Method and system for producing plurality of rooted cuttings from plurality of non-rooted cuttings without aid of substrate

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a plurality of rooted cuttings from a plurality of non-rooted cuttings without the aid of a substrate, comprising the following steps: inserting at least one non-rooted cutting (26) into a strip element (10, 10 ', 10' '); in each empty bag (12, 12 ') of a plurality of empty bags (12, 12') having a longitudinal dimension (L) and a transverse dimension (D) and formed at least partially from a biodegradable material, the strip elements (10, 10 ', 10' ') form a plurality of empty bags (12, 12') arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip elements, where the strip elements (10, 10 ', 10' ') have a first wall-forming member (20) and a second wall-forming member (22), the second wall-forming member (22) is arranged to at least partially overlap the first wall-forming member (20) in the longitudinal direction (l) and to form a second wall-forming member (22) between the strip element (10, 10 ', 10' ') and the first wall-forming member (20). The first wall-forming member (20) and the second wall-forming member (22) do not completely overlap the first wall-forming member (20) in a transverse direction (d) of the strip element (10, 10 ', 10' '), where the first wall-forming member (20) and the second wall-forming member (22) are fixed to each other in a spacer region (14, 14') of the strip element (10, 10 ', 10' ') longitudinally adjacent each pocket (12, 12') defining a plurality of pockets (12, 12 '), where each pocket (12, 12') has a width (W, W ') along a longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element (10, 10', 10 ''); a depth (T) along a transverse direction (d) of the strip element (10, 10 ', 10' '); an opening (16) at the top side (17) facing the transverse direction (d) of the strip element (10, 10 ', 10' ') and through which at least one non-rooted cutting (26) is inserted; and a bottom side (18) opposite the top side, where the bottom side (18) is at least partially closed, and a first wall-forming member (20) extends beyond said second wall-forming member (22) in a transverse direction (d) of the strip element at the top side (17) of each bag (12, 12 '), and where the biodegradable material has a liquid retention capacity of at least about 100 g of liquid per 100 g of dry weight of the biodegradable material.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Today, within the scope of asexual propagation of ornamental and agricultural crops, rooting of cuttings occurs millions of times. For this purpose, the cuttings are usually planted in a moist substrate in order to develop roots therein. As the substrate, for example, soil, perlite, vermiculite, coconut coir, mineral wool or expanded clay granules can be used. The cuttings are usually first cultivated in small containers and then, after the first roots have developed, transplanted into larger containers, in which they can subsequently also be transported to the customer. The customer then further cultivates the plants in additional containers until they are ready for sale.

[0002] The described process of cultivating cuttings is relatively long and also entails losses, since not all cuttings develop as planned. Therefore, there is a desire to provide an improved method for rooting and cultivating cuttings, which on the one hand reduces the costs of cultivating cuttings and on the other hand yields better results, such as, for example, larger and more stable plants and fewer losses. In addition, any solution to this problem should be environmentally friendly, especially with regard to the generation of waste materials. The object of the present invention is to provide a solution to the above problems.

[0003] EP 3 790 376 B1 discloses a method for substrate-free rooting of a plurality of unrooted cuttings, which uses plastic carrier strips, such as the plastic carrier strips sold by Visser Horti Systems under the name AutoStix TM The method requires attaching a climate film to the carrier strip such that at least one area of the carrier strip associated with the base of the cuttings is enclosed by the climate film. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above problems, the present invention according to a first aspect provides a method for producing a plurality of rooted cuttings from a plurality of unrooted cuttings without the aid of a substrate, comprising the following steps:

[0005] - Insert at least one unrooted cutting into each of a plurality of empty pockets of a strip element, the strip element having a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension and being formed at least in part of a biodegradable material, the strip element forming a plurality of empty pockets arranged one after another in the longitudinal direction of the strip element, wherein the strip element has a first wall forming member and a second wall forming member, the second wall forming member being arranged to at least partially overlap the first wall forming member in the longitudinal direction and not completely overlap the first wall forming member in the transverse direction of the strip element, wherein the first wall forming member and the second wall forming member are fixed to each other in a spacer region of the strip element, the spacer region being longitudinally adjacent to each pocket so as to define the plurality of pockets, wherein each pocket has: a width along the longitudinal direction of the strip element; a depth along the transverse direction of the strip element; an opening at a top side facing the transverse direction of the strip element, through which at least one unrooted cutting is inserted; and a bottom side opposite the top side, wherein the bottom side is at least partially closed, and the first wall forming member extends beyond the second wall forming member in the transverse direction of the strip element at the top side of each pocket, and wherein the biodegradable material has a liquid holding capacity of at least about 100 g of liquid per 100 g of dry weight of the biodegradable material.

[0006] Preferably, the method includes wetting each pocket with a liquid before or after inserting the unrooted cutting.

[0007] Preferably, the method includes arranging the strip element in a rooting station and allowing the inserted cuttings to root for a predetermined rooting period. The wetting step can advantageously be carried out in the rooting station.

[0008] Contrary to known methods for producing multiple rooted cuttings, the method according to the invention does not produce any waste material. In particular, the strip element forming a plurality of empty bags (which may also be referred to as empty pockets or empty bags) is one and the only structural element and is substantially composed of biodegradable material. In other words, the strip element forms the boundary of each empty bag or pocket through its wall-forming member. "At least partially formed of biodegradable material" means that, for example, some adhesive bonding may be used when forming the strip element, where the adhesive or glue may or may not be fully biodegradable. However, even if an incompletely biodegradable adhesive or glue is used, this does not result in any significant waste material because the residue of such an adhesive or glue will later form part of any substrate for further cultivating the then-rooted cuttings, and the residual amount of such an adhesive or glue is minimal in any case. Of course, a fully biodegradable adhesive should preferably be used. Preferably, as used herein, the term "biodegradable" is understood to mean that the material used to form the strip element will biodegrade within a period of no more than 50 days, and more preferably within a period of no more than 28 days, and most preferably within a period of about 10 days. Ideally, the material used to form the strip element will degrade slowly when exposed to water or an aqueous solution.

[0009] The strip element of the present invention has two wall-forming members which are arranged to at least partially overlap each other in the longitudinal direction of the strip element. That is to say, the two wall-forming members completely overlap each other in the longitudinal direction in the area of the strip element where there are pockets, and at least partially overlap each other in the longitudinal direction in the remaining areas of the strip element. In addition, the two wall-forming members are arranged such that the second wall-forming member does not completely overlap the first wall-forming member in the transverse direction of the strip element. That is to say, the first wall-forming member extends beyond the second wall-forming member in the transverse direction of the strip element at the top side of each pocket, so as to create a guiding area directly above each pocket, which is used to facilitate the insertion of unrooted cuttings into the pocket by simplifying the process of widening the opening at the top side of each pocket. This applies to the manual and automatic insertion of unrooted cuttings into the pocket. For example, the fingers or similar elements of an automatic insertion device can be guided by the guiding area into the top-side opening of any given pocket, and then can be manipulated to widen the said top-side opening to allow easy access to the pocket, with a view to being able to quickly and successfully insert the unrooted cuttings into the pocket. Depending on what is desired in any given application, the guiding area created by the first wall-forming member extending beyond the second wall-forming member in the transverse direction of the strip element at the top side of each pocket can have a width ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in the transverse direction of the strip element. Generally speaking, the width of the guiding area in the transverse direction of the strip element will be chosen to be as small as possible and as large as required to ensure that the process of inserting the unrooted cuttings is carried out quickly and reliably. For example, the width of the guiding area in the transverse direction of the strip element can be in the range from 2 mm to 2 cm.

