RU2788615C2 - Biostimulator composition - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: biostimulants.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a biostimulant containing seaweed, isoflavone and plant elicitor. The seaweed isoflavone and a plant elicitor such as harpin can be combined with any one or more of a biological agent, nutrient, wax, and pesticide. The composition is suitable for application in soil and on wet or dry seeds. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of such a composition. The plant elicitor acts as an activator, which adds to the synergistic effect with such biostimulants in the composition as seaweed and isoflavone.

EFFECT: providing synergy between the ingredients that make up the biostimulant, so that smaller dosages of each ingredient work with greater efficiency compared to known dosages of individual ingredients.

23 cl, 19 tbl, 3 ex

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a biostimulant composition and a method for producing such a composition. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an agricultural biostimulant composition and a method for preparing such a composition for maintaining a healthy soil, plant, soil or seed stimulation and a unique method of using the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that the use of biostimulants in agriculture, inter alia, improves plant metabolism to increase crop yield and quality by increasing nutrient uptake, increases plant water uptake efficiency, improves resistance to and recovery from abiotic stresses, and enhances soil fertility. Biostimulants differ from traditional chemical treatments or nutritional supplements because they are biological in origin and may include microorganisms and do not include traditional chemicals used in agriculture. They work by stimulating the natural processes in the plant or soil to increase strength rather than by acting against pests or disease. Improved plant vigor or soil health gives the plant the ability to effectively resist attack by pests or diseases, thereby reducing the amount of pesticides used. This provides a highly effective and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical treatments.

Typically, biostimulants are in the form of a powder that is resuspended or dissolved in water. Then water enriched with biostimulant is sprayed onto the seeds before planting, which should be done a few days before planting, allowing the seeds to dry. The dried seeds are then planted using a standard seeder. It is important to make sure the seed is completely dry, as wet seed can cause planter blockages. Advances in the art have made it possible to provide some biostimulants on demand as a dry powder directly to the planter's seed hopper containing the seed, and no waiting period is required between biostimulant application and planting. In addition, direct incorporation of the biostimulant powder into the seed saves the farmer's labor, equipment, and electricity costs. Yet such biostimulant powders can cause blockages, and furthermore, the seeds are unevenly coated with the biostimulant powder. To solve this problem, farmers add a seed lubricant or slip agent to the seed bin along with the biostimulant powder and the seeds to be planted. Talc and graphite are often used as seed lubricants, but the biggest disadvantage of these compounds is that they generate a lot of dust and the planter and seed hopper must be cleaned after planting. Newer, more advanced wax-based lubricants are available that do not clog the planter and generate relatively less dust and therefore do not require the planter and seed hopper to be cleaned after planting. Additionally, such a wax-based lubricant allows the biostimulant powder to better adhere to the seeds and also provides an even coating covering the seeds, but such lubricants are quite expensive.

Currently, farmers choose a biostimulant according to the characteristics of the plant or soil that need improvement, whether it be increased yield, improved drought tolerance, increased soil fertility, or resistance to pests and diseases. The disadvantages associated with this practice is that the farmer cannot address all factors at the same time by adding all the different biostimulants to the seeds at once, because the seeds will not be evenly and equally covered with different biostimulants. When multiple biostimulants are used, more may be needed than needed to obtain the desired plant improvement, as some of the powder will inevitably not stick to the seed and be discarded.

The use of biostimulants in the soil is used to stimulate the development of new roots and to activate soil microorganisms and improve the condition of the soil. Soil condition is becoming a big issue for sustainable agriculture. Currently, many biostimulants are offered in the form of separate components and, therefore, mixing of different biostimulants in the correct ratios is required. The disadvantage of this is that users do not always know which biostimulants can be used together in order to achieve synergistic effects by combining them correctly. Therefore, careful attention to the storage and mixing of individual biostimulants is necessary, and subsequent misapplication can lead to inefficient use of biostimulants and may even cause more harm than good to the soil, along with unnecessary waste of biostimulants. In addition, purchasing several different biostimulants is an additional burden in terms of storage, cost and safety requirements.

In addition, often, if not always, a separate food source should be used for biological products in order to keep them alive long enough to provide benefit. This reinforces some of the aforementioned shortcomings.

Accordingly, the use of soil, plant or seed biostimulants must be carefully regulated in terms of safety and efficacy aspects to ensure sustainable and efficient agriculture.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a biostimulant composition aimed at overcoming or at least partially solving the foregoing problems, and a method for making the same, and/or providing useful alternatives to known biostimulant compositions and their method of use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biostimulant composition comprising a seaweed extract and one or more of the group consisting of an isoflavone and a plant elicitor.

In one embodiment of the invention, the seaweed extract may contain 100% pure seaweed extract. More preferably, the seaweed extract is a spray-dried seaweed extract.

In one embodiment of the invention, the isoflavone may comprise a pure isoflavone or a salt of an isoflavone. More preferably, the isoflavone may contain formononetin, preferably 98% pure formononetin.

Further according to the invention, the plant elicitor may include one or more of a harpin peptide, a harpin protein, or a zenith. In one embodiment of the invention, the harpin peptide or harpin protein may contain 1% pure harpin peptide or harpin protein.

Further, according to the invention, the biostimulant composition may include a biological agent. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the biological agent may include any one or more of bacteria, fungi or viruses that act as a biofertilizer, biopesticide and/or bioinoculant.

