Title: Top desiccation of crop plants

Abstract: The above-ground growth of potatoes and like root crops are contacted with high voltage electricity several days prior to harvesting, the electricity desiccating the above-ground portion of the crops while not harming the tubers. A no-load voltage of about 20 kv with an energy density of about 11-15 kw/foot of width treated is effective. Low-bush blueberries, and like perennial crops, are pruned by contacting the above-ground growth thereof with electricity. Pruning, in the case of blueberries, is most effective when done approximately every other year in the case of blueberries, a no-load voltage of 10-20 kv with an energy density of about 2-3 kw/foot of width treated being effective.

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Inventors: Pluenneke, Ricks H. (Forth Worth, TX, US)
Dykes, Willis G. (Vicksburg, MS, US)

Application Number: 653542
Filing Date: 1976-01-29
Publication_date: 1977-02-15
Assignee: Lasco, Inc. (Vicksburg, MS)
Primary Class(es): 171/1 47/1.3
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

2007383	Jul, 1935	Opp	47/1.
3183650	May, 1965	Ferris	47/1.
3626636	Dec, 1971	Wheeler	47/1.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Bagwill, Robert E.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: Cushman, Darby & Cushman