Abstract: A biogenic ice nucleation inhibitor, derivable from a source plant which is normally subjected to freezing stress in its natural habitat, is employed for protecting light frost-sensitive plants against frost injury by inhibiting the ice-nucleating activity of the ice-nucleating bacteria normally present on the plants, and thereby reducing the temperature at which frost injury occurs. The inhibitor is applied to the plants in the form of a solution of a water-soluble denaturable proteinaceous material derivable as a water extract of a source plant component which survives the freezing stress to which the source plant is normally subjected in its natural habitat, such as the seed. The inhibitor is also applicable for reducing the temperature at which ice formation occurs in any other medium containing active ice nucleation initiators, such as, for example, the atmosphere and concrete.

Abstract: An improved frost protection composition for plants. The composition includes sugar, potassium sulfate, iron chelate and manganese chelate dissolved in water. The composition is applied directly to the foliage and fruit of a plant prior to the plant's being subjected to freezing temperatures.

Abstract: A micro-climate temperature control apparatus for heating and/or cooling of plants is disclosed. The apparatus includes an array of flexible, individually movable plastic tubes which are positioned under the plant root systems and/or used as space heating and cooling elements proximate the plant foliage. The tubes are preferably formed of EPDM plastic enabling their use with high-temperature water sources, as well as conventional sources. A notched tube securement strip is also disclosed which enables arrangement and securement of the individually movable tubes in a wide variety of configurations and also facilitates the use of relatively short input and outlet distribution manifolds.

Abstract: A strain of Erwinia herbicola identified as EHO-10 has been found to have a broad spectrum of inhibitory activity against pathogenic bacteria. Pathogenic bacteria inhibited by EHO-10 includes those from the following genera: Agrobacterium, Corynebacterium, Erwinia, Pseudomonas, and Xanthomonas. EHO-10 has inhibitory activity against Erwinia amylovora, a bacteria pathogen causing fire blight disease of pear and other trees.

Abstract: Foaming compositions containing an alkylpolysaccharide surfactant and a sulfate, sulfonate and/or carboxylate cosurfactant and processes for utilizing foams containing these compositions.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted machine for preventing frost damage to growing crops comprises an upright shell that defines a plenum chamber, having an upwardly opening air inlet in its top and having plural rearwardly extending tubular heating chambers opening from its bottom portion. A fan coaxially mounted in the front of each heating chamber draws air from the plenum chamber and propels it across a propane burner that is coaxially mounted in the heating chamber behind the fan. Discharged air, mixed with combustion gases from the burner, has a temperature of about 45.degree. F. and is emitted rearwardly downwardly and obliquely to both sides of the machine to mix with cold surface air. A field or grove protected by the machine is divided into a grid of equal-area zones, each having a high pole atop which there is a light that is turned on when a sensor near ground level detects a temperature above but near freezing. The machine moves to where it is needed, as indicated by lighting of the lights.

Abstract: A frost minimization or prevention machine comprising a fan to draw air downwardly from above the crop to be protected and disperse the air horizontally over the crop. Ideally the fan draws down warmer air from above the inversion layer.

Abstract: A method of maintaining vegetation above frost damage levels in which the roots, stems, trunks or foliage of the vegetation is surrounded by a phase change material having a melting point in excess of the frost damage level, which phase change material is encased in a plurality of bags or in an elongated tubular member. In the case of use of an elongated tubular member, it may be coiled directly about the vegetation or coiled in stacks positioned above the vegetation or laid below ground in rows or coiled within the interior of an automotive tire proximate the vegetation which serves to directly collect solar energy. A fluid path is provided through the center of the tubular member which is coupled to a solar collector. The solar thermal energy collected thereby is transfered via fluid recirculating in this path to the phase change material such that the phase change material melts.

