MXPA99004148A - Method for increasing fertilizer efficiency - Google Patents

Abstract

The specification describes combinations of fertilizer with certain organic compounds to increase fertilizer efficiency, plant productivity, growth, and nutrient accumulation. These beneficial effects are accomplished using combinations of a fertilizer and an amino acid selected from&ggr;-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid, and a mixture of&ggr;-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid. A source of proteinaceous amino acids and a carbon skeleton may also be used with the fertilizer and the amino acid. The specification describes compositions and methods employing such combinations to take advantage of their beneficial effects.

Description

METHOD TO INCREASE FERTILIZING EFFICIENCY FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to methods and compositions for effectively reducing the use of fertilizers while maintaining or increasing the productivity levels of the plants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years there has been a growing interest related to the environmental impact of the use of fertilizers, particularly nitrogen fertilizers, on air and water pollution. Limits on the use of fertilizers have been legislated in several cities, and additional restrictions are expected in the future. Despite the call to reduce the use of fertilizers, the wide use of fertilizers will be necessary in the future to support the production of food and fiber, due to the rapid growth of the population in limited land resources. World population growth is predicted to be 6 trillion by the end of the century and 10.5 trillion by 2050. See, Byrnes, REF .: 30235 BH "Environmental effects of N fertilizer Use - An Overview", Fertilizer Research 26: 209-215 1990. Because of the global growth of the predicted population, methods are needed to increase fertilizer efficiency to ensure expanded production of food, while minimizing the impact of fertilizers on the environment. The economic benefits to reduce the use of fertilizers are considerable. It has been estimated that a 1/3 reduction in the global use of fertilizers could result in savings of $ 10 billion annually. "Global Possible", World Research Institute, R. Repello, Ed., Yale University Press, 1985, p. 248. Therefore, there is a need for an effective method to increase the efficiency of the fertilizer as well as to reduce the use of fertilizers and their adverse or damaging environmental impacts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention addresses the need to increase the efficiency of the fertilizer while reducing the use of fertilizers. Fertilizer efficiency is enhanced by the use of a combination of a fertilizer and an amino acid selected from α-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid, and a mixture of α-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid. In the preferred embodiments described in the following detailed description, a source of proteinaceous amino acids and / or a hydrocarbonaceous compound can also be used with the combination of fertilizer and amino acid. A first embodiment of the invention relates to a method for increasing the efficiency of a fertilizer. The method comprises providing a fertilizer and an amino acid selected from? -nobutyric acid, glutamic acid, and a mixture of? -aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid to a plant. The amino acid is used in an amount which effectively increases the efficiency of the fertilizer. A second embodiment of the invention provides a method for increasing the accumulation of nutrients by a plant. In this method a fertilizer and an amino acid are applied to a plant in an effective combined amount to increase the accumulation of nutrients by the plant. The amino acid is selected from α-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid, and a mixture of α-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid. A method for increasing growth in plants represents a third embodiment of the invention.

This method also employs a fertilizer, and an amino acid selected from? -aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid, and a mixture of? -aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid. The fertilizer and the amino acid are applied to a plant in an effective combined amount to stimulate the growth of the plants. A fourth embodiment of the invention relates to a method for increasing the productivity of the plant using a fertilizer, and an amino acid selected from α-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid and a mixture of α-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid. The fertilizer and the amino acid are supplied to a plant in an effective amount to increase the productivity of the plant. The invention provides an improved fertilizer composition as a fifth embodiment of the invention. The composition of the improved fertilizer contains a fertilizer, and an amino acid selected from α-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid, and a mixture of α-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid. The fertilizer and the amino acid are present in the fertilizer composition in an effective combined amount to increase plant growth. Other embodiments of the invention will appear from the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides combinations of fertilizers with an amino acid selected from α-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid and a mixture of α-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid. The combination increases the efficiency of the fertilizer as well as increases the productivity of the plant, the growth of the plant and the accumulation of nutrients. Additionally, the combination allows to reduce quantities of fertilizer to be used. Therefore, the invention relates to compositions and methods that take advantage of these beneficial effects. The methods and compositions of the invention can be used with commercial, recreational, or decorative plants or crops. The invention is particularly useful for the treatment of commercial crops. For example, such plants or crops include, but are not limited to, monocotyledons, for example duckweed or corn and turfgrass (such as ryegrass, Bermudagrass, silky and bluishgrass, laston, and the like), as well as also dicotyledonous, which include, for example, cruciferous plants (such as turnip seed, radishes, and cabbage), legumes (such as dwarf beans, green beans, and soybeans), and solanaceous plants (such as sweet peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes). As is known in the art, fertilizers are materials added to the soil or to a plant (for example, the foliage of a plant) to provide nutrients necessary for the growth and productivity of plants. See, Kirk-Othmer, "Concise Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology," John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1985. Fertilizers can be divided into three classes based on the nutrients supplied: primary nitrogen (N), phosphorus (usually P2Os), and potassium (expressed as K20); secondary calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S); and lower amounts or micronutrients of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), boron (B), and molybdenum (Mo). For the purposes of the present invention, a composition is a fertilizer if it at least contains a source of plant nutrients and is applied to a plant or the surrounding soil to apply these nutrients. Any fertilizer can be used in the practice of the invention, and the fertilizer can be applied to plants at the same time, prior to, or subsequently to supply the plants with the other components of the invention. The fertilizer is not limited to use with plants or commercial, recreational, or decorative crops. In other words, the present invention can be used in any situation where a fertilizer is applied to nourish or feed a plant. Exemplary fertilizers include, but are not limited to, SOLUSPRAY * 20-20-20, available from Leffingwell Chemical Co., of Brea, California; SCOTT'S LIQUID LAWN FERTILIZER, composition NPK 27: 1: 2) available from The Scotts Company, of Marysville, Ohio; 20-20-20 fertilizer from Peter, available from Grace Sierra, Milpitas, California. A non-limiting example of a fertilizer which can be used, is Peter's 20-20-20 fertilizer which contains: Total Nitrogen (N) 20% 3.90% Ammoniacal Nitrogen 6.15% Nitrate Nitrogen 9.95% Urea Nitrogen Available Phosphoric Acid (P205) 20% Soluble Potassium (K20) 20% Derived from: Ammonium, Phosphate, Potassium Nitrate, Urea.

