RU2792631C2 - Agricultural compositions for increasing productivity of agricultural crops - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: agriculture.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an agricultural composition, a set, and a method for increasing productivity and improving a phenotype of agricultural plants. The agricultural composition for increasing productivity of agricultural crops contains an osmo-protector, an antidesiccant, and an antirespirant. The osmo-protector contains betaine, proline, or a combination thereof, the antidesiccant contains monobasic potassium phosphate, dibasic potassium phosphate, tribasic potassium phosphate, potassium acetate, potassium chloride, potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, dipotassium phosphate, potassium-ammonium phosphate, potassium bicarbonate, or a combination thereof, and the antirespirant is a non-ionogenic surfactant containing alkyleneglycol, polyoxyalkylene, alkoxypolyoxyalkylene, C₈-C₃₀ alkylpolyoxyalkylene, or any combination thereof. The agricultural composition is used in a method for increasing productivity of agricultural plants by exogenous application during the entire period of treatment of agricultural plants.

EFFECT: proposed agricultural composition for increasing productivity of agricultural crops provides protection of plants from abiotic stress.

35 cl, 55 tbl, 10 dwg, 40 ex

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present invention generally relates to agricultural compositions for increasing productivity and improving the phenotype of crops.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Osmoprotectants or compatible osmolytes are small molecules that act as osmolytes or osmotic regulators and can benefit plants and plant parts during periods of osmotic stress. In general, certain osmoprotectants play a key role in plants and act by regulating and altering osmosis during abiotic stress. Metabolites that act as osmoprotectants include betaines such as glycine betaine and betaine hydrochloride, sugars, sugar alcohols, and certain amino acids such as proline. Many osmoprotectants accumulate in plants under conditions of abiotic stress, such as stress from water deficiency, heat, drought, flood, cold, salinity, humidity, radiation and UV radiation.

[0003] Osmolites can accumulate in plants under abiotic or environmental stress and can confer stress tolerance on plants by maintaining cell turgor and osmotic balance. In addition, certain osmoprotectants are effective in plants subjected to periodic abiotic stress and act to provide stress tolerance by stabilizing plant membranes, thereby maintaining membrane integrity, which prevents electrolyte leakage and protein denaturation. Increasing the level of osmolytes in stressed plants may also serve as an antioxidant defense, the action of which is to buffer oxidative reactions and redox potential under stress conditions. Thus, the accumulation of individual compounds exhibiting osmoprotective properties in a plant can confer stress tolerance on plants exposed to a range of abiotic stresses without adversely affecting plant metabolism.

[0004] Decreased moisture availability of a plant due to stress from drought, heat, cold and salinity can directly affect plant growth and productivity. Some plants have evolved to mitigate the effects of some of these stresses. However, long-term exposure of crops/plants to any of these abiotic stressors associated with moisture can adversely affect growth, productivity and yield.

[0005] The present invention is to provide agricultural compositions containing an osmoprotectant and methods of using said agricultural compositions to improve plant protection against abiotic stress factors while providing increased productivity and improved phenotypic characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an agricultural composition comprising an osmoprotectant, an antidesicant, and an antirespirant, wherein the osmoprotectant, antidesicant, and antirespirant are different from each other.

[0007] Alternatively, the agricultural composition may contain an osmoprotectant and an antidesiccant, or an osmoprotectant and an antirespirant. If the composition contains an osmoprotectant and an antirespirant, then the osmoprotectant and the antirespirant are different from each other.

[0008] An additional agricultural composition is provided. The agricultural composition contains a first osmoprotectant and a second osmoprotectant. The first and second osmoprotectors are different from each other.

[0009] Also provided herein are agricultural compositions containing an antidesicant and an antirespirant, wherein the antidesicant and antirespirant are different from each other.

[0010] Also provided herein is a kit containing an osmoprotectant, antidesiccant, antirespirant, and instructions for applying the osmoprotectant, antidesiccant, and antirespirant to a plant to increase its productivity. Osmoprotectant, antidesiccant and antirespirant are different from each other.

[0011] Also provided is a kit containing an osmoprotectant, an antidesiccant, and instructions for applying the osmoprotectant and antidesiccant to a plant to increase its productivity. Osmoprotectant and antidesicant are different from each other.

