IT8024808A1 - PROCEDURE FOR COMBATING ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE PARASITES OF PLANTS AND CROPS IN GENERAL AND EQUIPMENT FOR IMPLEMENTING THIS PROCEDURE - Google Patents

Description

[0001] STUDIODr.ingORI0 20122 MlLA0-Via Francescd Sforza,5 PROCEDURE TO FIGHT.

[0002] ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE PARASITES OF PLANTS AND CROPS IN.

[0003] GENDER ED_AP EQUIPMENT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS PROCEDURE" A.nome Antonio..RESCA A S.PIETRO..IN_.CASALE..(Bologna).

[0004] 2 4 8 0 8 A/80 FILED on 22 SEP.1980 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a process.

[0005] to combat animal and plant parasites of plants with water..,..or..aqueous..solutions..containing substances.

[0006] suitable for increasing the electrical conductivity of plants and crops themselves, and a main phase in which the said plants and crops are made the site of the passage of electrical currents, through the application, in two or more points of them, of different potentials: The apparatus which allows the implementation of this process is composed of at least two conductive elements mounted on a support and subjected to different electrical potentials, intended to come into contact with respective points of the plants or crops and of their fruits and apparatus] STUDY1r11.

[0007] AU110 20122 MILAN0-Via Francesco'Sforza, to generate electric currents along the surface layers of plants, crops and their systems or fruits, of sufficient intensity to destroy animal and vegetable parasites STUD10.Ins.L003'0RI0 20122 MlLAfl0-Via Francesco Sforza,5 AD/1b.17442 Description of the invention The present invention refers...to.a process for fighting animal and vegetable parasites of plants and crops in general..and.to.an apparatus for carrying out.such.process..

[0008] As is known, the technique currently used to fight animal and plant parasites of plants, their systems and fruits.

[0009] as well as the various types of crops, and that of spraying liquid or powdered anti-parasitic substances over their entire surface, which for the most part are toxic or poisonous substances, dangerous both for animals.

[0010] both for men, particularly those employed in these treatments. The habituation of parasites requires increasingly massive applications of parasitic substances, increases in concentration and the search for increasingly toxic and poisonous substances as well as increasingly powerful and sophisticated equipment up to the use of aerial means...

[0011] The major inconvenience is not only the poisoning of agricultural products.

[0012] .but also on soil pollution, with subsequent destruction of insects, larvae and any life permeating the humus..and poisoning of various seeds,..with consequent damage to the life of higher animals such as birds, wild fauna, domestic animals etc. The..present invention.has..the.

[0013] purpose...of...eliminating this form of treatment, by proposing a process which does not present ecological problems and possibly problems of parasite habituation. The invention is based on the discovery that parasites are destroyed when.

[0014] are.traversed.by.electric.currents.., even...of.the.order.of.milliamperes, passed even for.short.times.through.them.

[0015] This process is characterized by the application on plants, crops, their fruits and apparatus of at least two points or zones.

[0016] , having between them a potential difference sufficient to allow the passage through.

[0017] the superficial layers of crop plants, their fruits and systems, between these points, electric currents of such intensity as to be destructive for animal and plant parasites.

[0018] According to such a procedure, and in a more widely applicable form.

[0019] on plants, crops STUDI0 0r.1ng.ALD00'0RI0 20122 MILANU-Via Francescp Sforze, their fruits and apparatus a network is created composed of at least two series of points or zones, having between them a potential difference of sufficient size to allow the passage of light through the superficial layers of the.

[0020] plants, crops, their zones and systems, between any point of one series and any point of the other.

[0021] series of electric currents of such intensity as to be destructive for animal and plant parasites In the execution of this.

[0022] The process uses the natural conductivity of the surface layers of plants, crops and soil for the passage of electric currents.

[0023] It is also possible to exploit the conductivity generated by the moistening of plants, crops and soil by rain, dew, fog or similar.

[0024] In the case of poor electrical conductivity of plants or crops and/or soil, such conductivity is generated by widespread moistening of the various parts of the plant, crops and/or soil, by spraying with water.

[0025] Also within the scope of the dampening operation, it is also envisaged to use water with an adequate concentration of substances that increase its conductivity, both in the case of availability of water of low hardness and in the case in which a more energetic treatment is required (increase in the intensity of the current) depending on the nature or diffusion of the parasites. It is also.

