CH715200B1 - Injection tool and plant injection system, especially for trees. - Google Patents

Abstract

An injection system for introducing a liquid active substance formulation into a woody or non-woody area of a plant, in particular a tree trunk, comprises an injection tool (3001) with an introducing structure which can be inserted into an area (B) of the plant, and a delivery device which connectable to the injection tool (3001) for communication therewith and serving to deliver the drug formulation into the injection tool (3001). The injection tool (3001) has a wedge portion (3020) provided with a cutting edge at its front end (3021), the wedge portion (3020) being in the shape of a lance tip. The injection tool (3001) is preferably made of metal and produced using a 3D printing process.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to an injection tool for a plant injection system to introduce a liquid active substance formulation into a woody or non-woody area of a plant, in particular a tree trunk, according to the preamble of independent claim 1. The invention also relates to a plant injection system for introducing a liquid Drug formulation that has such an injection tool, and the use of such a plant injection system for a variety of plants. The invention further relates to a process for modulating the phenotype of a plant or a plurality of plants by mounting a plant injection system according to the invention into the plant or the plurality of plants and applying a liquid active ingredient formulation to modulate the phenotype of the plant.

State of the art

[0002] In tree care, liquid formulations of active substances, for example insecticides, fungicides, nutrients or growth promoters, are routinely injected into the cambium of tree trunks with the aim of maintaining or improving the health of the tree. This procedure is also practiced on other (sometimes woody) plants, such as grapevines.

The documents WO 2012/114 197 A1 and WO 2015/110 535 A1 describe, for example, methods and corresponding systems for injecting active substance formulations into trees. In these known methods and systems, a hole is drilled in the sapwood up to the cambium of the tree and an outer end of the hole is plugged with a pin. A hypodermic needle is inserted through the pin into the inner part of the hole. A metered amount of the drug formulation is then fed through the injection needle by means of a metering device into the hole, from where it is gradually absorbed by the cambium. In a modification, a pen is used which has an axial channel and in particular lateral outlet openings, the active substance formulation being fed through the axial channel and then entering the cambium through the lateral outlet openings. In a further variation, a needleless dispensing device is used in combination with a pen that has an integrated check valve. In all modifications, the pin can be removed after the treatment or it can remain in the tree trunk, for example for further treatments. Suitable delivery devices and dosing devices for the active ingredient formulation are also described in the documents mentioned.

The described and known methods are relatively laborious in that the parts of the plant to be treated, in particular tree trunks, must first be drilled and then pins are inserted into the drilled holes formed in this way.

[0005] In addition, since it is difficult to fill the hole precisely, leakage is common. Also, the size of the tools limits the application to only large trees. Accordingly, what is desired is an injection system, apparatus, and method that provides continuous application of active ingredients to a wide variety of plants, preferably perennial plants, of any stem or stem size.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system, apparatus or process with improvements in the work required in practice.

The use of chemical agents against pests and diseases is a controversial subject. Today, pesticides are often applied either by foliar application (sprays) and/or treatment of propagation material (e.g. seed treatment). As a result, a large amount of the chemicals used does not reach the target plant or pest but is released into the environment where beneficial insects (e.g. bees) may be affected or environmental pollution (e.g. groundwater) is caused. Therefore, one problem of the present invention is minimizing the untargeted release of active substances. Especially when treating trees and other plantation crops such as bananas, the foliar application of particularly conventional pesticides is a significant environmental problem. There is a long-felt need for environmentally friendly compositions and methods that provide solutions to the above problems and to reduce active ingredient dosing rates to reduce or avoid adverse environmental impacts or toxicological effects while still providing effective pest control.

Another problem is the fact that pest control of fruits and other food crops is severely limited. Conventional chemical pesticides can only be used during certain periods of the growing season to prevent build-up of chemical residues in the fruit or crop. It is therefore desirable to replace chemical pesticides with biological control agents that are approved for human consumption. However, these control agents typically have high material costs, making foliar application by spray application in tree plantations and other crops such as bananas, coffee or cocoa extremely expensive. It is therefore desirable to substantially reduce the amount of biologically active ingredients when treating trees, bushes and other plantation plants in particular.

Therefore, a further object of the present invention relates to a process for modulating the phenotype of a plant or a plurality of plants by assembling a plant injection system according to the invention into the plant or the plurality of plants and applying a liquid active ingredient formulation to modulate the phenotype of the plant to modulate.

Another object of the present invention relates to a method for modulating phenotypes of plants, in particular for treating, preventing, protecting and immunizing, which means inducing local and systemic resistance to pathogen attacks and pest attacks in plants.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is achieved by the injection tool as defined by the features of independent claim 1, by a plant injection system as defined by the features of independent claim 16, and by a process as defined by the features of independent claim 20 is defined.

Further expedient and particularly advantageous embodiments of the injection system according to the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

In one aspect, the invention is an injection tool for a plant injection system configured to introduce a liquid drug formulation into a plant. The injection tool is configured to be inserted into the plant. It has a penetrating structure configured to create a hole in the plant to insert the injection tool into the plant.

In another aspect, the invention is a process for modulating the phenotype of a plant or plurality of plants by mounting a plant injection system of the invention into the plant or plurality of plants and applying a liquid drug formulation to modulate the phenotype of the plant.

The term "penetrating structure" as used herein refers to any arrangement suitable or appropriate for creating the hole during advancement of the insertion tool into the plant. It can be called self-penetrating because it automatically creates the hole required for inserting the injection tool into the plant. The penetrating structure may have any suitable configuration, such as the preferred embodiments described below.

The term "hole" in this context refers to a cavity, channel or similar structure provided in the plant suitable for receiving the insertion tool or a portion, particularly an anterior or distal portion thereof.

[0017] "Plants" means all plants and plant populations such as desirable and undesirable wild plants, cultivars and plant varieties (whether or not protectable by plant variety or plant breeders' rights). Cultivars and plant varieties can be plants obtained by conventional propagation and breeding methods, aided or supplemented by one or more bioengineering methods such as use of double haploids, protoplast fusion, random and site-directed mutagenesis, molecular or genetic markers, or by bioengineering and genetic engineering methods can become.

The term "plant" includes whole plants and parts thereof including, without limitation, shoots, vegetative organs/structures (e.g., leaves, stems, and tubers), roots, flowers, and floral organs/structures (e.g., bracts, sepals, petals , stamens, carpels, anthers and ovules), seeds (including embryo, endosperm and seed coat) and fruit (mature ovary), plant tissues (e.g. vascular tissue, stromal tissue and the like) and cells (e.g. guard cells, ovules and the like) and offspring thereof. "Fruit" and "plant product" are to be understood as any plant product that is used after harvesting, e.g. actual fruit, nuts, wood, etc. of economic value produced by the plant.

As used herein, "plant pest" refers to a pest that can infect and/or invade a part of a plant and cause disease therein.

In the present document, "activity" means a component or components of fermented products that can be extracted therefrom in an aqueous solvent and have an effect of reducing, improving, treating, preventing and inhibiting growth of a plant pest when applied to a Plant part and / or soil are applied.

[0021] The term "bactericidal" as used herein refers to the ability of a substance to increase the mortality or inhibit the growth rate of bacteria.

Biological control: As used herein, "biological control" is defined as control of a pathogen or insect or other undesirable organism through the use of a second organism. An example of a known mechanism of biological control is the use of enteric bacteria that control root rot by displacing fungi from their place on the root surface. Bacterial toxins such as antibiotics have been used to combat pathogens. The toxin can be isolated and applied directly to the plant, or the bacterial species can be administered so that it produces the toxin in situ.

A "composition" is intended to mean a combination of active ingredients and another compound, carrier, or composition, inert (e.g., a detectable agent or marker, or liquid carrier) or active, such as a pesticide.

Effective Amount: An "effective amount" as used herein is an amount sufficient to produce beneficial or desired results. An effective amount can be administered in one or more doses. In terms of treating, inhibiting, or protecting, an effective amount is that amount sufficient to ameliorate, reduce, prevent, stabilize, reverse, slow, or delay the progression of the target infection or disease state. In general, "pesticidally effective amount" means the amount of the inventive mixtures or compositions comprising the mixtures necessary to achieve an observable effect on growth, including the effects of necrosis, death, retardation, prevention, and removing, destroying, or otherwise reducing the Occurrence and activity of the target organism. The pesticidally effective amount may vary according to prevailing conditions such as desired pesticidal activity and duration, weather, target species, locus, mode of application, and the like. The term "phytosanitary effective amount" denotes an amount of the inventive mixtures sufficient to affect plant health as defined hereinbelow.

"Fungicides" and the terms "fungicidal" and "fungicidally active" refer to the ability of a substance to increase the mortality of phytopathogenic fungi or to inhibit their growth rates. In this document, the term "phytopathogenic fungi" includes all organisms from the fungal kingdom, including oomycetes, which can damage plants and/or damage parts of plants and/or cause losses in harvested fruit and vegetables. The term "fungus" or "fungi" as used herein encompasses a wide variety of nucleated spore-bearing organisms that lack chlorophyll. Examples of fungi include yeast, mold, mildew, rust, and fruiting bodies. “Fungal Pathogen” includes fungi of the following phyla: Myxomycota, Plasmodiophoromycota, Hyphochytriomycota, Labyrinthulomycota, Oomycota, Chytridiomycota, Zygomycota, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. "Inhibition of fungi" includes both fungicidal and fungistatic activity, which is measured by the reduction in fungal growth (or loss of viability) compared to a control. A "susceptible fungus" is a strain of fungus that can be inhibited by either component of the system provided herein, or by a combination of both components.

"Insecticides" as well as the term "insecticide" refers to the ability of a substance to increase the mortality of insects or to inhibit their growth rate. In this document, the term "insects" includes all organisms from the class "Insecta".

[0027] "Nematicide" and "nematicide" refer to. the ability of a substance to increase nematode mortality or inhibit their growth rate. In general, the term "nematode" includes eggs, larvae, juveniles and adult forms of the organisms.

"Acaricidal" and "acaricidal" refer to the ability of a substance to increase the mortality or inhibit the growth rate of ectoparasites belonging to the class Arachnida, subclass Acari.

Microbicide: "Microbicide" as used herein refers to the ability of a substance to increase the mortality of, or inhibit the growth rate of, microorganisms.

The term "health of a plant" or "plant health" is defined as a condition of the plant and/or its products, which is assessed by several aspects alone or in combination with each other, such as increased yield, plant vitality, quality of the harvested plant parts and Tolerance to abiotic and/or biotic stress.

"Prevention of infection" in the present context means that the plants treated with the system disclosed in this document avoid pathogen infection or disease symptoms or all of the above compared to plants that have not been treated with the methods, tools and systems according to the invention or have reduced or minimized or less frequent pathogen infections or disease symptoms or all of the foregoing that are the natural result of plant-pathogen interactions. This means that pathogens are prevented or reduced from causing disease and/or the disease symptoms associated therewith. Infection and/or symptoms are reduced by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% or 80% or more compared to a plant not treated with the system of the present teachings became. In an alternative scenario, the present system results in reduced sporulation of the plant pathogenic fungus.

