Abstract: A method of growing tissue culture callus on a nutrient substrate comprises the steps of preparing a semi-solid slab of the nutrient substrate and placing it on top of a honeycomb-like forming plate, which defines a plurality of hollow passages surrounded by thin walls. A series of the callus is deployed on the slab, so that each callus is located in alignment with one of the passages. The callus are allowed to grow to a desired extent under conventional conditions. A pneumatic pressure is then applied to the slab so that it becomes pushed through and sliced by the walls of the forming plate into a respective number of blocks, each carrying a single plant, and ejected out of the bottom side of the forming plate for further plantation thereof.

Abstract: A plant propagation system and method are provided for promoting the growth of plant tissue into small plantlets. The plant propagation system includes sealed, semipermeable membrane vessels for completely enclosing plant material therein. The sealed vessels generally are translucent and permeable to gases and liquids while remaining impermeable to biological contaminates. Plant tissue originally extracted from a parent plant can be placed within the sealed vessels and grown heterotrophically. Once the plant material has developed the capability to photosynthesize, the sealed vessels can be transferred to a greenhouse environment for photoautotrophic growth. Once in a greenhouse environment, the sealed vessels are supported in trays and exposed to light, gases, water and a liquid nutrient solution for optimizing growth. A central controller can be included in order to automate the system for controlling the flow of fluids in and out of the vessel support trays while also monitoring system conditions.

Abstract: A disassembleable portable cold frame apparatus including a rigid tray having a recessed area formed thereon; a plurality of planar rigid side plates removably interconnected together in an end-to-end configuration to thereby create a border bounding a ground holding space and with the border positioned within the recessed area of the tray; and a rigid transparent cover enclosing an air space and with the cover disposed upon and removably hingably coupled to the border to place the air space in communication with the ground holding space.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a process and a device for hydroponic raising of plants in a vegetal vessel filled up with a substrate, by conveying a nutrient solution into the roots feeding zone, wherein the supply of the nutrient solution is carried out by way of aerosol irrigation of the substrate surface at time intervals and with the periodicity and duration of irrigation depending on ambient air temperature. The device for the implementation of the process comprises a collector of the nutrient solution, a pump, a vegetal vessel with a drain connection, the upper portion of which accommodates a distributor of the nutrient solution made in the form of a tube which lower part is perforated, the said tube being placed at a distance above the substrate surface, the total area of the openings in the distributor tube is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the drain connection.

Abstract: A controlled atmosphere storage chamber (22) including:(i) means (34) for generating cooled and pressurised air located within or adjacent the chamber such as an airconditioner;(ii) one or more air supply ducts (28) associated with the generating means for circulating said cooled and pressurized air throughout the chamber (22) wherein the or each supply duct (28) extends substantially the length of the chamber (22) and has an unrestricted air flow passage which has a transverse dimension or width that tapers progressively inwardly throughout its length towards an end remote from the generating means (34);(iii) air outlet means (51, 61, 62) associated with the or each supply duct (28) which air outlet means (51, 61, 62) extends substantially the length of the or each supply duct (28);(iv) one or more elongate hollow storage members (23) having one or more heat sources (27) located closely adjacent thereto wherein the interior of the or each storage member functions as a return duct (29) for return of heat lade

Abstract: Designed is a system for recycling abandoned appliances as refrigerators, for conversion into solar applications. Designed is a converted refrigerator into a solar greenhouse, thus extending the growing season in cold climates. Illustrated is a solar powered fan, a skylight with a back reflector, a door window, screen to provide an insect barrier and a recycled refrigerator.

Abstract: The invention relates to the electronic stimulation of plant development. More particularly, it relates to the stimulation of plant development through electrifying the environment around a plant or part of a plant with an electrical field, preferably a pulsed field. The present invention also relates to an electronic method of stimulating the active membrane transport systems of growing plants and harvested plant products in order to promote growth and extend the shelf life of harvested material. The invention is of particular interest as it relates to shipment and marketing of cut flowers, greens and trees and more particularly to methods and apparatus for handling, shipping, and marketing of cut flowers.