[0012] Also provided herein is a kit containing an osmoprotectant, an antirespirant, and instructions for applying the osmoprotectant and antirespirant to a plant to increase its productivity. Osmoprotectant and antirespirant are different from each other.

[0013] Also provided herein is a kit containing a first osmoprotectant, a second osmoprotectant, and instructions for applying the first osmoprotectant and the second osmoprotectant to a plant to increase its productivity. The first osmoprotectant and the second osmoprotector are different from each other.

[0014] Also provided herein is a kit containing an antidesicant, an antirespirant, and instructions for applying the antidesicant and antirespirant to a plant to increase its productivity. Antidesicant and antirespirant are different from each other.

[0015] This document also provides a method for improving the productivity of a plant compared to an untreated plant. The method includes optionally diluting in a suitable volume of water an effective amount of the composition described herein to obtain a composition for application and exogenously applying the composition to a plant. The untreated plant is not treated with the composition but is under the same conditions as said plant.

[0016] This document also provides a method for improving the productivity of a plant compared to an untreated plant. The method includes exogenous application of an osmoprotectant, antidesiccant and antirespirant to a plant during the treatment period, wherein the untreated plant is not treated with the osmoprotectant, antidesiccant and antirespirant, but is under the same conditions as said plant.

[0017] This document also provides an additional way to increase the productivity of a plant compared to an untreated plant. The method includes exogenously applying an osmoprotectant and an antidesiccant to the plant during the treatment period. The untreated plant is not treated with an osmoprotectant and antidesiccant, but is under the same conditions as the specified plant.

[0018] This document also provides an additional way to increase the productivity of a plant compared to an untreated plant. The method includes exogenously applying an osmoprotectant and an antirespirant to the plant during the treatment period. An untreated plant is not treated with an osmoprotectant and antirespirant, but is under the same conditions as the specified plant.

[0019] This document also provides an additional way to increase the productivity of a plant compared to an untreated plant. The method includes applying an antidesiccant and an antirespirant to the plant during the treatment period. The untreated plant is not treated with antidesiccant and antirespirant, but is under the same conditions as said plant.

[0020] Other objectives and features will be partly obvious and partly noted later in this document.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a graph of the number of bushels of corn harvested per acre (bush/acre) after treatment with betaine and proline compositions in the VT development stage.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a graph of the number of bushels of corn harvested per acre (bush/acre) following treatment with a betaine composition and a fungicide.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a graph of the number of bushels of corn harvested per acre (bush/acre) after treatment with betaine and proline compositions at development stages V5-V8.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a plot of the number of bushels of corn harvested per acre (bush/acre) after treatment at two stages of development with betaine and proline compositions.

[0025] FIG. 5 plots the number of bushels of corn harvested per acre (bush/acre) after strip treatment with betaine and proline compositions at the V5 developmental stage in a large scale trial.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a graph of the number of bushels of soybean harvested per acre (bush/acre) after treatment with betaine and proline compositions at the R2 development stage.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a graph of changes in water movement and turgor in corn treated with the betaine composition.

[0028] FIG. Figure 8 shows typical micrographs of a section of the outer layer of the epidermis of soybean plants. Panel A in FIG. 8 shows a typical image of a pretreated control. On panel B in FIG. 8 shows a typical image of a plant treated with betaine-HCl taken three minutes after treatment. On panel C in FIG. 8 shows a typical image of a plant treated with betaine-HCl, taken five minutes after treatment.

[0029] FIG. Figure 9 shows typical photomicrographs of the epidermal layers of three onion plants. On panels A, D and G in FIG. 9 shows images of onion plants treated with deionized water as controls. On panels B, E and H in FIG. Figure 9 shows images of onion plants that were introduced under salt stress conditions. On panels C, F and I in FIG. 9 shows images of onion plants that have been treated with the agricultural compositions of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a plot of the number of harvested jalapeno peppers versus the amount of biomass per pepper plant in grams following treatment with betaine and proline compositions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The present invention relates to agricultural compositions for increasing productivity and improving the phenotype of crops, as well as to methods of their use. The compositions generally contain an osmoprotectant and/or an antidesiccant and/or an antirespirant. The osmoprotectant and/or the antidesiccant and/or the antirespirant are different from each other.

