Movable blower and method for treating plants

Abstract

A method and apparatus of treating plants are disclosed. The method may include a) moving a blower, at a speed of between 1 to 10 kMH, along at least one row or bed of plants; and b) directing hot air from the blower toward the plants from above the plants toward the ground at a distance of between 5 to 40 cm from the ground. The treatment may be provided between 1 day after planting to a day before harvesting.

Description

MOVABLE BLOWER AND METHOD FOR TREATING PLANTSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of Israeli Patent Application No. 307200 filed on September 21, 2023, the contents of which are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to methods for treating plants. More specifically, the present invention relates to movable hot blower and method for treating plants.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Many bacteria, fungi, insects, mites, and nematodes can be controlled by short exposure of infested plants to aerated steam, dry heat, or hot water. Using hot air can decrease or even prevent / avoid the need for chemical pesticides, which can be toxic, dangerous, and very expensive in common agriculture. It is also a very important solution in organic agriculture which is characterized by pesticides that hold only partial activity. The idea is to harm the pest without causing any damage to the plant and is usually done during the growth of plants such as vegetables, fruit trees, and vines.

[0004] Weed control, however, is different. Weed control is required already at the early stages of plant growth, even right after planting when the plants are most susceptible. Hot air may harm weeds but can also harm newly planted plants.

[0005] Therefore, it is required to find a safe way to control weeds a short time after planting seedlings in field crops and vegetables and further to safely control pests.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Some aspects of the invention are directed to a method of treating plants, the method may include a) moving a blower, at a speed of between 1 to 10 kMH, along at least one row or bed of plants; and b) directing hot air from the blower toward the plants from above the plants toward the ground at a distance of between 5 to 40 cm from the ground. The treatment may be provided between 1 day after planting to a day before harvesting.

[0007] In some embodiments, the hot air is provided at a temperature of between 50 to 300 °C. In some embodiments, the directing comprises directing the hot air from above the plants toward the ground. In some embodiments, directing the hot air toward the plants is by setting a predetermined distance between an outlet of the blower and the ground. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance is determined to maintain 0-30 cm between the outlet of the blower and an upper part of the plants.

[0008] In some embodiments, hot air is provided to reduce the amount of weeds in the row or bed. In some embodiments, hot air is provided to reduce the number of pests on the plants. In some embodiments, the treatment of weed control is provided between 1 to 40 days after planting, for example, seedlings and young plants. In some embodiments, the treatment for pest control occurs 1 day after planting till picking / harvesting.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method further comprises repeating steps a) and b) after a predetermined number of days, determined based on at least one of: a lookup table, and a threshold number of pests on the plants. In some embodiments, the method further comprises spraying a pesticide after the hot blowing.

[0010] Additional aspects of the invention include a movable blower for treating plants, comprising: a movable platform configured to move at a speed of between 1 to 10 kMH; a blowing unit, carried by the movable platform, and a frame holding the blowing unit and configured to direct the hot air from above the plants toward the ground.

[0011] In some embodiments, the blower is configured to provide hot air at a temperature of at least 50 °C. In some embodiments, the movable blower further comprises at least one temperature sensor located at the exit of the outlet of the blower. In some embodiments, the frame is configured to set a predetermined distance between an outlet of the blower and the ground. In some embodiments, the predetermined distance is determined to maintain 0-40 cm between the outlet of the blower and an upper part of the plants.

[0012] In some embodiments, the movable blower further comprises a sensor configured to measure the distance between the outlet of the blower to the ground, or the distance between the outlet of the blower to the upper part of the plants.

[0013] In some embodiments, the movable blower further comprises a controller configured to control the frame to control at least one of: the distance between the outlet of the blower and the ground, or the distance between the outlet of the blower and an upper part of the plants, based on measurements received from the sensor.

[0014] An additional aspect of the invention may be directed to a method of treating weeds in an unplanted area, comprising: a. germinating weed in at least a portion of the area; b. moving a blower, at a speed of between 1 to 10 kMH, along the at least portion of the area; and c. directing hot air from the blower toward the weeds at a distance of between 1 to 15 cm from the ground.

[0015] In some embodiments, germinating weed growth may include irrigating the at least portion of the area. In some embodiments, irrigating may be by at least one of, natural precipitation, and artificial irrigation.

