Abstract: The invention concerns a method of producing a mound of earth (21) on the ground (22), comprising: a step of filling a mould (1) with earth; a step of placing a cover plate on the mould (1); a step of turning over the mould (1) on the ground (22); a step of removing the cover plate; a method during which a recess (24) is produced at the top of the mound (21) by the mould (1) during the moulding of the mound (21) by the mould (1) and characterised in that it comprises a step of partial removal of the mould (1) so as to leave clear access to the recess (24).

Abstract: The method for analysing the structure of cultured hedges, equally applicable by day or by night, for a mobile, continuously-moving machine in tied or staked plantations such as vineyards, includes a system using an artificial vision system, working by transmission, which permits a detection of the shadowing of the light between one or more transmitters and one or more detectors to one side and the other of the hedge. The information generated by said shadows of light are processed by an electronic analysis system, programmed or embodied to examine the elements of the structure of the hedge.

Abstract: A lawn repair device and system configured to deliver sand and seed mixtures or other lawn maintenance materials to lawn divots or other lawn defects by tilt activation or piston assist devices that causes the interposing of an aperture beneath a reservoir containing the lawn maintenance materials. The lawn maintenance materials then passes through the aperture and out a channel that aims and confines the lawn maintenance materials to fill a user-selected divot.

Abstract: A point-of-use liquid application device adapted to be selectively adhered to a plant and activated by the fingers of a human hand. Upon activation a liquid solution is released from a liquid-tight fluid reservoir and is delivered to an individual predetermined plant. The device incorporates a primary substrate with at least one adhesive area; a backing substrate releasably covering the at least one adhesive area; a liquid-tight fluid reservoir containing a liquid solution at least partially attached to the primary substrate; and a dispersion strip in contact with a portion of the liquid-tight fluid reservoir. The design of the device facilitates attachment to the plant by wrapping the primary substrate around a portion of the plant and attaching a portion of the at least one adhesive area to a portion of the primary substrate. The liquid solution may be an herbicide and may include an absorption enhancement agent.

Abstract: A net-plate set for horticulture or ornament includes multiple net-plates. Each net-plate includes a net-body and a frame. The frame is fixed around the edge of the net-body. In order to assemble net-plates into a three-dimensional object, each net-plate is flexible and bendable and the net-plates are linked together by one or more linking members. Before the net-plates are assembled into a three-dimensional object, each net-plate can be flat to reduce volume for much easier shipment.

Abstract: A system for transplant production comprising: at least one air conditioner installed in a completely light shielding closed structure surrounded by a thermally insulated wall, the air conditioner controlling the temperature and humidity of air in the closed structure; at least one box-shaped culturing module disposed in the internal space of the closed structure, the culturing module having a front face opening which is opened to the internal space of the closed structure; a plurality of transplant production shelves arranged vertically in multi-layer in the culturing module to form a transplant production space between the upper and lower transplant production shelves; a plurality of plug trays for holding a plant growing medium mounted on each transplant production shelf; a sub-irrigation unit capable of irrigation from the bottom of the plug trays mounted on each transplant production shelf; an artificial lighting unit provided on the back of each transplant production shelf, the artificial lighting unit

Abstract: A drop cloth having a planar body made from a canvas material, the body having an outer edge forming a square and a single slit form the outer edge leading to a hole centrally located therein forming an inner edge; the body further having all edges doubled stitched. The 1? high light weight barrier is around the entire perimeter edges, as well as all the inner edges. The drop cloth may be simply used by wrapping the cloth around any large indoor or outdoor potted plant, shrub, flower or tree, thereafter, pruning, trimming, changing soil or transferring a plant from one pot to another; thereby permitting the drop cloth to capture and contain all the debris, and for quick and easy cleanup; and for folding the drop cloth and discarding debris in a garbage pail or bag.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an artificial seed blank (20) is provided. The method includes placing a seed shell (22) on one of a plurality of receptacles (72) at the first assembly station. The method also includes depositing media (26) into the seed shell and positioning the seed shell at a second assembly station. The method also includes removing the seed blank from the receptacle at the second assembly station.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an artificial seed blank (20) is provided. The method includes placing a restraint (324) on one of a plurality of receptacles (372). The method also includes placing a seed shell (322) over the restraint on one of the plurality of receptacles, and attaching the restraint to the seed shell.

Abstract: A device for enhancing growth of plants and vegetables has a body adapted to placed on a surface accessible for sunlight, the body having photo-transforming qualities which convert UV light for plants and vegetables into growth enhancing light so as to promote photosynthesis and therefore to enhance growth of plants and vegetables, and means for delivering the growth-enhancing light to plants or vegetables.

