WO2006059965A2

WO2006059965A2 - Devices, kits, and methods for providing protection to plants

Info

Publication number: WO2006059965A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/039897
Authority: WO
Inventors: David A. Francko; Kenneth G. Wilson; Barry D. Landrum
Original assignee: Miami University
Priority date: 2004-11-30
Filing date: 2004-11-30
Publication date: 2006-06-08
Also published as: WO2006059965A3

Abstract

Plant Protection devices, kits, and methods of protecting plants during adverse conditions are provided. The plant protection devices can have a freestanding enclosure (11) and/or a bonnet assembly (30). The plant protection devices can provide wind protection, mulch retention, and precipitation deflection.

Description

97

DEVICES, KITS, AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING PROTECTION TO PLANTS

BACKGROUND

[001 ] The foliage of palms and other broadleaf evergreen ornamentals can be damaged or killed during winter by a combination of cold temperatures and wind stress. Heavy mulching reduces temperature stress to roots and lower parts of the plant shoot tissues and is an effective way to protect marginal ornamentals from winter cold (reviewed in Francko 2003). However, winter winds tend to blow this protective mulch layer away. Further, mulching cannot protect plant tissues above the mulch line that are exposed to the environment.

[002] In addition, palms and many ornamentals are susceptible to late winter/early spring mortality caused by bud/crown rot disease. Winter precipitation collects in the open crown cavities of these species, freezing and thawing and resulting in mechanical damage to tender bud tissue. This damage creates ideal growing conditions for opportunistic fungal and bacterial pathogens. In susceptible species exposed to sub-lethal cold, the majority of spear leaves are destroyed by this disease, and, left untreated, this disease can kill all the viable bud tissue and thus the entire plant (reviewed in SPEPS 1994 and Francko 2003).

[003] There remains a need in the art for ways to ameliorate temperature and wind stress to plants. Additionally, there remains a need in the art for ways to exclude atmospheric precipitation and frost deposition from the crown cavity of palms, ornamentals, and other plants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[004] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, devices for plant protection are provided. The devices comprise a freestanding enclosure having at least one side wall and having an open top side and an open bottom side disposed such that the freestanding enclosure can be placed around at least one plant and at least one elongated leg. The freestanding enclosure is fastened to the at least one elongated leg disposed to anchor said freestanding enclosure proximate the ground around at least one plant.

[005] Li accordance with embodiments of the present invention, devices for plant protection are provided. The devices comprise a freestanding enclosure having at least one side wall and having an open top side and an open bottom side disposed such that the enclosure can be placed around at least one plant. Additionally, the devices have at least one elongated leg. The freestanding enclosure is fastened to the at least one elongated leg disposed to anchor the freestanding enclosure proximate the ground around the at least one plant. The devices also comprise a bonnet, and the bonnet is fastened to the at least one elongated leg and disposed such that water is deflected from the interior of the enclosure.

[006] In accordance with additional embodiments of the present invention, devices for plant protection are provided. The devices comprise at least one elongated leg and a bonnet. The at least one elongated leg can be placed in the ground proximate to at least one plant. The bonnet is fastened to the at least one elongated leg and disposed such that precipitation is deflected away from at least one plant.

[007] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, plant protection kits are provided. The kits comprise at least one freestanding enclosure having at least one side wall, an open top side, and an open bottom side. The kits further comprise at least one elongated leg and at least one bonnet. The at least one freestanding enclosure, at least one elongated leg, and at least one bonnet are configured to be disposed to provide wind and precipitation protection to at least one plant.

[008] In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, methods of reducing damage to at least one plant due to adverse conditions are provided. The methods comprise placing at least one freestanding enclosure around at least one plant and anchoring the at least one freestanding enclosure proximate to the ground around the at least one plant. The freestanding enclosure has at least one side wall, an open top side, and an open bottom side. The step of placing the at least one enclosure around the at least one plant adds at least from about 0.5 to about 2.0 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone equivalents of protection to the at least one plant during adverse conditions.