[0010] Each wall-forming member can be a separate element. Alternatively, the two wall-forming members can be obtained by longitudinally folding a sufficiently large piece of wall-forming member material such that the folded part at least partially overlaps the non-folded part. At least one of the first and second wall-forming members can consist of more than one layer, for example two or three layers.

[0011] In order to obtain a structurally stable strip element, the first and second wall-forming members are fixed to each other in the spacer area of the strip element, which is arranged adjacent to each pocket when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the strip element. Thus, the spacer area provides the desired structural stability and at the same time physically defines each of the plurality of pockets on each of its sides. In addition, the spacer area creates a desired spacing in the longitudinal direction between successive pockets.

[0012] Regardless of the materials used to produce the first and second wall-forming members, the resulting wall-forming members will be water-resistant, but permeable to water and air, and importantly, will have a liquid retention capacity of at least about 100 g of liquid per 100 g dry weight of biodegradable material. In other words, the resulting wall-forming members will be able to retain at least their own dry weight of liquid, and preferably at least twice or three times their own dry weight of liquid (which means a retention capacity of at least about 200 g of liquid per 100 g dry weight of biodegradable material, and preferably at least about 300 g of liquid per 100 g dry weight of biodegradable material). This will enable the resulting strip elements to soak up and retain sufficient liquid and associated nutrients to ensure that the unrooted cuttings can root once they are placed in the bags. The strip elements are preferably designed such that they can absorb the required amount of liquid quickly, i.e., within a period ranging from a few seconds to no more than a few minutes. The liquid retention characteristics of the strip elements according to the invention can be achieved, for example, by using cellulose as a component of the material used to make the wall-forming members. Thus, both the first and second wall-forming members can be paper fiber webs, preferably based on cellulose fibers. However, other or additional substances can also be used, such as so-called superabsorbents, as well as plastic fibers or natural fibers.

[0013] The water resistance here means that the resulting strip elements are insoluble in water or do not degrade too quickly when exposed to water. The materials used to make the wall-forming members can be paper-like (with or without perforations), film-like (especially perforated), fabric-like, or non-woven fabric-like. As materials for the wall-forming members, in addition to the materials used to produce paper, plastic materials and natural fibers can also be considered, as long as they are at least substantially biodegradable. Composite materials can also be used.

[0014] According to the invention, the empty bags produced by connecting the first and second wall-forming members to each other as explained above are at least partially closed at the bottom side and are appropriately sized to accommodate at least one unrooted cutting. In a preferred embodiment, the empty bags formed by connecting the first and second wall-forming members are completely closed at the bottom side. Depending on the type of unrooted cuttings to be processed, the size of each bag will be smaller (if processing unrooted cuttings with thin stems) or larger (if the unrooted cuttings to be processed have thicker stems). In addition, the size of each bag is designed such that the unrooted cuttings inserted into the associated bags will self-retain in those bags.

[0015] More specifically, the strip element according to the invention is preferably provided in such a form that each cutting is reliably held in the associated pocket of the strip element. This can be achieved, for example, by appropriately sizing the pockets according to the particular application, such that a certain clamping force is exerted on the cuttings located in the pockets by the first and second wall-forming members. In order for the further development of the cuttings to proceed as uniformly as possible, the cuttings used preferably all have substantially the same size and maturity.

[0016] Preferably, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the strip element, the material length of the second wall-forming member for forming the pockets in a plurality of empty pockets exceeds the material length of the first wall-forming member for forming the pockets, preferably by at least 5% to 10%, 20% or even 30%, depending on the size of the pockets required for the particular application. When forming the pockets, by using a defined slightly increased amount of material for the second wall-forming member in the longitudinal direction of the strip element, each pocket bulges slightly outwards on the side of the second wall-forming member, making the process of inserting the unrooted cuttings into the pockets easier and contributing to obtaining a pocket of appropriate size, the dimensions of which are set to exert a desired amount of clamping force on the unrooted cuttings already inserted into the pocket. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the material length of the second wall-forming member for forming the pockets in a plurality of empty pockets exceeds the material length of the first wall-forming member for forming said pockets by at least 2% to at most 30%, and preferably at most 20%, 10% or 5%.

[0017] The shape of each pocket provided by the strip element according to the invention can be one of substantially rectangular and substantially square. "Substantially rectangular" and "substantially square" mean that the shape of each pocket, pouch or bag can have more or less rounded corners. Alternatively, the shape of each pocket can be tapered from its opening at the top side of the strip element towards the opposite bottom side of the pocket. The taper can vary according to the desired application and can be any of a slight taper, a moderate taper and a pronounced taper.

[0018] Depending on the particular application and as required, the bottom side of each pocket provided by the strip element can be partially closed or fully closed. If the first and second wall-forming members are produced by longitudinally folding a suitably large sheet of wall-forming material, the bottom side of each pocket will initially be closed, and if it is desired to partially open the bottom side of each pocket, it is necessary to partially open it, for example, by cutting. If the first and second wall-forming members are separate elements from the start, the closed or partially closed bottom side of each pocket can be obtained by fixing the first and second wall-forming members to each other not only in the spacer zone but also in those blocks where the bottom side will later remain closed. This can be done in the same step as the fixing that takes place in the spacer zone of the strip element, for example, by using a heated pressure roller and applying a hot melt adhesive to the corresponding blocks.

[0019] To provide additional structural stability to the strip element, a structural reinforcement may be provided in the edge region of at least one of the first and second wall-forming members at the bottom side of the pocket of the strip element. For example, the edge region may be folded onto itself to form a thickened web-like portion extending along the entire length of the strip element at the edge, thereby creating structural reinforcement in the longitudinal direction of the strip element. Due to the additional material thickness obtained in this way, the structural reinforcement also serves to enhance the liquid retention capacity of the strip element at its bottom side of the pocket. Alternatively or additionally, a separate reinforcing member may be provided at the edge region of the strip element. Furthermore, the structural reinforcement can be achieved by at least one of sewing / stitching, adhesive bonding, and crimping the edge region of the strip element.

