Portable pollen hybridization device suitable for floret crops
By designing a portable pollen hybridization device, using a flocked pen tip with a soft rubber coating and negatively charged short hairs, and tilted centrifuge tubes to store pollen, the problems of pollen waste and stigma damage in small-flowered crops are solved, improving pollination efficiency and economic benefits.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing pollination tools suffer from problems such as pollen waste, stigma damage, inconvenience in operation, and low efficiency in small-flowered crops, especially in inclement weather and with small flowers.
A portable pollen hybridization device was designed, including a pollination pen and a pollen storage device. The pollination pen has a flocked pen tip with a soft rubber coating and negatively charged short fluff, and the pollen storage device is an inclined centrifuge tube combined with silica gel particles to store pollen, reducing pollen loss and contamination.
It improves pollen adsorption efficiency, reduces pollen loss and stigma damage, lowers operating costs, and increases pollination efficiency and economic benefits, making it suitable for small-scale planting environments.
Smart Images
Figure CN224139809U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of agricultural and forestry technology, specifically to pollination technology in plant hybridization breeding, and more specifically, to a portable pollen hybridization device suitable for small-flowered crops. Background Technology
[0002] In plant hybridization breeding, pollen is usually collected by gently scraping it from the anthers with a fine brush or cotton swab, or by cutting the anthers off directly and collecting the pollen in a container or small bag. Then, the collected pollen is gently applied to the style with a brush or cotton swab to ensure even coverage.
[0003] Traditional pollination tools, such as eraser-tipped pencils or containers, are prone to pollen waste and stigma damage during use, and cannot be used properly in inclement weather. Furthermore, some hybrid pollination devices have excessively large pollen reservoirs, unsuitable for small flowers or flowers with low pollen counts; their aeration tubes, often made of long rubber tubing, result in significant pollen buildup. Additionally, some utility model or invention patents describe pollination tools with overly complex structures and cumbersome manufacturing processes, making it difficult to improve efficiency and leading to substantial pollen waste.
[0004] In addition, some existing pollination devices, such as brushes and cotton swabs, while portable, still have corresponding drawbacks: First, the material of the pollinator head that comes into contact with pollen during collection is not conducive to adsorbing pollen, or the wind can cause large-scale pollen loss; second, during the entire hybridization process, slight shaking when using a brush can cause pollen to scatter, especially under wind conditions; while when using cotton swabs, the large surface area and numerous pores of the cotton head can cause pollen to be sucked into the pores and not accurately applied to the stigma, resulting in a large waste of pollen; third, when obtaining anthers for small-flowered crops, it is necessary to collect anthers at the large bud stage or flowers when the anthers have just split open, but during the rubbing and drying process, the contact of the tools with the anthers can cause a large loss of pollen.
[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to design a portable pollen hybridization device suitable for small-flowered crops to reduce pollen usage, improve efficiency, and increase fruit set rate in the process of hybridization of small flowers with fewer flowers. Utility Model Content
[0006] In view of this, this utility model proposes a portable pollen hybridization device suitable for small-flowered crops, mainly addressing the problems of low efficiency, high labor intensity and limited applicability of traditional pollination methods.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0008] A portable pollen hybridization device suitable for small flowering crops includes a pollination pen and a pollen storage device. The pollination pen consists of a pen head and a pen barrel. The outer surface of the pen head is coated with a soft rubber coating, and the outer side of the soft rubber coating is densely covered with short hairs carrying negative charges to form a flocked pen head. The pollen storage device is a centrifuge tube, and the flocked pen head can be adapted to extend into the centrifuge tube.
[0009] Preferably, the pen barrel is made of plastic, wood, or metal.
[0010] Preferably, the powder storage container is a 1.5 mL centrifuge tube with an inclined lower wall.
[0011] Preferably, the pen barrel is a tapered barrel with a maximum diameter of 3mm and a length of 8cm; the pen tip is connected to the small end of the pen barrel and is cylindrical, with a length of 5mm and a diameter of 2mm.
