Abstract: Implementations are described herein for coordinating semi-autonomous robots to perform agricultural tasks on a plurality of plants with minimal human intervention. In various implementations, a plurality of robots may be deployed to perform a respective plurality of agricultural tasks. Each agricultural task may be associated with a respective plant of a plurality of plants, and each plant may have been previously designated as a target for one of the agricultural tasks. It may be determined that a given robot has reached an individual plant associated with the respective agricultural task that was assigned to the given robot. Based at least in part on that determination, a manual control interface may be provided at output component(s) of a computing device in network communication with the given robot. The manual control interface may be operable to manually control the given robot to perform the respective agricultural task.

Abstract: A rover includes a base having wheels and a propulsion system coupled to the wheels to propel the rover around a field. A tower is coupled to the base and extends over the base. Sensors are set on the tower and the base and are configured to sense environmental conditions around the rover at different elevations. A computing system includes a processor and memory. The memory is configured to receive measured data from the sensors and determine an amount and manner of water to be dispensed on plant life in the field.

Abstract: At least one sensor carried by a mobile machine senses a sensed forage crop attribute value independent of plant population for an individual forage plant. A processing unit derives a derived forage crop attribute value based on the sensed forage crop attribute value. The derived forage crop attribute value is used to determine a field condition.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a schedule on an irrigation controller is claimed. For each irrigation zone, out of a set of one or more irrigation zones, the process begins by receiving input for an irrigation controller for both i) an offset from an irrigation cycle start time according to a master clock in the irrigation controller and ii) a length of run time. Next the offset from the irrigation cycle start timer and the length of runtime is stored in a data structure such as an ordered array. An overall multiplier for the data structure is also stored. Continuing further the data structure with or without the overall multiplier is wirelessly transmitted to the irrigation controller. In one example the set of the one or more irrigation zones are in numerical order. In another example the set of one more irrigation zones is out of numerical order.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of nozzle assemblies connected in fluid communication with a fluid supply line, a plurality of electrically actuated valve assemblies to control fluid flow through the nozzle assemblies, and a controller communicatively connected to the valve assemblies and configured to control at least one operating parameter of each valve assembly. A portable electronic device is connected in communication with the controller, and is configured to display an image including at least a portion of the system and a target, and to receive a user input that identifies a location and/or an orientation of each of the plurality of nozzle assemblies on the image. At least one of the controller and the portable electronic device is configured to determine the at least one operating parameter based on an overlap amount between a spray path projection of each nozzle assembly and the target in the image.

Abstract: An image capture system for a grow pod includes a master controller that has a processor, a memory, and cameras that are communicatively coupled to the master controller and positioned to capture images of plants or seeds. The memory stores a grow recipe and a logic. The grow recipe defines instructions for growing the plants or seeds and expected attributes corresponding to the instructions. The logic, when executed by the processor, causes the master controller to perform at least the following: receive, from the cameras, the images of the plants or seeds, determine attributes of the plants or seeds from the images, compare the attributes of the plants or seeds from the images to the expected attributes defined by the grow recipe, and adjust the instructions of the grow recipe for growing the plants or seeds based on the comparison of the attributes to the expected attributes.

Abstract: Devices, such as mobile sensors and static sensors, monitor field health. A comparison to a baseline may facilitate detection of a field health issue. When an issue with field health is determined, a remedy may be deployed. Deploying a remedy may use an unmanned vehicle, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, or a liquid distribution manifold.

Abstract: Cannabis growth systems can have one or more sensors that sense various environmental elements in the ambient environment in which cannabis plants are growing. The sensors are electrically connected to a central controller that receives the sensed data relating to the environmental elements and can take various actions in response to the sensed data like adjusting one or more of the environmental control systems that control different environmental elements in the ambient environment.

