Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods and compositions for reducing turf thatch and/or preventing turf thatch buildup. The compositions include isolated fungal laccase enzymes, such as laccase enzymes from white rot fungi. Methods of reducing and/or preventing turf thatch buildup include applying compositions including isolated fungal laccase enzymes to turfgrass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant of the family Violaceae, in particular to a pansy plant having shortened growing time. In particular, a plant of the invention grows significantly faster than a control plant when grown at the same time and under the same conditions. Methods of growing a pansy plant of the invention and uses thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A method of revegetating a forest is provided, including the steps of: collecting a volume of forest floor material; wetting the volume of material with a wetting agent; compressing the wetted forest floor material; freezing the compressed forest floor material; separating the frozen forest floor material into a plurality of smaller pieces; storing the frozen pieces in a frozen environment; and distributing at least a portion of the pieces on land to be revegetated.

Abstract: A seed composition suitable for planting beneath and around one or more solar panel arrays, said seed composition consisting mostly of a blend of fine fescues that results in under panel grass growth requiring little to no regular mowing. One preferred version includes: (a) about 20-50% by weight Hard Fescue; (b) about 20-50% by weight Creeping Red Fescue; and (c) about 20-50% by weight Chewings Fescue.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved, quantitative, standardized method of hydrating succulent plants by a plant owner. The method includes calculating the amount of water and watering frequency required, depending on environmental conditions, such as substrate used to grow a plant, relative humidity and temperature, and using a demarcated container for watering the plant, all of which maintains and prolongs the health, vitality, beauty and longevity of the succulent plant.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for controlling invasive plants, comprising treating one or more populations of invasive plant species with a composition comprising an effective amount of nucleic acids, wherein the nucleic acids have been produced using gene silencing techniques to target specific plant species, and specific aspects of plant development. In the methods of the invention, the compositions applied to the plants adversely affect only the targeted invasive plants, as compared to any non-invasive plants living in the same environmental setting. Further provided are methods for restoring native plant flora to an environment, by treating a natural environment using the methods provided herein to reduce or eliminate a species of invasive plant in an environment, then reintroducing a native plant species to the environment, such that the native plant population is reestablished in an environment and the invasive species is eliminated or reduced.

Abstract: A method of improved turf management comprises the steps of: removing the existing inefficient-to-maintain lawn/field; prepping the land for preferred planting conditions; then seeding with a mostly fine fescue mixture that includes: (a) about 20-50% by weight Hard Fescue; (b) about 20-50% by weight Creeping Red Fescue; and (c) about 20-50% by weight Chewings Fescue.

Abstract: In a specialized sand bucket for use in golfing, the bucket is pivotably affixed to a durable metal handle and is covered by an easy-lifting, tight-fitting lid. The scoop fits easily inside for convenient carrying. A permanently affixed metal stand elevates the bucket to a comfortable height and reduces the wear on the bucket when it is being carried by hand or in the back of a golf cart.

Abstract: The application discloses non-naturally occurring barley plants with increased resistance to herbicides, particularly imidazolinone herbicides. Also disclosed are the barley seeds per se, an isolated nucleic acid incorporating the nucleic acid sequence conferring imidazolinone resistance, a method of inhibiting weed growth in the vicinity of a barley plant, an a method of growing a barley crop. Seeds have been deposited at NCIMB.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of quantitatively obtaining a measurement of pollen of a plant. One method of counting comprises imaging the sample with the pollen well-distributed in the focal plane of the imager. Image evaluation software can identify and count objects in the image that are consistent with pollen. Total pollen count for the plant can be derived from the count of pollen of the sample, proportionality of the sample volume to the starting volume, and proportionality of area of sample imaged to total area of sample. Pollen quantification can be used for research or commercial production decisions relative to the plant or its seed.

Abstract: A method of quantitatively obtaining a measurement of pollen of a plant. A quantitative collection of a sample of pollen is counted. Total pollen of the plant can be calculated. One way of quantitative collection of pre-shed pollen involves blending a part of the plant with pollen in the presence of liquid (e.g. water) in a blender. The action of the blender tends to destroy the non-pollen parts of the plant and release the pollen into the liquid. Extraction of the pollen from the blender can be through a sidewall port that includes a filter or sieve having a mesh size that passes relevant pollen but blocks most non-pollen plant parts. The sample can be efficiently prepared for counting of pollen. One method of counting comprises imaging the sample with the pollen well distributed in the focal plane of the imager.