[0016] In some embodiments, moving the blower may be between 2 to 15 days after the irrigation. In some embodiments, the hot air may be provided at a temperature of between 150 to 300 °C.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method may further include repeating steps b) and c) after a predetermined number of days.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0019] Figs. 1A and IB are an image and an illustration of a movable blower for treating plants according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0020] Fig. 2A is a flowchart of a method for treating plants according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0021] Fig. 2B is a flowchart of a method for method of treating weeds in an unplanted row or bed according to some embodiments of the invention; and

[0022] Figs 3 A and 3B are images of lettuce beds, a first lettuce bed in 3 A was treated using a method and blower according to some embodiments of the invention and a second lettuce bed is a non-treated control bed.

[0023] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0024] One skilled in the art will realize the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting of the invention described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

[0025] Some aspects of the invention may refer to an agronomical method of treating plants, more specifically field crops and vegetables already at the early stages after planting, for example, from 1 day after plating to the end of the growth (harvesting / picking) season. The method may include controllably blowing and directing hot air toward plants in the row or bed at an amount that will at least treat weeds or reduce the number of pests.

[0026] Some additional aspects of the invention may be related to pre-planting treatments of fields (e.g., beds, rows, etc.) to reduce or even eliminate weeds. Such a method may include germinating weed, ether artificially (by irrigations) or naturally, and then controllably blowing and directing hot air toward the weeds, from a short distance.

[0027] A method of controlling weeds in vegetable seedlings and field crops after planting / sowing, according to embodiments of the invention, may be suitable in organic agriculture where there are no herbicides and the only way to control the weeds is by weeding. The method can also be suitable in common agriculture when the use of herbicides is not entirely selective. In some embodiments, the method is based on applying hot air to plant seedlings and exterminating / damaging the weeds shortly after they emerge, when they are still susceptible to the hot air and without causing damage to the growth.

[0028] As used herein, “pests” may include all types of biotic factors that may infect plants. For example, pests may include worms, insects, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, viruses, and the like.

[0029] As used herein “plants” may include all plants that are seasonally planted in the open field / greenhouse, such as, field crops and vegetables. Some nonlimiting examples for field crops and vegetables may include Chenopodiaceae (beets, spinach, etc.), Solanaceae (tomatoes, eggplants, etc.), Apiaceae or Umbelliferae, (carrot, parsley, etc.), Composita (artichoke, lettuce, etc.), Brassicaceae (cabbage, broccoli, etc..), Cruciferae (cucumbers, zucchini, etc...)

[0030] The agronomical method according to some embodiments of the invention may be performed by a dedicated movable blower, for example, the movable blower discussed and disclosed with respect to Figs. 1A and IB. Alternatively, the agronomical method according to some embodiments of the invention may be performed by different equipment.

[0031] Reference is now made to Figs 1A and IB which are illustrations of a movable blower for treating plants according to some embodiments of the invention. A movable blower 100 may include a movable platform 110 configured to move at a speed of between1 to 10 kMH; and a blowing unit 120, carried by movable platform 130. As used herein, “carried” may include any form of mobile supporting, carrying, pulling, and the like. Movable platform 110 can be operated by a user (e.g., a vehicle (tractor) driven by a user, as shown), or can be autonomously operated. Movable platform 110 may include a single platform for both driving and carrying blowing unit 120 or may include two sub-platforms a driving platform (e.g., a tractor) and a trailer carrying blowing unit 120. Movable platform 110 may be configured to move at a speed of between 1 to 10 kMH, for example, between2 to 3 kMH, between 2 to 5 kMH, between 3 to 5 kMH, between 3 to 65 kMH, between 4 to 7 kMH, between 6 to 10 kMH, and any value in between.

[0032] Blowing unit 120 may be any blower configured to produce streams of hot air. Blowing unit 120 may include one or more burners 126 for heating air, a blower 127 for blowing the hot air, via outlet 122 for providing the hot air. In a nonlimiting example, outlet 122 has substantially the width of the bed. In some embodiments, the amount of heat and the capacity of air may be controlled, therefore, the temperature provided at the exit of the blower may be controlled. In some embodiments, movable blower 100 may include a controller 125 and one or more blower temperature sensors (not illustrated) located at theexit of the blower for monitoring and controlling the air’s temperature, for example, by controlling the power provided to the heating elements and / or capacity of the one or more compressors. Additionally or alternatively, one or more plant temperature sensors may be placed near the area of treatments (e.g., on the ground of the bed and / or near the plants) or may be a remote temperature sensor, located at outlet 122 and configured to measure the temperature at or near the one or more treated plants. These sensors may wirelessly communicate with controller 125, therefore, allowing to control the power provided to the heating elements / or capacity of the one or more compressors also based on reading from these sensors.

