WO2016092552A1

WO2016092552A1 - Systems, devices and methods for grafting plants

Info

Publication number: WO2016092552A1
Application number: PCT/IL2015/051199
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yuval FRADKIN
Original assignee: Virentes Ltd.
Priority date: 2014-12-11
Filing date: 2015-12-10
Publication date: 2016-06-16

Abstract

The present invention provides systems, devices and method for grafting plants. In particular, the systems, devices and methods provide an efficient automated grafting of plants.

Description

SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR GRAFTING PLANTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems, devices and methods for plant grafting. In particular, the present invention relates to automated systems, devices and methods for improved grafting of plants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plant grafting is a widely used technique in agriculture that involves the insertion or attachment of part(s) of one or more plants into or onto part(s) of another plant or plants so that the different sets of vascular tissues may join together. In most cases, one (or more) plant contribute the lower part that includes roots; this lower part is called the stock or rootstock. Rootstocks are selected, for example, to provide resistance to soil-borne pests and diseases, to increase tolerance to environmental stresses, for soil compatibility and to improve crop productivity and/or quality. The upper plant (or plants) is usually selected for its' stems, leaves, flowers or fruits and is called the scion. Usually the grafting method comprises a single rootstock and a single scion, utilizing the advantages of both plant parts.

Grafting of plants is mainly performed manually due to the nature of the process. However, manually grafting plants has many drawbacks. In particular, it is not efficient enough and it is sensitive to various contaminations.

Various devices and methods that may be used in a grafting process have been described in the art. For example, US Patent No. 5,813,167 is directed to Grafting methods and device therefor. Patent publication No. WO 2007/013804 is directed to methods and device for grafting plants. For example, US Patent No. 6,574,916 is directed to Plant grafting system.

The methods known in the art do not allow full automation of the grafting process, nor do they allow the grafting of more than one plant or row of plants at a time, nor do they exhibit high efficiency and/or output of the grafting process.

There is thus a need in the art for systems and devices that can allow automation of the grafting process, in particular by grafting more than one plant at a time - more preferably an entire tray (or trays) or other array(s) of plants. There is further a need in the art for automated or semi-automated systems, devices and methods for grafting, which are cost effective, reliable and highly efficient. Such systems, devices and methods should exhibit faster rates of grafting while allowing enhanced, simpler, faster, cheaper and accurate means for grafting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to some embodiments, the present invention provides methods, devices and systems that allow automatic (or at least semi-automatic) grafting of plants. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods, devices and systems for simultaneous grafting of more than one plant at a time. In some embodiments, the present invention provides for methods, devices and systems for grafting plants in a tray, that is, where both parts to be grafted (for example, the rootstock and the scion) are located on a single or adjacent growth cell(s) in a tray which harbors an array of growth cells. In some embodiments, the parts to be grafted (for example, the rootstock and the scion) may be located on separate trays, each tray including an array of growth cells including the respective parts to be grafted. In some embodiments, a tray may include any suitable moving platform capable of holding/carrying/harboring the growth cells.

According to some embodiments, the systems, devices and methods provided herein are advantageous over systems and methods known in the art. In particular, the systems, devices and methods disclosed herein provide an automatic (or at least semiautomatic) grafting of plants. The systems, devices and methods provided are cost effective and highly efficient with high yield, as they enable the grafting of more than one plant at a time while maintaining high rates of successful grafting. Moreover, the systems, devices and methods disclosed herein allow grafting of plants which are located on a single tray (or a combination of respective trays) and further allow handling more than one tray at a time, or working on more than one tray sequentially or in parallel.

Additionally, the systems, devices and methods provided herein exhibit reduced contamination (such as by various transmitted diseases or pests), which is a major drawback of other grafting methods known in the art. An additional advantage of the currently described systems, devices and methods is that the grafting process may not require a step of pulling out (for example, uprooting) of any of the plant parts (for example, scion and/or rootstock) to be grafted, thereby increasing the success rate of the grafting. Further, the systems, methods and devices provided herein allow for an accurate, cost effective and time saving means for grafting plants.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a system for grafting plants, the system comprising a grafting device, said grafting device comprises one or more grafting units, the grafting unit comprises one or more arms, which may be comprised of a first arm and a second arm, each of said arms comprises one or more movable grippers configured to hold a stalk of a plant, without inducing damage to the plant, and wherein the first arm is located below the second arm; and a tray of plants, wherein the plants are planted in an addressable array.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a system for grafting plants, the system comprising: a device for grafting plants, the device comprising one or more grafting units, the grafting unit comprises one or more arms (for example, a lower arm and an upper arm), the arms are rotatable and/or movable around or along one or more axis (for example, in three axis), each of said arms comprises one or more movable grippers, configured to hold/attach to a stalk of one or more scion plants and/or of one or more rootstock plants, said scion plants and/or rootstock plants grown (located) at a predetermined distance; and cutting means for cutting the plants at a region/point located between the holding points/regions of the lower arm and the upper arm; and a tray comprising an addressable array of growth cells, each growth cell or adjacent growth cells comprising a scion plant and a rootstock plant planted at a predetermined orientation within the growth cell or within the adjacent growth cells.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a device for grafting plants, the device comprising one or more grafting units, the grafting unit comprises a first arm and a second arm attached to a moving platform, each of said arms comprises one or more movable grippers configured to hold a stalk of a plant at a desired location, without inducing damage to the plant, each of said arms is rotatable and/or movable around one or more axis; and wherein the first arm is located at a lower vertical displacement (position) with respect to the second arm.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a device for grafting plants, the device comprising one or more grafting units, the grafting unit comprises a first, lower arm and a second, upper arm, attached to or mounted on a moving platform, each of said arms comprises one or more movable grippers configured to hold/attach to a stalk of a plant at a desired location/region, without inducing damage to the plant, each of said arms is rotatable and/or movable around and/or along one or more axis.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a device for grafting plants, the device comprising one or more grafting units, the grafting unit comprises a lower arm and an upper arm, the arms are rotatable around and/or movable along one or more axis, each of said arms comprises one or more movable grippers configured to hold a stalk of a first plant and a second plant, said first plant and second plant grown (planted) at a predetermined distance; and a cutting means for cutting the plants at a region located between the holding points of the lower arm and the upper arm.

According to some embodiments, the first arm and the second arm may be identical, similar or different in size, shape, movement, locations, and the like. In some embodiments, the first arm and the second arm are unified to a single arm.

According to some embodiments, the first arm and/or the second arm may further comprise means for cutting the plant a desired location. In some embodiments, the means for cutting the plant may be selected from, but not limited to: a knife, laser beam, fluid jet, and the like, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments the first arm and/or the second arm may each be in contact

(for example, hold or attach via the grippers) more than one plant at a time. In some embodiments, the first arm and/or the second arm may each be in contact with more than one different plant at a time. For example, the first arm and/or the second arm may each hold both the first plant and the second plant (for example, scion plant(s) and/or the rootstock(s)). According to some embodiments, the arms may rotate or move around any horizontal or vertical axis. In some embodiments, the vertical distance between the arms and the substrate (tray, ground on which the plants are grown) may be predetermined and may be adjustable, so as to fit the substrate, the size (height) of the plants, the location of the desired grafting point/region, and the like, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the vertical distance between the first arm and the second arm may be predetermined and may be adjustable, so as to fit the substrate (tray) the size (height) of the plants, the location of the desired grafting point/region, and the like, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the arms may adjustably (automatically or manually) orient in space so as compensate for spatial deviations in the locations of the plants to be grafted. In some embodiments, the spatial deviation may be in the range of 0-50%.

In some embodiments, one or more of the arms of the device may include a swiping element that may be used to "clean" the plants from plants parts (such as leaves or branches) that may interfere with the gripping of the plants and the grafting process.

According to some embodiments, the first and/or second arm may comprise more than one grippers that may be identical, similar or different in size, shape, composition, and the like. In some embodiments, the grippers are movable. The grippers may be constructed of various materials. In some embodiments, the grippers may be physical grippers (i.e. grippers that physically hold/clamp the plant). In some embodiments, the grippers may attach/hold the plant by vacuum, without physically clamping the plant. In some embodiments, the grippers are configured to compensate for spatial deviations in the locations of the plants to be grafted, for example, by spatially orienting the plants to a desired spatial location (for example, by gently swiping the plant), prior to gripping the plant and operating the grafting process.

