WO2011163613A1

WO2011163613A1 - Seed bagging method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2011163613A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/041870
Authority: WO
Inventors: William V. Hunter Iii; Elyse Mckenney
Original assignee: Syngenta Participations Ag
Priority date: 2010-06-24
Filing date: 2011-06-24
Publication date: 2011-12-29

Abstract

An improved seed bagging system for bagging of two types of seed into a container is disclosed. A first scale is provided for weighing and dispensing a first type of seed into the container; and a second scale is provided for weighing and dispensing a second type of seed into the container. Control apparatus for the scales controls the rate of dispensing from the two scales to maintain a desired ratio of simultaneous dispensing of seed from each scale. The system is particularly useful in filling seed containers with refuge and non-refuge seed evenly distributed throughout the container so that the two types of seed will be planted in a field with an even distribution of refuge and non-refuge plants.

Description

SEED BAGGING METHOD AND APPARATUS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Patent Application Serial No. 61/358267 filed on 24 June 2010 (24.06.2010) in the United States of America.

Brief Summary of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates generally to seed bagging methods and apparatus and, more specifically, to methods and apparatus for refuge and non-refuge seed that results in even distribution of plants corresponding to the two types of seed when planted in a field and to bagging a plurality of seeds of distinct varieties in a single bag without comingling to permit separation of the varieties from each other at a later time.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Methods for managing pest resistance to pest resistant crop plants are provided in Monsanto 's

US patent 6,551 ,962 and in Pioneer's 20100210460 published application. One such Pioneer method described comprises manipulating, during the seed production process, the relative production of a first and second type of seed, the first type of seed incorporating a first transgene, which controls a first target pest via a first mode of action, and the second type of seed incorporating a second transgene, which controls the first target pest via a second mode of action, to produce about a predetermined ratio of the first and second seed types that, when planted in a plot in a substantially similar ratio, delays the development of resistant pests, and planting the first and second seed types in a plot in a substantially similar ratio. Alternatively, this application discusses that the first type of seed may incorporate a first and second transgene, which control a first target pest via first and second mode of action respectively, and a second type of seed, which does not have either the first or second transgenes (and therefore serves as a refuge for susceptible pests). The second type of seed may optionally have a third transgene that offers control of the second target pest. The seeds or resulting crops may be treated with an additional pesticidal agent, and may also incorporate herbicide resistance.

[0004] In addition to Pioneer's seed production route to production of blended refuge and nonrefuge seeds, there are the traditional seed packaging/bagging systems which the seed industry has been using for at least 20 years. These systems are designed to achieve set seed bag weights, often using a two scale system for a single variety seed in conventional bag. An original dual bagging scale system uses one scale to meter out seed to form the bulk of the bag's weight and the second (dribble) scale is employed to meter out remaining seed to complete the scaling process. This second scale measures out the correct remaining amount of seed required to meet targeted seed bag weights. [0005] The industry has bagged certain types of seeds such as grasses as bags which are sold as seed mixtures. A bag of grass seed may have a mixture of various types of grass seed blended in a single grass seed bag. The distribution of the final grass plants corresponding to the mixture of seeds when planted is not the focus of this type of blended seed. In contrast to grass seed, most crop seed is usually not sold as blended seeds of different seed varieties. For example, maize seed is traditionally packaged to have a single variety of hybrid seed in a bag of seed corn. The maize seeds, within a seed container or seed bag, which are not the same type of seed as the hybrid seed listed on the bag, are referred to as off types or impurities. High quality seed is bagged to carry as few off types as possible in the bags thus providing a more consistent field of maize plants.

[0006] However, there are at least some instances of mixtures of different seed varieties in a single seed bag packaged to produce fields of maize plants with different types of maize being planted. For example, in the early 1990's, DuPont introduced a high oil corn seed mixture that was formed of two types of maize seed, a sterile hybrid and a high oil male pollinator. The bagging of the blended high oil seed with the sterile hybrid seed tended to produce some unforeseen and poorly resolved field blending inconsistency resulting from unresolved seed bagging challenges.

