NL2015052B1

NL2015052B1 - Method for cultivating epiphytes

Info

Publication number: NL2015052B1
Application number: NL2015052A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Arne Steelandt
Original assignee: Floreac N V
Priority date: 2015-06-30
Filing date: 2015-06-30
Publication date: 2017-01-24
Also published as: BE1023173B1; TW201707558A; WO2017001571A1

Abstract

Provided herein are methods for cultivating epiphytes, comprising transferring a plantlet from an in vitro culture to a tubular container and allowing for further development of said plantlet into a pre-formed plantlet. In particular embodiments, the tubular container is a container with a diameter of 10-30 mm and the time period is between 3 and 21 days. In particular embodiments, the methods comprise the steps of transferring an epiphyte plantlet from an in vitro culture to the tubular container; maintaining the epiphyte plantlet in the tubular container until the plantlet is pre-formed; and transferring the pre-formed plantlet from the tubular container to a growth container comprising a substrate. In particular embodiments of the methods, the transfer step is automated. The methods are of particular interest for plants which are a member of the family of Orchidaceae.

Description

METHOD FOR CULTIVATING EPIPHYTES FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods for cultivating epiphytes, in particular orchids and devices for use in such methods.

BACKGROUND

Epiphytes are plants that can grow harmlessly upon other plants such as trees, and can derive moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. Therefore, many epiphytes have aerial roots. A large number of plants with aerial roots are of economic importance, mainly as ornamental plants. Orchids are of particular relevance as ornamental plants.

Various methods are known for the cultivation of orchids. Mass cultivation of orchids often involves vegetative reproduction, more particularly using tissue culture methods. In these methods, plant tissue is cultured in vitro in order to obtain plantlets, which are then first typically transferred to trays for acclimatisation until young plants are obtained, which are then transferred into a plug or pot for continued growth using conventional methods. Also when using seeds, orchids are typically grown from seeds in sterile culture. The transfer from the sterile in vitro culture to non-sterile in vivo conditions is a delicate process.

The roots of plantlets obtained via in vitro cultures typically have the tendency to grow in all directions, rendering their handling difficult. Moreover, these roots are fragile and at risk of damage upon handling Adding a stress factor to the delicate transfer process by wounding of the roots is undesirable.

In view of the above, the transfer is difficult to perform in an automated process and can be time consuming. Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for improved methods for cultivating epiphytes such as orchids, which mitigate at least one of the above problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have found that the cultivation of epiphytes such as orchids can be facilitated by transferring in vitro rooted plantlets from an in vitro culture to a tubular container prior to transferring the plants to a plug or loose soil for further growth. The tubular containers allow for pre-forming the plant roots and leaves, which may significantly facilitate subsequent transfer of the plants to a growth container. More particularly it allows handling of the plant without damaging it and makes it possible to allow transfer of the young plant to a plant pot or plug without requiring extra handling of the leaves or roots. By orienting the root tips downward, the plant will easily fit into a plug or pot. Moreover this can be achieved in a semi-sterile or sterile environment. By preforming the young plants it also becomes possible to sort plants more easily based on size. At the same time, the fact that the uniformity of the plants is increased helps to ensure that each plant is adequately positioned in the plug or pot. This allows automation of the cultivation process.

Accordingly, the invention provides methods for cultivating epiphytes, comprising the step of maintaining an in vitro rooted plantlet of each epiphyte in a tubular container of a limited diameter for a time period which allows for roots and/or leaves of said plantlet to adapt to the shape of said tubular container, thereby obtaining a preformed plantlet. In particular embodiments, the tubular container is a container (2) with a diameter of 10-30 mm and the time period is between 3 and 21 days. In particular embodiments, the methods comprise the steps of transferring an epiphyte plantlet from an in vitro culture to the tubular container; maintaining the epiphyte plantlet in the tubular container until the plantlet is pre-formed; and transferring the pre-formed plantlet from the tubular container to a growth container comprising a substrate. In particular embodiments of the methods, the transfer step is automated. The methods are of particular interest for plants which are a member of the family of Orchidaceae.

