GB1278529A - Method and means for protecting seeds during their initial stages of growth - Google Patents

Abstract

1278529 Protecting seeds J W D PEAK 25 May 1971 [5 March 1970] 10609/70 Heading A1E [Also in Division B8] A method of protecting a seed during its germination and initial stages of growth comprises locating the seed in an environment of either Balsa wood or of balsa wood dust or chippings bound by a suitable binder or adhesive. In the latter case the binder is preferably water soluble so that the cellular structure of the wood is not sealed and water can reach the seed. Small seeds, as used in horticulture or agriculture, may be enclosed in Balsa wood dust bound with water soluble binder; large seeds, as used in silviculture may be surrounded by wood chippings, and in this case the binder need not necessarily be water soluble since the chippings are of sufficient size to allow water to reach the seed. Alternatively, a rectangular slab of the wood (or which can be formed from wood dust and/or chippings) may be employed, the seeds 15 being placed in holes 14 of the portions 8. The seeds remain dormant until the slab is moistened and germination commences. In the initial stages the roots may grow through the slab and at a later stages the whole slab or one or more of the individual portions be planted in the soil The Balsa wood dust or chippings can have fertilisers, fungicides, insecticides or other growth promoting or seed protecting substances mixed with them before being bound; the Balsa wood may be impregnated with these substances.