Abstract: An outdoor shelter and a rail system for the outdoor shelter are described herein. The outdoor shelter may include a plurality of corner support members disposed at respective corners of the outdoor shelter, the plurality of corner support members including a first corner support member, a second corner support member, a third corner support member, and a fourth corner support member; a plurality of peripheral beam members, a first one of the plurality of peripheral beam members configured to extend in a longitudinal direction between the first and third corner support members, and a second one of the plurality of peripheral beam members configured to extend in a transverse direction between the first and second corner support members; and a shade member disposed above at least one of the first and second ones of the plurality of peripheral beam members.

Abstract: A first aspect of the invention is an agricultural composition comprising nanoparticles, an agrochemical active ingredient in the nanoparticles, and optionally (but in some embodiments preferably) a carrier for the nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles are viral particles or capsids, particularly plant viral particles or capsids. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises an inert or biodegradable carrier (e.g., a solid carrier) to which the nanoparticles are bound or in which the nanoparticles are suspended. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises inert or biodegradable polymer fibers.

Abstract: Provided is a tolerance improving agent that can increase or improve environmental stress tolerances (high-temperature tolerance, drought tolerance and the like) of plants. The tolerance improving agent is constituted of at least one kind of unsaturated carbonyl compound selected from unsaturated aldehyde and unsaturated ketone. Such unsaturated carbonyl compound is, for example, a compound having 4-9 carbon atoms, which does not have an unsaturated bond at the terminal, and may be at least one kind selected from ?,?-alkenal, ?,?-alkanone, ?,?-alkenal, ?,?-alkanone, ?,?-alkenal, ?,?-alkanone, ?,?-alkenal, and ?,?-alkanone.

Abstract: A garden layout growing system is provided. The system includes a frame and at least a first tray and a second tray. At least one leg extends from the frame. The at least one leg is configured to be received within a growing medium to hold the frame at a select location in relation to the growing medium. Each first and second tray has at least a portion of a first edge that forms at least a portion of at least one plant opening and at least at portion of a second edge that is configured and arranged to be removably attached to the frame.

Abstract: Plant collars which define slots extending from their peripheries toward the centers are provided. Their bodies define (smooth) surfaces which are substantially free of stress risers. Moreover, the opposing slot surfaces are spaced apart from one another and/or the slot termini are semi-circular.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of forming coated metal oxide particles, suspensions of such coated particles, particles comprising functionalized surface coatings and to fortification of food crops with coated metal oxide particles. Embodiments disclosed include a method of fortifying a food crop with a trace element, the method comprising growing the food crop in a growth medium comprising the trace element in the form of metal oxide particles coated with an organic compound, and a food crop fortified with a trace element in the form of metal oxide particles. Also disclosed is a method of forming coated particles, the method comprising: providing a first quantity of metal oxide particles; providing a second quantity of a coating material comprising an organic compound; and mechanically mixing the metal oxide particles with the coating material in a dry mixing process to provide a mixture comprising the metal oxide particles coated with the organic compound.

Abstract: A water-saving device comprising a hollow frusto-conical housing having a wide lower end adapted to overlie a ground surface and a narrow upper end. A flexible tarp is integrally connected around the circumference of the narrow upper end of the housing, and a draw string is integrally attached around the circumference of a upper end of the flexible tarp. The draw string is pulled taught to reduce the circumference of the upper end of the flexible tarp and enclose the tarp around the tree trunk.

Abstract: Here invented is method and apparatus for control of ground surface radiative effects. A material is laid out in a field in anticipation of frost or in expectation of crop damage from powdery mildew. The material causes radiative heat loss to the cold night sky due to its low emissivity and it causes ultraviolet-C in natural sunlight to be directed upward to impinge on mildew spores on vegetation where it would be otherwise shaded from the sun.

