CH716100A1 - Injection system and injection tool, especially for trees. - Google Patents

Abstract

An injection system for introducing a liquid active ingredient formulation into a woody area (B) of a plant, in particular a tree trunk, includes an injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) which is inserted into the woody area ( B) the plant can be used, and a feed device (100; 200; 300) which can be connected to the injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) for communication with the same and the feeding the active ingredient formulation in the injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) is used. The injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) preferably has an axially elongated channel (25) and at least one outlet channel (27) which is connected to the elongated channel (25) for communication therewith , and a mounting hole (11) connected to the elongated channel (25) for communication therewith and connected to the feeder (100; 200; 300). The injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001), which is preferably made of metal and is produced using a 3D printing process, is self-drilling so that it is screwed into the woody area (B) of the plant without drilling a hole beforehand.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to an injection tool for a plant injection system to introduce a liquid active ingredient 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 tool that has such Having injection tool, and a method of using such a plant injection system. The invention further relates to a method for modulating the phenotype of a plant or a plurality of plants by mounting a plant injection system according to the invention in the plant or the plurality of plants and using a liquid formulation of an active substance to modulate the phenotype of the plant.

State of the art

In tree care, liquid active ingredient formulations, 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 (partly woody) plants, e.g. B. in grapevines.

[0003] The documents WO 2012/114197 A1 and WO 2015/110535 A1 describe, for example, methods and corresponding systems for injecting active ingredient 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 closed with a pin. A hypodermic needle is inserted through the pin into the inner part of the hole. A metered amount of the active ingredient formulation is then fed into the hole through the injection needle by means of a metering device, from where it is gradually absorbed by the cambium. In a modification, a pin is used which has an axial channel and in particular lateral outlet openings, the active ingredient formulation being supplied through the axial channel and then entering the cambium through the lateral outlet openings. In a further modification, a needleless metering device is used in combination with a pin which 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 feed devices and metering devices for the active ingredient formulation are also described in the documents mentioned.

The described and known methods are relatively labor-intensive in that the plant parts to be treated, in particular tree trunks, first have to be drilled and then pins are inserted into the drilled holes thus formed.

In addition, leaks often occur because precise filling of the hole is difficult. In addition, the size of the tools limits the application to only large trees. Accordingly, an injection system and device as well as an injection method are desired which provide continuous application of active ingredients to a large variety of plants, preferably perennial plants with any stem or stem axis size.

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

The use of chemical agents against pests and diseases is a controversial topic. Today pesticides are often applied either by foliar application (sprays) and / or treatment of propagation material (e.g. seed treatment). A large amount of the chemicals used does not reach the target plant or pest, but is released into the environment, where beneficial organisms (e.g. bees) can be influenced or environmental pollution (e.g. groundwater) is caused. Therefore, one problem of the present invention is to minimize the untargeted release of active ingredients. Particularly when treating trees and other plantation plants such as bananas, the foliar application of conventional pesticides in particular is a significant environmental problem. There is a long-felt need to provide environmentally friendly compositions and methods that provide solutions to the aforementioned problems and to reduce the dosage rates of the active ingredient in order to reduce or avoid adverse environmental pollution or toxicological effects while still enabling effective pest control.

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

Therefore, a further object of the present invention relates to a method for modulating the phenotype of a plant or a plurality of plants by a plant injection system according to the invention is mounted in the plant or the plurality of plants and a liquid formulation of an active ingredient is applied to the Modulate the phenotype of the plant.

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 and pest attacks in plants.

Disclosure of the 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 31, and by a method as defined by the features of independent claim 35 is defined is achieved.

[0012] Further useful 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 for introducing a liquid drug formulation into a plant. The injection tool is configured for insertion into the plant. It has a penetrating structure that is configured to create a hole in the plant for insertion of the injection tool into the plant.

In a further aspect, the invention is a method of modulating the phenotype of a plant or a plurality of plants by mounting a plant injection system of the invention in the plant or the plurality of plants and applying a liquid formulation of an active ingredient to the phenotype of the plant modulate.

The term "penetrating structure" in the present document relates to any arrangement that is suitable or appropriate for creating the hole during the advancement of the insertion tool into the plant. It can be called self-penetrating because it automatically creates the hole required for the injection tool to be inserted into the plant. The penetrating structure can 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, which is suitable for receiving the insertion tool or a section, in particular a front or distal section thereof is.

"Plants" means all plants and plant populations, such as desired and undesired wild plants, cultivars and plant varieties (regardless of whether or not they can be protected by plant varieties or plant breeders' rights). Cultivars and plant varieties can be plants that have been obtained by conventional propagation and breeding methods, which are supported by one or more biotechnical methods, such as the use of double haploids, protoplast fusion, random and targeted mutagenesis, molecular or genetic markers or by means of bioengineering and gene engineering methods or can be supplemented.

The term “plant” encompasses whole plants and parts thereof, including, but not limited to, shoot, vegetative organs / structures (e.g. leaves, shoot axes and tubers), roots, flowers and flower organs / structures (e.g. B. bracts, sepals, petals, stamens, carpels, anthers and ovules), seeds (including embryo, endosperm and seed coat) and fruit (ripe ovary), plant tissue (e.g. conductive tissue, basic tissue and the like) and cells (e.g. B. guard cells, egg cells and the like) and their offspring. “Fruit” and “vegetable product” are to be understood as any plant product that is used after harvesting, e.g. B. Fruits in the strict sense, nuts, wood, etc. of economic value that are produced by the plant.

In the present document, “plant pest” refers to a pest that is able to 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 the growth of a plant pest. when applied to part of a plant and / or soil.

The term “bactericidal” relates in the present document to the ability of a substance to increase the mortality of bacteria or to inhibit their growth rate.

Biological control: In the present document, “biological control” is defined as controlling a pathogen or insect or another undesirable organism by using a second organism. An example of a known biological control mechanism is the use of enteric bacteria which control root rot by displacing fungi from their place on the root surface. Bacterial toxins such as antibiotics have been used to fight pathogens. The toxin can be isolated and applied directly to the plant, or the bacterial species can be administered to generate the toxin in situ.

A "composition" is intended to mean a combination of active ingredients and some other 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 desirable results. An effective amount can be administered in one or more doses. With respect to treatment, inhibition, or protection, an effective amount is that amount sufficient to improve, reduce, prevent, stabilize, reverse, slow, or retard the progression of the target infection or disease state. In general, "pesticidally effective amount" means the amount of the inventive mixtures or compositions containing the mixtures that is necessary to achieve an observable effect on growth, including the effects of necrosis, death, retardation, prevention and removal, destruction or other reduction of the Occurrence and activity of the target organism. The pesticidally effective amount can vary according to the prevailing conditions, such as desired pesticidal effect and duration, weather, target species, locus, mode of application and the like. The term “phytosanitary effective amount” denotes an amount of the inventive mixtures which is sufficient to have an effect on phytosanitary, as defined below in the present document.

“Fungicides” and the terms “fungicidal” and “fungicidal” relate 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” in the present document encompasses a wide variety of nucleated, spore-bearing organisms that lack chlorophyll. Examples of fungi include yeast, mold, powdery mildew, rust, and fruiting bodies. "Fungal pathogen" includes fungi from the following strains: Myxomycota, Plasmodiophoromycota, Hyphochytriomycota, Labyrinthulomycota, Oomycota, Chytridiomycota, Zygomycota, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. “Fungal inhibition” 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 any component of the system provided in this document or a combination of both components.

"Insecticides" and the term "insecticidal" 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”.

"Nematicide" and "nematicide" refer to the ability of a substance to increase the mortality of nematodes or to inhibit their growth rate. In general, the term “nematode” includes eggs, larvae, juvenile, and mature forms of the organisms.

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

Microbicide: "Microbicide" in the present document refers to the ability of a substance to increase the mortality of microorganisms or to inhibit their growth rate.

The term "health of a plant" or "plant health" is defined as a condition of the plant and / or its products, which is determined on the basis of several aspects alone or in combination with one another, such as increased yield, plant vitality, quality of the harvested plant parts and Abiotic and / or biotic stress tolerance.

"Prevention of infection" in the present context means that the plants treated with the system disclosed in the present document, in comparison to plants that have not been treated with the methods, tools and systems according to the invention, avoid pathogen infection or disease symptoms or all of the above or have reduced or minimized or less common pathogen infections or disease symptoms, or all of the foregoing, which are the natural result of plant-pathogen interactions. This means that it is prevented or reduced that pathogens cause disease and / or the symptoms associated with it. Infection and / or symptoms are reduced by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% or 80% or more compared to a plant that is not treated with the system according to the present teaching has been. In an alternative scenario, the present system leads to reduced spore formation of the phytopathogenic fungus.

Pesticide: The term "pesticide" in the present document refers to the ability of a substance to reduce the rate of growth of a pest, i. H. an undesirable organism, to reduce or increase the mortality of a pest. In general, “pesticidal” means the ability of a substance to increase the mortality of phytopathogenic fungi or to inhibit their growth rate. The definition also includes the ability of a substance to increase the mortality of phytopathogenic fungi and / or plant pests or to inhibit their growth rate. The term is used in the present 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. Ornamental, forest and other plant diseases caused by such plant pathogens, especially bacterial pathogens, are a global problem with enormous economic implications. The severity of the destructive process of a disease depends on the aggressiveness of the phytopathogen and the response of the host. The tools, systems and methods according to the invention enable the systemic application of active substances in the vascular system of a plant, preferably in the stem 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 all other pathogenic diseases and / or complexes occurring in agriculture, particularly horticulture.

Another problem underlying the present invention is the desire for compositions that improve plants, a process which is often and hereinafter referred to as "plant health". Healthier plants are desirable because, among other things, they lead to better yields and / or a better quality of the plants or cultivated products, particularly better quality of the harvested plant parts. Healthier plants also show better resistance to biotic and / or abiotic stress. A high level of resistance to biotic stress, in turn, enables the person skilled in the art to reduce the amount of pesticide used and, in the process, to slow down the development of resistance to the respective pesticides.

An increased yield can 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 (the chlorophyll content has a positive correlation with the photosynthesis rate 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%, particularly preferably by 10 to 20% or even 20 to 30%.

Another indicator of the condition of the plant is the plant vitality. Plant vitality manifests itself in several aspects, such as the general visual appearance. Another indicator for the condition of the plant is the “quality” of a plant and / or its products and / or the tolerance or resistance to biotic and / or abiotic stress factors. Biotic and abiotic stress, especially over time, can have harmful effects on plants.

According to one embodiment, the injection tool according to the invention is part of an injection system which can activate a central delivery of the active ingredient to one or more plants. All the various components of such a system can be made available to the farmer or the skilled worker in the form of a kit. Such a kit can include the following components: (1) one or more injection tools and / or (2) one or more delivery devices that can be configured to connect 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).

Due to the presence of the penetrating structure, the injection tool can be inserted into the plant, such as screwed, driven or beaten, without first having to form a receiving recess. Rather, the injection tool according to the invention produces the required hole more or less automatically while it is being introduced into the plant. It can therefore be inserted into the plant in a single step. Thus, the injection tool enables a reduction in the amount of work required, which can make the entire process considerably more efficient.

Preferably, the injection tool is configured to be used in a woody area of the plant, in particular in a tree trunk, or configured to be used in a non-woody area of the plant, in particular in a dummy trunk.

In preferred embodiments of the injection tool, its penetrating structure has a cutting edge that is 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 enables cutting into the plant at the position where the injection tool is used. It can include puncturing, drilling, sawing, cutting, milling or similar arrangements. Such a cutting edge enables the hole to be efficiently created in the plant to create a cavity into which the injection tool is placed. In particular, such a cutting edge enables the insertion tool to efficiently produce the receiving hole itself.

In a preferred embodiment, the cutting edge of the penetrating structure has a drill bit portion in which it is wound along the longitudinal axis of the injection tool. Such a bit bit section enables the injection tool to be driven efficiently into the plant.

The drill bit section of the cutting edge of the penetrating structure preferably has a flute which extends along the cutting edge and is delimited by it. Such a flute makes it possible to remove chips that are generated when the injection tool is driven into the plant, so that the insertion tool can be advanced properly.