Abstract: A synthetic polymeric ice nucleation inhibitor is employed for protecting light frost-sensitive plants against frost injury by inhibiting the ice-nucleating activity of the ice-nucleating bacteria normally present on the plants, and thereby reducing the temperature at which frost injury occurs. The inhibitor is applied to the plants in the form of a solution of a synthetic polymer having covalently bound to its main backbone chain both pendant hydrophobic groups and pendant hydrophilic groups. The ratio of and average intermolecular spacing between the hydrophobic groups and the hydrophilic groups in the polymer, and the molecular weight of the polymer, are selected so that in combination they provide the polymer with a limited room temperature water solubility within the range of from about 1 .mu.g/ml to about 100 mg/ml.

Abstract: A synthetic surface, such as artificial turf, rubberized asphalt, concrete composition, particulate mixtures and the like, is applied on top of a subsurface base system, which in turn is on top of a subgrade. A liquid impervious membrane is positioned between the subgrade and the base system. The base system comprises an upper layer of sand-containing particulate material in which liquid characteristically moves in the vertical direction and a lower layer of gravel in which liquid characteristically moves well in the horizontal direction as well as downwardly. The material of the upper layer does not significantly penetrate into the gravel. The base system has a non-rutting upper surface. The non-rutting surface is accomplished by planting grass, cutting the grass at least once, and then killing the grass. The synthetic surface is then applied. A conduit system is positioned in the lower gravel layer of the base system, and a water reservoir is established in the base system.

Abstract: Use of fatty amines of general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 may be a hydrogen atom, or a straight or branched alkyl radical, saturated and containing 4 to 18 atoms of carbon and wherein R.sub.2 is a straight or branched alkyl radical, saturated and containing 4 to 18 atoms of carbon, together with surface agents, to obtain foaming mixtures leading to improved foams.2 to 50% amines are added, with respect to the weight of the surface agents.Application in the field of fire extinguishing foams, drilling, and in the production of lightweight products.

Abstract: There is provided a system for the underground storage of heat for the gradual and controlled release of same for use in agriculture, comprising a plurality of heat conduits located at predetermined depths below the surface of the soil, and means for circulating heated water through said conduits. Preferred are two-layer systems and three-layer systems of such conduits.

Abstract: Plant host acceptable microorganisms, which are ice nucleation deficient and use at least one nutrient from the plant also used by ice nucleating native microorganisms, are applied to a plant part at an early stage in the growth cycle. The multiplication of the native ice nucleating microorganisms is inhibited, so that under normal frost conditions encountered in the field, frost damage is substantially diminished. The non-nucleating microorganisms may be obtained by special selection procedures, selecting from naturally occurring microorganisms or mutagenized microorganisms, where additionally the organisms may be transformed to provide for other desirable properties.The following organisms have been deposited at the A.T.C.C. on Aug. 13, 1981; A5-01, A5-05-1, A5-06, A5-10-1, A5-26, and A4-2B-10.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for root zone heating of plants is disclosed. The apparatus includes an array of flexible, individually movable, plastic tubes which are positioned under the plant root systems. The tubes are preferably formed of EPDM plastic enabling their use with water from geothermal and solar pond sources, as well as conventional sources.

Abstract: A method and device for applying pesticides to growing plants or portions of plants is described in which an area to be protected is enclosed and a small amount of pesticide contained in a packet is placed within the enclosure. The packet protects the pesticide from loss or destruction by water and permits pesticide vapors to escape at a rate sufficient to make the enclosed area untenable to certain pests for an extended period of time. The packet is preferably made from low density polyethylene, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or a combination of the two, and the pesticide is preferably a diethyl phosphorothioate insecticide. In the preferred embodiment of the device, the device also acts as an insulator and includes liquid receiving pockets to act as "heat sinks" to protect the trunk from below freezing temperatures.

Abstract: Frost-sensitive plants are protected against frost injury by topical application thereto of non-phytotoxic virulent bacteriophages which are species-specific to the ice-nucleating bacteria normally present on the plants. The bacteriophages selectively attack the ice-nucleating bacteria and inhibit their ice-nucleating activity, thereby reducing the temperature at which frost injury occurs.

