AU2021102686A4 - Plant growth regulator formulation comprising gibberellic acid - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solid plant growth regulator composition comprising gibberellic acid at a concentration of at least 400 g/kg, a surfactant, and optionally, an agriculturally acceptable filler, as well as methods for preparing a solid plant growth regulator composition and use of a solid plant growth regulator composition.

Description

PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR FORMULATION COMPRISING GIBBERELLIC ACID FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to formulations comprising the plant growth regulator

gibberellic acid (Gibberellin A3), which is the common name for

(3S,3aS,4S,4aS,7S,9aR,9bR,12S)-7,12-dihydroxy-3-methyl-6-methylene-2-oxoperhydro

4a,7-methano-9b,3-propeno[1,2-b]furan-4-carboxylic acid. In particular, the invention

relates to a soluble granule which is highly loaded with gibberellic acid, and which is

preferably soluble in water. The invention also relates to methods of preparing and using

said growth regulator formulations comprising gibberellic acid. However, it will be

appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The following discussion of the prior art is provided to place the invention in an appropriate

technical context and enable the advantages of it to be more fully understood. It should be

appreciated, however, that any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification

should not be considered as an express or implied admission that such prior art is widely

known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Gibberellic acid is a class of plant growth hormone isolated from cultures of Gibberella

fujikuroi, a fungus causing Bakanae disease in rice. There are many different members of

the family as well as mixtures of multiple members; all are diterpenoid acids based on the

gibberellane skeleton. Gibberellic acid acts as a plant growth regulator due to its

physiological and morphological effects in extremely low concentrations. It generally affects

only the plant parts above the soil surface.

[0004] Gibberellic acid has a variety of applications, e.g. to improve fruit setting of clementines

and pears (especially William pears); to loosen and elongate clusters and increase berry

size in grapes; to control fruit maturity by delaying development of the yellow colour in

lemons; to reduce rind stain and retard rind ageing in navel oranges; to counteract the

effects of cherry yellows virus diseases in sour cherries; to produce uniform seedling

growth in rice; to promote elongation of winter celery crop; to induce uniform bolting and

increase seed production in lettuce for seed; to break dormancy and stimulate sprouting in

seed potatoes; to extend the picking season by hastening maturity in artichokes; to increase the yield in forced rhubarb; to increase the malting quality of barley; to produce brighter-coloured, firmer fruit, and to increase the size of sweet cherries; to increase yields and aid harvesting of hops; to reduce internal browning and increase yields of Italian prunes; to increase fruit set and yields of tangelos and tangerines; to improve fruit setting in blueberries; to advance flowering and increase the yield of strawberries; to stimulate pasture production in high-intensity grazing situations; to increase the fruit yield in bananas, and also a variety of applications on ornamentals.

[0005] Gibberellic acid is applicable for use in Australia when registered by the Australian

Herbicides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). The active ingredient is typically

presented in commercial products as a soluble liquid concentrate, or as a soluble

granule/powder concentrate. However, in the available products, the active is only provided

in relatively low concentrations, such as 100g/L for the soluble liquid concentrate, and

between 200 to 400g/kg for the granule/powder concentrates. For example, the formulation

marketed by ProGibb G.A. Growth Regulant (APVMA No. 52868) is a 1OOg/L liquid

concentrate of gibberellic acid; ProGibb SG Plant Growth Regulator Soluble Granule

(APVMA No. 53027) is a 400g/kg soluble granule concentrate of gibberellic acid; Stretch

SP200 Plant Growth Regulator (APVMA No. 59059) is a 200g/kg soluble powder

concentrate of gibberellic acid; and Gibb 200 SG Plant Growth Regulator (APVMA No.

60854) is a 200g/kg soluble granule concentrate of gibberellic acid.

[0006] Notwithstanding the commercial availability of a range of gibberellic acid compositions,

there remains a need for improved gibberellic acid-based compositions for use in an

agricultural setting that overcomes one or more of the limitations of commercially available

gibberellic acid compositions.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the

disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0008] It is a preferred object of at least one form of the present invention to provide a growth

regulator composition comprising gibberellic acid, whereby the composition is in the form of

a soluble granule, which is preferably water-dispersible/soluble, and whereby the

concentration of gibberellic acid is relatively high, and in particular is higher than prior art

compositions.

[0009] Various advantages may be achieved by the claimed invention, including economies of

manufacturing, packaging, handling and storage, relative to lower concentration

alternatives. Additionally, there is a commensurate reduction in the amount of packaging

that needs to be recycled or disposed of. Further advantages of the invention relate to a

reduction in the cost of freight (volume and weight basis) in transporting the gibberellic acid

formulation from factory to field and enhanced physical stability and therefore increased

shelf life.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a solid plant growth regulator

composition comprising:

gibberellic acid at a concentration of at least 400 g/kg,

a surfactant, and

optionally, an agriculturally acceptable filler.

[0011] Preferably the plant growth regulator formulation according to the first aspect is in a

granular form and is water dispersible, soluble, or emulsifiable.

[0012] In some embodiments, the gibberellic acid concentration is between 450g/kg and 950g/kg.

[0013] In some embodiments, the filler may be selected from the group consisting of sodium

sulfate, disodium EDTA dihydrate, glucose, gum acacia, dextrose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone,

kaolin, starch, bentonite, sodium sulfate, maltodextrin, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate

and talc, or combinations thereof or any other agriculturally acceptable filler. It will be

appreciated that the filler of the first aspect may also fulfil other roles, such as a binder, a

chelating agent or a fertiliser as well. In some embodiments, the filler may be present in the

growth regulator composition at a concentration of up to about 550 g/kg.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the surfactant may be an anionic surfactant. The anionic

surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of sodium diisopropyl naphthalene

sulfonate, sodium naphthalene sulphonate, sodium lignosulphonate, an alkylnaphthalene

sulfonate, a sodium dodecyl sulfate salt, dioctyl sulfosuccinate (sodium salt), polyether

modified trisiloxane, a (sodium-neutralized) styrene/acrylate copolymer and an alpha olefin

sulfonate, or mixtures thereof, or any other agriculturally acceptable anionic surfactant. In certain embodiments, the surfactant may be present in the plant growth regulator composition at a concentration of between about 10 g/kg and about 150 g/kg.

[0015] Effervescing agents may also be used in the solid plant growth regulator compositions of

the invention, which are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, pairings of an

acid component, examples of which include citric acid (anhydrous), and tartaric acid, with

an alkaline component, examples of which include sodium bicarbonate and sodium

carbonate. Effervescing agents may be present at concentrations of about 0 g/kg and

about 150 g/kg.

