This invention relates to methods and materials for providing a benefit to a plant by associating the plant with a complex endophyte comprising a host fungus further comprising a component bacterium, including benefits to a plant derived from a seed or other plant element treated with a complex endophyte. For example, this invention provides purified complex endophytes, purified complex endophyte components such as bacteria or fungi, synthetic combinations comprising said complex endophytes and/or components, and methods of making and using the same.

Provided is a method for interplanting grape and Polygonatum kingianum in a photovoltaic (PV) power plant. The method includes: building a grapevine traction frame which is higher in south and lower in north in a space formed by a plurality of PV modules in the PV power plant, the grapevine traction frame includes a plurality of uprights, a plurality of traction crossbars, a plurality of supporting bars and a wire mesh; making a grape ridge below the south of each PV module and planting grape seedlings; maintaining two branches for each of the grape seedlings in the same year of grape planting, and pulling the two branches along the traction crossbar located in south; pulling branches grown out of arm bud points southwards onto the wire mesh in the next year of grape planting; sowing and ploughing a green manure, making planting beds in a shade and planting Polygonatum kingianum.

Methods for predicting a yield of fruit growing in an agricultural plot are provided. At a first time, a first plurality of images of a canopy of the agricultural plot is obtained from an aerial view of the canopy of the agricultural plot. From the first plurality of images, a first number of detectable fruit is estimated. At a second time, a second plurality of images of the canopy of the agricultural plot is obtained from the aerial view of the canopy of the agricultural plot. From the second plurality of images, a second number of detectable fruit is estimated. Using at least the first number of detectable fruit and the second number of detectable fruit and agricultural plot information, predict the yield of fruit from the agricultural plot.

Methods for predicting a yield of fruit growing in an agricultural plot are provided. At a first time, a first plurality of images of a canopy of the agricultural plot is obtained from an aerial view of the canopy of the agricultural plot. From the first plurality of images, a first number of detectable fruit is estimated. At a second time, a second plurality of images of the canopy of the agricultural plot is obtained from the aerial view of the canopy of the agricultural plot. From the second plurality of images, a second number of detectable fruit is estimated. Using at least the first number of detectable fruit and the second number of detectable fruit and agricultural plot information, predict the yield of fruit from the agricultural plot.

Provided is a light emitting device that includes a light emitting element having a light emission peak wavelength ranging from 380 nm to 490 nm, and a fluorescent material excited by light from the light emitting element and emitting light having at a light emission peak wavelength ranging from 580 nm or more to less than 680 nm. The light emitting device emits light having a ratio R/B of a photon flux density R to a photon flux density B ranging from 2.0 to 4.0 and a ratio R/FR of the photon flux density R to a photon flux density FR ranging from 0.7 to 13.0, the photon flux density R being in a wavelength range of 620 nm or more and less than 700 nm, the photon flux density B being in a wavelength range of 380 nm or more and 490 nm or less, and the photon flux density FR being in a wavelength range of 700 nm or more and 780 nm or less.

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.

The invention provides methods of inhibiting the growth of a shoot apical meristem of a cucurbit rootstock plant, comprising contacting a shoot apical meristem of the cucurbit rootstock plant with an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more fatty alcohols, thereby inhibiting the growth of the shoot apical meristem of the cucurbit rootstock plant. The present invention further provides methods for preparing and producing cucurbit rootstock plants for grafting and methods for grafting. Additionally provided are cucurbit rootstock plants and plant parts and grafted cucurbit plants produced by the methods of the invention.

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.

The present invention relates to the use of specific active substances, alone or in combination, for controlling virus infections in plants and to a method for using said specific active substances for controlling said virus infections in the field of plant protection and the protection of materials.

A method and apparatus for shaping and lifting a plurality of trees of varying heights and denseness using a cost-effective, universal tree shaping system. The apparatus comprises a sprocket having a central aperture and scalloped recesses around a perimeter. The sprocket is mounted to the top portion of a telescoping pole, which may have an implement at the bottom for securing in the ground. The pole is telescoped to lengthen the pole such that the top of the pole is approximately at the top of the tree. The sprocket is located on the top of the pole, providing a fulcrum for each of a plurality of cables. The plurality of cables (ropes, twine, or the like) are passed over the sprocket, where each cable is passed over two diametrically opposed scalloped recesses and secured to first and second tree branches.