A protector device includes a plurality of pairs of multi-pronged elements. Each pair of multi-pronged elements includes a first multi-pronged element having a first C-shaped element that has a first straight section, a first end forming a first end spike, and a second end forming a second end spike, and a first connecting element attached to and perpendicular to the first C-shaped element. Each pair of multi-pronged elements also includes a second multi-pronged element including a second C-shaped element connected to the first connecting element of the first multi-pronged element, the second C-shape element having a second straight section, a third end forming a third end spike, and a fourth end forming a fourth end spike, and a second connecting element attached to and perpendicular to the second C-shaped element.

One variation of a method includes: accessing an image of sensor plants sown in crops of a crop type within a geographic region and configured to signal presence of a stressor; interpreting a first pressure of the stressor within a first subregion based on a first subset of features extracted from the image; interpreting a second pressure of the stressor in a second subregion based on a second subset of features extracted from the image; based on the first pressure and the second pressure, deriving a pressure map representing pressures of the stressor within the geographic region; accessing a yield model linking pressures of the stressor and crop yield for crops of the crop type in the geographic region; and predicting a crop yield for crops of the crop type in the geographic region based on the pressure map and the yield model.

One variation of a method includes: accessing an image of sensor plants sown in crops of a crop type within a geographic region and configured to signal presence of a stressor; interpreting a first pressure of the stressor within a first subregion based on a first subset of features extracted from the image; interpreting a second pressure of the stressor in a second subregion based on a second subset of features extracted from the image; based on the first pressure and the second pressure, deriving a pressure map representing pressures of the stressor within the geographic region; accessing a yield model linking pressures of the stressor and crop yield for crops of the crop type in the geographic region; and predicting a crop yield for crops of the crop type in the geographic region based on the pressure map and the yield 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.

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.

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.

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 is a flexible container to house a root ball of a plant and method of using the same. The container comprises a fabric sack, a securing ring and draw string. The fabric sack has an enclosed base and an open top that is folded over forming a narrow tubular aperture. The sack is made of a fabric having a mesh that inhibits or interferes with the life cycle of pests that infect or attempt to infect the root ball of the plant. The securing ring has a central aperture able to receive the stalk of the plant, an outer edge having a groove, an inner edge and an opening extending from the outer edge to the inner edge. The draw string is fitted through the narrow tubular aperture of the sack to enable the sack to be closed about the securing ring's outer edge groove.

The present invention is a flexible container to house a root ball of a plant and method of using the same. The container comprises a fabric sack, a securing ring and draw string. The fabric sack has an enclosed base and an open top that is folded over forming a narrow tubular aperture. The sack is made of a fabric having a mesh that inhibits or interferes with the life cycle of pests that infect or attempt to infect the root ball of the plant. The securing ring has a central aperture able to receive the stalk of the plant, an outer edge having a groove, an inner edge and an opening extending from the outer edge to the inner edge. The draw string is fitted through the narrow tubular aperture of the sack to enable the sack to be closed about the securing ring's outer edge groove.

A plant cover apparatus includes a bag having an interior encompassed by a wall that extends from a top end of the bag and tapers inwardly to a bottom end of the bag. The bottom end includes a rim that laterally circumscribes a plant-receiving opening formed through the bag. The bag has a slot that extends vertically from the opening through the wall. The slot includes opposed margins having cooperatively interlocking parts that can temporarily be joined and separated to increase the size of the opening. The bag may be vertically suspended from a support member positioned next to the plant. An exterior perimeter of the bag may be rigid enough to help the bag maintain its shape when suspended.