[009] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, methods of reducing damage to at least one plant due to adverse conditions are provided. The methods comprise placing at least one freestanding enclosure around at least one plant, anchoring the at least one freestanding enclosure proximate to the ground around the at least one plant, placing at least one bonnet above the freestanding enclosure, and anchoring the at least one bonnet in place. The freestanding enclosure has at least one side wall, an open top side, and an open bottom side. The bonnet is disposed to deflect precipitation from the at least one freestanding enclosure. The steps of placing the at least one enclosure around the at least one plant and placing the at least one bonnet above the freestanding enclosure adds at least from about 0.5 to about 2.0 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone equivalents of protection to the at least one plant during adverse conditions. [010] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, methods of reducing damage to at least one plant due to adverse conditions are provided. The methods comprise placing at least one bonnet such that precipitation is deflected from at least one plant and anchoring the at least one bonnet in place. The step of placing the at least one bonnet adds at least from about 0.5 to about 2.0 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone equivalents of protection to said at least one plant during adverse conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[011] The following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

[012] Figs. 1 A-ID schematically illustrate enclosure devices in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[013] Figs. 2A-2D schematically illustrate bonnets in accordance with the present 'invention;

[014] Figs. 3A-3B show bonnets and enclosures installed in the field in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[015] Figs. 4A-4E illustrate the appearance of various palms and other plants after exposure to winter conditions with or without the devices in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Note: leaf mulching was removed prior to photographing plants. These illustrations typify performance of each species/variety noted in winter experimental series. (A) S. minor exposed to -8⁰F with only heavy leaf mulching, showing almost complete defoliation. (B) pair of S. minor specimens exposed to -14⁰F but enclosed within an open cylinder. Note that foliar damage was largely confined to leaf tips that were above the lip of the cylinder, which can just be seen in situ in this illustration. (C) specimen of Aspidistra elatior (cast iron plant) enclosed within a bonnet enclosure, after -14°F exposure. Note abundance of live tissue persisting into March. (D) Small T. takil in open enclosure showing only minor leaf tip burn after exposure to -7⁰F. (E) Small specimen of T. fortunei in bonnet enclosure after exposure to -14°F, showing intact spear and perhaps 50% foliar survival through winter. (F) Larger specimen of T. fortunei protected by bonnet enclosure after exposure to -5⁰F, showing ca. 50% leaf are survivorship and intact spear leaf. In contrast to FIGS. 4D, E, and F, palms of species in D, E₅ and F that are protected only with heavily-leaf- mulch and exposed to temperatures of -5° to -14°F experience complete defoliation and high mortality; [016] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an enclosure and bonnet in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[017] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates an enclosure and bonnet in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[018] The present invention will now be described with occasional reference to the specific embodiments of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[019] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[020] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, and so forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the following specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the present invention. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements.

[021] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, devices for plant protection are provided. Referring to Figs. IA and IB, a device 10 is illustrated. The device 10 is a freestanding enclosure 11 having at least one side wall 12, an open top side 14 and an open bottom side 16. For purposes of defining and describing the present invention, the term "open" shall be understood as referring to at least one side having an opening such that air may pass into the interior of the device. It will be understood that the open top side 14 and/or the open bottom side 16 can be partially or fully open. In one example, as illustrated in Fig. IB, the top side and bottom side are fully open.

[022] The freestanding enclosure 11 is disposed such that the enclosure 11 can be placed around at least one plant (not shown) such that the plant is disposed in the interior 17 of the enclosure 11. The at least one sidewall 12 can be disposed to fully or partially enclose the interior 17. hi one example, as shown in Figs. IA and IB, the sidewall 17 fully encloses the interior 17.

[023] Referring to Fig. ID, the device 10 further includes at least one elongated leg 18. The freestanding enclosure 11 can be fastened to the at least one elongated leg 18, and the at least one elongated leg 18 is disposed to anchor said freestanding enclosure 11 proximate the ground around at least one plant (not shown). For example, the elongated leg 18 can be placed in the ground. An examples of such a device installed around a plant is shown in Fig. 4E. The freestanding enclosure 11 can be fastened to the at least one elongated leg 18 in any suitable manner. For example referring to Figs. IA and ID, the freestanding enclosure can have at least one set of holes 20 through which a tie (not shown) or other suitable fastener can be passed and fastened to the at least one elongated leg 18. hi one example, the device 10 has two elongated legs 18. hi another example, the device 10 has three elongated legs 18. The elongated legs 18 can have any suitable dimensions and be made of any suitable materials. In one example, the elongated legs 18 can be from about 10 to about 80 inches in height, hi another example, the elongated legs 18 can be about 48 inches in height and be made from stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, or any other suitable material. In yet another example, the elongated leg 18 can be 72 inches in height. It will be understood that the enclosure 11 could be installed in another way, and that the elongated legs 18 are not required in every embodiment of the present invention.

