Plant cover device with enclosure and peripheral base and related methods

A plant cover device (630, 730) may include an enclosure (631, 731) having panels (204, 634A) coupled together to define a plant-receiving cavity. Each of the panels (204, 634A) has a major mesh surface (635A), and a seam (208, 302, 636A) extending along a peripheral edge (646A) of the major mesh surface (635A), Adjacent panels (634A) are coupled together at respective seams (636A). The enclosure (631, 731) may include a first fastener (637, 640) adjacent the peripheral edge (646A) of a respective panel (634A, 634B). The plant cover device (630, 730) may have a base (100, 632) coupled to the enclosure (631, 731) and including a solid major surface (638) extending radially outward, and a second fastener (637, 640) carried by the solid major surface (638) and extending radially. The plant cover device (630, 730) may also include a support (633, 733) extending vertically from a ground surface to an apex of the enclosure (631, 731). The first fastener (637, 640) and the second fastener (637, 640) may be aligned and configured to provide access to the plant-receiving cavity.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of agricultural devices, and, more particularly, to disease prevention device and related methods.

BACKGROUND

The agricultural industry is a large and robust industry worldwide. To meet worldwide demand for agricultural products, producers utilize numerous methods to maximize production in agricultural crops. For example, one technique includes removing unwanted growth (i.e. soil cultivation) around the base of crops to enhance growth and production. Typically, this is accomplished with the application of herbicide around the base of most crops.

Although there are effective herbicides, there are several drawbacks to their use. Firstly, the adaptation of herbicide resistant “super weeds” has reduced the effectiveness of many herbicides. Secondly, herbicides cannot be applied toward organic fields or directly over non-GMO crops. Thirdly, the application of herbicides may weaken the crop's natural defense, and application to crops prior to harvest may result in crop damage when contacted by spray drift or when absorbed from the soil by the plant's root system.

Another technique is implementation of a robust fertilization program. Although fertilization programs do enhance growth of crops, they can be costly to implement and maintain. Moreover, herbicides cannot be applied toward organic fields or directly over non-GMO crops.

Yet another technique is a robust insecticide program. Of course, this programs provides benefits from evasive insects that harm the crop. Another benefit is the insecticide program may help prevent infection of the crop from disease, such as fungus and bacterial infections.

One example disease is citrus greening, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB) or yellow dragon disease. Citrus greening disease is one of the most serious citrus plant diseases in the world because there is currently no cure. The disease has devastated millions of acres of citrus crops throughout the United States and abroad. Citrus greening disease is spread by a disease-infected insect, the Asian citrus psyllid

The infected insect spreads the disease as it feeds on the leaves and stems of citrus trees. Citrus greening disease is further spread by moving infected plants and plant materials.

The disease has affected the entire US citrus industry, and has been reported in 33 nations worldwide. Infected citrus trees produce fruits that are green, misshapen and bitter, unsuitable for sale as fresh fruit or for juice. Most infected trees die within a few years and have few productive years, if any.

Citrus greening disease is typically managed using insecticides to control the psyllid population. Evidence shows that reducing psyllid populations via insecticide application not only slows the rate of citrus greening disease spread but also reduces severity of the disease once established.

Young trees that produce multiple flushes throughout the year are at greater risk of greening infection than mature trees because of the attraction of adult psyllids to the new flush. Even without the disease, young trees need to be protected for about four years from psyllids and leaf miners to grow optimally. In some approaches, soil-applied systemic insecticides provide long lasting control of psyllids, but the chemicals may be environmentally harmful.

In other approaches, tree covers that enclose a tree to prevent insect infiltration are deployed. These tree cover approaches, however, may suffer from one or more drawbacks. The tree cover may rest its weight against the tree, which can damage foliage and branches of young trees. In some approaches, the tree covers may have a Skeleton-like framework that prevents the cover from resting against the foliage, but the framework may provide for a more complicated install.

