Protective coating agent for damaged cut surfaces of trees and method for tree repair.

Abstract

The cut surfaces of trees after pruning or felling are susceptible to pathogenic infection and necrosis due to drying. Conventional asphalt-based and vinyl acetate-based coatings lack flexibility, breathability, and antibacterial properties, and therefore could not adequately promote bark regeneration. In particular, there was a need for a material that could provide both long-term protection and promote callus formation. [Solution] The present invention relates to a protective coating agent that uses a silicone resin as a base material and contains at least one of an antibacterial agent, a fungicide, an antifungal agent, and a plant hormone promoter. By applying the protective coating agent to a cut surface and curing it at room temperature, a flexible and breathable film is formed, which suppresses the growth of microorganisms while promoting callus formation. It shows a superior recovery effect over a long period after cutting compared to the case of no treatment, and significantly improves bark regeneration.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to promoting healing and preventing infection of cut surfaces or damaged areas of trees caused by pruning, felling, transplanting, or wind damage or human-induced damage. More specifically, it relates to a covering and protective agent and a method of using it for covering and protecting these damaged areas to promote callus (healing tissue derived from the cambium) formation and prevent the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms such as decay fungi, bacteria, and filamentous fungi.

[0002] Traditionally, cut surfaces and damaged areas of trees caused by pruning, transplanting, or weather-related disasters are susceptible to decay due to the proliferation of decay fungi and pathogens triggered by drying and rainwater intrusion, potentially leading to internal wood decay. Therefore, various protective agents have been used to maintain the healthy growth of trees. Representative examples include Topjin M Paste (a thiophanate-methyl-containing fungicide; Topjin is a registered trademark of Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.), Kininuuru (a soot / chitosan-containing coating agent; Kininuuru is a registered trademark of Bokundo Co., Ltd.), and woodworking adhesive (vinyl acetate resin-based). Simple coverings using India ink, paint, and aluminum foil have also been attempted in some cases.

[0003] However, each of these conventional materials has clear drawbacks. Wood glue has excellent initial adhesion but extremely low breathability, and mold and fungal growth, as well as film peeling, are often observed. Aluminum foil has a drying effect but is completely opaque, promoting insect damage and the growth of decay fungi. Topjin M paste has excellent antibacterial effects, but it is a registered pesticide and is subject to restrictions in handling and environmental regulations. Furthermore, none of these materials are intended to support the "physiological healing response" such as activating the cambium of the tree itself or inducing callus tissue.

[0004] In fact, Non-Patent Literature 1 ("Ueki Center Newsletter," 2017, No. 1, Vol. 130)) describes a pruning wound test comparing Topjin M paste, Callusmate, wood glue, and India ink. The results showed that while all commercially available products exhibited a certain level of waterproofing and antibacterial effect, deterioration and peeling of the coating, delayed callus growth, and mold growth under the applied area were reported. In particular, it was pointed out that with wood glue and Callusmate, the coating often cracked within a year, requiring reapplication. These findings demonstrate that conventional materials excel in short-term barrier performance but lack long-term healing promotion and moisture permeability control functions.

[0005] Furthermore, a similar trend can be seen in existing patent documents. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-4802 (Applicant: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)) discloses a treatment method in which an organopolysiloxane composition is hardened and coated after removing the decayed part, but this is intended for internal repair and not for inducing regeneration on the pruned surface of a healthy tree. In addition, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-333543 (Applicant: Binsho Co., Ltd.)) describes a repair material containing a preservative for fruit trees, Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-262786 (Applicant: Meisei Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)) describes a coating for pest control, and Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-246496 (Applicant: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.)) describes a silicone-containing pesticide paste, all of which are primarily intended for pest control and do not possess moisture permeability or callus formation promoting functions.

[0006] Thus, much of the conventional technology is based on the idea of ​​"external barrier and control," lacking coordinated design with the internal physiological responses of trees. Prioritizing moisture control leads to excessive drying of the interior, while prioritizing breathability increases the risk of fungal invasion from the outside; the trade-off between waterproofing and breathability remains unresolved. In addition, there are many practical challenges in the field, such as reliance on pesticide components, insufficient weather resistance of the coating, and poor workability during application and re-application. These problems have been commonly pointed out at tree management sites throughout Japan, and there is a strong demand for the development of materials that can safely and long-term support bark regeneration without the use of pesticides.

[0007] Therefore, in the repair of bark on pruned and cut surfaces of trees, there is a need for a new non-pesticide type protective coating that properly balances waterproofing and breathability, prevents the invasion of decay fungi and molds, promotes callus formation in trees, and maintains stable flexibility and weather resistance over the long term. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-4802 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-333543 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-262786 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-246496 [Non-patent literature]

[0009] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Aichi Prefectural Forestry Promotion Foundation Tree Center Newsletter" 2017, Issue 1 (Vol. 130) [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] As mentioned above, conventional tree cut surface protection materials are all designed primarily for waterproofing and have been unable to simultaneously satisfy the requirements of breathability, flexibility, weather resistance, and promotion of physiological regeneration. While vinyl acetate resin-based materials such as wood glue and Callusmate offer good adhesion immediately after application, they have the drawback of poor moisture permeability, making them susceptible to mold and fungal growth beneath the coating. Furthermore, cracking and peeling of the coating occur within a few months of outdoor exposure. On the other hand, pesticide-based control agents such as Topjin M paste are effective in suppressing pathogens, but they are subject to usage restrictions under the Agricultural Chemicals Control Law and have environmental impact issues. Moreover, all of these materials fundamentally lack a design philosophy that actively supports the tree's own physiological healing response (callus formation).

[0011] Furthermore, a report by the Aichi Prefectural Forestry Promotion Foundation's Tree Center (Non-Patent Literature 1) compared various commercially available protective agents and found that while they showed waterproofing effects in the short term, in the long term, deterioration of the coating, the need for reapplication, and mold growth under coating were confirmed, demonstrating that conventional materials make it difficult to stably induce regeneration of pruned surfaces. Moreover, while existing silicone coating technologies (Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-4802, etc.) have excellent weather resistance, they lack a structure that imparts antibacterial properties and promotes plant physiology, and do not go beyond being merely an external barrier coating.

[0012] Therefore, conventional technologies have yet to establish a method that simultaneously satisfies the following requirements: achieving both waterproofing and breathability to avoid hindering tree respiration and moisture regulation; suppressing the invasion of mold, decay fungi, and pathogens over the long term; promoting callus formation, the tree's natural healing response, to support regeneration; and forming a flexible coating that adheres stably for a long period in outdoor environments.

[0013] The present invention aims to solve these problems by providing a non-pesticide type covering and protective agent that integrates waterproofing, breathability, antibacterial properties, and regeneration-inducing properties, as well as a method for using it. This makes it possible to safely and reliably repair and protect wounds caused by pruning, cutting, or other damage over a long period of time, and to create a new healing environment that promotes the healthy regeneration of trees. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] In order to develop a coating protection material that simultaneously satisfies antibacterial properties, moisture permeability, elasticity, and weather resistance during the bark regeneration process on the cut surface of a tree after pruning and does not require reapplication for a long period of time, the inventors conducted comparative demonstration tests on various resin-based substrates and additives. As a result, it was found that a composition using a silicone resin as the base material and blended with an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent, and a plant hormone promoter at appropriate ratios exhibited the highest "recovery rate", "crater volume", and "resilience", and was extremely effective in promoting the repair of the cut surface.

[0015] That is, one aspect of the present invention is a coating protection agent applied to the pruning surface or cut surface or damaged part of a tree, (A) A silicone resin, (B) An antibacterial agent and / or an antifungal agent, (C) A plant hormone promoter, (D) Optionally contains a plant vitality agent, By blending these in appropriate ratios, it is a composition having bark formation promoting properties, antibacterial properties, flexibility, moisture permeability, and weather resistance.

