TECHNOLOGY FOR CULTIVATION OF PLANTS

Abstract

The proposed technology relates to a plant cultivation assembly (100) and to a method of cultivating a plant (107). The plant cultivation assembly (100) comprises a growth medium support (101), a growth position (108) within the growth medium support (101), and a magnet (103). A magnetic field is generated by the magnet at the growth medium support, the generated magnetic field is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane (102).

Claims

1-18. (canceled)

19. A plant cultivation assembly, comprising: a growth medium support configured to be supported on a horizontal surface, wherein the growth medium support comprises a lower half and an upper half and defines a growth position within the growth medium support, the growth position being in the upper half of the growth medium support and at the center of the growth medium support; and a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field at the growth position in the growth medium support, the magnetic field being inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

20. The plant cultivation assembly according to claim 19, further comprising a growth medium supported by the growth medium support.

21. The plant cultivation assembly according to claim 20, further comprising a plant positioned at the growth position, the plant being supported by the growth medium.

22. The plant cultivation assembly according to claim 19, wherein the growth medium support is a pot.

23. The plant cultivation assembly according to claim 19, wherein the magnet is an electromagnet, wherein the electromagnet comprises at least one electrical contact configured to connect the electromagnet to a power supply, and wherein the plant cultivation assembly further comprises a control unit configured to control the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet.

24. The plant cultivation assembly according to claim 23, wherein the electromagnet includes a coil.

25. The plant cultivation assembly according to claim 23, wherein the electromagnet includes a solenoid.

26. The plant cultivation assembly according to claim 23, wherein the growth medium support has a largest diameter, and wherein the electromagnet has a largest diameter that is 90-100% of the largest diameter of the growth medium support.

27. The plant cultivation assembly according to claim 19, wherein the magnet is configured to generate a static magnetic field.

28. A method of cultivating a plant at a specific geographical location, the method comprising: obtaining a target magnetic field having a target inclination value; obtaining an in-situ magnetic field at the specific geographical location; obtaining a compensating magnetic field based on the difference between the target magnetic field and the in-situ magnetic field; and subjecting the plant to the compensating magnetic field.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein: the target magnetic field has a target intensity value; the in-situ magnetic field has an in-situ intensity value; and the compensating magnetic field has a calculated intensity value.

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein the plant has a natural growing season, and originates from a geographic region having seasonal variations in the geomagnetic field, wherein the plant is in a specific development stage, and wherein obtaining the target magnetic field is based on the development stage of the plant, the natural growing season, and the seasonal variations in the geomagnetic field.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the plant is a seed, and the specific development stage is germination.

32. The method according to claim 30, wherein the plant is a sprout, and the specific development stage is a seedling stage.

33. The method according to claim 30, wherein the plant is a bud, and the specific development stage is a bud stage.

34. The method according to claim 30, wherein the plant is a bulb, and the development stage is vegetative stage.

35. The method according to 31, wherein the compensating magnetic field is applied during germination.

36. The method according to claim 32, wherein the compensating magnetic field is applied during the seedling stage.

37. The method according to claim 33, wherein the compensating magnetic field is applied during the bud stage.

38. The method according to claim 28, wherein the compensating magnetic field is static.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] A more complete understanding of the abovementioned and other features and advantages of the proposed technology will be apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the proposed technology in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein:

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a plant cultivation assembly;

[0039] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a plant cultivation assembly;

[0040] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a plant cultivation assembly;

[0041] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a plant cultivation assembly;

[0042] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a plant cultivation assembly;

[0043] FIG. 6 a-d are schematic illustration of an experimental set-up;

[0044] FIG. 7 is a photograph from an example of the proposed technology;

[0045] FIG. 8 is a photograph from an example of the proposed technology;

[0046] FIGS. 9 a-d are graphs from an example of the proposed technology;

[0047] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an experimental set-up; and

[0048] FIG. 11 a and b are graphs from an example of the proposed technology;