In particular embodiments, the plantlet is provided with water via spraying while maintained in said tubular container. In particular embodiments, the plantlet comprises at least 2 roots which are between 0.5-1 cm long or at least 2 cm long upon introduction into the tubular container. In particular embodiments, the plantlet is introduced into the tubular container by placing the tubular container in a conductor tray (6) which comprises a duct configured such that when the tubular container is positioned the conductor tray (6), a duct of the tray is aligned with a tubular container and extends beyond the tubular container.

The invention also provides a tubular container (2) for the propagation of epiphytes, which are characterized in that it has a diameter of 10-30 mm, a length of at least 50mm, a conical shape tapering towards the bottom of said tubular container and in that the the upper rim (3) comprises a depressed portion, thereby providing the tubular container (2) with an upper lateral opening (4). In particular embodiments, the tubular container further comprises one or more recesses (14) in the rim of the opening (4) of the container.

The invention further provides an apparatus for the propagation of epiphytes comprising a plurality of tubular containers (2) as described herein wherein said plurality of tubular containers (2) are configured in a linear array (1), laterally connected to each other. In particular embodiments, the plurality of tubular containers comprises at least ten tubular containers configured in a linear array.

The invention further provides a combination of an apparatus comprising tubular containers (2) as described herein and a conductor tray (6), whereby the conductor tray comprises a plurality of parallel ducts (8) configured such that when a tubular container or the apparatus comprised of tubular containers is positioned in the conductor tray, one or more ducts of the tray are aligned with a tubular container and extend beyond a tubular container. In particular embodiments, the conductor tray further comprises a closing arm (13) which maintains the apparatus and/or tubular containers in position therein. In particular embodiments, the tray has a base for supporting the tray on a flat surface, and the plurality of parallel ducts are provided in an angle between 5° and 50° with respect to the base.

The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which illustrates, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application or uses. Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

Fig. 1 Perspective view of a particular embodiment of the apparatus comprising a linear array (1) of tubular conical containers (2) as described herein, and a corresponding conductor tray (6).

Fig. 2 Perspective view of a particular embodiment of the apparatus comprising a linear array (1) of tubular containers (2) as described herein, positioned in a corresponding conductor tray (6).

Fig. 3 Detailed view of a particular embodiment of the apparatus comprising a linear array (1) of tubular containers (2) as described herein.

Fig. 4 Storage container (10) for storing a plurality of linear arrays (1) of tubular containers as described herein.

Fig. 5 Cart (12) comprising a plurality of storage containers (10).

Fig. 6. Perspective view of a particular embodiment of the apparatus comprising a linear array (1) of tubular containers (2) as described herein, positioned in a corresponding conductor tray (6) with a closing arm (13).

In the figures, the following numbering is used: 1 - Linear array; 2 - tubular container; 3 - rim; 4 - hole or opening; 5 - bottom of the tubular container; 6 - conductor tray; 7 - receiving portion; 8 - duct; 9 - base; 10-storage container; 11 - lid; 12-cart; 13-closing arm, 14-recess.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The terms “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised of” as used herein are synonymous with “including”, “includes” or “containing”, “contains”, and are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, non-recited members, elements or method steps. The terms “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised of” when referring to recited components, elements or method steps also include embodiments which “consist of” said recited components, elements or method steps.

Furthermore, the terms "first", "second", "third" and the "like" in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the appended claims, any of the features of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

The values as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/-10% or less, preferably +/-5% or less, more preferably +/-1% or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1% or less of and from the specified value, insofar such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. It is to be understood that each value as used herein is itself also specifically, and preferably, disclosed.

The term “heterotrophic” as used herein refers to plant material that is not capable or at most weakly capable of photosynthesis. Accordingly, heterotrophic plant material requires an external carbon source such as sucrose provided in a growth medium for normal growth and development. The term “autotrophic” as used herein refers to plant material that is capable of photosynthesis and therefore not requiring external carbon sources for normal growth and development.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within the respective ranges, as well as the recited endpoints.

