Application of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterial in crop chilling injury regulation

Abstract

The application discloses application of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterial in crop cold damage regulation and belongs to the technical field of cold resistance agents. The molybdenum disulfide nanomaterial is dispersed in water to obtain a suspension; and then the suspension is sprayed on corn and soybean leaves, and the cold resistance of the corn and the soybean is regulated through the leaf surface spraying mode, so that the biomass of the cold-damaged corn and the cold-damaged soybean is increased, and the application prospect is excellent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of novel crop antifreeze technology, specifically relating to the application of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials in the regulation of crop chilling injury. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing global population, the demand for food is also gradually increasing. However, low-temperature freezing disasters seriously threaten global food security, and their frequency and scope of impact are increasing year by year. Reported cold-resistant agents include abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), betaine, polyamines, calcium ions, ethephon, proline, chitosan, spermidine, and sodium nitroprusside (nitric oxide donor). These substances have applications in plant stress resistance, especially in cold resistance. However, high concentrations of abscisic acid may inhibit plant growth, and it is costly and susceptible to environmental degradation; excessive use of salicylic acid may cause oxidative damage, and its effectiveness depends on the application concentration and environmental conditions; betaine has limited effectiveness on some crops and requires multiple applications, increasing costs; polyamines (such as putrescine) are easily decomposed at high or low temperatures, and excessive amounts can lead to cytotoxicity; calcium ions (Ca... 2+ It needs to have antagonistic effects with other elements and requires precise concentration control; ethephon (ETH) may accelerate aging; it has a risk of phytotoxicity to sensitive crops (such as tomatoes); proline has low efficiency when applied exogenously and needs to be used in combination with other stress-resistant substances; the molecular weight of chitosan affects the effect and may change the soil microbial community; spermidine is costly and has poor stability, requiring special storage conditions; excessive sodium nitroprusside produces toxicity and is easily decomposed under light, so it needs to be stored away from light.

[0003] Currently, traditional plant antifreeze agents (containing amino acids, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, B, and Mo, etc.) are widely used to enhance crop cold resistance. However, excessive application or improper application of plant antifreeze agents can cause phytotoxicity to crops, inhibit normal crop growth, and harm environmental health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a safe and efficient crop cold-resistant agent to enhance crop cold resistance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] [Technical Issues]

[0005] This invention provides a method for controlling crop chilling injury that is effective in preventing frost and cold damage, without causing pesticide harm, and promotes crop growth.

[0006] [Technical Solution]

[0007] This invention provides an application of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials in the regulation of crop chilling injury.

[0008] This invention also provides the application of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials in crop antifreeze agents.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the crop antifreeze agent further includes any one or more of the following: inorganic salts, sugars, organic alcohols, etc.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inorganic salt includes any one or more of the following: potassium dihydrogen phosphate and potassium nitrate.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the carbohydrates include any one or more of the following: glucose, sucrose, and trehalose.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the organic alcohols include any one or more of the following: propylene glycol and ethylene glycol.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials (MoS2 NMs) are dispersed in water to obtain a suspension; then the suspension is sprayed onto the leaves of crops.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the crop is a vegetable. Specifically, it includes leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, coriander, and bok choy.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plant is an agricultural crop, including corn, soybeans, rice, etc.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the concentration of the suspension is 20-200 mg / L. Preferably, it is 200 mg / L.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, MoS2 NMs have a sheet-like structure with an average size of 173.82 ± 15.20 nm.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the MoS2 NMs are prepared by the following method:

[0019] Molybdenum source and sulfur source were dissolved in water to prepare molybdenum source solution and sulfur source solution, respectively. The two were mixed and transferred to a hydrothermal reactor for hydrothermal reaction. After the reaction was completed, the precipitate was centrifuged, collected, washed, and dried to obtain MoS2 NMs.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the molybdenum source is sodium molybdate or its hydrate. Specifically, Na₂MoO₄·2H₂O can be selected.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sulfur source is L-cysteine.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mass ratio of the molybdenum source to the sulfur source is (3-4):4.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pH of the molybdenum source solution is 6.5 and the concentration is 5-8 mg / mL.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the concentration of the sulfur source solution is 5-8 mg / mL.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hydrothermal reaction temperature is 180-240°C, and the time is 10-20 hours. Specifically, a reaction at 200°C for 15 hours is optional.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method for preparing the MoS2 NMs specifically includes:

[0027] Na₂MoO₄·2H₂O was dissolved in ultrapure water, and the pH was adjusted to 6.5 with HCl and mixed thoroughly. Simultaneously, L-cysteine ​​was dissolved in ultrapure water. After complete dissolution, the two solutions were mixed and thoroughly combined. The mixture was then transferred to a stainless steel hydrothermal reactor and reacted at 200°C for 15 hours. After the reaction was complete, the precipitate was centrifuged, collected, washed, and dried to obtain MoS₂NMs.

[0028] The main contents of this invention include:

[0029] (1) Molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials (MoS2 NMs) were prepared;

[0030] (2) By applying different concentrations of MoS2 NMs to corn and soybeans through foliar spraying, we can explore its effect on enhancing the cold resistance of corn and soybeans.

[0031] (3) Apply the optimal concentrations of MoS2 NMs, MoS2 large particles (MoS2 BPs), sulfur-containing sulfate (Na2SO4), and molybdenum-containing molybdate (Na2MoO4) by foliar spraying. . The study investigated the effects of applying traditional plant antifreeze agents (2H2O) at agriculturally guided concentrations to corn and soybeans to enhance their cold resistance.

[0032] [Beneficial Effects]

[0033] This invention prepares a suspension by dispersing molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials in water and applies it to corn and soybean plants via foliar spraying. This method effectively enhances the cold resistance of corn and soybeans and significantly increases the biomass of seedlings suffering from chilling injury. Specifically, aboveground biomass increased by 27.4% and 20.5%, respectively, while underground biomass increased by 30.4% and 41.9%, respectively, demonstrating broad application prospects. The effectiveness of different materials in enhancing the cold resistance of corn and soybeans is as follows: MoS2 NMs > plant antifreeze > Na2SO4≈Na2MoO4≈Na2SO4+Na2MoO4 . 2H2O>MoS2 BPs. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 (A) TEM image of MoS2 NMs (scale bar is 100 nm); (B) TEM photograph of MoS2 NMs (scale bar is 20 nm); (C) XRD pattern of MoS2 NMs.

[0035] Figure 2 The effects of foliar application of different concentrations of MoS2 NMs on (A) aboveground and underground biomass of maize, (B) maize plant height, (C) aboveground and underground biomass of soybean, and (D) soybean plant height. In the figure, S20, S50, S100, and S200 refer to the application examples of foliar application of 20 mg / L, 50 mg / L, 100 mg / L, and 200 mg / L of MoS2 NMs in Example 4, respectively.

[0036] Figure 3 Effects of foliar application of 200 mg / L MoS2 NMs, 200 mg / L MoS2 BPs, 355 mg / L Na2SO4, 302 mg / L Na2MoO4, 355 mg / L Na2SO4 + 302 mg / L Na2MoO4 and 1667 mg / L plant antifreeze on (A) aboveground and underground biomass of maize and (B) aboveground and underground biomass of soybean. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0038] The embodiments provided below are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, nor are the described steps intended to limit the order of execution. Any obvious modifications made to this invention by those skilled in the art in conjunction with existing common knowledge also fall within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0039] Example 1: Preparation of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials

[0040] 0.35 g of Na₂MoO₄·2H₂O was dissolved in 60 mL of ultrapure water, and the pH was adjusted to 6.5 with 1 mol / L HCl. The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. Simultaneously, 0.4 g of L-cysteine ​​was dissolved in 80 mL of ultrapure water. After complete dissolution, the two solutions were mixed and stirred for 40 minutes. The mixture was then transferred to a 200 mL stainless steel hydrothermal reactor with a PTFE liner and reacted at 200 °C for 15 hours. After the reaction, the black precipitate was collected by centrifugation and washed repeatedly with deionized water and anhydrous ethanol, and finally dried at 80 °C for 12 hours.