Abstract: A multi-plant product and a method of producing a container of plants are described. Cast pellets containing plant seeds selected for their seed germination timing are planted in a container with a vegetative cutting. The cutting can be selected for having root initiation timing synchronized with the seed germination timing of the plant seeds in the cast pellet. The seed germination timing of the plant seeds can be modified by selecting the volume of the cast pellet.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods to facilitate germplasm improvement activities through the use of high throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. A method of evaluating seeds for a desired trait, for example, for facilitating germplasm improvement activities, etc., generally includes removing tissue samples from individual seeds using an automated seed sampler without affecting germination viability of the seeds, analyzing the tissue samples for one or more characteristics indicative of a desired trait, and selecting the sampled seeds that include the desired trait.

Abstract: A plant necrosis method including: identifying a junction between a plant and a surface of a substrate mechanically supporting the plant; determining a junction distance between the junction and a traversal path for a treatment mechanism, the treatment mechanism having an active area and configured to traverse along the traversal path; selecting an initial treatment parameter based on a junction distance from the traversal path; and dislodging the plant from the substrate with the treatment mechanism in response to a treatment mechanism operation parameter satisfying the initial treatment parameter.

Abstract: A plant treatment method including, by a computing system: identifying a plant, in situ, within a geographic area; identifying an interleaf insertion point relative to leaves of the plant; positioning a treatment mechanism at the insertion point; and operating a treatment mechanism to apply a fluid treatment to a plant.

Abstract: A mobile device for eradicating proliferating terrestrial plants has a feeder to introduce the plants to be treated and a generator to generate electromagnetic waves for sterilizing the plants within the layer of plants. The generator can be configured to emit microwaves and/or to heat the seeds of the plants to a temperature above 60° C. The mobile device can include a hopper to receive the plants, a separator to remove metal and/or stones, and a grinder to grind the plants, which is arranged upstream from the generator.

Abstract: A method for forming an ornamental tree by pruning and inducing growth of branches, which appears to grow after being compressed by snow and then be compressed again by snow, appears to grow into a new form by barely remaining persistent life force in a stem after being bent by lightning, appears to be bent by the wind and grow in a direction of the wind after growing in the face of the wind, branches of which appears to be spread endlessly toward a space on a cliff to make their space, which appears to grow on a rock while overcoming the environment, appears to grow in a landslide area carried off by sudden heavy rain, which appears to grow out of a narrow space in which trees competitively grow, or appears to grow in a sagged shape by heavy snow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating germination properties of plant seeds and/or of sprouts developed from the plant seeds, on the basis of anatomical characteristics (x, y) at a particular point in time, wherein determining the anatomical characteristics (x, y) at a particular point in time comprises analyzing the plant seeds and/or sprouts using at least one imaging method and obtaining three-dimensional analysis data (410) at a particular point in time, segmenting the analysis data (400) at a particular point in time and associating segments (516-519) thus obtained into anatomical units of the plant seeds and/or sprouts, and determining the anatomical characteristics (x, y) of the anatomical units of the plant seeds and/or sprouts at a particular point in time from the associated segments (516-519) at at least one point in time.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube production system is used for improving plant growth characteristics for a plant growing medium, for example soil in an agricultural field. The system includes an internal combustion engine, for example a tractor engine, which is arranged to combust a fuel mixture therein which includes a blend of fuels and additives including a carbon nanotube seeding material. The engine is operated in pyrolysis to produce exhaust emissions containing black carbon ultrafine and nano soot, for example by towing an agricultural implement across the agricultural field. At least a portion of the exhaust emissions is captured and conditioned to process the carbon soot into carbon nanotubes. The conditioned exhaust emissions and carbon nanotubes therein are then applied to the plant growing medium, for example by using the agricultural implement to incorporate the conditioned exhaust into the soil.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of removing liquid from a porous substrate on which plant embryos are disposed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and compositions for reducing turf thatch and/or preventing turf thatch buildup.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of clonally propagating crop plant material in a hydroponic environment. The methods are useful for evaluating transgenic crop plants following transformation or expanding the number of genetically identical plants and seed generated therefrom. The methods comprise removing a part from a crop plant, such as a shoot or stem, and placing it in a hydroponic medium sufficient to support the development of one or more roots in the hydroponic medium. The new plant can then be grown under suitable conditions into a mature crop plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container with cells for plant material, and/or systems and methods involving the transfer of cells containing plant material to larger cells (e.g., without removing the plant material from the cells being transferred to larger cells). The container can be used to transport plant material. The container has cells formed from biodegradable material. The cell itself can hereby be gripped by a transfer unit during a transfer method and this cell can be placed in a larger cell. In addition, the cells of the container can be separated from the rest of the container before the cell is transferred.

