JP2005519125A - Plant preservation system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides methods, devices and compositions for preserving plants such as cut flowers. This method comprises, for example, sealing the cuts (4) in an antimicrobial preservation medium (2) and sealing the flowers in an inert gas environment (7). This device includes a packaging material (5) and a medium for energizing and protecting the rooted plants and / or cut flowers. The composition of the present invention provides, for example, a medium that prevents microbial growth and energizes the cut plants.

Description

Cross-reference to prior application This application is incorporated by reference in its application to Sudhir K. US provisional application no. 60/362, 002 “Sugar-free Gelled Media in Specialized Packing for Maintaining Freshness and Leakprof Transportability of Plants in the Year 2 US utility model application no. 10 / 188,663, claiming priority and interest from “Plant Preservation Systems”.

The present invention is in the field of methods, apparatus and compositions for storing plants. The present invention relates to a method for controlling microorganisms, for example by sealing roots or cuts in a preservation medium and / or sealing the aerial part of the plant in an inert gas. The plant storage device of the present invention has a packaging system for storing, for example, the storage medium without spilling and for protecting the plant in an inert gas. The compositions of the present invention provide, for example, thickeners, anti-wilt hormones, salts, and / or microbial inhibitors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The importance of preserving plants and cut flowers continues to increase as consumers demand a wide selection of plants and cut flowers from around the world. Consumers have come to expect florists to prepare various non-indigenous plants and out-of-season flowers from around the world. With better preservation of plants and cut flowers, customers will enjoy the flowers longer after jet transport, all local seals, and retail displays at florists.

  One of the things needed to preserve most rooted or cut plants is water. Many flowers and plant parts quickly lose bulges and wilt unless water is immediately supplied to the cuts. It is an old way to extend the attractive lifespan of a flower by keeping the cuts underwater. In order to maintain an appropriate osmotic balance, it is also known that when water is supplied with specific salts and sugars, cut flowers are prevented from wilting. Although these methods are effective, they only temporarily suspend the wilting of many types of cut flowers for a short period of time. In addition, the presence of liquid in flower loads is prohibited on many air routes because it can be damaged by spilled solutions from aircraft and cargo.

  Microorganisms can reduce the appearance of plants and cut flowers during storage or transportation. Bacterial systemic attacks often occur in the water of the stem and can cause the flowers to wither early. Fungi settle on the outside of the plant, weaken the plant and cause mold. Various methods have been used to deal with microbial destruction of plants and cut flowers, such as barren techniques, refrigeration, biocidal agents and the use of antibiotics.

  The burden of microorganisms can be reduced by performing barren techniques. Plants that are growing can be supplied with barren fertilizer. Plants grow in artificial or barren soil and can be harvested without contact with contaminated surfaces. Cut flowers can be packaged in a particle controlled environment such as a HEPA filtered room. Such a method can be expensive and usually cannot be achieved with caution because of the very wide variety of microorganisms that live on the surface of plants.

  In many cases, refrigeration can slow down the growth of microorganisms and the progress of quality degradation of cut plants. Low temperature slows metabolism and chemical reactions and delays the deterioration of cut flowers. This method can be very expensive as described above. In addition, many types of flowers do not wither, lose petals or leaves, and act against refrigeration.

  Biocidal agents such as ozone, ethanol or sodium hypochlorite can be used to kill plant surface microorganisms. Many microorganisms, such as sporulating bacteria and fungi, can still survive this treatment. Biocidal treatments are generally unpleasant and can damage the plant surface or the color of the flowers.

  Antibiotics can be effective in preventing cutaneous microbial activity. Antibiotics and fungicides in the stem water can stop microbial contamination of the water. Antibiotics can diffuse systematically and protect the entire cut plant. However, a wide range of antibiotics does not stop all microorganisms. Widespread use of antibiotics is a choice for resistant microorganisms and should be avoided. Stem water, including antibiotics, may not be safe if consumed by children and pets.

  Flower wilting can occur upon exposure to ethylene, a gaseous natural plant hormone that can occur in cut flowers. Ethylene levels can be lowered by providing ventilation. For example, in Meyers USP 4,515,266 “Modified Atmosphere Package and Process”, the output is maintained by releasing the storage container with an inert gas mixture. Another way to minimize ethylene damage is by addition of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which is known to inhibit ethylene production under certain conditions.

Aerobic bacteria and fungi can be prevented by removing oxygen from their environment. For example, USP 5,584,225 “Method and Apparatus for Packing and Preservation of Flowers and Other Botanicals” by Quidding et al. Describes a method in which cut flowers can be stored by packaging them in an inert gas mixture under partial vacuum. Has been. However, the equipment and packaging materials used can be expensive. In addition, the quality of plants and cut flowers with roots removed may deteriorate due to factors other than aerobic microorganisms.
USP 4,515,266 USP 5,584,225 USP 5,536,155

  In view of the above, there is a need for a method of minimizing agricultural waste by extending the useful life of plants and cut flowers with roots removed. It would be desirable to replace the need for aseptic treatment and refrigeration with environmentally friendly alternatives. The present invention provides these and other features that will become apparent in the discussion that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a medium, apparatus and method for preserving plants such as cut flowers by supplying vital materials to the plants, for example, while inhibiting microbial growth. The medium of the present invention can contain a sugar-free mixture of soil and / or thickener, auxin, cytokinin, salt and / or antibiotic. The apparatus of the present invention comprises, for example, a flexible container filled with a substantially sugar-free medium and having a plant stem sealed with two separate bands, and a sealed container enclosing an inert gas around the top of the plant. Can be contained. The method of the present invention comprises, for example, a step of filling a flexible container with a medium from a distributor, a step of inserting a root or a cut plant stalk into the medium of the present invention, and a hermetic container filled with an inert gas at the top of the plant Wrapping in can be included.

  The cut flower preservation medium of the present invention can contain, for example, about 0.1 to about 1% by weight of agar, indole-3-acetic acid, a salt, and an antimicrobial agent. The medium can be, for example, substantially free of sugar and contain about 0.5% by weight of agar. Indole-3-acetic acid can be present, for example, in an amount ranging from about 1.5 to about 20 mg / L. The medium can contain, for example, kinetin in an amount ranging from about 3.5 to about 15 mg / L and / or gibberellin in an amount ranging from about 0.3 to about 5 mg / L. The antimicrobial agent in the present invention may be hypochlorite, plant extract, and / or kanamycin monosulfate, for example, in an amount ranging from about 50 to about 200 mg / L. The medium of the present invention can contain, for example, a thickener and / or soil.

  The medium of the present invention can contain small molecules such as salts and vitamins. Examples of the medium include ammonium nitrate, boric acid, calcium chloride, cobalt chloride, copper sulfate, EDTA, ferrous sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium molybdate, potassium iodide, potassium nitrate, potassium phosphate, zinc sulfate, myo-inositol, and nicotinic acid. , Pyridoxine, thiamine and the like.

  The present invention provides an apparatus for preserving plants and cut flowers from which roots have been removed. This device is for example a flexible container filled with a storage medium and forcibly confining a plant stem with two or more bands (eg parts of a plant storage system with flexible components useful for sealing against spills of the medium) And a hermetic container that seals the top of the plant, for example, in an inert gas atmosphere (eg, a chamber formed of components of a plant preservation system). The bands may be a plurality of elastic bands separated by, for example, 0.5 inches or more, and the upper surface of the medium is captured between the bands. The hermetic container can be made from, for example, a plastic or other polymer about 2 mils, 3 mils or thicker. The hermetic container can be assembled using a plastic sleeve (ie, tube or cylinder) by sealing one or more end openings, eg, by folding, twisting, and / or tying. The sealable container can have a textured inner surface, for example to prevent wetting and browning of petals that come into contact with the container inner surface. Examples of the inert gas include nitrogen, helium and / or argon.