Abstract: A trellis mounted system for irrigation and frost prevention is described. The irrigation system comprises a trellis, a first conduit coupled to the trellis, and a second conduit coupled to the trellis. The first conduit delivers a heated water stream to a nozzle that provides a heated water spray to an area surrounding the trellis. The second conduit provides drip irrigation to a ground area surrounding the trellis. The heated water supplied by the trellis mounted irrigation system prevents the development of damaging frost on agricultural plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of impacting the fruit production of a plant or crop by applying short-duration thermal shock streams of hot air to the plant periodically to impact the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway mechanisms in a plant thereby improving its fruit. The method includes the steps of (1) passing by the plant in a row at a speed of 1-5 mph in an improved Thermal Plant Treatment (TPT) machine, (2) ejecting from the TPT machine at least one hot stream of air in the direction of the unit plant area for no more than 15 seconds per unit plant area per pass, (3) optionally measuring the thermal shock profile that the plant is subjected with thermal sensors, and (4) repeating the thermal shock profile treatment steps (1) and (2) at pre-determined regular intervals over at least a fraction of the crop year.

Abstract: Provided is an upper air inflow-type apparatus for dissipating cold air, the apparatus including: an air inflow fan; an air guiding tube arranged at a lower portion of the air inflow fan; and a descending current divergence zone arranged at a lower portion of the air guiding tube.

Abstract: This invention relates to control method and apparatus of wind machine for plant frost protection, and belongs to the domain of agro-meteorological disaster monitoring and control. Existing wind machines for plant frost protection only rely on critical damage temperature or wind speed as a condition to start. If there is no thermal inversion, operation of the wind machine will aggravate freezing injury to plants. If the strength of thermal inversion is weak, the effect will be minimal. The feature of this invention is that when temperature at the plant canopy is lower than the critical damage temperature of a certain plant and temperature difference between the top and bottom of the thermal inversion layers exceeds set threshold, wind machine will start automatically. Otherwise it will remain off. The control apparatus mainly consists of sensor 5 at the top of thermal inversion layer, sensor 7 at bottom of thermal inversion layer, and controller 4.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for improving fruit production or fruit quality in fruit trees, such as decreasing cold damage, increasing fruit size, increasing fruit quality, and/or increasing fruit set. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods include methods of decreasing cold damage to a fruit tree including applying an effective amount of a composition including DL-?-aminobutyric acid to the fruit tree, thereby decreasing cold damage, for example as compared to a control. In other embodiments, the disclosed methods include methods of increasing fruit size or fruit quality of fruit from a fruit tree, including applying an effective amount of a composition including prohexadione-calcium to the fruit tree after anthesis, thereby increasing fruit size or fruit quality, for example as compared to a control.

Abstract: A system for arranging and operating an array of wind machines to protect crops from damaging weather conditions, such as freezing frost, rain and heat. The method includes a wind machine positioned to force air across the crop. The wind machine is preferably a propeller/tower configuration. The operational method of the wind machine array includes the steps of sensing ambient meteorological and the hardiness of the crop to withstand a particular adverse weather condition and operating the wind machines in response to these factors. Multiples of wind machines are employed in the preferred embodiment of the method, the siting of the wind machines preferably based upon topographic and historical meteorological conditions. The operation of the wind machines can be automatically and remotely operated with the aid of satellite communications including internet links.

Abstract: A heated spray system for frost protection and prevent is described. Heated water, such as groundwater, is delivered through a spray system to the area surrounding the irrigated crops, thus increasing the temperature near the crops and preventing frost damage. The crops are protected from excessive irrigation with the addition of protective covers and a drainage system. When spraying groundwater for temperature control, the covers and drainage system prevent the water from reaching the roots of the crops, and thus prevent the groundwater from damaging the roots due to contaminants and pollutants in the groundwater.

Abstract: Disease, sunburn and insect damage to fruit and vegetable crops is significantly reduced by treatment of both fruit and foliage with a preventative amount of a protective agent (such as copper sulfate or hydroxide) and an optional amount of thixotropic smectic clay material, chemically altered to render its surface lipophilic, which are combined with a wax emulsion comprising a matrix of complex hydrocarbons, an emulsifying agent and water. In the practice of this disclosure the disease, sunburn, and insect protective composition is further diluted in an aqueous solution that is sprayable by commercial applicators.