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 fastened in the plant. For example, in combination with the drill bit section, the insertion can first create the hole in one step and then screw the insertion tool into the hole.

Preferably, the injection tool has a head and a shaft, the shaft including the drill bit portion and the screw portion and the screw portion being closer to the head than the drill bit portion. In this case, an outer diameter of the screw is preferably greater than an outer diameter of the drill bit section. The shaft preferably has a bead section which is located between the screw section and the head and on which at least one peripheral bead is formed, an outside diameter of the peripheral bead being greater than the outside diameter of the screw section. Such a peripheral bead can form a seal for the injection tool from the outside and can allow the depth of the screwing into the injection tool to be assessed visually.

In another preferred embodiment, the cutting edge of the penetrating structure has a nail tip portion. Such a nail tip enables the injection tool to be advanced efficiently into the plant, e.g. B. by hammering it.

In this case, the injection tool preferably has a shaft which contains the nail tip section and a conical section which is equipped with external elongated furrows or grooves. Such a shaft enables the nail tip and the conical sections to be carried out efficiently.

The injection tool preferably has an impact head, the conical section being closer to the impact head than the nail tip section. The shaft preferably has a bead section which is located between the conical section and the impact head and on which at least one peripheral bead is formed, an outside diameter of the peripheral bead being greater than an outside diameter of the conical section.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the injection tool has a wedge section, preferably with a lance tip shape, which is equipped with the cutting edge at its front end. In this context, the term "front end" can refer to a distal end that is to be pointed at the plant in order to insert the injection tool. Such a wedge section can have an alternative configuration which enables the injection tool to be advanced efficiently into the plant. In particular, the wedge section can enable the plant to be opened by spreading apart sections thereof. This can help to provide access to the interior of the plant with no or limited impairment of the internal structure of the plant. Such a spreading out by a wedge section can make it possible, for example, to leave the liquid transport structure of the plant, such as capillaries or the like, unimpaired or only minimally impaired.

The wedge section can be shaped as a flat lance tip with two lateral wing-like sections or in any other lance shape that has three, four or more corresponding wing-like sections. In this way, the stability of the wedge section can be adapted to the intended application. In particular, depending on the plant, the cutting edge can be designed more advantageously in a suitable wedge section or a nail tip section 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 prismatic shape. Such a striking head enables the injection tool to be advanced efficiently into the plant, e.g. B. by hammering on the head.

The wedge section advantageously has a central opening. Such an opening can allow an open space to be provided within the plant when the injection tool is used. For example, such an open space can be useful for providing the liquid active ingredient formulation into the plant.

In addition, the injection tool for efficiently providing the liquid active ingredient formulation in the plant preferably has a channel system that provides at least one outlet channel, and preferably with several outlet channels, each ending in an outlet opening. The outlet channel can have an open end in order to lead the active substance formulation out of the injection tool.

Preferably, the injection tool has a main channel and the at least one outlet channel which is connected to the main channel. Such a channel system enables the liquid active ingredient formulation to be efficiently distributed to one or more locations within the plant.

The injection tool preferably has an insertion opening that is connected to the main channel or the at least one outlet channel, the insertion opening being configured to be connected to a feed device of the plant injection system. Such an insertion opening enables a source of the liquid active ingredient formulation to be effectively connected.

The at least one outlet channel preferably extends laterally from the main channel. Such a lateral outlet channel can enable the liquid active ingredient formulation to be provided at advantageous locations.

When inserting the injection tool into the plant, it can happen that material of the plant, such as wood, fibers or the like, is advanced into the at least one outlet channel. The at least one outlet channel can be blocked by the material of the plant, which can prevent or hinder the provision of the active ingredient formulation in the plant.

To prevent or reduce such clogging or clogging, the at least one outlet channel is preferably oriented in an outlet direction that is offset by more than 90 ° to a direction of penetration, in particular by 100 ° to 180 ° to the direction of penetration. In connection with the alignment of the outlet channel, the following three directions must be taken into account: a direction of insertion, the direction of penetration and the direction of outlet. The direction of insertion is the main direction in which the injection tool is inserted into the system or advanced. Usually, the direction of insertion essentially coincides with an axis of the injection tool. The direction of penetration is the direction in which the injection tool is to be moved in order to penetrate the plant for insertion. In embodiments of injection tools with a drill bit section and / or a screw section, the direction of penetration lies along the thread of the drill bit section or the screw section. In embodiments of injection tools to be hammered or struck into the plant, such as injection tools with a nail tip section or a wedge section, the direction of penetration is usually the same as the direction of insertion. The outlet direction is the direction in which the at least one outlet channel is oriented. It can correspond to the direction in which a section of the outlet channel which forms an open end extends.

By aligning the at least one outlet channel in this way, the outlet channel can extend backward relative to the direction of penetration and finally to the direction of insertion. In this context, the term “rearwardly extending” relates to an extension of the at least one outlet channel against the direction of penetration. This term does not apply to an extension against the direction of penetration, i.e. H. a backward direction in the narrower sense, limited, but rather to an extension at an angle deviating from a right or greater angle to the direction of penetration. For example, the outlet direction can be inclined by 105 ° with respect to the penetration movement direction. In embodiments in which the at least one outlet channel is essentially straight and extends from a main channel, an open end of the at least one outlet channel is further away from the front end of the injection tool than the connection between the main channel and the at least one outlet channel. In certain embodiments, such as embodiments having a channel system without a main channel, the at least one outlet channel can be shaped or formed to end in a rearward direction or to open in the same to prevent clogging. For example, such an outlet channel can have a curve which turns the outlet channel backwards towards its outlet opening.

By aligning the outlet direction offset by more than 90 ° to the penetration movement direction, it can be prevented that material is conveyed through the open end or the outlet opening into the outlet channel when the injection tool is inserted into the plant. In this way, clogging is prevented and it can be ensured that the active ingredient formulation can be efficiently provided through and out of the at least one outlet channel.

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

In embodiments of insertion tools that have 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 impact head of the injection tool. This enables 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 preferably made of metal or an alloy. In addition, it is preferably made using a 3D printing process or 3D printed. This enables, on the one hand, sufficient stability and, on the other hand, a cost-effective production of the injection tool. In addition, 3D printing enables the creation of the injection tool with comparatively complex shapes with comparatively small dimensions. For example, 3D printing of the injection tool enables a sophisticated channel system to be provided in the injection tool with comparatively small dimensions. More specifically, 3D printing enables the efficient creation of rearward-extending exhaust channels, as described above.

Preferably, the injection tool is provided with an abutment surface which is configured to come into contact with the plant at the end of the insertion of the injection tool into the plant. Such an abutment surface can be implemented by a step, a flange, support arms or a similar structure which is / are provided for the injection tool. The abutment surface can be flat or even. It can also have the shape of a section of the plant into which the insertion tool is to be inserted. It can be curved, for example, according to a stem axis into which the injection tool is to be inserted. The abutment surface makes it possible on the one hand to limit the advancement of the injection tool into the plant. In particular, if the plant is comparatively soft, as is often the case with comparatively small, non-woody plants, the abutment surface can be useful as a boundary to prevent the injection from breaking through the plant and to correctly position the openings of the outlet channels . On the other hand, the abutment surface enables a close connection between the injection tool and the plant. Such a close connection allows an increased pressure to be generated inside the plant, e.g. By a plant injection system as described below to provide the liquid drug formulation in the plant. In addition, it can be prevented that the active ingredient formulation emerges from the plant through the slot or opening produced by 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 and a delivery device as described above. The delivery device is configured to be connected to the injection tool in order to deliver the active ingredient formulation to the injection tool. Such a system enables the liquid active ingredient formulation to be efficiently made available in the plant for its treatment.

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

The feed device is preferably designed as a two-chamber arrangement, two chambers being arranged in a container, one of which contains a pressure medium and the other contains an active ingredient formulation that can be expelled from the two-chamber arrangement by the pressure medium through a valve.

As mentioned above, the injection system according to the invention is suitable for use in various plants. The shape and dimensions of the injection tools concerned are advantageously adapted to the intended application. More precisely, the injection tool can be configured in such a way that it can be used on comparatively large plants and especially on trees, bushes or other woody plants. Or it can be designed for use on comparatively small or smaller plants. For example, injection tools that are suitable for woody plants can have a total length of more than 50 millimeters (mm) or in a range between 60 mm and 200 mm. It can, for. B. the wedge sections in question have a length of more than 35 mm or in a range between 35 mm and 160 mm and / or a width of more than 30 mm or in a range between 35 mm and 150 mm. In contrast, injection tools that are intended for comparatively small plants can have an overall length between 3 mm and 20 mm or, more precisely, between 6 mm and 16 mm or less than 10 mm.

In a further aspect, the invention is a method of modulating the phenotype of a plant or a plurality of plants, the method comprising the steps of: (i) assembling a plant injection system according to any one of claims 31 to 34 in the plant or the Variety of plants, (ii) applying a liquid formulation of an active ingredient to modulate the phenotype of the plant.

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

The active ingredient is preferably a biological compound or composition which is approved for use in food and feed.

Preferably, the method is operated by one or more of the features selected from the group of features a. to e. are selected, which consists of: <tb> <SEP> a. the active ingredient is applied according to an automatically controlled scheme over the growing season, <tb> <SEP> b. The active ingredient is transferred from a depot to the plant using a pneumatic (clock-push) conveyor system, which minimizes the amount of active ingredient formulation in the tubes, <tb> <SEP> c. a large number of plants are supplied from a central depot, whereby - optionally - the distribution to each plant is controlled individually, <tb> <SEP> d. the active ingredient can be automatically selected from a group of depots in order to achieve different phenotype modulations, <tb> <SEP> e. Water is provided between uses of the active ingredient.

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

Preferably, the modulation of 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.

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

Brief description of the drawings

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of illustrative embodiments that are shown in the drawing. It shows: <tb> <SEP> Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the injection system according to the invention with a first embodiment of an injection tool according to the invention, which is shown in axial cross section and inserted into a tree trunk, as well as a first, a second and a third embodiment of the feed devices; <tb> <SEP> Fig. FIG. 2 is a side view of the injection tool of the injection system of FIG. 1; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 3 shows an axial cross section of the injection tool of the injection system of FIG. 1 along the line III-III of FIG. 2; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 4 shows an overall view of the first embodiment of the delivery device of the injection system of FIG. 1; <tb> <SEP> Fig. Figure 5 is a hydraulic diagram of the feeding device of Figure 4; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 6 is a side view of the second embodiment of the delivery device of the injection system of FIG. 1; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 7 is a schematic hydraulic diagram of the feeding device of FIG. 6; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 8 is a schematic hydraulic diagram of an arrangement of several feed devices according to FIG. 6 in use; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 9 a view of a second embodiment of the injection tool according to the invention; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the injection tool of FIG. 9; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 11 a front view of a third embodiment of the injection tool according to the invention; <tb> <SEP> Fig. Figure 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the injection tool of Figure 11; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 13 is a left half of a side view of the injection tool of FIG. 11; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 14 a front view of a fourth embodiment of the injection tool according to the invention; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the injection tool of FIG. 14; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 16 is a side view of the injection tool of FIG. 14; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 17 a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the injection tool according to the invention; <tb> <SEP> Fig. Figure 18 is a front view of the injection tool of Figure 17; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 19 is a side view of the injection tool of FIG. 17; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 20 a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the injection tool according to the invention; <tb> <SEP> Fig. Figure 21 is a front view of the injection tool of Figure 20; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 22 is a side view of the injection tool of FIG. 20; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 23 a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the injection tool according to the invention; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 24 is a front view of the injection tool of FIG. 23; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 25 is a side view of the injection tool of FIG. 23; <tb> <SEP> Fig. 26 shows a side view of an eighth embodiment of the injection tool according to the invention; and <tb> <SEP> Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG.

