Weyerhaeuser Nr Company

Weyerhaeuser Company Limited

Roger Timmis

Edwin Hirahara

James A Grob

Mitchell R Toland

Heather Surerus-Lopez

Harry G Folster

William C Carlson

Pramod K Gupta

Michael James Yancey

Paul Roger Spencer

Timnit Ghermay

Susan D Rayfield

Mary E Kreitinger

Heather Superus-Lopez

The present invention is directed towards methods for the classification of plant embryos by the application of one or more classification algorithms to analyze digitized images and absorption, transmittance, or reflectance spectra. The methods are generally applicable and emphasize the importance of acquiring and using as much image and absorption, transmittance, or reflectance spectral information as possible, based on objective criteria. The present invention allows automated selection of embryos most suitable for further culture and rejection of those seen as less suitable.

Image classification of germination potential of somatic embryos

The present invention relates to methods, apparatus, and imaging systems for using near-infrared spectroscopy imaging of plant embryos for classifying plant embryos. In one embodiment, a method is provided for classifying a plant embryo of an unknown type based on near infrared spectroscopy imaging.

Methods for classification of somatic embryos comprising hyperspectral line imaging

In one aspect, a method is provided for increasing germination vigor of conifer somatic embryos produced in vitro. The method comprises (a) singulating a plurality of individual immature conifer somatic embryos from a first culture of embryos after a first incubation period in a first development media; and (b) contacting the plurality of singulated immature conifer somatic embryos with a second development media for a second incubation period.

Methods for increasing germination vigor by early singulation of conifer somatic embryos

A method and system for automatically harvesting and screening plant embryos in multiple stages to identify those embryos that are suited for incorporation into manufactured seeds are provided. The method includes generally three steps. First, plant embryos are automatically sorted according to their rough size/shape and also singulated into discrete embryo units, for example by vibrational sieving. Second, the sorted and singulated plant embryos are classified using a first classification method. For example, each embryo may be imaged by a camera and the image is used to ascertain the embryo's more precise size/shape. Third, for those embryos that have passed the first classification method, a second classification method is applied. For example, a pre-developed classification algorithm to classify embryos according to their putative germination vigor may be applied to the same image used in the first classification method, to identify those embryos that are likely to germinate.

Automated system and method for harvesting and multi-stage screening of plant embryos

A method is disclosed for classifying plant embryos according to their quality using a logistic regression model. First, sets of image or spectral data are acquired from plant embryos of known quality, respectively. Second, each of the acquired sets of image or spectral data is associated with one of multiple class labels according to the corresponding embryo's known quality. Third the sets of image or spectral data values are filtered to provide filtered image or spectral data values. Fourth, a classification algorithm, e.g., a logistic regression analysis is applied to the filtered data values and their corresponding class labels to develop a classification model. Fifth, image or spectral data are acquired from a plant embryo of unknown quality, and filtered data values are derived therefrom. Sixth, the classification model is applied to the filtered data values for the plant embryo of unknown quality to classify the same.

Methods for processing spectral data for enhanced embryo classification

A method and apparatus is disclosed for growing embryonic or other undeveloped plant material in a controlled, biologically sterile environment to produce plants capable of surviving in soil in an uncontrolled environment. Cloned somatic embryos of a particular plant are individually embeddeed in separate sterile plugs comprised of a soil-like particulate medium. A volume of aqueous medium comprising a source of carbon and energy for the somatic embryos, and plant growth regulating substances, if required, is added to each plug. The sterile plugs are then isolated from the ambient environment while permitting exposure to light and atmospheric gases sufficient to effect development of photosynthesis in the developing embryos in the plugs. While in such isolation, the resulting plantlets develop roots and shoots. The resulting autotrophic plants are then removed from isolation and the growth medium is altered to remove the carbon and energy source to limit the capacity of the medium to support plant harming microbes. The plants are then transplanted. Several embodiments are disclosed involving compartmentalized trays and covering films or bags by which embryo-containing plugs are kept isolated from each other and from the environment during development of the embryos.

Growing community of inventors

Olympia, WA, United States of America

Roger Timmis