GB2534552A

GB2534552A - Plant protection device

Info

Publication number: GB2534552A
Application number: GB1500898.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Moore Paul; Senior Hannah
Original assignee: Duraweld Ltd
Current assignee: Duraweld Ltd
Priority date: 2015-01-20
Filing date: 2015-01-20
Publication date: 2016-08-03
Also published as: WO2016116751A1; GB201500898D0

Abstract

A pollen barrier bag device, figure 1, comprises a spiral wound tubular wall 36 arrangement with an end wall 34 and a wall aperture 18 to form a container. The aperture may comprise a re-sealable flap (figure 4, 18) for plant access. At least part of the device is transparent. The spiral windings of a substantially sheet-like flexible material comprise welded or heat-sealed joints 40 forming a pocket (figure 3, 64) which may comprise a shaping wire or support to hold the device in shape. The device material may be translucent, vapour permeable but waterproof and may comprise non-woven bonded polyester fibres. In use, the device is preferably placed over a plant stigma to prevent pollen reaching the ovum and resultant fertilisation.

Description

Plant Protection Device The present invention relates to a plant protection device, particularly but not exclusively a plant protection device for controlling pollination of a plant.

Plant pollination is part of a plant reproductive process and is the process whereby pollen, which is produced by the anthers (male gamete producing part of a plant), is transferred to a stigma, (part of the female reproductive apparatus of a plant), to cause fertilisation leading to seed and fruit production. Pollen can be transferred by several methods eg by air or by insect.

To control the reproductive process (for example, to ensure certain characteristics are inherited by offspring of the reproductive process), it is necessary to control the transfer of the pollen to the stigma. This can be achieved simply by providing a barrier between the stigma and any unintended pollen source. One conventional example of such a barrier is provided in the form of a bag which fits over a female part of the plant, or over a whole plant. The bag defines an interior in which the plant part can be received, with an opening which is closed around a plant stem.

When the plant is to be pollinated, it can be done in different ways. One method is to remove the bag, carry out the pollination process and replace the bag over the plant. However, removing and replacing the bag runs the risk of damaging the plant, and exposing the female part to inadvertent unwanted pollination by, for example, wind or insect borne pollen. Another method is to cut or puncture the bag before puffing in the pollen. The hole is then typically re-sealed to maintain a pollen-controlled environment. A third method involves introducing pollinating organisms (eg flies) into the bag to transmit pollen between flowers.

Plant protection bags are also used to protect maturing fruit. Maturing fruit requires protection from birds, insects, weather and abrasion. Similar considerations to those outlined above apply, in that it is desirable to reduce the movement of the bags to a minimum.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plant protection device for controlling pollination of a plant, the device including one or more walls which define an interior with an opening, in use the device being located over a reproductive part of a plant so that the reproductive part is received within the interior to prevent or control the transfer of pollen to the reproductive part.

Possibly, the device includes an access arrangement. Possibly, the access arrangement is movable between an open condition, in which the access arrangement permits access to the reproductive part, and a closed condition, in which the access arrangement substantially prevents or restricts access to the reproductive part.

Possibly, the access arrangement includes one or more lines of weakness, which may be defined in the or one of the walls. Possibly, in moving the access arrangement from the closed condition to the open condition, a user forms an aperture in the respective wall along the line(s) of weakness.

Possibly, the access arrangement includes an aperture, which may be defined in the or one of the walls.

Possibly, the device includes a wall part which is substantially transparent, to permit viewing of the reproductive part therethrough. Possibly, the aperture is defined in the transparent wall part.

Possibly, the access arrangement includes a closure, which is movable between an open condition, in which the closure may permit access to the interior through the aperture, and a closed condition, in which the closure may prevent access to the interior through the aperture.

The wall(s) may be movable between an expanded condition, in which parts of the wall(s) may be spaced apart from each other so that the volume of the interior is relatively large, and a collapsed condition, in which parts of the wall(s) are relatively closer to each other and the volume of the interior is reduced relative to the expanded condition.

Possibly, the device includes a shaping arrangement, which may hold or urge parts of the wall(s) apart, in or to the expanded condition.

The walls may include an end wall, which may comprise the shaping arrangement. The end wall may be located at an opposite end of the device to the opening. The end wall may be substantially circular in plan.

The walls may include one or more side walls, which may extend from the end wall. The parts of the wall(s) held or urged apart may comprise the side wall(s) of the device.

Possibly, the shaping arrangement includes one or a plurality of panels, which may comprise the wall(s), and may comprise the side wall(s). Possibly, the shaping arrangement includes one or more joints between the panels or parts of the panels.

