An apparatus and method for training a grape vine. The apparatus is a swing arm supporting a linear grid composed of transverse and longitudinal elements that are configured to result in a network of spaces that are sized to capture and separate the grape vine shoots. The apparatus is mobile within the vine canopy serving various functions as the growing season progresses. The mobility of the grid apparatus allows repositioning throughout the growing season while still retaining the shoots within the grid openings.

Disclosed herein are a system and method that integrate vineyard sensor data into an environment that enables analysis, historical trend analytics, spatio-temporal analytics, and weather model fusion for improved decision making from vineyard management to wine production. The integration of new sensor data from multiple soil depths with surface measurements, combined with production flow process and historical information enables new decision making capabilities. A wireless network of sensor/transmitters can be distributed to provide a 3-dimensional assessment of water movement both across the grower's field and as it moves from the surface through the root zone. The soil monitoring data stream feeds into a visualization interface that will be incorporated in software based decision aid and crop management tool that helps agricultural producers reduce costs, minimize water and nutrient applications, and better protect the environment by reducing agricultural production inputs.

Disclosed herein are a system and method that integrate vineyard sensor data into an environment that enables analysis, historical trend analytics, spatio-temporal analytics, and weather model fusion for improved decision making from vineyard management to wine production. The integration of new sensor data from multiple soil depths with surface measurements, combined with production flow process and historical information enables new decision making capabilities. A wireless network of sensor/transmitters can be distributed to provide a 3-dimensional assessment of water movement both across the grower's field and as it moves from the surface through the root zone. The soil monitoring data stream feeds into a visualization interface that will be incorporated in software based decision aid and crop management tool that helps agricultural producers reduce costs, minimize water and nutrient applications, and better protect the environment by reducing agricultural production inputs.

An agricultural leaf stripper which can adopt numerous configurations allowing leaf stripping of bushes and trees of varying shapes and sizes consists of a structure capable of being transported along a horizontal axis parallel to the ground and consisting of a structure formed of two parts one of which is fixed to the transporter vehicle and the other of which can slide vertically on the fixed part and supports a rectilinear rail generally parallel to the structure and able to be moved horizontally towards and away from the structure and tilted with respect thereto, the rail carrying at least two pneumatic leaf stripping heads, each stripping head being able to be set to a desired position on the rail independently of the other leaf stripping heads, and each being able to be set to a desired orientation about its working axis on the rail.

A system for growing plants includes an elevated track circuit comprising two straight track sections and two arcuate track sections, with the straight track sections each including a cavity. A plurality of wheeled trolleys that each include a wheel configured to roll within the cavities and each include a shaft extending downwardly form the wheel. A drive system is configured to move the wheeled trolleys along the track circuit with the wheeled trolleys connected together by a cable, and with the shafts of the trolleys configured to support plants coupled thereto to selectively move the plants along the track circuit. Uses of the system include for growing produce of vine plants in a lean-and-lower manner, or transporting hanging plants through an irrigation device of the system.

A system for growing plants includes an elevated track circuit comprising two straight track sections and two arcuate track sections, with the straight track sections each including a cavity. A plurality of wheeled trolleys that each include a wheel configured to roll within the cavities and each include a shaft extending downwardly form the wheel. A drive system is configured to move the wheeled trolleys along the track circuit with the wheeled trolleys connected together by a cable, and with the shafts of the trolleys configured to support plants coupled thereto to selectively move the plants along the track circuit. Uses of the system include for growing produce of vine plants in a lean-and-lower manner, or transporting hanging plants through an irrigation device of the system.

The invention relates to the field of watermelon grafting. In particular, double grafted watermelon seedlings and plants are provided and methods for producing such double grafted seedlings and plants.

The invention relates to the field of watermelon grafting. In particular, double grafted watermelon seedlings and plants are provided and methods for producing such double grafted seedlings and plants.

The present invention provides a novel method of manufacturing germinated plant seeds suitable for producing a large amount of phytoalexin, a method of manufacturing raw material seeds for germination induction for use in manufacture of the above germinated plant seeds, an extract composition of the germinated plant seeds and a screening method for a plant seed candidate for use in producing a target substance. The method of manufacturing raw material seeds for germination induction comprises a pre-treatment step of maintaining plant seeds under atmosphere conditions of a carbon dioxide concentration of 400 ppm or more and/or an oxygen concentration of 19 vol % or less continuously for 5 hours or more.

The present invention provides a novel method of manufacturing germinated plant seeds suitable for producing a large amount of phytoalexin, a method of manufacturing raw material seeds for germination induction for use in manufacture of the above germinated plant seeds, an extract composition of the germinated plant seeds and a screening method for a plant seed candidate for use in producing a target substance. The method of manufacturing raw material seeds for germination induction comprises a pre-treatment step of maintaining plant seeds under atmosphere conditions of a carbon dioxide concentration of 400 ppm or more and/or an oxygen concentration of 19 vol % or less continuously for 5 hours or more.