[0016] It will be appreciated that the terminology "solid growth regulator" has been used herein

interchangeably with the terminology "soluble granule". It will be appreciated that a granule

is a solid form of the plant growth regulator composition, and the term "soluble" is

understood to mean that the composition can be dispersed or solubilised in a solvent,

which is preferably water.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the solid plant growth regulator composition comprises:

gibberellic acid at a concentration of around 830 g/kg; an anionic surfactant at a

concentration of about 10 g/kg, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises dioctyl

sulfosuccinate (sodium salt); an effervescing agent (being a combination of sodium

bicarbonate and citric acid) at a concentration of about 100 g/kg, and a filler (being a

combination of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and glucose) at a concentration of about 60 g/kg.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of preparing a

growth plant regulator composition, the method comprising the steps of:

combining gibberellic acid, a surfactant, and optionally an agriculturally acceptable

filler, and

mixing the mixture of step a.) and forming into a solid granule to thereby provide said

plant growth regulator composition,

wherein said gibberellic acid is present at a concentration of at least 400 g/kg in said

plant growth regulator composition.

[0019] It will be appreciated that step (b) may be performed by any method known in the art. By

way of example, the granulation step (b) may be carried out by conventional processes,

such as extruding, which can be performed in any suitable apparatus known to the person skilled in the art. Methods of granulation that may be used for preparation of the solid granular growth regulator composition provided herein include, but are not limited to, wet granulation, dry granulation, pan granulation, compaction granulation, centrifugal granulation, fluidized bed granulation, extrusion granulation and any combination thereof.

[0020] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a solid plant growth regulator

composition produced by the method according to the second aspect.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of regulating and/or

inhibiting growth of a plant, the method comprising the step of applying an effective amount

of a solid plant growth regulator composition according to the first or third aspects.

[0022] The method of the fourth aspect may further comprise the step of mixing the solid plant

growth regulator composition with a water-containing solvent before the application step.

The mixing may be carried out using any suitable method or apparatus.

[0023] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides use of a solid plant growth

regulator composition according to the first aspect in the regulation of growth in a plant.

The growth regulator composition may be mixed with water and applied to crops at an

amount of around 100 g/Ha to 7500 g/Ha, or it may be mixed with water and applied to a

seed.

Active ingredient

[0024] Gibberellic acid, as used herein, refers to (3S,3aS,4S,4aS,7S,9aR,9bR,12S)-7,12

dihydroxy-3-methyl-6-methylene-2-oxoperhydro-4a,7-methano-9b,3-propeno[1,2-b]furan-4

carboxylic acid (CAS# 77-06-5).

[0025] It will be appreciated that the gibberellic acid is present at a concentration of at least 400

g/kg of the total weight of the composition (i.e., greater than 400 g/kg; or greater than 40.0

wt.%). In particular embodiments, the gibberellic acid is present at a concentration of

about400,410,420,430,440,450,460,470,480,490,500,510,520,530,540,550,560,

570,580,590,600,610,620,630,640,650,660,670,680,690,700,710,720,730,740,

750,760,770,780,790,800,810,820,830,840,850,860,870,880,890,900,910,920,

930, 940, 950, 960, 970, 980, 990, 991, 992, 993, 994, 995, 996, 997, 998 or 999 g/kg (i.e.,

or the equivalent when converted to wt.%). Particularly suitable concentrations are 800

g/kg, 810 g/kg, 820 g/kg, 830 g/kg, 840 g/kg and 850 g/kg.

[0026] It will be appreciated that other plant growth regulators can be also included in the plant

growth regulator composition according to the first aspect, provided that the gibberellic acid

is present at a concentration of at least 400 g/kg. For example, other suitable active

ingredients would be well known to the skilled person, for example complementary plant

growth regulator. Other ingredients may be selected from the group consisting of:

acaricides/miticides, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, synergists and the like, and

mixtures and combinations thereof.

Agriculturally acceptable filler

[0027] The growth regulator composition of the present invention optionally includes a filler (or

carrier), which is preferably a solid filler. It will be appreciated that the filler may also act as

a binder which functions to at least partially bind the ingredients or components of the

composition of the invention into a granular or pelleted form, which preferably resists

attrition and will not rapidly degrade, and therefore substantially maintains particle size

during handling. To this end, the filler may facilitate the formulation of a granular or pelleted

composition that typically requires no further preparation, processing, dilution, combination

etc. before application thereof to a target area. The filler may also act as a complexing

agent which can bind to metal ions, either within the formulation or when dispersed, or the

filler may also act to provide additional features to the formulation that are beneficial to the

crops to which the composition is applied, such as also being a fertilizer or soil conditioner.

The filler may also act as an effervescing agent to assist in the dispersion and

disintegration of the granules in water.

[0028] Non-limiting examples of fillers include: (i) pulverized natural minerals, such as kaolin clay,

bentonite, talc, chalk, quartz, and diatom earth; (ii) pulverized minerals, such as dispersed

silica (amorphous), aluminium oxide, sodium sulfate and silicate; (iii) size reduced and

fractionated natural stone materials such as calcite, marble, sepiolite and dolomite; (iv)

synthetic granulates from inorganic and organic powders such as from polymers or

fertilisers (such as ammonium dihydrogen phosphate); and (v) granulates from organic

materials, such as coconut shells, corn cobs and tobacco stems. Preferred fillers are

selected from the group consisting of: silica (amorphous), kaolin, sodium sulfate, talc,

disodium EDTA dihydrate, and calcium chloride dihydrate.

[0029] Other examples of fillers, which also tend to have a binding effect, include calcium

stearate, polyhydroxymethyl urea, methyl cellosolve (2-methoxyethanol), maltodextrin,

polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, natural waxes,

chemically modified waxes and synthetic waxes, sugars, starch, alginates, agar,

lignosulphonates, gum Arabic and organic acids.

[0030] In particular embodiments, one or a plurality of fillers may be present in the growth

regulator composition of the invention at a concentration of up to 550 g/kg (e.g., about 1, 2,

3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,15,20,25,30,35,40,45,50,55,60,65,70,75,80,85,90,95,100,

110,120,130,140,150,160,170,180,190,200,210,220,230,240,250,260,270,280,

290,300,310,320,330,340,350,360,370,380,390,400,410,420,430,440,450,475,

500, 525, and 550 g/kg, and any range therein) by weight of the composition of the

invention. The skilled person will appreciate that suitable amounts of the filler can be

chosen to suit the particular application in which the growth regulator composition of the

invention is to be used. Particular concentrations may be selected from the group

consisting of: about 20, 30, 40, 80, 90, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, and 250 g/kg. The

skilled person will also appreciate that the filler component is optional, and suitable

formulations may be prepared without a filler.