Pesticide: The term "pesticide" as used herein refers to the ability of a substance to decrease the growth rate of a pest, i.e. an undesirable organism, or to increase the mortality of a pest. In general, “pesticide” means the ability of a substance to increase mortality or inhibit the growth rate of phytopathogenic fungi. The definition also includes the ability of a substance to increase mortality or inhibit the growth rate of phytopathogenic fungi and/or plant pests. The term is used in this document to describe the property of a substance to have activity against phytopathogenic fungi, insects, mites and/or nematodes. Plants are exposed to many microbes including bacteria, viruses, fungi and nematodes. Diseases of ornamental, forest and other plants caused by such plant pathogens, particularly bacterial pathogens, are a worldwide problem with enormous economic implications. The severity of the process of destruction of a disease depends on the aggressiveness of the phytopathogen and the response of the host. The tools, system and method according to the invention enable active substances to be applied systemically into the vascular system of a plant, preferably into the shoot axis of a plant. The invention can be applied to a wide variety of plants, including but not limited to those listed below, as well as any other pathogenic diseases and/or complexes encountered in agriculture, particularly horticulture.

Another problem underlying the present invention is the desire for compositions that improve plants, a process often and hereinafter referred to as "plant health". Healthier plants are desirable because, among other things, they lead to better yields and/or better quality of the plants or crops, in particular better quality of the harvested plant parts. Healthier plants also exhibit better resistance to biotic and/or abiotic stress. A high resistance to biotic stress, in turn, allows the practitioner to reduce the amount of pesticide applied and consequently slow down the development of resistance to the pesticides in question.

[0034] Increased yield may be characterized, inter alia, by the following improved properties of the plant: increased plant weight; and/or greater plant height; and/or increased biomass such as higher total fresh weight (FW); and/or an increased number of flowers per plant; and/or higher grain and/or fruit yield; and/or more saplings or side shoots (branches); and/or larger leaves; and/or increased shoot growth; and/or increased protein content; and/or increased oil content; and/or increased starch content; and/or increased pigment content; and/or increased chlorophyll content (chlorophyll content has a positive correlation with the rate of photosynthesis and accordingly, the higher the chlorophyll content, the higher the yield of a plant), increased quality of a plant. According to the present invention, the yield is increased by at least 4%. In general, the increase in yield can be even higher, for example 5 to 10%, more preferably by 10 to 20% or even 20 to 30%.

Another indicator of the condition of the plant is the plant vitality. Plant vitality is reflected in several aspects, such as the general visual appearance. Another indicator of plant health is the "quality" of a plant and/or its products and/or tolerance or resistance to biotic and/or abiotic stressors. Biotic and abiotic stress, especially over a long period of time, can have deleterious effects on plants.

According to one embodiment, the injection tool according to the invention is part of an injection system that can enable the active substance to be supplied centrally to one or more plants. All the different components of such a system can be provided to the farmer or application professional in kit form. Such a kit may include the following components: (1) one or more injection tools, and/or (2) one or more delivery devices that may be configured to be connected to the injection tool, and/or (3) one or more active ingredients. The kit may include components (1) and (2), or the kit may include components (1) and (3), or the kit may include components (2) and (3).

The presence of the penetrating structure allows the injection tool to be inserted, e.g. screwed, driven or struck, into the plant without having to first form a receiving cavity. Rather, the injection tool according to the invention creates the required hole more or less automatically as it is inserted into the plant. It can therefore be inserted into the plant in a single step. Thus, the injection tool allows for a reduction in the amount of labor required, which can make the entire process considerably more efficient.

Preferably, the injection tool is configured for insertion into a woody area of the plant, particularly a tree trunk, or is configured for insertion into a non-woody area of the plant, particularly a dummy trunk.

In preferred embodiments of the injection tool, its penetrating structure has a cutting edge configured to cut the hole in the plant when the injection tool is inserted into the plant. In this context, the term "cutting" is to be understood broadly as any structure that allows cutting into the plant at the position where the injection tool is inserted. It may include puncturing, drilling, sawing, cutting, milling, or similar arrangements.

Such a cutting edge enables the efficient creation of the hole in the plant to create a cavity in which the injection tool is placed. In particular, such a cutting edge enables the insertion tool to efficiently produce the hole for receiving itself.

In a preferred embodiment, the cutting edge of the penetrating structure includes a drill bit portion that is twisted along the longitudinal axis of the injection tool. Such a bur bit portion enables the injection tool to be efficiently driven into the plant.

As a result, the drill bit portion of the cutting edge of the penetrating structure preferably has a flute extending along and bounded by the cutting edge. Such a flute enables removal of chips generated when the injection tool is driven into the plant, so that proper advancement of the insertion tool can be achieved.

The cutting edge of the penetrating structure preferably has a screw portion in which it is wound along a longitudinal axis of the injection tool. Such a screw section enables the insertion tool to be fixed in the plant. For example, in combination with the drill bit portion, the insertion can first create the hole and then screw the insertion tool into the hole in one step.

Preferably, the injection tool has a head and a shank, wherein the shank includes the drill bit portion and the screw portion, and the screw portion is closer to the head than the drill bit portion. As a result, an outer diameter of the screw portion is preferably larger than an outer diameter of the drill bit portion. The shank preferably has a ridge portion which is located between the screw portion and the head and on which at least one peripheral ridge is formed, an outer diameter of the peripheral ridge being larger than the outer diameter of the screw portion. Such a peripheral ridge can form a seal of the injection tool from the outside and can allow visual assessment of the depth of screwing into the injection tool.

In another preferred embodiment, the cutting edge of the penetrating structure includes a nail tip portion. Such a nail tip enables the injection tool to be efficiently advanced into the plant, for example by hammering.

As a result, the injection tool preferably has a shank that includes the nail tip portion and a conical portion that is provided with outer longitudinal ridges or grooves. Such a shank enables the nail tip and the conical sections to be carried out efficiently.

The injection tool preferably has an impact head, with the conical section being closer to the impact head than the nail tip section. As a result, the shank preferably has a bead portion which is located between the conical portion and the impact head and on which at least one peripheral bead is formed, an outer diameter of the peripheral bead being larger than an outer diameter of the conical portion.

In a still further preferred embodiment, the injection tool has a wedge portion, preferably with a lance tip shape, provided with the cutting edge at its front end. In this context, the term "front end" may refer to a distal end to be pointed towards the plant in order to insert the injection tool. Such a wedge portion may have an alternative configuration that allows for the efficient advancement of the injection tool into the plant. As a result, the wedge section can be shaped as a flat lance tip with two lateral wing-like sections, or in any other lance shape having three, four or more corresponding wing-like sections. In this way the stability of the wedge section can be tailored to the intended application. In particular, depending on the plant, the cutting edge can be more advantageously made into an appropriate wedge portion or a nail tip portion described above.

The injection tool preferably has an impact head, the wedge section increasing in thickness in the direction of the impact head, in particular in a prism shape. Such a percussion head enables the injection tool to be advanced efficiently into the plant, for example by hammering on the percussion head.

The wedge section advantageously has a central opening. Such an opening can provide an open space in the plant when the injection tool is deployed. For example, such an open space can be useful for introducing the liquid drug formulation into the plant.

[0051] Furthermore, in order to efficiently introduce the liquid drug formulation into the plant, the injection tool preferably has a main channel and at least one outlet channel connected to the main channel. Such a channel system enables the liquid active ingredient formulation to be efficiently distributed to one or more sites in the plant.

As a result, the injection tool preferably has an insertion port connected to the main channel, the insertion port being configured to be connected to a delivery device of the plant injection system. Such a port allows for the effective connection of a source of liquid active ingredient formulation.

At least one outlet channel preferably extends laterally from the main channel. Such a side channel can make it possible to provide the liquid active ingredient formulation at advantageous locations.

Preferably, the injection tool has a front end to be directed towards the plant, at least one outlet channel opening at a distance from the front end. In this way, the liquid drug formulation can be provided not only exclusively at the tip or front end of the tool, but also around it. This enables the active ingredient formulation to be optimally introduced into the plant to be treated.

In embodiments of insertion tools having wedge sections with central openings, the at least one outlet channel preferably opens into the central opening of the wedge section.

The insertion opening of the injection tool is preferably arranged in the head of the injection tool or in the striking head of the injection tool. This enables an efficient connection of the injection tool since such a head usually protrudes from the plant when the injection tool is inserted.

The injection tool is advantageously made of metal and is produced using a 3D printing process. On the one hand, this enables sufficient stability and, on the other hand, a cost-effective production of the injection tool.

In another aspect, the invention is a plant injection system for introducing a liquid drug formulation into a plant. The system includes an injection tool as described above and a delivery device. The delivery device is configured to connect to the injection tool to deliver the drug formulation to the injection tool. Such a system enables the liquid active ingredient formulation to be efficiently provided to the plant for treatment.

The feeding device is preferably designed as a pneumatically or hydraulically operated dosing pump. Alternatively, the feeding device is preferably designed as a pneumatically or hydraulically operated feed pump.

Preferably, the delivery device is designed as a two-chamber arrangement, two chambers being arranged in a container, one chamber of which contains a pressure medium and the other chamber contains the active substance formulation, which can be ejected from the pressure medium through a valve from the two-chamber arrangement.

In a further aspect, the invention is a process of modulating the phenotype of a plant or a plurality of plants, the process comprising the steps of (i) mounting a plant injection system according to any one of claims 27 to 30 in the plant or the plurality of plants, (ii) applying a liquid active ingredient formulation of an active ingredient to modulate the phenotype of the plant.

The active ingredient of the active ingredient formulation is preferably selected from the group consisting of (i) pesticides, (ii) growth regulators.

Preferably, the active ingredient of the active ingredient formulation is a biological compound or composition approved for use in food and feed.

Preferably, the process is driven by one or more of the features selected from the group of features a. to e. is selected consisting of a. the active substance of the active substance formulation is applied over the vegetation period according to an automatically controlled scheme, b. the active ingredient of the active ingredient formulation is transferred to the plant from a depot by means of a pneumatic pulse-push conveyor system, thereby minimizing the amount of active ingredient formulation in the hoses, c. a large number of plants are supplied from a central depot, whereby - optionally - the distribution to each plant is controlled individually, i. the drug of the drug formulation can be automatically selected from a group of depots to achieve different phenotype modulations, e. Water is applied between applications of the active ingredient.

Preferably the plant is selected from the group consisting of fruit trees, bananas, cocoa, coffee and ornamental trees.

Preferably, modulating the phenotype of the plant or a plurality of plants is from the group consisting of controlling and/or preventing plant diseases, controlling and/or preventing pest attacks, improving and/or controlling plant health, improving and/or or controlling plant growth and/or the quantity and quality of plant products such as fruits.

The invention further relates to a use of a plant injection system according to the invention for a large number of plants, in particular plant plantations or plant fields, the large number of plants being connected to the plant injection system according to the invention in order to enable phenotype modulation.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be explained in more detail below on the basis of illustrative embodiments shown in the drawing.

