U.S. patent application number 14/335124 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-12 for plant growing system containing a super amount of a controlled-relleased fertilizer and methods of using the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to SYNGENTA PARTICIPATIOINS AG. The applicant listed for this patent is OMS INVESTMENTS, INC.. Invention is credited to JOSEPH L. CRAIG, JOSEPH M. DIPAOLA, Robert W. HARRIMAN, Tim J. MCNAMARA, ALEXANDER P. PROHODSKI.
Application Number | 20150047072 14/335124 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49381498 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150047072 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HARRIMAN; Robert W. ; et
al. |
February 12, 2015 |
PLANT GROWING SYSTEM CONTAINING A SUPER AMOUNT OF A
CONTROLLED-RELLEASED FERTILIZER AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME
Abstract
The invention relates to a plant growing system having (a) plant
life; (b) a super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer to
provide season-long performance; and (c) growing media. The
planting growing system may also include a moisture control agent
or a plant protection agent. Despite the high EC values of the
growing system, the combination of materials that make up the
growing system nevertheless produces superior performing plants
with darker green, healthier-looking leaves; superior growth, fill
and spread; more abundant production of flowers and fruits; and a
more developed, sustaining root system. Moreover, these plants are
far less susceptible to the effects of pests such as fungi (e.g.,
Fusarium and Rhizoctonia), pythium, caterpillars, thrips,
whiteflies, and other pests.
Inventors: |
HARRIMAN; Robert W.;
(Delaware, OH) ; MCNAMARA; Tim J.; (POWELL,
OH) ; CRAIG; JOSEPH L.; (MARYSVILLE, OH) ;
DIPAOLA; JOSEPH M.; (HIGH POINT, NC) ; PROHODSKI;
ALEXANDER P.; (AMHERST, NH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OMS INVESTMENTS, INC. |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SYNGENTA PARTICIPATIOINS AG
Basel
CH
|
Family ID: |
49381498 |
Appl. No.: |
14/335124 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13844328 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
8813423 |
|
|
14335124 |
|
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61625992 |
Apr 18, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
800/298 ; 71/23;
71/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C05G 3/80 20200201; A01G
22/00 20180201; A01G 7/00 20130101; C05G 5/45 20200201; A01G 24/00
20180201; C05B 17/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
800/298 ; 71/23;
71/24 |
International
Class: |
C05B 17/00 20060101
C05B017/00; C05G 3/00 20060101 C05G003/00; C05G 3/04 20060101
C05G003/04 |
Claims
1-27. (canceled)
28. A plant growing system comprising (a) plant life; (b) a super
amount of a controlled-release fertilizer; and (c) growing media,
wherein said super amount of controlled-release fertilizer is about
1.5-9 grams of nitrogen per plant and wherein said
controlled-release fertilizer releases nutrients over 3-4 months,
5-6 months, or 8-9 months.
29. The plant growing system of claim 28, wherein said plant
growing system sustains growth and production of said plant life
for at least 12 weeks.
30. The plant growing system of claim 29, wherein said plant
growing system sustains growth and production of said plant life
for at least 12-16 weeks.
31. The plant growing system of claim 28, wherein said plant
growing system sustains growth and production of said plant life
planted and grown in the ground for at least 10-16 weeks.
32. The plant growing system of claim 28, wherein said plant
growing system sustains growth and production of said plant life
growing in suspension or hanging for at least 6-14 weeks.
33. The plant growing system of claim 28, wherein the plant life is
a plant, plant cutting, young plant or seed.
34. The plant growing system of claim 28, wherein the plant has
superior genetics that enhance yield, aesthetics, and garden
performance.
35. The plant growing system of claim 28, wherein said system
further comprises a moisture control agent.
36. The plant growing system of claim 28, wherein said system
further comprises a plant protection agent.
37. The plant growing system of claim 28, wherein the growing media
comprises peat, perlite, wheat straw, biodigester remains, bark,
coir, or combinations thereof.
38. The plant growing system of claim 28, wherein the system is
contained in a biodegradable pot or container.
39. A plant growing system comprising (a) plant life; (b) a super
amount of a controlled-release fertilizer; and (c) growing media,
wherein said super amount of controlled-release fertilizer is a
combination of controlled-release fertilizers and totals about
1.5-9 grams of nitrogen per plant, wherein said super amount of
wherein said controlled-release fertilizer releases nutrients over
3-4 months, 5-6 months, or 8-9 months, and wherein said plant
growing system has a lower electrical conductivity (EC) when
compared to a plant growing system where the controlled-release
fertilizers are assessed individually.
40. The plant growing system of claim 39, wherein the super amount
of controlled-release fertilizer is 15 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus
(15-9-12); 30 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12); 60 grams of
5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12); 5 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus
(15-9-12)+20 grams of 3-4 M Osmocote Mini (19-6-10); 2.5 grams of
5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12)+15 grams of 3-4 M Osmocote Mini
(19-6-10); or 30 grams of 8-9 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12).
41. The plant growing system of claim 39, wherein the plant life is
a plant, plant cutting, young plant or seed.
42. The plant growing system of claim 39, wherein the plant has
superior genetics that enhance yield, aesthetics, and garden
performance.
43. The plant growing system of claim 39, wherein said system
further comprises a moisture control agent.
44. The plant growing system of claim 39, wherein said system
further comprises a plant protection agent.
45. The plant growing system of claim 39, wherein the growing media
comprises peat, perlite, wheat straw, biodigester remains, bark,
coir, or combinations thereof.
46. The plant growing system of claim 39, wherein the system is
contained in a biodegradable pot or container.
47. The plant growing system of claim 39, wherein the super amount
of a controlled-release fertilizer is in the form of fertilizer
sticks.
48. The plant growing system of claim 39, wherein a super amount of
a controlled-release fertilizer is a combination of
controlled-release fertilizers.
49. A plant growing system comprising (a) plant life; (b) a super
amount of a controlled-release fertilizer; and (c) growing media,
wherein said controlled-release fertilizer releases nutrients over
3-4 months, 5-6 months, or 8-9 months, and wherein the plant
growing system has an electrical conductivity (EC) of about 7 mS/cm
to about 18 mS/cm determined using the PourThru method.
50. The plant growing system of claim 49, wherein the plant life is
a plant, plant cutting, young plant or seed.
51. The plant growing system of claim 49, wherein the plant has
superior genetics that enhance yield, aesthetics, and garden
performance.
52. The plant growing system of claim 49, wherein said system
further comprises a moisture control agent.
53. The plant growing system of claim 49, wherein said system
further comprises a plant protection agent.
54. The plant growing system of claim 49, wherein the growing media
comprises peat, perlite, wheat straw, biodigester remains, bark,
coir, or combinations thereof.