SUMMARY

Generally, a plant cover device may include an enclosure comprising a plurality of panels coupled together to define a plant-receiving cavity therein. Each of the plurality of panels may include a major mesh surface, and a seam extending along a peripheral edge of the major mesh surface. Adjacent panels may be coupled together at respective seams. The enclosure may include a first fastener adjacent the peripheral edge of a respective panel. The plant cover device may comprise a base coupled to the enclosure and comprising a solid major surface extending radially outward, and a second fastener carried by the solid major surface and extending radially. The plant cover device may include a support extending vertically from a ground surface to an apex of the enclosure. The first fastener and the second fastener may be aligned and configured to provide access to the plant-receiving cavity.

In particular, the plurality of panels may define a trunk receiving opening at a bottom thereof, and the base may define a medial opening coupled to the trunk receiving opening. Each of the trunk receiving opening and the medial opening may be triangle-shaped, for example.

In some embodiments, the major mesh surface of each of the plurality of panels may comprise a polyvinyl chloride material. The base may comprise a peripheral passageway carried by the solid major surface and configured to receive a drip line. The base may comprise a plurality of spaced apart notches along the peripheral passageway. The major mesh surface of each of the plurality of panels may comprise a colored mesh material configured to diffract ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The base may comprise a reflective material. The base may comprise a waterproof material.

Another aspect is directed to a method for making a plant cover device. The method may include forming an enclosure comprising a plurality of panels coupled together to define a plant-receiving cavity therein. Each of the plurality of panels may have a major mesh surface, and a seam extending along a peripheral edge of the major mesh surface. Adjacent panels may be coupled together at respective seams. The enclosure may have a first fastener adjacent the peripheral edge of a respective panel. The method may include forming a base coupled to the enclosure and comprising a solid major surface extending radially outward, and a second fastener carried by the solid major surface and extending radially. The method may further include providing a support to extend vertically from a ground surface to an apex of the enclosure. The first fastener and the second fastener may be aligned and configured to provide access to the plant-receiving cavity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Young citrus trees are at greater risk than mature trees of infection because of frequent leaf flush (fresh growth) which attracts the psyllid as well as many other pests as the young tree grows. The plant cover system described here may advantageously be used to protect young citrus trees for the first three years and beyond after planting. However, it should be recognized that the cover can also be used on a wide variety, size, and age of fruit trees, ornamentals, vegetables, and the like. It is to be understood that the term “plant” as used herein may include trees. For example, “a plant cover” refers to a cover for trees and other plants.

Referring toFIG. 1, a first example embodiment of the plant cover system100includes a plant cover bag200upwardly supported by a vertical support member300over a tree102. The bottom of the bag200is closed around the trunk104of the tree102. An optional trunk cover400encircles the trunk. A closure500closes the bottom of the bag200around the trunk104.

Additional details of the bag200are now described with reference toFIGS. 2-6. The bag200has a generally kite shaped exterior perimeter202and is formed from a first kite shaped panel204and a second kite shaped panel that are joined together along a seam208forming the exterior perimeter202by a conventional joining mechanism such as using an adhesive, sewing, stapling, or the like.

The seam208adds rigidity to the exterior perimeter202, allowing the exterior perimeter202to maintain its kite shape without a separate support frame when suspended over a tree. This allows the midsection of the bag200to bulge out around the tree's foliage so that the bag200does not rest its weight against the foliage.

An upper section210of the bag200is generally triangle shaped. A lower section212of the bag200is generally trapezoid shaped. A bottom end of the bag200includes a rim214that circumscribes an opening216to the bag's interior218.

A slot220interrupts the seam208, extends vertically from the opening216, and includes a pair of opposed margins222that include cooperatively interlocking parts224that can temporarily be joined and separated to increase the size of the opening when installing over a plant. The interlocking joining mechanism for the margins222may be a hook and loop type closure such as hook and loop interface, a zipper, or the like. The entire length of the slot220may be completely closed to prevent insects from entering through the slot220.

