EP4117439A1 - Phytosanitary composition comprising ulvans and silicon - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a phytosanitary composition comprising (i) ulvans and/or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans, for example, in the form of an extract containing ulvans and/or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans; and (ii) silicon, the use of the composition for activating the defence reactions of a plant and resistance reactions against biotic constraints and a process for activating the defence reactions of a plant and resistance reactions against biotic constraints, comprising the application to the plant of an effective quantity of the phytosanitary composition.

Description

Phytosanitary composition comprising ulvans and silicon Technical field

The invention relates to a phytosanitary composition comprising (i) ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans, for example in the form of an extract containing ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans; and (ii) silicon, the use of said composition for activating plant defense and resistance reactions against biotic stresses, as well as a method for activating plant defense and resistance reactions against. biotic constraints, comprising applying to said plant an effective amount of the composition.

Prior art

Plants can be attacked by multiple pathogens (such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, viroids, protozoa, nematodes, herbivores) with the consequences of yield losses and a drop in the quality of production.

To strengthen the protection of plants against these pathogens, chemical agents, for example pesticides, can be used. However, pesticides today represent a potential danger for humans and / or the environment. Thus, new plant protection strategies have been developed, thanks to the study of the plant's defense mechanisms.

[0004] In fact, although they lack an immune system analogous to higher animals, plants have their own defense arsenal. Knowledge of these mechanisms makes it possible to consider their use to fight against diseases.

[0005] The defense mechanisms of the plant can involve a series of events triggered in or on the surface of plant cells when the plant is attacked by a pathogen, such as recognition of the pathogen, sending this information to the nucleus, induction of defense genes followed by synthesis of anti-microbial compounds and so-called PR proteins (Pathogenesis-Related), the transmission of the alarm signal to the whole plant and its neighbors.

Thus, to increase the response capacity and therefore resistance of a plant vis-à-vis certain pathogens, one of the possible strategies consists in inducing the pathogen's attack before the defense reactions by using signal molecules. These signal molecules, which are of very varied chemical natures (proteins, peptides, glycoproteins, lipids and oligosaccharides) are capable of transmitting the information of an attack even at very low concentration.

[0007] They are mostly of microbial origin (for example harpin) or of plant origin (for example oligogalacturonic acids) or chemically synthesized (for example benzothiadiazole) or of mineral origin (for example salts of phosphite).

[0008] In response to treatment by these signaling molecules, the plant responds by synthesizing structural proteins, which strengthen the plant cell wall, enzymes involved in the synthesis of anti ^¬ microbial compounds such as phytoalexins, hydrolases such as chitinases or glucanases and inhibitory enzymes which act against the hydrolytic enzymes of pathogens. The establishment of these means of defense involves the activation, at the plant level of hormonal signaling (presence or increase in the concentration of phytohormones such as salicylic acid and / or its derivatives, and / or jasmonic acid and / or its derivatives), but also by the induction of defense genes, encoding defense enzymes (hydrolases, chitinases), encoding so-called "PR" proteins (Pathogenesis-Related), or of genes encoding enzymes for the biosynthesis of defense metabolites (phytoalexins), or for the reinforcement of structural barriers (ie wall reinforcement).

[0009] Activation of the plant immune system by signal molecules causes the synthesis and deposition of phenolic compounds and defense proteins in the cell wall, the accumulation of antimicrobial compounds and the synthesis of "PR" proteins. Wall strengthening, which can slow down or inhibit progression of the pathogen inside the plant results, for example, from the deposition of callose in the wall or the plasmodesmata, as well as from the synthesis of lignins. These mechanisms make it possible to slow down fungal or viral invasions. Likewise, HRGP extensins (Hydroxyprolin Rich GlycoProtein) and GRP (Glycin Rich Protein) can, by their role of strengthening the wall, make the latter more difficult to degrade.

Phytoalexins, low molecular weight antimicrobial compounds, in some cases make it possible to fight directly against parasites, because of their ability to accumulate rapidly around the point of infection, thus preventing the progression of the invasion. PR proteins (intra- or extra cellular ^¬) accumulate in the plants after their inoculation by pathogens and in the case of incompatible interactions, can constitute up to 10% of the soluble proteins of the sheet. For some, an active role in the degradation of the wall of fungal pathogens (b-glucanase, chitinase) has been shown.

It should be noted that the three aforementioned phenomena (strengthening of the wall, synthesis of phytoalexins and synthesis of PR proteins) accompany the activation of the immune system of plants without being exclusive thereof. Indeed, the synthesis of GRP and HRGP proteins has also been detected during compatible interactions, as well as following injury.

The activation of the immune system of plants can also be accompanied by the synthesis of signaling molecules, such as salicylic acid and / or its derivatives, and / or jasmonic acid and / or its derivatives, phytohormones which are involved in the defense process of plants. [0013] Marine algae constitute an abundant plant resource and have long been used in coastal regions as soil fertilizers. The germination of seeds, obtaining better yields, resistance to diseases and a longer shelf life of the fruits have been demonstrated following treatments of several plants with seaweed extracts. The findings on plant health had essentially been attributed to the richness in betaines, phytohormones and trace elements of the algae used.

[0014] It is now recognized that certain oligosaccharides of marine origin have an eliciting effect on certain plant defense pathways. Thus, document WO 99/03346 describes the use of oligosaccharides of type 6 (1-3) glucans, in particular extracted from the brown alga Laminaria digitata, for the potentiation and stimulation of the natural defenses of wheat infected by septoria. These 6 (1-3) glucans also induce in tobacco cells four defense markers including phenylammonialyase (PAL) activity, which is a key enzyme for the synthesis of phytoalexins, and O-methyl transferase (OMT) activity. , which is an enzyme involved in the synthesis of lignin.

In the case of red algae, it has been shown that carrageenan induces the expression of genes encoding sesquiterpene cyclase, chitinase and proteinase inhibitors.

[0016] In the case of green algae, document WO2005094588 describes the use of ulvans or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans, as activators of plant defense reactions and resistance against biotic or abiotic constraints. However, there remains a need to find new compositions which would make it possible to increase the response capacity and therefore resistance of a plant, for example by activating additional and complementary protective mechanisms of the plant, which may involve stimulation. the production of salicylic acid and / or its derivatives, and / or jasmonic acid and / or its derivatives, but also the induction of other defense genes, encoding defense enzymes (hydrolases, chitinases ), encoding so-called "PR" proteins, or genes encoding enzymes for the biosynthesis of defense metabolites (phytoalexins), or even for wall reinforcement.

It is in this context that the applicant has demonstrated, and this constitutes the basis of the present invention, that a phytosanitary composition comprising:

(i) ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans, for example under the form of an extract containing ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans; and (ii) silicon made it possible to stimulate the expression of the defense genes of a plant, in particular to induce the production of salicylic acid and / or its derivatives, and / or jasmonic acid and / or its derivatives , and can therefore be used to activate plant defense and resistance reactions against biotic constraints. Such a composition can be used alone or in combination with pesticides, for example fungicides. In association with pesticides, it allows to activate reactions of defense of a plant and resistance against biotic constraints with a reduced quantity of pesticides compared to pesticides alone.

Summary of the invention

The present invention, which finds application in the agro-ecological and agricultural field, aims to provide a new phytosanitary composition, to activate reactions of defense of a plant and resistance against biotic constraints.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a phytosanitary composition comprising:

(i) ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans, for example in the form of an extract containing ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans; and

(ii) silicon.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to the use of the composition as defined above, for activating reactions of defense of a plant and of resistance against biotic constraints.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for activating the defense reactions of a plant and resistance against biotic constraints, comprising the application to said plant of an effective amount of the composition as defined. above. detailed description

In the context of the present invention, the term "phytosanitary composition" is intended to denote any product the use of which is intended to treat or prevent diseases of a plant. In the context of the present invention, a phytosanitary composition makes it possible to activate the defense reactions of a plant and to induce resistance against biotic constraints.

