AU2009212990A1

AU2009212990A1 - Method For Harvesting a Substance From a Living Tree

Info

Publication number: AU2009212990A1
Application number: AU2009212990A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Brenton John Baker; Shayne Brian Baker
Original assignee: BAKERCO Pty Ltd
Current assignee: BAKERCO Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-09-08
Filing date: 2009-09-07
Publication date: 2010-03-25
Anticipated expiration: 2029-09-07
Also published as: AU2009212990B2

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Bakerco Pty Ltd Actual Inventors Baker, Shayne Brian Baker, Brenton John Address for service is: WRAYS Ground Floor, 56 Ord Street West Perth WA 6005 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: Method For Harvesting a Substance From a Living Tree The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 -2 "Method for Harvesting a Substance from a Living Plant" Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for harvesting a substance from a living plant. More particularly, the method of the present invention enables a 5 substance to be harvested from the heartwood of a living plant. Background Art The extraction of substances from the extremities of living plants is widely practiced. For example, the extraction of latex resin from rubber plants, and the extraction of maple syrup from maple trees, simply rely on the infliction a routine 10 manipulation of wounds in the outer tissue (the 'sapwood') of plants to ensure continued flow of the desired substance. However, many desirable substances are not found in substantial quantities in the sapwood, but are concentrated in the inner tissue of the plant (the 'heartwood'). Presently, such desirable substances are collected by harvesting 15 the plant itself, and extracting the substance therefrom. The background to the present invention will now be described in the context of the harvesting of essential volatile oils from Santalum species. However, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. Santalum species produce sandalwood oil, an extremely valuable commercial 20 product, found virtually exclusively in the heartwood of trees of this genus. At present, the oil is extracted from harvested trees that are typically between about 15 and 20 years old. Accordingly, considerable time elapses between planting a sandalwood crop, and collecting products therefrom. Further, given that the trees themselves are harvested, only one crop may be gathered. These factors 25 impact significantly on the economics of sandalwood production.

-3 The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment of admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in 5 Australia or any other country as at the priority date of the application. Throughout the specification, unless the context required otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. 10 Disclosure of the Invention In accordance with the present invention there is provided a method for harvesting a substance from a living plant having heartwood, the method comprising the steps of: forming a cavity in the heartwood of the living plant; 15 allowing the substance to accumulate in the cavity; and collecting the substance from the cavity. Accordingly, the plant need not be harvested to enable collection of the substance from its heartwood, enabling multiple crops of the substance to be gathered from an individual plant. Further, given that multiple crops are available 20 from an individual plant, crops of the substance may be gathered in an earlier stage of the development of the plant. For example, in the case of Santalum album, it is anticipated that most individual plants will attain a size suitable for application of the method of the present invention at approximately five years of age. This offers a significant economic advantage over existing methods. It is 25 envisaged that the method of the present invention will enable harvesting of substances throughout the life of the plant, at the end of which the plant may be harvested and further substance collected by conventional means.