[0026] provided, where required, to add to the water some surfactants, which promote the adhesion of the liquid film to various...

[0027] parts of plants or crops. The use of solutions of substances which simultaneously improve the conductivity and adhesion of the water is also envisaged. The potential differences applied can be direct current or alternating current. The apparatus for carrying out this process is characterised by a grid composed of at least two conductive elements mounted on a support and electrically connected in such a way as to form at least two series of different electrodielectrics, a voltage generator being provided to subject the series of said elements to respective potentials, said conductive elements being shaped, supported and directed in dependence on the

[0028] plants to be treated and in such a way as to establish a potential difference between at least two points or zones of the plants or crops touched by them, generating a current between these points or zones. The conductive elements, in a first embodiment, and particularly for tall plants, are made up of.

[0029] from conductive rods mounted cantilevered on a support structure according to rows alternatively subjected to different potentials. This support structure is preferably flat, arranged vertically and mounted on at least one of the sides of a towing vehicle. In a second embodiment, and.

[0030] for low-stemmed plants_.,.such as .vegetables...

[0031] beetroots and grasses...the conductive elements are made up of the horizontal lower sides of articulated frames, or of elements having a V-shaped plan with the vertex directed in the direction of motion of the vehicle. Such equipment can be used.

[0032] separately or in combination with a means for spraying water for moistening plants, of a known type.

[0033] The equipment, furthermore, may consist of a complex formed by a vehicle.

[0034] towed or driven, by at least one support carrying the conductive elements, by a moistened water tank, by the nebulizer device or by the STUDIGE voltage generator.

[0035] D0D'ORIO 20122MlLAliu-Via Francesco Sforza5 Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a process for combating parasites of plants and crops.

[0036] in general.and of .an apparatus for the implementation.

[0037] of this procedure, made hereinafter with reference to the drawings in the binding, given for indicative purposes only..,..but not limitative.

[0038] wherein: fig.

[0039] 1.

[0040] shows a diagram of the electrical situation that occurs on the surface and inside plants and crops subjected to the process according to the invention; fig.

[0041] .2 shows .an apparatus for.

[0042] the fight against plant parasites carried out according to a first construction form; fig.

[0043] 3 shows a side view of the electrical grid.

[0044] mounted on the equipment shown in fig.

[0045] 2; fig.

[0046] 4 shows a diagram of the electrical connection between the grid and the generator: fig. 5 shows, on an enlarged scale and in lateral view, an embodiment of the elastic connection of the conductive bars forming the electrical grid; STUDIO Dr.Ing.ALD0D'ORIO 20122 MILAN0-Via Francesco Sforza,5 fig.

[0047] 6 is a front view of the attachment of fig..5; fig..7 shows the apparatus of the previous figures implemented according to another embodiment; figs.

[0048] 8 and 9 show, respectively, a side view.

[0049] and a plan view of the electrical grid carried by the apparatus of fig._6...

[0050] Fig. 10 shows, in a frontal view, an apparatus for the control of parasites on crops in general.

[0051] the..figs...1l..and..12.

[0052] represent..schematically two..different.execution forms of the_electrical grid co_mounted..on the apparatus of fig...9..

[0053] The process which is the object of the present invention consists in the application of a potential difference.

[0054] , .of fixed value, between at least.

[0055] two points or zones.

[0056] , of plants, crops, their fruits and apparatus, sufficient to allow.. to pass through the surface layers of said plants or crops, between such points or zones.

[0057] , an electric current of such intensity that it is destructive to animal and plant parasites.

[0058] The carrying out of this procedure requires adequate electrical conductivity of the surface layers interposed between the.

[0059] points or areas having a potential difference between them.

[0060] This conductivity can already be found in the plants themselves, or in their surface layers, on crops and in the soil itself.

[0061] , where as expected the ground can constitute one of the poles of the potential difference, and in.

[0062] this case the.

[0063] procedure must be carried out immediately.

[0064] Alternatively, the conductivity of the surface layers of plants, crops, etc. can be exploited, such as rain, dew, fog, or even frost and snow.

[0065] In case.