  The device medium may be any suitable storage medium. The medium may be substantially free of sugar, for example to reduce microbial growth. The medium can contain a thickening agent such as an agar-based gel to reduce spillage from the flexible container. The medium can contain, for example, soil. The medium can contain, for example, one or more antibiotics, fungicides, antimicrobial plant compositions and / or antimicrobial plant extracts to help control the growth of microorganisms.

  In one embodiment, the method for preserving cut flowers includes, for example, inserting a flower stalk into a preservation medium, packaging the flower (portion) in a hermetic container, and filling the hermetic container with an inert gas. And sealing the sealable container.

  In another embodiment, the method for preserving cut flowers comprises filling a flexible container with a storage medium that is substantially free of sugar, inserting the cuts of cut flowers into the storage medium, and softening around the stem. The step of sealing the opening of the sex container with two or more bands spaced apart along the stem may be included. A sealing thickener or gel can be applied to the stem between the bands to more securely seal and integrate the flexible container.

  In yet another method of the invention, the plant fills a flexible container with, for example, a substantially sugar-free storage medium, inserts one or more plant roots into the storage medium, and surrounds the plant stem. Can be preserved by sealing the opening of the flexible container with two or more bands spaced along the stem and then sealing the top of the plant with the sealing container. As a plant of this method, a fruit plant and a vegetable plant are mentioned, for example.

  In the method of the present invention, the medium may be any suitable storage medium, for example. The medium may be, for example, substantially free of sugar. The medium of the method can contain thickening agents such as agar and / or other gels. The vehicle can contain one or more antibiotics such as kanamycin and / or ampicillin. The medium can contain sodium hypochlorite. The medium can contain, for example, a bactericidal agent. The medium can contain one or more plant extracts or compositions such as neem and / or eucalyptus. The neem (Azadirachta indica) in the medium may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 10% by weight or in an amount of about 1.5% by weight, based on the leaves. The medium of the method can contain one or more plant hormones such as auxin, kinetin, IAA, 2-iP and gibberellin. The storage medium of this method is, for example, ammonium nitrate, boric acid, calcium chloride, cobalt chloride, copper sulfate, EDTA, ferrous sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium molybdate, potassium iodide, potassium nitrate, potassium phosphate, zinc sulfate, myo- Additives such as inositol, nicotinic acid, pyridoxine and thiamine can be included. The pH of the medium in the process of the present invention can be adjusted, for example, within the range of about 3 to about 8.

  The method of the present invention includes the step of drilling a series of holes through which the medium can pass, for example, in the cuts. For example, the use of hormones in the medium or the application of hormones to the aerial part to induce the growth of specific plant tissues can give a plant hormone gradient and / or different hormone ratios between the parts of the plant. The method of the present invention can include, for example, planting a recutted plant cut into soil.

  The flexible container of the device of the present invention can be sealed, for example, on a medium that is substantially entirely free of air. The flexible container can be sealed with two or more bands, for example separated from each other and clamped around the flexible container and the plant stem. A flexible container can be, for example, an entirely flexible plastic bag, a rigid container with a flexible opening, or other flexible component of a plant storage system (eg, the lower part of a sealable container sleeve), although there is no flexible part. It may be a hard container that can be sealed. The flexible container may be any suitable medium holding container with an opening for receiving the medium and stem. For example, a sealant can be applied to the plant stem on the first band to enhance seal integration.

  The hermetic container of the present method can be made from, for example, a 2 mil, 3 mil or thicker plastic or polymeric material. This hermetic container may be a sleeve open at two ends or a bag-like container open at one end. The hermetic container can have a patterned inner surface on the third top of the container, for example to prevent wetting and browning of the flower portion. Gas can be introduced into the hermetic container by injecting liquid nitrogen, liquid helium and / or liquid argon. These inert gases can be filled into the hermetic container, for example, by expelling air from the hermetic container with a gas stream such as nitrogen, helium and / or argon. Such an inert gas atmosphere of the hermetic container can be further ensured by packaging the hermetic container in an outer container filled with an inert gas, for example.

Definitions The term agar as used herein refers to various aqueous polysaccharide extracts extracted from, for example, Tengusa seaweeds such as Gelidium, Gracilaria, Ceramium, Phyllophora, Pterocradia, Ahnfeltier, Campylaephora, and Acanthopelitis. Examples of the agar of the present invention include agar (agar or agar-agar), agarose, plant agar, agarobiose and algae. The agar can be, for example, any member of the family of 1,3-linked galactopyranose polymers and 3,6-linked 3,6-anhydro-L-galactopyranose polymers.

  The term substantially free of sugar, used in conjunction with the medium of the present invention, refers to a sugar concentration below a level at which the growth of contaminating microorganisms in the medium is significantly stimulated. The term sugar-free suggests a medium that does not contain significant mono- or disaccharides that can be readily utilized, for example, as energy supply to microorganisms. Since the medium of the present invention can contain a thickening agent, which can be, for example, a polysaccharide, some amount of saccharide can be present as a result of the thickener hydrolysis.

  The term antimicrobial agent includes, for example, antibiotics, fungicides, preservatives, antimicrobial plant compositions and extracts that can stop or slow the growth of microorganisms.

  The term plant refers to, for example, one or more whole plants, rooted plants and / or cut plants such as cut flowers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic view of cut flowers packaged with a cut flower storage system in which a flexible container and a hermetic container are part of a single packaging container.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic view of cut flowers packaged with a cut flower storage system made of flexible and sealable containers from independent system components.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a flexible container in a sufficiently sealed state.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic view of cut flowers packaged by a cut flower storage system with gas exchange holes.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic view of plants in the plant preservation system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides media, packaging materials and methods for storing plants, for example. Roots or cuts can be inserted into the media of the present invention. This medium preserves plants, for example by supplying water, suppressing microbial growth and / or supplying plant hormones. The packaging material of the present invention, for example, retains the medium without spillage, physically protects the aerial parts of the plant, maintains humidity, minimizes water loss, and / or substantially contains oxygen. Can give no environment. The method of the present invention can preserve plants by supplying the necessary liquid, slowing plant metabolism, and preventing microbial growth.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, for example, a storage medium comprising agar, indole-3-acetic acid and kanamycin is injected into the narrow end ("flexible container" portion) of a generally conical plastic packaging container. Cut the flower stem and insert into the medium. The sachet and medium are sealed without air by clamping the sack at the top of the medium with two separate rubber bands. For example, about 10 ml or more of liquid nitrogen is injected along the upper inner side of the large bag. Twist and tie the top of the large bag to seal the flowers in an inert gas atmosphere. When packaged in this way, the cut flowers can be transported and stored over a long period of time while retaining an attractive appearance and suppressing microbial growth.

Storage Medium The storage medium of the present invention inhibits microbial growth while supplying water and a convenient hormonal environment to the plant. Microbial growth is inhibited, for example, by the substantial absence of oxygen and CO ₂ in the system, the absence of sugar in the medium, and / or the presence of antimicrobial agents in the medium. Water, salt and hormones help prevent, for example, withdrawal (dropping of leaves, fruits and petals) and flower wilt. For example, a thickener can be added to the media to help control media spillage during shipping and shipping. For example, soil can be added to the medium in order to supply beneficial soil components to specific plants. In one embodiment, the medium of the present invention contains, for example, about 0.5% agar, indole-3-acetic acid, a salt and an antimicrobial agent.