In the context of the present invention, the term “ulvans” is intended to denote water-soluble polysaccharides, present in particular in the cell walls of green algae of the genera Ulva and Enteromorpha. Ulvans are defined more precisely as highly sulphated acidic polysaccharides and are essentially composed of units derived from rhamnose 3-sulphate, xylose, xylose 2-sulphate, glucuronic acid and iduronic acid. The following four recurring units are in particular characteristic of ulvans: [0024] Formula (I) shows the group> 4) - beta-D-GIcA- (1> 4) - apha-L-Rha 3 sulfate (1>, again called ulvanobiouronic acid 3-sulfate type A:

Formula (II) shows the group> 4) - alpha-L-IdoA- (1> 4) - alpha -L- Rha 3 sulfate (l>, also called ulvanobiuronic acid 3-sulfate type B:

Formula (III) shows the group> 4) - beta-D-Xyl- (1> 4) - alpha-L-Rha 3 sulfate (l>, also called ulvanobiose 3-sulfate acid:

Formula (IV) shows the group> 4) - beta-D-Xyl 2 -sulfate- (1> 4) - alpha-L-Rha 3 sulfate (1>, also called ulvanobiose acid 2 ', 3- disulfate: The term "oligosaccharides derived from ulvans" denotes, in the context of the invention, oligosaccharides obtained by acid hydrolysis of ulvans, for example by hot acid hydrolysis (eg at 85 ° C), or by enzymatic hydrolysis of ulvans , for example by using one or more glycosidases.

The term "extract" denotes the product resulting from an extraction from a source, for example, from a biological source, such as cells. When it comes to cells, the term “extract” therefore designates the product resulting from the extraction of the contents of cells. Thus, for example, the term "Ulva extract" refers to the product resulting from the extraction of the contents of Ulva cells. The terms "extract containing ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans" and "extract of ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans" are interchangeable and denote an extract obtained from a source of 'ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans. An extract containing ulvans used in the context of the present invention is preferably an extract of algae containing ulvans, more preferably an extract of 'Ulva or an extract of' Enteromorpha, for example an extract of 'Ulva armoricana, an extract of 'Ulva rigida, an extract of' Ulva rotundata, an extract of Ulva lactuca, a extract ô! Enteromorpha intestinalis, or an extract of Enteromorpha compressa, preferably an extract of ô'Uiva armoricana, an extract of ô! Enteromorpha intestinalis or an extract ô! Enteromorpha compressa. An extract containing oligosaccharides derived from ulvans can be obtained by acid hydrolysis or by enzymatic hydrolysis of an extract containing ulvans, for example an extract containing ulvans as defined above.

The extract containing ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans can be enriched in ulvans and / or in oligosaccharides derived from ulvans. Techniques for enriching ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans are described in the literature and easy to implement by those skilled in the art, for example precipitation by addition of ammonium sulfate, by addition ethanol or by filtration. The concentration of ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans in the extract is preferably at least 1 g / L, preferably at least 10 g / L, at least 11 g / L, at least 12 g / L, at least 13 g / L, at least 14 g / L, at least 15 g / L, at least 16 g / L, at least 17 g / L, at least 18 g / L, at least 19 g / L , for example between 1 and 200 g / L, preferably between 10 and 100 g / L, more preferably between 15 and 50 g / L, for example approximately 20 g / L.

The extraction conditions and the nature of the algae will be chosen such that the extract obtained has the desired concentration in the envisaged application. For example, the concentration of ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans varies depending on the preparation process. The concentration of ulvans can in particular vary depending on the quantity of fresh and / or dry algae used (for example, during an aqueous extraction, when the alga / water ratio is increased, the concentration of ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans of the extract obtained also increases), the extraction time (for example, an increase in the extraction time during an aqueous extraction generally makes it possible to increase the concentration of ulvans and / or of oligosaccharides derived from ulvans of the obtained extract) and / or the extraction temperature (for example, an increase in the extraction temperature during an aqueous extraction generally makes it possible to increase the concentration of ulvans and / or of oligosaccharides derived from ulvans in the extract obtained).

The preparation of an extract of ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans does not present any particular difficulty, many extraction processes are described in the literature. The extraction process is not limited to a particular process, and the conventional processes can be used to prepare an extract containing ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans, such as for example aqueous extraction. An extract of ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans can for example be obtained by a process comprising the following steps: washing, grinding, extraction (solid-liquid separation) and optionally fractionation and concentration. The extract obtained can be more or less concentrated depending on the intended use. Total dehydration of this extract makes it possible to obtain an extract in water-soluble pulverulent form which can be obtained, for example, by a tumble dryer or by atomization.

For the purposes of the invention, the term “silicon” is understood to mean the chemical element with the symbol Si in all its forms. This includes in particular silica (also known under the term “silicon oxide”), silicates (eg Si0 ₃ ² and Si0 ₄ ⁴ ) and combined silicates. Silica exists in the free state in crystalline or amorphous forms. In its crystalline form, silica is in the form of non-molecular crystals formed of tetrahedral Si0 _{4 units} linked together by oxygen atoms in a regular manner, as in quartz. In its amorphous form, silica occurs as silica dioxide (S1O2), as in glass. The silicon may for example be in the form of solid mineral silica, such as diatomaceous earth or sand, in the form of liquid mineral silica, such as orthosilicic acid, in the form of vitreous products based on silicon, such as as powders or glass fibers, in the form of organic silica and / or in the form of a soluble salt. Preferably, the silicon is in the form of a soluble salt. The term “soluble salt” is understood to mean a salt which is soluble in a solvent such as water. Silica is an acid oxide which reacts with basic oxides to give silicates, especially Si0 ₃ ² and Si0 ₄ ⁴ . The silicates are able to combine with other metal atoms, such as for example aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), Magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium ( K). The combined silicates thus obtained are respectively aluminum silicate (Al ₂ Si0 ₃ ), iron silicate (Fe ₂ Si0 ₃ ), magnesium metasilicate (MgSi0 ₃ ), calcium silicate (Ca ₂ Si0 ₃ ), sodium silicate (Na ₂ Si0 ₃ ) and potassium silicate (K ₂ Si0 ₃ ). The silicates can also be in the form of derivatives, for example K ₂ Si0 ₄ , Na ₂ Si0 ₄ , Mg ₂ Si0 ₄ .

Preferably, the silicon is in the form of a soluble salt, preferably in the form of sodium silicate (Na ₂ Si0 ₃ ), potassium silicate (K ₂ Si0 ₃ ), metasilicate of magnesium (MgSi0 ₃ ) or a mixture of soluble salts. Even more preferably, the silicon is in the form of a soluble salt chosen from sodium silicate (Na ₂ Si0 ₃ ), potassium silicate (K ₂ Si0 ₃ ), and their mixture. For example, the potassium silicate marketed by the company Quaron, called “34.8% liquid potassium silicate”, is particularly suitable for the implementation of the invention.

The term "fertilizing material" designates a substance, or a mixture of substances, natural or of synthetic origin, used in agriculture, horticulture and forestry, to improve soils, in particular their structure, and to fertilize cultivated plants. Fertilizers include fertilizers and soil improvers.

The term "pesticide" denotes a substance used against one or more organisms considered harmful to the plant, called pathogens. This term includes in particular insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and parasiticides.

The term "pesticidal agent" designates the ability to fight against a pathogen, for example by eliminating said pathogen or by repelling it. This term includes in particular insecticidal agents, fungicidal agents, herbicidal agents, parasiticidal agents. In the context of the present invention, it may be an ability to fight directly against the pathogen or indirectly against the pathogen, for example by activating the defense reactions of a plant and resistance against biotic constraints. the pathogen is preferably a fungus, for example an ascomycete fungus, such as Septoria tritici (responsible for septoria) or Venturia inaequalis (responsible for apple scab).

In the context of the present invention, the expression “plant” is understood to mean the plant considered as a whole, including its root apparatus, its vegetative apparatus, seeds, seeds and fruits.

The present invention results from the surprising advantages demonstrated by the inventors of the effect of the phytosanitary composition according to the invention on a plant, to activate reactions of defense of the plant and of resistance against biotic constraints.

Thus, the invention relates to a phytosanitary composition comprising

(i) ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans, for example in the form of an extract containing ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans; and

(ii) silicon.

The composition according to the present invention can be in the form of powder, granule or in liquid form, advantageously in liquid form. The preparation of such a composition can be carried out by a person skilled in the art using his general knowledge. For example, ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans, for example in the form of an extract containing ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans, may be in powder or liquid form and may be mixed with a solution of soluble salt (s) or silicon to form a liquid composition according to the invention. A particular method of preparing the composition according to the invention is detailed in the examples.

When the composition according to the invention is in liquid form, the composition may comprise a concentration of ulvans and / or of oligosaccharides derived from ulvans of 0.01 to 100 g / L, for example of 0.1 g / L to 80 g / L, preferably from 0.1 g / L to 50 g / L, from 0.1 g / L to 40 g / L, from 0.1 g / L to 30 g / L, even more preferably from 1 g / L to 20 g / L, from 5 g / L to 15 g / L, for example from 8 g / L to 14 g / L.