55. The plant growing system of claim 49, wherein the system is
contained in a biodegradable pot or container.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/625,992, filed Apr. 18, 2012.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to plant growing systems that include
plant life, a super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer to
provide season-long performance (e.g., in the field, patio or
hanging baskets), and growing media (e.g., soilless growing media).
Methods of using the plant growing systems are also provided.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0003] Controlled-release fertilizers (CRF) are well known in the
art. These fertilizers are coated with materials that release
nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) into soil or
media for a plant's benefit over time. For example, Osmocote.RTM.
Plus is a CRF that releases nutrients over 3 to 14 month periods
depending on factors including the amount of coating and prill
size.
[0004] Plants vary in their fertility requirements for achieving
optimal growth. Indeed, plants may be characterized as light
feeders (e.g., Begonias, Impatiens), medium feeders (e.g.,
Petunias, Geraniums), or heavy feeders (e.g., Poinsettias). Each
class of feeders may tolerate varying, levels of salt, measured as
electrical conductivity (EC): light feeders (EC .about.0.76 to 2
mS/cm), medium feeders (EC .about.1.5 to 3.0 mS/cm), and heavy
feeders (EC .about.2.0 to 3.5 mS/cm) using the saturated media
extract (SME) procedure. See Cavins et al., "Monitoring and
Managing pH and EC Using the PourThru Extraction Method,"
Horticulture Information Leaflet 590, July, 2000.
[0005] High EC is detrimental to plants and is associated with poor
shoot and root growth. For example, an EC greater than 6.0 (using
the SME procedure) or greater than 7.8 (using the PourThru
extraction procedure) will result in salt injury to most crops.
Some studies using the PourThru extraction procedure have shown
that an EC above 4.7 is high and may damage sensitive plants; above
6.6 is very high with potential damage to most plants, and above
7.8 is extreme with most crops damaged. See, e.g., John M. Dole and
James L. Gibson, Cutting Propagation 85 (Table 7.1) (Ball
Publishing 2006); see also D. D. Warncke and D. M. Krauskopf,
Extension Bulletin B-1736 (1983). A high EC may be caused by
applying a greater amount of fertilizer than is required by the
plant. Accordingly, one method of reducing EC is to reduce the
fertilization rate by providing less fertilizer. See Cavins et al.,
supra.
[0006] A recent study reviewed the effects of CRF on nutrient
leaching. See Andiru, G., "Effects of Controlled-Released
Fertilizer on Nutrient Leaching and Garden Performance of Impatiens
walleriana (Hook. F., "Extreme Scarlet," Masters Thesis, The Ohio
State University, 2010). The report found, among other things, that
low to medium CRF application rates (3.4-6.8 kg/m.sup.3; 2.5-5
g/container) produced commercially acceptable plant quality,
whereas a higher CRF application rate (13.6 kg/m.sup.3; 10
g/container) resulted in smaller canopy cover than the control.
Moreover, "if high fertilizer rates were used, high initial release
might not favor growth of young plants." See Andiru, supra.
Accordingly, the study confirms that high fertility loads should be
avoided for obtaining superior performing plants.
SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The embodiments of the invention relate to a plant growing
system having, among other things, a fertility load that would not
have been expected to produce superior plants. In particular, the
invention includes plant life, a super amount of a
controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) to provide season-long
performance (e.g., in the field, patio or hanging baskets), and
growing media. A moisture control agent and/or a plant protection
agent may also be included. The growing system according to the
embodiments of the present invention has high EC values because of
the high fertility load. For that reason, the inventors have
surprisingly found that, despite the high EC values of the growing
system, the combination of materials that make up the growing
system nevertheless produces superior performing plants with darker
green, healthier-looking leaves; superior growth, fill and spread;
more abundant production of flowers and fruits; and a more
developed, sustaining root system. Moreover, these plants are far
less susceptible to the effects of pests such as fungi (e.g.,
Fusarium and Rhizoctonia), pythium, caterpillars, thrips,
whiteflies, and other pests.
[0008] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a plant growing
system comprising (a) plant life; (b) a super amount of a
controlled-release fertilizer to provide season-long performance;
and (c) growing media. In other embodiments, a moisture control
agent and/or a plant protection agent are included.
[0009] In another embodiment, the invention relates to a high EC
plant growing system comprising (a) plant life; (b) a super amount
of a controlled-release fertilizer; and (c) growing media; wherein
the super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer promotes the
high EC in the plant growing system. In other embodiments, a
moisture control agent and/or a plant protection agent are
included.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method
for promoting season-long performance comprising planting the
growing system described herein and enhancing drought tolerance by
incorporating a moisture control agent.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method
of increasing drought resistance comprising planting the growing
system described herein and watering the plant growing system.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method
of increasing drought resistance comprising planting the growing
system described herein and enhancing garden performance by
incorporating a pest control agent.
[0013] In still another embodiment, the invention relates to a
method of growing plants in a high EC environment, where the method
comprises planting plant life in a container comprising growing
media and a material comprising a super amount of a
controlled-release fertilizer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0014] FIG. 1 is a photograph of five geranium plants grown using
four different fertility treatments, where the left-most plant did
not receive any fertility treatment.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a photograph of four impatiens plants grown using
four different fertility treatments.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a photograph of four petunia plants grown using
four different fertility treatments.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a photograph of four marigold plants grown using
four different fertility treatments.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a photograph of four vinca plants grown using four
different fertility treatments.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a graph of experiments where various moisture
control agents were used and the percent wilt was measured after an
11-day dry-down period.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a graph of experiments where various moisture
control agents were used and the visual quality at wilt was
measured after an 11-day dry-down period.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a picture of impatiens (upper rows) and verbena
(lower rows) plants grown in media containing various moisture
control agents.
[0022] FIG. 9 shows pictures of petunia plants grown in the
presence and absence of plant protection agents.
[0023] FIG. 10 shows pictures of petunia plants grown using four
different fertility treatments.
[0024] FIG. 11 shows pictures of impatiens plants grown using two
different fertility treatments.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a graph of a drought stress study with impatiens
using five different fertility treatments.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a graph of a drought stress study with impatiens
that incorporates moisture control agents.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a graph showing relative nitrogen amounts and EC
values of various fertility formulas.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a picture comparing the results of germanium
plants grown in a hanging basket.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a graph showing the number of flowers grown in a
hanging basket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Live plants are produced by growers and sold by retailers
for consumer use. The goal of the grower and retailer is to obtain
a salable plant in a highly cost competitive market. However, many
plants on the market lack the additional investments of
fertilization, pest protection or moisture mediation. What results
are inferior plants that will not exhibit season-long garden
performance.
