Method of Improving the Growth and Production Output of Plants of the Family Solanaceae

Abstract

A method and system of improving the growth of plants belonging to the family Solanaceae by providing a plant nutrient solution about the plant roots and a gas mixture circulating about the plant shoot; by selecting the gas mixture and plant nutrient solution temperature independently of the other; and providing a plant nutrient solution to gas mixture temperature differential of approximately at least approximately 10° F. during different phases of plant development. The method and system improves plant development to improve a desired plant organ for industrial, scientific, and medical purposes. A method of improving the growth and development of Solanaceae plants by providing a shoot-to-root temperature differential to treat or prevent infection by a plant pathogen and/or infestation by pests.

Claims

1. A method of improving the growth of plants belonging to the family Solanaceae comprising: providing a plant growing system configured for growing a Solanaceae plant having roots and a shoot, the plant growing system including a plant nutrient solution about the plant roots and a gas mixture circulating about the plant shoot; selecting the gas mixture temperature; selecting the plant nutrient solution temperature independently of the gas mixture temperature; and providing a plant nutrient solution to gas mixture temperature differential of at least approximately 10° F. during different phases of plant development.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the phases of plant development comprise seedling growth, vegetative growth, and flora growth.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the method improves plant stem and/or leaf development.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the method improves plant root development.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the method improves plant reproductive organ development.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the growth of the plant is improved based at least in part on the plant variety, at least in part on the plant nutrient solution N-P-K concentration level, and at least in part on the plant growth phase.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the gas mixture comprises air, and the method further comprises the step of increasing the carbon-dioxide level of the air based at least in part upon the selected plant nutrient temperature and at least in part on the selected air temperature.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein any change to the selected gas mixture temperature or the selected plant nutrient solution temperature is made in less than approximately 20° F. increments during any one twenty-four hour period.

9. A method of preventing or treating infection or infestation by a pathogen or pest of plants belonging to the family Solanaceae comprising: providing a plant growing system configured for growing a Solanaceae plant having roots and a shoot, the plant growing system including a plant nutrient solution about the plant roots and a gas mixture circulating about the plant shoot; and selecting either a gas mixture temperature or a nutrient solution temperature independently of the other; wherein the selected temperature is lethal to a pathogen and/or pest belonging to the group consisting of insects, fungi, molds, mildews, bacterium, and combinations thereof at the selected gas mixture temperature or nutrient solution temperature.

10. The method of claim 9; wherein the selected gas mixture temperature is at least 10° F. above the nutrient solution temperature, and is a temperature which does not cause the plant of a selected variety to be irremediably harmed.

11. The method of claim 9; wherein the selected nutrient solution temperature is at least 10° F. above the gas mixture temperature, and is a temperature which does not cause the plant of a selected variety to be irremediably harmed.

12. A plant growing system configured to grow a Solanaceae plant having roots and a shoot, the plant growing system comprising: a plant nutrient solution located about the roots of the plant; and a gas mixture circulating about the shoot of the plant, wherein the gas mixture has a temperature that is selected independently of or based at least in part on a temperature of the plant nutrient solution, and wherein during different phases of plant development, a plant nutrient solution to gas mixture temperature differential is provided such that the temperature differential is greater than approximately 10° F. during at least part of one of the different phases of plant development.

13. The plant growing system of claim 12, wherein the plant growing system is insulated, air-tight, and water-tight to the extent required as to maintain the temperature differential between the plant root and the plant shoot.

14. The plant growing system of claim 12, further comprising material placed between the plant shoot and the plant root to maintain the temperature differential between the plant root and the plant shoot.

15. The plant growing system of claim 12, further comprising material suspended over or about the plant shoot to provide a temperature differential between the plant root and the plant shoot.

16. The plant growing system of claim 12, further comprising an irrigation system to deliver the plant nutrient solution to the roots of the plant.

17. The plant growing system of claim 12, wherein the system is self-contained except for electrical input, water input, water output, and ventilation.

18. The plant growing system of claim 12, wherein the system is self-contained except for solar input, water input, water output, and ventilation.

19. The plant growing system of claim 12, wherein the system is portable.

20. The plant growing system of claim 12, wherein the system is configured to grow a plant in zero gravity.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0092] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the inventive method.