Description of the embodiments

In the following description, certain terms are used for the sake of clarity and are not intended to limit the invention. The terms “right”, “left”, “up”, “down”, “below” and “above” relate to directions in the figures. The terminology includes both the expressly mentioned terms and derivatives thereof and terms with a similar meaning. Spatially relative terms such as “vertical”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “above”, “proximal”, “distal” and the like can also be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass various positions and orientations of the devices in use or in operation in addition to the position and orientation shown in the figures. For example, if a device is flipped over in the figures, elements described as "below" or "below" other elements or features would then be "above" or "above" the other elements and features. The exemplary term “below” can thus encompass positions and orientations from above as well as from below. The devices may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used in this document interpreted accordingly. Likewise, the descriptions of movement along and about different axes include various specific device positions and orientations.

In order to avoid repetition in the figures and descriptions of the various aspects and illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that several features are common to several aspects and embodiments. Omitting an aspect from a description or figure does not imply that the aspect is absent in embodiments that incorporate that aspect. Rather, the aspect may have been omitted for the sake of clarity and to avoid a lengthy description. In this context, the following applies to the remainder of this description: If a figure contains reference symbols to clarify the drawings that are not explained in the directly associated part of the description, reference is made to the preceding or following sections of the description. Furthermore, if not all features of a part are provided with reference numerals in a drawing for the sake of clarity, reference is made to other drawings which show the same part. Like numbers in two or more figures represent the same or similar elements.

A receiving recess is to be understood as a cavity of any kind that is 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 absorbing recess needs to be created.

According to the views in FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of the injection system according to the invention contains a first embodiment of an injection tool 1 according to the invention, which is self-drilling. It also contains a feed device which can be attached to the injection tool 1 and by means of which an active ingredient formulation W, preferably in a metered amount, can be fed to the injection tool 1. The active ingredient formulation W can then be provided to the plant to be treated, for example a tree, via the injection tool 1. The feeding device can be configured in various ways. For example, FIG. 1 shows three embodiments 100, 200 and 300 of feed devices. When the injection system is actually used, only one of these modifications is attached to the injection tool 1 at any one time. The design and function of the various modifications of the feeding device are discussed in more detail below.

As shown in FIG. 2, the one-piece injection tool 1 is preferably made of metal. It essentially has the external shape of a screw with a head 10 and a shaft 20 which is divided into three sections, i.e. H. a front drill bit portion 20a, a central screw portion 20b, and a rear bead portion 20c. The front section 20a, which is directed away from the head 10, is designed as a (wood) drill. It contains twisted cutting edges 21 and adjacent chip flutes as a penetrating structure of the injection tool 1. The middle section 20b is designed as a screw with a thread 22 as a twisted cutting edge of the penetrating structure of the injection tool 1. An outside diameter of the middle section 20b is slightly larger than that of the front section 20a. Peripheral beads 23 (of which there are three in this example) are formed on the rear section 20c, which is directly adjacent to the head 10, the outside diameter of these peripheral beads 23 in turn being somewhat larger than the outside diameter of the threads 22 of the central section 20b is.

As can best be seen in FIG. 3, an outwardly open cylindrical fastening or insertion opening 11 is provided in the head 10 and is connected to an elongated channel 25 for communication therewith, which is provided as a main channel in the shaft 20 . The elongated channel 25 is configured as a blind hole and extends through the rear section 20c and the central section 20b of the shaft 20. In the area of the central section 20b of the shaft 20, laterally extending radial outlet channels 27 are provided which connect to the elongated channel 25 Communication are connected to the same and open laterally in the region of the central portion 20b of the shaft 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 a 3D printing process.

In practical use, the injection tool 1 is inserted into a woody area B of a plant to be treated, usually into a tree trunk, as shown in FIG. More precisely, the injection tool 1 defines a main or insertion direction 30 in which it is advanced into the tree trunk. The direction of insertion 30 extends along the axis of the insertion tool 1. Due to the self-drilling design of the injection tool 1, this insertion can be carried out comparatively easily in a single work step by simply screwing it in (e.g. by means of an electric or manual screwdriver) without first having to do a Hole needs to be drilled. The drill section 20a of the shaft 20 drills a hole, the screw section 20b of the shaft causes the further penetration and secure hold of the injection tool 1, and the peripheral beads 23 of the third section 20c additionally seal the injection tool 1 from the outside. In addition, the depth of penetration of the injection tool 1 due to the peripheral ridges 23 can be visually observed.

During the advance of the injection tool 1 by means of the screw section 20b, the insertion tool 1 is rotated and thereby moved along its thread 22 in a penetration movement direction 31. A pitch of the thread 22 defines the direction of penetration 31. The screwing of the injection tool 1 also moves the injection tool 1 axially in the insertion direction 30.

As can best be seen in FIG. 3, the outlet channels 27 are straight and run in an outlet direction 32 orthogonal to the penetration movement direction 31.

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 opening 11 thereof and a metered amount of active ingredient formulation W is via a a predetermined period of time supplied. The active ingredient formulation W enters the plant tissue surrounding the injection tool 1 through the attachment opening 11, the elongated channel 25 and the outlet channels 27 and is gradually taken up by the nutrient lines of the plant. The threads 22 promote the distribution of the active ingredient formulation to the surrounding plant tissue. In order to allow the delivery device to communicate with the injection tool 1, the delivery device 100, 200, 300 is provided with a fastening part 111, 211, 311 which is structurally adapted to the fastening opening 11 of the head 10 of the injection tool 1 and a leak-tight connection to the Injection tool 1 permitted. 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 first embodiment of a delivery device 100, which is shown by way of example in FIG. 4, contains as its most essential elements a container 130 in which a liquid active ingredient formulation W is stored, and a dosing device 110 which is externally shaped like a pistol and with which a metered amount of active ingredient formulation can be delivered under pressure into the injection tool.

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

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

The pneumatic pump assembly 120 includes a pressure cylinder 121 with a pressure piston 122, which is movable in the same, and a return spring 123, and also a metering cylinder 124 with a metering piston 125, which is movable in the same, the metering piston 125 kinematically with the Plunger 122 is connected. The aforementioned attachment tip 111 is attached to the metering 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 hose line 135 which connects the metering cylinder 124 to the container 135 (via the fastening tip 111), while another check valve 139 is located in the fastening tip 111.

In the position of the components shown in FIG. 5, the pressure cylinder 121 is not subjected to pressure; its pressure piston 122 and the metering piston 125 are due to the action of the return spring 123 at their rear end stops (right in the figure). The space of the metering cylinder, which is located in front of the metering piston 124, is filled with the active ingredient formulation. By actuating the trigger 113, the 3/2-way valve 114, which is held in a rest position by a return 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 presses the latter together with the metering piston 124 forwards (to the left in the figure) as far as their front end stops. As a result, the active ingredient formulation W, which is located in the dosing cylinder 124, is dispensed under pressure via the fastening 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 thus depressurized and its return spring 123 moves the pressure piston 122 together with the metering piston 125 up to its rear end stops. In this way, the active ingredient formulation W is sucked out of the container 130 into the metering cylinder 124 via the hose line 135 and the check valve 138.

The feed device 100 thus represents a pneumatically operated metering pump.

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

6-7 show a second embodiment of a feed device 200. The feed device 200 is configured here as a pneumatic feed pump. As can best be seen from the schematic illustration in FIG. 7, the feed device 200 includes a pump cylinder 220 with a pump piston 221, which is movable therein, 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 disposed 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 is attached on the one hand and a shut-off valve 226 on the other. A hose line is attached to the shut-off valve and forms the aforementioned attachment part 211 for connecting to the injection tool 1. A hose line 227 for supplying the 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 fastening plate 229 can be attached, via which the entire feed device 200 can be fastened in a simple manner, for example to a tree trunk.

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 pressed backwards (downwards 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, whereby the active substance formulation W, which is located in the pump cylinder 220, is driven out of the pump cylinder 220, through the fastening section 211 and into the injection tool 1. The active ingredient formulation W is not dispensed suddenly from the delivery device 200, but occurs gradually over a fairly long period of time. The shut-off valve 226 can also be dispensed with if the filling of the pump cylinder 220 with active ingredient formulation W takes place 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, this membrane separating the active ingredient formulation W from the pressure pad. Instead of a gaseous pressure medium, a hydraulic pressure medium can also be used.

8 shows schematically how, for example, five feed devices 200 are each fastened to an injection tool 1 which is inserted into a tree trunk B. The filling of the pump cylinder 220 with active ingredient formulation takes place via an annular line 240 which contains a feed pump 241, which is connected to a container (not shown) with active ingredient formulation, and a shut-off valve 242, and to which the non-return valves 225 of the five feed 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 a hose line 246 by subjecting them to a pressure pad for driving the active ingredient formulations from their pump cylinders. Here, too, hydraulic pumps can be used instead of pneumatic pumps 243, in which case the pressure would then be built up hydraulically accordingly.

The third embodiment 300 of a feed 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 of which contains a pressure medium, in particular pressure gas, and the others contain 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 fastening opening 11 of the injection tool 1 in a sealing manner. When the connecting piece 311 is inserted into the fastening 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 ingredient formulation, which is located 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 the connecting piece 311 has been inserted into the fastening opening 11 of the injection tool 1, the two-chamber pack tilts down under its own weight and thereby opens the tilting valve.

Alternative representative embodiments of injection tools according to the invention are listed below. In the illustrative embodiment according to FIGS. 9 and 10, the injection tool essentially has the shape of a nail, while the injection tool in the illustrative embodiment according to FIGS. 11-13 has the general shape of a lance tip or a wedge. A common aspect of all of these illustrative embodiments is that the injection tool, due to its special configuration, is self-penetrating so that it can be inserted (hammered, pressed or pushed) into the plant, such as a tree trunk or a sprout axis, without providing a drilled hole Hole or other recess is necessary.

26 and 27 show an eighth embodiment of a screw-like injection tool 8001 according to the invention. The injection tool has a head 8010 and a shaft 8020 with a front screw / drill section 8020a and a rear bead section 8020b. The front section 8020a of the shaft 8020 facing away from the head 8010 is designed as a self-tapping screw. As a penetrating structure of the injection tool 8001, the front portion 8020a includes a sharp point 8021 and a thread with a coiled or spiral cutting edge 8022. On the rear portion 8020b, which is directly adjacent to the head 8010, peripheral ridges 8023 are formed. The outside diameter of these peripheral beads 8023 is somewhat larger than the outside diameter of the thread cutting edges 8022 of the front section 8020a.

As can best be seen in FIG. 27, an outwardly open, cylindrical fastening or insertion opening 8011 is provided in the head 8010 and is connected to a vertical elongated main channel 8025 for communication therewith. The main channel 8025 is configured as a downwardly tapered blind hole. At its lower end, the main channel 8025 is connected to a multiplicity of outlet channels 8027 that are axially and circumferentially spaced apart. Each of the outlet channels opens between two adjacent areas of the spiral cutting edge 8022.

The head 8010 is provided with a slot for receiving a driver tool. For example, a conventional screwdriver can be used to rotate the injection tool 8001 to insert it in a main or insertion direction 8030 into a plant. The direction of insertion 8030 runs along an axis of the injection tool 8001. The injection tool 8001 is made of metal and is produced using a 3D printing process. A lower end of the head 8010 forms a flange-like step that defines an abutment surface 8013. The abutment surface 8013 makes it possible to limit the insertion of the injection tool 8001 into the plant and to seal the hole in the plant produced by the injection tool 8001.

During the advancement of the injection tool 8001 by means of the driver tool, the insertion tool 8001 is rotated and thereby moved along its thread or spiral cutting edge 8022 in a penetration movement direction 8031. A pitch of the thread 8022 defines the penetration movement direction 8031. The screwing of the injection tool 8001 also moves the injection tool 8001 axially in the insertion direction 8030.

The outlet channels 8027 are straight and extend in an outlet direction 8032. The outlet direction 8032 is offset by approximately 135 ° with respect to the penetration movement direction 8031. In this way, it is possible to prevent material of the plant, such as fibers or the like, from being introduced into the outlet channels 8027 when the injection tool 8001 is inserted into the plant.