All documents cited in the present specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, definitions for the terms used in the description are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention. The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely to aid in the understanding of the invention.

Provided herein are methods for cultivating epiphytes, and devices for use in such methods. As used herein, the term “epiphytes” refers to plants which grow on other plants without taking food from the latter. The term “epiphytes” refers in particular, to the botanical orders of the Bromeliaceae, Araceae and the Asparagales. More particularly, it refers to members of the Orchidaceae family. Most particularly, the term “epiphytes” refers to plants belonging to the genus Cattleya, Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium.

The principle of in vitro culturing of orchids and other epiphytes as such is well known in the art. Typically, this involves culturing a seed or explant obtained from an epiphyte on a suitable growth medium, thereby obtaining a plantlet. Thus, the term “plantlet” as used herein refers to cultured small rooted plant or seedling obtained via in vitro culturing.

The growth medium during in vitro culture may be a liquid, solid, or semi-solid (gellike) medium. In preferred embodiments, the plantlets used in the methods envisaged herein are obtained after having been grown on a growth medium which is a gel. In particular embodiments, the growth medium may comprise sucrose and agar. In certain embodiments, the growth medium may comprise a plant growth regulator (PGR). In particular embodiments, the methods envisaged herein further comprise, prior to the step of transferring the plantlet to a tubular container, the step of culturing a plantlet in vitro. In the in vitro culture, the plant material may go through various developmental phases before developing into a plantlet. For example, the explant may form embryogenic calluses, followed by the formation of protocorm-like bodies (PLBs), which can further develop into plantlets, as is known in the art.

Provided herein is a method for cultivating epiphytes, involving pre-forming the plantlet. The method described herein involves the provision of a shoot or plantlet of an epiphyte in a tubular container and allowing it to grow therein which ensures guiding and orienting of the roots and leaves of the plantlet. . This allows for preforming the plantlet to a shape which allows for easy handling. The pre-formed plantlets are subsequently transferred to a further growth container for continued growth.

More particularly, the methods provided herein may comprise a first step of transferring an epiphyte plantlet from an in vitro culture to a tubular container and a second step of maintaining the plantlet in said tubular container, thereby allowing for roots and to some extent also the leaves of the plantlet, to adapt to the shape of the tubular container thereby obtaining a pre-formed plantlet. More particularly, the growth of the plantlet in the tubular container allows for pre-forming the roots of the plantlet vertically as the tubular container directs the roots along the longitudinal direction of the container. The present inventors have moreover found that this limited growth period in a tubular container can thereafter significantly facilitate the introduction of the plantlet into a growth container. More particularly it avoids the risk of damaging the roots upon introduction into the growth container. Additionally, the increased uniformity of the methods provided herein facilitates transport and manipulation of the plantlets, thereby allowing for a higher degree of automation of the cultivation process. Indeed, the uniformity of the plants allows for automated monitoring and detection of the plantlet.

In addition the inventors have found that the methods allow for a more gradual transition from lab to greenhouse. Indeed, the shoots grown in vitro live on sugar but have to transition to become autotrophic when grown in a growth container. During cultivation the plantlets are grown essentially without sugars forcing the plant to become entirely autotrophic already prior to entry into the greenhouse.

These features will be explained in more detail further below.

The plantlet which is introduced into the tubular container according to the methods provided herein may be obtained from a seed or explant. Typically, sterilized seeds or explants are used. Suitable sterilization methods are known in the art. The term “explant” as used herein refers to a plant tissue harvested from a donor plant, capable of vegetative reproduction in vitro on a growth medium. Such culture for vegetative reproduction is also known as “tissue culture”. The explant may be harvested from plant parts including but not limited to roots, root tips, rhizomes, shoot tips, stems, flower buds, and leaves.

Depending on the method used for in vitro growth, the plantlet will comprise one or more roots. Upon transfer of the plantlet, the plantlet typically comprises at least 2 roots which are between 0.5-1 cm long or at least 2 cm long, preferably at least 3cm long. In these stages the roots are handled most easily.