Medium Thickener A thickener can be added to the medium of the present invention to retain water in a form useful for, for example, shoots and to minimize spillage of the medium during shipment of the packaged plant. The thickener of the present invention increases the viscosity of the medium and can be any substance that is compatible with plants and packaging materials. The thickener of the present invention may be any of various kinds of hydrophilic natural and / or synthetic polymers. The thickener of the present invention may be, for example, agar, alginate, carrageenan, gellan gum, pectin, cellulose derivative and / or vegetable gum. A biodegradable thickener can be selected if it is desired to dispose of sewage or compost after use.

  Thickeners can be added to the media of the present invention in amounts necessary to produce a viscous or gelled composition that reduces spillage in certain packaging systems, for example during shipping or shipping. The media of the present invention may contain thickeners, for example in amounts ranging from about 0 to about 5% by weight, from about 0.05 to about 1% by weight, from about 0.3 to about 0.7% by weight, or from about 0.5%. Can be contained by weight%.

  In one aspect of the invention, the thickener may be agar. Examples of the agar include agar (agar or agar-agar), agarose, plant agar, agarobiose, and algal colloid. Agar is generally a polymer of 1,3-linked galactopyranose and 3,6-linked 3,6-anhydro-L-galactopyranose. The agar may be a crude or purified aqueous extract of algae or seaweeds such as, for example, Gelidium, Gracilia, Ceramium, Phyllophora, Pterocladia, Ahnfeltyia, Campylaephora, and Acanthopelitis.

  Agar solutions and gels can be produced, for example, by adding dehydrated agar to water and then heating to near the boiling point until the agar is dissolved. Agar can be sterilized by, for example, autoclaving at 120 ° C. for about 15 minutes. The agar solution forms a gel by cooling, for example. This gel can be repeatedly melted and solidified to inject or add other media components.

  To the medium of the present invention, for example, soil can be added to supply beneficial soil components to plants. The soil of the present invention may be, for example, clay, loam, humus, kaolin, sand, peat, topsoil, nursery soil and / or soil mixture. The soil of the present invention can contain, for example, ordinary soil microorganisms or can be sterilized. The medium of the present invention can incorporate soil in an amount ranging from about 0 to about 100 wt%, 30 to about 80 wt%, such as about 60 wt%.

  The soil can be present, for example, as a medium additive or as the main matrix of the medium. If the soil is present, for example, as about 10% as a medium component, the soil can act as a source of normal flora and trace elements. If the soil is present in the medium, for example as water-saturated mud, about 60% of the medium, the soil can act as a thickener that prevents spillage and provides a healthy environment for the rooted plant.

  Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that the soil in the media of the present invention can provide microorganisms, minerals, trace elements, rooting surfaces, and nutrients that are beneficial to plants, for example. Antimicrobial agents in media that are depleted in oxygen and substantially free of sugar can prevent microbial overgrowth in the media of the present invention, such as media containing unsterilized soil.

Antimicrobial agents Bacteria and / or fungi can spread throughout plants and cut flowers, deteriorating their appearance and reducing shelf life. The medium of the present invention includes, for example, antimicrobial agents, bactericides, hypochlorites (eg bleaching agents), silver nitrate, plant extracts and 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate (8-HQC) to suppress microbial growth. ) Such as) can be added. The choice of antimicrobial agent depends, for example, on the signs associated with a particular plant (eg common surface microorganisms) and the presence of other antimicrobial factors in the storage system (eg anaerobic conditions or lack of sugars in the medium) To do. For example, when packaging plants in anaerobic containers, bactericides and antibiotics against aerobic bacteria may be unnecessary.

  Antibiotics are molecular reagents that can sterilize and inhibit bacterial growth. Preservatives, such as chlorine bleach, destroy microorganisms by chemical attack, but compared to preservatives, antibiotics interfere with metabolic processes such as cell wall formation, thereby Is often prevented. Examples of the antibiotic of the present invention include kanamycin and ampicillin. In addition, antibiotics known in the art such as a wide range of antibiotics and / or antibiotics that target the particular microorganism in question can also be advantageously included in the media of the present invention. The antibiotic of the present invention can be incorporated into a slow-release polymer composition to ensure a sufficient concentration in the medium over time, for example.

  The fungus can be a common humic plant, pathogen or contaminant on the plant surface. A fungicide can be added to the medium of the invention, for example to minimize the growth of fungi in the medium and plants. Examples of the disinfectant of the present invention include calcium polysulfide, benomyl, chlorotaloni, sulfur, mycobutanyl α4-chlorophenyl 1H1,2,4-triazole-1-propanenitrile, triphorin, tifanate-methyl, nystatin and the like. The fungicide of the present invention can be applied locally, for example, to a plant or medium surface. These fungicides can be taken up, for example, in a medium or systematically distributed within the cut flowers.

Plant Compositions and Extracts The medium of the present invention can contain, for example, an antimicrobial composition and / or extract of a plant. Many plants are known to have antimicrobial properties, such as neem, eucalyptus, lobelia, white linden, hops, mice, coral oaks, periwinkle, rosemary and myrrh. These plant compositions can be produced, for example, by beating or crushing roots, stems, leaves, flowers and / or fruits. These plant extracts can be produced, for example, by leaching ground plant parts with an aqueous or organic solvent to obtain an effective antimicrobial agent from the plant. In the present invention, many plant compositions and plant extracts can benefit by controlling insects or nematode-type pests that can harm plants, for example.

  The medium of the present invention can incorporate an antimicrobial plant extract and / or composition in an amount sufficient to impart the desired microbial control to the particular medium or plant. For example, the media of the present invention can incorporate ground neem leaves or other plant compositions in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 10 wt%, or about 1.5 wt%.

  Many of the plant compositions and plant extracts of the present invention can be used, for example, in edible plants and / or can be environmentally friendly. The natural antimicrobial agent of the present invention can be treated, for example, in compost, landfill (garbage disposal site) and sewage system without harming the environment. Many of the antimicrobial plant compositions and plant extracts can be applied to a medium or the surface of a plant without making the consumption of the plant by, for example, animals or humans unsuitable.

Absence of sugar The medium of the present invention can be substantially free of sugar, for example. Preservation media in the cut flower industry usually contains one or more sugars (see, for example, Quinding and Futaki et al., USP 5,536,155 “Preservative of Cut Flowers” cited above), The medium can be provided without adding sugar. Sugars have some nutritional benefits for some cut plants, but also stimulate the growth of bacteria and fungi that can destroy the plants. Without being bound to a particular theory, the plant and / or inert gas in the medium of the present invention may receive sufficient metabolic saccharides from, for example, the internal starch reservoir and / or the photosynthetic mechanism, and the medium. Therefore, it is thought that it retains a vibrant appearance and long-term storage without requiring sugar.

Plant hormones Exposure of plants to plant hormones in the media and apparatus of the present invention can affect plant quality. Plant hormones include specific small molecules such as auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin and ethylene. Proper combination of hormones in the media and / or apparatus of the present invention can control, for example, flower bud flowering, increase stem bulge and prevent detachment. Such a combination may be different for certain plants and the following types of plants. Plant hormones may be a component of the media of the invention and / or applied to the plant surface, for example by dipping or spraying.

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) can be added to the media and / or apparatus of the present invention to help maintain the attractive appearance of cut flowers. IAA is an auxin associated with stem growth. IAA is also known to affect ethylene production in some plants at certain concentrations. Ethylene (CH ₂ ═CH ₂ ) is a volatile organic compound generated by plants that acts as a plant hormone that stimulates plants to ripen and / or defoliate fruits. Without being bound by a particular theory, the addition of IAA to the media of the present invention can, for example, prevent ethylene production and delay bud flowering and / or petal and leaf fall. The medium of the present invention can contain an auxin such as IAA in an amount in the range of about 0 to about 20 mg / L, in an amount of about 3 to about 10 mg / L, or at a concentration of about 5 mg / L. The optimum concentration can vary depending on, for example, the type of plant, the age of the plant, and the combination with other hormones. The advantageous concentration can be determined empirically under various conditions, for example by cut flowers in the medium of the invention.