[024] In another example, additional fasteners can be used to anchor the freestanding enclosure 11 proximate the ground. In one example referring to Figs. IA and 1C, several holes 22 can be provided proximate the bottom side 16 of the enclosure 11. A bracket, such as an L-shaped bracket 24, as shown in Fig. 1C, can be passed through the hole 22 and driven into the ground. It will be understood that any suitable number of holes and brackets can be used, and any suitable fastener can be used, hi one example, three brackets 24 and holes 22 are provided. It will be further understood that it is not necessary that additional fasteners be used to anchor the enclosure 11 to the ground.

[025] The freestanding enclosure 11 may be made of any suitable material in any suitable manner. For example, the freestanding enclosure 11 can be translucent or transparent to light. In this respect, "light" shall be understood as referring to at least one of the wavelengths of light produced by the sun. hi one example, the freestanding enclosure 11 is transparent to visible light. The translucence or transparency of the freestanding enclosure 11 can allow photosynthesis of a plant to continue while the freestanding enclosure 11 is installed around the plant.

[026] In one example, the freestanding enclosure 11 can be made of plastic of any suitable thickness. In another specific example, the freestanding enclosure 11 can be made of Plexiglass or Lexan. The freestanding enclosure 11 can be formed in any suitable manner. In one example, as illustrated in Figs. IA and IB, a sheet of Lexan can be formed into a cylinder and riveted with at least one rivet 26. The rivets 26 can be aluminum pop rivets, and the sheet of Lexan can be 0.0625 inches thick, hi another example, the freestanding enclosure 11 can be molded or thermoformed in any suitable manner. For example, the freestanding enclosure 11 can be formed by injection molding, blow molding, or thermo forming. It will be understood that the freestanding enclosure 11 can be manufactured in any suitable manner. It will be further understood that the freestanding enclosure 11 can be manufactured using any suitable number of sidewall 12 pieces.

[027] In yet another example, the freestanding enclosure 11 can be of any suitable shape. In one example, the freestanding enclosure 11 can have more than one side wall 12 to form a triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other suitably shaped enclosure (not shown). In another example, as illustrated in Figs. IA and IB, the freestanding enclosure 11 can be cylindrically shaped, hi yet another example, the freestanding enclosure 11 can be frustoconically or conically shaped.

[028] The freestanding enclosure 11 can be of suitable size. For example, the freestanding enclosure 11 can be formed to have a diameter of from about 10 inches to about 40 inches. In one example, the freestanding enclosure 11 can be formed to have a diameter of about 15 inches or about 30 inches. It will be understood that the freestanding enclosure 11 can have a larger or smaller diameter. It will be further understood that the freestanding enclosure 11 can have any suitable dimensions for non-cylindrical shapes, hi another example, the freestanding enclosure 11 can have a side wall 12 that is from about 10 inches to about 48 inches in height, hi yet another example, the freestanding enclosure 11 can have a side wall 12 that is about 24 inches or 30 inches in height. Without intending to be limiting, it is believed that the enclosure 11 can reduce winter damage to plants by retaining mulch around the plant, reducing wind, and slightly increasing the temperature around the plant. [029] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, bonnets are provided. Referring to Figs. 2A and 2B, a bonnet 30 is illustrated. In one embodiment, such as that shown in Figs. IA, ID, 2A, and 2B, the bonnet 30 can be used in conjunction with a freestanding enclosure 11, and the bonnet 30 is disposed such that precipitation is deflected from the interior 17 of the enclosure 11. For purposes of defining and describing the present invention, the term "precipitation" shall be understood as referring to any form of water, such as rain, hail, snow, sleet, mist, etc., that falls to earth from the atmosphere. For purposes of defining and describing the present invention, the term "deflected" shall be understood as referring to at least some of the precipitation being kept out of the interior of the device or being kept off of at least part of a plant.

[030] The bonnet 30 can be fastened to the at least one elongated leg 18 in any suitable manner. In one example, the bonnet 30 is disposed at a distance from the enclosure 11 on the elongated leg 18. This arrangement allows transpiration of water from the plant or evaporation of water from the soil around the plant, and this prevents rotting of the plant material. In addition, this arrangement prevents overheating because air is exchanged with the atmosphere outside the enclosure. Such arrangements are illustrated in Figs. 3 A and 3B. It will be understood that the bonnet 30 can be installed in any other suitable manner from that illustrated in the Figures.

