EP3998850A1

EP3998850A1 - Device for improving the yield and quality of plants by exposure to uv, associated method and uses

Info

Publication number: EP3998850A1
Application number: EP20736719.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Laurent Urban; Jawad Aarrouf; Yves MATTON; Loïc LEDERMANN; Hugo GONCALVES
Original assignee: Uv Boosting; Avignon Universite
Current assignee: Uv Boosting; Avignon Universite
Priority date: 2019-07-19
Filing date: 2020-07-10
Publication date: 2022-05-25
Also published as: CA3143974A1; WO2021013578A1; FR3098683A1; US20220400619A1; FR3098683B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile light-exposure device (1) for improving the yield and quality of biological material (2) comprising a first emission module (3) for emitting one or more light pulses, comprising at least one light-treatment panel having a surface area between 0.01 m² and 10 m², a second module (6) for adjusting, remotely or on the device, the optical power density of the treatment panel and possibly the temperature of said panel, and a means of locomotion (4) allowing the movement of the device, preferably at a speed between 1 km/h and 10 km/h. The invention is characterised in that the optical power density of the panel is between 100 W/m² and 10,000 W/m², preferably between 300 W/m² and 3000 W/m², and in that the light pulses applied to said biological material (2) are of identical or different wavelengths and/or durations but less than or equal to two seconds, preferably less than or equal to one second.

Description

DEVICE FOR IMPROVING THE YIELD AND QUALITY OF PLANTS BY EXPOSURE TO UVS, PROCESS AND ASSOCIATED USES

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of agronomy. It relates more particularly to a mobile device for light exposure for improving the yield e † of the quality of preferably plant biological material, as well as the process and the associated uses.

[0002] Improving crop yields and the quality of the biological material produced is an important current issue in the context of the development of sustainable agriculture that does not pollute the environment.

[0003] Even today, the use of plant protection products remains the most effective solution for optimizing crop yield.

[0004] Plant protection products denote any substances or mixtures used to prevent, destroy or repel organisms that are undesirable for agriculture or public health, to stimulate the metabolism of plants, their growth or their morphogenesis. The most commonly used families of plant protection products are pesticides, hormones and growth promoters. A plant protection product is often in the form of a chemical substance with or without adjuvants.

[0005] The use of these substances is often preferred for crops over large areas such as in fields or production greenhouses, but also in public green spaces and in private gardens. In fact, crops are more difficult to control due to the presence of numerous biotic and abiotic factors that can affect growth and, in the case of agricultural productions, the final quality of plants at harvest.

[0006] The harmful effects of plant protection products on the environment and the contamination of drinking water resources such as that of groundwater are recognized.

[0007] Numerous animal species such as birds or non-harmful insects (Example: pollinators) are affected by plant protection products. In fact, direct poisoning can † occur due to the presence of plant protection product residues, in particular when animals enter treated fields.

[0008] The runoff of plant protection products can also affect aquatic fauna by inducing in particular the death or reduction of the population of fish and amphibians. This mortality can be direct or indirect. Repeated exposure to plant protection products may cause physiological changes e † behavioral but can also lead to plant decomposition thus depriving fish of oxygen.

[0009] The consumption of products or derived products from agriculture using plant protection products is the source of numerous studies in order to determine the effects on health on medium and long farms.

[0010] The WHO warns me against the direct and indirect dangers associated with the use and exposure to plant protection products for humans which can manifest themselves in the form of acute poisoning or chronic effects.

[001 1] Exposure to plant protection products is also suspected of being at the origin of numerous disorders and pathologies, such as in particular: drastic cognitive disorders of anxiety; developmental disorders of the child during pregnancy; fertility problems and fecundability; problem of metabolism of plant protection products; metabolic pathologies (Obesity, type II diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, ...); various cancers such as leukemia, testicular cancer, brain tumors, melanomas, Hodgkin's disease, Kahler's disease; Parkinson disease ; Alzheimer's disease ; e † amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

[0012] In view of the foregoing, there is today a need to develop and optimize alternative techniques making it possible to obtain results that are substantially as effective as with the conventional use of plant protection products but less harmful to the environment. health and environment. Also, the Applicant is interested in the treatments of plants without the use of phytopharmaceutical products. Among these treatments, the treatment of cultures with light appears to be an interesting and promising avenue.

Prior art

[0013] The treatment of cultures with light is an interesting alternative making it possible to overcome these problems which does not present the negative effects of plant protection products for the environment and health described above.

[0014] Light is one of the most important environmental factors that regulate the growth and development of plants. Plants need light not only for photosynthesis, but also for precise regulation of their development.

[0015] Several abiotic factors are capable of influencing the metabolism and the vigor of plants, such as lack of water, excessive temperatures or ultraviolet radiation.

[001 6] Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, also called "black light" because it is not visible to the naked eye, its † electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength than visible light, but longer than that of X-rays. They do not can be observed only indirectly, either by fluorescence, itself † using specialized detectors.

[0017] Ultraviolet, blue and red radiation are involved in various phofomorphogenic responses. UV-B wavelengths (280-315 nm) are † biologically active † when applied at non-deleterious doses, they induce changes in gene expression, physiology, accumulation of metabolites and plant morphology.