[0007] Traditionally, if two varieties of seed are comingled and packaged in the seed bag with the uniformity of the distribution of the two varieties throughout the field was not a concern. Merely adding the two seed varieties in a ratio to the same bag does not guarantee a uniform intermixing of the two varieties.

[0008] Furthermore, blending seeds may lead to some sale ability issues, because different seed lots of varieties have, of course, different characteristics. One of the characteristics that may differ for different seed lots is the percentage of seeds that germinate when the variety is planted. Another such

characteristic of seed lots are the decline in germination over time. Certain varieties are much less "shelf stable" than other varieties, such that acceptable germination is maintained over relatively short periods of time. If two seed varieties with different germination percentages and/or rate of germination decline are comingled in a single bag, one of the varieties may, over time, decline in germination to

unacceptable levels while the other variety remains at acceptably high germination levels. Because one of the varieties in the bag has become unacceptable, the seed in the bag cannot be sold. There is often no practical way to separate the unacceptable seed from the comingled still acceptable seed, and the entire unit of seed can no longer be used for planting and frequently is discarded. Therefore, there remains a need for a mixing apparatus that produces a bag of seed which will provide a uniform distribution of seeds and a uniform distribution of plants in the field. There also remains a need for a bag or method which will provide a uniform distribution of seeds for planting while providing a method of discarding only the unacceptable seed and not discarding the entire unit.

Summary of the Invention

[0009] The invention consists of a system and apparatus for producing containers of refuge and non- refuge seed that assure even distribution of refuge and non-refuge plants within a field planted from the containers. In one embodiment, the container is a bag system wherein a main bag contains the desired proportion of non-refuge seed and a smaller accessory compartment or bag contains the desired proportion of refuge seed. The accessory compartment or bag may be a sleeve or pocket located inside the main bag or may be attached to the side of the main bag. Preferably, opening of the main bag will simultaneously open the accessory compartment or bag. The bag system is designed so that pouring of seed from the bag system will evenly distribute the refuge and non-refuge seed in the planter.

[00010] In another embodiment, a dual dispensing scale system is used wherein the refuge seed is dispensed into a seed container by one scale at the same time the non-refuge seed is being dispensed into the seed container by a second scale. The rate of dispensing of seed by the two scales is adjusted so that the desired ratio of refuge to non-refuge seed is dispensed into the container. Even distribution in the container is achieved, for example, by having the refuge seed dispensed into the stream of flow of non- refuge seed or by a spreader for the refuge seed which distributes it evenly over the container as the non- refuge seed is being added to the container.

[00011] An object of the present invention is to provide a container for refuge and non-refuge seed those results in even distribution of plants corresponding to the two types of seed when planted in a field.

[00012] Another object of the invention is to provide a container of refuge and non-refuge seed that results in even distribution of plants corresponding to the two types of seed when planted in a field but which maintains physical isolation of the seed in the container to permit separation of the one type of seed from the other at a later time.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0010] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a new improved doubled dual bagging scale system. [0011] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an alternative preferred embodiment of a new improved doubled dual bagging scale system.

[0012] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a second alternative preferred embodiment of a new improved doubled dual bagging scale system.

[0013] Fig. 4a is a top view of a seed bag of the present invention and Fig. 4b is a perspective view of the bag.

[0014] Fig. 5a is a plan view of a bulk seed container of the present invention and Fig. 5b is a side view of the container.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0015] For the last ten years, there has been wheat, maize, cotton and soybean seed on the market that carries at least one transgene which cause the plant to be resistant to insects. The transgenes have primarily been modified or optimized genes found in Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Plants carrying these transgenes are lethal to certain categories of insects. Bacillus thuringiensis is a bacterium that is present in soil and it has been used as a natural insecticide for a number of years. Because insects build resistance against insecticides, the government regulatory authorities established a refuge system for slowing the development of insects that would be resistant to the insecticidal material expressed by the transgene within the plant material. The refuge system required insect resistant plants to be planted within a certain distance of the same type of plant which was not insect resistant or had a different mode of action for insect resistance. The insect susceptible plants (this definition may include seeds/plants that have a different mode of action for control of the insect than does the original nonrefuge seed) would be planted in strips or as borders surrounding the insect resistant plants in the field.