[031] The bonnet 30 can have any suitable size and shape. In one example, the bonnet 30 can have a conical shape as illustrated in Fig. 2 A. In another example, the bonnet 30 can have a dome shape, a curved planar shape, frustoconical, or any other suitable shape (not shown). The bonnet 30 can have a diameter D of from about 20 to about 50 inches. In one example, the bonnet 30 can have a diameter of about 22 or about 40 inches. Any other suitable dimensions can be used. The bonnet 30 can be shaped such that wind resistance is minimized. For example, a conical bonnet 30 can have a height H of about 5 inches with a diameter D of about 22 inches or a height H of about 9.15 inches with a diameter D of about 40 inches.

[032] The bonnet 30 can be made of any suitable material in any suitable manner. In one example, the bonnet 30 is made from translucent or transparent material. In another example, the bonnet 30 is made from plastic. In yet another example, the bonnet 30 is made from Plexiglass or Lexan. In one example, as illustrated in Figs. 2A and 2B, a sheet of Lexan can be formed into a conical shape and riveted with at least one rivet 32. The rivets 32 can be aluminum pop rivets, and the sheet of Lexan can be 0.0625 inches thick. In another example, the bonnet 30 can be molded or thermoformed in any suitable manner. For example, the bonnet 30 can be formed by injection molding, blow molding, or thermoforming. It will be understood that the bonnet 30 can be manufactured in any suitable manner. It will be further understood that the bonnet can be manufactured using any suitable number of wall 34 pieces.

[033] The bonnet 30 can be fastened to the at least one elongated leg 18 in any suitable manner. In one example, referring to Figs. 1 A-ID, a reinforcing ring 36 can be provided. The ring 36 can be mounted to the elongated legs 18 by placing a pin through a mounting area 38 on the ring 36 and through a corresponding mounting area 40 on the elongated leg. The bonnet 30 can be provided with at least one set of holes 42 through which a fastener (not shown), such as a tie, can be passed to fasten the bonnet 30 to the reinforcing ring 36. The reinforcing ring 36 can have any suitable dimensions and be made of any suitable material. For example, the ring 36 can have a diameter of from about 5 to about 40 inches. In another, the ring 36 can have a diameter of about 15 inches or about 29.5 inches. In yet another example, the ring 36 can be made of stainless steel, plastic, or any other suitable material. Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, specific enclosures 11 and bonnets 30 are illustrated schematically. Without intending to be limiting, it is believed that the bonnet 30 reduces winter damage to plant tissue by restricting the amount of precipitation that can be accumulated in tender bud crown tissue or other tissue of plants.

[034] In another embodiment, the bonnet 30 can be used without a freestanding enclosure 11 in conjunction with at least one elongated leg 18. The bonnet 30 is disposed to deflect precipitation from at least some of the plant. The at least one elongated leg 18 is placed in the ground proximate to at least one plant. Such an arrangement is illustrated in Fig. 4C.

[035] In other embodiments of the present invention, methods of reducing damage to at least one plant due to weather conditions are provided. In one example, the method comprises placing at least one freestanding enclosure 11 around at least one plant and anchoring the enclosure 11 proximate to the ground around the at least one plant. The freestanding enclosure adds at least from about 0.5 to about 2.0 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone equivalents of protection to the plant during adverse conditions. For purposes of defining and describing the present invention, the term "adverse conditions" shall be understood as referring to temperature, wind, or precipitation conditions that are adverse to the plants survival. In one example, the enclosure 11 adds from about 1 to about 1.5 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone equivalents of protection to the plant. The enclosure 11 can be removed during non-adverse conditions. Alternatively, the enclosure 11 can be left in place year round. [036] Any suitable size plant can be placed inside the enclosure 11, and more than one plant can be placed inside the enclosure. The method can reduce winter foliar damage to the plant. The method can reduce spear leaf loss to the plant. The plant can be any suitable plant. For example, the plant can be a palm or a cycad.

[037] In another example, the method comprises placing at least one freestanding enclosure 11 around at least one plant, anchoring the enclosure 11 proximate the ground around the at least one plant, placing at least one bonnet 30 over the freestanding enclosure 11, and anchoring the bonnet 30 in place. The bonnet 30 is disposed to deflect precipitation from the interior of the enclosure 11. The enclosure 11 and bonnet 30 add at least from about 0.5 to 2.0 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone equivalents of protection to the plant. In one example, the enclosure 11 and bonnet 30 add from about 1 to about 1.5 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone equivalents of protection to the plant. Li another example, the bonnet 30 can be disposed at a distance from the enclosure 11. The bonnet 30 and enclosure 11 can be used on any suitable plant of any suitable size. For example, the enclosure 11 and bonnet 30 can be used on a plant up to six feet tall. In another example, the bonnet 30 and enclosure 11 can be used on a palm or cycad. The enclosure 11 and bonnet 30 can be removed during non- adverse conditions. Alternatively, the enclosure 11 and bonnet 30 can be left in place year round.