A nail-shaped second embodiment of the injection tool according to the invention, shown in FIGS. 9-10 and characterized overall by 2001, has an impact head 2010 and a shaft 2020 which is divided into three sections, i.e. H. a front nail tip portion 2020a, a central tapered portion 2020b and a rear bead portion 2020c is divided. The front portion 2020a, which is directed away from the impact head 2010, is configured as a (nail) point as the cutting edge of a penetrating structure. The middle section 2020b is slightly conical and has elongated furrows or grooves 2022. Peripheral beads 2023 (of which there are three in this example) are formed on the rear section 2020c, which is directly adjacent to the impact head 2010, the outer diameter of the peripheral beads 2023 being slightly larger than the (largest) outer diameter of the central section 2020b.

At a transition between the rear section 2020c of the shaft 2020c and the impact head 2010, a flange-like step is formed which defines an abutment surface 2013. The abutment surface 2013 extends in the circumferential direction around the shaft 2020. When the injection tool 2001 is advanced into the plant, the abutment surface 2013 comes into contact with the plant and limits an advance of the injection tool 2001 into the plant. Furthermore, the abutment area 2013 enables a tight connection to be established between the injection tool and the plant.

As can best be seen in FIG. 10, an outwardly open cylindrical fastening opening 2011 is provided in the impact head 2010 and is connected to an elongated main channel 2025 which is provided in the shaft 2020 for communication with the same. The elongated channel 2025 is configured as a blind hole and extends through the rear portion 2020c and the central portion 2020b of the shaft 2020. In the region of the central portion 2020b of the shaft 2020, radial outlet channels 2027 are provided which connect with the elongated channel 2025 for communication therewith are provided and open laterally in the region of the central portion 2020b of the shaft 2020 between the elongated grooves 2022 of the same. The elongated furrows or grooves 2022 promote the distribution of the active ingredient formulation into the surrounding plant tissue. The impact head 2010 also has a ribbed outer structure 2012 so that a fastening hose can also be plugged onto the impact head 2010 as an alternative to inserting it into the fastening opening 2011, the ribbed structure 2012 ensuring a firm hold of the fastening hose.

The use and function of the injection tool 2001 of FIGS. 9-10 are the same as those of the injection tool 1, with the exception that this injection tool is not screwed into the plant, such as a tree trunk, but rather is hammered (for example with a hammer). The injection tool 2001 defines an insertion direction 2030 that extends along an axis of the insertion tool 2001. When the injection tool 2001 is pushed or hammered into the plant, the hitting causes a movement along a direction of penetration 2031. The direction of penetration 2031 is identical to the direction of insertion 2030.

As can best be seen in FIG. 10, the outlet channels 2027 are straight and extend laterally or radially from the main channel 2025. The outlet channels 2027 thus extend in an outlet direction 2032 which is orthogonal to the penetration movement direction 2031 and to the insertion direction 2030 .

A wedge-shaped third embodiment of the injection tool according to the invention, shown in FIGS. 11-13 and designated as a whole by 3001, has an impact head 3010 and a wedge section 3020, which is configured as a lance tip. The wedge portion 3020 is formed with a sharp edge as the cutting edge of a penetrating structure at its front tip 3021, which is directed away from the impact head 3010, and, as can best be seen in FIG. 13, takes in the direction of the impact head 3010 essentially in one Prism shape in its thickness.

An outwardly open cylindrical fastening opening 3011 is provided in the impact head 3010 and is connected for communication with the same with an elongated main channel 3025 which is provided in the wedge section 3020. The elongated channel 3025 is configured as a blind hole and extends approximately as far as the front third of the wedge portion 3020. An outlet channel 3027 is provided at the end of the elongated channel 3025, the outlet channel 3027 being connected to the elongated channel 3025 for communication therewith and opens on a beveled flat side 3023 of the wedge portion 3020. On the beveled flat side 3023 of the wedge section 3020 there is a star-shaped arrangement of grooves 3022, the outlet channel 3027 opening in the center of these grooves 3022. Some of these grooves 3022 extend rearward toward their open ends relative to a forward direction of the injection tool 3001. The grooves 3022 promote the distribution of the active ingredient formulation which emerges 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.

At a transition between the wedge section 3020 and the impact head 3010, a flange-like step is formed which defines an abutment surface 3013. The abutment surface 3013 extends along the wedge portion 3020. When the injection tool 3001 is advanced into the plant, the abutment surface 3013 comes into contact with the plant and limits advancement of the injection tool 3001 into the plant. The abutment surface 3013 enables a tight connection to be established between the injection tool 3001 and the plant.

The use and function of the third injection tool 3001 of FIGS. 11-13 are essentially the same as those of the second injection tool 2001 of FIGS. 9 and 10. In particular, the injection tool 3001 is arranged, for example, with a hammer into the plant such as a log to be cut down. The injection tool 3001 defines an insertion direction 3030 that extends along an axis of the insertion tool 3001. When the injection tool 3001 is pushed or hammered into the plant, the striking effects a movement along a direction of penetration 3031 which is identical to the direction of insertion 3030. Due to the shape and configuration of the wedge section 3020, the plant spreads more and more, the more the injection tool 3001 is inserted into the plant. Such a spreading can minimize damage to the internal structure of the plant. In particular, the capillary system of the plant can be saved or protected, so that the active ingredient formulation can be efficiently transferred into the plant.

As can best be seen in FIG. 11, the grooves 3022 of the outlet channels 3027 are straight and extend in a circumferential direction. The grooves 3022 define a variety of outlet directions 3032. In particular, the outlet directions 3032 define a variety of angles in the direction of the penetration movement direction 3031 and the insertion direction 3030. Some of these angles are less than 90 ° and some are greater than 90 ° or even greater than 100 °.

14-16 show a fourth embodiment of a wedge-shaped injection tool 4001 according to the invention. It has an impact head 4010 and a wedge section 4020 which is configured as a lance tip. The wedge portion 4020 is formed with a sharp edge as a cutting edge of a penetrating structure on its front surface 4021, which is directed away from the impact head 4010, and, as best seen in FIG. 16, takes in the direction of the impact head 4010 essentially in a prismatic shape in its thickness. The wedge portion 4020 has a central opening 4028 with a generally triangular shape.

While the wedge section 4020 in the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 has two wing-like sections next to the opening 4028, it can also have three, four or more corresponding wing-like sections next to the opening 4028 in other similar embodiments.

An outwardly open cylindrical fastening opening 4011 is provided in the impact head 4010, which merges into a main channel 4025. At a transition between the impact head 4010 and the wedge section 4020, the main channel 4025 divides into two separate intermediate channels 4026, which are provided in the wedge section 4020. Each intermediate channel 4026 extends along one of the wing-like sections adjacent to the opening 4028. Two outlet channels 4027 leading to the side are provided at the end of each of the two intermediate channels 4026. The outlet channels 4027 include a distribution area and open areas that extend therefrom in the direction of the opening 4028. Starting from the intermediate channels 4026, the outlet channels 4027 extend backwards relative to a forward or insertion direction 4030 of the injection tool 4001. The main channel 4025, the intermediate channels 4026 and the outlet channels 4027 form a channel system of the injection tool 4001. The impact head 4010 has a ribbed outer structure 4012 so that a fastening hose can be plugged onto it.

At the transition between the wedge section 4010 and the impact head 4020, a step is formed which defines an abutment surface 4013. The abutment surface 4013 extends along the wedge portion 4020. When the injection tool 4001 is advanced into the plant, the abutment surface 4013 comes into contact with the plant and limits advancement of the injection tool 4001 into the plant. The abutment surface 4013 enables a close connection to be established between the injection tool 4001 and the plant.

The use and function of the injection tool 4001 of FIGS. 14-16 are essentially the same as those of the third injection tool 3001 shown in FIGS. 11-13. In particular, the injection tool 4001 is arranged, for example, with a hammer into the plant such as a log to be cut down. The injection tool 4001 defines the insertion direction 4030, which extends along an axis of the insertion tool 4001. When the injection tool 4001 is pushed or hammered into the plant, the striking effects a movement along a penetration movement direction 4031 which is identical to the insertion direction 4030. Due to the shape and configuration of the wedge section 4020, the plant spreads more and more, the more the injection tool 4001 is inserted into the plant. Such a spreading can minimize damage to the internal structure of the plant. In particular, the capillary system of the plant can be saved or protected, so that the active ingredient formulation can be efficiently transferred into the plant.

The outlet channels 4027 are straight and extend in an outlet direction 4032 in the direction of the central opening 4028. The outlet direction 4032 is offset by approximately 135 ° relative to the penetration movement direction 4031. In this way, when the injection tool 4001 is inserted into the plant, material of the plant, such as fibers or the like, is introduced into the outlet channels 4027 by striking or hammering.

17-20 show a fifth embodiment of a wedge-shaped injection tool 5001 according to the invention. The injection tool 5001 has an impact head 5010 and a wedge section 5020 which is configured as a lance tip. The wedge portion 5020 is formed with a sharp edge as the cutting edge of a penetrating structure on its front surface 5021 facing away from the impact head 5010 and, as best seen in FIG. 19, increases in thickness towards the impact head 5010. The wedge portion 5020 has four openings 5028.

As can best be seen in Fig. 19, the impact head 5010 is equipped with a connecting piece which extends to the side and downwards. The connecting piece has a fastening opening 5011 which is open to the outside and which merges into a main channel 5025. The main channel 5025 extends diagonally from the attachment opening 5011 in an upward direction. At a transition between the impact head 5010 and the wedge section 5020, the main channel 5025 divides into two vertically extending separate intermediate channels 5026, which are provided in the wedge section 5020. Each intermediate channel 5026 extends vertically between two adjacent ones of the openings 5028. More precisely, a left intermediate channel 5026 is arranged between the two left-hand openings 5028 and a right intermediate channel 5026 is arranged next to the two right-hand openings 5028. Two outlet channels 5027 leading to the side are provided at the end of each of the two intermediate channels 5026 in such a way that one of the outlet channels 5027 opens into each of the openings 5028. In this way, liquid active ingredient formulation can be delivered into the plant via all openings 5028. The outlet channels 5027 extend from the intermediate channels 5026 backwards relative to a forward or insertion direction 5030 of the injection tool 5001. The main channel 5025, the intermediate channels 5026 and the outlet channels 5027 form a channel system of the injection tool 5001. The impact head 5010 has an axially ribbed outer structure 5012 to enable a secure hold of the impact head 5010.

At the transition between the wedge section 5010 and the impact head 5020, a step is formed which defines an abutment surface 5013. The abutment surface 5013 extends along the wedge section 5020.

The use and function of the fifth injection tool 5001 of FIGS. 17-19 are essentially the same as those of the fourth injection tool 4001 shown in FIGS. 14-16. In particular, the injection tool 5001 is arranged to be inserted, for example, with a hammer Plant such as a log to be cut down. Since a separate connecting piece is provided, the impact head 5020 can be made comparatively robust, so that it is suitable for absorbing comparatively strong impacts. The fifth injection tool 5001 can thus be particularly suitable for being used in comparatively hard plants.

[0129] The injection tool 5001 defines the insertion direction 5030, which extends along an axis of the insertion tool 5001. When the injection tool 5001 is pushed or hammered into the plant, the striking effects a movement along a penetration movement direction 5031 which is identical to the insertion direction 5030. Due to the shape and configuration of the wedge section 5020, the plant spreads more and more, the more the injection tool 5001 is inserted into the plant. As mentioned above, such spreading can minimize damage to the internal structure of the plant.

[0130] The outlet channels 5027 extend in an outlet direction 5032 in the direction of the openings 5028. The outlet direction 5032 is offset by approximately 125 ° relative to the penetration movement direction 5031. In this way, it is possible to prevent material of the plant, such as fibers or the like, from being introduced into the outlet channels 5027 by striking or hammering when the injection tool 5001 is inserted into the plant.

While the first to fifth and eighth embodiment of injection tools can be designed and intended in particular for use with comparatively large plants and especially with woody plants, the following sixth and seventh embodiments of injection tools for use with smaller plants, usually have a softer shell, be sized and intended. For example, the first to fifth embodiment of injection tools can have an overall length of more than 50 mm. Corresponding wedge sections can have a length of more than 35 mm and a width of more than 30 mm. In contrast, the following sixth and seventh embodiments of injection tools can have an overall length between 6 mm and 16 mm.