[0016] A "refuge" type of seed or "nonrefuge" type seed is intended to mean seed of a defined type that is not genetically identical to another type of seed that is used in the methods disclosed herein. This specification includes a "first type of seed" and a "second type of seed" will be seeds from the same plant species but differ in genotype. As explanation a first type of seed can comprise a transgene and a second type of seed can lack a transgene (or comprise a different transgene), but be otherwise genetically identical to the first type of seed or otherwise not genetically related other than being the same plant species of seed.

[0017] A lot of insect resistant plants have, encoding the Bt proteins which provide the different modes of pesticidal action include toxin binding to different binding sites in the gut membranes of the corn rootworms or a corn earworm or a European corn borer. Transgenes in the present invention useful against rootworms include, but are not limited to, those encoding the Bt proteins Cry3A, Cry3Bb and Cry34Abl/Cry35Abl protein. Specific, non-limiting examples of Bt Cry toxins of interest include the group consisting of Cry 1 (such as CrylA, CrylA(a), CrylA(b), CrylA(c), CrylC, CrylD, CrylE, CrylF), Cry 2 (such as Cry2A), Cry 3 (such as Cry3Bb), Cry 5, Cry 8 (see GenBank Accession Nos. CAD57542, CAD57543, see also U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/746,914), Cry 9 (such as Cry9C) and Cry34/35, as well as functional fragments, chimeric modifications, or other variants thereof. Other transgenes appropriate for other pests may encode a gene that encodes a Bt toxin, such as a homologue of a known Cry toxin. "Bt toxin" is intended to mean the broader class of toxins found in various strains of Bt, which includes such toxins as, for example, the vegetative insecticidal proteins and the .delta.- endotoxins. Some examples of transgenic combinations for use against various types of corn rootworm (CRW), including WCRW, northern corn rootworm (NCRW), and Mexican corn rootworm (MCRW) include Cry34/35 and Cry3A; and Cry34/35 and Cry3B. Other combinations are also known for other pest use against ECB and/or southwestern corn borer (SWCB) Cryl Ab and CrylF, Cryl Ab and Cry2, CrylAb and Cry9, CrylAb and Cry2/Vip3A stack, CrylAb and Cryl FNip3A stack, Cryl F and Cry2, Cryl F and Cry9, as well as CrylF and Cry2/Vip3A stack. Corn earworm (CEW) stacks can include CrylAb and Cry2, CrylF and Cry2, CrylAb and Cry2/Vip3A stack, CrylAb and Cryl FNip3A stack, Cryl F and Cry2/Vip3A stack. Fall armyworm (FAW), black cutworm (BCW), and/or western bean cutworm (WBCW) stacks may include CrylAb and Cry2/Vip3A stack, CrylAb and CrylF/Vip3A stack, as well as CrylF and Cry2/Vip3A. Also, these various combinations may be combined in order to provide resistance management to multiple pests.

[0018] Additionally, the nonrefuge or refuge seed can carry different stacks of transgenic material. Such as traits for oil, metabolism alteration, and the like. Traits for resistance to glyphosate or sulfonylurea herbicides obtained using genes coding for the mutant target enzymes, EPSPS and acetolactate synthase (ALS). Resistance to glufosinate ammonium, bromoxynil, and 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4-D) have been obtained by using bacterial genes encoding phosphinothricin acetyltransferase, a nitrilase, or a 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate monooxygenase, which detoxify the respective herbicides. Also contemplated are inhibitors of glutamine synthase such as phosphinothricin or basta (e.g., bar gene) These plants may contain DNA constructs any combination of stacked nucleotide sequences of interest in order to create plants with a desired trait. The key is does the combination of the two types of seeds work when planted together in a field to substantially reduce or slow the development of insects that would be resistant to the insecticidal material expressed by the transgene within the plant material.