The size of the plantlet upon transfer as such is not critical. Indeed, the size of the leaves in particular may vary depending on the clone. In particular embodiments, the plantlet has a size between 20mm and 150 mm (length of the longest leaf).

The tubular container used in the present method is a hollow tube, i.e. it has a longitudinal hollow shape. The term “longitudinal” as used herein refers to an object having a length/width ratio of at least 2, preferably at least 3, more preferably at least 4.

More particularly, the tubular container at least in part has a conical shape, i.e. meaning that the diameter of the tubular container decreases towards one end (referred to herein as the lower end) of the container. In particular embodiments, a limited upper part (opposite side of the lower end) of the tubular container may be straight, while the lower part is conical. In particular embodiments, the entire container has a conical shape. This will prevent the plantlet from sliding down too deep into the container during transport and will moreover facilitate removal of the plantlet from the container. More particularly, the tubular container may have an essentially conical shape, more particularly a frustroconical shape, i.e. a cone with a truncated apex. In particular embodiments, the tubular container may have an aperture angle, i.e. the maximal angle between two generatrix lines, between 2° and 20°, preferably between 3° and 10°.

The tubular container is dimensioned such that it is sufficiently large such that it can accommodate the plantlet, but also sufficiently narrow (relative to the plant) such that the roots are oriented along the general direction of the longitudinal axis of the tubular container. The size of the tubular container can moreover to some extent be determined by the size of the growth container to which the plantlet will be transferred afterwards. Indeed, the size of the tubular container is typically at least 2 mm smaller than the smallest diameter of the growth container to which the plantlet will be transferred thereafter.

In particular embodiments, the internal width or diameter of the tubular container in its widest measure, has a diameter of at least 10 mm. Typically the diameter of the tubular container at its widest point ranges between 10 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 30 mm, such as about 20-25 mm. Indeed, in particular embodiments the growth container is a conical plug with a widest diameter of about 38mm and a smallest diameter of about 28mm. For these embodiments, the widest diameter of tubular container is preferably less than 28mm, more particularly 26mm or less.

The length of the tubular container is less critical. In certain embodiments, the tubular container has a length between 20 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 200 mm, for example about 90 mm. In particular embodiments, the tubular container has a diameter of about 20 mm and a length of at least 50mm Such dimensions were found particularly suitable for the cultivation of orchid plantlets. Indeed these dimensions allow for the roots of the plantlets to grow vertically along the longitudinal axis of the tubular container.

In particular embodiments, the tube has at least one open end, i.e. the upper end. This allows for introducing the plantlet into the tubular container, removal of the plantlet after pre-forming and optionally providing the plantlet with any light, water and nutrients which may be required for the plantlet’s development. In particular embodiments, both ends (top and bottom) of the tubular container are open or provided with holes. An open bottom can allow for draining excess water, e.g. when spraying the plantlet.

The tubular container preferably has a circular cross-section. Indeed, this optimally ensures that the growth of the leaves of the plantlets is guided without damage around a central axis which facilitates manipulation of the plantlet upon removal thereof. However, the cross-section may also have other shapes. In particular embodiments, the tubular container may have a cross-section which is circular, ellipsoidal, or polygonal. The cross-section of the tubular container may have an identical or different shape along the container’s length.

The tubular container can be divided into a top and a bottom part with a top end and a bottom end, whereby the top part is at the wider end and the bottom part is at the opposing end. The plantlet is typically positioned within the container such that the start of the roots is located within the bottom part, the leaves extending through the top part of the container.

In particular embodiments, the (open) top end of the tubular container comprises a rim having a depressed portion, more particularly a portion which is recessed towards the bottom of the tubular container. In this way, an opening can be provided in the wall of the tubular container. More particularly, the recessed portion provides the wall of the tubular container with an upper lateral hole or opening. This can facilitate the removal of a plantlet in and from the tubular container, while still allowing for a suitable protection of the plantlet when inside the container. Accordingly, this can allow for a faster plantlet transfer, which may even be automated. The lateral hole or opening may further facilitate inspection and selection of the plantlets.