In the present invention, other plant hormones useful for controlling the appearance and shelf life of plants include, for example, cytokinin and gibberellin. Cytokinins such as kinetin and 2-iP are known to affect cell division and cell elongation in plants, for example. Gibberellins are considered important for, for example, normal plant height, leaf maturation, flower development and fruit development. For example, when combined with IAA, if the concentrations of cytokinin and gibberellin are appropriately combined, plants can live longer during storage and appearance can be improved. The medium of the present invention may contain cytokinin, such as kinetin, in an amount ranging from about 0 to about 20 mg / L, in an amount ranging from about 3.5 to about 15 mg / L, or at a concentration of about 7 mg / L. The medium of the present invention can contain gibberellins such as GA ₃ in an amount ranging from about 0 to about 5 mg / L, in a range from about 0.3 to about 2 mg / L, or at a concentration of about 1 mg / L. The actual optimum concentration can vary depending on, for example, the plant type, plant age, combination with other hormones, and the like. Beneficial concentrations can be determined empirically, for example, under various conditions by plants in the medium of the present invention.

  In another aspect of the invention, for example, the aerial part of a cut plant can be treated with cytokinin and / or gibberellin to stimulate root propagation and / or flower buds. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that gradients with different ratios of plant hormones between plant regions strongly influence growth induction. For example, if the auxin concentration is increased towards the cuts, while the cytokinin concentration is increased towards the aerial flakes, the ratio of auxin to cytokinin increases in the cuts and can induce root growth . In the present invention, such a gradient can be generated in cut flowers, for example, by supplying auxin to the preservation medium while spraying a solution of cytokinin on the aerial part of the plant. By drilling a series of holes in the cuts, root growth can be further stimulated under these conditions.

Other Medium Components Salts, buffers, and other small molecules can be added to the media of the present invention to supply osmotic balance, pH control, trace elements, supplemental factors, nutrients, and the like. Plant tissue culture salt formulations known in the art can provide useful supplements to the media of the present invention. The medium can incorporate, for example, Murashige and Skog's salt, Gamborg's vitamin, and White's salt. For example, ammonium nitrate, boric acid, calcium chloride, cobalt chloride, copper sulfate, EDTA, ferrous sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium molybdate, potassium iodide, potassium nitrate, potassium phosphate, zinc sulfate, myo-inositol, nicotinic acid, pyridoxine and An aqueous solution can be blended from thiamine or the like. The final media formulation has a pH adjusted in the range of about 3 to about 8 or about 5.6. Some components may be separately dissolved in a specific solvent at a predetermined temperature and / or a specific pH and then added to the medium.

Cut rose storage medium The storage medium of the present invention can be prepared, for example, in a formulation that is well suited to certain types of cut flowers. For example, medium formulations well suited for the preservation of cut roses include: Murashige and Skog's salt, Gamborg's vitamin, 7 mg / L kinetics, IAA 5 mg / L, 2iP 5 mg / L, gibberellin 1 mg / L, kanamycin monosulfate 100 mg / L, and plant agar 5.5 mg / L. In the cut rose storage medium, the final salt concentration is about 100 mg / L ammonium nitrate, 200 mg / L calcium chloride, 100 mg / L magnesium sulfate, 1000 mg / L potassium nitrate, and / or 100 mg / L monobasic potassium phosphate. can get.

  The cut rose storage medium can be produced, for example, by dissolving these salts in water. This solution can be adjusted to pH 5.6, for example. Plant agar can be produced separately as a molten solution by adding it to water, dissolving and heating it, for example. This salt solution and molten agar can be mixed, for example, with additional water to obtain the desired final component concentration. The resulting mixture can be autoclaved (this treatment is often unnecessary because the media, apparatus and methods of the present invention can inhibit microbial growth without requiring complete media sterilization). ). In the final medium, the plant hormone and the antimicrobial agent can be dissolved in a specific solvent at a suitable pH, for example, and filtered if necessary. After the media mixture is cooled, for example, to about 45 ° C. or less, the hormone and / or antimicrobial solution can be mixed into the final media. This medium can be poured, for example, immediately into a plant storage container or heated later for pouring.

Strawberry Plant Preservation Medium The medium of the present invention can be adjusted, for example, to a formulation that is well-suited to the whole plant with a specific species rooted. For example, medium formulations well suited for the preservation of whole strawberry or grape plants include, for example, 150 ml (about 250 g) sand, 75 ml water, 5 g crushed neem leaves, and 200 ppm 8-HQC. This sandy soil can act as a buffer and source of salt for nutrition, for example. For example, if the sealing container is perforated, it can contain a larger amount of water, and if the sealing container is sealed with an inert gas, it can contain a smaller amount of water.

  The plant storage device of the present invention can suppress, for example, the growth of microorganisms, prevent spillage of the medium, maintain the vitality of the plant with its roots removed, and maintain the attractive appearance of cut flowers over a long period of time. The device can contain, for example, a flexible container of media and a hermetically sealed container that surrounds the top of the plant (eg, parts such as stems, leaves, flowers and fruits) with an inert gas.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the plant storage system 1 can contain a storage medium 2 held in a flexible container part 3. The cuts of the cut flower bouquet 4 are inserted into the medium and the system's sealing container 5 is sealed with a flexible container 3 and two separate bands 6 clamped on the cuts. The inside of the sealing container 5 is filled with an inert gas 7. The top of the sealable container is twisted and then tightened with a closing band 8 to be sealed.

Flexible container The flexible container of the present invention seals, for example, flower roots or cuts within the medium of the present invention. The flexible container preferably employs a sufficient seal composed of two or more bands in order to hold the medium and restrict the inflow of air.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the flexible container may be a lower part of a packaging container including an upper part of a hermetic container. The flexible container may be a separate container as shown in FIG. The opening at the top of the flexible container may be flexible to respond to the clamping force of the remote band to seal the media in the flexible container. The flexible container may optionally be a rigid container with a flexible seal obtained at the bottom of the plastic film container.

  The flexible container can be filled with the medium of the present invention, for example. As shown in FIG. 3, after introducing the roots or the cuts into the medium 2, the first band 6a is formed on the surface of the medium so that, for example, in the flexible container, no air remains below the first band. It can be tightened at 10 or directly below. The second band 6b can be tightened about 0.5 inches or more above the first band to form a sufficient seal between the media and the outside of the flexible container. For example, if the bouquet is particularly thick, if the expected shipment is active, and / or if the medium is particularly thin, and / or if the plant has an old shaped stem, etc., to improve sealing safety You can add more bands.

  Filling the flexible container may include dispensing the media into the container using, for example, a dispenser, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The dispenser may be a known volume container for manually injecting media into the flexible container portion of the packaging system, a valve for controlling the flow of media gravity fed from the mixing container, and / or a means for pumping the media from the container, etc. Can be contained. A preferred pump is a peristaltic pump. Certain distributors, for example, add water to receive and reconstitute the media concentrate, blend the mixture of this water and concentrate, control the temperature of the mixing media, and / or media formulation. Commercially available with manual and / or automated systems for dispensing. Such systems include, for example, liquid volume controllers known in the art that control the dilution of the mixture and / or the volume distribution of the medium mixture (eg, from Inline Filling System, Inc. 216 Seaboard Avenue, Venice, FL34292, etc.). Available). Such volume controllers may be manual or automatic, such as calibrated containers, discrete or variable stroke valve piston pumps, stepper motor driven injectors, calibrated peristaltic pumps and / or positive displacement pumps. It is done.