As for the other components of the solar spectrum, the effects of UV-B on plant physiology are influenced by hormones. Some of these hormones, such as in particular abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, salicylic acid and ethylene appear mainly as factors of adaptation to variations in the environment and to stresses. Other hormonal pathways using in particular gibberellins e † auxins mainly confer morphological changes.

[0019] The use of UV-B radiation therefore influences the metabolism of plants to act on their morphology and allows in particular the synthesis of molecules such as flavonoids or even the accumulation of phenolic pigments such as anthocyanins.

[0020] However, the use of UV-B poses concrete problems. Prolonged exposure of several hours or even days is required to be effective. However, prolonged exposure is difficult to implement on crops outside greenhouses.

UV-C radiation for its part is sufficiently energetic to break chemical bonds. Absorption at particular wavelengths can be associated with resonance effects in which certain energy levels in an atom or in a molecule are almost equaled by the energies of the incident photons. Used at high doses, UV-C can therefore cause direct damage to various molecules (nucleic acids, proteins, etc.).

[0022] Considering the above, UV-C radiation is commonly used for surface disinfection purposes.

[0023] In fact, once the cuticular barrier is crossed in plants, UV-C radiation is more strongly absorbed than UV-B or UV-A. This is due to the fact that UV-C radiation can excite many more molecules than UV-B e † UV-A radiation which is only absorbed by highly conjugated compounds or carrying C = 0 functions. or C + N for example. Being absorbed more strongly than UV-B e † UV-A, UV-C radiation is much less likely to penetrate deeply into tissues and therefore to exert degradation effects, especially at the level of molecules d 'DNA.

UV-C offering better safety vis-à-vis treated plants than UV-B or UV-A, they have been tested on different types of plant organs with the idea of identifying hormetic doses, that is to say doses making it possible to obtain positive biological effects.

[0025] Prior patent documents disclose, as they stand, the use of UV rays, in particular UV-C rays on plants, but for purposes other than that of the present invention.

[0026] Document WO9533374 discloses the use of a vehicle on rails moving sideways in order to provide a light discharge composed of a mixture of UV-A, B, C, visible light and infrared. . The time of exposure of plants to this light discharge is less than ten seconds and preferably three seconds. The use of this device is intended for the destruction of unwanted plants. Thus, this document dissuades those skilled in the art from using radiation, in particular UV-C, to improve the yield and the quality of biological material.

[0027] Document WO2007 / 049962 describes the use of a means of transport making it possible to convey plants under a light source composed of at least 90% UV-C. This device is used for the purpose of treating plants or fungi to control the growth of pathogens, pests and also for the destruction of aerial parts of the plant. Thus, this document also does not contemplate the use of light pulses to improve the yield and quality of biological material.

[0028] Document FR3063974 describes a device provided with a conveyor belt allowing direct exposure of the picked plants to light pulses of UV-C making it possible to decontaminate their surface contaminated by phytopharmaceutical products. However, this document does not describe a mobile device comprising a means of locomotion allowing the movement of the device, nor of use to improve the yield and the quality of biological material.

Finally, document DE19900616A1 describes a method for stimulating the production of anthocyanins in plants and fruits using a luminous device emitting light at wavelengths included in the visible spectrum but also UV-A and UV-B. However, the method described does not mention the use of UV-C for improving the yield and quality of biological material, nor an exposure time of the order of seconds.

Technical problems

Considering the foregoing, a problem which the present invention proposes to solve consists in developing an alternative device making it possible to do without, or at least, to greatly limit the use of plant protection products. This †† e alternative must make it possible to present a yield and a sufficient quality of biological material. [0031] Moreover, this device must be more ecological in order to preserve the environment, but also easy to use.

[0032] Its applications must be feasible at different scales, both in greenhouse and in the field.

Technical solution

The first object of the solution to this problem is a mobile light exposure device for improving the yield and quality of biological material comprising:

a first module for emitting one or more light pulses, comprising at least one light output panel with the surface area being between 0.01 m ² e † 10 m ² ;

a second module for adjusting, remotely or on the device, the optical power density of the processing panel and possibly the temperature of the panel;

a means of locomotion allowing movement of the device, preferably at a speed of between 1 e † 10 km / h;

characterized in that the optical power density of the panel is between 100 W / m ² e † 10,000 W / m ² , preferably between 300 W / m ² e † 3000 W / m ² , e † in that the light pulses delivered to said biological material are of identical or different wavelengths and / or durations but less than or equal to two seconds, preferably less than or equal to one second.

[0034] The Applicant has more particularly been able to demonstrate that UV-C radiation is less harmful than UV-B or UV-A in plants. UV-C radiation is less penetrating into the tissues due to the microrelief of epicuticular wax crystals which cause it to diffuse on the surface of the leaves. After crossing the epicuticular barrier, the penetration is lower than there is strong molecular absorption in the plant cells under the cuticle.

In view of the above, the idea of using UV-C, which is more energetic, instead of UV-B, for much shorter times therefore appears to be more advantageous to the Applicant.