Abstract: A system for growing plants, the system may include a substrate having one or more weakened areas or openings: one or more grow portions coupled to the substrate and situated at the one or more weakened areas or openings and having at least one seed or plant; and/or a fluid distribution portion coupled to the substrate and configured to provide fluid to the one or more grow portions. The system may further include a method of operation including one or more acts of: obtaining a weather forecast for a future time period; determining whether rain is expected during the future time period; and preventing, terminating, or restricting an irrigation cycle when it is determined that rain is expected during the fare time period. The restricting may restrict a flow of liquid during the irrigation cycle or shorten the irrigation interval.

Abstract: The locations of flowers on a plant, rather than the locations of agricultural products produced from such flowers, are used to facilitate the performance of harvesting and other agricultural operations in robotic agricultural applications. In some implementations, the identified location of a fruit-producing flower may be used by a robotic device to apply an indicator tag to a flowering plant proximate the flower for later identification when performing various types of directed and automated agricultural operations. In other implementations, the identified location of a fruit-producing flower may be used by a robotic device to anchor a stem of a flowering plant to a predetermined location such that the location of the flower, and of any fruit(s) later produced by such flower, are controlled and/or known when performing subsequent agricultural operations.

Abstract: A method for pruning a fruit plant. An exemplary method step includes obtaining an image of the fruit plant that has branches. Next, creating exclusion zones surrounding the branches. Then pruning the fruit plant based upon the exclusion zones.

Abstract: Cannabis growth systems can have one or more sensors that sense various environmental elements in the ambient environment in which cannabis plants are growing. The sensors are electrically connected to a central controller that receives the sensed data relating to the environmental elements and can take various actions in response to the sensed data like adjusting one or more of the environmental control systems that control different environmental elements in the ambient environment.

Abstract: A method of video coding includes receiving a video image having a plurality of pixels, selecting a plurality of Gaussian models for each pixel, classifying each pixel as a background or foreground pixel, determining if an object is always moving locally by detecting if an object is always moving within a predetermined distance and changing the direction of moving frequently for a second predetermined period of time, removing an object from classification as an object and ignoring motion of the object if the object is always moving locally, marking the area that the object moves within as a noisy area on a noise mask buffer, updating background models based on motion detection and noise filtering, updating current and evolving background images, and coding the current background image, background update blocks and objects for transmission.

Abstract: A method for cultivating plants is described. The method comprises the steps of sowing seeds in the growing medium in sterilized pots (17) using a sowing device (7), allowing the seeds to germinate in a germination device (8), automatically moving the pots through a greenhouse (2) to allow the germinated seeds to grow into plants (43), harvesting the grown plants using a harvester (5), and sterilizing the pots with the growing medium in a sterilization device (6) after harvest in order to provide sterilized pots (17) with a growing medium. An arrangement for performing the method is also described.

Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, agricultural equipment and more particularly agricultural chemical applicators. In an example, an agricultural sprayer system can include a first boom section configured to receive a carrier material and a chemical material and to provide an agricultural chemical mixture, the boom section having a plurality of nozzles for spraying the chemical mixture; and a first rod insert coupled to an end cap of the boom section, the rod insert configured to reduce the volume of the boom section and to provide increased flow velocity of the chemical mixture to each of the plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: A riding crop for controlling a horse by striking its flank or hindquarters includes a slender, elongated shaft with a handle at its proximal end and a popper at its distal end. To ensure that the popper is normally the first part of the riding crop that strikes the horse, the popper has a thicker or larger cross-sectional dimension than the mid-length portion of the shaft that supports the popper. The popper can have a relatively resilient or pliable characteristic with respect to the more rigid shaft. When the pliable popper contacts the horse prior to any other portion of the riding crop, it deforms to soften or cushion the impact from the riding crop reducing the chance of injury or harm to the horse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for thinning fruit by using the active substance metamitron and corresponding metamitron-containing fruit thinning formulations.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for early diagnosis and real time remote intervention of crop condition by correlating collected crop characteristics with known plant parameters, economic variables and algorithms to computer generate an irrigation decision, remotely execute the same and notify the end user.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus and methods for removing unwanted plants or weeds from an area such as an agricultural plot or lawn. The apparatus includes a three-dimensional imager configured to capture plant images and locate plants; an image processor configured to distinguish between wanted and unwanted plants based upon the captured plant images; at least one laser device configured to emit a laser beam having power sufficient to damage the unwanted plants; a laser beam controller configured to direct at least one laser beam toward the unwanted plant; and a chassis configured to support the three-dimensional imager, the laser device, and the laser beam controller. The chassis is configured to be moved across the area.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting plant growth by inducing hypothermia by applying a treating substance to summer annual weeds and grasses. Susceptible undesirable plants will be killed by this treatment, while non-susceptible desirable plants will not be adversely affected by this treatment. Compressed carbon dioxide may be applied to other summer grasses to cause the grasses to become dormant. An apparatus is provided for inducing hypothermia in undesirable plants by applying a treating substance. A canister capable of housing gas may be provided. A valve may be provided to control the amount and pressure of gas dispensed from the canister.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for thinning fruit by using the active substance metamitron and corresponding metamitron-containing fruit thinning formulations.