Possibly, the device has a length, and may extend along a longitudinal axis. The opening may extend laterally from the longitudinal axis.

The or each joint may extend at an oblique angle to a direction which is parallel to the longitudinal axis. The or each joint may extend in a spiral along the length. The angle may be at least 60° and may be no more than 80°, desirably at least 65° and desirably no more than 75°, and optimally may be approximately 70°.

The side wall may comprise a single panel which is spiral wound along the length of the device, with one joint running therealong joining parts of the panel together.

Possibly, the or each joint is formed by bonding, or welding or stitching to provide a joined region. The bonding or welding may include heat welding or bonding, and/or high frequency welding, and/or gluing, and/or ultrasonic welding or bonding.

Possibly, the or each joint includes a flap of wall material. Possibly, in a flat condition, the or each flap is substantially flat and may lie against an exterior surface of the respective wall.

Possibly, the shaping arrangement includes one or more passage formations, the or each of which may define a passage. Possibly, the or each passage formation extends along the or one of the joints, and may be formed with the respective joint.

Possibly, the or each flap may be movable to a passage condition, in which the respective flap comprises the or one of the passage formations and defines the or one of the passages.

Possibly, the shaping arrangement includes one or more reinforcement members. Possibly, in an assembled condition, the or each reinforcement member is located within the or one of the passages. The or each reinforcement member may be elongate and may be in the form of wire, and may be formed of metal, such as stainless steel, or of a plastics material.

Possibly, the side wall or walls substantially form a cylinder.

Possibly, the or each wall is predominantly or completely formed of a sheet-like material, which may be non-woven. The wall material may comprise fibres, which may be bonded together. The wall material may be a plastics material and may comprise polyester, polypropylene, viscose or similar..

Possibly, the wall material is translucent, and may be permeable to vapour. Possibly, the wall material substantially prevents or resists liquid transmission therethrough.

Possibly, the reproductive part includes a stigma.

Possibly, the plant protection device is a pollen barrier device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling pollination of a plant, the method including providing a plant protection device, the device including one or more walls which define an interior with an opening, in use the device being located over a reproductive part of a plant so that the reproductive part is received within the interior to prevent or control the transfer of pollen to the reproductive part.

Possibly, the device includes any of the features described in any of the preceding statements or following description. Possibly, the method includes any of the steps described in any of the preceding statements or following description.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a plant protection device in an in use fitted condition; Fig. 2 is a side cross sectional view as indicated by arrows II-II of part of the device in a flat condition in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a side cross sectional view of the part of the device shown in Fig. 2, in a passage condition; Fig. 4 is a relatively enlarged detail view as indicated by arrow IV in Fig. 1 of an access arrangement in an open condition; and Fig. 5 is a view of the access arrangement of Fig. 4, in a closed condition.

Fig. 1 shows a plant protection device 10 for controlling pollination of a plant 60. The device 10 includes walls 12 which define an interior 14 with an opening 16. In use, the device 10 is located over a reproductive part 62 of the plant 60, such as a stigma, so that the reproductive part 62 is received within the interior 14 to prevent or control the transfer of pollen (not shown) to the reproductive part 62.

Although not shown in Fig. 1, in the fitted condition, the device 10 in the region of the opening 16 is drawn close around the stem of the plant 60 to prevent or reduce the risk of unwanted pollen transfer, for example, by wind or insects.

The device 10 has a length, and extends along a longitudinal axis 42. The opening 16 extends laterally from the longitudinal axis 42.

Each wall 12 is predominantly or completely formed of a sheet-like wall material 64. In one example, the sheet-like material 64 is non-woven, and comprises fibres, which are bonded together. In one example, the wall material 64 is a plastics material and could comprise polyester, polypropylene, viscose or similar.

In one example, the sheet-like material 64 is formed of non-woven, bonded polyester fibres.

The wall material 64 is translucent, and is permeable to vapour, but substantially prevents or resists liquid transmission therethrough. Advantageously, the wall material 64 permits light and vapour transmission, to permit necessary plant processes such as respiration and photosynthesis, but substantially prevents or resists rainfall from damaging the reproductive parts 62. The reproductive parts 62 include relatively delicate parts such as a stigma, which can be damaged by rainfall.

The walls 12 may be movable between an expanded condition, in which parts of the walls 12 are spaced apart from each other so that the volume of the interior 14 is relatively large, and a collapsed condition, in which parts of the walls are relatively closer to each other and the volume of the interior 14 is reduced relative to the expanded condition.