21-22 show a sixth embodiment of a wedge-shaped injection tool 6001 according to the invention. The injection tool 6001 has an impact head 6010 and a wedge section 6020. The wedge portion 6020 is formed with a sharp edge as a cutting edge of a penetrating structure on its front surface 6021, which is directed away from the impact head 6010, and, as best seen in FIG. 22, increases in its thickness in the direction of the impact head 6010. The wedge portion 6020 has two openings 6028.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 21 and 22, the impact head 6010 is equipped with a central, outwardly open fastening opening 6011 which merges into a central main channel 6025. The main channel 6025 extends vertically from the fastening opening 6011 between the two openings 6027. Two outlet channels 6027 leading to the side are provided at the end of the main channel 6025 such that one of the outlet channels 6027 opens into each of the openings 6028. In this way, liquid active ingredient formulation can be fed into the plant via the two openings 6028. The outlet channels 6027 extend from the main channel 6025 backwards relative to a forward or insertion direction 6030 of the injection tool 6001. The main channel 6025 and the outlet channels 6027 form a channel system of the injection tool 6001. The impact head 6010 has an axially ribbed outer structure 6012 for a secure hold of the impact head 6010 and a secure connection of a feed device with the insertion tool 6001.

At the transition between the impact head 6010 and the wedge section 6020, a flange-like circumferential step is formed which defines an abutment surface 6013. The abutment surface 6013 extends along the wedge portion 6020. When the injection tool 6001 is advanced into the plant, the abutment surface 6013 comes into contact with the plant and limits advancement of the injection tool 6001 into the plant. Compared to the steps of the first to fifth embodiment of injection tools, the step 6013 is large in relation to the wedge section 6020 of the same. These conditions are particularly suitable for comparatively small plants, which usually have a comparatively soft shell or border, so that the relatively large step enables the plant to be taken up. The abutment surface 6013 enables a tight connection to be established between the injection tool 6001 and the plant.

The use and function of the sixth injection tool 6001 of FIGS. 20-22 are essentially the same as those of the fifth injection tool 5001 shown in FIGS. 17-19. However, since the injection tool 6001 is designed to be used on comparatively small plants, which are usually comparatively soft to be applied, the injection tool 6001 is arranged to be gently struck or pushed into the plant such as a stem axis.

The injection tool 6001 defines the insertion direction 6030, which extends along an axis of the insertion tool 6001. When the injection tool 6001 is advanced into the plant, the striking or pressing causes a movement along a penetration movement direction 6031 which is identical to the insertion direction 6030. Due to the shape and configuration of the wedge section 6020, the plant spreads more and more, the more the injection tool 6001 is inserted into the plant. As mentioned above, such spreading can minimize damage to the internal structure of the plant.

The outlet channels 6027 extend in an outlet direction 6032 in the direction of the openings 6028. The outlet direction 6032 is offset by approximately 125 ° relative to the penetration movement direction 6031. In this way, it can be prevented that material of the plant, such as fibers or the like, is introduced into the outlet channels 6027 when the injection tool 6001 is inserted into the plant.

23-25 show a seventh embodiment of an injection tool 7001 according to the invention. The injection tool 7001 has an impact head or body 7010 and a head with a wedge section 7020. The wedge portion 7020 is formed with a sharp edge as a cutting edge of a penetrating structure on its front surface 7021 facing away from the body 7010. As best seen in FIG. 25, the wedge portion 7020 increases in thickness toward the body 7010. The wedge section 7020 has two lateral depressions 7028 which form a neck area 7020b and separate the wedge section 7020 into an upper cutting area 7020a and a lower expansion area 7020c. The cutting portion 7020a is configured to cut or open the plant when the injection tool 7001 is inserted into the plant. The spreading area 7020c is configured to widen the cut provided by the cutting area 7020a to create a free space within the plant to deliver the liquid active ingredient formulation.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 24 and 25, the body 7010 is equipped with a central, outwardly open fastening opening 7011 which merges into a central main channel 7025. The main channel 7025 extends vertically from the fastening opening 7011 to the neck region 7020b of the wedge section 7020. Two outlet channels 7027 leading to the side are provided at the end of the main channel 7025 such that one of the outlet channels 7027 opens into each of the recesses 7028. In this way, liquid active ingredient formulation can be delivered via the wells 7028. The outlet channels 7027 extend from the main channel 7025 rearward relative to a forward or insertion direction 7030 of the injection tool 7001. The main channel 7025 and the outlet channels 7027 form a channel system of the injection tool 7001. The body 7010 tapers slightly conically in a downward or proximal direction.

At the transition between the body 7010 and the expansion area 7020c of the wedge section 7020, a step is formed which defines a curved abutment surface 7013. The abutment surface 7013 is bent in accordance with a section of the plant into which the injection tool 7001 is to be inserted, i. H. a stem axis or the like. When the injection tool 7001 is advanced into the plant, the curved abutment surface 7013 receives the stem axis and limits advancement of the injection tool 7001 into the plant. By picking up in this way, the advancement of the injection tool can be stopped in a comparatively gentle manner. The abutment surface 7013 also allows a tight connection to be established between the injection tool 7001 and the plant.

The use and function of the seventh injection tool 7001 of Figs. 23-25 are substantially the same as those of the sixth injection tool 6001 shown in Figs. 20-22. In particular, the injection tool 7001 is arranged to be gently inserted into a plant such as about a scion axis to be hit or pressed. The injection tool 7001 defines the insertion direction 7030, which extends along an axis of the insertion tool 7001. When the injection tool 7001 is advanced into the plant, the striking or pressing causes a movement along a direction of penetration 7031 which is identical to the direction of insertion 7030. Due to the shape and configuration of the wedge section 7020, the plant spreads more and more, the more the injection tool 7001 is inserted into the plant. As mentioned above, such spreading can minimize damage to the internal structure of the plant.

The outlet channels 7027 extend in an outlet direction 7032 in the direction of the openings 7028. The outlet direction 7032 is offset by approximately 125 ° relative to the penetration movement direction 7031. In this way, it can be prevented that when the injection tool 7001 is inserted into the plant, material of the plant, such as fibers or the like, is introduced into the outlet channels 7027.