  Sealant can be confined in the space between the bands sealing the opening of the flexible container, for example to further enhance the integrity of the seal. The sealant may be viscous or gelled, for example, in order to prevent liquid from flowing through the seal space. The sealant may be a natural thickener such as agar and / or a synthetic thickener such as PVC. In one embodiment, 5 ml of warm agar is injected onto the stem on the first band before the second band is sealed, for example to provide a substantially impervious seal to the liquid between the bands.

  The flexible container can be made from any suitable material known in the art, for example. For example, the flexible container and / or its associated flexible seal can be formed from polyethylene, and other polymers, 2 mils, 3 mils or thicker. Such a container can be conveniently formed by heat-sealing from a two-layer film into the shape of the container and then cutting the container from the film, as is usually done in the art. This flexible container may optionally be a rigid media container sealed to the flexible lower part of the main plastic film packaging container in a plant preservation system, for example. Other polymers useful for making the flexible container of the present invention include, for example, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethersulfone, polycarbonate, polyethylene oxide and / or copolymers thereof.

  The medium held in the flexible container may be, for example, as described in the storage medium section described above. The media can contain a thickening agent to help reduce leaching of the media past the first seal. The medium can be degassed, for example, by degassing under reduced pressure or by heating to reduce oxygen useful for the microorganism.

Sealable container The sealable container of the present invention can, for example, protect plants from damage and / or enclose the plants in an inert gas atmosphere. Sealable containers can, for example, visually inspect packaged plants and can be a final barrier to media spillage.

  The sealing container may be an upper part of a packaging container including a lower part of a flexible container as shown in FIG. The hermetic container may be a separate container that is clamped and sealed around the plant stem, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, or may be a separate container that is sealed to both the plant and the flexible container, or that contains both.

  Since cut flowers and many plants are generally wider at the top than at the bottom, the hermetic container may be, for example, tapered or conical. The top of the sealable container may have an opening, for example, about 4 inches wide or more to receive a bouquet or bushy plant. In one embodiment, to store a dozen flowers, the packaging container is 26 inches long taper, 3 inches at the base and 14 inches wide at the top, sealed and cut with two layers of 3 mil polyethylene film. It is a thing. In another embodiment, the hermetic container may be a plastic film cylindrical sleeve having, for example, a top opening and a bottom opening. In such cases, for example, the bottom opening can be sealed to or around the rigid media container to form the flexible container of the present invention, while the top opening receives, for example, flowers in the sealing container portion of the packaging system. it can.

  The top opening of the sealable container may be flexible to help seal the container. For example, the hermetic container can be made from a low density plastic of 2 mils or less, 3 mils, 4 mils or more. The top of the hermetic container can be brought together, for example by folding or twisting, then bent back on itself and secured in place with tape, bands or clips to form a substantially gas impermeable seal. Other sealable container structures and seals will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

  All or part of the inner surface of the sealing container can be patterned, for example, to reduce petal wetting and to reduce browning due to moisture trapped between the petals and the container. The patterned surface can reduce the surface tension that can cause petals to adhere to the inner surface of the hermetic container, for example, due to moisture condensate. Petals "attached" to the container surface due to moisture become discolored and wilted as a result of being wetted, soaked in water, or insufficiently oxygenated. Providing a patterned (ie, rough, patterned) inner surface, for example, traps gas and / or substantially reduces surface contact or promotes surface tension phenomena and thus adheres to petals and Damage can be reduced.

  The hermetic container can seal an atmosphere of one or more inert gases, for example, around the upper portion of the plant. The inert gas may be nitrogen, helium, argon or the like, for example. The gas can fill the hermetic container, for example, by injecting it as a liquefied gas. In this case, the liquefied gas quickly changes to the gas state and displaces air from the container. In embodiments of the invention using helium, the container can have, for example, a thick wall, a metal foil layer, and / or a high quality seal to prevent diffusion from the container.

  To further ensure an inert atmosphere in the hermetic container, for example, the whole cut flower storage system can be sealed in the outer container, thus forming an outer space between the hermetic container and the outer container. This outer space can be filled with inert gas to minimize diffusion from the hermetic container and to protect the hermetic container from puncture.

  The hermetic container of the present invention becomes transparent, for example, for inspecting the packaged plant and / or for allowing the plant to receive light. The transparent hermetic container allows the handler to detect a medium leak before the medium escapes from the container or detracts from the appearance of the plant. Transparent hermetic containers allow, for example, wholesale, retail, and end buyers to inspect plant quality without breaking the seal. Certain cut plants and flowers can retain a more pleasant appearance if they can receive light through the container.

  The hermetic container of the present invention can protect plants from physical damage. The sealed container can form a protective boundary, for example, against the pressing of sharp or abrasive articles that can damage delicate plants. The gas pressure in the container can repel certain blunt or crushing forces that the container may experience during shipping or shipping, for example.

  The hermetic container of the present invention can reduce, for example, moisture loss and increase the humidity around the aerobic part of the plant. When water vapor is sealed in a hermetically sealed container, for example, plants can be stored for a long time in a flexible container, even if there is little storage medium. High humidity in the hermetically sealed container minimizes, for example, evaporation, reduces plant metabolism, and provides a long package shelf life.

  The hermetic containers of the present invention can be pierced or incompletely sealed, for example, in some situations, to exchange gas with the outside air. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the hermetic container 5 can have one or more gas exchange holes 9. The number of holes may be from about 3 to about 100 or more, depending on the size of the container and the need for plant gas exchange. The size of the holes may range from about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm or more, for example. The small range of holes may be more for example for sufficient gas exchange, but may be small enough so that condensate or media cannot be discharged. Gas exchange can be optionally facilitated, for example, by not closing or sealing the sealed container sufficiently.

Method for Preserving Plants The method of the present invention uses a storage medium, a liquid-tight container, and / or a gas-tight container, for example, for storing plants. For example, in one embodiment, flower cuts are inserted into a storage medium and the flower buds are enclosed in a storage inert gas atmosphere. In other embodiments, the cuts are inserted without air in a substantially sugar-free medium and sealed with multiple separate bands. In yet another embodiment, the whole plant without soil is stored with the root sealed in the medium of the present invention and the upper part protected in the hermetic container of the present invention.

  The method of the present invention preserves plants, for example, by combining plant maintenance techniques and microbial control techniques. For example, the storage medium can be supplied to the plant along with water and auxin, while the storage medium and packaging do not provide sugar and oxygen to the microorganism. This allows the plant to retain a fresh appearance without being attacked by, for example, bacteria and / or fungi.

Maintaining cut flowers Cutting flowers quickly loses their attractive appearance. Because of the evaporation from the leaves, the lost water cannot be replaced immediately, so the flowers wither. Later, even if the cut flower is put in water, the hormone and enzyme system can degrade the flower, causing the flower to change color and drop petals and leaves. The degraded appearance can be further exacerbated by the infestation of cut flower bacteria or fungi. Cut flower degradation can be delayed by providing conditions that help maintain vitality.

  Putting cut flower stalks in water can help maintain turgor pressure and delay wilting. For many flowers, it is important to either put the cuts immediately in water or cut in water to avoid evaporation which draws bubbles into the stem conduit and blocks the fluid flow. The method according to the invention supplies the cuts with water, for example in the form of a storage medium. The cuts can be immersed, for example, immediately in this medium and held in a flexible container filled with the medium. Since the flexible container can be sealed with a band as described in the section of the flexible container, air cannot reach the end of the cut. When the preservation medium is raised and conveyed into the flower, the flexible container is crushed, for example, and no air is drawn. The stem can be cut diagonally to increase the surface exposed to the medium, and the cut end can be hung away from the vessel wall to avoid blockage of the flow by the vessel inner surface.

  A series of perforations can optionally be made on the side of the stem near the cut end to provide a path for water to enter the stem conduit, even if the cut end is blocked. These holes can be arranged longitudinally and / or radially, for example along the stem, where they contact the medium. The size of the holes ranges, for example, from about 0.1 to about 2 mm, and the number of holes ranges from about 3 to about 100 per stem.

