A device for growing plants above a selected surface includes a bottom member disposed upon a selected surface; a top member disposed upon and secured to said bottom member via two longitudinal securing seams, whereby, said top member includes two outer longitudinal flap portions and a longitudinal center portion, which ultimately receives a growing material in which plants and/or seeds are disposed. The longitudinal flap portions are ultimately folded above the growing material whereby longitudinal edge portions of the flap portions are separated a predetermined distance for allowing water and light to engage the growing material. Pipe members are removably secured to longitudinal edge portions of each longitudinal side of the bottom member, thereby enabling the manual lifting and transport of the device for disposal upon a selected surface.

The present invention provides structures that maximize the use of minimal ground space or pot soil by providing generally vertical outward-sloping multiple cords or net trellis such as to offer increasing volume for plant foliage with height, which is adjustable to the user's desire. A compact kit includes at least two elongated leg member, and at least one elongated support, and can be assembled into structures up to approximately twice as wide at the top as at the base where the plants begin growing in soil. Flaccid replaceable cords when installed incline generally outward and upward to top horizontal rods supporting wining plants to grow generally vertically and even horizontally across the top.

Potted plant riser assemblies are provided for preventing small, crawling insects from accessing cultivated plants. Embodiments of the potted plant riser assembly can include an outer wall structure that defines an outer ground boundary. The outer wall structure surrounds a capture trough, which surrounds a riser structure. The capture trough has insect capture material disposed therein. The riser structure includes an elevated platform on which to place (or integrate) a planter for cultivating a plant. The potted plant riser assembly also includes an eaves structure designed to permit entry of small, crawling insects into the capture trough, while also shielding the capture trough from entry of debris and from run-off of water, soil, and the like from the plant and planter.

One variation of a method for interpreting pressures in plants includes: accessing a first image of a first set of sentinel plants in a field; accessing a second image of a second set of sentinel plants in the field, recorded during a first period; interpreting a first pressure of a stressor in the first set based on features extracted from the first image, captured during the first period; interpreting a second pressure in the second set based on features extracted from the second image; deriving a model associating pressure at the first set and pressure at the second set based on the first pressure and the second pressure; interpreting a third pressure in the first set based on features extracted from a third image captured during a second period; and predicting a fourth pressure in the second set during the second period based on the third pressure and the model.

One variation of a method for interpreting pressures in plants includes: accessing a first image of a first set of sentinel plants in a field; accessing a second image of a second set of sentinel plants in the field, recorded during a first period; interpreting a first pressure of a stressor in the first set based on features extracted from the first image, captured during the first period; interpreting a second pressure in the second set based on features extracted from the second image; deriving a model associating pressure at the first set and pressure at the second set based on the first pressure and the second pressure; interpreting a third pressure in the first set based on features extracted from a third image captured during a second period; and predicting a fourth pressure in the second set during the second period based on the third pressure and the model.

An automated plant cultivation system operating seed or plant capsule(s) and/or capsule(s) retaining casing(s) capable of controlling the growing environment of each plant capsule throughout the plant life cycle wherein the capsule(s) can be adapted to operate under any irrigation method.

An automated plant cultivation system operating seed or plant capsule(s) and/or capsule(s) retaining casing(s) capable of controlling the growing environment of each plant capsule throughout the plant life cycle wherein the capsule(s) can be adapted to operate under any irrigation method.

Methods and platforms are provided for maintaining a population of natural enemies on plants, prior and/or parallel to an occurrence of respective prey pests, by associating with the plants platform(s) comprising mechanical support(s) with attached feeding elements for the natural enemies. The platform may be configured to keep the feeding elements close to but not on the plants, protecting them and enhancing the distribution efficiency and life time, while maintaining good availability of the feeding elements to the natural enemies. Various features may enhance supporting the natural enemies' population prior and/or parallel to the occurrence of the pest prey such as olfactory and/or visual cues to the feeding elements as well as sheltering elements such as artificial domatia on the surface of the mechanical support—to enhance biological pest control. Moreover, methods for preparing decapsulated Artemia cysts as feed for predatory arthropods are provided.

Pellet insertion apparatus and methods. In accordance with an example, a method of inserting a pellet in a tree includes extending a taper (108) and an actuator rod (118) into the tree. The actuator rod (118) positioned within a through-bore (110) and extending from a taper distal end (112). The method includes securing the taper (108) in the extended position. The method includes retracting the actuator rod (118). The method includes loading a plug into the through-bore (110) of the taper (108). The method includes moving the actuator rod (118) to a plug insertion position.

Pellet insertion apparatus and methods. In accordance with an example, a method of inserting a pellet in a tree includes extending a taper (108) and an actuator rod (118) into the tree. The actuator rod (118) positioned within a through-bore (110) and extending from a taper distal end (112). The method includes securing the taper (108) in the extended position. The method includes retracting the actuator rod (118). The method includes loading a plug into the through-bore (110) of the taper (108). The method includes moving the actuator rod (118) to a plug insertion position.