A second object of the invention is a process for improving the yield e † of the quality of biological materials comprising the following steps of:

installation of a device according to the invention on an agricultural holding comprising plantations to be treated;

passage of the device through the plantations, combined with direct exposure of the biological material to light pulses of identical or different wavelengths and / or durations, characterized in that the wavelengths are the same or different and its † between 200 nm e † 700 nm (UV-C, UV-B, UV-A, visible light), preferably between 200 and 280 nm (UV -VS) ;

e † in that the exposure times are identical or different but lasting less than or equal to two seconds, preferably less than or equal to one second.

[0037] Finally, its third object is the use of a device according to the invention, for modifying the physiology of a biological material.

Benefits provided

The developed invention consists of a mobile device emitting light pulses exhibiting qualities of adaptability and ease of regular use for the treatment of surfaces of variable size.

The applicant has been able to demonstrate that the changes induced by UV-B include in particular:

an effect on morphology (organ size, plant architecture, vegetative and reproductive development speed, etc.),

changes in primary (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, etc.) and secondary metabolisms (phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, glucosinolates, cannabinoids, etc.),

improved performance.

These same changes can be observed using UV-C radiations with shorter exposure times when they are used at a given power and do not a priori generate negative effects on the plants. They are perceived by plants and allow to stimulate e † metabolic signaling pathways by influencing growth, development, branching, flowering, yield and quality in both normal and stress conditions. Applied at hormetic doses, that is to say doses allowing to obtain positive biological effects, without negative side effects, they can be used in the field of agronomy for the improvement of the yield and quality of biological material in order to obtain improved commercial products, in particular through their concentrations of compounds of interest.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention e † the advantages which result therefrom will be better understood on reading the description e † of the following non-limiting embodiments, illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a device according to the invention which is a mobile light exposure module 1 comprising a first light pulse emission module 3 double-sided held by a straddle device 5 mounted on a tractor 4. FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the device according to the invention which is a mobile light exposure module 1 comprising a first single-sided light pulse emission module 3 held by an inter-row structure 5 mounted on a tractor 4.

FIG. 3A illustrates in profile view the device according to the invention which is a mobile light exposure module 1 comprising a first light pulse emission module 3 maintained by a mechanical adjustment module 8 mounted on a tractor 4 for low crops. Said mobile light exposure module 1 also comprises a module 6 for adjusting the optical power density of the treatment panel and the temperature as well as an independent and / or autonomous source of energy 7.

FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of a device according to the invention which is a mobile light exposure module 1 for a greenhouse suitable for tall crops of the tomato type.

FIG. 3C illustrates a front view of a device according to the invention which is a mobile light exposure module 1 for a greenhouse suitable for low crops of the cannabis type.

Figure 4 shows, in front view, an example of a possible structure of a reflector body 9 of a device according to the invention comprising at least one light source 10, reflectors 1 1 and a control unit. temperature 12.

Figure 5 shows, in side view, the composition of an exemplary reflector body 9 of a device according to the invention comprising the temperature control unit 12 as well as a set of temperature sensors and light power 13.

FIG. 6 is a graph associated with Example 2 making it possible to demonstrate the effects of different doses of UV-C on a mass of leek barrels. Different letters in the figure indicate the existence of significant differences at the 5% level (Tukey test).

FIG. 7 is a graph associated with Example 2 making it possible to demonstrate the effects of different doses of UV-C on the length of leek barrels. Different letters in the figure indicate the existence of significant differences at the 5% level (Tukey test).

FIG. 8 is a graph associated with Example 4 making it possible to demonstrate the effects of different doses of UV-C on the amount of phenols in the carrot root tubers. Different letters in the figure indicate the existence of significant differences at the 5% level (Kruskal-Wallis test).

FIG. 9 is a graph associated with Example 4 making it possible to demonstrate the effects of different doses of UV-C on the quantity of flavonoids in the root tubers of carrot. Different letters in the figure indicate the existence of significant differences at the 5% level (Kruskal-Wallis test). FIG. 10 is a graph associated with Example 4 making it possible to demonstrate the effects of different doses of UV-C on the% of anti-free radical activity in the carrot root tubers. Different letters in the figure indicate the existence of significant differences at the 5% level (Kruskal-Wallis test).

FIG. 11 is a graph associated with Example 5 which illustrates the total sum of flowers formed as a function of UV-C treatments, of Vacciplant® and in combination with UV-C with Vacciplant® in the strawberry plant 'Gariguette' over time.

FIG. 12 is a graph associated with Example 5 which illustrates the percentage of flowering plants as a function of UV-C treatments, of Vacciplant® and in combination with UV-C with Vacciplant® in the strawberry 'Gariguette' at over time.

FIG. 13 is a graph associated with Example 6 which shows the effects of two doses of UV-C on the number of green fruits in the strawberry plant "Gariguette", 8 weeks after planting.

Description of embodiments

In this description, unless it is specified otherwise, it is understood that, when an interval is given, it includes the upper and lower bounds of said interval.

[0058] According to the invention, the mobile light exposure device 1 for improving the yield and quality of biological material 2 as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 comprises a first emission module 3 of a or several light pulses.

