NZ774332B2 - Methods for fungi inhibition on live plants using carboxylic acids and their salts - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to methods for inhibiting growth of a fungus on a live flowering plant (preferably turfgrass, tulip, or banana) comprising contacting the live flowering plant with an effective amount (5-12% w/v) of a composition comprising a carboxylic acid of formula (I) or salt thereof, wherein R is H, Ph, Ar, or a C1-C60 alkyl (preferably calcium propionate). The present invention also relates to live plants products contacted with compositions comprising a carboxylic acid of Formula (I) or salt thereof. reof, wherein R is H, Ph, Ar, or a C1-C60 alkyl (preferably calcium propionate). The present invention also relates to live plants products contacted with compositions comprising a carboxylic acid of Formula (I) or salt thereof.

Description

METHODS FOR FUNGI INHIBITION ON LIVE PLANTS USING CARBOXYLIC ACIDS AND THEIR SALTS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the use of compositions comprising a carboxylic acid or salt thereof to inhibit microbial growth on live plants. The t invention also relates to live plant products contacted with compositions comprising a carboxylic acid or salt thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The control of growth of microbes and the plant diseases they cause is a great n in a large variety of botanical and agricultural areas, such as, for instance, production and maintenance of ornamental plants, turfgrass, vegetables, grain, and fruit crops. Overcoming e growth and disease are important for achieving optimal plant growth, development, and tion. Destruction of valuable plants by microbes is a constant threat to the food supply, while rampant tion growth has put pressure on the need for increased food production to prevent starvation.

In addition, increased population growth and urbanization over the past several decades have resulted in the wide spread cultivation of turfgrass as a means to enhance the functional, tional, and aesthetic value of urban spaces. This growth has rendered culture and maintenance of turfgrass an important horticultural industry in North America with annual itures reaching upwards of $45 billion dollars. Maintaining healthy turfgrass is of interest to ers not only for private residences, but also for businesses.

Perhaps the most prominent business market for turfgrass is the golf industry, where grounds s strive to maintain large eXpanses of flawless, healthy green turfgrass.

[Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] na Unmarked set by na [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena ation] na MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena Turfgrass, in addition to numerous other live plants and crops, is susceptible to a host of common diseases such as dollar spot, brown patch, summer patch, take-all patch, and stem rust. Dollar spot is one of the more common diseases turfgrass managers face during the growing season. It is a foliar disease that impacts both warm and cool-season turfgrass around the world. All major cool-season turfgrass types can be infected by dollar spot. Some turfgrass types are more tible to dollar spot such as certain cultivars of creeping bentgrass or seashore paspalum. In addition to seashore paspalum, other warm-season turfgrass impacted are bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, and centipedegrass.

Depending on the turfgrass type and management segment (golf course, sports field or home lawn), dollar spot can cause varying degrees of turfgrass damage from blighted, discolored leaf blades in home lawns to severe scarring on golf course putting greens. In these situations, dollar spot can disrupt the overall aesthetics of turfgrass and have a negative impact on the playability of surfaces by causing detrimental scarring.

Dollar spot is a foliar disease g ing of leaf blades. Symptoms for this e may look different depending upon mowing height. For higher cut turf, initial symptoms begin as small tan-colored lesions with red to maroon margins often expanding across the leaf blade. In some cases, the s may have an hourglass appearance. Infected areas can range from 1-12 inches in diameter. In lower cut turf, symptoms first appear as circular tan spots approximately 1 inch in er. These spots can ce into larger infected areas. One of the telltale signs of dollar spot is the presence of white mycelium on the leaf blades in the morning after heavy dew.

Keeping the turfgrass healthy and reducing stress, for example, by soil compaction, may help in reducing the damage observed. Proper watering and ting fertilizer [Annotation] kirstena None set by na [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena ation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena deficiencies, especially phosphorus and potassium are also sometimes helpful in reducing damage caused by microbes. However, the ion in damage is minimal and in many instances cannot be completely eliminated.

Pesticides are also available to protect live plants from destruction by microbes and insects. However, these pesticides tend to be toxic chemicals with negative environmental implications, as well as having potentially deleterious effects to the health and well-being of the consumers who ingest foods from treated crops. As an example, the fungicide chlorothalonil (the active ient in many pesticides) is highly toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates, mollusks, and shrimp and, accordingly, the US. Environmental Protection Agency has imposed restrictions on its use in turfgrass and other crops to reduce the risk of disruption to aquatic tems. As another example, certain pesticides have been demonstrated to be “endocrine disruptors,” i.e. adversely affecting the endocrine hormonal system of the body, which may in some cases be permanent and may even occur at low doses or long after the exposure. (Vincelli, P., et al., “Chemical Control of Turfgrass Diseases 2017,” pp. 1-32, available at http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ppa/ppal/ppal .PDF).

It is also well known that microbes eventually develop ty to many of the manufactured pesticides. Fungicide resistance in, for instance, dollar spot disease is a common problem on golf courses, and how to manage fungicide resistance is a complex and controversial topic that has not yet been definitively answered. (Geunhwa, J., et al., Golf Course ManagementMagazme, 2008 pp. 1).

Thus, there exists a need for improved methods of inhibiting microbe growth on live plants that are environmentally friendly, less toxic, and which do not result in microbe immunity or prolong the time to e immunity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide methods of inhibiting growth of a microbe on a live plant that, at the same time, are environmentally friendly, less toxic, do not result in e ty, prolong the time to microbe immunity, or a combination thereof.

Therefore, disclosed herein are methods of inhibiting growth of a microbe on a live plant comprising contacting the live plant with an effective amount of a composition comprising a carboxylic acid of Formula (I) or salt thereof: wherein R is H, Ph, Ar, or a C1-C60 alkyl.

Also disclosed herein are live plant products contacted with a composition sing a carboxylic acid of Formula (I) or salt thereof.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which s, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as d.

The invention as claimed herein is described in the following items 1 to 12: 32_1 (GHMatters) P115860.NZ 1. A method of inhibiting growth of a fungus on a live tulip bulb sing contacting the live tulip bulb with an ive amount of a composition consisting of calcium propionate and water, wherein the calcium propionate has a concentration of from 5% to 12% (w/v). 2. The method of item 1, wherein the composition is applied once every week to three weeks. 3. A method of inhibiting growth of a fungus on live turfgrass comprising contacting the turfgrass with an effective amount of a composition consisting of calcium propionate and water, wherein the calcium propionate has a concentration of from 5% to 12% (w/v). 4. The method of item 3, wherein the ition is applied once every week to three weeks.