1 shows a schematic view of the injection system according to the invention, with an injection tool shown in axial section and inserted in a tree trunk, and three variants of a feeding device; FIG. 2 shows a side view of the injection tool of the injection system in the direction of arrows II in FIG. 3; 3 shows an axial section through the injection tool along the line III-III in FIG. 2; 4 shows an overall view of a first embodiment of the delivery device of the injection system according to the invention; FIG. 5 shows a hydraulic diagram of the feeding device of FIG. 4 ; 6 shows a side view of a second embodiment of the delivery device of the injection system according to the invention; FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the feeding device of FIG. 6 ; FIG. 8 is a hydraulic diagram of an arrangement of multiple feeders shown in FIG. 6 in practical use; 9 is a view of a second illustrative embodiment of the injection tool of the present invention; FIG. 10 shows a longitudinal section of the injection tool from FIG. 9 ; 11 is a view of a third illustrative embodiment of the injection tool of the present invention; FIG. 12 shows a longitudinal section of the injection tool from FIG. 11 ; FIG. 13 is a side view of the injection tool of FIG. 11; 14 is a view of a fourth illustrative embodiment of the injection tool of the present invention; FIG. 15 shows a longitudinal section of the injection tool from FIG. 14 ; FIG. 16 is a side view of the injection tool of FIG. 14 .

Description of the embodiments

The following principles apply to the following description: If not all parts in a figure are provided with reference numbers, the reference to another figure can be made in connection with the associated parts of the description. A receiving cavity is to be understood as a cavity of any kind created in the woody area of a plant for the purpose of inserting an injection tool. In particular, a receiving recess is to be understood as a drilled hole. The term "self-drilling" in the context of the invention is to be understood as a self-penetrating embodiment of the injection tool, with which the receiving recess, which is necessary for inserting the injection tool into the plant, can be created directly during the insertion process itself, so that before insertion no receiving recess has to be created.

According to the views in Figs. 1 - 3, the injection system according to the invention comprises an injection tool 1 according to the invention, which is self-drilling. It also includes a delivery device that can be attached to the injection tool 1 and by means of which an active substance formulation W can be delivered to the injection tool 1, preferably in a metered quantity. The active substance formulation W can then be delivered via the injection tool 1 to the plant to be treated, for example a tree. The delivery device can be configured in various ways. For example, Figure 1 shows three variations 100, 200 and 300 of a feeder. Of course, when the injection system is actually used, only one of these modifications is attached to the injection tool 1 at a time. The design and function of the various modifications of the feeder are discussed in more detail below.

As shown in FIG. 2, the one-piece injection tool 1 is preferably made of metal. It is generally in the external shape of a screw having a head 10 and a shank 20 divided into three sections, i.e. a front drill bit section 20a, a middle screw section 20b and a rear boss section 20c. The front section 20a, which is directed away from the head 10, is designed as a (wood) drill. It includes serpentine cutting edges 21 and adjacent chip flutes as the penetrating structure of the injection tool 1 . An outer diameter of the middle section 20b is slightly larger than that of the front section 20a. Peripheral ridges 23 (of which there are three in this example) are formed on the rear portion 20c immediately adjacent to the head 10, the outer diameter of these peripheral ridges 23 again being slightly larger than the outer diameter of the threads 22 of the central portion 20b .

As best seen in Figure 3, an outwardly open cylindrical attachment or insertion aperture 11 is provided in the head 10 and is connected for communication therewith to a longitudinal channel 25 provided in the shank 20 as the main channel. The longitudinal channel 25 is configured as a blind hole and extends through the rear section 20c and the middle section 20b of the shank 20. In the region of the middle section 20b of the shank 20 there are provided laterally extending radial outlet channels 27 which communicate with the longitudinal channel 25 to the Communication are provided with the same and open laterally in the region of the central portion 20b of the shank 20 between the threads 22 of the same.

The head 10 has, for example, a hexagonal outer contour, so that a (commercially available) screwdriver with a hexagonal plug can be plugged onto the same.

The injection tool 1 is preferably made of metal and is produced in particular using an SD printing process.

In practical use, the injection tool 1 is inserted into a woody area B of a plant to be treated, usually a trunk of a tree, as shown in FIG. Due to the self-drilling design of the injection tool 1, this insertion can be carried out comparatively easily in a single step by simply screwing it in (for example using an electric or manual screwdriver) without having to drill a hole beforehand. The drill portion 20a of the shank 20 bores a hole, the screw portion 20b of the shank further advances and securely holds the injection tool 1, and the peripheral ridges 23 of the third portion 20c further seal the injection tool 1 from the outside. In addition, the penetration depth of the injection tool 1 can be visually observed due to the peripheral ridges 23 .

When the injection tool 1 is inserted into the plant, one of the delivery devices 100, 200, 300 (or a delivery device of another configuration) is sealingly attached to the injection tool 1 at the attachment hole 11 thereof, and over a predetermined period of time, a metered amount delivered by Drug Formulation W. The drug formulation W passes through the attachment port 11, the longitudinal channel 25 and the outlet channels 27 into the plant tissue surrounding the injection tool 1 and is gradually taken up by the plant's nutrient lines. The threads 22 promote distribution of the active ingredient formulation to the surrounding plant tissue. In order to enable the communication of the delivery device with the injection tool 1, the delivery device 100, 200, 300 is provided with a mounting portion 111, 211, 311, which is structurally adapted to the mounting hole 11 of the head 10 of the injection tool 1 and a leak-tight connection with the Injection tool 1 allows. The fastening section can be, for example, a tip 111, a hose 211 or a fastening nipple 311, which in any case can be inserted into the fastening opening 11 of the head 10 of the injection tool 1 in a sealing manner.

The delivery device 100, which is shown by way of example in FIG. 4, comprises as its most essential elements a container 130 in which a liquid active substance formulation W is stored, and a dosing device 110 which is externally shaped like a pistol and with which a dosed amount of drug formulation can be delivered under pressure in the injection tool.

A carrier plate 131 is attached to the container 130, with a cartridge 132 with a compressed gas D, for example CO2, being attached to the carrier plate 131. An adjustable pressure reducing valve 133 and a pressure gauge 134 are attached to the cartridge 132 . The container 130 with the active ingredient formulation and the pressure-reducing valve 133 is connected to the dosing device 110 via a corresponding hose line 135, 136 in each case.

The dosing device 110 comprises a handle 112 with a trigger 113 for switching a spring-loaded 3/2-way valve 114 contained in the handle 112 and which is attached to the tubing 136 (Fig. 5), and also a pneumatic pump arrangement 120, with which the active substance formulation W can be sucked out of the container 130 and delivered under pressure through the attachment tip 111 into the injection tool 1. 5 shows this schematically in detail.

The pneumatic pump assembly 120 comprises a pressure cylinder 121 with a pressure piston 122 movable in the same and a return spring 123, and also a metering cylinder 124 with a metering piston 125 movable in the same, the metering piston 125 being kinematically connected to the Plunger 122 is connected. The aforesaid attachment tip 111 is attached to the dosing cylinder 124 and connected to the latter for communication therewith. The pressure cylinder 121 is connected to the 3/2-way valve 114 via a hose line 137 . A check valve 138 is located in the tubing 135 connecting the metering cylinder 124 to the reservoir 135 (via the attachment tip 111), while another check valve 139 is located in the attachment tip 111.

In the position of the components shown in Figure 5, the pressure cylinder 121 is not pressurized; its pressure piston 122 and the dosing piston 125 are due to the action of the return spring 123 at their rear end stops (on the right in the figure). The space of the dosing cylinder, which is located in front of the dosing piston 124, is filled with active substance formulation. By actuating the trigger 113, the 3/2-way valve 114, which is held in a rest position by a restoring spring 114a, is switched in such a way that the two hose lines 136 and 137 are connected. In this way, the compressed gas D acts on the pressure piston 122 and pushes the latter together with the dosing piston 124 forward (to the left in the figure) up to their front end stops. As a result, the active substance formulation W, which is located in the dosing cylinder 124, is delivered under pressure via the attachment tip 111. After releasing the trigger 113, the return spring 114a returns the 3/2-way valve 114 to its rest position, in which the hose line 137 is open. The pressure cylinder 121 is thereby depressurized and its return spring 123 moves the pressure piston 122 together with the dosing piston 125 to their rear end stops. In this way, the active substance formulation W is sucked out of the container 130 into the dosing cylinder 124 via the hose line 135 and the check valve 138 .

The feeding device 100 thus represents a pneumatically operated dosing pump.

The feeding device 100 is equipped with a single-acting pressure piston 122, which in any case is moved back to its starting position by means of the return spring 123. The feeding device 100 could of course also be equipped with a double-acting pressure piston and with a corresponding control valve, so that the pressure piston can be moved pneumatically in both directions.

Figures 6-7 show a second illustrative embodiment of a feeder 200. The feeder 200 is here configured as a pneumatic feed pump. As can best be seen from the schematic representation in Fig. 7, the feeding device 200 comprises a pump cylinder 220 with a pump piston 221, which can be moved in the same, and with a viewing window 222, through which the respective position of the pump piston 221 can be determined. A pressurized gas supply valve 223 configured like a bicycle tube valve is located in the bottom of the pump cylinder 220 . On the cover of the pump cylinder 220, opposite the bottom, there is a T-piece 224 to which a check valve 225 on the one hand and a shut-off valve 226 on the other hand are attached. A hose line is fastened to the shut-off valve, which forms the aforementioned fastening section 211 for connection to the injection tool 1 . A hose line 227 for supplying active ingredient formulation W is attached to the check valve 225 .

The pump cylinder 220 is held in a frame 228 to which (optionally) a mounting plate 229 can be attached, via which the entire feeder device 200 can be easily attached to a tree trunk, for example.

The pump cylinder 220 can be filled with active ingredient formulation W via the hose line 227 (and the check valve 225), the pump piston 221 being pushed backwards (downward in the drawing). On the other hand, a cushion of compressed gas can be built up in the pump cylinder 220 via the compressed gas supply valve 223 . When the shut-off valve 226 is opened, this cushion of pressurized gas drives the pump piston 221 forward, forcing the drug formulation W contained in the pump cylinder 220 out of the pump cylinder 220, through the mounting portion 211 and into the injection tool 1. The dispensing of the drug formulation W from the delivery device 200 does not take place suddenly, but occurs gradually over a fairly long period of time. The shut-off valve 226 can also be dispensed with if the pump cylinder 220 is filled with active substance formulation W when the fastening section 211 is already fastened to the injection tool 1 .

Instead of the pump piston 221, a membrane can also be arranged in the pump cylinder 220, with this membrane separating the active substance formulation W from the pressure pad. A hydraulic pressure medium can also be used instead of a gaseous pressure medium.

Fig. 8 shows schematically how, for example, five feeding devices 200 are each attached to an injection tool 1 inserted into a tree trunk B. Filling of the pump cylinders 220 with drug formulation is accomplished via an annular conduit 240 containing a feed pump 241 connected to a reservoir (not shown) of drug formulation and a shut-off valve 242, and to which the check valves 225 of the five delivery devices 200 are attached . A pneumatic pump 243 in combination with a manometer 244 and a pressure reservoir 245 acts on the five delivery devices 200 via tubing 246, subjecting them to a pressure pad for propelling the drug formulations from their pump cylinders. Hydraulic pumps can also be used here instead of pneumatic pumps 243, in which case the pressure would then be built up hydraulically accordingly.