The position of the opening in the tubular container is provided such that, when the plantlet is positioned therein, it corresponds to the zone of the leaves, but above the leaf sheaths. Leaf sheaths are the lower parts of a leaf. The sheets of several leaves often form a “stem” together, because they are wrapped around each other. Thus, it is of interest to ensure that the plant can be positioned in the container such that the “stem” of the leaves can be just below the opening, and the opening corresponds to a region of the leaves of the plantlet.

The opening preferably has a height which is between 10% and 50% of the total height of the tubular container, more preferably between 10% and 30%. The width of the hole can vary along the height, but preferably is between 50% and 95% of the maximal width of the tubular container. In particular embodiments, the opening has a height between 10 mm and 100 mm, more preferably between 20 mm and 100 mm. In particular embodiments, the opening has an (average) width between 4 mm and 40 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 25 mm.

In particular embodiments, the transfer of the plantlets into the tubular container and/or the removal of the pre-grown plantlet out of the tubular container is ensured either manually or in an automated way with a device comprising two arms extending through the lateral opening of the tubular container along each side of the plantlet, such as with a plier. Typically the removal of the pregrown plantlet is ensured with an automated device comprising two arms which are positioned to grasp the pregrown plantlet through the lateral opening of the tubular container corresponding within the region of the leaves of the plantlet.

In particular embodiments, the rim along the top edge of the tubular container (such as but not limited to the edge of the hole or opening described above) comprises one or more recesses or other functional features which allow for manipulation of the plantlet in and out of the tubular container with a gripping device such as a plier (see below).

The material of which the tubular containers are made is not critical. For example, the tubular containers may be manufactured from materials including but not limited to plastics, glass, metal, and ceramics, but is preferably made from a plastic material. The tubular containers may be made from an opaque or optically transparent material.

The plantlet is kept in the tubular container for a period sufficient to ensure that the plantlet is ready for a growth container. During this time plantlet roots and leaves are preformed, i.e. for the roots adapt to the (internal) shape of the tubular container. This means that the roots of the plantlets are shaped such that they follow the inner walls of the tubular container vertically downward and the leaves are shaped to grow vertically upward. In particular embodiments, the plantlet is kept in the tubular container for a period between 1 day and 3 weeks, more particularly between 3 and 14 days. A plantlet of which the roots are pre-formed using a tubular container as described herein is also referred to herein as “pre-formed plantlet”.

In the methods envisaged herein, the plantlet is preferably maintained in the tubular container under suitable climatic conditions. When the plantlets are provided into the tubular container, they are typically still partly autotrophic. Accordingly, while the plantlet is maintained in the tubular container, it is mainly provided with moisture.

However, optionally the plantlet may also be provided with nutrients. In particular embodiments, the plantlets are provided with water via spraying. In preferred embodiments, the water which is sprayed on the plantlets comprises components such as nitrogen, potassium, calcium, iron, copper, boron, zinc. In particular embodiments, the water may comprise plant growth inducers or systemic pesticides. Typically, the tubular containers are kept at optimal climatic conditions of light (duration, quality, intensity), humidity, gas exchange, temperature (24-28 °C) to ensure further growth of the epiphyte plantlet. The optimal climatic conditions are known to the skilled person and may depend on the specific plant genus which is cultivated.

Although the present method is described herein for the cultivation of a single plantlet, the skilled person will understand that this method is particularly suitable for mass cultivation. More particularly, the present method may involve the growth of a series of plantlets in an tubular containers as described herein. Accordingly, the methods may comprise the transfer of a plurality of plantlets obtained via in vitro culturing to a plurality of tubular containers as described herein. Typically, each tubular container is provided with a single plantlet. In particular embodiments, the plurality of tubular containers may be provided in a linear array (see further).

When the plantlet is ready for transfer from the tubular container to the cultivation container and the roots and leaves of the plantlet are pre-formed as described above, the pre-formed plantlet is transferred to a container other than the tubular container described above.