[0093] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the inventive method.

[0094] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the inventive method.

[0095] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a Solanaceae plant's development indicating various stages of shoot to root temperature differential provided to improve selected plant organs.

[0096] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a Solanaceae plant's development indicating various stages of shoot to root temperature differential provided to improve selected plant organs.

[0097] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a Solanaceae plant's development indicative of a period of low root temperature provided to prevent or treat infection by a plant pathogen or pest.

[0098] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a Solanaceae plant's development indicative of periods of low root temperature provided to prevent or treat infection by a plant pathogen or pest.

[0099] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a Solanaceae plant's development indicative of a period of low shoot temperature provided to prevent or treat infection by a plant pathogen or pest.

[0100] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a Solanaceae plant's development indicative of periods of low shoot temperature provided to prevent or treat infection by a plant pathogen or pest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0101] As depicted in FIG. 1, the inventive method provides a plant growing system (300) configured for growing a Solanaceae plant having roots (310) and a shoot (315). The plant growing system includes a plant nutrient solution (320) about (325) the plant roots (310) and a gas mixture (330) circulating about (335) the plant shoot (315). It is contemplated that the plant growing system (300) is insulated, air-tight, and water-tight to the extent required as to maintain a desired temperature differential between the plant root (310) and plant shoot (315). Many and varied plant growing system types and techniques may be provided; such as hydroponic drip, ebb and flow, nutrient film technique, deep water culture, wick systems, aquaponic system, and the like, and to include known configurations which may be easily adapted to independently select and maintain both plant root (310) and plant shoot (315) temperatures.

[0102] As depicted in FIG. 2, the inventive method provides a plant growing system (400) adapted for outdoor hydroponic or aquaponic cultivation of a Solanaceae plant having roots (310) and a shoot (315). The plant growing system (400) includes a plant nutrient solution (420) about (425) the plant roots (310) and allows for air to circulate about (435) the plant shoot (315). It is contemplated that the plant growing system is insulated and water-tight to the extent required as to maintain a desired temperature differential between the plant root (310) and plant shoot (315). Additionally, insulative light reflecting or absorbing material (440) may be placed between the plant shoot and root to facilitate and maintain a desired temperature differential. Still further, insulative or dissipative light reflecting or absorbing material (445) may be suspended over the plant shoot (315) to facilitate and maintain a desired temperature differential. Many and varied plant growing system (400) types and techniques may be provided; such as hydroponic drip, ebb and flow, nutrient film technique, deep water culture, wick systems, aquaponic system, and the like, and to include known configurations which may be easily adapted to select and maintain a plant root (310) temperature independently of the circulating air (435) temperature and/or plant shoot (315) temperature.

[0103] As depicted in FIG. 3, the inventive method provides a plant growing system (500) adapted to outdoor soil (510) based irrigation farming of a Solanaceae plant having roots (310) and a shoot (315). The plant growing system (500) includes an irrigation plant nutrient solution (520) which is conveyed to the plant roots (525) via conventional irrigation means other than “through the air broadcast” or “sprinkler type” techniques. Preferably, drip or troth type irrigation techniques are used as to not alter the shoot (315) temperature of the plant when a temperature differential is desired. Based at least in part on the temperature of the air allowed to circulate about (530) the plant shoot (315), the irrigation plant nutrient solution (520) temperature is selected to provide a desired shoot to root temperature differential. It is contemplated that the plant growing system (500) is insulated and water-tight to the extent required as to maintain a desired temperature differential between the plant root (310) and plant shoot (315). An exemplary plant growing system includes irrigation pipe (535) conveying irrigation nutrient solution (520) through the soil (510) and about (525) the plant roots (310). Additionally, insulative or dissipative light reflecting or absorbing material (540) may be placed between the plant shoot and root to facilitate and maintain a desired temperature differential.

[0104] Still further, insulative or dissipative light reflecting or absorbing material (545) may be suspended over the plant shoot (315) to facilitate and maintain a desired temperature differential. Many and varied outdoor soil based plant growing system (500) and techniques may be adapted to select and maintain a plant root (310) temperature independently of the circulating air (530) temperature and/or plant shoot (315) temperature.