Abstract: A carrier for potted plants comprises at least one handle attachable through a drainage hole in a base of a plant pot to a tray for receiving a plant pot, in which the tray includes a support for at least part of the base of the plant pot and the support includes flow paths for draining fluid away from the base of the plant pot in use.

Abstract: A method of controlling vegetation including the steps of: (a) preparing a relatively ‘wet’ foam having a temperature between 75° C. and 100° C. and consisting volumetrically of 60% to 75% aqueous solution of biodegradable foaming agent and 40% to 25% air, and (b) directing a stream of the foam against the surface to be treated. An apparatus for applying the foam to vegetation including a supply tank for holding an acqueous foamable solution, a pump for supplying the solution to a boiler for heating, a blower for supplying air, hoses for carrying air and hot solution respectively to a lance incorporating a mixing and expansion chamber.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a landscape product that burns a fuel containing citronella to deter insects and which does not look like a conventional anti-insect device in a landscaped environment. The landscape product comprises a container defining an aperture, a stone having a through bore and located above the fuel container, a wick holder located above the aperture and extending through the through-bore to a position above at least part of the stone, and a wick extending upwardly from within the fuel container and through the wick holder to a location above the wick holder and thence to a position above at least part of the stone. The landscape product is capable of burning a liquid fuel containing citronella oil to provide a landscape product to deter undesirable insects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing clones of woody plants. According to the method, first, the mother plants are selected from selected clones in order to produce root cuttings and the mother plants are grown long enough to form a strong root system. After the growing period, the grown mother plants are left in dormancy and the shoots of the plants are cut after the plants have reached complete dormancy. The root system of the mother plant is recovered, the thinnest part of the root system is removed, and the roots are cut. The pieces of root, i.e., the root cuttings, are brought to rooting conditions to take root in a suitable growth medium or, optionally, the root cuttings are pre-treated. The root cuttings that have taken root and/or started to grow a shoot are selected, recovered, and grown to become plants. Alternatively, the root cuttings obtained from cutting or pre-treating the roots are selected and inserted directly into the selected area of forest cultivation.

Abstract: A method for treating a marker material includes combining at least one treatment for a marker material, a foaming agent and a solvent to form a marker composition, foaming the marker composition to form a foamed marker composition, and applying the foamed marker composition to a marker material.

Abstract: A plant cultivating device (A), comprising aluminum long square pipe trays (5) for storing plants (35) together with culture solution, a conveyor device (2) for feeding the trays (5) in order in lateral direction, and a lighting device (3), having a number of light-emitting diodes disposed thereon, located over the conveyor device (5), the lighting device (3) being disposed so as to be higher gradually from the upstream side to the downstream side of the conveyor device (2), wherein a funnel-shaped holder (30) holding the upper part of the plant (35) is provided on the upper surface of the tray (5), and a planting conveyor (6) and a harvesting conveyor (7) for supply and retrieval, a reflecting wall (8) provided between these conveyors and the conveyor device (2), and transfer bars (41) for transferring the trays (5) between the conveyor device (2) and the planting and harvesting conveyors (6,7) are installed on the upstream and downstream sides of the conveyor device (2).

Abstract: The invention is a method of transforming a lawn into a stable, healthy plant community that can be maintained as a stable, healthy plant community without use of synthetic, non-organic, non-natural pesticides and fertilizers. The method comprises implementing a three-year, or three entire growing season program, wherein in the first two years, a transition is made to utilization of increasing proportions of organic and natural fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, and improved biological, natural controls and cultural practices. In the third year or full growing season, the lawn is transformed into being free of synthetic, non-organic fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides through se of organic fertilizers, organic herbicides, organic insecticides, biological and natural controls, and improved cultural practices.

Abstract: A method for treating a landscaping material includes combining at least one treatment for a landscaping material, a foaming agent and a solvent to form a landscaping composition, foaming the landscaping composition to form a foamed landscaping composition, and applying the foamed landscaping composition to a landscaping material.

Abstract: A method to protect corn against feeding damage by one or more pests includes the treatment of corn seed having a transgenic event that is targeted against at least one of the pests with a pesticide in an amount that is effective against the same or another of the one or more pests. Seeds having such protection are also disclosed, as well as a means for deploying a non-transgenic refuge crop into a field of transgenic crops.

