Patent · US Expired

Inducing hyperaccumulation of metals in plant shoots

US5917117A · kind A · utility

27Cited by
31References
57Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 21, 1996
Grant dateJun 29, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 21, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02W10/10
  • WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

The present invention provides methods by which hyperaccumulation of metals in plant shoots is induced by exposure to inducing agents. Hyperaccumulation occurs as part of a two-step process in which metals are first accumulated into plant roots; subsequent transport to plant shoots is induced by exposure to the agent. In preferred embodiments, manipulations that increase availability of metals to the plant are employed prior to application of the inducing agent. Effective inducing agents include conditions of low pH, chelators, herbicides, and high levels of heavy metals. Other phytotoxic agents are also useful. Application of multiple inducing agents results in synergistic effects.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.