  Small molecule additives such as salts and vitamins to the medium help maintain the vitality of the cut flowers, as is known in the art. Salt, vitamins and trace components help live cut plants continue their normal metabolism and physiology, even when they lack roots. An appropriate balance of salt can provide, for example, a beneficial pH and osmotic balance.

  A thickener in the medium can help supply water to the cut flowers. For example, the thickener can prevent the media from being shaken off the cut edge so that air does not enter the stem during shipping. The viscosity of the thickener can stop the medium from leaking out of the flexible container, thus serving directly at the cut end. Thickeners can protect the medium from spilling over the flowers in the flexible container, where it can foul the appearance of the flowers and promote bacterial growth.

  Plant hormones in the medium, such as auxin, cytokinin and / or gibberellin, can extend attractive shelf life by chemically transmitting vitality and / or reducing transmission that promotes wilting and withdrawal . For example, the presence of auxin, IAA, in the medium of the present invention delays withdrawal by limiting the generation of ethylene while simultaneously sending hormone transmission that promotes growth and delays flowering. As a result, the flowers, for example, appear fresh and hold the buds longer.

  Certain plants can develop roots, for example in the presence of the medium of the invention, in particular by a medium containing a hormone such as IAA. In such a case, for example, the vitality of cut flowers can be improved. Applying cytokinin to the aerial part of the plant can further stimulate root development. For example, flowers can be planted in soil for continued enjoyment, thus increasing the value of cut flowers for the end customer.

  In one aspect of the invention, the hermetic container is perforated, for example, to exchange gas with outside air. Such ventilation provides certain advantages for the preservation of some cut flowers. Ventilation can reduce ethylene levels, for example, for cut flowers that generate large amounts of ethylene or are particularly sensitive to ethylene. Ventilation can prevent damage to the flower parts caused by, for example, water condensation that does not saturate the flower parts, or the expansion or contraction of the container volume due to pressure changes encountered during jet freight transport.

  In another aspect of the plant preservation method of the present invention, for example, the inner surface of the sealed container is a patterned surface. Such a patterned surface reduces damage to the petals of the water, as described in the section of the sealable container, thus preventing the petals from sticking to the surface of the sealable container.

Maintenance of the whole plant The whole plant having roots can be maintained in a healthy state for a long period of time by using the medium and the packaging technique of the present invention. The whole plant can be maintained, for example, using the media and packaging described in the Cut Flower Maintenance section. However, the whole plant can be harder, for example, because it can remove microorganisms that harm the air and the cut plant. On the other hand, specific hormones and antimicrobial agents cannot efficiently penetrate the whole plant, for example. The whole plant can grow in, for example, a cut flower medium, but the optimum medium conditions are clearly different.

  Since the root-medium interface can control, for example, salt exchange, the whole plant media solution may have less stringent buffering and osmotic control parameters than the cut flower media. Necessary nutrients such as salt and trace elements can be absorbed, for example, from a medium containing low concentrations of nutrients or simply from the water after filtering the nutrients from the soil of the medium.

  The root-medium interface can be a barrier to gas, for example. The air in the media of the present invention is not drawn into, for example, a plant conduit and blocks the fluid flow. Thus, the whole plant can withstand water absorption from the soil medium, for example beyond the point where gas enters the medium.

  Plants can be sensated in the media and devices of the present invention, for example, to increase vitality. For example, a plant protected from direct sunlight and sealed in an inert gas has a reduced metabolism and hardly evaporates water. When metabolism is reduced, little nutrient and water are required. Plants maintained by the method of the present invention can exist in a semi-aging state that extends the useful life of the plant, for example during shipping, shipping and storage.

Prevention of microbial growth The spread of bacteria and fungi is a major cause of product disposal in the cut flower industry. The method of the present invention can prevent such traversal by creating an unfavorable environment for the growth of microorganisms. The media and container system of the present invention limits the usefulness of the surface, oxygen and nutrients necessary for microbial growth, for example.

  Fungi and aerobic bacteria require oxygen for growth and proliferation. The media and gas of the present invention do not provide oxygen to microorganisms present in, for example, cut flower preservation systems. The medium of the present invention can be degassed, for example, under vacuum or by heating before being injected into the flexible container. Thickeners can reduce the transport of oxygen entering the medium from, for example, air generated by liquid mixing. Since the sealing band is arranged at the opening of the flexible container, the medium can be squeezed up to the seal part so that, for example, no air space remains in the container. Air in the hermetic container can be substantially removed, for example, by introduction of an inert gas, as described in the section of the hermetic container. The oxygen reduction method of the present invention reduces the need to protect cut flowers with bactericides and antibiotics, for example.

  The medium of the present invention is substantially free of sugar, for example. Sugars are an easy source of energy necessary for the growth of many microorganisms. Many plant media do not require sugar because many plants can obtain sufficient energy from carbohydrate stores and / or photosynthesis processes. Since the medium of the present invention is substantially free of saccharides, for example, the microbial traversal of extracted plants and cut flowers can be significantly reduced.

  Some bacteria and fungi use surfaces for growth and expansion. For example, some bacteria require a surface to raise the spore capsule into the air for spore expansion. The method and apparatus of the present invention does not provide a surface to, for example, microorganisms. For example, sealing the flexible container without air space can substantially remove the media / air interface. A sufficient band seal of the present invention can prevent, for example, media spills and the formation of media surfaces in a hermetic container. In one aspect of the invention, perforation of a hermetic container can prevent, for example, condensation and formation of the water surface in the container.

  The media of the present invention can limit the utility of water to, for example, microorganisms. Thickeners, gels, salts and / or soils in the medium can absorb or complex with water in the medium and become unavailable to unwanted microorganisms. This limited water utility can prevent the growth of some bacteria and fungi, thus eliminating damage to the packaged plant.

  Antibiotics, preservatives and fungicides, such as those described in the preservation media section, can be used to limit microbial trauma in cut plants. These antimicrobial agents can be added to the media of the present invention or, in some cases, applied to the flower surface. For example, natural antimicrobial agents such as plant compositions and plant extracts can be used where human plant consumption is considered. The need for antimicrobial agents can be reduced, for example, by performing the oxygen reduction method, sugar reduction method, and surface reduction method of the present invention.

EXAMPLES The following examples are provided by way of illustration and are not intended to limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize the various parameters that can be varied while obtaining substantially similar results.

Preservation of cut roses A plant preservation system for cut roses contains a preservation medium in a flexible container that is extra sealed from a hermetic container filled with an inert gas. The method of incorporating cut flowers into the storage system of the present invention may be simple and inexpensive, for example.

  A tapered container is heat sealed and cut from two layers of 4 mil low density polyethylene to produce a packaging container. A 26 inch long tapered container is 3 inches wide at the bottom and 14 inches wide at the top, as measured by a flatly spread container.

  Salt (for example, ammonium nitrate 1000 mg / L, calcium chloride 200 mg / L, magnesium sulfate 100 mg / L, potassium phosphate 1000 mg / L), kinetin 7 mg / L, IAA 5 mg / L or gibberellin 1.25 mg / L, kanamycin monosulfate 100 mg / L And a storage medium containing 5.5 g / L of plant agar. While this medium is still warm, 100 ml is poured into the bottom of the packaging container (flexible container part).

  Twelve rose stems are cut diagonally and immediately inserted into the medium of the flexible container. In order to expel air, a rubber band is placed around the stem and the flexible container portion while squeezing the medium. The rubber band tightens around the flexible container and stem at or below the top of the media surface. Place a second rubber band 1 inch above this first rubber band and tighten around the top of the flexible container and stem, thus providing a sufficient seal between the flexible container and the sealing container. Form.