Further according to the invention, the biostimulant composition may include a nutrient. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the nutrient may comprise any one or more of zinc, boron, molybdenum, manganese, copper, cobalt, nitrogen, magnesium, potassium, or calcium.

Further according to the invention, the biostimulant composition may include a carbon source. In one embodiment of the invention, the carbon source may comprise a food source in the form of sugar molasses or pure carbon in the form of humic acid, fulvic acid, and humic acid.

Additionally, according to the invention, the biostimulant composition may include a pesticide. In one embodiment of the invention, the pesticide may contain any suitable pesticide or combination of pesticides for action against the preferred(s) pest or pests. Preferably, the pesticide may consist of any one or more of a fungicide, an insecticide, or a natural extract of a plant or organism exhibiting pesticide properties. Natural plant extracts may include extracts of garlic, cinnamon, thyme, or rosemary, and natural body extract may include chitosan.

Further, according to the invention, the biostimulant composition may include a slip agent. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the slip agent may contain wax. More preferably, the wax may contain 100% of any solid wax such as ethylene homopolymer.

Further, according to the invention, seaweed can be contained in a weight ratio ranging from 1% to 98% of the total weight of the composition.

Further, according to the invention, the isoflavone may be contained in a weight ratio ranging from 0.1% to 90% of the total weight of the composition.

Further, according to the invention, the plant elicitor may be contained in a weight ratio ranging from 1% to 60% of the total weight of the composition.

Further, according to the invention, the biological agent may be contained in a weight ratio ranging from 5% to 80% of the total weight of the composition.

Further, according to the invention, the nutrients may be contained in a weight ratio ranging from 10% to 80% of the total weight of the composition.

Further, according to the invention, the carbon source may be contained in a weight ratio ranging from 10% to 90% of the total weight of the composition.

Further, according to the invention, the pesticide may be contained in a weight ratio ranging from 0% to 70% of the total weight of the composition.

Further, according to the invention, the slip agent may be contained in a weight ratio ranging from 5% to 80% of the total weight of the composition.

According to the second aspect of the invention, a method for obtaining a biostimulant composition is provided, comprising the steps:

- providing seaweed extract;

- providing any one or more than one of the group consisting of an isoflavone and a plant elicitor; and

- mixing seaweed and isoflavone and/or plant elicitor to form a composition.

In one embodiment of the invention, the step of providing a seaweed extract for a composition may include providing a 100% pure seaweed extract. More preferably, the seaweed extract is a spray-dried seaweed extract.

In one embodiment of the invention, the step of providing an isoflavone to the composition may include providing a pure isoflavone or isoflavone salt to the composition. More preferably, the step of providing an isoflavone to the composition may include providing formononetin, preferably 98% pure formononetin to the composition.

In one embodiment of the invention, the step of providing and mixing the plant elicitor in the composition may include the step of providing and mixing the harpin peptide, harpin protein or zenith in the composition, more preferably 1% pure harpin peptide, harpin protein or zenith.

Additionally, according to the invention, an additional step may include providing and mixing the biological agent in the composition. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of providing and mixing the biological agent may include providing and mixing the biological agent of any one or more bacteria, fungi or viruses acting as a biofertilizer, biopesticide and/or bioinoculant.

Further according to the invention, an additional step may include providing and mixing the nutrient in the composition. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of providing and mixing a nutrient in the composition may include providing and mixing any one or more of zinc, boron, molybdenum, manganese, copper, cobalt, nitrogen, magnesium, potassium, or calcium in the composition.

Moreover, according to the invention, an additional step may include the provision and mixing of the pesticide in the composition. In one embodiment of the invention, the step of providing and mixing the pesticide in the composition may include providing and mixing in the composition any suitable pesticide or combination of pesticides to act against the preferred disease, pest or pests. Preferably, the pesticide may consist of any one or more of a fungicide, an insecticide, or natural extracts of plants or organisms exhibiting pesticide properties. Natural plant extracts may include garlic, cinnamon, thyme, or rosemary extract, and natural body extract may include chitosan.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes the additional step of providing and mixing the glidant in the composition. The glidant may contain wax. More preferably, the wax may contain 100% of any solid wax such as ethylene homopolymer.

Additionally, according to the invention, the step of providing seaweed may include providing seaweed in a weight ratio ranging from 1% to 98% of the total weight of the composition.

Additionally, according to the invention, the step of providing the isoflavone may include providing the isoflavone in a weight ratio ranging from 0.1% to 90% of the total weight of the composition.

Additionally, according to the invention, the step of providing and mixing the plant elicitor may include providing the plant elicitor in a weight ratio ranging from 1% to 60% of the total weight of the composition.

Additionally, according to the invention, the step of providing and mixing the biological agent may include providing the biological agent in a weight ratio ranging from 5% to 80% of the total weight of the composition.

Additionally, according to the invention, the stage of providing and mixing nutrients may include providing nutrients in a weight ratio in the range from 10% to 80% of the total weight of the composition.

Additionally, according to the invention, the step of providing and mixing the carbon source may include providing the carbon source in a weight ratio ranging from 10% to 90% of the total weight of the composition.

Additionally, according to the invention, the step of providing and mixing the pesticide may include providing the pesticide in a weight ratio ranging from 0% to 70% of the total weight of the composition.

