# US 7,608,126 B1 · Method for horticulture plant rejuvenation > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,608,126 B1 - Document ID: US7608126B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 11/729,570 - Filed: 2007-03-29 - Granted: 2009-10-27 - Earliest claimed: 2006-04-04 - Inventors: Robert C. Starcher - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7608126B1 ## CPC - A01N 3/02: Keeping cut flowers fresh chemically - A01N 45/00: Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, containing compounds having three or more carbocyclic rings condensed among themselves, at least one ring not being a six-membered ring (halogenated hydrocarbons A01N29/08; condensed with heterocyclic rings A01N43/00) - C05B 3/00: Fertilisers based essentially on di-calcium phosphate (C05B11/00 takes precedence) - C05F 11/10: Fertilisers containing plant vitamins or hormones - A01N: PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF (preservation of food or foodstuff A23); BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES (preparations for medical, dental or toiletry purposes which kill or prevent the growth or proliferation of unwanted organisms A61K); PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS - C05B: PHOSPHATIC FERTILISERS - C05F: ORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C, e.g. FERTILISERS FROM WASTE OR REFUSE ## Abstract The present disclosure provides a plant rejuvenating agent using dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), or hydrates thereof, to form plant rejuvenating mixtures that may include additional components. The plant rejuvenating mixture including DHEA may be used in typical horticultural applications, including the improvement of soil fertility; the rejuvenation of unhealthy plants by providing both water for increased turgidity and sterols for plant cell repair; enhancing the longevity of growing season of plants; and retarding the senescence of fresh cut flowers. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for preparing a plant rejuvenating mixture for a stressed and/or wilted plant comprising the steps of: providing a rejuvenating ingredient including dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) or hydrates thereof; providing a liquid selected from the group consisting of water and fertigation liquids; and combining said rejuvenating ingredient with said liquid to form a plant rejuvenating mixture for a stressed and/or wilted plant; wherein said rejuvenating ingredient further includes at least one nutrient. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1 wherein said at least one nutrient is the micronutrient calcium. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The method of claim 2 wherein said calcium is supplied as calcium carbonate. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The method of claim 2 wherein said calcium is supplied as dicalcium phosphate. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1 wherein said at least one nutrient is the macronutrient phosphorus. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The method of claim 5 wherein said phosphorus is supplied as dicalcium phosphate. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1 wherein said DHEA is provided in an amount of from about 200 mg DHEA per liter of water to about 1000 mg DHEA per liter of water. ### Claim 8 (depends on 3) A method of claim 3 wherein said rejuvenating ingredient is provided in the form of a tablet including about 18% DHEA and about 82% calcium carbonate, said amount of water is heated to about 145 degrees Fahrenheit, said rejuvenating mixture is formed by stirring said tablet in the water to disperse the rejuvenating ingredients in the water, and said rejuvenating mixture is further allowed to cool to room temperature. ### Claim 9 (depends on 4) The method of claim 4 wherein said rejuvenating ingredient is provided in the form of a tablet including about 12% DHEA and about 88% dicalcium phosphate, said amount of water being heated to about 145 degrees Fahrenheit, said rejuvenating mixture is formed by stirring said tablet in the water to disperse the rejuvenating ingredients in the water, and said rejuvenating mixture is further allowed to cool to room temperature. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein said rejuvenating ingredient is provided in the form of a tablet and is combined with water in a ratio of 40 DHEA tablets containing macronutrients and trace micronutrients, said tablets containing 5 mg DHEA, 38 mg dicalcium phosphate, and trace amounts of silica, cellulose and magnesium stearate, to 0.5 L tap water, said water being heated to about 145 degrees Fahrenheit, to form the rejuvenating mixture, said rejuvenating mixture is formed by stirring said tablet in the water to disperse the rejuvenating ingredients in the water, and said rejuvenating mixture is further allowed to cool to room temperature. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein said rejuvenating ingredient is provided in the form of a tablet and is combined with water in a ratio of 80 DHEA tablets containing macronutrients and trace micronutrients, said tablets containing 5 mg DHEA, 38 mg dicalcium phosphate, and trace amounts of silica, cellulose and magnesium stearate per tablet, to 1 L tap water said water being heated to about 160 degrees Fahrenheit, to form the rejuvenating mixture, said rejuvenating mixture is formed by stirring said tablet in the water to disperse the rejuvenating ingredients in the water, and said rejuvenating mixture is further allowed to cool to room temperature. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein said rejuvenating ingredient is provided in the form of a tablet and is combined with water in a ratio of 60 DHEA tablets containing macronutrients and trace micronutrients, said tablets containing 5 mg DHEA, 38 mg dicalcium phosphate, and trace amounts of silica, cellulose and magnesium stearate per tablet, to 1 L tap water said water being heated to about 160 degrees Fahrenheit, to form the rejuvenating mixture, said rejuvenating mixture is formed by stirring said tablet in the water to disperse the rejuvenating ingredients in the water, and said rejuvenating mixture is further allowed to cool to room temperature. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein said rejuvenating ingredient is provided in the form of a tablet and is combined with water in a ratio of 50 DHEA tablets containing macronutrients and trace micronutrients, said tablets containing 5 mg DHEA, 38 mg dicalcium phosphate, and trace amounts of silica, cellulose and magnesium stearate per tablet, to 1 L tap water said water being heated to about 160 degrees Fahrenheit, to form the rejuvenating mixture, said rejuvenating mixture is formed by stirring said tablet in the water to disperse the rejuvenating ingredients in the water, and said rejuvenating mixture is further allowed to cool to room temperature. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: diluting the rejuvenating mixture with 3 times the initial amount of water. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein said rejuvenating ingredient is provided in the form of a tablet and is combined with water in a ratio of 100 DHEA tablets containing macronutrients and trace micronutrients, said tablets containing 5 mg DHEA, 38 mg dicalcium phosphate, and trace amounts of silica, cellulose and magnesium stearate per tablet, to 0.5 L tap water, said water being heated to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit, to form the rejuvenating mixture, said rejuvenating mixture is formed by stirring said tablet in the water to disperse the rejuvenating ingredients in the water, and said rejuvenating mixture is further allowed to cool to room temperature, said rejuvenating mixture is then diluted with an additional 1.5 L of cold water, at about 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, at a temperature ranging from about 40 to about 75 degrees F. ### Claim 16 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein said rejuvenating ingredient is provided in the form of a tablet and is combined with water in a ratio of 100 DHEA tablets containing macronutrients and trace micronutrients, said tablets containing 5 mg DHEA, 38 mg dicalcium phosphate, and trace amounts of silica, cellulose and magnesium stearate per tablet, to 0.5 L tap water, said water being heated to about 145 degrees Fahrenheit, to form the rejuvenating mixture, said rejuvenating mixture is formed by stirring said tablet in the water to disperse the rejuvenating ingredients in the water, and said rejuvenating mixture is further allowed to cool to room temperature, then diluting said mixture with an additional 1.5 L of cold water, provided at a temperature ranging from 40 to 75 degrees F. ### Claim 17 (depends on 14) The method of claim 14, wherein said rejuvenating ingredient is provided in the form of a tablet and is combined with water in a ratio of 100 DHEA tablets containing macronutrients and trace micronutrients, said tablets containing 5 mg DHEA, 38 mg dicalcium phosphate, and trace amounts of silica, cellulose and magnesium stearate per tablet, to 0.5 L tap water said water being heated to about 168 degrees Fahrenheit, to form the rejuvenating mixture, said rejuvenating mixture is formed by stirring said tablet in the water to disperse the rejuvenating ingredients in the water, and said rejuvenating mixture is further allowed to cool to room temperature, then diluting said mixture with an additional 1.5 L of cold water, provided at a temperature ranging from 40 to 75 degrees F. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: diluting the rejuvenating mixture with 15 times the initial amount of water. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The method of claim 18, wherein said rejuvenating ingredient is provided in the form of a tablet and is combined with water in a ratio of 100 DHEA tablets containing macronutrients and trace micronutrients, said tablets containing 5 mg DHEA, 38 mg dicalcium phosphate, and trace amounts of silica, cellulose and magnesium stearate per tablet, to 0.5 L tap water, an initial mixture is formed by adding the tablets to the water and the tablets and water are heated to about 168 degrees Fahrenheit, said heated rejuvenating mixture is further transferred to an 8 L container and 7.5 L cold water provided at a temperature ranging from 40 to 75 degrees F. is added, the cooled rejuvenating mixture is stirred to form the final rejuvenating mixture, said final rejuvenating mixture is formed by stirring to disperse the rejuvenating ingredients in the water, and said final rejuvenating mixture is further allowed to cool to room temperature. ### Claim 20 (depends on 18) The method of claim 18 wherein said rejuvenating ingredient is provided in the form of a tablet and is combined with water in a ratio of 80 DHEA tablets containing macronutrients and trace micronutrients, said tablets containing 5 mg DHEA, 38 mg dicalcium phosphate, and trace amounts of silica, cellulose and magnesium stearate per tablet, to 0.5 L tap water, an initial mixture is formed by adding the tablets to the water and the tablets and water are heated to about 168 degrees Fahrenheit, said heated rejuvenating mixture is further transferred to an 8 L container and 7.5 L cold water provided at a temperature ranging from 40 to 75 degrees F. is added, said final rejuvenating mixture is formed by stirring to disperse the rejuvenating ingredients in the water, and said final rejuvenating mixture is further allowed to cool to room temperature. ### Claim 21 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein said rejuvenating ingredient is in the form of a tablet and combined with water and heated to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit, said rejuvenating mixture is further allowed to cool, then said rejuvenating mixture is diluted with 7 times the initial amount of water and stirred. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) The method of claim 21 wherein said rejuvenating ingredient is provided in the form of a tablet and is combined with water in a ratio of 250 DHEA tablets containing macronutrients and trace micronutrients, said tablets containing 5 mg DHEA, 38 mg dicalcium phosphate, and trace amounts of silica, cellulose and magnesium stearate per tablet, to 1 L tap water, an initial mixture is formed by adding the tablets to the water and the tablets and water are heated to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit, said heated rejuvenating mixture is further transferred to an 8 L container and 7 L cold water provided at a temperature ranging from 40 to 75 degrees F. is added, the cooled rejuvenating mixture is stirred to form the final rejuvenating mixture, said final rejuvenating mixture is formed by stirring to disperse the rejuvenating ingredients in the water, and said final rejuvenating mixture is further allowed to cool to room temperature. ### Claim 23 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the rejuvenating mixture is applied to treat and inhibit plant decomposition and disease comprising contacting the plant soil, leaves, or stems with the rejuvenating mixture. ### Claim 24 (depends on 19) The method of claim 19, wherein said rejuvenating ingredient is provided in the form of a tablet and is combined with water in a ratio of 120 DHEA tablets, which contain per tablet 25 mg DHEA, 52 mg of calcium carbonate and trace amounts of cellulose, silica, magnesium stearate, and stearic acid, and initial mixture being combined with approximately 8 liters of hot water to form said rejuvenating mixture, said rejuvenating