. The method of item 3, wherein the calcium propionate has a concentration of 5% (w/v). 6. The method of item 3, wherein the turfgrass is a cool season turfgrass. 7. The method of item 3, wherein the fungus is selected from the group consisting of Sclerotinia homeocarpa, Rhizoctonia solani, orthe poae, Gaeumannomyces graminis, Puccinnia striiformis, Fusarium oxysporum, and combinations f. 8. The method of item 7, wherein the fungus is Sclerotinia homeocarpa. 9. The method of item 3, wherein from 2.5 to 7.5 grams of m propionate is contacted per square meter of the turfgrass.

. The method of item 3, wherein from 3.0 to 5.0 grams of calcium propionate is contacted per square meter of the turfgrass. 17595632_1 (GHMatters) P115860.NZ 4b (page 5 follows this page) 11. The method of item 1, wherein the calcium propionate has a concentration of 5% (w/v). 12. The method of item 3, wherein the turfgrass is . 17595632_1 (GHMatters) P115860.NZ [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1A shows M poae growth three days following inoculation in the ce of % (w/v) m propionate (CaP).

Figure 1B shows M poae growth seven days following inoculation in the presence of 0.1-0.5% (w/v) calcium propionate (CaP).

Figure 2A shows M poae growth inhibition at 2 days following inoculation in the presence of 0.5-4.0% (w/v) calcium propionate (CaP).

Figure 2B shows M poae growth inhibition at 5 days following inoculation in the presence of 0.5-4.0% (w/v) calcium propionate (CaP).

Figure 2C shows S. carpa growth inhibition at 2 days following ation in the presence of 0% (w/v) m propionate (CaP).

Figure 2D shows S. homoeocarpa growth inhibition at 5 days following inoculation in the presence of 0.5-4.0% (w/v) calcium propionate (CaP).

Figure 3 shows the effects of untreated, as well as 1%, 2%, and 5% (w/v) calcium propionate (CaP) in active cultures of R. solani, S. homoeocarpa and M poae three days following removal of calcium nate.

Figure 4 shows the effects of 1%, 2%, and 5% (w/v) calcium propionate (CaP) in active es of R. solam', S. homoeocarpa, G. gramim's and M poae 14 days following removal of calcium propionate.

Figure 5A shows F. oxysporum growth inhibition at 2 days in the presence of 15% (w/v) calcium propionate (CaP).

Figure 5B shows F. oxysporum growth inhibition at 4 days in the presence of 15% (w/v) calcium propionate (CaP).

[Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena ed set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] na Unmarked set by kirstena Figure 5C shows F. oxysporum growth inhibition at 5 days in the presence of 15% (w/v) calcium propionate (CaP).

Figure 5D shows F. oxysporum growth tion at 7 days in the presence of 15% (w/v) calcium propionate (CaP).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to methods for inhibiting the growth of a microbe on a live plant using a carboxylic acid composition. The present invention also relates to live plant ts ted with a ylic acid composition. In one embodiment of the ion, the carboxylic acid composition of the present invention comprises a carboxylic acid or a salt thereof. The carboxylic acid composition of the present invention may comprise the carboxylic acid of Formula (I) or salt thereof: R” \OH wherein R is H, phenyl (Ph), Ar, or a C1-C60 alkyl. In one embodiment of the invention, the C1-C60 alkyl is substituted with at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of: F, Cl, Br, I, At, 0, S, S(O), S02, N, P, P(O), Si, Si(O), B, Al, and combinations thereof.

Suitably, Ar is a C6 or C12 aryl or heteroaryl optionally substituted group where the heteroatom may be 0 or N and the substituent may be selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, At, S02, NH2, NHR, NR2 and combinations thereof, where R is as defined herein. In another embodiment of the ion, the C1-C60 alkyl is substituted with at least one Cl substituent. In r embodiment of the invention, the C1-C60 alkyl is substituted with two Cl substituents.

[Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena ation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena ation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] na Unmarked set by kirstena In one embodiment of the invention, R is H or a C1-Cio alkyl. In another embodiment of the invention, R is a C1-C8 alkyl. In yet another embodiment of the invention, R is a C3 alkyl.

The term “alkyl” means, unless otherwise stated, a ht or branched chain, acyclic or cyclic hydrocarbon radical, or combination thereof, which may be fully saturated, mono- or polyunsaturated and can include di- and multi-valent radicals, having the number of carbon atoms designated (e.g., C1-1o means one to ten s) and may be substituted or unsubstituted. Examples of saturated hydrocarbon radicals include groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, cyclohexyl, (cyclohexyl)methyl, cyclopropylmethyl, homologs and isomers of, for e, n-pentyl, n- hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, and the like. An unsaturated alkyl group is one having one or more double bonds or triple bonds. Examples of unsaturated alkyl groups include vinyl, 2- propenyl, crotyl, 2-isopentenyl, 2-(butadienyl), 2,4-pentadienyl, 3-(1,4-pentadienyl), ethynyl, 1- and 3-propynyl, nyl, and the higher homologs and isomers.

In one embodiment of the invention, the ylic acid is propionic acid and has the following Formula (II): The carboxylic acid useful in the compositions of the present invention may be formulated with any agriculturally acceptable salt. Examples of salts include, for example, metal salts such as , ium, calcium and magnesium salts, ammonium salts such as isopropylammonium salts, and trialkylsulfonium salts such as trimethylsulfonium salts.

[Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by na [Annotation] na Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] na MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena Carboxylic acid salts useful in the present invention may comprise a carboxylic acid neutralized with, for example, a cation such as Ca”, Ba”, La‘3, Cd”, Pb ‘2, Co ‘ 2, Mn”, Ce‘4, Mg‘2,Zn‘2,Cu‘2,Fe‘3,Fe‘2,Ni‘2, Sr‘2,La‘3,Li‘1,Na‘1, K‘1,Rb‘1,Cs‘1,Fr‘1,Be‘2,Ra‘2, Al”, NH4+, NH3R+, NH2R2+, NHR3+, NR4+, where R is as herein defined, and the like.

Exemplary salts may be salts of alkali , alkaline earth metals and or ammonium salts.

Alkali metal ions e Li”, Na”, K”, Rb”, Cs”, and Fr”. Alkaline earth metal ions include Be”, Mg”, Ca”, Sr+, Ba”, and Ra”. Ammonium salts include primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary ammonium salts, such as NH4+, NH3R+, NH2R2+, NHR3+, NR4+, where R is as herein defined.

In one embodiment, the ylic acid composition of the invention comprises a calcium salt of the carboxylic acid. In another embodiment of the invention, the carboxylic acid ition of the invention comprises calcium propionate. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the carboxylic acid composition of the invention comprises nic acid or a salt thereof.

