WO2015049410A1

WO2015049410A1 - Device for protecting seeds from predators

Info

Publication number: WO2015049410A1
Application number: PCT/ES2014/070757
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jorge CASTRO GUTIÉRREZ; Alexandro Bitol Leverkus
Original assignee: Universidad De Granada
Priority date: 2013-10-02
Filing date: 2014-10-03
Publication date: 2015-04-09
Also published as: ES2428943A1; ES2566980A1; ES2428943B2; ES2566980B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device or container for protecting seeds housed therein from predators, such as rodents or other larger vertebrates, comprising a container part wherein the seed is placed, characterised in that said container part has a substantially pyramidal or truncated cone shape, divided by a plane which is parallel or not to the base thereof.

Description

SEED PROTECTOR DEVICE BEFORE PREDATORS APPLICATION SECTOR OF THE INVENTION

The present invention can be framed within the practices and devices that contribute to making afforestation or planting operations of any plant species of interest whose seeds have a high predation rate more effective and economically profitable. In particular, it refers to a device that protects seeds placed inside them against seed predators such as rodents or ungulates.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

Afforestation work

Afforestation or reforestation for the regeneration of the vegetation cover, or the cultivation of woody species for agricultural or agroforestry purposes, is an activity that affects a huge area of land every year worldwide, and that involves large sums of money. When the species has a seed weight above a certain limit (generally greater than 1 g, either the seed itself from the botanic point of view or this accompanied by part or whole of the fruit) seed sowing is usually discarded, especially in the forestry sector, for the benefit of planting seedlings previously grown in the nursery, mainly because the seeds sown in the field suffer high rates of predation by rodents or other larger animals such as wild boar or goats.

However, planting seedlings of many tree and shrub species has shown many problems. Survival rates are often low, and plants have equally low growth rates and abnormal development due to problems in root development as they pass from the container in which they are transported to the ground. On the contrary, the sowing of seeds in the field gives rise, generally, to vigorous plants and with a good aerial and root development, so that it is more advantageous provided that it manages to avoid the impact of the seed predators. As an example, plantations that are carried out in Spain with species of the genus Quercus frequently show high mortality rates and low plant growth, while acorn planting, if it is possible to prevent the attack of seed predators , yields very high survival rates (generally reaching values between 50 and 100%) and an adequate development of the juvenile. We are thus faced with the situation that the planting of Seeds is a very appropriate method to ensure adequate growth and development of plants (particularly trees and shrubs) in relation to planting, but it presents the problem of high predation.

Protective devices for plants and seeds against predators

To try to solve the problem of predation of seeds and young plants, numerous devices have been developed.

The inventors know various devices for protecting plants against predators or meteorological agents, such as those described in utility model ES1035385U or in patent ES2137474T3, together with other protective tubes, protective meshes, etc. whose protection is limited to the aerial part of the plant and are basically designed to protect the seedlings. Other devices, such as the one described in patent ES2015647, incorporate in its manufacture active agents of repulsive action against predators, but also refer to a protective structure for the aerial part of the plant. Other devices for the protection, in seedbed, of the stem or aerial part, such as that described in the utility model ES1054588U, are also known.

However, little attention has been paid to the protection of seeds (or fruits, broadly). Some devices allow seeds to be locked inside, such as the one described in patent ES1048430, but it is completely open at the top and its base, so that it does not prevent access by predators, and is primarily designed for root protection. of the plants before the competition of other species.

The only device, known to the applicant, that has a goal clearly directed to the seeds is that described in patent ES2383420. The device essentially consists of a cylinder that has a much larger aerial part than the underground part, so that it intends to solve both seed predation and, apparently, herbivory on the plant. On the other hand, its use in the field can be cumbersome, since the seeds must be placed between wires and block the access of predators by the top of the cylinder with some globose structure that is suspended on the seed. In addition, the described structure does not seem easy to transport assembled and, in case of being disassembled for on-site processing, it would take a long time. However, the main drawback of this and other similar devices is that they have a part that protrudes from the ground to protect the plant once the seed germinates. With this configuration, which produces a considerable visual impact, the passage of animals or any other factor that causes the fall or inclination of the cylinder can adversely affect the development of the seedling and its survival.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein allows the seeds to be protected from predators once planted in the field, so that the seed can germinate without being predated by rodents or other larger vertebrates. Through the use of the present invention, the success of establishment and recruitment of many forest species or of agronomic interest that suffer very high rates of post-plant predation may be increased, but for which alternative regeneration methods (planting a seedling) do not they are successful due to problems of plant mortality or poor development of their root system. The invention offers an alternative that will be more successful for afforestation or the cultivation of trees and shrubs and at a lower cost, and potentially would be useful for millions of hectares in which afforestation or reforestation programs, or forest crops worldwide, are developed.