[0049] FIGS. 12 a-e illustrate one embodiment of the second aspect of the technology.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a plant cultivation assembly 100 comprising a growth medium support 101. The growth medium support 101 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a pot having the form of a cylinder. It is closed at the bottom and provided with drainage holes. There is a growth position 108 marked X inside the upper half and at the radial center of the growth medium support 101. The growth medium support 101 is arranged on a plane and horizontal surface 102. An electromagnet 103 in the form of a solenoid tilted with respect to the surface 102 is arranged so that it surrounds part of the growth medium support 101. The electromagnet 103 is connected to a control unit (not shown) as in the embodiment described in relation to FIG. 5.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a plant cultivation assembly 100 comprising a growth medium support 101. The growth medium support 101 illustrated in FIG. 2 has the form of a cylinder. The growth medium support 101 is arranged on a substantially plane/horizontal surface 102. A magnet 103 is arranged underneath the growth medium support 101. The magnet 103 is a permanent magnet. The plant cultivation assembly illustrated in FIG. 2 further comprises a growth medium 106 and a plant 107, both arranged in the growth medium support 101. The plant 107 is positioned at a growth position 108.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a plant cultivation assembly 100 comprising a growth medium support 101. The growth medium support 101 illustrated in FIG. 3 has the form of a cylinder. The growth medium support 101 is arranged with an angle towards a substantially plane/horizontal surface 102. A magnet 103 is arranged underneath the growth medium support 101. The magnet 103 is a permanent magnet. There is a growth position 108 marked X inside the upper half of the growth medium support 101.

[0053] FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a plant cultivation assembly 100 comprising a growth medium support 101. The growth medium support 101 illustrated in FIG. 4 has the form of a cylinder. The growth medium support 101 is arranged on a substantially plane/horizontal surface 102. The growth medium support 101 is arranged on a mat 104. The mat 104 has an electromagnet 103 in the form of a coil connected to a control unit (not shown) as in the embodiment described in relation to FIG. 5. The electromagnet 103 is positioned within the mat and the growth medium support 101 is centered on the coil. There is a growth position 108 marked X inside the upper half of the growth medium support 101.

[0054] FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of a plant cultivation assembly 100 comprising a growth medium support 101. The growth medium support 101 illustrated in FIG. 5 has the form of a cylinder. The growth medium support 101 is arranged on a substantially plane/horizontal surface 102. A magnet 103 in the form of an electromagnet is arranged underneath the growth medium support 101. The electromagnet 103 is connected to a power supply (not shown) and in communicative communication with a processor 105. There is a growth position 108 marked X inside the upper half of the growth medium support 101.

[0055] FIGS. 6 a-d are schematic illustrations of an experimental set-up. FIG. 6a shows a set-up for a group of seed pots. FIG. 6b shows a setting for a control group. FIGS. 6c and d shows a plant cultivation assembly that is investigated. Two types were used, one with a coil illustrated in FIG. 6c and one with a solenoid illustrated in FIG. 6d.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a photograph showing a plant (1) subjected to a treatment according to the proposed technology compared with a plant (2) not subjected to a treatment, i.e. a control plant.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a photograph showing plants (1) subjected to a treatment according to the proposed technology compared with plants (2) not subjected to a treatment, i.e. control plants.

[0058] FIGS. 9 a-d show data from plants subjected to a treatment according to the proposed technology (marked spiral and solenoid) compared with plants not subjected to the proposed technology (marked control). FIG. 9a shows the stem thickness in cm for plants treated using a spiral, for plants treated using a solenoid, and for a control group (i.e. no magnetic field). FIG. 9b shows the stem length in cm for plants treated using a spiral, for plants treated using a solenoid, and for a control group (i.e. no magnetic field). FIG. 9c shows the leave length in cm for plants treated using a spiral, for plants treated using a solenoid, and for a control group (i.e. no magnetic field). FIG. 9d shows the largest leave length in cm for plants treated using a spiral, for plants treated using a solenoid, and for a control group (i.e. no magnetic field).

[0059] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an experimental set-up. FIG. 10 shows how 15 coils connected in series may be positioned according to the set-up. Each of the coils has seven turns. The plant cultivation assemblies comprising the coils are placed 2 cm apart.

[0060] FIGS. 11 a-b show data from plants subjected to a treatment according to the proposed technology (T1 representing the setup with a coil and T2 representing the setup with a solenoid) compared with a control group (C). FIG. 11a shows the increase in stem length in cm per day after a first treatment. FIG. 11b shows the increase in stem length in cm per day after a second treatment.