[0019] The non insect resistant plants (or plants that have a different mode of insect resistant than the nonrefuge seed) would be a "refuge" for the insects. The refuge would attract the insects and any insects that were building up a tolerance to the insect resistant plant material, these insects would mate with other susceptible insects that were in the refuge plants. The refuge would allow non-tolerant or susceptible insects a place to feed and breed. This refuge plants would reduce or eliminate the problem with mating and breeding of two tolerant insects, which could produce tolerant progeny.

[0020] The refuge concept uses two types of seed which are sold as separate quantities of seed in bags or containers. One type of seed is insect resistant and the other type of seed is not resistant to the insect or at least is not resistant using the same mode of insect resistance as the seed in question but forms refuge for that insect. These two types of seeds are sold to the same end user in separate seed containers. The end user will plant the refuge seed as a border buffer or in strips around or proximate to the insect resistant seed.

[0021] This type of a refuge system requires the farmer to plant seed of two separate sets of seeds in two slightly different areas of the field, with the insect susceptible or refuge seeds and plants comprising 20% to 50% of the field being planted. Because limiting the buildup of tolerance to the insect resistant material in the maize plants and seeds in the insect population is in the farmers' best long term interest, most farmers are very willing to comply with planting the government required refuge border. The refuge section of the field (if not containing a different resistance) is susceptible to insect damage and thus the field yields less than it would if planted solely with the insecticidal seed. Thus compliance with refuge requirements is strongly encouraged and often, although not always, complied with by the end user.

[0022] New testing has shown that planting the refuge seed not as a strip or row or border but planting the seed as part of a seed blend of intermingled susceptible and insecticidal seed in the field works to avoid insect tolerance from building in the insect population. The commingled refuge non refuge seed also reduces the planting time and effort required for the use of refuge maize, wheat, sunflower, canola, soybean, grass, alfalfa, vegetable, or cotton, is much more simplistic and often reduces that amount of refuge seed required in a field to avoid insect tolerance buildup.

[0023] To work effectively against tolerance build up, however, refuge plants must be evenly distributed throughout the field of non-refuge plants. The close proximity of the refuge and non- refuge plants permits smaller quantities of seed of refuge plants to be employed in the seed container. This intermingled seed in a bag can have as little as 5% of the total plants in the field that are refuge plants. But to get the most efficiency from intermingled refuge/non- refuge seed, there must be a similar refuge plant distribution within the field and throughout the field of the two types of seeds. This requires that the intermingled seed types must be evenly distributed within the seed bag or when poured from that seed bag into a planter, so that the seed will be at least evenly distributed within the farmers' field.

[0024] The present invention provides a method for random but consistent seed type distribution either within the bag or within the field. This random distribution will result in approximately equivalent ratios of insect resistant seed interplanted with refuge seed within the planted field. The distribution of seed of the present invention prevents the end user from planting a seed mixture that results in large pockets of non-refuge plants which are not sufficiently close to the refuge plants to attract the targeted insects or vice a versa.

[0025] Even distribution of seed types within a seed bag was useful for crops such as grass mixtures, but it was not essential for the purpose. Grass seed which was not well mixed could still accomplish the purpose of providing a seeded lawn. In contrast, the interdispersal of the l %-50% and more preferably the 5, 10,15,20, 25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50% and yet more preferably the 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,1 1 ,12,13, 14, 15, 16,17, 18, 19, 20 ,21 ,22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 , 32,33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 , 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50% seed of the refuge seed throughout the 50-99% of non-refuge seed must be accomplished to provide the correct placement of plants so that a buildup of insects with tolerance is decreased as much as is possible.

