Electroculture ( IV )-- Articles & Patents

PATENTS

Agricultural applications of a double helix conductor
US8919035

Inventor: David G. Schmidt

Abstract: An electrical system having an underlying structure resembling the double helix most commonly associated with DNA is used to produce useful electromagnetic fields for agricultural applications.

SUMMARY

[0004] One aspect of the invention relates to an electrical system for promoting growth of a plant and/or other organisms. The system includes a body, one or more conductive wires, and a current source. The body includes two intertwined helically wound runners arranged in at least two complete revolutions per runner. A first runner is coupled to a second runner by struts. The body has a periphery. The body is installed around or near a plant. The first wire is carried by the first runner. The first wire is conductive. The current source is arranged to electrically couple with two leads of the first wire causing a first current through the first wire along the first runner. The current source is configured to cause the first current through the first wire such that an electromagnetic field is created in and around the body that promotes growth of the plant disposed within or near the periphery of the body...

[0018] For alternating currents, operating frequencies ranging from 0 Hz to 100 GHz are contemplated. Operating currents ranging from 1 pA to 10 A are contemplated. Operating voltages ranging from 1 mV to 20 kV are contemplated. In some embodiments, a root mean square voltage of about 12 V is supplied to wire 86. In a preferred embodiment, the frequency of the alternating current supplied to wire 86 is between 0 Hz and 20 kHz. In some embodiments, the current is less than about 1 pA, 1 nA, 1 mA, 100 mA, 250 mA, 500 mA, and/or other amounts of current. ..

Biological optimization systems for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and methods of use
US8656636

Inventors: Ryan W. Hunt, Senthil Chinnasamy, Keshav C. Das, Erico Rolim de Mattos

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biological optimization systems for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and methods of use...

[0005] Briefly described, embodiments of the present disclosure include methods for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency, among others, including: applying pulsed light to a photosynthetic organism; using a chlorophyll fluorescence feedback control system to determine one or more photosynthetic efficiency parameters, wherein the photosynthetic efficiency parameters are used to adjust one or more of the following: a pulse rate, pulse on/off duration, light intensity, light spectrum, or a combination thereof; and adjusting one or more of the photosynthetic efficiency parameters to drive the photosynthesis by the delivery of an amount of light to optimize light absorption of the photosynthetic organism while providing enough dark time between light pulses to prevent oversaturation of the chlorophyll reaction centers. ..

0010] FIG. 2 is a graph that illustrates the absorption maxima of chlorophyll a are lambda=430 and lambda=662 nm, that of chlorophyll b are at 453 and 642 nm. Royal Blue Luxeon K2 LED emits in the 440 nm to 460 nm range with a peak emission at 455 nm, with spectral half-width of 20 nm, very appropriate to excite chlorophyll a and nearly an exact match to excite chlorophyll b. Red Luxeon K2 LED emits in the 620.5 nm to 645 nm, with peak emission at 627 nm and spectral half-width of 20 nm, appropriate to excite chlorophyll b. Therefore, it is NOT obvious, based solely on Chlorophyll a and b spectra, that green light would enhance algae growth and metabolism...

0038] In high density algal cultures, high agitation and turnover rates can be used to provide more cells a better opportunity to absorb light energy for photosynthesis. As the density of algae, or concentration of chlorophyll in a given area increases, the color of actinic light can be adjusted from blue (440-490 nm), which is strongly absorbed, to cyan (505 nm) or green (530 nm), which is more weakly absorbed but has higher internal reflection allowing the light energy to penetrate deeper into the culture or canopy. This can allow an overall increase in photosynthesis in the given area. As photosynthetic organisms age, the distribution of pigments may change, which can alter the optimal absorption spectra for a given organism. Measuring the changes in pigment density and optimal color absorption in real-time, allows for an automated optimization (e.g., adjust wavelength, pulse rate, light intensity, and the like) of light absorption by a given photosynthetic organisms culture or canopy...

