Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for improving storage and/or transportation of food, flowers, plants, or the like by coating of the same with silk proteins or other substances including silk fibroin, chitin, acetylated monoglycerides, shellac, starch, high fructose corn syrup, mayauba wax, maydelilla wax, beeswax, vegetable oil, paraffin oil, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, cellulose, pectin, alginate, chitosan, gum Arabic, soy protein, zein, casein, and/or whey.

Abstract: A product holder assembly for a mobile cultivation of plants along a path in a hall includes a product holder having a bottom and an upstanding circumferential wall extending from the bottom, a first space extending from the bottom of the product holder along the wall to allow a medium or substrate for roots of the plants to receive nutriments and/or support from, a grid system arranged to be placed on the product holder to cover the first space in the product holder and to separate the first space from a second space adjacent to the grid system at a side of the grid system facing away from the first space, wherein the grid system is arranged for holding a plurality of separate plants, the roots of which to reach for the first space and the leaves of which to reach for the second space, wherein the grid system is arranged to operate in conjunction with an air duct system.

Abstract: The containment of plants and seedlings as such plants or seedlings are grown, transported, displayed and planted is provided. Containers are comprised of biodegradable materials that have the advantage of being formed into containers with various features, such as by an injection molding process, but that can be buried within the soil along with a plant's roots. Such containers allow for plant or seedling transplanting without having to separate the container from the plant's root system. More preferably, biodegradable plastics utilized in accordance with the present invention have properties such that the plastic can be injection molded and yet provide a stable structural container that will last in accordance with predetermined set needs, which needs may include environmental aspects, timing aspects and decompositional aspects. By utilizing injection molding, containers can be formed with many advantageous features.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the cultivation of a number of plants (9), comprising providing a carrier with apertures for said plants (3, 13) and providing a water supply (8), wherein said carrier can be provided on said water supply in a floating manner and wherein a growth medium containing the roots of said plant or the precursor thereof are placed in an air-containing intermediate space (10) in the apertures in said carrier at such a distance from said water supply that said roots of said plant or the precursor thereof are situated at a vertical distance (a) from said water supply, wherein at least two horizontally opposing sides of an upper part of the growth medium are sideways supported along a height (h) by corresponding sides of a removable side support structure (18), removably arranged on top of the carrier.

Abstract: This invention provides a truncated, ground-embeddable conical irrigation ring having an integral weed-abatement collar. The slight conical nature of the ring allows for nested stacking of the devices. A first embodiment device has an annular collar with a circular outer perimeter. The weed-abatement collar is wide enough to prevent most weeds from beginning growth outside the ring, creeping over the edge thereof, and into the plant growing region within the ring. The ring prevents water that is provided to a plant growing within the ring from seeping outwardly into soil were no plant growth is wanted. A second embodiment has a hexagonally-shaped weed-abatement collar that allows for honeycomb arrangements of multiple devices which completely cover the ground between irrigation rings. A third embodiment also has a hexagonally-shaped weed-abatement collar. Half of the collar perimeter is equipped with a light-blocking underlapping shelf.

Abstract: A biocompatible tissue-bonding adhesive composition having a polyol of functionality N. The polyol being terminated has at least one polyisocyanate in solution with at least (N?1)% of the solution having free polyisocyanate. N may be in the range 1.5-8. The polyol may be a branched polypropylene/polyethylene oxide copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for propagating growth of seedlings, having a main body comprising a base, a central wall extending vertically from the base. A first wall section and a second wall section are arranged to the main body. The first wall section and the second wall section are hingeably connected to the main body. The base, the central wall, the wall sections forms in the closed condition at least two cells being open at top. The base comprises a sup-porting structure at the lower part of the main body, wherein the main body is provided with supporting means for holding an irrigation mat. The present invention also relates to a tray designed for receive and carry one or more of said containers, a greenhouse including the tray and one or more of the mentioned containers, and a method for propagating growth of seedlings.

Abstract: A biodegradable plant pot is formed from a paperboard-based blank wrapped about an axis and having a first longitudinal edge portion overlapping and adhered to an opposite second longitudinal edge portion of the blank so as to form an overlap seam. The blank is oriented with the machine direction of the paperboard running substantially parallel to the axis and the cross-machine direction running substantially circumferentially about the side wall, such that the machine direction of the paperboard runs lengthwise along the overlap seam. Cuts are formed in the side wall adjacent to and at circumferentially opposite sides of one end of the overlap seam, the cuts being confined to a localized region adjacent the one end of the overlap seam.

