Abstract: The liquid elicitor of chitin and chitosan and micronutrient trace elements of the present invention involves induced systemic resistance (ISR)/innate immunity responses within plants. Dilute solutions are applied to propagules (fractions of microgram per seed and/or plant), which causes natural biotic defense responses by seedlings and/or plants. The application may be as seed coating, irrigation water, and/or foliar spray, wherein propagules bioactivate systemic disease defenses against bacteria, fungi, insects and parasitic nematodes. Benefits include enhanced biocontrol of seed viability, seed germination, seedling vigor, plant growth, flowering and harvest yields for legumes, grains, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, trees, sugar beet, and grass. By nature, this homeopathic invention benefits the entire environment by being natural, biodegradable, and by promoting beneficial soil organisms.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining when plants require watering, and methods of attending to the watering of plants including signaling the grower that the plants are in need of hydration are provided. The novel methods include real-time measurement of plant metabolics and phytometric physiology changes of intrinsic physical or behavioral traits within the plant such as determining physiological flux measurement of enzyme flux due to environmental changes such as the wind and drought stress, soil and plant mineral deficiencies, or the interaction with a bio-control for organic disease control including, cell movement, signal transduction, internal chemical processes and external environmental processes including when plants require watering, and methods of attending to the watering of plants including signaling the grower that the plants are in need of hydration.

Abstract: A liquid micronutirent elicitor involving a cell to cell signal transduction system within a plant which is applied to propagules (seed and/or plant) causes natural defensive responses to be produced by the seed and/or plant. This substance may exist as a seed coating, irrigation water, and/or foliar spray for a period of time so that the propagules may have enhanced disease control until the propagule develops sufficiently to fend for itself against parasitic nematodes. The benefits of incorporating the solution include increased vigor, blooms, and harvests. Crops include legumes including soybeans, as well as wheat, canola, corn, peanuts, sunflowers, peppers, tomatoes, grapes, and potatoes.

Abstract: An aeroponic growing apparatus is provided which comprises a novel low pressure liquid nutrient delivery system generated by centrifugal force utilizing a rotating cylinder device. The rotating cylinder device distributes liquid nutrient solution to the roots of plants by use of centrifugal force, thereby eliminating the need for a high pressure pump and nozzles. The geometrical shape of the enclosed root growth chamber is such that it allows for fractionated droplets to ricochet in multiple random directions thus completely surrounding the plant roots in 360° in any plane.

Abstract: An aeroponic growing apparatus is provided which comprises a novel low pressure liquid nutrient delivery system generated by centrifugal force utilizing a rotating cylinder device. The rotating cylinder device distributes liquid nutrient solution to the roots of plants by use of centrifugal force, thereby eliminating the need for a high pressure pump and nozzles. The geometrical shape of the enclosed root growth chamber is such that it allows for fractionated droplets to ricochet in multiple random directions thus completely surrounding the plant roots in 360° in any plane.

Abstract: A planting system involving a non-damaging stimulus (3) which is placed in the vicinity of a propagule (2) causes a naturally defensive substance (5) to be produced by the propagule. This substance may exist within an encapsulant (1) for a period of time so that the propagule may have enhanced disease control until it develops sufficiently to fend for itself. In one embodiment a large encapsulant surrounds a potato tuber. This encapsulant may include chitin to cause the release of chitinase through intermediate stimulants such as mRNA and activated carbon to absorb or release particular substances. The encapsulant is bound through the use of pentosan which acts with flaked chitin to achieve an outer casing and further protect the propagule both mechanically and chemically.

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.