0053] It has long been known that the “Flashing Light Effect” in Photosynthesis can enhance the light utilization efficiency leading to better productivity (Kok, 1953; Phillips and Myers, 1954). The goal is to apply a photon flux density that is just enough to excite the majority of the light harvesting complexes to attain the maximum rate of growth, while simultaneously minimizing trapped surplus light, which renders losses in the form of heat and fluorescence. The excess absorbed light energy can cause damage to the photosynthetic apparatus from the reactive free oxygen radicals generated, known as photoinhibition. Thus, by using intermittent light, the number of excitations arriving at a closed reaction center decreases when flashes are shortened, permitting more efficient usage of light and less photodamage repair (Matthijs et al., 1995). The major potential boosts in bioproductivity stems from improving flux tolerance rather than from augmenting intrinsic photosynthesis efficiency. The ultimate rate limiting process for improving photonic flux tolerance and thus bioproductivity is the time scale for the dark reactions in algal photosynthesis. The matching of time pattern, spectrum and instantaneous intensity of pulsed LED photonic input to the dark reaction kinetics is the key to realizing superior flux tolerance (Gordon and Polle, 2007)…

1. It was found that pulsed LED's can dramatically affect the Chlorophyll a fluorescence kinetics leading to decreased NPQ, and enhanced photosynthetic yield and photochemistry.
2. Many of the modulated treatments exhibited similar decreases in excess energy dissipation and increases in photosynthetic capacity probably due to the similarities in the provided dark periods. These dark periods allow the dark reactions of photosynthesis time to process and the reaction centers time to re-oxidize to a fully open state offering maximal capacity for exciton capture and electron transfer efficiency.
3. The PAM's ability to detect small changes in the way energy is transferred through photosystem II demonstrates how this sensitive technique could be used to optimize artificial illumination for cultivation of plants or algae.
4. This study found that the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) is optimally minimized by a dark period duration no less than 300 μs, then gradually increase above 1 ms.
5. An increase in the effective photosynthetic efficiency (Yield) of approximately >400% and an additional increase in photochemical quenching (qP) ranging from ̃200-500% was exhibited by all samples treated with pulsed light than the control using continuous illumination.
6. These results not only confirm the highly beneficial nature of the flashing light effect in terms of chlorophyll reaction kinetics, but also open exciting new applications for optimizing photosynthesis in real-time with a PAM fluorometric monitoring system..

Out of the Earth Plant Re Grounding Rod
US20140020294

Inventors: LeRoy Charles Dunning, Pamela McKenzie, Scott Vincent Miscall

Abstract: A method to reconnect plants with the natural electron charge of the earth when grown out of the earth in containers no longer connected to the earth is disclosed. The method includes parts to combine into many configurations to provide a grounding connected to an earth ground or house ground to conductively couple indoor container potted plants and hydroponic growing systems to the abundant supply of free electrons from the earth to re create the same electrically charged growing environment as when planted in the earth...

[0014] It must be noted that normally container grown plants are not in direct contact with the soil in the earth. As a result, there is no electrical connection therebetween. This lack of electrical contact allows the container grown plant to develop its own local electrical field and static charge, which may or may not match the charge traditionally found in the outdoor environment. This mismatch in charges can hinder the development of the plant. To resolve this, the present invention provides a plant media grounding device in which copper prongs fit into a housing, such as a plastic housing, that is connected to a power cord. The prongs are inserted at the plant's base in the growing media. The power cord is plugged into an outlet. The plant then becomes grounded to the Earth ground of the building's power distribution system...

[ Identical : ]

Method and system for organic cultivating and environmental control of container grown plants
US8819988

Inventors: Michael Corsi, Stephen Doyle

Abstract: A method and system is provided whereby the environment of the container grown plant is controlled to replicate a natural environment. Since container grown plants are not in direct contact with the soil in the earth, a container grown plant can develop its own local electrical field and static charge that can hinder the development of the plant. A plant media grounding device is provided in which copper prongs fit into a housing that is connected to a power cord. The prongs are inserted at the plant's base in the growing media. The power cord is plugged into an outlet. The plant then becomes grounded to the earth ground of the building's power distribution system. In a further embodiment, the plant media grounding device may further include a variety of sensors in order to monitor the progress of the plant and the plant's environment...

0014] It must be noted that normally container grown plants are not in direct contact with the soil in the earth. As a result, there is no electrical connection therebetween. This lack of electrical contact allows the container grown plant to develop its own local electrical field and static charge, which may or may not match the charge traditionally found in the outdoor environment. This mismatch in charges can hinder the development of the plant. To resolve this, the present invention provides a plant media grounding device in which copper prongs fit into a housing, such as a plastic housing, that is connected to a power cord. The prongs are inserted at the plant's base in the growing media. The power cord is plugged into an outlet. The plant then becomes grounded to the Earth ground of the building's power distribution system. Certainly, the grounding system may be accomplished using various designs including but not limited to one and/or two pronged grounding devices, propagation flats, plant carrier trays and vases for cut flowers. Each unit can be inter-connected using a power extension cord...