The person skilled in the art is familiar with numerous active ingredients which can be used in connection with this invention. The active ingredients given here by their “usual names” 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 point Qo such as azoxystrobin, coumethoxystrobin, coumoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, enestroburin, fenaminstrobin, fenoxystrobin / flufenoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, Cresoximethyl, metominostrobin, orysastrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyrametostrobin, pyraoxystrobin, trifloxystrobin, pyribencarb, triclopyricarb / chlorodincarb, famoxadon, fenamidon; 1.1.2 Inhibitors of complex III at Qi: cyazofamid, amisulbrom, 1.1.3 Inhibitors of complex II: flutolanil, benodanil, bixafen, boscalid, carboxin, fenfuram, fluopyram, flutolanil, fluxapyroxad, furametpyr, isopyrazam, mepronil, oxycarboxy Penflufen, Penthiopyrad, Sedaxan, Tecloftalam, Thifluzamid; 1.1.4 other respiratory inhibitors (e.g. complex I, decoupler): diflumetorim; 1.1.5 Nitrophenyl derivatives: Binapacryl, Dinobuton, Dinocap, Fluazinam; Ferimzone; Organometallic compounds: fentin acetate, fentin chloride or fentin hydroxide; Ametoctradine; and siltiofam; 1.2 Sterol biosynthesis inhibitors (SBI fungicides) 1.2.1. C14 Demethylasehemmer (DMI fungicides) triazoles: azaconazole, bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, diniconazole, diniconazole-M, epoxiconazole, fenbuconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, oxpoconazole, paclobutrazol, 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, dodemorphacetate, fenpropimorph, tridemorph, fenpropidin, piperalin, spiroxamine; 3-ketoreductase inhibitor: 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, Zoxamid, Metrafenone, Pyriofenon; 1.5 Inhibitors of amino acid and protein synthesis 1.5.1 Methionine synthesis inhibitors (anilinopyrimidines): cyprodinil, mepanipyrim, pyrimethanil; Protein synthesis inhibitors: blasticidin-S, kasugamycin, kasugamycin hydrochloride hydrate, mildiomycin, streptomycin, oxytetracycline, polyoxin, validamycin A; 1.6. Signal transduction inhibitors 1.6.1 MAP / histidine kinase inhibitors: fluoroimide, iprodione, procymidone, vinclozolin, fenpiclonil, fludioxonil; G protein inhibitors: quinoxyfen; 1.7 Lipid and membrane synthesis inhibitors 1.7.1 Phospholipid biosynthesis inhibitors: Edifenphos, Iprobefos, pyrazophos, isoprothiolane; Lipid peroxidation: Dicloran, Quintozen, Tecnazen, Tolclofosmethyl, Biphenyl, Chloroneb, Etridiazole; Phospholipid biosynthesis and cell wall deposition: Dimethomorph, Flumorph, Mandipropamid, Pyrimorph, Benthiavalicarb, Iprovalicarb, Valifenalat and 1.7.2 Compounds that affect cell membrane permeability and fatty acids: Propamocarb, Propamocarb-Hydrochloride-Fatty Acid Amide 1.8 Inhibitors: Inorganic 1.8. Bordeaux broth, copper acetate, copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride, basic copper sulfate, sulfur; Thio- and dithiocarbamates: Ferbam, Mancozeb, Maneb, Metam, Metiram, Propineb, Thiram, Zineb, Ziram; Organochlorine compounds (e.g. phthalimides, sulfamides, chloronitriles): anilazine, chlorothalonil, captafol, captan, folpet, dichlofluanid, dichlorophene, hexachlorobenzene, pentachlorophenol and salts thereof, phthalide, tolylfluanide and others: guanidine, dodine, guazatin free base, , Guazatine acetate, iminoctadine, iminoctadine triacetate, iminoctadinetris (albesilate), dithianon; 1.9 Cell Wall Synthesis Inhibitors 1.9.1 Glucan Synthesis Inhibitors: Validamycin, Polyoxin B; Melanin synthesis inhibitors: pyroquilone, tricyclazole, carpropamide, dicyclomet, fenoxanil; 1.10 Inducers of the plant defense system 1.10.1 Acibenzolar-S-methyl, probenazole, isotianil, tiadinil, prohexadione-calcium; Phosphonates: Fosetyl, Fosetyl-aluminum, phosphorous acid and salts thereof; 1.11 Unknown mode of action 1.11.1 Bronopol, Quinomethionate, Cyflufenamid, Cymoxanil, Dazomet, Debacarb, Diclomezine, Difenzoquat, Difenzoquatmethylsulfate, Diphenylamine, Fenpyrazamine, Flumetover, Flusulfamid, Flutianil, Copper, Tetrasulfidox, Nitrarbapyropropyl, Titrarbapyrine, Methaslohaloxanil, Nitrarbapyropropyl, Tetrarbapyrine, Methaslohaloxy Tecloftalam, triazoxide, 1.12 Antimycotic biological control agents: Ampelomyces quisqualis (e.g. AQ 10 <®> from Intrachem BioGmbH & Co. KG, Germany), Aspergillus flavus (e.g. AFLAGUARD <®> from Syngenta, CH), Aureobasidium pullulans (e.g. BOTECTOR® from bio-ferm GmbH, Germany), Bacillus pumilus (eg 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 I-82 (e.g. ASPIRE <®> from Ecogen Inc., USA), Candida saitoana (e.g. B. BIOCURE <®> (in a mixture with lysozyme) and BIOCOAT <®> from Micro Flo Company, USA (BASF SE) and Arysta), chitosan (e.g. ARMOR-ZEN from BotriZen Ltd., NZ), Clonostachys rosea f. catenulata, also referred to as Gliocladium catenulatum (e.g. isolate 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 SIAPA, 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. B. 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 CEPLAC, 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. BT viride TV1 from Agribiotec srl, Italy), Ulocladium oudemansii HRU3 (e.g. BOTRY-ZEN® from Botry-Zen Ltd, NZ); Beauveria bassiana PPRI 5339 (available commercially from Becker Underwood as the “BroadBand” product), Metarhizium anisopliae FI-1045 (available commercially from Becker Underwood as the “BioCane” product), Metarhizium anisopliae var. Acridum FI-985 (in the 2nd preferred Insecticide compounds are selected from the group consisting of the following: 2.1 Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from the class of the carbamates: Aldicarb, Alanycarb, Bendiocarb, Benfuracarb, Butocarboxim, Butoxycarboxim, Carbaryl, Carbofuran, Carbosulfane, Ethiofenocarbi, methobarbomarbyl, , Metolcarb, Oxamyl, Pirimicarb, Propoxur, Thiodicarb, Thiofanox, Trimethacarb, XMC, Xylylcarb and Triazamate; 2.2 Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from the class of the organophosphates: acephate, azamethiphos, azinphosethyl, methylphenosphospyr, chloromethosphos, chlorifephosmethyl, chlorifephos-methyl, chloromethosphospyramethyl, chloro-phosphosethyl, chloromethosphospyramethyl, chlorormethosphosphus , Coumaphos, Cyanophos, Demeton-S-methyl, Diazinon, Dichlorvos / DDVP, Dicrotophos, Dime thoat, Dimethylvinphos, Disulfoton, EPN, Ethion, Ethoprophos, Famphur, Fenamiphos, Fenitrothion, Fenthion, Fosthiazat, Heptenophos, Imicyafos, Isofenphos, Isopropyl 0- (methoxyaminothiophosphoryl) salicylate, Marbamamidos, Methocathidion, Marbamecylat, Isoxathion, Malathidion, Mecat, Nalad, Omethoat, Oxydemeton-methyl, Parathion, Parathion-methyl, Phenthoat, Phorat, Phosalon, Phosmet, Phosphamidon, Phoxim, Pirimiphos-methyl, Profenofos, Propetamphos, Prothiofos, Pyraclofos, Pyridaphenthufupion, Quinalphos, Sulephosephoseph, Tebferbosephos Tetrachlorvinphos, thiometon, triazophos, trichlorfon, vamidothion; 2.3 GABA-controlled chloride channel antagonists: 2.4 Cyclodiene organochlorin compounds: endosulfan; orM-2.B Fiprole (Phenylpyrazole): Ethiprole, Fipronil, Flufiprole, Pyrafluprole or Pyriprole; 2.5 Nartrium channel modulators from the class of pyrethroids: acrinathrin, allethrin, d-cis-trans-allethrin, d-trans-allethrin, bifenthrin, bioallethrin, bioallethrin S-cylclopentenyl, bioresmethrin, ldafluthrin, cyfluthrin, cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin -Cyhalothrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, beta-cypermethrin, theta-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin, cyphenothrin, deltamethrin, momfluorothrin, empenthrin, esfenvalerin, flcythrinvalerate, flucythrofenprox, fenauthraminate, flucythrofenprox, fenauthrinvalerate, flucythrofenprox , Imiprothrin, meperfluthrin, metofluthrin, permethrin, phenothrin, prallethrin, profluthrin, pyrethrin (pyrethrum), resmethrin, silafluofen, tefluthrin, tetramethylfluthrin, tetramethrin, tralomethrin, transflutoxychlor; 2.6 Agonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors from the class of neonicotinoids: Acteamiprid, Chlothianidin, Cycloxaprid, Dinotefuran, Flupyradifuron, Imidacloprid, Nitenpyram, Sulfoxaflor, Thiacloprid, Thiamethoxam; 2.7 Activators of allosteric acetylcholine receptors from the class of the spinosyne: Spinosad, Spinetoram; 2.8 Chloride channel activators from the class of the mectins: Abamectin, Emamectin Benzoate, Ivermectin, Lepimectin or Milbemectin; 2.9 Juvenile hormone imitators: hydroprene, kinoprene, methoprene, fenoxycarb or pyriproxyfen; 2.10 Non-specific inhibitors in several places: methyl bromide and other alkyl halides, chloropicrin, sulfuryl fluoride, borax or tartar emetic; 2.11 Selective homopteran feeding blockers: pymetrozine, flonicamid, pyrifluquinazone, 2.12 mite growth inhibitors: clofentezine, hexythiazox, diflovidazine or etoxazole; 2.13 Inhibitors of mitochondrial ATP synthase: diafenthiuron, azocyclotin, cyhexatin, fenbutatin oxide, propargite or tetradifon; 2.14 decouplers from oxidative phosphorylation: chlorfenapyr, DNOC or sulfluramide; M-13 channel blockers of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: bensultap, cartaphydrochloride, 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 Chitin biosynthesis inhibitors type 1: buprofezin; 2.17 Moulting inhibitors: cyromazine; 2.18 Ecdysone receptor agonists: methoxyfenozide, tebufenozide, halofenozide, fufenozide or chromatocide; 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, pyrimidifene, 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-carboxylase: 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, chloranthraniliprole (rynaxypyr), cyanthraniliprole (cyazypyr), 2.26 others: afidopyropen, 2.27 insecticidal biological control agents: Bacillus firmus (e.g. Bacillus firmus CNCM 1 .-1582, e.g. Bacillus firmus CNCM 1 .-1582, e.g. WO 09 126 473 A1 and WO 09 124 707 A2, commercially available as “Votivo”), δ-endotoxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). 3. A plant growth regulator selected from the group consisting of the following: 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, naphtha-Ienacetamide, α-naphthalene acetic 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: Calcium cyanamide, Dimethipin, Endothal, Merphos, Metoxuron, Pentachlorphenol, Thidiazuron, Tributos, Tributylphosphortrithioat; 3.5 Ethylene modulators: aviglycine, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), prohexadione (Prohexadionecalcium), Trinexapac (Trinexapac-ethyl); 3.6 Ethyl liberators: ACC, Etacelasil, Ethephon, Glyoxim; Gibberellins: gibberellin, gibberellic acid; 3.7 Growth inhibitors: abscisic acid, ancymidol, butraline, carbaryl, chlorophonium, chlorpropham, dikegulac, flumetralin, fluoridamide, fosamine, glyphosine, isopyrimol, jasmonic acid, maleic hydrazide, mepiquat (Mepiquatchlorid, 2,3, Projaborpentany,5, Mepiquatrojaborate) tri-iodobenzoic acid; 3.8 Morphactins: Chlorfluren, Chlorflurenol, Dichlorflurenol, Flurenol; 3.9 Growth retardants: Chlormequat (chlormequat chloride), Daminozid, Flurprimidol, Mefluidid, Paclobutrazole, Tetcyclacis, Uniconazole, Metconazole; 3.10 Growth stimulators: brassinolide, forchlorfenuron, hymexazole; 3.11 Unclassified plant growth regulators / classification unknown: Amidochlor, Benzofluor, Buminafos, Carvone, Choline Chloride, Ciobutid, Clofencet, Cloxyfonac, Cyanamid, Cyclanilid, Cycloheximid, Cyprosulfamid, Epocholeon, Ethychupargilzat, Ethylen, Fenrididazon, Karetazan, lead arsenate, methasulfocarbr pydanon, sintofen, triapenthenol.

The fungicide compound is preferably selected from the group consisting of dimoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin, trifloxystrobin, picoxystrobin, cyazofamid, boscalid, fluoxapyroxad, fluopyram, bixafen, isopyrazam, benzovindificonazole, propietooconazole, propioconazolazole, amothoconazolazole, amothoconazolazole, amothoconazolazole, amothoconazolazole, trifloxystrobin, azoxystrobin, trifloxystrobin, and amothoconazole prolazole , Cyproconazole, penconazole, myclobutanil, tetraconazole, hexaconazole, metrafenone, zoxamid, pyrimethanil, cyprodinil, metalaxyl, fludioxonil, dimethomorph, mandipropamid, tricyclazole, copper, metiram, captanamane, cylorthalonil, dithiancozebazin , Kresoxim-methyl, oryzastrobin, epoxiconazole, fluquinconazole, triticonazole, fenpropimorph and iprodione.

The plant growth regulator is preferably selected from the group consisting of 6-benzylaminopurine (= N-6-benzyladenine), chlormequat (chlormequat chloride), choline chloride, cyclanilide, dikegulac, diflufenzopyr, dimethipine, ethephon, flumetralin, flutinic acid, forchlorellfenic acid, Inabenfid, Maleic Hydrazide, Mepiquat (Mepiquat Chloride), 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), Paclobutrazole, Prohexadione (Prohexadione Calcium), Prohydrojasmone, Thidiazuron, Triapenthenol, Tributylphosphorotriconithioate, Trinexapacethyl, and selected.

The active ingredient is very particularly preferably a biological control agent, such as a biopesticide. Compared to conventional synthetic chemical pesticides, biopesticides are non-toxic, safe to use, and can be highly specific. Best used preventively rather than curatively to eliminate disease, nematodes and insects and other pests, bio-pesticides allow the traditionally heavy reliance on chemical-based pesticides to be reduced without affecting 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, bananas, cocoa, coffee and orchards, etc. where pest control is a major and growing challenge. In a preferred embodiment, the tools, systems and methods according to the invention are used in organic agriculture.

Preferred active ingredients are those which provide a systemic effect.

The active ingredient is mostly formulated to be suitable for injection into plant species using 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 types of formulation 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, written by FAO / WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Specifications, 2004, ISBN : 9,251,048,576; "Catalog of pesticide formulation types and international coding system" Technical Monograph No. 2, 6th edition 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, Formulationtechnology, Wiley VCH, Weinheim, 2001 or Knowles, New developments in crop protection product formulation, Agrow Reports DS243, T&F Informa, London, 2005. Formulations are e.g. B. by mixing the active ingredient with one or more suitable additives, such as suitable extenders, solvents, spontaneity promoters, carriers, emulsifiers, dispersants, antifreeze agents, biocides, thickeners, auxiliaries or the like. In this context, an auxiliary is a component which improves the biological effect of the formulation without the component itself having a biological effect. Examples of adjuvants are agents that promote storage, dissemination or penetration into the target plant. Since a preferred embodiment of the invention includes long-term delivery of the active ingredient to the plant over the growing season, a preferred addition are stabilizers, such as stabilizers at low temperatures, preservatives, antioxidants, light stabilizers or other agents that improve the chemical and / or physical stability . Examples of suitable additives are solvents, liquid carriers, surfactants, dispersants, emulsifiers, wetting agents, auxiliaries, solubilizers, penetrants, protective colloids, humectants, repellants, attractants, eating stimulants, compatibilizers, bactericides, antifreeze, nutrients, antifoams, colorants, stabilizers. Protectants, tackifiers and binders. Specific examples of each of these additives are well known to those skilled in the art and are described, for example, in US 2015/0 296 801 A1.

In addition to additives, the compositions can optionally contain 0.1-80% stabilizers or nutrients and 0.1-10% UV protection agents. General examples of suitable ratios for several types of formulation indicated above are given in Agrow Reports DS243, T&F Informa, London, 2005.

When using active ingredients, the application can be carried out continuously or at intervals over a relatively long period of time. The application could also be linked 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 2012/114 197 or WO 2013/149 993, which are incorporated herein by reference. The appropriate protocol will depend on several factors including the nozzle tip, tree species, target (insect, nematode, disease, abiotic stress, etc.), injection fluid components and / or viscosity, dose volume required, and injection pressure.

Other preferred additives are penetrants which facilitate and / or improve the uptake and distribution of the active ingredient in the target plant. Suitable penetrants in the present context include all substances which are commonly used to improve the penetration of active agrochemical compounds in plants. Examples include alcohol alkoxylates such as coconut fatty 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, for example, ammonium sulfate or diammonium hydrogen.

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

At certain application rates, the compositions and / or formulations according to the invention can also have a strengthening effect in plants. In the present context, “plant-strengthening” (resistance-inducing) substances are to be understood as meaning 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 considerable degree of resistance to them Have microorganisms.