[0061] FIGS. 12 a-e illustrate one embodiment of the second aspect of the proposed technology. FIGS. 12 a-e show how the steps of the method may be performed. According to the embodiment, determining, or obtaining, a compensating magnetic field is based on data obtained from a database. The data is provided by a geomagnetic observatory. As described above, the changes in the inclination value and intensity of a geographic location repeat according to approximately the same pattern every year. The obtained data provides for calculation of the difference between the target magnetic field and the in-situ magnetic field. According to the embodiment, the mean changes of the magnitude along a certain period in vertical direction are determined, or obtained. In this embodiment, the period is one year.

[0062] In this embodiment, the pattern suitable for cultivating a plant is investigated in view of the geographical origin of the plant. In other words, the pattern suitable for the plant is based on the pattern present at the geographical origin of the plant. Therefore, the pattern used is a pattern for one year obtained by the geomagnetic observatory closest to the geographical origin of the plant. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned intermagnet website is used for obtaining the data. The corresponding step of data obtaining is performed for an in-situ magnetic field.

[0063] Thereafter, a mean value for each of the data is calculated for a period of time and matched with the plant lifecycles during seasons. In FIGS. 12 a-e, the plot is representing the intensity of the downward field. It is understood that the downward field is a vertical field. The plots of FIGS. 12 a-e illustrate that the mean magnitude of the downward field is changing during seasons.

[0064] The plots of FIGS. 12 a-e show vertical magnetic intensity. The person skilled in the art recognizes that the corresponding method can also be used for calculating, or determining, or obtaining, the horizontal magnetic intensity or for calculating, or determining, an inclination value.

[0065] FIGS. 12 a-e show one embodiment of the proposed technology. The embodiment is directed toward investigation of the lifecycle of a plant, specifically potato, and considerations regarding cultivation thereof in Belgium. It is understood that cultivation according to this embodiment encompasses planting the potato in the soil. Here, the potato species is Papa Amarilla, which is an Andean variety of Solanum tuberosum. The potato species is native to Peru. Therefore, data from HUA observatory in Peru are used for determining, or obtaining, the target magnetic field. As the cultivation place is Belgium, the data from the MAB observatory in Belgium is used for determining, or obtaining, the in-situ magnetic field. As described above, the compensating magnetic field is based on the difference between the target magnetic field and the in-situ magnetic field.

[0066] FIG. 12 a shows mean values of the data for the vertical magnetic field from the HUA observatory in Peru in 2018.

[0067] FIG. 12 b shows mean values of the data for the vertical magnetic field the from the MAB observatory in Belgium in 2018.

[0068] FIG. 12 c shows reversed mean values of the data for the vertical geomagnetic field from the HUA observatory in Peru in 2018. The vertical fields in the northern and southern hemisphere are in the opposite directions. The vertical field is upwards in the southern hemisphere and downwards in the northern hemisphere. Therefore, the plot of FIG. 12 a is reversed vertically and forms the plot of FIG. 12 c. By reversing the plot, the fluctuations based on downward vertical field are presented as in the northern hemisphere.

[0069] FIG. 12 d shows reversed and time-shifted mean values of the data for the Vertical geomagnetic field from the HUA observatory in Peru in the year 2018. The seasons and the beginning of the lifecycles are starting in opposite months in the southern and northern hemisphere. Therefore, the plot of FIG. 12 c is cut in July and shifted to match with January in Belgium. The plot portion corresponding to January-Juny is shifted accordingly. Accordingly, the cut and shifted plot of FIG. 12 c forms FIG. 12 d.

[0070] FIG. 12 e shows the combination of mean values of the data from the MAB observatory in Belgium for 2018 and reversed and time-shifted mean values of the data for the vertical geomagnetic from the HUA observatory in Peru in the same year.

[0071] The planting season in Peru is September, which in the pattern of FIG. 12 e matches the same time in April that the potatoes are planted in Belgium.

[0072] As seen in FIG. 12 e, the downward field is dropping for the Belgium in April and Peru in September. This means reduction in the downward filed and equals to increasing upward field. After planting, an increase in the downward fields is observable for both Belgium and Peru. The increase continues until the harvest time, which is September in Belgium and March in Peru.