Apparatus And Method For Biological Growth Enhancement
US20130318866

Inventor: Robert Dale Gunderman, JR.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for biological growth enhancement is disclosed. Organisms that will benefit from the apparatus and method of the present invention include seeds, fungus, bacteria, and the like. In one example, seeds are hydro-primed, exposed to a high voltage electric field, and prepared for germination. The resulting sprouts are larger than those that have not been treated by the apparatus for biological growth enhancement. In addition, the root systems of sprouts treated by the apparatus for biological growth enhancement were more advanced than those that were not treated. Benefits include increased production rate of edible sprouts, seedlings that are able to withstand adverse conditions such as drought at an earlier age, and a reduction in the resources required to grow sprouts and plants...

[0031] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a seed priming and treatment system of the present invention 100. Depicted in FIG. 1 is a first electrode 101 and a second electrode 103. The first electrode 101 is electrically connected to ground (for example, but not limited to the ground reference of the high voltage supply 105), and the second electrode 103 is electrically connected to the high voltage supply 105. In some embodiments of the present invention, the second electrode 103 is connected to a negative high voltage supply, and in other embodiments of the present invention the second electrode 103 is connected to a positive high voltage supply. In some embodiments of the present invention, the second electrode 103 is connected to a negative high voltage supply, and in other embodiments of the present invention the second electrode 103 is connected to a positive high voltage supply. The order and naming of the first and second electrodes is arbitrary, where the second electrode 103 may be the ground connection. The high voltage supply 105 may be a simple buck-boost circuit to provide high voltage, or it may be a commercial high voltage power supply such as the high voltage supplies manufactured by Emco High Voltage, Inc. In one embodiment of the present invention, the voltage provided by the high voltage power supply 105 may be in the range of 3,000-7,000 volts D.C., however, other high voltage values may also be suitable. In some embodiments of the present invention, the high voltage power supply 105 may provide pulsed D.C. or A.C., or high voltage with a frequency component, or various high voltage waveforms and frequencies with various associated current components. In some embodiments of the present invention, the high voltage provided to the electrodes is electrostatic, where there is low current but high voltage and there is no arcing or related breakdowns such as corona discharge. In other embodiments of the present invention, arcing or corona discharge may be applied either for the duration of the treatment of the seeds 107, or for a portion of the electrostatic treatment time with the remainder of the electrostatic treatment time being electrostatic. As seen in FIG. 1, the seeds 107 are resting on the first electrode 101.

...Green Bean seeds (Earliserve Bush from Livingston Seed Company) were hydro-primed for 24 hours before undergoing electrostatic treatment, 16 hydro-primed green bean seeds were exposed to 7,000 volts for 7 minutes with an electrode spacing of 3.5 cm., and then placed on a wet cloth in a Petri dish, where the water in the Petri dish contained 10-15-10 fertilizer. As a control, 16 hydro-primed green bean seeds from the same lot (no electrostatic treatment) were also simultaneously placed on a wet cloth in a Petri dish where the water in the Petri dish contained 10-15-10 fertilizer. Growing conditions for both sets was the same. In two days, in the group of electrostatically treated seeds, all seeds had sprouted and there were 6 of the total of 16 seeds that possessed a reticle greater than 0.3 inches long. By contrast, the control set (no electrostatic field exposure) had only 2 of the 16 total seeds with reticles greater than 0.3 inches long. After five days, all of the green bean seeds were sprouted. Generally, by visual Inspection, the green bean seeds that were electrostatically treated after hydro-priming had slightly thinner reticles than the green bean seeds that were not electrostatically treated.

[0034] In another experiment using Mung Bean seeds, 5 grams of mung bean seeds were hydro-primed for 29.5 hours, and 5 grams of mung bean seeds (control) were also hydro-primed for 29.5 hours. The mung bean seeds had sprouted by 24 hours in both instances. At 29.5 hours, the 5 grams of hydro-primed mung bean seeds that, had sprouted were exposed to 7,000 volts for 7 minutes with an electrode spacing of 3.5 cm. The control of 5 grams of hydro-primed mung bean seeds was not exposed to any high voltage electric field. Both the electrostatically treated mung bean seeds and the control group of mung bean seeds were maintained in separate Petri dishes on moist tissue paper with identical growing conditions next to each other. In 72 hours, it was observed that the electostatically treated mung bean sprouts were more advanced, with longer and generally larger sprouts, lire sprouts were allowed to grow for one week, and each day it was observed that the electrostatically treated sprouts were larger and generally more vigorous. Photos were taken to document this observed difference.