[0041] Material characterization:

[0042] The morphology and size of MoS₂NMs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that MoS₂NMs exhibited a typical plate-like structure with an average size of 173.82 ± 15.20 nm. Figure 1 (A, B). Furthermore, the characteristic peaks 9.2°, 18.0°, 32.8°, and 57.2° in the XRD spectra of MoS2 NMs correspond to the lattice planes 001, 002, 100, and 110 of MoS2, respectively. Figure 1 C).

[0043] Example 2: Preparation of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials

[0044] 0.35 g of Na₂MoO₄·2H₂O was dissolved in 60 mL of ultrapure water, and the pH was adjusted to 6.5 with 1 mol / L HCl. The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. Simultaneously, 0.4 g of L-cysteine ​​was dissolved in 80 mL of ultrapure water. After complete dissolution, the two solutions were mixed and stirred for 40 minutes. The mixture was then transferred to a 200 mL stainless steel hydrothermal reactor with a PTFE liner and reacted at 180 °C for 20 hours. After the reaction, the black precipitate was collected by centrifugation and washed repeatedly with deionized water and anhydrous ethanol, and finally dried at 80 °C for 12 hours.

[0045] Example 3: Preparation of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials

[0046] 0.35 g of Na₂MoO₄·2H₂O was dissolved in 60 mL of ultrapure water, and the pH was adjusted to 6.5 with 1 mol / L HCl. The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. Simultaneously, 0.4 g of L-cysteine ​​was dissolved in 80 mL of ultrapure water. After complete dissolution, the two solutions were mixed and stirred for 40 minutes. The mixture was then transferred to a 200 mL stainless steel hydrothermal reactor with a PTFE liner and reacted at 240 °C for 10 hours. After the reaction, the black precipitate was collected by centrifugation and washed repeatedly with deionized water and anhydrous ethanol, and finally dried at 80 °C for 12 hours.

[0047] Example 4: Preparation of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials

[0048] 0.3 g of Na₂MoO₄·2H₂O was dissolved in 60 mL of ultrapure water, and the pH was adjusted to 6.5 with 1 mol / L HCl. The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. Simultaneously, 0.4 g of L-cysteine ​​was dissolved in 80 mL of ultrapure water. After complete dissolution, the two solutions were mixed and stirred for 40 minutes. The mixture was then transferred to a 200 mL stainless steel hydrothermal reactor with a PTFE liner and reacted at 200 °C for 15 hours. After the reaction, the black precipitate was collected by centrifugation and washed repeatedly with deionized water and anhydrous ethanol, and finally dried at 80 °C for 12 hours.

[0049] Example 5: Preparation of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials

[0050] 0.35 g of Na₂MoO₄·2H₂O was dissolved in 50 mL of ultrapure water, and the pH was adjusted to 6.5 with 1 mol / L HCl. The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. Simultaneously, 0.4 g of L-cysteine ​​was dissolved in 80 mL of ultrapure water. After complete dissolution, the two solutions were mixed and stirred for 40 minutes. The mixture was then transferred to a 200 mL stainless steel hydrothermal reactor with a PTFE liner and reacted at 200 °C for 15 hours. After the reaction, the black precipitate was collected by centrifugation and washed repeatedly with deionized water and anhydrous ethanol, and finally dried at 80 °C for 12 hours.