[038] hi yet another example, the method comprises placing at least one bonnet 30 such that precipitation is deflected from at least one plant and anchoring the bonnet in place. The bonnet 30 adds at least from about 0.5 to 2.0 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone equivalents of protection to the plant. In one example, the bonnet 30 adds from about 1 to about 1.5 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone equivalents of protection to the plant. The bomiet 30 can be used on any suitable plant of any suitable size. For example, bonnet 30 can be used on a plant up to six feet tall, hi another example, the bonnet 30 can be used on a palm or cycad. The bonnet can be removed during non-adverse conditions. Alternatively, the bonnet can be left in place year round.

[039] The present invention will be better understood by reference to the following example which is offered by way of illustration not limitation.

[040] EXAMPLE 1

[041] Protocol

[042] Schematic drawings for prototype open enclosures and bonnets are shown in Figs. 5 and 6. A total of 30 open enclosures (15" and 30" diameter) and 23 bonnet enclosures (15" diameter; 15" and 30" height) were installed around palms sited on the Miami University campus and in the home landscape of D. Francko in early December (Table 1). A total of twelve commercially-important cold-hardy palm taxa were included in the data set. One additional bonnet enclosure was used to protect a non-palm target species {Aspidistra elatior; cast-iron plant) at the Francko site. One open cylinder enclosure was used to protect a grouping of Gardenia jasminoides znάNerium oleander, two additional non-palm ornamentals. One additional prototype-free-standing bonnet was used at the Francko home site to protect a large grouping of Trachycarpus fortunei, Sabal minor variety "Louisiana", and Cycas taintugensis.

[043] Plants were mulched with leaves (6 - 8") as per usual protocols of the Miami University Hardy Palm Project (1998-present; Francko 2000, 2003; Francko and Wilson 2001, 2003; Francko and Wilhoite 2002). Calibrated thermometers were set out among the experimental plants to record actual low temperatures at each microsite. In four enclosures, inside-outside thermometers were used to simultaneously measure temperatures both inside and outside the enclosures.

[044] Throughout the winter season, plants were observed and temperatures and other environmental data was recorded at each plot containing test plants. Plant foliar damage, spear pulling percentages, and other performance data were recorded throughout the winter and again in mid-March, when enclosures were removed. Final data collection was done in mid- April when new spring growth was well underway.

[045] To judge the efficacy of enclosures in preventing damage/mortality, these data sets were compared to a robust control set of palm performance data, with normal mulching alone, from the same species/varieties and the same test sites analyzed during 1998 - 2003 (summarized in Francko 2003 and in Table 1).

[046] Results

[047] For all 12 target palm species, open cylinders and bonnet enclosures significantly improved winter performance (Table 1). Winter performance was also enhanced in the 3 non-palm ornamental species examined. The winter produced the lowest minimum temperatures recorded in the area in nearly 10 years - the enclosed palms uniformly outperformed palms exposed to much more moderate temperatures during the winters of 1998 through 2003. [048] Effect of Enclosures on Inside Temperatures

[049] We hypothesized that enclosures would produced elevated temperatures near plants, as compared with environmental temperatures outside the enclosures. Monitoring of inside:outside thermometers indicated that, at best, thermal enhancement was modest, amounting to an average of 1-2°F during the night, over a range of low temperatures between 30°F and -14⁰F.

[050] Foliar Damage Index

[051] The foliar damage index (FDI) is a semi-quantitative scale that estimates the surface area of palm foliage that is killed by winter cold (Francko and Wilhoite 2002). An FDI = 1 means that the palm foliage is essentially undamaged, a FDI of 2 = 15% or less foliar area killed, and an FDI of 7 indicated complete destruction of aboveground green tissue.