When the composition according to the invention is in liquid form, the composition may comprise a silicon concentration of 0.01 g / L to 100 g / L, in particular in the form of a soluble silicon salt or in the form of a mixture of soluble silicon salts, preferably from 0.1 g / L to 50 g / L, even more preferably from 1.0 g / L to 30 g / L, from 10 g / L to 30 g / L, from 20 g / L to 30 g / L, from 5 to 10 g / L, from 5 to 8 g / L, for example approximately 21 g / L +/- 1 g / L or 6 g / L + / - 1 g / L.

When the composition according to the invention is in liquid form, it can comprise from 10 to 90% (total v / v of the composition) of an extract containing ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans, preferably from 40 to 90%, for example from 40 to 80%, from 70 to 90% from 70 to 80%, said extract having a concentration of ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans of at least 1 g / L, preferably at least 10 g / L, at least 11 g / L, at least 12 g / L, at least 13 g / L, at least 14 g / L, at least at least 15 g / L, at least 16 g / L, at least 17 g / L, at least 18 g / L, at least 19 g / L. For example, said extract may have a concentration of ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans ranging from 1 to 200 g / L, preferably ranging from 10 to 100 g / L, more preferably ranging from 15 to 50 g / L. , for example a concentration of ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans of about 20 g / L +/- 2 g / L.

When the composition according to the invention is in liquid form, it may comprise from 1 to 25% (total v / v of the composition) of a solution of silicon, in particular of a solution of soluble silicon salt. or of a mixture of soluble silicon salts, preferably from 1 to 10%, for example from 1 to 5%, said silicon solution having a silicon concentration ranging from 0.1 to 500 g / L, preferably from 1 to 500 g / L, even more preferably from 10 g / L to 300 g / L, from 100 g / L to 300 g / L, from 200 g / L to 300 g / L, for example around 240 g / L +/- 10 g / L. According to a particular embodiment, the composition according to the invention is in liquid form and comprises:

- a concentration of ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans of 0.01 to 100 g / L, preferably from 0.1 g / L to 50 g / L, even more preferably from 1 g / L to 20 g / L, for example from 8 g / L to 14 g / L, and

- a silicon concentration of 0.01 g / L to 100 g / L, in particular in the form of a soluble silicon salt or in the form of a mixture of soluble silicon salts, preferably 0.1 g / L to 50 g / L, even more preferably from 1.0 g / L to 30 g / L, from 10 g / L to 30 g / L, from 20 g / L to 30 g / L, from 5 to 10 g / L, from 5 to 8 g / L, for example approximately 21 g / L +/- 1 g / L or 6 g / L +/- 1 g / L.

According to another particular embodiment, the composition according to the invention is in liquid form and comprises:

- from 10 to 90% (total v / v of the composition) of an extract containing ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans, preferably from 40 to 90%, for example from 40 to 80%, from 70 to 90% from 70 to 80%, said extract having a concentration of ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans of at least 1 g / L, preferably at least 10 g / L, at least 11 g / L, at least at least 12 g / L, at least 13 g / L, at least 14 g / L, at least 15 g / L, at least 16 g / L, at least 17 g / L, at least 18 g / L, at least 19 g / L, for example between 1 and 200 g / L, preferably between 10 and 100 g / L, more preferably between 15 and 50 g / L, for example approximately 20.0 g / L,

- from 1 to 25% (total v / v of the composition) of a silicon solution, in particular of a solution of soluble silicon salt or of a mixture of soluble silicon salts, preferably from 1 to 10% , for example from 1 to 5%, said silicon solution having a silicon concentration ranging from 0.1 to 500 g / L, preferably from 1 to 500 g / L, even more preferably from 10 g / L to 300 g / L, from 100 g / L to 300 g / L, from 200 g / L to 300 g / L, for example approximately 240 g / L +/- 10 g / L, and possibly

- some water. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition is in liquid form and comprises:

- 40% (total v / v of the composition) of an extract containing ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans, said extract having a concentration of ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans ranging from 8 to 14 g / L,

- 9% (total v / v of the composition) of a silicon solution, in particular of a solution of soluble silicon salt or of a mixture of soluble silicon salts, said silicon solution having a silicon concentration approximately 240 g / L, and

- 51% water.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition is in liquid form and comprises:

- from 70 to 80% (v / v total of the composition) of an extract containing ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans, said extract having a concentration of ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans ranging from 8 to 14 g / L,

- from 2 to 3% (total v / v of the composition) of a silicon solution, in particular of a solution of soluble silicon salt or of a mixture of soluble silicon salts, said silicon solution having a silicon concentration of about 240 g / L, and

- from 17 to 28% water.

In addition, the composition according to the invention may comprise one or more fertilizing materials, which may be of various types such as urea, ammonium sulfate, rock phosphate, potassium chloride, sodium sulfate. ammonium, magnesium nitrate, manganese nitrate, zinc nitrate, copper nitrate, phosphoric acid, and / or boric acid.

In addition, the composition according to the invention can comprise one or more pesticides, which can be of various types. The pesticide (s) can / can be chosen from insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and parasiticides. In particular, the composition according to the invention can comprise one or more fungicide (s). The fungicides which are suitable for the implementation of the invention are for example referenced in the catalog of plant protection products "e-phy" of the national agency for food, environmental and occupational health safety (ANSES) or in the catalog "list of EPPO Al and" EPPO A2 list ”from the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). Preferably, the composition according to the invention may comprise one or more fungicide (s) chosen from chlorothalonil, fluxapyroxad, epoxiconazole, captan, dithlanon, fenbuconazole, pyradostrobin, dodine, prothioconazole , metconazole, propiconazole, cyproconazole, tebuconazole, bromuconazole, difenoconazole, propiconazole, tetraconazole, azoxystrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, picoxystrobin, fluystoboxinobastrofloxystrystoboxinobastrofloxystroboxze, mangoystroboxinobastro , penthiopyrad, bixafen, prochloraz, benzovindiflupyr, boscalid, fenpropidin, fluopyram, spiroxamine, flutriafol, folpet, fenpropimorph, metrafenone, sulfur and laminarin. A person skilled in the art will know how to choose the pesticide (s) that are the most suitable (s) for the plant to be treated.

The association of the composition according to the invention with a pesticide is particularly advantageous because it makes it possible to reduce the doses (or quantities) of pesticide normally used in agriculture. A dose of pesticide normally used corresponds, for example, to a dose approved for a pesticide in question. The combination of the composition according to the invention with a pesticide can make it possible to reduce by half (50%) the dose of pesticide normally used. This makes it possible to reduce the impact of phytosanitary products on the environment, which constitutes an ecological and economic advantage.

The invention also relates to the use of the phytosanitary composition described above for activating reactions for the defense of a plant and for resistance against biotic constraints.

In particular, the invention relates to the use of the phytosanitary composition described above for stimulating the expression of the genes involved. in the defense of a plant. For example, the phytosanitary composition according to the invention makes it possible to stimulate the expression by the plant of genes encoding:

- for defense enzymes, such as hydrolases, chitinases;

- for so-called PR proteins;

- for enzymes for the biosynthesis of defense metabolists, such as phytoalexins;

- for proteins involved in wall reinforcement;

- to stimulate the production of salicylic acid and / or its derivatives; and or

- to stimulate the production of jasmonic acid and / or its derivatives.

Advantageously, the phytosanitary composition of the invention makes it possible to stimulate the expression by the plant of genes encoding salicylic acid and its derivatives and / or jasmonic acid and its derivatives. In particular, the phytosanitary composition described above makes it possible to stimulate the expression of the ICSI, EDS1 (Disease resistance protein EDS1), WRKY (WRKY transcription factor 30), PR-1 and PR-3 genes, which induces the production of salicylic acid and / or its derivatives. In particular, the phytosanitary composition described above also makes it possible to stimulate the expression of the LOX2 (Lipoxygenase) genes; JAR (Resistant Jasmonate) which induces the product of jasmonic acid and / or its derivatives.

The invention also relates to a method for activating the defense reactions of a plant and resistance against biotic constraints, characterized in that it comprises the application to said plant of an effective amount of the phytosanitary composition. according to the invention.