By light exposure, the applicant designates one or more light sources 9 originating from said device emitting at wavelengths between 200 nm and 700 nm.

The first module of the mobile light exposure device 1, comprising one or more discharge lamps according to the invention makes it possible to emit one or more light pulses. By way of nonlimiting examples of lamps which can be used, mention may be made of low, medium or high pressure lamps, pulsed or xenon light lamps, Excimer lamps, LED lamps or even mercury vapor lamps (254 nm ).

The light pulses are characterized in particular by their duration and by their wavelength.

The durations of the light pulses are necessarily less than two seconds, preferably less than or equal to one second.

Preferably, the duration of the light pulses is between one second and one thousandth of a second. More preferably, it is between one second and one hundredth of a second. The particularly preferred values used by the Applicant are one second, one tenth of a second, one hundredth of a second, or else 300 m £ or 500 ps.

The number and frequency of the light pulses are modulated according to the nature of the biological material to be treated 2. The wavelengths of the light pulses are † generally between 200 nm and 700 nm (UV-C, UV-B, UV-A, visible light), preferably between 200 and 280 nm (UV-C ). Even more advantageously, they are between 250 and 265 nm.

More preferably still, the light pulses can be:

- pulsed light flashes with a wavelength between 200 nm and 700 nm lasting a few hundred microseconds (for example 300 MS to 500MS) e †

- UV-C flashes which are advantageously † flashes of 1 to 2 seconds.

The device according to the invention allows the improvement of the yield e † of the quality of the biological material 2.

By biological material 2 is meant a plant material, a fungus or microorganisms or media derived from culture of microorganisms. Preferably, the biological material 2 is plant material. Plant matter is an entire plant or part of a plant such as a cell, tissue, leaf, fruit, stem, flower or even a root.

Preferably, said plant material comes from farms comprising plantations. These plantations are derived from vi † ro-plan †, agriculture, forestry or horticulture such as vegetable, fruit, cereal, oilseed or protein crops.

By way of nonlimiting examples of usable plant material, the following plant families can be mentioned: Amaranthaceae, Apiaceae, Arecaceae, Asferaceae, Brassicaceae, Cannabaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Liliaceae, Musaceae, Poaceae, Rosaceae, Rubiaceae , Rufaceae, Solanaceae and Vitaceae.

We can also cite grass, that is to say any annual or perennial, non-woody plant, pheasant, part of the Angiosperms (monocots or dicotyledons), generally green in color. More particularly, grass commonly designates grasses, in particular fodder grasses, which constitute pastures, meadows and lawns, e † families neighboring by their morphology, rushes (rushes) and cyperaceae (sedges).

Preferably, the plant species used are: Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum (Leek), Allium cepa (Onion), Allium sativum (Garlic), Brassica oleracea (Cabbage) don † var. italica (Broccoli) e † var. botrytis (Cauliflower), Cannabis sativa (Cannabis), Capsicum annuum (Pepper), Cucurbita pepo (Courgette), Cucurbita maxima (Pumpkin), Daucus carofa (Carrot), Elaeis guineensis (Oil palm), Fragaria x ananassa (Strawberry), Wisteria max (Soybean), Helianthus annuus (Sunflower), Hordeum vulgare (Barley), Lactuca sativa (Lettuce), Malus domestica (Apple tree), Mangifera indica (Mango tree), Musa spp. (Banana), Nicotiana tabacum (Tobacco), Oryza sativa (Rice), Prunus persica (Peach), Prunus avium (Cherry), Pyrus communis (Pear), Raphanus sativus (Radish), Rosa hybrida (Rose), Secale (Rye), Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato), Solarium tuberosum (Potato), Triticum spp. (Wheat), Vitis vinifera (Vine), Zea mays (Maize).

According to the invention, the device makes it possible to emit one or more light pulses from one or more light treatment panels.

These light pulses can be of different wavelength, power and / or duration. Likewise, it is possible to envisage superimposing different light pulses (in terms of wavelength, duration or power) during the passage of the device.

This makes it possible in particular to use different light pulses simultaneously, separately or spread out over time.

The first light pulse emission module 3 of the device according to the invention comprises at least one light treatment panel don † the surface area is between 0.01 m ² e † 10 m ² .

Preferably, the surface of the light treatment panel is between 0.01 m ² e † 5 m ² . More preferably still, the surface of the panel is between 0.01 m ² e † 3 m ² . The surface of the panels are preferably used † about 0.4m ^2, 0.8m ^2, lm ^2, or 1, 2 m ^2.

According to the invention, the mobile light exposure device 1 for improving the yield e † of the quality of biological material comprises a second adjustment module 6.

The second adjustment module 6 can be controlled remotely or directly on the device.

Preferably, the second adjustment module 6 allows both an adjustment of the optical power density of the processing panel but also of the temperature of the panel.

The temperature of the panel is regulated actively (by a fan for example) or passively (by a thermal diffuser for example) by a temperature control unit 12 which modifies the temperature thanks to the data it receives a temperature sensor 13.