Additionally, according to the invention, the step of providing and mixing the slip agent may include providing the slip agent in a weight ratio ranging from 5% to 80% of the total weight of the composition.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a biostimulant composition according to the first and second aspects of the invention for use in any one or more of the following, including:

- improvement of growth force and productivity of agricultural crops;

- increase in leaves;

- increase in development and growth of roots;

- increasing the absorption of nutrients and water by agricultural crops;

- improvement of soil quality;

- enhancing the color of crops;

- ensuring rapid germination;

- increased adhesion of the biostimulator to the seed and even coverage of the seed with the biostimulator;

- improvement of the strength of growth and productivity of agricultural crops by foliar feeding;

- increase in sliding of seeds with a covering when advancing on a seeder;

- reduction of dust formation during sowing;

- reducing the amount of biostimulant applied to the seeds;

- reducing the amount of biostimulant applied to the leaves;

- increasing the resistance of agricultural crops to pests and diseases;

- increase in microbiota in the soil;

- increasing the health and renewability of the soil;

- reduction of pests and diseases on the seed and in the soil;

- improved fruit set, fruit size and shelf life; and

- inclusion and increase in the genetic potential of the plant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing and other objects and features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of certain embodiments of the present invention using the following non-limiting examples illustrating the biostimulant compositions of the present invention.

It is understood that the composition may be provided in the form of a solid composition for dry processing or a wet composition for wet processing, as described below. Dry treatment is usually used for seed treatment, while wet treatment is usually used for soil treatment and/or plant treatment, but similarly it can be used for wet seed treatment. In the case of dry processing, a glidant such as wax is provided in the composition, while for wet processing, no glidant is required.

All of the mixing described can be done in a ribbon-screw mixer (not shown) or in a paddle-type vessel (not shown) and the various appropriate steps and procedures relating to this are within the skill of the art. A ribbon agitator is preferred for dry powder mixing and a paddle mixing vessel for liquids. Each mixture and blend should be mixed for at least 5 minutes, preferably 5-10 minutes between additions of each ingredient/component.

First Embodiment

In the first example of various embodiments of the invention described immediately below, the biostimulant composition consists of seaweed and isoflavone as required components, with the remaining components in various ways added on demand, and which can be presented in the form of a liquid or dry composition, as indicated. Alternatively, as a third example of specific examples of compositions, a biostimulant composition is proposed, consisting of seaweed and a plant elicitor as essential components, while the remaining components are added in various ways.

Formula 1

First, spray-dried seaweed is added to the mixing bin and the mixing process in the well begins. After that, the isoflavone is slowly added to the mixture in parts of 10% at a time in the form of a powder, after which the components are thoroughly mixed.

For a liquid composition, a dry isoflavone is provided and dissolved in a small amount of water using a wetting surfactant to overcome the surface tension of the water and turn the powder into a wet paste. After obtaining a paste, a small amount of water is added until the isoflavone is completely in suspension. Once the isoflavone is completely in suspension, liquid seaweed is added and mixed for 5 minutes.

For dry and wet seed treatments, the following ratios can be used:

For wet/soil treatments, the following ratios can be used:

Formula 2

This process is designed to add a slip agent, namely wax. The wax is stirred in a mixing vessel and the isoflavone is slowly added to the wax in portions of 10% at a time and mixed for 5 minutes. Immediately after thorough mixing, the seaweed is added to the vessel and mixed for 5 minutes.

For dry seed treatments, the following ratios can be used:

Formula 3

To add the plant elicitor to these compositions, peptide or harpin protein in the form of a dry mix, start mixing the wax in the bin. Harpin is added to the bunker and mixed. Immediately after mixing, isoflavone is added and mixed well for 5 minutes. Seaweed is added immediately after mixing and mixed well.

Alternatively, all components can be mixed together before being added to the wax by first mixing the harpin with the isoflavone until fully mixed. The seaweed is then added and mixed well, each of the above is well mixed for at least 5 minutes. After thorough mixing, add this complete mixture to the wax and mix thoroughly.

For the wet mix, start with the seaweed and mix it in a bowl. The resuspended isoflavone is then added and mixed well. After stirring, liquid harpin or zenith is added to the vessel and stirred for 5 minutes.

For dry seed treatments, the following ratios can be used:

For wet seed treatments, the following ratios can be used:

For tillage, the following ratios can be used:

Formula 4

To add the biological agent as a dry mix, start by stirring the wax in a vessel. The remaining components are slowly added, each time stirring for 5 minutes. This is done as follows: first add the harpin to the wax, then add the isoflavone and then the seaweed and mix for 5 minutes until complete. Immediately after thorough mixing, the biological agent is added and mixed for 5 minutes.

Alternatively, all components can be mixed together first and then immediately added to the wax.

For a wet mixture, seaweed is first added to the vessel and mixed. Slowly add the harpin and mix. The isoflavone suspension is then added and mixed thoroughly. Immediately after thorough mixing, the biological agent is added and mixed for 5 minutes.

For dry seed treatments, the following ratios can be used:

For wet seed treatments, the following ratios can be used:

For tillage, the following ratios can be used:

Formula 5

To include nutrients, they are simply added to Formula 4.

For dry seed treatments, the following ratios can be used:

For wet seed treatments, the following ratios can be used:

For tillage, the following ratios can be used:

Formula 6

To add a carbon source, carbon is simply added to the ingredients and mixed well together wet or dry. Immediately after mixing, this mixture is added to formula 4 and mixed for 5-10 minutes.