[0012] Preferably, the short fibers are less than 0.5 mm in length and no more than 0.1 mm in thickness.
[0013] Preferably, silica gel particles are added to the pollen reservoir before the pollination pen is used to collect pollen for pollination.
[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the portable pollen hybridization device of this utility model suitable for small-flowered crops has the following beneficial effects:
[0015] 1. The pollination pen tip of this utility model is made of a soft rubber coating and short flocked material. Electrostatic flocking adsorbs pollen by utilizing the physical properties of like charges repelling and opposite charges attracting, making it easier for the flocked material to adsorb pollen particles. Some pollen particles that do not adhere to the flocked material are stuck to the pollination pen by the soft rubber material inside the tip, making them less likely to fall off without human intervention, thus effectively reducing the number of times pollen needs to be picked up. Moreover, when pollinating the stigma, the soft and dense flocked material is less likely to damage the stigma structure, and the electrostatic adsorption also prevents pollen loss from affecting the pollination effect.
[0016] 2. This invention ensures that pollen loss is minimized during collection by using a portable and efficient pollen storage device. Simultaneously, storing the collected pollen in a sealed container (pollen storage device) filled with silica gel granules prevents contamination during storage.
[0017] 3. The pollination pen and pollen storage device are made of commercially available inexpensive materials, resulting in extremely low costs. This utility model simplifies the structure and material selection, reducing manufacturing and usage costs, enabling farmers to carry out efficient hybrid pollination operations at a lower cost, thereby improving the economic benefits of agricultural production.
[0018] 4. Through optimized design, this utility model allows for hybridization using viable pollen stored in a pollen reservoir immediately after stamen harvesting, reducing the chances of pollen contact with the external environment and effectively avoiding pollen contamination.
[0019] 5. This utility model device is lightweight and easy to carry and operate, making it particularly suitable for use in small-scale planting environments such as fields. This portability allows farmers to quickly carry out pollination operations in different locations, improving work efficiency.
[0020] 6. This utility model device also improves pollination efficiency. Generally, each manual pollination is spaced 1-2 days apart, or repeated every other day, to ensure the pollination effect. Attached Figure Description
[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the pollination pen in a portable pollen hybridization device suitable for small-flowered crops according to this utility model.
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pollen storage device in a portable pollen hybridization device suitable for small-flowered crops according to this utility model.
[0024] In the diagram: 1-pollination brush, 11-brush tip, 12-brush handle, 13-soft rubber coating, 14-short bristles, 2-powder reservoir, 21-top sealing cap, 3-silica gel particles. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0027] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0028] Example:
[0029] This embodiment provides a portable pollen hybridization device suitable for small-flowered crops, which aims to improve pollination efficiency. It mainly consists of two independent components: a pollination pen 1 and a pollen storage device 2.
[0030] See Figure 1 The pollination brush 1 is divided into a brush head 11 and a brush handle 12. The outer surface of the brush head 11 is coated with a soft rubber coating 13. The outer side of the soft rubber coating 13 is densely covered with short hairs 14 carrying negative charges, forming a flocked brush head. This flocked brush head has adsorption properties and is suitable for picking up dried pollen in the pollen reservoir 2.
[0031] In a further specific embodiment, the pen barrel 12 can be made of plastic, wood, or metal.
[0032] Furthermore, the pen barrel 12 is a tapered barrel with a maximum diameter of 3mm and a length of 8cm; the pen tip 11 is connected to the small end of the pen barrel 12 and is cylindrical, with a length of 5mm and a diameter of 2mm.
[0033] Meanwhile, the short bristles 14 on the pen tip 11 are less than 0.5 mm in length and no more than 0.1 mm in thickness.
[0034] See Figure 2 The powder storage container 2 is a centrifuge tube with an upper sealing cap 21, and the flocking pen tip can be adapted to extend into the centrifuge tube.