By "effective amount" or "effective dose" is meant an amount sufficient to activate defense reactions of a plant and resistance, in particular by stimulating the expression of genes involved in the defense of the plant, against biotic constraints of at least 5%, advantageously at least 10%, for example at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40% , advantageously at least 30%. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the composition according to the invention is supplied to the plant in an amount sufficient to activate reactions of defense of a plant and of resistance against biotic constraints, in particular by stimulating the expression of the genes involved in the defense of the plant, by at least 5%, advantageously at least 10%, for example at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, preferably at least 30%.

In the context of the use or of the method according to the invention, the composition can be supplied to the plant by the foliar route or by the root route, preferably by the foliar route.

In one embodiment of the use according to the invention, the composition according to the invention is supplied to the plant in combination with one or more pesticides, preferably one or more fungicides. The fungicides which are suitable for the implementation of the invention are for example referenced in the catalog of plant protection products “e-phy” of the national agency for food, environmental and occupational health safety (ANSES ) or in the catalog "EPPO A1 list and" EPPO A2 list "of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). In particular in one embodiment of the use, the composition according to the invention is supplied to the plant in combination with one or more fungicides, chosen from chlorothalonil, fluxapyroxad, epoxiconazole, captan, dithlanon, fenbuconazole, pyradostrobin, dodine, prothioconazole, metconazole, propiconazole, cyproconazole, tebuconazole, bromuconazole, difenoconazole, propiconazole, tetraconazole, azoxystrobox, pyroboxintroboxrobox , dimoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin maneb, mancozeb, penthiopyrad, bixafen, prochloraz, benzovindiflupyr, boscalid, fenpropidin, fluopyram, spiroxamine, flutriafol, folpet, fenpropimorph, sulphuren and laminarin. A person skilled in the art will know how to choose the pesticide (s) that are the most suitable (s) for the plant to be treated.

The method of the invention can further comprise the application to said plant of one or more pesticides, preferably one or more fungicides. The fungicides which are suitable for the implementation of the invention are for example referenced in the catalog of plant protection products "E-phy" from the national agency for food, environmental and occupational health safety (handles) or in the catalog "EPPO Al list and" EPPO A2 list "of the European Organization and Mediterranean for Plant Protection (EPPO). In particular in one embodiment of the process, the composition according to the invention is supplied to the plant in combination with one or more fungicides, for example chosen from chlorothalonil, fluxapyroxad, epoxiconazole, captan, dithlanon, fenbuconazole, pyradostrobin, dodine, prothioconazole, metconazole, propiconazole, cyproconazole, tebuconazole, bromuconazole, difenoconazole, propiconazole, tetraconazole, azoxystrobox, pyroboxintroboxrobox , dimoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin maneb, mancozeb, penthiopyrad, bixafen, prochloraz, benzovindiflupyr, boscalid, fenpropidin, fluopyram, spiroxamine, flutriafol, folpet, fenpropimorph, sulphuren and laminarin. In other words, the composition according to the invention is also applied to the plant in combination with one or more pesticides, preferably one or more fungicides. A person skilled in the art will know how to choose the pesticide (s) that are the most suitable (s) for the plant to be treated.

The composition according to the invention and the pesticide (s) can be applied simultaneously or sequentially. For example, the composition according to the invention can be applied during a first treatment, and one or more pesticides can be applied during a second treatment of the plant. Several successive treatments of the plant can thus be carried out. Generally, a person skilled in the art adapts the number of treatments and the nature of the treatment depending on the variety of the plant, the type of pesticide, the nature of the biotic constraint, etc.

When implementing the method according to the invention, the amount (or dose) of pesticide applied to the plant may correspond to an amount normally used in agriculture (approved amount) or to a reduced amount. Advantageously, the dose of pesticide is a reduced amount, for example reduced by 50% compared to an amount normally used in agriculture. The use according to the invention and the method according to the invention find application in the treatment of a very wide variety of plants. Among these, we will mention in particular:

- field crops such as cereals (wheat, corn, barley),

- protein crops (peas),

- oilseeds (soya, sunflower),

- crops of Solanaceae (potato),

- Amaranthaceae (beet) crops,

- specialized crops such as market gardening (lettuce, spinach, onion, shallot, tomato, melon), vines, arboriculture (pear, apple, nectarine), or horticulture.

The plant can also belong to the order of the monocots, preferably to the family of the poaceae. Poaceae, commonly called grasses, include most of the species commonly called "grasses" and "cereals". Cereals are widely cultivated, mainly for their grains, and are used as food and feed. Advantageously, the plant is a poaceae, preferably chosen from wheat, rice, barley, oats, rye, sugar cane, meadow or corn, preferably wheat.

In the context of the present use and of the present method, the composition according to the invention can be supplied to the plant in liquid form in foliar solutions in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 100 L / ha, preferably from 0, 01 to 25 L / ha, even more preferably from 0.1 to 10 L / ha, for example in a quantity of 1 L / ha. In practice, the farmer generally uses 1 L of a stock solution which corresponds to the composition according to the invention which he dilutes, for example in water between ^{1/10 th} and ^{1/1000 th} , so as to obtain a daughter solution which is then sprayed on the plants to be treated according to the quantities defined above (ie from 0.001 to 100 L / ha of stock solution).

In a very particular embodiment, the invention relates to the use of the phytosanitary composition according to the invention for activating defense reactions of a plant (eg wheat or apple tree) and resistance against septoria and / or apple scab.

In a particular embodiment, when the composition according to the invention comprises one or more pesticides, it can be used as a pesticidal agent against a pathogen. This use is particularly advantageous because it makes it possible to reduce the dose of pesticide used compared to a use of pesticide (s) alone (s). This makes it possible to reduce the impact of phytosanitary products on the environment, which constitutes an ecological and economic advantage. Preferably, when the composition according to the invention comprises one or more fungicides, it can be used as a fungicidal agent against a pathogen, for example chosen from Septoria tritici or Venturia inaequalis.

The invention also relates to a method of treating a plant intended to promote its growth by reducing the access of pathogens to said plant or by eliminating pathogens present in the soil, said method comprising applying to said plant. of a composition according to the invention comprising one or more pesticides. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the process of the invention, the composition according to the invention comprising one or more fungicides is applied to said plant in order to promote the growth of a plant by reducing the access of Septoria tritici or Venturia inaequalis h said plant or by eliminating Septoria tritici or Venturia inaequalis present in the soil.

The invention also relates to the use of the composition according to the invention for potentiating the pesticidal effect of a pesticide. Preferably, the composition according to the invention is used to potentiate the fungicidal effect of a fungicide which can be chosen from chlorothalonil, fluxapyroxad, epoxiconazole, captan, dithlanon, fenbuconazole, pyradostrobin, dodine, prothioconazole, metconazole, propiconazole, cyproconazole, tebuconazole, bromuconazole, difenoconazole, propiconazole, tetraconazole, azoxystrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, fluinoboxinoboxystrobin, leproxinoboxystrobin the mancozeb, the penthiopyrad, bixafen, prochloraz, benzovindiflupyr, boscalid, fenpropidin, fluopyram, spiroxamine, flutriafol, folpet, fenpropimorph, metrafenone, sulfur and laminarin. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pesticide is a fungicide selected from chlorothalonil, fluxapyroxad, epoxiconazole, captan and dithlanon.

The present invention will now be illustrated by the following nonlimiting examples. In these examples, and unless otherwise indicated, the percentages are expressed by weight and the temperature is room temperature.

[0072] Examples

G00731 Example 1: Process for preparing a composition according to the invention

A) Process for preparing an extract of ulvans.

The extract of ulvans was prepared according to a 3-step process:

G00761 Step 1: 50 kg of dry algae of Ulva spp type were crushed and passed through a 4 mm sieve in order to obtain fragments of size less than or equal to 4 mm, then mixed with 950 kg of water heated to 85 ° C. The mixture was maintained at a temperature of 85 ° C. for 3 hours with stirring, which made it possible to extract the ulvans.

G00771 Step 2: The mixture obtained in step 1 was filtered using a 50 µm filter.

G00781 Step 3: The filtered mixture was then acidified to pH 3.5 using a concentrated solution of sulfuric acid. This mixture corresponds to the extract of ulvans used in the examples, and which is used in particular for the preparation of the composition “ND” (composition according to the invention - Example IC).

B) Process for preparing a silicon solution

A solution of silicon in the form of potassium silicate, marketed by the company "QUARON" under the name of "Liquid potassium silicate 34.8% ”was used. This solution contains 24% w / w of S1O2 (24% w / w, i.e. 240 g / L, of silicon) and 11% w / w of K ₂ 0.