The advantage of this invention is enormous in the field of forestry, because it allows forestry using seeds instead of seedlings previously grown in nursery. This is essential for many tree species that are used in afforestation and reforestation, both in Spain and in the world, since they usually have large seeds, very appealing to predators (rodents or ungulates), which consume practically all and therefore cancel planting efforts. However, it is well known that many of these species would have greater regeneration success if seeds were used instead of seedlings grown in the nursery as long as the problem of seed predation was avoided. The use of this invention will therefore allow more success in afforestation while reducing costs.

The present invention can also be used for the protection of seeds in the field of agriculture and in any field of agroforestry sciences in which the sowing of seeds is the best method for plant development but is limited by the activity of the seed predators Due to its configuration, the location of the device described in the terrain is completely underground (which eliminates visual impact and reduces damage to animals), is easily transportable and manageable, and can even be marketed already containing the seed of interest so that only We have to bury it.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1.- Schematic representation of the container part of a seed protection device with a truncated cone shape. (B) represents the major base of the throne and (b) the minor base. (N) represents the seed located inside the device.

Figure 2.- Schematic representation of the container part of a seed protection device against predators shaped like a pyramidal trunk. (B) represents the major base of the pyramidal trunk and (b) the minor base. (N) represents the seed located inside the device.

Figure 3.- Schematic representation of the buried seed protective device. (N) represents the seed inside it before germinating, (X) represents the plant once it has sprouted and (R) represents the roots of the plant.

Figure 4.- Schematic representation of the container part of the seed protection device against predators consisting of a trunk-shaped element (C) that has an opening line (L) that joins the major base (B) with the minor base ( b).

Figure 5.- Schematic representation of the opening of the protective device after plant growth. (C) represents the container part of the device and (X) represents the plant.

Figure 6.- Schematic representation of the container part of a protective device against predatory seeds consisting of a trunk (C) that has an opening line (L) that joins the major base (B) with the minor base (b). (T) represents a cover that comprises a mesh and is placed on the major base.

Figure 7.- Representation of a particular embodiment of the seed protection device against predators in which (O) represents perforations in the wall of the container.

Figure 8.- Representation of a particular embodiment of the seed protection device against predators in which (P) represents spikes projecting from the wall of the container outwardly. Figure 9. Representation of a particular embodiment of the seed protection device against predators in which (O) represents perforations in the wall of the log and (P) represents spikes projecting from the wall of the container outwardly.

Figure 10.- Schematic representation of a protective device of seeds formed by two trococonic elements, (C1) and (C2), joined by its major base and its arrangement on the ground. (X) represents the plant once it has sprouted and (R) represents the roots of the plant, which reach greater depth.

Figure 11.- Schematic representation of a seed protection device formed by two trococonic elements joined by their major base and their altered arrangement in the field. (X) represents the plant once it has sprouted, (R) represents the roots of the plant and (M) represents the tunnel that a rodent would dig.

Figure 12.- Schematic representation of a seed protection device formed by a container part (C1) to which a cylindrical element (C3) attached to its major base is added

Figure 13.- Schematic representation of a kit comprising the seed container device (D), seeds (N) and a substrate (S). (W) represents a tray.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Throughout the present invention, "seed" means the seed itself from the botanical point of view (ie, embryo, reserve tissues and seminal shells) or this next to the parts of the fruit with which it is Disperse, handle and / or market, which is the case with most angiosperms.

The "upper part of the device" means the area of the device that, once buried, is closer to the surface.

"Container piece" means an element whose shape and dimensions allow at least one seed to be placed inside.

Thus, the present invention consists of a device or container for protecting seeds housed inside them against predators such as rodents or other larger vertebrates, comprising a container piece, inside which the seed is placed and in which said container part has noticeably pyramidal shape or Conical trunk (Fig. 1 and 2), sectioned by a plane parallel or not to its base. Preferably, the geometric shape of the container will be a conical or pyramidal trunk with parallel bases.

The device is placed buried so that the smaller base of said container piece is located closer to the surface (Fig. 3).