[052] For each palm species tested, open cylinder and bonnet enclosures decreased the FDI by approximately 0.5 to 2.7 units, corresponding to a decrease in foliar damage equivalent to approximately 0.5 to 1.5 USDA Plant Hardiness Zones equivalent. In that the 2003-04 data set reflected much colder temperatures than the 5-year historical data set used for comparison (equivalent to approximately ¹A of a USDA Plant Hardiness Zone) the devices described produced the equivalent of approximately 1 to 2 full USDA Plant Hardiness Zone equivalents of protection.

[053] Put another way, damage to species such as Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese windmill palm) in 2003-04 plots that reached -6°F to -14⁰F was essentially equivalent to that expected in unprotected palms at about 3 to 8F (Francko 2003). By extension, an end user of our invention in a more moderate climate, e.g. Zone 8 with a mean winter minimum of 15⁰F, could expect to overwinter with ease plants that are normally damaged at temperatures between about 25°F and 30⁰F.

[054] In cases where open cylinders outperformed bonnet enclosures, it is important to emphasize that the open cylinders were used for smaller plants which were completely covered with snow during the coldest nights of the winter, and thus were sheltered from the coldest air. In contrast, palms in bonnet enclosures were exposed to the full force of environmental temperatures since they were not completely covered with snow or mulch. (FIG. 4 illustrates appearance of various palms after winter exposure, as a visual record of the quantitative information in Table 1).

[055] Spear Loss [056] In many commercially-important cold-hardy palm species, cold temperatures damage the newly-emerging spear leaf and the bud tissue in the trunk that gives rise to additional spear leaves. This damage appears to be exacerbated by freezing and thawing precipitation that collects in the open crown cavities of these species, damaging tissues and promoting disease (reviewed in Francko 2003). hi needle palm and Chinese windmill palm, spear damage and loss can occur at temperatures that are too warm to damage existing foliage. Left untreated, progressive crown rot disease often kills damaged palms in the early spring.

[057] Spear leaf loss rates were greatly reduced in both open and bonnet enclosures (Table 1). In species such as T.fortunei, where spear loss occurs at virtually 100% rates when temperatures are near or below OF, only ca. 1/4 to 1/3 of enclosed palms lost spears, a low rate that has not been duplicated by any other protection methods (reviewed by Francko 2003).

[058] Mortality

[059] Bonnet and open enclosures greatly enhanced palm mortality rates, even at the once-per-decade, extremely low environmental temperatures recorded during the experiment. No enclosed individuals of R. hystrix, S. minor, or S. 'Louisiana' suffered mortality and grew normally during spring (N = 15 total). Even in these hardiest three taxa, some mortality would be expected in normally mulched specimens at these low temperatures (Francko 2003).

[060] Historical data on Chinese windmill palms (reviewed in Francko 2003) suggests that nearly 50% mortality can be expected even in well-mulched specimens subjected to below-zero temperatures (Francko 2003) - this was reduced to 14% (2 individuals out of 14) by enclosing palms in palm protectors. Similarly, in T. takil, mortality was reduced from ca. 1/3 to zero by enclosing palms in palm protectors.

[061] For palm species truly marginal at temperatures at or below zero (e.g., W. robusta and filifera, and B. capitatά), the kinds of environmental temperatures recorded during the experiment would be expected to be uniformly fatal (Francko 2003); enclosures did not improve survivorship. Importantly, given the winter performance data for hardier palms above, these species would have been expected to survive at a high rate within enclosures had winter conditions been more typical for our region (e.g. ca. 2-3⁰F on campus, -6°F at colder sites). Thus, the device is effective in reducing mortality of genera such as Washingtonia and Butia in regions with USDA 7 (and colder parts of Zone 8) climates, where these species are considered marginally hardy, and/or "Zone 9" species in Zones 7b and 8, et cetera.

[062] In the hardy cycad species studied, C. taitungensis, mortality was reduced from ca. 50% to zero. Aspidistra, Gardenia, and Nerium specimens similarly survived the winter within palm enclosures. Although the sample sizes of non-palm species was relatively small, the observation that no non-palm target specimen studied suffered mortality strongly supports the efficacy of our enclosures in protecting non-palms through truly severe winter conditions.

[063] Table 1. Comparison of mean palm foliar damage indices¹' spear loss, and mortality in palms protected with enclosures (Experimental data; N-number in parentheses) versus palms protected with mulching alone (1998-2003 reference data; in parentheses). Palms from 1998-2003 exposed to winter minima ranging from -2°F (Miami campus) to - 12⁰F (Francko home landscape). Palms during the experiment were subjected to even colder temperatures (-6°F to -8⁰F on campus; -14⁰F at Francko home landscape).