Abstract: A portable plant growing cart that can accommodate one or more plant trays thereon, This cart is constructed of a plurality of rigid frames which preferably are pivotally connected together so as to aid in the storage of the cart when not in use. A movable light source is supported from these separate frames above the trays at any desired elevation, Additionally, a fabric-like reflective shroud is supported over both the light source and the cart so as to reflect light back towards the plant trays when desired.

Abstract: A hydroponic device comprises a reservoir for containing culture fluid therein, one or more cultivation beds placed on the reservoir one above the other, a conduit extending vertically upwardly from the reservoir up to an uppermost cultivation bed and a fluid pump mounted on the reservoir for forcedly feeding the culture fluid to the uppermost cultivation bed through the conduit. Each of the beds includes a basin-like body which is provided with a bottom wall and an inclined side wall, the side wall having a plurality of fluid outlet holes. A canted support flange extends downwardly outwardly frame the side wall of the basin-like body. The support flange has a plurality of plant holding apertures, each of which is arranged to receive the culture fluid issued through the corresponding fluid outlet holes.

Abstract: A bicomponent tissue and seedling culture bottle includes an upper cover portion having an opening facing downward, and a lower container portion having a closed base and suitable for fitly but detachably connecting to the downward opening of the upper cover portion, characterized in that, a T-shaped air vent consisting of a vertical air passage centered at a top portion of the upper cover and two horizontal air passages symmetrically located at and extending from two opposite sides of the vertical air passage to be communicable with the outside air, so that air or gas produced in the culture bottle during the culture process can escape from the air vent and germs or viruses can be prevented from entering into the culture bottle when the seedlings are matured and/or are transplanted and the survival percent of the bottle cultured seedlings can be raised.

Abstract: An environmental day-lit chamber for plant growth analysis having therein a growth chamber with a perforated or slotted plant supporting floor for allowing air to be forced vertically through the plant space. The transparent and frameless exterior of the chamber shell allows equalized distribution of sunlight with minimal impedance into the growth chamber. A vertical surface at the rear of the plant growth chamber forms a return air plenum for ducting air through the growth chamber and back to an air conditioning compartment beneath the growth chamber for reconditioning the air. A gasketed door at the front of the chamber shell provides reach-in capacity for entry into the plant growth chamber and expedites the ability to sealing close the growth chamber upon completion of operations therein.

Abstract: A method for storing horticultural plants and an apparatus therefor are disclosed. The method of the present invention comprises placing the live horticultural plants in a container for transportation, wherein the temperature and the humidity in the container are kept at conditions suited for the horticultural plants within the range of 10.degree.-25.degree. C. and 60-90% RH, volatile gas generated by the horticultural plants are removed, the air inside the container is circulated, and the horticultural plants are irradiated with a light mainly composed of red light and blue light.

Abstract: A room air environment conditioner for conditioning and improving the air quality in a room. The apparatus includes an enclosed cabinet containing growing plants on trays filled with water to facilitate sprouting and growing of said plants without dirt or sand. The cabinet is separated into light and dark portions to permit regulated growth of said plants. The trays holding the plants have perforated covers upon which are placed a porous material to hold the seeds and the trays are first placed in the dark portion of the cabinet. Once the seeds sprout with roots they are transferred to the lighted portion of the cabinet to grow and generate oxygen. There is an air ionizer located within the cabinet and also a holder containing various chemicals or powders with curative components. A fan blows air through a wetted filter and the cabinet thus changing the oxygen and ionization content of the air in the room, cooling the air and introducing curative powders into the room.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for dispensing a fertilizer in a pond. The apparatus includes a flotation structure which is generally surrounded by a porous material, such as a net sack. An opening is provided in the flotation structure through which fertilizer is dumped to deposit the fertilizer in the net sack wherein it is dissolved by water flowing through the net sack at the bottom of the flotation structure.