In some embodiments, the grippers may be constructed such that upon gripping, clamping or coming in contact with a plant (for example with the stalk of a plant), they do not harm or damage the plant. In some embodiments, the grippers of each arm may move (rotate) together, or independently. In some embodiments, the movement of the grippers is around a horizontal axis. In some embodiments, the movement of the grippers is around a vertical axis. In some embodiments, the movement of the grippers is around any desired axis. In some embodiments, the movement of the grippers is continuous. In some embodiments, the movement of the grippers is step-wise. In some embodiments, the grippers are distributed (located, positioned) evenly along the arm, at predetermined locations at constant intervals. In some embodiments, the grippers are not distributed evenly along the arms. In some embodiments, the location of the grippers along the arm may be changed. In some embodiments, the hinge(s) around which the grippers are rotating, may be fixed to the arms, at equal or different intervals. In some embodiments, the hinge(s) around which the grippers are rotating, may be movable along the arms. In some embodiments, the grippers may be connected to a conveyer belt.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a method for simultaneous grafting of a plurality of plants, the method comprising:

a) providing a tray comprising an addressable array of growth cells, wherein the growth cells harbor one or more scion plants and/or one or more rootstock plants located at a designated position within the cell or on adjacent cells;

b) holding the plants by grippers located on arms of a grafting unit of a grafting device, wherein the plants are held at a lower region and an upper region along the stalk of the plants;

c) cutting the plants at a desired cutting point between said lower region and upper region;

d) situating/placing the upper cut portion of the scion plant over the corresponding cut lower portion of the rootstock; and e) grafting the plants by contacting the scion(s) and /or the rootstock(s) at the respective cut point.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a device for grafting plants, the device comprising one or more grafting units, the grafting unit comprises one or more arms, the arms are rotatable/movable about one or more axis, the one or more arms comprises one or more movable grippers configured to hold a stalk of a first plant and a second plant, said first plant and second plant grow at a predetermined distance; and cutting means for cutting the plants at a region located between the holding points of the one or more arms. In some embodiments, the grafting unit may include a lower arm and an upper arm. In some embodiments, the plants may be cut at a region located between the holding points of the lower arm and the upper arm. In some embodiments, the cutting means is functionally and/or structurally associated with the one or more arms.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a device for grafting plants, the device comprising one or more grafting units, the grafting unit comprises a lower arm and an upper arm, the arms are rotatable around one or more axis, each of said arms comprises one or more movable grippers configured to hold a stalk of a first plant and a second plant, said first plant and second plant grown at a predetermined distance; and cutting means for cutting the plants at a region located between the holding points of the lower arm and the upper arm.

In some embodiments, the cutting means is functionally associated with the lower arm and/or the upper arm. In some embodiments, the cutting means is structurally associated with the lower arm and/or the upper arm. In some embodiments, the cutting means is separable from the lower and/or upper arm. In some embodiments, the cutting means is positioned on a separate arm. In some embodiments, the cutting means are selected from a knife, a blade, a laser beam, a fluid jet, or combinations thereof.

According to some embodiments, the lower arm and upper arm are identical in size and shape. In other embodiments, the upper arm and the lower arm are different in size and shape. In some embodiments, the lower arm and the upper arm operate simultaneously. In some embodiments, the lower arm and the upper arm operate sequentially.

In some embodiments, the device may further include a controller unit, said controller unit may include a power source, a motor, a processing logic or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the device may further include means to remove unused parts of cut plants.

In some embodiments, the first plant and/or the second plant may be selected from one or more scion plants and one or more rootstock plants. In some exemplary embodiments, the first plant is a scion and the second plant is a rootstock.

According to some embodiments, the first plant and the second plant may be grown in the same growth cell or in adjacent growth cells. In some embodiments, the growth cell may be located on a growth tray comprising a plurality of growth cells situated in an addressable array. In some embodiments, the tray may be a table, shelf or other substantially level platform comprising a plurality of growth cells situated in an addressable array. In some embodiments, the tray may be a moving platform, such as a conveyor belt, comprising a plurality of growth cells situated in an addressable array.

In some embodiments, the device may further include means for placing a collar on one or more rootstock and/or one or more scion, said collar is configured to at least partially inhibit growth of said rootstock and/or scion.

In some embodiments, the device may further include a securing unit configured to place/position one or more securing member on, over and/or within the grafting region of the cut plants. In some embodiments, the securing member may be selected from a ring, a clamp, a clip, a silicon clip, an adhesive tape, a plastic tape, a Teflon tape, glue, a collar, a pin, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, multiple securing members may be used and placed, and may be selected from any one or a combination of the abovementioned securing members including combinations wherein more than one member may be of the same or different type. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

In some embodiments, there is provided a system for grafting plants, the system comprising: a device for grafting plants, the device comprising one or more grafting units, the grafting unit comprises one or more arms rotatable around one or more axis, the one or more arms comprise one or more movable grippers configured to hold a stalk of a first plant and a second plant, said first plant and second plant grown/located/planted at a predetermined distance; and cutting means for cutting the plants at a region located between the holding points of the one or more arms; and a tray comprising an addressable array of growth cells, each growth cell or adjacent growth cells comprising a first plant and a second plant, planted at a predetermined orientation within the growth cell or in adjacent growth cells.

According to other embodiments, there is provided a system for grafting plants, the system comprising: a device for grafting plants, the device comprising one or more grafting units, the grafting unit comprises a lower arm and an upper arm (that may form one unified arm), the arms are rotatable around one or more axis, each of said arms comprises one or more movable grippers configured to hold a stalk of a first plant and a second plant, said first plant and second plant positioned at a predetermined distance; and cutting means for cutting the plants at a region located between the holding points of the lower arm and the upper arm; and a tray comprising an addressable array of growth cells, each growth cell or adjacent growth cells comprising a first plant and a second plant, planted at a predetermined orientation within the growth cell or in adjacent growth cells. In some embodiments, the first plant and/or the second plant may be selected from one or more scion plants and one or more rootstock plants. In some embodiments, the first plant may be a scion and the second plant may be a rootstock.

In some embodiments, there is provided a system for grafting plants, the system comprising: a device for grafting plants, the device comprising one or more grafting units, the one or more grafting units comprising one or more arms movable along and/or rotatable about one or more axis, said one or more arms comprising one or more movable grippers configured to hold a stalk of a first plant and a second plant, said first plant and second plant grown or positioned at a predetermined distance from each other; cutting means for cutting the plants at a region located between the holding regions of said one or more arm; and a tray comprising an addressable array of growth cells, each growth cell or adjacent growth cells comprising a first plant and a second plant, planted at a predetermined location within the growth cell or in adjacent growth cells. In some embodiments, the system may further include a securing unit configured to place/position one or more securing member on, over and/or within the grafting region of the cut plants. In some embodiments, the securing member may be selected from a ring, a clamp, a clip, a silicon clip, an adhesive tape, a plastic tape, a Teflon tape, glue, a collar, a pin, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a plurality of securing members may be used and may be selected from any combinations of the abovementioned securing members including combinations wherein more than one member may be of the same, similar, or different type.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a method for simultaneous grafting of a plurality of plants, the method includes:

a) providing a tray comprising an addressable array of growth cells, wherein the growth cells harbor a first plant and a second plant located at a designated position within the cell or at a designated position within adjacent cells;

b) holding the plants by grippers located on one or more arms of a grafting device, wherein the plants are held at a lower region and an upper region along the stalk of the plants;

c) cutting the plants at a desired cutting region between said lower region and upper region; d) positioning an upper cut portion of the first plant over a corresponding lower cut portion of the second plant; and

e) grafting the plants by contacting the upper cut portion of the first plant and the lower cut portion of the second plant.

In some embodiments, the method may further include a step of removing unused

(un-grafted) portions of the first plant and/or the second plant. In some embodiments, the method may be executed automatically and/or semi-automatically.

In some embodiments, the method may include a step of positioning the one or more arms of the grafting device at a location corresponding to the designated position of the first plant and/or the second plant within the cells or within the adjacent cells.

In some embodiments, the step of cutting in the method may be performed by a cutting knife, a cutting blade, or both. In some embodiments, the step of cutting may be performed by a jet of fluid. In some embodiments, the step of cutting may be performed by a laser beam. In some embodiments, the cutting of the plants may be performed at any angle.

In some embodiments, the method may further include a step of decontaminating the cutting means or replacing it between uses, for example, between different trays, or in some cases between different columns/cells of a tray.

In some embodiments, the first plant and/or the second plant may be selected from one or more scion plants and one or more rootstock plants. In some embodiments, the first plant may be a scion and the second plant may be a rootstock. In some embodiments, the method may further include a step of re-grafting the engrafted plants of step (e) with one or more new scion plant and/or one or more new rootstock plant.

In some embodiments, the method may further include a step of placing/positioning a collar on a cut rootstock and/or a cut scion, said collar is configured to at least partially inhibit growth of the respective rootstock and/or scion.

In some embodiments, the method may further include a step of placing one or more securing member in, on or over the grafting point. In some embodiments, the step of placing one or more securing member may be performed after step (d) and/or after step (e). The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above- described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other advantages or improvements.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Some embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying figures. The description, together with the figures, makes apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art how some embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced. The figures are for the purpose of illustrative discussion and no attempt is made to show structural details of an embodiment in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the teachings of the disclosure. For the sake of clarity, some objects depicted in the figures are not to scale.

Fig. 1 A perspective view of a grafting unit, according to some embodiments;

Fig. 2 A perspective view of a grafting unit and a tray of plants, according to some embodiments;

Fig. 3 A A perspective view of a grafting unit and a tray of plants, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 3B A perspective view of a grafting unit and a tray of plants, according to some embodiments;

Fig. 4A A perspective enlarged view of portion of the edge end of a lower arm and a tray of plants, according to some embodiments;

Fig. 4B A perspective enlarged view of portion of the edge end of a lower arm and a tray of plants, according to some embodiments;

Fig. 4C A perspective enlarged view of portion of the edge end of a lower arm and a tray of plants, according to some embodiments;

Fig. 5 An enlarged perspective rootstock side view of a portion of the edge ends of a lower arm and upper arm and a tray of plants, according to some embodiments;

Fig. 6A A perspective enlarged view of upper arm and lower arms holding the cut plants, according to some embodiments;

Fig. 6B A perspective enlarged view of upper arm and lower arms holding the cut plants at a desired position, according to some embodiments;

Fig. 7 A perspective enlarged view of upper arm and lower arms holding the grafted plants, which has a securing clip on the grafting site, according to some embodiments;

Fig. 8A A perspective view of a securing unit for using a securing member (in the form of a pin) to secure the grafting region, according to some embodiments;

Fig. 8B A perspective enlarged view of a spring-loaded pin clasper of a securing element for using a pin to secure the grafting region of grafted plants, according to some embodiments; and

Fig. 8C A schematic illustration of a partial cut-away side view of two cut plants after insertion of a pin by a securing unit into a plant part, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, various aspects of the disclosure will be described. For the purpose of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the disclosure may be practiced without specific details being presented herein. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the disclosure.

