Method and system for producing a plurality of rooted cuttings from a plurality of unrooted cuttings without the aid of a substrate

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for producing a plurality of rooted cuttings from a plurality of unrooted cuttings without the aid of a substrate, comprising: - inserting at least one unrooted cutting (26) into each empty pocket (12, 12') 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 at least partially made of a biodegradable material, the strip element (10, 10', 10'') having a plurality of empty pockets (12) arranged successively one after the other in the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element; , 12′), 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 so as to at least partially overlap the first wall-forming member (20) in the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip elements (10, 10′, 10″) but not completely overlap the first wall-forming member (20) in the transverse direction (d), and the first wall-forming member (20) and the second wall-forming member (22) are arranged in each pocket (12, 12′). The spacer regions (14, 14') of longitudinally adjacent strip elements (10, 10', 10'') are secured to one another, thereby defining a plurality of pockets (12, 12'), each pocket (12, 12') having 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''), and a length (T) oriented in the transverse direction (d) of the strip element (10, 10', 10''), and at least a strip element (12, 12') having an opening (16) on a top side (17) through which at least one unrooted cutting (26) is inserted and a bottom side (18) opposite the top side, the bottom side (18) being at least partially closed, a first wall-forming member (20) extending beyond the second wall-forming member (22) in a transverse direction (d) of the strip element at the top side (17) of each pocket (12, 12'), and the biodegradable material having a liquid retention capacity of at least about 100 g of liquid per 100 g of dry weight of the biodegradable material.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Rooting cuttings is now very common in the vegetative propagation of ornamental plants and agricultural crops. For this purpose, cuttings are usually planted in a moist substrate to allow the roots to develop inside. For example, soil, perlite, vermiculite, coir, mineral wool, or expanded clay pellets may be used as the substrate. Cuttings are usually first grown in small containers and then transplanted into larger containers after the initial roots have developed, and they can later be shipped to customers. The plants are then further grown by the customer in other containers until they are ready for sale.

[0002] The described process of cultivating cuttings is relatively long and involves losses, as not all cuttings develop as planned. It would therefore be desirable 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, leads to better results, e.g., larger, more stable plants and fewer losses. Furthermore, any solution to the problem should be environmentally friendly, especially with regard to the production of waste. The object of the present invention is to provide such a solution to the above-mentioned problem.

[0003] EP 3790376 B1 discloses a method for rooting a plurality of unrooted cuttings without a substrate, using a plastic carrier strip, such as that sold by Visser Horti Systems under the name AutoStix™, which requires attaching a climatic membrane to the carrier strip so that at least the portion of the carrier strip associated with the cutting base is surrounded by the climatic membrane. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] EP3790376B1 Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned 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, the method comprising: The method includes inserting at least one unrooted cutting into each empty pocket of a plurality of empty pockets of a strip element, the strip element having a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension and being at least partially formed from a biodegradable material, the strip element forming a plurality of empty pockets arranged consecutively one after the other in the longitudinal direction of the strip element, the strip element having a first wall-forming member and a second wall-forming member, the second wall-forming member being arranged so as to at least partially overlap the first wall-forming member in the longitudinal direction of the strip element and not completely overlap the first wall-forming member in the transverse direction, the first wall-forming member and the second wall-forming member providing a longitudinal dimension to each pocket. and the biodegradable material is secured to each other at spacer regions of adjacent strip elements, thereby defining a plurality of pockets, each pocket having a width along the longitudinal direction of the strip element, a depth along the transverse direction of the strip element, an opening on 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, the bottom side being at least partially closed, a 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, and the biodegradable material having a liquid retention 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 comprises placing the strip element in a rooting station and leaving the inserted cuttings to root for a predetermined rooting period. The moistening step can advantageously be carried out at the rooting station.

[0008] Unlike known methods for producing a plurality of rooted cuttings, the method according to the present invention does not generate any waste. Specifically, the strip element forming the plurality of empty pockets (sometimes referred to as empty pouches or empty bags) is the only structural element and is substantially made of a biodegradable material. In other words, the strip element defines the boundaries of each empty pocket or pouch through its wall-forming members. "Formed at least partially from a biodegradable material" means, for example, that the strip element may be formed using some adhesive bonding, and that the adhesive or glue may or may not be fully biodegradable. However, even if a fully biodegradable adhesive or glue is used, residues of the adhesive or glue will subsequently form part of any substrate used for further cultivation of the rooted cuttings, and the amount of residue of such adhesive or glue will in any case be minimal, so that no significant waste is generated. Of course, a fully biodegradable adhesive should preferably be used. Preferably, the term "biodegradable" in this specification is understood to mean that the material used to form the strip element will biologically decompose within 50 days, more preferably within 28 days, and most preferably within about 10 days. Ideally, the material used to form the strip elements will slowly degrade when exposed to water or an aqueous solution.

[0009] The strip element of the present invention has two wall-forming members that are arranged to at least partially overlap each other in the longitudinal direction of the strip element. That is, the two wall-forming members completely overlap each other in the longitudinal direction in the area of ​​the strip element where the pockets are located, and at least partially overlap each other in the longitudinal direction in the remaining area of ​​the strip element. Furthermore, the two wall-forming members are arranged so 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, the first wall-forming member extends beyond the second wall-forming member in the transverse direction of the strip element at the upper side of each pocket to create a guide area immediately above each pocket. This guide area serves to simplify the process of widening the opening on the upper side of each pocket, thereby facilitating the insertion of unrooted cuttings into the pockets. This applies to both manual and automatic insertion of unrooted cuttings into the pockets. For example, to allow for quick and reliable insertion of unrooted cuttings into the pockets, a finger or similar element of an automated insertion device can be guided by a guide region into the top opening of any given pocket and then manipulated to widen the top opening, allowing for easy access to the pocket. The guide region created by the first wall-forming member extending across the strip element beyond the second wall-forming member at the top side of each pocket can range in width from a few millimeters to several centimeters across the strip element, as desired for any given application. In general, the width of the guide region across the strip element is selected to be as small as possible and as large as necessary to ensure a fast and reliable insertion process of unrooted cuttings. For example, the width of the guide region across the strip element can be in the range of 2 mm to 2 cm.

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

[0011] To achieve a structurally stable strip element, the first and second wall-forming members are secured to one another at spacer regions of the strip element, which are positioned adjacent to each pocket when viewed longitudinally of the strip element. The spacer regions thus provide the desired structural stability while simultaneously physically defining the boundaries of each of the plurality of pockets on each side. Furthermore, the spacer regions create the desired longitudinal spacing between adjacent pockets.