Abstract: In a plant cultivation method, in cultivation of a plurality of plants within a cultivation bed which includes nutritive elements required for growth of the plants, a location adjacent a growing point of the plants is selected to supply gas to the growing point. In a plant cultivation apparatus, a cultivation bed is provided on which a plurality of plants are cultivated. The cultivation bed includes nutritive elements required for growth of the plants. An apparatus body for accommodating the cultivation bed has a gas-supply unit for supplying gas toward a location in the vicinity of a growing point of the plants. A gas-conditioning unit is arranged on the apparatus body for conditioning gas therewithin. An illumination unit for emitting a light to the plants.

Abstract: An environmentally controlled cabinet is provided for maintaining and displaying plants of various types indoors. A fresh water supply, cooling system and exhaust and ventilation fans are contained in the cabinet, so that the entire system is portable. The cabinet further includes a computerized control system, which is responsive to user input commands for controlling various environmental functions, such as plant watering, temperature, humidity, air circulation and lighting. The ambient conditions within the cabinet are programmable for daytime, nighttime and seasonal cycles. The ambient temperature within the growing chamber can be maintained at a relatively constant level, or alternatively, a temperature differential can be maintained within the growing chamber to accommodate various types of plants which thrive under different temperature conditions.

Abstract: A house plant hospital comprises a closed container in which a potted plant may be positioned and covered by a hingedly-attached lid. A plurality of lights are mounted within the container, while the plant may be occasionally rotated by being positioned upon a "lazy susan" support. In an alternative embodiment, provision is made for supporting several layers of plants and a water spray system is also provided. Additionally, fertilizer and pesticides may be sprayed over the plants while they are retained within the container. The closed container positionable over the plants operates to retain heat provided by the artificial light source so as to prevent the plants from being damaged in a cold environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an axenic mass culture apparatus comprising a light source for illuminating an entire surface of a culture liquid in a culture tank. According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve a light-illuminating type high-speed axenic mass culture of biotic cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for promoting generation of exhaled organic compounds from trees comprised of a potted tree container, a pot stand means mounted on the bottom of the container, the pot stand means is comprised of a plurality of trees in pot trays arranged at intervals so that contact can be made between branched of adjacent trees. A water supply for supplying water to potted trees is provided and an illuminator is mounted in container with, apparatus for rotating all or a part of pot trays. An air suction port for sucking air into the potted tree container, and an air exhaust system for discharging air containing volatile organic compounds released by the potted trees into the interior of a room are provided. All or a part of trees are rotated while in contact with each other such that each tree is mechanically stimulated by an adjacent tree so that the stimulation from adjacent trees increases the amount of volatile organic compounds released from the trees.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant growing and cultivation system, comprising a plant growing table (1), plant growing containers (8) mounted in said table as well as a drainage system for surplus water and condensing water from said plant containers. The table is built with profiles (4,5), connected to each other and forming bearing supports (15,21) for soil-carrying plates or plant containers mounted in the table, which bearing supports include elements, which form channels (16,22).

Abstract: A systemic plant interface replaces the roots of a growing plant by providing a perforate surface which mates to growing xylem tissue of a vascular plant and provides fluid communication and support necessary to sustain the aerial portions of a viable plant.

Abstract: An apparatus for aeroponically growing plants, having a housing including a partition defining an upper compartment and a lower compartment, the partition including means of supporting a plurality of plants. The apparatus comprises a fog generator including a container for receiving a quantity of water, and a ultrasonic transducer located within the container to be immersed in the water when received therein, and thereby to generate a fog in the upper end of the container. Also having conduit means to direct the generated fog to the compartments of the housing.