[0016] As the silicone resin, a one-component oxime-curing type silicone sealant having room temperature curability (for example, Semedine 8090: Semedine is a registered trademark of Semedine Co., Ltd.) is suitable. For 100 parts by weight of the silicone resin, the total amount of the antibacterial agent and the antifungal agent is about 3 to 5% by weight, the plant hormone promoter is 0.5 to 5% by weight, and further, if necessary, the plant vitality agent is 0.05 to 3% by weight. By this, in the observation for 400 days after pruning, a recovery area at least twice or more that of the untreated control and a remarkable increase in crater volume were obtained.

[0017] As antibacterial agents, streptomycin sulfate and oxytetracycline hydrochloride are effective, and as fungicides, titanium oxide for photocatalyst and copper(II) hydroxide are effective. By combining these, it is possible to maintain the protective layer while suppressing the growth of microorganisms and without inhibiting the progress of bark swelling (crater formation). As a plant hormone promoter, it is preferable to use a plant hormone promoter containing indole-3-acetic acid or its salts as an active ingredient, which significantly improves the start time of callus formation and the growth rate of thickness.

[0018] In addition, when an iron-containing plant vitality agent is added, activation of cell division and iron supply in the regenerated tissue increase the crater volume and the regenerated thickness, and the resilience of the pruning surface tends to be further enhanced. On the other hand, when a high concentration of a bactericide such as hypochlorous acid is added, bark regeneration tends to be suppressed, so the blending amount of the antibacterial and bactericidal agents is preferably adjusted within the range of 0.05 to 0.5% by weight.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for tree restoration using the above coating protective agent. That is, the composition is applied to the cut surface and damaged part after pruning or felling by one application within 24 hours from pruning, and is cured at room temperature within the range of 5 to

[0020] 35°C to form a flexible film with a film thickness of 2 to 7 mm. The cured film has physical properties such as an elongation rate of 50 to 200% and a Shore A hardness of 20 to 60, and maintains an adherent state while following the deformation of bark swelling.

[0020] The formed film suppresses the growth of microorganisms while maintaining moisture permeability, and promotes callus formation and the generation of new bark of the tree. At the time point 400 days after pruning, it was confirmed that the recovery area was more than twice that of the untreated control compared to the untreated control, and the crater volume also increased significantly. In particular, even when applied to the main branch part (trunk diameter 5 cm or more) of fruit trees or street trees, no peeling or deterioration was observed, and the protective effect lasted for a long time with one application. Therefore, the coating protective agent and the tree restoration method of the present invention have a remarkable advantage over conventional vinyl acetate-based and acrylic-based protective agents in that they simultaneously achieve the promotion of bark regeneration on the pruning surface and cut surface and the prevention of invasion of pathogenic microorganisms.

Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, a protective coating agent can be provided that uses a silicone resin as a base material and appropriately blends an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent, and a plant hormone promoter. When applied to cut surfaces or damaged areas after pruning or felling of trees, this composition achieves both a high bark regeneration promoting effect and antibacterial properties that could not be obtained with conventional vinyl acetate-based or acrylic coating agents.

[0022] The protective coating of the present invention readily hardens at room temperature, forming a flexible film with high elasticity that follows the growth of bark bulging and callus formation, and is resistant to peeling. As a result, it can stably protect the cut surface for a long period of time without hindering the formation of regenerated bark. In particular, when a one-component oxime-curing type silicone sealant is used as the silicone resin, the balance between weather resistance and elasticity is extremely good, and it has been confirmed that the recovered area after 400 days after pruning is at least twice that of the untreated control.

[0023] Furthermore, by using streptomycin sulfate and oxytetracycline hydrochloride as antibacterial agents, and by including photocatalytic titanium dioxide and copper(II) hydroxide as antifungal agents, moisture permeability can be maintained while suppressing microbial growth, effectively preventing decay and pathogen invasion. In addition, by incorporating indole-3-acetic acid as a plant hormone promoter, the rate of callus formation and new bark generation of trees is significantly improved, enabling early closure of the cut surface by the bark.

[0024] In addition, by adding a small amount of iron-containing plant stimulant, cell division is activated and the thickness of regenerated tissue is increased, allowing both recovery capacity (regenerated volume) and bark thickness to be maintained at a high level. Furthermore, by controlling the amount of antibacterial and antifungal agents to an appropriate range (total 3-5% by weight), it is possible to prevent phytotoxicity to plants while ensuring antiseptic effects.

[0025] According to the tree restoration method of the present invention, by applying the composition to the cut surface after pruning or felling within 24 hours of pruning and allowing it to harden at room temperature (5-35°C), the method is less affected by environmental fluctuations and offers high workability. A single application forms a coating thickness of 2-7 mm, achieving both durability and flexibility, resulting in a flexible yet tough protective layer with an elongation rate of 50-200% and a Shore A hardness of 20-60 after hardening.

[0026] The coating of the present invention exhibits excellent adhesion even to large trees such as fruit trees and street trees, and does not peel or harden or deteriorate for a long period of time even on the cut surface of main branches with a trunk diameter of 5 cm or more. Furthermore, it does not require recoating after a single application and maintains antibacterial, waterproof, and breathable functions for a long period of time, making it significantly more practical than conventional technologies.Therefore, the present invention provides a new pruning wound protection technology that enables long-term protection without hindering the physiological recovery of trees, and will greatly contribute to improving the efficiency of tree management work and extending the lifespan of trees in fields such as landscaping, fruit tree cultivation, and forestry. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] This is a photograph showing the protective coating agent of the present invention applied to the pruned surface of a tree. [Figure 2] These are photographs showing the state of the protective coating agent of the present invention before application, after application, and after peeling. [Figure 3] This graph shows the relationship between the recovery area of ​​the pruned surface and the number of days elapsed in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This graph shows the relationship between the recovery force of the pruned surface and the substrate in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This bar graph shows the average crater volume for each additive in the coating protective agent of the present invention. [Figure 6] This bar graph shows the cross-sectional appearance of each coating protective agent of the present invention, evaluated on a scale of 100 points based on four criteria. [Figure 7] This bar graph shows the overall score of the bark regeneration performance for each treatment area of ​​the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the definition of the bark recovery rate and recovery capacity of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a bar graph showing the circumference of the Kawazu cherry trees in each field. [Figure 10] This is a scatter plot showing the relationship between waist circumference and recovery rate. [Figure 11] This is a scatter plot showing the relationship between crater volume and height. [Figure 12] This is a scatter plot showing the relationship between girth and crater volume. [Figure 13] This bar graph shows the recovery rate of each additive in the coating protective agent of the present invention. [Figure 14] This bar graph shows the restorative power of the coating protective agent of the present invention, categorized by additive. [Figure 15] This is a bar graph showing the crater height for each additive in the coating protective agent of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a bar graph showing the crater volume for each additive in the coating protective agent of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a scatter plot showing the relationship between the initial area of ​​a crater and its recovery rate. [Figure 18] This is a scatter plot showing the relationship between the recovery rate / (initial crater area) and the initial area. [Figure 19] This is a scatter plot showing recovery rate and crater volume. [Figure 20] This is a scatter plot showing the initial area and crater volume. [Figure 21] This bar graph shows an analysis of the recovery status of the coating protective agent of the present invention, categorized by additive. [Figure 22] This is an example of applying a protective coating to the cut surface of a camphor tree. [Figure 23] This is an example of applying a protective coating to the cut surface of another camphor tree. [Figure 24] This is an example of applying a protective coating agent to the cut surface of a Japanese camellia. [Figure 25] This is an example of applying a protective coating to the cut surface of a Japanese holly tree. [Figure 26] This is an example of applying a protective coating to the cut surface of a Japanese evergreen oak (Lithocarpus edulis). [Figure 27]This is an example of applying a protective coating to the cut surface of a Japanese evergreen oak (Quercus phillyraeoides). [Figure 28] This is an example of applying a protective coating agent to the cut surface of a Japanese cinnamon tree. [Figure 29] This is an example of applying a protective coating to the cut surface of a Japanese evergreen oak (Quercus glauca). [Figure 30] This is an example of applying a protective coating agent to the cut surface of a Japanese holly tree. [Figure 31] This is an example of applying a protective coating agent to the cut surface of a Lagerstroemia indica tree. [Figure 32] This is an example of applying a protective coating agent to the cut surface of a Machilus thunbergii tree. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings and tables. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the described embodiments are merely illustrative. [Examples]