As mentioned above, a combination of fertilizer and one or more amino acids has been found to increase fertilizer efficiency as well as stimulated plant growth, accumulation of productivity and nutrients. In accordance with the invention, amino acids that exhibit such beneficial and useful properties include α-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid, and mixtures of α-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid. These beneficial properties can be further enhanced by combining a source of proteinaceous amino acids and / or carbon skeleton with the fertilizer / amino acid combination of the invention. Proteinaceous amino acids may also serve as a source of α-aminobutyric acid and / or glutamic acid without departing from this embodiment of the invention. Typical sources of proteinaceous amino acids that can be used in the invention are described in "TRADER'S GUIDE TO FERMENTATION MEDIA FORMULATION" 2nd Ed., D.W. Zabriske, et al., Traders Protein, Memphis, TN, 1980. Preferred sources of proteinaceous amino acids include, protein hydrolysates, (such as casein hydrolyzate), blood fermentation medium, blood peptone fermentation medium, fermentation medium. of blood proteins, cottonseed fermentation medium, and corn infusion liquor. Protein hydrolysates are particularly preferred sources of proteinaceous amino acids. The protein hydrolyzate may be an enzymatic harvest product or an acid hydrolysis product. The casein hydrolyzate is a particularly preferred protein hydrolyzate. A carbon skeleton can be used in combination with the fertilizer and the amino acid to increase the efficiency of a fertilizer and obtain the other beneficial effects described above. The term "carbon skeleton" is used to mean any organic compound that has more than one carbon atom in it. Carbon is easily metabolized by the plant. Suitable carbon skeletons are compounds such as carbohydrates and carboxylic acids. Carbohydrates include, for example, glucose, sucrose, and maltose. The carboxylic acids may be, but are not limited to, malic acid, succinic acid, or citric acid as well as salts, esters, or other derivatives of these acids. The preferred carbon skeletons are glucose, sucrose, and succinic acid. Various types of succinic acid can be used in the present invention. For example, synthetic succinic acid can be used or succinic acid isolated from natural sources or prepared in a fermentation process can also be used. The preparation of the ferric succinic acid is described in the copending application series no. 08 / 472,783 which is incorporated herein by reference. In preferred embodiments, both the proteinaceous amino acid source and the carbon skeleton can be used in conjunction with the fertilizer and amino acid. As described and shown later in the Examples, the combination of the fertilizer, amino acid and / or carbon skeleton produces particularly beneficial effects to a plant. When two or more compounds are combined to give a desired effect, as in the present invention, one of three results is likely to occur. The compounds can be combined to give an antagonistic effect which is less effective than the compounds if used separately. The combination can give an additive effect, no greater than the sum of the compounds if used individually. A third effect, which is less likely than an additive effect, is synergism. Synergism exists when the combined effect is greater than the sum of the compounds if used separately. Advantageously, the combinations of the present invention not only increase the efficiency of the fertilizers, but also exhibit synergistic activity to increase the productivity and growth of the plants. The following table shows in particular particular combinations of fertilizers with a source of amino acids and with combinations of an amino acid source and a carbon skeleton: PREFERRED COMBINATIONS WITH FERTILIZERS Fertilizer + GABA + GABA + casein hydrolyzate + GABA + glucose + GABA + succinic acid + GABA + sucrose + GABA + glutamic acid + GABA + glucose + glutamic acid + GABA + succinic acid + glutamic acid + GABA + sucrose + glutamic acid + GABA + glutamic acid + casein hydrolyzate + GABA + glucose + glutamic acid + casein hydrolyzate + GABA + succinic acid + glutamic acid + casein hydrolyzate + GABA + sucrose + glutamic acid + casein hydrolyzate + glutamic acid + glutamic acid + glucose + glutamic acid + succinic acid + glutamic acid + glucose + succinic acid + glutamic acid + sucrose + glutamic acid + casein hydrolyzate + glutamic acid + casein hydrolyzate + glucose + glutamic acid + casein hydrolyzate + succinic acid + glutamic acid + hydrolyzate of casein + sucrose In the first embodiment of the invention, the amino acid is applied in an effective amount to increase the efficiency of the fertilizer. Combining an amino acid with a fertilizer, according to the invention, makes it possible for a lower amount of fertilizer to be used without loss of plant growth or, as described above, plant productivity or nutrient accumulation. The beneficial effect on the growth of the plant of a combination of fertilizer and amino acid according to the invention can be easily determined by measuring an increase in the dry weight of the plant.

A method for increasing the efficiency of a fertilizer can also be provided by combining a fertilizer, an amino acid, a source of proteinaceous amino acids and / or a carbon skeleton. In combination with a fertilizer, the amino acid, the source of proteinaceous amino acids and / or the carbon skeleton, have been found to substantially increase the effectiveness of the fertilizer. In the method to increase the accumulation of nutrients by a plant, the increased nutrient accumulation is obtained by applying to a plant a fertilizer and an amino acid selected from? -nobutyric acid, glutamic acid and a mixture of? -apuncbutyric acid and glutamic acid . In this method, the source of fertilizer and amino acid is applied in an effective combined amount to increase the accumulation of nutrients by a plant. Using such a combination, the absorption of nutrients increases above that which could be expected from an arithmetic average of nutrient absorption obtained by the use of a fertilizer or amino acid alone. The method is particularly useful for increasing a nutrient content of plant tissue such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Increased nutrient accumulation can also be obtained by using a combination of fertilizer, amino acid, a source of proteinaceous amino acids and / or a carbon skeleton. Therefore, the use of a combination of fertilizers, source of proteinaceous amino acids and / or carbon skeleton have been found to effectively increase the absorption of nutrients by the plant. The methods of the invention can be employed to increase not only a vegetative growth of plants but also a reproductive growth of plants. This is particularly advantageous with crops and other commercial plants. Thus, various other embodiments of the invention provide methods for increasing plant growth as well as plant productivity. In the method to stimulate plant growth, a combination of fertilizer and amino acid is applied to a plant. According to the invention, the amino acid can be selected from α-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid, or a mixture of α-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid. The fertilizer and the amino acid are applied to a plant in a combined effective amount, preferably synergistically effective, to stimulate the growth of Dlantas.

