Solid matrix priming of seeds with microorganisms and selected chemical treatment
AssigneeKamterter Products, LLC
InventorJohn A. Eastin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In the process of the invention, the seed to be treated, a predetermined amount of solid matrix material and a predetermined amount of water are admixed and the mixture allowed to stand, preferably in a container which allows entry of air but which reduces evaporative losses, for example, a closed container with a small top opening, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to allow the seeds to imbibe water from the matrix and come to a water content equilibrium sufficient to enhance resultant plant vigor, i.e., enhance emergence, growth or yield characteristics, but short of that which would cause the seed to sprout. The seeds and matrix may be inoculated with beneficial microorganisms during priming. Moreover, inoculate seeds and matrix may be used to inoculate soil.
Claims25
A method of inoculating seeds during priming which comprises the steps of:
- admixing with continuous aeration of seeds, a particulate solid matrix material and a seed priming amount of water, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to cause the seeds to imbibe sufficient water to enhance resultant plant vigor but insufficient to cause seed sprouting;
- wherein said mixture has a water potential between about -0.5 to about -2.0 megapascals at equilibrium with said seeds;
- said particulate solid matrix material being nonpathogenic to the seeds;
- and
- adding beneficial microorganisms.
A seed priming composition adapted to prime seeds which comprises a particulate solid matrix material which is nonpathogenic to seeds and a seed priming amount of water proportioned to permit continuous aeration of seeds, said mixture having a water potential sufficient to cause a desired predetermined seed, when contacted with said composition, to imbibe sufficient water to enhance resultant plant vigor but insufficient to cause seed sprouting.
A planting method comprising the steps of:
- priming seeds by mixing with the seeds a particulate solid matrix material and a seed priming amount of water with sufficient aeration, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to cause the seeds to imbibe sufficient water to enhance resultant plant vigor but insufficient to cause seed sprouting wherein said mixture has a water potential between about -0.5 to about -2.0 megapascals at equilibrium with said seeds and said particulate solid matrix material is nonpathogenic to the seeds;
- and
- planting the primed seeds under conditions not within one of a threshold germination temperature range and a threshold germination moisture range for the unprimed seeds of the same species but within at least one of a threshold germination temperature range and a threshold germination moisture range for the primed seed.
A method of inoculating soil with a beneficial microbe comprising the step of:
- priming seeds by mixing with the seeds a particulate solid matrix material and a beneficial microorganisms culture, a seed priming amount of water, and for a time and at temperture sufficient to cause the seeds to imbibe sufficient water to enchance resultant plant vigor but insufficient to cause seed sprouting wherein said mixture has a water potential between about -0.5 to -2.0 megapascals at equilibrium with said seeds and said particulate solid matrix material is nonpathogenic to the seeds;
- and
- planting the primed seeds under conditions not within one of and a threshold germination moisture range for the unprimed seeds of the same species but with at least one of a threshold germination temperture range and a threshold germination moisture range for the primed seed, wherein matrix material is planted with the seed and the seeds are inoculated with a beneficial microorganism, the priming process having been suitable for the beneficial microorganism.
The process of solid matrix priming of seeds in the presence of added beneficial microorganisms.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.