Abstract: A biodegradable cultivation tube, particularly designed to minimize root-twisting using specifically constructed tube edge profiles and tube holes. The cultivation tube has evaporation reducing and moisture trapping properties including a fluid absorbing material and an evaporation protection skirt.

Abstract: A continuous assemblage of pots for raising and transplanting seedlings and a method of manufacturing the assemblage is provided, in which it is possible to extend the length of a link piece without folding an extension portion or arranging a slit, thereby making it possible to handle enlargement of the interval between the planted seedlings stably and reliably. A link piece is formed by folding back both ends of a strip-shaped thin film in the length direction, such that approximately one-fourth of the length of the thin film is folded back onto the same face of the thin film at each end, then attaching the folded-back portions to the same face of the thin film with a water-soluble adhesive. The link pieces are disposed in two rows in a staggered arrangement in which the folded-back portions are oriented such that they face the folded-back portions of the opposing link pieces.

Abstract: A system and related method for purifying indoor air comprising: a filter bed comprising a growing medium suitable for growing plants rooted therein and configured to be capable of sustaining an airflow therethrough between a top surface thereof and a bottom surface thereof; a micro-irrigation system comprising a plurality of irrigation source outlets for delivering water to the filter bed in a substantially-uniform fashion; an active region of the filter bed comprising that region of the filter bed configured so as to substantially have the airflow flowing therethrough; and micro-irrigation system configured such that water therefrom is capable of being projected so as to reach at least 50% of a top surface area of the active region.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a technology capable of planting seedlings in soil in planting ground such as dry land and allowing the seedling to root securely and grow without artificially supplying water continuously. Not only is a seedling fixed inside an upper opening portion of a tube having a length to a deep water-containing layer in the planting ground but also a growing medium is put inside the tube at a hardness that allows the root of the seedling to grow long downward, and the root of the seedling is allowed to grow below the tube, thereby obtaining the seedling having a long root. A vertical hole having approximately the same diameter as that of the tube is dug in the ground of the planting ground until reaching a soil layer having water quality and water quantity necessary for growth of plant, the seedling having the long root is buried in the vertical hole together with the tube, thereby planting the seedling in the planting ground.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for afforestation of recalcitrant land comprising the steps of preparing multiplicity of vegetation containers made of natural wood and having a thickness of 3-8 mm; growing plant seeds in a soil composition composed of sprouting promoter, rooting promoter, fertilizer and peat moss to obtain plant seedlings; placing the plant seedlings into the multiplicity of vegetation containers and airdropping the multiplicity of vegetation containers containing the plant seedlings onto the recalcitrant land.

Abstract: A plurality of plants of at least one species are planted in starter soil contained in a starter tray. The tray can have a perforated floor with a plurality of reinforcing ribs and one or more walls rising from the floor peripherally. The plants are nurtured in the starter tray long enough to develop entangled roots with an interplant root entanglement that at least partially consolidates the starter soil.

Abstract: A continuous assemblage of pots for raising and transplanting seedlings and a method of manufacturing the assemblage is provided, in which it is possible to extend the length of a link piece without folding an extension portion or arranging a slit, thereby making it possible to handle enlargement of the interval between the planted seedlings stably and reliably. A link piece 3 is formed by folding back both ends of a strip-shaped thin film in the length direction, such that approximately one-fourth of the length of the thin film is folded back onto the same face of the in film at each end, then attaching the folded-back portions to the same face of the thin film with a water-soluble adhesive. The link pieces 3 are disposed in two rows in a staggered arrangement in which the folded-back portions 6 are oriented such that they face the folded-back portions 6 of the opposing link pieces 3.

Abstract: A shipping cradle for seedlings and the like is both nestable and stackable. When stacked, a gap is formed between vertically-adjacent cradles to permit insertion and removal of trays of seedlings, and to permit visual inspection of the seedlings. A drainage system includes a series of channels and openings that prevent water from draining onto seedlings positioned in the lower cradles. The cradles are lightweight, and can be shipped in the nested position to substantially reduce shipping costs.