The device and, particularly the mentioned piece, will preferably be made of a biodegradable material capable of disintegrating after a few months, once the plant has grown sufficiently and it is not necessary to protect the seed. In addition, the widest part of its upper part, corresponding to the smaller base, must allow the stem to exit (Figure 3, X) in the first months of plant growth, and at the same time prevent the entry of rodents or other small predators that dig around the seed, N.

In particular, to allow the stem to exit and prevent the entry of rodents or other small predators that dig around the seed, the device is configured so that the greatest distance between any two points of the minor base, b, of the container, C, is between 3 and 20 mm, preferably between 5 and 12 mm. As an example, if the container has a conical shape, that distance will correspond to the diameter of its smaller base. Likewise, it is understood that this measure corresponds to the inner part of the smaller base of the container piece, so the thickness of this piece will not influence this characteristic.

In another particular embodiment (Fig. 4), at the surface of the aforementioned container part, C, at least one cut, recess or row of perforations or microperforations, hereinafter "opening line", L, is made from the major base , B, to the minor base, b, to facilitate the breakage or opening of the container (Fig. 5) when the plant stem, X, born from the seed, which will sprout through the minor base, exert pressure on said container piece. In this way, the plant will be released from the container once it reaches sufficient size, and its strangulation will be avoided.

Alternatively, although conceptually equivalent, the container piece can be made in turn by several pieces joined or that can be joined together by means that allow easy separation, such as biodegradable threads, small plastic elements that can break with the pressure of the stem; or non-permanent means of connection such as a press-and-groove tongue and groove system

In a particular embodiment (Fig. 6), the device further comprises a perforated cover, grid or mesh net, T, located in its lower part, corresponding to its major base, B. This element allows the root of the root to exit. plant but prevents the entry of predators that can dig under the device to access inside.

In another particular embodiment (Fig. 7), the container part comprises a plurality of perforations, O, which facilitate the exchange of moisture between its interior, where the seed is housed, and the external environment. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of these pores will be less than 0.5mm to allow the exchange of moisture without the roots entering through them. In an even more preferred embodiment, the diameter of the pores will be less than 0.1 mm.

In another particular embodiment (Fig. 8), the container part comprises a plurality of spikes or pointed elements, P, arranged on its outer face, which prevent its destruction and the consumption of the seeds contained therein by larger predators such as wild boars, deer, goats, etc.

In another particular embodiment (Fig. 9), the container piece combines the two previous features and comprises a plurality of perforations, O, and a plurality of spikes or pointed elements, P, arranged on its outer face.

To simplify the design and the manufacturing process, in an even more particular embodiment, these spikes can be made by drilling the surface of the container, so that the material removed gives rise to the spike.

In another particular embodiment (Fig. 10), the device further comprises a second element, C2, which joins the container piece, C1, by its larger base, being located in a position opposite to the first. To facilitate its use, it is preferable that both elements are separated and can be joined after the placement of the seed and the substrate inside.

This embodiment mainly has the following advantages: It protects the root for a longer time; directs the pivoting root of the plant perpendicular to the ground, allowing it to reach greater depth; and facilitates the insertion of the device in the field. Additionally, the device would still be useful without need to maintain a specific position and even if the earth was removed and its position changed (Fig. 1 1).

In another alternative embodiment (Fig. 12), a cylindrical or prismatic element, C3, is added to its container base C1, preferably with the same section as the major base of the container part, giving rise to to an extension of the base of the container.

In particular, at least one opening line is practiced on its surface, from the major base to the minor base.

In particular, the second container piece may be of different height than the first container piece. It may also contain perforations to facilitate the exchange of moisture with the surrounding soil and spikes to protect the capsule assembly from larger predators, as described above.

Another embodiment that would simplify the afforestation process, and which is also the subject of the present invention, consists (Fig. 13) in the industrial development of kits or assemblies comprising the protective device, D, whose interior is filled with substrate, S, and at least one seed, N, and that can be distributed in forest trays, W.

Optionally, other elements deemed necessary as fertilizers, moisture retention gels, etc. can be incorporated. In this way, the set comprising the device, the seed and the substrate is prepared to be inserted in the planting hole, reducing the handling time in the field and will allow to equip the seed of each species with the most appropriate type of substrate, and increase the added value of the production of the invention. It also allows the use of promoter treatments for seed germination and plant growth in a safe and foreign way to the planting process.