[0033] In some embodiments, blowing unit 120 may be configured to provide hot air at at least, 50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C, 80 °C, 90 °C, 100 °C, 110 °C, 120 °C, 130 °C, 140°C, 150 °C, 160 °C, 170 °C, 180 °C, 190 ,200 °C, 220 °C, 250 °C, 375 °C, 300 °C and any value in between.

[0034] In some embodiments, movable blower 100 may further include a frame 130 holding the blower and configured to direct the hot air from above the plants toward the ground, as illustrated by the white arrows in Fig. 1A. In some embodiments, frame 130 may be configured to set a predetermined distance D between an outlet of the blower and the ground, for example, frame 130 may include a movable arm 132 configured to change the distance between an outlet of blower with respect to the ground. Movable arm 132 may include any unit / device or component that may allow controlling and adjusting the distance D between an outlet of the blower and the ground or the distance d between the outlet of the blower and an upper part of the plants.

[0035] In some embodiments, movable blower 100 may further include a sensor 135 configured to measure the distance D between the outlet of the blower and the ground, or the distance d between the outlet of the blower and an upper part of the plants. Sensor 135 may be selected from a proximity sensor, a camera, a gyroscope, and the like.

[0036] In some embodiments, additional means may be used for determining the distance D between the outlet of the blower and the ground, for example, height wheels, and the like.

[0037] In some embodiments, controller 125 may control arm 132 to maintain the distance to be between 0 to 40 cm between the outlet of the blower and an upper part of the plants.

[0038] In some embodiments, movable blower 100 may further include a spryer, not illustrated, for spraying chemical pesticides as a complementary treatment to the hot airprovision treatment. The sprayer may be any known and suitable sprayer. The sprayer may be located behind the outlet of the blower and the spraying will be performed accordingly.

[0039] Reference is now made to Fig. 2A, which is a flowchart of a method of treating plants according to some embodiments of the invention. The method of Fig. 2 can be performed by movable blower 100 or by any other suitable equipment. The method may be used for the treatments of field crops and vegetables, in the open field and greenhouses.

[0040] In step 210, the method may include moving a blower, at a speed of between 1 to 10 kMH, along at least one row or bed of plants. For example, movable blower 100 may travel at a speed of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and more KMH between the rows and / or beds in the open field and greenhouses.

[0041] In step 220, the method may include directing hot air from the blower toward the plants and or the ground, for example, from above the plants toward the ground, as illustrated in Fig. 1A.

[0042] In some embodiments, the hot air may be provided at a temperature of between 50 to 300 °C. For example, hot air may be provided at a temperature of 50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C, 80 °C, 90 °C, 100 °C, 110 °C, 120 °C, 130 °C, 140°C, 150 °C, 160 °C, 170 °C, 180 °C, 190 .200 °C, 220 °C, 250 °C, 275 °C, 300 °C and any value in between. In a nonlimiting example, hot air may be provided at elevated temperatures, above 130 when the only applied treatment is hot air blowing and the pests / weeds must be treated with hot air only. In a case that chemical spraying is to be provided, by the sprayer, lower treatment temperatures may be provided, for example, between 50 to 120 °C, which together with the chemical pesticide may suffice for treating the pests. In such a case the spraying may be conducted right after the hot blowing. Such a combined treatment may result in a reduced amount of pesticide in comparison to standard methods.

[0043] In some embodiments, directing the hot air from the blower may include directing the hot air from above the plants toward the ground. In some embodiments, directing the hot air toward the plants is by setting a predetermined distance D between an outlet of the blower and the ground and / or plants. The distance D may be determined to allow effective treatment of weeds / pests while avoiding harming the plants. For example, the D may be between 5 to 100 cm, 10 to 100 cm, 5 to 40 cm, 10 to 50 cm, 5 to 50 cm, and any value and range in between.

[0044] In some embodiments, the predetermined distance D is determined to maintain a distance d of 0-40 cm between the outlet of the blower and an upper part of the plants.