The carboxylic acid composition may also comprise an agriculturally suitable carrier.

The agriculturally suitable carrier may be a liquid, a solid, or a surfactant. Examples of solid carriers are described in Watkins, et al., Handbook ofInsecticide Dust Diluents and Carriers, 2nd Ed, Dorland Books, Caldwell, N.J. Examples of liquid carriers are described in Marsden, Solvents Guide, 2nd Ed., Interscience, New York, 1950. McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual, Allured Publ. Corp., Ridgewood, N.J., as well as Sisely and Wood, Encyclopedia ofSurface Active , Chemical Publ. Co., Inc., New York, 1964, list surfactants and ended uses. The ylic acid composition may also contain [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] na Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena additives to reduce foam, caking, corrosion, iological growth and the like, or thickeners to increase ity.

Surfactants include, for e, polyethoxylated alcohols, polyethoxylated alkylphenols, polyethoxylated an fatty acid esters, dialkyl uccinates, alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, organosilicones, N,N—dialkyltaurates, lignin sulfonates, alene sulfonate formaldehyde condensates, polycarboxylates, and polyoxyethylene/ polyoxypropylene block copolymers.

Solid carriers include, for e, ground corn cobs, clays such as bentonite, montmorillonite, attapulgite and kaolin, starch, sugar, silica, talc, diatomaceous earth, urea, m carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium sulfate.

Liquid carriers include, for example, water, N,N—dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, N—alkylpyrrollidone, ethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, paraffins, alkylbenzenes, alkylnaphthalenes, oils of olive, castor, linseed, tung, sesame, corn, peanut, cotton-seed, soybean, rape-seed and coconut, fatty acid esters, ketones such as cyclohexanone, 2-heptanone, isophorone and 4-hydroxymethylpentanone, and alcohols such as methanol, cyclohexanol, l and ydrofurfuryl alcohol.

The formulation of the carboxylic acid composition can be selected to be consistent with the physical properties of the carboxylic acid, mode of application, and environmental factors such as soil type, re and temperature. Useful formulations include liquids such as solutions (including emulsifiable concentrates), suspensions, emulsions (including microemulsions and/or suspo-emulsions) and the like which optionally can be thickened into gels.

[Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by na [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena Useful formulations further include solids such as dusts, powders, granules, pellets, s, films, and the like which can be water-dispersible (“wettable”) or water-soluble. The carboxylic acid composition can be microencapsulated calcium propionate and further formed into a suspension or solid formulation; alternatively the entire formulation can be encapsulated m propionate (or “overcoated”). Encapsulated calcium propionate solution can l or delay release of the active ingredient. Sprayable formulations can be ed in suitable media and used at spray volumes from about one to several hundred liters per hectare. High-strength formulations are primarily used as intermediates for further formulation.

In one ment of the invention, the carboxylic acid composition is in a liquid formulation. In another embodiment of the invention, the carboxylic acid composition comprises water as a carrier. The carboxylic acid and/or salt thereof may be present in the liquid formulation or water at a concentration range of from 0.1% to 50% (w/v), from 0.5% to % (w/v), from 0.1% to 12% (w/v), or from 5% to 12% (w/v). In one embodiment of the invention, the concentration of the carboxylic acid and/or salt is about 5% (w/v).

Carboxylic acid itions useful in the present invention can also be mixed with one or more fertilizers, pesticides, safeners, insecticides, fungicides, nematocides, bactericides, acaricides, growth tors, chemosterilants, hemicals, repellents, attractants, pheromones, feeding stimulants or other ically active compounds.

Examples of such ltural tants with which the carboxylic acid compositions of this invention can be formulated are: insecticides such as abamectin, acephate, azinphos-methyl, bifenthrin, buprofezin, carbofuran, chlorfenapyr, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, cyfluthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, -cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, diafenthiuron, diazinon, [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena ation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by na diflubenzuron, dimethoate, esfenvalerate, fenoxycarb, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, fipronil, flucythrinate, tau fluvalinate, fonophos, imidacloprid, isofenphos, malathion, ehyde, methamidophos, methidathion, methomyl, methoprene, methoxychlor, methyl 7-chloro-2,5- o[[N—(methoxycarbonyl)-N—[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl] amino]carbonyl]indeno[1,2-e] [1,3 ,4]oxadiazine-4a(3H)-carboxylate (DPX-JWO62), monocrotophos, oxamyl, parathion, parathion-methyl, permethrin, phorate, phosalone, phosmet, phosphamidon, pirimicarb, profenofos, rotenone, sulprofos, tebufenozide, tefluthrin, terbufos, tetrachlorVinphos, thiodicarb, tralomethrin, orfon and triflumuron; fungicides such as azoxystrobin, l, blasticidin-S, Bordeaux mixture (tribasic copper sulfate), bromuconazole, calcium propionatetafol, calcium propionatetan, carbendazim, neb, chlorothalonil, copper oxychloride, copper salts, cymoxanil, cyproconazole, inil (CGA 219417), diclomezine, dicloran, difenoconazole, dimethomorph, diniconazole, diniconazole- M, , phos, epoxiconazole (BAS480F), famoxadone, fenarimol, fenbuconazole, lonil, fenpropidin, fenpropimorph, fluazinam, nconazole, flusilazole, flutolanil, flutriafol, folpet, l-aluminum, furalaxyl, hexaconazole, ipconazole, iprobenfos, iprodione, isoprothiolane, kasugamycin, kreszim-methyl, mancozeb, maneb, mepronil, metalaxyl, metconazole, S-methyl 7-benzothiazolecarbothioate (CGA 245704), myclobutanil, neo-asozin (ferric methanearsonate), oxadixyl, penconazole, pencycuron, probenazole, prochloraz, propiconazole, pyrifenoX, pyroquilon, quinoxyfen, spiroxamine (KWG4168), , tebuconazole, tetraconazole, thiabendazole, thiophanate-methyl, thiram, triadimefon, triadimenol, lazole, triticonazole, validamycin and Vinclozolin; nematocides such as aldoxycarb and fenamiphos; bactericides such as streptomycin; acaricides such as amitraz, chinomethionat, chlorobenzilate, cyhexatin, dicofol, dienochlor, etoxazole, fenazaquin, [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena ation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] na None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena ionNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena ed set by kirstena fenbutatin oxide, pathrin, fenpyroXimate, hexythiazoX, propargite, pyridaben and tebufenpyrad; and biological agents.

In certain instances, combinations with fungicides having a similar spectrum of control but a different mode of action will be particularly advantageous for inhibition of microbial growth.