For dry seed treatments, the following ratios can be used:

For wet seed treatments, the following ratios can be used:

For tillage, the following ratios can be used:

Second implementation example

In the second embodiment of the invention, the biostimulant composition consists of 100% wax as a glidant; harpin protein with a concentration of 1%; dried extract of seaweed with a concentration of 100%; formononetin with a concentration of 97%; bacteria, fungi and/or viruses as a biological agent; zinc, boron, nitrogen and/or magnesium as a nutrient; and any suitable pesticide.

Example 1

As a first example, to obtain a composition, harpin protein is first introduced in a mass ratio of 5% into wax in a mass ratio of 24%. First, the harpin protein is ground to a fine powder. Smaller particles provide better dispersion of the harpin in the wax and improve the binding of the harpin to other ingredients and the seed. The composition is shaken for 10 minutes to ensure complete dispersion of the harpin protein in the wax. Then the extract of seaweed in a mass ratio of 14% is introduced into the composition, which is stirred again for 10 minutes. If necessary, the seaweed extract is also ground into a fine powder prior to incorporation into the composition. Then the biological agent in a mass ratio of 8% is mixed with the composition. After that, formononetin in a mass ratio of 33% is added to the composition and stirred for another 10 minutes. Finally, a suitable nutrient or nutrients are added to the mixture in a weight ratio of 16% of the total weight of the composition.

Example 2

In the second example, to obtain a composition, harpin protein is first introduced in a mass ratio of 6% into wax in a mass ratio of 32%. First, the harpin protein is ground into a fine powder. The composition is shaken for 10 minutes to ensure complete dispersion of the harpin protein in the wax. Then the seaweed extract in a mass ratio of 18% is introduced into the composition, which is shaken again for 10 minutes. If necessary, the seaweed extract is ground into a fine powder. After that, formononetin is added to the composition in a mass ratio of 44% and stirred for another 10 minutes.

Example 3

In the third example, to obtain a composition, harpin protein is first introduced in a mass ratio of 4% into wax in a mass ratio of 24%. First, the harpin protein is ground into a fine powder. The composition is shaken for 10 minutes to ensure complete dispersion of the harpin protein in the wax. Then the seaweed extract in a mass ratio of 9% is introduced into the composition, which is shaken again for 10 minutes. If necessary, the seaweed extract is ground into a fine powder. Then the biological agent in a mass ratio of 7% is mixed with the composition. After that, formononetin is added to the composition in a mass ratio of 24% and stirred for another 10 minutes. Any one or more nutrients are then added to the mixture in a 11% weight ratio and any one or more suitable pesticides are added to the composition in a 21% weight ratio.

The final composition is light brown in color with a fine particle size. Different proportions of individual ingredients are used for seeds of various crops. For example, a biostimulant composition consisting of 14 wt % wax, 3 wt % harpin, 20 wt % formononetin, and 5 wt % seaweed dry extract is preferred for use in corn. Apply 40-60 g per 25 kg bag of corn kernels, which typically contains approximately 60,000 kernels. Another example of a biostimulant composition preferred for use with soybeans consists of 12 wt % wax, 3 wt % harpin, 11 wt % formononetin, and 4 wt % seaweed dry extract. It is preferred to use 20-50 g of this composition per 25 kg bag of soybeans containing approximately 140,000 beans. In another example, preferred for use with wheat grain, the biostimulant composition consists of 10 wt % wax, 3 wt % harpin, 5 wt % formononetin, and 4 wt % seaweed dry extract. Apply 40-80 g of this biostimulant per bag of wheat grain.

The obtained compositions of biostimulants according to the invention are used when sowing in the form of dry fertilizer for seeds in a seed hopper of a seeder attached to a tractor. The composition of the composition according to the invention is accurately calculated to obtain optimal synergistic effects between the various ingredients, using the minimum possible amount of each ingredient. Due to the synergy between the ingredients, smaller dosages of each ingredient work more effectively than the known dosages of the individual ingredients.

The biostimulant according to the invention can also be formulated for plant/leaf application and/or soil irrigation when used as a wet composition. Especially when applied as a wet composition, no glidant is required as adherence to the seed is not required, but still provides the benefits discussed here when applied to the leaves and/or by irrigation.

It will further be understood that the above examples and compositions are for illustrative purposes only and may vary without departing from the scope of the invention. In this regard, the seaweed and isoflavone may be combined with any one or more of the other components, namely a plant elicitor, a biological agent, nutrients, carbon and wax. For example, in Formula 4, the harpin can be omitted from the formula, resulting in different formulations. Therefore, any weight ratio of the components can be provided without departing from the scope of the invention, leading to possible weight ratios that go beyond the limits indicated for the above compositions and examples, and which can be provided according to the requirements of a particular application. Third Embodiment Example

In the third embodiment described immediately below, the biostimulant composition consists of seaweed and a plant elicitor such as harpin as required components, with the remaining components added, in various ways, on request, and it can be provided as a dry or wet composition as indicated.

Formula for Foliar or Soil Application:

Seed Treatment Formula:

Foliar or soil formula including nutrient:

A foliar or soil formulation containing a nutrient and a biological agent in the form of a biopesticide:

Discussion

Both isoflavone and seaweed are biostimulants and can be used dry or wet on seeds or in soil. If a dry formulation is required, a spray-dried seaweed powder formulation with dry isoflavone is used. Both isoflavone and seaweed are also available in liquid form and can be combined in a liquid/wet formulation.