[0031] Additionally, current practices and research advise against
supplying high amounts of fertilizer. Indeed, negative effects have
been observed on post-production performance when high levels of
fertilizer are used. See Nell, T. A., et al., Hart. Science 24:
996-998 (1989). As such, to "harden" or "tone" plants for shipping
and the retail environment, growers will stop fertilization 1-2
weeks prior to shipment. See Nell, supra. This is done to avoid the
negative impact (excess growth and stretching) of high EC fertility
on plant development and quality, as well as the impact to their
budget and the environment. (Conover C. A., Poole R. T., and
Steinkamp K. Using the Pour Through Nutrient Extraction Procedure
Production Regimes: Optimum Fertilizer Rates and Associated
Leachate electrical Conductivity Levels of Twelve Foliage Plants.
(http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/foliage/resrpts/rh.sub.--92.sub.--24.htm).
[0032] The inventors have developed a system that is
counterintuitive to accepted precepts regarding high fertility and
ECs and its impact on plant performance during production and
dramatically so through the gardening season. In particular, the
invention relates to a plant growing system that includes plant
life (e.g., plant in small, medium or large plug format; plant
cutting, young plant or seed), a super amount of a
controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) to provide season-long
performance (e.g., in the patio and field), and growing media. A
moisture control agent and/or plant protection agent may also be
included. The super amounts of CRF used in the invention far exceed
the levels of fertilizer previously used. Indeed, the fertility
loads used herein, although resulting in high EC, unexpectedly did
not detrimentally affect plants, but rather led to superior growth
and performance (e.g., in the patio and field) compared to applying
standard fertility loads (e.g., applied via constant liquid feed
programs that typically contain 150-200 ppm of nitrogen in a
complete N-P-K fertilizer with or without minor elements).
Accordingly, contrary to conventional wisdom in the art, the
inventors surprisingly determined that, among other things, high
fertility loads could be used to obtain superior plants at the end
of greenhouse/finish production, as well as season-long garden and
patio settings.
[0033] To protect plant health during distribution and for the end
user, the inventors demonstrated that the plant growing systems
described herein showed enhanced moisture management that protects
against drought stress. Protection from drought stress may be
further enhanced by including moisture control agents.
[0034] The inventors also surprisingly found that, when adding a
combination of controlled-release fertilizers (e.g., a blend of
Osmocote fertilizers), EC was reduced. For example, the inventors
showed that the combination of Osmocote Plus and Osmocote Mini
provided a higher fertility load and a lower EC when compared to
the controlled-release fertilizers assessed individually.
[0035] The plant growing systems described herein provide an easy
and reproducible means for growing plants. The systems include a
nutrient supply that adequately provides for both the production
and garden performance phases of consumer goods. Indeed, an end
user of the plant growing systems will not need to invest the time,
money, or labor to ensure optimal garden performance. For example,
the plant growing systems will typically not require additional
fertilization, while also providing protection from pests and
drought--considerations commonly encountered with live plants but
not being addressed with plants currently being sold. Accordingly,
the invention provides an all-in-one growing system that eliminates
the hassle and inconvenience of previously described systems.
[0036] In some embodiments, a high EC environment results from the
use of a super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer in the
system of the embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly,
some embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of
growing plants in a high EC environment, where the method comprises
planting plant life in a pot or container comprising growing media
and a material comprising a super amount of a controlled-release
fertilizer to provide season-long performance. In other
embodiments, the material further comprises a moisture control
agent and/or a plant protection agent.
[0037] Other embodiments of the present invention relate to a high
EC plant growing system comprising (a) plant life; (b) a super
amount of a controlled-release fertilizer to provide season-long
performance; and (c) growing media; wherein the super amount of a
controlled-release fertilizer promotes the high EC in the plant
growing system. In other embodiments, the growing system further
comprises a moisture control agent and/or a plant protection
agent.
A. DEFINITIONS
[0038] As used herein, the term "super amount of a
controlled-release fertilizer" means, in some embodiments, a CRF
load greater than 8 kg/m.sup.3, e.g., greater than 9 kg/m.sup.3;
greater than 10 kg/m.sup.3; greater than 12 kg/m.sup.3; greater
than 14 kg/m.sup.3; greater than 16 kg/m.sup.3; greater than 18
kg/m.sup.3; or greater than 20 kg/m.sup.3 with pot sizes greater
than 10 cm in size. In some embodiments, "super amount of a
controlled-release fertilizer" means a CRF load of from about 8 to
about 24 kg/m.sup.3; about 10 to about 24 kg/m.sup.3; or about 12
to about 24 kg/m.sup.3.
[0039] In other embodiments, the term "super amount of a
controlled-release fertilizer" means at least 15 to 60 grams of a
controlled-release fertilizer per greater than a 0.8 liter (e.g.,
greater than 0.9 L, greater than 1 L; greater than 1.25 L; greater
than 2 L; or greater than 2.25 L) pot or container For example, in
some embodiments, the amounts of fertilizer per greater than 0.8
(or 0.9) liter pot or container is from about 15 to about 30 grams;
from about 12 to about 24 grams; from about 10 to about 40 grams;
from about 8 to about 32 grams; or from about 14 to about 45 grams
of CRF (e.g., Osmocote.RTM. Plus 5-6 month 15-9-12, Osmocote.RTM.
Plus Hi Start 5-6 month 16-9-12, Osmocote.RTM. Mini 3-4 month
19-6-10 or combination of Osmocote.RTM. Plus and Osmocote.RTM.
Mini).
[0040] In still other embodiments, the term "super amount of a
controlled-release fertilizer" means from about 1.5 gram nitrogen
to about 9 grams nitrogen per greater than 0.8 (or 0.9) liter pot
or container, e.g., from about 2 grams nitrogen to about 5 grams
nitrogen; from about 2 to about 4 grams nitrogen; from about 2 to
about 8 grams nitrogen; from about 1.5 to about 6 grams nitrogen;
of from about 2 to about 9 grams nitrogen per greater than 0.8 (or
0.9) liter pot or container.
[0041] As used herein, the term "high EC" means an EC higher than 7
mS/cm as determined via the PourThru method, e.g., higher than 8
mS/cm; higher than 9 mS/cm; higher than 10 mS/cm; higher than 11
mS/cm; higher than 12 mS/cm; higher than 13 mS/cm; higher than 14
mS/cm; or higher than 15 mS/cm as determined via the PourThru
method. In some embodiments, the EC is from about 7 mS/cm to about
18 mS/cm, e.g., from about 7 to about 12 mS/cm; from about 9 to
about 18 mS/cm; from about 10 to about 18 mS/cm; from about 12 to
about 18 mS/cm; from about 12 to about 16 mS/cm; or from about 10
to about 16 mS/cm as determined via the PourThru method.