Referring toFIGS. 5 & 6, the length of the slot220may vary among different examples to accommodate different sizes and shapes of plants and trees. In the example ofFIG. 6, the slot220extends from the opening216to the upper section210of the bag200and terminates before reaching the bag's top apex224. In the example ofFIG. 7, the slot220extends from the opening216and part of the way to the side apex226. If the plant being covered is a fruit or vegetable plant, the extended slot220can be opened to harvest the fruits or vegetables from the plant and then closed.

The panels204,206form a wall that encloses the interior of the bag200. The panels204,206may be made at least partially or completely of a mesh material, which provides water permeability and light transmissivity, but prevents intrusion by small insects such as psyllids. The mesh size may be, for example, 50 mesh or 50 by 25 threads per square inch. Such a mesh size will be sufficient to prevent intrusion by psyllids, aphids, white flys, mealy bugs, leaf miners, thrips, grasshoppers, ants, and orange dogs. The bag200may also protect the enclosed foliage from frost, hail, and wind damage.

Referring toFIGS. 7-9a second example embodiment of the bag200′ includes three kite shaped panels instead of two. InFIGS. 7-9a prime symbol (′) denotes features corresponding to the previous example. The three kite shaped panels204′,205, &206′ are joined together at the seam208′ so that the bag has three side vertices226′. This configuration provides more interior volume than in the first example to accommodate larger plants and trees.

Referring toFIG. 10, the vertical support member300may be inserted into the ground like a stake adjacent to the tree102so that it extends vertically alongside and in close proximity to the tree102. The top end302upwardly supports the bag200, keeping the bag200from resting on the tree102and suspended above the ground. The top of the tree and the top end302are offset by a height H1to allow the tree102to grow within the bag200. The top apex224of the bag200is positioned atop the top end302of the vertical support member300. The seam208provides enough rigidity to the bag200to maintain its kite shape. The opening216is closed around the trunk104of the tree102with the closure500.

The vertical support member300may take on many different forms. In the example shown, the vertical support member is a rod-shaped or tubular stake with a plastic or rubber cap304on the top end302that prevents the vertical support member from causing wear to the bag200when the bag200moves in the wind, which could generate holes in the bag200. In other examples, it may include arms extending horizontally from the stake to support the sides of the bag200and produce a support frame.

The closure500is a string, belt, band, or the like that circumscribes the bag200and can be tightened to close the opening216. The closure500may take many different forms such as a drawstring integrally formed with the bag200, a separate string or rope that can be tied around the bag, a zip or cable tie, a belt, an elastic band, and the like.

The bag's200kite shape provides an advantage over other conventional plant covers. The kite shape makes the bag200somewhat form fitting to the shape of a tree. It is skinnier at the bottom and top and bulges in the middle to accommodate branches and foliage. The kite shape also provides room for the tree to grow both taller and wider within the bag200.

The trunk cover400encloses the trunk104of the tree by encircling it. The trunk cover400may be a conventional tubular tree trunk cover or tree trunk wrap. In the example ofFIG. 1, the trunk cover400has plastic tubular construction and extends from the ground up the trunk. The bag's opening216is tightened closed against the trunk cover400around the trunk104. The trunk cover400may have a reflective exterior surface. The trunk cover400may reduce the amount of pesticides that need to be applied to the tree because it will prevent insect damage.

In an exemplary method of covering a plant using the bag, plant foliage is positioned within the bag200by lowering the bag200over the plant through the opening216in the bag200. The bag is suspended the bag on a stake positioned next to the plant. The stake extends above the top of the plant. The opening is then closed around a stem or trunk of the plant. To make it easier to position the foliage within the bag200, the slot220may be temporarily opened to increase the size of the opening216. Once the foliage is within the bag, the slot220may then be closed.