[0066] , instead, of poor electrical conductivity of plants, crops and/or soil, such conductivity can be generated with widespread moistening of the various parts of the plants and crops and/or soil, by spraying with water, preferably nebulized water.

[0067] which ensures a wet veil.

[0068] appropriately widespread and continuous..

[0069] The water may contain substances and/or solutions that increase its electrical conductivity. It is also envisaged that the water also contains solutions of surfactants that increase the adhesion of the water to the parts of plants or crops that.

[0070] must.

[0071] STUDIO Dr.Ing.AL0O D'ORI0 20122 MILAN0-Via Francesco Sforza,5 be crossed by the current.

[0072] The above solutions to increase the conductivity and to join separately or together in the spray water.

[0073] It is also expected that the..substances that increase the .conductivity of water are.

[0074] consisting entirely or partly of fertilizers which would perform the dual function of preparing the plant or crop for the conduct of the process of the invention and of.

[0075] fertilize.

[0076] the land.

[0077] It is also foreseen that, as an additive substance, to increase the conductivity, sea water can be used, which costs practically nothing and has an excellent conductivity even when diluted in suitable proportions in fresh water.

[0078] The main step of the process according to the present invention consists in the application of at least one potential difference between at least two points or areas of the plants or crops, so that these become the site of passage of electric currents.

[0079] The time of application of such potential differences depends on both the.

[0080] value of such potential difference, both from the type of plant to be subjected to the procedure: STU01ODr.1ag.ALD00'ORId 20122 MILANu-Via Francescq Sforza,6 The application of the aforementioned potential differences in multiple points of the plants and therefore the possibility of making the same locations suitable for the passage of electric currents capable of destroying animal and plant parasites, can be carried out between just two points or zones, in the case of small plants, of a limited number. More often, however, a network of such points or zones is envisaged, at least between two series of which a potential difference is generated. This means that the various points or zones can be placed under two different voltages, as well as under several different voltages. The electrical situation described above is elementary.

[0081] illustrated in the diagram of fig.

[0082] l, where 1 and 2 indicate two conductive elements of opposite polarity that can be used as illustrated, or forming part of a lattice of at least two.

[0083] series of conductive elements placed at at least two different potentials...

[0084] With 3 the resistance of the part of the plant between two elements brought into contact at the ends of that part has been represented.

[0085] It is also foreseen that the potential differences applied are of the continuous type, or of the alternating type, or a mixed application of the continuous and alternating type can be foreseen. STUDIO Dr Tng.AL0b D'ORI0 20122 MILAN0-Via Francesco Sforza,5 The potential differences to be applied are preferably included for alternating currents in a range of values between 300 and 1500 volts... and for direct currents.

[0086] in..a range of values between 200 and 900 volts.

[0087] to ensure the passage of selectable electric currents within a wide range from a few milliamps to the order of hundreds of milliamps depending on the destructive power one wishes to obtain.

[0088] With reference to figure 2, an apparatus suitable for carrying out the process described above, and given by way of example, comprises on a platform 4 of a trailer or a towing vehicle, a tank 5 suitable for containing a pre-established quantity of water or aqueous solutions as specified above containing substances capable of increasing the electrical conductivity of plants 6 arranged in rows and/or the adhesion of the liquid film on the plants and their parts.

[0089] The platform 4 also carries a spraying device, known in itself, for example, a turbo atomizer, collectively indicated by Z.

[0090] The spraying device Z is equipped with a plurality of nozzles 8 or other known means of nebulization, which have the function of directing the water or aqueous solutions contained in the tank 5 in the form of a jet of microscopic droplets, so as to hit the plant in such a way that a diffused moistening is generated on it.

[0091] On the platform 4, but in a rearward position with respect to the direction of advancement, a frame 9 is also fixed, carrying a grid of conductive elements, this grid being indicated overall by 10 - In figure 2, for simplicity of description, only the right side of the frame 9 is shown, but it should be understood that on the left, with reference to the drawing, is the right side. With reference to figs.