In summary, a seed protection device is presented against predators comprising a container piece, C, in which at least one seed can be placed, consisting of a hollow element, substantially pyramidal or truncated cone shaped by a parallel plane or Not at its base. Preferably, the device is characterized in that the greatest distance between any two points of the minor base, b, of the container, C, is between 3 and 20 mm, preferably between 5 and 12 mm. In another particular embodiment, the container piece is made at least one cut, recess or row of microperforations, L, from its major base to its minor base.

In another particular embodiment, the device is characterized in that the container part has a plurality of holes, O, made on its surface that facilitate the exchange of moisture and nutrients with the soil. Additionally or alternatively, another embodiment of the device comprises a plurality of spikes or spikes, P, placed on the outside of the container.

In another particular embodiment, the device additionally comprises a perforated cover, grid or mesh net, T, which joins the main base of the container, preventing the access of animals from the bottom while allowing growth of the roots.

In other particular embodiments, instead of using a cover, the described device comprises a second hollow element, with a substantially pyramidal or truncated cone shape, C2, sectioned by a plane parallel or not to its base, which joins the container part by its major base, being located in a position opposite to the first, or it comprises a second hollow element, substantially cylindrical or prismatic, C3, attached to the major base of the container. In different even more particular embodiments, this second element may have at least one cut, recess or row of microperforations that facilitates tearing and subsequent degradation once the plant reaches a sufficient size. This second element can also have, alternatively or additionally, a plurality of holes made in its surface and / or a plurality of spikes or spikes placed on its outer part.

Finally, a kit is also presented for planting seeds comprising the device object of the invention, whose interior is filled with at least one seed and substrate. EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiment 1

A simple embodiment is a protective device against predatory seeds that consists solely of a container made of biodegradable material that degrades approximately within one year.

The container piece has a truncated cone shape. Its minor base has a diameter of 10 mm and its major base a radius of 40 mm. The height of said container piece is 100 mm.

The dimensions of the smaller base prevent rodents from accessing the seed from the top of the device and the height of the container is sufficient to prevent them from digging up to access the seed from the bottom of the device.

Embodiment 2

Another embodiment, which would allow the use of other types of biodegradable materials, is a device consisting solely of a container part with a truncated cone shape. Its smaller base has a diameter of 10 mm and its larger base has a diameter of 40 mm. The height of said container piece is 100 mm.

On the surface of this container, a cut is made, L, (opening line) from its major base, B, to its minor base, b. The cut is made along a generatrix, so that the container does not lose its consistency and maintains its shape.

This cut prevents the plant from being strangled when it grows if the material has not degraded properly (Fig. 5).

Embodiment 3

Protective device for seed with predators with a truncated cone shape (Fig. 6), consisting of a container, with a truncated cone shape, 4 cm high, whose smaller base, b, has a diameter of 10 mm and its larger base, B, a diameter of 40 mm; and a perforated cover, T, with a diameter of 40 mm and perforations of 9 mm in diameter. In addition, the container part has an opening line, L, which joins its major base with its minor base.

At the time of sowing, the desired seed and substrate are inserted into the trunk, after which the cover is placed by pressure or any other means that allows anchoring. The device, with the seed and the substrate inside, is inserted into the ground with the major base facing down.

The stem of the plant, once the seed germinates, will exit from the top of the trunk, while the root of the plant will exit through the perforations of the cover. The trunk will open through the opening line, L, once the plant grows.

The whole device will protect the seed against vertebrate predators such as rodents, which will not be able to access inside. It will also hinder the consumption of seeds by larger vertebrates such as wild boars or goats.

Embodiment 4

Protective device for predatory seed with a truncated conical shape (Fig. 9), consisting of a hollow piece, with a truncated conical shape, 4 cm high, whose smaller base, b, has a diameter of 10 mm and its larger base, B, a diameter of 40 mm.

The log has perforations on its wall, O, of 3 mm in diameter that increase the exchange of moisture with the soil once the structure has been buried. It also has spikes, P, that project from the trunk wall outward. The purpose of these spikes is to scare off both rodents and, especially, larger predators such as wild boars or goats.

The device can be complemented with a cover, as indicated in the previous embodiment.

Embodiment 5

Protective device for seeds before predators (Fig. 10) consisting of a container, C1, to which a second element, C2, is added so that they are joined by its larger base. The container piece, C1, consists of a hollow piece, with a truncated conical shape, 40 mm high, whose smaller base has a diameter of 10 mm and its larger base a diameter of 40 mm.