[0012] Regardless of the materials used to create the first and second wall-forming members, the resulting wall-forming members are waterproof but permeable to water and air, and importantly, have a liquid retention capacity of at least about 100 g of liquid per 100 g of dry weight of biodegradable material. In other words, the resulting wall-forming member can retain at least its own dry weight of liquid, preferably at least two or three times its own dry weight (i.e., a retention capacity of at least about 200 g of liquid per 100 g of dry weight of biodegradable material, preferably at least about 300 g of liquid per 100 g of dry weight of biodegradable material). This allows the resulting strip element to absorb and retain sufficient liquid and associated nutrients to ensure rooting of unrooted cuttings when placed in the pocket. The strip element is preferably designed to absorb the required amount of liquid quickly, i.e., within a period of several seconds to several minutes. The liquid retention properties of the strip element according to the present invention can be achieved, for example, by cellulose as a component of the material used to create the wall-forming members. Thus, both the first and second wall-forming members may be paper fiber webs, preferably based on cellulose fibers, although other or additional materials may also be used, such as so-called superabsorbents as well as plastic or natural fibers.

[0013] Here, water resistance means that the resulting strip elements do not dissolve in water or decompose too quickly when exposed to water. The materials used to make the wall-forming members can be paper-like (perforated or not), film-like (particularly perforated), woven or nonwoven. In addition to materials used to produce paper, plastic materials and natural fibers can also be considered as materials for the wall-forming members, provided that they are at least substantially biodegradable. Composite materials can also be used.

[0014] According to the present invention, the empty pockets created by joining the first and second wall-forming members together as described above are at least partially closed at the bottom and are appropriately sized to accommodate at least one unrooted cutting. In a preferred embodiment, the empty pockets created by joining the first and second wall-forming members are completely closed at the bottom. Depending on the type of unrooted cuttings to be processed, the size of each pocket is smaller (if unrooted cuttings with thin stems are being processed) or larger (if the unrooted cuttings to be processed have thicker stems). Furthermore, the size of each pocket is designed so that the unrooted cuttings inserted into the associated pockets are self-retained in those pockets.

[0015] More specifically, the strip element according to the invention is preferably provided in a form such that each cutting is reliably self-retained in its associated pocket. This can be achieved, for example, by appropriately dimensioning the pocket, according to the particular application, so that a constant clamping force is exerted by the first and second wall-forming members on the cuttings positioned therein. In order that the further development of the cuttings proceeds as uniformly as possible, all cuttings used should preferably be of substantially the same size and maturity.

[0016] Preferably, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the strip element, the length of the material of the second wall-forming member used to form one of the plurality of empty pockets exceeds the length of the material of the first wall-forming member used to form that pocket, preferably by at least 5% to 10%, 20%, or even 30%, depending on the size of the pocket required for the particular application. By using a predetermined, slightly increased amount of material in the second wall-forming member in the longitudinal direction of the strip element to form the pockets, each pocket bulges slightly outward on the side of the second wall-forming member, simplifying the process of inserting an unrooted cutting into the pocket and helping to obtain an appropriately sized pocket dimensioned to apply the desired amount of clamping force to an unrooted cutting inserted therein. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the length of the material of the second wall-forming member used to form one of the plurality of empty pockets exceeds the length of the material of the first wall-forming member used to form said pocket by at least 2% to a maximum of 30%, preferably a maximum of 20%, 10%, or 5%.

[0017] The shape of each pocket provided by the strip element according to the present invention may be one of a substantially rectangular and a substantially square. By "substantially rectangular" and "substantially square," it is meant that the shape of each pocket, pouch, or bag may have some rounded corners. Alternatively, the shape of each pocket may taper from its opening on the top side of the strip element to the opposite bottom side of the pocket. The degree of taper may vary depending on the desired application and may be a slight taper, a moderate taper, or 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 or completely closed. If the first and second wall-forming members are produced by longitudinally folding over an appropriately large piece of wall-forming material, the bottom side of each pocket is initially closed and must be partially opened, for example, by cuttings, if a partially open bottom side of each pocket is desired. If the first and second wall-forming members are initially separate elements, a closed or partially closed bottom side of each pocket can be obtained by fastening the first and second wall-forming members to each other not only in the spacer region but also in the region where the bottom side will subsequently remain closed. This can be done in the same step as the fastening performed in the spacer region of the strip element, for example, by using a heated press roll and hot-melt adhesive applied to the respective region.

[0019] To provide additional structural stability to the strip element, the edge region of at least one of the first and second wall-forming members at the bottom of the pocket of the strip element can be provided with structural reinforcement. For example, the edge region can be folded back on itself to form a thick, web-like portion extending along the entire length of the strip element at said edge, thus creating structural reinforcement along the length of the strip element. Due to the additional material thickness thus obtained, this structural reinforcement also serves to enhance the liquid-retaining capacity of the strip element at the bottom of the pocket. Alternatively or additionally, the edge region of the strip element can be provided with a separate reinforcing member. Furthermore, the structural reinforcement can be achieved by at least one of sewing / stitching, adhesively bonding, and crimping the edge region of the strip element.

[0020] As an example, the edge portion of the first wall-forming member can be folded outwardly onto itself, and the edge portion of the second wall-forming member can also be folded outwardly onto itself, with the two edge portions of the first and second wall-forming members preferably having the same width in the transverse direction of the strip element. Alternatively, the edge portion of the first wall-forming member and the edge portion of the second wall-forming member can be folded on the same side, i.e., for example, the edge portion of the first wall-forming member is folded outwardly onto itself, and the edge portion of the second wall-forming member is folded on the same side as the edge portion of the first wall-forming member so as to overlap the edge portion of the first wall-forming member. According to yet another alternative, at least one edge portion of the first and second wall-forming members can be folded inwardly onto itself before the first and second wall-forming members are joined to each other, for example by crimping or gluing.

[0021] If the first and second wall-forming members are produced by folding a suitably large piece back on itself longitudinally, i.e., if the first and second wall-forming members are produced from one piece of material as explained above, it is also possible to fold back the edge portions of the strip element. When the first and second wall-forming members are obtained by folding back a suitably large piece of wall-forming material along its length, the edge portion of the strip element located on the bottom side of the pocket can also be folded back on itself, thus creating a structurally more stable and thicker edge.