Seaweed contains many plant hormones and elements that induce seed germination and stimulate the development of new roots in plants. These algal plant hormones specifically include auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, and ethylene. They also contain the necessary macro- and microelements that nourish the plant. An increase in root development increases the area of the rhizosphere in the soil around the roots, allowing for the development of a larger population of microbiota. Seaweeds also contain carbon and work as food sources for beneficial microorganisms, allowing them to grow in populations.

Isoflavone is a root exudate that stimulates many microorganisms in the soil and encourages root development. This active ingredient activates bacteria and fungi when it passes through soil with water and can stimulate the microbiota more deeply in the soil, allowing more microbiota to grow well below the plant roots towards the root zone to colonize the roots in the rhizosphere around the roots. Increasing the microbiota increases the development of additional roots. Isoflavone also stimulates the development of plant roots and activates the growth of stronger roots. It has two actions, one to stimulate the roots of the plant and the other to stimulate microorganisms.

However, it was unexpectedly found that a new benefit of combining seaweed and isoflavone, which has not been previously described, is to increase productivity, seed germination and growth rate. The combination of seaweed and isoflavone works particularly well in combination. The increased root structure achieved with seaweed and isoflavone allows for the development of a larger area of microbiota and the colonization and life of a larger population of microorganisms in the rhizosphere. Accordingly, there are more roots for colonization. More roots, in turn, means that there is more room on the roots for fungal and bacterial colonization of the roots. One of the main fungi in the soil that isoflavone stimulates is Mycorrhizal fungi, which is a beneficial fungus that nourishes plant roots. Isoflavone also stimulates phosphate soluble bacteria, which are needed to break down bound phosphate into a plant-available form. Many other fungi and bacteria are also stimulated.

If seaweed and isoflavone are to be used for seed treatment in a dry composition, the added wax provides lubricity and is electrostatic, aiding uniform adherence of the composition's biostimulant to the seed and allowing the dry seed to be treated in planting bins at the time of planting. The wax lubricates the seeds and travels quickly through the planting hopper, adhering the biostimulants evenly to all seeds without dust or blocking the planter.

An isoflavone, such as formononetin, does not by itself fully adhere to the surface of the seeds, and therefore more formononetin is used when it is applied to the seeds alone. As mentioned, the wax acts as an electrostatic agent and attaches the formononetin particles to the seed. Therefore, a lower dosage of formononetin than is normally required can be used, which reduces wastage and cost. Formononetin further supports the microorganisms in the biological agent, improves the performance of biological inoculants, and increases soil fertility and soil life. Increased soil life leads directly to increased water and nutrient uptake, which in turn enables the plant to withstand the stress associated with drought.

When used for seed treatment or in soil, the advantage of adding a plant elicitor to the composition is to stimulate the genetic potential of the plant, which provides additional benefits. It is also known that etisitor is a biostimulant. In addition, when used for wet seed treatment, there is no need for a wax component.

Plant Elicitor activates the plant. It does this by sending a signal to the plant, the plant responds by activating its natural immune system and boosting growth. Activation of a stimulated immune system provides a natural fight against disease. You can see the movement of elements inside the plant and a noticeable increase in photosynthesis. The plant elicitor may be a harpin protein, a harpin peptide, or a Zenith. Zenith, which is rich in oligogalacturonides and contains DAMP molecular patterns, can also be used in a formulation to replace harpin protein or harpin peptides. Zenith is a liquid formulation and is typically used in a wet liquid formulation for seed or soil application. The plant elicitor stimulates plants to reduce disease, increase nutrient uptake, increase photosynthesis, activate root development, all added to the synergistic effect with the other biostimulants in the formulation.

Harpin protein is usually used for wet processing because harpin protein particles in powder form do not bind to seeds. The wax allows the harpin protein powder to attach to the seed. It is known that the harpin protein affects the self-defense mechanisms of the plant, which causes an increase in the consumption of nutrients and water by the plant. Consequently, the plant develops a larger root system, which in turn allows the isoflavone to colonize a larger area in the soil. This increased protective response, in turn, contributes to the more efficient operation of the biological agent. Harpin also stimulates the roots to consume seaweed. A certain combination of seaweed and harpin gives unexpectedly high results as a biostimulant.

Coming back to seaweed, seaweed extract contains high levels of plant hormones and carbohydrates that increase the rate of cell division and activity, resulting in faster overall growth. By itself, it is not able to bind to seeds in dry form. The wax also binds the seaweed extract to the surface of the seeds. This method allows more algae particles to contact the surface of the seed, where normal use fails to provide such an increased concentration. This makes it possible to add smaller amounts of seaweed to the biostimulant composition, since the use of seaweed dry extract in the biostimulant composition was not possible prior to the present invention. The carbohydrate in the seaweed further provides nutrition to the microorganisms in the soil and to the biological agent and thus increases the functionality of the biological agent. Microorganisms in the soil are first activated by formononetin, then they are able to feed on the seaweed extract. The harpin protein allows for increased plant intake of seaweed, which deliver beneficial plant hormones to the plant, further increasing plant growth and vigor.