Abstract: What is provided is a thinning apparatus and method, comprising: a rod with a plurality of recesses spaced at multiple locations long its length and spaced at one or more positions around its perimeter, and an attachment end capable of removably attaching said rod to a handheld rotating power tool; and a plurality of flexible tubular members attached to said rod in said recesses; said rod is capable of being rotated by said rotating power tool about said perimeter; said flexible tubular members are capable of being placed in contact with one or more blossoms or green fruit and removing said one or more blossoms or green fruit by said contact during said rotation; and said apparatus is capable of being handheld, including during said rotation and said removal, and being manually maneuvered to multiple angles with respect to said one or more blossoms or green fruit during said rotation.

Abstract: Non soil-invasive four-parameter rapid unnatural dual component selective illumination protocol (UDCIP) for plant eradication using a process time under one minute. Application of a relatively low level of non-mutating UV-A optical energy to root crowns and/or soil grades allows below-ground UV-A penetration into soil to illuminate root crowns, and when preceded by or coincident with an above ground near-IR defoliation and root crown illumination step, results in an unexpected rise in lethality. Very high lethality, including 100 percent, is obtained using low deposited energy. UV-A optical energy can be delivered to root crowns and adjacent soil via a UV-transmissive knive blade.

Abstract: A method of selectively eradicating plants includes generating images of multiple plants arranged in a bed using a machine vision system mounted to a platform moving along the bed, determining respective locations of the multiple plants from the generated images, selecting from among the multiple plants one or more target plants to be eradicated, and eradicating the one or more target plants by forcing the one or more target plants into the bed using a plunger moving along the bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for thinning fruit by using the active substance metamitron and corresponding metamitron-containing fruit thinning formulations.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting plant growth by inducing hypothermia by applying a treating substance to summer annual weeds and grasses. Susceptible undesirable plants will be killed by this treatment, while non-susceptible desirable plants will not be adversely affected by this treatment. Compressed carbon dioxide may be applied to other summer grasses to cause the grasses to become dormant. An apparatus is provided for inducing hypothermia in undesirable plants by applying a treating substance. A canister capable of housing gas may be provided. A valve may be provided to control the amount and pressure of gas dispensed from the canister.

Abstract: The device for removing flowers from a fruit tree by pulling off from their branch is formed by a rod, a gripping and a puller. The gripper can be a handle. The puller is mounted at the end of the handle for pulling off flowers. The puller can be formed of at least one roller provided with fibers in the form of bristles, each roller being mounted articulated, freely rotating at the end of the rod, so that the transverse displacement of the rod into contact with the branch induces a rotation of each roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to the thinning and harvesting of fruit and flowers. The device is an apparatus that can thin flowers, since said device is able to reduce the number of flowers on a tree, or can harvest fruit from fruit trees or berries from bushes. To that end, the device includes an activation means (4, 4), configured to spin a shaft (2) and preferably made of calibrated steel, along which a plurality of filaments (3) are attached, said filaments being braided cords (3) that are approximately 3 mm thick and approximately 8 cm long.