The formulations of the invention are used in the customary manner, for example, by watering, spraying, atomizing, scattering, brushing on and as a powder for dry seed treatment, a solution for seed treatment, a soluble powder for seed treatment, a water-soluble powder for slurry treatment, encapsulation, or by encrusting. In one embodiment of the invention, the carboxylic acid compositions are contacted with a live plant by spraying.

The methods and products of the present invention are useful for inhibiting the growth of a microbe. The term “inhibiting” microbial , or a material which “inhibits” microbial growth, is used to mean materials which either prevent microbial growth, or subsequently kills microbes so that the population is within acceptable limits, or materials which significantly retard the growth processes of microbes or maintain the level or microbes to a ibed level or range. The prescribed level may vary widely depending upon the microbe and its pathogenicity; lly it is preferred that harmful organisms are present at a level such that any disease or diseases caused by the microbe cannot be visually detected with /20 vision at a distance of one meter or more from the live plant. In one ment of the invention, microbes cannot be detected or remain at a level which is not harmful to the live plant.

In one embodiment of the invention, the e is a fungus or a bacterium. The carboxylic acid compositions of the present invention may be used to inhibit the growth of a [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena ation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena ed set by kirstena fungus belonging to the following classes: Ascomycetes (e. g. Venturia, Podosphaera, Erysz'phe, Monill'm'a, Mycosphaerella, Uncinula); Basidiomycetes (e.g. the genus Hemileia, Rhizoctom'a, Phakopsora, ia, Uslilago, Tillelia); Fungi imperfecti (also known as Deuteromycetes; e. g. z's, Helminthosporium, Rhynchosporium, Fusan'um, Septorl'a, Cercospora, Alternarl'a, Pyricularl'a and Pseudocercosporella); Oomycetes (e. g.

Phytophthora, Peronospora, Pseudoperonospora, Albugo, Breml'a, Pythium, Pseudosclerospom, and para).

In r embodiment of the invention the e is Scerotl'm'a homoeocarpa, Rhizoctonia solam', Magnaporthe poae, Gaeumannomyces m's, Puccinnia stril'forml's, or Fusarium Oxysporum ic examples of diseases caused by the microbe include gray snow mold (Typhula spp.), pink snow mold (Microdochium ), leaf spot slera and Bl'polarl's spp.), red thread (Laetisariafuczformis), dollar spot (Scerolinia homoeocarpa), brown patch (Rhizoctom'a solam), large patch (Rhizoctonia solam), pink patch (Limonomyces rosel'pellis) gray leaf spot (Pyricularia grisea), anthracnose (Colletotn'chum cereale), phythium blight (Pythium spp.), red leaf spot (Dreschslera erythrospz'la), brown ring patch a circz'nata) powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis), slime mold (e.g., Physarum cinereum), summer patch (Magnaporthe poae) take-all patch (Gaeumannomyces graminis), necrotic ring spot sphaerella spp.), yellow patch (Rhizoctom'a cereall's), melting out (Drechslera and Bz’polaris spp.), smut diseases (Uslz'lago spp.), and rust diseases (Puccinm'a spp.), such as stem rust (Puccinnia strizformis), and panama disease, or tropical race (TR4), or fusarium wilt (Fusarz'um Oxysporum).

[Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena ation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena According to the invention, “non-living” applies, in general, to a plant that once had, but no longer has, physical life, whereas “living” or “live” applies to a plant that has physical life, i.e. a live plant is one which is actively growing (or is capable of actively growing) ed to harvested plant material and which, for instance, still has functional roots.

Merely by way of example, turfgrass that is cut, e. g. by a mower, and is y ted from the root is “non-living,” while the portions of the turfgrass remaining growing in the growing medium, e.g. soil, is “live” or “living.” rly, plants that have been cut for, e. g. consumption, such as a, hay, s, wheat, corn, grain and the like, are “non-living” according to the invention. Merely by way of e, a “living” plant according to the invention can include turfgrass sod, both when grown in surface growing medium, e. g. soil, and also when sliced horizontally into a thin layer for use in a place other than where grown.

In other words, turfgrass in sod form is not “non-living” according to the invention merely because it is removed from the surface soil in a thin layer, because the turfgrass sod may be orted and continue to grow in a new on.

According to the invention live “plants” includes both perm and gymnosperm plants. Live “plants” may include, for example, grapevines; cereals, such as wheat, barley, rye or oats; beet, such as sugar beet or fodder beet; fruits, such as pomes, stone fruits or soft fruits, for example , pears, plums, peaches, almonds, cherries, erries, raspberries or blackberries; leguminous plants, such as beans, lentils, peanuts, alfalfas, peas or soybeans; oil plants, such as rape, mustard, poppy, olives, sunflowers, coconut, castor oil plants, cocoa beans or groundnuts; cucumber plants, such as marrows, cucumbers or melons; fiber plants, such as cotton, flax, hemp or jute; citrus fruit, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit or mandarins; vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cabbages, carrots, onions, [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena tomatoes, potatoes, cucurbits or paprika; lauraceae, such as avocados, cinnamon or camphor; maize; tobacco; nuts such as tree nuts; coffee; sugar cane; tea; vines; hops; durian; s; natural rubber plants; ass or ornamentals, such as flowers, including tulip bulbs, shrubs, broad-leaved trees or evergreens, for example conifers. Live “plants” according to the invention may be at any stage of development, for example, seed, bulb, immature, or mature.

In one embodiment of the invention, the live plant is an angiosperm plant. In r ment of the invention, the live plant is mature. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the live plant is a turfgrass. As used herein, the term “turfgrass” refers to a cultivated grass that provides groundcover, for example a turf or lawn that is periodically cut or mowed to maintain a consistent height.

Examples of cool season turfgrass e, without limitation: bluegrasses (Poa spp.), such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), supina bluegrass (Poa supina), rough bluegrass (Poa trivialis L.), Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa L.), annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.), dryland bentgrass (Agrostz's castellena), upland bluegrass (Poa glaucantha Gaudl'n), wood bluegrass (Poa lis L.), and bulbous bluegrass (Poa a L.), the bentgrasses and Redtop (Agrostl's spp.), such as creeping bentgrass (Agroslis palustrz's Huds. or Agroslis stolom'fera), colonial ass (Agrostz's tenul's Sibth.), velvet bentgrass (Agroslis canina L.), South German Mixed Bentgrass (Agrostz's spp. including Agroslis tem'us sibth., z's canina L., and Agroslis palustrz's Huds.), and Redtop (Agrostz's alba L.); the fescues (Festuca spp.), such as red fescue (Festuca rubm L. spp. rubra) creeping fescue (Festuca rubm L.), chewings fescue (Festuca rubm ata Gaud.), sheep fescue (Festuca ovina L.), hard fescue (Festuca longifolia Thuill.), hair fescue (Festuca m propionateillata Lam), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), meadow fescue (Festuca elanor L.), the [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena ryegrasses (Lolium spp.), such as annual ryegrass (Lolium mulliflorum Lam), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and italian ryegrass (Lolium mulliflorum Lam); and the wheatgrasses (Agropyron spp.), such as fairway rass (Agropyron cn’statum (L.) .), crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum ) Schult.), and western rass (Agropyron smithz'i Rydb.) Other cool season turfgrass includes beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata Fem), smooth bromegrass (Bromus 's Leyss.), cattails such as y (Phleum pratense L.), sand cattail m tum L.), orchardgrass (Dactylz's glomerata L.), weeping Alkaligrass (Puccinellia distans (L) , and crested dog's-tail (Cynosurus cristatus L.).