A biological agent added to either a wet or dry composition helps increase the number of living organisms in the soil, maintains soil health, or modifies the plant to help increase nutrients, or acts as a biopesticide to kill other harmful pathogens or pests, or a combination of the above. . There may be very few or no living organisms in cultivated soil, and when a biological agent is added to the composition, the number of microorganisms in the soil increases rapidly. The microorganism in the biological agent helps break down bound nutrients making them more available to the plant, helps break down the soil to increase humus content, secretes enzymes that stimulate the plant and stimulate any natural microbiota, promotes the absorption of elements from the atmosphere, and works as a biological agent to increase nutrients and reduce chemical fertilizers. Also, the biological agent in the soil acts as a buffer and protects the roots from harmful pathogens that can attack the roots. This allows the biostimulants to exert their full effect in faster growth of a healthier plant. The biological agent also contains enzymes and is usually prepared in the form of a preparation based on sugar molasses. A biological agent can be composed of up to 40 different species, consisting of bacteria and fungi.

Nutrients are added to the mixture because the harpin protein stimulates the plant to increase its nutrient intake. Harpin protein also stimulates photosynthesis, which requires energy in the form of nutrients. Consequently, the plant has the ability to absorb increased amounts of beneficial nutrients that fuel photosynthesis and growth. Both the biological agent and the hormones present in the algae extract increase nutrient intake. Nutrients in the composition, as used, promote seed germination and are essential for root development and are essential for feeding the biological agent in the composition and nourishing natural microorganisms in the soil. Moreover, these nutrients help and work on all of the above needs to ensure that the plant and micro-organisms have enough elements to grow and settle and eliminate all weak ties. These nutrients can be used in low concentrations but with great efficiency. Nutrients may include zinc, boron, molybdenum, manganese, copper, and cobalt. All these elements are necessary during the stage of seed germination and plant root development.

The carbon component of the composition is the last key component of the composition to obtain successful results.

Carbon is made up of two parts:

The first part is sugar molasses which feeds the bacteria and is a food source for the biological agent in the composition. It also provides a suitable environment for keeping the biological agent in the vessel up to 5 years.

The second part is pure carbon, which is extracted from the earth from decomposed carbon sources. This carbonaceous humate is known as humic, fulvic and humic acid originating from Leonardite. Leonardite is a pure carbon source and helps maintain soil health. It is formed over millions of years from bacteria that consume carbon and secrete acids that form humates.

Leonardite is essential in this composition for:

- nutrition of microorganisms of the biological agent in the composition;

- creating a healthy environment for the biological agents used;

- nutrition of natural microorganisms in the soil;

- chelation of nutrient elements in the composition and in the soil to obtain a more organic form for the plant;

- improvement of the cation-exchange capacity of the soil; and

- improving the ability to retain water.

Pesticides, as discussed above, can be added to the composition as additional protection against pests and diseases and when such protection is required.

Surprisingly, the combination of seaweed and a plant elicitor such as harpin has been found to be particularly effective.

Harpin protein is currently the only component commercially available in dry powder form. Seaweeds are usually in liquid form in a composition ready for use. The spray-dried seaweed is provided in the form of a ready-to-use dry formulation with a small particle size that can be dissolved in water. Therefore, only spray-dried seaweed can usually be formulated with dry harpin protein, since both products come in a dry formulation.

However, the harpin protein cannot be dissolved in water or in a liquid seaweed composition if a product with a satisfactory shelf life is desired. When the harpin protein comes into contact with moisture or liquid, it begins to break down within 8-24 hours, so it is impossible to make it into a liquid product and provide a shelf life for sale after months.

Therefore, the present invention provides the use of a dry harpin protein composition and a unique spray-dried seaweed composition that are compatible to be formulated as a single formulation in a dry form that is stable with a long shelf life.

The synergy between harpin protein and seaweed is that harpin triggers in the plant the activation of its natural immune system and growth acceleration. There are many plant hormones present in seaweed that also help promote growth by increasing cell size and producing more cells in the plant. There is a significant unexpected synergistic effect when these two components are combined. For example, in relation to the fruit: harpin protein is used to increase the number of ovaries and the size of fruits on fruit trees. Seaweed is also used to increase the number of fruit sets and fruit size. Their combination allows you to achieve increased and stable results.

Another advantage of the harpin in the present invention is to increase photosynthesis and turn on the plant's immune system. Photosynthesis increases the plant's energy levels, allowing the plant to produce more fruit and reduce stress levels at this stage in the growth cycle. The immune system, which is activated, speeds up the movement of nutrients inside the plant, especially calcium. Calcium is used by the plant as a carrier to signal from cell to cell when the plant is under attack (a sham attack associated with the use of harpins). The plant creates higher levels of calcium in its cells in an effort to protect itself from this attack. Calcium is used to build strong cell walls for self-defense. Harpin not only promotes the absorption of calcium by the plant, it transfers it faster.

Harpin triggers faster absorption of all nutrients at higher absorption levels and faster transport of all of them within the plant, calcium being one example.

The application of seaweed at the same time encourages the plant to enlarge its cells and promotes the formation of new cells under the action of their hormones. These enlarged cells and new cells also receive higher levels of calcium due to the use of harpin. These new cells, filled with more calcium, enable the plant to set new fruits, and repeated application during fruit development promotes the growth of quality fruits. Harpin and seaweed can be applied to crops several times during the season.

Higher levels of photosynthesis with increased levels of calcium with the added benefit of plant hormones for accelerating cell division and cell enlargement have better effects on fruit set, fruit enlargement, and both compounds help reduce stress levels in the plant. Seaweeds also contain essential minerals that are consumed more quickly to help nourish the plant during the growth phase after application.