The actual size of the plantlet upon removal from the tubular container is not critical. Preferably, the roots are less than 5.5 cm long at this stage, but this may depend on the size of the growth container to be used.

The container to which the plantlet is then transferred is referred to herein as “growth container”. It is characterized by the fact that it contains a substrate. The substrate can be provided as a plug (compacted substrate) or loose in a bag (see below). Growth containers and substrates suitable for cultivating epiphytes are well known in the art.

The growth container typically is larger than the tubular container described herein above or at least has a larger diameter, thereby allowing for further growth of the pre-formed plantlet. The growth container may be designed for accommodating a single or multiple pre-formed plantlets.

Typical substrates used in growth containers for epiphytes are soils which can be in powder or in fibre form. The loose substrate may contain a variety of materials such as tree bark (pine tree, cork), plastics (polystyrene, polyurethane foam), moss, coconut and coco products, peat, charcoal, rocks (lava rocks, pumice, perlite, rock wool), additives (sand, lime, gypsum), among others. The loose substrate may be highly porous or, alternatively, possess a high capillary effect. Such loose substrates allow for an optimum level of aeration and air humidity to circulate, as well as ensuring a sufficient supply of water to the plant.

In particular embodiments, the substrate may be provided as a substrate plug. The term “substrate plug” refers to a composite of fibre-rich plant substrate and an adhesive, which is then shaped in a mold, thereby producing a plug. The fibre-rich plant substrate may contain different suitable materials, such as coconut fibres, peat, rock wool. Suitable adhesive may comprise a heated thermoplastic synthetic material. Suitable substrate plugs are known in the art. Examples include the Xtract Plug © (Quick Plug B.V), or the V-Xcel Plug© (Quick Plug B.V.), the Xcellent Plug© (Quick Plug B.V.),, Fibernet twin 3.0 or a plug such as described in EP 2327293.

The growth containers are typically maintained in a greenhouse where the plants are further allowed to grow until marketable size.

Further provided herein is an apparatus for cultivating epiphytes which can be used in the methods described herein. The apparatus comprises a plurality of tubular containers as described above, which are configured in a linear array. In preferred embodiments, the tubular containers are provided in a rigid configuration, wherein the tubular containers are provided side by side, and parallel to each other, and preferably in a planar configuration.

As described above, the transfer of a small plantlet to a tubular container at an early stage, ensures that the roots of the plantlets are formed vertically, which facilitates manipulation of the plantlets. The provision of tubular containers in a linear array can facilitate manipulation and transport of the plantlets provided therein, and can therefor allow for a high degree of automation of the cultivating process. The linear arrays may further allow for stacking tubular containers in high densities, thereby allowing for efficiently storing and transporting plantlets.

In particular embodiments, one or more of the tubular containers in the linear array may be removable and/or interchangeable. This allows for replacing defective containers, or moving containers from one array to another array, for example when plants within a single array. In such embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a plurality of separate tubular containers, and a holder for holding the containers such that they form a linear array. However, it is envisaged that in other embodiments, the tubular containers may have a fixed position within the array. In such embodiments, the apparatus described herein may be manufactured as a single part. Each of the tubular containers has an upper rim and a bottom, at opposing ends of the tubular container. Preferably, the tubular containers are provided such that their upper rims and bottoms are aligned.

As described above, the upper rim of the tubular containers may comprise a depressed portion, such that each of the containers is provided with an upper lateral opening or hole. In preferred embodiments, all upper lateral opening within the linear array are provided on the same side of the tubular containers in the linear array. This facilitates providing the tubular containers with plantlets, and facilitates further manipulation of the plantlets in the containers.

In preferred embodiments, one or more of the tubular containers within the linear array may taper towards its bottom, as described above. More particularly, each of the tubular containers may have a conical shape tapering towards the bottom of the container.

In particular embodiments, both ends of the tubular containers of the apparatus described herein may be open or provided with holes or openings, as described above.