Abstract: A method of repairing a divot made by a golfer in the grass playing surface of a golf course provides for the golfer to deposit a divot repair body, comprising a growing material such as sand formed into a consolidated mass, into the divot. The body can then be crushed under foot for evenly spreading the growing material in the divot and thereby effectively filling the divot with the growing material. The invention relates also to a divot repair body that can be used in conjunction with the method and that can be carried by a golfer in a suitable package for rendering the employment of the method convenient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a retrofittable aerating root pruner (RARP) adapted to be detachably mounted on the inner face of the side wall of a plant container having drain ports at the bottom of the side wall thereof, which is an elongate rectangular flat or hemi-cylindrical sheet member with wings along both its long sides which fit snugly against the inner face of the side wall of the plant container when the RARP to form a conduit extending to the bottom of the plant container. The RARP is mounted at its upper end to the upper edge of the plant container and at its bottom end by an extension which projects through a drain port and mounts on the outer surface of the bottom of the plant container.

Abstract: Certain novel formulations of turf additives that act in such a manner as to permit proper amounts of moisture to contact root systems in order to reduce dry spots within highly managed turf areas and/or lawns. It is theorized that the accumulation of humic acid (and other natural byproduct deleterious compounds) at the topsoil surface in most cultivated grassy areas including sandy soils (such as, in particular, golf greens, pastures, lawns, and the like), as well as other non-grassy sandy areas in which such humic acid accumulation poses water repellency problems (such as beaches), results in the production of an effective organic waxy coating on the soil and/or sand components. Such a coating is hydrophobic in nature and thus dries out the soil itself.

Abstract: An in-ground sand receptacle contains sand used to repair divots in a golf course. The receptacle includes a plurality of walls defining an enclosure adapted for residing below a ground surface of the golf course. The enclosure has an open top for receiving sand therein. A lid removably covers the open top of the enclosure. Indicia is applied to the lid for indicating a distance between the receptacle and a predetermined point on the golf course.

Abstract: It is possible to obtain natural and highly functional vegetables for human nutrition if the conditions are present of having a substrate that will provide optimal conditions specific to each so as to achieve a maximum use of all biotic and abiotic elements for optimal germination and growth of vegetable organisms. This is maximized by producing a species-specific biomass eclosor, herein called EBES, which is the live or latently alive set of chemical, biochemical, biological and other specific related ingredients of the species that induce eclosion or germination in addition to providing nutritional-alimentary support specific to each plant throughout its entire productive cycle. This invention is applicable to optimize germination, growth and production of any type of cultivable vegetable and is also applicable to the human world.

Abstract: A plant in which a DNA encoding phenoloxidase is introduced, wherein the DNA is expressed therein. A method of producing phenoloxidase wherein the plant is water-cultured. Further, a method of decomposing and removing hazardous chemical substances wherein the plant is cultivated in an environment contaminated with the hazardous chemical substances.

Abstract: Development of an efficient and cost-effective doubled haploid production system and genetic transformation system are the prerequisite to initiate haploid breeding and genetic modification in flax respectively. Pre-culturing anthers on a high osmotic, high auxin and high mineral salt concentration for a period of time before transfer to a low osmotic, low auxin and low salt concentration significantly increased the overall efficiency of regeneration or anther efficiency than directly culturing anthers on a low osmotic, low auxin and low salt concentration medium. This culture procedure also dramatically reduced the frequency of shoot regeneration from somatic cells in anther culture. Using this procedure, a highly efficient anther culture-derived callus based transformation system was developed.

Abstract: A method of providing a refuge for caterpillar larvae, which are susceptible to plants expressing delta endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis so as to delay and possibly prevent the susceptible species from developing resistance to the toxin. Also provided is a method of cultivating paulownia trees so as to provide an effective refuge for the susceptible caterpillar larvae.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of growing rice plants wherein abundant elements and trace elements significantly influencing growth of rice plants are incorporated into rice plants to improve the nutritional balance in the rice plants thereby eliminating the influence of insects causing damage to crops and making spraying of agrochemicals needless so as not to adversely affect the human body.