[0029] In this example, to confirm the effect of the protective coating agent of the present invention, pruning and cut surface repair tests were conducted using Kawazu cherry blossoms (Cerasus × kanzakura 'Kawazu-zakura').

[0030] (Test materials and treatment groups) Healthy Kawazu cherry trees with a diameter at breast height of approximately 15 cm were selected as test trees, and branches with a main branch diameter of 2-12 cm were pruned at the base to form cut surfaces. The experiment was conducted in the following four sections. (1) Control group (untreated): No treatment applied. (2) Silicone section: Room temperature curing oxime-based silicone resin is applied alone. (3) Antibacterial and antifungal section: A silicone resin with streptomycin salt and titanium dioxide added is applied. (4) Plant hormone-added section: The composition of (3) above was coated with 1% by mass of indole-3-acetic acid added. Table 1 shows the composition of the coating agent used. Figure 1 shows an overview of the pruning and coating procedures in the treated area.

[0031] [Table 1]

[0032] (Application method) Each composition was applied uniformly to the entire cut surface immediately after pruning using a spatula, resulting in a coating thickness of approximately 3 mm. The actual application state is shown in Figure 2. After application, the plants were kept in a natural environment (outdoors, average temperature 15-30°C, humidity 60-90%), and changes in the appearance of the cut surface and callus formation were observed over time. Figure 2a shows the state immediately after pruning, b shows the state immediately after application, and c shows the state after the coating agent has been removed.

[0033] Evaluation metrics The following indicators were used to quantitatively evaluate the recovery state of the pruned surface. (1) Initial area (A0): The cut surface immediately after pruning is considered to be an ellipse, A0 = π × (major axis / 2) × (minor axis / 2) (2) Crater area (Ac): The unrecovered portion (uncovered callus region) at the time of observation is approximated as an ellipse. Ac =π × (major axis / 2) × (minor axis / 2) (3) Recovery area rate (R): R = {(A0-Ac) / A0} × 100(%) (4) Resilience (P): P = A0 - Ac (5) Crater volume (V): Based on an approximate formula derived from the geometry of a torus, V = (π / 8) × (a+b) × (ba) 2 Here, a and b represent the inner and outer diameters of the crater, respectively. (6) Appearance evaluation: The presence and degree of four items—microbial growth, cracking, insect damage, and sap leakage—were determined and an overall evaluation was made.

[0034] (Data collection and analysis) To quantitatively determine the effect of the protective coating agent, the major and minor diameters, bark elevation (callus thickness), and orientation of the cut surface (north, south, east, west) were measured for each pruned surface before application and 400 days after application (using precision calipers, scale, and compass). Based on the formula in the previous section, A 0、 Ac, R, P, and V were calculated, and their relationship to the treatment type and initial area was evaluated.

[0035] (Results of the recovery area ratio) Three types of substrates were prepared for the test: acrylic, polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) emulsion, and silicone. The acrylic type mainly consisted of an aqueous acrylic polymer, and the PVAc type used a commercially available vinyl acetate resin emulsion. In contrast, the silicone type used a one-component oxime-curing silicone sealant (Cemedine 8090) as the substrate, to which an antifungal agent, antibacterial agent, or plant hormone promoter was added, respectively. Figure 3 shows the percentage of pruned surface area recovered after 400 days for each treatment group.

[0036] Here, "1" refers to a protective agent that uses only commercially available silicone sealant as a base material and does not contain additives, and "2" refers to a coating protective agent based on the present invention (containing an antibacterial agent and an antifungal agent in a silicone-based base material). "3" refers to a test group that uses indole-3-acetic acid in combination. As comparative examples, "4" and "5" show compositions in which an antifungal agent and an antibacterial agent are added to a silicone sealant, either alone or in combination, and "6," "7," and "8" show commercially available vinyl acetate-based or acrylic coating agents. "Control" is the untreated group.

[0037] Acrylic and polyvinyl acetate emulsion substrates showed relatively high recovery area rates, and even the control group exhibited a certain level of recovery. On the other hand, in the silicone substrate, the initial pruning area was large in some samples, resulting in a slightly lower average recovery rate. However, in the evaluation of recovery power (regenerated volume) and crater volume, which will be discussed later, the silicone substrate showed a clear advantage over the other systems.

[0038] (Result of recovery ability) The recovery power P (=A0-Ac) is the value obtained by subtracting the remaining opening area Ac after 400 days from the initial pruned area A0, and is an indicator that represents the actual regeneration volume of the pruned surface. The results for each treatment group are shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, in the silicone substrate groups "1," "2," and "3," high regenerative capacity was observed, and significant elevation (crater volume) and bark thickness formation were observed around the pruned area. In particular, in the groups to which a solvent containing indole-3-acetic acid, a plant hormone promoter, was added as the active ingredient, callus formation started early, and both the regenerated area and the amount of elevation increased. Furthermore, in the test groups ("9" and "10") with double the amount of the same additive, the regenerative capacity averaged approximately 3,500 to 4,000 mm. 2 The results reached a certain level, showing a clear upward trend compared to other groups. In contrast, acrylic and polyvinyl acetate emulsion-based materials (such as Cemedyne Woodworking, Kabe Seal, and Wood Seal) showed smoothness in appearance and progress in area recovery, but volumetric regeneration (bulge formation) tended to be small. Furthermore, the control group (untreated group) showed uneven regeneration of the pruned surface and large variability in recovery capacity. From these results, it can be concluded that silicone-based substrates are advantageous because they can follow the expansion and deformation of the pruned surface while maintaining flexibility, and therefore do not hinder the formation of three-dimensional tissue during the bark regeneration process. In addition, even when antibacterial and antifungal agents were used in combination, cell regeneration and callus formation were not inhibited, and rather the stability of bark formation tended to increase.

[0039] (Evaluation of crater volume) The crater volume V, which indicates the amount of elevation formation in the pruned area, was estimated, and the results are shown in Figure 5. The crater volume was calculated by approximating the outer periphery expansion of the pruned surface as an ellipsoid, and is an indicator that reflects the amount of three-dimensional tissue formation during the regeneration process. As shown in Figure 5, the silicon substrates "1", "2", and "3" all showed high crater volumes, and the composition with added indole-3-acetic acid showed the maximum value (approximately 6 × 10⁻⁶). 4 mm 3This showed significant thickening and elevation of the callus tissue, indicating that bark regeneration is progressing in three dimensions. Furthermore, in the groups with double the amount of "9" and "10," both the regenerative capacity (see Figure 4) and the crater volume increased, and a tendency was observed for the regenerated volume to increase in proportion to the amount of indole-3-acetic acid added.