The bag200is easily removable from the plant or tree when no longer needed even though the plant or tree covered might have grown because the slot220can be opened during removal. The bag200and vertical support member300may then be reused. The bag200is lightweight and flexible, allowing for efficient storage and/or shipment. When not in use, the bag200may be folded or rolled up for storage.

Another example embodiment of the plant cover system200″ will now be described with reference toFIGS. 11-16. This example includes a bag200″ including any of the features already described and a base member300. The base member300is attached to the bag200″ along a seam302.

The base member300includes an upper surface304, a lower surface306opposite the upper surface304, and a perimeter308. The perimeter308in the example shown is substantially circular. The perimeter308may have different shapes in different examples.

The base member300includes an irrigation member310configured to provide a mechanism for irrigating a plant within the bag200″. In the example embodiment shown, the irrigation member310includes a tubular wall312defining an opening314and an interior space316extending substantially around the perimeter308.

The interior space316receives an irrigation line400, such as the example shown inFIG. 16. The irrigation line400is adapted to deliver water to the plant by including openings402along its length through which water can escape. Water leaving the irrigation line400exits the irrigation member310by openings320formed in the bottom306of the irrigation member400. In this example the irrigation member310is positioned along the perimeter308in order to deliver water to the outer reaches of the plant's root system. It is not necessary for the irrigation member310to be positioned along the perimeter308in every example.

The base member300may include a shape maintaining feature for maintaining the shape of the perimeter308. Such a shape maintaining feature may be attached to the base member about or along the perimeter308. The shape maintaining feature may include a wire, cable, rope, resilient pole, or the like.

The base member300defines an opening322through which the base of the plant may be positioned. The opening322in the example shown coincides with the seam302where the base member300and bag200″ are connected. The shape of the opening322is triangular in the example shown, but it may be another shape in other examples.

The base member300includes a pair of opposed margins324having cooperatively interlocking parts326that can temporarily be joined and separated to increase the size of the opening322. When joined together, the margins324define a closed slot328.

The margins324of the base member300may be a continuation of the margins222of the bag200″ such that when the margin222,324are separated the slot328in the base member300and slot in the bag200″ open together to form a single continuous opening for placing the bag200″ over a plant.

The base member300may be made of water impermeable material such as plastic or the like to maintain water used for irrigation in the vicinity of the plant's roots in order to enhance the efficiency of irrigation. The base member300also forms a barrier to insects and other pests around the base of the plant.

The base member300may be secured in position around the plant via many mechanisms such as anchoring with stakes and/or by placing soil on top of the perimeter to weigh down the base member300. Optionally, the top surface304of the base member300includes a reflective material that provides a mirror like finish. The base member300may also be used without the bag as a mechanism for retaining water in the vicinity of the plant's roots.

Referring toFIGS. 17 and 18, in order to hold the central portion of the base member300off the ground, a support frame500may be used. The support frame may be made of metal, plastic or the like. The support frame500includes two inverted V-shaped stands502interconnected by at least one cross beam504. In use, the bottom of the V-shaped stands502is placed in contact with the ground and the weight of the base member300is supported by the support frame500.

Referring now additionally toFIGS. 19-22, a plant cover device630is now described. The plant cover device630illustratively includes an enclosure631, a base632coupled to the enclosure, and a support633extending vertically from a ground surface to an apex of the enclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support633(shown in dashed lines) comprises a simple pole support. In other embodiments, the support633may comprise additional lateral supports at a lowermost end adjacent the ground surface. Also, in some embodiments, the support633may include lateral arms extending from the uppermost section of the support, creating a canopy of sorts within the enclosure631, or a dome-shaped portion for supporting the enclosure.

The enclosure631illustratively includes a plurality of panels634a-634ccoupled together to define a plant-receiving cavity therein. Each of the plurality of panels634a-634chas a “kite-shape”, or in other words, the shape of two adjacent oblique triangles with abutting base sides.