Abstract: For more than thirty-two years, extensive research studies involving various concepts of total vineyard mechanization have been carried out at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station under the direction of Justin R. Morris (22). Tommy Oldridge was one of the first growers in the region to commercially test, implement and improve upon the findings of these research studies. These studies at the University of Arkansas have involved the evaluation of trellising and training systems suitable for total vineyard mechanization, mechanical shoot positioning, mechanical pruning, mechanical thinning, mechanical harvesting, and the post-harvest handling and utilization of mechanically harvested grapes (2, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 35). The success of this approach to vineyard mechanization has been the fact that it has concentrated on minimizing or eliminating all limiting factors impacting the system while maintaining, or in some cases improving, fruit quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of plant propagation and more specifically to the mass propagation of plants with plant parasites, preferably of plants with green plant parasites, so called hemi-parasites. Accordingly there is provided a method for preparation of a plant comprising in successive order establishing at least one plant parasite on at least one branch of a host plant, cutting at least one branch with at least one established plant parasite, and rooting the at least one cut branch.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing a method and an apparatus for measuring the moisture content of the soil in order to enable pF value based control of irrigation in cultivation on the soil, as well as a method and an apparatus which use the first-mentioned method and apparatus to enable pF value based control of irrigation. To attain these objects, the invention provides a method for measuring the pF value (soil moisture tension) of the soil, comprising the steps of (a) preliminarily determining the correlation between pF value and volumetric water content of the soil to be measured, (b) measuring the volumetric water content of the soil, and (c) converting the value of the volumetric soil water content of the soil measured in the above step (b) to the corresponding pF value on the basis of the correlation between pF value and volumetric water content predetermined in the above step (a).

Abstract: The invention relates to systems for collecting excess water applied to crops, treating the collected water and reusing the treated water for agricultural purposes or delivering it to ground water streams with so as to achieve cost savings, healthier plants, and reduce the environmental burden. The cost of providing water to crops, the amount of herbicides and/or pesticides delivered to the crops and the quantities of nitrogen fertilizer required is significantly reduced by a) capturing as much as possible of the water provided to the planting area which is not taken up by the planted crops, b) treating that captured water with ozone and c) reapplying the ozone treated water to the crops. The quality and quantity of food stuffs produced is also increased by the process.

Abstract: A liner, blank or sheet (1,11,12,21,30,70) of compressed sphagnum moss (54) having a moisture content such that the liner, blank or sheet is pliable to the extent that it is able to be folded and unfolded with minimal or no degradation to the fiber integrity, wherein the liner, blank or sheet of compressed sphagnum moss is provided with means to minimise moisture loss.

Abstract: To provide an illuminator for plant growth that can illuminate a plant intermittently (pulse illumination) or continuously to cause an effect similar to sunbeam spot phenomenon, thereby accelerating photosynthetic reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable aerating root pruner (IARP) formed from a pair of thin walled substantially identical rigid sheet members which are dismountably fitted together to form a stake-like conduit each of which sheet members has a plurality of apertures therein which creates a grate-like structure with a high ratio of total open area to total surface area, one end of each of which is tapered to form, when the sheet members are fitted together to form the IARP, an edge or point which facilitates insertion of the IARP into planting medium and the end portion of the other end of each thereof lacks the apertures and is adapted to project above the surface of the planting medium. The sheet members can be flat separate elements which form a box-like conduit or semi-cylindrical and joined together by hinges and which form a cylindrical conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing thorns and foliage from a plant stem. The apparatus includes an elongated body member having a passageway and a thorn removal member. The passageway of the elongated body member has a diameter greater than the diameter of the plant stem with its thorns allowing for passage of the plant stem and thorns through the passageway of the elongated body member. The thorn removal member has an opening sized to permit passage of the plant stem, while resisting passage of the thorns and foliage of the stem of the plant. The thorn removal member traverses the passageway of the elongated body member. As the stem of the plant is moved to and fro through the opening of the thorn removal member, at least a tip portion of the thorns is removed by the thorn removal member without damaging the stem of the plant.

Abstract: A method of preventing defective germination or rosette formation of a plant seed that tends to suffer from defective germination or rosette formation during growth thereof is provided, which can be easily carried out without using large-scale equipment and makes the sowing after the treatment of the method easy. The method of preventing defective germination or rosette formation of a plant seed includes the steps of: leaving the plant seed to stand in highly watery condition at low temperature in a dark place; and drying the plant seed.

Abstract: A tarp suitable for protecting plants during frost and freezing nights is disclosed. The tarp preferably comprises of two sheets that are stitched together at their perimeter to form insulative air gaps therebetween. The top sheet is preferably nylon reinforced polyethylene, coated with a white or metallic coating to reflect sunshine. The bottom sheet is preferably spun-bonded polypropylene. Such a tarp has shown suitable results in protecting plants from frost and freeze damage even without the use of supports or external heat sources, and may be laid directly onto sensitive plants. Yet, the reflective nature of the top sheet prevents the plants from growing too hot during those times of day when the tarp is exposed to direct sunlight. Additionally, the air gaps in between the top and bottom sheets may be replaced by a third layer of bubble wrap placed between the top and bottom sheets.

