one electrochemical gas sensor or a plurality of electrochemical gas sensors may be provided.

[0025] Each of a number of electrochemical gas sensors or only some of a number of electrochemical gas sensors can be set up to measure exactly one target component or, preferably, to measure a plurality of target components simultaneously.

[0026] Each sample chamber can be connected to exactly one electrochemical gas sensor or a plurality of electrochemical gas sensors in a flow-technical manner.

[0027] Each of the number of electrochemical gas sensors can be designed as a single sensor or a multiple sensor, for example a dual sensor or a triple sensor. In this regard, it is possible for one electrochemical gas sensor, some electrochemical gas sensors, or all electrochemical gas sensors of the number of electrochemical gas sensors to provide exactly one measurement signal if they are designed as a single sensor, or multiple measurement signals if they are designed as a multiple sensor.

[0028] Preferably, each sample chamber is connected to a plurality of single sensors and / or to at least one multisensor flow technology, wherein the plurality of single sensors and / or the multisensor are configured to measure oxygen and ethanol as target components.

[0029] Preferably, a certain number of electrochemical gas sensors are configured to determine the concentration of ethanol as a target component among the certain number of target components. Additionally or alternatively, preferably, a certain number of electrochemical gas sensors are configured to determine the concentration of oxygen and / or carbon dioxide as a target component among the certain number of target components.

[0030] It has already been described above that, at least by considering the temporal profile of the ethanol concentration of the gas present in the sample chamber or the amount of ethanol that can be determined from this value, a statement about the germination capacity of the seed can be made. Within the scope of the present invention, it has also been recognized that, in addition or as an alternative, determining oxygen and / or carbon dioxide as target components also allows the determination of the quality parameter to be better adapted to the behavior of the seed to be studied.

[0031] Therefore, without being bound by this theory, the inventors proceed from the following, that there may be a correlation between the temporal development of the oxygen concentration and / or oxygen amount and / or carbon dioxide concentration and / or carbon dioxide amount and the germination state of the seeds, which can be included in the determination of the quality parameters or taken into account for determining one or more additional quality parameters.

[0032] Preferably, the continuous determination of a number of concentrations and provision of the measurement signal takes place in a rhythm of less than 10 minutes, preferably less than 5 minutes, more preferably less than 10 seconds, even more preferably less than 5 seconds, very particularly preferably less than one second.

[0033] In this way, the sampling rate of the gas measurement system can be adapted to the dynamic behavior of the germination of the seeds and a measurement signal can be obtained with sufficient time resolution that is relevant for determining quality parameters.

[0034] Preferably, the quality parameter is indicative of the germination capacity and preferably further the germination strength of the seed.

[0035] Preferably, the gas measuring system has a plurality of sample chambers and a corresponding plurality of electrochemical gas sensors, wherein each sample chamber and each electrochemical gas sensor constitute a subunit of the gas measuring system, so that the gas measuring system includes a plurality of subunits for receiving a corresponding plurality of seeds.

[0036] In other words, a multiple sensor array can be provided in this manner.

[0037] In this way, a plurality of individual measurements can advantageously be carried out in parallel, so that the sample size for determining the quality parameter can be increased.

[0038] Preferably, the gas measurement system also has a certain number of sensors for monitoring the germination environment of one seed or multiple seeds.

[0039] The number of sensors can be designed to be single or multiple.

[0040] Preferably, a certain number of sensors for monitoring the germination environment are set up to provide information about the conditions in one or more sample chambers that affect the germination of one or more seeds. For example, it may be the humidity and / or temperature in one or more sample chambers. To this end, a certain number of sensors, for example, can be arranged in one or more sample chambers. Each of a certain number of sensors, for example, can be designed as a humidity sensor and / or a temperature sensor. The supplementary or alternative visual monitoring of germination conditions is also possible, for this reason the sensor for monitoring the germination environment, for example, can be designed as a camera.