[0035] In a similar experiment using alfalfa seeds, 0.5 grams of alfalfa seeds were hydro-primed for 29.5 hours, and 0.5 grams of alfalfa seeds (control) were also hydro-primed for 29.5 hours. The alfalfa seeds sprouted by 24 hours in both instances. At 29.5 hours, the 5 grams of hydro-primed alfalfa seeds that had sprouted were exposed to 7,000 volts for 7 minutes with an electrode spacing of 3.5 cm. The control of 5 grams of hydro-printed alfalfa seeds was not exposed to any high voltage electric field. Both the electrostatically treated alfalfa seeds and the control group of alfalfa seeds were maintained in separate Petri dishes on moist tissue paper with identical growing conditions next to each other. In 72 hours, it was observed, that the electostatically treated alfalfa seed sprouts were more advanced, with longer and generally larger sprouts. The sprouts were allowed to grow for one week, and each day it was observed that the electrostatically treated sprouts were larger and generally more vigorous...

[0036] Further experimentation continued, and in January of 2013 wheat seeds were treated for five and ten minutes at 3 kilovolts, 6 kilovolts, and 11 kilovolts using the same experimental setup as before. The electrode spacing was 3.5 cm. and a control of 0 kilovolts was also used. Each sample set consisted of 200 wheat seeds in a Petri dish with adequate water. The seeds were soaked overnight before treatment. Six clays later, there was a noticeable height difference in the wheat grass sprouts, with 3 kilovolts for 5 minutes resulting in approximately 4.5 cm. sprouts, and 6 kilovolts for 10 minutes resulting in approximately 4.5 cm. sprouts. While the control (no voltage) produced sprouts of approximately 3.0 cm. and exposure to 11 kilovolts for five and ten minutes resulted in approximately 2.5 cm. sprouts. The sprouts exposed to 3 kilovolts for 5 minutes and 6 kilovolts for 10 minutes also had more extensive root systems.

Enriching the seed quality of a batch of seeds
US8341876

Inventor: Jacques Rene Alphons de Koning

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for separating two or more seed fractions having different germination quality, to a method for preparing a seed fraction enriched in seed quality, and to the use of a magnetic field. The method for separating two or more seed fractions having different germination quality comprises: mixing a feed of seeds comprising seeds with at least two densities with a magnetic fluid thereby obtaining a mixture, and applying a magnetic field to the mixture such that the mixture is exposed to a magnetic gradient so as to separate two or more seed fractions with different densities.

[0016] The invention is based on the underlying idea that the quality of the seeds is correlated to the density of the seeds. The method of the invention advantageously requires only one separation step of mixing the seeds with the liquid and thereby considerably shortens processing speed, but nevertheless allows the separation of multiple fractions of seeds having different densities. It is surprising that the density gradient in the magnetic fluid (brought about by the gradient in force of the magnetic field, herein also referred to as the magnetic gradient) can be set sufficiently accurate and sufficiently small in order to satisfactorily separate the seeds with low germination quality from the seeds with high germination quality. This accuracy of the claimed method allows to separate seeds with different germination quality wherein the seeds are from the same kind. Thus one batch of the same seeds, but with different germination quality can be separated. To be able to separate seeds with lower germination quality from seeds with better germination quality has enormous commercial impact...

..Preferably, the magnetic fluid comprises iron oxide particles. The magnetic particles can suitably have an average particle diameter in the range of 1 nm to 1 mm, preferably 10 nm-100 μm.

[0031] The magnetic fluid can suitably have a concentration of magnetic particles in the range of 0.001%-99%, preferably 0.1%-50%. The concentration used may depend of the density required. Vegetable seed such as tomato seed can be separated in a density brought about by a concentration of between 1%-5%. Preferably the magnetic particles are coated so that they do not stick together under the influence of a magnetic field. Such coated particles are commercially available. The magnetic fluid can further comprise one or more additives. Suitable fluids include commercially available ferrofluids such as for instance available from Ferrotec GmbH, Unterensingen, Germany...

[0035] The general principle of separation based on density in a magnetic medium is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,765. This principle can be used in aspects of the invention.