Abstract: An insulating device or insulator for trunks of trees or plants is described that provides protection and thermal insulation against damaging cold during their tender years. This device is adjusted for fit about the trunk by the trunk itself as it increases in girth, thus providing effectiveness for several years without attention. The insulating device is weather resistant, protecting the young trunk from both wind damage and the effects of water from rain or irrigation. The device also protects the trunk against bark chewing rodents and prevents sprouting along the lower trunk. A preferred embodiment of the device includes liquid receiving pockets that act as "heat sinks" to protect the trunk from below freezing temperatures.

Abstract: Provided is an orchard heater adapted especially to radiate heat directly to the bole and middle portions of the trees, the heater comprising an upright, generally elongated and cylindrical combustion chamber having formed therein a vertically extending looped main burner, a pilot burner disposed beneath the main burner, and a divider plate interposed between the former two burners. The burners are positioned such that the discharge orifice of the main burner lies in the plane of the axis of the combustion chamber and is oriented downwardly at the center of the divider plate. The discharge orifice of the pilot burner, in turn, is oriented upwardly to the bottom of the divider plate, the latter being apertured, typically with louvers which enable communication between the discharge orifices of the two burners. Upon ignition of liquid fuel supplied by the main burner in the chamber, the generated heat is initially radially outwardly directed by the divider plate, this heat being oriented in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: Thermal protective coverings for plants are provided by a double walled insulative device closable at the top and adapted to fit about the plant wherein the insulative space within the walls is filled with water or water and air.

Abstract: A tubular plastic shell, with an overlapped longitudinal seam and longitudinally extending interior pockets that form exterior ribs, encircles a wooden pole or piling in an area to be protected. A foamed adhesive between the shell and pole fills and seals the surface of the pole beneath the shell, adheres the shell, and provides a supporting cushion for the shell that inhibits cracking or puncturing from impact. Longitudinally spaced ends of the shell beyond the pockets tightly encircle the pole to prevent escape of the adhesive as it forms during application. Ribs at the overlapped seam nest into pockets to retain the shell tightly about the pole during expansion of the adhesive. Where impact or abrasion are not anticipated, the shell can be used as a carrier and mold for forming an adherent foamed sealant layer or covering about a pole and then be removed.

Abstract: An attachment for a plant protection device is described that automatically maintains a life sustaining environment over a broad range of ambient temperature conditions. The invention consists of a cylindrical collar adapted to be mounted on top of existing open ended plant covers or to be manufactured as an integral part of such a cover and contains a thermostatically controlled butterfly valve for ventilating the plant cover. The thermostat is responsive to ambient temperature outside the plant cover which activates the butterfly valve for controlling the release of warm air from inside the container. The collar and butterfly valve are so designed to provide adequate light and ventilation without wind chill to the protected plants and also includes protection against flying insects and random or unwanted pollination.

Abstract: A method of preventing frost damage to plants comprising applying oleaginous materials to the tissues thereof, which materials are absorbed by the tissues in amounts sufficient to prevent swelling thereof by ice crystal formation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for heating the atmosphere adjacent a ground surface in an agricultural area as well as the process and apparatus for constructing the system. The system comprises an elongate heat distributing structure which extends through the cultivated area and means for circulating a relatively warm fluid through the heat distributing structure. The heat distributing structure includes a plastic shell member disposed in an upwardly concave configuration having a plurality of imperforate wall conduits bonded thereto. The shell member is filled with sand, crushed rock or gravel to provide a heat sink. The top of the plastic shell member is covered with an asphaltic material which acts to close the top of the heat distributing structure and radiate heat to the atmosphere in the cultivated area.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming and mounting in position wire arch supports for low level cultivation tunnels comprising in combination: a support chassis provided with or adapted to be coupled to drive means for displacing the apparatus in a given direction and rate; arch forming means carried by the chassis for forming arch supports from arch wire blanks; and arch displacing means carried by the chassis for imparting to each arch a displacement having a first component of the given rate and being directed opposite to the given direction and substantially normally to the plane of the arch and a second component directed downwardly and in the plane of the arch.