The device 10 includes a shaping arrangement 32, which holds or urges parts of the walls 12 apart, in or to the expanded condition.

In one example, as shown in Fig. 1, the walls 12 include an end wall 34, which comprises the shaping arrangement 32, and a side wall 36, which extends from the end wall 34. The end wall 34 is substantially circular in plan, and is located at an opposite end of the device 10 to the opening 16. The side wall 36 substantially forms a cylinder.

The parts of the wall(s) 12 held or urged apart comprise the side wall 36 of the device 10.

In use, the end wall 34 functions to space the parts of the side wall 36 away from each other. This reduces the risk of damage to the relatively delicate reproductive parts 62 during use and when moving the device 10 to and from the fitted condition.

The shaping arrangement 32 includes a panel 38, which comprises the side wall 36, and extends in a spiral along the length of the device 10. The shaping arrangement 32 includes a joint 40 which correspondingly extends in a spiral, joining parts of the panel 38 together.

The joint 40 extends at an oblique angle 44 to a direction which is parallel to the longitudinal axis 42. In one example, the angle 44 could be at least 60° and could be no more than 80°. In another example, the angle 44 could be at least 65° and could be no more than 75°. In another example, the angle 44 could optimally be approximately 70°.

The joint 40 is formed by bonding, welding or stitching to provide a joined region 46. The bonding or welding could include heat welding or bonding, and/or high frequency welding, and/or gluing, and/or ultrasonic welding or bonding. In one example, the joint 40 is formed by ultrasonic welding or bonding.

The joint 40 includes a flap 48 of the wall material 64. The flap 48 is formed of a loop of wall material 64 with a fold 58 so that the wall material 64 is folded back on itself to increase the total thickness of the wall material 64 at the joint 40 and in the region of the flap 48. At the joint 40 and in the region of the flap 48, there are three thicknesses of the wall material 64. At the joined region 46, the three thicknesses of the wall material 64 are bonded together. The additional thicknesses of the wall material 64 at the joint 40 and in the region of the flap 48 serve to stiffen the joint 40 and the side wall 36 and hold parts of the side wall 36 spaced apart from each other. In a flat condition, the flap 48 is substantially flat and lies against an exterior surface 50 of the side wall 36.

The flap 48 is movable to a passage condition, in which the flap 48 comprises a passage formation 52 and defines a passage 54. The passage formation 52 comprises the shaping arrangement 32. The passage formation extends along the joint 40 and is formed with the joint 40.

The shaping arrangement 32 includes an elongate reinforcement member 56 which is in the form of wire. In an assembled condition, the reinforcement member 56 is located within the passage 54. The reinforcement member 56 could be formed of metal, such as stainless steel, or could be formed of a plastics material.

In use, each of the spiral wound panel 38 and the joint 40, the flap 48, the passage formation 52 and the reinforcement member 56 increase the stiffness of the side wall 36 to hold parts of the side wall 36 spaced apart from each other, in or to the expanded condition. In particular, in this example, these features serve to hold and maintain the side wall 36 in the cylindrical form and prevent inadvertent inward collapse of parts of the side wall 36 to the collapsed condition. This reduces the risk of damage to the relatively delicate reproductive parts 62 during use and when moving the device 10 to and from the fitted condition. In the fitted condition, these features advantageously help maintain the spaced apart configuration of the walls shape of the device and help protect the plant from wind, rain, snow, birds, insects and impact/abrasion from neighbouring branches. The combination of these features with the provision of the end wall 34 and the cylindrical shape of the side wall 36 provides a cumulative benefit. However, the skilled person will realise that some of these features could be provided separately or differently to obtain some benefit.

It is a further advantage for the reinforcement member 56 to be formed of a resiliently deformable material such as spring steel or a plastics material, which in the assembled condition urges the parts of the side wall 36 to be spaced apart.

In the example shown, the side wall 36 includes a wall part 22 which is substantially transparent, to permit viewing of the reproductive part 62 therethrough.

The device 10 includes an access arrangement 18 which is movable between an open condition, in which the access arrangement 18 permits access to the reproductive part 62, and a closed condition, in which the access arrangement 18 substantially prevents or restricts access to the reproductive part 62.

The access arrangement 18 includes an aperture 20, which could be defined in one of the walls 12, for example, the side wall 36. In the example shown, the aperture 20 is defined in the transparent wall part 22.

