Methodologies, processes and automated devices for the orientation, sampling and collection of seed tissues from individual seed

Abstract

Apparatus, methods, and systems for high throughput, useful sampling of seed, wherein viability is optionally maintained, are disclosed. Seed from one generation in a plant advancement experiment is individually sampled by removal and collection of tissue from the seed. The tissue is then processed to derive one or more biochemical, genetic, or phenotypic characteristic of the seed before a decision is made whether to utilize that seed further in a plant advancement experiment or other plant research and development. In some embodiments of the method, the sampling is controlled to remove a useful amount of tissue for analytical purposes without significant effect on viability potential of the sampled seed. In some embodiments, the sampling is controlled to deter contamination of the sample. In some embodiments, the seed is automatically positioned and oriented to facilitate efficient and accurate sampling.

1 . An apparatus for sampling one or more seed comprising:
 a means to position a seed;   a means to orient the seed in a pre-determined orientation when the seed is positioned;   a means to separate a sample of the seed from the remainder of the seed when the seed is in position and pre-determined orientation.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the means to position the seed comprises a magnet and the means to orient the seed comprises a magnetically active substance or component on the seed. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the means to position and the means to orient the seed comprises a receiver having a geometry which mechanically restrains the seed in the position and predetermined orientation. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the means to separate comprises:
 a laser beam; 
 a cutting edge; 
 a drill; or 
 an abrasive surface. 
 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a container to collect each sample and a container to collect each sampled seed. 
     
     
         6 . A method of sampling a seed comprising:
 separating a sample from the remainder of a seed, the separating comprising one or more of:
 without significantly affecting germination potential of the seed; 
 providing a useful amount of sample; 
 providing a sample from a desired location of the seed; 
 minimizing risk of contamination of the sample; and 
 producing the sample at a relatively high throughput rate; 
   translating the sample to a pre-determined location for further use, the translating comprising one or more of:
 minimizing risk of contamination of the sample; 
 moving the sample at a relatively high throughput rate; and 
 tracking the sample. 
   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein translating the sample comprises one or more of:
 suction; 
 pressurized air; 
 automated actuators; 
 mechanical apparatus; 
 gravity; 
 on a substrate. 
 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the pre-determined position of the sample is correlated to other samples. 
     
     
         9 . A method of sampling seed tissue from individual seed comprising:
 separating a relatively small portion of the seed from the remainder of the seed;   the separating step adapted to:
 be non-lethal to the remainder of the seed; and 
 provide a relatively measurable sample of the seed. 
   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the step of separating comprises one of:
 cutting; 
 drilling; or 
 sanding. 
 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising collecting the sample to deter contamination of a sample. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the step of deterring contamination of samples comprises collecting each sample by:
 gravity; 
 vacuum; or 
 adherence to a carrier. 
 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising positioning and orienting the seed prior to separation of the sample by:
 retaining the seed by structure of a receiver or container; 
 holding the seed with a tool; 
 retaining the seed by properties of a surface; or 
 holding the seed by magnetic attraction, wherein a magnetically active material or substance has previously been applied to a position on the seed correlated to desired orientation of the seed. 
 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising indexing one or both of the sample and the seed to an indexing system. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising using the sample in an application comprising biochemical, genetic, or phenotypic testing. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the biochemical, genetic, or phenotypic testing comprises one or more of:
 DNA extraction; 
 RNA extraction; 
 genotyping; 
 seed sorting for transgenic versus non-transgenic T1 seed; 
 identification of markers; 
 testing for adventitious presence; 
 spectroscopy; 
 food research; 
 oil chemistry; and 
 protein biochemistry. 
 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising utilizing the biochemical, genetic or phenotypic testing to make decisions about the use of the remainder seed in a plant advancement experiment. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the seed comprises corn seed, canola seed, or soybean seed. 
     
     
         19 . A method of sampling a seed comprising:
 generating a controlled laser beam;   positioning the seed in a pre-determined orientation relative the laser beam;   passing a laser beam through the a seed or the seed through the laser beam to non-lethally cut a sample from the seed.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising repeating steps b. and c. for a plurality of seed.