Abstract: A biodegradable cultivation tube, particularly designed to minimize root-twisting using specifically constructed tube edge profiles and tube holes. The cultivation tube has evaporation reducing and moisture trapping properties including a fluid absorbing material and an evaporation protection skirt.

Abstract: A planter box for transplanting or removing trees, shrubs, or plant material. The planter box includes four corner members and a first and second channel arranged on each corner member. The box has a plurality of wall members arranged within the channels. A plurality of fastening members are arranged between the corner members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a “BIODEGRADABLE GERMINATING PODS FOR SEEDLINGS”, having a main body formed by a tray or individual tubular pods having conical or other geometrical shape, and a sleeve with a passing hole in its lower end; the tubular pods have longitudinal guiding crevices or tracks; their upper end has a circular rim and its underside functions as a base for resting the tubular pod on the tray. The top section of the tray has several cavities placed equidistantly from each other, forming several tubular pods in its lower section, which are provided with passing holes. The body of the tubular pods itself consists of 20 to 70% cellulose, 5 to 20% calcium carbonate, 30 to 70% calcium sulfate, and the following micronutrients which are added according to the deficiency of such nutrients in the area where the seedlings will be planted: 0.001 to 15% Copper (Cu), 0.001 to 15% Zinc (Zn), 0.001 to 15% Magnesium (MG), 0.001 to 15% Iron (Fe), 0.001 to 15% Sulfur (S), 0.001 to 10% Boro (B), 0.

Abstract: Provided is an artificial plant growth medium that is useful as a substitute for naturally produced soil in supporting plant growth. The artificial plant growth medium includes a cohesive mass of polymer fiberballs. The artificial plant growth medium may include a cohesive mass of fiberballs that are composed of biodegradable and/or non-biodegradable polymer fibers for use in plant cultivation. The artificial plant growth medium provides the optimal balance of water, and air to support plant growth.

Abstract: A method for cultivating plants, wherein use is made of a multitude of cells, each comprising a container having a cylindrical or frustoconical inner side wall, which container is open at the upper side, wherein the containers are filled with a growth substrate containing a seed, and wherein a layer of powder is applied to the inner side walls of the containers before the growth substrates are placed in the containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of developing tree seedlings comprising germinating the seeds on a growing medium and air pruning the roots of the seedlings to a depth of about 3 inches.

Abstract: A method of making tree seedling plugs which permits the plug to be transplanted earlier is provided. The tree seeds are planted in a structured soil growing medium, and a miniplug is formed which may is then transferred to a standard size growing cell for further development to form the plug.

Abstract: A transplanting system including both methods and specific types of transplant apparatus such as propagule transplant trays(3, 4, 5, 6) addresses the need for the use of a propagule punch machine (8) on a variety of adolescent tray configurations (9, 11, 12, e.g.) and the increased operational efficiency that such enhanced operational capability affords. The system may involve at least one areally continuous propagule tray (3, 4, 5, 6) that is operationally compatible with a numerically significant number of adolescent plant trays. Other embodiments of the invention disclose punch pins (59) for use in a plant punch machine transplanter that are user-detachable and differentially designed so that plant punch elements of a certain design may be installed as part of the machine to customize the transplant process for a given species and transplant modality. The invention also provides for a consultable collection (such as printed documents or an electronic database, e.g.

Abstract: A starter cell for starting a plant has a first opening at the topmost portion of the cell for facilitating plant seeding and growth, a second opening at the bottommost portion of the cell for facilitating root passage for air pruning of the root, and a plurality of inward-facing ridges formed vertically along the cell walls and along any cell comers. The cell is characterized in that the ridges are strategically placed to guide developing roots to avoid twisting and balling. In some embodiment the ridges have feet to provided for stacking, for example.

Abstract: A growing system for plant seedlings that takes into consideration the varied requirements of the seedling; seedling and transplant environment; seedling cell (312) size; mechanical transplanter requirements; seedling leaf, stem and root development and coordinates all these requirements to increase transplanting yields may include larger containers that maximize yield and minimize damage. Aspects may eliminate left-over seedlings, reduce the number of manual steps, decrease labor, and increase transplant yields.