[0041] Preferably, a humidity sensor and / or a temperature sensor is arranged in each sample chamber and is connected to the evaluation unit or units via the energy and / or data interface or interfaces.

[0042] A plurality of pre-designated sensors of the same type can be provided in one, some or all sample chambers in order to be able to detect gradients of respectively specific properties of the germination environment in each sample chamber. For this purpose, for example, two temperature sensors and / or two humidity sensors can be arranged in one, some or all sample chambers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1a shows a schematic diagram of a gas measurement system according to the present invention,

[0045] Figure 1b shows a schematic diagram of another gas measurement system according to the present invention,

[0046] Figure 2A schematic diagram showing a variant of the gas measurement system according to the present invention, and

[0047] Figure 3 A schematic diagram shows the course of two measurement signals over time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] According to the present invention, a gas measurement system 100 is provided. Figure 1a An example of such a gas measurement system 100 is shown in . Figure 1b A variant of the gas measuring system 100 according to the invention is shown in FIG. Figure 2 Another variant of the gas measuring system 100 according to the invention is shown in FIG.

[0049] Whenever the gas measuring system 100 is mentioned generally below, all variants of the gas measuring system 100 according to the invention are intended.

[0050] The gas measurement system 100 is used to determine the quality parameter Q of the seeds.

[0051] The gas measurement system 100 has a sample chamber 2, 2a, 2b, 2c for receiving seeds 1, 1a, 1b, 1c of seeds. The sample chamber 2, 2a, 2b, 2c can be implemented as a sample container 3, for example, which is essentially cylindrical or cuboid in shape. In addition to the seeds 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, the sample chamber 2, 2a, 2b, 2c can also receive, for example, a felt 11 for humidity regulation of the sample chamber 2, 2a, 2b, 2c. The sample chamber 2, 2a, 2b, 2c can be closed, for example, by a lid 4. The lid 4 and the sample container 3 can be sealed with respect to the environment or have a predetermined gas permeability. If a lid 4 is provided, it is preferred that a through hole 5 is constructed in the lid 4, as shown in Figures 1 and Figure 2 The cover 4 can also be constructed with multiple through holes 5', 5", as shown in Figure 2 Visible in.

[0052] The gas measurement system 100 also has a certain number of electrochemical gas sensors 6, 6', 6", 6a, 6b, 6c, which are connected to the sample chamber 2, 2a, 2b, 2c in a flow-technical manner to determine a certain number of concentrations of a certain number of target components of the gas present in the sample chamber 2, 2a, 2b, 2c and provide measurement signals M, M1, M2, ... corresponding to the certain number of concentrations.

[0053] If a cover 4 with through-holes 5, 5', 5" is provided, a flow connection is preferably established between the sample chambers 2, 2a, 2b, 2c and a number of electrochemical gas sensors 6, 6', 6", 6a, 6b, 6c by means of the through-holes 5, 5', 5". Figure 1a and2 In the embodiment of the present invention, an electrochemical gas sensor 6 or a plurality of electrochemical gas sensors 6a, 6b, 6c are connected to a sample chamber 2 or a plurality of sample chambers 2a, 2b, 2c by means of a through hole 5 or a plurality of through holes 5a, 5b, 5c. Figure 1b In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of electrochemical gas sensors 6 ′, 6 ″ are connected to the sample chamber 2 by means of a plurality of through-holes 5 ′, 5 ″.

[0054] Preferably, the measurement signals M, M1, M2, . . . are provided via energy-related and / or data-related interfaces 9, 9a, 9b, 9c.

[0055] According to the invention, the determination of a certain number of concentrations and the provision of the measurement signals M, M1 , M2 take place continuously.