As with the other methods of the invention, the method for stimulating the growth of plants can also be practiced with combinations of fertilizers, amino acid, source of proteinaceous amino acids and / or a carbon skeleton. In these methods, the combined amount of fertilizer, amino acid, source of proteinaceous amino acids and / or the carbon skeleton applied, are effective to substantially stimulate plant growth. Increased productivity of the plants can also be obtained by providing a combination of fertilizer, source of amino acids and a carbon skeleton to a plant. According to the method, the combined amount of fertilizer, source of amino acids and carcass skeleton supplied to a plant, is sufficient to substantially increase the productivity of the plant. An improved fertilizer composition of the invention may contain a fertilizer and amino acid selected from α-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid, and a mixture of α-amyric acid and glutamic acid and optionally, may contain a source of proteinaceous amino acids and / or a carbon skeleton. In compositions according to the invention, the amount of fertilizer, amino acid, source of proteinaceous amino acids and / or the carbon skeleton is effective to substantially increase plant growth. The compositions of the invention may be in the form either solid or liquid, or provided as an additional formulation such as a SOLUSPRAY fertilizer component "* 20-20-20 from Leffingwell (a solid) or Scott's Liquid Lawn Fertilizer (a liquid) The compositions of the invention may also contain agricultural formulation additives or adjuvants known to those skilled in the art. Such additives or adjuvants can be used to ensure that the fertilizer composition is well distributed in a spray tank, introduced or penetrated to the Go plant surfaces (particularly bean surfaces) as well as provide other benefits to the plant. For example, surfactants, dispersants, wetting agents, binders, binders, etc., may be used to disperse a composition in a spray tank as well as to allow the composition to adhere and / or penetrate plant surfaces. . A pesticide can also be included, to protect the plant or pests or diseases. Frequently, the improved fertilizer composition should be easily dispersed in water or other aqueous systems. In the practice of the present invention, compositions containing fertilizer and amino acid alone or in conjunction with a source of proteinaceous amino acids and / or a carbon skeleton can be provided to the roots, stems and / or foliages of the plant. The various components of the composition can be applied separately or in combination with any other component of the composition. The application of the composition to the roots of a plant can be provided by soaking the soil, drip irrigation, or hydroponically. The application to the stems or foliages of a plant can also be provided by spraying the plant cor. a liquid composition according to the invention or using a wettable powder to provide a slow release of the compound from the composition. The dry ormulations may be in the form of granules, dry powders, powders dispersed in solution, pills or pellets and the like. A dry formulation can be expanded in the vicinity of the plant or mixed with the soil before c after planting. The solid compositions scluols in water can be applied to the soil, dissolved in water used for irrigation of the plant, c as an application to foliage.

Applying a fertilizer and an amino acid with or without a source of proteinaceous amino acids and / or a carbon skeleton to roots, stems and / or foliage of plants, has been found to be effective at preferred concentrations of between about 1 ppm and about 5,000 ppm. The compositions are preferably mixed in a suitable carrier for application to the plants. Suitable carriers include, for example, water or other solvents used in the art. Any source of water such as tap water, well water, irrigation or irrigation water, or mineralized water can be used. Note that, depending on your location, a particular water source may contain some of the same nutrients as perc fertilizer, usually at many reduced levels. Solutions, such as those prepared in accordance with the present invention are, in general, relatively non-hazardous for the environment. To facilitate a further understanding of the invention, the following examples illustrate certain more specific details of the invention. It is not intended that the examples limit the invention. The following abbreviations: for its acronym in English) are used in the e err. the: Fert = fer il zante, GABA = acid? -ar-.ir.cbutiricc, GL'T = glutamic acid, GLUC = glucose, CAS = casein hydrolyzate, GGC = a combination of GABA, glutamic acid and casein hydrolyzate , FSA = succinic acid derived from fermentation processes, and SSA - synthetic succinic acid. The elemental analysis reported in the examples was performed by Galbraith Laboratories, Knoxville, TN. Unless stated otherwise, the fertilizer combinations used as treatments in the examples were prepared by mixing in tap water.

Examples 1 and 2 Duckweed (Lemna minor L.) was cultured hydropomatically following the general procedure in US Pat. No. 5,238,841 (which is incorporated herein by reference) except that the nutrient medium was replaced with a nutrient composition (40 ml. medium per cultivate 5-10 crops per treatment). The nutrient composition contains different levels of fertilizer (fertilizer SOLUSPRAYMR 20-20-20 from Leffingwell) and GABA at 5 mM (Example 1), or GABA at 10 mM + CAS at 1000 ppm or GLVT at 10 mM + CAS at 1000 ppm (Example 2), in water oe the key. The duckweed was cultivated for 3 weeks and the dry weights of the plant were determined to provide a measure of plant growth. The results for Examples 1 and 2 are given: Example 1 Example 2 Weight Treatment Plant.Prom. Weight Treatment Plant.Prom. * DE (mg) + DE (mg) Fert. 4.0 g / 1 5.2 ± 1.5 Fert 4.0 g / 1 7.2 ± 2.2 - GA3A 4 ± 1.3 + GABA / CAS 41.2 ± 7.0 + GLUT / CAS 42.5 ± 2.4 Fert 2.0 g / i 10.0 ± 2.7 A3; 21.8 ± 2.2 Fert 2.0 g / 1 10.5 ± 5.9 + GABA / CAS 46.0 ± 2.5 Fert 1.0 g / 1 13.6 + i. Β + GLUT / CAS 49.7 ± 3.3 - GABA 31.4 ± 5.7 Fert 1.0 g / 1 18.0 ± 2.6"ert C.5 / 1 12.4 ± 2.1 + GABA / CAS 61.0 ± 9.9 - GABA 32.4 ± 3.8 + GLUT / CAS 70.0 ± 10.4 25 s / i S.4 ± 1.3 Fert 0.5 g / 1 15.7 ± 0.9 35.8 ± 2.5 + GA3A / CAS 74.5 ± 4.6 + GLUT / CAS 64.0 ± 3.4 Fert 0.25 g / 1 9.5 ± 2.1 + GABA / CAS 71.5 ± 3.3 + GLUT / CAs 58.2 ± 5.0 Fert 0.125 g / 1 5.2 ± 0.9 + GABA / CAS 55.0 ± 5.9 + GLUT / CAS 51.7 ± 3.4 The above results show that when fertilizer rates are reduced to less than 1.0 g / 1, the optimum level for growth) the dry weight of the plants is reduced. The addition of GABA (Example 1) or mixtures of GABA / CAS or mixtures of GLUT / CAS (Example 2) increases plant growth and more than compensated for any decrease in growth due to lower levels of fertilizer. The greatest increase in dry weight of plants due to the combination of a fertilizer and GABA, GABA / CAS or GLUT / CAS according to the invention were found at lower levels of fertilizers. The dry weight of the plant is increased more than 10 times in the medium containing 10 mM of GABA, 1000 ppm of CAS, and 0.125 g / 1 of fertilizer on dry weight with 0.125 g / 1 of solé fertilizer. Since the dry weight of plants cultivated in 0.125 g / 1 of fertilizer + GABA / CAS and GLUT / CAS was higher than that of the growing plants or cultivated with .C g / 1 of fertilizer alone, the results in the Table 2 show that formulations of the invention increase the efficiency or the fertilizer at least 8 times. The elemental analysis of the nutrient compositions of GABA / CAS or GLUT / CAS in tap water shows no significant increase in mineral concentration over that of the tap water alone. This shows that mixtures of GABA / CAS and GLUT / CAS by themselves or were a significant source of p_ar.tas nutrients.

