The invention concerns novel nitrification inhibitors.

The invention provides methods for producing seeds in watermelon. In one embodiment methods are provided comprising grafting of a seed parent onto a stress tolerant rootstock, pollinating the seed parent with pollen from a pollen donor, and cultivating the seed parent until seed is formed. In specific embodiments, triploid seeds produced by a method of the invention are rendered conspicuously distinguishable from tetraploid seeds, and thus readily selected manually or by an automated machine. Methods for increasing seed yield and/or quality are also provided.

The stackable trellis support system of the present invention comprises a base trellis assembly and a main trellis assembly having a wire mesh frame assembly over which wire mesh is spread to support plant stems. The main trellis sub-assembly allows additional sections to be added to the existing stackable trellis support system, utilizing four common main post apparatuses for the connecting of each sub-assembly. In this regard, any number of individual main trellis sub-assemblies may be connected using the main and/or base post apparatus to form any number of patterns, depending on the desired use or available area.

The base trellis assembly is anchored in and above the ground by stabilizing post anchoring rebar stakes upon which the base post apparatus rests. Further, the base post apparatus of the base trellis assembly has a locking bolt, which allows the height of base trellis assembly to be freely adjustable along the vertical axis of the base post apparatus and perpendicular to the ground.

The netting is fabricated from strong weather-proofed steel stretched across and attached to the wire mesh frame assembly. Further, the weather-proofed trellis side panel may also be used for added horizontal support. As a result, the invention provides a simple to use, durable and adjustable garden support device which allows plants to grow upward, thereby maximizing available soil and ground space and providing ideal exposure to sunlight.

The stackable trellis support system of the present invention comprises a base trellis assembly and a main trellis assembly having a wire mesh frame assembly over which wire mesh is spread to support plant stems. The main trellis sub-assembly allows additional sections to be added to the existing stackable trellis support system, utilizing four common main post apparatuses for the connecting of each sub-assembly. In this regard, any number of individual main trellis sub-assemblies may be connected using the main and/or base post apparatus to form any number of patterns, depending on the desired use or available area.

The base trellis assembly is anchored in and above the ground by stabilizing post anchoring rebar stakes upon which the base post apparatus rests. Further, the base post apparatus of the base trellis assembly has a locking bolt, which allows the height of base trellis assembly to be freely adjustable along the vertical axis of the base post apparatus and perpendicular to the ground.

The netting is fabricated from strong weather-proofed steel stretched across and attached to the wire mesh frame assembly. Further, the weather-proofed trellis side panel may also be used for added horizontal support. As a result, the invention provides a simple to use, durable and adjustable garden support device which allows plants to grow upward, thereby maximizing available soil and ground space and providing ideal exposure to sunlight.

A system for automating the growing of crops, such as grapevines. Combinations of data from sensors local to a vineyard, and from optional remote stations and sensors, is combined with a control system to accurately control the dispensing of water and chemicals such as insecticides, disease prevention fungicides and fertilizers. The materials are dispensed through a multiple channel conduit which allows conflicting, or incompatible, types of materials to be transported through a common assembly. Sensors are attached to the conduit so that the placement of sensors can occur simultaneously with the laying of the conduit. This approach also ensures correct placement and spacing of the sensors with respect to each plant, or plant area, to be monitored and treated.

Biomass compositions and methods for increasing sweetness of fruit of a fruiting plant by administering to the fruiting plant, seedling, or seed, a liquid composition treatment comprising a culture of microalgae cells are disclosed. The liquid composition may comprise pasteurized Chlorella cells only, Aurantiochytrium acetophilum HS399 cells only, or a combination of Chlorella and Aurantiochytrium acetophilum HS399 cells that are pasteurized at a temperature between 65 C.-90 C. The administration may comprise contacting soil in the immediate vicinity of the fruiting plant, seedling, or seed.

Biomass compositions and methods for increasing sweetness of fruit of a fruiting plant by administering to the fruiting plant, seedling, or seed, a liquid composition treatment comprising a culture of microalgae cells are disclosed. The liquid composition may comprise pasteurized Chlorella cells only, Aurantiochytrium acetophilum HS399 cells only, or a combination of Chlorella and Aurantiochytrium acetophilum HS399 cells that are pasteurized at a temperature between 65 C.-90 C. The administration may comprise contacting soil in the immediate vicinity of the fruiting plant, seedling, or seed.

A method and a system for increasing the degree days in the immediate environment of fruit bearing vines for the cultivation of particular fruit bearing vines, such as non-rustic vinifera variety vines, in unfavourable climatic regions where the degree days is insufficient for the full maturity of the fruit, is described. Rows of the vines are protected in removable shelters which have a removable tarp cover disposed over a support frame structure to shield the rows of vines from the harsh, vine damaging, winter month temperatures while keeping the vines in a controlled temperature environment. Heated liquid circulation conduits are supported in the shelters at predetermined locations and provide controlled heat during the winter months to prevent the vines and the cordon bearing spuds of the vines from damaging cold temperatures. In the early spring the roots are activated early and the tarp is removed and a transparent film sheet covering is substituted to admit sunlight to help activate the vine early to gain degree days. The method and system is also applicable to semi-rustic or rustic wine producing grape vines grown in these climatic regions having degree days down to about 1200.

A method and a system for increasing the degree days in the immediate environment of fruit bearing vines for the cultivation of particular fruit bearing vines, such as non-rustic vinifera variety vines, in unfavourable climatic regions where the degree days is insufficient for the full maturity of the fruit, is described. Rows of the vines are protected in removable shelters which have a removable tarp cover disposed over a support frame structure to shield the rows of vines from the harsh, vine damaging, winter month temperatures while keeping the vines in a controlled temperature environment. Heated liquid circulation conduits are supported in the shelters at predetermined locations and provide controlled heat during the winter months to prevent the vines and the cordon bearing spuds of the vines from damaging cold temperatures. In the early spring the roots are activated early and the tarp is removed and a transparent film sheet covering is substituted to admit sunlight to help activate the vine early to gain degree days. The method and system is also applicable to semi-rustic or rustic wine producing grape vines grown in these climatic regions having degree days down to about 1200.

Biomass compositions and methods for decreasing bruising of fruit of a fruiting plant by administering to the fruiting plant, seedling, or seed, a liquid composition treatment comprising a culture of microalgae cells are disclosed. The liquid composition may comprise pasteurized Chlorella cells only, Aurantiochytrium acetophilum HS399 cells only, or a combination of Chlorella and Aurantiochytrium acetophilum HS399 cells that are pasteurized at a temperature between 65 C.-90 C. The administration may comprise contacting soil in the immediate vicinity of the fruiting plant, seedling, or seed.