This plant-receiving cavity is perhaps best seen in the embodiment ofFIG. 7. Each of the plurality of panels634a-634cincludes a major mesh surface635a-635c, and a seam636a-636cextending along a peripheral edge of the major mesh surface. The mesh openings in the major mesh surface635a-635care sized to as to prevent penetration by disease carrying insects.

Adjacent panels634a-634care coupled together at respective seams636a-636c. Each seam636a-636cmay comprise one or more of a stitching seam, an adhesive seam, or an integrally formed seam (e.g. attached using a heat gun applied to thermoplastic material).

The enclosure631illustratively includes a first fastener637adjacent the peripheral edge of a respective panel634a-634c. The first fastener637extends along only a portion of the peripheral edge of a respective panel634a-634c(e.g. the illustrated 33%±10). In other embodiments, the first fastener637extends along a greater portion of the peripheral edge of a respective panel634a-634c, such as extending along the edge to the corner or along an entire longitudinal side of the enclosure631.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first fastener637comprises opposing hook and loop interfaces on peripheral edges of adjacent panels634a-634c. Of course, in other embodiments, other fastening arrangements can be used on peripheral edges of adjacent panels634a-634c, such as a button and slit interface, or a snap button interface (e.g. riveted snap fastener).

The base632illustratively includes a solid major surface638extending radially outward, and a second fastener640carried by the solid major surface and extending radially from a center to an outer peripheral edge. The base632illustratively has a circle-shape. In other embodiments, the base632may have other shapes, such as a square, an oval, or a triangle

As perhaps best seen inFIG. 23, the first fastener637and the second fastener640are aligned and configured to provide access to the plant-receiving cavity. In particular, the first fastener637and the second fastener640are directly aligned in an abutting arrangement so that a user can readily open the first fastener637and the second fastener640in one easy action.

In particular, the plurality of panels634a-634cillustratively defines a trunk receiving opening641at a bottom thereof. In some embodiments, the plant cover device630includes a tie or tether (seeFIGS. 1, 7 & 10) configured to bind the lower portion of the enclosure631to the truck of the plant. The base632illustratively defines a medial opening642coupled (e.g. via a seam constituted similarly to the seams636a-636cin the plurality of panels634a-634c) to the trunk receiving opening641. The second fastener640extends from the medial opening642to the peripheral edge of the base632. Each of the trunk receiving opening641and the medial opening642is illustratively triangle-shaped. In other embodiments, the trunk receiving opening641and the medial opening642may have other shapes, such as a square, an oval, or a circle.

The base632illustratively includes a peripheral passageway643carried by the solid major surface638and configured to receive a drip line (not shown). The base632illustratively includes a plurality of spaced apart notches644a-644calong the peripheral passageway643configured to receive respective nozzles from the drip line. As perhaps best seen inFIG. 22, each of the plurality of spaced apart notches644a-644ccomprises opposing first edges645a-645b, and opposing second edges646a-646b. The first and second edges645a-645b,646a-646bare canted with respect to each other. Each second edge646a-646bis substantially perpendicular a (equating to an angle of 75°-105°) to a tangential line of the outer periphery of the base632.

In some embodiments, the major mesh surface635a-635cof each of the plurality of panels634a-634cmay comprise a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. The major mesh surface635a-635cof each of the plurality of panels634a-634cmay comprise a colored mesh material configured to selectively diffract one or more spectral portions (i.e. frequency ranges) of UV radiation and/or visible light radiation.