Also, spray-dried seaweed is the only seaweed that contains high levels of gibberellin, which is used to increase cells. The combination of gibberellins and harpin is the perfect combination for fruit set and fruit enlargement. Many farmers use synthetic gibberellic acid to set fruit and increase fruit size. Spray-dried seaweed contains high levels of natural gibberellic acids. Seaweed also contains potassium, which is an element needed by the plant to increase the size of the fruit.

Adding a combination of dry harpin protein with spray-dried seaweed to a nutrient-based fertilizer has additional benefits. The use of calcium supplementation with harpin and spray dried seaweed is a unique combination to increase fruit set, increase fruit size, produce better fruit with less fruit cracking and increase fruit shelf life. It also reduces a lot of stress, prevents diseases, reduces calcium metabolism disorders and reduces the use of pesticides.

Calcium itself moves very slowly in the plant, for this reason many disorders associated with calcium are found in the plant. Harpin, as described above, is a compound used to increase calcium mobility and increase calcium intake. When harpin is mixed with a special calcium fertilizer, the plant absorbs more calcium and transports calcium faster within the plant. During the fetal cell division stages, calcium is essential for the development of strong cells and protection of the plant from disease. Now calcium can enter the plant in large quantities and begin to act faster in a short period of cell division to create stronger cells, help with cell division, reduce fruit drop, reduce fruit cracking, stop calcium-related fruit diseases such as " Pitter bit" in apples or "petal rot" ("Blossom end rot") in fruits and vegetables.

In terms of disease control, harpin and calcium also work well. Harpin incorporates the plant's natural naming system, and additional calcium intake and translocation helps build stronger cell walls for self-defense, giving the plant the ability to defend itself naturally without the use of a pesticide. Adding seaweed to the same application further assists the plant by reducing stress levels and providing the plant with essential nutrients and hormones, antioxidants that also help protect the plant. The healthier the plant, the better it can protect itself.

When a plant grows too fast, usually due to excess nitrogen or high temperatures, the combination of harpin and seaweed and calcium works very well. Harpin and seaweed induce the plant's ability to survive high temperatures by reducing stress levels at many levels within the plant, they also enable the plant to quickly absorb more calcium and move into new growth areas. Normally, calcium cannot maintain its concentration in the plant if the plant grows too fast, causing calcium related disorders.

The benefit of harpin and seaweed and a biological agent (such as a biopesticide) and calcium is that they provide a more natural disease-fighting product. Harpin turns on the natural immune system and increases the energy of the plant. Seaweed reduces stress, improves energy, growth and health, and nourishes the plant. Calcium quickly strengthens cell walls thanks to harpin. The biopesticide works directly against the disease, destroying it. This unique formulation can be used to reduce chemical pesticides and improve crop yields and quality at the same time without harmful pesticide residues.

The advantage of seed treatment with a combination of harpin and seaweed is a good combination that gives the seed the ability to germinate and develop a highly active root system for survival. Harpin activates the plant to sprout and grow a more active root system and turns on its natural defenses for tolerance to environmental and disease stress levels and helps fight soil-dwelling nematodes that feed on plant roots. Seaweed helps accelerate root development with their hormones and helps feed the plant with essential minerals and nutrients at an early age to develop a stronger plant. Seaweed also reduces stress levels at this stage and helps produce a stronger plant that can defend itself.

Therefore, the following combinations have been shown to be particularly useful:

- Harpin and seaweed;

- Isoflavone and seaweed;

- Harpin, seaweed and nutrients;

- Isoflavone, seaweed and nutrients;

- Harpin, seaweed and wax;

- Isoflavone, seaweed and wax;

- Harpin, isoflavone, seaweed and wax;

- Harpin, isoflavone, seaweed, wax and biological agents;

- Harpin, isoflavone, seaweed, wax and nutrients;

- Harpin, isoflavone, seaweed, wax, nutrients and biological agents;

- Harpin, isoflavone, seaweed, wax, nutrients, biological agents and biopesticides.

Accordingly, the disadvantages of known biostimulant compositions have been proven to be overcome or at least reduced.

The invention provides the following advantages, inter alia:

- improvement of growth force and productivity of agricultural crops;

- increase in leaves;

- increase in development and growth of roots;

- increasing the consumption of nutrients and water by crops;

- improvement of soil quality;

- enhancing the color of crops;

- ensuring rapid germination;

- increased adhesion of the biostimulator to the seed and even coverage of the seed with the biostimulator;

- improvement of the strength of growth and productivity of agricultural crops by foliar feeding;

- increase in sliding of seeds with a covering when moving on a seeder;

- reduction of dust formation during sowing;

- reducing the amount of biostimulant applied to the seeds;

- reducing the amount of biostimulant applied to the leaves;

- increasing the resistance of agricultural crops to pests and diseases;

- increase in microbiota in the soil;

- increasing the health and renewability of the soil;

- reduction of pests and diseases on the seed and in the soil;

- improved fruit set, fruit size and shelf life; and

- inclusion and increase in the genetic potential of the plant.

The synergy between the various ingredients that make up the biostimulant of the invention allows for a reduction in the amount of individual ingredients added to the composition, since the synergy provides increased effectiveness compared to using the individual ingredients alone. Moreover, the synergy allows on-demand application to seed in the field, reducing the amount of resources needed to apply the biostimulant.

The invention further provides an effective application of dry seed treatment that has not been previously described. The overall and increased effectiveness of plant, soil or seed stimulation and the unique mode of application is achieved by the invention, resulting in an improved application of biostimulants in the soil, on the plant or on the seed, which can be carefully controlled based on safety and efficacy aspects to ensure sustainable and efficient agriculture. .

