Patent Application
20150305250
The present invention relates to methods of planting and cultivating soybeans.
The present invention relates to methods and systems for increasing yields of a soybean plant. Soybean (Glycine max) is an important and valuable field crop. Soybean yields have increased in small increments over the past 50+ years (Irwin and Good, 2012; USDA, Economic Research Service, 2012), with slight deviations mostly driven by yearly weather variation. However, soybean yields have not kept pace with the yield increases of other crops including corn (Zea mays L.). There seems to be a yield barrier. Historically, soybeans have been planted in rows and row widths have decreased over time, but yields have not increased greatly.
There is a need in the art for methods and systems of cultivating soybeans to increase soybean yield.
Disclosed herein are methods of increasing the yield of a soybean plant comprising removing the apical dominance of the soybean plant during the vegetative growth phase. In certain implementations of the disclosed method, removal of the apical dominance results in an increase of lateral branching of the soybean plant.
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for removing the apical dominance of a soybean plant during vegetative stage comprising: a frame; at least two wheels mounted on the frame; and an apical dominance removal means mounted on the frame.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
Soybean (Glycine max) is a photoperiodic plant that is widely grown for its bean, which has a large number of uses. The typical phenology of full-season soybean begins with an extended period of vegetative growth. The vegetative stages begin with unifoliate stage (V0) and continue with V1, V2, V3, V4, etc., as each new trifoliate leaf is expanded, so that a V2 plant has an expanded V2 trifoliate leaf, a V3 plant has an expanded V3 trifoliate leaf, and so on. With a typical planting date of May 1st in North America, the vegetative period of soybean growth lasts from 55-65 days. The reproductive phase, referred to as R1, begins with the presence of a flower at any node on the plant, which occurs in mid July for most adapted soybean maturities grown in a North American field environment. Reproductive development continues through 50% flowering, end of flowering, seed filling, and seed ripening.
As used herein, a “V” or a “V stage” refers to a vegetative stage of growth in a plant. For example, as used herein, “Ve” or the “Ve stage” refers to the emergence of a plant from the surface of the soil; “V1” or the “V1 stage” is when the first set of trifoliate leaves are unfolded; “V2” or the “V2 stage” is when the first trifoliate leaf is fully expanded in a plant; “V3” or the “V3 stage” is when the second trifoliate leaf is fully expanded; and “V4” or the “V4 stage” is when the third trifoliate leaf is fully expanded. A plant according to the present invention may be of any V stage, including VE, V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, or the like.
Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, a further aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms a further aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.
As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
The present invention relates to a method of increasing yield of a soybean plant comprising removing the apical dominance of the soybean plant during vegetative growth phase. In certain implementations of the disclosed method, removal of the apical dominance results in an increase of lateral branching (also known as basal growth) of the soybean plant. Removal of apical dominance also increases pod cluster size, as best seen in
According to certain embodiments, the apical dominance is removed during the V1 growth phase. In certain embodiments, the apical dominance is removed above a first unifoliate leaf.
According to further embodiments, the apical dominance is removed at vegetative growth phase of V2 and the apical dominance is removed above the second trifoliate leaf.
According to certain implementations, the apical dominance is removed at a vegetative growth phase of V3. In yet further embodiments, the apical dominance is removed above the third trifoliate leaf during the vegetative growth phase of V3.
In still further embodiments, the timing of apical dominance removal is determined according to height of the plant. For example, according to certain embodiments, the apical dominance is removed when the plant reaches a height of between about 3 and about 6 inches. In further embodiments, apical dominance is removed when the plant reaches a height of about 3, about 4, about 5 or about 6 inches.
In yet further embodiments, the apical dominance is removed by cutting the plant a predetermined distance from the ground. In certain embodiments, the plant is cut from about 3.5 inches to about 4.5 inches from the ground.
According to further embodiments, the timing of apical dominance removal is determined according to days after emergence. For example, according to certain embodiments the apical dominance is removed between about 10 and 35 days post-emergence. In certain embodiments, apical dominance is removed In further embodiments, apical dominance is removed from about 55 to about 60 days after planting date. In further embodiments, apical dominance is removed from about 60 to about 70 days after the planting date. In certain embodiments, apical dominance is removed 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, or 70 days after planting. One skilled in the art will appreciate that post-emergence timing will vary according to the growing temperature, fertility, soil type, and amount of sunlight for a given time of the year.
