US 2016/0353676 A1 · APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRAINING PLANTS

Abstract

An apparatus and method for controlling apical growth of plants without cutting or pinching so as to increase productivity and efficiently utilize growth resources. A spring-shaped frame is provided having the form of mirror image/opposed Fibonacci or Golden Spirals that expand from a first starting point and then contract back to a second starting point by an approximately similar number of quarter-turns, the spring suitably being formed of a single length of wire. The apical growth tip of the plant is bent to meet the frame at selected locations and attached progressively as growth proceeds, using ties or other connectors. A stake inserted through the starting points of the spiral attaches the frame to the medium in which the plant is rooted. The stake is preferably angled so that the plant maximizes utilization of available light, for example, approximately 80° to the surface of the medium.

Claims14

Dependent claims

An apparatus for controlling apical dominance in growing plants, said apparatus comprising:

a spring-shaped frame having the general shape of a double-opposed Fibonacci spiral;
said spring-shaped frame extending from a first center point for a predetermined number of approximate quarter-turns and then contracting for a substantially equal number of approximate quarter-turns to a second center point so as to create substantially symmetrical and opposed spirals;
and
a plurality of connection points located along said opposed spirals for progressive attachment of at least one apical shoot of said plant thereto.

1 more element

A method for controlling apical dominance in growing plants, said method comprising:

providing a growing plant rooted in a medium and having an apical growth tip;
positioning proximate said plant a spring-shaped frame having the general shape of a double-opposed Fibonacci spiral;
said spring-shaped frame extending from a first center point for a predetermined number of approximate quarter-turns and then contracting for a substantially equal number of approximate quarter-turns to a second center point so as to create substantially symmetrical and opposed spirals, and comprising a plurality of connection points located along said opposed spirals for progressive attachment of said apical growth tip of said plant thereto;
bending said apical growth tip of said plant to a first connection point on said spring-shaped frame and attaching said apical growth tip thereto using a connector;
allowing said plant to continue growing so that said apical growth tip advances from said first connection point on said spring-shaped frame;
and
bending said advanced apical growth tip to second connection point on said spring-shaped frame and attaching said apical growth tip thereto using a connector.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus and method for training plants

Life of this patent

Apparatus and method for training plants

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14