Container for storing and planting seeds, bulbs or tubers

Context

Normally, plants are raised in a nursery garden or in a greenhouse until they reach a desired size and then are replanted in a new habitat. However, until the plantlings have reached the desired size, they usually require constant care and occupy considerable space, usually in a building. In addition, the plantlings must be handled with care on their way from the nursery garden to their planting location, where a hole usually must be dug and partially filled with water.

Overview

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) has developed a seed container that addresses these technical issues and makes it possible to plant seeds in challenging locations. The technology consists of a container with a housing for the seed, bulb or tuber, and a nutritive matrix to support the initial growth of the seedling. The seeds and nutritive matrix are put in contact only once the container is activated.

Benefits

The container provides several advantages for storing and supporting the initial growth of plantlings:

• the seedling can germinate and start growing without contact with the environment
• the plant can germinate in polluted areas in which a certain critical size is necessary for viability
• the container can be used in areas with a very hard, dry earth in which is is nearly impossible to plant a seedling OR for a plant to establish itself
• the container automatically stands upright for airborne drop
• seeds can be stored long-term in the container
• the nutrition matrix can be adapted to different needs
• the housing is penetrable by roots which allow the plants to install themselves in the ground

Potential Applications

• Revegetation/reforestation of desert or polluted areas
• Airborne revegetation of inaccessible areas, such as mountain locations
• Dispersion of specific plant populations (e.g. to increase the genetic diversity of species in specific areas)