[0105] By independently selecting a gas mixture temperature and the plant nutrient solution temperature; and by providing a plant nutrient solution temperature to gas mixture temperature differential of approximately 0° F. or of at least approximately 10° F. during different phases of plant development, the growth of plants belonging to the family Solanaceae may be improved.

[0106] As previously discussed, physiological ontogenic and morphogenic changes caused by shoot to root temperature differentials during plant growth may be exploited to modify a plant's development, and thus improve desired plant organs for industrial, scientific, and medical purposes. However, the developmental changes resulting from differential shoot to root temperatures in part are dependent upon the plant family, genera, and/or species being improved. One plant with a cold shoot and hot roots will react differently from a plant of another plant family, as will one plant variety from another of the same plant family.

[0107] In Growth Responses of Hemp to Differential Soil and Air Temperatures, by Clarence H. Nelson, Plant Physiol. 1944 April; 19(2): 294-309., (hereinafter “Nelson”, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety) Nelson explains that specific development changes occur in C. sativa L. plants grown in such temperature differential environments. Nelson placed C. sativa L. into four unchanged temperature conditions (series), remaining unchanged throughout the vegetative growth phase of the plants. The four temperature conditions Nelson used where:

[0108] Shoot at 86° F., and roots at 86° F., (hereinafter “H/H”).

[0109] Shoot at 86° F., and roots at 60° F., (hereinafter “H/L”).

[0110] Shoot at 60° F., and roots at 86° F., (hereinafter “L/H”).

[0111] Shoot at 60° F., and roots at 60° F., (hereinafter “L/L”).

[0112] The following was observed and concluded by Nelson:

[0113] All four temperature series plants developed uniformly for the first four weeks of growth, with significant developmental changes being observed after seven weeks of growth.

[0114] The H/H Plants:

[0115] Vegetative growth was the most robust, with the smallest internodal length and stem diameter until maturity, and with the greatest root development. Specifically, H/H series plants exhibited the maximum stem elongation; greatest number of nodes produced; earliest blossom and seed formation; least aggregate leaf area; greatest number of leaf abscissions; and the highest absolute water consumption during growth.

[0116] The H/L Plants:

[0117] Both the aggregate number of leaves produced and the total leaf area per plant where smaller than in any other series. The leaves themselves were relatively thin and more finely veined. This series showed the least anabolic efficiency as noted by their low fresh and dry weight per plant. There was a possibility of impaired translocation of reserves into the region below the ground line due to low root temperatures.

[0118] The L/H Plants:

[0119] Had the maximum stem diameter and greatest internodal length. Leaves were very coarse in texture, large in size, and extremely thick. Leaf abscission was lowest of the four series, and leaf and stem production was favored. Plants of this series had the largest stem diameter, largest individual leaves, and highest aggregate dry weight.

[0120] The L/L Plants:

[0121] The leaves on these plants were relatively large, attaining the maximum area per leaf of the four series. Though the stems attained a height only slightly greater than in the L/H plants, the stem diameter was relatively large. The vegetative habit was essentially similar to L/H plants except as to stem length.

[0122] It has surprisingly been found during instant inventor experimentation that applying similar shoot to root temperature differentials to Solanaceae plants also improves the quality of various plant organs and overall plant growth. While not wishing to be bound by any one theory or combination of theories, it is believed that, the timing, sequence, and range of shoot-to-root temperature differentials selected during development of Solanaceae plants, during selected phases of plant growth, improves the growth of various organs and characteristics of Solanaceae plants and improves such plants for industrial, scientific, and medical uses.

[0123] It was observed during instant inventor experimentation that Solanaceae plants placed in a shoot to root temperature differential condition exhibit physiological ontogenic changes if the temperature differential is approximately 10° F. or greater. Below this approximate 10° F. temperature differential threshold, Solanaceae plants exhibit no or little significant physiological ontogenic change, even after long term temperature differential exposure. Hereinafter, this approximate 10° F. or greater temperature differential will be symbolized either as a “>10° F.+/−” or as a “>10° F.−/+” temperature condition when the plant being improved belongs to the Solanaceae family; the first position representing selected shoot temperature, and the second position representing selected root temperature, and the “+” and “−” indicative of whether the shoot or root temperature is above or below the other.

[0124] Hereinafter, an approximate 0° F. shoot to root temperature differential will be symbolized as a “0° F. S/R” temperature condition.