The third embodiment 300 of a delivery device shown in FIG. 1 is configured as a known two-chamber pack in which two separate chambers (not shown) are arranged in a cartridge-like container 310, one chamber of which contains a pressure medium, in particular pressurized gas, and the the other contains an active ingredient formulation to be dispensed from the cartridge via a valve 312 . The valve 312 is provided with a connecting piece 311 which can be inserted into the attachment opening 11 of the injection tool 1 in a sealing manner. When the connecting piece 311 is inserted into the attachment opening 11 of the injection tool 1, the valve 312 is opened and the pressure medium in one chamber of the housing 310 drives the active substance formulation, which is in the other chamber, through the valve 312 and out of the two-chamber pack the injection tool 1. The valve 312 can also be configured as a tilting valve, so that after inserting the connecting piece 311 into the attachment opening 11 of the injection tool 1, the two-chamber pack tilts down under its own weight and thereby opens the tilting valve.

Alternative illustrative embodiments of injection tools according to the invention are presented below. In the illustrative embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, the injection tool is generally in the shape of a nail, while in the illustrative embodiment of Figures 11-13 the injection tool is in the general shape of a spear point or wedge. A common aspect of all of these illustrative embodiments is that the injection tool is self-penetrating due to its particular configuration, so that it can be inserted (hammered) into the plant (particularly a tree trunk) without the need for a drilled hole or other indentation.

The nail-shaped injection tool shown in Figures 9-10 and designated generally by 2001 has a striking head 2010 and a shank 2020 which is divided into three sections, i.e. a front nail tip section 2020a, a middle conical section 2020b and a rear bead section 2020c is. The forward portion 2020a facing away from the impact head 2010 is configured as a (nail) point as a cutting edge of an intruding structure. The middle section 2020b is slightly tapered and has longitudinal ridges or grooves 2022 therein. Peripheral ridges 2023 (of which there are three in this example) are formed on the rear section 2020c immediately adjacent to the striking head 2010, with the outer diameter of the peripheral ridges 2023 being slightly larger than the (largest) outer diameter of the middle section 2020b.

As best seen in FIG. 10, an outwardly open cylindrical mounting hole 2011 is provided in the impact head 2010 and connected to a main longitudinal channel 2025 provided in the shaft 2020 for communication therewith. The longitudinal channel 2025 is configured as a blind hole and extends through the rear section 2020c and the middle section 2020b of the shank 2020. In the area of the middle section 2020b of the shank 2020 radial outlet channels 2027 are provided, which are connected to the longitudinal channel 2025 for communication therewith are provided and open laterally at the level of the central portion 2020b of the shank 2020 between the longitudinal grooves 2022 of the same. The longitudinal ridges or grooves 2022 promote the distribution of the emerging drug formulation into the surrounding plant tissue. The impact head 2010 also has a ribbed outer structure 2012, so that a connecting tube can also be placed on the impact head 2010 as an alternative to inserting it into the fastening opening 2011, with the ribbed structure 2012 ensuring a firm hold of the connecting tube.

The use and function of the injection tool of Figs. 9 - 10 are the same as that of the injection tool 1, with the exception that this injection tool is not screwed into the plant (particularly a tree trunk) but rather struck (e.g. with a hammer ).

A wedge-shaped injection tool, shown in Figures 11-13 and generally designated 3001, has an impact head 3010 and a wedge portion 3020 configured as a lance tip. Wedge portion 3020 is formed with a sharp edge as a cutting edge of a penetrating structure at its front tip 3021 directed away from impact head 3010 and, as best seen in Figure 13, takes a substantially prismatic shape toward the impact head 3010 in thickness.

An outwardly open cylindrical mounting hole 3011 is provided in the impact head 3010 and is connected to a main longitudinal channel 3025 provided in the wedge portion 3020 for communication therewith. The longitudinal channel 3025 is configured as a blind hole and extends approximately as far as the front third of the wedge section 3020. An outlet channel 3027 is provided at the end of the longitudinal channel 3025, the outlet channel 3027 being connected to the longitudinal channel 3025 for communication therewith and opens on the beveled flat side 3023 of the wedge section 3020. On the beveled flat side 3023 of the wedge portion 3020 is a star-shaped array of grooves 3022, with the outlet passage 3027 opening at the center of these grooves 3022. The grooves 3022 promote the distribution of the emerging drug formulation into the surrounding plant tissue. The impact head 3010 also has a ribbed outer structure 3012 so that a connecting hose can be plugged onto it.

The use and function of the injection tool of Figures 11-13 are the same as that of the injection tool 2001 of Figures 9 and 10.

14-16 show another embodiment of a wedge-shaped injection tool 4001. It has an impact head 4010 and a wedge portion 4020 configured as a lance tip. Wedge portion 4020 is formed with a sharp edge as a cutting edge of a penetrating structure on its front surface 4021 facing away from impact head 4010 and, as best seen in Figure 13, takes a substantially prismatic shape toward impact head 4010 in its thickness too. The wedge portion 4020 has a central opening 4028 with a generally triangular shape.

While wedge portion 4020 has two winged portions adjacent opening 4028 in the illustrated embodiment of Figures 14-16, it may have three, four or more corresponding winged portions adjacent opening 4028 in other similar embodiments.

An outwardly open cylindrical mounting hole 4011 is provided in the impact head 4010 and is connected to a main longitudinal channel 4025 provided in the wedge portion 4020 for communication therewith. The longitudinal channel 4025 is configured as a blind hole. A plurality of lateral outlet channels 4027 are provided at the end of the longitudinal channel 4025 . Outlet channels 4027 include a distribution section and open sections extending therefrom to opening 4028 . The impact head 4010 has a ribbed outer structure 4012 so that a connecting hose can be plugged onto it.

The use and function of the injection tool of Figs. 14-16 are the same as that of the injection tool 3001 of Figs. 11-13.