Abstract: An increase in the total grain and biomass yields and photosynthetic rates of plants grown at high densities achieved by novel methods of defoliating the primary-source leaf of a majority of such plants. In particular the methods provide for increased grain and biomass yields, including for example, increased average kernel mass for maize plants, and photosynthetic rates through the timely removal of the primary-source leaf of a majority of the plants grown at high densities. This invention also relates to seeds obtained by using the disclosed methods.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for use in stripping irregular material (8) from a line (3, 4) during relative movement between the apparatus (20) and line (3, 4), including a material guide (50), stripping mechanism (40) and line guide (30). A first line guide element(30a), first stripping element (40a) and first material guide element (50a) collectively form a first stripping assembly and the second line guide element (30b), second stripping element (40b) and second material guide element (50b) collectively form a second stripping assembly, the line passing between said stripping assemblies during said stripping. The stripping assemblies are orientated during said stripping such that the first material guide rotation axis and the first stripping element rotation axis are on a first lateral side of the line and the second material guide rotation axis and the second stripping element rotation axis are on a second lateral side of the line.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting plant growth by inducing hypothermia by applying a treating substance to summer annual weeds and grasses. Susceptible undesirable plants will be killed by this treatment, while non-susceptible desirable plants will not be adversely affected by this treatment. Compressed carbon dioxide may be applied to other summer grasses to cause the grasses to become dormant. An apparatus is provided for inducing hypothermia in undesirable plants by applying a treating substance. A canister capable of housing gas may be provided. A valve may be provided to control the amount and pressure of gas dispensed from the canister.

Abstract: A guide (23) supports a pole (22) by clamping a tree. (27) Guide (23) is a separate device which is comprised of a frame (24 25) which houses a tree clamp (31) and a pole clamp. (32) The use of guide (23) greatly extends the reach of a cutter. (21) Multiple poles (22) and guides (23) are added to reach a pre-determined cutting height. Guide (23) provides a stable elevated platform where a pivot point (71) is established. Leverage is thereby provided for positioning and moving cutter. (21) Trimming begins by activating cutter (21) and releasing pole clamp (32) allowing cutter (21) to engage with branches. (34) Additionally, branches (34) are also trimmed utilizing motor driven wheels (59) which provide rotation of guide, (23) pole (22) and cutter (21) around the perimeter of tree.

Abstract: Plant eradication using by inflicting upon a plant root (R) unnatural hot wound mechanical and thermal trauma delivered from a hot stab knife (V) which produces a stab gash (K) sufficiently deep to traverse plant cortex (C) and penetrate to plant xylem (X), simultaneous with or followed by heating the damaged area to a temperature of higher than 70 C, preferably 200 C for a sufficient time to cause cellular damage to the plant root. The root and hot stab knife may be shrouded to increase the temperature adjacent the stab gash. Preferably, the stab knife is formed to be sufficiently acuate and flat so as to allow a surface/volume ratio for the stab knife to be at least twice that of a cone of similar size and extent. Unhealable damage results, believed to caused by role conversion of organisms in the rhizosphere from sybiosis to antagonism.

Abstract: An increase in the total grain and biomass yields and photosynthetic rates of plants grown at high densities achieved by novel methods of defoliating the primary-source leaf of a majority of such plants. In particular the methods provide for increased grain and biomass yields, including for example, increased average kernel mass for maize plants, and photosynthetic rates through the timely removal of the primary-source leaf of a majority of the plants grown at high densities. This invention also relates to seeds obtained by using the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Plant eradication using by inflicting upon a plant root (R) unnatural hot wound mechanical and thermal trauma delivered from a hot stab knife (V) which produces a stab gash (K) sufficiently deep to traverse plant cortex (C) and penetrate to plant xylem (X), simultaneous with or followed by heating the damaged area to a temperature of higher than 70 C, preferably 200 C for a sufficient time to cause cellular damage to the plant root. The root and hot stab knife may be shrouded to increase the temperature adjacent the stab gash. Preferably, the stab knife is formed to be sufficiently acuate and flat so as to allow a surface/volume ratio for the stab knife to be at least twice that of a cone of similar size and extent. Unhealable damage results, believed to caused by role conversion of organisms in the rhizosphere from sybiosis to antagonism.