[0056] The gas measuring system 100 according to the invention further comprises an evaluation unit 8 which is configured to automatically receive the measurement signals M, M1, M2, ..., for example via energy- and / or data-related interfaces 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, to determine a quality parameter Q from the measurement signals M, M1, M2, ..., and to make the quality parameter Q available via a data-related interface 10. The data-related interface 10 can be designed, for example, as a connection to a PC or a monitor.

[0057] In accordance with Figure 1a In the embodiment shown, but possible in all embodiments, the gas measurement system 100 can also include a number of sensors 12 for monitoring the germination environment of the seed 1 or the plurality of seeds 1a, 1b, 1c. The number of sensors 12 can preferably be connected to the evaluation unit 8 via energy and / or data interfaces 9, 9a, 9b, 9c. The information obtained by the number of sensors 12 about the germination environment and thus the germination conditions of the seed 1 or the plurality of seeds 1a, 1b, 1c can be included in the determination of the quality parameter Q.

[0058] Figure 3 Schematic diagrams of two measurement curves K1, K2 that can be determined using the gas measurement system 100 according to the present invention are shown in FIG. Measurement curve K1 shows the course of measurement signals M, M1, M2, ... over time t, with each consecutively recorded measurement signal M, M1, M2, ... being represented by a cross. Measurement curves K1, K2 can be obtained from the measurement signals M, M1, M2, ... by data processing steps, such as interpolation. Measurement curve K1 shows the time t behavior of measurement signal M for good seeds 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, while measurement curve K2 shows the time t behavior of measurement signal M for bad seeds 1, 1a, 1b, 1c.

[0059] As can be seen, characteristic parameters of the studied seeds 1, 1a, 1b, 1c can be derived from the qualitative trends of the respective measurement curves K1, K2 and from the quantitative parameters of the respective measurement curves K1, K2. These characteristic parameters indicate the quality parameters of the respective seeds. For example, the time t1 at which germination begins can be determined directly from the measurement signals M, M1, M2, ... or from the measurement curves K1, K2 derived therefrom, the time t2 at which an inflection point occurs in the time t-trend of the measurement signal M, and the time t3 at which the maximum value of the measurement signal M occurs can be determined. Furthermore, for example, the obtained measurement curves K1, K2 can be integrated to obtain a statement about the total amount of a certain number of target components formed during the measurement period. Depending on which characteristics of the seed germination are used to assess the quality, the quality parameter Q can be determined from all or some of the characteristic parameters.

[0060] Preferably, the quality parameter Q is indicative of the germination capacity, and preferably also of the germination vigor, of the seed.

[0061] Preferably, a certain number of electrochemical gas sensors 6, 6', 6", 6a, 6b, 6c are set up to determine the concentration of ethanol Et as a target component among a certain number of target components. Additionally or alternatively, preferably, a certain number of electrochemical gas sensors 6, 6', 6", 6a, 6b, 6c are set up to determine the concentration of oxygen and / or carbon dioxide as a target component among a certain number of target components.

[0062] It is also preferred that the continuous determination of a certain number of concentrations and the provision of the measurement signals M, M1, M2, ... takes place with a rhythm T of less than 10 minutes, preferably less than 5 minutes, more preferably less than 10 seconds, even more preferably less than 5 seconds, very particularly preferably less than 1 second. Figure 3 , the time intervals in which the measurement signals M4 and M5 are obtained and thus the rhythm T are schematically represented. Preferably, the rhythm T between two consecutive measurement signals M, M1, M2, . . . is constant.

[0063] according to Figure 2 The gas measurement system 100 is configured according to Figure 1a and 1bThe gas measurement system 100 differs in that a plurality of the previously described sample chambers 2a, 2b, 2c and correspondingly a plurality of electrochemical gas sensors 6a, 6b, 6c are provided, wherein each sample chamber 2a, 2b, 2c and each electrochemical gas sensor 6a, 6b, 6c form a subunit U1, U2, U3 of the gas measurement system 100, so that the gas measurement system 100 includes a plurality of subunits U1, U2, U3 for receiving a corresponding plurality of seeds 1a, 1b, 1c. This forms a multi-sensor array gas measurement system 100. In this variant, each cover 4 can also have a plurality of through-holes 5', 5", so as to be in flow-technical connection with a plurality of electrochemical gas sensors 6', 6", or a plurality of sensors.