Abstract: a starter cell for starting a plant has a first opening at the topmost portion of the cell for facilitating plant seeding and growth, a second opening at the bottommost portion of the cell for facilitating root passage for air pruning of the root, and a plurality of inward-facing ridges formed vertically along the cell walls and along any cell comers. The cell is characterized in that the ridges are strategically placed to guide developing roots to avoid twisting and balling. In some embodiment the ridges have feet to provided for stacking, for example.

Abstract: A seed is placed in a receptacle filled with soil to grow into a plant. The plant is transplanted when it has reached a certain size and it is then desirable to be able to relocate the plant together with a coherent lump of soil. This is difficult to achieve, but the present invention makes it possible by providing a conical lump of soil that is formed in a depression with a bottom. When the plant has grown sufficiently large so that a root system has been formed, the bottom of the depression need only be upwardly displaced for a firm conical lump of soil with a plant to be obtained, which is easy to transplant.

Abstract: A seedling pot which uses a laminated sheet having a thermoplastic resin layer with waterproofing properties on at least one surface of a paper base material, and molded so that the inner surface is the thermoplastic resin layer is disclosed. The pot is designed so that the cross-sectional permeability of the paper base material is 100 mg/cm2 or less, and the product of the “load acting on the base/base circumference” and “leg height” is within the range of 3-25 g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transplanting a seedling and/or plant from a container that substantially reduces damage to the seedling and/or plant. The container includes at least one upstanding sidewall and an outwardly extending flange at an upper portion thereof. The upper portion includes slots therein which define a tab therebetween. A stress riser proximate an end of the slot is formed when the tab is manually forced downward, resulting in a portion of the sidewall stripping away to expose the contents of container. The contents of the container can thereby be easily and quickly removed without substantially damaging the seedling and/or the plant therein.

Abstract: The cylindrical container is made of paper and has a rim, a seam along the vertical dimension thereof and an overlap in that seam. The bottom end of the container has a twisted and flattened tuft of paper. A fold is provided around the rim. This fold encloses the overlap crosswise for retaining the shape of the container. The paper container is usable as a seedling pot. There is also provided a hand tool for manually forming these paper containers. This hand tool comprises a cylindrical body having a diameter, a closed end and an open end, and a handle mounted to the closed end. The hand tool also has a cavity extending inside the cylindrical body from the open end, where the tuft of paper is pushed in during the forming of the bottom end of the container. There is also provided a method for forming paper containers using the hand tool.

Abstract: A method of propagating plants or trees using a propagation tray configured to receive a plurality of seedlings or root cuttings comprising a tray member having a plurality of propagation cells each to receive a growing media and at least one seedling or root cutting therein and a tray floor with a plurality of apertures formed therethrough such that roots from the seedlings or root cuttings may extend from the growing media through the tray floor into a growing media below the propagation tray or be air pruned at the tray floor and at tray wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transplanting a seedling and/or plant from a container that substantially reduces damage to the seedling and/or plant. The container includes at least one upstanding side wall and an outwardly extending flange at an upper portion thereof. The upper portion includes slots therein which define a tab therebetween. A stress riser proximate an end of the slot is formed when the tab is manually forced downward, resulting in a portion of the side wall stripping away to expose the contents of the container. The contents of the container can thereby be easily and quickly removed without substantially damaging the seedling and/or the plant therein.

Abstract: A method of making tree seedling plugs which permits the plug to be transplanted earlier is provided. The tree seeds are planted in a structured soil growing medium, and a miniplug is formed which may is then transferred to a standard size growing cell for further development to form the plug.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transplanting a seedling and/or plant from a container that substantially reduces damage to the seedling and/or plant. The container includes at least one upstanding side wall and an outwardly extending flange at an upper portion thereof. The upper portion includes slots therein which define a tab therebetween. A stress riser proximate an end of the slot is formed when the tab is manually forced downward, resulting in a portion of the side wall stripping away to expose the contents of the container. The contents of the container can thereby be easily and quickly removed without substantially damaging the seedling and/or the plant therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved nursery tray and apparatus for handling such a nursery tray during propagating and growing periods, the tray (10) comprising a plurality of cells (18) in a predetermined array having two opposed side walls (14, 15) and two opposed end walls (16, 17), the tray being characterized by a plurality of spaced slots (28) located in opposed walls (14, 15, 16, 17) with each slot (28) being aligned with a space between two of said cells (18) and each slot (28) having an open end at a lower edge of the walls (14, 15, 16, 17) in which the slots are formed, the apparatus for handling such trays being characterized by support members (40) interconnected by chains (46) into an endless configuration capable of being driven by drive means (42) such that the support members move along guideways (41), the support members (40) each having at least one elevated tray engagement part (45) configured to engage in tray edge formations such as the slots (28) to support the trays in a manner