Auxiliary agents

[0031] One or more additional auxiliary agents, such adjuvants, dispersants, disintegrating agents,

lubricants, wetting agents, preservatives, parting agents, colouring agents (e.g., dyes) and

the like, can also be added where desired to modify the properties of the solid plant growth

regulator composition of the invention as required. Additionally, it will be appreciated that

the solid plant growth regulator composition of the invention may further include, for

example, an emetic agent and/or an embittering agent, such as Bitrex@ (denatonium

benzoate), to thereby prevent or inhibit other animals, such as humans, domestics pets,

birds and the like from ingesting the solid plant growth regulator composition of the

invention.

[0032] Suitable preservatives may include, for example, 1,2- benzisothiazolin-3-one and/or 2

methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one or sodium benzoate or benzoic acid, epoxidized soybean oil,

epoxidized linseed oil, ethylene glycol and any combination thereof.

[0033] Suitable lubricants may include, for example, artificial and natural fats and oils, such as

calcium stearate, liquid paraffin, polyethylene glycol as well as inorganic lubricants such as

talc.

[0034] In one embodiment, substances which are suitable as complexing agent are included in the

solid plant growth regulator composition of the invention. Suitable complexing agent are

selected from EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), NTA (nitrilotriacetic acid), EDDHA

(ethylenediaminedi(ortho-hydroxyphenyl)acetic acid), DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic

acid), HEDTA (hydroxyethylenediaminetriacetic acid), preferably

ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and/or diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. One preferred

complexing agent is disodium EDTA dehydrate. Substances which are suitable as

polymeric complexing agents are polyacrylic acid and its salts, in particular the sodium

salts, polymethacrylic acid and its salts, in particular the sodium salts, polymaleic acid,

prepared for example by hydrolyzing polymaleic anhydride, in particular the sodium salts,

polyvinylpyrrolidone, acrylic acid/maleic acid copolymers, in particular the sodium salts,

vinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymers, vinylpyrrolidone and C2o-a-olefin graft

copolymers, vinylpyrrolidone/acrylic acid copolymers, vinylpyrrolidone/dimethylaminoethy

acrylate copolymers, copolymers of methyl vinyl ether and maleic acid anhydride

(derivatives), styrene/maleic anhydride copolymers, polyaspartic acid and its salts, poly-p

vinylbenzenesulfonic acid and its salts, copolymers of ethylene and/or propylene and/or

isobutene and (meth)acrylic acid, modified starches, modified celluloses, for example

carboxymethylcellulose, alginates, lignin derivatives such as lignosulfonates, chitosans,

modified polysaccharides, phenolsulfonic acid/formaldehyde condensates, and

naphthalenesulfonic acid/formaldehyde condensates.

[0035] In preferred embodiments, one or more complexing agents are present in the solid plant

growth regulator composition of the invention at a concentration of between about 1 g/kg

and up to 250 g/kg (e.g., about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,

60,65,70,75,80,85,90,95,100,110,120,130,140,150,160,170,180,190,200,210,

220, 230, 240 and 250 g/kg, and any range therein) by weight of the solid plant growth

regulator composition of the invention. In particular embodiments, the complexing agent may be disodium EDTA dehydrate, present in the growth regulator composition at a concentration of about 5 g/kg or about 90 g/kg.

Surfactants

[0036] One or a plurality of agriculturally acceptable surfactants are present in the solid plant

growth regulator composition of the invention at a concentration of between about 5 g/kg

and up to 600 g/kg (e.g., about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80,

85,90,95,100,110,120,130,140,150,175,200,250,300,350,400,450,500,550,and

600 g/kg, and any range therein) by weight of the solid plant growth regulator composition

of the invention. The skilled person will appreciate that suitable types and amounts of

surfactants can be chosen to suit the particular application in which the solid plant growth

regulator composition of the invention is to be used. It will be appreciated that the

surfactant fulfils the general roles of wetting and dispersing the active ingredient(s), which

are generally insoluble in water, or have a very low solubility. Additionally, the surfactant

can be chosen to additionally assist with a binding role to bind the granule together at least

initially and prior to exposure to water. Particular concentrations may be selected from the

group consisting of: about 10, 45, 60, 70, 80, 100, 130 and 140 g/kg.

[0037] The surfactant of the solid plant growth regulator compositions of the invention disclosed

herein may comprise one surfactant, or may comprise two or more surfactants. The

surfactant may be an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, or a non-ionic surfactant, as

discussed further below.

[0038] For the present invention, the surfactant is suitably selected from the group consisting of

non-ionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants,

cation-anion composite surfactants and any combination thereof. Suitable non-ionic

surfactants may include polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ethers,

polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl esters, polyoxyethylene

sorbitan alkyl esters, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block copolymers, sorbitan alkyl

esters, higher fatty acid alkanolamides and any combination thereof. Suitable cationic

surfactants may include alkylamine salts, quaternary ammonium salts and combinations

thereof. Further, suitable anionic surfactants may include naphthalenesulfonic acid

polycondensate, alkenylsulfonate, naphthalenesulfonate, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, alpha olefin sulfonate, formalin condensate of a naphthalenesulfonate, formadehyde condensate of an alkylnaphthalenesulfonate, lignin sulfonate, alkylarylsulfonate, alkylaryl sulfonate sulfate, polystyrene sulfonate, polycarboxylate, polyoxyethylenealkyl ether sulfate, polyoxyethylenealkylaryl ether sulfate, alkylsulfosuccinate, alkyl sulfate, alkyl ether sulfonate, a higher fatty acid alkali salt and any combination thereof.

[0039] Other agriculturally acceptable surfactants may be chosen from the group consisting of

calcium alkylbenzenesulfonate, alkylphenol ether sulphate/alkylamine ethoxylate salt,

alcohol ether sulphate/alkylamine ethoxylate salt, alkylphenol alkoxylates, fatty acid

alkoxylates, alkoxylated triglycerides and EO/PO diblock materials, wherein alkoxylate

includes ethoxylate, propoxylate and mixed ethoxylate-propoxylate, including multi-block

ethoxylate/propoxylate materials.