According to some embodiments, the present invention provides for methods, devices and systems that allow for automatic (or at least semi-automatic) grafting of plants. In some embodiments, the present invention provides for methods, devices and systems for simultaneous, efficient grafting of more than one plant at a time. In some embodiments, the present invention provides for methods, devices and systems for grafting plants in one or more trays. In some embodiments, the plants are located/planted at a designated addressable array (cells) on the tray, such that the location of each plant is identified, recognized and/or addressed. In some embodiments both the rootstock plant(s) and/or the scion plant(s) are located/grown on a single growing cell. In some embodiments the rootstock plant(s) and/or the scion plant(s) are located/grown on adjacent growing cells.

According to some embodiments, the grafting systems, devices and methods provided herein are used for improving grafting of plants and for improving plant traits. In some embodiments, the grafting systems, devices and methods provided herein are used for grafting a scion and a rootstock. In some embodiments, the grafting systems, devices and methods provided herein are used for grafting a scion and more than one rootstock. In some embodiments, the grafting systems, devices and methods provided herein are used for grafting more than one scion. In some embodiments, the grafting systems, devices and methods provided herein are used for grafting more than one rootstock.

Definitions

The term "grafting" (in any tense used) refers to the uniting of at least two parts of growing plants by insertion or by placing in close contact. Usually it comprises the point or region of contact or insertion of a scion upon a rootstock. However, any part of two plants which are unnaturally assembled is called grafting. Grafting is used in its broadest scope and includes budding as well. In budding, single bud from the desired scion is used rather than an entire twig. In some embodiments, grafting may include uniting of at least two parts of more than one growing plants by insertion or by placing them in close contact. In some embodiments, grafting comprises the point of insertion of one or more scions. In some embodiments, grafting comprises the point of insertion of one or more rootstocks. In some embodiments, grafting comprises the point of insertion of one or more scions and one or more rootstocks. The term "Rootstock" refers to the lower part of a grafted plant that supply the roots. Usually the rootstock is selected for its superior qualities such as disease resistance, vigor, ability to grow in adverse soil conditions, and additional impacts on the scion growth. In some embodiments, more than one rootstock may be used for grafting. In some embodiments, one or more rootstocks (that may be identical, similar or different) may be grafted with one or more scions (that may be identical, similar or different). In some embodiments, two rootstocks may be grafted. In some exemplary embodiments, when two rootstocks are used with one scion, the grafted plant may have two root houses with one plant view.

The term "scion" refers to the upper part of a grafted plant which is detached from its root. The scion is joined to the lower part (rootstock). Usually the scion is selected for desired traits, such as, for example, superior fruiting, flowering traits, shape, color, and the like. The scion, according to the present invention, may also be a bud. The term "bud" as used herein refers to a scion having a single axillary bud eye, where a bud is an undeveloped or embryonic shoot and normally occurs in the axil of a leaf or at the tip of the stem. In some embodiments, more than one scion may be used for grafting. In some embodiments, one or more scions may be grafted on one or more rootstocks. In some embodiments, two scions may be grafted. In some embodiments, two scions may be grafted that may include one root house. In some embodiments, two scions (that may be identical, similar or different) may be grafted on one rootstock.

The terms "tray" and "staging platform" may interchangeably be used herein. The terms refer to any stable surface or platform on which may hold or include growth cells. In some embodiments, a tray may be a table or a shelf. In some embodiments, a tray may be a substantially leveled moving platform, such as a conveyor belt. In some embodiments, a tray may include any combination of the aforementioned forms. In some embodiments, a tray holds, carries, bears, or includes an addressable array of growth cells.

The term "contamination" refers to any type of contamination that may harm the plants. In some embodiments, contamination may be caused by infection. In some embodiments, infection may be caused by a disease, bacterial infection, viral infection, fungal infection, pests infection, and the like. In some embodiments, infection may affect plant growth and/or infestation by pests. The term "plurality" as used herein refers to at least two.

The terms "region" and "point" may interchangeably be used. The terms refer to a specific location. For example, in some embodiments, the terms "cut point" and cut region" may interchangeably be used. For example, in some embodiments, the terms "holding point" and "holding region" may interchangeably be used. For example, in some embodiments, the terms "grafting point" and "grafting region" may interchangeably be used.

The term "the same taxonomy origin" is used herein in its broadest scope and refers to plants of the same family, genus, or species. Usually, grafted plants should be of the same family; however, plants from different families may be also grafted together according to this invention.

The terms "first arm" and "lower arm" may interchangeably be used.

The terms "second arm" and "upper arm" may interchangeably be used.

In some embodiments, the term "grafting unit" refers to an arm that may be structurally and/or functionally comprised of at least two arm portions: an upper arm and a lower arm. In some embodiments, the grafting unit may comprise one or more arms. In some embodiments, the upper arm and the lower arm are two portions of one unified arm.

The term "about" as used herein is directed to ±10%.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which is a perspective view of a grafting unit, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 1, grafting unit 2 (shown as single grafting unit), includes two arms: a first (lower) arm, 4, and a second (upper) arm, 6. As shown in Fig. 1, each arm may rotate and/or move around and/or along any axis and may be connected to the grafting unit via a hinge (shown as hinges 8 A, and 8B, respectively) that may be located on a moving platform (element) (shown as moving platforms (elements) 10A and 10B, respectively). The moving platform may be one integral unit or may be composed of separate units, each may be moveable separately (as exemplified in Fig. 1). The moving platform(s) may be connected to the controller (operator) unit of the device (not shown). The controller unit may include various subunits, such as, for example, but not limited to: a motor, a power source(s), a processor configured to control the operation of the device, an input means used to operate and control operation of the device, pumps, and the like