In a preferred embodiment, the injection tool according to the invention is inserted into the stem 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) contain a tissue system that is connected to the plant, and (ii) 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 axis includes trunks and branches of trees, large stems, but also “false trunks” or false trunks of plants such as bananas, which consist of tightly packed leaf sheaths. Shoot axes can be lignified or not lignified.

Plants that may benefit from using the products and methods 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, such as apples, pears, plums, peaches, cherries, etc.), fruit-bearing climbing plants (e.g. grapes, blueberries, blackberries, etc.), coffee (Coffea spp.), coconut (Cocos iiucifera), pineapple (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, Date, oil palm, ornamental plants, forest trees (e.g. pine, spruce, eucalyptus, poplar, Conifers, etc.) and box trees.

Conifers that can be used to practice the embodiments include, for example, pines such as the frankincense 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 West American hemlock (Tsuga canadensis); the Sitka spruce (Picea glauca); the sequoia (Sequoia sempervirens); real firs such as the silver fir (Abies amabilis) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea); and cedars such as the giant tree of life (Thuja plicata) and the Nootka false 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 (reed palm), Chrysalidocarpus lutescens (golden fruit palm), Coccothrinax argentata (silver palm), C. crinite (beard palm), Cocos nucifera (coconut palm), (oil palm), Elaeis guineensis Howea forsterana (Kentia palm), Livistona rotundifolia (round-leaved livistonia), Neodypsis decaryi (triangular palm); Normanbya normanbyi (Black Palm); Pinanga insignis; Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island Date Palm); Ptyehosperma macarthuri (MacArthur palm); Rhopalostylis spp (Nikau palm); 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 filiferata (Pettico palm) , W. robusta (Mexican Washington Palm). A preferred aim of the invention is the prevention or the cure of bud rot of palm trees, which is caused for example by Phytophthora palmivora, Thielaviopsis paradoxa and bacteria. Unlike most trees, which have many points where new growth occurs, palms rely solely on their single terminal bud. If the terminal bud or heart is affected by disease and dies, the plant is unable to produce new leaf growth and dies. Therefore, preventative care is crucial to maintaining a healthy palm.

In a particular embodiment, the invention includes a method for reducing damage to plants and plant parts or loss of harvested fruits or plant products caused by phytopathogenic fungi by controlling such phytopathogenic fungi, which makes using the tools of the invention, Includes systems or processes on the plant. The invention advantageously serves to combat, prevent or heal the following fungal diseases of plants: <tb> <SEP> Botrytis cinerea (teleomorph: Botryotinia fuckeliana: gray mold) in fruits and berries (e.g. strawberries), rapeseed, vines, forest plants; Ceratocystis (syn. Ophiostoma) spp. (Rot or wilt) in deciduous trees and evergreens, e.g. B. C. ulmi (Dutch elm disease) in elms; Cercospora spp. (Cercospora leaf spot disease) in coffee; Colletotrichum (Teleomorph: Glomerella) spp. (Anthracnose) in soft fruit; Cycloconium spp., E.g. B. C. oleaginum in olive trees; Cylindrocarpon spp. (e.g. fruit tree cancer or Petri disease, teleomorph: Nectria or Neonectria spp.) in fruit trees, vines (e.g. C. liriodendri, teleomorph: Neonectria liriodendri: black foot disease) and ornamentals; Esca (death, apoplexy) in vines, caused by Formitiporia (syn. Phellinus) punctata, F. mediterranea, Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (formerly Phaeoacremonium chlamydosporum), Phaeoacremonium aleophilum and / or Botryosphaeria obtuse; Elsinoe spp. pome fruit (E. pyn), soft fruit (E. veneta: anthracnose) and vines (E. ampelina: anthracnose); Eutypa lata (Eutypa disease or death, anamorphic: Cytosporina lata, syn. Libertella blepharis) in fruit trees, vines and ornamental trees; Fusarium (Teleomorph: Gibberella) spp. (Wilt, rot or stem rot) in different plants; Glomerella cingulata on vines, pome fruit and other plants; Guignardia bidwellii (black rot) on vines; Gymnosporangium spp. with pink zen and juniper, z. B. G. sabinae (rust) in pears; Hemileia spp., E.g. B. H. vastatrix (coffee rust) in coffee; Isariopsis clavispora (syn. Cladosporium vitis) on vines; Monilinia spp., E.g. B. M. taxa, M. fructicola and M. fructigena (peak drought, fruit rot) in stone fruits and other pink zenas; Mycosphaerella spp. with bananas, berries, such as z. B. M. fijiensis (Black Sigatoka disease) in bananas; Phialophora spp. z. B. on vines (e.g. P. tracheiphila and P. tetraspora); Phomopsis spp. on 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. B. P. viticola (downy mildew of grapevines) on vines; Podosphaera spp. (Apple powdery mildew) in pink zips, hops, pome and soft fruit, e.g. B. P. leucotricha on apples; Pseudopezicula tracheiphila (red burner, anamorphic: Phialophora) on vines; Ramularia spp., E.g. B. R. collo-cygni (Ramularia leaf spots, speckling disease) in barley and R. beticola in sugar beet; Rhizoctonia spp. in cotton, rice, potatoes, turf, corn, rapeseed, potatoes, sugar beets, vegetables and various other plants, e.g. B. R. solani (root and stem rot) in soybeans, R. solani (leaf sheath drought) in rice or R. cerealis (snow mold) in wheat or barley; Rhizopus stolonifer (black mold, soft rot) on vines; Uncinula (syn. Erysiphe) necator (apple powdery mildew, anamorph: Oidium tuckeri) in vines; Taphrina spp., E.g. B. T. deformans (curl disease) in peaches and T. pruni (plum fool's pocket) in plums; Thielaviopsis spp. (Root rot) in pome fruit; Venturia spp. (Scab) on apples (e.g. V. inaequalis) and pears; and Verticillium spp. (Wilt) 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: <tb> <SEP> • Apple diseases: dry rot (Monilinia mali), apple powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha), alternaria leaf spot disease (Alteraaria alternata apple pathotype), scab (Venturia inaequalis), bitter rot (Colletotrichum acutatum), Anthrax ), Decomposition disease (Valsa ceratosperma) and collar rot (Phytophtora cactorum); <tb> <SEP> • Pear diseases: scab (Venturia nashicola, V. pirina), black spot disease (Alternaria alternate pathotyp of the Japanese pear), rust (Gymnosporangium haraeanum) and Phytophthora fruit rot (Phytophtora cactorum); <tb> <SEP> • Peach diseases: fruit rot (Monilinia fructicola), black spot / scab (Cladosporium carpophilum) and Phomopsis rot (Phomopsis sp.); <tb> <SEP> • Grape diseases: Anthracnose (Elsinoe ampelina), apple powdery mildew (Uncinula necator), ripe rot (Glomerella cingulata), black rot (Guignardia bidwelli i), downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola), rust (Phakopsora amprytushisid) cinerea); <tb> <SEP> • Diseases of Japanese persimmons: Anthracnose (Gloeosporium kaki) and leaf spot disease (Cercospora kaki, Mycosphaerella nawae); <tb> <SEP> • Diseases of cruciferous vegetables: black spot disease (Alternaria japonica), white spot disease (Cercosporella brassicae) and downy mildew (Peronospora parasitica); Rapeseed diseases: stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) and black rapeseed (Alternaria brassicae); <tb> <SEP> • Rose diseases: Star soot (Diplocarpon rosae) and downy mildew (Sphaerotheca pannosa); <tb> <SEP> • Banana diseases: Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis, Mycosphaerella musicola, Pseudocercospora musae); and Colletotrichum musae, Armillaria mellea, Armillaria tabescens, Pseudomonas solanacearum, Phyllachora musicola, Mycosphaerella fijiensis, Rosellinia bunodes, Pseudomas spp., Pestalotiopsis leprogena, Cercospora hayi, Cercospora hayi, Pseudomonas solansporaados, Cercospora hayi, Pseudomonas solanspromisia, Cercospora, Cercospora, Vertachyacystae, Junga cystromis, Junglectocystae Cordana johnstonii, Cordana musae, Fusarium pallidoroseum, Colletotrichum musae, Verticillium theobromae, Fusarium spp Acremonium spp., Cylindrocladium spp., Deightoniella torulosa, Nattrassia mangiferae, Dreschslera giganteanarium, Guignardia musaeus, Fusarium spp spp., Colletotrichum musae, Uredo musae, Uromyces musae, Acrodontium simplex, Curvularia eragrostidis, Drechslera musae-sapientum, Leptosphaeria musarum, Pestalotiopsis disseminate, Ceratocystis paradoxa, Haplobasidionus musae, Pseudo-holasoderma, Pseudosoderma, Pseudo-arasoderma Plodia theobromae, pallidoroseum Fusarium, theobromae Verticillium, palmarum Pestalotiopsis, Phaeoseptoria musae, Pyricularia grisea, Fusarium moniliforme, Gibberella fujikuroi, Erwinia carotovora, Erwinia chrysanthemi, Cylindrocarpon musae, arenaria, Meloidogyne, Meloidogyne incognita, coffeae Meloidogyne javanica, Pratylenchus, Pratylenchus goodeyi, Pratylenchus brachyurus , Pratylenchus reniformia, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Nectria foliicola, Mycosphaerella musicola, Pseudocercosporamusae, Limacinula tenuis, Mycosphaerella musae, Helicotylenchus multieinetus, Helicotylenchus dihystera, Nigrosputora sphaerium, Trachidigenium sphaerica, Trachromae <tb> <SEP> • Diseases of citrus fruits: black spot disease (Diaporthe citri), scab (Elsinoe fawcetti), fruit rot (Penicillium digitatum, P. italicum); <tb> <SEP> • Tea diseases: Net bladder disease (Exobasidium reticulatum), white scab (Elsinoe leueospila), ring leaf spots (Pestalotiopsis sp.), anthracnose (Colletotrichum theaesinensis). <tb> <SEP> • Palm diseases: Bud rot, collar rot, Rotring, Pudricion de Cogollo, fatal yellowing. <tb> <SEP> • Boxwood diseases: shoot deaths (Cylindrocladium buxicola, also called Calonectria pseudonaviculata), Volutella buxi, Fusarium buxicola.

The methods of the 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 arthropods, for example including Lepidoptera (for example Plutellidae, Noctuidae, Pyralidae, Tortricidae, Lyonetiidae, Carposinidae, Gelechiidae, Crambidae, Arctiidae and Lymantriidae), Hemipterae, Alehodyridae, Psyllicadellidae, Apyrididaeidae Tingidae, Pentatomidae and Lygaiedae), Coleoptera (for example Scarabaeidae, Elateridae, Coccinellidae, Cerambycidae, Chrysomelidae and Curculionidae), Diptera (for example Muscidae, Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Anthomyiidae and), for example, Pyridephritidae, and , Thysanoptera (for example Thripidae, Aeolothripidae and Merothripidae), Tylenchida (for example Aphelenchoididae and Neotylechidae), Collembola (for example Onychiurus and Isotomidae), Acarina (for example Tetranychidae, Dermanyssidae, Acaridae, and Sarcommatiophor.) lomycidae and Bradybaenidae), Ascaridida (for example Ascaridida and Anisakidae), Opisthorchiida, Strigeidida, Blattodea (for example Blaberidae, Cryptocercidae and Panesthiidae), Thysanura (for example Lepismatidae, Lepidotrichidae and Nicoletsbiidae) and Nicoletsbiidae.

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

The inventions are also useful for weakening, combating and / or killing virus pathogens which attack, consume (in whole or in part) plants or impair their growth and / or development and / or as transmission vectors caused by such virus pathogens, act on the plant and / or other plants. Such virus pathogens include Carlaviridae, Closteroviridae, viruses that attack citrus fruits, Cucumoviridae, Ilarviridae, plum-attacking dwarf virus, Luteoviridae, Nepoviridae, Potexviridae, Potyviridae, Tobamoviridae, and other viruses that attack vegetation, caulimoviridae, and other viruses.