The second element, C2, consists of a hollow piece with a truncated conical shape, 100 mm high, whose smaller base has a diameter of 10 mm and its larger base a diameter of 40 mm.

The first container piece presents, along one of its generatrices, a cut, as an opening line, L, which continues along the second container piece, also joining its major and minor bases. The device is buried in the ground keeping the container, C1, in the part closest to its surface.

This embodiment prevents rodent access to the inside of the device while directing the roots to deeper areas. Additionally, the device is still useful without the need to maintain a specific position and even if the earth is removed and its position changed (Fig. 1 1).

Embodiment 6

Device consists of two trunks of identical size that fit over each other by pressure. The major base of each log has a diameter of 30 mm and the minor base a diameter of 10 mm. The height of each log is 30 mm. These dimensions are sufficient to house an acorn inside and at the same time prevent the entry of rodents by the only opening that will be free once the two halves of the structure are assembled, and will allow the stem to exit (from the top ) and from the root (from the bottom) through the smaller diameter hole. Both trunks will have a cut as an opening line that will allow the opening of each trunk once the stem or root of the growing plant exerts pressure. The two trunks have perforations that will allow the exchange of moisture with the soil. The upper trunk of the device will have spikes to reduce the risk of consumption by large vertebrates (such as wild boar or goats) that can locate the acorn once sown. The upper trunk will be accompanied by a cylindrical cover or casing, fitted by pressure, which will enclose the spikes, which will facilitate its packaging and handling during transport.

For use, once in the field, the carcass will be removed, the two trunks will be separated, and the lower one will be filled with soil, placing the seed on top of it. Subsequently, more soil can be added or the upper trunk directly placed by pressure, to finish filling with substrate through the smaller diameter hole of the upper trunk.

Method of realization 7 Device consists of two identical pyramid-shaped container pieces with a square base, which fit one on top of the other by pressure. The major base of each pyramid has a diameter of 50 mm side and the minor base a side of 10 mm. The height of each log is 60 mm. The thickness of the pieces is 0.8mm.

With this device a test was carried out comparing the effects of predation on 360 acorns of cork oak, Quercus super, 180 protected and 180 unprotected, randomly distributed in fenced and un fenced areas. In the fenced area the predation rate was 1.1% in the case of seeds protected with the device compared to 53.4% in the case of unprotected seeds. In the non-fenced area, the predation rate of seeds planted within the device was 12.4% and was entirely due to wild boars.

However, much of the wild boar digging devices remained intact (66.7%) and the seed did not germinate from exposure to the weather. In both cases, the evaluation of the challenges left by the animals confirmed that the protection was 100% in the case of rodents (mice and voles). On the other hand, the germination of protected seeds (93.9%) was higher than the germination of unprotected seeds (72.6%).

The characteristics of the emerged plants (number of boats, length and mass of shoots and roots and diameter of the roots) did not show significant differences between the seeds planted with or without the protective device.

Claims

one . Protective device for seeds against predators comprising a container piece, inside which at least one seed can be placed, characterized in that said container piece consists of a hollow element, with a substantially pyramidal or truncated conical shape sectioned by a plane parallel or not to its base.

2. Device according to the preceding claim in which at least one cut, recess or row of perforations is made from the major base to its minor base.

3. Device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the greatest distance between any two points of the smaller base of the container is between 3 and 20 mm.

4. Device according to claim 3 characterized in that the greatest distance between any two points of the smaller base of the container is between 5 and 12 mm.

5. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container part has a plurality of holes made in its surface.

6. Device according to previous claim characterized in that the holes made in its surface have a diameter of less than 0.5mm.

7. Device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of spikes or skewers placed on the outside of the container.

8. Container for protecting seeds according to any of the preceding claims which further comprises a perforated cover, grid or mesh net that joins the main base of the container.

9. Device according to any of claims 1 to 8, which further comprises a second hollow element, with a substantially pyramidal or truncated conical shape sectioned by a plane parallel or not to its base, which joins the container piece by its major base, remaining located opposite the first.

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which further comprises a second hollow element, substantially cylindrical or prismatic, attached to the major base of the container.

eleven . Device according to any of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that at least one cut, recess or row of perforations is carried out on the second element.

12. Device according to any of claims 9 to 1, characterized in that the second element has a plurality of holes made in its surface.

13. Device according to any of claims 9 to 12, comprising a plurality of spikes or skewers placed on the outside of the second element.

14. Seed planting kit comprising a device according to any of the preceding claims whose interior is filled with at least one seed and substrate.