On the end opposing the end that connects to the moving platform, the arms may have a leading edge (shown as leading edges 9A and 9B). Arms 4 and 6 may be comprised of one or more layers/surfaces that are interconnected there between. Arms 4 and/or 6 may further include projections along their length (shown as exemplary projections 12 A- C and 14 A-C in Fig. 2). The projections may protrude to both sides of the arms. The projections may be rigid or flexible and may be distributed evenly or non-evenly along the length of the arms. In some embodiments, the projections may be reversibly or permanently attached to the arms. In some embodiments, the projections may be integrally formed with the arms. In some embodiments, the projections may be used for assisting in directing/aiming/holding the arms to a desired location with respect to a plant that is to be contacted by the arms. Additionally, grippers (shown as exemplary clamping grippers 16A-B and 18A-B) may be located on the arms. The grippers may be movable grippers that may change their position on the arm, for example, by rotating about or moving along an axis, for example, in a lateral rotation. The movement of the grippers may be step-wise movement or continuous movement. Each of the grippers may move independently of another, or all grippers may move together, in synchronization. The grippers are configured to hold the plant (in particular the stalk of the plant), at a desired position along the stalk of the plant. The grippers may be constructed such that upon holding/gripping/coming in contact with the plant, they do not damage or induce any undesirable damage to the plant. In some embodiments, the grippers may acquire an open position, a closed position (for example, when the gripper is holding a plant), or an intermediate position. According to some embodiments, the grippers are situated at intervals in the range of about 10-400 mm along the arms. In some embodiments, the grippers are situated at intervals in the range of about 50-300 mm. In some embodiments, the grippers are situated at intervals in the range of about 10-250 mm. In some embodiments, the grippers are situated at intervals in the range of about 180-220 mm. In some embodiments, the grippers are situated at intervals of about 200 mm.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which is a perspective view of a grafting unit and a tray of plants, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 2, the moving platform of grafting unit (20) is comprised of two separate units (22 A and 22B). As seen in Fig. 2, lower arm (24) has progressed and moved forward (in the direction of the leading edge 26). The horizontal and vertical position as well as the angle of lower arm 24 may be determined based on the location of plants that are planted on the substrate (tray). In the example illustrated in Fig. 2, the lower arm is at an angle of 90° (vertical) to the surface of the tray. The tray, shown as tray 28 in Fig. 2, includes an addressable array of growth cells (exemplified in Fig. 2 as growth cells 30A-B), organized, for example, in a matrix of rows and columns, wherein the cells may be identical or different in size or compositions. In each growth cell, two plants may be grown at approximately predetermined position within the growth cells, at an approximate predetermined distance there between. One of the plants is the scion, (shown as exemplary plant 32) and the other is the rootstock (shown as exemplary plant 34). Hence, the lower arm is moving in the space between the stalks of the scions and the rootstock, whereby the edge is guiding the arm while avoiding damage to the plants. In some embodiments, the edge may further be used to align plants that deviated from their desired position (for example, due to uneven growth). The lower arm may be rotated at any angle so as to assure that the plants are not harmed by the progressing arm. The movement of the arm may be at any rate or speed. For example, the movement of the arm may be a speed of about up to 1 meter/second. In some embodiments, the movement rate of the arm may be changed during movement so as to avoid damage to the plants. Likewise, the rotational angle of the arm may be changed during movement so as to avoid damage to the plants. Similarly, the height of the lower arm above the surface levels of the tray/cells may be adjusted. In some embodiments, the upper arm may move concomitantly with the lower arm. In some embodiments, the upper arm may move separately from the lower arm, at a different spatio-temporal pattern.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3A, which is a perspective view of a grafting unit and a tray of plants, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 3A, lower arm (40) has progressed and moved forward (in the direction of the leading edge 44) to the end of tray 42, such that leading edge 44 may protrude beyond the tray, and the arm's projections are located between (consecutive) plants in the respective column of plants (for example, column 46). During the movement of the lower arm, or after it has reached its position, the arm may rotate at any angle, so as to reach a desired angle (position), with respect to the surface of the tray. The rotation of the arm (marked by arrow 48), may be controlled by the processing unit of the device and may be achieved fully automatically, semi-automatically or manually. In some embodiments, the angle of rotation, the speed of rotation and/or the direction of rotation (for example, clockwise or counter-clockwise) may be predetermined, or determined at will by a user operating the device. In some embodiments, the angle of rotation, the speed of rotation and/or the direction of rotation (for example, clockwise or counter-clockwise) may be automatically controlled by the device. In some embodiments, the upper arm (47) may move concomitantly with the lower arm. In some embodiments, the upper arm may move separately from the lower arm, at a different spatio-temporal pattern.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3B, which is a perspective view of a grafting unit and a tray of plants, according to some embodiments. Similarly to Fig. 3A, as shown in Fig. 3B, lower arm (40) has progressed and moved forward (in the direction of the leading edge 44) to the end of tray 42, such that leading edge 44 may protrude beyond the tray, and the arm is located between every plant in the respective column of plants (for example, column 46). Further, the arm has reached a final rotating angle, which as exemplified on Fig. 3B is 180° with respect to the surface of the tray. In other words, the arm is parallel to the surface of the tray and is preferably located between the plants (scion and rootstock) in each cell of the column. In some embodiments, the upper arm (47) may move concomitantly with the lower arm. In some embodiments, the upper arm may move separately from the lower arm, at a different spatio-temporal pattern.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4A, which is a perspective enlarged view of portion of the edge end of a lower arm and a tray of plants, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 4A, lower arm (50) is positioned at substantially parallel to the surface of tray 54. As shown, the leading edge (52) of the lower arm is located at the end of the tray. As further shown, arm 50 is located between stalks of two plants (scion (plant 60) and rootstock (plant 58), that are planted/grown on a single cell (56). Further shown are exemplary protrusions 64A-B of the arm, as well as exemplary gripper 62. In the example shown in Fig. 4A, the gripper is an open position, that is, it is not in contact with a stalk of a plant. In the example shown in Fig. 4B, which is a perspective enlarged view of portion of the edge end of a lower arm and a tray of plants, according to some embodiments, the grippers (exemplified as gripper 62) are in a closed position, whereby they hold/encircle the stock of the plant (in this example, plant 58, the rootstock). Similarly, on the opposing end of gripper 62, an additional gripper (that may be identical, similar or different) is located. The additional gripper may be used to hold/encircle the stalk of the scion plant. The gripper(s) on the opposing end of the arm are shown in Fig. 4C, as exemplified by gripper 62A in Fig. 4C. The grippers on each side of the arm (the "scion side" or the "rootstock side") may move (rotate) simultaneously, or independently of another. Thus, according to some embodiments, the movement of the lower arm from one end to the other end of the tray, along a columns of cells (each comprising two plants, placed/grown at a designated distance) to a designated position, followed by its rotation and the rotation of the grippers, each of the plants in the column may now be secured by the arm, as it is being held/encircled by a gripper.

According to some embodiments, the upper arm may move and rotate similarly to the lower arm, so as to acquire a final position, whereby each of the plants in a column is secured by the upper arm as well. In some embodiments, the lower arm and the upper arm operate simultaneously. In some embodiments, the lower arm operates (i.e., moves, rotates and/or grips a plant) prior to the operation of the upper arm.

Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which is an enlarged perspective rootstock side view of a portion of the edge ends of a lower arm and upper arm and a tray of plants, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 5, the lower arm (70) and upper arm (72) are positioned substantially parallel to the surface of the tray and/or to each other. As shown, the edges (74 and 75) of the arms are located at the end of the tray. As further shown, the arms are located between stalks of two plants (scion (plant 78) and rootstock (plant 80), that are planted/grown on a single cell (76). Further shown are exemplary protrusions 82A-C of the lower arm and 84A-C of the upper arm, located between the stalks of the two plants. Further shown are exemplary gripper 86 of the lower arm and gripper 88 of the upper arm. The grippers presented are in the closed position, whereby they each hold/encircle a stalk of the plant (rootstock in the view presented in Fig. 5) at a different height of the stalk. The stalk of the scion is similarly held at parallel locations by the lower and upper arms.

According to some embodiments, the grafting device may further include a cutting apparatus (unit) that is configured to elicit cutting of the stocks of the plants which are held by the grippers of the arms. In some embodiments, the cutting unit is operably linked to the arms. In some embodiments, the cutting unit is a separate unit from the arms. In some embodiments, the cutting unit includes one or more cutting arms which include one or more cutting means. In some embodiments, the cutting unit may be positioned at an end opposing the end of the grafting unit. In some embodiments, the cutting unit may move in opposite direction as compared to the movement of the grafting unit. In some embodiments, the cutting unit may operate in synchronization with the grafting unit. In some embodiments, the cutting unit is an integral unit of the arms. In some embodiments, the cutting apparatus may include any type of cutting means, such as, for example, but not limited to: a blade, a knife, a laser source configured to cut the plants, a fluid emitter configured to emit a jet of fluid that may be used to cut the plants, and the like. The cutting of the plants is performed in the region/portion of the stalk that is held by the respective grippers of the upper and lower arms. In some embodiments, the cutting may be elicited at any angle, such as for example, at any angle in the range of 0-90°. In some embodiments, the cutting may be elicited at any angle in the range of 5-85°. For example, the cut may be performed at an angle of 30°. For example, the cut may be performed at an angle of 45°. For example, the cut may be performed at an angle of 60°. According to some embodiments, in order to reduce contamination of the grafting process, and in order to increase yield, the cutting apparatus may be decontaminated or replaced between uses, for example, between different trays, or in some cases between different columns/cells of a tray. According to some embodiments, both the scions and the rootstock are cut simultaneously. In some embodiments, the scion(s) and the rootstock(s) are cut sequentially.

According to some embodiments, after the rootstock and the scion have been cut at a desired location, the lower arm and/or the upper arm may move at any horizontal or vertical direction, so as to detach the cut plants and situate the scion over the rootstock. Reference is now made to Fig. 6A, which is a perspective enlarged view of upper arm and lower arms holding the cut plants, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 6A, the lower part of the rootstock plant (92) and the scion plant (90) are still rooted in the substrate (95) and are held in position by lower arm (98). The upper part of the scion plant (94) and the upper part of the rootstock plant (96), which have been cut and detached from their respective stalks, are held by upper arm (100). Further shown are the regions at which the plants have been cut: cut region 102 of the scion plant and cut region 104 of the rootstock plant. Reference is now made to Fig. 6B, which is a perspective enlarged view of upper arm and lower arms holding the cut plants at a desired position, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 6B, the upper arm (118) has moved sideways (laterally, with respect to its' position in Fig. 6A), such that the upper portion of the scions (for example, scion 11 OA) is located above the lower portion of the corresponding rootstock (for example, rootstock 112A), at a position that allows grafting, by contacting the two parts of the plants at the respective cut point of the scions and the rootstock (cut points 114 and 116, respectively). As the upper arm moves sideways, the cut, upper portion of the rootstock (for example, rootstock portion 112B) is detached from the plant, and is not located above any other plant. Likewise, the lower portion of the cut scion (for example, scion portion 110B) is left in place. Further shown is lower arm (120).