[0102] A person skilled in the art is aware of numerous active substances which can be used in connection with this invention. The active ingredients referred to herein by their "common name" are known and are described, for example, in the Pesticide Manual or can be found on the Internet (e.g. http://www.alanwood.net/pesticides). The active ingredient can be selected from the following groups of compounds and compositions: 1. Fungicides 1.1 Respiratory inhibitors 1.1.1 Inhibitors of complex III at the Qo site such as azoxystrobin, coumethoxystrobin, coumoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, enestroburin, fenaminstrobin, fenoxystrobin/flufenoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, kresoximmethyl, metominostrobin, orysastrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyrametostrobin, pyraoxystrobin, trifloxystrobin, pyribencarb, triclopyricarb/chlorodinecarb, famoxadone, fenamidone; 1.1.2 Complex III inhibitors at Qi site: Cyazofamide, Amisulbrom 1.1.3 Complex II inhibitors: Flutolanil, Benodanil, Bixafen, Boscalid, Carboxin, Fenfuram, Fluopyram, Flutolanil, Fluxapyroxad, Furametpyr, Isopyrazam, Mepronil, Oxycarboxin, penflufen, penthiopyrad, sedaxan, tecloftalam, thifluzamide; 1.1.4 other respiratory inhibitors (e.g. complex I, uncouplers): diflumetorim; 1.1.5 Nitrophenyl derivatives: Binapacryl, Dinobuton, Dinocap, Fluazinam; ferim zone; organometallic compounds: fentin acetate, fentin chloride or fentin hydroxide; ametoctradine; and silthiofam; 1.2 Sterol biosynthesis inhibitors (SBI fungicides) 1.2.1. C14 Demethylase Inhibitors (DMI Fungicides): Triazoles: Azaconazole, Bitertanol, Bromuconazole, Cyproconazole, Difenoconazole, Diniconazole, Diniconazole-M, Epoxiconazole, Fenbuconazole, Fluquinconazole, Flusilazole, Flutriafol, Hexaconazole, Imibenconazole, Ipconazole, Metconazole, Myclobutanil, Oxpoconazole, Paclobutrazole, penconazole, propiconazole, prothioconazole, simeconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triticonazole, uniconazole, 1.2.2 imidazoles: imazalil, pefurazoate, prochloraz, triflumizole; Pyrimidines, Pyridines and Piperazines: Fenarimol, Nuarimol, Pyrifenox, Triforin; Deltal4 reductase inhibitors: aldimorph, dodemorph, dodemorph acetate, fenpropimorph, tridemorph, fenpropidin, piperaline, spiroxamine; Inhibitors of 3-keto-reductase: fenhexamid; 1.3 Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors: 1.3.1 Phenylamides or Acylamino Acid Fungicides: Benalaxyl, Benalaxyl-M, Kiralaxyl, Metalaxyl, Ofurac, Oxadixyl; others: hymexazole, octhilinone, oxolinic acid, bupirimate, 5-fluorocytosine; 1.4 Inhibitors of cell division and cytoskeleton 1.4.1 Tubulin inhibitors: benzimidazoles, thiophanates: benomyl, carbendazim, fuberidazole, thiabendazole, thiophanate-methyl; Triazolopyrimidines: 1.4.2 cell division inhibitors: diethofencarb, ethaboxam, pencycuron, fluopicolide, zoxamide, metrafenone, pyriofenone; 1.5 Inhibitors of amino acid and protein synthesis 1.5.1 (anilinopyrimidines): cyprodinil, mepanipyrim, pyrimethanil; Protein Synthesis Inhibitors: Blasticidin-S, Kasugamycin, Kasugamycin Hydrochloride Hydrate, Methionine Synthesis Inhibitors Mildiomycin, Streptomycin, Oxytetracycline, Polyoxin, Validamycin A; 1.6. Signal Transduction Inhibitors 1.6.1 MAP/Histidine Kinase Inhibitors: Fluoroimide, Iprodione, Procymidone, Vinclozoline, Fenpiclonil, Fludioxonil; G protein inhibitors: quinoxyfen; 1.7 Lipid and Membrane Synthesis Inhibitors 1.7.1 Phospholipid Biosynthesis Inhibitors: Edifenphos, Iprobenfos, Pyrazophos, Isoprothiolane; lipid peroxidation: dicloran, quintozen, tecnazen, tolclofosmethyl, biphenyl, chloroneb, etridiazole; Phospholipid biosynthesis and cell wall deposition: dimethomorph, flumorph, mandipropamide, pyrimorph, benthiavalicarb, iprovalicarb, valifenalate and 1.7.2 Compounds affecting cell membrane permeability and fatty acids: propamocarb, propamocarb hydrochloride fatty acid amide 1.8 Inhibitors with multisite action 1.8.1 Inorganic agents: Bordeaux broth, copper acetate, copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride, basic copper sulfate, sulfur; thio- and dithiocarbamates: ferbam, mancozeb, maneb, metam, metiram, propineb, thiram, zineb, ziram; Chloro-organic compounds (e.g. phthalimides, sulfamides, chloronitriles): anilazine, chlorothalonil, captafol, captan, folpet, dichlofluanid, dichlorophen, hexachlorobenzene, pentachlorophenol and its salts, phthalide, tolylfluanid and others: guanidine, dodine, dodine free base, guazatine, guazatine acetate, iminoctadine, iminoctadine triacetate, iminoctadine tris(albesilate), dithianone; 1.9 Cell Wall Synthesis Inhibitors 1.9.1 Inhibitors of Glucan Synthesis: Validamycin, Polyoxin B; Melanin synthesis inhibitors: pyroquilone, tricyclazole, carpropamide, dicyclomet, fenoxanil; 1.10 Plant defense inducers 1.10.1 Acibenzolar-S-methyl, probenazole, isotianil, tiadinil, prohexadione calcium; Phosphonates: fosetyl, fosetyl aluminum, phosphorous acid and its salts; 1.11 Unknown mode of action 1.11.1 Bronopol, Quinomethionate, Cyflufenamide, Cymoxanil, Dazomet, Debacarb, Didomezine, Difenzoquat, Difenzoquatmethylsulfate, Diphenylamine, Fenpyrazamine, Flumetover, Flusulfamid, Flutianil, Methasulfocarb, Nitrapyrin, Nitrothal-isopropyl, Oxine-Copper, Picarbutrazox, Proquinazid, tebufloquine, tecloftalam, triazoxide, 1.12 Antifungal biological control agents: Ampelomyces quisqualis (e.g. AQ 10® from Intrachem Bio GmbH & Co. KG, Germany), Aspergillus flavus (e.g. AFLAGUARD@ from Syngenta, CH), Aureobasidium pullulans (e.g. BOTECTOR@ from bio-ferm GmbH, Germany), Bacillus pumilus (e.g. NRRL accession no. B-30087 in SONATA® and BALLAD® Plus from AgraQuest Inc., USA), Bacillus subtilis (e.g. isolate NRRL no. B-21661 in RHAPSODY®, SERENADE® MAX and SERENADE® ASO from AgraQuest Inc., USA), Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens FZB24 (e.g. TAEGRO® from Novozyme Biologicals, Inc., USA), Candida oleophila 1-82 (e.g. ASPIRE® from Ecogen Inc., USA ), Candida s aitoana (e.g. BIOCURE® (mixed with lysozyme) and BIOCOAT® from Micro Flo Company, USA (BASF SE) and Arysta), chitosan (e.g. ARMOUR-ZEN from BotriZen Ltd., NZ), Clonostachys rosea f. catenulata, also known as Gliocladium catenulatum (e.g. isolates J1446: PRESTOP® from Verdera, Finland), Coniothyrium minitans (e.g. CONTANS® from Prophyta, Germany), Cryphonectria parasitica (e.g. Endothia parasitica from CNICM, France), Cryptococcus albidus (e.g. YIELD PLUS@ from Anchor Bio-Technologies, South Africa), Fusarium oxysporum (e.g. BIOFOX® from S.I.A.P.A., Italy, FUSACLEAN® from Natural Plant Protection, France), Metschnikowia fructicola (e.g. SHEMER® from Agrogreen, Israel), Microdochium dimerum (e.g. ANTIBOT® from Agrauxine, France), Phlebiopsis gigantea (e.g. ROTSOP® from Verdera, Finland), Pseudozyma flocculosa (e.g. SPORODEX® from Plant Products Co. Ltd., Canada), Pythium oligandrum DV74 (e.g. POLYVERSUM® from Remeslo SSRO, Biopreparaty, Czech Republic), Reynoutria sachlinensis (e.g . REGALIA® from Marrone Bio-Innovations, USA), Talaromyces flavus V117b (e.g. PROTUS® from Prophyta, Germany), Trichoderma asperellum SKT-1 (e.g. ECO-HOPE® from Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Japan), T. atroviride LC52 (e.g. SENTINEL® from Agrimm Technologies Ltd, NZ), T. harzianum T-22 (e.g. PLANTSHIELD® from BioWorks Inc., USA), T. harzianum TH 35 (e.g. ROOT PRO® from Mycontrol Ltd., Israel) , T. harzianum T-39 (e.g. TRICHODEX® and TRICHODERMA 2000® from Mycontrol Ltd., Israel and Makhteshim Ltd., Israel), T. harzianum and T. viride (e.g. TRICHOPEL from Agrimm Technologies Ltd, NZ), T. harzianum ICC012 and T. viride ICC080 (e.g. REMEDIER® WP from Isagro Ricerca, Italy), T. polysporum and T. harzianum (e.g. BINAB® from BINAB Bio-Innovation AB, Sweden), T. stromaticum (e.g. TRICOVAB® from C.E.P.L.A.C., Brazil ), T. virens GL-21 (e.g. SOILGARD® from Certis LLC, USA), T. viride (e.g. TRIECO® from Ecosense Labs. (India) Pvt. Ltd., India, BIO-CURE® F from T. Stanes & Co. Ltd., India), T. viride TV1 (e.g. T. viride TV1 from Agribiotec srl, Italy), Ulocladium oudemansii HRU3 (e.g. BOTRY-ZEN® from Botry-Zen Ltd, NZ); Beauveria bassiana PPRI 5339 (commercially available from Becker Underwood as product "BroadBand"), Metarhizium anisopliae FI-1045 (commercially available from Becker Underwood as product "BioCane"), Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum FI-985 (commercially available from Becker Underwood as product "GreenGuard"), Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum IMI 330189 (commercially available from Becker Underwood as product "Green Muscle"). Active ingredients may also include proteins or secondary metabolites. The term "proteins or secondary metabolites" refers to any compound, substance or by-product of a fermentation of a microorganism that exhibits pesticidal activity. The definition includes any compound, substance or by-product of a fermentation of a microorganism that has pesticidal activity, preferably fungicidal or insecticidal activity. Examples of such proteins or secondary metabolites are harpin (isolated from Erwinia amylovora, product known e.g. as Harp-N-Tek™, Messenger®, Employ™, ProAct™); Terpene components and mixtures of terpenes, i.e. a-terpinene, p-cymene and limonene (product known as e.g. Requiem® from Bayer CropScience LP, US). Useful proteins can also be antibodies against fungal target proteins or other proteins with antifungal activity such as defensins and/or proteinase inhibitors. Defensin can, for example, NaDI, PhDIA, PhD2, Tomdef2, RsAFP2, RsAFPI, RsAFP3 and RsAFP4 from Rettig, DmAMPI from dahlias, MsDefl, MtDef2, CtAMPI, PsDI, HsAFPI, VaDI, VrD2, ZmESR6, AhAMPI and AhAMP4 from Aesculus hippocatanum, AflAFP from Alfalfa, NaD2, AXI, AX2, BSD1, EGAD1, HvAMPI, JI-2, PgDI, SD2, SoD2, WT1, pl39 and pl230 from pea. Proteinase inhibitors may include proteinase inhibitors from the following classes: serine, cysteine, aspartic and metalloproteinase inhibitors and carboxypeptidases such as StPinIA (US 7,462,695) or bovine trypsin inhibitors I-P. 2. Preferred insecticidal compounds are selected from the group consisting of 2.1 acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from the carbamate class: aldicarb, alanycarb, bendiocarb, benfuracarb, butocarboxim, butoxycarboxim, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbosulfan, ethiofencarb, fenobucarb, formetanate, furathiocarb, isoprocarb, methiocarb , methomyl, metolcarb, oxamyl, pirimicarb, propoxur, thiodicarb, thiofanox, trimethacarb, XMC, xylylcarb and triazamate; 2.2 Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from the organophosphate class: acephate, azamethiphos, azinphosethyl, azinphosmethyl, cadusafos, chlorethoxyfos, chlorfenvinphos, chlormephos, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, coumaphos, cyanophos, demeton-S-methyl, diazinon, dichlorvos/DDVP, dicrotophos, dirnethoate, dimethylvinphos, disulfoton, EPN, ethion, ethoprophos, famphur, fenamiphos, fenitrothion, fenthion, fosthiazate, heptenophos, imicyafos, isofenphos, isopropyl 0-(methoxyaminothiophosphoryl)salicylate, isoxathion, malathion, mecarbam, methamidophos, methidathion, mevinphos, monocrotophos, Nalad, Omethoate, Oxydemeton-methyl, Parathion, Parathion-methyl, Phenthoate, Phorate, Phosalon, Phosmet, Phosphamidon, Phoxim, Pirimiphos-methyl, Profenofos, Propetamphos, Prothiofos, Pyraclofos, Pyridaphenthion, Quinalphos, Sulfotep, Tebupirimfos, Temephos, Terbufos, tetrachlorvinphos, thiomethone, triazophos, trichlorfon, vamidothion; 2.3 GABA-Gated Chloride Channel Antagonists: 2.4 Cyclodiene Organochlorine Compounds: Endosulfan; or M-2.B fiprole (phenylpyrazole): ethiprole, fipronil, flufiprole, pyrafluprole or pyriprole; 2.5 Sodium channel modulators from the pyrethroid class: acrinathrin, allethrin, d-cis-trans-allethrin, d-trans-allethrin, bifenthrin, bioallethrin, bioallethrin S-cyclopentenyl, bioresmethrin, cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin, betacyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, lambda -Cyhalothrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, beta-cypermethrin, theta-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin, cyphenothrin, deltamethrin, momfluorothrin, empenthrin, esfenvalerate, etofenprox, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, flucythrinate, flumethrin, tau-fluvalinate, haifenprox , imiprothrin, meperfluthrin, metofluthrin, permethrin, phenothrin, prallethrin, profluthrin, pyrethrin (pyrethrum), resmethrin, silafluofen, tefluthrin, tetramethylfluthrin, tetramethrin, tralomethrin, transfluthrin, DDT and methoxychlor; 2.6 Agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors from the neonicotinoid class: actteamiprid, clothianidin, cycloxaprid, dinotefuran, flupyradifuron, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, sulfoxaflor, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam; 2.7 Activators of allosteric acetylcholine receptors from the spinosyn class: spinosad, spinetoram; 2.8 Chloride Channel Activators from the Mectin Class: Abamectin, Emamectin Benzoate, Ivermectin, Lepimectin or Milbemectin; 2.9 Juvenile hormone mimics: hydroprene, kinoprene, methoprene, fenoxycarb or pyriproxyfen; 2.10 Non-specific inhibitors at multiple sites: methyl bromide and other alkyl halides, chloropicrin, sulfuryl fluoride, borax, or tartar emetic; 2.11 Selective homopteran feeding blockers: pymetrozine, flonicamide, pyrifluquinazone, 2.12 mite growth inhibitors: clofentezine, hexythiazox, diflovidazine or etoxazole; 2.13 Inhibitors of mitochondrial ATP synthase: diafenthiuron, azocyclotin, cyhexatin, fenbutatin oxide, propargit or tetradifon; 2.14 Oxidative phosphorylation uncouplers: chlorfenapyr, DNOC or sulfluramide; M-13 channel blockers of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: Bensultap, Cartap hydrochloride, Thiocyclam, Thiosultap sodium; 2.15 Inhibitors of chitin biosynthesis type 0 (benzoylurea class): bistrifluron, chlorfluazuron, diflubenzuron, flucycloxuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, novaluron, noviflumuron, teflubenzuron, triflumuron; 2.16 Inhibitors of Chitin Biosynthesis Type 1: Buprofezin; 2.17 Molting Inhibitors: Cyromazine; 2.18 Ecdysone receptor agonists: methoxyfenozide, tebufenozide, halofenozide, fufenozide or chromatenozide; 2.19 Octopamine Receptor Agonists: Amitraz; 2.20 Mitochondrial Complex III Electron Transport Inhibitors: Hydramethylnon, Acequinocyl, Flometoquin, Fluacrypyrim or Pyriminostrobin; 2.21 Mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors: fenazaquin, fenpyroximate, pyrimidifen, pyridaben, tebufenpyrad, tolfenpyrad, flufenerim, or rotenone; 2.22 Voltage-dependent sodium channel blockers: indoxacarb, metaflumizone 2.23 Inhibitors of lipid synthesis, inhibitors of acetyl-CoA-Ccarboxylase: spirodiclofen, spiromesifen or spirotetramat; 2.24 Mitochondrial complex II electron transport inhibitors: cyenopyrafen, cyflumetofen or pyflubumid; and 2.25 ryanodine receptor modulators from the diamide class: flubendiamide, chloranthraniliprol (rynaxypyr), cyanthraniliprole (cyazypyr), 2.26 others: afidopyropene, 2.27 insecticides biological control agents: Bacillus firmus (e.g. Bacillus firmus CNCM 1-1582, e.g. WO 09 126 473 A1 and WO 09 124 707 A2, commercially available as "Votivo"), 5-endotoxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). 3. Plant growth regulators selected from the group consisting of: 3.1 Antiauxins: Ciofibric acid, 2,3,5-tri-iodobenzoic acid; 3.2 Auxins: 4-CPA, 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, 2,4-DEP, Dichloroprop, Fenoprop, IAA (Indole-3-acetic acid), IBA, Naphthaleneacetamide, a-Naphthaleneacetic acid, 1-Naphthol, naphthoxyacetic acid, potassium naphthenate, sodium naphthenate, 2,4,5-T; 3.3 Cytokinins: 2iP, 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), 2,6-dimethylpyridine, kinetin, zeatin; 3.4 Defoliants: Calciumcyanamide, Dimethipine, Endothal, Merphos, Metoxuron, Pentachlorophenol, Thidiazuron, Tributos, Tributylphosphorotrithioate; 3.5 ethylene modulators: aviglycine, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), prohexadione (prohexadionecalcium), trinexapac (trinexapac-ethyl); 3.6 Ethyl Releaser: ACC, Etacelasil, Ethephon, Glyoxime; gibberellins: gibberellin, gibberellic acid; 3.7 Growth Inhibitors: Abscisic Acid, Ancymidol, Butralin, Carbaryl, Chlorphonium, Chlorpropham, Dikegulac, Flumetralin, Fluoridamide, Fosamin, Glyphosin, Isopyrimol, Jasmonic Acid, Maleic Hydrazide, Epiquat (Mepiquat Chloride, Mepiquat Pentaborate), Piproctanyl, Prohydrojasmon, Propham, 2,3,5- tri-iodobenzoic acid; 3.8 Morphactins: chlorflurene, chlorflurenol, dichlorflurenol, flurenol; 3.9 Growth inhibitors: chlormequat (chlormequat chloride), daminozide, flurprimidol, mefluidid, paclobutrazol, tetcyclacis, uniconazole, metconazole; 3.10 growth stimulators: brassinolide, forchlorfenuron, hymexazole; 3.11 Unclassified plant growth regulators/classification unknown: amidochlor, benzofluor, buminafos, carvone, choline chloride, ciobutide, clofencet, cloxyfonac, cyanamide, cyclanilide, cycloheximide, cyprosulfamide, epocholeon, ethychlozate, ethylene, fenridazone, fluprimidol, fluthiacet, heptopargil, holosulf, inabenfide, Karetazan, lead arsenate, methasulfocarbor pydanon, Sintofen, triapenthenol.