Abstract: The method for reducing the temperature at which freezing takes place in plants to reduce frost damage by the addition of non-ice nucleating bacteria to the plants prior to the onset of freezing temperature and preferably while the plants are in their seedling stage.

Abstract: An installation for cultivating plants on a soil, characterized in that it comprises at least one heat-exchanger, each of said exchangers being constituted by an elongated flat flexible hose with a then wall resting on the soil, and feed means for circulating liquid of a preselected regulated temperature through each of said hoses.

Abstract: Protective coverings for growing plants, food storage shelters, greenhouses and other structures provided by creating a relatively dead air space around the protected object with a device for deploying a canopy of water over and around said object.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the method and apparatus for monitoring the electrical resistance characteristic of tree tissue which undergoes a step change of resistance at the "freezing" point. The resistance of the tissue is monitored by converting the resistance magnitude sensed to an electrical signal whose frequency is controlled in accordance with the magnitude of the sensed resistance. The frequency of the electrical signal is detected and a control signal generated in accordance with a predetermined frequency change in a set time period which is accordingly indicative of the step change of tissue resistance. The control signal is thus adapted to activate an alarm device or provide some other indication so that precautionary measures can be taken to protect trees, and more particularly fruit bearing trees from crop damage.

Abstract: A heat distribution system to supply heated water in close proximity to foliage to be protected from the effects of low temperatures wherein heat from the water is conducted through conduits to the ground and to spray a fine warm mist of water near the foliage so as to raise the air temperature in the vicinity thereof to protect the foliage from frost damage. The heat distribution system comprises a water supply, an auxiliary heater, and a network of conduits having an inlet and an outlet header. The network of conduits comprises a plurality of primary conduits and a plurality of auxiliary conduits having nozzles disposed above the surface of the ground. The plurality of conduits includes a plurality of substantially parallel legs to more efficiently conduct the heat to the ground evenly along the area to be protected.

Abstract: A method for the generation of gelatin-based stabilized foams by passing a stream of air or other gas through a composition of the gelatin, an anionic surface-active agent and a water soluble ferrous salt. The resulting foams have a relatively long life term.

Abstract: Thermal energy retaining means for use in covering soil adjacent growing plants and including a water tight elongated tubular sleeve enclosure having support means at opposed ends thereof. The support means consist of planar means or generally inverted "U" shaped configuration, and each comprising a pair of generally parallelly disposed legs spaced apart by an upper fixed cross-member. A second cross-member, slidably coupled to the legs of the inverted "U" shaped bracket is provided which extends generally parallel to the upper cross-member to form a jaw to receive the tubular sleeve material therebetween. After filling with water, the width of the tubular sleeve material is placed within the jaw of the hanger means, the hanger means then being rotated about the sleeve so as to seal the ends of the sleeve and adjust the axial length thereof.

Abstract: A heating unit consisting of a mixture and blend of a built in means including organic, inorganic materials, and fuels compressed into a generally stable solid, which, due to built in expanding force means, such as vermiculite ore embodies the function of the non-existant conventional liquid fuel container and heater for burning fuel with a regulated intensity rate and length of burn; the heating unit slowly self-destructs its mass, and by this burn method so alters or changes the left over or spent material, at least in part, as to cause it to become a useful fertilizer, said conditioner and plant nutrient. The organic materials may consist of paper, wood, organic muck, peat, and the like. The inorganic material may consist of phosphate, phosphate clay, limestone, dolomite, calcium, magnesium, sodium and the ore of the non-metallic mineral vermiculite, and the like. The fuel may be a liquid or solid hydro-carbons.

Abstract: The protection of plants against frost damage comprising treating the plants before the onset of freezing cold with bacterium M232A.