[0040] On the other hand, while some volume increase was observed in the comparison groups such as "4" and "5," it was not as significant as in the silicone substrate group that used indole-3-acetic acid. These results indicate that while the antibacterial and antifungal components contribute to preventing necrosis by suppressing infection, the regeneration-promoting effect is predominantly due to the contribution of indole-3-acetic acid. Furthermore, in the acrylic and polyvinyl acetate emulsion groups ("6", "7", and "8"), the film tended to become brittle after drying and hardening, and its ability to follow the expansion of the bark was poor, resulting in suppressed bulge formation and lower volume values. In contrast, the silicone substrate has high elasticity and moisture permeability, allowing it to flexibly follow the expansion and contraction of the bark tissue during the regeneration process without hindering it. Therefore, as the crater volume increased, the bark regeneration rate also improved, and a strong correlation was confirmed between this and the recovery power.

[0041] The appearance evaluation shown in Figure 6 was conducted 400 days after pruning, evaluating the appearance of the cut surface of each protective coating based on the following four items, with a maximum score of 100 points. (1) Presence or absence of microbial growth (2) Presence or absence of cracks in the coating (3) Presence or absence of insect damage (4) Presence or absence of sap flow Three samples from each treatment group were averaged and scored. Overall, silicone-based protective coatings tended to receive slightly lower evaluations, likely due to variations in the initial surface area of ​​the pruned areas and a relatively inferior apparent recovery. On the other hand, acrylic and polyvinyl acetate emulsion coatings resulted in a uniform surface film with less cracking, insect damage, and sap leakage. These systems were considered to excel in drying inhibition and short-term stability. However, all treatment groups clearly promoted bark recovery compared to the control (untreated) group, suggesting that some form of coating is effective in protecting pruned areas.

[0042] In the overall evaluation shown in Figure 7, the bark regeneration performance of each treatment area was scored based on the following six items, and an overall score was calculated. (1) Previous period recovery rate (2)Late recovery rate (3) Recovery (4) Crater volume (5) Appearance evaluation (Shintani-Maeda method) (6) Correction value for initial pruning area

[0043] In the evaluation based on the overall score, the silicone-based protective coating agent showed the highest overall evaluation value, followed by the acrylic-based and polyvinyl acetate emulsion-based agents. This result indicates that the silicone-based composition had an excellent balance of waterproofing, breathability, and flexibility, did not inhibit callus formation, and was able to maintain the flexibility of the coating. Furthermore, compositions with added antibacterial and antifungal agents suppressed decay and microbial growth, and the regeneration process proceeded more stably. In particular, compositions using indole-3-acetic acid showed significant callus thickening and a clear regeneration-promoting effect. From these findings, it has been demonstrated that the silicone resin-based repair composition of the present invention is an excellent tree repair material that combines the three elements of breathability, antibacterial properties, and promotion of physiological activity.

[0044] The appearance evaluation and overall score evaluation are shown in Figures 6 and 7, respectively. While the silicon-based material performed slightly worse in the appearance evaluation, it was confirmed to be the highest-ranking in the overall evaluation, which takes into account overall functionality (recovery ability, volume regeneration, and appearance preservation).

[0045] In Example 1, with the aim of selecting a protective coating agent that promotes bark regeneration while preventing the invasion of harmful microorganisms, 11 prototype agents from three systems—silicone-based, acrylic-based, and polyvinyl acetate emulsion-based—were compared and verified in an actual field. As a result, all coating agents showed a clear effect in promoting bark regeneration compared to the untreated area (control). In particular, the test plots to which the silicone-based protective coating agent was applied showed a significant increase in recovery rate and crater volume, demonstrating excellent performance in both protection and regeneration of the cut surface. This is thought to be because the silicone-based material has flexibility and elasticity, and was able to follow the contraction and expansion of the pruned surface, thereby suppressing peeling and cracking of the coating film and stably maintaining the activity of the internal cambium layer.

[0046] Furthermore, existing acrylic and polyvinyl acetate coatings are all water-soluble, meaning they are susceptible to runoff from rain and require multiple applications. In contrast, silicone coatings were found to maintain their protective effect for a long period with a single application. This also indicates that they are an effective material for preventing drying of pruned surfaces and the invasion of microorganisms from the outside for extended periods. Moreover, among the conditions necessary for the proliferation of wood-decaying fungi—nutrients, moisture, temperature, and air—this silicone coating layer restricts the supply of moisture and air, suppressing the environment for mycelial development and thus exhibiting an effect in controlling the proliferation of wood-decaying fungi. Therefore, it is considered an extremely effective means of achieving both infection prevention and regeneration promotion of pruned surfaces. From these results, it became clear that in comparative experiments of the three systems, the silicone-based protective coating agent was the most superior in both promoting bark regeneration and preventing the invasion of harmful microorganisms. In particular, since it showed good regeneration behavior even when the initial area (pruned surface) was large, it can be concluded that this system is an effective coating material that can replace conventional acrylic and polyvinyl acetate formulations. [Examples]

[0047] This example was conducted to improve upon Example 1, in which a silicone-based protective coating agent was found to be the most suitable for bark regeneration. Specifically, the objective was to verify whether bark regeneration at pruned areas could be further promoted by using a silicone-based sealant as a base and adding antibacterial agents, fungicides, plant hormone promoters, etc.

[0048] The experiment used 56 Kawazu cherry trees planted in a field owned by Shintani Ryokka Co., Ltd. as test trees. Pruning was performed to create cut surfaces of approximately 2-4 cm in diameter on the main branches. For each treatment, environmental conditions such as the major and minor diameters of the pruned section, pruning time, direction, and light intensity were recorded, and these were corrected for during analysis before evaluation.

[0049] The protective coating used was based on Cemedyne's "Cemedyne 8090 (general-purpose type)," which showed the best regeneration performance in Example 1, and combined with the following additives: • Plant hormone promoters (e.g., solvents containing indole-3-acetic acid as the active ingredient, containing IAA) • Antimicrobial agents (e.g., streptomycin sulfate, oxytetracycline hydrochloride) • Antifungal agents (e.g., titanium dioxide for photocatalysis, copper(II) hydroxide) • Hypochlorous acid water (1000 ppm), Chlorous acid water (400 ppm) These combinations resulted in 11 treatment groups (No. 1 to No. 11), of which No. 1 to No. 3 were designated as control groups (no coating, hypochlorous acid alone, etc.), and No. 4 to No. 11 were designated as coating groups using a silicone base (see Table 2).

[0050] [Table 2]

[0051] For each treatment group, quantitative evaluation was performed using the same evaluation indicators as in Example 1 (recovery area ratio, recovery power, crater volume, appearance evaluation, and overall score), and the effect of the additives was statistically analyzed. The results are described below, and this example provides guidance on the effectiveness of additives for bark regeneration and the optimal composition.

[0052] The following additives were added to the silicon substrate used in this experiment. The additives included antibacterial agents, fungicides, and plant hormone promoters, with the aim of simultaneously promoting the physiological activity of the cut surface and inhibiting microorganisms. These formulations are designed to provide a synergistic effect of antibacterial, germicidal, and regenerative properties, with the proportions of each ingredient carefully adjusted for safety and ease of application.

[0053] Pruning was carried out by a professional landscaper, taking into consideration the tree's shape, and the cut surfaces were carefully shaped with a knife after pruning. After shaping, each test protective agent was applied using a spatula. The application was carefully carried out from the outer edge of the pruned surface towards the center, forming a uniform protective film that prevents the entry of moisture and pathogens from the outside.