Abstract: A method for applying an agricultural fertilizer to a field through an irrigation system connected to a source of hard water, includes providing a fertilizer composition comprising a mixture of (i) a fertilizer component comprising an ammonium phosphate or an ammonium sulfate, and (ii) an acid comprising one or more of a phosphoric acid, a citric acid, a malic acid, a formic acid, and an oxalic acid; combining the fertilizer composition with hard water from the hard water source and providing the mixture to an irrigation system; and using the irrigation system to apply the mixture of fertilizer composition and hard water to the field.

Abstract: A method for using Tamarix Erect trees for the production of biomass fuel. Tamarix Erect trees are planted and/or cultivated in an area of land. After growth of biomass of the Tamarisk Erect trees, at least a portion of the biomass is harvested for the biomass fuel. The planting may be performed at a density greater than 6000 Tamarix Erect trees per hectare.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bead comprising: i) an external zone comprising a super absorbent polymer (SAP) that is capable of absorbing at least about 5 times its weight in water, surrounding ii) at least one internal zone comprising a core that contains at least one agrochemical, wherein the external zone is permeable to oxygen when hydrated, or the internal zone is formulated to release the at least one agrochemical into the external zone over a period of at least about one week when the hydrogel of the external zone is hydrated. The present invention also provides methods of using beads of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique method and apparatus for improving crop yield through the use of an inventive irrigation solution to inhibit surface pathogens, improved water penetration and increase crop production and market quality. In a presently preferred embodiment, the inventive method comprises the steps of producing a gaseous mixture of negatively charged ionized air including from about 50 parts per million to about 4,000 parts per million ozone, from about 1,000 parts per million to 20,000 parts per million oxygen ions, and from 2,000 to about 50,000 parts per million nitrogen oxides from ambient air; effecting direct contact between the ionized air gaseous mixture and a supply of water by means of a submicron injector to produce a gaseous solution for treatment of irrigation water to be applied to agricultural crops. Accordingly, by treating the crops during irrigation the inventive process promotes plant growth and inhibits harmful insects and parasites on plants above ground.

Abstract: Provided are methods for growing and shipping sprouts and microgreens in the same container, growing while in shipment using moisture provided in a water-absorbent layer, with optional added beneficials, and including methods for producing sprouts and microgreens for consumption, and for pharmaceutical/nutriceutical use, comprising growth of sprouts in retail-ready containers, the container comprising a moisture-retaining layer of agar media or the like providing water for growth and obviating the need for irrigation during sprout growth. In certain aspects, media is supplemented with beneficial organisms or additives such as probiotic microbes, vitamins (e.g., B12), cofactors, nutrients, and other items (e.g., phytochemicals, natural colors, and antioxidants) which promote the growth of the beneficial microbes on the product, and/or which become incorporated into the product.

Abstract: Vegetative systems are described. In one embodiment, a vegetative system has substantially distinct or separate zones or layers in which each zone or layer performs primarily one of the functions of water retention, a growth medium for vegetation, and weed suppression. An upper may comprise coarse aggregate and serve the primary function of weed suppression; a middle layer may comprise a mixture of coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and fine organic material and serve primarily as a growth medium for vegetation; and a lower layer may comprise high-density hygroscopic material and serve the primary function of water retention.

Abstract: Methods and articles are provided for reducing the amount of water consumed by a plant over a period of time, sequestering CO2, and producing electricity, where each method includes providing the plant with a composition including at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO2 and/or at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % of a composition that generates CO2. An apparatus is also disclosed for providing the plant with a composition including CO2 and/or a composition that generates CO2.