In particular embodiments, the rim along the top edge of the tubular container (such as but not limited to the edge of the hole or opening described above) comprises one or more recesses and/or other functional features which allow for manipulation of the plantlet upon removal of the plantlet from the tubular container and/or to handle the tubular container. Typically the recesses are provided are essentially vertical (i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular container) but they may also run at a substantial angle to the longitudinal axis of the tubular container.

In particular embodiments the tubular container comprises at least two recesses extending from both sides of the opening, preferably in the lower half of the opening. In particular embodiments, a recess is between 3-7 mm wide.

The tubular containers within the linear array may all have the same shape, or may have different shapes. In preferred embodiments, the linear array comprises tubular containers having identical shapes. However, different linear arrays can be developed with tubular containers comprising different internal diameters for different kinds of clones (i.e. smaller and larger clones)

The apparatus described herein allows for manipulating a plurality of containers (and plantlets contained therein) at once, thereby significantly facilitating the manipulation of plantlets according to the method described herein. Preferably, the linear array comprises as many containers as possible. More particularly, the apparatus preferably comprises at least 5 tubular containers provided in a linear array. However, for practical reasons, the maximal number of containers in a single linear array preferably is below 100, more preferably below 50, for example about 10 to 15.

In order to further facilitate automated handling, the apparatus described herein may be provided with one or more additional features that further facilitate automated handling of the tubular containers or plantlets contained therein.

In particular embodiments, the apparatus described herein may further be provided with a conductor tray for facilitating the introduction of plantlets into the tubular containers of the apparatus. Accordingly, further provided herein is a combination of an apparatus as described above and a conductor tray.

In particular embodiments, such conductor tray may comprise a plurality of parallel ducts corresponding to the shape of the tubular containers. The ducts of the conducting tray typically have a longitudinal shape and are configured to extend beyond the upper rim of tubular containers, when these containers are placed in the conductor tray. More particularly, the ducts are configured such that when the apparatus is positioned in the conductor tray, each of the ducts is aligned with one of the tubular containers of the apparatus. The ducts need not extend over the entire length of the containers but at least extend but typically extend at least along the upper part of the corresponding container. Such configuration allows for introducing plantlets into the tubular containers, via the ducts. In order to further facilitate this, the ducts are typically located above the tubular containers.

In particular embodiments, the tray further comprises a receiving portion configured to support the apparatus within the tray. In particular embodiments, the receiving portion supports the apparatus by forming a ledge on which the bottom of the tubular containers of the apparatus can be positioned. In alternative embodiments, the receiving portion comprises a clamping mechanism which fixes the apparatus at one or more edges of the apparatus, typically extending from behind the apparatus, so as to allow easy manipulation of the plantlets in and out of the apparatus..

In preferred embodiments, the conductor tray has a base for supporting said conductor tray on a flat surface, wherein said plurality of parallel ducts are provided in an angle between 5° and 50° with respect to said base. More particularly, the conductor tray may further be designed such that, when the apparatus is positioned in the receiving portion, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the tubular containers (and the ducts) with respect to the base of the conductor tray is between 5° and 50°, preferably between 5° and 20°. This can further facilitate the transfer of plantlets to the tubular containers.

The following examples are provided for the purpose of illustrating the present invention and by no means are meant and in no way should be interpreted to limit the scope of the present invention.

EXAMPLES

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a particular embodiment of an apparatus comprising a linear array (1) of tubular containers (2) as described herein, and a corresponding conductor tray (6). Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of the same linear array (1) as shown in Fig. 1.

The linear array (1) comprises a plurality of tubular containers (2), each having an upper rim (3) and a bottom (5), at opposing ends of the containers (2). The tubular containers are open or have openings at both ends. The upper rim (3) of the tubular containers is provided with a recessed portion, thereby providing each container with a lateral upper opening (4). This can facilitate removal of plantlets (not shown) out of the tubular containers (2). The rim of the opening (4) may further comprise features such as a recess (14) for handling of the tubular container.