[0054] The evaluation was conducted based on the following indicators regarding the recovery status of the pruned areas: Initial area: The elliptical area is calculated from the major and minor axes of the pruning surface. Formula: π × (major axis / 2) × (minor axis / 2) Crater area: Surface area of ​​the unrecovered portion 400 days after pruning. Recovery rate: Calculated as a percentage of the area recovered relative to the pruned surface. Formula: (Initial area - Crater area) / Initial area × 100 Crater volume: The volume of the depression at the center of the pruning surface is calculated based on the following geometric approximation formula. Formula: 1 / 4π × (a+ b) × (b - a) × (b - a) / 2 (a: outer diameter of the crater, b: inner diameter of the crater) Appearance evaluation: The following four items are evaluated on a scale of 100 points. (1) Presence or absence of microbial growth (2) Presence or absence of cracks in the coating (3) Presence or absence of insect damage (4) Presence or absence of sap leakage For each item, the average of three samples was taken to make an overall judgment on the health of the appearance.

[0055] In this experiment, to quantitatively evaluate the recovery process of pruned surfaces, multiple morphological parameters were measured at two time points: initially and after 400 days. Regeneration indicators such as recovery rate and crater volume were calculated. Furthermore, to compare the regeneration effect of each test plot, the relationship with treatment conditions was evaluated through statistical analysis. (1) Measurement interval and measurement items Measurements were taken twice: immediately after pruning (initial stage) and 400 days later, and the following items were measured. • Long and short diameters of the pruning surface (mm) • Crater depth (height from the pruning surface to the deepest point of the unhealed area: mm) • Area and volume of the crater • Direction (the direction the pruning surface faces)

[0056] (2)Measurement method A caliper (digital caliper) was used to measure the major axis, minor axis, and depth, and the orientation of the pruning surface was recorded using a compass. (3) Formula for calculating the recovery indicator Initial area = π × (major axis / 2) × (minor axis / 2) • Crater area = Area of ​​unhealed portion (extracted through image analysis) • Recovery rate = [(Initial area - Crater area) / Initial area] × 100 Crater volume = 1 / 4π × (a+b) × (ba) × (ba) / 2 *a and b represent the outer and inner diameters of the crater (mm) (see Figure 8). (4) Statistical analysis and correction Multiple regression analysis was performed with recovery rate, recovery strength, appearance evaluation score, and crater volume as dependent variables, and the type of protective agent, presence or absence of additives, and size of the pruned area as independent variables. In particular, since the initial area of ​​the pruned area has a significant impact on the regeneration results, the circumference of the trunk (wrist circumference) of the pruned area was introduced as a correction factor during the analysis.

[0057] (5) Distribution of trunk circumference and the need for correction (relationship with Figure 9) As shown in Figure 9, the trunk circumference (circumference of the trunk) of the Kawazu cherry trees used in the experiment varied greatly depending on the planting time and location in the field. These variations can affect the size of the pruning surface and the rate of regeneration. For example, trees with larger trunk circumferences tend to have larger pruning surfaces, and it is expected that regeneration will take longer. Therefore, correcting the recovery index using trunk circumference is essential for a fair comparison of the effects of each protective agent. The distribution in Figure 9 visually illustrates this variation, and in the analysis of this experiment, this individual difference was incorporated as a covariate in the regression analysis.

[0058] In the demonstration experiment in this second embodiment, in order to keep the pruning treatment conditions as uniform as possible, test trees were selected for the control (untreated) group so that the size of the pruned area did not deviate significantly from that of the other treated groups. As a result, the bias in the pruned area was minimized, and it became possible to fairly evaluate the difference in recovery rate between treated and untreated groups. However, as shown in Figure 9, each test tree had different planting times and ages depending on the field in which it was planted, resulting in variations in trunk circumference. This is a factor that requires attention during analysis, as it may affect the area of ​​the pruned surface and the rate of regeneration.

[0059] Next, as shown in Figure 10, no significant correlation was found between the recovery rate and the trunk circumference (cm). This suggests that the trunk thickness and age at the time of pruning do not have a decisive influence on the recovery ability of the pruned surface in the short term (400 days). This result suggests the following two points: The size of the trunk circumference (individual differences) is not the primary explanatory variable for the recovery rate. That is, the main factor affecting recovery is likely the formulation and components of the protective agent applied to the pruning surface. Correction of the trunk circumference is necessary, but its weight as an evaluation index is limited. That is, in the analysis of the recovery rate, the trunk circumference can be excluded from the explanatory variables or the importance can be adjusted as a correction factor to improve the analysis efficiency. Thus, although there are variations in the trunk circumference (circumference of the tree trunk), it did not become a dominant factor in the evaluation of the protective agent. It is considered that in future verification tests, more accurate evaluation designs will be possible through prior adjustments such as excluding individuals with extremely different pruning sizes.

[0060] As part of the physical changes in the regeneration of the pruning surface, the relationship between the volume and morphological indices of the crater (unregenerated area) was examined. As shown in Fig. 11 "Relationship between crater volume and height", there was no clear correlation between the crater volume (mm 3 ) and its height (mm) (R 2 = 0.0076). This suggests that the depth and elevation of the crater formed on the pruning surface are not proportional to the simple geometric increase in volume, and it is considered that the drying of the pruning surface, the characteristics of the protective agent, and the individual differences in the elevation and contraction of tissues during the regeneration process have a significant impact.

[0061] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 12 "Trunk circumference (cm) and crater volume (mm 3 )", a weak positive correlation (R 2 = 0.308) was observed between the trunk circumference of the tree and the crater volume. According to the regression equation y = 1119.7x - 11491, crater volume tends to increase as trunk circumference increases. This relationship can be interpreted as larger trunk circumference = older tree age (longer number of years since planting), suggesting that mature trees that have grown to a certain extent may exhibit more active uplift and expansion of the pruning surface and greater physiological activity during the regeneration process. From these results, it can be considered that mature individuals have greater tissue uplift and cellular activity during regeneration than young trees, and are in an environment where protective agents can exert their effects to the fullest. Therefore, trunk circumference can be considered a useful auxiliary variable as an indicator of initial tree vigor in regeneration evaluation.

[0062] Figure 13 shows the recovery rates in each treatment group. Overall, no significant differences were observed between the treatment groups, and all protective coatings showed a certain degree of regeneration. On the other hand, in the treatment group treated with both chlorite water spray and mixed reagent A, a slightly lower recovery rate was observed compared to the other groups. This may be due to the high concentration of the added antibacterial agent, which temporarily suppressed the physiological activity of the pruned surface. Furthermore, several groups showed no clear difference compared to the untreated group (control). This is presumed to be because the Kawazu cherry tree used in the study has a high inherent bark regeneration capacity and can proceed with callus formation on its own even with minor damage.

[0063] On the other hand, in treatment areas containing plant hormone promoters (such as indole-3-acetic acid and Menadione), as in mixed reagents C and D, drying of the regenerated area was suppressed, and surface cracking tended to decrease. From these results, it is thought that the differences in recovery rates are mainly due to the composition and concentration of the additives, as well as the moisture permeability of the coating. While excessive antibacterial treatment can temporarily suppress the metabolism of the tree, it was confirmed that a silicone substrate that maintains moisture permeability and flexibility promotes stable regeneration without inhibiting the tree's natural healing response.

[0064] Figure 14 shows the recovery rate (recovered area) for each treatment group. Clear differences were observed between treatments, particularly in groups No. 1-3 (control, hypochlorous acid spray, and chlorous acid water spray only), where no protective coating was applied, indicating significantly lower recovery rates. In contrast, groups with protective coatings showed clearly higher recovery rates, demonstrating that the presence or absence of coating has a decisive impact on bark regeneration. In particular, group No. 7 (Maeda x 2x treatment) in Figure 14 showed the second highest recovery rate after the previously mentioned data. Furthermore, groups No. 4, No. 6, and No. 8, shown in Figure 8, all exhibited superior recovery rates compared to the overall group, with No. 8 (composition using plant hormone promoter, fungicide, and antibacterial agent) showing the highest recovery rate.