Example 3 To determine the effect of the fertilizer compositions, according to the invention, which have on the absorption of nutrients, Example 1 was repeated using a medium containing 1 g / 1 of fertilizer (SOLUSPRAY fertilizer "20-20-20 de Leffingwell) and GABA at 1 mM or 10 M. Elemental tissue analysis of harvested lentils shows high levels of accumulated minerals (percentages of ore per dry weight of the plant) in the growth of plants with fertilizer + GABA that In the growth of plants in medium containing only fertilizer, the results, shown in Table 3, demonstrate that a fertilizer and amino acid composition, such as GABA, increases the accumulation of nutrients by plants.

Table 3 Control of Fert Fert + GABA 1 mM Fert + GABA 10 mM g, (increase) mM g, (% increase) Dry Weight of 1.02 g 1.25 (125%) 2.38 (238%) Plant% dry weight of Mineral Composition% K 2.03 2.26 (111%) 4.20 (207%)% N 4.94 5.02 (102%) 6.14 (124%)% P 1.07 1.11 (104%) 1.48 (138%)% Ca 0.25 0.27 (108%) 0.51 (244%) % Mg 0.072 0.072 (100%) 0.126 (175%) E-emol The heroic land of Bermuda was purchased from Oaks Nursery, Kncxville, Tennessee, and was grown in black plastic pots of 10.79 cm (4W) in diameter containing soil for planting in Fafard # 2 pots. Two weeks later it was transferred to pots, the lawn was cut and each pot was supplied with 50 ml of treatment solution. SCCTTS LIQL'ID LAWN FERTILIZER (Fert) with a N.P.K. of 16: 1: 2 (0.344 g of Fer / pot = 2 lbs N / 1000 square feet) provides treatments with N fertilizer -. D equivalent to, 1, 2 and 4 lbs N / 1000 square feet. For a combination of the invention, a treatment contains Fertilizer a ^ Ib N and GABA at 5 mM. Each treatment consists of ten pots or duplicate pots. The grass was harvested one week after the treatment, and the average dry grass weight was determined. The subsequent results, in Table 4, show the average dry weight of ten pots for each treatment.

Table 4 . Attachment Weight Dry Prom. (mg) + DE Control - without treatment 335 ± 87 Fert * í P N 448 ± 107 Fert 2 Ib N 640 ± 229 Fert Ir N + GA3A 5mM 644 ± 214 The statistical analysis of the data used by the The students' sample shows that the weight of turf treated with fertilizer ai equivalent to * s of Nitrogen per 1000 square feet + GABA was significantly higher (t> .95) than turf treated with 1/2 Ib N fertilizer only. The weight of grass or hieroa from the treatment that receives GABA, was not significantly different from that of the treatment to receive four times as much fertilizer. The preceding example demonstrates that the addition of GABA increases the efficiency of the fertilizer by four times.

Example 5 5 Bermuda grass was purchased from Oakes nursery (Knoxville, Tennessee) and grown in 10.79 cm pots. { 4W) in diameter containing soil to grow Fafard # 2. There were 10 pots in each replica.

Once the lawn had been established (1 week after planting in baskets), the lawn was supplied with an aqueous nutrient solution, 50 ml / pot, containing various amounts of SCOTT'S LIQUID LAWN FERTILIZER (Fert) alone or combined with 1000 ppm each of GABA, GLUT, and CAS (GG i, as shown in Table 5, below.) Table 5 shows the amounts of nutrients in each solution and a control of tap water.The turf was harvested a week later and weights were determined in The lawn was also analyzed to determine its 12 mineral content per elemental analysis. The results are shown in the TaDia 6. •: c, Table 5 MINERAL CONTENT OF SOLUTIONS FOR TREATMENT Solution Percentage Conc. Conc. Conc. Nutrient phosphorus potassium calcium nitrogen < PPm > (PPm) Water of the < 0.07 0.02 2 39 Fert 4 Ib key < 0.08 9.01 33 37 Fert 1 Ib < 0.09 18.0 63 37 Fert 4 ib < 0.33 70.4 237 36 Fert Ib < 0.07 8.9 33 37 GGC (1000 crr caria uno) Table 6 DRY WEIGHT AND MINERAL CONTENT OF LAWN TREATED Soluciór. Dry Weight Per For By r_tper.re p om. One hundred percent of one hundred percent of Ni rosin Phosphorus Potassium Calcium Water oe 438 + 108 3.3 0.36 1.8 0.49 ..a -a e Fert *; Ib 7 + 136 3.6 C.41 2.1 0.50 Fert 1 1 e 650 + 254 3.8 0.40 2.1 0.56 Fert 4 720 + 287 0.43 2.3 0.57 718 + 174 4.3 0.46 2.3 0.63 - C-C-C - * -j * _ As shown in Table 5, the Bermuda grass or grass treated with Ib of fertilizer and GGC yields essentially the same dry weight as the grass treated with 4 Ib of fertilizer. Thus, the GGC increases the fertilizer efficiency 8 times. Statistical analysis of the results show that the weight of grass or grass treated with the nutrient solution containing GGC was significantly more dense (at a confidential level of 99%) than the grass provided with the pound of fertilizer alone. The above results also show that the accumulation of nutrients in the harvested grass is directly related to the nutrient content of the nutrient solution, with one exception, the lawn with the nutrient solution containing GGC. As shown in Table 6, the amount of nitrogen in the crop samples of harvested grass was directly related to the amount of nitrogen er. tap water and nutrient solutions only with fertilizer. In centrate, while the nutrient solution containing GGC had a nutrient content no greater than the nutrient solution containing Ib of Fertilizer sclc, the grass treated with the nutrient solution containing GC-C had a higher nitrogen content than that of the grass treated with 4 Ib Fertilizer, that is, 8 times the amount of fertilizer. Similar results were achieved with respect to other nutrients. The percentage of phosphorus, potassium, and calcium in the grass or turf treated with the nutrient solution containing GGC was as high or higher than the nutrient content of the grass treated with 4 Ib of Fertilizer. Still, the nutrient content of the nutrient solution containing GGC by itself was not different from that of the nutrient solution containing 4 Ib Fertilizer alone. These results demonstrate that combinations of fertilizer and a source of amino acids according to the invention effectively increase the accumulation of nutrients in a plant. These results also show that such combinations allow the use of a reduced amount of fertilizer without reducing the growth of the plant or the accumulation of nutrients by the plants. Thus, the compositions of the invention increase the efficiency of the fertilizer.