In the method as described herein, each of the tubular containers (2) can be provided with a single plantlet. This may be done using a conductor tray (6) comprising a receiving portion (7) for receiving a linear array (1) of tubular containers (2) and a series of parallel ducts (8). Fig. 2 shows the same linear array (1) and conductor tray (6) as shown in Fig. 1, now with the linear array (1) being positioned in the receiving portion (7) of the conductor tray (6). Each of the ducts (8) is aligned with one of the tubular containers (2), wherein the ducts (8) and tubular containers (2) have an angled orientation with respect to the base (9) of the conductor tray (6) wherein the ducts (8) are positioned higher than the tubular containers (2). More particularly, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the tubular containers (2) and the base (6) is about 10°. In this way, plantlets (not shown) can easily be introduced into the tubular containers (2), via the ducts (8). In particular embodiments the conductor tray (6) may comprise a closing arm (13) which maintains the array of tubular containers (1) in position (Fig. 6).

The tubular containers (2) are rigidly fixed to each other, thereby allowing for manipulating and transporting all tubular containers (2) within the linear array (1) at once. For storage and transport, several linear arrays (1) may be placed in a storage container (10) as shown in Fig. 4, wherein the linear arrays form different rows within the storage container. The container (10) may further be provided with a lid (11) for protecting the plantlets and/or allowing for a controlled atmosphere within the storage container (10). The lid (11) may be provided with holes or transparent regions such that the plantlets in the tubular containers (2) can be provided with light. Multiple storage containers (10) comprising the tubular containers (2) may be stacked onto a cart (12) as shown in Fig. 5, thereby allowing for an efficient transport of plantlets.

Claims

Amended conclusions

A method for growing epiphytes, the method comprising the step of (a) transferring an in vitro rooted young epiphyte plant into a tubular container (2) with a diameter of 10-30 mm; wherein the tubular holder is characterized in that the upper edge (3) of the tubular holder comprises a recessed or notched part, so that the tubular holder (2) has a lateral opening (4) at the top. (b) maintaining said young epiphytic plant in the tubular container for 3 to 21 days, so that the roots and / or leaves of the young plant adapt to the shape of the tubular container and a preformed young plant is formed, in particular that the roots of the plant are preformed vertically; and (c) transferring the preformed young plant to a growth container containing a substrate.

The method of claim 1, wherein the plant is placed in the container such that the lateral opening of the container corresponds to a region of the leaves just above the leaf sheaths.

The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the transferring step (c) is automated.

The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the epiphyte is a plant of the Orchidaceae family.

The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the young plant is supplied with water by spraying while it is retained in said tubular container.

The method according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the young plant, when transferred to the tubular container, contains at least 2 roots that are 0.5-1 cm long or at least 2 cm long.

The method according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transfer of the young plant to said tubular container is carried out by placing the tubular container in a conductor tray (6) which includes a channel (8) provided so is that when the tubular holder is placed in the guide tray, the channel is aligned with the tubular holder and extends further.

A tubular holder (2) for growing epiphytes, characterized in that the holder has a diameter of 10-30 mm, a length of at least 50 mm, a conical shape that tapers downwards and furthermore that the upper edge (3) of the tubular holder comprises a recessed or notched part, so that the tubular holder (2) comprises an opening (4) at the top.

The tubular container of claim 8, wherein the edge of the opening (4) further comprises one or more inlets (14).

An epiphyte culturing device comprising a plurality of tubular containers (2) according to claim 8 or 9 wherein said plurality of tubular containers are provided in a linear arrangement (1) with lateral interconnection.

The device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of tubular containers comprises at least 10 tubular containers.

A combination of a device according to any of claims 10 or 11 and a guide tray (6), wherein the guide tray comprises a series of parallel channels (8) so that when the device is placed in the guide tray, each of the channels is aligned with one of the tubular containers and extends further.

The combination of claim 12, wherein the guide tray comprises a closure valve (13) wherein the device is held in place in the guide tray.

The combination of claim 13, wherein the guide tray has a base for supporting the guide tray on a flat surface and wherein the series of parallel channels are provided at an angle of 5 ° to 50 ° with respect to the base.