More preferably, the second adjustment module makes it possible to control a mechanical adjustment module 8 ensuring the correct positioning of the panels relative to the biological material 2 in particular when the latter is presented in the form of a culture. low as shown in Figures 3A e † 3C.

The optical power density of the panel is between 100 W / m ² e † 10,000 W / m ² , preferably between 300 W / m ² e † 3,000 W / m ² . The sources used can in particular be discharge lamps (in particular low, medium or high pressure lamps, pulsed or xenon light, Excimer lamps) or LED. The light sources 10 mentioned can be advantageously mounted on a support called the reflector body 9. comprising reflectors 1 1 and the temperature control unit 12, in order to control the light beam as illustrated in Figure 4.

More preferably still, the optical power density of the panel is between 500 W / m ² e † 2500 W / m ² advantageously between 1000 W / m ² e † 2000 W / m ² .

Of course, those skilled in the art can adapt the settings mentioned above as a function of the surface e † of the plant material to be treated.

According to the invention, the mobile light exposure device 1 for improving the yield e † of the quality of biological material 2 also comprises a means of locomotion allowing the movement of the device 4, preferably at a speed included. between 1 e † 10 km / h. Means of locomotion 4 are advantageously a means of traction or propulsion.

Preferably, the speed of the mobile device is between 1 e † 10 km / h. More preferably, it is between 2 and 5 km / h. The particularly preferred speed values used by the Applicant are † of 4 km / h, 3.6 km / h, 2.5 km / h and † of 1.8 km / h.

The means of locomotion 4 may or may not include drive wheels that can move on all types of roads or on rails. Depending on the nature of the surface, it can designate a traction device made up of wheels e † assisted or not by motor. By way of nonlimiting examples, we can use:

a wheelbarrow or cart;

a locomotion device composed of wheels moving on rails, for example in the form of a specialized treatment cart;

a tractor coupled to a straddle-type structure 5 for the largest areas to be treated, or

a storage space made up of straps to be carried on the back such as a backpack for example.

Preferably, the means of locomotion 4 used es † a traction or propulsion device composed of wheels assisted by thermal or electric motor.

The surface area of the zones to be treated is variable and can generally range from 0.001 m ² to 100 hectares. Preferably, the surface area of the zones to be treated corresponds to the size of a crop field, a nursery, a green space but also of a product obtained in post-harvest.

The device according to the invention is advantageously supplied by an independent and / or autonomous source of energy 7. Preferably, the source of energy is in the form of a battery and / or an alternator. Alternatively, the device can also be assisted by the presence of solar panels, an electric motor, combustion, explosion or hybrid. Advantageously, the device is powered by a single-phase or three-phase alternator, 50 or 60 Hz, delivering a voltage between 110V and 500 V. Preferably, this alternator has a voltage stabilization device. and will produce a power at least equal to the power of the lamps. By way of example, a device having a panel of 2 m ² must be supplied by an alternator supplying between 250W and 25,000 W depending on the optical power per unit area selected.

A subject of the invention is also a method for improving the yield and the quality of biological materials comprising the following steps of:

passage of said device through the plantations combined with direct exposure of the biological material to light pulses of identical or different wavelengths and / or durations,

characterized in that the wavelengths are identical or different and are between 200 nm and 700 nm (UV-C, UV-B, UV-A, visible light), preferably between 200 and 280 nm (UV-C) ;

and in that the exposure times are identical or different but lasting less than or equal to two seconds, preferably less than or equal to one second.

Preferably, the method according to the invention is suitable for a biological material 2 which is a plant material such as a fruit, a vegetable, a seed, a tissue plant, a tuber or any other part of a plant.

Finally, the last subject of the invention is the use of a device according to the invention, for modifying the physiology of a biological material 2.

The light pulses emitted by the use of the invention modify the physiology of the biological material. The modification of the physiology of a biological material 2 means the mechanical, physical and / or biochemical modification due to its interaction with the environment.

According to a first preferred embodiment, the subject of the invention is the use of a device for modifying the primary and / or secondary metabolism of a biological material 2, preferably of a plant material.

Preferentially, the effects can be observed on the primary and secondary metabolism of plants.

The primary metabolism of plants designates all metabolites directly involved in growth, development and normal reproduction. The secondary metabolism involves all the metabolites existing at low concentrations in plants. [0100] The observable effects are in particular a quantitative and qualitative modification of the production of chemical molecules produced by the primary and secondary metabolism of plants. By way of nonlimiting examples, the molecules concerned can be oses, glucosinolates, amino acids, proteins, lipids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids or cannabinoids (THC for tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD for cannabidiol) .

[0101] The Applicant has in particular been able to observe that the process according to the invention allows an increase in the concentration of cannabinoids (THC, CBD), flavonoids and terpenes.

[0102] The quantitative and qualitative modification of the production of chemical molecules produced by the primary and secondary metabolism of plants can lead to the modification of growth and / or development, the increase of defenses as well as of the morphogenesis of a material. biological 2, preferably of a plant material, in particular under stress.

[0103] According to a second preferred embodiment, the subject of the invention is the use of a device for modifying the growth and / or development of a biological material 2, preferably of a plant material.