[0040] In certain preferred embodiments, the one or more surfactants to be included in the solid

plant growth regulator composition of the invention, include an anionic surfactant. As

generally used herein, the term "anionic surfactant" refers to a surfactant comprising, as

ionic or ionizable groups, only anionic groups. Such anionic groups may include, for

example, -C02H, -C02-, -SO3H, -SO3, -OSO3H, -OSO3,-H2PO3, -HP03, -P0 2 3 -, -H2PO2,

=HPO2, -HP2-, =P02-, =POH, and =PO- groups. Suitable anionic surfactants may include

those hereinbefore described. Such anionic surfactants may be used alone or in

combination as a mixture of two, three, four, five or more anionic surfactants. In certain

embodiments, the one or more surfactants to be included in the growth regulator

composition of the invention, may comprise a non-ionic surfactant. As generally used

herein, the term "non-ionic surfactant" refers to a surfactant that does not contain or

comprise an ionic or ionizable group. Suitable non-ionic surfactants may include those

hereinbefore described. Such non-ionic surfactants may be used alone or in combination

as a mixture of two, three, four, five or more non-ionic surfactants. In certain embodiments,

the surfactant may comprise a combination of one or more anionic surfactant and one or

more non-ionic surfactant. In such embodiments, the ratio by weight of total anionic

surfactant to total non-ionic surfactant may be between about 20:1 and about 1:20, or

between 10:1 and 1:10, or between 15:1 and 1:1, or between 5:1 and 1:15, or between 5:1

and 1:5, or between 3:1 and 1:1, or between 2:1 and 1:2, or between 2:1 and 1:3, or about

1:1 or any range therein, or it may be about 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1,

12:1, 11:1, 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2.9:1, 2.8:1, 2.7:1, 2.6:1, 2.5:1, 2.4:1, 2.3:1,

2.2:1, 2.1:1, 2:1, 1.9:1, 1.8:1, 1.7:1, 1.6:1, 1.5:1, 1.4:1, 1.3:1, 1.2:1, 1.1:1, 1:1, 1:1.1, 1:1.2,

1:1.3, 1:1.4:, 1:1.5, 1:1.6, 1:1.7, 1:1.8, 1:1.9, 1:2, 1:2.1, 1:2.2, 1:2.3, 1:2.4, 1:2.5, 1:2.6,

1:2.7, 1:2.8, 1:2.9, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16,

1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, or any range therein.

[0041] It will be appreciated that the surfactant may be any suitable surfactant known in the art.

Exemplary surfactants include an alkylphenol alkoxylate (e.g., Termul 200), a

polyoxyalkylene ether (e.g., Termul 203), an alkoxylated oil (e.g., -54 x ethoxylated (e.g.,

Termul 1285)), an alkylphenol alkoxylate (e.g., -10 x ethoxylated (e.g., TericN10)), an

alkoxylated alcohol (Alcohol C12 - C15, -23 x ethoxylated (e.g. Teric 12A23); Alcohol C12,

-3 x ethoxylated (e.g. Surfactant 12A3)), an alkoxylated polyaryl phenol (e.g., Tristyryl

Phenol, -16 x ethoxylated (e.g. TSP15)), an alkoxylated block co-polymer (Ethoxylate

Propoxylate copolymer (e.g. Teric PE64)), an alkoxylated sugar sulphate salt (e.g.,

Docusate sodium), a lignin sulphate salt (e.g., Polyfon H), a styrene/acrylate copolymer

(e.g., Tersperse 2700; Atlox Metasperse 550S), an alkylbenzenesulphonate (e.g., Calcium

C10-16 alkylbenzyl sulphonate, branched or linear chain in solvent (e.g. Ninate 60E,

NANSA EVM70/2E, Kemmat HF60)), an alkyl sulphate salt (e.g., dodecyl sulphate, sodium

salt), an alkyl naphthalene sulfonate (e.g., Solvay Gerapon SC/213; Supragil WP), a

naphthalene sulfonate condensate (Morwet D-425; Morwet EFW), an alpha olefin sulfonate

(e.g., Solvay Gerapon L Wet F; Terwet 1004), an alcohol ether sulphate (e.g. Toximul

TANS-5), an alkylamine ethoxylate (e.g. Toximul TAABS-5), a silicone polymer, inclusive of

polysiloxanes (e.g., Evonik Break-Thru OE 446, Evonik Break-Thru AF 9903, Evonik

Breakthru SD 260, Jiangxi Tiansheng QS-302) and silicone glycol copolymers (e.g.,

Xiameter OFX-5211), a block co-polymer (e.g., Teric PE64), an alkoxylated nonylphenol

(e.g., Teric N10), an alkoxylated alcohol (e.g., TericBL8), an alkyl polyglucoside (e.g.,

Croda AL-2575), an ethoxylate-propoxylate copolymer, a C10-16 alkylbenzenesulphonate

(branched or linear in solvent), a branched alcohol ether sulphate, a tallowamine

alkoxylated salt, a mineral oil (e.g., Rhodoline DF5888), an alkoxylated sugar sulphate salt

(e.g., Docusate sodium), or a proprietary anionic surfactant or mixture (e.g., Solvay

Gerapon Ultrasperse, Multiwet 8269).

[0042] In particular embodiments, the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl

naphthalene sulfonate (e.g., Supragil WP, Solvay Gerapon SC/213), an alpha olefin

sulfonate (e.g., Solvay Gerapon L Wet F; Terwet 1004), a styrene/acrylate copolymer (e.g.,

Tersperse 2700; Atlox Metasperse 550S), an alkyl sulphate salt (e.g., dodecyl sulphate,

sodium salt), a naphthalene sulfonate condensate (Morwet D-425; Morwet EFW), a silicone

polymer inclusive of polysiloxanes (e.g., Evonik Breakthru SD 260), a lignin sulphate salt

(e.g., Polyfon H), a proprietary anionic surfactant (e.g., Multiwet 8269) and any combination

thereof.

[0043] Particular preferred surfactants may be chosen from the group consisting of: sodium

naphthalene sulphonate concentrate, sodium naphthalene sulphonate, sodium diisopropyl

naphthalene sulfonate, sodium-neutralized styrene/acrylate copolymer, polyether modified

trislioxane, dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium, sodium lignosulfonate, and dodecyl sulphate

(sodium salt).

Application rate

[0044] To obtain the desired effects and inhibit or control the growth of selected crops, the solid

plant growth regulator composition of the invention is preferably applied at a rate of around

100 to 7500 g/Ha of crops to be treated. For example, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 250,

300,350,400,450,500,550,600,650,700,750,800,850,900,950,1000,1050,1100,

1150, 1200,1250, 1300, 1350, 1400, 1450, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100,

2200,2300,2400,2500,2600,2700,2800,2900,3000,3100,3200,3300,3400,3500,

3600,3700,3800,3900,4000,4100,4200,4300,4400,4500,4600,4700,4800,4900,

5000,5100,5200,5300,5400,5500,5600,5700,5800,5900,6000,6100,6200,6300,

6400, 6500, 6600, 6700, 6800, 6900,7000, 7100,7200, 7300,7400 or7500 g/Ha ofthe

composition of the invention. Given the concentration of the gibberellic acid is present in

the solid plant growth regulator composition of the invention at a concentration of at least

40 wt%, it will be appreciated that an application rate of, say, 100 g/Ha equates to greater

than 40 g/Ha of gibberellic acid active ingredient. In another embodiment, the gibberellic

acid may be applied to the seed before or during sowing.