In certain implementations, the method further comprises removing the apical dominance of a plurality soybean plants. The plurality of plants may be planted according to a variety of densities and configurations. According to certain embodiments, plants are planted at a density between about 60,000 to about 120,000 plants per acre. In certain embodiments soybeans are planted in 30 inch rows at a density of about 100,000 plants per acre. In further embodiments, soybean plants are planted at substantially lower densities to allow for additional space for lateral branching. For example, in certain embodiments, soybean plants are planted at about a 1 foot spacing with a resulting density of about 43,000 plants per acre. In still further embodiments, plants are spaced at a 15″ by 15″ spacing with a population of 28,000 per acre. In yet further embodiments, plants are planted in 12″ rows spaced at 6″, 9″, or 12″. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, other spacing are possible.
In certain embodiments, the apical dominance is removed using a mechanized means. According to certain implementations, the apical dominance is removed by an apparatus configured to cut the plant at a specified height. In certain embodiments, the apical dominance is removed by cutting by way of a rotating a mower blade. In further embodiments, the speed of the mower blade rotation is adjusted according to the speed of travel of the apparatus to provide for an optimized cut. In still further embodiments, the apical dominance is removed by a mechanized means whereby the plant is cut, clip, sheared, plucked or laser cut. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other mechanized means of apical dominance removal are possible.
According to certain embodiments, the method further comprises providing the soybean plant a spray treatment following apical dominance removal. This spray treatment serves to protect the injured plant and boost resistance to infection at the cut site. In certain embodiments, multiple spray agents are delivered to the plant. Examples of agents that may be used include but are not limited to: Headline® (Pyraclostrobin), Stratego® (Propiconazole/Trifloxystrobin), Priaxor® (Fluxapyroxad/pyraclostrobin), Warrior II®(Lambda-cyhalothrin), Cruiser Maxx® (Thiamethoxam/Mefenoxam/Fludioxonil) and Roundup® (Glyphosate). As will appreciated by one skilled in the art, other agents can be used.
Disclosed herein are certain apparatus embodiments for removing the apical dominance of a soybean plant during vegetative stage. One implementation is an apical dominance removal device 10 as depicted in
In accordance with one embodiment, the cutter frame 14 is slidable or otherwise movable in relation to the base frame 12 such that the cutting component 16 can be moved vertically to adjust to the height of the soybeans being cut. More specifically, in this specific implementation, the cutter frame support bar 40 is slidable in relation to the horizontal support bar 30 such that the cutter frame support bar can move up and down and thereby allow for vertical adjustment of the cutting component 16.
The device 10 also has a height sensor 50 and a height adjustment mechanism 52. The height sensor 50 in this embodiment is coupled to an underside portion of the cutting component 16 and is configured to detect the height of each soybean plant. The sensor 50 is operably coupled to the height adjustment mechanism 52 such that the soybean plant height information can be transmitted to the height adjustment mechanism 52 (or alternatively to a processor (not shown) operably coupled to both the sensor 50 and the height adjustment mechanism 52). The information can be used to actuate the height adjustment mechanism 52 to urge the cutter frame 14 in the desired vertical direction to adjust the height of the cutting component 16 accordingly to match the height of the soybean plant and thereby successfully cut the apical dominance of the plant.
In certain implementations, the device 10 is pushed or pulled by another vehicle or implement that is self-propelled. For example, according to certain embodiments, the base frame 12 is coupleable to the front end of a tractor, a mower, or any other appropriate self-propelled implement that can maintain and steer the device 10 through a field. Alternatively, the base frame 12 can be coupleable to the back end of such an implement.
Alternatively, the device 10 is propelled by the user. In still further embodiments, the device 10 is self-propelled. That is, the device 10 has a motor (not shown) mounted to the frame to provide propulsion of the device. In yet further embodiments, the device 10 further comprises an integration system for adjusting the speed of operation of the cutting component 16 according to the speed of travel of the device 10.
The cutting component 16 in accordance with one implementation is a sickle bar 16 having multiple moving blades that can be used to cut the apical dominance. For example, in one specific embodiment, the sickle bar 16 is a sickle bar available from Jari Mowers in Mankato, Minn. Alternatively, the cutting component 16 is any sickle type blade or component. In a further alternative, the cutting component 16 can be any known cutting component adapted to cut plants in a field setting. In certain embodiments, the cutting component 16 is comprised of one or more blades. According to certain implementations, the cutting component 16 is configured to minimize damage to the soybean plant upon cutting.
According to certain implementations, the cutting component 16 further comprises a mechanism to adjust angle of the cut. In certain embodiments, the cutting component is adapted to remove the apical dominance by cutting the plant about 3.5 to about 4.5 inches above ground. In further embodiments, the cutting component 16 operates by way of clipping the plant. In still further embodiments, the cutting component 16 operates by way of shearing the plant. In yet further embodiments, the cutting component 16 operates by way of plucking the plant. In further embodiments, the cutting component 16 operates by way of laser cutting the plant.