-4 Preferably, after the step of forming the cavity in the heartwood of the plant, the method of the present invention comprises the additional step of: inducing the substance to accumulate in the cavity. In one form of the invention, the step of forming the cavity in the heartwood of the 5 plant comprises the steps of: forming a first bore, extending to the heartwood of the plant; forming a second bore, extending to the heartwood of the plant and remote from the first bore; and removing a portion of said heartwood to connect the first and second 10 bores and thereby forming the cavity. Preferably, the step of forming the cavity in the heartwood of the plant comprises the additional step: applying an actuable sealing means to the first and second bores to prevent entry of unwanted material into the cavity. 15 Preferably, the second bore and first bore are mutually spaced in such a manner that damage to outer conductive tissue of the plant is minimised. The conductive tissue (phloem and xylem) of a plant typically runs longitudinally along a portion thereof. Extensive damage to the conductive tissue can result in a "ringbarking" effort, where the tissue beyond the damage is starved of 20 nutrients. In one form of the invention, where the method is applied to an elongate portion of a plant, the elongate portion having an axis, damage to the outer conductive tissue of the plant is minimised by providing the first and second bore such that -5 the first and second bores are in a plane substantially parallel to the axis of the elongate portion, and including said axis. Preferably, the step of forming the cavity in the heartwood of the plant is performed under aseptic conditions. 5 Aseptic techniques are advantageous as they substantially reduce the risk if infecting the plant with a pathogen. Where the step of forming the cavity in the heartwood of the plant comprises the steps of forming a first bore, extending to the heartwood of the plant, forming a second bore, extending to the heartwood of the plant and remote from the first 10 bore and removing a portion of said heartwood to connect the first and second bores and thereby forming the cavity, the steps of forming the first and second bores and preferably preceded by the step of: cleaning the plant in and about the regions in which the bores are to be formed. 15 Preferably, the step of cleaning the plant in and about the regions in which the bores are to be formed comprises the steps of: washing the plant with a dilute detergent solution; and rinsing the detergent from the plant with a chlorinated water or dilute bleach solution. 20 Preferably still, the step of cleaning the plant is performed within two days of the steps of forming the bores. Further and still preferably, after the step of washing the plant and immediately prior to the steps of forming the bores, the present invention comprises the step of: -6 applying an antimicrobial agent to the regions in which the bores are to be formed. In a specific form of the invention, the antimicrobial agent is applied in the form of a 70% ethanol solution. 5 Further and still preferably, any tools used in the formation of the bores, or the removal of the portion of heartwood, are treated with an antimicrobial agent prior to use. In one form of the invention, the step of inducing the substance to accumulate in the cavity is, at least in part, performed by reducing the pressure in the cavity. 10 The degree to which the pressure is reduced below atmospheric pressure may be regulated to optimise the accumulation of the substance in the cavity. The cavity may be formed in a trunk portion of the plant, and/or in a branch portion. In one form of the invention, where the step of forming the cavity comprises the 15 steps of forming a first bore, extending to the heartwood of the plant, forming a second bore, extending to the heartwood of the plant and remote from the first bore and removing a portion of said heartwood to connect the first and second bores and thereby forming the cavity, the step of collecting the substance from the cavity comprises the step of: 20 inducing a flow of fluid through the cavity to cause the substance to be displaced through one of said bores. In one form of the invention, the fluid is selected such that the substance is appreciably soluble therein. In a further form of the present invention, where the step of forming the cavity in 25 the heartwood of the plant comprises the steps of forming a first bore extending to the heartwood of the plant, forming a second bore extending to the heartwood -7 of the plant and remote from the first bore and removing a portion of said heartwood to connect the first and second bores and thereby forming the cavity, the step of removing a portion of said heartwood to form the cavity comprises forming a slot between the first and second bores, the slot being provided at the 5 same depth in the plant as the first and second bores. Preferably, a slot sealing member is positioned in the slot between the first and second bores. The slot sealing member may be provided with an outer elongate portion on which are provided at least one spacer that is proportioned so as to extend the full depth of the slot. 10 Brief Description of the Drawings The method of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to two embodiments thereof and the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1A to 1D show schematic diagrams of alternate modes of 15 applying the method of a first embodiment of the present invention to a plant/tree; Figure 2 is a detailed view of a tree to which one of the modes of Figure 1 has been applied; Figure 3 is a front elevational view of guides clamped to a tree to which 20 the method of the second embodiment of the present invention is to be applied; Figure 4A is a front elevational view of the tree of Figure 3 in which two holes have been drilled; Figure 4B is a partial side elevational view of the tree in Figure 4A; -8 Figure 5A is a front elevational view of the tree of Figures 4A and 4B in which a slot has been cut (clamps not shown for convenience); Figure 5B is a partial side elevational view of the tree of Figure 5A; Figure 5C is a cross-sectional plan view through line X-X of Figure 5B; 5 Figure 6A is a front elevational view of the tree of Figures 5A and 5B in which both bore seal assemblies are a slot sealing member are provided (shown with clamps and guides removed); Figure 6B is a cross-sectional side view of the bore seal assembly of Figure 6A; 10 Figure 6C is a partial elevational side view of the slot sealing member of Figure 6A; and Figure 7 is a schematic representation of one potential industrial application of the method of the present invention in which several trees are serially connected. 