Abstract: In a plant culture apparatus, plants being cultured are accommodated in a body. A culture bed is arranged within the body for culturing the plants. An illuminating device is arranged within the body for emitting a light to the plants on the culture bed. A gas-conditioning device is mounted to the body for recirculating gas therethrough. The illuminating device includes a lighting unit for emitting ultraviolet rays to the plants, and a transducing unit arranged below the lighting device for transducing the ultraviolet rays emitted from the lighting unit, to visible radiation. The transducing unit has long-wave absorbability and is formed by a plate element having its entire surface which is coated with phosphor.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided comprising a housing for growing plants under controlled conditions. The housing is defined by a base, walls and a cap. Electrical sockets are mounted in the housing, and fluorescent lamps are electrically connected to the sockets. Supports connected to the wall in spaced-apart relation to the sockets are releasably engageable with the fluorescent lamps for support thereof. A typical wall is formed with a recess having a given length in a first direction. The support is made of a flexible material and is formed with a stem, clips extending from one side of the stem for embracing and supporting the fluorescent light, and a head extending from another side of the stem and engageable in the recess. Arms lead away from the head and wall at first locations adjacent to and on either side of the stem and towards the wall at second locations farther from and on either side of the stem. Feet are respectively at distal ends of the arms and engageable in the recess.

Abstract: A hydroponic apparatus providing a controlled environment for plant growth including artificial light and periodic flushing with a liquid nutrient. Plant growing containers filled with growth media mounted horizontally on a box like structure containing an air tight storage container for liquid plant nutrient extending beneath the enclosures containing the plant containers. Compressed air admitted to the storage tank forces the nutrient liquid up, through the laminated filter section, into the plant container from which the nutrient drains back into the storage tank. A canopy over the assembly contains electric growth lamps and a roll up trellis.

Abstract: A system for cultivating and harvesting bean sprouts includes an enclosed container having a door movable between open and closed positions for excluding external light from the interior of the container when the door is in a closed position. A plurality of bean sprout support elements, each of the elements defining an open mesh screen for supporting beans and bean sprouts growing from the beans, are removably stacked within the container in vertical, spaced apart relationship with each other. A cultivating fluid is circulated within the container and over and around the beans and bean sprouts. The bean sprouts are harvested by positioning the bean sprout support elements onto conveyor elements which cause the support elements and bean sprouts to be passed over serving elements which separate fine roots and chaff from the bean sprouts, and the bean sprouts are collected for later use.

Abstract: A plant display container with seeds and growth medium whereby growth of a plant may be monitored and measured. The elongated, transparent container encloses a growth medium, seeds and a measuring device. The measuring device is slidably inserted into the container above the seeds and the growth medium. As the plants grow from the seeds, they push the measuring device upward, physically measuring and visually demonstrating the amount of plant growth having occurred.

Abstract: A culturing apparatus including a culturing tank for culturing cells, organs or tissue strips of a plant, internally therein, and a cutting device for cutting cultured plant bodies arranged within the culturing tank, wherein a push-out means for urging the plant bodies against the cutting device is further provided or the cutting means is made movable so as to be urged against the plant bodies.

Abstract: Cut end (22) of an aquatic plant branch (18) is engaged in the mouth (21) of a gas release tube (19) which goes from a photosynthesis tank (2) containing branch (18).Tube (19) establishes a vessel (link 2) connecting photosynthesis tank (2) and a tank (4) in which a test tube (26) collects the release. Between the two tanks, the tube passes through a compartment (3) for observation of the release. The apparatus has a transparent bottom (16) allowing it to be placed on the light table of an overhead projector to project the image of the experiment on a screen.

Abstract: A method for fostering the germination of plant seeds or the cultivation of plant cuttings wherein light-emitting diodes are positioned closely proximate the plant seeds or plant cuttings and energized so as to emit irradiating light on the plant seeds or plant cuttings of a wavelength between 400 and 800 nm. The light-emitting diodes can be energized with continuous or intermittent, high frequency energy.

Abstract: The present method and apparatus can be applied to cultivation of young seedlings of Welsh onion economically in a mass production way utilizing the growing progresses of this vegetable, during which seed coats can be scraped and removed by the flange of each mesh of a screen sheet or screen film when a stalk stretches itself at the knee part uprightly. Young seedlings of Welsh onion are supplied as material for hors-d'oeuvre, soup and Japanese "sushi".