[0042] As used herein, "season-long performance" means plants that
maintain growth and production for at least 12-16 weeks. In another
embodiment, the season-long performance of a plant may generally
refer to plants that are grown in ground or plants that are grown
hanging (e.g., in a hanging basket). The performance of a hanging
basket, for example, will generally be shorter than that of a plant
planted in-ground. Accordingly, "season-long performance" of plants
planted and grown in the ground includes growth and production for
at least 10-16 weeks. In another embodiment, the season-long
performance of plants growing in suspension or hanging includes
growth and production for at least 6-14 weeks.
B. PLANTS
[0043] The plant growing system of the invention may comprise a
wide variety of plant life such as a plant, plant cutting, young
plant or seed. These plants may generally include, for example,
flowers, vegetables, fruits, herbs, grass, trees, or perennial
plant parts (e.g., bulbs; tubers; roots; crowns; stems; stolons;
tillers; shoots; cuttings, including un-rooted cuttings, rooted
cuttings, and callus cuttings or callus-generated plantlets; apical
meristems etc.). Plant life that may be used in the plant growing
system described herein includes plants, plant cuttings, young
plants or seeds from ornamental plants such as geranium, petunia,
impatiens, verbena, dahlia, pansy, vinca, ipomoea, lantana, salvia,
snapdragon, scaevola, torenia, lobelia, dipladenia, calibrachoa,
asters, agerantum, phlox, penstemon, gaillardia, zinnia, coleus,
osteospermum, gerbera, begonia, angelonia, dianthus, calendula,
campanula, celosia, portulaca, viola, mums; vegetables such as
tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cucumber, zucchini, raddish, eggplant,
cabbage, lettuce, spinach, beet, carrots, spinach, squash, radish,
beans, potato, onion; herbs such as basil, rosemary, dill,
cilantro, coriander, thyme, oregano, mint; fruits such as,
blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, watermelon, apple, cherry, pear,
orange, lemon, and pumpkin; turfgrasses such as bluegrass, St.
Augustinegrass, bermudagrass, bentgrass, bahiagrass,
centipedegrass, tall fescue, buffalograss, zoysiagrass, ryegrass,
fine fescue; and agricultural crops such as corn, sugar cane,
wheat, soybean, tobacco, citrus, etc. Without being limited to
varieties enumerated herein, the varieties of ornamental plants of
the present invention may comprise varieties of the vinca genus,
such as Cora Cascade Polka Dot, Cora Cascade peach blush, Cora
Cascade apricot, Exp. Cora Cascade apricot, Exp. Cora Cascade blush
splash, Exp. Cora Cascade shell pink, Exp. Cora Cascade strawberry,
Cora Cascade cherry, Exp. Cora Cascade cherry, Cora Cascade
magenta, Cora Cascade lilac, Exp. Cora Cascade violet, Exp. Nirvana
Cascade white, Exp. Nirvana Cascade polka dot, Nirvana Cascade pink
blush, Nirvana Cascade.RTM. pink splash, Nirvana Cascade.RTM.
burgundy, or Nirvana Cascade lavender eye; plants of the cleome
genus, such as Sparkler F1 blush, Sparkler F1 rose, Sparkler F1
white, Sparkler.TM. lavender; plants of the helianthus annuus
genus, such as Exp. Yellow Dark Ct Indeterminant, or Exp. Yellow
Dark Ct Indeterminant; plants of the impatients hawkeri genus Exp.
NGI red, Exp. NGI red, Divine scarlet red, Exp. NGI orange, Divine
orange bronze leaf, Exp. NGI salmon, Exp. New Guinea Impatiens
salmon, Exp. New Guinea Impatiens salmon, Exp. NGI bicolor orange,
Exp. NGI white, Exp. NGI white, Exp. New Guinea Impatiens pink,
Divine pink, Exp. NGI violet, Divine violet, Exp. NGI lavender, or
Divine lavender; plants of the lantana genus, such as Exp. Bandana
white, Bandana.RTM. primrose, Bandana.RTM. peach, Bandana.RTM. rose
upgrade, Exp. Bandana red, Exp. Bandana cherry, Bandana.RTM. orange
sunrise, Bandana.RTM. trailing gold, or Exp. Bandana trailing red;
plants of the mandevilla hydrida genus Exp. Rio dark pink, Rio
pink, Exp. Rio pink, Rio deep red, Exp. Rio red, or Exp. Rio white;
plants of the pelargonium interspecific genus Calliope exp. It pk,
Calliope exp. Coral (bicolor), Exp. Calliope hot rose, Exp.
Calliope rose splash, Exp. Calliope burgundy, Calliope exp. lay,
Exp. Calliope lavender rose, Calliope exp. ro, Calliope exp.
Scarlet, Calliope Scarlet Fire "Cope Scarfir", Exp. Calliope hot
scarlet, Calliope Dark Red"Ameri Trared", Exp. Calliope burgundy,
Exp. Calliope violet, Exp. Calliope burgundy, Calliope exp. ro
w/Eye, Exp. Caliente.RTM. lavender rose, Caliente Pink "Cante
Pinka", Caliente exp. Dp.Pk, Exp. Caliente.RTM. salmon, Caliente
Coral "Cante Coras", Caliente Orange "Cante Oran", Caliente exp.
Vio, Caliente exp. Vio, Caliente exp. ro sp, Exp. Caliente.RTM.
rose coral, or Caliente exp. pkbl; plants of the pentas lanceolata
genus, such as Exp. Trailing white, Exp. Trailing white, Exp.
Trailing white, Exp. Trailing pink bicolor, Exp. Trailing pink
bicolor, Exp. Trailing deep pink, Exp. Trailing rose, Exp. Trailing
rose, Exp. Trailing cherry, or Exp. Trailing red; plants of the
petunia pendula genus, such as Plush white, Ramblin' white, Exp.
Ramblin yellow, Plush red, Ramblin' red, Plush blue, or Ramblin' nu
blue; plants of the rudbeckia genus, such as Tiger eye gold F1;
plants of the tagetes erecta genus, such as Perfection.TM. yellow,
Perfection.TM. F1 gold, Perfection.TM. F1 orange, Exp. Perfection
Vanilla White, Asian Cut flower, Gold, Asian Cut flower, or Orange,
plants of the viola cornuta genus, such as Endurio yellow with
violet wing, or Exp.Endurio yellow with violet wing; plants of the
viola wittrockiana genus, such as Exp Colossus Yellow/Blotch VI042,
Mammoth Blue-ti-ful, Exp. WonderFall White, Exp. WonderFall Yellow,
Exp. WonderFall Yellow Blotch, WonderdFall Yellow with Red Wing
trailing, Exp. WonderFall Blue Blotch, WonderFall Blue Picotee
Shades, Exp. WonderFall Purple; and plants of the zinnia genus,
such as ZOWIE!.TM. YELLOW FLAME, Uproar.TM. Rose, Uproar.TM. White
1695-1-T1, Uproar.TM. Deep Yellow 1695-17-T1, Uproar.TM. Orange
1695-8-T1, Uproar.TM. Scarlet 1695-10-T2.