E ~ emelc 6 The rye seed (Helton Hardware, Kne viile, TNj was germinated in 1-gallon pots filled with soil for planting in Fafard pots # 2.) Two weeks after the grass had germinated, the grass was cut and 100 ml of soil solutions The treatments were given by pot Each treatment had five pots and the treatments were Scotts Liquid Lawn Fertilizer (Fert, * s Ib N / 1000 square feet) with and without 5 mM of GABA The grass in each treatment was harvested ten days later and dry weights of the grass and mineral composition were determined.The grass samples of each treatment were analyzed to determine the mineral content.The results are shown in Table 7 below: Table 7 Fertilizer Control% Ferrous Change + GABA 5 MM Weighs 1,062 1,480 139 Prorr .. (g; Weighed Dry 0.73S 1.015 137 Element% N 2.55 3. 44 135%? 0.60 1.14 190% K 3.30 7.89 239 Ca C.53 0.87 164 ie 0.42 0.82 195% Na 0.11 0.18 164% S 0.63 0.83 131 Zn ppm 0.53 124 234 Fe ppm 116 170 147? "", - ,, -.-- 42: 534 126 11 157 ~ - Fi- 13 186 previous results show that the treatment of plants with fertilizer solutions containing 5 mM of GABA increase the growth of the plants as shown in the harvested dry weight data, and also increases the mineral content of the grass or grass with potassium (+ 239%) that shows the highest increase The average dry weight (Dry Weight Prom *) is the dry weight of the grass taken two crops after the treatments had been given, showing that the beneficial effects of GABA treatments were replaced in Subsequent crops, even without additional treatments.

Eneróle Seeds of baiiieo were obtained from Helton Hardware, Kr.exviíle, Tennessee. The rye seed was germinated and grown in 10.97 cm (4 W) black plastic containers containing soil to grow Fafard # 2. These were 8 sets of 10 duplicate pots for treatment. Caca set of 10 pots received • .r. different treatment, as shown in Table 8. After the paste was established, it was cut and each cor; The pots were supplied with 50 ml of nutrient solution containing the amount of SCOTT'S LIQUID LAWN FERTILIZER (Fert) with or without 500 ppm of GABA, 500 ppm of glutamic acid, and 500 ppm of casein hydrolyzate, (GGC at 500 ppm each), as shown in table 8. The grass was harvested two weeks later and the dry weights of the grass were determined. The results are shown in Table 8.

Table 8 Irata iento Pese Seco de Pasto% of Change of Pirom. (g / pot) Fertilizer Fert 1 Ib 414 Fert 2 Ib -4- GGC 529 123 Fert 4 Ib 516 Fert 4 Ib + GGC 550 107 Fert 8 Ib 397 Fe 6 Ib + GGC 465 117 These results show that the fertilizer combined with the amino acid GABA and GLUT and with a source of proteinaceous amino acids, such as CAS, stimulate the growth of the plant. The stimulation of plant growth was observed at fertilizer levels that were optimal for grass growth (4 Ib), super-optimal (8 Ib), as well as growth-limiting (1 Ib).

Example 8 The duckweeds were cultured as described in Examples 1 and 2 except that the nutrient medium consisted of water, fertilizer, or fertilizer and 5 g / 1 of glucose with and without GLUT or CAS. The fertilizer used was SOLUSPRAY ™ fertilizer 20-20-20 from Leffingwell at 1 g / 1, (Fert). The results in table 9 show the effect of the average dry weight of the plants, of the different treatments.

Table 9 RESPONSE TO THE SYNERGISTIC GROWTH OF FERTILIZER, GABA AND GLUTAMIC ACID Treatment Dry weight Plant. Exp. * A / E < (at 500 ppm) Prom. +/- DE (mgs) Cont. Water 0 + GABA 4 +/- 1 + GLUT 12 +/- 2 + CAS 30 +/- 5 + CAS + GABA 30 +/- 3 + CAS + GLUT 27 +/- 2 + CAS -i- GLUT GABA 31 +/- 5 Cont. Fert 114 + / - 1 * GABA 152 + / - 12 118 1.29 - GLUT 212 + / - 6 126 1.69 + CAS - GA3A 184 + / - 11 144 1.28 * CAS + GLUT 232 + / - 6 141 1.64 + CAS + GLUT + GABA 245 +/- 6 145 1.70 * Treatments were added to the culture medium containing glucose (5g / D in water or SOLUSPRAY fertilizer 20-20-20 (1 g / L). * The expected dry weight is the sum of the individual components of the mixture.

*** A / E values greater than 1 show synergy. A (The actual increase in dry weight) / E (the expected increase in dry weight) provides a measure of the unexpected growth response due to synergy.

The increase in seed growth when GABA, GLUT and CAS are supplied to a plant in an aqueous carrier fluid, shows the nutritional value of these components. CAS (casein hydrolyzate), a mixture of amino acids, was found to be much more effective in promoting plant growth than glutamic acid and GABA amino acids alone. There is no significant difference between the effects on the growth of CAS by itself and CAS + GLUT or CAS + GLUT-GA3A .. When the same treatment was carried out, with compositions according to the invention, such as compositions containing fertilizer and acid gyutmic, totally different results were obtained. Fertilizer + GLUT was significantly more effective in promoting plant growth than Fertilizer + CAS. In addition, the combinations of CAS + GLUT and CAS + GLUT + GA3A had an additive effect on the growth promoter activity which was unexpected from the activity of these components in an aqueous carrier fluid. This unexpected effect shows a powerful synergy between fertilizer and GABA, GLUT and CAS in promoting the growth of duckweed. The results in Table 9 make it possible for the degree of synergy to be quantified. For example, water containing GABA + GLUT + CAS produces 31 mgs of dry weight of the plant while the fertilizer only produces 114 mgs. The combination of fertilizer + GABA + GLUT + CAS produces 245 mgs of dry weight or 100 mgs more than the expected 145 mgs which is the sum of the individual components. In other words, the growth of the plant was 1.7 times higher than expected because of a synergistic effect.

Example 8 was repeated to show the effect of different concentrations of an amino acid (GLUT) and a carbon skeleton (GLUC) on the smergistic response. The results are shown in Table 10.

