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PowerPollen - Foundation Technology
PowerPollen has engineered an on-demand pollination solution that complements the natural process, reduces the cost of inputs, and mitigates adverse weather effects. With this on-demand technology, pollen can be collected, placed into storage, and dispersed to agricultural crops.
PowerPollen harnesses optimum crop pollen management by providing seed corn producers better pollination at lower costs, resulting in a higher return on investment. Corn seed companies can now access this technology through our licensing program. When compared to the traditional hybrid corn pollination, PowerPollen adds the flexibility for enhanced pollination that has never before been achieved. With four years of field testing, PowerPollen is averaging yield increases of over 20%, with an additional increase in purity.
Our proprietary PowerPollen system is deployed to collect, preserve and apply pollen at a high density directly to the silks at the optimum time. This also removes corn pollination weather risks and widens product pools by allowing corn seed production to occur across broad maturity ranges between male and female parents. PowerPollen can also save previously unsalvageable fields by transporting healthy male pollen from nearby or distant fields.
PowerPollen increases effective land utilization as higher pollination rates improve per-acre yields on the same or less land by optimizing planting with a reduced need for male rows and replacing them with seed-yielding female rows. Labor costs are also decreased with precision pollen application, which reduces the need for manual labor (detasseling).
Increase corn seed production volume by using the least amount of pollen necessary to fully pollinate silks. PowerPollen also allows specific varieties of pollen to be harvested and preserved in high quantities, producing larger quantities to meet customers’ needs.
PowerPollen enables seed companies and growers to better manage inventory and optimize production for specific uses, growing conditions and emerging market with more control over pollination decisions. Decisions regarding which male to use as a pollinator can be made right up to the point of female receptivity.
Approximately 5-10% of global hybrid seed corn yield is lost to bad pollination or poor “nick”. Under normal conditions, pollen is shed within a day or two after silk emergence, allowing for full fertilization of the husk. However, when the male’s optimum pollen release date is not synced with female’s optimum silk receptivity date, kernel formation is sacrificed. PowerPollen technology enables seed producers to apply preserved pollen in perfect timing with the female’s optimum receptivity.
Today’s corn genetics have crop yield potentials of up to 800 bushels per acre, but negative environmental factors often lead to poor pollination. These factors can include poor nutrients, moisture and weather.
PowerPollen minimizes negative impacts on yield by:
- Providing a more thorough pollination
- Improving natural pollination opportunities
- Safeguarding against other environmental issues
With continued research and development, the company anticipates similar gains in the wheat, rice and grain corn sectors. Scaling and automation developments, like drone-based application of pollen on corn, will apply to these future markets.
The hybridization of seed corn has resulted in an 800% yield increase over the past 80 years. PowerPollen is currently working toward enabling hybrid seed in row crops which have not been hybridized with the belief that similar yield increases can be achieved. Examples of these crops include wheat and soy. This yield increase alone would significantly improve global land utilization and allow for more robust and higher yielding plants. The ability to commercially hybridize these two crops has the potential to significantly improve world food security.