[0036] Suitable magnets for use in aspects of the present invention that are capable of generating a density gradient in a magnetic fluid are for instance disclosed in EP 1878505 and EP 1800753. The magnet may for instance be a magnet is a dipole magnet, more preferably a cylindrical dipole magnet. A suitable strength is for instance a magnetic field strength of about 0.001-1, more preferably 0.10-0.15 Tesla at the location of the magnetic fluid. The magnetic field may also be a rotating magnetic field as described in WO 0040336...

FUNGI PREVENTING METHOD, FLYING ORGANISM REMOVING APPARATUS AND PLANT PROTECTING APPARATUS...
US20120090228

Inventors: Hideyoshi Toyoda, Yoshinori Matsuda, Teruo Nonomura, Koji Kakutani, Shin-ichi Kusakari, Katsuhide Higashi

Abstract: A method is provided which can efficiently remove conidia and microbe or the like of a phytopathogen from air and does not cause generation of ozone originated from discharge or so, thereby preventing occurrence of a plant disease without damaging a plant. There are also provided a flying organism removing apparatus and a plant protecting apparatus which can adequately capture flyable organisms, such as spores of a phytopathogen and/or small vermin, by applying an electrostatic field to the flyable organisms. An electrostatic field generated by dielectric polarization is applied to flyable organisms.

Bioactive treatment of biological material from a plant source
US8156686

Inventor: Volodymyr Zrodnikov

Abstract: A method for bioactive treatment of biological material from a plant source by exposure to one or more electromagnetic pulses are described. The biological material is in a target irradiation area. At least one electric pulse is generated. At least one electromagnetic pulse is then generated responsive to the at least one electric pulse. The at least one electromagnetic pulse generated to have parameters in common with that of natural lightning's electromagnetic pulses. The biological material is irradiated with the at least one electromagnetic pulse for bioactivation of the biological material for enhancement of the one or more growth characteristics thereof.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLANT CAUTERIZATION
US20150027041

Inventor: Lee Redden

Abstract: A plant necrosis method including, by a computing system, identifying, for necrosis, an in-situ plant within a geographic area, based on measurements received from a set of sensors; selecting a treatment position on the in-situ plant for electric discharge application based on a plant cross-sectional dimension; and applying electric discharge to the treatment position...

[0048] The electrical discharge mechanism is preferably a Tesla coil 240, but can alternatively be a corona discharge mechanism, dielectric barrier discharge mechanism, or any other suitable discharge mechanism. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the Tesla coil 240 preferably includes a primary coil 241 extending in parallel with a longitudinal axis of a secondary coil 242, wherein the primary coil 241 encircles the secondary coil 242. The secondary coil 242 preferably functions as electrical ground, while the primary coil 241 is held at an elevated voltage, such that a potential difference is maintained between the primary and secondary coils. The primary and secondary coils are preferably concentric, but can alternatively be coaxial, offset, or arranged in any other suitable configuration. The primary and secondary coils are preferably electrically connected together in parallel, but can alternatively be electrically connected in series. However, the Tesla coil 240 can include any suitable number of coils electrically connected in parallel, in series, or a combination thereof. The Tesla coil 240 can additionally include a conducting wire electrically connected to the primary and/or secondary coil that functions to direct the electrical discharge. The conducting wire is preferably flexible, such that a linear segment of the plant (e.g., selected for electric discharge application) is capable of contacting a linear segment of the conducting wire, but can alternatively be substantially rigid, such that a segment of the plant contacts a point of, a small segment of, or does not contact the conducting wire, or such that the conducting wire is capable of mechanically penetrating a portion of the stem or branch. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, the electric discharge mechanism 230 can include a first electrode 243 and second electrode 244 biased at different electrical potentials, or include any other suitable electric discharge mechanism...

METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT OF PLANTS USING ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
US8667732

Inventor: Peter Gleim

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the treatment of plants using electromagnetic fields and consists in applying pulse sequences to growing plants or the seeds thereof in a pulsed electromagnetic field by means of a pulse generator, wherein the individual pulses have a frequency ranging from 1 to 100 Hz and the amplitude of each individual pulse corresponds to an exponential function or the pulses have envelope curves rising and falling in the form of an arc, wherein the individual pulses are emitted in synchronous or asynchronous groups of pulses having different magnetic flux densities, and wherein the plants are exposed to the pulsating electromagnetic field once to 30 times a day for 1 to 120 minutes each time or continuously for several days. Plant growth, germination and yields are significantly increased in an environmentally friendly manner. Resistance to diseases is increased...