In one embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism 52 is a solenoid 52. Alternatively, the height adjustment mechanism 52 can be any known mechanism for urging the cutter frame 14 vertically and thereby adjust the height of the cutting component 16.
According to certain alternative embodiments, the device 10 has wheels instead of skids 18A, 18B.
The motor 20 is an electric, variable speed motor 20 that can be used to vary the speed of the cutting component 16 to match the speed that the device 10 is moving across a field of soybeans. Alternatively, the motor 20 is any known motor 20 that can be used with a cutting component such as cutting component 16.
In one embodiment, the device 10 and the cutting component 16 are wide enough to span 12 rows of soybeans such that the cutting component 16 can the apical dominance of 12 rows of soybeans at the same time. Alternatively, the device 10 and cutting component 16 are wide enough to span 18 rows. In a further alternative, the device 10 and cutting component 16 are wide enough to span 2 rows, 4 rows, 8 rows, or any number of rows.
According to certain embodiments, the device 10 can also have one or more spraying components (not shown) (also referred to as “sprayers”). The one or more sprayers are configured to deliver spray treatments aimed at reducing infection to cut plants. In further implementations, the sprayers can be configured to deliver coolant to the cutting component 16 to prevent damage to plants from the overheating of the component 16. In certain embodiments, each of the one or more sprayers further comprises a nozzle, at least one valve regulating flow of liquid through the nozzle, a liquid supply line, and a liquid storage tank mounted to the frame and connected to the nozzle by the liquid supply line.
An alternative embodiment of an apical dominance removal device 80 is depicted in
As best shown in
As best shown in
A further alternative embodiment of an apical dominance removal device 100 is depicted in
It is understood that any of the components and alternative embodiments described above with respect to any of the device embodiments (such as device 10, device 80, and device 100) can also be incorporated into any of the other devices (including device 10, 80, or 100).
In certain aspects, disclosed is a method of increasing yield of a soybean plant comprising assessing a growth phase of a plant, selecting a plant if the plant is in a vegetative growth phase, removing the apical dominance of the selected plant. In further aspects, the vegetative growth phase is V2 growth phase. In still further aspects, the vegetative growth phase is V3 growth phase. In yet further aspects, the apical dominance is removed above a first unifoliate leaf. According to certain aspects, the apical dominance is removed above a first trifoliate leaf. In further aspects, the plant is between about 10 and 35 days old after emergence. In still further aspects, the plant is between about 3 and 6 inches high. In yet further aspects, the plant is cut between about 3.5 and about 4.5 inches from the ground.
According to certain aspects, the disclosed method further comprising providing the plant a disinfectant. In certain aspects, the disinfectant is selected of a group comprising Pyraclostrobin, PropiconazoleTrifloxystrobin, Fluxapyroxad, Lambda-cyhalothrin, Thiamethoxam, Mefenoxam, Fludioxonil and Glyphosate.
According to certain aspects, the at least one soybean plant further comprises a plurality of plants. In further aspects, the plurality of plants are planted at a density of about 43000 plants per acre.
In certain aspects, the apical dominance is removed by a mechanized means. In further aspects, the apical dominance removal means removes the apical dominance by means of cutting, clipping, shearing, plucking or laser cutting.
In certain aspects, disclosed is an apparatus for removing the apical dominance of a soybean plant during vegetative stage comprising a frame, at least two wheels mounted on the frame, and an apical dominance removal means mounted on the frame. In certain aspects, the apical dominance removal means is a sickle blade, said sickle blade adapted to cut at a height of between about 3 inches and about 6 inches. In certain aspects, the apparatus further comprises a motor mounted on the frame configured to drive the apical dominance removal means. In still aspects, the apparatus further comprises a third wheel mounted on the frame. In yet further aspects, two of the at least two wheels are rear wheels arranged on the rear of the frame and the third wheel is arranged on the front of the frame and wherein the rear wheels are adjustable to be configured to operate at a plurality of row widths. According to still further aspects, the apparatus further comprises a means of delivering a spray agent to the plant.
Soybeans were planted in 30 inch rows. Apical dominance was removed by hand cutting at V2, about 20 days post-emergence and at a plant height of about 4 inches. Cuts were made at approximately ½″-¾″ above the trifoliate leaf. Soybean plants were harvested from portions of 3 cut rows (apical dominance removed) and 3 adjacent control rows (apical dominance intact) with comparable soil conditions and pest management.
Soybeans plants were also planted singly to simulate conditions of lower density planting, where there is more room for lateral branching.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/971,113, filed Mar. 27, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61971113 | Mar 2014 | US |