[0051] Example 6: Preparation of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials

[0052] 0.35 g of Na₂MoO₄·2H₂O was dissolved in 60 mL of ultrapure water, and the pH was adjusted to 6.5 with 1 mol / L HCl. The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. Simultaneously, 0.4 g of L-cysteine ​​was dissolved in 50 mL of ultrapure water. After complete dissolution, the two solutions were mixed and stirred for 40 minutes. The mixture was then transferred to a 200 mL stainless steel hydrothermal reactor with a PTFE liner and reacted at 200 °C for 15 hours. After the reaction, the black precipitate was collected by centrifugation and washed repeatedly with deionized water and anhydrous ethanol, and finally dried at 80 °C for 12 hours.

[0053] Example 7: Regulating the cold resistance of corn and soybeans using molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials of different concentrations.

[0054] The MoS2 NMs obtained in Example 1 were dispersed in water to prepare MoS2 NMs suspensions of 20, 50, 100 and 200 mg / L.

[0055] Maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) were used as test crops. Maize (Dafeng 30) and soybean (Zhonghuang 57) seeds were disinfected with a 5% sodium hypochlorite solution for 5 minutes, followed by rinsing several times with deionized water. The disinfected maize and soybean seeds were soaked in deionized water for 6 hours and 3 hours, respectively, before being placed in seedling trays lined with moist filter paper. Germination was carried out in the dark at 25℃ until the seedlings reached a height of approximately 3 cm. Seedlings of uniform growth were transplanted into pots containing 600g of soil. When the maize seedlings reached the three-leaf stage and the soybean seedlings had fully unfolded their two pairs of compound leaves, 5 mL of MoS2 NMs suspensions at different concentrations (20, 50, 100, and 200 mg / L) were sprayed onto the leaves of both maize and soybeans for 5 consecutive days. The healthy control group and the cold injury control group were sprayed with the same volume of deionized water. Two days later, corn and soybeans were placed in a light incubator for low-temperature stress, with a day / night temperature of 10 / 8℃, a light / dark cycle of 14 / 10h, a relative humidity of 60% ± 5%, and a light intensity of 16800 Lux. The healthy control group was kept in the same light incubator with a day / night temperature of 25 / 20℃. After one week, photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and relative chlorophyll content of corn and soybean leaves were measured. Destructive sampling was then performed, and crop fresh weight was recorded.

[0056] The results showed that foliar application of 200 mg / L MoS2 NMs significantly increased the aboveground fresh weight (27.4%, 20.5%), underground fresh weight (47.1%, 41.9%), and plant height (33.3%, 19.8%) of chilled maize and soybean seedlings, with a better effect than that of 20, 50, and 100 mg / L MoS2 NMs. Figure 2 (AD). Therefore, a foliar application concentration of 200 mg / L is the optimal concentration for MoS2 NMs to enhance the cold resistance of maize and soybean. The specific results are shown in Table 1.

[0057] Table 1 Results of different concentrations of MoS2 NMs enhancing the cold resistance of maize and soybean

[0058]

[0059]

[0060] Example 8: Application of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials to regulate the cold resistance of corn and soybeans

[0061] The MoS2 NMs obtained in Example 1 were dispersed in water to prepare a MoS2 NMs suspension of 200 mg / L.

[0062] 200 mg / L MoS2 NMs, 200 mg / L MoS2 large particles (MoS2 BPs), 355 mg / L Na2SO4 (equivalent to S in 200 mg / L MoS2 NMs), and 302 mg / L Na2MoO4 were respectively added. . 2H₂O (equivalent to 200 mg / L MoS₂ NMs), 355 mg / L Na₂SO₄ + 302 mg / L Na₂MoO₄ . 2H2O and 1667 mg / L of commercially available plant antifreeze (commercial recommended concentration) were applied to corn and soybean leaves, and the experimental procedure was the same as in Example 7.

[0063] Among them, the MoS2 large particles (MoS2 BPs) have a purity of GR and a CAS number of 1317-33-5, and can be purchased from Beijing Innocare Technology Co., Ltd.