[0092] 2 and 3 the grid 10 is composed of a plurality of conductive rods 1 directed towards the outside, made of electrically conductive material and mounted, in an elastic manner, in fixed seats 12 obtained on the sides of the framework 9, in correspondence with transverse bars 13 which are rigidly connected to the uprights 14 of the framework. An example of elastic attachment is illustrated in the drawings of figures 5 and 6 in which a conductive rod 11, which constitutes an electrode of the electrical circuit, is fixed.

[0093] at its extremity.11a, to a metal block 15 axially equipped with a through hole. The block 15 is constrained.

[0094] in seat 12 by means of a calibrated pin i6 which allows small rotational movements.

[0095] of the block...15 and...

[0096] .consequently...

[0097] of auction ll.

[0098] In the seat 12, on the sides of the block 11, a pair of housings is obtained within which respective springs 17 are placed which yield to the rotation of the rod 11, when this encounters mechanical resistance, and then bring it back to a centred return position, once this resistance has been overcome.

[0099] it can be noted that the arrangement of the rods 11 1 constitutes a sort of complex comb which, when the mesh is passed through a plant, penetrates between the plant's apparatus and touches the plant itself simultaneously in several points, so that numerous sections of leaves, branches and fruits will constitute a mechanical connection.

[0100] be electrical between the rods at different potential creating a network of passing currents which generally invest all the superficial layers of such parts and, therefore, exerting a destructive action at least on all the parasites which are found on or inside the superficial layers or under the bark of trunks and branches, particularly small branches which have thinner bark.

[0101] butche .together with the leaves and fruits, are mostly infested with parasites..

[0102] Naturally, the possibility of elastic rotation of the rods 1l will allow the rods to persist on the sections considered for a sufficient time, thus allowing the current to perform its function of destroying parasites.

[0103] The rods_1l.moreover, can_be equipped with a certain flexibility which allows them to bend under weak resistances.

[0104] _encountered, by making the elastic joint intervene.when the mechanical resistances increase.

[0105] An electrical connection diagram for placing alternating series of rods at different voltages is shown in figure 4.

[0106] A voltage generator 18, which may be a battery, a dynamo driven by the engine of the towing vehicle in the case of using direct current or an alternator in the case of using alternating current, is placed on the towing vehicle itself and appropriately protected from water.

[0107] From the generator two different branches 8' and 18" put 17 STUDIO hr.Tng.A00 0'ORI0 20122 MILANU-Via Francesco Sforza,5 alternating rows of rods 11, such as those mounted on the rods 13, into different voltages. It is preferable that these branches carry alternately different voltages to the bars 13 so that the rods of a bar are placed into the same voltage, avoiding insulation problems in the connections between the bar and the rods and avoiding conductivity problems along the same bar, where possible.

[0108] that this is wetted by the water of the plant during work, short-circuiting the rods themselves if they were at different voltages. Naturally, the bars 13, in this case, will be electrically isolated with respect to the other parts of the framework. In one embodiment, the transverse bars 13 can be arranged inclined with respect to the horizontal, so that the rods, with the progression of the driving half, cover the interspace between one bar and the next, ensuring a more effective variability of contacts. Referring to figures 7 to 9, and in accordance with another embodiment of the network 10, the flexible rods 11 are mounted, by means of elastic joints 2Q, of known and conventional nature, on a plurality of continuous belts 2 mounted on a STUOjO DrTegtDDDORIO 19 20122 MILANU-Via Frencesco Sforza,6 the conductor bar 24 is transported by the respective belts 21 towards the inside of the platform The framework 26, which carries the grid 10_and the bulkhead 25.

[0109] and mounted on a hydraulic arm 27 equipped with a device 28 suitable for regulating the lateral extension of the arm itself.

[0110] The speed of advancement of the belts can be regulated, both in magnitude and in direction, with respect to the speed of the vehicle. In this way, it is possible to establish a speed of the belts equal and opposite to that of advancement of the vehicle, so that at the moment of contact the rods 11 will be fixed with respect to the plant to be treated, increasing the application time. This time, however, can be varied by varying the speed of the belt, both in magnitude and in direction.

[0111] Figures 10 to 12 show..an embodiment..of..an apparatus for carrying out..the process of the invention on plant crops.

[0112] small stemmed crops such as wheat, barley, beetroot, vegetables.