[0125] Some Solanaceae plant varieties are relatively small in size and lend themselves to modern hydroponic, aeroponic, and/or aquaponic growing methods. Therefore, providing effective shoot to root temperature differentials for a Solanaceae variety is extremely easy using a plant growing system similar to as described in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3.

[0126] In an embodiment of the present invention, providing selected shoot to root temperature differentials during Solanaceae seedling, vegetative, and flora growth phases, at least one organ of the plant may be improved for industrial, scientific, or medical use.

[0127] Nelson's observations and instant inventor experimental data indicate that plants exposed to all four differential temperature condition types exhibited little or no developmental differences during the first 4 weeks of growth, and providing an 0° F. S/R temperature condition during seedling growth phase results in improved growth and development of the plant for all intended uses.

[0128] In an embodiment of the present invention, the primary organ for desired improvement are Solanaceae plant stems and/or leaves.

[0129] Desired plant characteristics for stem improvement are: robust vegetative growth, stem elongation, a wide stem diameter, the least number of nodes, long internode length, and maximum plant material weight and density.

[0130] As depicted in FIG. 4, after providing a seedling a 0° F. S/R temperature condition (730), and providing during vegetative growth a >10° F.−/+temperature condition (740), improved plant stem and/or leaf growth, weight, and density can be observed.

[0131] Typically, for stem and/or leaf production, the plant is harvested before, or never induced into, the plant flora growth (730) phase.

[0132] In another embodiment of the present invention, the target for desired improvement is Solanaceae plant reproductive organs.

[0133] Desired plant characteristics for reproductive organ improvement are: robust vegetative growth, moderate stem diameter, the greatest number of nodes, short internode length, and improved reproductive organ number, density, size, and weight.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 5, after providing a seedling a 0° F. S/R temperature condition (830), and then providing during a first portion of vegetative growth an >10° F.−/+temperature condition (840) results in a thickening of the stem wall and an increase in stem diameter. Vigorous root growth also continues under >10° F.−/+temperature conditions.

[0135] This shoot to root temperature differential sequence slightly-to-moderately thickens stems and branches during an early portion of vegetative growth, then returning the plant to a 0° F. S/R temperature condition (850) results in continued robust vegetative growth, a moderate stem diameter, a large number of nodes, and short internodal length; all desirable characteristics in preparation for entering the plant flora growth (820) phase.

[0136] Plant growth is finished while maintaining a 0° F. S/R temperature condition (860) during the plant flora growth (820) phase, which improves reproductive organ, density, size, and weight.

[0137] As depicted in FIG. 6, in another embodiment of the present inventive method, a Solanaceae variety root temperature is reduced wherein the plant nutrient solution temperature is harmful to plant pathogens wherein the pathogens become intolerant of the temperature. Plants in the seedling growth phase may be placed in this “cold roots” temperature condition (920) in order to prevent or eradicate infection by a pathogen or pest, while maintaining both vigorous shoot and root growth. It should be noted that during the seedling growth phase, little if any significant developmental changes were observed by Nelson nor the instant inventor; therefore the primary objective in reducing root temperature during seedling growth is the prevention or treatment of a harmful plant pathogen or pest.

[0138] To prevent plant root hypoxia which in turn prevents pathogen or pest infection and infestation, and to increase nutrient uptake by a plant; intelligently so, the vast majority of cultivators reduce water and/or nutrient solution and grow medium temperatures to between 55-70 degrees F. regardless of the air/gas mixture provided and maintained. This indeed will increase solubility making supplementary oxygen bubblers, injectors, and the like much more effective and efficient. However, as observed by Nelson, this common nutrient temperature reduction while maintaining the plant shoot at higher temperatures results in a H/L shoot to root temperature differential condition, which stunts and retards growth and development of plants; from seedlings to harvest.