[0035] In a further specific embodiment, the powder storage container 2 is a 1.5mL centrifuge tube with an inclined lower wall.
[0036] Meanwhile, before using the pollination pen 1 to pick up pollen for pollination, silica gel granules 3 (commercially available) need to be added to the pollen reservoir 2 to ensure that the pollen inside is dry.
[0037] The specific steps for using this utility model are as follows:
[0038] Step 1: Take flowers from the bud stage or when the buds are just opening. Use ophthalmic scissors (commercially available ophthalmic scissors, 9.5cm in size, straight or curved) to cut the anthers and place them in pollen storage container 2. Store in a cool, dark place, away from light, and in a low-temperature (5-10℃) and dry environment (relative humidity below 50%). Before cutting, the pollen needs to be stained for pollen activity to determine the time range of pollen viability. Only viable pollen should be retained in the storage container. The silica gel particles 3 in pollen storage container 2 indicate the degree of pollen dryness. If the discoloration is severe, continue to add an appropriate amount of silica gel particles 3. Store according to pollen viability and optimal temperature. After the pollen is dry, close the upper sealing cap 21 of the centrifuge tube and shake it up and down. Under the action of silica gel particles 3, the pollen can be dispersed into the centrifuge tube, avoiding human loss during the rubbing process or insufficient release of pollen after drying.
[0039] Step 2: After emasculation during hybridization, use pollination pen 1 to pick up the dried pollen from the centrifuge tube and gently brush the pollen onto the stigma. One application can pollinate approximately 3-5 female flowers. Pollination pens are inexpensive and can be used for about one day after contact with pollen. If contamination or inconsistent pollen types are suspected, or if the application time is too long, a new pollination pen can be used.
[0040] Step 3: After pollination, cover the flowers with bags to prevent pollen contamination.
[0041] By implementing the above steps, this utility model device has the following advantages:
[0042] (1) Optimize the pollen transport system: In the process of artificial hybridization, by using precise tools (such as ophthalmic scissors) to perform emasculation and bagging operations, it can be ensured that pollen is only transferred to the target stigma, thereby reducing unnecessary pollen contact and contamination.
[0043] Meanwhile, in this invention, the tip 11 of the pollination pen 1 is made of a soft rubber coating and short flocked material, with the flocked material carrying a negative charge. A study indicates that the ratio of positive, negative, and zero-charge pollen in wind-pollinated plant pollen is 2:1:1, indicating that most pollen is positively charged (Liu Xiaolin. Study on the electrostatic effect and significance of wind-pollinated plant pollination [D]. Shandong University, 2013). Electrostatic flocking adsorbs pollen by utilizing the physical properties of like charges repelling and unlike charges attracting, making it easier for the flock to adsorb pollen particles. Some pollen particles that do not adsorb with the flock will be stuck to the pollination pen 1 due to the soft rubber material on the inside of the tip 11, and are not easily detached without human intervention. Therefore, the application of this invention effectively reduces the number of times pollen needs to be picked up during operation. Moreover, when pollinating the stigma, the soft and dense flocked material is less likely to damage the stigma structure, and the electrostatic adsorption also avoids pollen loss affecting the pollination effect.
[0044] (2) Improve pollen collection and storage technology: 1.5mL centrifuge tubes are routine consumables in the laboratory and are easy to obtain. Their inclined tube walls (unlike the straight tube walls of 2mL centrifuge tubes) make it easier for pollinators to pick up pollen. Other smaller types of centrifuge tubes have less space, making it inconvenient for pollinators to pick up pollen in the storage tubes. The height of 1.5mL centrifuge tubes is appropriate, while other centrifuge tubes such as 5mL, 15mL and 50mL have longer tube walls and more space, which not only makes it inconvenient for pollinators to pick up pollen, but also causes waste of resources.