[0032] An additional agricultural composition is also provided. The composition contains a first osmoprotectant and a second osmoprotectant. The first and second osmoprotectors are different from each other.

[0033] In general, one or more osmoprotectants and/or antidesiccants and/or antirespirants may be present in any of the compositions described herein.

[0034] Another agricultural composition is provided. The composition contains an antidesiccant and an antirespirant. Antidesicant and antirespirant are different from each other.

[0035] Also provided herein are kits containing an osmoprotectant and/or antidesiccant and/or antirespirant and instructions for applying the osmoprotectant and/or antidesiccant and/or antirespirant to a plant to increase its productivity. The osmoprotectant and/or the antidesiccant and/or the antirespirant are different from each other.

[0036] Additional kits are provided. The kit contains the first osmoprotectant, the second osmoprotectant and instructions for applying the first osmoprotectant and the second osmoprotectant to the plant to increase its productivity. The first osmoprotectant and the second osmoprotector are different from each other.

[0037] The methods provided herein generally involve applying the composition to a plant.

[0038] In the compositions, kits, methods of the present invention, the function of the osmoprotectant is to improve the integrity and stability of the membrane. An antidesicant is used to improve water retention in a plant or part of a plant. The antirespirant balances the positive effects of photosynthesis and the negative effects of respiration and can minimize water loss through transpiration. Application of a combination of an antidesicant or antirespirant with an osmoprotectant or an antidesicant, an antirespirant and an osmoprotectant provides beneficial effects to the plant or plant part, such as increased stress tolerance, improved phenotypic characteristics, and increased crop productivity. The compositions can be used prophylactically or in response to a plant being exposed to an abiotic stressor. For example, the use of the compositions of the present invention has been shown to result, among other benefits, in increased yield, improved plant growth, improved plant size, improved protection against herbicide damage, improved herbicide efficacy, and increased tolerance to cold, heat, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, oxidative stress and water scarcity, as well as improved movement, water retention, turgor and osmotic potential.

[0039] Said composition may be provided in concentrated form.

[0040] Alternatively, the composition may be provided in a ready-to-use form. By "ready to use" is meant that the composition is provided in a form that does not require further dilution by the user and is ready to be applied.

[0041] An agricultural composition is provided. The composition contains an osmo protector, an antidesiccant and an antirespirant.

[0042] Alternatively, the agricultural composition may contain an osmoprotectant and an antidesiccant, or an osmoprotectant and an antirespirant.

[0043] An additional agricultural composition is provided. The agricultural composition contains a first osmoprotectant and a second osmoprotectant, wherein the first and second osmoprotectors are different from each other.

[0044] Another agricultural composition is provided. The composition contains an antidesiccant and an antirespirant.

[0045] In the compositions described herein, the osmoprotectant(s), antidesiccant(s), and/or antirespirant(s) are present in the composition in agriculturally effective amounts.

[0046] Also provided herein are kits, described further below.

[0047] The components of the agricultural composition and the concentrations of the components described herein are equally applicable to any of the kits described herein, and to any of the methods described herein, including exogenous application to the plant of an osmoprotectant and / or antidesiccant and/or an antirespirant. Thus, any of the kits described herein may contain any of the osmoprotectants, any of the antirespirants and/or any of the antidesicants described herein at any of the concentrations described herein. Similarly, for any of the methods described herein, the method may include exogenous application to the plant of any of the osmoprotectants, any of the antirespirants and/or any of the antidesicants described herein at any of the concentrations described herein.

[0048] Osmolytes, including betaines, prolines, other amino acids, certain carbohydrates, and sugar alcohols, are compatible with enzymes and can act to stabilize cell membranes and maintain membrane integrity.

[0049] Osmo pro those who p(s) may contain betaine, proline, a betaine or proline analog or homologue, a sugar alcohol, a carbohydrate, an amino acid, an amino acid derivative, a quaternary ammonium salt, or any combination thereof.

[0050] Preferably, the osmoprotectant(s) contains(-at) betaine, proline, or any combination thereof, homologue or analogue.