Abstract: A method for producing a rooted cutting which can be applied to Pinaceae trees. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for producing a rooted cutting of a Pinaceae tree, comprising the following steps A and B: A: adding a cytokinin to the outside of a shoot apex of a short shoot of a Pinaceae tree to thereby induce a new scaly leaf and/or primary leaf; and B: cutting out the short shoot where new scaly leaf and/or primary leaf is induced in the step A, inserting the short shoot as a cutting in a rooting bed wetted with a carbon source-free liquid medium comprising nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as essential elements, and culturing the short shoot in a culturing vessel while regulating the concentration of CO2 gas in the culturing vessel at a humidity of 80% or more to root the cutting.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an agricultural covering material which has a high light transmittance so that it accelerates the growth of crops and has visual confirmation properties to the inside thereof for cultivators, which has a good growth acceleration effect due to heat retention of soil temperature, can suppress ingress of excess amounts of rainwater, has excellent evenness such as a low unevenness in strength and effective prevention of harmful insects which will fly and gather, and which has proper air-permeability. The agricultural covering material of the present invention includes a nonwoven fabric laminate having (i) a light transmittance of 80% or more, (ii) an air-permeability of 50 to 400 cm3/cm2/sec and (iii) a basis weight of 10 to 30 g/cm2.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices that can improve water usage by plants and grasses by, for example, inducing preferential root tropism and assisting in redistributing water within the soil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a producing method for the artificial peat moss from natural cellulose fiber. The producing method comprises following steps in successive order manner. Firstly, blend natural pulp with N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) as dissolving solvent and 1,3-phenylene-bis 2-oxazoline (BOX) as stabilizer in proper mixing ratio to yield a preliminary quasi-dope. Secondly, stir and dehydrate the preliminary quasi-dope to form dope. Thirdly, spin the dope by dry jet wet spinning method to yield filament bundle of cellulose. Fourthly, orderly perform coagulating with regenerating, water rinsing, twisting with plying and cutting processes on the filament bundle of cellulose to yield a preliminary artificial peat moss of natural cellulose fiber. Finally, per drying process of post-treatment on the preliminary artificial peat moss of natural cellulose fiber to obtain final artificial peat moss of natural cellulose fiber of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides high yield mixed species bamboo plantations and methods for planting the same. The invention comprises a method of planting two or more bamboo species in alternating rows or in other configurations. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a plantation comprising two or more bamboo species that are substantially uniform in regards to height, circumference and density at maturity are well suited for use in pulp and paper applications.

Abstract: [Task] The objects of the present invention are to provide: a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film for plant cultivation which is capable of suppressing root penetration while exhibiting excellent nutrient permeability; a method for producing the same; and a method for plant cultivation using the same. [Means to Achieve the Task] The present invention is directed to a PVA film for plant cultivation, wherein a thicknesswise-directional average value of birefringence in a machine direction of the film is from 4.0×10?3 to 12.0×10?3 and a swelling degree of the film is from 150 to 180%; a method for producing a PVA film for plant cultivation, which comprises a step in which a PVA film having a moisture content of from 5 to 20% by mass is stretched in the ratio of from 1.3 to 1.7 times and a step in which the stretched film is heat-treated at a temperature in the range of from 130 to 170° C.

Abstract: A method of managing timberland to optimize the plot growth rate for a plot including a softwood tree crop and an energy crop generally includes planting a softwood tree crop in adjacent first and second rows, wherein the softwood tree crop has a tree spacing between adjacent trees and a row spacing between the first and second rows, planting an energy crop in the row spacing, wherein the energy crop is a regenerating lignocellulosic energy crop, and periodically measuring the plot growth of the softwood tree crop and the energy crop. A method of managing timberland to optimize the total plot volume of a softwood tree crop and an energy crop generally includes periodically measuring the total plot volume of the softwood tree crop and the energy crop.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the application of a chemical composition rinse agent to equipment or vehicles and apparatuses generally used in non-agricultural areas in an effort to prevent the spread of undesired seeds of invasive species. The rinse agent comprises a composition known to inhibit growth of the mature variant of the invasive species. The application would be directly to equipment or vehicles or other mobile apparatuses.

Abstract: A mineral wool batt for use as a plant growth medium, particularly in applications for growing vegetation (including plants) in which water retention and/or the avoidance of water run-off is of interest. The mineral wool batt has an absorbent layer which comprises needled mineral wool fibres; superabsorbent particles in the absorbent layer may be sandwiched between a denser upper and/or lower barrier layer(s) which assist in preventing their escape.

Abstract: A plant growth enhancing mixture and method of application applied exogenously very early in crop establishment, as a seed treatment, or in the seed furrow or into the soil for the roots of crop plants, in the right proportions, result in a root pattern that has very deep and strong rooting with a distinct minimal of profuse proliferation of lateral roots close to the soil surface, having numerous benefits as well as preferred, in situ, plant auxin transport and heightened drought tolerance.

Abstract: Produced PAR neither replicates the spectral ban—width of sunlight at the surface of the earth, nor the absorption spectrum of green plants, nor the absorption spectrum of photosynthetic processes, but—based on discovery that PAR at only a number of unique wavelengths is optimally energy-efficient to promote normal or better plant growth—instead desirably concentrates PAR emissions in a limited number, preferably about nine (9), narrow bands. Narrowband, even extremely narrowband, radiation is preferred at 430 and 662 nanometers wavelength; 453 and 642 nanometers wavelength and still other wavelengths. Preferably more than 50% of the total PAR flux is within a total bandwidth of less than 160 nanometers wavelength in the range between 360 and 760 nanometers wavelength, and more preferably 90% of the PAR flux is within a total bandwidth of less than 80 nanometers wavelength within this range.