Preferably, the antifungal compound is selected from the group consisting of dimoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin, trifloxystrobin, picoxystrobin, cyazofamide, boscalid, fluoxapyroxad, fluopyram, bixafen, isopyrazam, benzovindiflupyr, penthiopyrad, ametoctradine, difenoconazole, metconazole, prothioconazole, tebuconazole, propiconazole, Cyproconazole, Penconazole, Myclobutanil, Tetraconazole, Hexaconazole, Metrafenon, Zoxamid, Pyrimethanil, Cyprodinil, Metalaxyl, Fludioxonil, Dimethomorph, Mandipropamid, Tricyclazole, Copper, Metiram, Chlorothalonil, Dithianon, Fluazinam, Folpet, Fosetyl-Al, Captan, Cymoxanil, Mancozeb, kresoxim-methyl, oryzastrobin, epoxiconazole, fluquinconazole, triticonazole, fenpropimorph and iprodione.

Preferably, the plant growth regulator is from the group consisting of 6-benzylaminopurine (=N-6-benzyladenine), chlormequat (chlormequat chloride), choline chloride, cyclanilide, dikegulac, diflufenzopyr, dimethipine, ethephon, flumetralin, fluthiacet, forchlorfenuron, gibberellic acid, inabenfid , maleic hydrazide, mepiquat (mepiquat chloride), 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), paclobutrazole, prohexadione (prohexadione calcium), prohydrojasmone, thidiazuron, triapenthenol, tributyl phosphorotrithioate, trinexapacethyl and uniconazole. Most preferably, the active ingredient is a biological control agent such as a biopesticide. Compared to traditional synthetic chemical pesticides, biopesticides are non-toxic, safe to use, and can be highly specific. Biopesticides are best used preventatively rather than curatively to treat diseases, nematodes and insects and other pests, allowing the traditionally heavy reliance on chemical-based pesticides to be reduced without impacting yields. The use of biological pesticides is compatible with use in food and feed production and many biological agents are approved for consumption. This enables year round use in food production systems such as wine, banana, cocoa, coffee and orchards etc. where pest control is a major and increasing challenge. In a preferred embodiment, the tools, systems and methods according to the invention are used in organic farming.

Preferred active ingredients are those that provide a systemic effect.

The active ingredient is usually formulated such that it is suitable for injection into plant species by a method according to the present invention. Examples of typical formulations include water soluble liquids (SL), emulsifiable concentrates (EC), emulsions in water (EW), suspension concentrates (SC, SE, FS, OD), water dispersible granules (WG). These and other possible formulation types are described, for example, by Crop Life International and in Pesticide Specifications, Manual on development and use of FAO and WHO specifications for pesticides, FAO Plant Production and Protection Papers, authored by FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Specifications, 2004, ISBN : 9 251 048 576; "Catalogue of pesticide formulation types and international coding system", Technical Monograph No. 2, 6th ed. May 2008, CropLife International. Preferably, the formulated active ingredient is brought into liquid form before the active ingredient is injected into the plant.

The compositions are prepared in known ways as described by Mollet and Grubemann, Formulationstechnik, Wiley VCH, Weinheim, 2001 or Knowles, New developments in crop protection product formulation, Agrow Reports DS243, T&F Informa, London, 2005. For example, formulations are prepared by admixing the active ingredient with one or more suitable additives such as suitable excipients, solvents, spontaneity enhancers, carriers, emulsifying agents, dispersing agents, antifreeze agents, biocides, thickeners, adjuvants and the like. An excipient in this context is a component that improves the biological effect of the formulation without the component itself having a biological effect. Examples of adjuvants are agents that promote storage, dispersal, or penetration into the target plant. Since a preferred embodiment of the invention involves long-term delivery of the active ingredient to the plant throughout the growing season, a preferred additive are stabilizers, such as low temperature stabilizers, preservatives, antioxidants, light stabilizers, or other agents that improve chemical and/or physical stability.

Examples of suitable additives are solvents, liquid carriers, surfactants, dispersants, emulsifiers, wetting agents, adjuvants, solubilizers, penetrants, protective colloids, humectants, repellants, attractants, stimulants, compatibilizers, bactericides, antifreezes, antifoams, colorants, stabilizers or nutrients , UV protectants, tackifiers and binding agents. Specific examples of each of these additives are well known to those skilled in the art and are described, for example, in US 2015/0296801 A1.

The compositions may optionally comprise, in addition to additives, 0.1-80% stabilizers or nutrients and 0.1-10% UV protectants. General examples of suitable ratios for several types of formulations given above are given in Agrow Reports DS243, T&F Informa, London, 2005.

[0110] When using active substances, the application can take place continuously or at intervals over a longer period of time. The application could also be connected to a disease monitoring system and triggered 'on demand'.

The inventive system can be used with any number of known injection protocols, such as those disclosed in PCT applications WO 2012/114197 or WO 2013/149993, which are incorporated herein by reference. The appropriate protocol depends on several factors including the nozzle tip, tree species, target (insect, nematode, disease, abiotic stress, etc.), injection liquid components and/or viscosity, required dose volume, and injection pressure.

Other preferred additives are penetrants that facilitate and/or improve uptake and distribution of the active ingredient in the target plant. Suitable penetrants in the present context include any substance commonly used to enhance the penetration of active agrochemical compounds into plants. Examples include alcohol alkoxylates such as coconut fat ethoxylate, isotridecyl ethoxylate, fatty acid esters such as rapeseed or soybean oil methyl ester, fatty amine alkoxylates such as tallow fatty amine ethoxylate, or ammonium and/or phosphonium salts such as ammonium sulfate or diammonium hydrogen phosphate.

The formulations preferably comprise between 0.5% and 90% by weight of active ingredient based on the weight of the formulation.

At certain rates of application, the compositions and/or formulations of the invention may also have a potent effect in plants. In the present context, "plant-fortifying" (resistance-inducing) substances are understood to mean the substances or combinations of substances that can stimulate the defense system of plants in such a way that the treated plants, when subsequently inoculated with harmful microorganisms, have a significant degree of resistance to them have microorganisms.

In a preferred embodiment, the injection tool according to the invention is inserted into the shoot axis of the plant. The term "shoot axis" must be understood in the broadest possible sense and includes all parts of the plant that (i) comprise a tissue system connected to the plant, and (ii) have a diameter of at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm or 3 cm, particularly preferably at least 4 cm or 5 cm. The term stem includes trunks and branches of trees, large stalks, but also "false trunks" or pseudo-stems of plants such as bananas, which consist of tightly packed leaf sheaths. Stems can be woody or non-woody. Plants that may benefit from application of the product and method of the subject invention include tree crops (e.g. walnut, almond, pecan, hazelnut, pistachio), citrus trees (Citrus spp. e.g. orange, lemon, grapefruit, tangerine, etc.). Fruit (such as pome fruit, stone fruit or berries, e.g. apples, pears, plums, peaches, cherries, etc.), fruit-bearing climbing plants (e.g. grapes, blueberries, blackberries, etc.), coffee (Coffea spp.), coconut (Cocos iiucifera), pineapples (Ananas comosus), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), tea (Camellia sinensis), banana (Musa spp.), laurel-like plants (such as avocados (Persea americana), cinnamon or camphor), fig (Ficus casica), guava (Psidium guajava) , mango (Mangifera indica), olive (Olea europaea), papaya (Carica papaya), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia), almond (Prunus amygdalus), rubber tree, dates, oil palm, ornamental plants, forest trees (e.g. pine, spruce, eucalyptus, poplar, conifers, etc.) and boxwood.

Conifers that may be employed to practice the embodiments include, for example, pines such as loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), slash pine (Pinus elliotii), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), coastal pine (Pinus contorta), and Monterey - pine (Pinus radiata); the Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii); the western hemlock (Tsuga canadensis); the Sitka spruce (Picea glauca); the sequoia (Sequoia sempervirens); true firs such as silver fir (Abies amabilis) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea); and cedars such as giant arborvitae (Thuja plicata) and Nootka cypress (Chamaeeyparis nootkatensis).