[0051] If the composition is provided in the form of a concentrate, then the concentrated composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 8.5% based on the total weight/volume ratio (w/v .) a concentrated composition, for example, from about 0.08% to about 8.23%, from about 0.08% to about 0.27%, from about 0.85% to about 3.17%, or from about 5, 66% to about 8.23% in terms of the total ratio of wt./about. concentrated composition.

[0052] For example, the composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 8.5%, based on the total weight/volume ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0053] The composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 0.08% to about 8.23%, based on the total weight/volume ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0054] The composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 0.08% to about 0.27%, based on the total weight/volume ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0055] The composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 0.85% to about 3.17%, based on the total weight/volume ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0056] The composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 5.66% to about 8.23%, based on the total weight/volume ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0057] If the composition is provided in the form of a concentrate, then the concentrated composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 5 mM to about 4Mb based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition, for example, from about 5 mM to about 700 mM , from 5.57 mM to about 658.62 mM, from about 5.57 mM to about 21.95 mM, from about 55.66 mM to about 83.49 mM, from about 163.88 mM to about 247.37 mM, from about 491.64 mM to about 658.62 mM, from about 35 mM to about 4 M, from about 100 mM to about 4 M, from about 250 mM to about 4 M, or from about 500 mM to about 4M in in terms of the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0058] For example, the concentrated composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 5 mM to about 4 Mb based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0059] For example, the concentrated composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 5 mM to about 700 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0060] The concentrated composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 5.57 mM to about 658.62 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0061] The concentrated composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 5.57 mM to about 21.95 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0062] The concentrated composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 55.66 mM to about 83.49 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0063] The concentrated composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 163.88 mM to about 247.37 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0064] The concentrated composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 491.64 mM to about 658.62 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0065] The concentrated composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 35 mM to about 4M, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0066] The concentrated composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 100 mM to about 4Mb, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0067] The concentrated composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 250 mM to about 4Mb based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0068] The concentrated composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 500 mM to about 4Mb, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0069] If the composition is a ready-to-use composition (which is also referred to herein as a composition for application), then the composition contains an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and / or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 0.00010% to about 17%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition, e.g., from about 0.00010% to about 0.05%, from about 0.00015% to about 0.032%, from about 0.00015% to about 0.05%, from about 0.01% to about 0.02%, from about 0.022% to about 0.032%, from about 0.05% to about 0.25%, from about 1.5% to about 6 0%, or from about 6.5% to about 17%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0070] For example, a ready-to-use composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 0.00010% to about 17%, based on the total weight/volume ratio (w/v) of the ready-to-use composition .

[0071] The ready-to-use composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 0.00010% to about 0.05%, based on the total weight/volume ratio (w/v) of the ready-to-use composition .

[0072] The ready-to-use composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 0.00015% to about 0.032%, based on the total weight/volume ratio (w/v) of the ready-to-use composition.

[0073] The ready-to-use composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 0.00015% to about 0.005%, based on the total weight/volume ratio (w/v) of the ready-to-use composition.

[0074] The ready-to-use composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 0.02%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition .

[0075] The ready-to-use composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 0.022% to about 0.032%, based on the total weight/volume ratio (w/v) of the ready-to-use composition.

[0076] The ready-to-use composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 0.25%, based on the total weight/volume ratio (w/v) of the ready-to-use composition .

[0077] The ready-to-use composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 1.5% to about 6.0%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use compositions.

[0078] The ready-to-use composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant in an amount of from about 6.5% to about 17%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0079] If the composition is a ready-to-use composition (which is also referred to herein as a composition for application), then the composition contains an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and / or a second osmoprotectant at a concentration of from about 5 μM to about 1.3 M in terms of the total molarity of the application composition, e.g., from about 5 μM to about 1300 μM, from 10 μM to about 1280 mM, from about 10 μM to about 155 μM, from about 200 μM to about 450 mM, or from about 800 μM to about 1280 μM in terms of the total molarity of the application composition.