[0026] To produce the correct refuge seed distribution throughout the non-refuge seed within a bag or a seed container, the following invention has been created. The present invention improves on one of the existing bagging systems. The standard bagging seed system uses a dual scale system. The first scale is used to meter the bulk of the bag's weight and the second (dribble) scale is employed to complete the scaling process. The second dribble scale is used to add the final remaining seed necessary to meet the specific seed weights needs for that particular bag type. This second scale utilizes the information from the first scale to calculate the amount of seed still necessary. The dribble scale provides this measured seed amount to the seed bag. The result is a seed bag with the right amount of seed to meet targeted bag weights.

[0027] This system is not really adapted to mix seed because the second dribble scale is adding the seed to the top of the seed container and it is not feeding the seed into the bulk of the seed that was provided by the first scale. The present invention employs a second set of dual scales to blend the refuge and the non refuge seed together while filling the seed bag or container with the appropriate amount of seed. The present invention releases seed from the second dual seed systems in a steady stream at the same time as the first dual seed scale is feeding in the seed for the bulk of the seed quantity within the bag. To facilitate even intermingling of the seed, the second scale is pouring the smaller portion of seed at a ratio that is equivalent to the desired proportion of refuge/non-refuge seed. For example, if the ratio of refuge seed to non-refuge seed is 10 to 1 , then the second dual scale will release one seed into the bag or container for every 10 seeds released from the first dual scale. If the ratio needs to be altered the speed of seed release for the second or first seed scale is altered accordingly.

[0028] The second dual scale is comingling the seed with the seed being dispensed by the first scale. The second scale has a seed delivering spout that is positioned such that the seed can randomly enter the flow of the seed that is being delivered at a faster rate. To assure that the second dual scale seed is cascading in a random but fairly equivalent location throughout the seed container the second dual scale seed can be delivered centrally with the larger seed flow being delivered on top of the lower rate seed. Alternatively the lower rate seed can have a small broadcasting device that places the seed into an arcing trajectory that tosses the seed throughout the refuge seed.

[0029] In another embodiment, the refuge and non refuge seed is delivered by a dual scale system however, the refuge seed is delivered directly into a seed holding sleeve or pocket which fits within or beside the main container or bag for the non-refuge seed. The refuge seed is delivered into this seed sleeve or pocket with the second dual scale either prior to, during, or after the non-refuge seed is delivered by the first scale into the main bag. The refuge sleeve opening is sized to release seed at a rate of commingle that is the same as the desired refuge/non-refuge field mix. The design of the bag and sleeve is such that opening the main container opens the refuge seed sleeve or pocket at the same time and so that pouring of seed from the main container/sleeve releases a flow of refuge and non-refuge seed into the planter in a consistent commingled manner.

Example 1

[0030] In Fig. 1 , generally at 10, is illustrated in schematic form an improved apparatus of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Non-refuge seed is provided from a source of seed, which in this embodiment is the bulk seed reservoir 25. In this embodiment there is shown a conditioning system 26 and with treating system 28 in association with the reservoir 25. Refuge seed is provided either from bags 39 or a bulk container 42. If from bags 39, the bags 39 are fed, in this drawing by an inclined belt conveyor 29, into a bag splitter 7 to release the refuge seed which is then deposited on a vibratory feeder 68. The split bag is deposited in the bag baler 5 which forms bales of bags 8. If from the bulk container 42, the refuge seed is deposited directly on the vibratory feeder 68. Refuge seed on the vibratory feeder 68 is directed to an elevator 1 1 which carries it upwardly. A pipe or conduit directs the refuge seed to a valve 31 which is controlled to direct the refuge seed either to belt conveyor 13 or to a first refuge seed bin 24. When deposited on the belt conveyor 13, the refuge seed will be directed to a second refuge seed bin 55. This seed bin 55 can have large bushel capacities 500 bushels through 1200 bushels and beyond.

