Pioneer Hi-bred International, Inc.

Scott M Nelson

James L Hunter

Adda C Sayers

Imad N Saab

Eduardo J Mihura

Aaron J Schwarte

Defoliation of maize plants, based on percent seed moisture, has advantageous outcomes including greater number of seeds per pound; increased volume or proportion of saleable seed per field and per female acre; decreased discard of seed due to commercially undesirable size or shape; lower moisture content of seed at harvest; earlier harvest date; less fuel and time expended in drying seed for storage; improved performance in laboratory tests for germination at cold temperatures; improved seed treatment efficacy; improved emergence under stress in field conditions; improved plantability in mechanical systems; more uniform stand; fewer runt plants and improved grain yield.

Methods for improving seed production in maize

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of extending the duration of pollen availability by planting a section of male parent seeds that includes alternating groups of male seeds adjacent to a section of female parent seeds in a field. The male seeds are planted and/or conditioned so that one group of male seeds produces plants that generally shed pollen at a different time than plants produced by the one or more other groups of male seeds. In some embodiments, the field may include multiple male and female sections and the male seed groups may alternate between sections so as to create a checkerboard pattern of male seed groups within the field. In some embodiments, the field may be planted with the aid of a positional data system.

Growing community of inventors

Urbandale, IA, United States of America

Scott M Nelson