[0080] For example, a ready-to-use composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant at a concentration of from about 5 μM to about 1.3 M, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0081] The ready-to-use composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant at a concentration of from about 5 µM to about 1300 µM, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0082] The ready-to-use composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant at a concentration of from about 10 μM to about 1280 mM, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0083] The ready-to-use composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant at a concentration of from about 10 µM to about 155 µM, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0084] The ready-to-use composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant at a concentration of from about 200 µM to about 450 mM, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0085] The ready-to-use composition may contain an osmoprotectant or a first osmoprotectant and/or a second osmoprotectant at a concentration of from about 800 µM to about 1280 µM, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0086] Betaine may contain glycine betaine, glycine betaine aldehyde, (3-alanine betaine, betaine hydrochloride, cetyl betaine, proline betaine, choline-O-sulfate-betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, oleyl betaine, sulfobetaine, lauryl betaine, octyl betaine, caprylamidopropyl betaine, lauramidopropyl betaine, isostearamido, or a combination of homologapropyl betaine, isostearamido or an analogue of any of these compounds.

[0087] For example, betaine may contain glycine betaine, glycine betaine aldehyde, (3-alanine betaine, betaine hydrochloride, cetyl betaine, choline-O-sulfate-betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, oleyl betaine, sulfo betaine, lauryl betaine, octyl betaine, caprylamidopropyl betaine, lauramidopropyl betaine, isostearamido propyl betaine, or a combination, homologopropyl betaine or an analogue of any of these compounds.

[0088] Betaine can be obtained from a plant source such as wheat (eg, wheat germ or wheat bran) or a plant of the genus Beta (eg, Beta vulgaris (beet)).

[0089] Betaine homologue or analog may contain ectoine, choline, phosphatidylcholine, acetylcholine, cytidine, disphosphatecholine, dimethylethanolamine, choline chloride, choline salicylate, glycerophosphocholine, phosphocholine, sphingomyelin, choline bitartrate, propiobetaine, deanolbetaine, homodeanolbetaine, homoglycerylbetaine, diethanolhomo and ethanol go m vow and n or a combination of any of these compounds.

[0090] If the osmoprotectant contains betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analog, then the betaine, betaine homologue, or betaine analog may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.05% to about 8.5%, based on the total weight/volume ratio ( w/v) of the concentrated composition, e.g., from about 0.05% to about 0.086%, from about 0.86% to about 2.57%, or from about 2.74% to about 8.23%, based on total mass/rev ratio concentrated composition.

[0091] For example, betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analogue may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.05% to about 8.5%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0092] Betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analogue may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.05% to about 0.086%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0093] Betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analog may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.86% to about 2.57%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0094] Betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analog may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 2.74% to about 8.23%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0095] Specific typical concentrations of betaine in concentrate form for application by application to plants and plant products include about 0.5%, about 0.8%, about 0.85%, about 1.0%, about 1.2%, about 1.25%; and about 1.5% active ingredient. Alternatively, if the osmoprotectant contains betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analog, then the betaine, betaine homologue, or betaine analog may be present at a concentration of from about 5 mM to about 700 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition, e.g., from about 5 mM to about 550 mM, from about 50 mM to about 100 mM, from about 150 mM to about 300 mM, or from about 165 mM to about 700 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0096] For example, betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analog may be present at a concentration of from about 5 mM to about 700 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0097] Betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analog may be present at a concentration of from about 5 mM to about 550 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0098] Betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analog may be present at a concentration of from about 50 mM to about 100 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0099] Betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analog may be present at a concentration of from about 150 mM to about 300 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0100] Betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analogue may be present at a concentration of from about 165 mM to about 700 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0101] If the osmoprotectant contains betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analogue, then the betaine, betaine homologue, or betaine analogue may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.00015% to about 0.5%, based on the total weight / the volume (w/v) of the ready-to-use composition. Specific typical concentrations of betaine in ready-to-use form for use by application to plants and plant products include from about 0.00015% to about 0.5%, from about 0.00016% to about 0.05%, from about 0.01 % to about 0.05% and from about 0.00016% to about 0.032% of the active ingredient, based on the total mass/volume ratio. ready-to-use composition.

[0102] For example, betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analog may be present in a ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.00015% to about 0.5% of the active ingredient, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the finished product. to the use of the composition.

[0103] Betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analogue may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.00016% to about 0.5% of the active ingredient, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use compositions.