[0104] According to a third preferred embodiment, the subject of the invention is the use of a device for increasing the defenses of a biological material 2, preferably of a plant material.

[0105] Surprisingly, the Applicant has also been able to demonstrate that the use of the device according to the invention and in particular the application of light pulses on the biological material 2 made it possible to obtain the following effects:

provocation of tillering especially in poaceae;

acceleration of the plant development cycle, particularly for strawberries; breaking dormancy;

increased plant defenses;

decontamination of plants;

induction of early fruitiness, especially for strawberries;

improvement of floral initiation especially in soybeans, and oilseed crops such as rapeseed or sunflower, of growth and crop yield, especially when they are applied at particular stages, such as the grain filling stage in corn ;

application at early stages reduces lodging risk and improves yield by promoting root development and anchoring in wheat; application at early stages reduces the risk of lodging and improves yield by shortening internodes and strengthening figs, as in wheat, rapeseed and sunflower;

the application during growth makes it possible to control the plant growth by reducing or stimulating it, depending on the dose, as in turf;

the application at particular stages, in particular near the harvest and after harvest, make it possible to improve the quality of many plant productions such as medicinal hemp, tomato, apple and strawberry, by stimulating or modifying the production of secondary compounds (phenolic compounds, ferpenoids, alkaloids, cannabinoids, glucosinolafes ...);

improvement of the quality of plant production by stimulating or modifying the primary or secondary metabolism resulting from the production of aromas, fragrances, coloring pigments and phyfomicronufrimenfs. But also starch and protein in iron potatoes and cereals such as wheat, lipids in oil crops such as sunflower and rapeseed, proteins in protein crops such as soybeans, fiber in industrial crops such as hemp, sugars and organic acids in fruit crops such as apple trees and compounds used for the production of biofuels such as rapeseed and sunflower;

[0106] Thus, the results obtained by the use of this invention can also be applicable in the following fields, through non-limiting examples: pharmacology, cosmetics, the paper industry and its derivatives, aromas and perfumes industry, the "green" chemical industry, the food industry, animal feed, nufraceufique.

[0107] The present invention will now be illustrated by means of the following examples.

Examples

The first results obtained with mercury vapor lamps (254 nm) show superiority of UV-C flashes (one second) compared to conventional exposures (one minute). UV-C flashes show stimulating effects on secondary metabolism, growth, yield and quality of production. Example 1: Effects of UV-C flashes on the secondary metabolism of tobacco.

[0109] The tobacco plants were sown on D0.

[01 10] The observations were focused on the effects of UV-C treatments applied at a dose of 1 kJ / m ² , soi † in the form of flashes of one second (Dl), soi † in the form of exposures conventional ones lasting one minute (D2) on the nicotine concentration of tobacco leaves from plants grown in pots in a greenhouse. The trial also included an untreated control. [01 1 1] The device used for the UV-C treatments consisted of mercury vapor lamps (254 nm) e † made it possible to compare flashes and conventional exposures at equal dose and wavelength.

[01 12] Several UV-C treatments have been carried out, namely on D47, D54 e † J61 as well as on D68. The harvest took place a week later on D75.

[01 13] Two basal leaves were harvested per plant, out of ten plants per sample. So † a total of 20 leaves collected per sample. n = 3. The leaves were dried in an oven at approximately 80 ° C. for 48 hours and then crushed.

[01 14] Nicotine was assayed by HPLC-DAD 260 nm e † the concentration expressed relative to the dry matter.

[01 15] Tab. 1. Effect of conventional UV-C flash exposures on the concentration of nicotine in tobacco leaves. Different letters indicate significant differences at the 5% level.

[Table 1]

Conclusion:

[01 16] The results of Table 1 show that the UV-C flashes make it possible to substantially increase (+ 17%) the nicotine concentration of tobacco leaves compared with the control, while the conventional exposures are † for effect of reducing it (- 8%).

Example 2: Effects of different doses of UV-C in the form of flashes on the growth, the yield and the quality of the leek.

[01 1 7] The leek plants were sown on D0.

[01 18] The observations have focused on the effects of UV-C flash treatments applied at three doses, 400, 800 e † 1200 J / m ² on the mass e † the length of the drums. The trial also included an untreated control (TNT). The device was completely randomized with n = 1 1.

[01 19] The device used for UV-C treatments consists of mercury vapor lamps (254 nm). Doses of 400, 800 e † 1200 J / m ² were obtained with exposure times of 1 s, 2s and 3s, respectively.

[0120] Four treatments were carried out, every 7 days, between D23 and D44.

[0121] The barrels were harvested on D51, their weight weighed and their length measured. Conclusion:

[0122] The results of FIG. 6 show that the treatments have made it possible to increase the growth and therefore the yield since an increase in the mass at harvest of the barrels is observed following the treatments carried out. Remarkably, the most marked effect was observed with the treatment of 400 J / m ² obtained in 1 s.

The results of FIG. 7 make it possible to conclude that a morphogenetic effect e † therefore on the “quality of presentation” (length to mass ratio) was also observed. Indeed, the increase in mass is not entirely attributable to the increase in length. The increase in barrel length is significantly greater for the 1200 J / m ² treatment.