Table 10 Dry Weight Treatment of exp. A / E Plant. Prom + DE (mg) Fert 1 g / 1 15 ± 3 + 30 mM GLUC (540 ppm) 64 ± 3 + GLUC 60 M 75 ± 4 + 100 mM GLUC 101 ± 4 + 2 mM GLUT (294 ppm) 16 ± 3 + GLUT 4 mM 19 ± 3 - GLUT 6 mM 24 ± 3 - GLUT 16 M 37 ± 8 - GABA 6 mM 23 ± 3 * - GLUC 30 M * GLUT 2 M 89 ± 6 65 1.37 - GLUC 30 mM - GLUT 4 mM 125 ± 12 68 1.84 - CLCC 3C M - GL'JT 8 mM 145 ± 11 73 1.99 -r GLUC 60 mM - GLUT 4 mM 158 ± 20 79 2.00 - GLUC 60 M - GLUT M 190 ± 69 84 2.26 - GLUC 100 mM - GLUT 16 mM 297 ± 12 118 2.51 + GLUC 60 M + GABA 6 M 142 ± 25 83 1.71 * The increment of the expected growth = the sum of the individual components - 15 since each of the individual components has a component of fert - 1.zar.te that eer.tpeuye growth.

The above results show a synergistic response between a fertilizer, an amino acid and a carbon skeleton according to the invention, and this response was exhibited over a wide range of concentrations. In these results, the greatest synergy occurs at very high concentrations as shown by the high A / E ratio.

Example 10 Example 8 was repeated again to demonstrate a synergistic effect between another combination of a fertilizer, an amino acid, and carbon skeletons, specifically fertilizer and GABA with succinic acid or glucose. The succinic acid (SSA) used in this example was purchased from Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Mo. The amount of each er component. the nutrient medium and the results are shown in Table 11. 20 _D Table 11 * Dry Weight Treatment of Plant. Exp. A / E Prom. + DE (mg) Fert 1 g / 15 ± 2 + SSA 750 ppm 22 ± 3 + GABA 250 ppm 26 ± 6 + SSA 750 ppm + GABA 250 ppm 40 ± 8 33 1.21 t er 'g / i 8 ± 2 - GL'JC 750 ppm 23 ± 1 * GA3A 250 ppm 16 ± 1 - GLUC 750 DDIG -A3A ppm 38 ± 1 31 1.23 -ear.se notes for Taela z. - > er.Dio II Dwarf beans ("Negligible Beans") (Mayo Seeds, Knoxville, TN) were planted in rows s-g-.er.ee cei farmer instructions in the field. The ear.pe was born prcporcionaoo oe a decrease of 545 a fertilizer 18-18-18. Field pots were tilled, cultivated, watered with water and maintained with insecticide and herbicide on a "when needed" basis by the Horticulture Teaching and Research Center of Michigan State University. The treatments doubled six times and each replica consisted of three plants. Treatments include a control (water alone), fertilizer at levels of 1 Ib, 5 Ib, or 10 lb / 100 gallons, and fertilizer at 1 lb / 100 gallons with 300 ppm, 1000 ppm, or 3000 ppm of GGC. For the GGC, each treatment contains equal amounts of GABA, GLUT, and CAS each to form the total amount of GGC. The plants were given three foliar applications of treatments at intervals per week, with the first application the first visible sign of bean formation was given (approximately five weeks after planting the seed). The application rates were 100 gal / aere. The plants were harvested one week after the third application. Table 12 shows the results.

Table 12 Treatment * No. of Beans Bean Weight (kg) Control 831 2,993 Fert 1 Ib 1485 4,815 Fert 5 Ib 1749 5,271 Fert 10 Ib 1440 4,884 Fert 1 Ib + GGC 300 ppm 1680 5,829 Fert 1 Ib + GGC 1000 ppm 1344 4,191 Fert 1 Ib + GGC 3000 ppm 1317 4.456 a = Experiment carried out during approximately 10.5 weeks.

The results in Table 12 show that for dwarf beans treated with foliar application of fertilizer and GGC at 300 ppm, the productivity of beans 21% was increased on plants that are given the same level of fertilizer and 11% on plants to which they are given 5 times more fertilizer. The experiment was repeated using GGC at 150 ppm (5C ppm each of GA3A, GLUT, and CAS) and GGC at 300 ppm 'ICO ppm each of GABA, GLUT, and CAS). The results are shown in Table 13.

Table 13 * Treatment No. Beans Weight of Beans Dry Weight Plant. Prom. + DE Prom. (G) + DE Prom. (G) + DE Fert 1 Ib 10.5 ± 1.7 33.3 ± 8.6 24.4 ± 7.5 Fert 5 Ib 11.2 ± 2.3 38.4 ± 8.9 27.1 ± 5.0 Fert 1 Ib + GGC (150 ppm) 12.8 ± 2.0 40.8 ± 7.6 31.8 ± 8.8 Fert 1 Ib + GGC (300 ppm ) 12.1 ± 2.2 41.7 ± 9.4 31.9 ± 7.9 a = Experiment carried out for approximately 9 weeks.

The fertilizer and GGC (150 ppm) increase the productivity of the bean by 22.5% on the same level of fertilizer and 8% by 5 times more fertilizer. This confirms the increased yield found with 300 ppm of GGC in the previous example. Elemental analysis of bean plants was used to determine the effect on nutrient uptake (percentage of ore per dry weight of plant). The results sor. shown in Table 14.

Table 14 1 Ib Fert 5 Ib Fert 1 Ib Fert 1 Ib Fert + GGC (150 + GGC (300 PPm> PPm> Dry Weight Plant 24.4 ± 7.5 27.1 ± 5.0 31.8 ± 8.8 31.9 ± 7.9 Prom. Mineral Composition% Weight dry% N 2.78 2.85 2.76 2.68 % P 0.273 0.260 0.244 0.205% K 1.46 1.45 1.57 1.56% Ca 3.98 3.57 3.56 3.16% Mg 0.947 0.909 0.873 0.722 These results demonstrate that the compositions of the invention increase potassium accumulation in plants. Table 14 shows that the plants treated with GCC had a 30% higher rate, as shown by weight. sezc of the plant, that the plants treated only with fertilizer. Elemental analysis of plant tissue shows a higher potassium level for plants treated with GGC than plants provided with 5 times more potassium. The results indicate that GGC er. Comination with fertilizer increases the levels of potassium in plants, which is associated with. Productivity and the growth of inc unemented plants.