Abstract: A method for improving seed germination efficiency by reducing seedling loss caused by desiccation, temperature extremes, wind and water displacement, and consumption by animal and insect predators. The method comprises covering the medium for the seed growth with a layer of material which allows light transmission and provides a thermal barrier, and in addition applies a compacting force which brings the seed in better contact with the growing medium. The material also provides a barrier to protect the seed from animal and insect predators. The layer of material used preferably consists of a clear plastic membrane supporting the presence of a sufficient amount of water to allow the transmission of light, provide a thermal barrier, compact the seeds to the growing medium, and deter access from animals and airborne insects. The technique is applicable to all forms and seed germination including grass and vegetable gardens.

Abstract: A thermodynamic system that produces mechanical, electrical power, and/or fluid streams for heating or cooling. The cycle contains a combustion system that produces an energetic fluid by combustion of a fuel with an oxidant. A thermal diluent may be used in the cycle to improve performance, including but not limited to power, efficiency, economics, emissions, dynamic and off-peak load performance, and/or turbine inlet temperature (TIT) regulation and cooling heated components. The cycle preferably includes a heat recovery system and a condenser or other means to recover and recycle heat and the thermal diluent from the energetic fluid to improve the cycle thermodynamic efficiency and reduce energy conversion costs. The cycle may also include controls for temperatures, pressures, and flow rates throughout the cycle, and controls power output, efficiency, and energetic fluid composition.

Abstract: A system for arranging and operating an array of wind machines to protect crops from damaging weather conditions, such as freezing frost, rain and heat. The method includes a wind machine positioned to force air across the crop. The wind machine is preferably a propeller/tower configuration. The operational method of the wind machine array includes the steps of sensing ambient meteorological and the hardiness of the crop to withstand a particular adverse weather condition and operating the wind machines in response to these factors. Multiples of wind machines are employed in the preferred embodiment of the method, the siting of the wind machines preferably based upon topographic and historical meteorological conditions. The operation of the wind machines can be automatically and remotely operated with the aid of satellite communications including internet links.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plant-protecting device which is commonly known as a protective cold frame. While this description seems to indicate a frame-like device, the described device is intended to refer not only to the frame but also to a wind and thermal protective covering generally configured to hold heat therein to protect a plant therein from cold, wind, and the combination. In general, the disclosed device comprises a plurality of rod members that may be bendable, which are inserted into a coupler at the apex of the dome-shaped frame to provide a support structure for a cylindrical covering to be placed thereupon.

Abstract: A trellis mounted system for irrigation and frost prevention is described. The irrigation system comprises a trellis, a first conduit coupled to the trellis, and a second conduit coupled to the trellis. The first conduit delivers a heated water stream to a nozzle that provides a heated water spray to an area surrounding the trellis. The second conduit provides drip irrigation to a ground area surrounding the trellis. The heated water supplied by the trellis mounted irrigation system prevents the development of damaging frost on agricultural plants.

Abstract: This invention relates to control method and apparatus of wind machine for plant frost protection, and belongs to the domain of agro-meteorological disaster monitoring and control. Existing wind machines for plant frost protection only rely on critical damage temperature or wind speed as a condition to start. If there is no thermal inversion, operation of the wind machine will aggravate freezing injury to plants. If the strength of thermal inversion is weak, the effect will be minimal The feature of this invention is that when temperature at the plant canopy is lower than the critical damage temperature of a certain plant and temperature difference between the top and bottom of the thermal inversion layers exceeds set threshold, wind machine will start automatically. Otherwise it will remain off. The control apparatus mainly consists of sensor 5 at the top of thermal inversion layer, sensor 7 at bottom of thermal inversion layer, and controller 4.