15 Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention The embodiment relates to the harvesting of essential volatile oils from Santalum album. However, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. First, a suitable individual plant is identified. This involves examination of a 20 number of physical and general characteristics, including the health of the individual plant, the size of the individual plant, and the form of the individual plant. Clearly, the method of the embodiment is best applied to individual plants of good general health. Plants showing indications of pathogen infection are best -9 avoided. Practical application of the method dictates a minimum size for the plant. A portion of the plant having a minimum diameter of 10cm has been found to be suitable. This may correspond to the trunk of an individual plant of approximately 5 years of age, and/or the braches and possibly roots of plants 5 older than approximately 8 years. Again, the form of the plant is of practical importance in deciding where the method of the invention is to be applied. Having selected an individual plant and portion thereof appropriate for application of the present invention, the region is subjected to cleaning. This involves washing the region with a diluted detergent solution. The dilute 10 detergent solution removes a significant portion of dust and the like. The dilute detergent solution is then rinsed from the plant by way of chlorinated water, or a dilute bleach solution. Having cleaned the region of the plant in which the method is supplied, the next step is formation of a cavity within the heartwood of the plant. This step involves 15 the formation of first and second bores, extending from the exterior of the plant, into the heartwood thereof. Ideally, this step should proceed within two days of the cleaning step described above. Before the bores are formed, an antimicrobial agent, in the form of a 70% ethanol solution, is applied to the regions of the plant in which the bores will be formed. Ideally, this solution is 20 allowed to substantially evaporate before the step of forming the bores commences. Typically, the cleaning step leaves the earth surrounding the plant damp, suppressing dust formation. If the earth surrounding the plant has dried after the cleaning step and before the step of forming the bores, a light spray of water may 25 be used to dampen the ground to suppress dust formation. Alternately, a sheet of flexible material may be placed around the plant to form a skirt, thereby suppressing dust formation. All tools used in the formation of the bores are cleaned. Power tools used to drive are wiped with a clean cloth soaked in an antimicrobial solution, such as 30 70% ethanol. Bits and the like are soaked in an antimicrobial solution, and -10 flexible drives are wiped with a cloth soaked in antimicrobial solution. The first and second bores are of approximately 30 mm in diameter, and are drilled into the heartwood of the plant. Obviously, the depth of the bores is dictated by the diameter of the region of the plant to which the method is applied. 5 Ideally, the bores terminate as close to the centre of the region of the plant as possible, so a depth of just over half the diameter of the region of the tree is appropriate. Depending on the form of the individual plant, the first and second bores may be formed in a variety of orientations, as shown in Figures 1A to 1 D. For example, in Figure 1A, the roots 10 of the plant 12 are partially excavated, 10 and the first bore 14 formed substantially vertically from beneath the roots 10. The second bores 16 extends downwardly from the crown 18 of the plant. In Figure 1B, the first bore 14 is formed substantially horizontally in the trunk portion 20 of the plant 12, whilst the second bore 16 is formed substantially vertically in the crown 18. 15 Figure 1C shows formation of horizontal first and second bores 14 and 16 in the trunk portion 20, as well as first and second bores 14' and 16' in a branch portion 22 of the parallel. As shown in Figure 1D, the first and second bores 14 and 16 need not to be parallel. However, given that the first and second bores 14 and 16 are typically of a depth in excess of half the diameter of the region of the tree 20 to which the method is applied, the vertical alignment of the bores 14 and 16 is understood to be important. Ideally, where the plant is vertical, the first and second bores are provided in the same vertical plane. That is, one bore is directly above the other bore. This minimises the size of the region of the sapwood of the plane interfered with by the boring process, thereby avoiding a 25 'ringbarking' effect, as illustrated in Figure 2 where only the conductive tissue 23 directly between the bores 14 and 16 is damaged. Having formed the first and second bores 14 and 16, a cavity 24 is formed by linking the two. This is typically achieved by way of wood cutting tool having a flexible shaft, with the swath so formed being removed by micro-filtered 30 compressed air. Conveniently, the cutting tool is applied from both the first and - 11 second bores 14 and 16 until they meet to form the cavity 24. Referring again to Figure 2, having formed the cavity 24, actuable sealing means are applied to the first and second bores14 and 16 to prevent entry of unwanted material, and thus potential pathogens, into the cavity 24. This step involves 5 cleaning the exterior surface of the plant immediately around the bores 14 and 16 with an abrasive tool, then locating a self-sealing plug assembly 26 in each of the bores 14 and 16 by way of a non-invasive sealing compound. This is important, as the plant will begin to heal in the external region of the bores 14 and 16. It is anticipated that a sealant such as vegetable gum will be 10 appropriate. Having formed the cavity 24, and actuably sealed such to prevent entry of foreign material, a desired substance may be collected from the heartwood surrounding the cavity. If the desired substance is produced in copious quantities by the plant, natural seepage from the heartwood into the cavity may cause sufficient 15 quantities of such to accumulate in or about the lowermost of the first and second bores 14 and 16. However, it may be necessary to induce accumulation of the substance in the cavity. In the method if the embodiment, the pressure within the cavity 24 is reduced by way of a vacuum pump attached to the plug assembly 26 of the first bore 14. 