Optimizing the working performance of a pollination machine for hybrid rice

Abstract

Pollination is the key process in seed production of hybrid rice; however, the low level of mechanization and the lack of pollination equipment have restricted pollination efficiency. Therefore, a mechanical impact pollinator with a power chassis, a lifting unit, and an impact device was developed for hybrid rice cross-pollination. The impact device installed with a reciprocating leading screw mechanism for power transmission was tested by simulating the impact device's movement using MATLAB software to optimize its mechanical structure. The major working parameters of the impact pollinator were optimized using an orthogonal design based on the actual planting pattern of hybrid rice. The impact height, impact frequency, and harvesting speed of the machine were designed as experimental factors, and the pollen amount was calculated as the evaluation index. The results showed that the pollen amount was significantly influenced by the harvest speed, impact frequency, and impact height, and the optimized working parameters were 0.8 m·s−1, 2.5 Hz, and −20 cm accordingly. Compared with the commonly used artificial auxiliary pollination method with rope, the impact pollination machine with optimal working parameters increased the pollen quantity by 80% and the setting percentage by 36% in the verification test. This study provides a reference for the design and testing of an impact machine for hybrid rice.