[0009] The inventive method consists in the treatment of plants using electromagnetic fields and is characterized in that a pulse generator applies pulse sequences to growing plants or the seeds thereof in a pulsed electromagnetic field, wherein the individual pulses have a frequency ranging from 1 to 100 Hz and the amplitude of each individual pulse corresponds to an exponential function or the pulses have envelope curves rising and falling in the form of an arc, wherein the individual pulses are emitted in synchronous or asynchronous groups of pulses having different magnetic flux densities, and wherein a first pulse group has a pulse time of 0.1 to 0.3 seconds with a magnetic flux density of 35 to 100 μT and a second pulse group has a pulse time of 10 to 30 seconds with a magnetic flux density of 2 to 40 μT, and wherein the plants are exposed to the pulsating electromagnetic field once to 30 times a day for 1 to 120 minutes each time or continuously for several days.

[0023] The magnetic flux density is advantageously 3 to 99 μT altogether, preferably 3 to 55 μT, and particularly 10 to 60 μT.

[0024] The frequency range is preferably 8 to 60 Hz and particularly 8 to 40 Hz...

[0028] In contrast to a large-surface mat applicator (about 70 cm×170 cm), an intensive applicator has a supporting surface of only about 20 to 250 cm<2 >and can therefore have a magnetic flux density that is 2.5 to 3 times as high. A so-called coil cushion of 20-30 cm×30-50 cm can generate this increased magnetic flux density, too.

[0029] The pulse group is preferably emitted 2 to 6 times a minute for 10 to 30 seconds.

[0030] The magnetic flux density of a first pulse group is 24 to 99 μT, particularly 24 to 35 μT when a mat applicator is used or 60 to 99 μT when an intensive coil applicator is used.

[0031] The pulse group is emitted 2 to 6 times a minute. This pulse group is preferably emitted for 0.1 to 0.2 seconds.

[0032] The pulse sequence of the first pulse group is preferably 10 to 90 μT higher than the pulse sequence of the second pulse group, particularly 20 to 70 μT higher...

Methods for Treating Live Plants or Live Plant Parts or Mushrooms with UV-C Light
US20090272029

Inventors: Arne Aiking, Frank Verheijen

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling pathogen growth on live plants and mushrooms using UV-C light and an apparatus for use in the method. Also provided are methods for removing surplus leaves and methods for destroying aerial plant parts prior to harvest of underground roots, tubers or bulbs.

...The amount of UV-C light is between 0.002 (or 0.0025) and 0.16 J/cm<2 >during a period of 24 hours, more preferably between 0.002 (or 0.0025) and 0.15 J/cm<2>, especially equal to or below 0.16 or 0.15 J/cm<2>.

[0021] It has been found that a fluence in this range in a tissue of a plant is suitable to control the pathogens and that surprisingly only very low UV-C dosages are required to achieve and effective control. The optimal value of fluence depends on the plant species, the growth stage, type of pathogen and growth stage of the pathogen.

[0040] The present finding allows for the first time the effective control of pathogens on live, actively growing and/or photosynthesizing plant and/or mushroom tissues. Dosages of 0.16 or 0.15 J/cm<2 >of tissue surface (i.e. 160 or 150 mJ/cm<2>) or even significantly lower dosages may be used according to the invention. For example, Phytophthora infestans damage can be reduced significantly using as little as 0.002-0.01 J/cm<2 >tissue (2-10 mJ/cm<2>) applied over a period of 24 hours, with an optimal dosage being about 0.01 J/cm<2 >(10 mJ/cm<2>)...

[0049] In particular, it has been found that amounts of UV-C light between 0.002 (or 0.0025) and 0.16 or 0.15 J/cm<2 >during a period of 24 hours enables not to induce any, or at least not to induce plant tissue damage which has a negative effect on growth and yield of the plants, while still having an anti-pathogenic effect, i.e. controlling pathogen growth. Thus, especially, the normal growth and yield of the plurality of plants are not affected negatively, while pathogen growth is controlled...

...The dosage may need to be lower for younger tissue than for older tissue, but the skilled person can easily determine the appropriate dosage and frequency of application. Also tissue type may influence the optimal dosage. A stem may for example tolerate a higher dosage than a young leaf. Routine experimentation can be used to determine the optimal dosage or minimum/maximum dosage range. The dosage may thus be at least about 0.002, 0.0025, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.1, 0.15, 0.16 J/cm<2 >or more, but less than about 0.17, 0.2 or 0.25 J/cm<2 >during a period of 24 hours.