[0020] For example, the edge region of the first wall-forming member may be folded outwards onto itself, and the edge region of the second wall-forming member may also be folded outwards onto itself, wherein the two edge regions of the first and second wall-forming members preferably have the same width in the transverse direction of the strip element, respectively. Alternatively, the edge region of the first wall-forming member and the edge region of the second wall-forming member may be folded onto the same side, that is, for example, the edge region of the first wall-forming member will be folded outwards onto itself, and the edge region of the second wall-forming member will be folded onto the same side as the edge region of the first wall-forming member to overlap with the edge region of the first wall-forming member. According to yet another alternative, the edge region of at least one of the first and second wall-forming members may be folded inwards onto itself before connecting the first and second wall-forming members to each other, for example, by crimping or gluing.

[0021] If the first and second wall-forming members are produced by longitudinally folding a suitable large piece of wall-forming material onto itself, that is, if the first and second wall-forming members are generated from a single piece of material, as previously described, then it is also possible to fold the edge region of the strip element. Once the first and second wall-forming members have been obtained by folding a suitable large piece of wall-forming material along the length of the suitable large piece of wall-forming material, the edge region located at the bottom side of the pocket of the strip element may be folded onto itself again, thereby creating a structurally more stable thickened edge.

[0022] Regardless of whether one or both of the edge regions of the first and second wall members are folded in the same or opposite directions respectively, the folded edge regions may be fixed in place, for example, by gluing or crimping, that is, in the same way as the first and second wall-forming members are fixed to each other in the spacer region of the strip element. This fixing can be achieved simultaneously with fixing the wall-forming members to each other in the spacer region, or can be done separately.

[0023] It should be understood that the edge regions of the folded strip elements can cause the bottom sides of each bag to be closed. If it is desired that the bottom sides of each bag be partially open, the bags must be cut at their bottom sides as desired.

[0024] The strip element according to the invention offers great flexibility, i.e., it can easily be adapted to various requirements. For example, if the cuttings to be rooted will have or form larger leaves, the spacing between successive bags will probably need to be greater than in the case where the cuttings to be rooted have or will form only small leaves. Similarly, the size of each bag provided by the strip element can vary widely according to the needs of the specific cuttings to be rooted. Specifically, the width of each bag (which is the extent of each bag along the longitudinal direction of the strip element) can vary widely to adapt to specific requirements. For example, if the cuttings to be rooted have thin stems, the width of each bag will be less than in the case where the cuttings to be rooted have thick stems. If the bag has a tapered shape, its width will generally be measured in the middle of the bag, and the bag will have a greater width towards and at its one side opening, and will have a smaller width towards and at its bottom side opposite to this side. In a preferred embodiment, the width of each bag at its bottom side will be about 50%, 60% or 70% of the bag width at its opening.

[0025] The longitudinal dimension (i.e., its width) of each spacer can be one of the following:

[0026] - less than the width of the bag;

[0027] - at least approximately equal to the width of the bag; and

[0028] - greater than the width of the bag.

[0029] In particular, the longitudinal dimension of each spacer can be significantly less than or greater than the width of the bag, i.e., less than or greater than the width of the bag by at least 10% or 20% or 30% or even 50%. In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal dimension of the spacer is defined such that, in the longitudinal direction of the strip element, the spacing between the midpoints of successive bag widths is constant, independent of the respective bag widths. This constant spacing between the midpoints of the bag widths is desirable and advantageous when machining the strip element according to the invention with the aid of automated machinery. In addition, this constant spacing between the midpoints of the bag widths allows a space-saving arrangement of the strip element filled with cuttings during rooting and subsequent cultivation. In other words, this constant spacing between the midpoints of the bag widths results in a constant grid size, which is advantageous as it facilitates, for example, automated processing and space-saving rooting and cultivation.

[0030] In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first wall forming member and the second wall forming member are fixed to each other in respective spaced regions of the strip element by an adhesive bonding technique. Preferably, a hot melt adhesive is used, and most preferably a biodegradable hot melt adhesive. A glue-less joining technique can also be used to fix the first and second wall forming members to each other in each spaced region of the strip element. For example, embossing or crimping techniques (such as those used for manufacturing coffee filters) well known to those skilled in the art can be used in each spaced region to adhere the first and second wall forming members to each other without using any glue. If desired or necessary to increase the bonding strength, in addition to the embossing technique, a small amount of any suitable glue can also be used. Thus, by using the embossing technique, the amount of glue required to fix the first and second wall forming members to each other in each spaced region can be significantly reduced. Other glue-less joining techniques, such as sewing or stitching or friction welding, can also be used to join the first wall forming member and the second wall forming member to each other in each spaced region of the strip element. In a preferred embodiment, the first wall forming member and the second wall forming member are fixed to each other using a zigzag joining line. That is, the zigzag joining line will extend across the spaced region between two consecutive bags near or at the open top side of each bag, and then extend down along one side of the bag and across the bottom side of each bag, thereby forming a bag that is completely enclosed at its bottom side, and then extend upward along the other side of the bag towards the open top side of the bag, thereby defining each bag at its two sides, and then will extend across the next spaced region between two consecutive bags, towards the next bag, and so on.

[0031] Depending on the type and construction (number of layers, etc.) of the first and second wall forming members used to manufacture the strip element, the thickness of the strip element forming a plurality of empty bags will preferably be in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.

[0032] Within the scope of experimental testing, favorable results have been obtained with the air permeability of each of the first and second wall forming members being in the range from 1100 to 1200 l / m 2 s. It has also been found advantageous that each of the first and second wall forming members has a tensile strength in the machine direction in the range from 13.0 N / 15 mm to 16.0 N / 15 mm (based on the paper production process), and a tensile strength in the transverse direction of the machine direction in the range from 7.0 N / 15 mm to 9.5 N / 15 mm (also based on the paper production process). Materials particularly suitable for making the first and second wall forming members are products sold by the Danish company Ellepot A / S under the trade name Organic2.0. The same company also sells another product under the trade name Organic 10weeks, which is particularly suitable for making the first and second wall forming members.

[0033] To facilitate dividing a strip element of a given length into shorter parts, each spacer preferably includes a perforation line extending along the transverse direction of the strip element. Thus, by simply tearing off a part of the desired length from the remaining length of the strip element, parts of any desired length can be easily obtained without having to use any tools. Alternatively, parts of any desired length can be obtained by transversely cutting the strip element at appropriate spacers.

[0034] A strip element containing at least one unrooted cutting in each of its pockets will preferably be arranged in a rooting station where the cuttings are retained for a predetermined period of time and periodically sprayed in order to root. This predetermined period of time can last, for example, 2 to 3 weeks. In the rooting station, the strip element serves to create a constant microclimate around the cuttings, particularly around the stem area of each cutting, thus enabling and promoting the rooting process. Due to its water permeability and air permeability, the strip element serves to maintain such a microclimate around the cuttings within an optimal range for rooting. Specifically, on the one hand, the strip element prevents the base of the cutting from standing in liquid, which would promote rot, and on the other hand, prevents the base of the cutting from drying out, which would impede the rooting of the cutting. The degree of periodic spraying is appropriately adapted to the type of cuttings contained in the pockets of the strip element, such that cuttings of plant species or varieties that require more water are sprayed more frequently than cuttings of plant species or varieties that require only a small amount of moisture for rooting.