Abstract: A seedling container and a method of making the same, that includes a sleeve filled with a compressed plant growth medium and having a first end, a second end, and a defining sidewall. The sidewall has at least one integrally formed tear away strip that extends between the first end and the second end. The tear away strip enables the sleeve to be readily removed to enable a seedling to be planted that is encased in plant growth medium.

Abstract: Planting containers of substantial sizes are made by rolling up previously prepared mats of natural fibers that are biodegradable and contain a growing medium in the mats. A rolled-up coil of such mats is held together by stitching or netting or wire mesh or the like. The mats are rolled onto a removable core. Once the coil is finished and the core is removed, the resulting space inside the coil will be closed at the bottom by a plug also of biodegradable material.

Abstract: A strips peeling off apparatus and a carrying conveyor are disposed on a body of a machine for transplanting seedlings. A series of pots is taken out from a multiple series of pots 1 placed on the body through a pair of guide plates by pulling two strips with a pair of taking-out rollers through the pair of guide members toward the front side of the body to expose the seedlings with soil exposed from the pots of the series of pots. The seedlings with soil are carried toward the rear end side at the same velocity as the velocity of the body by clamping the root block portion of the seedling with a first conveyor, and subsequently, with a second conveyor, by clamping the leaf portions of the seedlings to carry the seedlings toward the rear side of the body into a planting groove formed by an opener mounted below the body.

Abstract: A Metamorphic Damping-off Guard (30) accessory for improving the performance of an excess water shedding root shaping plant container (100) is disclosed. Guard (30) is placed on top of the container's protrusion (120). This arrangement reduces soil moisture under a seedling's (70) stem and thereby protects it from damping-off disease. Guard (30) can be used in combination with an insertable protrusion (20) to provide similar protection for a seedling planted in a conventional plant container (10). The Metamorphic Damping-off Guard (30) is made from a durable component and a biodegradable component. The durable component is comprised of a quantity of small, rigid, durable, nonabsorbent, non-biodegradable, non-toxic objects, such as stones (35). The biodegradable component is comprised of a biodegradable, nonabsorbent, non-toxic cement, such as wax (37). The cement binds the objects together into an easily handled whole. The Metamorphic Damping-off Guard (30) changes its properties over time.

Abstract: A method for treating plant seed is provided comprising contacting them with a first surface of semi-permeable membrane having first and second surfaces, the second surface being in direct contact with a solution of predetermined osmotic potential, whereby the seeds abstract water from the solution through the membrane, wherein the seed and semi-permeable membrane are constantly or periodically caused to move relative to each other such as to constantly or periodically reorient the seed with respect to the first surface such that the transfer of water occurs evenly over substantially the entire surface area of the seed. For seed priming the osmotic pressure and the period for which the seeds are maintained in contact with the membrane are sufficient to allow pre-germinative metabolic processes to take place within the seeds up to a level limited to that immediately preceding radicle emergence. Methods for germinating seed and inducing desiccation tolerance in seed are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for germinating dehulled brown rice comprising the steps of selecting fully matured rice having strong germination force among rice having peeled-off chaffs immersed in salty water, pounding the selected fully matured rice into dehulled brown rice, germinating primarily the dehulled brown rice in the water for 6 to 10 hours at a temperature of 12.degree. to 18.degree. C. and thereafter remaining in the water for 1 to 8 hours at a moderate increased temperature of 20.degree. to 32.degree. C. germinating the primary germinating dehulled brown rice which is located at approximately 1 cm above a water level at ambient temperature for 2 to 5 hours, and next the free of water dehulled brown rice being immersed in the salty water or mud-deposited water for 8 to 24 hours at a temperature of 20.degree. C.