Preferred palms that can be treated include Archontophoenix alexandrae (Alexandra palm), Arenga spp. (Dwarf Sugar Palm), Borassus flabellifer (Lontar Palm), Brahea armata (Blue Hesper Palm), Brahea edulis (Guadalupe Palm), Butia capitate (Jelly Palm), Chamaerops humilis (Dwarf Palm), Carpentaria spp (Carpenteria Palm), Chamaedorea elegans (mountain palm), C. erumpens (bamboo palm), C. seifrizii (bamboo palm), Chrysalidocarpus lutescens (golden fruit palm), Coccothrinax argentata (silver palm), C. crinite (beard palm), Cocos nucifera (coconut palm), Elaeis guineensis (oil palm), Howea forsterana (Kentia palm), Livistona rotundifolia (Round-leaved Livistonia), Neodypsis decaryi (Triangle palm); Normanbya normanbyi (Black Palm); Pinanga insignis; Phoenix canariensis (Canary Date Palm); Ptychosperma macarthuri (MacArthur palm); Rhopalostylis spp (Nicaupum); Roystonea elata (Royal Palm), R. regia Cuban (Cuban Royal Palm), Sabal spp (Sabal/Palmetto), Syagrus romanzoffiana (Romanzoffian Coconut Palm), Trachycarpus fortune (Chinese Hemp Palm), Trythrinax acanthocoma (Needle Palm), Washingtonia filifera (Petticoat Palm) , W. robusta (Mexican Washington palm). A preferred object of the inventions is to prevent or cure palm bud rot caused, for example, by Phytophthora palmivora, Thielaviopsis paradoxa and bacteria. Unlike most trees, which have many points for new growth to appear, palm trees rely solely on their single terminal bud. When the terminal bud, or heart, becomes diseased and dies, the plant is unable to produce new leaf growth and dies. Therefore, preventive care is crucial to maintain a healthy palm.

In a specific embodiment, the invention comprises a method for reducing damage to plants and plant parts or loss of harvested fruit or plant products caused by phytopathogenic fungi by controlling such phytopathogenic fungi, which comprises applying the tools of the invention, Systems or methods on the plant includes. Advantageously, the invention serves to control, prevent or cure the following fungal diseases of plants: Botrytis cinerea (teleomorph: Botryotinia fuckeliana: gray mold) on fruits and berries (e.g. strawberries), oilseed rape, vines, forest plants; Ceratocystis (syn. Ophiostoma) spp. (rot or wilt) in deciduous trees and evergreens, e.g. C. ulmi (elm disease) in elms; Cercospora spp. (Cercospora leaf spot) on coffee; Colletotrichum (Teleomorph: Glomerella) spp. (anthracnose) on berries; Cycloconium spp., e.g., C. oleaginum on olive trees; Cylindrocarpon spp. (e.g. fruit tree canker or Petri's disease, teleomorph: Nectria or Neonectria spp.) in fruit trees, vines (e.g. C. liriodendri, teleomorph: Neonectria liriodendri: blackfoot disease) and ornamentals; Esca (dieback, apoplexy) in vines caused by Formitiporia (syn. Phellinus) punctata, F. mediterranea, Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (formerly Phaeoacremonium chlamydosporum), Phaeoacremonium aleophilum and/or Botryosphaeria obtuse; Elsinoe spp. in pome fruit (E. pyn), berries (E. veneta: anthracnose) and vines (E. ampelina: anthracnose); Eutypa lata (Eutypa disease or dieback, anamorph: Cytosporina lata, syn. Libertella blepharis) in fruit trees, vines and ornamentals; Fusarium (Teleomorph: Gibberella) spp. (wilt, rot or stem rot) in various plants; Glomerella cingulata on vines, pome fruit and other plants; Guignardia bidwellii (black rot) on vines; Gymnosporangium spp. in rosacea and juniper, e.g. G. sabinae (rust) in pears; Hemileia spp., e.g., H. vastatrix (coffee rust) on coffee; Isariopsis clavispora (syn. Cladosporium vitis) on vines; Monilinia spp., e.g. M. taxa, M. fructicola and M. fructigena (spike blight, fruit rot) in drupes and other rosacea; Mycosphaerella spp. in bananas, berries such as M. fijiensis (Black Sigatoka disease) in bananas; Phialophora spp. e.g., in vines (e.g., P. tracheiphila and P. tetraspora); Phomopsis spp. in vines (e.g. P. viticola: black spot disease); Phytophthora spp. (wilt, root, leaf, fruit and stem rot) in various plants such as deciduous trees (e.g. P. ramorum: sudden oak death); Plasmopara spp., e.g., P. viticola (grapevine downy mildew) on vines; Podosphaera spp. (apple powdery mildew) on rosacea, hops, pome fruit and berries, e.g. P. leucotricha on apples; Pseudopezicula tracheiphila (red burner, anamorph: Phialophora) on vines; Ramularia spp., e.g., R. collo-cygni (ramularia leaf spot, mottle disease) on barley and R. beticola on sugar beet; Rhizoctonia spp. in cotton, rice, potatoes, turf, corn, rapeseed, potatoes, sugar beets, vegetables and various other plants, e.g. R. solani (root and stem rot) in soybeans, R. solani (sheath disease) in rice or R. cerealis (snow mold). ) in wheat or barley; Rhizopus stolonifer (bread mold) on vines; Uncinula (syn. Erysiphe) necator (apple powdery mildew, anamorph: Oidium tuckeri) on vines; Taphrina spp., e.g., T. deformans (crimp disease) on peaches and T. pruni (plum fool's bag) on plums; Thielaviopsis spp. (root rot) in pome fruit; Venturia spp. (scab) on apples (e.g. V. inaequalis) and pears; and Verticillium spp. (Wilting) in various plants such as fruit and ornamental plants, vines, berries.

The invention is particularly preferably used for controlling, preventing or curing the following diseases in the following plants: apple diseases: blossom blight (Monilinia mali), apple powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha), Alternaria leaf spot (Alteraaria alternata apple pathotype), common scab ( Venturia inaequalis ), bitter blight ( Colletotrichum acutatum ), anthrax ( Colletotrieiium acutatum ), putrefaction disease ( Valsa ceratosperma ) and collar rot ( Phytophtora cactorum ); Pear diseases: common scab (Venturia nashicola, V. pirina), black spot (Alternaria alternate pathotype of Japanese pear), rust (Gymnosporangium haraeanum), and Phytophthora fruit rot (Phytophthora cactorum); Peach diseases: fruit blight (Monilinia fructicola), black spot/scab (Cladosporium carpophilum) and Phomopsis blight (Phomopsis sp.); Vine diseases: anthracnose (Elsinoe ampelina), apple powdery mildew (Uncinula necator), ripe rot (Glomerella cingulata), black rot (Guignardia bidwelli i), downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola), rust (Phakopsora ampelopsidis) and gray mold (Botrytis cinerea); Diseases of Japanese persimmons: anthracnose (Gloeosporium kaki) and leaf spot (Cercospora kaki, Mycosphaerella nawae); Diseases of Brassicaceae vegetables: black spot (Alternaria japonica), white spot (Cercosporella brassicae) and downy mildew (Peronospora parasitica); Rape diseases: stalk rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) and rape blight (Alternaria brassicae); Rose diseases: black spot (Diplocarpon rosae) and downy mildew (Sphaerotheca pannosa); Banana diseases: Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fij iensis, Mycosphaerella musicola, Pseudocercospora musae); und Colletotrichum musae, Armillaria mellea, Armillaria tabescens, Pseudomonas solanacearum, Phyllachora musicola, Mycosphaerella fijiensis, Rosellinia bunodes, Pseudomas spp., Pestalotiopsis leprogena, Cercospora hayi, Pseudomonas solanacearum, Ceratocystis paradoxa, Verticillium theobromae, Trachysphaera fructigena, Cladosporium musae, Junghuhnia vincta, Cordana johnstonii Cordana musae Fusarium pallidoroseum Colletotrichum musae Verticillium theobromae Fusarium spp Acremonium spp. Cylindrocladium spp. Deightoniella torulosa Nattrassia mangiferae Dreschslera gigantean Guignardia musae Botryosphaeria ribis Fusarium oxyzozoon spp., Colletotrichum musae, Uredo musae, Uromyces musae, Acrodontium simplex, Curvularia eragrostidis, Drechslera musae-sapientum, Leptosphaeria musarum, Pestalotiopsis disseminate, Ceratocystis paradoxa, Haplobasidion musae, Marasmiellus inoderma, Pseudomonas solanacearum, Radopholus similis, Lasiodi plodia theobromae, Fusarium pallidoroseum, Verticillium theobromae, Pestalotiopsis palmarum, Phaeoseptoria musae, Pyricularia grisea, Fusarium moniliforme, Gibberella fujikuroi, Erwinia carotovora, Erwinia Chrysanthemi, Cylindrocarpon musae, Meloidogyne arenaria, Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne javanica, Pratylenchus coffeae, Pratylenchus goodeyi, Pratylenchus brachyurus , Pratylenchus reniformia, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Nectria foliicola, Mycosphaerella musicola, Pseudocercosporamusae, Limacinula tenuis, Mycosphaerella musae, Helicotylenchus multieinetus, Helicotylenchus dihystera, Nigrospora sphaerica, Trachysphaera frutigena, Ramichloridium musae, Verticillium theobromae Krankheiten von Zitrusfrüchten: Schwarzfleckenkrankheit (Diaporthe citri), Schorf ( Elsinoe faweetti), fruit rot (Penicillium digitatum, P. italicum); Tea diseases: net blister disease (Exobasidium reticulatum), white scab (Elsinoe leueospila), ring leaf spot (Pestalotiopsis sp.), anthracnose (Colletotrichum theaesinensis). Palm Diseases: Bud Rot, Collar Rot, Rotring, Pudricion de Cogollo, Lethal Yellowing. Boxwood diseases: shoot dieback (Cylindrocladium buxicola also called Calonectria pseudonaviculata), Volutella buxi, Fusarium buxicola.

The methods of the present invention can be used to reduce damage caused by a wide range of insect pests. Target insects are preferably selected from the order Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Thysanoptera, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera, Acarina, Siphonaptera, Thysanura, Chilopoda, Dermaptera, Phthiraptera, Hemipteras, Homoptera, Isoptera and Aptero. Examples of such pests include: e.g. Lepidoptera (e.g. Plutellidae, Noctuidae, Pyralidae, Tortricidae, Lyonetiidae, Carposinidae, Gelechiidae, Crambidae, Arctiidae and Lymantriidae), Hemiptera (e.g. Cicadellidae, Delphacidae, Psyllidae, Aphididae, Aleyrodidae, Orthezidae, Miridae, Tingidae, Pentatomidae and Lygaiedae), Coleoptera (e.g. Scarabaeidae, Elateridae, Coccinellidae, Cerambycidae, Chrysomelidae and Curculionidae), Diptera (e.g. Muscidae, Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Anthomyiidae, Tephritidae, Opomyzoidea and Carnoidea), Orthoptera (e.g. Acrididae, Catantopidae and Pyrgomorphidae), Thysanoptera (e.g. Thripidae, Aeolothripidae and Merothripidae), Tylenchida (e.g. Aphelenchoididae and Neotylechidae), Collembola (e.g. Onychiurus and Isotomidae), Acarina (e.g. Tetranychidae, Dermanyssidae, Acaridae and Sarcoptidae), Stylommatophora (e.g. Philomycidae and Bradybaenidae), Ascaridida (e.g. Ascarid ida and Anisakidae), Opisthorchiida, Strigeidida, Blattodea (e.g. Biaberidae, Cryptocercidae and Panesthiidae), Thysanura (e.g. Lepismatidae, Lepidotrichidae and Nicoletiidae) and box tree moths [Cydalima perspectalis].