[0065] This result is presumed to be due to a synergistic effect between the cell division-promoting effect of the plant hormone enhancer and the infection-preventing effect of the antibacterial and antifungal agents. Furthermore, these protective coatings maintain the flexibility and breathability of the film, which is thought to promote callus formation. On the other hand, in the untreated areas, drying of the pruned surface and microbial proliferation occurred easily, and the regeneration of bark tissue was significantly delayed. Therefore, it has been demonstrated that the protective coating of the present invention has the effect of promoting the development of regenerated tissue while maintaining the physiological functions inside the tree by achieving both antibacterial properties and breathability.

[0066] Figure 15 shows the average crater height of the bark regenerated from the pruned surface. The crater height was highest for test protective agents No. 3, No. 9, and No. 10, with a maximum average of approximately 7 mm and a minimum average of 4 mm or more. This confirmed that a certain degree of regenerative elevation occurred in all treatment areas. While a greater height indicates active cell division and xylem formation in the bark cambium, excessive elevation can lead to internal cavities, so it is important to evaluate using both height and volume indicators.

[0067] Figure 16 shows the geometric formula (1 / 4π × (a+b) × (ba) 2The results of the crater volume calculated based on / 2) are shown. Here, in the three groups of Control (untreated), hypochlorous acid spray, and chlorous acid water spray, the crater volume after bark regeneration was extremely small, clearly indicating that regeneration is localized and uneven when no protective coating agent is used. Furthermore, in group No. 7 (chlorous acid water spray + mixed reagent A), which had the lowest recovery rate in Figure 13, the crater volume was similarly small, resulting in a correlation between low recovery rate and low volume. This may be because the antibacterial component acted too strongly at high concentrations, leading to local inhibition of cell division. Therefore, this formulation did not show desirable results as a bark regeneration promoter.

[0068] On the other hand, test protective agents No. 4, No. 6, and No. 8 showed significantly higher crater volumes and better development of regenerative ridges. In particular, No. 8 (Cemedine 8090 + streptomycin sulfate + oxytetracycline hydrochloride + titanium dioxide for photocatalysis + copper(II) hydroxide + solvent containing indole-3-acetic acid as active ingredients + nanaomycin + Menadione) showed the largest crater volume among all treatments. This composition is thought to be the result of the synergistic action of three elements—infection prevention on the pruned surface, cell regeneration, and metabolic promotion—due to the simultaneous inclusion of antibacterial agents, fungicides, and plant hormone promoters. From the above, it was shown that, in addition to a simple protective effect, providing a complex functionality that supports the physiological activity of bark cells in coatings and protective agents is effective in promoting bark regeneration. In particular, silicone-based substrates containing plant hormone promoters showed superiority in both regenerative capacity and crater formation.

[0069] In the analysis results shown in Figure 16, test protective agents No. 4 and No. 6 showed crater volumes comparable to those of No. 7. A possible reason for this difference is that the addition of the plant stimulant Menadione may have contributed to crater enlargement. This is supported by the fact that the crater volume of test protective agent No. 9 (Cemedine 8090 + Menadione) was larger than that of No. 10 (Cemedine 8090 + Nanaomycin). In other words, it is presumed that the presence of the plant hormone promoter increased the activity of the bark cambium, promoting regeneration and expansion.

[0070] Next, Figure 17 summarizes the relationship between the initial pruning area and the recovery rate. As is clear from the figure, there was a tendency for the recovery rate to be higher as the pruning area decreased. In other words, it was confirmed that bark regeneration progressed faster as the cut surface was smaller, which is a physiologically reasonable result. Although no strong linear correlation was observed between the recovery rate and the initial area, a weak positive correlation was suggested. This means that while the size of the wound during pruning has a certain influence on the rate of bark regeneration, the properties of the protective coating agent and the composition of the additives are factors that greatly influence the recovery rate. In particular, treatment groups containing plant activators and hormone promoters tended to maintain a relatively high recovery rate regardless of the size of the pruning area.

[0071] Figure 18 shows the relationship between recovery rate / initial area and initial area. As is clear from this figure, the recovery rate tends to be higher when the initial area is small, and conversely, the recovery rate tends to decrease as the initial area increases. This supports the idea that the size of the pruned area directly affects the rate of bark regeneration. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (R) in this relationship is... 2 The correlation coefficient (=0.7628) was high, indicating a very strong negative exponential correlation. This means that the recovery rate decreases sharply as the pruning area increases exponentially, suggesting that the larger the area of ​​the pruning wound, the greater the physiological burden and the more regenerative tissue formation is suppressed.

[0072] On the other hand, a certain degree of recovery was observed in all samples, confirming that the bark retains its regenerative function regardless of the size of the cut surface. This result indicates that trees possess a fundamental self-healing ability, and that this regenerative power can be maximized by using appropriate protective coatings. Therefore, it can be concluded that the formulation proposed in this study, which combines a silicone-based base with a plant hormone promoter, antibacterial agent, and fungicide, is an effective composition that can maintain high regeneration efficiency regardless of the size of the pruned surface.

[0073] Figure 19 shows the relationship between resilience and crater volume. As a result, there is a very strong positive correlation between the two (R 2 (=0.9023) was recognized. This high coefficient of determination clearly indicates that the recovery power of the pruned surface increases proportionally with the increase in crater volume during bark regeneration. In the recovery rate evaluation in the previous section, the size of the pruned surface greatly influenced the progress of regeneration, whereas this analysis suggests that "volumetric recovery power," which does not depend on the size of the pruned area and reflects the actual progress of tissue regeneration, is a more appropriate evaluation index. In other words, an increase in the volume of craters formed on the pruned surface indicates an improvement in the thickness and cell density of the regenerated bark, meaning that active cell division and cambium activity are progressing throughout the entire cut surface.

[0074] These results clearly show that evaluating the effectiveness of protective coatings requires more than just a simple area index (recovery rate); it is crucial to also evaluate the three-dimensional recovery amount (volume). In particular, formulations using a silicone base with a combination of plant hormone promoters, antibacterial agents, and fungicides (No. 6 to No. 8 in Table 2) showed high values ​​in both recovery power and crater volume, suggesting that these formulations most efficiently induce overall bark regeneration. Based on the above results, the main factor promoting regeneration on the pruned surface is: A. The protective film provides shielding from the external environment. b. Promotion of cell division and elongation by additives. c. Relief of bark growth constraints by a substrate with moderate flexibility. It can be concluded that these three elements work synergistically together.

[0075] Figure 20 shows the correlation between the initial area and crater volume based on all the data. As is clear from this figure, there is a relatively strong positive correlation (R) between the two. 2 A value of 0.6359 was observed. This confirmed that the larger the pruning surface, the greater the tendency for the crater volume to increase, and conversely, when the pruning surface is small, the crater volume is small. In other words, it became clear that the initial size of the pruning wound directly affects the spatial extent (volume) of bark regeneration. This result is consistent with the trends shown in previous analyses (Figures 17-19) and supports the idea that the pruning area is one of the main factors determining the initial conditions of the bark regeneration process. In particular, a linear proportional relationship was observed between the initial area and the crater volume, suggesting that the physical extent of the pruning surface determines the growth space of the regenerated bark.