[0064] The results showed that foliar spraying of MoS2 NMs significantly increased the aboveground and underground biomass of chilled maize, which was superior to equal amounts of MoS2 BPs, Na2SO4, Na2MoO4, Na2SO4+Na2MoO4 and plant antifreeze. Figure 3 A); Foliar spraying of MoS2 NMs significantly increased the aboveground and underground biomass of soybeans suffering from chilling injury, superior to equivalent amounts of MoS2 BPs, Na2SO4, Na2MoO4, Na2SO4+Na2MoO4, and plant antifreeze agents (A); Figure 3 B) indicates that MoS2 NMs have the best effect on enhancing the cold resistance of corn and soybeans, and are significantly better than the enhancement effect of traditional plant antifreeze agents. The specific results are shown in Table 2.

[0065] Table 2 Results of different cold-resistant agents regulating the cold resistance of maize and soybean.

[0066]

[0067] Example 9: Application of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials to regulate the cold resistance of corn and soybeans

[0068] The MoS2 NMs obtained in Example 1 were dispersed in water to prepare a 20 mg / L MoS2 NMs suspension; then applied to the leaves of corn and soybean, and the experimental procedure was the same as in Example 7.

[0069] The results showed that MoS2 NMs could enhance the cold resistance of rice.

[0070] Example 10: Application of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials to regulate the cold resistance of corn and soybeans

[0071] The MoS2 NMs obtained in Example 1 were dispersed in water to prepare a 50 mg / L MoS2 NMs suspension; then applied to the leaves of corn and soybean, and the experimental procedure was the same as in Example 7.

[0072] The results showed that MoS2 NMs could enhance the cold resistance of rice.

[0073] Example 11: Application of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials to regulate the cold resistance of corn and soybeans

[0074] The MoS2 NMs obtained in Example 1 were dispersed in water to prepare a 100 mg / L MoS2 NMs suspension; then applied to the leaves of corn and soybean, and the experimental procedure was the same as in Example 7.

[0075] The results showed that MoS2 NMs could enhance the cold resistance of rice.

[0076] Example 12: Application of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials to regulate the cold resistance of rice

[0077] The MoS2 NMs obtained in Example 1 were dispersed in water to prepare a MoS2 NMs suspension of 200 mg / L; then applied to the leaves of rice, and the experimental procedure was the same as in Example 7.

[0078] The results showed that MoS2 NMs could enhance the cold resistance of rice.

[0079] Example 13: Application of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials to regulate the cold resistance of vegetables

[0080] The MoS2 NMs obtained in Example 1 were dispersed in water to prepare a MoS2 NMs suspension of 200 mg / L; then applied to the leaves of vegetables (lettuce, spinach, coriander, bok choy, and other leafy greens), and the experimental procedure was the same as in Example 7.

[0081] The results showed that MoS2 NMs could enhance the cold resistance of various vegetables.

[0082] Example 14: Application of Thermosensitive Molybdenum Disulfide Composite Nanomaterials in the Preparation of Crop Antifreeze

[0083] A crop antifreeze agent comprises the following components: the thermosensitive molybdenum disulfide composite nanomaterial obtained in Example 1, and an inorganic salt. The inorganic salt is potassium dihydrogen phosphate.

[0084] Example 15: Application of Thermosensitive Molybdenum Disulfide Composite Nanomaterials in the Preparation of Crop Antifreeze

[0085] A crop antifreeze agent comprises the following components: the thermosensitive molybdenum disulfide composite nanomaterial obtained in Example 1, and sugars. The sugars are glucose and sucrose.

[0086] Example 16: Application of Thermosensitive Molybdenum Disulfide Composite Nanomaterials in the Preparation of Crop Antifreeze

[0087] A crop antifreeze agent comprises the following components: the thermosensitive molybdenum disulfide composite nanomaterial obtained in Example 1, inorganic salts, and sugars. The inorganic salt is potassium nitrate, and the sugars are glucose and sucrose.