[0045] In some embodiments, the hot air is provided to reduce the amount of weed in the row or bed. In such case the treatment for weed control will be performed between 1 to 40 days after planting.

[0046] In some embodiments, the hot air is provided to reduce the number of pests on the plants. In such cased the treatment is for pest control and may be carried out from 1 day after planting till the end of the crop (picking / harvesting).

[0047] In some embodiments, steps 210 and 220 may be repeated after a predetermined number of days determined based on at least on of:, a lookup table, and a threshold number of pests on the plants, for example, after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 days, or according to the results and data obtained. In some embodiments, a threshold number of pests on the plants is the maximum allowed number of pests for each type of plant an is known in the art.

[0048] Reference is now made to Fig. 2B which is a flowchart of a method of treating weeds in an unplanted area according to some embodiments of the invention. The method of Fig. 2B can be performed by movable blower 100 or by any other suitable equipment. The method may be used for the treatments of pre -planted rows or beds, in the open field and greenhouses.

[0049] In step 205 the method may include germinating weed in at least a portion of the area (e.g., a row or bed). In some embodiments, prior to planting or sowing, water may be provided to the portion of the area (e.g., the row or bed), thereby germinating weed. In some embodiments, the water may be provided naturally, by rain or other precipitates. In some embodiments, the water may be provided by artificial irrigation. For example, several systems may be utilized for artificial irrigation, including drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to the plant roots, and sprinkler systems, which mimic natural rainfall by dispersing water over a wide area.

[0050] In step 215, the method may include moving a blower, at a speed of between 1 to 10 kMH, along the at least portion of the area. For example, movable blower 100 may travel at a speed of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and more KMH between the rows and / or beds in the open field and greenhouses.

[0051] In step 225, the method may include directing hot air from the blower toward the weeds, for example, from above the weeds toward the ground, as illustrated in Fig. 1A.

[0052] In some embodiments, the hot air may be provided at a temperature of between 150 to 400 °C. For example, hot air may be provided at a temperature of 150 °C, 160 °C, 170 °C, 180 °C, 190 ,200 °C, 220 °C, 250 °C, 275 °C, 300 °C, 325 °C, 350 °C, 375 °C, 400 °C and any value in between.

[0053] In a nonlimiting example, hot air may be provided at elevated temperatures, above 200 °C when the only applied treatment is hot air blowing.

[0054] In some embodiments, directing the hot air from the blower may include directing the hot air from above the weeds toward the ground. In some embodiments, directing the hot air toward the weeds is by setting a predetermined distance D between an outlet of the blower and the ground and / or plants. The distance D may be determined to allow effective treatment of weeds / pests while avoiding harming the plants. For example, the D may be between 1 to 15 cm, 2 to 10 cm, 3 to 7 cm, and any value and range in between.

[0055] In some embodiments, a first treatment cycle comprising steps 215 and 225 may be conducted between 2 to 15 days after the water provision (e.g., irrigation), for example, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days, 13 days, 14 days, and any value and range in between. In some embodiments, steps 205, 215, and 225 may be repeated, in a second treatment cycle, to ensure the elimination of most of the weeds from the bed and / or row. For example, the second treatment cycle comprising steps 215 and 225 may be repeated 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, 5 days, 7 days, 9 days, 11 days, and any value and range in between, after the first treatment cycle.

[0056] Example 1

[0057] A movable blower, such as movable blower 100 was operated during the winter for weed control in winter vegetables. Table 1 summarizes the various plants tested, the time for the first treatment after planting, and whether damage was caused to the planted plants. All plants were treated with an air blow at 150 °C blown at a distance d of 10-15 cm. The platform moved at two speeds 3 kMH and 5kMH.

[0058] Table 1.0059] All treated beds had less weeds than untreated beds. The best results were achiever in the lettuce beds.

[0060] Example !

[0061] In order to check the influence of the traveling speed, specific tests were done in lettuce beds only. The blower blew hot air at 150 °C while driving in two driving speeds 3 kMH and 5 kMH. Table 2 summarizes the results.

[0062] Table 2(*) the measurement unit was a 1.5 m x 1.5 m wooden frame.The hot air treatment reduced the amount of weed in comparison to the untreated control. Driving at a speed of 3 kMH results in a reduction of 75% in the amount of weeds. Images taken during this trial are given in Figs. 3A and 3B. Fig. 3 A shows the lettuce beds treated with hot air at 150 °C while driving at 3 kMH and Fig. 3B shows the untreated control lettuce beds.