[0022] Whether one or two edge portions of the first and second wall members, respectively, are folded in the same direction or in opposite directions, the folded edge portions can be fixed in place, for example by gluing or crimping, i.e. in the same way as the first and second wall members are fixed to one another in the spacer region of the strip element, which can be achieved simultaneously with the fixing of the wall members to one another in the spacer region, or can be done separately.

[0023] It will be appreciated that the bottom side of each pocket can be closed by folding back an edge portion of the strip element. If it is desired that the bottom side of each pocket be partially open, the pockets will need to be cut open at their bottom sides as desired.

[0024] The strip element according to the present invention is highly flexible, i.e., it can be easily adapted to various needs. For example, if the cuttings to be rooted have or will form larger leaves, the spacing between successive pockets will likely need to be greater than if the cuttings to be rooted have or will form only small leaves. Similarly, the size of each pocket provided by the strip element can vary widely depending on the needs of the particular cuttings to be rooted. Specifically, the width of each pocket, which is the extent of each pocket along the length of the strip element, can vary widely to address specific requirements. For example, if the cuttings to be rooted have thin stems, the width of each pocket will be smaller than if the cuttings to be rooted have thick stems. If the pocket has a tapered shape, its width is generally measured at the center of the pocket, with the pocket having a larger width toward and at the opening on one side and a smaller width toward and at the bottom opposite that side. In preferred embodiments, the width of each pocket at its bottom side will be about 50, 60, or 70% of the width of the pocket at its opening.

[0025] The longitudinal dimension of each spacer region (i.e., its width) is: - Smaller than the width of the pocket, - at least approximately equal to the width of the pocket, and - Larger than the width of the pocket One of the following is fine. Specifically, the longitudinal dimension of each spacer region may be significantly smaller or larger than the width of the pocket, i.e., at least 10%, 20%, 30%, or 50% larger than the width of the pocket. In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal dimension of the spacer region is determined so that the spacing between the center points of the widths of consecutive pockets in the longitudinal direction of the strip element is constant regardless of the individual pocket widths. Such a constant spacing between the center points of the pocket widths is desirable and advantageous when processing the strip element according to the present invention using an automated machine. Furthermore, such a constant spacing between the center points of the pocket widths allows for space-saving placement of the strip element containing the cuttings during rooting and subsequent cultivation. In other words, such a constant spacing between the center points of the pocket widths results in a constant grid size, which is advantageous, for example, in facilitating automated processing and space-saving rooting and cultivation.

[0026] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the first and second wall-forming members are secured to each other in each spacer region of the strip element by adhesive bonding. Preferably, a hot-melt adhesive, most preferably a biodegradable hot-melt adhesive, is used. Adhesive-free bonding techniques can also be used to secure the first and second wall-forming members to each other in each spacer region of the strip element. As an example, embossing or crimping techniques well known to those skilled in the art (e.g., used in the manufacture of coffee filters) can be used in each spacer region to bond the first and second wall-forming members to each other without the use of adhesive. If desired or required to increase the bond strength, a small amount of any suitable adhesive can be used in addition to the embossing technique. Thus, the amount of adhesive required to secure the first and second wall-forming members to each other in each spacer region can be significantly reduced by using the embossing technique. Other glueless joining techniques, such as sewing or stitching or friction welding, can also be used to secure the first and second wall-forming members to each other in each spacer region of the strip element. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second wall-forming members are secured to each other using a serpentine-shaped joint line. That is, the serpentine-shaped joint line extends across the spacer region between two consecutive pockets near or at the open top side of each pocket, then extends down along one side of the pocket and across the bottom side of each pocket, thus forming a fully closed pocket at its bottom side, then extends up along the other side of the pocket toward the open top side of the pocket, thus defining each pocket on its two sides, then extends across the next spacer region between two consecutive pockets to the next pocket, and so on.

[0027] Depending on the type and structure (such as the number of layers) of the first and second wall-forming members used to make the strip element, the thickness of the strip element forming the plurality of empty pockets is preferably in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.

[0028] Within the scope of the trial test, the first and second wall-forming members each had a resistance of 1100 to 1200 l / m 2 Good results have been obtained, with the first and second wall-forming members each having a tensile strength in the machine direction (based on the paper-making process) of 13.0 N to 16.0 N / 15 mm and in the cross-machine direction (also based on the paper-making process) of 7.0 N to 9.5 N / 15 mm. A particularly suitable material for making the first and second wall-forming members is the product sold by the Danish company Ellepot A / S under the trade name Ellepot® Organic 2.0. The same company also sells another product under the trade name Ellepot® Organic 10 weeks, which is particularly suitable for making the first and second wall-forming members.

[0029] To facilitate separating a strip element of a given length into shorter portions, each spacer region preferably includes a tear line extending along the transverse direction of the strip element. Thus, by simply cutting a portion of the strip element having the desired length from the remaining length, portions of any desired length can be easily obtained without the use of any tools. Alternatively, portions of any desired length can be obtained by cutting the strip element transversely at the appropriate spacer region.

[0030] The strip elements, each containing at least one unrooted cutting in each pocket, are preferably placed in a rooting station, where the cuttings remain for a predetermined period, periodically misted for rooting. This predetermined period may last, for example, two to three weeks. At the rooting station, the strip elements create a consistent microclimate around the cuttings, particularly around the stem region of each cutting, thus enabling and facilitating the rooting process. Thanks to their water permeability and aeration properties, the strip elements maintain the microclimate around the cuttings in an optimal range for rooting. Specifically, the strip elements prevent the cutting bases from being submerged in liquid, on the one hand, and from drying out, which would promote rot and prevent the cuttings from rooting. The degree of periodic misting is appropriately adapted to the type of cuttings contained in the pockets of the strip element so that cuttings of plant species or varieties that require more water are misted more frequently than cuttings of plant species or varieties that require less moisture for rooting.

[0031] The advantages of the process according to the invention are manifold. Unrooted cuttings can be rooted without the use of any substrate and without generating any problematic waste. The invention provides an inexpensive and scalable solution that allows the transportation of rooted cuttings with a low shipping weight (due to the absence of a substrate), and furthermore, the biodegradable strip element provides rooted cuttings in a "ready-to-be-directly-transplanted form," since the rooted cuttings can be transplanted directly into a growing medium at the customer's site without first having to remove them from the pockets of the strip element. Thus, rooted cuttings can be transported from propagation countries (e.g., Africa) to sales countries (e.g., Europe or North America) without violating phytosanitary requirements (such as U.S. import laws) and environmental regulations. The weight of the shipment is much lower than usual (due to the absence of the need to transport a substrate), thus significantly reducing transportation costs. Furthermore, it is no longer necessary to transfer the rooted cuttings to a larger container before they are transported, for example, to a customer. Instead, at the end of a predetermined rooting period, which varies depending on the plant species or variety, the cuttings in the strip element are sufficiently well rooted within the strip element to be transported, for example, to a customer, who can then transfer them directly to a container in which the cuttings will be grown and / or sold.