According to some exemplary embodiments, the grafting method may make use of two or more rootstocks simultaneously and/or two or more scions. In such embodiments, the engrafted plant may include a scion and two or more assembled rootstocks, wherein the growth of at least one is controlled by a collar. In some embodiments, the engrafted plant may include multiple scion(s) and multiple rootstocks. In such cases, the scion(s) and rootstock(s) may be identical, similar or genetically different from one another. When the rootstock with the collar grows in diameter, the contact between the collar and the rootstock gradually impairs the plant transport system. In some embodiments, such process leads to a growth arrest of the rootstock during a predetermined growth stage and finally to the rootstock death. In some embodiments, the collar constriction leads to partial degeneration or growth limitation. The second rootstock that is free of said collar continues to grow and to support the scion. The rootstock with the collar may contribute to the traits of the engrafted plant mainly through the first stages of the plant development. According to some embodiments, the second rootstock forms part of the final plant, providing for its compatibility with the soil growth environment. In some embodiments, the rootstocks exhibit a synergism effect. According to other embodiments, when using a collar, the rootstock with the collar may support the scion for the full period of growth, wherein said rootstock supports the scion at differential intensities during the plant development. In some embodiments, the collar may be made of a rigid material that may be selected from, but not limited to: metal, plastic, and the like, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the collar may be made of a flexible material (such as rubber) that may be stretched against the growing rootstock, thus controlling the growth of the rootstock. In further embodiments, the collar may further include or be coated with a growth inhibitor, such as, for example, but not limited to: herbicide, Glyphosate, hormone, and the like. According to some embodiments, the rootstock with the collar may be a vigorous plant impacting the first stage of growth, and the additional rootstock may support the growth and development of the engrafted plant through the entire growth period. In some embodiments, as the rootstock with the collar grows in diameter, the contact between the collar and the rootstock gradually impairs the plant transport system. This may lead to a growth arrest of the rootstock during a predetermined growth stage (and finally to the rootstock death) or at least to partial degeneration or growth limitation of the rootstock. This mode of grafting allows sequential activity by which some rootstocks are active before other rootstocks are. That is, some rootstocks may be more active as compared to others, thanks to the use of the collar - as the rootstock grows in diameter, the growth of the corresponding rootstock may be partially or completely inhibited. Thus, by controlling the size (diameter) of the collar, the timing of activity of the corresponding rootstock may be controlled as well. In some embodiments, a collar may be placed on the rootstock by the device, at any location along the length of the rootstock. In some embodiments, a collar may be placed on a scion alternatively to or additionally to placing a collar on a rootstock.

According to some embodiments a grafting device should not be considered limited by plant location; plants need only be organized in addressable arrays.

According to some embodiments, after the scion has been positioned and placed at the correct location over the corresponding rootstock, the grafting point/region may optionally be protected, or secured, for example, by placing/positioning a ring, a clamp, a clip, a silicon clip, an adhesive tape, a plastic tape, a Teflon tape, glue, a collar, a pin or any other means of securing a grafting point as known in the art. In some embodiments, more than one securing member may be used and may be selected from any combinations of the abovementioned securing members including combinations wherein more than one member may be identical, similar or different.

In some embodiments, the grafting device and/or system may further include a securing apparatus (unit) that is configured to secure the grafting point/region. In some embodiments, the securing unit is operably linked to the arms. In some embodiments, the securing unit is a separate unit from the arms. In some embodiments, the securing unit is integral part of the arms. In some embodiments, the securing unit may be positioned opposing the grafting unit.

In some embodiments, the grafting site may be secured by means of a ring, a clamp, a clip, a silicon clip, an adhesive tape, a plastic tape, a Teflon tape, glue, a collar, a pin or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a plurality of securing members may be used and may be selected from any combinations of securing members including combinations wherein one or more of the members may be identical, similar or different.

Reference is now made to Fig. 7, which is a perspective enlarged view of upper and lower arms holding the grafted plants, which have securing clips on the grafting sites, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 7, a clip (shown for example, as clamp 121) is placed on the grafting point of exemplary scion 122 and exemplary rootstock 124. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the scion and the rootstock are held by upper arm 126 and lower arm 128, respectively.

According to some exemplar embodiments, one or more pins may be used for securing the grafting point/region of the plants. The pins may be identical, similar or different. Pins may vary in their geometries, sizes, cuts and the materials they are composed of. For example, pins may have round, hexagonal, square, triangular or any other cross-section. For example, pins may be between 0.1 mm thick up to 90% of the diameter of the plant stalk. For example, the pin may have a length of between about 0.1 mm and 10 cm long. For example, the pin may be about 1mm to 5 cm long. For example, pins may have a tapered, angled, straight or any other cut. For example, pins may be composed of various materials including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, wood, ceramics, carbon fibers and the like, and any combinations thereof. Further, when a plurality of pins are used during the same grafting process, there may be variation between the pins in any of the abovementioned categories.

In some embodiments, the pin(s) may be inserted into the stalk of a cut scion and/or rootstock prior to their attachment, such that upon their attachment, the pin(s) are inserted into both plant parts, securing and reinforcing the grafting point. According to some embodiments, the pin is inserted by a securing apparatus (securing unit), that may move independently of the grafting unit. In some embodiments, the securing unit is positioned on the opposite side of the grafting unit. In some embodiments, the securing unit may move in opposing direction to the movement of the grafting unit. In some embodiments, the end of the securing unit faces the ends of the arms of the grafting unit. In some embodiments, the securing unit may operate in synchronization with the grafting unit, to ensure proper spatio-temporal operation and to ensure successful grafting. In some embodiments, the securing unit may have a cartridge or reservoir of pins to be used in the process. In some embodiments, the securing unit may be movable along one or more axis. In some embodiments, the securing unit may be rotatable about one or more axis. In some embodiments, the securing unit may include one or more securing arms, each arm including one or more securing elements, each capable of carrying one or more pins. In some embodiments, the securing arms may move along a horizontal axis, in opposing direction to the grafting unit arms. In some embodiments, the securing arm may be located at a spatial displacement such that it reside between the vertical distance of the lower arm and the upper arm. In other words, the securing arm may be located at a height above the tray which substantially correspond to the grafting point (i.e. between the lower arm d nth upper arm). In some embodiments, once the two cut plants held by the respective arms and are positioned one above the other, the securing unit may operate to insert a pin vertically into the stalk of the scion or rootstock, for example, in the center of the stalk. For inserting the pin into the stalk, the securing element may rotate about an axis such that the pin is rotated from a perpendicular potion to a vertical position, thereby allowing the pin to be inserted vertically into the stalk of a plant. Upon insertion of the pin to the stalk, the securing arm may retract along an axis (in a direction opposite to the grafting unit), allowing the upper arm to lower the scion onto the rootstock. When the scion is lowered to come in contact with the rootstock, the pin is inserted into the stalk of the other plant, thereby securing/protecting/reinforcing the grafting point/region. In some embodiments, the pin may be inserted into the rootstock by the securing element, whereby after lowering the scion on top of the rootstock, the pin would insert into the stalk of the scion. In some embodiments, the pin may be inserted into the scion by the securing mechanism whereby after lowering the scion on top of the rootstock, the pin would insert into the stalk of the rootstock. In some embodiments, more than one pin may be inserted into the scion and/or rootstock. In some embodiments, when more than one rootstock is being grafted, one or more of the rootstocks may be inserted with one or more pins. In some embodiments, when one or more scions are begin grafted, one or more of the scions may be inserted with one or more pins.

According to some embodiments, when more than pin is used, the plurality of pins may be inserted simultaneously (i.e.; in one operation), in parallel or in a sequential fashion.

Reference is now made to Figs. 8A-C which show, respectively, a perspective enlarged view of an exemplary securing unit and mechanism for using a pin to secure grafting point/region of grafted plants; a perspective enlarged view of a securing element, for using a pin to hold grafted plants and illustration of a perspective partial cut-away view of two cut plants after insertion of a pin into the lower plant by the securing unit, according to some embodiments.

As shown in Fig. 8A, securing mechanism 1000 may be mounted or attached to a chassis (shown as exemplary chassis (1001)) and includes securing arms shown as exemplary securing arms 1010A-C. Securing arms 1010A-C include a plurality of securing elements, shown as projections (for example, projections 1012A-D). The securing elements mechanism may be located within the body of the securing arms. Further shown in Fig. 8A, are enlarged view balloons A and B of projections 1012A-B and 1012C-D located at the ends of arms 1010A and 1010C, respectively. Each securing element is loaded with a pin (such as pins 1022A-D, that may be identical, similar or different in dimension and/or composition therebetween), which are shown extending outside the respective securing elements of the securing arms.

Reference is now made to Fig.8B, which shows close-up side view of an exemplary securing element, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 8B, securing element 1032, (shown after removal of the cover/casing of the respective securing arm), includes a spring-loaded pin clasper 1070. The pin clapser is configured to hold/release a pin, such as pin 1072. The securing element further includes a spring (1026) and two bolts (shown as diagonal bolts 1024A-B) which can hold and release at will the pin. Further shown is attachment member 1028, which allows attachment/movement/rotation of the securing element on/along/about shaft 1030, which may be an integral part of the securing arm or be mounted thereon.

Attention is now turned to Fig. 8C, which shows an illustration of a perspective partial cut-away view of two cut plants after insertion of a securing member (pin) into the lower plant by the securing unit, according to some embodiments. Once a first (lower) plant 1041 and second (upper) plant 1040 have been cut and positioned one above the other, and while they are being held by lower arm (1042, shown as portion of one lower arm) and upper arm (1044, shown as portion of one upper arm)) of a grafting unit (not shown), by respective grippers 1046 and 1048, while still separated from one another (i.e. prior to contacting the cut plants at the cut region), a securing mechanism may operate to move securing arm (1010, shown as a portion of one securing arm) between rows of plants on a tray from the opposite direction (laterally) to that in which the grafting unit has moved. Securing arm (1010) is inserted/moved/positioned at a pre-determined vertical location between first and second arms 1042 and 1044 of the grafting unit. In some examples, during insertion of the securing arms 1010, the arms may have a vertical orientation as shown in balloon A of Fig. 8 A and upon insertion, the securing arm 1010 may be rotated at an angle of 90° to a horizontal orientation as shown in balloon B of Fig. 8A. In some embodiments, the securing element of the securing arm may independently rotate at a desired angle. This allows changing the orientation of the pins held by the securing elements of the securing arms from horizontal to vertical and vice versa. Once the securing arm 1010 is in the horizontal orientation and the pins 1082 are thus vertical, the securing arm 1010 (and hence the securing element, shown as securing element 1062) are positioned between the upper and lower plants 1040 and 1041. The pre-determined vertical location of the securing arm 1010 places pin 1082 over the lower plant 1041. The securing arm 1010 is then lowered so that pin 1082 is inserted and partially pushed into lower plant 1041 such that pin 1082 extends vertically from lower plant 1041, as shown in Fig. 8C. In some embodiments, the pin may be inserted into the upper plant and extend vertically. In some embodiments, the pin may be inserted into the center of the stalk of the cut plant. Securing arm 1010 may then be withdrawn from between the upper and lower plants 1041 and 1040, as controlled by the securing unit. As shown in Fig. 8C, securing arm 1010 has been partially withdrawn; it is no longer between the upper and lower plants 1040 and 1041, but has not been fully withdrawn from between the rows of plants (not shown). As a result, grafted plant, having a secured grafting point is left in the growth cell (shown as exemplary single growth cell 1050).

