Abstract: A method for cultivating an alga, which comprises growing the alga in a light field substantially free from light of wavelengths of not more than 340 nm; and a covering material for use in the cultivation of algae, said covering material substantially inhibiting the transmission of light of wavelengths of not more than 340 nm.

Abstract: In a chamber for cultivating plant growth, a plurality of light fixtures are employed, each containing a high intensity discharge lamp. The bulb of the lamp serves as an inner transparent wall and a globe functions as an outer transparent wall. In the space between the bulb and globe water is caused to flow in order to remove unwanted radiation and heat generated by each lamp before the radiation is transmitted into the growth chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymeric material having incorporated therein, 2,5-di-(5-tert-butyl-2-benzoxazolyl) thiophene for use as a substance transmissive to visible light.

Abstract: The plant-mobile is a rotating plant hanger which includes a rotatable frame adapted to support a number of hanging plants. Embodiments of the plant-mobile are adapted to be moutned either from a wall or a ceiling, and the plant-mobile includes an associated ceiling or wall mounting means. The rotatable frame includes round balls or hooks from which potted plants may be hung. In addition, the rotatable frame includes radial members which may be used to support the shoots of climbing plants or vines.

Abstract: This disclosure is of a controlled environment agriculture system in which a plurality of plant grow support racks are arranged in an array complementary to that of the lamps which provide illumination for the grow racks, so as to provide two positions for the rack array in each of which positions alternate racks are fully illuminated and the others not. The lamps then may be operated continuously and the rack array shifted between these two positions to provide alternating periods of full illumination and relative darkness for each rack. Means also are provided for improving the uniformity of air distribution to all racks within the array, and for control of humidity within the system by adjustment of the rate of moisture removal by the air conditioners to balance that of moisture addition through plant transpiration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating plant growth in which light is alternately directed at the plants from at least two directions. The frequency at which the light is shifted between directions is sufficiently low to allow the plant to react to the light source before the direction of illumination is shifted thereby increasing the growth rate of the plant. In one embodiment, the lights are arranged in two parallel rows above the plants with the rows longitudinally offset from each other so that the lights in each row are directly opposite the midpoint between lights of the other row. Each row is connected in a separately energized circuit so that as the circuits are alternately energized the light is directed onto the plants from at least two discrete directions.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling the abscission of plant parts by illuminating the plants during night periods with light having a wavelength selected from the group consisting of wavelengths in the order of 420nm, 550nm, 660nm and 740nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment for the investigation or optimization of the properties and/or raising methods of organisms, having a growth or breeding surface and/or space for the treatment and/or investigation of the organisms, and, if desired, sensory units for recording the values of environmental factors affecting the organisms and/or the properties of the organisms. According to the invention, the equipment has one or more treating and/or controlling units creating continuous or varying regular distributions acting in diverse directions with respect to at least two environmental factors.With the help of the equipment according to the invention, the properties of organisms and the effects and interactions of the conditions under which they are raised can be elucidated and optimized in a simple manner, using a minimum number of experimental individua, a minimum amount of material and an extremely short experimental period.

Abstract: A shade producing system including a powered track having a novel power driven motor for drawing a shade cloth between a gathered and extended position. The system may include suspension tracks for holding th cloth spread. Splicing means for the powered and suspension tracks are provided for achieving the desired length of extension of the cloth. A novel suspension strip structure is provided on the shade panel for suspending the shade cloth from the tracks.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention comprises a method for stimulating organogenesis of explants in a tissue culture comprising the step of illuminating the explant culture during at least a portion of its differentiation stage with light having a predominate spectral emission of approximately 660nm.A second aspect of the invention includes the additional illumination of the explants with 740nm light, subsequent to an intervening period of preferably one to two weeks. The 660nm light primarily stimulates shoot formation while the 740nm light primarily stimulates root formation. The intervening period precludes photoreversibility of the initially obtained light effects.

Abstract: A versatile yet highly simplified and exceptionally utilitarian plant growth apparatus assembly is comprised of a combination, in desired practical plurality, disposition and geometry and arrangement, of several individual and self-contained functional units and structures that are modular in nature and applicability and cooperable for engagement and association with one another so as to constitute the wanted and/or necessary resultant effective and operable assembly; the modular units being severally and characteristically in the nature of either mechanical structure members and/or environmental control systems electrical or otherwise in nature and/or light-providing components; the several said units further being peculiarly adapted for very quick and easy mounting and construction into, change and alteration within, addition to or disassembly from the structured apparatus assembly.

Abstract: A method for increasing the yield of recoverable sugar from sugar beets is disclosed, wherein the beets are illuminated during at least a portion of the night with light having a wavelength in the range of 560nm to 700nm.

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: In a solar heat collecting and storage system in which mirrors reflect sunlight on a heat storing material such as a pile of pebbles, with air being drawn into the pile of pebbles so the heat accumulating on the surface of the pile is drawn into the center of the pile of pebbles, is located an artificial light of the correct color so that it will produce crop growth. When the sun is not shining the mirrors, that have been used to collect solar heat, are used to reflect this artificial light over growing crops and thus produce crop yields greater than normal.

Abstract: Water with algae and nutrients follow a meandering flow path, across which are established alternating, wide, dark and narrow, illuminating zones.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing plants using artificial light wherein pulsed fluorescent lamps are placed among the plants themselves below the plant tops and are pulsed on and off at a rate such that the plant can utilize the light photons in a chemically useful way with regard to that rate which maintains the lamp bulb temperature below a level that would be harmful to the plants. This technique significantly enhances growth and enables the lamps to be used as a supplemental lighting system in combination with natural light. To increase the life and overall yield of the plants an arrangement is also provided which includes a compartment containing a nutrient solution and a movable belt or the like to which the roots of a plant attach.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for growing plant life under controlled conditions including gas discharge lamps with electronic means utilized to provide predetermined pulses of electric current to the lamps so that bursts of radiant energy are supplied to the plant life, these bursts of energy being of a duration in the order of microseconds and at a periodicity that is favorable to the plant growing processes. The radiant energy supplied to the plant life is within the spectral range required for photosynthesis and is uniform to the photoreceptors of the plant life.