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BACKGROUND: In many agricultural seed products
such as oilseed crops, grains and legumes, and seeds
harvested specifically for planting, premature release
of seeds prior to harvest results in serious losses.
Swathing and other methods for minimizing harvest loses
add to overall production costs. In addition, regardless
of cost factors, the need for positive control of seed
release may in future years become a desirable capability
when Genetically Modified (GMO) crops become widespread,
in order to assure satisfactory containment.
DESCRIPTION: An scientist as UCSD has discovered
a novel mode of pod shatter control. A genetic technology
is utilized to prevent detachment of the ripening seeds
from the funiculi within the pod. Thus, even when the
pod valves are allowed to open naturally, the seeds
contained within are retained, and must be harvested
by manual detachment. This also affords a facile visual
means of assessing ripeness, since the pods can be allowed
to open, without risk of loss. Seeds in these opened
pods may be dried in the field, and harvested by conventional
mechanical combining.
CASE NUMBER: SD2001-025
INQUIRIES TO: invent@ucsd.edu
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