Examples of warm season turfgrass include Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp. L. C. Rich), Zoysiagrass (Zoysz'a spp. Willd.), St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum Walt Kum‘ze), Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides Munro Hack), Carpetgrass (Axonopus aflinis Chase), Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge), Kikuyugrass (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex ), Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloids (NutL) .), Blue gramma (Bouteloua gracill's (HBK) Lag. ex Grifiiths), Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz), and ts grama (Bouteloua curtl'pendula Wichx. T0rr.)).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the carboxylic acid composition of the invention is contacted with a cool season turfgrass. In another embodiment of the invention the cool season turfgrass is selected from the group ting of varieties of fescue, rye and Kentucky ass.

Live plants may be contacted by the carboxylic acid compositions of the invention daily, weekly, every 10 days, biweekly, or monthly. Any treatment schedule may be followed as long as optimal tion of microbe growth and/or disease is obtained. In one ation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by na [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena ed set by kirstena embodiment of the invention, the carboxylic acid compositions are contacted with a live plant about once every 2 to 30 days, 5 to 21 days, 7 to 21 days, or 7 to 14 days. Treatment may occur less frequently in the cooler seasons.

One or more portions of a live plant may be contacted by the carboxylic acid compositions of the invention, such as leaves, crowns, roots, stolons, stems, foliage, fruit, seeds, seedlings, tubers or bulbs. In one embodiment of the invention, the carboxylic acid composition is contacted with at least one portion of a turfgrass selected from the group consisting of leaf, crown, stolon, root, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment of the invention, the media (e.g., soil or sand) in which the live plant is growing or is to be grown is contacted by the carboxylic acid itions of the invention.

The carboxylic acid compositions of the present invention can be applied as sprays by methods commonly employed, such as conventional high-gallonage hydraulic sprays, low- gallonage sprays, air-blast, aerial sprays and dusts. The on and rate of application will depend upon the type of equipment employed, the method and frequency of application desired and diseases to be controlled. The carboxylic acid compositions of the invention may be applied in the range of from 2 to 50 gallons per 1000 square meter.

An effective amount of the carboxylic acid or salt thereof in the carboxylic acid composition according to the present ion for application to turfgrasses and other similar areas of live plants is typically from about 0.1 to about 30 grams per square meter, from about 1.0 to about 10 grams per square meter, from about 2.5 to about 7.5 grams per square meter, or from about 3.0 to 5.0 grams per square meter of area to be treated.

In another ment, an effective amount of the carboxylic acid or salt f in the carboxylic acid composition according to the t ion for application to seeds is [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena ation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena from about 10 to about 20 grams per 50 ams of seed. In yet another embodiment an effective amount of the ylic acid or salt thereof in the carboxylic acid composition according to the present invention can be incorporated into the soil or applied to the surface of the soil at a dosage rate of about 0.5 kg to about 300 kg or from about 1 kg to about 75 kg per hectare.

The present invention also relates to live plant products contacted with compositions sing a carboxylic acid of a (I) or salt thereof. In one embodiment of the invention the live plant product is turfgrass sod that is in contact with a carboxylic acid of Formula (I) or salt thereof, such as propionic acid or calcium propionate. In r embodiment of the invention, the live plant product is soil that is in contact with a carboxylic acid of Formula (I) or salt thereof, such as propionic acid or calcium propionate. In another embodiment of the invention, the live plant product is a flower bulb, such as a tulip bulb, that is in contact with a carboxylic acid of a (I) or salt thereof, such as nic acid or calcium propionate. In another embodiment of the invention, the live plant product is a banana that is in contact with a carboxylic acid of Formula (I) or salt thereof, such as propionic acid or calcium propionate. The methods of the invention may therefore be used to inhibit growth of a fungus in the environment of a live plant. Preferred features of each embodiment described herein may be combined with preferred features of other embodiments as described herein.

EXAMPLES The following examples are not meant to be limiting and ent certain ments of the present invention.

[Annotation] kirstena None set by na [Annotation] kirstena ionNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena Example 1 Establishing Eflective Dose Rangefor Calcium nate Treatment on New Infection in semi-solid medium by zone ofinhibition assay: dose range of0. I , 0.5% calcium propionate (w/v) Liquid cultures of four common microbes were prepared and are listed below along with the diseases they cause on turfgrass: Disease Microbe Dollar Spot Scerotinia homoeocarpa Brown Patch Rhizoctonia solani Summer Patch Magnaporthe poae Take All Patch Gaeumannomyces graminis To test the efficacy of calcium nate (CaP) against the four es listed above, zone of inhibition assays were performed. Wells were bored in potato dextrose agarose (PDA) plates then d with 100uL /well calcium propionate at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% (w/v). l plates were amended with lOOuL/well dH20. Plates were inoculated using plugs from active cultures. Growth patterns were observed over seven days. Representative results with M. poae are shown at three days following inoculation (Fig. 1A) and seven days following inoculation (Fig 1B).

As Figures 1A and 1B demonstrate, no growth inhibition was observed. r results were observed with S. homoeocarpa, G. graminis, and R. solani. This experiment suggests that concentrations of 0.5% (w/v) calcium propionate or lower are not effective as a idal treatment.

[Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena ionNone set by na [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena Example 2 Establishing Eflective Dose Rangefor Calcium nate ent on New Infection in semi-solid medium by zone bition assay: dose range of 0.5 , 4% calcium propionate (w/v) The zone of inhibition assays described in Example 1 were performed using calcium propionate doses of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% (w/v). Growth diameter was recorded at 2, 5, and 7 days post inoculation. The data shown in Table 1 represent the average :: standard deviation (SD) of two replicate plates for each strain tested.