Following the insertion of pin 1082 into lower plant 1041, and the withdrawal of the entire securing unit, upper plant 1040 may be lowered by second arm 1044 until it comes into contact with lower plant 1041 and the extending portion of pin 1082 is pushed into the upper plant 1040, thereby securing/reinforcing/stabilizing the grafting point (not shown).

According to some embodiments, after the grafting point/region is secured and, if present, the securing unit has retracted, the grippers of the arms of the grafting unit may rotate so as to acquire an open position, thereby releasing the plants held by the arms. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the rootstock plant is thus discarded. In some embodiments, discarding of unwanted/unused material may be performed by movement of the arms and/or by air suction (vacuum).

In some embodiments, a cutting unit may cut the lower portion of the scion plant (that is left on the substrate), so as to remove that portion from the growth cell. In some embodiments, after removing the unused portions of the rootstock plant and the scion plant, only the grafted plant is left in the growth cell. The removal of the unused portions of the rootstock and/or the scion may be performed automatically by the arms or by a separate disposing unit that may be located on the arms and/or be functionally associated with the arms. In some exemplary embodiments, the disposing unit may include various means such as vacuum.

According to some embodiments, one or more of the operating steps of the grafting device may be performed automatically and/or semi-automatically and may be controlled by the processing unit of the grafting device. In some embodiments, one or more of the operating steps of the grafting device may be controlled manually. In some exemplary embodiments, operating parameters for the grafting device may include such parameters as, but are not limited to: height of the lower and/or upper arms, distance between the arms, speed of progression of the arms along columns of the tray, angle of rotation of the arms, angle of cutting of plants, site of cutting of plants, the securing means to be used and the position of the securing means, and the like, or combinations thereof. Generally, the operating parameters may be determined based on the characteristics of the plants to be grafted, the substrate in which they grow, the size of the tray, the size of the growth cells, the location of the plants within a designated growth cell, the location of the growth cells within the array, and the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the operating parameters may be adjusted or determined manually by a user prior to the grafting process. In some embodiments, the operating parameters may be determined and/or adjusted automatically or semi-automatically. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

According to some embodiments, the vertical distance between the lower arm and the upper arm may include any desired distance. The distance may be determined, for example, based on the characteristics of the plants that are being grafted. Such characteristics may include, for example, but not limited: height of the plants, age of plants, stability of stalks, and the like, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the distance between the lower arm and the upper arm may be in the range of about 0.5- 20 cm. In some embodiments, the distance between the lower arm and the upper arm may be in the range of about 1- 10 cm. For example, the distance between the lower arm and the upper arm may be in the range of about 3-8 cm. For example, the distance between the lower arm and the upper arm may be in the range of about 5-7 cm.

According to some embodiments, the height of the lower arm above the surface of the substrate may be determined, for example, based on the characteristics of the plants that are being grafted. In some embodiments, the height of the lower arm above the surface may be in the range of, for example, 0-50 cm.

According to some embodiments, there is thus provided a system for grafting plants, the system comprising a grafting device, said grafting device comprises one or more grafting units, the grafting unit comprises a first arm and a second arm, each of said arms comprises one or more movable gripper configured to hold a stalk of a plant, without inducing damage to the plant, and wherein the first arm is located below the second arm; and a tray comprising an addressable array of growth cells, the growth cells harbors the scions plant and a rootstock plant.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a device for grafting plants, the device comprising one or more grafting units, the grafting unit comprises a first arm and a second arm attached to a moving platform, each of said arms comprises one or more movable grippers configured to hold a stalk of a plant at a desired location, without inducing damage to the plant, each of said arms is rotatable around one or more axis; and wherein the first arm is located at a lower vertical displacement (position) with respect to the second arm.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a device for grafting plants, the device comprising one or more grafting units, the grafting unit comprises a first, lower arm and a second, upper arm, attached to a moving platform, each of said arms comprises one or more movable grippers configured to hold a stalk of a plant at a desired location, without inducing damage to the plant, each of said arms is rotatable/movable around/along one or more axis.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a device for grafting plants, the device comprising one or more grafting units, the grafting unit comprises a lower arm and an upper arm, the arms attached to a moving platform and are rotatable around one or more axis, each of said arms comprises one or more movable grippers configured to hold a stalk of a scion plant and a rootstock plant, said scion plant and rootstock plant grow in close proximity, at a predetermined distance; and cutting means for cutting the plants at a region located between the holding points of the lower and upper arms.

In some embodiments, the device may include a plurality of grafting units. In some embodiments, the number of grafting units may be adjusted to the size of the tray, such that the entire tray (that is, every growth cell) may be handled simultaneously.

According to some embodiments, the device may further include a controller

(operator) unit that may include various subunits, such as, for example, but not limited to: a motor, a power source(s), a processor configured to control the operation of the device, an input means used to operate and control operation of the device, an energy source (such as, for example, laser source), and the like. In some embodiments, the device may further include a cutting unit that may be functionally and/or structurally associated with the arms or operate as an independent unit. In some embodiments, the device may further include a grafting securing unit that may be functionally and/or structurally associated with the arms or operate as an independent unit. In some embodiments, the device may further include means for removing unused plant parts of the scions and/or rootstock plants. In some embodiments, the means for removing unused plant parts may be functionally and/or structurally associated with the arms or operate as an independent unit.

According to some embodiments, the first arm and the second arm may be identical, similar or different in size, shape, movement, locations, and the like. According to some embodiments, the first arm and/or the second arm may further comprise means for cutting the plant a desired location. In some embodiments, the means for cutting the plant may be selected from, but are not limited to: a knife, laser beam, fluid jet, and the like, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the first arm and/or the second arm may be in contact with (for example, hold via the grippers) more than one plant at a time. For example, the first arm and/or the second arm may hold both the scion plant and the rootstock. According to some embodiments, the arms may rotate around any horizontal or vertical axis. In some embodiments, the vertical distance between the arms and the substrate (tray/ground on which the plants are grown) may be predetermined and may be adjustable, so as to fit the substrate, the size (height) of the plants, the location of the desired grafting point/region, and the like, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the vertical distance between the first arm and the second arm may be predetermined and may be adjustable, so as to fit the substrate (growth cells of the tray) the size (height) of the plants, the location of the desired grafting point/region, and the like, or combinations thereof. According to some embodiments, the first and/or second arm may comprise more than one movable gripper that may be identical, similar or different in size, shape, composition, and the like. The grippers may be constructed of various materials. In some embodiments, the grippers may be constructed such that upon gripping or coming in contact with a plant (for example with the stalk of a plant), they do not harm or damage the plant. In some embodiments, the grippers of each arm may move (rotate) together, or independently. In some embodiments, the movement of the grippers is around a horizontal axis. In some embodiments, the movement of the grippers is around a vertical axis. In some embodiments, the movement of the grippers is around any desired axis. In some embodiments, the movement of the grippers is continuous. In some embodiments, the movement of the grippers is step-wise. In some embodiments, the grippers are distributed (located) evenly along the arm, at predetermined locations at fixed intervals. In some embodiments, the grippers are not distributed evenly along the arms. In some embodiments, the location of the grippers along the arm may be changed. In some embodiments, the hinge(s) around which the grippers are rotating may be fixed to the arms, at equal or different intervals. In some embodiments, the hinge(s) around which the grippers are rotating may be movable along the arms. In some embodiments, the grippers may be connected to a conveyor belt.

In some embodiments, the grafting device and/or system may further include a securing apparatus (unit) that is configured to secure the grafting point/region. In some embodiments, the securing unit is operably linked to the arms. In some embodiments, the securing unit is a separate unit from the arms. In some embodiments, the securing unit is integral part of the arms. In some embodiments, the securing unit may be positioned opposing the grafting unit. In some embodiments, the securing unit may include one or more securing arms, each including one or more securing elements. In some embodiments, a plurality of securing units and/or arms may be operated simultaneously (i.e.; in one operation), in parallel or in a sequential fashion.