[0063] The experiment of Example 2 was repeated 5 times at different lettuce crops during the winter and had substantially similar results.

[0064] The weight of the lettuce was measured after three repeated hot treatments at two different harvesting times 14 days after the 3rd treatment and 24 days after the 3rd treatment in comparison to control groups. For each weighing the average lettuces from 6 examination bed sections (3 meters) were measured for each group. Table 2 summarizes the weighing tests.

[0065] AS shown in table 2, providing hot air blows at 3 kMH- 150° increased the weight of the harvested lettuce by 29%. 4 kMH- 150° gave an increase of 17%.

[0066] Example 3

[0067] The effect of the hot air on reducing the number of Thrips (adults and larvae) was tested in broccoli. Two different treatment regimes were tested providing hot air blows at a temperature of 170 C° at speeds of 3 kMH and 4 kMH. The average number of Thrips per leave was counted. Table 3 summarizes the test results.

[0068] Table 3 summarizes the test results one day after the hot air treatment.0069] As clearly shown, hot air treatment reduced the number of thrips by at least 70%.

[0070] Example 4

[0071] The effect of the hot air on reducing the number of Thrips (adults and larvae) was tested in spring onion. A single treatment regime was tested, the treatment included providing hot air blows at a temperature of 180 C° at a speed of 3 kMH. The average number of Thrips per plant was counted. Table 4 summarizes the test results.

[0072] Table 4

[0073] As shown the effect of the hot air blowing was shown even 3 days after treatment.

[0074] The treatment was repeated 4 days after. Table 5 summarizes the test results of the second treatment.

[0075] Table 50076] Repeating the treatment every 4 days allows to maintain low number of Thrips (adults and larvae) during the growing season.

[0077] Example s

[0078] Weeds control was further tested on young Cervantes lettuce plants 7 days after planting, on April 2024. The experimental setting included 4 lettuce beds, one served as control, and the other three were treated by four treatment cycles summarized at Table 6.

[0079] Table 6

[0080] The results showed that the high temperatures did not cause any phytotoxicity to the lettuce seedlings and the young plants. Furthermore, the assessment of weed infestation carried out after 4 cycles, it was found that in the control bed (untreated), the weed infestation reached 100% of the bed’ s area and the major weeds were amaranthus species, chenopodiumalbum, datura stramonium and Portulaca oleracea. However, in the treated beds the infestation in the three treated beds was 30%, 10%, and 10% of the bed’s area.

[0081] Example 6

[0082] Another weeds control test was conducted on young Cervantes lettuce plants April and May 2024. The experimental setting included 12 lettuce beds, two served as control and the other ten were treated by four two cycles summarized at table 7.

[0083] Table ?

[0084] The results showed that the high temperatures did not cause any phytotoxicity to the lettuce seedlings and the young plants. Furthermore, the assessment of the assessment of weed infestation carried out after 2 cycles, it was found that in the control bed (untreated), the weed infestation reached 90% of the bed’s area and the major weeds were amaranthus species, chenopodium album, datura stramonium and Portulaca oleracea. However, in the treated beds the infestation in the three treated beds was between 5 to 20% of the bed’s area.Example 7

[0085] Selective weed control tests, for controlling Common Purslane by the heat blower, were conducted during on August 21, 2024. Three beds were planted, each, with four rows of lettuce, each row was irrigated by a drip pipe, and three beds were left without planting, however provided with an equal amount of irrigation. Each bed, either planted or preplanted, were provided with four drip lines. The beds were irrigated daily. As early as 4-5 days after the first irrigation, the sprouts of the Common Purslane began to appear. Five days after the start of irrigation, hot air was provided according to some embodiments of the invention.The treatments:1) 5 days after irrigation, providing hot air at 250 °C.2) 10 days after irrigation, providing hot air at 250 °C.3) Control without the heat blower, counted from the planted lettuce beds.

[0086] Before operating movable blower 100, each unplanted bed was divided into two halves of 20 meters. In the first three halves, the heat blower was operated five days after the first irrigation at a temperature of 250°C and in the second half; the blower was turned on ten days after the start of the irrigation and at the same temperature. The driving speed when the blower was was 3 km / h.