[0044] In one embodiment, the plants have superior genetics such as
enhanced yields, aesthetics, and garden performance compared to
standard, corresponding plants. These plants may be hybrid plants
derived from parent plants having superior characteristics, or
genetically modified plants comprising foreign nucleic acid
molecules and/or endogenous genetic elements that confer desirable
traits such as enhanced nutrition or health benefits, superior
flavor, brighter or novel colors, greater yields, more fragrance,
sterility, modified architecture such as more branching, shorter,
taller, deeper rooting, enhanced root branching; attract beneficial
pest-control agents; repel undesirable pests; bioremediation;
biotic pest tolerance to diseases, nematodes, insects; abiotic
stress tolerance such as cold, freezing, heat, drought salt,
alkaline.
C. FERTILIZERS AND NUTRIENTS
[0045] The plant growing system of the invention comprises a super
amount of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF). The CRF may include
any coated fertilizer that comprises nitrogen, phorphorus,
potassium, and/or micronutrients such as magnesium, sulfur, zinc,
iron, copper. The CRF nutrient sources may be derived from urea,
ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, diammonium phosphate (DAP),
monoammonium phosphate (MAP), calcium phosphate, potassium sulfate,
potassium nitrate or combinations or derivatives thereof; and/or
secondary nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur,
micronutrients such as iron, copper, zinc, chloride, silica,
manganese, boron, molybdenum or combinations thereof. The
controlled-release fertilizer may release nutrients over a four,
five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 11, 12-14, or 16-18 month time
period.
[0046] The CRFs may include commercially available products such as
Nutricote.RTM.; Osmocote.RTM., Osmocote.RTM. Plus; Osmocote.RTM.
Plus Hi Start; Osmocote.RTM. Mini; Osmocote.RTM. Exact; Harrell's
Polyon.RTM. in any array of longevities, NPK content, and physical
form (e.g., NPK+Micronutrients); Osmocote.RTM. Pro; Multicote.RTM.;
Basacote.RTM.; Plantacote.RTM. NPK, Plantacote.RTM. Blends and
Plantacote.RTM. Pluss; Trikote.RTM.; Duration.RTM.; ESN.RTM.;
Nutralene.RTM./isobutyldiurea (IBDU)/Nitroform.RTM. (slow release
nitrogen sources to provide slow release nitrogen feeding).
[0047] In some embodiments, the invention provides a combination of
CRFs (e.g., a blend of Osmocote fertilizers). The inventors found,
contrary to conventional wisdom, that combining CRFs actually
reduced rather than increased EC. This result is demonstrated in
FIG. 14. A plot of the EC versus fertility load (gN/plant) showed
that as the amount of singular controlled-release fertilizer is
increased, the EC also showed an associated increase (see, e.g.,
L1a to L1c). However, when the controlled-release fertilizers are
added in combination (e.g., L2 or L3), an increase in the amount
demonstrated higher fertility in gN/plant but a lower EC. Big Box
("BB") are generally grown with 3 times per week of fertigation
with 150-200 ppm; R&D Std ("RDS") plants were grown with 3
times per week of fertigation with 150-200 ppm; Leif 1a ("L1a") 15
grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12); Leif 1b ("L1b") 30 grams of
5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12); Leif 1c ("L1c") 60 grams of 5-6 M
Osmocote Plus (15-9-12); Leif 2 ("L2") 5 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote
Plus (15-9-12)+20 grams of 3-4 M Osmocote Mini (19-6-10); Leif 3
("L3") 2.5 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12)+15 grams of 3-4 M
Osmocote Mini (19-6-10); Leif 4 ("L4") 30 grams of 8-9 M Osmocote
Plus (15-9-12).
[0048] In other embodiments, the invention provides that the CRF
may be in the form of a fertilizer stick, tablet, spike or other
delivery form. Examples of commercially available products include,
but are not limited to, Osmocote.RTM. Exact Tablets, Jobe's.RTM.
fertilizer spikes, Miracle-Gro.RTM. fertilizer spikes.
D. GROWING MEDIA
[0049] The plant growing system of the invention comprises growing
media. The growing media may be any growing media such as peat,
perlite, wheat straw, biodigester remains, coir, bark or
combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the growing media
primarily comprises peat plus perlite in a ratio of 85% peat and
15% perlite. In another embodiment, the media is MetroMix 360
containing formulated Canadian Sphagnum peat moss, coarse perlite,
bark ash, starter nutrient charge (with Gypsum) and slow release
nitrogen and dolomitic limestone. Other organic matter that could
also be utilized wheat straw, wheat-grain-based media, corn stalks,
bark, biodigester remains, coir, peat and peat-like materials, wood
residues, bagasse, rice hulls, sand, perlite, vermiculite,
calcinated clays, expanded polystyrenes, urea formaldehydes, and
mixtures thereof
E. MOISTURE CONTROL AGENTS
[0050] The plant growing system of the invention comprises a
moisture control agent. Moisture control agents assist in
preventing over- or under-watering. The moisture control agent
includes, but is not limited to,
water-swellable/water-absorbable/water-retentive polymers such as
cross-linked polymers that swell without dissolving in the presence
of water, and may, for example, absorb at least 10, 100, 1000, or
more times its weight in water. Such polymers include cross-linked
polyacrylamides or cross-linked polyacrylates; carrageenan, agar,
alginic acid, guar gums and its derivatives, and gellan gum;
products resulting from the grafting of acrylonitrile onto starch;
and the like. Specific, non-limiting examples of moisture control
agents that can be used in the plant growing system of the
embodiments of the present invention, include Aridall.RTM.
Superabsorbent Polymer (potassium polyacrylate); Aqualon
Aquasorb.RTM. (sodium carboxymethylcellulose); Stockosorb.RTM.;
Watersorb.RTM.; Zeba.RTM.; lignins, alkyl polyglucosides (APGs);
and the like and combinations thereof.
F. PLANT PROTECTION AGENT
[0051] The plant growing system of the invention comprises a plant
protection agent. The plant protection agent may be acaricides,
algicides, antifeedants, avicides, bactericides, bird repellents,
chemosterilants, herbicide safeners, insect attractants, insect
repellents, insecticides, mammal repellents, mating disruptors,
miticides, molluscicides, nematicides, plant activators,
plant-growth regulators, rodenticides, synergists, virucides or
mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the plant protection agent is
controlled/timed-release.