[0113] strawberries and similar..It comprises ..on a supporting frame 30 articulated to the rear part of a tractor or similar 31 a tank 32 containing a pre-established quantity of water or aqueous solutions suitable for increasing the electrical conductivity of plants on the ground 33.. TUDURIO 20 20122 MILANl0-Via Frarcesco Sforza,

[0114] Furthermore, an electric current generator 34 and a spraying device 35 for the liquid contained in the tank 32 are mounted on the 3Q frame.

[0115] With particular reference to figure 10, - with 37 a folding type reticular support structure has been indicated, which is mounted cantilevered on the frame.3o.

[0116] In-position of maximum opening, the 3rd lattice structure carries..

[0117] at its lower end, a plurality of nozzles 36 aligned, facing downwards and arranged at a predetermined distance from each other. The nozzles 36 are connected, by means of a duct 38, to the spraying device 35, which, during operation, draws liquid from the tank 32 and delivers it through the nozzles 36 in the form of minute droplets onto the plants 33.

[0118] of the .culture..

[0119] The lattice structure 37 carries a lattice of conductive elements at its bottom.

[0120] indicated.com overall.:with.4Q.and powered by the generator.

[0121] 34 Such a 4Q electric lattice..

[0122] which is intended to come into contact with the plants 33, a.arranged parallel to the line of the nozzles 36 and a.com composed of a bundle of planes 41 parallel to each other STUU.g.ALOOD'ORIO 20)22MlLAN0-ViaFrancesco Sforza,5 each of the same...

[0123] in turn...

[0124] and composed ..according to a first embodiment.

[0125] ..from.a plurality of frames 42, made of electrically insulating and flexible material..

[0126] of... essentially rectangular shape.

[0127] The frames.42 are arranged in mutual alignment..and.are elastically hinged, at their upper side, on the base of the supporting lattice structure.37. The lower sides.43.of such frames.42 are.made of electrically conductive material which..extends..in..height.-for.a certain..trait..of.predetermined.width.

[0128] -In this embodiment, the sides 43 of the frames 42 constitute the electrodes of the lattice 4Q and are connected, according to schemes which are known in themselves and therefore not shown, to the generator 34 placed on the frame 30. With particular reference to figure 12, for some types of crops, such as wheat, for example, it may be advantageous for the frames 42 of each of the planes of the bundle 41 to have, when viewed in plan, a V-shaped cross-section with the vertex directed in the direction of motion. In this way, each plane 41 assumes a toothed configuration which favours the wedging of the lattice between the stems, inducing them to a limited bending without the risk of breaking them. 22 ORIO 20122 MILANu-Via Francesco Sforz lo. Also in this case , the operation of the equipment is similar to that of the previously described equipment.

[0129] In fact, when the tractor 21 moves the entire apparatus forward, the nozzles 36 provide for the wetting of the plants 33.

[0130] while the beam of planes 41 touches the plants 33 with its electrodes 43, establishing, between the contacted points.

[0131] that difference... of potential necessary to make the crop.

[0132] place of passage of electric current: In the previous examples, equipment mounted on a vehicle forming a mobile complex with a tank, a nebulizer, a voltage generator and any other equipment has been illustrated.

[0133] .electrical circuit accessories.

[0134] This does not mean that the equipment carrying the conductive elements cannot be static, or...it can be light and transportable...by man.

[0135] especially when the farmer's or farm's equipment already includes sprayers to be used separately.

[0136] In this case the equipment can also be mounted alone on a small, low-powered vehicle, so as to be more manageable.

Claims (1)