Example 3: Effects of UV-C flashes on the growth and development of the carrot.

[0124] The red anthocyanin variety GNIFF AB from the Sainte Marthe farm was used for this test.

[0125] The sowing took place on D0 e † the culture was carried out in a greenhouse with temperatures between 17 ° C and 26 ° C.

The device used for the UV-C treatments consisted of mercury vapor lamps (254 nm). The doses of 100, 300 e † 500 J / m ² were all obtained with an exposure time of 1 s by adjusting the distance between the lamps and the plants. The experimental set-up also included a control n = 35.

[0127] The carrots were harvested on D60. The total weight, the length and the diameter of the roots were measured. The length of the leaves was also measured.

[0128] Tab. 2. Effect of different doses of UV-C applied in the form of i s flashes on leaf length, total weight, length, diameter e † length to diameter ratio of carrot roots. *, ** e † *** correspond to differences with the control, significant at the thresholds of 10%, 5% e † 1%, respectively (Studen's † tes †).

[Table 2]

Conclusion: [0129] The UV-C flashes applied during cultivation increase the length of the leaves as well as the total weight and the diameter of the roots. Only the treatment at 100 J / m ² increases the length of the roots. UV-C flashes can be seen to stimulate growth and yield. They can also exert morphogenetic effects and therefore on the quality of presentation by modifying the length / diameter ratio of the roots (treatments at 300 and 500 J / m ² ). In general, the effects on the length of the leaves, the total weight and the diameter of the roots are all the more marked as the applied dose is high. Example 4: Effects of UV-C flashes on the quantity of phenols, flavonoids and on the anti-radical activity of carrots.

[0130] The red anthocyanin variety GNIFF AB from the Sainte Marthe farm was used for this test.

[0131] The sowing took place on D0 and the culture was carried out in a greenhouse with temperatures between 17 ° C and 26 ° C.

[0132] The device used for the UV-C treatments consisted of mercury vapor lamps (254 nm). The doses of 100, 300 and 500 J / m ² were all obtained with an exposure time of 1 s by adjusting the distance between the lamps and the plants. The experimental set-up also included a control n = 35.

The root tubers of the carrots were harvested on D60 and then ground in liquid nitrogen and the powder was used for the determination of the phenolic compounds, the flavonoids and all the anti-radical species.

Conclusion:

[0134] The UV-C flashes applied during cultivation increase the quantity, the quantity of phenols (FIG. 8) and of flavonoids (FIG. 9) and increases the anti-radical activity (FIG. 10) of the root tubers of carrots. These increases are significantly marked with the 300 J / m ² dose.

Example 5 Effects of UV-C flashes on floral development and flowering homogeneity in strawberries.

[0135] So-called "fridge" strawberry plants of the "Gariguette" variety were planted in 2-liter pots, in a glass greenhouse on D0.

[0136] The device used for the UV-C treatments consists of mercury vapor lamps (254 nm). The treatments consisted of applying a dose of 800 J / m ² (in 1 s) on the following days: D5, D 12, D 19 and D26. The treatments were carried out on normal plants and on plants treated with an elicitor treatment of the defenses (Vacciplant®). The treatments with Vacciplant® were carried out on D 10 and D24. The randomized trial included, in addition to normal plants treated with UV-C and plants treated with UV-C and with Vacciplant®, untreated plants and plants treated only with Vacciplant®. n = 20. [0137] The appearance of the flowers was noted on the following days: D 10, D 12, D 14 from the start of the test †, noted as D0, D + 2, D + 4 in the figure).

Conclusion:

[0138] FIGS. 11 and 12 show that the UV-C flash treatments exerted a stimulating effect on the development of the strawberry plant, in this case of acceleration of floral development, as can be seen up to on the date D + 4 (D 14). The effect of accelerating floral development was exerted on both treated plants and plants not treated with Vacciplant®. Remarkably, UV-C flash treatments have helped to counteract the negative effect of Vacciplant® on the flowering rate of strawberries.

Example 6: Effects of UV-C flashes on the entry into production of the strawberry plant.

[0139] So-called "fridge" strawberry plants of the "Gariguette" variety were planted in pots of 21, in a greenhouse on D0.

[0140] The device used for the UV-C treatments consisted of mercury vapor lamps (254 nm). The observations were made on the effects of two doses of UV-C (ID = 800 J / m ² , D2 = 1,600 / m ² ), obtained respectively in 1 e † 2s of exposure. The UV-C treatments were carried out on the following days: D 18, D25, D32 e † D45. The trial included a control (TNT) e † n = 20.

[0141] The observations were brought to D53 on the number of flowers, the number of green fruits and the number of ripe fruits.

Conclusion:

[0142] On D53, there was no difference in the number of flowers between the plants treated and the control (results not shown), which is consistent with the end of test observations presented in the example. 4. Figure 13 shows that the number of green fruits was 50% higher in the DI treatment (800J / m ² ) e † more than 150% higher in the D2 treatment (1600 J / m ² ) compared to to the untreated witness. On D53, we observed in addition 8 ripe fruits in the D2 treatment alone (1600 J / m ² ) (results not shown). These results demonstrate that it is possible to increase the early production by UV-C treatments e † the dose influences the result †.