  A few ml of liquid nitrogen is dropped and injected into the sealing container. As nitrogen rapidly converts to the gaseous state, the top of the hermetic container twists and overlies the container itself to form a substantially gas impermeable seal. The rubber band is tightened around the twisted seal and fixed in place.

  Cut roses are arranged and arranged in shelves and / or boxes for overseas shipping. The roses remain fresh for about 6-20 days at room temperature.

  The media of the present invention can often be disposed of after use, for example, without harming the environment. Thickeners, salts and hormones in the medium are generally biodegradable, for example. The method and apparatus of the present invention can reduce or eliminate the need for antibiotics, for example, in the medium. The medium of the present invention can be disposed of, for example, in a sewage facility or can be made into fertilizer.

苺 Plant storage A plant storage system for pod plants includes a storage medium in a flexible container that is extra sealed from a hermetically sealed container filled with inert gas. The preservation system of the present invention can reduce the metabolism of plants while suppressing the growth of microorganisms that may damage plants, for example.

  A tapered container is heat sealed and cut from two layers of 4 mil low density polyethylene to produce a packaging container. A 26 inch long tapered container is 5 inches wide at the bottom and 14 inches wide at the top, as measured in a flatly spread container.

  This plant is prepared by digging a raw bulbous plant from the original growth period site. To leave the whole plant with exposed roots removed, wash the bulbs with water to remove the trapped mud.

  A preservation medium is produced by mixing 250 g of sand and soil with 75 ml of water and 5 g of neem leaves. Add 8-HQC to 200 ppm. This soil may be sterilized in advance or not.

  After putting the root in the flexible container part at the bottom, the plant is packaged in the container by putting a preservation medium. As shown in FIG. 5, the plant is held slightly raised from the bottom of the flexible container 3, so that the medium 2 can flow into the space between the roots 11. The top of the flexible container is clamped around the plant stem by the rubber band 6a at the top of the medium and held in place. The second band 6b is placed 1 inch above the first band to form a sufficient seal. Gently push excess air out of the sealable container 5 and insert a cannula of nitrogen gas into the container that flows at about 3 cubic feet per minute. The top of the container is clamped around the cannula and the container is inflated with nitrogen gas. After the vessel has expanded, the gas is flushed out for a few moments to expel the remaining oxygen from the sealed vessel portion. Prior to removing the cannula and tying it with another band, seal the top of the container by twisting and stacking excess container top material. A large number of plants can also be packed in a predetermined sufficient container space by this method.

  The packaged plants can be arranged in shelves and / or boxes for foreign shipping, wholesale shipment, or retail display. The cocoons can grow up to about 3 months before replanting.

  The soil medium of the present invention can be disposed of after use without harming the environment. All components in the medium are biodegradable. The media can be made with fertilizer or disposed of in a waste management facility.

Distributing the medium Dispensing the medium of the present invention into the container can be carried out, for example, by employing methods and apparatuses that are commercially available and known in the art. In order to increase and / or enhance the media distribution efficiency in the present invention, common techniques can be employed, for example, in food processing, canning and / or coffee vending machines.

  In one example of a media manufacturing and dispensing device, the container comprises a media concentrate inlet, a water inlet, and a media dispensing outlet. The media concentrate inlet has a hopper and valve for metering the desired amount of media concentrate into the container. The water inlet has a volumetric device for adding a selected amount of water into the container. The volume of water added can also be monitored by observing the volume step marked on the vessel wall. The water is preheated before being introduced into the container, but the medium temperature in the container can be adjusted with a thermostat controlled heating element in connection with the container. The container comprises a blender blade driven by a shaft from an electric motor via a sealed bushing at the bottom of the container. The dispensing outlet has a valve for introducing the antimicrobial agent into the medium during dispensing (or the antimicrobial agent can be added from a pre-aliquoted packet in the flexible container of the medium), sanitary covering, and volume dispensing Have the device. In use, a desired amount of hot water (about 90 ° C.) is introduced into the container from the water inlet. An appropriate amount of dry powder media mixture containing plant agar, kinetin, IAA and GA3 is added from the concentrate inlet while blending with a blade. The thermostat keeps the mixture at 90 ° C. for several minutes until the mixture is uniform and the plant agar has expanded into a gel. Reset the thermostat to about 45 ° C. to cool the media. Once the medium has cooled, it can be dispensed, along with the appropriate amount of the desired antimicrobial agent, through the dispensing outlet and into the flexibility container of the plant storage system.

  The examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and these examples and others suggest various modifications or alterations to those skilled in the art, as well as the spirit and scope of the present application, and the accompanying patents. It is understood that it falls within the scope of the claims. All references, patents and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated in their entirety for all purposes.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of cut flowers in which a flexible container and a hermetic container are packaged with a cut flower storage system that is part of a single packaging container. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of cut flowers packaged with a cut flower storage system made of flexible containers and sealable containers from independent system components. It is the schematic of the flexible container of a sufficient sealing state. It is the schematic of the cut flower packaged with the cut flower preservation system with a gas exchange hole. It is the schematic of the plant in a plant preservation system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Plant preservation system 2 Storage medium 3 Flexible container part 4 Cut flower bouquet 5 Sealing container part 6 Band 6a First band 6b Second band 7 Inert gas 8 Closure band 9 Gas exchange hole 10 Medium upper surface 11 Root

Claims (101)

