Systems and methods for using light energy to facilitate penetration of substances in plants

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for delivering a substance into a plant. The systems and methods include a light energy that is applied to a first area on the plant to create a first indentation. The first indentation can be a minor incision or a rupture of a portion of the first area. Once the first indentation is created, a first dosage of the substance is applied to the first area in an amount effective to promote a biological response of the plant. It is contemplated that at least a portion of the substance is absorbed by the plant via the first indentation.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for delivering a substance to a plant, comprising:
 a platform;   a first laser mounted on the platform;   a first nozzle mounted on the platform; and   wherein the first laser is configured to emit a laser beam that creates an indentation on a first portion of the plant.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a first tank and a first pump that are fluidly coupled with the first nozzle. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the first tank is sized and dimensioned to receive the substance, and wherein the first pump is configured to emit the substance to the plant through the first nozzle. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , further comprising a second nozzle that is fluidly coupled to a second tank and a second pump. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the second tank is sized and dimensioned to receive a wax, and wherein the second pump is configured to emit the wax to the plant through the second nozzle. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the first laser, the first nozzle and the second nozzle are mounted on a first movable arm. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , further comprising a second laser, a third nozzle fluidly coupled to the first tank, and a fourth nozzle fluidly coupled to the second tank, and wherein the second laser, the third nozzle and the fourth nozzle are mounted on a second movable arm. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the first movable arm and the second movable arm are configured to independently move. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the first movable arm is disposed above the second movable arm. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first laser and first nozzle are mounted on a movable arm. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the movable arm is configured to move to a position that avoids entanglement with the plant. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the movable arm is removably coupled with the platform. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the laser is mounted onto the movable arm using a rotating mount. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the platform is configured to couple with a tractor that thereby moves the platform. 
     
     
         15 . A system for delivering a substance to a plant, comprising:
 a first arm comprising a first laser;   a second arm comprising a second laser;   a movable platform coupled to the first and second arms;   wherein the first laser is configured to emit a first laser beam that creates a first indentation on a first portion of the plant; and   wherein the second laser is configured to emit a second laser beam that creates a second indentation on a second portion of the plant.   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the first arm and the second arm are vertically stacked. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the first arm comprises a first nozzle fluidly coupled to a first tank and a first pump. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the first tank is sized and dimensioned to receive the substance, and wherein the first pump is configured to emit the substance through the first nozzle. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the first arm comprises a second nozzle fluidly coupled to a second tank and a second pump. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the second tank is sized and dimensioned to receive a wax, and wherein the second pump is configured to emit the wax to the plant through the second nozzle.