1. 24 STUUIU L1.1y.LBD0'ORI0 20122 MILAN0.Via Froncesco Sforze, potential of sufficient size to pass. through the surface layers of crop plants, their areas and systems, including between a. any point in a series and any. point of the other series electric currents of such intensity as to be destructive for animal and plant parasites 4) Method as in claims 1, 2 and 3, wherein the potential difference applied between the two points or zones is in continuous form - 5) Method as in claims 4, 2 and 3 wherein the potential difference applied between at least two points or zones, or between at least two series of points or zones, is of alternating form 6) Method as in claims 1, 2 and 3, wherein a potential difference of continuous type is applied between at least one pair of points or series of points and between at least one second pair.of points or series of points.and.simultaneously.applied an alternating potential difference. 7) Procedure.like any..of.. previous claims, in which the natural conductivity of the surface layers of the plant, soil and soil is exploited for the passage of currents 26 STUD10 Or.Ing.ALD0'0RIO 20122 MILA0-Via Francesco $forza,5 activity and of substances suitable for increasing the adhesion of the water on the parts of plants or crops which must be passed through by the current 13). Process as claimed in claims 10 and 11, wherein at least part of the substances dissolved in the wetting water are a fertilizer. 14) Apparatus for carrying out the process. of the process according to claims 1 to 13, characterized by a grid composed of at least two conductive elements mounted on a support and electrically connected in such a way as to form at least two sets of different electrical electrodes, a voltage generator being intended to subject the series of said elements to respective potentials, said conductive elements being shaped, supported and directed according to the plants...to be treated. and in such a way as to establish a difference of. potential between at least two points or zones of the plants or crops touched by them, generating a current between these points or zones. 15) Apparatus as in claim 14, characterised in that, in a first embodiment and particularly for tall plants, the conductive elements are constituted by conductive metal rods, mounted cantilevered on a support structure, according to parallel rows alternately subjected to different potentials. 16) Apparatus as claimed in claims 14 and 15, wherein said structure of. support and preferably flat...arranged...vertically...and...mounted on at least...one of the sides...of...a vehicle... and oriented so that the flexible conductive rods are directed outwards. of the vehicle. 17). Apparatus as claimed in claims 14 and 15, wherein said flexible rods are mounted on said vertical structure. by means of elastic joints which allow them. the oscillation around a central recall position. 18)..Apparatus as claimed in claims 14 and 15...wherein the said conductive rods are mounted on cross bars, so as to constitute parallel rows of rods, each row being. subjected to a different potential from the adjacent one 19) Equipment such as. to claims 14 and 15, wherein the conductive rods are mounted on continuous tapes, simultaneously wound on a shaft. vertical motor provided on one side of the load-bearing structure and on a vertical idler shaft provided. on the opposite side of the said structure, each belt mounting at least one row of said conductive rods .28 STUDI0 0r.1ng.AD0 0'0RI0 20122 MILA0-Via Francesco Sforzo) 6 said rods at the attachment points of the belt being equipped on the face opposite to the protruding one, with a respective shoe. or..cursor intended.to make..contact with a bar. in..tension., the contact taking place. when..the..conducting.rods travel. the branch of the ribbon on which they are turned towards the plant to be treated. 2o) Apparatus as claimed in claims 14, 15 and 18, in which flexible conductive rods are mounted on the belts by means of joints which allow them to be the oscillation_around...a median recall position_, on the side facing the.vehicle, a bulkhead being provided _so far from the load-bearing structure.....as to force...the rods to travel along the rear branch of the belt in an inclined position with respect to the face of the belt itself_ in order to limit the obstruction towards the said vehicle ai)-: Equipment such as. to claim 14, characterized in that it is combined with a means capable of nebulizing. water for moistening the plants, so as to form a complex comprising a towing or towed vehicle, at least one supporting structure of conductive elements, a reservoir for the moistening water, the nebulizing apparatus and the voltage generator. STUDIO TD'ORIO 20122 MILAN - Via Francesco Sforze, 6 22.) Apparatus as in claim 14, according to a further embodiment and in particular. application to ground crops.of. low-shaft...characterized...in that the support of the conductive elements is constituted by at least one articulated arm extending horizontally and articulated to the towing means, adjustable in height and tiltable with respect to the ground, said arm being foldable...or retractable and carrying on its lower horizontal side said conductive elements - constituted by flat members, or horizontal bars, forming the lower side of an equal number of insulating frames - articulated to said horizontal side of the support arm. 23) Apparatus as in claim 21, in which the lower side of said support arm is constituted by a...supply pipe for spraying nozzles of the moistening water. of the Ce 24 planes)..Equipment.as.per.claim. 21, in which the conductive elements are constituted by organs suspended from the supporting arm and having in. plant a V-shape with the vertex facing in the direction of the traction vehicle..., so that such V-shaped elements can be inserted between the bent stems of the plants, particularly grasses, without causing them to break. 1.010o: Official Rogani (UdiNio Rysso).