[0031] Non-refuge seed from the existing treating system 28 is directed to valve 30 which is controlled to deposit the non-refuge seen either to conveyor belt 9 or to 3-way valve 2. Non-refuge seed directed to 3-way valve 2 is directed to one of three first non-refuge seed bins 23 and non-refuge seed on conveyor belt 9 is directed to a second non-refuge seed bin 50.

[0032] Refuge and non-refuge seed is now in associated equipment in two different locations, non- refuge seed bins 23 used for packaging the seed into conventional seed bags and refuge seed bin 50 is used for packaging the seed into bulk containers. Each of the bins 23a-c, and 50 is provided with a slide gates 59, 60, and 61 respectively and bin 50 has slide gate 63 which controls the dispensing of seed from the associated bin. During a bagging operation, refuge seed is dispensed substantially continuously from bin 24 through slide gate 62 and directed onto a weigh belt 72 that weighs the refuge seed as it is being transferred to a 2-way gate line inverter 1 and then to a duplex bagging scale 27 (including both main and dribble scales). Simultaneously, non-refuge seed is being dispensed from one or more of bins 23a-c and directed onto a weigh belt 71 that weighs the non-refuge seed as it is being transferred to the line inverter 1 and then to the bagging scale 27. The degree of opening of the slide gates 59, 60, 61 , 62 is controlled in conjunction with the weigh belts 72 and 71 to assure that the appropriate ratio of refuge and no n- refuge seed is delivered to the bagging scale 27. By feeding the refuge and non-refuge seed substantially continuously and simultaneously, and by use of the line inverter 1 , a sufficiently uniform and isotropic mixture of refuge and non-refuge seeds results in the bagging scale 27. When the amount of seed in the bagging scale 27 reaches the desired weight, the combined seed is directed to a bagger (not shown) which packages the combined seed mixture into a conventional bag.

[0033] During a packaging operation into a bulk container 42, refuge seed from bin 55 is dispensed substantially continuously through slide gate 65 onto weigh belt 74 which weighs the refuge seed while it is being dispensed into bulk container 42. Simultaneously, non-refuge seed from bin 50 is being dispensed substantially continuously through slide gate 64 onto weigh belt 73 which weighs the non- refuge seed while it is being dispensed into bulk container 42. Preferably, the streams of seeds from the weigh belts 73 and 74 intersect with each other above the bulk container 42 to improve mixing of the seed and ensure sufficient uniformity and isotropy of the mixture in the bulk container 42.

Example 2

[0034] In an alternative preferred embodiment, illustrated generally in Fig. 3, a system similar to Fig. 1 is employed; however a pair of duplex scales 304, 321 is used. Refuge seed dispensed from bin 324 is directed to a refuge seed duplex scale 304 which contains both a main scale and a dribble scale, whereas non-refuge seed is directed to duplex scale 321 which also contains both a main scale and a dribble scale. When the weight of the seed in each of the scales 321 and 304 reach their respective delivery amounts, the two types of seed are simultaneously dispatched to a bagger (not shown) through a delivery conduit that serves to mix the seed to the needed uniformity.

Example 3

[0035] Another alternative preferred embodiment is illustrated in Fig. 2. Again, the system is similar to systems shown in Figs. 1 and 3 with the substantive differences discussed below. Like Figs. 1 and 3 Fig.2 includes in the upper portion of the schematic a dust collection system 216 that comprises a red dust filter and fan with a drum kit 245 for the drum 215. The air system 266 uses negative airflow to remove dust. The system has a clean air return 248 may use air compressor 203 and a desiccant dryer 214 to decrease seed and seed treatment dust at each point where such dust occurs.

[0036] Non-refuge seen is provided from the treating system 228 to a vibratory feeder 268, and then moved by an elevator 21 1 to valve 232 which is controlled to direct the non-refuge seed either to a Y- valve 275 or belt conveyor 209. The non-refuge seed is then delivered as in system shown in Fig.2 to non-refuge seed bins 249, 252a, 252b or non-refuge seed bin 254, respectively, all as in the previous system of Fig. 1. As in systems the earlier embodiment, the refuge seed is supplied either from bags 240 or bulk container 207 to conveyor 25. The valve 253 is used to control delivery of the refuge seed either to refuge seed bin 252c or to conveyor 210 which, as before, deposits it in refuge seed bin 251.