Table 1 Strain and Growth (cm) Day Of G. graminis R. solani _ S.homeocarpa Observation 5 g g 9a? VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVdeo CanHzo ,,,,,,,, 9a? vvvvvvvvvvvidflzQ ,,,,,,,, 2 1.9:03 4.4+_o.4 1.6101 i4.4:0.2 3.3:0.4§3.5:0.4 545:“ 4:7,:92,,,,,v,,,,5-§,i,,9,,,,,8:5,,:,9,,,;,,§-5;9,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,, @534), ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 4.5:05 7:0.1 i 72:0 As shown in Table l and s 2A-2D, S. homoeocaipa andM poae showed clear growth inhibition over a seven day growth period. Growth inhibition was ed beginning at two days post inoculation (Figs. 2A and 2C) with pronounced tion shown at five days (Figs. 2B and 2D). Growth at five days was y directed towards the O.5-l% (w/v) calcium propionate wells suggesting the inhibitory effect at a concentration of 2-4% (w/v).

As shown in Table 1, seven days following inoculation S. homoeocarpa growth in the presence of calcium propionate was measured at 6.08 :: 0.57 cm compared with 8.5 :: 0 cm for l plates. M. poae were inhibited to a similar degree. G. graminis inoculants showed growth inhibition at 2 and 5 days post inoculation; however, no growth difference was observed between calcium propionate amended and control plates at 7 days post inoculation.

[Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena ation] na Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] na None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by na In contrast to the growth inhibition observed in the other three strains, R. solani growth was uninhibited in the ce of calcium propionate.

The zone of inhibition experiments were repeated to confirm the effect of 2-4% (w/v) calcium propionate on growth inhibition of S. homoeocarpa andM poae. Results from these experiments were mixed, with inhibition observed in the 2-4% (w/v) range but not consistently (data not shown). These inconsistent results suggest that calcium nate concentrations in the 2-4% range are not high enough to inhibit growth in newly initiated cultures.

Example 3 Establishing Eflective Dose Rangefor Calcium propionate Treatment on New Infection in semi-solid medium by zone ofinhibition assay: dose range of5 , [2% calcium propionate (w/v) Zone of inhibition assays using PDA plates amended with 5-12% (w/v) calcium propionate were performed as described above. As a control, plates were amended with a composition comprising propiconazole, a commonly used fungicidal ent for microbe infection of turfgrass, sold under the trademark Banner MaxxII®. Growth diameter was recorded for 13 days post inoculation. The data shown in Table 2 represent the average :: standard deviation (SD) of three replicate plates for each strain tested. Inoculants of S. homoeocarpa, M. poae, and R. solani generally grow to ant culture, covering the entire surface of the plate (8.5 cm growth) in 7 days. G. graminis is a slower growing strain, achieving luxuriant growth in 12-14 days. ing seven days growth in the presence of 5-12% (w/v) calcium propionate, ntial growth inhibition was observed in S. carpa, M poae, and G. graminis (4.3 [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by na [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena :: 0.3 cm, 3.1 :: 0.4 cm, and 4.0 :: 0.6 cm, respectively). Growth tion continued through day 10; however, by day 13 inhibitory effects diminished and cultures became luxuriant. In contrast, no inhibition of R. solani growth by calcium propionate concentrations up to 12% (w/v) was observed (Table 2). As expected, cultures inoculated onto plates supplemented with 6% Banner ® (propiconazole) also showed growth inhibition. Repeat experiments testing 5-12% (w/v) calcium propionate concentration showed r s, suggesting that this range of calcium nate concentration is effective for up to 10 days as an antifungal agent against newly established e infection.

Table 2 Strain and Growth (cm) Day of S. homeocarpa M. poae G. graminis R. solani ObservatIon.

Example 4 Establishing Eflective Dose Rangefor calcium propionate Treatment on New Infection in semi-solid medium containing homogenous distribution ofcalcium propionate.

In contrast to the zone of inhibition assays described in Examples 1-3, for this experiment, PDA with calcium propionate fully integrated into the agarose was prepared.

Thus, inoculants were grown on plates in which m propionate was incorporated at a m concentration throughout the plate, rather than the zones of concentration established by simple ion in the zone of inhibition assays. The FDA plates were amended with 5, [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] na Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] na None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena 7.5, 10, or 12% (w/v) calcium propionate. Growth diameter was recorded for 15 days post inoculation. The data shown in Table 3 ent the results of single plate tests.

In contrast to what was observed in the zone of inhibition assays, inoculants of R. solani showed clear growth inhibition at concentrations of 5% and 7.5% (w/v) calcium propionate following 15 days of observation (4.6 cm and 2.0 cm, respectively, compared with 8.5 cm of growth after 7 days in absence of calcium propionate). Concentrations of 10% and 12% (w/v) calcium propionate fully inhibited growth for 15 days. Plates inoculated with S. homoeocarpa, M. poae, or G. graminis showed no growth at any of the calcium propionate trations . Repeat experiments showed similar results.

Taken er these data suggest that calcium propionate concentrations of 5% (w/v) or higher are effective for preventing growth of newly initiated cultures of three of the four microbes tested. Additionally, these studies suggest that calcium nate is also effective against R. solani at higher concentrations (10% (w/v) or more).

Table 3 Strain and Growth (cm) Observation 5.homeocarpa M. Poae G. graminis R. solani % 7.5% 10% 12% 5% 7.5% 10% 12% 5% 7.5% 10% 12% 5% 7.5% 10% 12% 00W9. W.Q 00W9. WWQ 00W9W17 10W9 .....................5. WWQ 8 000 000 ........... .0. .......... ........... .0. .......... ........... .0. ..........Q ..........9 WW‘?........ 3.5. .......12 ..........9 WW‘? 00W9. WWQ 00W9. WWQ 00W9 W32. 120W9 ...................11 WWQ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 46 2 0 0 To ine whether the observed complete growth inhibition was due to a fungistatic or fungicidal effect of calcium propionate, plug inoculants used to initiate cultures in the presence of m propionate (described in Table 3 above) were transferred to FDA plates without m propionate. Plates were observed for 14 days. No growth was seen on ded PDA plates following plug er of S. homoeocarpa, M poae, and G. gramim's [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena ionNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena initially grown on 5, 7.5, 10, or 12% (w/v) calcium propionate. Likewise, R. solani plugs that did not show growth on 10% and 12% (w/v) calcium propionate, did not grow when moved to a calcium propionate-free environment. In contrast, transfer of R. solani plugs, which showed growth inhibition on 5% and 7.5% (w/v) m propionate plates, ed in luxuriant growth 6-7 days following plug transfer. This data suggests that 5% (w/v) calcium propionate shows a fungicidal effect on three of the four microbes tested.