Claims (37)

1. Biostimulant composition containing seaweed extract, isoflavone and plant elicitor. 2. The biostimulant composition of claim 1 wherein the seaweed extract contains 100% pure seaweed extract, preferably a spray dried seaweed extract. 3. A biostimulant composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the isoflavone comprises pure isoflavone or an isoflavone salt, preferably formononetin, more preferably 98% pure formononetin. 4. The biostimulant composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plant elicitor comprises any one or more of a harpin peptide, harpin protein, or Zenith. 5. The biostimulant composition according to claim 4, wherein the harpin peptide or harpin protein contains 1% pure harpin peptide or harpin protein. 6. The composition of the biostimulant according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, which includes a biological agent containing any one or more than one of bacteria, fungi or viruses, acting as a biofertilizer, biopesticide and/or bioinoculant. 7. The composition of the biostimulator according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, which includes a nutrient containing any one or more of zinc, boron, molybdenum, manganese, copper, cobalt, nitrogen, magnesium, potassium, or calcium. 8. The composition of the biostimulator according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7 which includes a carbon source, preferably a food source in the form of sugar molasses or pure carbon in the form of humic acid, fulvic acid and humic acid. 9. The composition of the biostimulant according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, which includes a pesticide containing any one or more of a fungicide, an insecticide, or a natural plant extract or organism extract exhibiting pesticide properties, including a natural plant extract such as an extract of garlic, cinnamon, thyme, or rosemary, or including a natural an organism extract such as chitosan. 10. The composition of the biostimulant according to any one of paragraphs. 1-9 which includes a slip agent such as wax. 11. The biostimulant composition of claim 10 wherein the wax contains 100% of any solid wax such as ethylene homopolymer. 12. The composition of the biostimulator according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, which is characterized by one or more of the following: - contains seaweed in a mass ratio in the range from 1% to 98% of the total mass of the composition; - contains isoflavone in a mass ratio in the range from 0.1% to 90% of the total mass of the composition; and - contains a plant elicitor in a mass ratio in the range from 1% to 60% of the total mass of the composition. 13. A biostimulant composition according to claim 6 containing a biological agent in a weight ratio ranging from 5% to 80% of the total weight of the composition. 14. A biostimulant composition according to claim 7, containing nutrients in a mass ratio in the range from 10% to 80% of the total mass of the composition. 15. A biostimulant composition according to claim 8, containing a carbon source in a weight ratio in the range from 10% to 90% of the total weight of the composition. 16. A biostimulant composition according to claim 9 containing a pesticide in a weight ratio ranging from 0% to 70% of the total weight of the composition. 17. A biostimulant composition according to claim 10 or 11 containing a slip agent in a weight ratio ranging from 5% to 80% of the total weight of the composition. 18. A method for producing a biostimulant composition, including the steps: - providing seaweed extract; - providing isoflavone and plant elicitor; and - mixing seaweed, isoflavone and plant elicitor to obtain a composition. 19. A method for preparing a biostimulant composition according to claim 18, wherein the step of providing a seaweed extract for the composition comprises providing a 100% pure seaweed extract, preferably a spray dried seaweed extract. 20. A process for preparing a biostimulant composition according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the step of providing an isoflavone for the composition comprises providing pure isoflavone or an isoflavone salt for the composition, more preferably formononetin, preferably 98% pure formononetin. 21. The method for preparing a biostimulant composition according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the step of providing and mixing the plant elicitor in the composition comprises providing a harpin peptide, harpin protein or Zenith, more preferably 1% pure harpin peptide, harpin protein or Zenith in the composition. 22. A method of obtaining a biostimulant composition according to any one of paragraphs. 18-21, including any one or more than one of the following steps, including: - providing and mixing a biological agent, including any one or more of bacteria, fungi or viruses, acting as a biofertilizer, biopesticide and/or bioinoculant, in the composition, preferably in a mass ratio in the range from 5% to 80% of the total mass of the composition ; - providing and mixing a nutrient, including any one or more of zinc, boron, molybdenum, manganese, copper, cobalt, nitrogen, magnesium, potassium or calcium, in the composition, preferably in a weight ratio ranging from 10% to 80% from the total weight of the composition; - providing and mixing a pesticide comprising any one or more of a fungicide, an insecticide or a natural plant extract or a natural extract of an organism exhibiting pesticide properties, preferably an extract of garlic, cinnamon, thyme, rosemary or chitosan, in a composition, preferably in a weight ratio of the range from 0% to 70% of the total weight of the composition; - providing and mixing a carbon source, preferably a food source in the form of sugar molasses or pure carbon in the form of humic acid, fulvic acid and humic acid, in the composition, preferably in a weight ratio ranging from 10% to 80% of the total weight of the composition; and - providing and mixing a glidant such as a wax, preferably 100% of any solid wax such as an ethylene homopolymer, in the composition, preferably in a weight ratio ranging from 5% to 80% of the total weight of the composition. 23. A method of obtaining a biostimulant composition according to any one of paragraphs. 18-22, characterized by one or more of the following: - providing seaweed includes providing seaweed in a weight ratio ranging from 1% to 98% of the total weight of the composition; - providing isoflavone includes providing isoflavone in a weight ratio in the range from 0.1% to 90% of the total weight of the composition; providing and mixing the plant elicitor includes providing the plant elicitor in a weight ratio ranging from 1% to 60% of the total weight of the composition.