[0076] On the other hand, the treatment area where chlorous acid water was sprayed and a protective coating agent was applied showed unique behavior. In this area, despite the relatively large initial area, the crater volume was remarkably small. This suggests that spraying chlorous acid water may have had a temporary inhibitory effect on the physiological function of the bark cambium. According to previous research (Tsuno, 2007), chlorous acid water has low permeability and retention in the plant body, and is unlikely to cause long-term phytotoxicity. Therefore, the decrease in crater volume observed in this experiment is thought to be a transient effect caused by the chemical concentration and spraying conditions. In other words, it is suggested that optimizing the concentration and amount of chlorous acid water sprayed is an important factor in minimizing the impact on the regeneration process. Overall, the results in Figure 20 show that while the initial area of ​​the pruning wound is closely related to the regeneration volume, the regeneration behavior changes significantly depending on the chemicals used and the composition of the added components. This finding indicates that a design that balances both physical factors (pruning area) and chemical factors (chemical components) is necessary when optimizing the formulation of protective coating agents.

[0077] Figure 21 shows the results of the recovery force analysis after correcting for the effect of the initial area. This figure compares the recovery force and crater volume per unit area after normalizing the pruning wound area of ​​each treatment group. This analysis made it possible to eliminate bias due to the simple difference in the size of the pruning surface and to relatively evaluate the performance of the protective coating formulation itself. As is clear from the graph, a certain level of bark regeneration was confirmed in all coating patterns, indicating that the regenerative function of the pruning surface is maintained regardless of whether or not chemicals are added. On the other hand, in the group of protective coatings with added chemicals, the increase in crater volume, i.e., the progression of three-dimensional tissue regeneration, was more pronounced than the recovery in area. This trend was particularly pronounced in silicone-based protective coatings containing plant hormone promoters, antibacterial agents, and fungicides, and it is thought that recovery accompanied by crater enlargement occurs due to the formation of thicker callus tissue.

[0078] Furthermore, while the time required for regeneration tends to be longer in pruned areas with a larger initial surface area, it was suggested that the expansion of crater volume under the covering layer functions as a cofactor that ensures the regeneration process progresses. This is presumed to be because the protective film prevents external drying and pathogen invasion while creating an environment that promotes cell division and elongation internally. Therefore, from the results of this analysis, it became clear that even when comparing the pure bark regeneration capacity independent of the pruned area, drug-added silicone-based covering protective agents showed the highest regeneration efficiency. In particular, it was confirmed that compositions using plant hormone promoters and antibacterial / antifungal agents in combination are effective in activating cambium activity of bark cells and promoting three-dimensional regeneration.

[0079] In Example 2, the bark regeneration effect of a coating protective agent, which combines various additives with a silicone-based substrate (Cemedine 8090) that showed the highest effectiveness in Example 1, was verified. Eleven types of protective coatings were prepared in each test plot, and comparative and statistical analysis was performed using bark recovery rate, recovery capacity, and crater volume as indicators. As a result, no clear correlation was found between trunk circumference and recovery rate, but a slight positive correlation was found between trunk circumference and crater volume. This suggests that in trees that have gone through a certain growing period, the bark regeneration capacity stabilizes and tends to be higher than that of young trees. Furthermore, all test plots treated with protective coatings showed high recovery capacity. In particular, protective coatings with added plant hormone promoters, or those with double the amount of the additive, showed significantly larger crater volume and recovery capacity. This confirmed that the addition of plant hormone promoters contributes to promoting bark regeneration.

[0080] On the other hand, in the test plots where chlorous acid water was sprayed and applied, both crater volume and recovery rate were significantly reduced. Similarly, the recovery rate was low in the protective coating agent with the fungicide nanaomycin added, revealing that strong fungicides may affect the bark cambium and inhibit regeneration. Furthermore, a strong negative correlation was observed between the initial area (size of the pruned surface) and the recovery rate, with a tendency for the recovery rate to be higher as the pruned surface was smaller and lower as it was larger. This suggests that while bark has the ability to regenerate through self-healing, the size of the cut surface affects the regeneration rate. In addition, an extremely strong positive correlation was observed between recovery rate and crater volume. From this, it was shown that in the bark regeneration process, crater formation contributes to an improvement in the regeneration rate, and the recovery of the cut surface is promoted as the crater volume increases. In other words, Example 2 made it possible to quantitatively understand the bark regeneration mechanism, which could not be obtained using only the conventional recovery rate, by using recovery rate and crater volume as evaluation indicators.

[0081] Based on the above results, (1) The addition of plant hormone promoters strongly promotes bark regeneration. (2) The addition of fungicides and high-concentration oxidizing agents tends to inhibit regeneration. (3) The presence of a protective coating agent is essential for bark regeneration. This became clear. Therefore, it was confirmed that a protective coating agent with an appropriate amount of plant hormone promoter added to a silicon-based carrier is extremely effective in most efficiently promoting bark regeneration on pruned surfaces and suppressing the invasion of harmful microorganisms. [Examples]

[0082] Examples 1 and 2 above show the results when Kawazu cherry trees were used as the target trees, but the present invention is not limited to specific tree species and can be applied to a wide range of evergreen and deciduous trees. The results of performing the same treatment on other tree species are shown below. In all cases, silicone sealant was used as a protective coating agent for the cut surface and allowed to cure naturally at room temperature.

[0083] (1) Camphor tree 1 Figure 22 shows an example of applying a protective coating agent to a cut surface of a camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora). The two upper images in Figure 22 show the condition approximately one year after treatment; the dimensions at the time of cutting were approximately 200 mm × 160 mm. Callus tissue elevation was observed around the periphery. The two lower images show a state where the cut surface, which had dimensions of approximately 180 mm × 150 mm, was completely covered. It was confirmed that the protective coating agent of the present invention also works effectively on camphor trees and exhibits a regeneration-promoting effect.

[0084] (2) Camphor tree 2 Figure 23 shows an example of the same treatment being applied to a different camphor tree. As shown in the upper figure, the initial cut surface was large, approximately 500 mm x 400 mm, raising concerns about a decline in tree vigor. However, after the protective covering treatment, the tree was completely covered. In the lower figure, the cut surface was approximately 400 mm x 300 mm, but it was confirmed that the surface had regenerated smoothly. From these results, it can be seen that even in large-diameter trees, the covering layer functions as a drying-preventing film and promotes regeneration.

[0085] (3)Yamtsubaki Figure 24 shows an example of applying the protective coating agent of the present invention to a Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica). After treatment, the depressions in the cut surface gradually disappeared. The figure on the right also took several years, but as shown in the figure, it formed a flat and smooth healing surface. Camellias, which belong to the category of hardwoods, are a species whose bark regeneration is slow. This demonstrates that applying a silicone sealant prevents the invasion of decay fungi and prevents excessive water inflow until the coating is complete, thus proving its protective performance.

[0086] (4) Ilex rotunda Figure 25 shows a cross-section of Ilex rotunda. In the upper panel, the cross-section (length x width) was initially approximately 120 mm x 170 mm, but the central part is raised, indicating significant progress in bark regeneration. The lower panel shows a similar result. This is thought to be because the protective coating agent of the present invention promotes cell proliferation from the bark periphery, forming bridges for regenerated tissue.

[0087] (5) Lithocarpus edulis Figure 26 shows an example of treatment applied to a cross-section of a Japanese evergreen oak (Lithocarpus edulis). The upper panel shows bark covering extending towards the center. The lower panel shows the covering process completed, with the covering rising from the periphery towards the center. This suggests that the covering layer maintains an appropriate internal humidity, creating a favorable environment for cell proliferation.

[0088] (6) Ubamegashi Figure 27 shows the stage after the coating process using a protective coating agent on Quercus phillyraeoides. In the upper panel, it can be seen that the cut surface, which was initially 150 mm x 190 mm, is recovering. The same is true for the lower panel. Even on Quercus phillyraeoides, which has a hard bark, the coating agent did not peel off and maintained adhesion, demonstrating that it can be applied to tree species with a strong outer bark structure.