[0072] Preferred ranges of UV-C light include therefore 0.002-0.15 J/cm<2 >or 0.16; 0.0025-0.15 or 0.16 J/cm<2>; 0.002-0.006 J/cm<2>; 0.002-0.01 J/cm<2>; 0.0025-0.006 J/cm<2>; 0.0025-0.01 J/cm<2>. Such specific dosage ranges which apply a low dosage of a narrow wavelength (UV-C light of 240-260 nm or the end-points or any specific value in between this wavelength such as 254 nm, i.e. essentially without wavelengths below 240 and above 260 nm and without ozonized water or ozone production) per cm<2 >to one or more pre-selected parts of the plants are particularly advantageous because they are particularly effective and do neither harm the plants nor harm the environment around the plants, such as humans or animals. In addition energy is saved and the possibility to fully automate the application reduces labor costs.

0073] The method is particularly effective when carried out with a UV-C lamp having an intensity of between 2 and 100 Watts that periodically travels through the crop, with an effective exposure period of between one second and one minute, and a proximity to the pathogen growth of between 2 cm and 200 cm...

Process and device for treating seeds
US6745512

Inventors: Siegfried Panzer, et al.

Abstract: Process and device for treating seeds in order to combat harmful organisms. According to the invention, in an initial stage of the process, the seeds are separated and distributed evenly in a free-fall process, subjected in a vacuum to irradiation by low energy electron beams and then immediately treated with fungicides and/or microbial antagonists or metabolic products and spores thereof and/or synergists.

Surprisingly enough it has been found that when the seed treatment to combat harmful organisms is carried out in two steps immediately following each other, namely the irradiation of the seeds with low energy electrons on all sides thereof in a first step and the immediately following treatment of the seeds irradiated in this way with an application of active chemical substances and/or biological material in a second step, this has a synergistic effect and produces an unexpectedly good result when seed- and/or soil-borne harmful organisms are combated. This surprisingly good effect of the process according to the present invention is explained by the fact that the low energy electron beams first help to combat the fungal harmful organisms on the surface and in the near surface region of the seeds or seed corns. Harmful organisms that have not been killed are sensitized in said regions and can more effectively be combated due to this sensitization immediately after electron dressing with active chemical substances and/or with biological material (especially microbial antagonists). When active chemical substances are used, it is possible to achieve a higher combating rate even if the amounts used are smaller. Since the sensitivity accomplished through electron dressing will not last forever, the procedure of treating the seeds in accordance with the invention in a continuous treatment process divided into immediately subsequent steps produces especially good results when harmful organisms are combated. Moreover, an improved deposition of the chemical and/or biological application and an improved depth action for chemical agents or microbial antagonists are achieved through the inventive process. The penetration depth can additionally be controlled through the selection of the pressure stage for the application of the active chemical substances and/or the biological material.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the seeds are separated in a first step and moved through an irradiation chamber in a free-fall process and in vacuum, i.e. substantially evenly distributed in spaced-apart relationship, and are subjected, immediately thereafter in a second step, to an application with fungicides or the active substances and/or microbial antagonists thereof or the metabolic products and spores thereof and/or microorganisms (synergists) conducive to plant growth, possibly in conjunction with nutrients.

The seeds are preferably irradiated in the first step in a free-fall process in the irradiation region with quasi-monoenergetic electron beams on all sides, electrons of substantially reduced energy (scatter electrons) and plasma particles which act on the surface of the seed and a near surface layer outside the embryo.

Method and apparatus for eradicating soil borne pests
US20030150156

Inventors: George Flagler, David Flagler

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for eradicate nematodes and other soil-borne organisms to a depth of up to several feet that uses specially-shaped electrically conductive metal shanks that are pulled through the soil profile by a tractor or other vehicle. The source of the electric charge is a generator and transformer connected to each conductive shank. Electric current passes through the soil between the shanks resulting in the electrocution of unwanted soil borne pests such as nematodes. Two rows of downwardly pointing generally vertical parallel shanks are provided, the leading row being a plurality of ripper shanks, and the trailing row being parallel electrically-conductive stinger shanks. The stinger shanks are wedge shaped from front to back to compress the soil between them so as to provide a more uniform electrical charge...