[0035] The advantages resulting from the process according to the invention are manifold. Unrooted cuttings can be rooted without using any substrate and without generating problematic waste materials. The present invention provides an inexpensive and scalable solution that enables the transportation of rooted cuttings with a low transport weight (due to the absence of any substrate), and also provides rooted cuttings in an "easy-to-directly-transplant form". Due to the biodegradable nature of the strip element, the rooted cuttings can be directly transplanted into the growth medium at the client's location without first removing the rooted cuttings from the pockets of the strip element. Thus, rooted cuttings can be transported from the country of propagation (such as in Africa) to the country of sale (such as Europe or North America) without violating phytosanitary requirements (such as the US import law) and environmental regulations. The transport weight will be much lower than usual (since no transport substrate is required), thus significantly reducing the transport costs. In addition, it is no longer necessary to transfer the rooted cuttings into larger containers before transporting them to, for example, the customer. Instead, at the end of the predetermined rooting period, which varies depending on the plant species or variety, the cuttings in the strip element are well rooted enough to be transported in the strip element to, for example, the customer and can be directly transferred into those containers at the client's location, where the cuttings will be further cultivated and / or sold.

[0036] According to the present invention, a strip element filled with non-rooted cuttings can be immersed in a hormone solution for a predetermined period of time such that the stem region of each cutting is submerged in the hormone solution. The predetermined period of time during which the strip element provided with cuttings is immersed in the hormone solution can be, for example, between 1 hour and 8 hours, and preferably about 6 hours. During the predetermined period of time, the cuttings in the strip element are preferably sprayed regularly to prevent them from drying out.

[0037] From the end of the predetermined period of time when the cuttings are submerged in the hormone solution, the strip element acts as a buffer or reservoir for the hormone solution. Thus, the application time of the hormone solution in the stem region of the cuttings is significantly extended. The same applies to every further treatment carried out during the rooting process, such as, for example, fertilization and biological and fungicidal treatments. In any case, during the subsequent rooting phase, the strip element ensures that the moisture and microclimate around the cuttings are optimal for the uniform formation of callus and / or root development.

[0038] Preferably, at the end of the rooting process in the rooting station, the rooted cuttings are washed with a solution containing mycorrhiza. This promotes root branching and increases the robustness of the rooted cuttings.

[0039] Depending on the customer's further use of the strip element containing the now-rooted cuttings, the roots protruding from the bottom of the bag of the strip element can be cut off. This is particularly recommended when the strip element containing the rooted cuttings is to be further processed by a machine, since the roots protruding from the bottom of the strip element can cause, for example, blockage of mechanical separation devices. When cutting off the roots protruding from the bottom of the strip element, it should be ensured that the damage to the roots is minimized, that is, only the necessary and as few parts as possible are cut off. The advantage of cutting the roots in the described manner before distribution is that the wound generated at the root by the cutting will close during transportation to the customer, and the roots will branch again and develop root hairs. It is advantageous to cut the roots close to the root base, since the re-branching and the formation of root hairs occur directly at the root base. For the customer, cutting the roots before distribution has the significant advantage that the rooted cuttings grow more evenly and have fewer problems in a shorter time. Overall, the inventory is more homogeneous, the losses are less, and the cultivation time (that is, the cultivation time before the plants are ready for sale) is shorter. If the roots are not cut as described before distribution, most of the root hairs are located at or near the root tip. During transportation and subsequent further processing of such cuttings with uncut roots, there is a risk of breakage of the root tip, resulting in the loss of the root hairs at the root tip. This risk is significantly reduced by cutting the roots as described before distribution, and in addition, as described, during the transportation period, new root branching and root hairs can grow close to the root base, which results in the above-mentioned advantages.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the roots of the cuttings are treated with a plant fortifier, thereby further enhancing the above-mentioned beneficial effects.

[0041] According to a second aspect, the present invention also provides an apparatus for producing a plurality of rooted cuttings from a plurality of unrooted cuttings without the aid of a substrate, the apparatus comprising:

[0042] a first wall-forming member formed at least in part from a biodegradable material;

[0043] a second wall-forming member formed at least in part from a biodegradable material, the second wall-forming member being arranged to at least partially overlap the first wall-forming member in a longitudinal direction and not to completely overlap the first wall-forming member in a transverse direction of the strip element, and

[0044] a plurality of empty bags arranged one after another in the longitudinal direction, wherein the plurality of empty bags are jointly formed by the first wall-forming member and the second wall-forming member, and wherein each bag has a width along the longitudinal direction, a depth along the transverse direction, an opening at a top side facing the transverse direction, and a bottom side opposite the top side, the bottom side being at least partially closed,

[0045] the first wall-forming member extends beyond the second wall-forming member in the transverse direction at the top side of each bag, and the first wall-forming member and the second wall-forming member are fixed to each other in a longitudinally adjacent spacer region of each bag, thereby defining a plurality of bags.

[0046] The apparatus according to the second aspect may also include, individually or in any combination, any one of the specific features discussed above in connection with the strip element of the method according to the first aspect.

[0047] According to a third aspect, the present invention also provides a system for producing a plurality of rooted cuttings from a plurality of unrooted cuttings without the aid of a substrate, wherein the system comprises:

[0048] (i) A strip element having a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension and consisting essentially of a biodegradable material, the strip element forming a plurality of empty pockets arranged one after another in the longitudinal direction of the strip element, wherein the strip element has: a first wall-forming member and a second wall-forming member, the second wall-forming member being arranged to at least partially overlap the first wall-forming member in the longitudinal direction and not completely overlap the first wall-forming member in the transverse direction of the strip element, wherein the first wall-forming member and the second wall-forming member are fixed to each other in a spacer region of the strip element, the spacer region being longitudinally adjacent to each pocket so as to define a plurality of pockets, wherein each pocket has a width along the longitudinal direction of the strip element; a depth along the transverse direction of the strip element; an opening at a top side facing the transverse direction of the strip element; and a bottom side opposite to the top side, wherein the bottom side is at least partially closed, and the first wall-forming member extends beyond the second wall-forming member in the transverse direction of the strip element at the top side of each pocket, and wherein the biodegradable material has a liquid retention capacity of at least about 100 g of liquid per 100 g of dry weight of the biodegradable material; and

[0049] (ii) At least one cutting inserted into each of the previously empty pockets.

[0050] Depending on the state of the rooting process, the cuttings contained in the pockets of the strip element will be unrooted (at the start of the rooting process), partially rooted (during the rooting process) or fully rooted (at the end of the rooting process). It should be noted that according to the present invention, the pockets do not contain any substrate material such as peat, soil, etc. conventionally used for rooting unrooted cuttings. However, the stem of each unrooted cutting inserted into the pocket can be coated with a gel or similar material.

[0051] The strip element forming part of such a system can include any of the features described above with respect to the methods and devices of the present invention.

[0052] The present invention also relates to a method of growing rooted cuttings, comprising:

[0053] (i) Receiving a device having a plurality of pockets according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein each pocket accommodates at least one rooted cutting;

[0054] (ii) Separating the pockets accommodating at least one rooted cutting from the device; and

[0055] (iii) Planting the pockets accommodating at least one rooted cutting in a growth medium.

