Hybrid Seed Separation via Distinguishable Traits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hybrid seed production methods using natural pollination struggle to effectively separate hybrid seeds from non-hybrid seeds due to the lack of genetic and phenotypic differences, leading to contamination and inability to label seeds as hybrid without artificial barriers.
Innovation Solution
The method involves growing two fertile varieties of a field crop that are distinguishable by seed characteristics, allowing for bi-directional cross-pollination and subsequent separation of hybrid seeds based on specific traits like size, shape, or weight, using statistical measures to ensure high purity levels of hybrid seeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If natural pollination is used for hybrid seed production, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to separate hybrid seeds from non-hybrid seeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of seed characteristics by selecting parental lines with distinguishable traits (size, shape, weight, color). This allows hybrid seeds to be separated from non-hybrid seeds based on their intermediate characteristics, resolving the contradiction between using natural pollination for high productivity and maintaining hybrid seed purity.
2Manufacturing precision
If parental lines are selected with distinguishable seed characteristics, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for statistical separation methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by allowing the seed characteristics themselves to enable separation. The distinguishable traits (size, shape, weight, color) of parental lines automatically result in hybrid seeds with intermediate characteristics that can be separated using simple statistical methods and basic separation equipment, without requiring complex artificial barriers or sophisticated separation devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If artificial barriers are used to prevent self-pollination, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the need for artificial barriers by utilizing natural seed characteristic differences. Instead of implementing complex mechanical or biological barriers to prevent self-pollination, the method extracts and utilizes the inherent distinguishable traits of parental lines, allowing simple post-harvest separation based on seed characteristics and eliminating the need for complicated production procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and hybrid seed are provided which involve growing two varieties of a field crop which is at least partially cross-pollinated in the field, wherein the two varieties are fertile with respect to both male and female functions, are selected to yield specified hybrid(s), and are distinguishable with respect to seed characteristic(s). Collected seed from the grown field crop are separated into fractions with respect to the seed characteristic, wherein at least one fraction is of hybrid seeds of the specified hybrid(s). For example, the separated fraction may be intermediate with respect to the seed characteristic(s) between seed fractions of the non-hybridized two varieties. Respective varieties may be bred to yield hybrids with required traits, which are distinguishable from the parent varieties through seed characteristic(s) such as size, weight or optical parameters that enable sorting out the hybrids from the overall crop.