However, while this tration of calcium propionate appears to have a growth inhibitory effect on R. solani, it is fungistatic rather than fungicidal; 10-12% (w/v) calcium propionate is required to achieve a fungicidal effect on R. solani. The observed results demonstrate efficacy of calcium propionate treatment on newly initiated cultures and suggest that calcium propionate may be useful as a prophylactic treatment on turfgrass to prevent microbial infection and/or treat early stage infections.

Example 5 Establishing Eflective Dose Rangefor calcium propionate Treatment on New Infection in liquid e medium containing homogenous distribution ofcalcium nate.

To examine the effective dose range in liquid culture, malt extract broth (MEB) was ed and amended with calcium propionate at concentrations of 1, 2, 5 and 10% (w/v).

Unamended MEB was used as a l for growth. Each of the four microbes identified in Example 1 was tested twice by inoculating MEB using agarose plugs from ant cultures.

Growth was observed over five days. In each e ed, visible growth in liquid e was apparent by day 2 following inoculation with well-established growth by 4 days in the absence of calcium propionate. In contrast, no growth was ed in calcium propionate containing cultures even at the lowest dose of 1% (w/v). To confirm this outcome, ation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] na None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] na Unmarked set by kirstena the ments were repeated with similar results, suggesting that calcium propionate doses as low as 1% (w/v) are effective to prevent growth of new inoculants in MEB liquid culture.

Example 6 Efiicacy ofcalcium nate Treatment on ishedMicrobial Infections To examine the effect of calcium propionate on well-established cultures of S. homoeocarpa andM. poae, MEB was inoculated with agarose plugs as previously described.

Cultures were allowed to grow for 10 days to establish a robust hyphal mat. After 10 days, hyphal mats were disrupted by pipetting to break up mycelium pted culture). One milliliter of disrupted culture was transferred to MEB amended with 1%, 2%, 5%, or 10% (w/v) calcium propionate. MEB t calcium nate was used as a control. Cultures were allowed to grow for five days following inoculation with disrupted mycelium.

No growth was observed in disrupted es of S. homoeocarpa and M. poae over five days at all calcium propionate doses tested, while disrupted cultures grown in the absence of calcium propionate showed luxuriant growth. These data suggest that calcium propionate may be effective as a treatment for robust infection of at least two common microbes.

To r examine the impact of calcium propionate on established liquid cultures, MEB was inoculated by plug er and cultures were allowed to grow for one to six days.

Following this, calcium propionate was added to active cultures to a final concentration of 1%, 2%, or 5% (w/v); control cultures had no calcium propionate. Calcium propionate was then added to established one to six day old cultures and cultures were allowed to grow in the presence of calcium propionate for two days, after which, calcium propionate was washed out and cultures were returned to MEB only. Growth following calcium propionate washout was recorded over 14 days.

[Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] na MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] na Unmarked set by kirstena Untreated control cultures showed normal growth patterns for all four microbes tested (Figure 3). In calcium propionate treated cultures, growth was ted while calcium propionate was present at all concentrations tested. Three days following removal of calcium nate, S. homoeocarpa, G. graminis (data not shown) and M. poae showed continued growth inhibition at all concentrations tested; in R. solani cultures, robust growth was observed following calcium propionate removal at concentrations examined. These results suggest that short term exposure of calcium nate at concentrations between 1-5% (w/v) s in a fungistatic effect on established cultures of S. homoeocarpa, G. is, and M. poae for at least three days following removal of calcium propionate.

Further observation over 14 days ed some growth recovery (Figure 4). In cultures of G. graminis, concentrations as low as 1% (w/v) appear to have a fungicidal effect as no growth was observed for up to two weeks following calcium propionate removal. In contrast, S. homoeocarpa andM. poae demonstrated g degrees of growth recovery at 1% or 2% (w/v) calcium nate whereas no growth recovery was observed after a 5% (w/v) treatment suggesting a fungistatic effect at this concentration. R. solani cultures showed some minor growth inhibition over the course of two weeks at all concentrations tested suggesting that higher concentrations of calcium propionate might show efficacy against this strain (Figure 4).

Example 7 ishing Eflective Dose Rangefor m propionate Treatment on New Infection in semi-solid medium by zone ofinhibition assay: dose range ofI , 15% calcium propionate (w/v) Cultures of F. oxysporum were grown on PDA medium until luxuriant. To test the [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] na ionNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] na MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena effect of calcium propionate (CaP), fungal plugs were transferred to YPA or PDA amended with CaP and growth was monitored for seven days. YPA plates were amended with 1%, 4%, or 15% CaP. Growth in the ce of 1% CaP was not impacted, s F. oxysporum was unable to grow in the presence of 4% or 15% CaP (data not shown). Similar results were observed for growth on PDA d with 15% calcium propionate (Figure 5). These results suggest that CaP concentrations of 4% or higher are effective for inhibiting F. oxysporum growth.

Example 8 Efiicacy ofcalcium propionate Treatment on ed live turfgrass cultivars Golf course 1 Calcium propionate was dissolved in water to form a 5% (RN/V) solution. Live turfgrass of a golf course exhibiting severe dollar spot infection was divided into four zones.

Zone l was left untreated, Zone 2 was treated with 2.5 grams calcium propionate per square meter, Zone 3 was treated with 5 grams of ealeium propionate per square meter, and Zone 4 was treated with ll) grams of ealeiuih propionate per square meter. The turfgrass was comprised primarily of Festuca rubra. The m propionate 5% (w/v) solution was sprayed onto the turfgrass.

The four zones were visually inspected for dollar spot after 10 days. Dollar spot could no longer be visually detected in Zoi'ies 2, 3, or 4. In contrast, dollar spot could still be visually detected in untreated Zone 1. A burning effect on the ass was observed in Zone 4 The turfgrass of Zones 2 and 3 appeared healthy~ Thereafter, all of the zones (l ~4) were d with 5 grams of calcium propionate per square meter. The calcium propionate 5% {w/v) solution was sprayed onto the turfgrass every [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] na None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena ation] na ed set by kirstena l0 to l4 days. For a peried of several menths (late summer to early spring), dollar spot ceuld not be visually detected in any of zones 1—4, Golf course 2 Calcium propionate was dissolved in water to farm a 5% (w/v) solutien. Live turl‘grass of a gelf course exhibiting beth dollar spet and l‘usarium oxysperum infections was treated. The turfgrass was cemprised primarily of Agroslz’s capillaris. The calcium nate 5% (w/v) solutien was sprayed ante the turfgrass at a cerieentration of 3—4 grams per square meter every 10 day S The dellar spat and fusarium exysporum infections could n0 longer be visually detected and the turfgrass appeared healthy l0 days following the initial application.