[0056] Preferably, the growth medium is soil.

[0057] The present invention will now be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for better understanding of the present invention and which show several embodiments of the strip element in particular. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic view showing a first embodiment of a strip element that can be used in the method and system of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 2 FIG. schematically shows a second embodiment of a strip element that can be used in the method and system of the present invention;

[0060] Figures 3a to 3d FIG. schematically shows the change in the longitudinal dimension of the bag of an exemplary strip element relative to the longitudinal dimension of the spacer region that can be used in the method and system of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 4 shows a more detailed perspective view of a strip element similar to the embodiment of Figure 2 ;

[0062] Figure 5 FIG. shows a plurality of strip elements provided with cuttings arranged in a cultivation tray forming part of a rooting station (not shown); and

[0063] Figure 6 FIG. shows a strip element provided with cuttings and arranged on a carrier plate forming part of a rooting station (not shown). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0064] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic side view showing a first general embodiment of a strip element or device 10 that can be used in a method and system according to the present invention. The strip element 10 extends along a longitudinal direction l and a transverse direction d that are the main directions of the strip element 10. The strip element 10 has a transverse dimension D (see Figure 3a ), and can be annular in the longitudinal direction, but will be manufactured in practice to have a desired length, resulting in a longitudinal dimension L (see Figure 3a ).

[0065] The strip element 10 is designed to provide (as further explained below) a plurality of empty bags 12 arranged one after another in the longitudinal direction l of the strip element 10, where each bag 12 is separated from an adjacent bag 12 by a spacer region 14 of the strip element 10, such that the strip element 10 consists essentially of alternating successive bags 12 and spacer regions 14.

[0066] Each bag 12 has a width W along the longitudinal direction l of the strip element 10 and a depth T along the transverse direction d of the strip element 10 (see Figure 3a)。In addition, each pocket 12 has an opening 16 at the top side 17 of the strip element, where the opening 16 faces the transverse direction d of the strip element 10. In other words, the free area or top side 17 of each opening 16 (see Figure 4 ) forms a plane that is at least substantially orthogonal to the transverse direction d of the strip element 10. Further, each pocket 12 has a bottom side 18 opposite the side where the opening 16 is located.

[0067] In Figure 1 the illustrated embodiment, the general shape of each pocket 12 is substantially rectangular, and the shape of each spacer 14 is also substantially rectangular. However, in Figure 1 each isolation region 14, the longitudinal dimension, i.e., the width w s (see Figure 3a ) is less than the width W of each pocket 12.

[0068] To provide additional structural stability to the strip element 10, the edge region 21 at the bottom side of the pockets of the strip element 10 may be provided with a structural reinforcement (not shown). For example, the edge region 21 may be folded onto itself to form a thickened web-like portion extending along the entire length of the strip element 10 at the edge, thereby creating a structural reinforcement in the longitudinal direction l of the strip element. Due to the additional material thickness obtained in this way, this structural reinforcement can also be used to enhance the liquid retention capacity of the strip element 10 at its bottom side of the pockets. Alternatively or additionally, a separate reinforcing member (not shown) may be provided at the edge region 21 of the strip element 10. Further, the structural reinforcement can be achieved by at least one of sewing / stitching, adhesively bonding, and crimping (not shown) the edge region 21 of the strip element 10.

[0069] As Figures 3a to 3d schematically shown, many different embodiments of the strip element 10 are possible. In Figure 3a each pocket 12 and each spacer 14 are almost square in shape, and the width w s of each spacer 14 is equal to the width W of each pocket 12. In Figure 3b each pocket 12 is substantially square in shape, while each spacer 14 is rectangular in shape. The longitudinal dimension or width w s of each spacer 14 is significantly greater than the width W of each pocket 12. Conversely, as Figure 3c shown, the longitudinal dimension or width w s of each spacer 14 can be significantly less than the width W of each pocket 12. In Figure 3c the pockets 12 have a substantially rectangular shape, while each spacer 14 is substantially square in shape. Finally, as Figure 3dAs shown, both the bag 12 and the spacer 14 can have a substantially rectangular shape, and the longitudinal dimension or width w of each spacer 14 s can be equal to the width W of each bag 12.

[0070] Figures 3a to 3d The embodiments shown are merely exemplary embodiments, illustrating the possible shape and size relationships between the bag 12 and the spacer 14, and many additional modifications are clearly possible. Generally speaking, if the bag 12 is intended to receive unrooted cuttings with thinner stems, the width W of the bag 12 will be smaller, while if the bag 12 is to accommodate unrooted cuttings with thicker stems, the width W of each bag 12 will be larger. Similarly, if the unrooted cuttings to be processed have only small leaves (or only grow small leaves during rooting), the width w of each spacer 14 s will be smaller, while if the unrooted cuttings to be processed have larger leaves (or grow larger leaves during rooting), the width w of each spacer 14 s will be larger.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal dimension of the spacers 14, i.e., their width w s (or w s ', if the bags are tapered), is defined such that the spacing S between the midpoints m of successive bags 12, 12' in the longitudinal direction l of the strip elements 10, 10', 10'' is constant, regardless of the widths W, W' of the individual bags (see p ). Figure 3a )

[0072] As Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, perforation lines 19 can be provided in each spacer 14 to enable separation of any desired length of strip element 10 from the remaining strip elements without the use of tools. Although these perforation lines 19 are only shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 , they can of course be provided in any embodiment of the strip element according to the present invention.

[0073] Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of a second general embodiment of a strip element 10' that can be used in the method and system according to the present invention. The second embodiment is related to Figure 1The difference in the first embodiment shown is that the shape of each pocket 12' is conical. Specifically, the shape of each pocket 12' tapers from its opening 16 at the top side 17 towards its bottom side 18. Accordingly, the shape of each spacer 14' tapers in the opposite direction. Although not shown, the relationship between the width W' of each pocket 12' and the width w s ' of each spacer 14 can vary as explained with respect to Figures 3a to 3d so as to accommodate respectively the thinner and thicker stems and the smaller and larger leaves of the unrooted cuttings to be processed, wherein the width W' of each pocket 12' is measured in the middle of the pocket with respect to the transverse direction d of the strip element 10. If the shape of each pocket 12' tapers from its opening towards its bottom side, each pocket 12' will have an upper width W u at its top opening 16 and a lower width W l (see Figure 2 ), wherein the upper width W u is greater than the lower width W l . In some preferred embodiments, the lower width W l will be approximately 50% of the upper width W u . In other preferred embodiments, the lower width W l will be approximately 60% to 70% of the upper width W u .

[0074] Referring again to Figure 1 , the bottom side 18 of each pocket 12, 12' can be partially closed (as shown in Figure 1 ), or can be fully closed (for example as shown in Figure 3d ).