[0089] (7) Japanese cinnamon Figure 28 shows an example of applying a protective coating to a cut surface of Cinnamomum japonicum. As shown in the left figure, the entire cut surface was already flattened and callus formation was observed around the periphery even before the coating was removed. This confirmed that active tissue regeneration was progressing under the coating.

[0090] (8) Japanese evergreen oak Figure 29 shows a cross-section of Quercus glauca. As shown in the right-hand figure, the entire cross-section became smooth after protective coating treatment, and the formation of healing tissue was clearly observed. This is a good example demonstrating that the adhesion and moisture permeability of the coating agent are effective even in thick-barked tree species.

[0091] (9) Nanamino tree Figure 30 shows a cross-section of Ilex purpurea (Japanese holly) and its state after the covering process. In both figures, the covering is significantly raised and the new bark is neatly formed. This is an example of how the use of a covering protective material can accelerate bark regeneration compared to normal.

[0092] (10) Lagerstroemia indica Figure 31 shows a Lagerstroemia subcostata tree after the application and covering with silicone sealant. In the upper left and right images, the raised areas indicate the areas where the covering has been completed. This shows that the cut surface, protected by the silicone sealant, has regenerated to its original bark state with a certain degree of elevation. The lower image shows the bark after it has been covered to the point where it is impossible to tell where the pruning was made.

[0093] (11) Machilus thunbergii Figure 32 shows Machilus thunbergii, a very hard tree species that was historically used for shipbuilding and construction. The image shows a very large cut surface of 300mm x 200mm that has been restored. Even with a large cut surface, the risk of fungal decay is high, but by applying silicone sealant, it can be said that it remained protected until the covering was complete. [Industrial applicability]

[0094] In the landscaping industry, large-scale greening projects for streets, parks, and public facilities were actively carried out from the 1980s to the early 1990s, and many trees were planted. Subsequently, from 2000 onward, the focus shifted from planting to maintenance. In recent years, the trees planted during that period have grown into large trees, increasing the risk of tree collapse and falling branches due to declining tree vigor from annual pruning and fungal infections from pruned surfaces. Against this social backdrop, serious accidents caused by fallen trees and branches have been reported in school grounds and campgrounds, highlighting the increasing importance of tree safety management.

[0095] At the nursery located in Kagoshima Prefecture, they handle a wide variety of tree species, from southern species such as palm trees, phoenix palms, and Livistona palms with intentionally curved trunks, to Kawazu cherry trees, camphor trees, Japanese camellias, and Fraxinus griffithii. Among these, they have successfully demonstrated the application of a silicone sealant-based protective coating agent, which forms the basis of this invention, to more than 15 tree species. The inventor himself was surprised that a large-diameter cross-section (400mm x 300mm) of a camphor tree was completely covered. The development of the technology to regenerate a natural bark-like appearance required 30 years of trial and error. Furthermore, similar reproducibility has been confirmed in a variety of tree species such as Lagerstroemia indica, Ilex rotunda, and Cinnamomum japonicum, and it can be said that this technology can help solve social problems in the modern landscape gardening industry, which has shifted from an era centered on planting to an era centered on maintenance and management.

[0096] The tree covering and protective agent of the present invention, and the tree restoration method using the same, are applicable to cut surfaces, damaged areas, and bark defects resulting from pruning or felling. They promote the regeneration of bark tissue while simultaneously forming a film with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-drying properties. Therefore, they are highly useful in a wide range of urban greening and landscape management situations, such as street trees, park trees, garden trees, fruit trees, street greening trees, and planting areas. They can also be applied to pruning, grafting, and disease treatment in the agricultural, horticultural, and forestry fields, such as orchard management and treatment by arborists. Furthermore, the composition of the present invention is room-temperature curing, easy to work with, and can be reapplied as needed, offering superior safety and work efficiency at the construction site compared to conventional vinyl resin-based and asphalt-based covering agents. In this way, it can contribute to extending the lifespan of trees and maintaining the landscape while reducing maintenance costs.

[0097] As described above, the present invention can be used in a wide range of industrial fields, including landscape construction, agricultural material manufacturing, tree treatment and diagnosis, and local government greening maintenance projects, and has extremely high industrial value.

Claims

1. A protective coating agent for promoting bark regeneration, which is applied to a cut surface or damaged area of ​​a tree after pruning or felling, and hardens at room temperature to form a film, characterized in that it is based on a room-temperature curing silicone sealant and contains at least one of an antibacterial agent, a fungicide, an antifungal agent, and a plant hormone promoter.

2. The coating protective agent according to claim 1, wherein the room-temperature curing silicone sealant is an oxime-curing silicone sealant.

3. The coating protective agent according to claim 1, wherein if the coating protective agent contains the antibacterial agent, the antibacterial agent is streptomycin sulfate or oxytetracycline hydrochloride, and if the coating protective agent contains the bactericide, the bactericide comprises titanium dioxide for photocatalysis or copper(II) hydroxide.

4. The coating protective agent according to Claim 1, wherein, if the coating protective agent contains the plant hormone promoter, the plant hormone promoter is a solvent having indole-3-acetic acid as an active ingredient.

5. The coating protective agent according to claim 4, wherein, if the coating protective agent contains the plant hormone promoter, the amount of the plant hormone promoter is 0.5 to 5% by weight of the whole composition.

6. The coating and protective agent is characterized by containing an iron-containing compound or a plant vitality agent containing iron ions. The protective coating agent according to claim 1.

7. The coating and protective agent is characterized in that it contains 0.05 to 3% by weight of the plant vitality agent as described in 6. A protective coating agent.

8. The coating protective agent according to Claim 1, wherein the room-temperature curing silicone sealant is a one-component oxime-curing silicone sealant and contains the antibacterial agent and the bactericide, wherein the antibacterial agent contains streptomycin sulfate and oxytetracycline hydrochloride, the bactericide contains titanium dioxide for photocatalysis and copper(II) hydroxide, and the total amount of the antibacterial agent and the bactericide added is 3 to 5% by weight per 100 parts by weight of the room-temperature curing silicone sealant.

9. In the case where the plant hormone promoter is included, the plant hormone promoter is a solvent having indole-3-acetic acid as an active ingredient, The protective coating agent according to claim 1, characterized in that the amount of the plant hormone promoter is 2.5% by weight per 100 parts by weight of the room-temperature curing silicone sealant.

10. The protective coating agent according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is applied to the cut surface of the tree after pruning or felling or A method for restoring trees, characterized by applying the coating to the damaged area and allowing it to harden at room temperature to form the aforementioned film.

11. In the tree restoration method according to claim 10, the coating is in the state 400 days after cutting. A tree restoration method characterized in that the average recovery area of ​​the cut surface is more than twice that of the untreated control.

12. In the tree restoration method according to claim 10, the coating maintains flexibility while the bark surface The coating adheres closely to the skin, inhibiting microbial growth beneath it and promoting callus formation. A tree restoration method characterized by the following.

13. The aforementioned protective coating agent is applied within 24 hours after cutting or felling. The tree restoration method according to claim 10, characterized in that the application is cured at room temperature in the range of 5 to 35°C.

14. The tree restoration method according to claim 10, characterized in that the coating protective agent forms a coating with a thickness of 2 to 7 mm in a single application.

15. The elongation rate of the coating after curing is 50-200%, The tree restoration method according to claim 10, characterized in that the hardness (Shore A) of the coating surface is 20 to 60.

16. A claim characterized by not reapplying or recoating the coating after film formation until bark regeneration is complete. The tree restoration method described in item 10.

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