Abstract: New plant strengthening agents based on phytohormones for application in plant husbandry or arable cropping, preferably in fruit or wine growing. The invention relates to the use of a compound selected from the group gibberellin A4 (GA4), gibberellin A7 (GA7), gibberellin A3 (GA3), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), N6-benzyladenine (BA) and S-abscisic acid (ABA), or of a mixture of at least two compounds selected from said group, as a plant strengthening agent, to formulations containing said active substances, as well as to a process for strengthening higher plants which is characterized in that a phytoactive amount of at least one of said compounds is applied to said higher plants, preferably to the epigeal parts thereof. Application in plant husbandry or arable cropping, preferably in fruit or wine growing, is preferred.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to procure medicinal plants for a patient with a valid medical prescription for a medicinal plant and meet current or proposed regulatory requirements. A self-contained medicinal plant grow environment allows an individual with a valid prescription to grow the medicinal plants to maturity at a selected location. A procurement method uses a broker to transfer a quantity of medicinal plants from a first patient to a second patient. A tracking certificate provides a document of the origin of a medicinal plant grown according to the apparatus and method of the invention. The invention provides for security and accountability for medicinal plants subject to government regulation and controls and can be adapted to situations relating to regulated possession quantity of medicinal plants and to government levied fees and taxes.

Abstract: An agronomic system is disclosed for the commercial production of green Cicer beans wherein a relative risk of caramelization is determined based on geographical data, macro climate data, and micro climate data for a given locale. Relative risk of caramelization helps select acreage to be planted. Additionally, an agronomic system and method for cultivation and commercial production of the green Cicer bean is described herein for preferred row spacing and variety selections that are usable for the commercial production of the green Cicer bean. Prior to the present invention there were no agronomic methods or systems adapted for commercial production of the green Cicer bean. The agronomic systems and methods disclosed herein also help to adjust planting times based on growing degree day calculations for given parcels wherein harvesting of the green Cicer bean is in rhythm with processing plant capacity.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention concern tobacco having reduced nicotine and nitrosamines, which is used to manufacture consumer tobacco products, and methods to produce such tobacco. More specifically, embodiments include methods to reduce nicotine and nitrosamines in tobacco crops by applying auxin, auxin analogs, and jasmonate antagonists during the cultivation of such tobacco crops. Tobacco generated using said methods and consumer tobacco products obtained therefrom are also embodiments.

Abstract: Sunburn and insect damage to fruit and vegetable crops is significantly reduced by treatment of both fruit and foliage with a preventative amount of thixotropic smectic clay material, chemically altered to render its surface lipophilic, which is combined with a wax emulsion comprising a matrix of complex hydrocarbons, an emulsifying agent and water. In the practice of this invention the sunburn and insect protective composition is further diluted in an aqueous solution that is sprayable by commercial applicators.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the concentration of antioxidants during senescence and curing of tobacco leaves include application of a chemical solution. The methods include spraying the solution onto the tobacco plant prior to harvest and/or applying the chemical solution to the soil surrounding roots of growing tobacco plants. The application of the chemical solution preferably occurs between topping and harvest, and is optimized to stimulate the production of antioxidants and interfere with the formation of TSNAs during curing. The tobacco can be burley tobacco subjected to air curing.

Abstract: A method for in-season nutrient application which includes the steps of: determining a nutrient response index for a field; measuring the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of a plurality of noncontiguous areas within an area; determining an average rate of application of the nutrient as indicated by the measured areas; and applying the nutrient to a second nearby area at the indicated rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of propagating and cultivating species of the genus Musa (and in particular bananas) by planting a whole defoliated sucker of this species substantially horizontally in the ground.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for suppressing cracking, stem browning, and water loss in fruit or vegetables, such as cherries. The methods comprise applying to fruit or vegetables an amount of a wax emulsion effective to suppress cherry cracking, stem browning, and water loss. The wax emulsion used in the methods of the invention typically comprises a matrix of complex hydrocarbons, one or more emulsifying agents, and water. In some embodiments, the wax emulsion comprises from about 0.125% to about 25% (weight/weight) of carnauba wax, from about 0.1% to about 16% (weight/weight) of oleic acid, and from about 0.03% to about 6% (weight/weight) of morpholine, and from about 53% to about 99.7% (weight/weight) of water. In some embodiments, the wax emulsions further comprise one or more osmoregulators.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a process for enhancing flower induction in strawberry plants by artificial means. The process comprises exposing the strawberry plants to reduced daylight temperatures and/or reduced daylight after the strawberry plant is grown for a period of time at a high temperature which temperature does not permit flowering.

Abstract: A method of enhancing and modifying the productivity of cranberry plants through commercial application of a plant-growth regulating composition to the plants during their bloom period to achieve a substantially consistent yield of miniature cranberries, and the yield of miniature cranberries that result therefrom. The method involves applying a plant-growth regulating composition, preferably gibberellin, to cranberry plants, most preferably during their mid-bloom period. The invention gives increased fruit set levels—80 % or even higher. In addition to higher fruit sets and, therefore, higher yields, application of the plant-growth regulator results in miniature parthenocarpic cranberries.

Abstract: A process for pollinating a crop of female cannabis plant contained in a building having internal ventilation ducting, wherein the process includes the steps of locating an intake for the internal ventilation ducting, providing a dispensable dispersant which includes male cannabis pollen or spores, and administering the dispersant into the intake so as to cause the dispersant to flow downstream into the ducting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a formulation for increasing the synthesis and accumulation of essential oil in aromatic plants and other plants. The formulation disclosed herein comprises a resistance inducer, such as an isomer of amino butyric acid or another amino acid, which is capable of increasing the synthesis of essential oil in an aromatic plant. The formulation may further comprise secondary metabolites as well as a carrier. Aromatic plants that may be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) and menthol mint (Mentha arvensis). The present invention also provides a method of increasing the essential oil content in aromatic crops and other plants.