[0075] Figure 4 A more detailed perspective view of an embodiment of the strip element 10” is shown, which is similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 2 . Figure 4 Some perforation lines 19 are shown in Figure 2 , and there can be more perforation lines 19, as shown in Figure 4As shown, the second wall-forming member 22 does not completely overlap with the first wall-forming member 20 in the transverse direction d of the strip elements 10, 10', 10", that is, the transverse dimension of the second wall-forming member 22 is slightly smaller than the transverse dimension of the first wall-forming member 20. Both the first wall-forming member 20 and the second wall-forming member 22 are in the form of webs and are composed of at least substantially biodegradable materials. For example, both the first wall-forming member 20 and the second wall-forming member 22 can be paper fiber webs. Each of the first wall-forming member 20 and the second wall-forming member 22 can have one or more layers (not shown). Each of the first wall-forming member 20 and the second wall-forming member 22 can have a woven structure or a non-woven structure. Preferably, each of the first and second wall-forming members 20, 22 will mainly consist of fibers, such as cellulose fibers.

[0076] To form the bags 12, 12', the first wall-forming member 20 and the second wall-forming member 22 are fixed to each other in each of the spacer regions 14, 14' of the strip elements 10, 10', 10". Thus, each of the spacer regions 14, 14' effectively physically defines one side adjacent to the bags 12, 12' while providing structural integrity to the strip elements 10, 10', 10". In the spacer regions 14, 14', fixing the first wall-forming member 20 to the second wall-forming member 22 can be achieved, for example, by a thermoplastic adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive, but non-adhesive fixing is also possible, for example, by applying embossing or crimping techniques to the regions of the spacer regions 14, 14'. If gluing is used, the glue will preferably be a biodegradable glue, such as, for example, a starch-based glue.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the first wall-forming member 20 and the second wall-forming member 22 are fixed to each other using a zigzag binding line b m (see Figure 3d ). Although the zigzag binding line b Figure 3d is shown as continuous in m , it can also be formed discontinuously. As Figure 3d shown, the binding line b in the form of a zigzag m will extend across the spacer region 14 between two successive bags 12 near or at the open top side 17 of each bag 12, and then will extend down one side of the bag 12 and across the bottom side 18 of each bag 12, thereby forming a bag that is completely enclosed at its bottom side 18, and then will extend up the other side of the bag 12 towards the open top side 17 of the bag 12, thereby defining each bag 12 at its two sides, and then will extend across the next spacer region 14 between two successive bags towards the next bag 12, and so on.

[0078] From Figure 4As can be seen, when the first wall forming member 20 is connected to the second wall forming member 22, the latter is fed at a slightly higher speed than the former, so that in the regions of the bags 12, 12', there will be more material of the second wall forming member available for forming the bag 12'. As is known to those skilled in the art, the connection of the first and second wall forming members 20, 22 can be achieved by two pressure rollers in contact with each other (and these pressure rollers can have different rotational speeds). In addition, as can be seen from Figure 4 It can also be seen that it is convenient to insert unrooted cuttings into the bags 12, 12' because the first wall forming member 20 extends beyond the second wall forming member 22 in the transverse direction d of the strip element at the top side 17 of each bag 12, 12', thereby forming a funnel-shaped surface, or more generally, a guiding region 24, which is used to effectively guide the stems (not shown) of the unrooted cuttings into the corresponding bags 12, 12'. The width W of the guiding region 24 in the transverse direction d of the strip element GA (see Figure 4 ) can be, for example, in the range of 2 mm to 2 cm, and can preferably be in the range of 4 mm to 1 cm.

[0079] Figure 5 Shows how the strip element 10 (or 10' or 10”) filled with unrooted cuttings 26 is arranged in the rooting station. Figure 5 Shows a perspective top view of a plastic cultivation tray 28, which is conventionally used for cultivating cuttings or seedlings using a substrate. The cultivation tray 28 has a plurality of grooves or trenches 30 designed to receive the substrate material. The orifices 32 at the bottom of each trench 30 are used for discharging excess fluid. However, in combination with the present invention, no substrate material will be filled into the trenches 30. Instead, the strip elements 10, 10', 10” filled with unrooted cuttings 26 and cut or manufactured to correspond to the length of each trench 30 are arranged in the trenches 30. Then, the cultivation tray 28 containing a plurality of strip elements 10, 10', 10” filled with unrooted cuttings 26 can be positioned in a rooting station (not shown) for further processing.

[0080] Figure 6 Shows an alternative embodiment. Instead of Figure 5 the cultivation tray 28 shown in, a plate 34 is used, which has several rows of protruding pins 36, where the pins 36 in each row are spaced apart from each other, and where each row of pins 36 is laterally spaced from the pins 36 of any adjacent row. As shown, the strip elements 10, 10', 10” filled with unrooted cuttings 26 can be arranged on the plate 34 such that the bags 12 are each arranged between two adjacent rows of protruding pins 36, and the entire strip element 10 extends in a zigzag manner between multiple rows of protruding pins 36. Also as Figure 6As shown, the first and last pockets 12 of the strip element 10 can be left empty so that these two empty pockets 12 can engage over corresponding projecting pins 36 to positively position the strip element 10 at its start and end. Like the cultivation tray 28, the plate 34 can be positioned in a rooting station (not shown) for further processing.

[0081] Exemplary embodiments of the method according to the invention will be described in more detail below. Cuttings of the Gaura Lindheimerii Belleza Deep Pink variety are to be rooted. For this purpose, unrooted cuttings of substantially uniform size and maturity are first inserted into strip elements such as the strip elements 10, 10', 10'' described above. The strip elements are made of a web of a product sold under the trade name Organic 2.0 by the Danish company Ellepot A / S. The web has a liquid absorption capacity of approximately 340 grams per 100 grams of dry matter. Further experiments were carried out with a product sold under the trade name Organic 10weeks by the Danish company Ellepot A / S.

[0082] Then the strip element filled with unrooted cuttings is immersed in a 30 ppm IBA hormone solution for 6 hours so that the lower stem region of the cuttings is submerged. To prevent the cuttings from drying out, periodic spraying is carried out during treatment with the hormone solution.

[0083] The strip element ensures that the microclimate around the cuttings is maintained within an optimal range for uniform callus formation and root development.

[0084] Then, the strip element filled with unrooted cuttings is held in a rooting container in a rooting station (e.g., as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) for a period of three weeks to allow the rooting process to take place. The rooting station (not shown) is an area with regulated temperature and controlled light and humidity supply. Humidity is supplied by spraying, and a fertilizer (a fertilizer with an EC of 1.8) is added to the spray. The spraying initially occurs at intervals of ten seconds every ten minutes. During the first two weeks, the intervals are gradually increased until the cuttings are firm enough and the spraying can be stopped. One week before the end of the rooting period, the cuttings are manually cut with scissors. At the end of the rooting period, that is, a few days before distribution, the cuttings are washed with mycorrhiza to promote root branching and durability of the cuttings. One day before distribution, the cuttings are further prophylactically treated with a broad-spectrum fungicide.