Abstract: A self-contained grenade capable of dispersing a non-toxic obscurant composition, or various types of aerosol compositions such as pesticides or antimicrobial/sanitizing agents, is provided. The obscurant or other type of aerosol composition via an exothermic reaction. Release of the obscurant or other type of aerosol composition is effected in a controlled manner by creating heat via a heat producing composition comprising, for example, a thermite composition. The obscurant or other type of aerosol composition is absorbed into a heat transfer media disposed adjacent the heat producing composition. When the exothermic reaction occurs, the heat transfer media transfers the heat to the absorbed material, thereby providing a regulated thermal dispersion of same.

Abstract: Method for avoiding frost damage in crops (35) and/or for improving the fructification at low temperatures, characterized in that it consists in periodically heating and cooling the air on the site of the crops (35) between a minimum and a maximum temperature with a minimal temperature variation of 0.2° C.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating a cucumber, eggplant or the like includes a fastening element for allowing an opened cover body to be fastened into a closed state or a closed cover body to be separated into an opened state by causing a catching protrusion opened along the longitudinal direction of the cover body, and a plurality of catching steps to allow the cover body to be coupled and fastened when catching steps are hooked on a catching protrusion, and a cover body distortion prevention projection formed protruding from the catching protrusion to fix opposite sides of each of the catching steps when each catching step is hooked on the catching protrusion. Cover body separation/opening supports are formed, respectively, on the top of each catching step and on the catching protrusion such that the fastened cover body can be unfastened and opened.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of acylcyclohexanedione derivatives for improving the tolerance of plants to cold and/or frost.

Abstract: An individual packaging system for peaches and other fruits and vegetables uses a conical container of recyclable plastic material having a solar protection filter around its edge and small perforations at least in its lower part to facilitate respiration and transpiration of rainwater. The system has a cover clipped or screwed on hermetically and two opposing radial perforations with gaskets which enable the container to be coupled perfectly to the branch of a fruit tree to prevent the ingress of external agents such as phytosanitary products, pests or diseases, and providing protection from hail and spring frosts and allowing the fruit to develop perfectly until it is fully mature. Upon picking of artisanal, the branch is cut at both ends of the container so it remains inside and can be detached from the branch for consumption.

Abstract: A method for generating a pneumatic barrier with a device that operates in a stratified atmosphere associated with the occurrence of radiation frost. This device takes cold and dense air found close to the ground by means of an axial fan with a vertical axle that propels the air upward to an elbow that forces the airflow to make a 90° turn. The airflow discharged from the device through the outlet section forms a jet with a horizontal axis. The jet's vertical cross-section, perpendicular to its axis, has a rectangular shape and sides that grow with the distance to the outlet. The momentum transported by the jet is able to create at a certain distance from the outlet a pneumatic barrier that fits the jet's section. This pneumatic barrier faces an air mass that is colder and denser than the air transported by the jet and prevents such colder and denser air from advancing toward the device.

Abstract: An agricultural crop freeze control method and apparatus that can be effectively used to prevent growing crops such as avocado and citrus crops from freeze damage. The apparatus includes an irrigation system within which one or more commercially available tankless water heaters are installed to controllably heat the water that is delivered to the crop.

Abstract: A frost guard that is light weight, transparent and easily compacted facilitating storage and transport. The frost guard has an inverted U-shaped frame and a transparent, flexible plastic sheet over the frame, wherein the sheet protects plants under the frost guard from excessive wind and moisture, thereby preventing frost damage to the plants. The frame is placed over the plants to be protected, such that only slight air flow occurs through C-shaped apertures in the plastic sheet.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for protecting a specimen tree from substantial cold weather damage. The apparatus includes a hollow housing preferably having a generally flattened configuration and being adapted in horizontal size for positioning beneath, and being substantially smaller than, a canopy perimeter width of the tree. An air movement source is mounted within, and arranged to draw air into the housing preferably through apertures in a lower panel thereof. Air discharge openings are formed around an edge perimeter of said housing for discharging air generally laterally or radially outwardly therefrom produced by the air movement source. A ground support is connectable to and for holding the housing above the ground and beneath a canopy of the tree so that discharging air protectively intermingles with, and produces airflow around the foliage of the tree. An air heat source is also provided which enhances foliage protection.