Abstract: A growing chamber defined by sidewalls and a top spanning the chamber inside the walls. The top is mounted to be vertically moveable to change the chamber height. The walls and top are coated to be ninety percent reflective. A horticultural lamp is mounted on the top and a timer turns it on and off. Carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the chamber the gas being controlled to be supplied intermittently, but only while the lamp is on.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the propagation of plant cuttings under aeroponic conditions. An aqueous plant growth nutrient and hormone composition is applied as an intermittent hydro-atomized mist to plant cuttings suspended in an enclosed chamber. The aqueous composition is formed by mixing tap water at standard pressure, and a concentrated hormone, nutrient or other plant growth composition in a suction venturi, and directing the aqueous composition through a distributing manifold to mist nozzles. The venturi and distributing manifold are periodically drained to allow subsequent venturi suction and mixing. Timer controlled solenoid valves regulate the water flow and drain. Excess aqueous composition may be recirculated or discarded.

Abstract: A hydroponic plant growing device comprising a container adapted to hold a particulate growing medium and nutrient solution and at least one siphon generating means with inlet opening communicating with the interior of said container and outlet opening communicating with the exterior of said container, the vertical dimension of said siphon generating means being such that the uppermost edge is positioned below the maximum fluid level of said container so as to allow passage of liquid therethrough before the liquid within said container reaches the maximum level.

Abstract: Preparing a foodstuff for human or animal consumption by sowing seeds of at least one quick-germinating plant of a type such as to produce strong root systems in peat which is allowed to lie in a layer having a thickness in the range of from 40 to 200 mm for a vegetation period of from 10 to 21 days, there being at least 900 Kg of seeds per hectare of the layer and recovering the germinated seeds and the peat as the foodstuff.

Abstract: An installation for the cultivation of crops on water includes a box-like floatable outer housing and an inner cultivation housing supported therewithin and forming a double-walled bottom and double-wall sidewalls therewith. A transparent plate glass roof surmounts the outer housing and is in air-tight relationship therewith. A drip plate of plate glass and having a plurality of holes extending therethrough is positioned over the cultivation housing. The bottom of the installation and the region between the double-wall sidewalls are in communications with the interior of the cultivation housing through the holes in the drip plate. A plurality of ventilation tubes are mounted in the cultivation housing and extend through the drip plate and roof for communication with the outside air. One set of ventilation tubes extends beyond the roof to an elevation higher than that of a second set of the ventilation tubes. A lower portion of each ventilation tube opens into the interior of the cultivation housing.

Abstract: An enclosed hydroponic apparatus comprising a free standing reinforced base housing a nutrient feed supply including a temperature control device to partially control the temperature within the hydroponic apparatus, a plant enclosure including a frame to support a plurality of partitions attached to the upper portion of the free standing reinforced base and a plurality of frosted, convex light absorbing elements mounted on the upper portion of the frame to intercept and direct light to the plants disposed within the plant enclosure.

Abstract: Cloches are disclosed for growing plants in desert areas where only salt water or brackish water is available. The cloches disclosed include a housing defining growing space for a plant or plants and a reservoir for water within the housing, the arrangement being such that water can be evaporated from the reservoir into the housing by solar energy to condense subsequently within the housing and water the plant or plants therein.

Abstract: A device for producing sprouts consisting of a receptacle for containing the growing sprouts having a drain therein and a water reservoir method above the first receptacle. The water reservoir is filled at a slow regulated rate and is automatically emptied into the first receptacle at regular intervals. Heater means raises the reservoir water to the desired temperature and the entire assembly is contained within an insulated housing for maintaining a nearly constant temperature and providing a dark environment.

Abstract: An installation for rearing plants, comprising a plurality of successive culture chambers, each of said culture chambers comprising an endless circulating system on which plants are moved through zones under controlled environmental conditions, each of said culture chambers being confined at each end by an end wall panel which has the same configuration as the vertical transverse section of the culture chamber, said end wall panels being connected by elements which connect the peripheral edges of the disks and laterally confine the culture chamber.