Example 7: Effects of UV-C flashes on cannabinoid production in Cannabis sativa

L

[0143] Several Cannabis sativa L. plants were planted on D0 in Spain, in 15 L pots filled with fertilized Garlic Mix potting soil, in Mylar “black boxes”. Watering was provided every 3 days. The temperatures imposed were of 19 ° C the night of 26 ° C the day. During the growth phase (3 weeks), the photoperiod was 18h day / 6h night † with lighting provided by MH 250W 6600 ° K lamps. During the flowering phase (8 weeks), the photoperiod was 12 h day / 12 h night † with lighting provided by HPS 400W 2700 ° K lamps. Ventilation was provided with a flow rate of 15m ³ / h.

[0144] The device used for the UV-C treatments consisted of mercury vapor lamps (254 nm). Observations were made on the effects of a single dose of UV-C provided in the form of a 1 s flash, a first time from the 5th week of flowering, and a second time a week later.

[0145] The samples were taken one week after the second light treatment from “pooled” plant material per treatment (2 grams per treatment). The comparison focused on the effect of treatments based on UV-C flashes compared to an untreated control.

[0146] Tab. 3. Effect of UV-C flash exposure on the cannabinoid concentration in the inflorescences of Cannabis sativa L. expressed mg / g of the dry matter.

[Table 3]

Conclusion:

The results of Table 3 show that the UV-C flashes make it possible to substantially increase (+ 621%) the THC concentration relative to the control. The CBD contents only exist in trace amounts, as expected.

Example 8: Effect of UV-C flashes on vine yield

[0148] The test was carried out on vines located on a plot of 'Merlo †' randomized into 3 blocks. Plants treated with UV-C flashes were exposed to light for about one second every 10 days or so between April and July. The lamps used for the light treatments were UV-C amalgam lamps (254 nm) mounted on a prototype carried by a tractor moving between the rows of crops. The treatments consisted of flashes of about one second, delivering 800 J / m ² / flash.

[0149] 10 to 13 plants, selected randomly, we † were harvested individually by block

(n = 35) in September. The values in the table are mean + standard deviations, expressed in kg of bunches per plant. The different letters indicate significant differences at the 5% level (Kruskal Wallis non-parametric test †).

[Table 4]

Claims

[Claim 1] Mobile light exposure device (1) for improving the yield e † of the quality of biological material (2) comprising:

a first emission module (3) of one or more light pulses, comprising at least one light treatment panel with the surface area being between 0.01 m ² e † 10 m ² ;

a second adjustment module (6), remotely or on the device, of the optical power density of the processing panel e † optionally of the temperature of said panel;

a means of locomotion (4) allowing the movement of the device, preferably at a speed between 1 e † 10 km / h;

characterized in that the optical power density of the panel is between 100 W / m ² e † 10,000 W / m ² , preferably between 300 W / m ² e † 3000 W / m ² , e † in that the light pulses delivered to said biological material (2) are of identical or different wavelengths and / or durations but less than or equal to two seconds, preferably less than or equal to one second.

[Claim 2] Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the light pulses delivered to the biological material (2) have identical or different wavelengths of between 200 nm e † 700 nm (UV-C, UV-B , UV-A, visible light), preferably between 200 and 280 nm (UV-C).

[Claim 3] Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it es † powered by an independent and / or autonomous source of energy (7), preferably a battery and / or an alternator.

[Claim 4] A method of improving the yield e † of the quality of biological materials (2) comprising the following steps of:

installation of a device according to one of the preceding claims on an agricultural holding comprising plantations to be treated;

passage of said device through the plantations combined with direct exposure of the biological material (2) to light pulses of identical or different wavelengths and / or durations,

characterized in that the wavelengths are † identical or different e † sound † between 200 nm and † 700 nm (UV-C, UV-B, UV-A, visible light), preferably between 200 and 280 nm (UV-C); e † in that the exposure times are identical or different but of a duration less than or equal to two seconds, preferably less than or equal to one second.

[Claim 5] A method according to claim 4, characterized in that the biological material (2) is a plant material such as a fruit, a vegetable, a seed, a vitroplan †, a tuber or any other part of a plant. plant.

[Claim 6] Use of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, for modifying the physiology of a plant material, of a fungus or of microorganisms or media derived from culture of microorganisms. (2).

[Claim 7] Use of a device according to claim 6, for modifying the primary and / or secondary metabolism of a plant material, of a fungus or of microorganisms or media derived from culture of microorganisms (2), preferably of a plant material.

[Claim 8] Use of a device according to claim 6, for modifying the growth and / or development of a plant material, of a fungus or of microorganisms or media derived from culture of microorganisms (2 ), preferably of a plant material.

[Claim 9] Use of a device according to claim 6, characterized in that the plant material is chosen from tobacco, leek, carrot, strawberry, e † Cannabis sativa L.

[Claim 10] Use of a device according to claim 9, characterized in that the biological material is † Cannabis sativa L.