A device for use in detecting metallic objects includes a processor and an electromagnetic radiation source in communication with the processor. The electromagnetic radiation source is configured to emit radiation to heat a metallic object. The device also includes a temperature sensor in communication with the processor. The temperature sensor is configured to detect heat emitted from the metallic object. The device also includes an alarm configured to notify an operator of the presence of the metallic object responsive to a determination by the processor that a temperature threshold has been exceeded.

A pneumatic pollination device and a method for hybrid rice seed production with a large row ratio are provided. The pneumatic pollination device includes a pneumatic pollination component, a controller, a lifting adjustment component and a four-wheel power chassis. The pneumatic pollination component is mounted at the front part of the four-wheel power chassis through the lifting adjusting component, and the controller is mounted at the upper part of the four-wheel power chassis. The airflow of each pollination pipe respectively acts on the spike part of the male parent row of corresponding hybrid rice, so that the male pollen is separated from stamens and floats to the female compartment. The airflow velocities of the pollination pipes of respective male parent rows are different to ensure that the pollen is conveyed to the main female parent action region.

Concepts presented herein relate to use of one or more vehicles in planting and growing crops. In some embodiments, the vehicles can operate autonomously or semi-autonomously. During use, the vehicles can apply seeds for planting and further apply agricultural inputs to a crop after planting.

A system is disclosed for monitoring pollination of plants carrying one or more flowers. The system comprises a plurality of microphones for monitoring an area comprising said one or more flowers. Each microphone out of the plurality of microphones is configured to monitor a sub-area of the monitored area. Further, each microphone is suitable for recording sounds produced by a pollinator, such as a bumblebee, that is present in the microphone's sub-area and is configured to output one or more signals indicative of recorded sounds. The system further comprises a data processing system that is configured to receive, from each of the plurality of microphones, said one or more signals indicative of recorded sounds. The data processing system is further configured to determine, based on the signals received from the plurality of microphones, a value of a pollination quality parameter indicative of how well one or more flowers in the monitored area are pollinated.

A mold remediation system includes a processor and an electromagnetic radiation source in communication with the processor. The electromagnetic radiation source is configured to emit radiation to heat a ferromagnetic material in or adjacent to a wall board upon which mold is located. The system also includes a temperature sensor in communication with the processor. The temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the wall board. The processor is configured to compare the temperature of the wall board to a desired temperature to perform mold remediation.

A device for detecting an offending object such as weeds or insects, and addressing the offending object by removing or marking the same. The device has image acquisition and image recognition systems that captures images of plants and automatically responds by way of an action when a weed or insect is identified. The action head may grip the offending object or release a substance such a herbicide to eliminate a weed.

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.

Apparatuses and methods for delivering pollen for the directed pollination of plants are provided herein. One example embodiment comprises a rigid tube having a first end, a second end, and a channel defined therebetween, wherein the rigid tube is configured to receive the tassel of the maize plant proximate the first end and to interact with the ear shoot of the maize plant proximate the second end, and wherein the channel defines a path between the tassel and the ear shoot so as to enable transfer of pollen from the tassel to the ear shoot. In another example embodiment, the rigid tube may be telescoping such that the overall length of the rigid tube may be adjustable. In another example embodiment, the apparatus may include a fan configured to propel air onto the tassel to aid in the transfer of pollen through the channel to the ear shoot. The apparatuses and methods are applicable for directed cross-pollination between different plants of the same species and plants of different species.

Provided is a precision metering and delivery apparatus and method of use for the precise distribution of viable pollen in diluent or other particulate material via metering and delivery of said pollen or other particulate material, said precision metering apparatus comprising a metering apparatus, a delivery system, and a storage device. Apparatuses of the present invention ensure that the pollen or other particulate material is not harmed during the delivery and that the pollen is applied in the correct density or amount.

Automated precision applicator for row crops with dual sided applicators that can be used to direct pollen to multiple areas of the plant, as well as to measure phenotypic characteristics of plant fruiting bodies and detect successful pollination.