Abstract: An herbicide delivery apparatus which administers an herbicide to a plant by receiving a plant member such as a stem or vine into an herbicide-filled cavity via a primary reservoir cap. The herbicide delivery apparatus may also administer an herbicide by removing a tapered reservoir cap and inserting a tapered reservoir into a cavity of a plant member such as a stump or branch. Once inserted, the herbicide may flow out of the herbicide-filled cavity and into the plant cavity.

Abstract: Hybrids and derived cultivars of the rice cultivar designated ‘CL151’ are disclosed. The invention relates to hybrid rice seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar ‘CL151’ with another rice cultivar. The invention further relates to other derivatives of the rice cultivar ‘CL151.

Abstract: Apparatus for killing unwanted vegetation using heated water comprises a refillable compressed air tank, a refillable water tank, a shut-off valve operably installed on a connection conduit between the compressed air tank and the water tank for select opening and closing of the conduit to respectively allow and prevent flow between the tanks, a flexible hose connected to the water tank, an applicator wand connected to the flexible hose opposite the water tank and comprising a rigid delivery conduit terminating at a discharge end of the applicator wand and a normally closed control valve on the applicator wand to selectively and temporarily open to control discharge of heated water from the water tank under air pressure from the air tank.

Abstract: This invention relates in part to plant breeding and herbicide tolerant plants. This invention includes a novel aad-1 transformation event in corn plants comprising a polynucleotide sequence, as described herein, inserted into a specific site within the genome of a corn cell. In some embodiments, said event/polynucleotide sequence can be “stacked” with other traits, including, for example, other herbicide tolerance gene(s) and/or insect-inhibitory proteins. Additionally, the subject invention provides assays for detecting the presence of the subject event in a sample (of corn grain, for example). The assays can be based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct, inserted into the corn genome, and on the genomic sequences flanking the insertion site. Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are also provided. The subject invention also includes related methods of controlling weeds.

Abstract: A thinning or weeding apparatus includes an image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus includes an automated visual detection system which includes a visual sensor system and an image processing system capable of receiving an image from the visual sensor system. The image processing apparatus then processes the image in the image processing system to determine where plants are located and to determine which plants will be thinned or weeded and which will not.

Abstract: Plant eradication using by inflicting upon a plant root (R) unnatural hot wound mechanical and thermal trauma delivered from a hot stab knife (V) which produces a stab gash (K) sufficiently deep to traverse plant cortex (C) and penetrate to plant xylem (X), simultaneous with or followed by heating the damaged area to a temperature of higher than 70 C, preferably 200 C for a sufficient time to cause cellular damage to the plant root. The root and hot stab knife may be shrouded to increase the temperature adjacent the stab gash. Preferably, the stab knife is formed to be sufficiently acuate and flat so as to allow a surface/volume ratio for the stab knife to be at least twice that of a cone of similar size and extent. Unhealable damage results, believed to caused by role conversion of organisms in the rhizosphere from symbiosis to antagonism.

Abstract: Method and device for the removal of a part of a crop, such as a leaf (14). To this end, the crop is approached from a low position with vision techniques and the stem (12) and the parts protruding therefrom are observed from beneath. Based upon the number of images observed, an arm is controlled and moved towards the relevant stalk (13). This movement is primarily parallel to the stalk and is performed from a low proximity position. When the stalk (13) is approached, the stalk (13) is positioned within an opening between two rotating parts (3). The stalk is grasped by way of rotation and the stalk is moved in respect of the arm so that the cutting point of the stalk is manipulated towards the arm. The stalk (13) is subsequently cut through and the leaf is disposed of.