Data

Species² Foliar Damage Index Spear Loss % Mortality%

(1998-2003 value) (1998-2003 value) (1998-2003 value)

Open Bonnet Open Bonnet Open Bonnet

R. hystrix 2.7(6) - 0 0

(3.2) - (25) - (0) -

S. minor 3.5(6) - 0 0

(5.0) - (5) - (5) -

S. 'Louis.' 2.5(5) - 0 0

(4.0) - (0) - (0) -

Trachy. for 3.0(4) 4.7(10) 25 35 0 14

(5.7) - (100) - (45) -

Trachy talc. 3.5(2) 5(1) 0 100 0 0

(5.9) - (72) - (36) -

S. palmetto 5.0(4) 5.2(4) 0 0 0 0

(6.0) - (0) - (10) - S. 'Binning.' 4.0(1) 4.0(3) 0 0 0 0

(5.0) - (0) - (0) -

W. robusta - 7.0(1) - 100 - 100

(7.0) - (100) - (100) -

W. filifera - 7.0(2) - 50 - 100

(7.0) - (100) - (100)

Butia cap. - 7.0(1) - 100 - 100

(7.0) - (100) - (100)

Cycas tian. 6.0 (2) 6.0(1) N/A - 0

(7.0) - N/A (50) -

¹ Mean palm foliar damage indices computed from following scale of total leaf area destroyed:

1 = no damage, 2 = 15% or less destroyed, 3 = 15-30%, 4 = 30-75%, 5 = 75-90%, 6 = greater than 90% destroyed but petiole bases green, 7 = all above ground tissue destroyed (Francko and Wilhoite 2002).

² R. hystrix = Rhapidophyllum hystrix(needle palm), S. minor = Sabal minor(άwavf palmetto),

S. 'Louis.' = Sabal minor variety "Louisiana"(Louisiana sabal palm), Trachy. for. = Trachycarpus fortunei(ChinQSQ windmill palm), Trachy. tak. = Trachycarpus takil (Himalayan windmill palm), S. palmetto = Sabal palmetto (cabbage palmetto), S. 'Birmng' = Sabal 'Birmingham', W. robusta = Washingtonia robusta (Mexican fan palm), W. filifera = Washingtonia filifera (California fan palm, Butia cap. = Butia capitata (jelly palm), Cycas tian. = Cycas tiantugensis (Emperor sago)

[064] References

[065] Francko, D. A. 2000. Effect of microclimate variation on cultivation of cold- hardy palms in Southwestern Ohio. Palms. 44:37-46.

[066] Francko, 2003. Palms Won't Grow Here and Other Myths: Warm-Climate Plants for Cooler Areas. Timber Press, Portland, OR and Cambridge, UK, 308 pp.

[067] Francko, D. A. and S. Wilhoite. 2002. Cold-hardy palms in Southwestern Ohio: Winter damage, mortality, and recovery. Palms. 46(1):5-13.

[068] Francko, D. A. and K.G. Wilson. 2001. The Miami University Hardy Palm Project. Rhapidophyllum. 10(2): 12-15.

[069] Francko, D.A. and K.G. Wilson. 2003. When Zone 6 becomes Zone 5: The Miami University Hardy Palm Project. Rhapidophyllum. 11(1)6-10,19.

[070] Roth, S.A. and D. Schrader. 2000. Hot Plants for Cool Climates: Gardening with Tropical Plants in Temperate Zones. Houghton Mifflin, Boston, MA, 228 pp.

[071 ] Southeastern Palm and Exotic Plant Society (SPEPS) .1994. The Palm Reader: A Manual for

[072] Growing Plams Outdoors in the Southeast. Available via http://www.ces.uga. edu/Agriculture/horticulture/Palmreader.html.

[073] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, which is not to be considered limited to what is described in the specification.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for plant protection, comprising: a freestanding enclosure having at least one side wall and having an open top side and an open bottom side disposed such that said freestanding enclosure can be placed around at least one plant; and at least one elongated leg, wherein said freestanding enclosure is fastened to said at least one elongated leg disposed to anchor said freestanding enclosure proximate the ground around said at least one plant.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said enclosure is transparent to light.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said enclosure is translucent to light.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said enclosure is cylindrical.

5. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said enclosure is rectangular.

6. The device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a first elongated leg and a second elongated leg disposed to anchor said freestanding enclosure proximate the ground around said at least one plant.