C) Process for the preparation of a plant protection composition according to the invention, hereinafter called composition "ND". The ND composition (composition according to the invention) was prepared by mixing the extract obtained according to process described in Example IA with water, adjusting the pH of the mixture to 12, and slowly adding the silicon solution obtained in Example IB with vigorous stirring, according to the proportions shown in Table 1. [ 0083] [Table 1]

The "ND" composition comprises 8 g / L of ulvans and 21.6 g / L of silicon. Example 2 Demonstration of the effects of the ND composition on the control of the development of septoria on wheat

A) Experimental Protocol The test was carried out in the open field so as to evaluate the effectiveness of the ND composition (obtained in Example 1) against septoria in wheat. The CAPO wheat variety (Triticum aestivum) which is a soft winter wheat with susceptibility to septoria was chosen. The pathogen involved in Septoria disease, a fungal disease, is Septoria tritici. The wheat was sown at a depth of 2 cm and at a sowing density of

230 plants / m ² . The experimental set-up was carried out according to a Fisher block design with four completely random replicates in the field. Wheat, grown in open fields was naturally infested by septoria. Septoria tritici is usually spread in wheat crops by humidity or rain. The spores spread to the upper leaves from the base to the top of the plant. For this test, three foliar treatments were tested:

- a negative control, which has not undergone any treatment (untreated control, NT control),

- a program called “ND composition 50%”, which consisted in applying the ND composition at a time Ti at a dose of 0.5 L / ha, then in a second application of the ND composition at a time T ₂ at the same amount as the dose applied to Ti,

- a program called "Composition ND 100%", which consisted in applying the composition ND at a time Ti at a dose of 1 L / ha, then in a second application of the composition ND at a time T ₂ at the same dose as the dose applied to Ti.

The three treatments are summarized in Table 2 below:

[0091] [Table 2]

The ND composition was applied once at the first knot stage, that is to say at the stage known as “stage 31”, corresponding to the elongation. of the main stem (phenological stage BBCH31, i.e. the first node is at most 1 cm above the tillering plateau), then once at the phenological stage BBCH39 (at this stage, the blade of the last leaf is fully spread , the ligule is visible).

25 wheat samples were observed for each of the three types of treatment. Septoria is a leaf disease whose characteristic symptoms are brown spots in which black spots are observed, called "pycnidia". The presence of septoria on the samples was observed by analyzing the presence of spots and / or black spots on the F0 leaves and the F1 leaves at the developmental stage of wheat known as “stage 75” corresponding to the mid-stage. milky (seed content milky). Indeed, the F0 and Fl leaves contribute a very important part to the yield at the end of cultivation and the phytosanitary treatments against septoria mainly aim to protect these two leaves from the appearance and development of septoria (Figure 1). . The severity of septoria represents the level of manifestation of the symptoms of septoria, such as the presence of spots, presence of pycnidia, spread of spots and pycnidia on a single leaf observed. This severity is taken into account in a preponderant way for the evaluation of the presence and development of septoria. The frequency represents the number of infected samples compared to the total number of samples observed (here 25 samples). The severity was measured according to the standards of EPPO (European and Mediterranean Organization for the Protection of Plants) n ° PP 1/26 (4) called “Leaf and ear diseases in cereals.

[0094] B) Results

The results obtained are shown in Figures 2A and 2B. They show that in the absence of treatment (Control NT), septoria developed on wheat. In the absence of treatment (NT control), the F0 and Fl leaves were infected respectively at 25% and 55% in terms of severity, and at 100% in terms of frequency. The treatment with the ND 50% composition made it possible to reduce the severity of septoria on the F0 and Fl leaves, respectively to 14% and 33% in terms of severity (compared to the 25% and 55% observed in the control NT). The frequency was not impacted (100% of infected leaves) after treatment with the composition ND 50%.

The treatment with the 100% ND composition made it possible to reduce the severity of septoria on the F0 and Fl leaves, respectively to 10.5% and 25.5% in terms of severity (compared to 25% and 55% observed in the NT control, and compared to the 14% and 33% observed after the “ND 50%” treatment). The frequency of septoria was not impacted (100% of infected leaves) after treatment with the composition ND 100%.

The results show that the ND composition alone (composition according to the invention) makes it possible to significantly protect the wheat plants against wheat septoria.

Example 3: Demonstration of the effects of the ND composition in combination with a fungicide rOlOOIA ^" ) Experimental protocol

[0101] The test was carried out in the open field to evaluate the effectiveness of the ND composition (composition according to the invention, obtained in Example 1) in combination with a fungicide (preparation based on chlorothalonil). The variety of wheat chosen to conduct this test was the variety OREGRAIN, a variety of soft winter wheat (Triticum aestivurri), which exhibits susceptibility to septoria as explained in Example 2.

The wheat was sown at a depth of 2 cm and at a sowing density of 250 plants / m ² . The experimental set-up in the plot was carried out according to a Fisher block design with four completely random replicates in the field. Wheat, grown in open fields, was naturally infested by septoria.

For this test, five foliar treatments were tested: - a negative control, which consisted of the application of no treatment (Control NT);

- a program called “Classic fungicide” or “Pr. Fongi. "(Positive control), which corresponds to a program commonly implemented by those skilled in the art, which consisted in applying a first fungicide treatment (chlorothalonil at its approved dose, i.e. 500 g / ha) to a time Ti, and by applying a second fungicide treatment (combination of epoxiconazole and fluxapyroxad at their approved doses, ie 62.5 g / ha each) at a time T ₂ ;

- a program called "Light fungicide" or "Pr. Fongi. al. »(Plausibility control) which consisted of the application of chlorothalonil at 250 g / ha at a time Ti, and the application of a second fungicide treatment (combination of epoxiconazole and fluxapyroxad at half their doses registered, i.e. 31.25 g / ha each) at a time T ₂ ;

- a program called “Composition ND 50% + Pr. Fongi. al. », Which consisted of a first application of 0.5 L / ha of composition ND (composition obtained in Example 1) in combination with chlorothalonil at half of its approved dose, ie 250 g / ha, at a time Ti, and in a second application of a fungicide treatment (combination of epoxiconazole and fluxapyroxad at half of their approved doses, ie 31.25 g / ha each) at a time T ₂ ;

- a program called “Composition ND 100% + Pr. Fongi. al. », Which consisted of a first application of 1 L / ha of composition ND (composition obtained in Example 1) in combination with chlorothalonil at half of its approved dose, ie 250 g / ha, at a time T and in a second application of a fungicide treatment (combination of epoxiconazole and fluxapyroxad at half of their approved doses, ie 31.25 g / ha each) at a time T ₂ .

The time Ti corresponds to stage 31, ie the stage of the first node, corresponding to the elongation of the main stem (phenological stage BBCH31, namely the first node is at most 1 cm above the tillering plateau. ), and the time T ₂ corresponds to stage 33, called BBCH33, corresponding to an elongation of the main stem greater than 2 cm above the second node.

The five types of treatment are summarized in Table 3 below: [0106] [Table 3]

25 wheat samples were observed for each type of treatment. The presence of septoria on the samples was observed by observing the frequency and severity of septoria (cf. Example 2) on the F0 and Fl leaves at the stage known as stage 75, corresponding to the mid-milky stage ( milky seed content).

[0108] B) Results

The results obtained are shown in Figures 3A and 3B. [0110] They show that in the absence of treatment (Control NT), septoria has developed on wheat. In the absence of treatment (NT control), the F0 and Fl leaves were infected respectively at 25% and 55% in terms of severity, and at 100% in terms of frequency for the F0 and Fl leaves.

The treatment with Prof. Fongi. (Positive control) made it possible to reduce the severity of septoria on the F0 and Fl leaves, respectively to 3% and 5% in terms of severity (compared to the 25% and 55% observed in the control NT). The frequency of septoria was also reduced to 55% and 82% respectively for the FO and F1 leaves, compared to the 100% frequency observed with the NT control.

The treatment with Prof. Fongi. al. (Likelihood control) reduced the severity of septoria on the F0 and Fl leaves, respectively to 4.5% and 12.5% in terms of severity (compared to the 25% and 55% observed in the non-control). treaty). The frequency of septoria was reduced to 90% for the F0 leaf alone, compared to the 100% frequency observed in the untreated control. The frequency of septoria on the F1 leaf remained unchanged (100%).

The application of the composition ND at 0.5 L / ha, in association with Pr. Fongi. al. reduced the severity of septoria on F0 and Fl leaves, respectively to 3.5% and 9.5% in terms of severity (compared to the 25% and 55% observed in the untreated control, and to the 4 , 5% and 12.5% observed following Pr. Fongi. Al.). This association also made it possible to reduce the frequency of septoria on the F0 leaf to 80% (compared to the 100% observed with the NT control and the 90% observed following the Pr. Fongi. Al. Treatment). The frequency of septoria on the F1 leaf remained unchanged (100%).