In some embodiments, the grafting site may be secured by means of a ring, a clamp, a clip, a silicon clip, an adhesive tape, a plastic tape, a Teflon tape, glue, a collar, a pin or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, multiple securing members may be used and may be selected from any combinations of the abovementioned securing members including combinations wherein more than one member may be of the same or similar type.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a method for simultaneous grafting of a plurality of plants, the method comprising providing a tray comprising an addressable array of growth cells, wherein the growth cells harbor a first plant and a second plant located at a designated position within the cell or within adjacent cells; holding or attaching or clamping to the plants by grippers located on one or more arms of one or more grafting units of a grafting device, wherein the plants are held at a lower region and an upper region along the stalk of the plants; cutting the plants at desired cutting points between said lower and upper regions; situating the upper cut portion of the first plant over the corresponding cut lower portion of the second plant; and grafting the plants by contacting the first cut plant and the second cut plant. In some embodiments, the method may include a step of positioning the one or more arms of the one or more grafting units of the grafting device at a location which corresponds to the designated position of the first plant and/or the second plant within the cells or within the adjacent cells. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise a step of removing un- grafted portions of the first plant and/or the second plant. In some embodiments, the first plant may be selected from a scion and a rootstock and the second plant may be selected from a scion and a rootstock. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. In some embodiments, the method may include a step of engrafting two or more rootstocks. In some embodiments, the method may include a step of engrafting two or more rootstocks with one or more scions.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a method for simultaneous grafting of a plurality of plants, the method comprising providing a tray comprising an addressable array of growth cells, wherein each growth cell harbors a scion plant and a rootstock plant located at designated positions within the cell or within adjacent cells; holding or attaching to the plants by grippers located on arms of a grafting unit of a grafting device, wherein the plants are held at a lower region and an upper region along the stalk of the plants; cutting the plants at desired cutting points between lower and upper regions; situating the upper cut portions of the scion plants over the corresponding cut lower portions of the rootstocks; and grafting the plants by contacting the scions and the rootstocks. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise a step of removing un-grafted portions of the scions plant and/or the rootstock plant.

In some embodiments, the method may include a step of positioning one or more grafting units of the grafting device at a desired position/location relative to the location of the respective plants. In some embodiments, the step of positioning the grafting units may be performed at any stage of the method. In some embodiments, the positioning of the one or more grafting units may be automatically, semi automatically or manually determined. In some embodiments, the position of the one or more grafting units may be determined based on various parameters, including, for example, but not limited to: characteristics of the plants to be grafted (type, size, number, etc.), the substrate in which they grow, the size of the tray, the size of the growth cells, the location of the plants within a designated growth cell and/or within the designated array of growth cells, and the like, or any combination thereof. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

In some embodiments, the method is executed automatically. In some embodiments, the method is executed semi-automatically. In some embodiments, the cutting is performed by a cutting knife, a cutting blade, and the like. In some embodiments, the cutting is performed by a jet of fluid. In some embodiments, the cutting is performed by a laser beam. In some embodiments, the cutting of the plants may be performed at any angle.

In some embodiments, the method may further include a step of decontaminating the cutting means or replacing it between uses, for example, between different trays, or in some cases between different columns/cells.

In some embodiments, the method may further include a step of securing the grafting point/region. In some embodiments, the securing of the grafting point/region may be performed by placing a ring, a clamp, a clip, a silicon clip, an adhesive tape, a plastic tape, a Teflon tape, glue, a collar, and/or a pin over, on or within the grafting point. In some embodiments, the step of securing the grafting point may be performed just prior to grafting (i.e. prior to connecting/approximating/attaching the two plant parts). In some embodiments, the step of securing the grafting point may be performed after the grafting of the plants. In some embodiments, more than one securing members may be used and may be selected from any combinations of the abovementioned securing members including combinations of securing members, wherein more than one member may be of the same or similar type.

b) holding the plants by grippers located on arms of a grafting device, wherein the plants are held at a lower region and an upper region along the stalk of the plants;

d) situating/placing/positioning the upper cut portion of the first plant over the corresponding lower cut portion of the second plant; and e) grafting the plants by contacting the first cut plant and the second cut plant at the cut point (grafting region).

In some embodiments, the method may include a step of positioning one or more arms of the grafting device at a desired position/location relative to the location of the respective plants. In some embodiments, the step of positioning the grafting units may be performed at any stage of the method. For example, positioning the grafting units may be performed prior to step a) and/or prior to step b).

In some embodiments, the method may further include a step of removing unused (un-grafted) portions of the first plant and/or the second plant. In some embodiments, the method may be executed automatically and/or semi-automatically.

In some embodiments, the method may further include a step of placing/positioning one or more securing member in, on or over the grafting point. In some embodiments, the step of placing one or more securing member is performed after step (d) and/or after step (e). In some embodiments, the plurality of securing members may be identical, similar or different and may be placed together, at the same time, or sequentially at any time interval.

According to some embodiments, the systems, devices and methods disclosed herein are suitable for the simultaneous grafting of a plurality of plants. According to some embodiments, the systems, devices and methods disclosed herein are suitable for grafting of any plant. According to some embodiments, the systems, devices and methods disclosed herein are suitable for grafting various varieties of plants. In some embodiments, the rootstocks and the scion can be of different taxonomy origin with the stipulation that they are compatible for grafting with each other. In some embodiments, the rootstocks and the scion candidates are selected from the same family. In some exemplary embodiments, the methods, devices and systems disclosed herein are particularly suitable for grafting such plants as, but are not limited to: Gourd, Watermelon, Melon, Cucumber, Tomato, Eggplant, grapes, agro forestry plants, and the like, or combinations thereof.

According to certain embodiments, the rootstocks and the scion are of herbaceous plants. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the rootstocks and the scion(s) are of the Cucurbitaceae family.

According to certain embodiments, the scion/scions and the rootstocks are from the same source. The term "same source" as used herein may be, for non-limiting examples, the same species or variety.

According to certain embodiments, the plants that are used as the sources for the rootstocks and/or scions are seeded and grown next to each other in a growth cell or in adjacent growth cells. According to other embodiments, the plants may be grown separately and later be transplanted next to each other in a single growth cell or in adjacent growth cells. According to some embodiments, said plants are grown on the same plant tray.

According to some embodiments, the grafting process may be performed in a controlled environment, such as one where temperature and humidity are regulated. In exemplary embodiments, the temperature may vary from about 17°C to about 25°C. In some embodiments, the humidity may vary from about 70% to about 99%. In another exemplary embodiment, the humidity varies from about 90% to about 95%. According to some embodiments, the grafting process may be performed in a greenhouse having a controlled environment.

In the description and claims of the application, each of the words "comprise" "include" and "have", and forms thereof, are not necessarily limited to members in a list with which the words may be associated.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced be interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.

EXAMPLES

Example 1 - Grafting of plants having two or more rootstocks

In some instances, a rootstock may be incapable of holding a scion by itself (for example, due to soil diseases and/or pests). In such cases, a combination of more than one rootstock may be beneficial by providing the required resistibility or by providing new traits that can overcome this hurdle. The combined traits of the more than one rootstock may also have beneficial effect on the final end product of the grafted plant (for example, amount, size, appearance and or croft of the resulting fruit). The one or more rootstock to be grafted may be identical or different.

Experimental Protocol

Rootstock and scion are grown on a tray in a single cell or on adjacent cells, at predetermined locations. The tray is processed by the device as disclosed aboveherein (grippers of the first arm and the second arm hold the scions and the rootstock at the desired location, the scions and rootstocks are cut at the grafting point and the scion is brought above the corresponding rootstock.). The tray with the grafted plants is transferred to complete the grafting process (with incubation at optimal conditions).

For obtaining a grafted plant having two rootstocks, the tray comprising the thus grafted plants is planted with additional rootstocks, wherein the additional rootstocks are planted in a respective location to the grafted plants (in the same cell or in adjacent cell). The tray is processed by the device, wherein the grafted plant is cut at the side and the additional rootstock is cut at an upper location, following which the rootstock is inserted into the cut of the grafted plant. The securing unit of the device then places a securing means (selected from, for example, a ring, a clamp, a pin, a clip, a silicon clip, an adhesive tape, a plastic tape, a Teflon tape, glue, or a collar) on the new grafting point. The tray with the newly grafted plants is transferred to complete the grafting process. By this process, a grafted plant having two (similar or different) rootstocks is produced.

For obtaining a grafted plant having three rootstocks, the tray comprising the thus grafted plants (having a rootstock and a scion) is planted with additional rootstocks, wherein the additional rootstocks are planted in a respective location to the grafted plants, on both sides of the grafted plant (in the same cell or in adjacent cells). The tray is placed and processed by the device, wherein the grafted plant is cut at the two discrete points/regions on the side the additional rootstocks (located at either side of the grafted plant) are cut at an upper location, following which the cut rootstocks are inserted into the corresponding cuts of the grafted plant. The securing unit of the device then places a securing means (selected from, for example, a ring, a pin, a clamp, a clip, a silicon clip, an adhesive tape, a plastic tape, a Teflon tape, glue, or a collar) on the new grafting point. The tray with the newly grafted plants is transferred to complete the grafting process. By this process, a grafted plant having three (similar or different) rootstocks is produced.