mixture being allowed to cool to room temperature. ### Claim 25 (depends on 23) The method of claim 23 wherein the rejuvenating mixture is sprayed on the plants and soil. ### Claim 26 (depends on 23) The method of claim 23 wherein the rejuvenating mixture is applied to the soil surrounding the plants. ### Claim 27 (depends on 25) A method of claim 25 wherein the rejuvenating mixture is applied to cut flowers and greens. ### Claim 28 (depends on 1) The method as in claim 1 further comprising the step of heating said liquid. ### Claim 29 (depends on 28) The method of claim 28 wherein said water is heated to about 145 degrees Fahrenheit. ### Claim 30 (depends on 29) The method as in claim 29 wherein said heated water is cooled by cold water provided at a temperature ranging from about 40 to about 75 degrees F. ### Claim 31 (depends on 28) The method as in claim 28 further comprising the step of allowing said heated plant rejuvenating liquid to cool to a tepid level. ### Claim 32 A method of rejuvenating a stressed and/or wilted plant comprising the steps of: a) providing a rejuvenating ingredient including: dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) or hydrate thereof, and essential plant nutrients of either or both of calcium and phosphorus, wherein said nutrients are supplied in an amount sufficient for plant rejuvenation; b) adding said rejuvenating ingredient to a liquid selected from the group consisting of water and fertigation liquids; c) forming a plant rejuvenating mixture therefrom; and, d) applying the plant rejuvenating mixture to the plant. ### Claim 33 (depends on 32) The method of claim 32 wherein the plant rejuvenating mixture is applied to soil in which the plant is rooted. ### Claim 34 (depends on 32) The method of claim 32 wherein the plant rejuvenating mixture is applied directly to photosynthetic portions of the plant. ### Claim 35 (depends on 34) The method of claim 34 wherein said plant rejuvenating mixture is applied by spraying. ### Claim 36 (depends on 32) The method of claim 32 wherein said nutrients are supplied as dicalcium phosphate. ### Claim 37 (depends on 32) The method of claim 32 wherein said phosphorus is supplied as dicalcium phosphate. ### Claim 38 (depends on 32) The method of claim 32 wherein said calcium is supplied as calcium carbonate. ### Claim 39 (depends on 32) The method of claim 32 wherein said calcium is supplied as dicalcium phosphate. ### Claim 40 (depends on 32) The method of claim 32 in which said plant is a spider plant and the plant rejuvenating mixture containing nutrient calcium carbonate is poured directly on plant soil thereof until saturation is reached. ### Claim 41 (depends on 32) The method of claim 32 in which said plant is Dracaena sanderiana and the plant rejuvenating mixture contains dicalcium phosphate. ### Claim 42 (depends on 32) The method of claim 32 in which said plant is a rose bush and the plant rejuvenating mixture contains dicalcium phosphate. ### Claim 43 (depends on 32) The method of claim 32 in which said plant is a Philodendron and the plant rejuvenating mixture contains dicalcium phosphate, said plant rejuvenating mixture saturates the soil in which said plant is rooted, and is applied monthly until leaves of said plant regain full color. ### Claim 44 (depends on 32) The method of claim 32 in which said plant is a Juniperus chinensis and the plant rejuvenating mixture contains dicalcium phosphate, said plant rejuvenating mixture being applied to a base of said plant, applying a new plant rejuvenating mixture each day for a number of days. ### Claim 45 (depends on 32) The method of claim 32 in which said plant is a turf grass blend including Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and tall fescue. ### Claim 46 (depends on 32) The method of claim 32 in which said plant is Coffee arabica and the plant rejuvenating mixture contains dicalcium phosphate. ### Claim 47 (depends on 32) The method of claim 32 wherein said nutrients are supplied in an amount which exceeds by weight that of the DHEA. ### Claim 48 (depends on 35) The method of claim 35 wherein the ratio of said dicalcium phosphate to DHEA is about 7.6 to 1. ### Claim 49 (depends on 36) The method of claim 36 wherein the ratio of said calcium carbonate to DHEA is about 2.08 to 1. ### Claim 50 (depends on 32) The method as in claim 32 further comprising the step of heating said liquid. ### Claim 51 (depends on 50) The method as in claim 50 further comprising the step of allowing said heated plant rejuvenating liquid to cool to a tepid level.