Finally, the application of the ND composition at 1 L / ha, in association with Prof. Fongi. al. further reduced the severity of septoria on F0 leaves and F1, respectively to 2.5% and 7.5% in terms of severity (compared to 25% and 55% observed in the untreated control, and the 4.5% and 12.5% observed following Pr. Fongi. al. treatment). This association also made it possible to further reduce the frequency of septoria on the F0 leaf to 75% (compared to the 100% observed with the NT control and the 90% observed following the Pr. Fongi. Al. Treatment). The frequency of septoria on the F1 leaf remained unchanged (100%).

It can therefore be concluded that the ND composition, when it is combined with a fungicide (Pr. Fongi. Al.), Gives the treated wheat plants better quality. protection against septoria of wheat than fungicide alone. The ND composition made it possible to potentiate the phytosanitary effect of the fungicide.

Example 4 Demonstration of the effects of a composition according to the invention in comparison with an extract of ulvans or a solution of silicon applied individually

[0117] A) Experimental protocol

The test was carried out in the open field to evaluate the effectiveness of a composition according to the invention (ND) in comparison with an extract of ulvans at a concentration of 8 g / L alone or of a solution. of silicon alone (Si0 ₂ K ₂ 0) at a concentration of 21.6 g / L. The variety of wheat chosen to conduct this trial was OREGRAIN, a variety of soft winter wheat (Triticum aestivum), which is susceptible to septoria.

The wheat was sown at a depth of 2 cm and at a sowing density of 250 plants / m ² . The experimental set-up in the plot was carried out according to a Fisher block design with four completely random replicates in the field. Wheat, grown in open fields, naturally infested with septoria.

[0120] For this test, six treatments were tested by foliar application:

- a negative control, which consisted of the application of no treatment (NT control);

- a program called “Classic fungicide” or “Pr. Fongi. "(Positive control which corresponds to a treatment commonly implemented by a person skilled in the art) which consisted of a first application of a fungicide, chlorothalonil, at its approved dose, ie 500 g / ha, at a time Ti , and in a second application of chlorothalonil at 500 g / ha also at a time T ₂ ;

- a program called "Light fungicide" or "Pr. Fongi. al. »(Plausibility check) which consisted of a first application of chlorothalonil at half of its approved dose, ie 250 g / ha, at a time Ti, and in a second application of chlorothalonil at 250 g / ha also at a time T ₂ ; - a program called “Composition ND + Pr. Fongi. al ”., which consisted of a first application of a dose of composition ND at 1 L / ha in combination with chlorothalonil at half of its approved dose, i.e. 250 g / ha, at a time Ti, and in one second application of a dose of composition ND at 1 L / ha in combination with chlorothalonil at half of its approved dose, ie 250 g / ha, at a time T ₂ ;

- a program called “Composition Ulvanes 8 g / L + Pr. Fongi. Al ”., Which consisted of a first application of a dose of 1 L / ha of the extract of ulvans at a concentration of 8 g / L (that is to say the composition ND without the silicon) in combination with chlorothalonil at half of its registered dose, i.e. 250 g / ha, at a time Ti, and in a second application of a dose of 1 L / ha of the extract of ulvans at a concentration of 8 g / Len association with chlorothalonil at half of its approved dose, i.e. 250 g / ha, at a time T ₂ ; and

- a program called “Silicon composition 21.6 g / L + Pr. Fongi. Al. ”, Which consisted of a first application of a dose of 1 L / ha of the solution of Si0 ₂ K ₂ 0 at a concentration of 21.6 g / L of silicon (that is to say the composition ND without the extract of ulvans) in combination with chlorothalonil at half of its approved rate, i.e. 250 g / ha, at a time Ti, and in a second application of a rate of 1 L / ha of the Si0 ₂ K ₂ 0 solution at a concentration of 21.6 g / L of silicon in combination with chlorothalonil at half of its approved dose, ie 250 g / ha, at a time T ₂ .

The time Ti corresponds to stage 31, ie the stage of the first node, corresponding to the elongation of the main stem (phenological stage BBCH31, namely the first node is at most 1 cm above the tillering plateau. ), and the time T ₂ corresponds to stage 33, called BBCH33, corresponding to an elongation of the main stem greater than 2 cm above the second node. The six treatments are summarized in Table 4. [0122] [Table 4]

The treatments were applied once (Ti) at the first node stage, that is to say the stage known as stage 31 corresponding to the elongation of the main stem (phenological stage BBCH31, namely the first node is at most 1 cm above the tillering plateau), then reapplied (T ₂ ) at the third node stage, stage known as BBCH33, corresponding to an elongation of the main stem greater than 2 cm above the second knot. 25 wheat samples were observed for each type of treatment. The presence of septoria on the samples was observed by observing the frequency and severity of septoria (see example 2) on the FO leaf at the stage known as stage 85 corresponding to the ripening of the seeds, more particularly the soft pasty stage, when the content of the seed is tender and dry (BBCH85 stage).

[0125] B) Results

The results obtained are presented in FIG. 4.

[0127] They show that in the absence of treatment (Control NT), septoria developed on wheat which was cultivated in the open field. The OF leaf was infected (70% in terms of severity; 100% in terms of frequency).

[0128] The fungicide program (Pr. Fongi.) Reduced the severity of septoria on the F0 leaf of the plants observed in terms of severity (40%) but not the frequency of the disease (100%).

The light fungicide program (Pr Fongi al.) Made it possible to reduce septoria on the F0 leaf of the plants observed in terms of severity, to a lesser extent than Pr. Fongi (50% instead of 40% with Pr. . Fongi.) But not the frequency of the disease (100%).

For the ND composition applied in combination in a Pr. Fongi. al., it was observed that the F0 leaf was less infected than the F0 leaf of the control plants (40%). The F0 leaf was also better protected than that treated with the light fungicide program and presented a level of protection against septoria close to that obtained with Pr. Fongi.

Finally, the treatments with the extract of ulvans and with the silicon solution provided a lower level of protection than the ND composition. In fact, it is observed that with the treatment “Ulvanes 8 g / L + Pr. Fongi. al "or" Silicon 21.6 g / L + Pr. Fongi. al. The severity was 47% and 52% respectively, compared to 50% for the light fungicide program. The ND composition for its part made it possible to significantly reduce the severity (40%).

[0132] It can therefore be concluded that the ND composition has better efficacy, compared with the extract of ulvans alone, with the silicon solution alone or even with respect to a light fungicidal program. [0133] Example 5 Study of the expression of defense genes in wheat treated after treatment with composition D

[0134] A) Experimental protocol

The study was carried out in an experimental greenhouse. 28-day-old young wheat seedlings were treated with the following foliar spray treatments at the 3rd spread leaf stage (BBCH13 stage):

- ND composition of Example 1 diluted to l / ^400th (v / v),

- ND composition of Example 1 diluted to l / ^100th (v / v),

- a commercial product called Bion® 50 WG, marketed by Syngenta, containing 50% benzolar-S-methyl acid, concentrated at 20 μg / ml. Bion® 50 WG is a plant defense stimulator (SDP), hereinafter “SDP control” (positive control),

- distilled water (negative control).

[0136] The 3rd spread sheet was used for gene expression analyzes by quantitative RT-PCR, 48 hours after treatment.

[0137] B) Results

The results obtained are presented in FIG. 5.

They show that the treatment of the wheat leaves with the composition according to the invention at dilutions ^1/400 and ^1/100 significantly activated the expression of the ICSI, PR-1 and PR-3 genes, three genes markers for the induction / activation of plant defense mechanisms, in particular the salicylic acid activation pathway, in comparison with the NT control. The SDP control (Bion®), a positive control, also shows an increase in the expression of these genes.

[0140] It can therefore be concluded that the ND composition makes it possible to activate the defense reactions of a plant and of resistance against biotic constraints.

[0141] Example 6 Demonstration of the effects of the ND composition on the control of the development of apple scab (“Apple scab”) [0142] A) Experimental protocol

Agronomic efficacy trials on apple scab by natural contamination were carried out during the primary contamination phase; over a period from March to June. Apple scab is caused by an ascomycete fungus called Venturia inaequalis which causes black or brown lesions on the surface of apple leaves, buds or fruits and sometimes even on wood. The fruits and the lower part of the leaves are especially sensitive to it. The disease is favored by a humid climate, especially when the buds are developing (bud burst). Apple scab can significantly reduce fruit quality and production if left untreated.