Example 2 - Grafting of plants having two or more rootstocks

In some cases, a combination of more than one rootstock may be beneficial by providing the required resistibility or by providing new traits that can overcome an hurdle. The combined traits of the more than one rootstock may also have beneficial effect on the final end product of the grafted plant (for example, amount, size, appearance and or croft of the resulting fruit). The one or more rootstocks to be grafted may be identical or different. In this experiment, a collar, controlling the growth of one or more rootstocks is used. When the rootstock with the collar grows in diameter, the contact between the collar and the rootstock gradually impairs the plant transport system. This may lead to a growth arrest of the rootstock during a predetermined growth stage (and finally to the rootstock death) or to at least partial degeneration or growth limitation of the rootstock. This mode of grafting allows sequential activity, by which some rootstocks are active before other rootstocks are. That is, some rootstocks may be more active as compared to others, thanks to the use of the collar - as the rootstock grows in diameter, the growth of the corresponding rootstock may be partially or completely inhibited. Thus, by controlling the size (diameter) of the collar, the timing of activity of the corresponding rootstock may be controlled as well.

Experimental Protocol

Rootstock and scion are grown on a tray in a single cell or on adjacent cells at predetermined locations. The tray is processed by the device as disclosed aboveherein (grippers of the first arm and the second arm hold the scions and the rootstock at the desired location, the scions and rootstocks are cut at the grafting point and the scion is brought above the corresponding rootstock.)- The tray with the grafted plants is transferred to complete the grafting process (with incubation at optimal conditions).

For obtaining a grafted plant having two rootstocks, the tray comprising the thus grafted plants is planted with additional rootstocks, wherein the additional rootstocks are planted in a respective location to the grafted plants (in the same cell or in adjacent cells). The tray is processed by the device, wherein the grafted plant is cut at the side and the additional rootstock is cut at an upper location, following which a collar (at a designated diameter) is placed by the device over the rootstock (at a designated location on the rootstock), prior to its insertion into the cut of the grafted plant. The securing unit of the device then places a securing means (selected from, for example, a ring, a clamp, a clip, a silicon clip, a pin, an adhesive tape, a plastic tape, a Teflon tape, glue, and/or a collar) on the new grafting point. The tray with the newly grafted plants is transferred to complete the grafting process. By this process, a grafted plant having two (similar or different) rootstocks is produced.

For obtaining a grafted plant having three rootstocks, the tray comprising the thus grafted plants is planted with additional rootstocks, wherein the additional rootstocks are planted in a respective location to the grafted plants, on both sides of the grafted plant (in the same cell or in adjacent cells). The tray is placed and processed by the device, wherein the grafted plant is cut at the side and the additional rootstocks are each cut at an upper location, following which a collar (at a designated diameter) is placed by the device over one or more of the rootstocks (at a designated location on the rootstock), prior to its insertion into the cut of the grafted plant. The securing unit of the device then places a securing means (selected from, for example, a ring, a pin, a clamp, a clip, a silicon clip, an adhesive tape, a plastic tape, a Teflon tape, glue, and/or a collar) on the new grafting point. The tray with the newly grafted plants is transferred to complete the grafting process. By this process, a grafted plant having three (similar or different) rootstocks is produced, wherein at least one of the rootstocks has a collar.

For obtaining a grafted plant having three rootstocks, the tray comprising the thus grafted plants (having a rootstock and a scion) is planted with additional rootstocks, wherein the additional rootstocks are planted in a respective location to the grafted plants, on both sides of the grafted plant ((in the same cell or in adjacent cells). The tray is placed and processed by the device, wherein the grafted plant is cut at the two discrete points/regions on the side the additional rootstocks (located at either side of the grafted plant) are cut at an upper location, following which the cut rootstocks are inserted into the corresponding cuts of the grafted plant. The securing unit of the device then places a securing means (selected from, for example, a ring, a clamp, a clip, a silicon clip, an adhesive tape, a plastic tape, a Teflon tape, glue, or a collar) on the new grafting point. The tray with the newly grafted plants is transferred to complete the grafting process. By this process, a grafted plant having three (similar or different) rootstocks is produced, wherein at least one of the rootstocks further has a collar.

Claims

Claims:

1. A device for grafting plants, the device comprising one or more grafting units, the grafting unit comprises one or more arms, the arms are movable about and/or moveable along one or more axis, said one or more arms comprising one or more movable gripper configured to hold a stalk of a first plant and a second plant, said first plant and second plant are grown or positioned at a predetermined distance from each other; and a cutting mean for cutting the plants at a region located between the holding regions of the one or more arms.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said grafting unit comprises a lower arm and an upper arm.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the plants are cut at a region located between the holding regions of the lower arm and the upper arm.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the arms of the grafting unit are further configured to position the upper cut stalk of the first plant over the lower cut stalk of the second plant, such that the upper cut stalk of the first plant and the lower cut stalk of the second plant contact each other at the cutting region.

5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the cutting means is functionally associated with the one or more arms.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the cutting means is structurally associated with the one or more arm.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the cutting means are selected from a knife, a blade, a laser beam, a fluid jet, or combinations thereof.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more arms are identical in size and shape.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more arms are different in size and shape.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more arms operate simultaneously.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more arms operate sequentially.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a controller unit, said controller unit comprising a power source, a motor, a processing logic or combinations thereof.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising means for removing unused parts of cut plants.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the first plant is selected from one or more scions and one or more rootstocks and the second plant is selected from one or more scions and one or more rootstocks.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the first plant is a scion and the second plant is a rootstock.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein said first plant and said second plant are grown in the same growth cell or positioned in adjacent cells.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein the growth cell is located on a growth tray comprising a plurality of growth cells situated in an addressable array.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein tray comprises a moving platform.

19. The device of claim 14, further comprising means for placing a collar on a rootstock and/or a scion, said collar configured to at least partially inhibit growth of the respective rootstock and/or scion.

20. The device of claim 4, further comprising a securing unit configured to place one or more securing member on, over and/or within the grafting region of the cut plants.

21. The device of claim 20, wherein the securing member comprises a ring, a clamp, a clip, a silicon clip, an adhesive tape, a plastic tape, a Teflon tape, glue, a collar, a pin, or combinations thereof.

22. A system for grafting plants, the system comprising:

a device for grafting plants, the device comprising one or more grafting units, the grafting unit comprising one or more arms movable along one or more axis, said one or more arm comprising one or more movable grippers configured to hold a stalk of a first plant and a second plant, said first plant and second plant grown or positioned at a predetermined distance from each other; and cutting means for cutting the plants at a region located between the holding points of said one or more arm; and a tray comprising an addressable array of growth cells, each growth cell or adjacent growth cells comprising a first plant and a second plant, planted at a predetermined location within the growth cell or in adjacent growth cells.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein said grafting unit comprises a lower arm and an upper arm.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the plants are cut at a region located between the holding regions of the lower arm and the upper arm.

25. The system of claim 23, wherein the arms of the grafting unit are further configured to approximate the cut stalk of the first plant and the cut stalk of the second plant, such that the cut stalks of the first plant and the cut stalk of the second plant contact each other at the cut region.

26. The system of claim 22, wherein the cutting means are selected from a knife, a blade, a laser beam, a fluid jet, or combinations thereof.

27. The system of claim 22, wherein the first plant and the second plant are selected from one or more scion plants and one or more roots tock plants.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the first plant is a scion and the second plant is a rootstock.

29. The system of claim 27, wherein the device further comprises means for placing a collar on a rootstock and/or a scion, said collar is configured to at least partially inhibit growth of the respective rootstock and/or scion.

30. The system of claim 25, further comprising a securing unit configured to place one or more securing member on, over and/or within the contact grafting region.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the securing member comprises a ring, a clamp, a clip, a silicon clip, an adhesive tape, a plastic tape, a Teflon tape, glue, a collar, a pin, or combinations thereof.

32. A method for simultaneous grafting of a plurality of plants, the method comprising:

c) cutting the plants at a desired cutting region between said lower region and upper region;

d) positioning an upper cut portion of the first plant over a corresponding lower cut portion of the second plant; and

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising positioning the one or more arms of the grafting device at a location corresponding to the designated positions of the first plant and/or the second plant.

34. The method of claim 32, further comprising a step of removing unused portions of the first plant and/or the second plant.

35. The method of claim 32, wherein the method is executed automatically.

36. The method of claim 32, wherein the method is executed semi- automatically.

37. The method of claim 32, wherein the cutting is performed by a cutting knife, a cutting blade, or both.

38. The method of claim 32, wherein the cutting is performed by a jet of fluid.

39. The method of claim 32, wherein the cutting is performed by a laser beam.

40. The method of claim 32, wherein the cutting of the plants is performed at any angle.

41. The method of claim 32, further comprising a step of decontaminating the cutting means or replacing the cutting means.

42. The method of claim 32, wherein the first plant and/or the second plant are selected from one or more scion plants and one or more rootstock plants.

43. The method of claim 32, wherein the first plant is a scion and the second plant is a rootstock.

44. The method of claim 32, further comprising re-grafting the engrafted plant of step (e) with a new one or more scions plants and/or one or more rootstock plants.

45. The method of any of claims 41 to 43, further comprising a step of placing a collar on a cut rootstock or a scions, said collar is configured to at least partially inhibit growth of the respective rootstock.

46. The method of claim 32, further comprising a step of placing one or more securing member on the grafting point.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein the step of placing one or more securing member is performed after step (d) and/or after step (e).

48. The method of claim 45, wherein the securing member comprises a ring, a clamp, a clip, a silicon clip, an adhesive tape, a plastic tape, a Teflon tape, glue, a collar, a pin, or combinations thereof.