DEFINITIONS

[0045] In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in

accordance with the definitions set out below. It is also to be understood that the

terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the

invention only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0046] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same

meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which the

invention pertains.

[0047] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims,

the terms "comprise", "'comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense

as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including,

but not limited to". For example, a composition, mixture, process or method that comprises

a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other

elements not expressly listed or inherent to such composition, mixture, process or method.

[0048] The transitional phrase "consisting of" excludes any element, step, or ingredient not

specified. If in the claim, such would close the claim to the inclusion of materials other than

those recited except for impurities ordinarily associated therewith. When the phrase

"consisting of" appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following

the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements are not

excluded from the claim as a whole.

[0049] The transitional phrase "consisting essentially of" is used to define a composition, process

or method that includes materials, steps, features, components, or elements, in addition to

those literally disclosed, provided that these additional materials, steps, features,

components, or elements do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of

the claimed invention. The term "consisting essentially of" occupies a middle ground

between "comprising" and "consisting of".

[0050] Where applicants have defined an invention or a portion thereof with an open-ended term

such as "comprising", it should be readily understood that (unless otherwise stated) the

description should be interpreted to also describe such an invention using the terms

"consisting essentially of" or "consisting of." In other words, with respect to the terms

"comprising", "consisting of", and "consisting essentially of", where one of these three terms

is used herein, the presently disclosed and claimed subject matter may include the use of

either of the other two terms. Thus, in some embodiments not otherwise explicitly recited,

any instance of "comprising" may be replaced by "consisting of" or, alternatively, by

"consisting essentially of".

[0051] Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not to an

exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is

true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or

present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0052] Also, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" preceding an element or component of the

invention are intended to be non-restrictive regarding the number of instances (i.e.,

occurrences) of the element or component. Therefore "a" or "an" should be read to include

one or at least one, and the singular word form of the element or component also includes

the plural unless the number is obviously meant to be singular.

[0053] Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers

expressing quantities of ingredients or reaction conditions used herein are to be

understood as modified in all instances by the term "about". The examples are not intended

to limit the scope of the invention. In what follows, or where otherwise indicated, "%" will

mean "weight %", "ratio" will mean "weight ratio" and "parts" will mean "weight parts".

[0054] The terms "predominantly" and "substantially" as used herein shall mean comprising more

than 50% by weight, unless otherwise indicated.

[0055] The recitation of a numerical range using endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within

that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5).

[0056] The terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may

afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may

also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of

one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful,

and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

[0057] As used herein, the terms "granule" or "granular" refer to solid pellets, granules, grains and

the like. Such granules can include those in which there is no discreet core or coatings

(i.e., a granule having a substantially uniform composition throughout) or those having a

discreet core and a coating thereover.

[0058] By "agriculturally acceptable filler" it is meant any substance which is agriculturally inert

and has no significant detrimental effect on, for example, the soil, equipment, desirable

plants, or the agronomic or agricultural environment. Such a filler can also be used to aid

the dispersion of the active ingredient without impairing the active ingredient's

effectiveness, and can be used to reduce the overall cost of the formulation and can be

used as a binder to assist in binding the other ingredients of the formulation together.

Suitable carriers are preferably solid carriers such as those described in more detail above.

[0059] The terms "target area", "locus" or "space" refer to any area, location or habitat where a

herbicide or growth regulator is needed or expected to be needed.

[0060] The term "agriculturally acceptable solvent" as used herein refers to a solvent that is not

unacceptably damaging to a plant and/or its environment, and/or not unsafe to the user or

others that may be exposed to the solvent when used as described herein. A preferred

solvent is water.

[0061] The complete disclosures of the patents, patent documents and publications cited herein

are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each were individually incorporated.

EXAMPLES

[0062] The present invention will now be described with reference to the following examples which

should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive.

[0063] A number of embodiments of gibberellic acid in water soluble granules are provided below,

including ranges of active ingredient, types and concentrations of surfactants, and types

and concentrations of fillers.

EXAMPLE 1

[0064] Recipe for a nominally 900g/kg gibberellic acid (gibberellin A3) water soluble granule. The

granule is produced as below in Table 1 and, as shown in Table 2, has been determined

via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the point of manufacturing,

and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of shelf life, as well as

acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0065] The composition of Example 1 is as follows in Table 1.

Table 1:

Ingredient Role Concentration Gibberellic acid Active ingredient plant 926.3g/kg (CAS# 77-06-5, Technical material, 97.0%) growth regulator (yields 898.5g/kg Gibberellic acid) Sodium-neutralized styrene/acrylic acid Surfactant 30.4g/kg copolymer. (CAS# Proprietary, e.g. Atlox Metasperse 550S) Anionic surfactant. (CAS# Proprietary, e.g. Surfactant 15.0g/kg Multiwet 8269) Gum acacia. (CAS# 9000-01-5) Filler/binder 10.9g/kg Disodium EDTA dihydrate. (CAS# 6381- Complexing 17.4g/kg 92-6, e.g. Trilon BD) agent/filler/binder (to 1000g/kg total)

[0066] Chemical and physical parameters of Example 1 is as follows in Table 2

[0067] Table 2:

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance White to off-white White to off-white granule granule Assay: 900.7g/kg 892.4g/kg Require: 875g/kg Gibberellic acid5 925g/kg pHl%: 3.3 3.4 Nominally: 2.0 to 7.0 Dissolution and solution stability: 0.00% (5 min) 0.00% (5 min) Require: 52% retained on 75pm sieve after 0.00% (18 h) 0.00% (18 h) dilution Persistent foaming: OmL OmL Require::560mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance: 99.5% 99.5% Require: 298% Dust Content: 0.00% 0.00% Require: <1%

EXAMPLE 2

[0068] Recipe for a nominally 875g/kg Gibberellic acid (gibberellin A3) water soluble granule. The

granule is produced as below in Table 3 and, as shown in Table 4, has been determined via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the point of manufacturing and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of shelf life, as well as acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0069] The composition of Example 2 is as follows in Table 3.

