Maize Pollen Composition for Extended Viability and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maize pollen is highly volatile and unstable, requiring immediate use, which limits breeding and research opportunities due to synchronization issues between male and female flowers, weather conditions, and poor quality leading to low success rates and variability in pollen quality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the harvesting of pollen, straining through sieves to remove debris, and mixing with an inert powder of similar particle size for extended longevity, followed by refrigeration and optional re-straining before use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pollen is collected using standard paper pollination bags, then pollen can be obtained, but the pollen quality becomes highly variable and degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system between pollen collection and use. This includes collecting pollen in controlled containers, straining through sieves to remove debris, and mixing with inert powder to stabilize the pollen. This intermediary processing chain transforms the unreliable raw pollen into a consistent, high-quality product suitable for breeding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling physical conditions during pollen handling. Specifically, the pollen is mixed with inert powder in specific ratios (1:5 to 1:10), strained through sieves with controlled mesh sizes, and stored at controlled temperatures. These parameter changes maintain pollen integrity and prevent degradation.
2Reliability
If pollen is used immediately after collection, then pollen viability is maintained, but breeding flexibility is lost due to synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by collecting and processing pollen in advance before it is needed for pollination. Pollen can be collected, strained, mixed with inert powder, and stored for later use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for immediate use while maintaining viability, providing breeders with flexibility to perform pollination under optimal conditions regardless of silk-pollen synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inert powder as a disposable stabilizing medium that extends pollen life. The inert powder (such as diatomaceous earth or other inert materials) provides a protective environment that maintains pollen viability during storage. After use, the mixture can be discarded, making the system simple and effective for extending pollen utility without complex preservation infrastructure.
3Ease of manufacture
If pollen is stored without processing, then storage is simple, but pollen becomes clumpy and degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces inert powder as an intermediary substance that mediates between stored pollen and the environment. This inert powder creates a stable matrix that prevents pollen grains from clumping together while maintaining their viability. The mixture of pollen and inert powder can be stored in simple containers without complex preservation systems, achieving both storage simplicity and pollen stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the physical state and composition of stored pollen. By mixing pollen with inert powder in specific ratios and controlling storage temperature, the patent transforms unstable, clumpy pollen into a stable, free-flowing mixture that maintains viability during storage. The inert powder acts as a physical barrier that prevents degradation while simplifying storage requirements.
4Quantity of substance
If pollen is collected in large quantities, then breeding scale is increased, but pollen quality variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies standardized parameter changes across large-scale pollen collection operations. All pollen is processed through the same protocol: straining through specific mesh sieves, mixing with inert powder at controlled ratios (1:5 to 1:10), and storing at defined temperatures. This standardization of parameters ensures consistent quality outcomes regardless of the scale or source of pollen collection, enabling large-scale breeding programs with reliable quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves homogeneity by mixing pollen from multiple sources with inert powder in uniform ratios. The straining process removes variable debris elements, and the mixing process distributes pollen grains evenly throughout the inert powder matrix. This creates a homogeneous mixture where quality is consistent across the entire batch, enabling reliable large-scale breeding operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method extends pollen viability and fertility for at least three days post-harvest, allowing for flexible and efficient pollination under favorable conditions and enabling large-scale storage and sharing.
Implementation Method 1
The inert powder prevents the pollen grains from clumping together while maintaining their viability
Implementation Method 2
straining through sieves to remove debris
Implementation Method 3
followed by refrigeration and optional re-straining before use
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides pollen compositions, methods and kits for making said compositions, and methods of using said compositions to fertilize a plant. The pollen within these compositions has increased longevity and can be used to fertilize plants for an extended period of time as compared to pollen prepared using conventional methods. Also provided are methods of collecting pollen from a maize plant by maturing individual tassel branches off of the plant and vessels for collecting the pollen from these individual branches.