  Inserting one or more cuts of cut flowers into a storage medium, packaging the flowers in a hermetic container, filling the hermetic container with an inert gas, and sealing the hermetic container. How to save cut flowers.   The method of claim 1, further comprising filling the flexible container with the storage medium by dispensing the storage medium from a distributor.   The method of claim 1, wherein the medium is substantially free of sugar.   The method of claim 1, wherein the medium comprises soil.   The method of claim 1, wherein the medium comprises a thickener.   The method of claim 5, wherein the thickener comprises a gel.   The method of claim 1, wherein the thickener comprises agar.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of drilling a series of holes in the cuts.   The method of claim 1, wherein the storage medium comprises an antibiotic, a fungicide, an antimicrobial plant extract or an antimicrobial plant composition.   The method of claim 9, wherein the antibiotic comprises kanamycin or ampicillin.   The method according to claim 9, wherein the extract comprises neem extract or eucalyptus extract.   The method of claim 9, wherein the plant composition comprises neem leaves in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 10% by weight.   The method of claim 1, wherein the storage medium comprises hypochlorite, silver nitrate or 8-hydroxyquinoline.   The method of claim 1, wherein the storage medium comprises one or more plant hormones.   The method of claim 1, wherein the hormone comprises kinetin, 2-iP, IAA, or gibberellin.   15. The method of claim 14, further comprising applying cytokinin or gibberellin to one or more plant aerial parts.   The method of claim 14, further comprising planting the stem in soil.   The storage medium is ammonium nitrate, boric acid, calcium chloride, cobalt chloride, copper sulfate, EDTA, ferrous sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium molybdate, potassium iodide, potassium nitrate, potassium phosphate, zinc sulfate, myo-inositol, nicotine. The method of claim 1, comprising an additive selected from the group consisting of acids, pyridoxine, thiamine, kinetin, auxin, IAA and gibberellins.   The method of claim 1, wherein the pH of the medium ranges from about 3 to about 8.   The method of claim 1, wherein the medium is contained in a flexible container.   21. The method of claim 20, further comprising substantially removing air from the flexible container.   21. The method of claim 20, further comprising sealing the opening of the flexible container around the stem with two or more bands spaced along the stem.   23. The method of claim 22, further comprising applying a sealant to the space between the bands.   The method of claim 1, wherein the sealable container comprises a plastic having a thickness of 2 mils or greater.   The method of claim 1, wherein the sealable container has a patterned surface.   The method of claim 1, wherein the sealable container is a sleeve comprising a plastic film.   The method of claim 1, wherein filling the sealable container comprises introducing liquid nitrogen, liquid helium, or liquid argon into the sealable container.   The method of claim 1, wherein filling the hermetic container comprises expelling air in the hermetic container with a gas stream of nitrogen, helium or argon.   The method of claim 1, further comprising: packaging the sealable container in an outer container; and filling the outer container with an inert gas.   Filling the flexible container with a storage medium substantially free of sugar, inserting one or more cuts of cut flowers into the storage medium, and opening an opening of the flexible container around the stem along the stem A method for preserving cut flowers comprising the step of sealing with two or more bands separated from each other.   32. The method of claim 30, wherein the filling step comprises the step of dispensing the medium from a distributor.   32. The method of claim 30, wherein the medium comprises soil.   32. The method of claim 30, wherein the medium includes a thickener.   34. The method of claim 33, wherein the thickener comprises an agar-based gel.   32. The method of claim 30, further comprising drilling a series of holes in the cut.   31. The method of claim 30, wherein the preservation medium comprises an antibiotic, preservative, fungicide, antimicrobial plant composition or antimicrobial plant extract.   38. The method of claim 36, wherein the antibiotic comprises kanamycin or ampicillin.   37. The method of claim 36, wherein the extract comprises neem extract or eucalyptus extract.   37. The method of claim 36, wherein the antimicrobial plant composition comprises neem in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 10% by weight.   32. The method of claim 30, wherein the storage medium comprises hypochlorite, silver nitrate or 8-hydroxyquinoline.   32. The method of claim 30, wherein the storage medium comprises one or more plant hormones.   42. The method of claim 41, wherein the hormone comprises kinetin, 2-iP, IAA or gibberellin.   42. The method of claim 41, further comprising applying cytokinin or gibberellin to the one or more plant aerial parts.   42. The method of claim 41, further comprising planting the stem in soil.   The storage medium is ammonium nitrate, boric acid, calcium chloride, cobalt chloride, copper sulfate, EDTA, ferrous sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium molybdate, potassium iodide, potassium nitrate, potassium phosphate, zinc sulfate, myo-inositol, nicotine. 31. The method of claim 30, comprising an additive selected from the group consisting of acid, pyridoxine, thiamine, kinetin, auxin, IAA and gibberellin.   32. The method of claim 30, wherein the pH of the medium is in the range of about 3 to about 8.   32. The method of claim 30, further comprising substantially removing air from the flexible container.   32. The method of claim 30, further comprising applying a sealant to the space between the bands.   31. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of packaging the cut flowers in a hermetic container having one or more through holes.   50. The method of claim 49, wherein the sealable container comprises a plastic material having a thickness of 2 mils or greater.   50. The method of claim 49, wherein the sealable container has a patterned surface.   Filling a flexible container with a storage medium substantially free of sugar, inserting one or more plant roots into the storage medium, opening an opening in the flexible container around one or more stems of the plant A method for preserving a plant, comprising the step of sealing with two or more bands separated along the stem.   53. The method of claim 52, wherein the filling step comprises dispensing the medium from a dispenser.   53. The method according to claim 52, wherein the plant is a fruit plant or a vegetable plant.   54. The method of claim 52, wherein the medium comprises soil.   53. The method of claim 52, wherein the medium includes a thickener.   57. The method of claim 56, wherein the thickener comprises a gel.   57. The method of claim 56, wherein the thickener comprises agar.   53. The method of claim 52, wherein the storage medium comprises an antibiotic, a bactericide, an antimicrobial plant extract or an antimicrobial plant composition.   60. The method of claim 59, wherein the antibiotic comprises kanamycin or ampicillin.   60. The method of claim 59, wherein the extract comprises neem extract or eucalyptus extract.   60. The method of claim 59, wherein the antimicrobial plant composition comprises neem in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 10% by weight.   53. The method of claim 52, wherein the storage medium comprises hypochlorite, silver nitrate or 8-hydroxyquinoline.   53. The method of claim 52, wherein the storage medium comprises one or more plant hormones.   65. The method of claim 64, wherein the hormone comprises kinetin, 2-iP, IAA or gibberellin.   65. The method of claim 64, further comprising applying cytokinin or gibberellin to the one or more plant aerial parts.   The storage medium is ammonium nitrate, boric acid, calcium chloride, cobalt chloride, copper sulfate, EDTA, ferrous sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium molybdate, potassium iodide, potassium nitrate, potassium phosphate, zinc sulfate, myo-inositol, nicotine. 53. The method of claim 52, comprising an additive selected from the group consisting of acid, pyridoxine, thiamine, kinetin, auxin, IAA and gibberellin.   53. The method of claim 52, further comprising applying a sealant to the space between the bands.   53. The method of claim 52, wherein the sealable container comprises a plastic material having a thickness of 2 mils or greater.   53. The method of claim 52, wherein the sealable container has one or more through holes.   53. The method of claim 52, wherein the sealable container has a patterned surface.   53. The method of claim 52, further comprising filling the sealable container with an inert gas.   53. The method of claim 52, further comprising packaging the sealable container in an outer container and filling the outer container with an inert gas.   A flexible container having an opening and filled with a storage medium; a hermetic container defining a space between the opening of the flexible container and external air; and one that substantially fills the space in the hermetic container And thereby enabling one or more plant roots or cut ends to be inserted into the medium and the upper part of the plant to be stored in the space of the sealing container. Plant storage device.   75. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the medium is substantially free of sugar.   The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the medium comprises soil.   75. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the medium includes one or more thickeners.   78. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein the thickener comprises an agar-based gel.   The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the medium comprises one or more antibiotics.   75. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the medium comprises one or more antimicrobial plant extracts or one antimicrobial plant composition.   81. The apparatus of claim 80, wherein the plant composition comprises neem in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 10% by weight.   75. The apparatus of claim 74, further comprising two or more bands around the opening of the flexible container, whereby the opening is forcibly closed.   The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the band comprises an elastic band.   83. The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the bands are separated by 0.5 inches or more.   The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the surface interface of the media is located higher than the lower band.   The apparatus of claim 82, further comprising a sealant in the space between the bands.   75. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the sealable container comprises a plastic having a thickness of about 2 mils or greater.   75. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the sealable container has a patterned surface.   75. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the sealable container is a sleeve comprising a plastic film.   75. The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the inert gas comprises nitrogen, helium or argon.   A cut flower preservation medium comprising about 0.1 to about 1 wt% agar, indole-3-acetic acid, one or more salts, and one or more antimicrobial agents.   92. The medium of claim 91, wherein the agar is present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight.   92. The medium of claim 91, wherein the medium is substantially free of sugar.   92. The medium of claim 91, wherein the indole-3-acetic acid is present in an amount ranging from about 1.5 to about 20 mg / L.   92. The medium according to claim 91, further comprising kinetin or gibberellin.   96. The medium of claim 95, wherein the kinetin is present in an amount ranging from about 3.5 to about 15 mg / L.   96. The medium of claim 95, wherein the gibberellin is present in an amount ranging from about 0.3 to about 5 mg / L.   The salt is selected from the group consisting of ammonium nitrate, boric acid, calcium chloride, cobalt chloride, copper sulfate, EDTA, ferrous sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium molybdate, potassium iodide, potassium nitrate, potassium phosphate and zinc sulfate. 92. The medium of claim 91, wherein the medium is a member.   92. The medium of claim 91, wherein the antimicrobial agent contains kanamycin monosulfate in an amount ranging from about 50 to about 200 mg / L.   92. The medium of claim 91, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a plant extract or plant composition.   101. The medium of claim 100, wherein the plant composition contains neem in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 10% by weight.