Abstract: Protective enclosures for seeds provide a self-contained environment for protecting the seeds in their early growth stages in arid or hostile environments. A protective enclosure (10) for one or more seeds (15) comprising an outer shell (11), said shell (11) being permanently or temporarily liquid-impermeable in at least one direction, and a hygroscopic material (14) contained within the the shell (11) surrounding at least one seed (15), said material (14) being capable of absorbing and storing liquid.

Abstract: Peat moss having water repellency when it is dry is used as culture soil by subjecting it to a water repellency preventing treatment. In addition, a seedling-growing peat board with few germs and impurities, being lightweight and easy to handle, and particularly suitable for use as bed soil of a seed bed, is provided. The culture soil contains peat moss which is water repellent when dry, and a water-absorbing clay adhered to the surface of the peat moss. This is accomplished by treating water to render it absorbable by peat moss, suspending a water-absorbing clay in the treated water, contacting the peat moss with the suspension to absorb the suspension onto the surface of the peat moss, and drying the peat moss.

Abstract: A product made of bound mineral wool for the cultivation of plants, in which a reversibly water adsorbing agent insoluble in water is bound to the mineral wool, serves for the extensive grassing of soilless grounds, in particular the grassing of roofs. It contains, as a reversibly water adsorbing agent, in particular pyrogen silicic acid. Preferably, the product is available in the form of a felt or the form of a plate with a density of more than 50 kg/m.sup.3, particularly more than 70 kg/m.sup.3.

Abstract: The assemblage consists of an in-ground assembly container 100 for plant propagation, formed of plastic strips 112 joined together to form, when compressed, a honeycomb configuration of container cells 110. Each cell is used to grow individual types of trees or plants. Walls of the cells are respectively embossed to enhance containment of potting soil. By combining the honeycomb container cells 110 with a pervious mat 120 and an impervious supporting liner 130, applied nutrients and water will not escape into the ground soil except by controlled pipe drainage 140. This combination will thus allow for total water and nutrient recirculation back through the system. The outlay includes a PVC liner 130, an optional drainage layer 120 and weed control fabric 122.

Abstract: A starter plant (10) is planted in soil (17) in a bottomless container (18), which is placed on a support surface (28). The plant is allowed to grow in a controlled environment until a time in its growing season when its root system is sufficiently developed to hold the soil (17) in the container (18) when the container (18) is removed from the surface (28). Then, the plant and the container (18) are planted as a unit in soil (30) in a field. The plant is allowed to grow to full size in the field, where it develops a densely rooted basal plate (32) inside the container (18) and feeder roots (34) that extend below the bottom of the container (18) into the soil (30). The plant is harvested from the field by undercutting the feeder roots (34) and removing the container (18) and the plant as a unit from the soil (30). The foliage (12) may be trimmed to a volume no bigger than the container (18), and the trimmed plant (38) may be stored or shipped.

Abstract: An apparatus for the gripping of plants located in a container is disclosed. This apparatus comprises a pushing element, which pushes the ball of the plant upwardly from underneath, until the ball is released for a substantial part above the container. Then the ball is gripped by a number of gripping arms, movable in a horizontal direction, which transports the ball including the plant to its destination. To be able to push the ball upwards the container comprises at location of each of the cavities for the balls a guiding channel for the pushing element. This channel has a cross-section of a star-like configuration, the number of points thereof coinciding with the number of points of the pushing element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for marketing and planting plant bulbs. The apparatus includes a bag for enclosing a plant bulb, a filament attached to the bag for lowering the bag to a preferred depth in a planting hole, and an identifier element attached to the filament for identifying the variety of the plant bulb and the color of the flowers produced by the bulb.

Abstract: A pot for nursery plants having opposed walls joined along their edges with margins of the walls having a series of openings to promote air-pruning of the plant roots. The wall edges may be joined to one another by various means including fusing, adhesives, taping or the pot may be a molded structure. A rack is disclosed having receptacles of appropriate shape to receive a multitude of pots of similar external shape for pot support in a snug manner. A modified form of the pot includes three wall members each having a series of edge located openings. The walls are joined along their edges with each wall member having legs to provide a free-standing pot.