[0032] According to the present invention, the strip elements containing the unrooted cuttings can be immersed in a hormone solution for a predetermined period of time so that the stem portion of each cutting is immersed in the hormone solution. The predetermined period during which the strip elements containing the cuttings are immersed in the hormone solution can be, for example, between 1 hour and 8 hours, and preferably about 6 hours. During the predetermined period, the cuttings in the strip elements are preferably misted periodically to prevent them from drying out.

[0033] After the specified period of time during which the cuttings are immersed in the hormone solution, the strip element acts as a buffer or storage for the hormone solution. Therefore, the time for applying the hormone solution to the stem portion of the cuttings is significantly extended. The same applies to each additional treatment carried out during the rooting process, such as fertilization and biological and fungicidal treatments. In either case, the strip element ensures that the moisture and microclimate around the cuttings are optimal for uniform callus and / or root development during the subsequent rooting stage.

[0034] Preferably, at the end of the rooting process in the rooting station, the rooted cuttings are coated with a solution containing mycorrhizae, which promotes root branching and increases the robustness of the rooted cuttings.

[0035] At this point, depending on the customer's intended further use of the strip element containing the rooted cuttings, roots protruding from the bottom of the pockets of the strip element can be trimmed off. This is recommended, especially since roots protruding from the bottom of the strip element may, for example, clog a mechanical separation device when the strip element containing the rooted cuttings is further processed by a machine. When trimming off roots protruding from the bottom of the strip element, it is important to ensure that damage to the roots is minimized, i.e., only the necessary amount is trimmed off and as little as possible is trimmed off. Trimming the roots before shipping in the described manner has the advantage that the wounds caused by the trimming close during transport to the customer, allowing the roots to re-branch and develop root hairs. Trimming the roots close to the base is advantageous because re-branching and root hair formation then occur directly at the base. Trimming the roots before shipping has a significant advantage for the customer in terms of more uniform and less problematic growth of rooted cuttings in a shorter time. Overall, the plants are more uniform, losses are reduced, and the cultivation time (i.e., the time it takes to cultivate the plants until they are ready to sell) is shorter. If the roots are not pruned back as described before shipping, most of the root hairs are at or near the root tip. During transport and subsequent further processing of such cuttings with unpruned roots, there is a risk that the root tip will break off and the root hairs at the root tip will also be lost. By pruning the roots as described before shipping, this risk is significantly reduced, and further, as described, new root branches and root hairs can develop near the base during transportation, leading to the benefits mentioned above.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the roots of the cuttings are treated with a plant strengthening agent, which further strengthens the beneficial effects explained above.

[0037] According to a second aspect, the present invention 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: a first wall-forming member formed at least in part from a biodegradable material; a second wall-forming member formed at least in part from a biodegradable material, the second wall-forming member being positioned so as to at least partially overlap the first wall-forming member in the longitudinal direction and so as not to completely overlap the first wall-forming member in the transverse direction; a plurality of empty pockets arranged consecutively in a longitudinal direction, the plurality of empty pockets being collectively formed by a first wall forming member and a second wall forming member, each pocket having a width along the longitudinal direction, a depth along the transverse direction, an opening on a top side facing in the transverse direction, and a bottom side opposite the top side, the bottom side being at least partially closed; Equipped with The present invention also provides an apparatus in which a first wall-forming member extends transversely beyond a second wall-forming member on the upper side of each pocket, and the first wall-forming member and the second wall-forming member are fixed to each other at spacer regions longitudinally adjacent each pocket, thereby defining the boundaries of a plurality of pockets.

[0038] The apparatus according to the second aspect may further comprise, separately or in any combination, any one of the particular features discussed above in relation to the strip element of the method according to the first aspect.

[0039] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides 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 made substantially of a biodegradable material having a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension, the strip element forming a plurality of empty pockets arranged consecutively one after the other in the longitudinal direction of the strip element, the strip element having a first wall-forming member and a second wall-forming member, the second wall-forming member being arranged so as to at least partially overlap the first wall-forming member in the longitudinal direction of the strip element and not completely overlap the first wall-forming member in the transverse direction, the first wall-forming member and the second wall-forming member being spacers of the strip element longitudinally adjacent each pocket; a strip element secured to one another at a region to define a plurality of pockets, each pocket having 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 the top side, the bottom side being at least partially closed, a 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, and the biodegradable material having a liquid retention capacity of at least about 100 g of liquid per 100 g of dry weight of the biodegradable material; (ii) at least one cutting inserted into each previously empty pocket; A system comprising:

[0040] Depending on the state of the rooting process, the cuttings contained in the pockets of the strip element are either unrooted (at the beginning of the rooting process), partially rooted (during the rooting process), or fully rooted (at the end of the rooting process). It is noted that according to the present invention, the pockets do not contain any substrate material, such as peat, soil, etc., traditionally 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.

[0041] The strip elements forming part of such a system may include any of the features described above in relation to the method and apparatus of the present invention.

[0042] The present invention further provides a method of planting a rooted cutting, comprising the steps of: (i) receiving a device having a plurality of pockets according to the second aspect of the present invention, each pocket containing at least one rooted cutting; (ii) separating a pocket containing at least one rooted cutting from the device; (iii) planting the pocket containing at least one rooted cutting in a growing medium; The present invention relates to a method, including:

[0043] Preferably, the growing medium is soil.

[0044] The invention will now be further described by reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which are presented to facilitate a better understanding of the invention and which in particular show some embodiments of strip elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a strip element that can be used in the method and system of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating a second embodiment of a strip element that can be used in the method and system of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3a-3d are schematic diagrams illustrating variations in the longitudinal dimension of the pocket relative to the longitudinal dimension of the spacer region of an exemplary strip element that can be used in the method and system of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3 is a more detailed perspective view of a strip element similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows a plurality of strip elements with cuttings arranged in a growing tray forming part of a rooting station (not shown). [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows a strip element provided with cuttings and arranged on a carrier plate forming part of a rooting station (not shown).