[0037] An operation to fill bulk container proceeds as in the previous embodiment shown in Fig.1. In an operation to fill individual unit bags (not shown), slide gate 262 is controlled to deliver refuge seed to weigh belt 272 and slide gates 259, 260, 261 are controlled to deliver non-refuge seed to weigh belt 271. Both types of seed are deposited contemporaneously on a vibratory feeder 269 which transports the mixed seed to an elevator 212 that delivers the mixed seed to bagging bins 222 which then delivers the seed to a bagger (not shown) for bagging in conventional bags.

[0038] The seed for refuge and nonrefuge can be rendered distinguishable through use of seed coloring. Small dabs of color can be located on one or more of the seed types. One or more of the seeds sets can be colored with pigments, dyes, seed treatments, polymers, paints, etc or alternatively lightly coated with a magnetic spray point. Alternatively, the refuge or nonrefuge seed can be entirely colored through seed pigmentation markers within the genetics of the seed. Each of these distinguishing techniques would allow separation of the refuge and nonrefuge seed post blending either with a magnetic force or magnetic apparatus or a color sorting technique or apparatus.

Example 4

[0039] Illustrated in Fig. 4, is a top view of a nonconventional seed bag. Another method of blending the refuge and nonrefuge seed is to allow the end user to blend the seed when depositing seed in the planter or a storage facility prior to loading the planter boxes on a planter. Illustrated in Fig. 4, is a preferred embodiment of a divided bag of the present invention which allows for separate storage but on farm blending. The divided bag shown in Figure 4 has two compartments, a non-refuge seed

compartment 458 and a refuge seed compartment 446. The compartments 458 and 446 assure that refuge and non-refuge seed placed in the divided bag will not comingle until it is desired to do so upon opening of the bag and simultaneous dispensing and mixing of both types of seed into, for example, a planter box for planting. To facilitate simultaneous dispensing and mixing of the two types of seed, divided bag 300 is designed so that upon a conventional opening procedure, for example, tearing off the flap that will form opening 479 will open both compartments 446 and 458. Further, the size of the opening of the compartments 479 so created are adjusted to be proportional to the amount of each type of seed in the divided bag such that each type of seed will be dispensed at a rate proportional to the relative amount of each type to help assure needed uniformity of mixing. The divided bag shown in Fig 4b has the advantage of allowing the recovery of either or both types of seed should the same be desired. For example, if the refuge seed germination level has dropped below acceptable levels such that it is unsatisfactory for use, the divided bag of Fig. 4b can be carefully opened to dispense only the nonrefuge seed which can then be re-used. If the two types of seed had been comingled without distinguishing treatment, there frequently is no pragmatic or practical way to recover the still usable seed from the unusable seed.

[0040] The divided bag is particularly suited for use with system of Fig. 3. Rather than mixing the two types of seed in conduit 367, each type is separately added to the respective compartment of the divided bag 3 shown in Fig 4.

Example 5

[0041] A divided bulk container suitable for use with the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 5. The bulk container is divided into two compartments, compartment 581 for non-refuge seed and

compartment 546 for refuge see. The volume of compartment 581 relative to compartment 546 is, of course, the same as the desired ratio of refuge to non-refuge seed to be planted. This Figure 5 bulk container has a discharge area at 581 , which can be locked, through which both types of seed will be discharged. Preferably, compartment 580 has a dispensing gate 581 and compartment 546 has an independently operable discharge gate shown in Fig 5. In the usual operation, both gates are opened simultaneously and the opening for each is proportional to the ratio of each type of seed so that the two compartments 581 and 546 empty at the same rate, resulting in the desired uniformity of distribution of the two types of seed, for example in a planter box. Having the gates each listed as 580 independently operable allows the easy dispensing of only one of the types of seed if, for example, the other type of seed has gone off germ.