The inventions are also useful against bacterial pathogens that attack, consume (in whole or in part), or impair the growth and/or development of plants and/or act as vectors of transmission to the plant and/or other plants infected by such bacterial pathogens caused. Bacterial pathogens include Agrobacterium, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Erwinia, Erwinia amylovora, Xanthomonas, Xanthomonas campestris, Pseudomonas, Pseudomonas syringae, Ralstonia solanacearum, Corynebacterium, Streptomyces, Streptomyces Scabies, Actinobacteria, Micoplasmas, Spiroplasmas and Fitoplasmas.

The inventions are also useful for attenuating, controlling and/or eradicating viral pathogens that attack, consume (in whole or in part), or impair the growth and/or development of plants and/or as vectors of transmission to the plant and/or other plants caused by such viral pathogens. Such viral pathogens include Carlaviridae, Closteroviridae, citrus attack viruses, Cucumoviridae, Ilarviridae, plum dwarf virus, Luteoviridae, Nepoviridae, Potexviridae, Potyviridae, Tobamoviridae, Caulimoviridae, and other vegetation and crop attack viruses.

Plant growth regulator compounds can be used, for example, to inhibit the vegetative growth of the plant. Such growth inhibition is of economic interest, for example in inhibiting the growth of herbaceous and woody plants on roadsides and in the vicinity of pipelines or transmission lines, or generally in areas where heavy plant growth is not desired. Inhibiting vegetative plant growth can also lead to improved yields as the nutrients and assimilates are more beneficial to flower and fruit formation than to the vegetative parts of the plant. Often growth regulators can also be used to promote vegetative growth. This is very useful when harvesting vegetative parts of plants. However, encouraging vegetative growth can also encourage generative growth by producing more assimilates, resulting in more and larger fruit.

The use of growth regulators can control plant branching. On the one hand, by breaking apica dominance, it is possible to promote the development of side shoots, which can be very desirable, especially when cultivating ornamental plants, also in combination with growth inhibition. On the other hand, however, it is also possible to inhibit the growth of side shoots. This effect is of particular interest, for example, in the cultivation of tobacco or in the cultivation of tomatoes. Under the influence of growth regulators, the amount of leaves on the plant can be controlled so that defoliation of the plants at a desired time is achieved. Such defoliation plays a major role in the mechanical harvesting of cotton, but is also of interest for easier harvesting of other crops, for example in viticulture.

[0125] Growth regulators can also be used to achieve faster or otherwise delayed ripening of harvested material before or after harvest. This is particularly advantageous as it enables optimal adaptation to market requirements. In addition, growth regulators can improve fruit color in some cases. In addition, growth regulators can also be used to concentrate maturity over a specific period of time. This creates the conditions for full mechanical or manual harvesting in a single operation, for example for coffee.

[0126] By using growth regulators it is also possible to influence the dormancy of seeds or buds of the plant, so that plants such as pineapples or ornamental plants in nurseries germinate, sprout or flower at a time when they normally do not tend to.

Finally, growth regulators can induce plant resistance to frost, drought or high soil salinity. This allows crops to be grown in areas that are not normally suitable for this purpose.

[0128] The compositions and/or formulations of the present invention also exhibit a potent tonic effect in the plant. Accordingly, they can be used to mobilize the plant's defenses against attack by unwanted microorganisms. In the present context, plant-strengthening (resistance-inducing) substances are substances that can stimulate the defense system of plants in such a way that the treated plants, when subsequently inoculated with undesirable microorganisms, have a high degree of resistance to these microorganisms. The active compounds of the invention are also useful for increasing the yield of crops. In addition, they show lower toxicity and are well tolerated by plants.

Also, in the context of the present invention, effects on plant physiology include:

Tolerance to abiotic stress, including temperature tolerance, drought tolerance and recovery from drought stress, water efficiency (correlating to lower water use), tolerance to flooding, tolerance to ozone stress and UV, tolerance to chemicals such as heavy metals, salts, pesticides (safeners), etc.

[0131] Tolerance to biotic stress, comprising improved resistance to fungal diseases, improved resistance to nematodes, viruses and bacteria. In the context of the present invention, tolerance to biotic stress preferably includes improved resistance to fungi and improved resistance to nematodes.

[0132] Increased plant vigor includes plant health, plant quality, seed vigor, reduced canopy failure, improved appearance, improved recovery, improved greening efficacy, and improved efficiency of photosynthesis.

[0133] In addition, the inventive treatment can reduce the mycotoxin content in the harvested material and in food and feedstuffs produced therefrom.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the tools, system, and methods are used to provide the plant with plant nutrient elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and mineral elements including, without limitation, silicon, calcium, magnesium, and manganese.

examples

The strain injectors were tested for use on different strain types, absorption rate, distribution of the product in the plant and continued use of an injector in a strain. The injection devices were tested on trunks with a diameter between 2 cm and 30 cm. The tests were carried out with boxwood, vines, hazelnut, walnut, maple, birch and oak. Furthermore, additional trees such as date palms, citrus trees and banana plants would also be suitable.

[0136] The rate of absorption is affected by factors such as weather, season, time of day and injection pressure. In tests carried out under ideal connections, an injection pressure of 2.5 bar and 10 ml of test substance, absorption times under 2 minutes were achieved.

The distribution in the plants was examined by injecting a solution comprising 2% Brilliant Blue E 133 (CAS number 3844-45-9.) as a test substance. Thereafter, trees were felled and cut into pieces to analyze the distribution of the test substance in the plant over time. The test substance was usually distributed in the shoot axis over 5 meters in 24 hours.

Conventional active ingredients can also be used, e.g. the commercial products Maag Perfection® and Maag Kendo® are planned for boxwood.

Maag Perfection® (40% dimethoate stock solution), depending on the size of the boxwood, an injection of 10 ml to 100 ml can be used with a dilution of 0.1% to 0.3%.

Claims (26)

1. Injection tool (3001; 4001) for a plant injection system configured for introducing a liquid drug formulation (W) into a plant, wherein the injection tool (3001; 4001) is configured for insertion into the plant, characterized in that it is a penetrating Structure comprising a structure configured to create a hole in the plant in order to insert the injection tool (3001; 4001) into the plant, the injection tool having, as the introducing structure, a wedge section (3020; 4020) formed at its front end (3021; 4021 ) is provided with a cutting edge and wherein the wedge portion (3020; 4020) has the shape of a lance tip. 2. Injection tool (3001; 4001) according to claim 1, configured for insertion into a woody area (B) of the plant, in particular into a tree trunk. 3. Injection tool (3001; 4001) according to claim 1, configured for insertion into a non-woody region (B) of the plant, in particular into a pseudostem. The injection tool (3001; 4001) of any preceding claim, wherein the penetrating structure includes a said cutting edge configured to cut the hole in the plant when the injection tool (3001; 4001) is inserted into the plant. 5. Injection tool (3001; 4001) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, which has an impact head (3010; 4010), the wedge section (3020; 4020) increasing in thickness in the direction of the impact head (3010; 4010), in particular in a prism shape. 6. injection tool (3001; 4001) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wedge portion (3020; 4020) has a central opening. 7. Injection tool (3001; 4001) according to any one of the preceding claims, which has a main channel (3025; 4025) and at least one outlet channel (3027; 4027) which is connected to the main channel (3025; 4025). 8. Injection tool (3001; 4001) according to claim 7, which has an insertion opening (3011; 4011) connected to the main channel (3025; 4025), wherein the insertion opening (3011; 4011) is configured to be connected to a Feeding device (100; 200; 300) of the plant injection system is to be connected. 9. Injection tool (3001; 4001) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the at least one outlet channel (3027; 4027) extends laterally from the main channel (3025; 4025). The injection tool (3001; 4001) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, having a front end to be directed towards the plant, the at least one outlet channel (3027; 4027) opening at a distance from the front end. 11. Injection tool (3001; 4001) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the at least one outlet channel (3027; 4027) opens to one or more grooves (3022) which distribute the liquid active substance formulation (W). 12. Injection tool (3001; 4001) according to claims 7 and 11, wherein the at least one outlet channel (27; 2027; 3027; 4027) opens into the central opening of the wedge section (3020; 4020). 13. Injection tool (3001; 4001) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the insertion opening (3011, 4011) of the injection tool (3001; 4001) is arranged in the impact head (3010; 4010) of the injection tool (3001; 4001). 14. injection tool (3001; 4001) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is made of metal. 15. Injection tool (3001; 4001) according to claim 14, which is produced using a 3D printing process. 16. Plant injection system for introducing a liquid active ingredient formulation (W) into a plant, which comprises an injection tool (3001; 4001) according to any one of the preceding claims and a delivery device (100; 200; 300), wherein the delivery device (100; 200; 300) is configured to be connected to the injection tool (3001; 4001) to deliver the drug formulation (W) to the injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001). 17. Plant injection system according to claim 16, wherein the delivery device (100) is designed as a pneumatically or hydraulically operated metering pump. 18. Plant injection system according to claim 16, wherein the delivery device (200) is designed as a pneumatically or hydraulically operated feed pump. 19. Plant injection system according to one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the delivery device (300) is designed as a two-chamber arrangement, with two chambers being arranged in a container (310), one chamber of which contains a pressure medium and the other chamber contains the active substance formulation (W ) contains, which can be expelled from the two-chamber arrangement by the pressure medium through a valve (312). 20. A process for modulating the phenotype of a plant or a plurality of plants, the process comprising the steps of (i) mounting a plant injection system according to any one of claims 16 to 19 in the plant or the plurality of plants, (ii) applying a liquid drug formulation included to modulate the phenotype of the plant. 21. Process according to claim 20, wherein the active ingredient of the active ingredient formulation (W) is selected from the group consisting of (i) pesticides, (ii) growth regulators. 22. The process according to claim 20 and 21, wherein the active ingredient of the active ingredient formulation (W) is a biological compound or composition approved for use in food and feed. 23. A process according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the process is driven by one or more of the features selected from the group of features consisting of a. the active ingredient of the active ingredient formulation (W) is applied over the vegetation period according to an automatically controlled scheme, b. the active ingredient of the active ingredient formulation (W) is transferred from a depot to the plant by means of a pneumatic pulse-push conveyor system, thereby minimizing the amount of active ingredient formulation in the hoses, c. a large number of plants are supplied from a central depot, whereby - optionally - the distribution to each plant is controlled individually, i.e. the active ingredient of the active ingredient formulation (W) can be automatically selected from a group of depots to achieve different phenotype modulations, e. Water is applied between applications of the active ingredient of Active Ingredient Formulation (W). 24. A process according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the plant is selected from the group consisting of fruit trees, bananas, cocoa, coffee and ornamental trees. 25. A process according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein modulating the phenotype of the plant or a plurality of plants from the group consisting of controlling and/or preventing plant diseases, controlling and/or preventing pest attacks, improving and /or controlling plant health, improving and/or controlling plant growth and/or the quantity and quality of plant products such as fruits. 26. Use of the plant injection system according to any one of claims 16 to 19 for a multiplicity of plants, in particular plant plantations or plant fields, the multiplicity of plants being connected to the plant injection system according to any one of claims 16 to 19 in order to enable phenotype modulation.