[0046] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a first schematic embodiment of a strip element or device 10 that can be used in the method and system according to the invention. The strip element 10 extends along a longitudinal direction 1 and a transverse direction d, which are the main directions of the strip element 10. The strip element 10 has a transverse dimension D (see Figure 3a) and can continue indefinitely in the longitudinal direction, but in practice is manufactured to have a desired length, resulting in a longitudinal dimension L (see Figure 3a).

[0047] The strip element 10 is designed (as further described below) to provide a plurality of empty pockets 12 arranged consecutively one after the other in the longitudinal direction 1 of the strip element 10. Each pocket 12 is separated from an adjacent pocket 12 by a spacer region 14 of the strip element 10, so that the strip element 10 consists essentially of alternating successive pockets 12 and spacer regions 14.

[0048] Each pocket 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). Furthermore, each pocket 12 has an opening 16 on a top side 17 of the strip element, the opening 16 facing in the transverse direction d of the strip element 10. In other words, the relief area or top side 17 of each opening 16 (see Figure 4) forms a plane that is at least substantially perpendicular to the transverse direction d of the strip element 10. Furthermore, each pocket 12 has a bottom side 18 opposite the side on which the opening 16 is located.

[0049] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the overall shape of each pocket 12 is substantially rectangular, and each spacer region 14 is also substantially rectangular in shape. However, in Figure 1, the longitudinal dimension, or width w s (see FIG. 3 a ) is smaller than the width W of each pocket 12 .

[0050] To provide additional structural stability to the strip element 10, the edge region 21 of the strip element 10 on the pocket bottom side can be provided with a structural reinforcement (not shown). For example, the edge region 21 can be folded back on itself to form a thick, web-like portion extending along the entire length of the strip element 10 at said edge, thus creating a structural reinforcement in the longitudinal direction 1 of the strip element. Due to the additional material thickness thus obtained, such a structural reinforcement can also serve to improve the liquid retention capacity of the strip element 10 on its pocket bottom side. Alternatively or additionally, the edge region 21 of the strip element 10 can be provided with a separate reinforcement member (not shown). Furthermore, the structural reinforcement can be achieved by at least one of sewing / stitching, adhesive bonding, and crimping (not shown) the edge region 21 of the strip element 10.

[0051] Many different embodiments of the strip element 10 are possible, as shown schematically in Figures 3a to 3d. In Figure 3a, each pocket 12 and each spacer region 14 is approximately square in shape, with a width w s is equal to the width W of each pocket 12. In Figure 3b, each pocket 12 is substantially square in shape and each spacer region 14 is rectangular in shape. The longitudinal dimension or width w of each spacer region 14 s is significantly greater than the width W of each pocket 12. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 3c, the longitudinal dimension or width w of each spacer region 14 is s may be significantly smaller than the width W of each pocket 12. In Figure 3c, the pockets 12 have a substantially rectangular shape, and each spacer region 14 is substantially square in shape. Finally, as shown in Figure 3d, both the pockets 12 and the spacer regions 14 may have a substantially rectangular shape, and the longitudinal dimension or width w of each spacer region 14 may be s may be equal to the width W of each pocket 12.

[0052] 3a-3d are merely exemplary embodiments illustrating possible shape and size relationships between pockets 12 and spacer regions 14. Generally, if pockets 12 are intended to receive thinner-stemmed unrooted cuttings, the width W of pockets 12 will be smaller, and if pockets 12 are intended to accommodate thicker-stemmed unrooted cuttings, the width W of each pocket 12 will be larger. Similarly, if the unrooted cuttings being treated have only small leaves (or only small leaves grow during rooting), the width w of each spacer region 14 will be smaller. s will be smaller, and if the unrooted cuttings being treated have larger leaves (or will develop larger leaves during rooting), the width w of each spacer region 14 will be s becomes larger.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal dimension of the spacer regions 14, i.e., their width w s (or if the pocket is tapered s ') is the center point m of the continuous pockets 12, 12' in the longitudinal direction l of the strip elements 10, 10', 10'' p The spacing S between the pockets is set to be constant regardless of the individual pocket widths W and W' (see Figure 3a).

[0054] As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, tear lines 19 may be provided in each spacer region 14 so that strip elements 10 of any desired length may be separated from the remaining strip elements without the need for a tool. These tear lines 19 are only shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, but may of course be provided on any embodiment of a strip element according to the present invention.

[0055] 2 shows a schematic side view of a second schematic embodiment of a strip element 10' that can be used in the method and system according to the present invention. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that the shape of each pocket 12' is tapered. Specifically, the shape of each pocket 12' tapers from its opening 16 at the top side 17 towards its bottom side 18. Consequently, the shape of each spacer region 14' tapers in the opposite direction. Although not shown, the width W' of each pocket 12' measured at the centre of the pocket with respect to the transverse direction d of the strip element 10 and the width w of each spacer region 14 are s The relationship between the width W and the width W of the unrooted cuttings may be varied to accommodate thinner and thicker stems and smaller and larger leaves, respectively, of the unrooted cuttings being treated, just as described with respect to Figures 3a to 3d. When the shape of each pocket 12' is tapered from its opening toward its bottom side, each pocket 12' has an upper width W at the top opening 16. u and a lower width W at the bottom side 18. l (See Figure 2) and has an upper width W u is the bottom width W l In a preferred embodiment, the lower width W l is the upper width W u In another preferred embodiment, the lower width W l is the upper width W u This is about 60% to 70% of the total.

[0056] Still referring to FIG. 1, the bottom side 18 of each pocket 12, 12' may be partially closed (as shown in FIG. 1) or may be fully closed (as shown, for example, in FIG. 3d).

[0057] FIG. 4 shows a more detailed perspective view of an embodiment of a strip element 10″ similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Several tear lines 19 are shown in FIG. 4, although as shown in FIG. 2, there can be more tear lines 19. Each 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 is arranged to at least partially overlap the first wall-forming member 20 in the longitudinal direction 1 of the strip element 10, 10′, 10″. As also shown in FIG. 4, the second wall-forming member 22 does not completely overlap the first wall-forming member 20 in the transverse direction d of the strip element 10, 10′, 10″, i.e., 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 web-shaped and at least substantially made of a biodegradable material. For example, both the first wall-forming member 20 and the second wall-forming member 22 may be paper fiber webs. The first wall-forming member 20 and the second wall-forming member 22 may each have one or more layers (not shown). The first wall-forming member 20 and the second wall-forming member 22 may each be of woven or nonwoven construction. Preferably, the first and second wall-forming members 20, 22 each consist primarily of fibers, such as cellulose fibers.