U.S. Pat. No. 2,429,412 describes a system for applying electrical treatment to the soil in order to destroy pestiferous organic matter, as well as sterilize and cultivate the soil. This patent describes an apparatus that includes a generator and transformer connected to a box-like structure containing electrically conductive plates that penetrate the soil as the structure is pulled through a field. However, this device has no separate or leading soil ripper so that the horizontally oriented electrical plates located at the bottom of the box structure must themselves tear open the soil. The box-like structure containing the electrical conductors is small and provides very shallow soil treatment, and the top of the box structure must be kept in contact with the soil surface to provide proper conductivity which is difficult to maintain.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,588,561 applies electricity to the soil through a series of cultivation discs having conductive rings which are alternately charged in sequence. However, the discs do not provide deep soil treatment since less than half of their diameter penetrates the soil, and the conductive rings do not provide broad or complete electrical coverage especially since they only come into contact with loosened soil. Moreover, the conductive rings must constantly be replaced since they are part of the soil cultivation structure, and because they tend to deteriorate after prolonged contact with the soil. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,758,318 and 6,237,278 suffer from similar drawbacks in that the conductive discs of these inventions are shallow and must themselves break the soil, leading to incomplete electrical coverage through contact with loosened soil...

Method and devices for treatment of a biological material with a magnetic field
US6539664

Inventors: Alexander Katsen, Tsur Dat, Yakov Yogev, Alexander Prilutsky

Abstract: A device for the manipulation of a biological material by a magnetic field is presented. The device comprises a magnetic field source coupled to a current source. The current source is of a kind supplying an electric current of at least two electrical degree shifted phases. The magnetic field source comprises a two-part inductor, each inductor part producing a coordinate varying magnetic field (CVMF). Each inductor part is formed by at least two conductors aligned in a spaced-apart relationship, wherein each of the at least two conductors is connectable to a different phase of the current source, and has two spaced-apart parts arranged such that when the conductor is connected to the current source, the electric current flows in its two parts in opposite directions, respectively. The conductors of each inductor part are arranged such that each two locally adjacent conductor parts are associated with two different phases of the electric current source...

[0019] Where the method is used in connection with plants, it may be used to improve the rate of sprouting of plants from seeds, by increasing the viability and metabolism of each seed itself. In addition, it may be used to increase propagation from tissue culture, while at the same time decreasing the use of nutrients...

METHOD AND DEVICES FOR TREATMENT OF A BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL WITH A MAGNETIC FIELD
US20030000132

Method and device for weed control
US6237278

Inventors: Bertil Persson, Pär Henriksson, Tomas Nybrant, Berit Mattsson

Abstract: Weed seeds are controlled by high voltage pulses with short duration which electropermeabilize the cell membranes of weed seeds in the ground. The device is selective and damages only germinating weed seeds and plants early in their life cycle. The required amount of energy is small; with rectangular pulses the optimal field strength is between 100-300 kV/m with a duration of (10-100 microseconds). A transformer placed on a sowing machine transforms electrical energy to high voltage pulses. The energy may be taken from the pulling tractor via a transmission or from an integrated power source. The high voltage pulses are applied to electrically conducting via applicators to two or more fixedly spaced plates to the soil around newly sown seeds.

Mobile device to eradicate red palm weevils and trees stem borers
US6192622

Inventor: Yosri Moh'd Taher Haj-Yousef

Abstract: A high frequency power source (4) and (5) supplies electromagnetic waves (10-100 MHz) that are supplied to a single or a pair of plates (10) that surround a trunk of the infested tree. The electromagnetic waves are used to kill red palm weevils and trees stem borers within the trunk of the tree. The plates are cylindrical, half cylindrical or flat, with insulated metal sheets that surround the trunk and upper roots of the infected tree.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is well known since a very long time that high frequency electromagnetic waves, when directed on various subjects yield a variable amount of thermal energy directly determined by the substances of these subjects and the frequency of the magnetic waves. Some substances are highly affected by the waves. They heat up more and faster than others. Substances not vulnerable to those waves pass them through. This is the basic principle on which the molecular electromagnet resonance device is based. Exposing pests within palm trees stem to high frequency, high energy and highly selective electromagnetic waves (from 10 to 100 MHz frequency / 5-15 kW is backward proportional with selectivity, increasing frequency decreases selectivity and substances become with almost equal capabilities of absorbing energy) will lead to selective fast increase in pests temperature, without affecting the stem. Increasing pests temperature to around 60 degrees for duration of minutes results in their death. Luckily, palm trees stem bears higher temperatures, and it is well known that dates require high temperatures to ripen. In addition, frequency selectivity palm trees stem substances and precaution procedures such as stopping irrigation for some days will enable us to expose stems to electromagnetic waves for longer time without worrying about the tree...