[0045] In this device, as the silica gel particles 3 collide with the inclined wall of the 1.5mL centrifuge tube, the pollen can be dispersed inside the tube, avoiding human-caused loss during the rubbing process or insufficient pollen release after drying. Therefore, the device is convenient and efficient, ensuring that pollen loss is minimized during collection. Furthermore, storing the collected pollen in a sealed container filled with silica gel particles 3 also prevents contamination during storage.
[0046] (3) Low cost: The design of this device emphasizes economy. All structural components and equipment are made of commercially available, inexpensive materials, resulting in extremely low costs. By simplifying the structure and material selection, manufacturing and usage costs are reduced. This allows farmers to conduct efficient hybridization pollination operations at a lower cost, thereby improving the economic benefits of agricultural production.
[0047] (4) Simple operation process, avoiding pollen contamination: In traditional pollination methods, improper operation or unclean tools can easily lead to pollen contamination, affecting the pollination effect (for example, some existing technologies use shaking branches for pollination, or use a blower to increase the probability of pollination, which can make the pollination process susceptible to interference from non-target pollen, resulting in a decline in pollination quality). However, this device, through optimized design, immediately uses viable pollen in the pollen storage device 2 for hybridization after the stamens are cut, instead of removing the stamens—bagging the stigma—unbagging—pollen hybridization, because the bagging and unbagging processes can cause damage to the stigma or pollen contamination in the air during the peak flowering period. Therefore, the operation process of this device reduces the chance of pollen contact with the external environment, effectively avoiding the problem of pollen contamination.
[0048] (5) Portability: The device is lightweight and easy to carry and operate, making it particularly suitable for use in small-scale planting environments such as fields. This portability allows farmers to quickly carry out pollination operations in different locations, improving work efficiency.
[0049] (6) Improve pollination efficiency: When using this device, the interval between each manual pollination is generally 1-2 days, or repeated every other day, to ensure the pollination effect.
[0050] In summary, this invention provides effective technical support for efficient hybridization breeding of small-flowered crops by solving many problems in traditional pollination methods, such as high cost, serious pollution, and inconvenient operation. The design of this pollen hybridization device not only improves pollination success rate and efficiency but also reduces operating costs, demonstrating broad application prospects.
[0051] This invention also addresses these issues by designing a portable pollination device, making the pollination process more efficient and convenient, and suitable for hybridization breeding of small-flowered crops (such as goji berries). This device design not only improves work efficiency but also reduces labor intensity, making it particularly suitable for large-scale agricultural production and scientific research applications.
[0052] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.
[0053] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A portable pollen hybridization device for use with small flowered crops, characterized by, It includes a pollination pen and a pollen storage device; the pollination pen consists of a pen tip and a pen barrel, the outer surface of the pen tip is coated with a soft rubber coating, and the outer side of the soft rubber coating is densely covered with short hairs carrying negative charges to form a flocked pen tip; the pollen storage device is a centrifuge tube, and the flocked pen tip can be adapted to extend into the centrifuge tube.
2. A portable pollen hybridization device for small flower crops according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pen barrel is made of plastic, wood, or metal.
3. The portable pollen hybridization device for small flower crops according to claim 1, wherein The powder storage device is a 1.5mL centrifuge tube with an inclined lower wall.
4. A portable pollen hybridization device for use with small-flowered plants according to claim 3, wherein, The pen barrel is a tapered barrel with a maximum diameter of 3mm and a length of 8cm; the pen tip is connected to the small end of the pen barrel and is cylindrical, with a length of 5mm and a diameter of 2mm.
5. The portable pollen hybridization device for small flower crops according to claim 1 or 4, wherein The length of the short fibers is less than 0.5 mm and the thickness is no more than 0.1 mm.
6. The portable pollen hybridization device for small flower crops according to claim 1, wherein Before using the pollination pen to collect pollen for pollination, silica gel particles need to be added to the pollen reservoir.