Numbered Embodiments The following numbered embodiments are provided: 1. A method of ting growth of a fungus on a live angiosperm plant comprising contacting the live angiosperm plant with an effective amount of a composition comprising a carboxylic acid of formula (I) or salt thereof: R/C\OH wherein R is H, substituted or unsubstituted Ph, substituted or unsubstituted Ar, or a substituted or unsubstituted, straight or branched chain, acyclic or cyclic C1-C60 alkyl. 2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein R is (i) a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl, (ii) a tuted or unsubstituted C1-C8 alkyl, (iii) a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C6 alkyl; or (iv) a substituted or unsubstituted C3 alkyl. ation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena ionNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena None set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena MigrationNone set by kirstena [Annotation] kirstena Unmarked set by kirstena 3. The method of ment l or embodiment 2, wherein R is substituted with (i) at least one substituent ed from the group consisting of: F, Cl, Br, I, At, 0, S, 8(0), 802, N, P, P(O), Si, Si(O), B, Al, and combinations thereof; or (ii) at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of: H, F, Cl, Br, I, At, $02, NH2, NHR, NR2 and combinations thereof. 4. The method of embodiment 3, wherein R is substituted with (i) at least one Cl substituent; or (ii) at least two Cl substituents.

. The method of any one of embodiments l to 4, n the alkyl is a straight or branched chain, acyclic or cyclic hydrocarbon radical, or combination thereof, which may be fully saturated, mono- or polyunsaturated and can include di- and multi-Valent radicals. 6. The method of any one of embodiments l to 5, wherein saturated hydrocarbon radicals are selected from the group consisting of: methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, cyclohexyl, (cyclohexyl)methyl, ropylmethyl, homologs and isomers of n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl; and unsaturated alkyl groups are selected from the group consisting of: Vinyl, 2-propenyl, crotyl, 2-isopentenyl, 2-(butadienyl), 2,4- pentadienyl, 3-(l,4-pentadienyl), ethynyl, l- and 3-propynyl, 3-butynyl, and the higher homologs and s. 7. The method of any one of embodiments l to 6, wherein carboxylic acid of formula (I) or salt thereof comprises a carboxylic acid neutralized with a cation selected from the group consisting of: Ca‘z, Ba‘2, La‘3, Cd‘z, Pb‘z, Co‘z, Mn”, Ce‘4, Mg‘z, Zn‘z, Cu‘z, Fe‘3, Fe‘z, Ni‘z,Sr‘2,La‘3,Li‘1,Na‘1,K‘1,Rb‘1,Cs‘1,Fr‘1,Be‘2,Ra‘2,Al‘3,NH4‘,NH3R+,NH2R2+, NHR3+ and NR4+. 8. The method of any of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the carboxylic acid is propionic acid. 9. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the carboxylic acid of formula (I) or salt thereof is calcium propionate.

. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the live angiosperm plant is (i) a turfgrass, (ii) a tulip bulb or (iii) a banana plant. 11. The method of embodiment 10, wherein (i) from 0.1 to 30 grams; (ii) from 0.1 to 10 grams; (iii) from 2.5 to 7.5 grams or (iv) from 3 to 5 grams of the carboxylic acid or salt thereof is applied per square meter of the turf grass, tulip bulb or banana plant. 12. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the live angiosperm plant is mature. 13. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the composition further comprises water. 14. The method of embodiment 13, wherein the carboxylic acid has a concentration of (i) from 0.1 % to 50% (w/v); (ii) from 0.5% to 25% (w/v); (iii) from 0.1 % to 12% (w/v); (iv) from 5% to 12% (w/v); or about 5% (w/v).

. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, n the composition is applied once every week to three weeks. 16. A method of ting growth of a fungus on , live turf grass comprising contacting the turf grass with an effective amount of a composition comprising: propionic acid or a salt thereof; and water. 17595632_1 ters) P115860.NZ 31 (page 32 s this page) 17. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the propionic acid or a salt thereof is calcium propionate. 18. The method of embodiment 16 or ment 17, wherein the composition is applied once every week to three weeks. 19. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the composition comprises calcium propionate in a concentration of: (i) from 0.1 % to 15% (w/v), (ii) from 0.1 % to 12% (w/v); (iii) from 5% to 12% (w/v); (iv) from 0.1 % to 0.5% (w/v); (v) from 0.5% to 4%; (vi) from 1 % to 5%; (vii) from 2% to 4%; or (viii) about 5% (w/v).

. The method of any one of embodiments 16 to 19, n the turf grass is a cool season turfgrass. 21. The method of any one of embodiments 16 to 20, wherein the fungus is selected from the group ting of Scerotinia homoeocarpa, Rhizoctonia solani, Magnaporthe poae, Gaeumannomyces graminis, Puccinnia striiformis, Fusarium rum, and combinations thereof. 22. The method of embodiment 21, wherein the fungus is Scerotinia homoeocarpa. 23. The method of embodiment 17, wherein from 2.5 to 7.5 grams of calcium propionate is contacted per square meter of the turf grass. 24. The method of embodiment 17, wherein from 3.0 to 5.0 grams of calcium propionate is contacted per square meter of the turf grass. 17595632_1 (GHMatters) P115860.NZ

Claims (12)

We Claim :

1. A method of inhibiting growth of a fungus on a live tulip bulb comprising contacting the live tulip bulb with an effective amount of a composition consisting of calcium propionate and water, wherein the calcium propionate has a tration of from 5% to 12% (w/v).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is applied once every week to three weeks.

3. A method of inhibiting growth of a fungus on live turfgrass comprising contacting the turfgrass with an effective amount of a composition consisting of calcium nate and water, wherein the calcium propionate has a concentration of from 5% to 12% (w/v).

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the composition is applied once every week to three weeks.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the calcium propionate has a tration of 5% (w/v).

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the turfgrass is a cool season turfgrass.

7. The method of claim 3, n the fungus is selected from the group consisting of Sclerotinia homeocarpa, Rhizoctonia , Magnaporthe poae, nnomyces graminis, Puccinnia striiformis, Fusarium oxysporum, and combinations thereof.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the fungus is Sclerotinia homeocarpa.

9. The method of claim 3, wherein from 2.5 to 7.5 grams of calcium propionate is contacted per square meter of the turfgrass.

10. The method of claim 3, wherein from 3.0 to 5.0 grams of calcium propionate is ted per square meter of the turfgrass. 17595632_1 (GHMatters) P115860.NZ

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the calcium propionate has a concentration of 5% (w/v).

12. The method of claim 3, n the turfgrass is mature. 17595632_1 (GHMatters) P115860.NZ