[0058] To form the pockets 12, 12′, the first wall-forming member 20 and the second wall-forming member 22 are secured to one another at the spacer regions 14, 14′ of the strip elements 10, 10′, 10″, respectively. Thus, each spacer region 14, 14′ provides structural integrity to the strip elements 10, 10′, 10″, while effectively physically defining one side of the adjacent pockets 12, 12′. Securement of the first wall-forming member 20 to the second wall-forming member 22 at the spacer regions 14, 14′ can be achieved by a thermoplastic glue, such as a hot-melt adhesive, although glue-free fastening is also possible, for example, by applying an embossing or crimping technique to the spacer regions 14, 14′. If glue is used, the glue is preferably a biodegradable glue, such as a starch-based glue.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the first wall-forming member 20 and the second wall-forming member 22 are joined by a serpentine-shaped joining line b m In Fig. 3d, the serpentine-shaped joining line b m Although the bond line is shown as continuous, it can also be intermittent. As shown in Figure 3d, the bond line b has a serpentine shape. m extends near or at the open top side 17 of each pocket 12, across the spacer region 14 between two consecutive pockets 12, then extends down along one side of the pockets 12 and across the bottom side 18 of each pocket 12, thus forming a fully closed pocket at its bottom side 18, and then joins the join line b m extends along the other side of the pocket 12 upward toward the open top side 17 of the pocket 12, so that each pocket 12 is bounded on its two sides, and then the join line b m extends across the next spacer region 14 between two consecutive pockets to the next pocket 12, and so on.

[0060] As can be inferred from Figure 4, when joining the first wall-forming member 20 to the second wall-forming member 22, the second wall-forming member 22 is fed at a slightly faster speed than the first wall-forming member 20 so that more material of the second wall-forming member is available to form the pocket 12' in the region of the pocket 12, 12'. As known to those skilled in the art, joining the first and second wall-forming members 20, 22 can be achieved by two press rolls in contact with each other, which may have different rotational speeds. Furthermore, as can also be inferred from Figure 4, at the upper side 17 of each pocket 12, 12', the first wall-forming member 20 extends beyond the second wall-forming member 22 in the transverse direction d of the strip element, thus creating a funnel-like surface or more generally a guide area 24 that effectively serves to guide the stems of the unrooted cuttings (not shown) into the respective pocket 12, 12', thereby facilitating the insertion of the unrooted cuttings into the pocket 12, 12'. The width w of the guide region 24 in the transverse direction d of the strip element GA (see FIG. 4) may be, for example, in the range of 2 mm to 2 cm, preferably in the range of 4 mm to 1 cm.

[0061] FIG. 5 shows how strip elements 10 (or 10′ or 10″) containing unrooted cuttings 26 are positioned in a rooting station. FIG. 5 shows a perspective top view of a plastic growing tray 28 conventionally used for growing cuttings or seedlings using a substrate. The growing tray 28 has a plurality of grooves or trenches 30 designed to receive substrate material. An opening 32 at the bottom of each trench 30 serves to drain excess fluid. However, for the present invention, the trenches 30 do not contain substrate material. Instead, strip elements 10, 10′, 10″ containing unrooted cuttings 26 and cut or fabricated to lengths corresponding to the length of each trench 30 are placed in the trenches 30. The growing tray 28 containing the plurality of strip elements 10, 10′, 10″ containing unrooted cuttings 26 is then positioned in a rooting station (not shown) for further processing.

[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment. Instead of the growing tray 28 shown in FIG. 5, a plate 34 is used, which has several rows of protruding pins 36. The pins 36 within each row are spaced apart, and each row of pins 36 is laterally spaced apart from any adjacent rows of pins 36. As shown, strip elements 10, 10', 10'' containing unrooted cuttings 26 can be placed on the plate 34 so that each pocket 12 is positioned between two adjacent rows of protruding pins 36, with the entire strip element 10 meandering between the rows of protruding pins 36. Also as shown in FIG. 6, the pockets 12 at the beginning and end of the strip element 10 can be left empty to ensure the beginning and end of the strip element 10 are properly positioned by fitting the two empty pockets 12 onto the corresponding protruding pins 36. Like the growing tray 28, the plate 34 can be positioned within a rooting station (not shown) for further processing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0063] An exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention is described in more detail herein below. Cuttings of Gaura Lindheimerii cultivar Belleza® Dark Pink were rooted. To do this, unrooted cuttings of essentially uniform size and maturity were first inserted into strip elements such as strip elements 10, 10', and 10'' discussed above. The strip elements were made from a web using a product sold by the Danish company Ellepot A / S under the trade name Ellepot® Organic 2.0. The web had a liquid absorption capacity of approximately 340 g per 100 g of dry material. Further experiments were carried out using a product sold by the Danish company Ellepot A / S under the trade name Ellepot® Organic 10 weeks.

[0064] The strip elements containing the unrooted cuttings were then immersed in a 30 ppm IBA hormone solution for 6 hours, with the lower stem portions of the cuttings submerged. Periodic misting was performed between treatments with the hormone solution to prevent the cuttings from drying out.

[0065] The strip elements ensure that the microclimate around the cuttings is maintained within optimal ranges for uniform callus and root development.

[0066] The strip elements containing the unrooted cuttings were then maintained in rooting containers (e.g., as shown in Figures 5 and 6) in a rooting station for three weeks to allow the rooting process to occur. The rooting station (not shown) is a temperature-regulated area with controlled light and humidity. Moisture was provided by misting, which was supplemented with fertilizer (fertilizer with an EC value of 1.8). Initially, misting was performed every 10 minutes for 10 seconds. Over the first two weeks, misting intervals were gradually increased until the cuttings were strong enough to stop. During the week before the end of the rooting period, cuttings were manually pinched with scissors. At the end of the rooting period, i.e., several days before shipping, the cuttings were treated with a mycorrhizal coating to promote root branching and increase durability. The day before shipping, the cuttings were also treated preventatively with a broad-spectrum fungicide.