20 This induces movement of the desired substance, being essential oils, from the heartwood of the plant surrounding the cavity 24, into the cavity 24. Periodically, the vacuum is released and replaced with a n airflow from the second bore 16, through the cavity 24, to the first bore, to assist gravity in transporting the essential oils to the first bore 14 for collection. 25 It is envisaged that application of the method of the present invention may stimulate production of the desired substance is collected may be varied to optimise this effect. It is further envisaged that the cavities formed in several difference individuals may be plumbed together in a single system. The system may be controlled by a -12 programmable logic controller, significantly reducing the manual attention required. In Figures 3 to 6C there is shown a second embodiment of a method for harvesting a substance from a living plant in accordance with the present 5 invention. In this embodiment, once the aseptic method steps described hereinabove for the first embodiment are carried out a reasonably straight section of the trunk 20 is identified and two clamps 30 used to locate two guide members, for example dressed timber planks 32, on either side of the trunk 20, as can be seen in Figure 3. The planks 32 aid in the marking out of a median 10 line 34 and the sites 36 and 38 for first and second bores 14 and 16, respectively, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. The first and second bores 14 and 16 are drilled in the trunk 20 utilising a 25 mm wood cutting bit fitted to an appropriately powered electric drill at a depth of about 65 to 70 mm. The trunk 20 is of a diameter of about 110 mm. 15 The bores 14 and 16 are drilled to a depth using a formula of about (half the diameter of the trunk) plus (half the diameter of the drill bit). It is envisaged that this will allow the formation of a central void in the trunk 20, to be described hereinbelow. As can be seen with reference to Figures 5A to 5C a slot 34 is cut using a 20 suitable routing tool between the bores 14 and 16 in a series of steps, using the guides to facilitate clean and straight cuts. The width of the slot 34 is marginally wider than that of the shank of the routing tool. For example, a 12 mm slot for a 10 mm shank. A central void 36, as shown in Figures 5B and 5C, is created using a router bit less than the diameter of bore 16, for example a 23 mm router 25 bit with a 10 mm shank. The 23 mm router bit is introduced through bore 16, the depth adjusted to the full depth of bore 16 and the slot 34 cut through to bore 14. As described with reference to the first embodiment of the present invention above, actuable sealing means are applied to the bores 14 and 16. In this second embodiment, sealing means 38 comprise a cylindrical polyurethane seal - 13 40 through which is provided a bolt 42, as can best be seen with reference to Figure 6A and 6B. The bolt 42 has provided at one end thereof a nut 44 and washer 46 preventing the seal 40 passing off that end of the bolt 42. A further nut 48 and washer 50 are provided at the opposite end of the seal 40 about the 5 bolt 42 to locate the seal 40, as best seen in Figure 6B. The seal 40 is further preferably bonded to the bolt 42 for a portion 52 thereof, and is free for the remaining portion 54 thereof. When the nut 48 is tightened the seal 40 expands and creates a seal with the bore 14 or 16 in which it is located. Importantly, the bolt 42 has provided extending lengthways therethrough a void 10 56. A hose or tube 58 may be provided at a second end of the bolt 42 and which communicates with the void 56. In Figure 6C there is shown a slot sealing member 60. The member 60 may be formed of a variety of materials, although if formed of timber it must be a dense timber or be sealed. The member 60 has an outer elongate portion 62 on which 15 are provided at least one spacer 64. When the member is fitted into the slot 34 the elongate portion 62 is positioned at the entrance to the slot 34 with the or each spacer 64 positioned inwardly, the or each spacer 64 extending the full depth of the slot 34. The spacers 64 prevent the member 60 being drawn inwardly if a vacuum is applied to the cavity 24. The member 60 is provided so 20 as to match the inner dimensions of the slot 34 and to extend the full length of the slot 34 between the seal means' 38. A scallop (not shown) is provided at each end of the member 60 so as to provide an effective seal with each seal means 38. A non-invasive sealing compound as described hereinabove with reference to the first embodiment is also used when fitting both the seal means 25 38 and the member 60. In Figure 7 there is shown an example of the manner in which a number of plants/trees 12 are connected in series. Each plant/tree 12 has provided attached thereto a length of the tube 58 referred to immediately above extending from each seal means 38 provided in each bore 14 or 16. The tube 58 is 30 provided from robust materials so as to withstand exposure to the elements over - 14 a long period. In one form of the present invention, a vacuum or compression may be provided through line 66 in an alternating fashion as described hereinabove with reference to the first embodiment. This vacuum or compression is in turn communicated to the cavity in each plant/tree 12 by way 5 of the tube 58 and seal means 38 in bore 16. The desired substances obtained from the plant/tree 12 are withdrawn through bore 14, the seal means 38 provided therein and the tube 58 attached thereto, and is in turn passed to line 68. This process will be conducted in a substantially continuous process, albeit that line 66 may alternate in terms of providing a vacuum or compressive 10 pressure so as to maximise production of the desired substances by the plant/tree 12. It is envisaged that other process steps may be required/utilised to fulfil the potential of the method of the present invention. These other process steps or unit operations may include refrigeration, condensation, the use of solvents, 15 monitoring equipment, one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and active diagnosis of process requirements and problems should such occur. Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for harvesting a substance from a living plant having heartwood, the method comprising the steps of: forming a cavity in the heartwood of the living plant; 5 allowing the substance to accumulate in the cavity; and collecting the substance from the cavity.