[0070] Table 3:

Ingredient Role Concentration Gibberellic acid. (CAS# 77-06-5, Technical Active ingredient plant 900.9g/kg material, 97.0%) growth regulator (yields 873.9g/kg Gibberellic acid) Sodium-neutralized styrene/acrylic acid Surfactant 54.8g/kg copolymer. (CAS# Proprietary, e.g. Atlox Metasperse 550S) Anionic surfactant. (CAS# Proprietary, e.g. Surfactant 18.1g/kg Multiwet 8269) Citric acid, anhydrous. (CAS# 77-92-9) pH modifier/filler/binder 20.1g/kg Dextrose. (CAS# 50-99-7) Binder/filler 6.1g/kg (to 1OOOg/kg total)

[0071] Chemical and physical parameters of Example 2 is as follows in Table 4.

[0072] Table 4:

Test Asmanufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance White to off-white White to off-white granule granule Assay: 878.3g/kg 872.3g/kg Require: 850g/kg : Gibberellic acid 5 900g/kg pH1%: 3.5 3.6 Nominally: 2.0 to 7.0 Dissolution and solution stability: 0.00% (5 min) 0.00% (5 min) Require: 52% retained on 75pm sieve after 0.00% (18 h) 0.00% (18 h) dilution Persistent foaming: OmL OmL Require: 560mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance: 98.9% 98.8% Require: >98% Dust Content: 0.00% 0.00% Require: <1%

EXAMPLE 3

[0073] Recipe for a nominally 850g/kg Gibberellic acid (gibberellin A3) water soluble granule. The

granule is produced as below in Table 5 and, as shown in Table 6, has been determined

via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the point of manufacturing

and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of shelf life, as well as

acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0074] The composition of Example 3 is as follows in Table 5.

[0075] Table 5:

Ingredient Role Concentration Gibberellic acid. (CAS# 77-06-5, Technical Active ingredient plant 874.6g/kg material, 97.0%) growth regulator (yields 848.4g/kg Gibberellic acid) Polyether modified trislioxane. (CAS# Surfactant 65.0g/kg 134180-76-0, e.g. Breakthru SD 260) Dextrose. (CAS# 50-99-7) Binder/filler 25.9g/kg Disodium EDTA dihydrate. (CAS# 6381- Complexing 34.5g/kg 92-6, e.g. Trilon BD) agent/filler/binder (to 10OOg/kg total)

[0076] Chemical and physical parameters of Example 3 is as follows in Table 6.

[0077] Table 6:

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance White to off-white White to off-white granule granule Assay: 854.7g/kg 853.0g/kg Require: 825g/kg Gibberellic acid5 875g/kg pHl%: 3.4 3.4 Nominally: 2.0 to 7.0 Dissolution and solution stability: 0.00% (5 min) 0.00% (5 min) Require: 52% retained on 75pm sieve after 0.00% (18 h) 0.00% (18 h) dilution Persistent foaming: OmL OmL Require:560mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance: 99.9% 99.9% Require: 298% Dust Content: 0.00% 0.00%

Require: <1%

EXAMPLE4

[0078] Recipe for a nominally 850g/kg Gibberellic acid (gibberellin A3) water soluble granule. The

granule is produced as below in Table 7 and, as shown in Table 8, has been determined

via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the point of manufacturing

and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of shelf life, as well as

acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0079] The composition of Example 4 is as follows in Table 7.

[0080] Table 7:

Ingredient Role Concentration Gibberellic acid. (CAS# 77-06-5, Technical Active ingredient plant 875.0g/kg material, 97.0%) growth regulator (yields 848.7g/kg Gibberellic acid) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 49.5g/kg formaldehyde concentrate (CAS# proprietary; e.g. Morwet D-425) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 22.5g/kg (CAS# Proprietary; e.g. Morwet EFW) Disodium EDTA dihydrate. (CAS# 6381- Complexing 31.8g/kg 92-6, e.g. Trilon BD) agent/filler/binder Starch. (CAS# 9005-25-8) Binder/filler 21.2g/kg (to 10OOg/kg total)

[0081] Chemical and physical parameters of Example 4 is as follows in Table 8.

[0082] Table 8:

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance Beige granule Beige granule Assay: 852.6g/kg 851.9g/kg Require: 825g/kg Gibberellic acid 875g/kg pH1%: 3.3 3.4 Nominally: 2.0 to 7.0 Dissolution and solution stability: 0.00% (5 min) 0.00% (5 min) Require: 52% retained on 75pm sieve after 0.00% (18 h) 0.00% (18 h) dilution Persistent foaming: OmL OmL Require: 560mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance: 99.5% 99.2% Require: >98% Dust Content: 0.00% 0.00% Require: <1%

EXAMPLE 5

[0083] Recipe for a nominally 850g/kg Gibberellic acid (gibberellin A3) water soluble granule. The

granule is produced as below in Table 9 and, as shown in Table 10, has been determined

via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the point of manufacturing

and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of shelf life, as well as

acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0084] The composition of Example 5 is as follows in Table 9.

[0085] Table 9:

Ingredient Role Concentration Gibberellic acid. (CAS# 77-06-5, Technical Active ingredient plant 875.0g/kg material, 97.0%) growth regulator (yields 848.7g/kg Gibberellic acid) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 49.0g/kg formaldehyde concentrate (CAS# proprietary; e.g. Morwet D-425) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 22.1g/kg (CAS# Proprietary; e.g. Morwet EFW) Disodium EDTA dihydrate. (CAS# 6381- Complexing 53.9g/kg 92-6, e.g. Trilon BD) agent/filler/binder (to 10OOg/kg total)

[0086] Chemical and physical parameters of Example 5 is as follows in Table 10.

[0087] Table 10:

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance Beige granule Beige granule Assay: 851.7g/kg 847.6g/kg Require: 825g/kg Gibberellic acid5 875g/kg pHl%: 3.1 3.0 Nominally: 2.0 to 7.0 Dissolution and solution stability: 0.00% (5 min) 0.00% (5 min) Require: 52% retained on 75pm sieve after 0.00% (18 h) 0.00% (18 h) dilution Persistent foaming: 5mL 2mL Require:560mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance: 99.2% 99.1% Require: 298% Dust Content: 0.00% 0.00% Require: <1%

EXAMPLE 6

[0088] Recipe for a nominally 850g/kg Gibberellic acid (gibberellin A3) water soluble granule. The

granule is produced as below in Table 11 and, as shown in Table 12, has been determined

via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the point of manufacturing

and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of shelf life, as well as

acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0089] The composition of Example 6 is as follows in Table 11.

