Automated high-throughput seed sampler and methods of sampling, testing and bulking seeds

US10542661B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Monsanto Technology LLC · US

Inventors

• Kevin L. Deppermann · Chesterfield, US
• Lee Yannakakis · Chesterfield, US
• Andrew M. Singleton · Manchester, US
• Angela R. Cargill · Chesterfield, US
• David W. Finley · Kirkwood, US
• Brian J. Forinash · Chesterfield, US
• Allen N. Ondes · Chesterfield, US
• Sam Eathington · Ames, US
• Heather M. Forbes · Ankeny, US
• Bruce Schnicker · Wildwood, US
• Jason Bull · Chesterfield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 20, 2017
• Grant date: Jan 28, 2020
• Expiry date: Mar 14, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2015/1497
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An automated method for analyzing seeds generally includes collecting image data from individual seeds using a seed sampling system, determining at least one characteristic of each of the individual seeds based on the collected image data, and removing tissue from each of the individual seeds using the seed sampling system. The method also includes, prior to removing the tissue sample from each of the individual seeds, adjusting at least one operational parameter of the seed sampling system based on the at least one characteristic of the seed from which the tissue is to be removed to thereby allow for generally consistent removal of tissue from each of the individual seeds. In some aspects, the method further includes analyzing the tissue removed from the seeds for presence or absence of at least one characteristic, and selecting seeds based on presence or absence of the at least one characteristic.