[0087] On September 4, 2024, a count was made of the Common Purslane sprouts that had already developed 4-6 leaves. In each section, 2 meters of bed were counted, and the sprouts of the Common Purslane were counted in them. The count was divided into two, weeds along the drip and also weeds between the drips. Also, the degree of development of the Common Purslane plants was assessed according to degrees, where 0 - the plant is extremely inhibited, 5 - very developed.

[0088] Table 8 shows the efficiency of controlling the sprouts of the Common Purslane at two application dates after the first irrigation, the numbers in the table express the number of Common Purslane sprouts along the drip pipes, and between the drips, five and ten days after the start of irrigation, an average of 6 sections of 1 meter of bed.

[0089] Table 80090] The Common Purslane can only be exterminated at very high temperatures, above 200 °C. When the heat blower operates at a temperature of 250 °C, 5 days after the first irrigation, an 85% reduction in Common Purslane was obtained. At these and higher temperatures, the bad weed can be controlled very efficiently on bare ground (before planting), without fear of damage to the growth. Two days after turning on the blower, the lettuce (or any other crop) can be planted free of the Common Purslane. This may be a technique of weed control before planting. The operation of the blower in this case is not limited by the height of the air outlet which can be as low as 4-5 cm. The success of thistreatment may depend on the operation of the blower at the correct timing (in this case 5 days after irrigation) when the seedlings of the Common Purslane (and other weeds) are small and susceptible to heat. When the seedlings begin to develop leaves their sensitivity to these temperatures is weakened.

[0091] The system and method discussed herein above shows a promising solution for a green (e.g., organic conditions) weeding method that does not include or minimize the use of herbicides for controlling weeds. The inventors surprisingly found the method suitable for seedlings and young plants. It appears that even sensitive plants like young lettuce can be treated with hot air, even at temperatures above 200 °C.

[0092] Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Furthermore, all formulas described herein are intended as examples only and other or different formulas may be used. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof may occur or be performed at the same point in time.

[0093] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0094] Various embodiments have been presented. Each of these embodiments may of course include features from other embodiments presented, and embodiments not specifically described may include various.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of treating plants, comprising: a. moving a blower, at a speed of between 1 to 10 kMH, along at least one row or bed of plants; and b. directing hot air from the blower toward the plants from above the plants toward the ground at a distance of between 5 to 40 cm from the ground, and wherein the treatment is provided between 1 day after planting to a day before harvesting.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the hot air is provided at a temperature of between 50 to 300 °C.

3. The method of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the hot air is provided to reduce the amount of weeds in the row or bed.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hot air is provided to reduce the number of pests on the plants.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising repeating steps a) and b) after a predetermined number of days, determined based on at least on one of: a lookup table, and a threshold number of pests on the plants.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising spraying a pesticide after the hot blowing.

7. A movable blower for treating plants, comprising: a movable platform configured to move at a speed of between 1 to 10 kMH; a blowing unit, carried by the movable platform; and a frame holding the blowing unit and configured to direct the hot air from above the plants toward the ground at a distance of between 5 to 40 cm from the ground.

8. The movable blower of claim 7, wherein the blower is configured to provide hot air at a temperature of at least 50 °C.

9. The movable blower of claim 7, or claim 8, further comprising at least one temperature sensor located at the exit of the outlet of the blower.

10. The movable blower according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a sensor configured to measure the distance between the outlet of the blower to theground, or the distance between the outlet of the blower to the upper part of the plants.

11. The movable blower of claim 10, further comprising a controller configured to control the frame to control at least one of: the distance between the outlet of the blower and the ground, or the distance between the outlet of the blower and an upper part of the plants, based on measurements received from the sensor.

12. A method of treating weeds in an unplanted area, comprising: a. germinating weed in at least a portion of the area; b. moving a blower, at a speed of between 1 to 10 kMH, along the at least portion of the area; and c. directing hot air from the blower toward the weeds at a distance of between 15 cm from the ground.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein germinating weed growth comprises irrigating the at least portion of the area.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein irrigating is by at least one of, natural precipitation, and artificial irrigation.

15. The method of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein moving the blower is between 2 to 15 days after the irrigation.

16. The method of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the hot air is provided at a temperature of between 150 to 300 °C.

17. The method of any one of claims 12 to 16, further comprising repeating steps b) and c) after a predetermined number of days.

Images