In the example shown, the aperture 20 includes a pair of crossed slits 66. The crossed slits 66 form corners 68 of the wall material 64 which are resiliently deformable to permit access therethrough.

The access arrangement 18 includes a closure 24, which is movable between an open condition, in which the closure 24 permits access to the interior 14 through the aperture 20, and a closed condition, in which the closure 24 is located on the side wall 36 covering the aperture 20 to prevent access to the interior 14 through the aperture 20.

The closure 24 includes a closure member 26 which could be sheet-like and in the form of a label, with a layer of adhesive 30 applied thereto.

The adhesive 30 could be low tack adhesive to permit easy removal and replacement of the closure 24 over the aperture 20. The closure 24 includes a gripping tab 28 (without adhesive) extending from the closure member 26 to facilitate removal of the closure 24 from over the aperture 20.

In another example (not shown), the access arrangement 18 could include one or more lines of weakness (such as lines of perforations), which are defined in one of the walls 12. In moving the access arrangement 18 from the closed condition to the open condition, the user forms an aperture 20 in the respective wall 12 along the line(s) of weakness.

When the user wishes to pollinate the reproductive part 62, the user grips the tab 28 and peels away the closure member 26 to expose the aperture 20. The user then pushes a tool part (not shown) bearing the desired pollen against the corners 68 which deform to permit passage of the tool part into the interior 14. The tool part dispenses the pollen onto the stigma and is then withdrawn back through the aperture 20. The resilient corners 68 substantially close back and the user replaces the closure 24 on the side wall 36 over the aperture 20.

Advantageously, the device 10 does not have to be removed from the plant to permit pollination. Thus the risk of damage to the reproductive parts 62 by movement of the device 10 is reduced. Also, the risk of unwanted pollination (eg by wind or insects) when the device 10 is removed is reduced.

Advantageously, the aperture 20 can be sized to be a close fit around the tool part. In one example, the slits 66 are between 5 and 10 mmm long and optimally are 7 to 8 mm long.

Various other modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The device and the various components thereof could be of any suitable size and shape, and could be formed of any suitable material, within the scope of the specific definitions herein.

Although the device 10 is shown in Fig. 1 with the various features of the shaping arrangement (eg, end wall, cylindrical side wall, spiral panel and joint, joint flap, passage formation, reinforcement member) and the access arrangement, it could be provided with any one or combination of these, within the scope of the invention. Also the device of the invention might not have a transparent wall panel. The aperture of the access arrangement could be formed in the wall material. However, the applicant has found that there is a beneficial effect in providing a device having all of these features, as this then provides a device which minimises movement in use and therefore reduces the risk of damage to the plant during movement.

The plant protection device described thus provides a pollen barrier device for controlling pollination of a plant. The plant protection device described can also be used for other purposes, such as the protection of maturing fruit. Maturing fruit requires protection from birds, insects and the weather. Similar considerations to those outlined above apply, in that it is desirable to reduce the movement of the bags to a minimum.

There is thus provided a plant protection device with a number of advantages over conventional arrangements. The device permits pollination to be carried out with the device in the fitted condition. The device includes a shaping arrangement which permits easier location and removal with reduced risk of plant damage and helps the bag stay open in wind / rain / snow / abrasion from other branches.