[0052] The plant protection agents may include commercially
available products such as Barricade.RTM., Departure.RTM.,
Fusilade.RTM., Foestyl-AI.RTM., Monument.RTM., Pennant.RTM.,
Princep.RTM., Refuge.RTM., Reward.RTM., Tenacity.RTM., Banner.RTM.,
Concert.RTM., Daconil.RTM., Headway.RTM., Heritage.RTM.,
Hurricane.RTM., Instrata.RTM., Medallion.RTM., Micora.RTM.,
Palladium.RTM., Renown.RTM., Subdue.RTM., Avid.RTM., Award.RTM.,
Citation.RTM., Endeavor.RTM., Flagship.RTM., Meridian.RTM.,
Scimitar.RTM., Bonzi.RTM., Primo.RTM., Trimmit.RTM.,
Cyantraniliprole (insecticide) or Chlorantraniliprole (insecticide)
and the like or mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, the plant
protection agent is an insecticide such as but not limited to. In
another embodiment, the plant protection agent is phosphite or
Fosetyl-Al encapsulated with Osmocote resin using and N-P-K core
that acts as the Osmotic Pump to drive release of the fungicide to
control Pythium, Phytophtora, and Downy Mildew.
G. BIODEGRADABLE POT OR CONTAINER
[0053] The plant growing system may comprise a biodegradable pot or
container. The pot or container may be at least 0.8 L (e.g.,
greater than 0.9 L, greater than 1 L; greater than 1.25 L; greater
than 2 L; or greater than 2.25 L). In some embodiments, the pot or
container can be from about 0.9 L to about 2.25 L, e.g., from about
0.9 L to about 2 L, from about 1 L to about 2.25 L, from about 1 L
to 2 L or from about 1.25 L to about 2.25 L.
[0054] The biodegradable pot or container provides a protective
housing unit for the components of the plant growing systems
described herein (e.g., plant, super amount of controlled-release
fertilizer, etc.). As such, the biodegradable pot or container must
be sufficiently rigid and also biodegradable to allow for
production and shipment to end-users. The biodegradable pots also
support the sustainable and earthy nature of gardening by often
using renewable resources such as cow manure, wood fibers or
peat.
[0055] The biodegradable pot or container may comprise a molded
material, a formed material, a composted material, a shaped
material, or combinations thereof. For example, the material may be
peat, wheat straw, coconut fiber, manure (e.g., cow, bull, horse),
paper pulp, brown or white sugarcane fibers, coir, or combinations
thereof, and may be molded, for example, into an 0.9 liter or
larger sized pot or container.
[0056] Biodegradable pots are also superior growing containers
because of the impact on root development. Indeed, biodegradable
pots permit the roots to grow through the container enabling
quicker and better root development into the surrounding soil upon
transplanting.
[0057] It is understood that pots or containers made of other
materials (e.g., plastic) may also be used with the embodiments
described herein.
H. METHODS OF USING THE PLANT GROWING SYSTEM
[0058] Methods of using the plant growing systems are contemplated
herein. In one embodiment, the invention provides for a method of
growing a plant comprising planting the plant growing system
described herein and watering said plant growing system. In another
embodiment, the invention provides for a method of planting
comprising pushing the plant growing system described herein into a
surface, and watering the inserted plant growing system. In another
embodiment, the method of planting requires preparing a surface
adapted to receive the plant growing system described herein, where
the system leads to superior growth due to enhanced fertility,
protection from moisture stress and plant pests such as insects and
diseases. In another embodiment, the invention provides for a
method of growing a plant in an environment having a high EC.
[0059] In another embodiment, the invention provides for a method
of increasing the drought resistance of a plant comprising planting
the plant utilizing the plant growing system described herein. In
another embodiment, the plant growing system may further comprise a
moisture control agent described herein. For example, the plant
growing system may include, but not limited to, the moisture
controlling agents described in paragraph [0050] above. In an
alternative embodiment, a planting growing system that further
comprises a moisture controlling agent may additionally comprise a
plant protection agent. The plant protecting agent may include, but
is not limited to, the plant protecting agents described in
paragraph [0051]-[0052] above.
[0060] The following examples are not intended to limit the
invention in anyway.
EXAMPLES
A. Example 1
[0061] The plant growing system of the embodiments of the present
invention permits the production of healthy, commercial salable
plants as demonstrated below.
[0062] Five annual garden plants, namely, Calliope dark red
geranium, Accent premium white impatiens, Ramblin Nu Blu petunia,
Moonstruck yellow marigold, and Cora white vinca were all grown in
a plant growing system containing Fafard Growing Mix F-15, 1.5
grams Stockosorb, and four different fertility treatments. The
standard treatment involved adding liquid fertilization (constant
liquid feed; no clear water) three times per week at a rate of 150
ppm nitrogen. The other three treatments involved the use of 15
grams, 30 grams or 60 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12)
controlled-release fertilizer per 1.5 L pot. The plants were grown
as 72 cell-pack plugs in eight replications under standard
greenhouse conditions. The pH, EC, height, growth index, flower
count, and overall plant quality were measured as shown below in
Tables 1-5 for Geranium, Impatiens, Petunia, Marigold, and Vinca.
The pH and EC were measured seven and 21 days after planting (DAP),
whereas the height, growth index (measured by height+diameter in
axis 1+diameter in axis 2 divided by 3), flower count, and overall
plant quality were each measured five weeks after planting
(WAP).
[0063] FIG. 1 shows each of the geranium plants, where the
left-most plant was unfertilized; the plant to its right was grown
using the standard system; and the other plants grown using the 15,
30, and 60 gram treatments appearing to the right, respectively.
FIGS. 2-5 show each of the impatiens, petunia, marigold, and vinca
plants, respectively, where the left-most plant was grown using the
standard treatment and the plants grown using the 15, 30, and 60
gram treatments appearing to the right, respectively.
[0064] Overall, the data presented in Tables 1-5 demonstrate that
superior performing plants can be grown in the plant growing system
of the embodiments of the present invention even at very high ECs.
For example, at 21 days after planting, geraniums grown with the 60
gram fertility treatment had an EC of 17.5 mS/cm (PourThru
extraction method). Nevertheless, five weeks after planting, the
flower count and overall plant quality was higher than plants grown
using the standard treatment.
