A Venturi Effect Can Help Cure Our Trees
October 1st, 2013
Compared to the more traditional hole-based methods, most of which require the tree to be drilled, tools with lenticular blades transform the basics of endotherapy easing the closure of the wound and allowing the natural uptake of the solutions.
The overall goal of this experiment is to treat a tree with endo therapy using tree friendly lenticular bladed tools and the Venturi effect rather than drill holes. This is achieved by separating the subcortical woody fibers with a device having a blade with lenticular cross-section to access the X matic SAP vessels. As a second step fluid from an external reservoir is taken up by the tree as the hollow blade temporarily reduces the cross-section of the SAP vessels leading to a ventry effect.
Next, after the desired fluid is taken up, the blade is removed. The xylem SEP moves up to leaves according to the transpiration rate, carrying with it the externally supplied fluid results obtained so that fluids are distributed. Further injection sites partially close soon after the removal of the blade due to the natural elasticity and rigidity of the fibers and the cambio activity completes the healing process in a few weeks, Usually professional operators familiar with traditional trunk injection methods.
We struggle because with our instrument, the number of trees to be treated per day cannot be easily planned is true. Our instrument was developed not to increase the daily productivity, but to decrease the long-term damages associated to wounds and to induce inside the tree a physical phenomenon, able to increase the natural uptake of an external liquid. Perform treatments on a day suited for endo therapy, preferably between butt break and late summer.
Select the tree which will undergo the injection treatment. Begin by measuring the circumference of the tree at breast height to determine the quantity of solution to be used and the number of insertion sites. Next in the first 150 centimeters from the ground, identify and mark the insertion sites so that they are equidistant for this 126 centimeter tree.
There are five sites. Ideally, the site locations will be slightly convex, smooth and above root flares. Prepare the injection device for use.
Choose a blade for the device with the length compatible with both the bark thickness and the tree diameter. Screw the blade to the body of the device. Put the device aside and fill a disposable pharmaceutical syringe.
With the solution required for a single insertion, each site will receive an equal share of the total liquid. Keep the syringe within easy reach. Wear gloves, protective glasses, and other protective gear demanded by the chemical agents to be used and local regulations.
Pick up the device and orient the blade edge with the fibers of the tree and direct the blade toward the center. Hold the body of the device firmly in one hand with the blade against the tree. Use the other hand to strike the sliding hammer on the body until the external lay text gasket is completely squeezed.
Once this is done, retrieve the filled syringe and insert it into the conical opening. Gently draw out the plunger. Observe the rate of infusion.
When the syringe is empty, wait eight to 10 seconds. Then remove the blade by striking the hammer in the opposite direction. Repeat with the remaining injection sites with drilled injection holes as depicted in this photo.
The surrounding tissues usually lose their vitality due to overheating. In comparison, using a lenticular blade, the camal and woody tissues are not removed, but moved aside. They partially revert to their previous shape within a few minutes and are usually perfectly healed after a few months.
These photos are of two trees 12 months after treatment with potassium phosphates Using a lenticular blade, there is only a small amount of discoloration once the trees have healed. Further treatments can be made with little concern. Here, stained pesticide is seen in palm tree PDs and palm tree leaves 24 hours after infusion.
This demonstrates the uptake by means of infusion in trees characterized by slow SEP dynamics. While attempting this procedure, it's important to take in mind that the Venturi effect takes place only when the transpiration rate of leaves is high. In cloudy or rainy days, or in the most of conifers and palms.
Transpiration can be very low. In this case, it can be convenient to gently press on the plunger or to connect the instrument to an external pressurized device.
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Overview
This study explores a novel method of tree treatment using endotherapy with lenticular bladed tools. Unlike traditional drilling methods, this approach minimizes damage and promotes natural healing.
Key Study Components
Area of Science
- Tree physiology
- Endotherapy techniques
- Fluid dynamics in plants
Background
- Traditional methods often involve drilling, which can harm the tree.
- Lenticular blades provide a less invasive alternative.
- The Venturi effect aids in fluid uptake without permanent damage.
- Natural healing processes are enhanced through this method.
Purpose of Study
- To evaluate the effectiveness of lenticular bladed tools in tree treatment.
- To demonstrate the benefits of using the Venturi effect for fluid uptake.
- To assess the healing process post-treatment.
Methods Used
- Application of lenticular bladed tools to access SAP vessels.
- Utilization of an external fluid reservoir for treatment.
- Observation of fluid movement through xylem.
- Monitoring of healing processes after blade removal.
Main Results
- Successful uptake of fluids without drilling.
- Natural closure of injection sites post-treatment.
- Efficient distribution of externally supplied fluids.
- Rapid healing facilitated by tree's natural elasticity.
Conclusions
- Lenticular bladed tools are effective for tree endotherapy.
- This method reduces damage compared to traditional techniques.
- Natural healing processes are preserved and enhanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Executive Industry Relevance
This method enables targeted delivery of bioactive compounds into plant vascular systems without mechanical wounding, supporting precision application in agricultural and forestry R&D. By leveraging natural transpiration-driven uptake, it reduces tissue damage and promotes rapid healing, aligning with sustainable intervention strategies. The approach offers a minimally invasive platform for evaluating compound translocation and efficacy in woody species.
Strategic Applications in Biopharma R&D
Early Discovery & Target Validation
- Scientific Value: Enables interrogation of compound mobility within xylem to assess systemic distribution in planta.
- Operational Value: Provides a reversible access method to vascular tissue for repeated sampling or dosing.
Screening & Assay Development
- Scientific Value: Supports preparation of intact vascular systems for quantitative analysis of compound uptake and translocation.
- Operational Value: Facilitates standardized delivery of test agents under controlled transpiration conditions.
Translational & Preclinical Research
- Scientific Value: Enables evaluation of protective or therapeutic agents in disease-relevant woody plant models.
- Operational Value: Allows assessment of compound persistence and movement through vascular pathways over time.
Pipeline & Workflow Integration
The method fits within early discovery workflows where vascular access is needed to test compound behavior in intact plant systems prior to field evaluation.
- Discovery Biology: Supports hypothesis testing on compound mobility and target engagement within the xylem.
- Screening: Enables reproducible delivery of liquids to vascular tissue for dose-response or uptake profiling.
- Analytics: Generates measurable outputs on fluid distribution kinetics tied to transpiration rates.
- Translational Research: Connects discovery-phase compound screening to preclinical efficacy in perennial plant models.
- Enterprise Reuse: Offers a reusable, low-impact tool for iterative testing across seasons or treatment cycles.
Operational & Enterprise Impact
- Scientific Value: Enhances predictive confidence in compound translocation by enabling direct vascular access without confounding wound responses.
- Operational Value: Reduces biological variability from mechanical injury, improving assay consistency across replicates.
- Strategic Value: De-risks lead candidates by confirming systemic delivery potential in complex plant architectures.
- Portfolio Impact: Informs go/no-go decisions based on verified uptake and distribution in physiologically relevant systems.
Implementation Considerations
- Requires expertise in plant anatomy and vascular access techniques.
- Depends on instrumentation capable of creating transient vascular openings without permanent damage.
- Necessitates standardization of insertion site placement and fluid volume per site.
- Must account for species-specific bark thickness and xylem architecture in blade selection.
- Limited to periods of high transpiration unless supplemented with external pressure to drive uptake.
