Method for applying hydrogel coatings to embryonic plants
US5572827A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 1995 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S47/11
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention is drawn to a method of applying a hydrogel coating to embryonic plants to improve early plant growth by controlling the amount of cross-linking. A dry coating of a water-soluble hydrogel in powder form is built up around individual embryonic plants. The powder-coated plants are introduced into a water bath which is free of polyvalent metal ions to partially hydrate the coatings. Rapidly thereafter and before the coatings are fully hydrated, the bath is modified by dispersing cross-linking polyvalent metal ions therein. The contact time of the coated plants in the modified bath is limited so that the polyvalent metal ions diffuse into the coatings and form an inwardly decreasing concentration gradient therein. The plants are separated from the modified bath so that the polyvalent metal ions are redistributed and equilibrated within the coatings. The resulting coatings are in a uniform partially cross-linked condition which promotes leaf emergence and plant vigor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.