[0065] Dramatically, and unexpectedly, geraniums grown with 60
grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus demonstrated higher plant quality and
bloom count than plants undergoing standard liquid fertilization in
spite of having an EC at 21 days after planting of 17.5 mS/cm
(Table 1). Impatiens grown with 15 and 30 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote
Plus also showed superior or comparable plant quality to controls,
even though the EC value for 30 gram Osmocote treatment was 11.2
mS/cm, 21 days after planting (Table 2). Superior plant quality was
also seen with petunia even plants grown in 60 grams of 5-6 M
Osmocote Plus that had an EC value at 21 days after planting of
17.5 mS/cm (Table 3). Marigolds grown at 60 grams of 5-6 month
Osmocote Plus had commercial level plant quality in spite of an EC
value of 18.2 mS/cm 21 days after planting (Table 4). Plants
produced in the growing system often have such enhanced desirable,
horticultural characteristics as dark green leaf color, better
lateral branch development, and a more favorable mounding
habit.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Geranium (numbers in parentheses indicate
standard deviation) Plant EC (mS/cm) Height Growth Index Flower
Quality pH (Pour thru) (cm) (H + D1 + D2)/3 Count (5 > 1)
Treatment 7 DAP 21 DAP 7 DAP 21 DAP 5 WAP 5 WAP 5 WAP 5 WAP
Standard 5.1 5.6 3.0 2.3 14.4 26.0 1.3 3.3 (0.03) (5.6) (0.3)
(0.17) (2.4) (2.6) (0.7) (0.9) 15 grams 5.1 4.9 7.2 7.7 13.5 22.1
1.3 3.5 (0.03) (0.06) (0.6) (0.97) (1.7) (2.6) (0.5) (0.5) 30 grams
5.4 4.7 8.2 9.8 12.6 21.3 1.1 3.8 (0.07) (0.17) (1.5) (2.2) (2.0)
(2.0) (0.8) (0.9) 60 grams 5.4 5.0 8.2 17.5 11.4 19.5 1.8 4.3
(0.08) (0.06) (1.5) (2.4) (1.9) (3.1) (0.7) (1.0)
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Impatiens (numbers in parentheses indicate
standard deviation) Plant EC (mS/cm) Height Growth Index Flower
Quality pH (Pour thru) (cm) (H + D1 + D2)/3 Count (5 > 1)
Treatment 7 DAP 21 DAP 7 DAP 21 DAP 5 WAP 5 WAP 5 WAP 5 WAP
Standard 5.3 6.0 3.5 2.3 11.6 26.4 28.3 3.6 (0.03) (0.05) (0.5)
(0.19) (1.2) (1.6) (6.6) (0.7) 15 grams 4.9 5.6 9.4 7.3 10.6 22.5
19.5 4.0 (0.06) (0.09) (0.4) (1.7) (1.3) (2.5) (7.6) (0.9) 30 grams
4.9 5.5 12.1 11.2 10.6 21.7 18.1 3.6 (0.02) (0.05) (0.8) (1.4)
(1.4) (2.3) (5.2) (0.9) 60 grams 5.0 5.4 13.8 16.2 8.8 17.4 16.3
2.4 (0.06) (0.07) (2.5) (2.1) (1.8) (2.7) (8.4) (0.5)
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Petunia (numbers in parentheses indicate
standard deviation) Plant EC (mS/cm) Height Growth Index Flower
Quality pH (Pour thru) (cm) (H + D1 + D2)/3 Count (5 > 1)
Treatment 7 DAP 21 DAP 7 DAP 21 DAP 5 WAP 5 WAP 5 WAP 5 WAP
Standard 5.2 6.1 3.2 2.1 24.0 43.5 14.4 2.4 (0.05) (0.05) (0.3)
(0.1) (3.6) (5.0) (7.2) (0.7) 15 grams 5.1 6.0 6.8 3.1 21.8 41.5
13.0 2.5 (0.02) (0.09) (0.7) (0.7) (3.0) (3.2) (4.0) (0.5) 30 grams
4.9 5.6 12.7 7.0 20.5 42.8 10.6 3.1 (0.00) (0.11) (0.9) (1.6) (3.2)
(5.8) (5.9) (0.8) 60 grams 4.9 5.6 14.2 11.8 21.4 40.0 11.1 2.8
(0.04) (0.14) (1.3) (3.5) (2.1) (4.2) (3.9) (0.7)
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Marigold (numbers in parentheses indicate
standard deviation) Plant EC (mS/cm) Height Growth Index Flower
Quality pH (Pour thru) (cm) (H + D1 + D2)/3 Count (5 > 1)
Treatment 7 DAP 21 DAP 7 DAP 21 DAP 5 WAP 5 WAP 5 WAP 5 WAP
Standard 6.2 6.4 3.7 3.4 21.4 28.8 1.3 5.0 (0.03) (0.04) (0.4)
(0.5) (1.4) (1.4) (1.0) (0.0) 15 grams 6.0 5.5 5.5 8.0 20.9 29.5
1.3 5.0 (0.05) (0.07) (0.6) (0.7) (2.0) (2.6) (0.9) (0.0) 30 grams
6.1 5.5 7.3 11.0 20.0 28.1 1.9 4.9 (0.03) (0.11) (0.7) (0.5) (1.5)
(3.3) (1.0) (0.6) 60 grams 5.9 5.5 10.7 18.4 19.0 26.3 1.5 4.4
(0.09) (0.06) (2.3) (2.4) (0.5) (1.6) (0.8) (0.5)
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Vinca (numbers in parentheses indicate
standard deviation) Plant EC (mS/cm) Height Growth Index Flower
Quality pH (Pour thru) (cm) (H + D1 + D2)/3 Count (5 > 1)
Treatment 7 DAP 21 DAP 7 DAP 21 DAP 5 WAP 5 WAP 5 WAP 5 WAP
Standard 5.7 5.9 2.8 2.0 14.1 17.8 3.3 3.6 (0.04) (0.09) (0.4)
(0.3) (1.2) (0.7) (0.9) (0.5) 15 grams 5.2 5.7 9.3 3.4 13.6 16.5
3.8 3.5 (0.07) (0.09) (1.0) (0.6) (1.6) (2.4) (0.5) (1.1) 30 grams
5.2 5.5 12.5 8.0 11.9 14.4 2.9 2.8 (0.12) (0.07) (2.8) (1.2) (2.3)
(3.6) (0.6) (0.9) 60 grams 5.0 5.4 15.8 12.6 11.4 14.1 2.9 2.3
(0.15) (0.05) (1.9) (2.4 (1.9) (2.5) (0.8) (0.5)
B. Example 2
[0066] Impatiens were grown in ten different growing systems, none
of which contained a CRF, but contained, in some cases, the
moisture control agents listed below: [0067] (a) Manitoba Peat;
[0068] (b) Manitoba Peat and X6 wetting agent (1200 ppm); [0069]
(c) Fafard Growing Mix F-15 and X6 wetting agent (1200 ppm); [0070]
(d) Fafard Growing Mix F-15 and Zeba.RTM. (2 lbs./yd.sup.3); [0071]
(e) Fafard Growing Mix F-15 and Stockosorb.RTM. (2 lbs./yd.sup.3);
[0072] (f) Fafard Growing Mix F-15, Stockosorb.RTM. (2
lbs./yd.sup.3), and Aq200 wetting agent (1200 ppm); [0073] (g)
Fafard Growing Mix F-15 and Stepsperse.RTM. (0.5% by wt.); [0074]
(h) Fafard Growing Mix F-15 and Stepsperse.RTM. (1% by wt.); [0075]
(i) Fafard Growing Mix F-15 and Zaplock.RTM. (1 lb./yd.sup.3); and
[0076] (j) Fafard Growing Mix F-15 and Zaplock.RTM. (2
lbs./yd.sup.3).