[0139] As depicted in FIG. 7, in another embodiment of the present inventive method, as observed by the instant inventor, temporarily reducing plant nutrient solution temperature (1030) for the purpose of eradicating or preventing infection by a harmful pathogen or pest has no or little physiological ontogenic or morphogenic affect if the period of “cold roots” is approximately less than 5 days in duration. This therapeutic period of “cold roots” may be accomplished during either plant seedling growth (1000) vegetative growth (1010) or flora growth (1020) phases. As depicted by temperature line 1040, preferably if a plant is placed in a therapeutic “cold roots” condition during seedling growth, in order to prevent pathogen or pest re-infection, the plant may remain in that “cold roots” condition until morphogenic changes for a particular growing sequence requires an increase in plant root temperature. As observed during instant inventor experimentation, several periods of therapeutic “cold roots” of 3-5 days duration (1050,1060) were executed randomly throughout both plant vegetative and flora growth phases without noticeable morphogenic difference, as compared to plants which were not placed in a therapeutic “cold root” condition.

[0140] As depicted in FIG. 8, in another embodiment of the present inventive method, a Solanaceae variety shoot temperature is reduced wherein the plant air or gas mixture temperature is harmful to plant pathogens or pests wherein the pathogens or pests become intolerant of the reduced temperature. Plants in the seedling growth phase may be placed in this “cold shoots” temperature condition (1120) in order to prevent or eradicate infection or infestation by a pathogen or pest, while maintaining both vigorous shoot and root growth. It should be noted that during the seedling growth phase, little if any significant developmental changes were observed by Nelson nor the instant inventor; therefore the primary objective in reducing shoot temperature during seedling growth is the prevention or treatment of a harmful plant pathogen or pest.

[0141] As depicted in FIG. 9, in another embodiment of the present inventive method, as observed by the instant inventor, temporarily reducing plant gas mixture temperature (1230) for the purpose of eradicating or preventing infection by a harmful pathogen or pest has no or little physiological ontogenic or morphogenic affect if the period of “cold shoots” is approximately less than 5 days in duration. This therapeutic period of “cold shoots” may be accomplished during either plant seedling growth (1000) vegetative growth (1010) or flora growth (1020) phases. As depicted by temperature line 1240, preferably if a plant is placed in a therapeutic “cold shoots” condition during seedling growth, in order to prevent pathogen or pest re-infection, the plant may remain in that “cold shoots” condition until morphogenic changes for a particular growing sequence requires an increase in plant gas mixture temperature. As observed during instant inventor experimentation, several periods of therapeutic “cold shoots” of 3-5 days duration (1250,1260) were executed randomly throughout both plant vegetative and flora growth phases without noticeable morphogenic difference, as compared to plants which were not placed in a therapeutic “cold shoot” condition.

[0142] When changes are made in plant environmental temperature, preferably the change should be made gradually rather than abruptly; as to avoid overly stressing the plant. Such stress causes growth retardation and stunts the plant overall. Preferably, selected gas mixture temperature and/or plant nutrient solution temperature changes should be less than approximately 20° F. in any one twenty-four hour period.

[0143] It was observed during instant inventor experimentation that Solanaceae plant developmental changes caused by shoot to root temperature differentials tended to increase in rate of change and in degree or extent of change as shoot to root temperature differentials were increased.

[0144] Utilizing carbon-dioxide augmentation during plant development allows for increased gas mixture temperatures, and therefore increased shoot to root temperature differentials. The increased shoot to root temperature differentials allowed utilizing carbon-dioxide augmentation results in improved plant morphogenic changes, improved plant growth overall, and thus reduces cultivation cost and time while increasing crop yields.

[0145] It should be understood that all Figures only illustrative of various aspects of the present inventive method, and are not intended to be accurate or to scale as to time, temperature, or physical dimensions related to the described inventive shoot to root temperature sequence.

[0146] Although the inventive method has been described with reference to a particular sequence of shoot to root temperature differentials and/or temperature values, and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible sequences or temperatures, and indeed many other modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art.

[0147] Having thus described several embodiments for practicing the inventive method, its advantages and objectives can be understood. Variations from the drawings and description can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is to be determined from the following claims.

[0148] Although the inventive method has been described with reference to a particular plant family, other plant families and genera may also be improved by practicing the inventive method, without departing from the objectives and scope of the instant invention. It is contemplated this group includes modern green algae, seedless non-vascular, seedless vascular, gymnosperm, and angiosperm plant families.

[0149] Accordingly, this invention is not to be limited by the embodiments as shown in the drawings and/or as described in the description, since these are given by way of example only and not by way of limitation.