Claims

Claims 1. A plant protection device for controlling pollination of a plant, the device including one or more walls which define an interior with an opening, in use the device being located over a reproductive part of a plant so that the reproductive part is received within the interior to prevent or control the transfer of pollen to the reproductive part.
2. A device according to claim 1, in which the device includes an access arrangement, the access arrangement being movable between an open condition, in which the access arrangement permits access to the reproductive part, and a closed condition, in which the access arrangement substantially prevents or restricts access to the reproductive part. r 15
3. A device according to claim 2, in which the access arrangement includes one or more lines of weakness, which are defined in the or one of the walls. Cn
4. A device according to claim 3, in which, in moving the access arrangement from the closed condition to the open condition, a user forms an aperture in the respective wall along the line(s) of weakness.
5. A device according to any of claims 2 to 4, in which the access arrangement includes an aperture, which is defined in the or one of the walls.
6. A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the device includes a wall part which is substantially transparent, to permit viewing of the reproductive part therethrough.
7. A device according to claim 6 when dependent on claims 4 or 5, in which the aperture is defined in the transparent wall part. L.0OCO
8. A device according to claims 4 or 5 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the access arrangement includes a closure, which is movable between an open condition, in which the closure permits access to the interior through the aperture, and a closed condition, in which the closure prevents access to the interior through the aperture.
9. A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the wall(s) is/are movable between an expanded condition, in which parts of the wall(s) is/are spaced apart from each other so that the volume of the interior is relatively large, and a collapsed condition, in which parts of the wall(s) are relatively closer to each other and the volume of the interior is reduced relative to the expanded condition.
10.A device according to claim 9, in which the device includes a shaping arrangement, which holds or urges parts of the wall(s) apart, in or to the expanded condition.
11.A device according to claim 10, in which the walls include an end wall, which comprises the shaping arrangement.
12.A device according to claim 11, in which the end wall is located at an opposite end of the device to the opening.
13.A device according to claims 11 or 12, in which the end wall is substantially circular in plan.
14.A device according to any of claims 11 to 13, in which the walls include one or more side walls, which extend(s) from the end wall.
15.A device according to claim 14, in which the parts of the wall(s) held or urged apart comprise(s) the side wall(s) of the device.
16.A device according to any of claims 10 to 15, in which the shaping arrangement includes one or a plurality of panels, which comprise(s) the wall(s).
17.A device according to claim 16 when dependent on claims 14 or 15, in which the panel(s) comprise(s) the side wall(s).
18.A device according to claims 16 or 17, in which the shaping arrangement includes one or more joints between the panels or parts of the panel(s).
19. A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the device has a length, and extends along a longitudinal axis.
20.A device according to claim 19, in which the opening extends laterally from r 15 the longitudinal axis. r
21.A device according to claim 19 or 20 when dependent on claim 18, in which the or each joint extends in a spiral along the length. Cn
22. A device according to any of claims 19 to 21 when dependent on claim 18, in which the or each joint extends at an oblique angle to a direction which is parallel to the longitudinal axis.
23.A device according to claim 22, in which the angle is at least 60° and is no more than 80°, desirably at least 65° and desirably no more than 75°, and optimally is approximately 70°.
24.A device according to claims 22 or 23, in which the side wall comprises a single panel which is spiral wound along the length of the device, with one joint running therealong joining parts of the panel together.
25.A device according to claim 18 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the or each joint is formed by bonding, or welding or stitching to provide a joined region.
26.A device according to claim 25, in which the bonding or welding includes heat welding or bonding, and/or high frequency welding, and/or gluing, and/or ultrasonic welding or bonding.
27.A device according to claim 18 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the or each joint includes a flap of wall material.
28.A device according to claim 27, in which, in a flat condition, the or each flap is substantially flat and lies against an exterior surface of the respective wall. r 15
29.A device according to claim 10 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the shaping arrangement includes one or more passage formations, the or each of which defines a passage.
30.A device according to claim 29 when dependent on claim 18 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the or each passage formation extends along the or one of the joints, and may be formed with the respective joint.
31. A device according to claims 29 or 30 when dependent on claims 27 or 28, in which the or each flap is movable to a passage condition, in which the respective flap comprises the or one of the passage formations and defines the or one of the passages.
32.A device according to claim 10, in which the shaping arrangement includes one or more reinforcement members.
33.A device according to claim 32 when dependent on claim 29 or any claim dependent thereon, in which in an assembled condition, the or each reinforcement member is located within the or one of the passages.
34.A device according to claims 32 or 33, in which the or each reinforcement member is elongate and may be in the form of wire, and may be formed of metal, such as stainless steel, or of a plastics material.
35.A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the side wall or walls substantially form a cylinder.
36.A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the or each wall is predominantly or completely formed of a sheet-like material, which may be non-woven. r 15
37. A device according to claim 36, in which the wall material comprises fibres, which may be bonded together.C

CO
38.A device according to claims 36 or 37, in which the wall material is a plastics material and may comprise polyester, polypropylene, viscose or similar.
39.A device according to any of claims 36 to 38, in which the wall material is translucent.
40.A device according to any of claims 36 to 39, in which the wall material is permeable to vapour.
41.A device according to any of claims 36 to 40, in which the wall material substantially prevents or resists liquid transmission therethrough.
42.A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the reproductive part includes a stigma.
43.A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the plant protection device is a pollen barrier device.
44.A method of controlling pollination of a plant, the method including providing a plant protection device, the device including one or more walls which define an interior with an opening, in use the device being located over a reproductive part of a plant so that the reproductive part is received within the interior to prevent or control the transfer of pollen to the reproductive part.
45.A method according to claim 44, in which the device includes any of the features defined in any of claims 1 to 43.
46.A plant protection device for controlling pollination of a plant substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.OCn
47. A method of controlling pollination of a plant substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.