Example 12 In the greenhouse, Cherry Belle radishes (Mayo Seeds, Knoxville, TN) were planted in round black plastic pots, 4.25"in diameter, containing soil to plant Fafard # 2 (Conrad Fafard, Aganawa, MA). germination, nursery plants were reduced to 3 / pot Each treatment consists of 30 replica pots Foliar applications (spray to wet) of the treatments shown in table 15 were given 10 days and 17 days after planting The fertilizer used was the SOLUSPRAY fertilizer from Leffingwell. The plants were harvested after four weeks and the fresh or fresh weights of the plants and radishes were determined.The results are shown in Table 15.

Table 15 .-Fitting Fresh Weight. Prom. (G + DE) Fcllaie Radish Water Control 4.1 ± 3.1 2.9 ± 2.3 Fert 1 Ib 5.7 ± 2.8 3.7 ± 2.2 Fert 1 Ib * GLUT * CAS (1000 pprr each) 7.7 ± 4.6 5.7 ± 4.4 Fert 1 ib -SSA 750 ppm -GABA 250 ppm 7.6 ± 4.7 5.2 ± 3.7 The results provided in Table 15 show that the combinations of compliance with the invention, they stimulate the increased growth of the root and foliage in radishes which is compared with the control sample and a plant treated with fertilizer alone.

Emulation 13 Green Rodent Bean Seeds were germinated in twenty-five 5"diameter pots containing baceto soil, bean plants were reduced to 3 plants per pot, pots were divided into two pots for low humidity conditions.

If and high. A greenhouse that has a temperature of 27.8 ° C i2 ° F; and 65% humidity with shaded skis provide moisture conditions. The high humidity conditions were generated by the ccleaning of plastic bags on the plants after the treatment. After 10 days C the plants were treated with nutrient solutions containing 20,000 mg / L or SOLUSPRAY fertilizer "1 of ..e: f: r, 3we .. re: o n n a mixture containing 250 rr.?.L, 5CC mg / L, c 100C mg / L each of GABA, GLUT, and CAS GCC,. A control was performed without fertilizer or GGC. The plants will be harvested 12 days later. The fresh and dry weights of the harvested plants were determined. The results shown in Table 16, include plant growth under low and high humidity; that is, all the plants were harvested and their weights were determined. Table 16 Treatment Weight Fres.de Plant.g Weight Sec.Plant. g Control 10.44 2040 Fert 10.86 2140 Fert + GGC (250 ppm) 10.38 1970 Fert + GGC (500 ppm) 11.64 * 2220 ** Fert + GC (1000 ppm) 10.80 2120 * Statistically different from other treatments, D < C.C1. Statistically different from other treatments, p < 0.05.

The results given in Table 16 show that the amount of GGC used with the fertilizer is increased to 500 ppm, the increase being experienced as fresh weight of the plant as the dry weight of the plant. In addition, the dry weight of the average plant for low and high humidity was 2,190 and 2,030 respectively, with a statistical probability of p < 0.01.

Example 14 The seeds of a self-compatible fast-growing variety of rape seed were obtained from the Crucifer Genetics Cooperative at the University of Wisconsin. The seeds were grown in one-gallon pots containing Baccto's proprietary planting mix (Michigan Peat Co., Houston, TX). Three weeks after seed sowing, the germinated plants were treated with a foliar spray or mist (spray to moisten) or each pot was given the spray formulation as a soak, 40 ml / pot. The plants were treated with nutrient solutions containing .2 g / L oe SOLUSPRAY1 MR fertilizer from Leffmgwell (Fert) with or without 100 ppm of each of GABA, GLUT, and CAS (GGC;, 1000 pM SA, or 100 ppm of each of GGC and 1000 ppm of succinic acid (SA).) Plants were then treated one week and two weeks later and then harvested after eight weeks.They were seven duplicate plants / treatment.The results given in Tables 17 and 18 below, provide the total number of seed pods, the total weight of the seed pods. seeds, the total weight of five duplicate plants harvested from each treatment, and the total vegetative dry weight of the plants. results of the application of roc or foliar and Table 18 contains results of the application by soaking the compositions.

Table 17 Treatment Pods of Sem. Dry Weight Sheath Dry Weight Plan. Dry weight (% change) g (% change) g (% change) Veg. g (change) Fert 328 (100%) 3.37 (100%) 11.51 (100%) 7.54 (100%) Fert + 3.06 (77%) 12.94 (112%) 9.88 (131%) GGC (300 349 (106%) ppm Fert - SA 217 (66%) 3.58 (90%) 11.23 (98%) 7.65 (101%) Í10CC ppm! Fert * GCC 378 (115%; 4.33.209%) 13.92 (121%) 9.59 (127%) (3CC pir ^ + • £ A Í100C Table 18 Treatment Pods of Sem. Dry Weight Sheath Dry Weight Plan. Dry weight (% change) g (% change) g (% change) Veg. g (% change) Fert 235 (100%) 3.37 (100%) 13.07 (100%) 9.70 (100%) Fert + GGC 240 (102%) 4-72 (40%) 10.54 (81%) 5.82 (60%) (300 ppm) Fert + SA 213 (91%) 3.56 (106%) 10.74 (82%) 7.18 (74%) (1000 ppm) Fert + 290 (123%) 5.84 (173%) 14.64 (112%) 8.80 (91%) GGC (300 ppm) - S (1000 ppm) The above results with rapeseed or r.aoa confirm the results shown in the previous Examples with lentil or water. The results show that ecmb r.ae or.es of fertilizers - GGC + SA of conformity cor. The invention also increases the synergism between the fertilizer and GGC. When used as a soaked soil and as a foliar application, the fertilizer formulation * GGC + SA provided the most significant increase. reproductive growth (dry weight of the semilia seedpods). Ére ele 15 Snowden potatoes were planted at the Michigan State University Montoalm Patato Research Farm. The nitrogen ratio and time of application were available, evaluated for selected test formulations. The plants were treated first, by sprinkling or watered, when they had 0 to 25.4 cm (0 to 10 inches) in height. Even before flowering, the second treatment was applied by spray. All pods were directed upwards with six pounds of nitrogen per acre 3 weeks after planting. The high nitrogen pods receive an additional 100 pounds per acre 5 weeks after planting, potatoes were harvested 4 months after planting, the marketable yield of potato tubers was classified or graded as number 1 USDA, size. B "or small and collected The values in Table 19 show tradable tuber ito The amounts of SSA, GABA, GLUT and CAS were measured by the percentage of total weight per treatment.