Abstract: A method of managing timberland generally includes planting within a plot a first genetic tree crop of a first tree species that is selected for at least a first tree trait in a substantially linear pattern defining a first plurality of adjacent substantially linear beds at a first crop spacing and at a first row spacing between adjacent substantially linear beds. The method further includes interplanting a second genetic tree crop of the first tree species that is selected for at least a second tree trait in the first plurality of adjacent substantially linear beds at a second crop spacing that is shorter than the first crop spacing, such that adjacent substantially linear beds include trees of the first and second genetic tree crops.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (100) for stripping irregular material (2) from a line (1) during relative movement between the apparatus (100) and line (1). The apparatus (100) includes a line guide (200), material guide (210) and stripping mechanism (101). The line (1) passes through the line guide (200). The material guide (210) is configured to guide, constrict, compact and/or re-orientate the irregular material (2) into engagement with the stripping mechanism (101). The stripping mechanism (101) has stripping elements (102) movable with respect to the line guide (200) and line (1) to strip the material (2) from the line (1). The method includes stripping material (2) from a line (1) extending between two end supports (4) and being releasably attached to intermediate supports (3). The material (2) is stripped by causing relative movement between a guide (100) and the line (1) after the line (1) is detached and moved away from the intermediate supports (3).

Abstract: The present invention is in the area of agriculture and more specifically is directed to a method for improving the culture of the edible fig (Ficus carica). As currently grown in California, the fig tends to have a rather short season so that fresh fruit is available only sporadically. The present invention provides a comprehensive method for improved culture of edible figs to provide fresh fruit throughout the year. The method specifies optimum methods for establishing and maintaining orchards. The method includes steps for extending fruit production into the winter. The method includes steps for enhancing fruit quality especially antioxidant compounds which are believed to be beneficial to human health. The method includes steps ensuring that fresh fruit will have an extended storage life. All of these factors contribute to higher yield and higher overall profitability.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting plant growth by inducing hypothermia by applying a treating substance to summer annual weeds and grasses. Susceptible undesirable plants will be killed by this treatment, while non-susceptible desirable plants will not be adversely affected by this treatment. Compressed carbon dioxide may be applied to other summer grasses to cause the grasses to become dormant. An apparatus is provided for inducing hypothermia in undesirable plants by applying a treating substance. A canister capable of housing gas may be provided. A valve may be provided to control the amount and pressure of gas dispensed from the canister.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling pathogen growth on live plants and mushrooms using UV-C light and an apparatus for use in the method. Also provided are methods for removing surplus leaves and methods for destroying aerial plant parts prior to harvest of underground roots, tubers or bulbs.

Abstract: The present invention includes a landscaping apparatus for inhibiting plant growth on the ground, the apparatus containing a member including an elongated strip having a longitudinal axis and sides spaced apart from the longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axis and the sides are substantially within a plane containing the member when the member is substantially flat. One or more projections extend from the member and are used to fix the member to the ground by inserting the projections into the ground. In one embodiment, the projections are integrally formed with the member and the member is made from a substantially flexible material.

Abstract: Method for optimizing plant production in a cost effective manner. System (100) includes a processor (102) in communication with resource controllers (110, 112) for controlling resources (106, 108) such as, for example, lighting and carbon dioxide. Each resource has a cost that varies temporally or with other factors. The processor implements an algorithm that receives a desired plant production rate and other input, such as operating conditions of the system and environment, and determines amounts of each resource to expend consistent with plant production goals and resource costs.

Abstract: A lawn care device includes a first generally flat member. A second generally flat member is hingedly connected along a first predetermined side edge thereof to a first predetermined side edge of such first generally flat member. A third generally flat member is hingedly connected along a first predetermined side edge thereof to a second predetermined side edge of such first generally flat member. An aperture is formed closely adjacent to a predetermined top edge of such first generally flat member and disposed therethrough. A first cut out portion is formed along a second predetermined side edge of such second generally flat member for alignment with such aperture. A second cut out portion is formed along a second predetermined side edge of such third generally flat member for alignment with such aperture.