[0144]. Trees of the Golden Delicious variety (Reinders clone, twelfth leaf) grafted onto M9-Emla rootstock, varieties very susceptible to apple scab were used. For this trial, four types of foliar spray treatment were compared:

- a “classic fungicide” program (called “PFI”), which consisted of the application of fungicides in integrated fruit production (PFI) at 7 different times and by alternating the types of fungicides, as summarized in Table 5 below. below;

- a program called “Lean Fungicide” (called “Lean PFI”), which consisted of the application of fungicides in integrated fruit production (PFI) at three different times and alternating the types of fungicides, as summarized in Table 5 below,

- a program called “Lean fungicide + Bion® 50 WG” or “Lean PFI + Bion® 50 WG”, which consisted of the application of the product Bion®50 WG described in Example 5 at nine different times and of fungicides at three different times, as summarized in Table 5 below, and

- a program called "light fungicide + ND composition" or "light PFI + ND composition", which consisted of the application of the ND composition (obtained in Example 1) at a dose of 3 L / ha at nine times different and fungicides at three different times, as summarized in Table 5 below. The different times correspond to stages of development of the apple tree and are mentioned in Table 5 below.

[0146] [Table 5] Each treatment was applied to three micro-plots represented by a factorial plan of three blocks of three micro-plots, each micro-plot consisting of five rows comprising thirteen trees (ie 195 trees treated). The apples were then harvested in September.

[0148] B) Results

[0149] The percentage of scab fruit was calculated for each plot. The spotted fruits are characterized by spots and can crack.

[0150] The results obtained are presented in FIG. 6.

[0151] They show that the classic PFI fungicide program allowed optimum protection of the crop, and resulted in an apple harvest that was very slightly scabbed, or even completely devoid of scab.

[0152] The "light PFI" program only allowed partial protection of the orchard, with more than 30% scab apples at the time of harvest.

The "light PFI + ND composition" program made it possible to obtain improved protection of the orchard, compared with the light PFI, with less than 20% of the apples which were scabbed at the time of harvest.

Finally, it was observed that the “light PFI + ND composition” program provided a higher level of protection for the orchard than the “light PFI + Bion® 50 WG” program.

[0155] Example 7 Demonstration of the Effects of the ND Composition on the Quality of the Apple Harvest

[0156] A) Experimental protocol

[0157] 400 apples (100 apples per type of treatment: PFI, light PFI, light PFI + Bion 50 WG and light PFI + ND composition), randomly sampled, harvested following the test of Example 6, were classified. depending on their visual appearance. In the absence of scab, the fruit was considered healthy. When a fruit showed one to three spots, it was considered to have a low presence of scab (called lightly scab fruit). When a fruit showed more than three spots, it was considered to have a strong presence of scab (called severely scab fruit).

[0158] B) Results

The results obtained are presented in FIG. 7.

[0160] They show that the reference program (PFI) was optimally effective against apple scab since all the fruits observed were healthy.

[0161] The "light PFI" program showed an alteration in the visual quality of apples with nearly 40% of scab apples, 10% of which were severely scab.

The "light PFI + ND composition" program made it possible to obtain a percentage of scab apples reduced to 20% with less than 3% of severely scab apples. Thus, the ND composition effectively protects apples.

Finally, it was observed that the “light PFI + ND composition” program provided a higher level of protection than the “light PFI + Bion® 50 WG” program.

[0164] Example 8 Demonstration of the effects of the ND composition on the stimulation of defense reactions in apple trees

[0165] A) Experimental protocol

[0166] Young apple trees of the Golden Delicious variety (6 weeks old) cultivated in a greenhouse and exhibiting developed leaves were treated by foliar spraying until runoff with:

- the composition ND (obtained in Example 1) diluted to l / ^200th (v / v),

- ND composition of Example 1 diluted to ^1/66 (v / v).

The young plants were treated twice (on D-3 and on D-1) before the plant samples were taken.

The treated leaves were sampled 1 day (D 1) and 3 days (D3) post ^¬ treatment. The samples were used for level analysis expression of the defense genes of the apple tree (analysis carried out by quantitative RT-PCR). The list of apple genes, which were analyzed, can be found in Table 6, below. The results were expressed as log2 of the sum of the defense genes induced, after normalization with respect to a control (control: treatment of the seedlings with water). This analysis made it possible to precisely measure the effect of the application of the ND composition on the expression of several apple defense genes, genes described in the literature to activate the defense reactions of plants.

[0169] [Table 6]

[0170] B) Results

The results obtained are presented in FIG. 8 and show that the ND composition has globally activated the defense genes of the apple tree.

[0172] Example 9 Demonstration of the effects of the ND composition on certain defense genes, very specific markers of defense reactions in apple trees

[0173] Young apple trees of the Golden Delicious variety (6 weeks old) cultivated in a greenhouse and exhibiting developed leaves were treated with:

- the ND composition of Example 1 diluted to ^1/200 (v / v), or

- ND composition of Example 1 diluted to ^1/66 (v / v).

Young plants were treated once at 6 weeks by foliar spray. Part of the young plants was treated with water (Control H ₂ 0). The experimental protocol is identical to that presented in Example 8.

The expression of a selection of genes, described in the literature as markers for the activation of plant defenses, was measured.

The group of PR (Pathogenesis-Related) genes 1 to 14 are regularly used in the literature as markers for the activation of plant defenses.

The treated leaves were sampled 1 day (D 1) post-treatment. The samples obtained were used for quantitative RT-PCR analysis. The results are expressed in log ₂ . This analysis made it possible to measure precisely the effect of the application of the ND composition on the expression of several PR genes.

[0177] B) Results

The results obtained are presented in FIG. 9 and show that the treatment of young apple plants with the composition ND activated the expression of the PR-1, PR-5, PR-8, PR-14 and PR genes. - 10. It has been observed for most of the PR genes an increase in the level of expression which is dose-dependent.

These results confirm that the ND composition activates the defense reactions of plants, in particular stimulates the expression of the defense genes of the plant.

[0180] Brief description of the drawings

[0181] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 illustrates the numbering of foal fo F1, F2, F3, F4 wheat leaves.

[0182] [Fig. 2A] Figure 2A shows the severity of septoria (Figure left) on FO wheat leaves at stage 75 of wheat development and the frequency of septoria (Figure right) observed on leaves of FO wheat at stage 75 wheat development, for wheat plants which have not benefited from any fungicide treatment (Control NT), wheat plants having been treated with composition ND at 50% of its effective dose, i.e. 0.5 L / ha, and wheat plants having been treated with the ND composition at 100% of its effective dose, ie 1 L / ha.

[0183] [Fig. 2B] Figure 2B shows the severity of septoria (Figure left) on leaves of Fl wheat at stage 75 of wheat development and the frequency of septoria (Figure right) observed on leaves of Fl wheat at stage 75 wheat development, for wheat plants which have not benefited from any fungicide treatment (Control NT), wheat plants having been treated with composition ND at 50% of its effective dose, i.e. 0.5 L / ha and plants of wheat having been treated with composition ND at 100% of its effective dose, i.e. 1 L / ha.

[0184] [Fig. 3A] Figure 3A represents the severity of septoria (left figure) and the frequency of septoria (right figure) observed on the leaves of FO wheat, for wheat plants which have not benefited from any fungicide treatment. (Control NT), wheat plants having been treated with a fungicidal program (Pr. Fongi.), Wheat plants having been treated with a light fungicidal program (Pr. Fongi. Al.), Wheat plants having been treated with an ND composition program applied at 50% of its effective dose, ie 0.5 L / ha in combination with Pr. Fongi. al., wheat plants having been treated with an ND composition program applied at 100% of its effective dose, ie 1 L / ha in combination with Pr. Fongi. al.

[0185] [Fig. 3B] Figure 3B represents the severity of septoria (left figure) and the frequency of septoria (right figure) observed on the leaves of wheat F1, for wheat plants which have not benefited from any fungicide treatment. (Control NT), wheat plants having been treated with a fungicidal program (Pr. Fongi.), Wheat plants having been treated with a light fungicidal program (Pr. Fongi. Al.), Wheat plants having been treated with an ND composition program applied at 50% of its effective dose, ie 0.5 L / ha in combination with Pr. Fongi. AL, wheat plants having been treated with an ND composition program applied at 100% of its effective dose, ie 1 L / ha in combination with Pr. Fongi. al.