[0067] At the end of the rooting period, the cuttings in the now-rooted strip elements were prepared for transport. To do this, the roots protruding from the bottom of each strip element were cut off. This cutting back was necessary so that the strip elements containing the cuttings could be further processed by machinery at the customer's (often the end-product manufacturer's) site. However, root cutting back also resulted in the rapid formation of new root branches and root hairs at the base of the cuttings during transport. To further support the formation of these new root branches and root hairs, fertilizer and plant strengthener solutions were applied. Thus, the microclimate created around the cuttings during transport promotes the development of new root branches and root hairs at the base.

[0068] The strip elements containing the rooted cuttings can be further processed by machine or by hand at the customer site and can be placed directly into a larger container containing a growing medium, for example soil, without the need to remove the strip elements.

Claims

1. 1. A method for producing a plurality of rooted cuttings from a plurality of unrooted cuttings without the aid of a substrate, comprising: - inserting at least one unrooted cutting (26) into each empty pocket (12, 12') of a plurality of empty pockets (12, 12') of a strip element (10, 10', 10''), said strip element (10, 10', 10'') having a longitudinal dimension (L) and a transverse dimension (D) and being at least partially made of a biodegradable material, said strip element (10, 10', 10'') forming said plurality of empty pockets (12, 12') arranged successively one after the other in the longitudinal direction (l) of said strip element; 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 so as to at least partially overlap the first wall-forming member (20) in the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element (10, 10', 10'') but not completely overlap the first wall-forming member (20) in the transverse direction (d), and the first wall-forming member (20) and the second wall-forming member (22) being arranged adjacent to each pocket (12, 12') in the longitudinal direction. The strip elements (10, 10', 10'') are fixed to each other at spacer regions (14, 14') of the adjacent strip elements (10, 10', 10''), thereby defining a plurality of pockets (12, 12'), each pocket (12, 12') having 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''), and oriented in the transverse direction (d) of the strip element (10, 10', 10''), and the at least one a strip element (12, 12') having an opening (16) on a top side (17) through which an unrooted cutting (26) is inserted, and a bottom side (18) opposite the top side, the bottom side (18) being at least partially closed, the first wall-forming member (20) extending 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 the biodegradable material having a liquid retention capacity of at least about 100 g of liquid per 100 g of dry weight of biodegradable material.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein in the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element, the length of material of the second wall-forming member (22) used to form one of the plurality of empty pockets (12, 12') exceeds the length of material of the first wall-forming member (20) used to form the pocket (12, 12') by at least 5% and up to 10%, 20%, or 30%.

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

4. 3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the shape of each pocket (12') is tapered from its opening (16) on said one side towards its bottom side (18).

5. Each pocket (12') has an upper width (W ｕ ) and the lower width (W ｌ ) and the lower width (W ｌ ) is the upper width (W ｕ 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the ratio of the total number of particles to the total number of particles is in the range of about 50% to 70%, preferably in the range of about 60% to 70%.

6. The longitudinal dimension of each spacer region (14, 14') is: smaller than the width (W) of the pockets (12, 12'), - at least approximately equal to said width (W) of said pocket (12, 12'); and greater than the width (W) of the pockets (12, 12') 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is one of:

7. In the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element, the central points (m ｐ 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the spacing (S) between the first and second electrodes is constant.

8. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first wall-forming member (20) and the second wall-forming member (22) are fixed to each other in each spacer region (14, 14') of the strip element (10, 10', 10'') by at least one of adhesive bonding, crimping, stitching or sewing.

9. The first wall-forming member (20) and the second wall-forming member (22) are joined by a serpentine-shaped joining line (b ｍ 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first and second electrodes are fixed along the same axis.

10. 10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first wall-forming member (20) and the second wall-forming member (22) are both paper fibre webs.

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

12. Both the first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) have a flow rate of 1100 to 1200 l / m ２ 12. The method of claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the porous membrane has an air permeability in the range of s.

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

14. 14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the biodegradable material has a liquid retention capacity of at least about 200 g of liquid, preferably at least 300 g of liquid per 100 g of dry weight of biodegradable material.

15. 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the liquid is an aqueous solution containing at least one of nutrients, growth promoters, endophytes, growth regulators, and rooting hormones.

16. 16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising the step of: at the end of a predetermined rooting period, dispatching the strip element (10, 10', 10'') with rooted cuttings for further processing, or separating the strip element (10, 10', 10'') into sections each with at least one rooted cutting and dispatching the sections for further processing.

17. 17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein each spacer region (14, 14') comprises a perforation line (19) extending along the transverse direction (d) of the strip element (10, 10', 10'').

18. 18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising the step of wetting each empty pocket (12, 12') with a liquid before or after inserting the unrooted cuttings (26) into the empty pockets (12, 12').

19. 19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising the step of placing the strip element (10, 10', 10'') in a rooting station and leaving the inserted cuttings to take root for a predetermined rooting period.

20. 1. 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) formed at least in part from a biodegradable material; a second wall-forming member (22) formed at least in part from said biodegradable material and arranged so as to at least partially overlap said first wall-forming member (20) in the longitudinal direction (l) but not completely overlap said first wall-forming member (20) in the transverse direction (d); a plurality of empty pockets (12, 12') arranged successively one after the other in the longitudinal direction (l), the plurality of empty pockets (12, 12') being collectively formed by the first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22), each pocket (12, 12') having a width (W, W') along the longitudinal direction (l), a depth (T) along the transverse direction (d), an opening (16) on a top side (17) facing the transverse direction (d), and a bottom side (18) opposite the top side, the bottom side (18) being at least partially closed; Equipped with the first wall-forming member (20) extends beyond the second wall-forming member (22) in the transverse direction (d) at the upper side (17) of each pocket (12, 12'), and the first wall-forming member (20) and the second wall-forming member (22) are fixed to each other at spacer regions (14, 14') longitudinally adjacent each pocket (12, 12'), thereby defining the boundaries of a plurality of pockets (12, 12').

21. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein in the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element, the length of material of the second wall-forming member (22) used to form one of the plurality of empty pockets (12, 12') exceeds the length of material of the first wall-forming member (20) used to form the pocket (12, 12') by at least 5% and up to 10%, 20%, or 30%.

22. 22. Apparatus according to claim 20 or claim 21, characterized in that the shape of each pocket (12) is one of a substantially rectangular and a substantially square.

23. 22. Apparatus according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the shape of each pocket (12') is tapered from its opening (16) on one side towards its bottom side (18).