[0073] The compensating magnetic field based on the difference between the target magnetic field and the in-situ magnetic field is determined, or obtained, or calculated. The plant is then subjected to the compensating magnetic field. Thereby, the plant is subjected to the pattern fluctuations according to its geographical origin. Thus, the plant hormone generation is manipulated by forcing the pattern fluctuations.

[0074] As illustrated by the two graphs of FIG. 12 e, the changes in the magnetic field follow a pattern although the patterns are slightly different for the two hemispheres. It is possible to identify the seasonal trigger periods that activate the hormones in the plants. By extending or shortening these periods, it is possible to manipulate the lifecycle of the plants. The applied compensating field provides for manipulation of the lifecycle of the plants.

[0075] According to the embodiment as described above, the mean value of the fluctuations is determined along a certain period. However, it is understood that it is possible to use the actual variations without determining the mean value.

[0076] It has been illustrated above how the proposed technology may be used taking into account the seasonal based variations in the magnetic field. It is understood that the variations in the magnetic field may be considered for another period, such as one day, or 24 hours period.

[0077] The geomagnetic field has a regular variation with a fundamental period of 24 hours. The inclination value may diverge by, for example, less than one degree from the mean value based on the 24 hours interval. The intensity of the magnetic field may diverge by, for example, up 30 nT from the mean value based on the 24 hours interval. As mentioned above, the recorded magnetic data for all day/night may be obtained from, for example, the intermagnet website. Based on the data, a compensating magnetic field may be obtained for the period of 24 hours. The plant may then be subjected to the compensating magnetic field.

[0078] According to another aspect of the proposed technology, there is provided a method for controlling or adjusting hormone levels in a plant comprising subjecting the plant to a magnetic field. This method may comprise any of the features of the above-described method. This is based on the realisation that the above-described method may impact the hormone levels of plants.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] It shall also be pointed out that all information about/concerning terms such as above, under, upper, lower, etc., shall be interpreted/read as having the assembly oriented according to the figures, having the drawings oriented such that the references can be properly read. Thus, such terms only indicate mutual relations in the shown embodiments, which relations may be changed if the proposed equipment is provided with another structure/design.

[0080] In a first embodiment a plant cultivation assembly comprising a growth medium support 101, a growth position 108 in the growth medium support 101, and a magnet 103. Such a plant cultivation assembly 100 is for example illustrated in FIG. 1. The growth medium support 101 is configured to be supported on a horizontal surface 102. The growth medium support 101 comprises a lower half 101a or lower part, and an upper half 101b or upper part. A growth position 108 is arranged in the upper half 101b and at the center of the growth medium support 101. The growth position 108 is arranged in the upper third or upper quarter of the growth medium support 101.

[0081] The growth medium is arranged to define a growth position 101, at which the plant is positioned.

[0082] The plant cultivation assembly 100 further comprises a magnet 103. The magnet 103 is configured to generate a magnetic field at the growth position 108 in the growth medium support 101 that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane 102. By generating or applying a magnetic field that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane 102 at the growth position 108, or at the plant 107 arranged at the growth position 108, the development of the plant 107 is be influenced. Hence, the growth rate of the plant 107 is controlled so that the plant 107 grows faster. In other embodiments, plants 107 can for example respond to the applied magnetic field by growing slower, or even stop developing. The response depends on the intensity and the direction, or inclination, of the applied magnetic field.

[0083] Hence, the plant cultivation assembly 100 advantageously controls the development of the plant, both in terms of intensity and in terms of direction.

[0084] Depending on the type of plant, the intensity and direction of the magnetic field is determined, or obtained, depending on the wanted response and on the stage the plant 107 are in, i.e. germination, flowering, dormancy, etc. as well as on the origin of the plant 107.

[0085] In one embodiment of plant cultivation assembly 100 the magnet 102 is an electromagnet. The electromagnet is connected a power supply, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The plant cultivation assembly 100 further has a control unit 105 operationally connected to the electromagnet of the plant cultivation assembly 100. The control unit 105 controls the strength of the current supplied to the electromagnet. The compensating magnetic field that is generated combine with the in-situ magnetic field at the plant cultivation assembly 100 and result in a target magnetic field. This way, the control unit 105 is configured to control the intensity and/or direction, or inclination, of the target magnetic field. This has the advantage that a magnetic field generated by the electromagnet can be controlled and varied depending on the type of plant 107, that wanted response from the plant 107, the development stage of the plant 107, and/or the origin of the plant 107.