[0088] Example 17: Application of Thermosensitive Molybdenum Disulfide Composite Nanomaterials in the Preparation of Crop Antifreeze

[0089] A crop antifreeze agent comprises the following components: the thermosensitive molybdenum disulfide composite nanomaterial obtained in Example 1, an inorganic salt, a sugar, and an organic alcohol. Specifically, the inorganic salt is potassium dihydrogen phosphate, the sugar is trehalose, and the organic alcohol is propylene glycol.

[0090] Example 18: Application of Thermosensitive Molybdenum Disulfide Composite Nanomaterials in the Preparation of Crop Antifreeze

[0091] A crop antifreeze agent comprises the following components: the thermosensitive molybdenum disulfide composite nanomaterial obtained in Example 1, inorganic salts, sugars, and organic alcohols. Specifically: the inorganic salt is potassium nitrate, the sugars are glucose and sucrose, and the organic alcohol is ethylene glycol.

[0092] The embodiments provided above are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, nor are the described steps intended to limit the order of execution. Any obvious modifications made to the invention by those skilled in the art based on existing common knowledge also fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An application of molybdenum disulfide nanomaterial in the regulation of crop chilling injury, characterized in that, The molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials exhibit a sheet-like structure with an average size of 173.82 ± 15.20 nm. The molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials were prepared by the following method: Molybdenum source and sulfur source were dissolved in water to prepare molybdenum source solution and sulfur source solution, respectively. The two were mixed and transferred to a hydrothermal reactor for hydrothermal reaction. After the reaction was completed, the precipitate was centrifuged, collected, washed, and dried to obtain molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials. The molybdenum source is sodium molybdate or sodium molybdate hydrate, and the sulfur source is L-cysteine.

2. The application of a molybdenum disulfide nanomaterial in crop antifreeze, characterized in that, The molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials exhibit a sheet-like structure with an average size of 173.82 ± 15.20 nm. The molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials were prepared by the following method: Molybdenum source and sulfur source were dissolved in water to prepare molybdenum source solution and sulfur source solution, respectively. The two were mixed and transferred to a hydrothermal reactor for hydrothermal reaction. After the reaction was completed, the precipitate was centrifuged, collected, washed, and dried to obtain molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials. The molybdenum source is sodium molybdate or sodium molybdate hydrate, and the sulfur source is L-cysteine.

3. The application according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process involves dispersing molybdenum disulfide nanomaterials in water to obtain a suspension; then spraying the suspension onto the leaves of crops.

4. The application according to claim 3, characterized in that, The concentration of the suspension is 20-200 mg / L.

5. The application according to claim 3, characterized in that, The concentration of the suspension was 200 mg / L.

6. The application according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mass ratio of molybdenum source to sulfur source is (3-4):

4.

7. The application according to claim 1, characterized in that, The molybdenum source solution has a pH of 6.5 and a concentration of 5-8 mg / mL.

8. The application according to claim 1, characterized in that, The concentration of the sulfur source solution is 5-8 mg / mL.

9. The application according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrothermal reaction is carried out at a temperature of 180-240℃ for 10-20 hours.

10. The application according to claim 2, characterized in that, The crop antifreeze agent also includes any one or more of the following: inorganic salts, sugars, and organic alcohols.

11. The application according to claim 10, characterized in that, Inorganic salts include any one or more of the following: potassium dihydrogen phosphate and potassium nitrate.

12. The application according to claim 10, characterized in that, Carbohydrates include any one or more of the following: glucose, sucrose, and trehalose.

13. The application according to claim 10, characterized in that, Organic alcohols include any one or more of the following: propylene glycol and ethylene glycol.

14. The application according to claim 1, characterized in that, The crops mentioned are agricultural crops, including corn, soybeans, and rice.

15. The application according to claim 1, characterized in that, The crop in question is a vegetable.

16. The application according to claim 15, characterized in that, The vegetables mentioned include lettuce, spinach, cilantro, and bok choy.

Images