Advantageously, the major mesh surface635a-635cof each of the plurality of panels634a-634ccan be of different color in order to manipulate or enhance the different spectral portions of the UV spectrum. This is important for keeping a plant in a vegetative state or forcing it into a flowering state in regards to some of the intended uses. As will be appreciated, different spectral portions of the visible light spectrum and the UV spectrum can have wide ranging effects on different plants. For example, for UV radiation, —No exposure produces better growth; Violet—Enhances the color, taste, and aroma of plants Blue—Increases the growth rate of plants; Green—Enhances chlorophyll production and is used as a pigment for proper plant viewing; Yellow—Plants exhibit less growth compared to blue and red light; Red—When combined with blue light it yields more leaves and crops, depending on what is being grown; and Far Red—Speeds up the Phytochrome conversion which reduces the time a plant takes to go into a night-time state. This allows the plant to produce a greater yield. See Klein, R. M., Edsall, P. C., & Gentile, A. C. (1965). Effects of Near Ultraviolet and Green Radiations on Plant Growth. Plant Physiology, 40(5), 903-906; and “Plant Growth”, Chris Thiele, May 29, 2018, Grobo Inc. website, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The base632illustratively includes a reflective material on an upper surface thereof. In some embodiments, the base632may comprise a waterproof material.

Helpfully, this permits for conservation of water in several ways. Firstly, the integrated drip line passageway permits water to be deployed efficiently with minimal evaporation. Second, the reflective upper surface reduces the amount of thermal radiation absorbed by the ground area directly adjacent the root ball, permitting more moisture to be absorbed by the plant and not evaporated. Thirdly, the waterproof barrier also provides an additional water barrier, keeping moisture where it can be used. Also, the base632may prevent unintentional drift or runoff of pesticides or fertilizer applied around the base of the plant.

Moreover, the UV diffraction effect from the plurality of panels634a-634cmay the improve growth rate of the plant. In particular, Applicant has observed a 20% increase in growth with the application of the plant cover device630. These enhanced growth benefits are in addition to the disease prevention purpose provided by the enclosure631, as discussed with regards to the earlier embodiments. Also, the base632also provides another barrier to disease spread by protecting the soil adjacent the root ball from insects.

Another aspect is directed to a method for making a plant cover device630. The method includes forming an enclosure631comprising a plurality of panels634a-634ccoupled together to define a plant-receiving cavity therein. Each of the plurality of panels634a-634chas a major mesh surface635a-635c, and a seam636a-636cextending along a peripheral edge of the major mesh surface. Adjacent panels634a-634care coupled together at respective seams. The enclosure631includes a first fastener637adjacent the peripheral edge of a respective panel634b. The method includes forming a base632coupled to the enclosure631and comprising a solid major surface638extending radially outward, and a second fastener640carried by the solid major surface and extending radially. The method further includes providing a support633to extend vertically from a ground surface to an apex of the enclosure631. The first fastener637and the second fastener640are aligned and configured to provide access to the plant-receiving cavity.

Referring now additionally toFIGS. 24A-24C, a plant cover device730is now described. In this embodiment of the plant cover device730, those elements already discussed above with respect toFIGS. 19-23are incremented by 700 and most require no further discussion herein. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that this plant cover device730illustratively omits the base portion632ofFIGS. 19-23. This embodiment also includes a different structure for the support733. The support733illustratively includes a pole750extending from the ground surface, and a cap portion752coupled to an uppermost portion of the pole. The support733illustratively includes a plurality of arms751a-751cextending laterally from the cap portion752and configured to support the enclosure731.

As perhaps best seen inFIG. 24C, the cap portion752illustratively includes a body753defining a lower recess configured to receive the uppermost portion of the pole750. The cap portion752illustratively includes a plurality of elbows754a-754cextending from the body753and respectively defining arm receiving passageways755. The arm receiving passageways755are configured to respectively receive the plurality of arms751a-751c.

In yet other embodiments (not shown), the support733may alternatively comprise a twisted arrangement of three (1wire for each arm) or more wires configured to be anchored within the uppermost portion of the pole750. In particular, the wires would be formed into a twisted anchor inserted into the uppermost portion of the pole750. The other ends of the wires would extend laterally and straight fashion to support the enclosure731. The far distal ends of the wires would be curled downward to avoid tearing the mesh material of the plurality of panels734a-734c. Positively, this embodiment would be less costly to manufacture than the embodiment ofFIGS. 24A-24C.