SEED PRODUCTION

摘要

This invention describes a new method to generate hybrid seed in any crop plant while also reducing contamination from out-crossings and self-pollination. In contrast to conventional seed production methods, the method of the invention is not dependent on the use of any form of male sterility in the female parent plants, nor the use of isolation distances from unrelated and undesirable plants of the same species, nor the use of male parent plants in proximity to the targeted females. The process involves the delivery of pollen of the male parent at will, as available either in a preserved pollen bank, or using real-time collection from male plants as they become available. Desired pollen is delivered to fertile females during the period when viable pollen from the females and locally proximal unrelated plants is not being released. The delivered male pollen is in such amounts and fortuitously timed that it preferentially pollinates the females and produces relatively pure hybrid seed at levels much higher than if one used current hybrid production practices and did not utilize male sterility practices or prescribed isolation distances. Such fortuitous timing may involve the intentional application of pollen to females a day or two prior to female parent pollen becoming viable, and/or several consecutive mornings prior to female parent pollen or other proximal plant pollen beginning to shed each day.

主权项

1. A method of seed production wherein genetic purity of the resulting seed is improved by decreasing contamination comprising:
a. growing a designated female parent plant that includes both female and male components; b. intentionally pollinating, on one or more occasions, said designated female parent plant with designated male plant pollen when said male components of said designated female parent plant are not releasing viable pollen and when other biologically compatible pollen sources are also not releasing viable pollen; c. growing the designated female plant to maturity; and d. harvesting the seed produced by said designated female plant.