Abstract: A method of supplemental irrigation of substantial areas, for supplying water to plants and for conserving water already in the plants and in the soil, by placing in the atmosphere over the area a fog of water particles which particles are of a size such that they tend to settle rather slowly. They will thereby have a residence time in the air around the plants, and can drift appreciable distances with slow air movement. According to the preferred method, the majority of the droplets will have a diameter between about 10 and about 200 microns, the mass median diameter being about 50 microns. The method comprehends generating this fog and, if necessary, blowing it to areas which require it.

Abstract: The invention comprises a watering device for watering gardens and the like without constant attention. The device has a box-like construction and has an L-shaped passageway therethrough with an inlet and outlet for connection between the sprinkler and a source of water at the opposite ends of the passageway. A solenoid operated valve is mounted in the passageway, with a solenoid upon actuation moving the valve to open the passageway. A timer is mounted on top of the box to actuate the solenoid at a selected hour of the day to thereby allow water to flow through the passageway to the sprinkler for sprinkling, which timer will maintain the solenoid actuated for a selected amount of time. A thermostat is mounted to the top of the box which actuates the solenoid when the temperatures reach the danger of frost (35.degree. F.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly automated agricultural production system which comprises, as essential components:1. A sensing subsystem comprising direct and indirect sensing means in an agricultural production area. The direct sensing means are generally ground or plant mounted. The indirect sensing means are remote from the area being sensed. The direct and indirect sensing means are adapted to jointly generate data on all important parameters in the homogeneous agricultural production area;2. A data transmitting subsystem for forwarding data generated by the direct and indirect sensing means to computing means and for transmitting instructions from the computing means via interfacing means (controllers) to various devices (field effectors) in the agricultural area to perform various functions;3. A computing subsystem linked by way of said data transmitting subsystem to said indirect and direct sensing means in a pattern of many feedback loops.

Abstract: A heater having a water injection system for increasing the water vapor content of the atmosphere and reducing the temperature of the exhaust products of the heater. A nozzle assembly located in the stack of the heater injects a fine spray of water into the hot exhaust gases and onto the hot stack surface.

Abstract: A method for producing a fog to extract freezable moisture from plants and to increase the ambient humidity and temperature surrounding plants comprising the steps of providing a mixture of silicon tetrachloride and an emulsifier in the proportion of between about 20% to 90% of silicon tetrachloride and between about 80% and 10% of emulsifier, combining the silicon tetrachloride-emulsifier mixture with an aqueous ammonia solution containing between 28% and 33% of ammonia in an amount of between about 1 part of the silicon tetrachloride-emulsifier solution to between about 2.5 and 3 parts of the ammonia solution to produce a fog containing ammonium chloride which removes moisture from the plants and increases the ambient humidity surrounding the plants to thereby raise the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A petroleum-derived solvent having a distillation range of from about 316.degree.F. to 360.degree.F. is added to hydrocarbon fuels, such as gasoline, diesel oil or heating oils, in a ratio of from about 1 part additive to 6-15 parts fuel. The additive, when added to No. 2 diesel fuel and the fuel burned in conventional, non-pressurized orchard heaters, gives reduced particulate emissions and a higher BTU per pound value of fuel burned.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly automated agricultural production system which comprises, as essential components:1. A sensing subsystem comprising direct and indirect sensing means in an agricultural production area. The direct sensing means are generally ground or plant mounted. The indirect sensing means are remote from the area being sensed. The direct and indirect sensing means are adapted to jointly generate data on all important parameters in the homogeneous agricultural production area;2. A data transmitting subsystem for forwarding data generated by the direct and indirect sensing means to computing means and for transmitting instructions from the computing means via interfacing means (controllers) to various devices (field effectors) in the agricultural area to perform various functions;3. A computing subsystem linked by way of said data transmitting subsystem to said indirect and direct sensing means in a pattern of many feedback loops.