[0086] In one embodiment of the plant cultivation assembly 100 the electromagnet is in the form of a coil that is slanted in relation to the horizontal surface 102. The slanted magnet/coil 103 has the effect that the compensating magnetic field at the growth position 108 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane 102. An inclined magnetic field offers the advantage that it can replicate all features (in particular intensity and inclination, it could possibly replicate declination as well) of the target magnetic field.

[0087] In one embodiment of the plant cultivation assembly 100 the magnet 103 is an electromagnet in the form of a solenoid. The solenoid partly surrounds the growth medium support 101 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The growth medium support 101 is positioned within the helix defined by the solenoid. The slanted solenoid has the effect that the generated compensating magnetic field is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane 102. In this embodiment the electric current supplied by the control unit 105 is held constant and the generated compensating magnetic field is static. In other embodiments the plant 108 is exchanged for another type of plant 108 and the current is changed to provide a compensating magnetic field that is static but with a different intensity.

[0088] In one embodiment of the plant cultivation assembly 100, the assembly 100 further has a mat 104. Such an embodiment is schematically illustrated in FIG. 4. The mat 104 has one magnet 103. The magnet 103 is an electromagnet formed as a coil of copper wire. The mat 104 is flexible and waterproof. The electromagnet could also be formed from other metals, or graphite.

[0089] The Earth's magnetic field has different intensity and inclination, or direction, values at different geographical locations, or sites. By subjecting the plant for the same, or essentially the same, magnetic field as the magnetic field at the plants site of origin the growth cycle of the plant can be altered or affected. Therefore, in an embodiment of a method of cultivating a plant, the following steps are performed: [0090] determining, or measuring, or obtaining, a target magnetic field having a target inclination value and a target intensity value; [0091] determining, or measuring, or obtaining, an in-situ magnetic field at the specific geographical location having an inclination value and a target intensity value; [0092] determining, or measuring, or obtaining, a compensating magnetic field based on the difference between the target magnetic field and the in-situ magnetic field; and [0093] subjecting the plant (107) to the compensating magnetic field.

[0094] In one embodiment of the method of the proposed technology the plant 107 is a seed, and the specific development stage germination. One advantage with applying a compensating magnetic field during germination is that the plant can grow bigger and faster.

[0095] In one embodiment of the method the plant is a sprout, and the specific development stage is seedling. One advantage with applying a compensating magnetic field during seedling is that the plant can obtain more leaves and grow bigger.

[0096] In one embodiment of the method the plant 107 is a bud, and the specific development stage is bud stage. The development stage following bud stage is flowering, by applying a compensating magnetic field during bud stage the time period for the bud to enter the flowering stage can be reduced.

[0097] In one embodiment of the method of the proposed technology the plant 107 is a bulb, and the specific development stage is vegetative stage. One advantage with applying a compensating magnetic field during the vegetative stage of a bulb, is that the vegetative stage can be prolonged and that the plant can remain in the bulb stage for a longer time period, i.e. prolong the time period until flowering. In one embodiment of the method of the proposed technology the compensating magnetic field is applied during germination, seedling, and bud stage. It may also be applied during other/more/fewer development stages such as flowering, ripening, and vegetating. One advantage with applying a compensating magnetic field during several, i.e. at least two, development stages the speed of the growth cycle can be enhanced. It is an advantage with the proposed technology that the lifecycle of a plant 107 can be reduced or extended, and controlled. For example, a plant 107 that has been subjected for the method of the proposed technology can flower twice a year instead of once.

[0098] In one specific embodiment of the method, the plant is an amaryllis. Amaryllis is an ornamental flower native to South Africa which mainly propagates from the small bulbs that develops besides the main bulb that generates flower stems. Amaryllis is an annual plant that flowers once a year, naturally in western cape around the time in October. In the northern hemisphere it naturally blooms in March to April.