Abstract: Inhibition of forest damage exerts by ultraviolet rays. By selecting species having triploid or tetraploid of chromosomes and afforestating to form the ultraviolet resistant forest by forming the artificial forest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agri- and horticultural material comprising bittern as an active ingredient containing Se at a level of 1.0 to 5.0 ppm, preferably 1.5 to 4.0 ppm, and the same to V if V is also necessary, and by application of Se (and V), the balance among minerals is improved to make plants healthy, resulting in effects of improving qualities of crops, such as control of harmful insects and ticks, preventing diseases, promotion of growth, increase of sugar levels in fruits, and enhancement of taste and good body without using agrichemicals or fertilizers.

Abstract: A flower stem cutting apparatus includes a cutting receptacle wherein a cutting chamber passage is defined, with the cutting chamber passage extending between an open cutting chamber top (wherein plant stems may be inserted for cutting) and an open cutting chamber bottom (from which cut plant stem ends may fall). A cutting blade is movable across the cutting chamber passage, whereby the blade may cut any plant stems therein. A cutting chamber floor is provided, with the cutting chamber floor being movable across the cutting chamber passage below the cutting blade so that it may, when actuated, at least substantially obstruct the cutting chamber passage. As a result, plant stems may be inserted within the cutting chamber passage until they rest on the cutting chamber floor, at which point the cutting blade may be actuated.

Abstract: For the purpose of obtaining disease-free seeds of high quality by efficiently controlling a seed borne disease of seeds of vegetable crops, ornamental plants and other herbage, seeds are subjected to a physical or chemical sterilization to reduce a fungal or bacterial amount held by the seeds and then the thus sterilized seeds are treated by an effective microorganism which is antagonistic against a pathogen of the seed borne disease. Controlling effect and fixing property of the effective microorganism can be enhanced by using a plurality of fungal or bacterial strains thereof. Examples of such effective microorganisms include fungi or bacteria belonging to the genus Pantoea or the genus Leclercia which is antagonistic against the pathogen belonging to the genus Xanthomonas.

Abstract: A method of modifying the growth of plant roots is provided in which the roots are grown in proximity to a membrane from which water is released during the growth of the roots, wherein the membrane is a hydrophobic porous membrane or a hydrophilic non-porous membrane. The method may also be used to collect materials exuded from plant roots by growing the plant roots in a growing medium that is surrounded by a membrane such that moisture is released into the growing medium from the membrane whilst materials exuded from the plant roots are retained within the growing medium by the membrane, wherein the membrane is a hydrophobic porous membrane or a hydrophilic non-porous membrane.

Abstract: A paper product (1), such as a greeting card, comprises two paper surfaces (2,3) glued to one another by means of an adhesive. Between said paper surfaces (2,3) at least one germinable seed-corn is arranged. According to the invention said germinable seed-corn is located in the area of a section (4). Said section (4) is separable from the paper product along a perforation (5).

Abstract: A plastic net for farming comprises at least three layers with both ends sealed being formed by weaving in which each of the sealed ends is cut to separate the top layer from one sealed end and the bottom layer from the other sealed end respectively. Such continuous plastic net can provide a good protection to plants grown there in.

Abstract: A method of cutting seed potatoes prior to their planting is provided in which a laser beam is employed to slice the potatoes into the desired sized pieces. The present invention employs a plurality of laser cutting tubes and/or a multiple laser beam horizontal cutting areas which hold laser beam generating systems made up of laser beam sources that project the laser beams through the center of the cutting tubes or the cutting area and laser energy absorbers which contains the laser energy not used in the cutting process within the confines of the body of the invention. The laser beams bisect the cutting areas and as a potatoes pass through it the laser beams effectively cut the potato into the desired size before it leaves the body of the present invention.

Abstract: An improved playing surface including a synthetic turf base positioned atop a foundation. The synthetic turf base includes synthetic fibers secured to a backing material. The synthetic turf base also includes a surface layer of growth medium applied on top of the backing material to reach a predetermined depth. Natural grass is planted in the surface layer of growth medium. The backing is provided with perforations or openings sufficient in number to permit the roots of the natural grass to extend through the backing into the sub-base of the foundation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for automatically selecting viable seedlings or plants from a nursery tray for transplant into a field by an automatic transplant device. An automatic plant selector according to the present invention functions as an attachment to an automatic transplant device such as a rotary cup transplant machine. The plant selector eliminates the requirement of human labor while significantly reducing the percentage of non-viable or “blank” transplants when using an automatic transplant device to plant seedlings. This reduction is accomplished through use of primary and secondary nursery trays that are addressed by primary and secondary plant removal devices, or “plant pullers,” respectively, which automatically provide viable seedlings to the automatic transplant device.