[0042] The divided container, in this embodiment a buck thorn type box, is particularly suited for use with the system of Fig. 3. Rather than mixing the two types of seed in conduit, each type is separately added to the respective compartment of the divided container as shown in Figures 5a, 5b.

Discussion

[0043] Insect refuge strategies are described for the management of insect resistance development. The present invention relates to seed processing for seeds of crop plants, and in particular to plants like maize, and cotton, used in refuge strategies. Nonrefuge seed resist insect feeding activities directed to root and leaf damage. This invention and process provides for sufficient refuge seeds being uniformly present in a given set of refuge and nonrefuge seeds to reduce the rate of development of resistant pests, thereby eliminating the problems that may arise with regard to refuge compliance. In addition, the treatment of such seed with seed treatments and color distinguishing characteristics and on site mixing packages area also disclosed.

[0044] The present invention utilizes a new bagging system line that incorporates a second set of scales, (which include weigh belts) fed by an independent bin. This line works in unison with main component line bagging scales. Both sets of scales independently weigh their respective materials. Once this is performed they are programmed to simultaneously dump, filling the desired package. The scales are programmed to discharge in a manner that promotes a random distribution of both products in the package.

[0045] The invention provides traceability for every package. Both components are monitored for every unit produced and a record of production is generated for audit purposes. The system assures accuracy and repeatability for every unit on a per weight percentage of each component.

[0046] The foregoing descriptions comprise illustrative embodiments of the present inventions. The foregoing embodiments described herein may vary based on the ability, experience, and preference of those skilled in the art. The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the invention, and the invention is not limited thereto, except insofar as the claims are so limited. Those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention

Claims

We claim:

1. An improved seed bagging system for bagging of two types of seed into a container, comprising:

(a) a first scale for weighing and dispensing a first type of seed into the container;

(b) a second scale for weighing and dispensing a second type of seed into the container; and

(c) a control for the scales which controls the rate of dispensing from the two scales to

maintain a desired ratio of simultaneous dispensing of seed from each scale.

2. An improved seed bagging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein dispensing of the first type of seed from the first scale results in a stream of flow of the first type of seed, wherein dispensing of the second type of seed from the second scale results in a stream of flow of the second type of seed, and wherein the two streams of seed comingle before or as they enter the container.

3. An improved seed bagging system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a first conduit leading from the first scale which carries the dispensed first type of seed and a second conduit leading from the second scale which carries the dispensed second type of seed, and wherein the two conduits merge before discharging into the container.

4. An improved seed bagging system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the container is divided into a first and a second compartment and wherein dispensing of the first type of seed from the first scale results in a stream of flow of the first type of seed into only the first compartment and wherein dispensing of the second type of seed from the second scale results in a stream of flow of the second type of seed into only the second compartment.

5. An improved seed bagging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container is divided into a first and a second compartment, and further comprising a first conduit leading from the first scale which carries the dispensed first type of seed into only the first compartment and a second conduit leading from the second scale which carries the dispensed second type of seed into only the second

compartment.

6. An improved seed bagging system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the two types of seed are refuge and non-refuge seed.

7. A divided container for two types of seed, comprising:

(a) a first compartment of the container having a desired first volume and a dispensing opening of an area proportional to the first volume;

(b) a second compartment of the container having a desired second volume and a dispensing opening of an area proportional to the second volume;

(c) a closure of the container that is removable to open the dispensing opening of both

compartment simultaneously.

8. A method of recovering one type of seed from a container of two types of seed, comprising the steps of:

(a) filling a first portion of the container with a first type of seed having a viability

characteristic;

(b) filling a second, divided portion of the container with a second type of seed having a distinct viability characteristic;

(c) storing the container of seed;

(d) determining that the viability the second type of seed is no longer acceptable; and

(e) dispensing from the first type of seed from the first portion of the container.