[0099] To make the flower bulbs ready for generating flower stems and bloom, the plant naturally goes through an annual cycle. The bulb gets ready and saves energy during the winter, and it starts generating one or two flower stems and starts to bloom in the spring. The plant generates leaves after the blooming and by the end of summer and beginning of winter season it loses its leaves and goes back to dormancy.

[0100] Today this growing cycle is controlled in commercial farms to maintain the growing season, accelerate the blooming, and to preserve the bulbs in order to delay the blooming season. This is generally controlled by the use of climate rooms wherein the temperature and/or humidity are controlled. One advantage with a method according to the proposed technology is that it can be used without or in combination with traditional climate chamber treatments.

[0101] In the embodiment a vertical, downward compensating magnetic field is applied when the flower bulbs are dry and saving energy for the next season. This may accelerate the growth once the flower bulb is planted and receives water. The duration and intensity of the treatment depends on the type of flower. However, typically it varies between a few days and up to 10 weeks. This treatment can be seen as a pre-treatment and followed by a secondary treatment during the flowering period.

[0102] In the specific embodiment, a vertical, downward compensating magnetic field is applied also when flower the bulbs are flowering. This may allow for stem elongation and/or trigger leaf development. This can for example be used for young flower bulbs that require to go through 2-3 years of leaf development until they can develop flower stems. With a treatment according to the proposed technology such process can be speeded up.

[0103] In the specific embodiment, an upward compensating magnetic field is applied to a plant after flowering. This can accelerate the leaf ageing and getting the plants ready to go back into dormancy stage. In commercial farms this process is normally done by applying high temperature for 10-15 days.

Proof of Concept

[0104] The present examples are provided for illustrative purposes only, and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Example 1: Tomatillo

[0105] Two different sets of Tomatillo plants grown from seed germination to fruiting stage were used for the experiment.

[0106] First test was a set of three types of tomatillo seeds in two different group of samples. The sample seeds were planted separately, each one in square plastic propagation pots with the dimensions 4?4?6 cm. All pots were placed in a 21 cm diameter plastic pot. In total 18 small square pots, and two large round pots.

[0107] Nine small square pots, including 1 tomatillo seed in each. In total 9 seeds (3 seeds type SIQUIROS, 3 seeds type DALI, 3 seeds type TOMAYO) all 9 pots were placed in the larger pot, and kept as the control group. FIG. 6a-d shows schematic illustrations of the experimental set-up. FIG. 6a shows the set-up for 2 group of seed pots. FIG. 6b shows the setting for the control group. FIGS. 6c and d shows the setting for the test post connected to the current generator. The same setting was made for test group. Both groups in the round pots were place on a square mat. In one of the mats there was a spiral coil placed in the center of the mat. The test group was placed on the mat with the spiral coil.

[0108] The tomatillo test was performed using three different types of seed: Siquiros, Dali, and Tomayo.

1. First Test

[0109] For the first test the test subjects (seeds) were divided into two groups: control and treatment. Each group had 3 seeds of each seed type. Both groups used the same type of pots and were placed on a mat. The mat for the treatment group comprised an electromagnet, hence the treatment group were subjected to a magnetic field. No magnetic field were applied to the control group. See table 1 for summary.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Summary first test Number of seeds 18 Seed types 3 Control 3-3-3 Regular pot on flat mat No magnetic field Treatment 3-3-3 Regular pot on flat mat 30 mA downward No magnetic field direction magnetic field

Comparison of Germination Rate

[0110] The test group has had a 33% higher germination rate as compared to the control group. A summary can be seen in Table 2. An illustrative example of the difference in size between the treatment (1) and the control (2) can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the leaves, stem and root of the treatment samples are larger than the corresponding for the control samples.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Summary results of first test Seed types Germinated seeds Germination rate Control 5 56% Treatment 8 89% Difference 33%

2. Second Test

[0111] The second experiment on tomatillo type TOMAYO was tested with an additional type of treatment: [0112] Three seeds Treatment 1: Solenoid upward field 7.5 ?T (24 cm diameter pot, 40 turns of wire, solenoid length 20 cm, 30 mA current) [0113] Five seeds Treatment 2: Flat spiral coil [0114] Three seeds Control (no magnetic field)