[0104] Betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analog may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.01% to about 0.05% of the active ingredient, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the finished product. application of the composition.

[0105] Betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analogue may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.00016% to about 0.032% of the active ingredient, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0106] Alternatively, if the osmoprotectant contains betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analog, then the betaine, betaine homologue, or betaine analog may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 5 μM to about 3 mM, from about 5 μM to about of active ingredient in terms of the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0107] For example, betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analog may be present in a ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 5 μM to about 3 mM active ingredient, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0108] Betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analog may be present in a ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 5 μM to about 1.5 mM active ingredient, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0109] Betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analog may be present in a ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 5 μM to about 500 μM active ingredient, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0110] Betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analog may be present in a ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 10 μM to about 100 μM active ingredient, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0111] Betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analog may be present in a ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 150 μM to about 400 μM active ingredient, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0112] Betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analog may be present in a ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 400 μM to about 500 μM active ingredient, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0113] Betaine, a betaine homologue, or a betaine analogue may be present in a ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 400 μM to about 3 mM active ingredient, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0114] Proline may contain L-proline, D-proline, hydroxyproline, hydroxyproline derivatives, proline betaine, or any combination, derivative, homologue, or analog thereof.

[0115] A proline homologue or analog may contain α-methyl-L-proline, α-benzyl-L-proline, trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline, cis-4-hydroxy-L-proline, trans-3-hydroxy -L-proline, cis-3-hydroxy-L-proline, trans-4-amino-L-proline, 3,4-dehydro-a-proline, (2S)-aziridine-2-carboxylic acid, (2S)- azetidine-2-carboxylic acid, L-pipecolic acid, proline betaine, 4-oxo-L-proline, thiazolidine-2-carboxylic acid, (4R)-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0116] If the osmoprotectant contains proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog, then the proline, proline homologue, or proline analog may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 5 mM to about 1700 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition, for example, from about 5 mM to about 500 mM, from about 10 mM to about 165 mM, or from about 160 mM to about 1640 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0117] For example, proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 5 mM to about 1700 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0118] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 5 mM to about 500 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0119] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 10 mM to about 165 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0120] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 160 mM to about 1640 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0121] Alternatively, if the osmoprotectant contains proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog, then the proline, proline homologue, or proline analog may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.05% to about 6%, based on the total weight / volume (w/v) of the concentrated composition, e.g., from about 0.1% to about 5.66%, from about 0.15% to about 1.50%, from about 1.4% to about 1.8 %, from about 1.88% to about 2.0%, from about 2.2% to about 2.6%, or from about 3.2% to about 5.66%, based on the total mass/volume ratio (mass ./about.) concentrated composition.

[0122] For example, proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.05% to about 6%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0123] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.1% to about 5.66%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0124] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.15% to about 1.50%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0125] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 1.4% to about 1.8%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0126] Proline, a proline homolog, or a proline analog may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 1.88% to about 2.0%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0127] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 2.2% to about 2.6%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0128] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 3.2% to about 5.66%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0129] Alternatively, if the osmoprotectant contains proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog, then the proline, proline homologue, or proline analog may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.0005% to about 1%, based on the total ratio weight/volume (w/v) of the ready-to-use composition, eg, from about 0.0005% to about 0.05%. Specific typical concentrations of proline in a ready-to-use form for use by application to plants and plant products include from about 0.001% to about 0.020%, from about 0.015% to about 0.030%, from about 0.01% to about 0.05%, and from about 0.05% to about 1.0% of the active ingredient, based on the total w/v ratio. ready-to-use composition.

[0130] For example, proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in a ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.0005% to about 1%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0131] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.0005% to about 0.05%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition. .

[0132] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.001% to about 0.020%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0133] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.015% to about 0.030%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0134] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.01% to about 0.05%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0135] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.05% to about 1.0%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition. .

[0136] In addition, if the osmoprotectant contains proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog, then proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 5 μM to about 1.3 M, from about 5 μM to about 500 mM, from about 5 μM to about 1300 μM, calculated on the total molarity of the composition, for example, from about 10 μM to about 42 μM, from about 30 μM to about 424 μM, or from about 400 μM to about 1270 μM, calculated on total molarity of the composition.