[0085] At the end of the rooting period, the cuttings now rooted in the strip element are ready for transport. To this end, the roots protruding from the bottom of each strip element are cut off. This trimming is necessary so that the strip elements filled with cuttings can be further processed by machines at the client (usually the producer of the finished product). However, trimming the roots also has the consequence of new and rapid root branching and root hair formation occurring at the base of the cuttings during transport. To further support this new root branching and root hair formation, a fertilizer solution and a plant fortifier solution are applied. Thus, the microclimate established around the cuttings during the transport period promotes renewed root branching and root hair development in the root base area.

[0086] At the client, the strip elements including the rooted cuttings can be further processed by machine or by hand and can be placed, for example, directly into larger containers filled with a growth medium such as soil without the need to remove the strip elements.

Claims

1. A method for producing a plurality of rooted cuttings from a plurality of unrooted cuttings without the aid of a substrate, comprising the steps of: - inserting at least one unrooted cutting (26) into each of a plurality of empty pockets (12, 12') of a strip element (10, 10', 10”), the strip element (10, 10', 10”) having a longitudinal dimension (L) and a transverse dimension (D) and being formed at least in part of a biodegradable material, the strip element (10, 10', 10”) forming a plurality of empty pockets (12, 12') arranged one after another in the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element, wherein the strip element (10, 10', 10”) has a first wall-forming member (20) and a second wall-forming member (22), the second wall-forming member (22) being arranged to at least partially overlap the first wall-forming member (20) in the longitudinal direction (l) and not to completely overlap the first wall-forming member (20) in the transverse direction (d) of the strip element (10, 10', 10”), wherein the first wall-forming member (20) and the second wall-forming member (22) are fixed to each other in the longitudinal vicinity of each pocket (12, 12') of the strip element in an interval zone (14, 14') so as to define the plurality of pockets (12, 12'), wherein each pocket (12, 12') has: a width (W, W') along the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element (10, 10', 10”); a depth (T) along the transverse direction (d) of the strip element (10, 10', 10”); an opening (16) at a top side (17) facing the transverse direction (d) of the strip element (10, 10', 10”), through which the at least one unrooted cutting (26) is inserted; and a bottom side (18) opposite to the top side, wherein the bottom side (18) is at least partially closed, and the first wall-forming member (20) extends beyond the second wall-forming member (22) in the transverse direction (d) of the strip element at the top side (17) of each pocket (12, 12'), and wherein the biodegradable material has a liquid retention capacity of at least about 100 g of liquid per 100 g of dry weight of the biodegradable material.

2. The method according to claim 1, Among them, in the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element, the material length of the second wall-forming member (22) for forming the pocket (12, 12') among the plurality of empty pockets (12, 12') exceeds the material length of the first wall-forming member (20) for forming the pocket (12, 12') by at least 5% to at most 10%, 20% or 30%.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Among them, the shape of each pocket (12) is one of substantially rectangular and substantially square.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The shape of each pocket (12') is tapered from its opening (16) at one side towards its bottom side (18).

5. The method according to claim 4, Among them, Each bag (12') has an upper width (W u ) at the top opening (16) and a lower width (W l ) at the bottom side (18), and wherein the lower width (W l ) is in the range of about 50% to 70% of the upper width (W u ), preferably in the range of about 60% to 70%.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Among them, The longitudinal dimension of each spacer (14, 14') is one of the following: - less than the width (W) of the bag (12, 12'); - at least approximately equal to the width (W) of the bag (12, 12'); and - greater than the width (W) of the bag (12, 12').

7. The method according to claim 6, Among them, In the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element, the spacing (S) between the midpoints m of successive bags (12; 12') is constant. p ​ 8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, The first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) are fixed to each other in each spacer (14, 14') of the strip element (10, 10', 10") by at least one of bonding, crimping, and stitching or sewing.

9. The method according to claim 8, Among them, The first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) are fixed to each other along a zigzag-shaped joint line (b m ).

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, The first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) are both paper fiber webs.

11. The method according to claim 10, Among them, The first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) each have a tensile strength of from 13.0 N / 15 mm to 16.0 N / 15 mm in the longitudinal direction and a tensile strength of from 7.0 N / 15 mm to 9.5 N / 15 mm in the transverse direction.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, Among them, The first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) each have air permeability in the range of from 1100 l / m 2 s to 1200 l / m 2 s.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, Among them, The thickness of the strip element (10, 10', 10") forming the plurality of empty bags (12, 12') is in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, Among them, The biodegradable material has a liquid holding capacity of at least about 200 grams of liquid, preferably at least 300 grams of liquid, per 100 grams of dry weight of the biodegradable material.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The liquid is an aqueous solution containing at least one of nutrients, growth promoters, endophytes, growth regulators, and rooting hormones.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises the following steps: At the end of a predetermined rooting period, the strip element (10, 10', 10") with rooted cuttings is delivered for further processing, or the strip element (10, 10', 10") is divided into multiple segments, each segment having at least one rooted cutting, and these segments are delivered for further processing.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, Among them, Each spacer (14, 14') includes a perforation line (19) extending along the transverse direction (d) of the strip element (10, 10', 10").

18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, It further includes the step of wetting each bag (12, 12') with liquid before or after inserting the unrooted cutting (26) into the empty bag (12, 12').

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, It further includes the step of arranging the strip element (10, 10', 10") in a rooting station and allowing the inserted cuttings to root for a predetermined rooting period.

20. An apparatus for producing a plurality of rooted cuttings from a plurality of unrooted cuttings without the aid of a substrate, the apparatus comprising: A first wall-forming member (20) at least partially formed of a biodegradable material; A second wall-forming member (22) at least partially formed of a biodegradable material, the second wall-forming member (22) being arranged to at least partially overlap the first wall-forming member (20) in a longitudinal direction (l) and not to completely overlap the first wall-forming member (20) in a transverse direction (d); And A plurality of empty bags (12, 12') arranged one after another in the longitudinal direction (l), wherein the plurality of empty bags (12, 12') are jointly formed by the first wall-forming member (20) and the second wall-forming member (22), and wherein each bag (12, 12') has: a width (W, W') along the longitudinal direction (l), a depth (T) along the transverse direction (d), an opening (16) at a top side (17) facing the transverse direction (d), and a bottom side (18) opposite to the top side, the bottom side (18) being at least partially closed, The first wall-forming member (20) extends beyond the second wall-forming member (22) in the transverse direction (d) at the top side (17) of each bag (12, 12’), and the first wall-forming member (20) and the second wall-forming member (22) are fixed to each other in an intermediate zone (14, 14') longitudinally adjacent to each bag (12, 12') so as to define a plurality of bags (12, 12').

21. The apparatus according to claim 21, Among them, In the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element, the material length of the second wall-forming member (22) of the bags (12, 12') for forming the plurality of empty bags (12, 12') exceeds the material length of the first wall-forming member (20) of the bags (12, 12') by at least 5% to at most 10%, 20% or 30%.

22. The apparatus according to claim 20 or 21, Among them, The shape of each bag (12) is one of substantially rectangular and substantially square.