Abstract: A system for preventing freezing of crops within a volume includes a plurality of RF radiators configured to radiate RF energy into the volume. A height, a spacing, an output power, a vertical beam angle, a vertical beam width, and a horizontal beam width of each one of the plurality of RF radiators is selected to result in an average RF power density taken about three dimensions within the volume sufficient to prevent freezing of a substantial portion of the crops, and also to result in a peak-to-peak variation of RF power density taken about two dimensions in a horizontal plane within the volume and at heights below a predetermined height to be less than a predetermined percentage of an average RF power density taken about the two dimensions.

Abstract: An agricultural crop freeze control method and apparatus that can be effectively used to prevent growing crops such as avocado and citrus crops from freeze damage. The apparatus includes an irrigation system within which one or more commercially available tankless water heaters are installed to controllably heat the water that is delivered to the crop.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to attain various applications using antifreeze activity without an antifreeze protein. The agent for the inhibition of ice-crystal growth includes a non-proteinaceous substance, wherein an aqueous solution of the non-proteinaceous substance in a concentration of 10 mg/ml causes the deposition of non-flat disk-shaped ice crystals. The agent for the lowering of an ice-crystal growth initiation temperature includes a non-proteinaceous substance, wherein an aqueous solution of the non-proteinaceous substance in a concentration of 10 mg/ml shows thermal hysteresis by a temperature of 0.020° C. or higher. The agent for the control of water freezing includes a non-proteinaceous substance, wherein an aqueous solution of the non-proteinaceous substance in a concentration of 10 mg/ml shows thermal hysteresis by a temperature of 0.020° C. or higher and causes the deposition of non-flat disk-shaped ice crystals.

Abstract: Deicing compositions comprised of glycerol-containing by-products of triglyceride processing processes are disclosed.

Abstract: Multilayer interference pigment consisting of a transparent carrier material coated with alternating layers of metal oxides of low and high refractive index, the difference in the refractive indices being at least 0.1, which is obtainable by alternate coating of the transparent carrier material with a metal oxide of high refractive index and with a metal oxide of low refractive index in a wet process by hydrolysis of the corresponding water-soluble metal compounds, separation, drying and, if desired, calcination of the resulting pigment.

Abstract: A system and kit of components for winterizing plants and trees, where the invention comprises a skeletal frame formed by plural first tubular members, each having an upper end and a lower end. When assembled, the respective lower ends are spaced apart and positioned vertically and anchored within the ground surrounding the plant or tree. Joined between adjacent first tubular members are plural second tubular, horizontally oriented, members to form a generally square skeletal frame. About the skeletal frame is a light-transmitting plastic wrap. Overriding the skeletal frame is a top frame, preferably pivotal about a pair of upper ends, to allow access to the protected plant or tree. Additionally, the invention contemplates a cover, such as a plastic wrap or canvas-like material over the top frame to ensure complete protection of the plant or tree.

Abstract: A protective winter turf cover is formed with a layered polyethylene laminated sheet with each layer having force striations running at an angle to the edge of the sheet and with the force striations of one layer at an angle to the force striations of the adjacent layer, the resulting turf cover being lightweight, compactly foldable, and substantially impermeable to water. The protective winter turf cover is efficiently held down with a dual apertured washer and x-position of nails therethrough.

Abstract: A freeze protection compound is provided for application to an agricultural crop. The compound is preferably performed by conventional sprayer techniques. The freeze protection compound includes a fermented biomass material as an active ingredient for the purpose of protecting the agricultural crop from freezing. The fermented biomass is mixed to form the freeze protection compound in a liquid solution The fermented biomass can specifically be a fermented corn product. The fermented corn product is preferably rendered substantially free of ethanol. The freeze protection compound can be applied to the blooms and foliage of the agricultural crop, such as a tree cultivar. Most preferably such a tree cultivar conventionally includes all varieties of orchard and grove cultivated products. An effective amount of the freeze protection compound is applied to the living and growing foliage and can also as preferred be applied to blossoms or bloom sets.