[0064] Although Figure 3 Only three sample chambers 2a, 2b, 2c and three electrochemical gas sensors 6a, 6b, 6c are shown in the figure, but a plurality of sample chambers 2a, 2b, 2c and a corresponding plurality of electrochemical gas sensors 6a, 6b, 6c are arbitrarily expandable.

[0065] All features described herein can be combined with one another as desired, provided this does not contradict or affect alternatives.

[0066] Reference Symbol List

[0067] 100 Gas Measurement System

[0068] 1,1a,1b,1c seeds

[0069] 2,2a,2b,2c sample chamber

[0070] 3 Sample container

[0071] 4 Lid

[0072] 5,5',5" through hole

[0073] 6,6',6",6a,6b,6c electrochemical gas sensors

[0074] 7 Measuring Signals

[0075] 8 evaluation units

[0076] 9,9a,9b,9c Energy technology and / or data technology interfaces

[0077] 10 Data Technology Interface

[0078] 11 Felt

[0079] 12 Sensors

[0080] Q quality parameter

[0081] Et ethanol

[0082] K1, K2 measurement curve

[0083] M,M1,M2,…measurement signal

[0084] t1, t2, t3 time

[0085] T Rhythm

[0086] U1, U2, U3 subunits.

Claims

1. A gas measurement system (100) for determining a quality parameter (Q) of a seed, comprising: - a sample chamber (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) for receiving seeds (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) of said seed, a certain number of electrochemical gas sensors (6, 6', 6", 6a, 6b, 6c) connected to the sample chamber (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) in flow technology for determining a certain number of concentrations of a certain number of target components of the gas present in the sample chamber (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) and for providing measurement signals (M, M1, M2) corresponding to the certain number of concentrations, in, continuously determining the concentration of the certain number and providing the measurement signal (M, M1, M2), and - an evaluation unit (8) which is configured to: - automatically receiving said measurement signals (M, M1, M2), - determining said quality parameter (Q) based on said measurement signals (M, M1, M2), and - providing the quality parameter (Q) via a data technology interface (10).

2. The gas measurement system (100) according to claim 1, in, The plurality of electrochemical gas sensors (6, 6', 6", 6a, 6b, 6c) are configured to determine the concentration of ethanol (Et) as a target component among the plurality of target components, and / or The certain number of electrochemical gas sensors (6, 6', 6", 6a, 6b, 6c) are configured to determine oxygen concentration and / or carbon dioxide concentration as target components among the certain number of target components.

3. The gas measurement system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The continuous determination of the certain number of concentrations and the provision of the measurement signals (M, M1, M2) takes place with a rhythm (T) of less than 10 minutes, preferably less than 5 minutes, more preferably less than 10 seconds, even more preferably less than 5 seconds, and very particularly preferably less than one second.

4. The gas measurement system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The quality parameter (Q) is indicative of the germination capacity of the seeds and preferably also of the germination vigor of the seeds.

5. The gas measurement system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, Having a plurality of sample chambers (2a, 2b, 2c) and a corresponding plurality of electrochemical gas sensors (6a, 6b, 6c), in, Each sample chamber (2a, 2b, 2c) and each electrochemical gas sensor (6a, 6b, 6c) constitute a subunit (U1, U2, U3) of the gas measurement system (100), so that the gas measurement system (100) includes multiple subunits (U1, U2, U3) for receiving the corresponding multiple seeds (1a, 1b, 1c) of the seeds.

6. The gas measurement system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, A certain number of sensors (12) are also provided for monitoring the germination environment of the seed (1) or the plurality of seeds (1a, 1b, 1c).

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