[0090] Table 11:

Ingredient Role Concentration Gibberellic acid. (CAS# 77-06-5, Technical Active ingredient plant 874.4g/kg material, 97.0%) growth regulator (yields 848.2g/kg Gibberellic acid) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 49.1g/kg formaldehyde concentrate (CAS# proprietary; e.g. Morwet D-425) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 22.9g/kg (CAS# Proprietary; e.g. Morwet EFW) Starch. (CAS# 9005-25-8) Binder/filler 53.6g/kg (to 10OOg/kg total)

[0091] Chemical and physical parameters of Example 6 is as follows in Table 12.

[0092] Table 12:

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance Beige granule Beige granule Assay: 853.8g/kg 853.7g/kg Require: 825g/kg Gibberellic acid 875g/kg pHl%: 3.0 3.0 Nominally: 2.0 to 7.0 Dissolution and solution stability: 0.00% (5 min) 0.00% (5 min) Require: 52% retained on 75pm sieve after 0.00% (18 h) 0.00% (18 h) dilution Persistent foaming: OmL OmL Require:560mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance: 98.3% 98.3% Require: >98% Dust Content: 0.00% 0.00% Require: <1%

EXAMPLE 7

[0093] Recipe for a nominally 850g/kg Gibberellic acid (gibberellin A3) water soluble granule. The

granule is produced as below in Table 13 and, as shown in Table 14, has been determined

via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the point of manufacturing

and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of shelf life, as well as

acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0094] The composition of Example 7 is as follows in Table 13.

[0095] Table 13.

Ingredient Role Concentration Gibberellic acid. (CAS# 77-06-5, Technical Active ingredient plant 875.4g/kg material, 97.0%) growth regulator (yields 849.1g/kg Gibberellic acid) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 80.3g/kg formaldehyde concentrate (CAS# proprietary; e.g. Morwet D-425) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 44.3g/kg (CAS# Proprietary; e.g. Morwet EFW) (to 10OOg/kg total)

[0096] Chemical and physical parameters of Example 7 is as follows in Table 14.

[0097] Table 14

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance Beige granule Beige granule Assay: 848.5g/kg 849.3g/kg Require: 825g/kg : Gibberellic acid 5 875g/kg pHl%: 2.9 2.9 Nominally: 2.0 to 7.0 Dissolution and solution stability: 0.00% (5 min) 0.00% (5 min) Require: 52% retained on 75pm sieve after 0.00% (18 h) 0.00% (18 h) dilution Persistent foaming: 2mL 2mL Require: 560mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance: 98.4% 98.4% Require: >98% Dust Content: 0.00% 0.00% Require: <1%

EXAMPLE 8

[0098] Recipe for a nominally 800g/kg Gibberellic acid (gibberellin A3) water soluble granule. The

granule is produced as below in Table 15 and, as shown in Table 16, has been determined

via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the point of manufacturing

and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of shelf life, as well as

acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0099] The composition of Example 8 is as follows in Table 15.

[0100] Table 15

Ingredient Role Concentration Gibberellic acid. (CAS# 77-06-5, Technical Active ingredient plant 823.2g/kg material, 97.0%) growth regulator (yields 798.5g/kg Gibberellic acid) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 81.9g/kg formaldehyde concentrate (CAS# proprietary; e.g. Morwet D-425) Sodium naphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 15.0g/kg (CAS# Proprietary; e.g. Morwet EFW) Citric acid, anhydrous. (CAS# 77-92-9) Effervescing 21.4g/kg agent/complexing agent/filler/binder Starch. (CAS# 9005-25-8) Binder/filler 58.5g/kg (to 1000g/kg total)

[0101] Chemical and physical parameters of Example 8 is as follows in Table 16.

[0102] Table 16

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance Beige granule Beige granule Assay: 810.7g/kg 810.5g/kg Require: 775g/kg Gibberellic acid5 825g/kg pHl%: 3.1 3.1 Nominally: 2.0 to 7.0 Dissolution and solution stability: 0.00% (5 min) 0.00% (5 min) Require: 52% retained on 75pm sieve after 0.00% (18 h) 0.00% (18 h) dilution Persistent foaming: OmL OmL Require:560mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance: 99.1% 99.1% Require: 298% Dust Content: 0.00% 0.00% Require: <1%

EXAMPLE 9

[0103] Recipe for a nominally 800g/kg Gibberellic acid (gibberellin A3) water soluble granule. The

granule is produced as below in Table 17 and, as shown in Table 18, has been determined

via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the point of manufacturing

and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of shelf life, as well as

acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0104] The composition of Example 9 is as follows in Table 17.

[0105] Table 17

Ingredient Role Concentration Gibberellic acid. (CAS# 77-06-5, Technical Active ingredient plant 829.1g/kg material, 97.0%) growth regulator (yields 804.2g/kg

Gibberellic acid) Sodium bicarbonate. (CAS# 144-55-8) Effervescing 80.0g/kg agent/complexing agent/filler/binder Citric acid, anhydrous. (CAS# 77-92-9) Effervescing 20.0g/kg agent/complexing agent/filler/binder Dioctyl sulfosuccinate, sodium salt Surfactant 10.0g/kg (CAS# 577-11-7) Polyvinyl pyrrolidone. (CAS# 9003-39-8) Binder/filler 16.0g/kg Glucose. (CAS# 50-99-7) Binder/filler 44.9g/kg (to 1000g/kg total)

[0106] Chemical and physical parameters of Example 9 is as follows in Table 18.

[0107] Table 18

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance Off-white granules Off-white granules Assay: 809.2g/kg 811.4g/kg Require: 775g/kg Gibberellic acid 5 825g/kg pHl%: 3.0 3.0 Nominally: 2.0 to 7.0 Dissolution and solution stability: 0.00% (5 min) 0.00% (5 min) Require: 52% retained on 75pm sieve after 0.00% (18 h) 0.00% (18 h) dilution Persistent foaming: OmL OmL Require:560mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance: 99.8% 99.9% Require: 298% Dust Content: 0.00% 0.00% Require: <1%

EXAMPLE 10

[0108] Recipe for a nominally 700g/kg Gibberellic acid (gibberellin A3) water soluble granule. The

granule is produced as below in Table 19 and, as shown in Table 20, has been determined

via assay as having adequate active ingredient concentration at the point of manufacturing

and again after accelerated aging to approximate two years of shelf life, as well as

acceptable particulate properties upon dilution with water.

[0109] The composition of Example 10 is as follows in Table 19.

