Donovan P Gibson

US Patent:

6453609, Sep 24, 2002

Filed:

Sep 6, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/655811

Inventors:

David R. Soll - Iowa City IA
Karla J. Daniels - Iowa City IA
Donovan P. Gibson - Lone Tree IA

Assignee:

University of Iowa Research Foundation - Iowa City IA

International Classification:

A01C 106

US Classification:

47 576

Abstract:

The invention consists of a sonication and imbibition process for the uptake of water and/or other beneficial substances into a seed. The seed to be treated is immersed in water or other liquids. The seed is exposed to sound energy at frequencies between 15 kHz and 30 kHz for periods between about 1 and 15 minutes. The ultrasonic energy generates cavitational forces by the adiabatic collapse of microbubbles in the liquid medium, particularly those bubbles that collapse at the surface of the seed. The ultrasonic cavitational forces impart an enhanced stable memory for the seeds to imbibe water and/or other substances beneficial to the seed and/or plant. The ultrasonically treated seed can be dried, stored, and later imbibed with a substance that enhances a growth characteristic of the seed or resultant plant. Upon germination, the plant maintains the enhanced growth characteristics. The effect is substantially enhanced by saturating the water with a noble gas such as helium or argon, or combinations of inert gases.

US Patent:

62500112, Jun 26, 2001

Filed:

Sep 6, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/656478

Inventors:

David R. Soll - Iowa City IA
Karla J. Daniels - Iowa City IA
Donovan P. Gibson - Iowa City IA
Christine E. Taliga - Iowa City IA
John D. Shors - Des Moines IA

Assignee:

University of Iowa Research Foundation - Iowa City IA

International Classification:

A01C 106

US Classification:

47 576

Abstract:

A method of enhancing a growth characteristic of seed by immersing the seed in an aqueous solution including dissolved inert gas and sonicating the seed at a frequency preferably of between about 15 kHz and about 30 kHz and an energy density of between about 1 watt/cm. sup. 2 and about 10 watts/cm. sup. 2 for a period of between 1 minute and about 15 minutes. The sonicated seed exhibits an enhanced growth characteristic including resistance to pests and growth properties consistent with the introduction of essential nutrients. Plants grown from the treated seeds exhibit improved characteristics.

US Patent:

61959367, Mar 6, 2001

Filed:

Feb 22, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/255618

Inventors:

David R. Soll - Iowa City IA
Karla J. Daniels - Iowa City IA
Donovan P. Gibson - Iowa City IA
Christine E. Taliga - Iowa City IA
John D. Shors - Des Moines IA

Assignee:

University of Iowa Research Foundation - Iowa City IA

International Classification:

A01C 100
A01C 106

US Classification:

47 576

Abstract:

A method of enhancing a growth characteristic of seed by immersing the seed in an aqueous solution including dissolved inert gas and sonicating the seed at a frequency preferably of between about 15 kHz and about 30 kHz and an energy density of between about 1 watt/cm. sup. 2 and about 10 watts/cm. sup. 2 for a period of between 1 minute and about 15 minutes. The sonicated seed exhibits an enhanced growth characteristic including resistance to pests and growth properties consistent with the introduction of essential nutrients. Plants grown from the treated seeds exhibit improved characteristics.

US Patent:

59503629, Sep 14, 1999

Filed:

Jul 2, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/886901

Inventors:

John D. Shors - Des Moines IA
David R. Soll - Iowa City IA
Karla J. Daniels - Iowa City IA
Donovan P. Gibson - Lone Tree IA

Assignee:

University of Iowa Research Foundation - Iowa City IA

International Classification:

A01G 3100

US Classification:

47 61

Abstract:

A method of enhancing the germination of seed by immersing the seed in an aqueous solution including dissolved inert gas and sonicating the seed at a frequency preferably of between about 15 kHz and about 30 kHz and an energy density of between about 1 watt/cm. sup. 2 and about 10 watts/cm. sup. 2 for a period of between 1 minute and about 15 minutes. The sonicated seed exhibits enhanced germination by a reduction in the time required for germination, an increase in the percentage of total seeds that germinate, and an increase in the percentage of seeds that germinate at reduced temperatures. Plants grown from the treated seeds exhibit improved characteristics.