2. A method according to claim 1, comprising, after the step of forming the cavity in the heartwood of the plant, the additional step of: inducing the substance to accumulate in the cavity. 10

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of forming the cavity in the heartwood of the plant comprises the steps of: forming a first bore, extending to the heartwood of the plant; forming a second bore, extending to the heartwood of the plant and remote from the first bore; and 15 removing a portion of said heartwood to connect the first and second bores and thereby forming the cavity.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the step of forming the cavity in the heartwood of the plant comprises the additional step: applying an actuable sealing means to the first and second bores to 20 prevent entry of unwanted material into the cavity. - 16

5. A method according to claims 3 or 4, wherein the second bore and first bore are mutually spaced in such a manner that damage to outer conductive tissue of the plant is minimised.

6. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the method is applied 5 to an elongate portion of a plant, the elongate portion having an axis, damage to the outer conductive tissue of the plant is minimised by providing the first and second bore such that the first and second bores are in a plane substantially parallel to the axis of the elongate portion, and including said axis. 10

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of forming the cavity in the heartwood of the plant is performed under aseptic conditions.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of forming the cavity in the heartwood of the plant comprises the steps of forming 15 a first bore, extending to the heartwood of the plant, forming a second bore, extending to the heartwood of the plant and remote from the first bore and removing a portion of said heartwood to connect the first and second bores and thereby forming the cavity, the steps of forming the first and second bores and preferably preceded by the step of: 20 cleaning the plant in and about the regions in which the bores are to be formed.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the step of cleaning the plant in and about the regions in which the bores are to be formed comprises the steps of: washing the plant with a dilute detergent solution; and 25 rinsing the detergent from the plant with a chlorinated water or dilute bleach solution. -17

10. A method according to claims 8 or 9, wherein the step of cleaning the plant is performed within two days of the steps of forming the bores.

11. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein after the step of washing the plant and immediately prior to the steps of forming the bores, the 5 present invention comprises the step of: applying an antimicrobial agent to the regions in which the bores are to be formed.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the antimicrobial agent is applied in the form of a 70% ethanol solution. 10

13. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein any tools used in the formation of the bores, or the removal of the portion of heartwood, are treated with an antimicrobial agent prior to use.

14. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the step of inducing the substance to accumulate in the cavity is, at least in part, 15 performed by reducing the pressure in the cavity.

15. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the degree to which the pressure is reduced below atmospheric pressure may be regulated to optimise the accumulation of the substance in the cavity.

16. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 20 cavity is formed in a trunk portion of the plant, and/or in a branch portion.

17. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of forming the cavity comprises the steps of forming a first bore, extending to the heartwood of the plant, forming a second bore, extending to the heartwood of the plant and remote from the first bore and removing a portion of said 25 heartwood to connect the first and second bores and thereby forming the -18 cavity, the step of collecting the substance from the cavity comprises the step of: inducing a flow of fluid through the cavity to cause the substance to be displaced through one of said bores. 5

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the fluid is selected such that the substance is appreciably soluble therein.

19. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 18, wherein the step of forming the cavity in the heartwood of the plant comprises the steps of forming a first bore extending to the heartwood of the plant, forming a second bore 10 extending to the heartwood of the plant and remote from the first bore and removing a portion of said heartwood to connect the first and second bores and thereby forming the cavity, the step of removing a portion of said heartwood to form the cavity comprises forming a slot between the first and second bores, the slot being provided at the same depth in the plant as the 15 first and second bores.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein a slot sealing member is positioned in the slot between the first and second bores.

21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the slot sealing member is provided with an outer elongate portion on which are provided at least one 20 spacer that is proportioned so as to extend the full depth of the slot.

22. A method for harvesting a substance from a living plant having heartwood, the method being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 1A, 1B, 1C or 1D and Figure 2.

23. A method for harvesting a substance from a living plant having heartwood, 25 the method being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 3 to 7.