24. Each pocket (12') has an upper width (W ｕ ) and the lower width (W ｌ ) and the lower width (W ｌ ) is the upper width (W ｕ 24. The device of claim 23, wherein the saturation is in the range of about 50% to 70%, preferably in the range of about 60% to 70% of the saturation.

25. The longitudinal dimension of each spacer region (14, 14') is: smaller than the width (W, W') of the pocket (12, 12'), at least approximately equal to said width (W, W') of said pocket (12, 12'); and greater than the width (W, W') of the pocket (12, 12') 25. The device according to any one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that it is one of:

26. In the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element, the central points (m ｐ 26. The device according to claim 25, wherein the spacing (S) between the electrodes is constant.

27. 27. The device 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 spacer region (14, 14') of the strip element (10, 10', 10'') by at least one of adhesive bonding, crimping, stitching or sewing.

28. The first wall-forming member (20) and the second wall-forming member (22) are joined by a serpentine-shaped joining line (b ｍ 28. The device of claim 27, wherein the two are fixed along the same axis.

29. 29. Apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 28, characterized in that the first wall-forming member (20) and the second wall-forming member (22) are both paper fibre webs.

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

31. The first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) each have a flow rate of 1100 to 1200 l / m ２ 31. A device according to claim 29 or claim 30, characterized in that it has an air permeability in the range of s.

32. 32. Apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that the thickness of the strip element (10, 10', 10'') forming the plurality of empty pockets (12, 12') is in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.

33. 33. A device according to any one of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that the biodegradable material has a liquid retention capacity of at least about 100g of liquid per 100g of dry weight of biodegradable material, preferably at least about 200g of liquid per 100g of dry weight of biodegradable material, most preferably at least 300g of liquid per 100g of dry weight of biodegradable material.

34. 34. A device according to any one of claims 29 to 33, characterized in that each spacer region (14, 14') comprises a perforation line (19) extending along said transverse direction (d).

35. 1. A method of planting a rooted cutting, comprising: (i) receiving a device having a plurality of pockets (12, 12') according to any one of claims 20 to 34, each pocket (12, 12') containing at least one rooted cutting; (ii) separating the pocket (12, 12') containing at least one rooted cutting from said device; (iii) planting said pocket (12, 12') containing said at least one rooted cutting in a growing medium; A method comprising:

36. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the growing medium is soil.

37. 1. 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'') having a longitudinal dimension (L) and a transverse dimension (D) and made substantially of a biodegradable material, said strip element (10, 10', 10'') forming a plurality of empty pockets (12, 12') arranged successively one after the other in the longitudinal direction (l) of said strip element, said strip element (10, 10', 10'') comprising a first wall-forming member (20) and a second wall-forming member (22) of said strip element (10, 10', 10''; and a second wall-forming member (22) arranged so as to at least partially overlap the first wall-forming member (20) in the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element (10, 10', 10'') and not to completely overlap the first wall-forming member (20) in the transverse direction (d), and the first wall-forming member (20) and the second wall-forming member (22) are spaced apart in spacer regions (14, 14') of the strip element (10, 10', 10'') longitudinally adjacent to each pocket (12, 12'). and fixed to one another by means of a strip element (10, 10', 10''), thereby defining the boundaries of said plurality of pockets (12, 12'), each pocket (12, 12') having a width (W, W') along the longitudinal direction of said strip element (10, 10', 10''), a depth (T) along the transverse direction (d) of said strip element (10, 10', 10''), an opening (16) on an upper side (17) facing in the transverse direction (d) of said strip element (10, 10', 10''), and a width (T) of said upper side (17) facing in the transverse direction (d) of said strip element (10, 10', 10''). a strip element (10, 10', 10'') having a bottom side (18) opposite the bottom side (18), said bottom side (18) being at least partially closed, said first wall-forming member (20) extending beyond said second wall-forming member (22) in said transverse direction (d) of said strip element at said top side (17) of each pocket (12, 12'), said biodegradable material having a liquid retention capacity of at least about 100 g of liquid per 100 g of dry weight of biodegradable material; (ii) at least one cutting inserted into each previously empty pocket (12, 12'); A system comprising:

38. 38. The system of claim 37, wherein in the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element, the length of material of the second wall-forming member (22) used to form one of the plurality of empty pockets (12, 12') exceeds the length of material of the first wall-forming member (20) used to form the pocket (12, 12') by at least 5% and up to 10%, 20%, or 30%.

39. 39. A system according to claim 37 or claim 38, wherein the shape of each pocket (12) is one of a substantially rectangular and a substantially square.

40. 39. A system according to claim 37 or claim 38, characterized in that the shape of each pocket (12') is tapered from its opening (16) on said one side towards its bottom side (18).

41. Each pocket (12') has an upper width (W ｕ ) and the lower width (W ｌ ) and the lower width (W ｌ ) is the upper width (W ｕ 41. The system of claim 40, wherein the ratio of the number of pixels to the total number of pixels is in the range of about 50% to 70%, preferably in the range of about 60% to 70%.

42. The longitudinal dimension of each spacer region (14, 14') is: smaller than the width (W, W') of the pocket (12, 12'), at least approximately equal to said width (W, W') of said pocket (12, 12'); and greater than the width (W, W') of the pocket (12, 12') characterized in that it is one of 42. A system according to any one of claims 37 to 41.

43. In the longitudinal direction (l) of the strip element, the central points (m ｐ 43. The system of claim 42, wherein the spacing (S) between the first and second electrodes is constant.

44. 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 region (14, 14') of the strip element (10, 10', 10'') by at least one of adhesive bonding, crimping, stitching or sewing.

45. The first wall-forming member (20) and the second wall-forming member (22) are joined by a serpentine-shaped joining line (b ｍ 45. The system of claim 44, wherein the two are fixed to each other along the axis.

46. 46. ​​A system according to any one of claims 37 to 45, wherein the first wall-forming member (20) and the second wall-forming member (22) are both paper fibre webs.

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

48. Both the first wall forming member (20) and the second wall forming member (22) have a flow rate of 1100 to 1200 l / m ２ 48. The system of claim 46 or 47, wherein the system has an air permeability in the range of s.

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

50. 50. A system according to any one of claims 46 to 49, characterized in that the biodegradable material has a liquid retention capacity of at least about 200g of liquid, preferably at least 300g of liquid per 100g of dry weight of biodegradable material.

51. 51. A system according to any one of claims 37 to 50, characterized in that each spacer region (14, 14') comprises a perforation line (19) extending along the transverse direction (d) of the strip element (10, 10', 10'').

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