[0077] The plants were grown as 288 cell-pack plugs in eight
replications under standard greenhouse conditions. The plants were
subsequently transplanted into 4 and 8 inch pots and the 8 inch pot
data is presented in this example. Each plant received liquid
fertilization (constant liquid feed; no clear water) three times
per week at a rate of 200 ppm nitrogen. After an 11 day period over
which one set of plants was kept watered using constant liquid feed
and another set of plants was allowed to dry down, those plants
containing the Stockosorb.RTM. treatment (i.e., e and f) showed the
least variance in percent wilt between watered and dry-down, as
shown in FIG. 6. This demonstrates that the Stockosorb.RTM.
treatment resulted in the best water retention. The same plants
exhibited the least variance in visual quality at wilt between
watered and dry-down, as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 shows a
side-by-side comparison between impatiens grown in the various
media described above. The plants in the lower row are verbena.
C. Example 3
[0078] Petunia plants were grown in 4 inch pots containing Fafard
Growing Mix F-15, 10 grams of 8-9 M Osmocote.RTM. Pro (17-5-11),
and 2 grams Stockosorb.RTM. under standard greenhouse conditions.
One week prior to the plants filling the pot and being retail ready
for commercial sale, the plants were treated with Heritage.RTM. and
Subdue.RTM. fungicides and Flagship.RTM. insecticide. The plants
were treated with a drench containing Heritage.RTM. 0.5 oz./100
gal.; Subdue.RTM. 1.0 oz./100 gal.; and Flagship.RTM. 4 oz./100
gal. FIG. 9 shows a higher rate of disease pressure on the
untreated controls than the plants grown using the growing systems
according to the embodiments of the present invention.
D. Example 4
[0079] Petunia plants were grown in 6 inch pots containing Fafard
Growing Mix F-15; 15, 30 or 60 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote.RTM. Plus
(15-9-12); and 1 gram Stockosorb.RTM. under standard greenhouse
conditions. One week prior to the plants filling the pot and being
retail ready for commercial sale, the plants were treated with
Heritage.RTM. and Subdue.RTM. fungicides and Flagship.RTM.
insecticide. The plants were treated with a drench containing
Heritage.RTM. 0.5 oz./100 gal.; Subdue.RTM. 1.0 oz./100 gal.; and
Flagship.degree. 4 oz./100 gal. FIG. 10 shows inferior garden
performance of untreated controls (Standard) than for plants grown
using the growing systems of the embodiments of the invention
(Growing System+15 g CRF, 30 g CRF and 60 g CRF) after 12 weeks in
the garden. Also, Impatiens plants were grown in 4 inch pots
containing Fafard Growing Mix F-15, 10 grams of 8-9 M Osmocote.RTM.
Pro (17-5-11), and 2 grams Stockosorb.RTM. under standard
greenhouse conditions. One week prior to the plants filling the pot
and being retail ready for commercial sale, the plants were treated
with Heritage.RTM. and Subdue.RTM. fungicides and Flagship.RTM.
insecticide. The plants were treated with a drench containing
Heritage.degree. 0.5 oz./100 gal.; Subdue.degree. 1.0 oz./100 gal.;
and Flagship.RTM. 4 oz./100 gal. FIG. 11 shows inferior garden
performance of untreated controls (Standard) than for plants grown
using the growing systems according to the embodiments of the
present invention after 14 weeks in the garden.
E. Example 5
[0080] The plant growing system of the embodiments of the present
invention permits not only the production of healthy, commercial
salable plants, but also plants that are better able to tolerate
drought stress. The benefits of drought protection can be further
increased by incorporating a moisture control agent.
[0081] Accent premium white impatiens were all grown in a plant
growing system containing Fafard Growing Mix F-15, 1.5 and five
different fertility treatments. The standard treatment involved
adding liquid fertilization (constant liquid feed; no clear water)
three times per week at a rate of 150 ppm nitrogen. The other four
treatments involved the use of 15 grams, 30 grams or 60 grams of
5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12) controlled-release fertilizer per 1.3
L pot, and 5 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12)+20 grams of 3-4
M Osmocote Mini (19-6-10) controlled-release fertilizer per 1.3 L
pot. The plants were grown in 50, 72 or 288 cell-pack plugs in six
replications under standard greenhouse conditions. When plants
reached pot fill, they were heavily watered and did not receive any
additional watering. The plants were scored daily and days to 75%
wilt were recorded. FIG. 12 shows plants produced using the growing
system show a dramatic improvement in drought tolerance.
[0082] Accent premium white impatiens were all grown in a plant
growing system containing Fafard Growing Mix F-15 and three
different fertility treatments. The standard treatment involved
adding liquid fertilization (constant liquid feed; no clear water)
three times per week at a rate of 150 ppm nitrogen. The other two
treatments involved the use of 15 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus
(15-9-12) controlled-release fertilizer per 1.3 L pot, and 5 grams
of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12)+20 grams of 3-4 M Osmocote Mini
(19-6-10) controlled-release fertilizer per 1.3 L pot. In addition
to non-amended control and Stockosorb at 1.5 mg per pot; Active,
SYT1 (guar gum 1) at 1 gram per pot, Active, SYT2 (guar gum 2) at 1
gram per pot, Active, SYT3 (guar gum 3) at 1 gram per pot, Active,
SYT4 (APG) at 0.2% solution per pot were incorporated into the
media. The plants were grown in 72 cell-pack plugs in eight
replications under standard greenhouse conditions. When plants
reached pot fill, they were heavily watered and did not receive any
additional watering. The plants were scored daily and days to 75%
wilt were recorded. FIG. 13 shows plants produced using the growing
system that includes SYT3 further increased protection from drought
stress.
F. Example 6
[0083] To assess the ability of the growing system to sustain plant
life in a hanging basket, fully formed, showcase hanging baskets
were grown using the growing system, described herein to grow
Calliope Dark Red Geranium. The plant growing system used in this
experiment comprised 2.5 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12)+15
grams of 3-4 M Osmocote Mini (19-6-10) and further amended with
fungicide and insecticide drenches (azoxystrobin, mefenoxam, and
thiamethoxam). The results of this study are summarized in FIGS.
15-16. As demonstrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the plant growing system
of the present invention delivering unsurpassed consumer
season-long garden performance (sustained growth, healthy foliage,
abundant flowers) over an eight week period when compared to
Geranium using conventional liquid feed.
[0084] All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in
their entireties.
* * * * *
References