초록 ▼

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for enhancing supercooling of a plant to temperatures below about -2.degree. C., involving preventing the formation of ice crystals adjacent the plant by forming a substantially continuous hydrophobic membrane of particulate materials on p

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for enhancing supercooling of a plant to temperatures below about -2.degree. C., involving preventing the formation of ice crystals adjacent the plant by forming a substantially continuous hydrophobic membrane of particulate materials on portions of the plant capable of supporting droplets of water, the particulate material having a particle size distribution wherein up to about 90% by weight of the particles have a particle size of about 100 .mu.m or less, and the substantially continuous hydrophobic membrane has a thickness from about 1 .mu.m to about 1,000 .mu.m.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for enhancing supercooling of a plant to temperatures below about -2.degree. C., comprising:preventing the formation of ice crystals adjacent the plant by forming a substantially continuous hydrophobic membrane of particulate materials on portions of the plant

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for enhancing supercooling of a plant to temperatures below about -2.degree. C., comprising:preventing the formation of ice crystals adjacent the plant by forming a substantially continuous hydrophobic membrane of particulate materials on portions of the plant capable of supporting droplets of water, the particulate material having a particle size distribution wherein up to about 90% by weight of the particles have a particle size of about 100 .mu.m or less, and the substantially continuous hydrophobic membrane has a thickness from about 1 .mu.m to about 1,000 .mu.m, and wherein the particulate material comprises a hydrophilic core and a hydrophobic outer surface and the hydrophilic core comprises at least one of calcium carbonate, mica, talc, kaolin, bentonite, pyrophillite, dolomite, silica, feldspar, sand, quartz, chalk, limestone, diatomaceous earth, baryte, aluminum trihydrate, and titanium dioxide.