Pollen Quantification via Impedance Flow Cytometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for quantifying pollen grains on stigmatic surfaces are time-consuming and rely on tissue dissection and microscopy, lacking accuracy and applicability for commercial crop management, especially for row-by-row or plant-by-plant assessments, and do not account for pollen contamination.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the collection of pollen from stigmatic surfaces, hydration, and counting retained pollen grains to calculate pollination efficiency, allowing for early prediction of seed or fruit set and contamination levels, using techniques like impedance flow cytometry and digital imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional tissue dissection and microscopy methods are used to count pollen grains, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts pollen grains from stigmatic surfaces using agitation and filtration, separating them from the complex tissue structure. This allows direct counting of isolated pollen grains without time-consuming tissue dissection and microscopy, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical process of tissue dissection and optical microscopy with flow cytometry, an electrical/optical sensing system that rapidly counts pollen grains based on their physical and optical properties. This substitution dramatically reduces analysis time while maintaining or improving measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used for pollination assessment, then detailed analysis is possible, but the complexity of the procedure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting pollen grains from stigmatic surfaces through agitation and filtration, the invention simplifies the measurement system. Instead of requiring complex tissue dissection equipment and microscopy systems, the method uses simple filtration followed by flow cytometry, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a simplified model system where pollen grains are extracted and suspended in fluid for flow cytometric analysis. This copy of the pollination process in a controlled aqueous environment allows accurate measurement without requiring the full complexity of in-situ tissue analysis equipment
3Measurement precision
If harvest-time assessment is performed to determine seed set, then accurate yield data is obtained, but the opportunity for timely crop management decisions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs pollination efficiency assessment immediately after pollination by counting pollen grains on stigmatic surfaces, rather than waiting for harvest. This preliminary action provides early prediction of seed set, enabling timely crop management decisions while maintaining measurement precision through direct pollen counting
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the pollination assessment process into distinct stages: immediate pollen counting on stigmas, intermediate pollen tube growth assessment, and final seed set prediction. This segmentation allows early prediction of yield based on initial pollen deposition, providing timely information without requiring wait for harvest
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
Enables rapid, accurate prediction of seed or fruit set and contamination levels, facilitating timely crop management decisions and maximizing yield, while reducing the need for extensive post-harvest assessments.
Implementation Method 1
following the hydration of the applied pollen and the entry of the pollen tube into the stigma
Data Source
AI summary
This invention describes a new method of quantifying pollen collected from floral stigmatic surfaces to quantify pollination efficiency, predict seed or fruit set, and to make further production decisions based upon the predicted seed or fruit set. The invention also describes a new method of quantifying pollen contamination on stigmatic surfaces. In addition, the method describes ways of using the pollination efficiency to make one or more evaluations of methods, treatments, equipment, or other factors. More specifically, this invention relates to a method of predicting seed or fruit set early in the crop growth cycle, enabling decisions regarding additional intentional pollinations that may be necessary in order to maximize seed, grain, or fruit set and yield.