[0186] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 represents the severity of septoria (left figure) and the frequency of septoria (right figure) observed on the leaves of F0 wheat, for wheat plants which have not benefited from any fungicide treatment. (Control NT), wheat plants having been treated with a conventional fungicidal program (Pr. Fongi.), Wheat plants having been treated with a light fungicidal program (Pr. Fongi. Al.), Wheat plants having were treated with an ND composition program applied at its effective dose (ie 1 L / ha) in combination with Pr. Fongi. al (ND + Pr. Fongi. al.), wheat plants having been treated with an "ulvan extract" program at 8 g / L applied in combination with Pr. Fongi. al (Extract of ulvans + Pr.Fongi. al.), wheat plants having been treated with a “silicon solution” program at 21.6 g / L applied in association with Pr. Fongi. Al (Silicon + Pr.Fongi. Al.).

[0187] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 shows the expression level of the ICSI gene, the PR-1 gene and PR-3 gene in wheat leaves BBCH13 stage ^(3rd leaf) measured by quantitative RT-PCR, for plants wheat which did not benefit from any treatment (NT control), wheat plants having been treated with a positive control (commercial product Bion® 50 WG), wheat plants having been treated with the ND composition diluted to l / 400 ^th (v / v) and wheat plants having been treated with the ND composition diluted to l / 100 ^th (v / v).

[0188] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 represents the percentage of scab fruit, obtained on apple trees of the Golden Delicious variety, for apple trees which have been treated with a reference program called integrated fruit production (PFI), a light fungicide program (PFI light ), a light PFI program + Bion® 50 WG, or a light PFI program + ND composition.

[0189] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 represents the percentage of healthy fruits, weakly scabbed and severely scabbed, for apple trees which have benefited from a fungicide treatment carried out in a conventional integrated fruit production (PFI) program, for apple trees which have benefited from a treatment in light modality (light PFI), apple trees which have benefited from a light treatment + Bion ® 50 WG or apple trees which have benefited from a light treatment + ND composition.

[0190] [Fig. 8] FIG. 8 represents the activation of the defense genes of the apple tree expressed in log ₂ of the sum of the defense genes induced, after normalization with respect to a control (the control corresponds to the treatment of the seedlings with water), for apple tree leaves having been sampled on day 1 (D1) and day 3 (D3) post-treatment. The leaves were treated with the ND composition diluted to ^1/200 (v / v) or with the ND composition diluted to ^1/66 (v / v). [0191] [Fig. 9] FIG. 9 represents the activation of the apple defense genes PR1, PR5, PR8, PR14 and PR10 expressed in log2 of the sum of the defense genes induced, after normalization with respect to a control (the control corresponds to the treatment of seedlings with water), for apple leaves that were sampled on day 1 (Jl) post-treatment. The leaves were treated with the ND composition diluted to ^1/200 (v / v) or with the ND composition diluted to ^1/66 (v / v).

Claims

Claims

1. Phytosanitary composition comprising:

(i) ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans; and

(ii) (ii) silicon.

2. Plant protection composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans are in the form of an extract containing ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans, for example an extract ù 'Ulva or an extract of Enteromorpha.

3. Phytosanitary composition according to claim 2, characterized in that the extract containing ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans is an extract of Ulva armoricana, an extract of Ulva rigida, an extract of Ulva rotundata, an extract ù'Ulva lactuca, an extract ù! Enteromorpha intestinalis, or an extract of Enteromorpha compressa, preferably an extract of Ulva armoricana, an extract of Enteromorpha intestinalis or an extract of Enteromorpha compressa.

4. Plant protection composition according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the extract containing ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans is an extract enriched in ulvans and / or in oligosaccharides derived from ulvans.

5. Plant protection composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the oligosaccharides derived from ulvans are obtained by acid or enzymatic hydrolysis of ulvans.

6. Plant protection composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the silicon is in the form of a soluble salt, preferably chosen from potassium silicate (K ₂ S1O ₃ ), sodium silicate (Na ₂ SiC> ₃ ), or their mixture.

7. Plant protection composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said composition is in liquid form.

8. Phytosanitary composition according to claim 1, characterized in that said composition is in liquid form and that it comprises:

- a concentration of ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans of 0.01 to 100 g / L, and

- a silicon concentration of 0.01 g / L to 100 g / L.

9. Phytosanitary composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said composition is in liquid form and that it comprises:

- a concentration of ulvans and / or oligosaccharides derived from ulvans of 0.1 g / L to 50 g / L, preferably from 1 g / L to 20 g / L, for example from 8 g / L to 14 g / L, and

- a silicon concentration of 0.1 g / L to 50 g / L, preferably from 1.0 g / L to 30 g / L, from 10 g / L to 30 g / L, from 20 g / L to 30 g / L, from 5 to 10 g / L, from 5 to 8 g / L for example approximately 21 g / L +/- 1 g / L or 6 g / L +/- 1 g / L.

10. Phytosanitary composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said composition comprises one or more pesticides.

11. Plant protection composition according to claim 10, characterized in that the pesticide or pesticides is one or more fungicides.

12. Phytosanitary composition according to claim 11, characterized in that the fungicide (s) is chosen from chlorothalonil, fluxapyroxad, epoxiconazole, captan, dithlanon, fenbuconazole, pyradostrobin, dodine, prothioconazole, metconazole , propiconazole, cyproconazole, tebuconazole, bromuconazole, difenoconazole, propiconazole, tetraconazole, azoxystrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, picoxystrobin, trifloxysteboxhiobinobin, mango , bixafen, prochloraz, benzovindiflupyr, boscalid, fenpropidin, fluopyram, spiroxamine, flutriafol, folpet, fenpropimorph, metrafenone, sulfur and laminarin.

13. A phytosanitary composition according to any one of claims 11 or

12, characterized in that the fungicide (s) is chosen from chlorothalonil, fluxapyroxad, epoxiconazole, captan and dithlanon.

14. Use of a composition as defined according to any one of claims 1 to 13, for activating reactions for the defense of a plant and for resistance against biotic constraints.

15. Use according to claim 14, characterized in that the composition is supplied to the plant in liquid form in foliar solutions, for example in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 100 L / ha, preferably from 0.01 to 25 L / ha, even more preferably from 0.1 to 10 L / ha, for example in a quantity of 1 L / ha.

16. Use according to any one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the composition is supplied to the plant in combination with one or more pesticides, preferably one or more fungicides.

17. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 10 to

13, as a pesticidal agent against a pathogen.

18. A method for activating the defense reactions of a plant and resistance against biotic constraints, characterized in that it comprises the application to said plant of an effective amount of a composition according to any one of the claims. 1 to 13.

19. The method of claim 18, characterized in that the composition is supplied to a plant in an amount sufficient to activate the defense reactions of said plant and resistance against biotic constraints, in particular to stimulate the expression of the genes involved. in the defense of the plant.

20. A method according to any one of claims 18 or 19, characterized in that the composition is supplied to the plant in liquid form in foliar solutions, for example in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 100 L / ha, preferably. from 0.01 to 25 L / ha, even more preferably from 0.1 to 10 L / ha, for example in a quantity of 1 L / ha.

21. Method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that it further comprises the application to said plant of one or more pesticides, preferably one or more fungicides.

22. A method of treating a plant intended to promote its development by reducing the access of pathogens to said plant or by eliminating pathogens present in the soil, said method comprising applying to said plant a composition according to the any one of claims 10 to 13.

23. Use of a composition as defined according to any one of claims 1 to 13, for potentiating the pesticidal effect of a pesticide.

24. Use according to claim 23, characterized in that the pesticide is a fungicide, preferably chosen from chlorothalonil, fluxapyroxad, epoxiconazole, captan, dithlanon, fenbuconazole, pyradostrobin, dodine, prothioconazole, metconazole, propiconazole, cyproconazole, tebuconazole, bromuconazole, difenoconazole, propiconazole, tetraconazole, azoxystrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, picoxystrobin, fluystinobastrofloxystrobze, man-robinobfloxystrobin, man-robinobfloxystrobin, man-robo-astro-astro-astro-astro-astro-astro-astrobanco penthiopyrad, bixafen, prochloraz, benzovindiflupyr, boscalid, fenpropidin, fluopyram, spiroxamine, flutriafol, folpet, fenpropimorph, metrafenone, sulfur and laminarin.

25. Use according to claim 24, characterized in that the fungicide is chosen from chlorothalonil, fluxapyroxad, epoxiconazole, captan and dithlanon.