Abstract: An improved method of cultivating Labisia pumila plants in oil palm plantation comprising the steps of propagating Labisia pumila plants using leaf cuttings, hardening propagated Labisia pumila plants and cultivating Labisia pumila plants in planting beds between alternate rows of the oil palm trees, characterized in that the oil palm plantation is more than fifteen years old and the land is flat and undulating, not prone to water logging, having pH 4.5 to pH 5.5 of soil acidity, soil type preferably Siri Tawar and has stopped using chemical-based agents not limited to herbicides and pesticides.

Abstract: A man-made vitreous fibre (MMVF) plant growth substrate is provided together with an irrigation strategy for providing water to the substrate. The substrate comprises a slab having a volume of 3 to 20 litres on which a single block containing one or more plants is disposed. In the context of this substrate, it is found that an irrigation strategy can be used which comprises a first period during which the desired water content in the slab is reduced to a minimum level before increasing and a second period during which the desired water content is maintained at a substantially constant level, wherein the difference between the minimum level and the constant level expressed as a percentage of the water content required to saturate the plant growth substrate is less than or equal to 25%. This provides excellent control over the balance between vegetative and generative growth in the plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dispensing an amount to be applied in which a characteristic, for example a linear characteristic, is predetermined from which an amount to be applied can be read in accordance with a development status. Said characteristic can be manually corrected by the user. According to the invention, the amount which is to be applied can be determined in accordance with the yield, potential.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of forest ecological culture and discloses a method for improving the survival rate of a directly-planted seedling and a transplanting seedling of a haloxylon plant in desert or semi-desert environment. In desert and semi-desert areas meeting a certain condition, the base part of the stem of the directly-planted seedling or the transplanting seedling of the haloxylon plant is protected by using a cylindrical pipe or hollow bullet-shaped pipe of a certain specification from damage or even death caused by stress factors such as a ground surface layer at high temperature. Through the present invention, the survival rate of a directly-planted seedling and a transplanting seedling of the haloxylon plant under extremely stress conditions in the desert and semi-desert areas can be obviously improved, and the average improvement rate is over 50%, the quick growth and development of individuals are promoted and the annual mass growth is increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of tandem cropping for increased production of up to 40% in wheat and mustard crops using varieties with phenological plasticity and temperature tolerance traits. The cereal bread wheat and oil seed mustard are traditional winter season (Rabi) crops in north India/Indo-Gangetic plains. This area experiences receding levels of warm weather and long days in September, October and November, progressive increase and then decrease of cold conditions and short days between November and March and onset of warm weather turning into summer and relatively longer days in March and April. Conventionally a seasonal crop of wheat or mustard or wheat followed by mustard or vice versa could be taken in the winter Rabi season of Indo-Gangetic plains to increase the production of these commodities.

Abstract: The product is made, in part, of a network of interconnected mycelia cells forming a mass. In one embodiment, the mass includes one or more embedded elements, such as a panel. The mycelia cells form hyphae that bond directly to the embedded elements.

Abstract: An advanced method and facility for growing abundant crops for food together with a sustainable growth of biomass for energy within a farm setting measuring (by way of example) 600 acres and yielding some 180 bushels of corn per acre, amounting to a total farm yield of 108,000 bushels. By increasing the yield of 180 to 270 bushels per acre with drainage, irrigation, and a pond that accepts water in wet weather and dispenses water for irrigation in dry weather, and supplementing with fertilizer, the 108,000 bushels can be produced with only 400 acres, this freeing 200 acres for growing biomass to be harvested and delivered to a centralized processor (preferably in pellet form) and efficiently converts the biomass into a biofuel rich in H2 for transportation such as gasoline and a low-Btu biofuel to generate biopower while co-producing fertilizer to enhance growth of both crops and biomass.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved, quantitative, standardized method of hydrating succulent plants by a plant owner. The method includes calculating the amount of water and watering frequency required, depending on environmental conditions, such as substrate used to grow a plant, relative humidity and temperature, and using a demarcated container for watering the plant, all of which maintains and prolongs the health, vitality, beauty and longevity of the succulent plant.

Abstract: A system and method of tracking the position and status of plants or plant parts in a greenhouse or other growing area using identification tags such as RFID tags is disclosed.