[0110] Table 19

Ingredient Role Concentration Gibberellic acid. (CAS# 77-06-5, Technical Active ingredient plant 720.6g/kg material, 97.0%) growth regulator (yields 699.0g/kg Gibberellic acid) Sodium lignosulphonate Surfactant 82.1g/kg (CAS# 8061-51-6; e.g. Polyfon H) Sodium diisopropyinaphthalene sulphonate Surfactant 25.2g/kg blend (CAS# 1322-93-9, e.g. Supragil WP) Gum acacia (CAS# 9000-01-5) Filler/binder 5.7g/kg Tartaric acid (CAS# 526-83-0) Effervescing 46.9g/kg agent/complexing agent/filler/binder Disodium EDTA dihydrate (CAS# 6381-92- Complexing 119.5g/kg 6, e.g. Trilon BD) agent/filler/binder (to 10OOg/kg total)

[0111] Chemical and physical parameters of Example 10 is as follows in Table 20.

[0112] Table 20

Test As manufactured Accelerated Aged Result Appearance Brown granule Brown granule Assay: 696.6g/kg 699.6g/kg Require: 675g/kg Gibberellic acid 725g/kg pHl%: 3.3 3.4 Nominally: 2.0 to 7.0 Dissolution and solution stability: 0.00% (5 min) 0.00% (5 min) Require: 52% retained on 75pm sieve after 0.00% (18 h) 0.00% (18 h) dilution Persistent foaming: OmL OmL

Require::560mL foam after 1 min Attrition resistance: 98.5% 98.4% Require: >98% Dust Content: 0.00% 0.00% Require: <1%

EXAMPLE 11 - Method of manufacture of high-loading gibberellic acid (gibberellin A3) water soluble

granule plant growth regulator

[0113] Formulation of a nominally 1000kg batch of product, inclusive of quality control measures,

is as follows.

Formulation Procedure

[0114] 1. Ensure formulation line is empty and clean.

[0115] 2. Charge active ingredient (gibberellic acid (Gibberellin A3) technical material) to the

blending vessel with continuous agitation.

[0116] 3. Charge the surfactant(s) and other excipients to the blending vessel.

[0117] 4. Continue agitating this dry mixture until a homogeneous free-flowing blend is achieved.

[0118] 5. Where necessary (i.e., where particle size reduction is required), feed the blended

ingredients to the mill and process until the desired particle size is achieved (typically less

than 20pm).

[0119] 6. Add water to the milled material with mixing to achieve a dough-like mixture and extrude

to produce columnar granules of the desired dimensions, or otherwise granulate by other

methods, drying the product.

Quality Control Procedure

[0120] 1. Sample approximately 1kg of product, ensuring it is representative.

[0121] 2. Sub-sample approximately 250g and subject it to the following testing regime.

[0122] 2.1 Active constituent (Gibberellic acid) content (appropriately validated method:

specificity; linearity of response with correlation coefficient R>0.99; accuracy of mean

measured assay as a proportion of true content 100±2%; reproducibility of response 2%

relative standard deviation).

[0123] 2.2 pH of a 1% aqueous solution (CPAC MT75.3).

[0124] 2.3 Wet sieve test (CIPAC MT185).

[0125] 2.4 Wettability (CIPAC MT53.3).

[0126] 2.5 Persistent foaming (CIPAC MT 47.2).

[0127] 3. If pH 1% aqueous is satisfactory, record results and proceed to the next test. If pH 1%

aqueous is outside the bounds of the acceptable range listed in the specification,

quarantine the batch for further investigations and possible rework.

[0128] 4. If the wet sieve testing is satisfactory (generally 52% w/w retention on a 75pm aperture

sieve after dispersion in water), record results and proceed to the next test. If the wet sieve

testing is outside the bounds of the acceptable range listed in the specification, quarantine

the batch for further investigations and possible rework including but not limited to recycling

through the milling stage of processing to further reduce particle size.

[0129] 5. If wettability is satisfactory (generally 51 minute) record results and proceed to the next

test. If wettability is outside the bounds of the acceptable range listed in the specification,

quarantine the batch for further investigations and possible rework including but not limited

to recycling through the process.

[0130] 6. If persistent foaming characteristics are satisfactory (generally 560mL), record results

and proceed to the next test. If persistent foaming characteristics are outside the bounds of

the acceptable range quarantine the batch for further investigations and possible rework.

[0131] 7. If active constituent level is satisfactory, record results. If active constituent level is

outside the bounds of the acceptable range listed in the specification, adjust the level

accordingly by adding additional components other than active ingredient (for a high active

content) or additional Gibberellic acid technical active constituent (for a low active content)

to the batch with subsequently reprocessing. Repeat the adjustment process until active

constituent levels are within the bounds of the acceptable range.

[0132] 8. Catalogue and store a retention sample of approximately 200g.

[0133] 9. Generate a certificate of analysis noting results of testing.

[0134] 10. Issue quality clearance giving authority to package goods.

[0135] 11. Package the finished goods noting the batch number and manufacturing date.

[0136] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be

appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other

forms in particular features of any one of the various described examples may be provided in any combination in any of the other described examples. Various modifications and alterations to this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. It should be understood that this invention is not intended to be unduly limited by the illustrative embodiments and examples set forth herein and that such examples and embodiments are presented by way of example only with the scope of the invention intended to be limited only by the claims set forth herein as follows.

Claims (5)

1. A solid plant growth regulator composition comprising:

gibberellic acid at a concentration of at least 400 g/kg,

a surfactant, and

optionally, an agriculturally acceptable filler.

2. A solid plant growth regulator composition comprising:

gibberellic acid at a concentration of at least 800 g/kg,

a surfactant at a concentration of about 10 g/kg, wherein the surfactant is sodium dioctyl

sulfosuccinate, and

an agriculturally acceptable filler at a concentration of at least 160 g/kg, wherein the

agriculturally acceptable filler comprises sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, polyvinyl

pyrrolidone and glucose.

3. A method of preparing a growth plant regulator composition, the method comprising the

steps of:

a.) combining gibberellic acid, a surfactant, and optionally an agriculturally

acceptable filler, and

b.) mixing the mixture of step a.) and forming into a solid granule to thereby provide

said plant growth regulator composition,

wherein said gibberellic acid is present at a concentration of at least 400 g/kg in said

plant growth regulator composition.

4. A solid plant growth regulator composition produced by the method according to claim 2.

5. A method of regulating and/or inhibiting growth of a plant, the method comprising the step

of: applying an effective amount of a solid plant growth regulator composition according to

any one of claims 1 to 3.

Imtrade Australia Pty Ltd

Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person

SPRUSON&FERGUSON