7. The device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of elongated legs.

8. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said enclosure is plastic.

9. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said enclosure is Lexan.

10. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least one side wall is from about 10 inches to about 48 inches in height.

11. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said enclosure is formed to have a diameter of from about 10 inches to about 40 inches.

12. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least one side wall fully encloses said at least one plant.

13. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said enclosure provides a wind barrier for said at least one plant.

14. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said enclosure retains mulch that is placed around said at least one plant.

15. A device for plant protection, comprising: a freestanding enclosure having at least one side wall and having an open top side and an open bottom side disposed such that said enclosure can be placed around at least one plant; at least one elongated leg, wherein said freestanding enclosure is fastened to said at least one elongated leg disposed to anchor said freestanding enclosure proximate the ground around said at least one plant; and a bonnet, wherein said bonnet is fastened to said at least one elongated leg and disposed such that precipitation is deflected from the interior of said enclosure.

16. The device as claimed in claim 15 wherein said bonnet comprises a conical shape.

17. The device as claimed in claim 16 wherein said bonnet has a diameter of from about 20 inches to about 50 inches.

18. The device as claimed in claim 15 wherein said bonnet comprises plastic.

19. The device as claimed in claim 15 wherein said bonnet comprises Lexan.

20. The device as claimed in claim 15 wherein said bonnet is disposed at a distance from said enclosure on said at least one leg.

21. A device for plant protection, comprising: at least one elongated leg, wherein said at least one elongated leg can be placed in the ground proximate to at least one plant; and a bonnet, wherein said bonnet is fastened to said at least one elongated leg and disposed such that precipitation is deflected away from at least one plant.

22. A plant protection kit, comprising: at least one freestanding enclosure having at least one side wall, an open top side, and an open bottom side; at least one elongated leg; and at least one bonnet, wherein said at least one freestanding enclosure, at least one elongated leg, and at least one bonnet are configured to be disposed to provide wind and precipitation protection to at least one plant.

23. A method of reducing damage to at least one plant due to adverse conditions, comprising: placing at least one freestanding enclosure around at least one plant, wherein said freestanding enclosure has at least one side wall, an open top side, and an open bottom side; and anchoring said at least one freestanding enclosure proximate to the ground around said at least one plant, wherein said step of placing said at least one enclosure around said at least one plant adds at least from about 0.5 to about 2.0 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone equivalents of protection to said at least one plant during adverse conditions.

24. The method as claimed in claim 23 wherein said step of anchoring said at least on freestanding enclosure proximate to the ground comprises placing at least one elongated leg to which said at least one freestanding enclosure is fastened into said ground.

25. The method as claimed in claim 23 further comprising removing said at least one freestanding enclosure during non-adverse conditions.

26. The method as claimed in claim 23 wherein said step of placing said at least one enclosure around said at least one plant reduces winter foliar damage to said at least one plant.

27. The method as claimed in claim 23 wherein said step of placing said at least one enclosure around said at least one plant reduces spear leaf loss to said at least one plant.

28. The method as claimed in claim 23 wherein said step of placing said at least one enclosure around said at least one plant comprises placing said at least one enclosure around at least one palm.

29. The method as claimed in claim 23 wherein said step of placing said at least one enclosure around said at least one plant comprises placing said at least one enclosure around at least one cycad.

30. A method of reducing damage to at least one plant due to adverse conditions, comprising: placing at least one freestanding enclosure around at least one plant, wherein said freestanding enclosure has at least one side wall, an open top side, and an open bottom side; anchoring said at least one freestanding enclosure proximate to the ground around said at least one plant, placing at least one bonnet above said freestanding enclosure, wherein said bonnet is disposed to deflect precipitation from said at least one freestanding enclosure; and anchoring said at least one bonnet in place, wherein said steps of placing said at least one enclosure around said at least one plant and placing said at least one bonnet above said freestanding enclosure adds at least from about 0.5 to about 2.0 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone equivalents of protection to said at least one plant during adverse conditions.

31. The method as claimed in claim 30 wherein step of placing at least one bonnet comprises disposing said bonnet at a distance from said enclosure.

32. A method of reducing damage to at least one plant due to adverse conditions, comprising: placing at least one bonnet such that precipitation is deflected from at least one plant; and anchoring said at least one bonnet in place, wherein said step of placing said at least one bonnet adds at least from about 0.5 to about 2.0 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone equivalents of protection to said at least one plant during adverse conditions.