Abstract: A protective winter turf cover is formed with a layered polyethylene laminated sheet with each layer having force striations running at an angle to the edge of the sheet and with the force striations of one layer at an angle to the force striations of the adjacent layer, the resulting turf cover being lightweight, compactly foldable, and substantially impermeable to water.

Abstract: Apparatus for discharging thermal fog comprising a heating device incorporating a combustion chamber (2) and an outlet flue for discharging combustion gases from the combustion chamber, and a steam generating chamber (7) in heat exchange relationship with said combustion chamber and having a steam discharge outlet (13), whereby said combustion gases and said steam can, in use, be discharged in a mixture in a generally horizontal direction.

Abstract: A foldable garden frame has a first main rod, a second main rod, a first end rod, and a second end rod. The first main rod and the second main rod are connected pivotally. The first main rod and the first end rod are connected pivotally. The second main rod and the second end rod are connected pivotally.

Abstract: Linear polymers of glycerol can prevent or delay ice nucleation in a variety of contexts. Polyglycerol can also be employed in combination with other ice control agents, such as polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinyl acetate copolymers and antifreeze proteins, to provide antinucleation effects that are superior to those of either polyglycerol or the co-antinucleator alone. Polyglycerol has a number of advantageous physical and toxicological properties, such as extreme water solubility, non-toxicity to human beings, non-toxicity to animal tissues and organs in vitro even at extreme concentrations, minimal foaming tendency, minimal retention on hydrophobic surfaces, and stability in solution without the need for periodic heating to reactivate its antinucleation properties.

Abstract: A method of reducing cold injury or damage to plants such as peanut, citrus trees, peaches, strawberries and other plants susceptible to cold injury such as frost or freezing comprises applying a pyridylaniline active agent such as fluazinam to the plant in an amount effective to reduce cold injury to the plant.

Abstract: A cone shaped, multi-use garden accessory, consisting of a single unit. The cone body is open at each end. The base, or larger end, is formed by a rounded rim. The neck, or smaller end, has a tubular extension with prongs affixed. Stiffeners are arrayed within the cone and extend through the tubular neck and along the prongs. The entire structure is composed of translucent, semi-rigid or rigid material.

Abstract: Disclosed are horticultural substrates coated with a particulate membrane and a method for controlling pests and providing enhanced horticultural effect by applying a particulate membrane to the surface of the horticultural substrate.

Abstract: A method of reducing cold injury or damage to plants such as peanut, citrus trees, peaches, strawberries and other plants susceptible to cold injury such as frost or freezing comprises applying a pyridylaniline active agent such as fluazinam to the plant in an amount effective to reduce cold injury to the plant.

Abstract: Polyvinyl alcohol and related compounds are provided that inhibit the freezing of water and water solutions. These synthetic compounds preferentially bind and inhibit ice nucleating surfaces in a manner similar to natural antifreeze proteins. The resulting inhibition allows water and water solutions to supercool without ice formation to temperatures below the thermodynamic freezing point. The freezing inhibition occurs at concentrations as small as one part per million, although concentrations up to one part per hundred are preferred. These polyvinyl alcohol additives are very useful for enhancing the performance of antifreeze formulations, biological cryopreservation solutions, and for preventing frost damage to plants and other industrial products and processes.

Abstract: Aqueous agricultural foam marker compositions for delineating treated from untreated areas comprise a foamable composition of an anionic surfactant which is an &agr;-olefin sulfonate and/or an alkyl ether sulfate, a linear C12-16 alkanol, a foam stabilizing polymer, and one or more solvents. The foams produced from the foamable compositions have increased foam life, enhanced wind resistance, and are producable over a wide range of soft/hard water conditions.

Abstract: A method of reducing cold injury or damage to plants such as peanut, citrus trees, peaches, strawberries and other plants susceptible to cold injury such as frost or freezing comprises applying a pyridylaniline active agent such as fluazinam to the plant in an amount effective to reduce cold injury to the plant.