Compounds for regulating plant growth can be used, for example, to inhibit vegetative growth of the plant. Such inhibition of growth is of economic interest, for example inhibiting the growth of herbaceous and woody plants on roadsides and in the vicinity of pipelines or power lines or in general in areas where vigorous plant growth is not desired. Inhibiting vegetative plant growth can also lead to improved yields as the nutrients and assimilates are more useful for flower and fruit formation than for 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 the plant. However, promoting vegetative growth can also stimulate generative growth by forming more assimilates, which leads to more and larger fruits.

The use of growth regulators can control branching of the plant. On the one hand, by breaking the apical dominance, it is possible to promote the development of side shoots, which can be very desirable in particular when cultivating ornamental plants, also in combination with a growth inhibition. On the other hand, it is also possible to inhibit the growth of the side shoots. This effect is of particular interest in tobacco or tomato cultivation, for example. Under the influence of growth regulators, the amount of leaves on the plant can be controlled so that defoliation of the plants is achieved at a desired time. 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.

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

By using growth regulators it is also possible to influence the dormant seed or buds of the plant, so that plants, such as for example pineapples or ornamental plants, germinate, sprout or bloom in nurseries at a time when they normally do not tend.

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

The compositions and / or formulations according to the invention also show a powerful tonic effect in the plant. Accordingly, they can be used to mobilize the plant's defenses against attack by undesirable microorganisms. In the present context, plant-strengthening (resistance-inducing) substances are to be understood as meaning those substances which can stimulate the defense system of plants in such a way that the treated plants have a high degree of resistance to these microorganisms upon subsequent inoculation with undesired microorganisms. The active compounds of the invention are also useful for increasing the yield of crops. They also show less toxicity and are well tolerated by plants.

Furthermore, in the context of the present invention, effects on plant physiology include: <tb> <SEP> Abiotic stress tolerance, including temperature tolerance, drought tolerance and recovery after drought stress, water efficiency (correlating with lower water consumption), tolerance to flooding, tolerance to ozone stress and UV, tolerance to chemicals such as heavy metals, salts, pesticides (safeners) etc.

Tolerance to biotic stress, including 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 increased resistance to fungi and increased resistance to nematodes.

Increased plant vitality, including plant health, plant quality, seed vitality, reduced crop failure, improved appearance, improved recovery, improved greening effect, and improved photosynthesis efficiency.

In addition, the inventive treatment can reduce the mycotoxin content in the harvested material and in food and feed made from it.

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, but not limited to, silicon, calcium, magnesium and manganese.

Examples

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

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

The distribution within the plants was tested by injecting a solution which contained 2% Brilliant Blue E 133 (CAS number 3844-45-9.) As the test substance. Trees were then felled and cut into pieces in order to analyze the distribution of the test substance within the plant over time. The test substance was usually distributed in the stem axis over 5 meters in 24 hours.

In addition, conventional active ingredients can be used, e.g. For example, the commercial products Maag Perfekthion <®> and Maag Kendo <®> are planned for Buchsbaum.

Maag Perfekthion <®> (40% dimethoate stock solution): depending on the size of the box tree, an injection of 10 ml to 100 ml with a dilution of 0.1% to 0.3% can be used.

This description and the accompanying drawings, which illustrate aspects and embodiments of the present invention, should not be taken as limiting the claims that define the protected invention. In other words, although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such presentation and description are to be regarded as illustrative or exemplary in nature and not as restrictive. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this description and the claims. In some instances, well known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. It is therefore to be understood that changes and modifications within the scope and spirit of the following claims can be made by those skilled in the art. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments having any combination of features from various embodiments described above and below.

The disclosure also extends to all further features that are shown individually in the figures, even if they may not have been described in the preceding or following description. Individual alternatives to the embodiments described in the figures and the description and individual alternatives of features thereof can also be excluded from the subject matter of the invention or the disclosed subject matter. The disclosure includes both subject matter which consists of the features defined in the claims or the exemplary embodiments and subject matter which includes these features.

Furthermore, in the claims, the word “including” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a”, “an”, “an”, “an” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single unit or a single step can fulfill the functions of several features mentioned in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are listed in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. The terms “essential”, “approximately”, “approximately” and the like in connection with a property or a value also define precisely the property or the value. The term “approximately” in the context of a particular numerical value or range refers to a value or range that e.g. B. is within 20%, within 10%, within 5% or within 2% of the given value or range. Components that are described as coupled or connected can be directly electrically or mechanically coupled, or they can be coupled indirectly via one or more intermediate components. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims (41)

1. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) for a plant injection system, which is configured to introduce a liquid active ingredient formulation (W) into a plant, the injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) is configured to be inserted into the plant, characterized in that it includes a penetrating structure configured to create a hole in the plant for the injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) to be inserted into the plant. 2. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 1, which is configured to be used in a woody area (B) of the plant, in particular in a tree trunk. 3. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 1 or 2, which is configured to be used in a non-woody area (B) of the plant, in particular in a false trunk . 4. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the penetrating structure has a cutting edge configured to cut the hole in the plant when the injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) is inserted into the plant. 5. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 4, wherein the cutting edge of the penetrating structure has a drill bit portion (20a) in which it is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) is wound. 6. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 5, wherein the drill bit portion (20a) of the cutting edge of the penetrating structure has a flute which extends along and is delimited by the cutting edge . 7. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 4 to 6, wherein the cutting edge of the penetrating structure has a screw section (20b; 8020a) in which it is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the injection tool ( 1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) is wound. 8. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 5 or 6 and claim 7, which has a head (10) and a shaft (20), the shaft (20) the Includes drill bit portion (20a) and the screw portion (20b; 8020a) and the screw portion (20b; 8020a) is closer to the head (10) than the drill bit portion (20a). 9. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 8, wherein an external diameter of the screw (20b) is greater than an external diameter of the drill bit section (20a). 10. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the shaft (20) has a bead section (20c; 8020b) which extends between the screw section (20b; 8020a ) and the head (10) and on which at least one circumferential bead (23) is formed, an outer diameter of the circumferential bead (23) being greater than the outer diameter of the screw section (20b; 8020a). 11. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 4, wherein the cutting edge of the penetrating structure has a nail tip portion (2020a). 12. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 11, which has a shaft (2020) which has the nail tip section (2020a) and a conical section (2020b) which is elongated with outer Furrows or grooves (2022). 13. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 12, which has an impact head (2010), the conical section (2020b) being closer to the impact head (2010) than the nail tip section ( 2020a). 14. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 13, wherein the shaft (2020) has a bead section (2020c) which extends between the conical section (2020b) and the impact head ( 2010) and on which at least one circumferential bead (2023) is formed, an outer diameter of the circumferential bead (2023) being greater than the outer diameter of the conical section (2020b). 15. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 4, which has a wedge section (3020; 4020; 5020; 6020; 7020) which at its front end (3021; 4021; 5021 ; 6021; 7021) is equipped with the cutting edge. 16. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 15, wherein the wedge section (3020; 4020; 5020; 6020; 7020) has the shape of a lance tip. 17. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 15 or 16, which has an impact head (3010; 4010; 5010; 6010; 7010), the wedge section (3020; 4020; 5020; 6020; 7020) in the direction of the impact head (3010; 4010; 5010; 6010; 7010) increases in thickness, in particular in a prismatic shape. 18. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the wedge section (3020; 4020; 5020; 6020; 7020) has a central opening (4028; 5028; 6028). 19. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to one of the preceding claims, which has a channel system with at least one outlet channel (27; 2027; 3027; 4027; 5027; 6027; 7027; 8027) and preferably with a plurality of outlet channels (27; 2027; 3027; 4027; 5027; 6027; 7027; 8027), each of which ends in an outlet opening. 20. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 19, wherein the channel system has a main channel (25; 2025; 3025; 4025; 5025; 6025; 7025; 8025) and the at least an outlet channel (27; 2027; 3027; 4027; 5027; 6027; 7027; 8027) is connected to the main channel (25; 2025; 3025; 4025; 5025; 6025; 7025; 8025). 21. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 20, which has an insertion opening (11; 2011; 3011; 4011) which communicates with the main channel (25; 2025; 3025; 4025 ; 5025; 6025; 7025; 8025), the insertion opening (11; 2011; 3011; 4011) being configured to be connected to a feed device (100; 200; 300) of the plant injection system. 22. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the at least one outlet channel (27; 2027; 3027; 4027; 5027; 6027; 7027; 8027) extends laterally from the main channel (25; 2025; 3025; 4025; 5025; 6025; 7025; 8025). 23. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to one of claims 19 to 22, which has a front end, wherein the at least one outlet channel (27; 2027; 3027; 4027; 5027; 6027; 7027; 8027) opens at a distance from the front end. 24. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claims 18 and 23, wherein the at least one outlet channel (27; 2027; 3027; 4027; 5027; 6027; 7027; 8027) is in the central opening of the wedge section (3020; 4020; 5020; 6020; 7020) opens. 25. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the insertion opening (11) of the injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001 ; 8001) in the head (10) of the injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) or in the impact head (2010; 3010; 4010; 5010; 6010; 7010) of the injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) is arranged. 26. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to one of the preceding claims, which is made of metal. 27. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to claim 26, which is produced using a 3D printing process. 28. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to one of claims 19 to 27, wherein the at least one outlet channel (27; 2027; 3027; 4027; 5027; 6027; 7027; 8027) is oriented in an outlet direction (32; 2032; 3032; 4032; 5032; 6032; 7032) which is more than 90 ° to a penetration movement direction (31; 2031; 3031; 4031; 5031; 6031; 7031), in particular by 100 ° is offset by 180 ° to the direction of penetration movement (31; 2031; 3031; 4031; 5031; 6031; 7031). 29. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to one of the preceding claims, which includes an abutment surface (2013; 3013; 4013; 5013; 6013; 7013; 8013) which is configured in order to come into contact with the plant at the end of the insertion of the injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8013) into the plant. 30. Injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to one of the preceding claims, which has a total length of between 3 mm and 20 mm, between 6 mm and 16 mm or less than 10 mm . 31. Plant injection system for introducing a liquid active substance formulation (W) into a plant, comprising an injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) according to one of the preceding claims and a feed device (100; 200; 300) wherein the delivery device (100; 200; 300) is configured to be connected to the injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) to supply the injection tool (1; 2001; 3001; 4001; 5001; 6001; 7001; 8001) to supply the active ingredient formulation. 32. Plant injection system according to claim 31, wherein the feed device (100) is designed as a pneumatically or hydraulically operated metering pump. 33. Plant injection system according to claim 31, wherein the feed device (200) is designed as a pneumatic or hydraulic feed pump. 34. Plant injection system according to one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the feed device (300) is designed as a two-chamber arrangement, two chambers being arranged in a container (310), one chamber of which is a pressure medium and the other is an active ingredient formulation (W) through which the pressure medium can be expelled from the two-chamber arrangement via a valve (312). 35. A method for modulating the phenotype of a plant or a plurality of plants, the method comprising the following steps: (i) mounting a plant injection system according to any one of claims 31 to 34 in the plant or the plurality of plants, (ii) applying a liquid formulation of an active ingredient to modulate the phenotype of the plant. 36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of (i) pesticides, (ii) growth regulators. 37. The method according to claim 35 and 36, wherein the active ingredient is a biological compound or composition which is approved for use in food and feed. 38. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the method is operated by one or more of the features selected from the group of features consisting of the following: a. the active ingredient is applied according to an automatically controlled scheme over the growing season, b. The active ingredient is transferred from a depot to the plant using a pneumatic (clock-push) conveyor system, which minimizes the amount of active ingredient formulation in the tubes, c. a large number of plants are supplied from a central depot, whereby - optionally - the distribution to each plant is controlled individually, d. the active ingredient can be automatically selected from a group of depots in order to achieve different phenotype modulations, e. Water is provided between uses of the active ingredient. 39. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the plant is selected from the group consisting of fruit trees, bananas, cocoa, coffee and ornamental trees. 40. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 39, wherein the 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. 41. A multiplicity of plants, plant plantations or fields of plants, the multiplicity of plants being connected to a plant injection system according to any one of claims 31 to 34 in order to activate phenotype modulation.