[0115] The test result comparison between the two treatment and control groups are shown in the tables 3-6 below and in FIGS. 9 a-d.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Summary results of first test (flat spiral coil) Stem Thickness Length Leaves Biggest leaf (mm) (cm) (cm) (cm) 2.45 7 10 4.2 3.65 8 19 7.5 2.82 10 15 6.3

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Summary results of first test (control group) Stem Thickness Length Leaves Biggest leaf (mm) (cm) (cm) (cm) 1.95 8.0 7.5 3.5 2.58 8.5 8.5 3.3 1.65 5.5 6.0 2.5

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Summary results of first test (solenoid) Stem Thickness Length Leaves Biggest leaf (mm) (cm) (cm) (cm) 2.09 8.5 9.5 4.5 3.35 9.0 10.0 5.0 3.9 10.0 15.0 6.1 3.05 9.0 12.5 5.0

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Summary results of first test (average) Stem Thickness Length Leaves Biggest leaf Type (mm) (cm) (cm) (cm) Spiral 2.97 8.33 14.67 6.0 Control 3.10 9.13 11.75 5.15 Solenoid 2.06 7.33 7.33 3.1

[0116] According to this test the speed of germination and seedling stem elongation was higher for the seeds with the basic solenoid with upward magnetic field and they developed stronger stems. The plants with the spiral having a downward magnetic field developed larger leaves.

[0117] The average stem thickness increased 20% compared with the control group in the second test, and a 12% increase in stem elongation as well as a 7% increase in the size of the leaves.

[0118] The germination rate, speed and size of the plants were all increased in both treatment groups in comparison with the respective control group.

[0119] Apart from quality of the plants, the size of the fruits and the yield was significantly higher in the treated plants, i.e. the ones treated with an inclined magnetic field.

Example 2: Amaryllis

[0120] 45 Amaryllis bulbs in three groups of 15 bulbs (Treatment 1, Treatment2, Control)

[0121] The bulbs are all at the end of dormancy period, and ready to grow stems, all facing up.

[0122] The bulbs of each group were planted in a 40?60 cm tray, in a plant cultivation assembly with an 8 cm diameter. The plant cultivation assemblies were placed 2 cm apart, see schematic drawing in FIG. 10. The control group was placed on a normal plastic tray. The treatment groups were treated in two different ways, first time during the dormancy season, and a second time during flowering. The treatments were run in parallel. [0123] Treatment 1: plastic tray including 15 coils connected in series, each coil with seven turns. 40 mA current, vertical field specification: Downward, 0.8 ?T at the root level. [0124] Treatment 2: plastic tray including 15 coils connected in series, each coil with seven turns. 40 mA current, vertical field specification: Upward, 0.8 ?T at the root level.

[0125] The current was applied by a 12V DC current generator. The magnetic field were measured 2 and 10 cm above the top layer.

[0126] The results are shown in the Tables below and in FIG. 11 a and b. FIG. 11a shows the increase in stem length after the first treatment. FIG. 11b shows the increase in stem length after Treatment 2. The respective stem lengths were measured day 30 after start of watering.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Average first stem length (cm). Control Treatment 1 Treatment 2 1 19 30 45 2 29 42 47 3 32 47 48 4 41 52 50 5 42 54 53 6 44 55 54 7 44 52 51 8 48 58 63 9 51 62 69 10 52 72 74 11 52 60 65 12 58 74 74 13 58 67 72 14 60 77 76 15 65 80 91

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Average second stem length (cm) Control Treatment 1 Treatment 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 4 0 11 0 5 2 28 0 6 9 28 7 7 13 28 33 8 14 31 37 9 19 40 43 10 28 44 44 11 29 45 46 12 33 54 53 13 37 60 55 14 41 63 64 15 59 72 64

[0127] Continuing treatment 1 accelerates the aging of the plant in the cycle and allows the leaves to dry faster and go back to dormancy earlier in the season. (Similar to autumn effect in this specific plant according to the start season of lifecycle). Table 9 shows the number of flowers on the stems after the different treatments.

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 8 Number of fully bloomed flowers Number of Number of Treatment first flowers second flowers Treatment 1 12 5 Treatment 2 15 3 Control 7 0