Table 19 Treatment Tuber.Comerciable Performance (lb / pot) High Nitrogen content under high Carrier water water Fert FSA, prep B 24.5 18.9 NT FSA, prep C 23.9 18.1 NT SSA (85%) + GABA (15%) 24.3 20.9 24.8 SSA (85%) + GLUT (15%) 24.9 18.4 24.5 SSA (80%) + GLUT (15% + CAS (5%) 24.9 19.8 23.9 Control (Carrier Only) 22.8 16.5 23.8 Fert = 5 pounds / aere of SOLUSPRAY ™ from Leffingwell NT = nc probaac The results provided in the Table show that combinations according to the invention raise the yield of the marketable tuber by increasing the weight of the treated potatoes, which is an example of how the invention increases the yield of the crop. . or Corn (Pioneer 3751) was planted at the Michigan State University Agronomy Research Farm. The carrier, the nitrogen ratio and application time were variable, evaluated for the test formulations. The plants were divided into two groups. Half of the plants were sprayed after four weeks of growth, when the corn was in stage V6 (6 leaves). These same plants received a second application three weeks later when the plants were in stage V13. The second half of the plants were not sprayed after the first four weeks, during stage V6. In ca, these plants were sprayed with the appropriate material after seven weeks, stage V13, at the same time that the first half of the plants received their second treatment. The application of foliar sprays in stages V6 and VI3 was 40 gallons / acre. The corn was harvested after 5 months of growth. The counting of ears and stems per pot and grain production was determined. The values given in Table 2C show the number oe ears per stem.

Table 20 Treatment Cobs by Stem Carrier water Fert FSA, prep B 1.31 NT FSA, prep C 1.32 NT SSA (85%) + GABA (15%) 1.44 1.22 SSA (85%) + GLUT (15%) 1.36 1.28 SSA (80 %) + GLUT (15%) + C: aass ((55 %%)) 1.24 1.37 Control (Portadioorr only)) 1.21 1.21 Fert = 5 lb / acre SOLUSPRAY "11 of Leffingwell NT = not tested The results provided in Table 20 show that the combinations according to the inventions stimulate maize productivity, which is measured by counting the number of ears per corn stem, which is compared with the control sample. This is another example of increased crop or sow yield, which results from treatments prepared in accordance with the invention.

Trust it 17 Varieties of Fieldsport and Charmant cabbage were grown at the Miiton S. Hershey Farms in Hershey, PA.

The preplanted urea was administered at 150 lb / acre. 1 lb / acre of boron was administered at the same time. A lateral culture of urea at 200 lb / acre was provided later. The applications consist of 3,000 ppm of GGC (1,000 ppm of each of GABA, glutamic acid and casein hydrolyzate) are combined with SOLUSPRAY "1 * of Leffingwell The concentration of LLS (Carrier) was 20,000 ppm. o Penetration "Goldschmidt as the surfactant at 9 drops / 3 liters.All applications were at 96.2 gallons / acre.Four replicas were made for each treatment group and for each variety.The GCC combined with the fertilizer increases the tradable weights of" the two varieties of cabbage or cabbage by 6 percent during the application of the fertilizer alone. The lowest statistical difference between the fertilizer and the fertilizer + GCC was p < 0.C5. Although the specification describes particular embodiments and features of the invention, it is to be understood that the information provided herein is solely for the purpose of illustrating known embodiments that the invention takes within the scope of the appended claims, and that other embodiments may exist or may be develop in the future within the scope and spirit of the claims which are intended to be covered by what consistent with the law.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention. Having described the invention as above, the content of the following is claimed as property

Claims (19)

1. A method for treating a plant characterized in that it comprises: treating the plant with a fertilizer and an amino acid component selected from gamma-aminobutyric acid and a mixture of gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid, the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid varies from about 50 at about 1000 ppm and the amount of a mixture of gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid varying from about 50 to about 2000 ppm.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional treatment comprises the treatment of the plant with a source of protein amino acids in an amount of about 5 C to about 1000 ppm.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the treatment further comprises treating the plant with a catalytic compound etabclizaele in an amount from about 50 to about 5000 ppm.

. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the source of proteinaceous amino acids is the casein hydrolyzate and the metabolizable organic compound of the plant is selected from the group consisting of glucose, sucrose and succinic acid.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional treatment comprises treating the plant with an organisable organic compound of the plant in an amount of about 50 to about 5000 ppm.

6. An improved fertilizer composition characterized in that it comprises: a fertilizer and an amino acid component selected from gamma-arrincoutiric acid and a mixture of gamma-aminobutyric acid and gytamic acid, wherein the fertilizer and the amino acid are combined in an effective amount to increase growth to the plant.

7. A composition according to claim 6, characterized in that it also comprises a source of proteinaceous amino acids, whereby the fertilizer, the amino acid and the source of proteinaceous amino acids are presented in an effective combined amount to increase the growth of the plant.

8. A composition according to claim 7, characterized in that it also comprises an organic metabolizable compound of the plant, whereby the fertilizer, the amino acid, source of proto-amino acids, and the metabolizable organic compound of the plant are effective in increasing the growth of the plant. the wave a.

9. A composition according to claim 8, characterized in that the source of proteinaceous amino acids is hydrolyzed from casein and the metabolizable organic compound of the plant is selected from the group consisting of glucose, sucrose and acid sueem cc.

10. A composition according to claim 6, characterized in that it also comprises an organic metabolizable compound of the plant, whereby the fertilizer, the amino acid and the metabolizable organic compound of the plant are presented in an effective combined amount to increase the growth of plants .

11. A method for treating a plant characterized in that it comprises: treating the plant with a composition consisting essentially of a fertilizer and glutamic acid, the amount of glutamic acid varying from about 50 to about 1500 mg.

12. A method for treating a plant characterized in that it comprises: treating the plant with a composition comprising gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid and casein haemolyzate.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid and casein hydrolyzate are present in effective amounts to increase plant growth.

14. A method for treating a plant characterized in that it comprises: treating the plant with a composition consisting essentially of glutamic acid and casein hydrolyzate.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the glutamic acid and nicrolized casein are present in effective amounts to increase the growth of plants.

16. A method for treating a plant characterized in that it comprises: treating the plant with a composition comprising gamma-aminobutyric acid and gytamic acid.

1. A composition useful for the treatment of plants for improving the growth of plants characterized in that it comprises a combination of gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid and casein hydrolyzate in effective amounts to improve the growth of the plants.

18. A composition useful for the treatment of plants for improving the growth of plants, characterized in that it essentially consists of a combination of glutamic acid and casein hydrolyzate in effective amounts to improve the growth of the Diantas.

19. A composition useful for the treatment of plants for improving the growth of plants, characterized in that it comprises a combination of gamma-amir.ctutyric acid and glutamic acid in effective amounts to improve the growth of plants.