23. The device according to any one of claims 20 or 21, wherein The shape of each bag (12') is tapered from its opening (16) at one side towards its bottom side (18).

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, Among them, Each bag (12') has an upper width (W u ) at the top opening (16), and has a lower width (W l ) at the bottom side (18), and wherein the lower width (W l ) is in the range of about 50% to 70% of the upper width (W u ), preferably in the range of about 60% to 70%.

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 24, Among them, The longitudinal dimension of each intermediate zone (14, 14') is one of the following: - Less than the width (W, W') of the bags (12, 12'); - At least approximately equal to the width (W, W') of the bags (12, 12'); and - Greater than the width (W, W') of the bags (12, 12').

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, Among them, In the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element, the spacing (S) between the midpoints m of successive bags (12; 12') is constant. p is constant.

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein, The first wall-forming member (20) and the second wall-forming member (22) are fixed to each other in each intermediate zone (14, 14') of the strip element (10, 10', 10”) by means of at least one of adhesive bonding, crimping and stitching or sewing.

28. The device according to claim 27, Among them, The first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) are fixed to each other along a zigzag-shaped joint line (b m ).

29. The device according to any one of claims 20 to 28, Among them, wherein both the first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) are paper fiber webs.

30. The device according to claim 29, Among them, wherein the first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) each have a tensile strength in the longitudinal direction of from 13.0 N / 15 mm to 16.0 N / 15 mm and a tensile strength in the transverse direction of from 7.0 N / 15 mm to 9.5 N / 15 mm.

31. The device according to claim 29 or 30, Among them, The first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) each have air permeability in the range from 1100 l / m 2 s to 1200 l / m 2 s.

32. The device according to any one of claims 29 to 31, Among them, wherein the thickness of the strip elements (10, 10', 10”) forming the plurality of empty bags (12, 12') is in the range of from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.

33. The device according to any one of claims 29 to 32, Among them, wherein the biodegradable material has a liquid holding capacity of at least about 100 g of liquid per 100 g of dry weight of the biodegradable material, and preferably has a liquid holding capacity of at least about 200 g of liquid per 100 g of dry weight of the biodegradable material, and most preferably has a liquid holding capacity of at least 300 g of liquid per 100 g of dry weight of the biodegradable material.

34. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein, Each spacer (14, 14') includes a perforation line (19) extending along the transverse direction (d).

35. A method for planting rooted cuttings, comprising: (i) receiving a device according to any one of claims 20 to 34 having a plurality of bags (12, 12'), wherein each bag (12, 12') contains at least one rooted cutting; (ii) separating the bag (12, 12') containing at least one rooted cutting from the device; and (iii) planting the bag (12, 12') containing the at least one rooted cutting in a growth medium.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein, The growth medium is soil.

37. A system for producing a plurality of rooted cuttings from a plurality of unrooted cuttings without the aid of a substrate, the system comprising: (i) A strip element (10, 10', 10”), the strip element (10, 10', 10”) having a longitudinal dimension (L) and a transverse dimension (D) and being substantially composed of a biodegradable material, the strip element (10, 10', 10”) forming a plurality of empty bags (12, 12') arranged one after another in the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element, wherein the strip element (10, 10', 10”) has a first wall forming member (20) and a second wall forming member (22), the second wall forming member (22) being arranged to at least partially overlap the first wall forming member (20) in the longitudinal direction (l) and not completely overlap the first wall forming member (20) in the transverse direction (d) of the strip element (10, 10', 10”), wherein the first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) are fixed to each other in the longitudinal adjacent spaced regions (14, 14') of each bag (12, 12') of the strip element (10, 10', 10”) so as to define the plurality of bags (12, 12'), wherein each bag (12, 12’) has: a width (W, W') along the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element (10, 10', 10”); a depth (T) along the transverse direction (d) of the strip element (10, 10', 10”); an opening (16) at a top side (17) facing the transverse direction (d) of the strip element (10, 10', 10”); and a bottom side (16) opposite to the top side, wherein the bottom side (18) is at least partially closed, and the first wall forming member (20) extends beyond the second wall forming member (22) in the transverse direction (d) of the strip element at the top side (17) of each bag (12, 12'), and wherein the biodegradable material has a liquid holding capacity of at least about 100 grams of liquid per 100 grams of dry weight of the biodegradable material; and (ii) At least one insert inserted into each previous empty bag (12, 12').

38. The system according to claim 37, Among them, In the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element, the material length of the second wall forming member (22) of the bag (12, 12') for forming the plurality of empty bags (12, 12') exceeds the material length of the first wall forming member (20) for forming the bag (12, 12') by at least 5% to at most 10%, 20% or 30%.

39. The system according to claim 37 or 38, Among them, The shape of each bag (12) is one of substantially rectangular and substantially square.

40. The system according to claim 37 or 38, wherein, The shape of each bag (12') is tapered from its opening (16) at one side towards its bottom side (18).

41. The system according to claim 40, Among them, Each bag (12') has an upper width (W u ) at the top opening (16), and has a lower width (W l ) at the bottom side (18), and wherein the lower width (W l ) is in the range of about 50% to 70% of the upper width (W u ), preferably in the range of about 60% to 70%.

42. The system according to any one of claims 37 to 41, Among them, The longitudinal dimension of each spaced region (14, 14') is one of the following: - less than the width (W, W') of the bag (12, 12'); - at least approximately equal to the width (W, W') of the bag (12, 12'); and - greater than the width (W, W') of the bag (12, 12').

43. The system according to claim 42, Among them, In the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element, the spacing (S) between the midpoints m of successive bags (12; 12') is constant. p ​ 44. The system according to any one of claims 37 to 43, wherein, The first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) are fixed to each other in each spacer (14, 14') of the strip element (10, 10', 10") by at least one of bonding, crimping, and stitching or sewing.

45. The system according to claim 44, Among them, The first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) are fixed to each other along a zigzag-shaped joining line (b m ).

46. The system according to any one of claims 37 to 45, Among them, The first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) are both paper fiber webs.

47. The system according to claim 46, Among them, The first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) each have a tensile strength of from 13.0 N / 15 mm to 16.0 N / 15 mm in the longitudinal direction (l) and a tensile strength of from 7.0 N / 15 mm to 9.5 N / 15 mm in the transverse direction (d).

48. The system according to claim 46 or 47, Among them, The first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) each have a gas permeability in the range of from 1100 l / m 2 s to 1200 l / m 2 s.

49. The system according to any one of claims 46 to 48, Among them, The thickness of the strip element (10, 10', 10") forming the plurality of empty bags (12, 12') is in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.

50. The system according to any one of claims 46 to 49, Among them, The biodegradable material has a liquid retention capacity of at least about 200 grams of liquid, preferably at least 300 grams of liquid, per 100 grams of dry weight of the biodegradable material.

51. The system according to any one of claims 37 to 50, Among them, Each spacer (14, 14') includes a perforation line (19) extending along the transverse direction (d) of the strip element (10, 10', 10").

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