[0137] For example, proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in a ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 5 μM to about 1.3 M, based on the total molarity of the composition.

[0138] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in a ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 5 μM to about 500 mM, based on the total molarity of the composition.

[0139] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in a ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 5 μM to about 1300 μM, based on the total molarity of the composition.

[0140] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in a ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 10 μM to about 42 μM, based on the total molarity of the composition.

[0141] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in a ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 30 μM to about 424 μM, based on the total molarity of the composition.

[0142] Proline, a proline homologue, or a proline analog may be present in a ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 400 μM to about 1270 μM, based on the total molarity of the composition.

[0143] If the osmoprotectant contains a sugar alcohol, then the sugar alcohol may contain D-mannitol, D-sorbitol, maltitol, erythritol, L-arabitol, xylitol, 1D-chiroinositol, inositol, myo-inositol, galactinol, L-kebrachitol, D- pinit, D-ononite, O-myo-inositol-1,3-diphosphate, galactinol, or any combination thereof.

[0144] In addition, if the osmoprotectant contains a carbohydrate, then the carbohydrate may contain alpha-D-galactose, alpha-D-mannose, beta-D-mannose, beta-D-glucose, alpha-D-glucose, aldehyde-D-althrose , sucrose, D-fructose, trehalose, stachyose, raffinose, melibiose, beta-palatinose, beta-gentiobiose, beta-turanose, beta-maltose, alpha-maltose, cellobiose, or any combination thereof.

[0145] If the osmoprotectant contains a carbohydrate, then the carbohydrate may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.05% to about 17%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition, for example , from about 0.05% to about 0.25%, from about 1.5% to about 6.0%, or from about 6.5% to about 17%, based on the total weight/volume ratio (w/v .) of a ready-to-use composition, or may be present in a concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.5% to about 20%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition, e.g., from about 0.5 % to about 17%, from about 0.5% to about 1.5%, from about 1.5% to about 10.0%, or from about 6.5% to about 17%, based on the total mass/volume ratio (w/v) concentrated composition.

[0146] For example, the carbohydrate may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.05% to about 17%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0147] The carbohydrate may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.05% to about 0.25%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0148] The carbohydrate may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 1.5% to about 6.0%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0149] The carbohydrate may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 6.5% to about 17%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0150] Alternatively, the carbohydrate may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.5% to about 20%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0151] The carbohydrate may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.5% to about 17%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0152] The carbohydrate may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.5% to about 1.5%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0153] The carbohydrate may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 1.5% to about 10.0%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0154] The carbohydrate may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 6.5% to about 17%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0155] Alternatively, if the osmoprotectant contains a carbohydrate, then the carbohydrate may be present at a concentration of from about 0.01 mM to about 300 mM, for example, from about 0.01 mM to about 250 mM, from about 0.01 mM to about 30 mM, from about 35 mM to about 50 mM, or from about 75 mM to about 250 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0156] For example, the carbohydrate may be present at a concentration of from about 0.01 mM to about 300 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0157] The carbohydrate may be present at a concentration of from about 0.01 mM to about 250 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0158] The carbohydrate may be present at a concentration of from about 0.01 mM to about 30 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0159] The carbohydrate may be present at a concentration of from about 35 mM to about 50 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0160] The carbohydrate may be present at a concentration of from about 75 mM to about 250 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0161] The carbohydrate may be present in ready-to-use compositions at a concentration of from about 10 µM to about 3 mM, for example, from about 10 µM to about 2 mM, from about 10 µM to about 1 mM, from about 10 µM to about 500 µM , from about 10 μM to about 250 μM, or from about 10 μM to about 100 μM, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0162] For example, the carbohydrate may be present at a concentration of from about 10 M to about 3 mM, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0163] The amino acid or amino acid derivative may contain L-methionine, D-methionine, L-glycine, L-alanine, D-alanine, beta-alanine, L-arginine, L-serine, L-tryptophan, L-lysine, D -Lysine, L-Proline, D-Proline, L-Asparagine, D-Asparagine, L-Glutamate, D-Glutamate, L-Isoleucine, D-Isoleucine, L-Leucine, D-Leucine, L-Arginine, D-Arginine , L-threonine, D-threonine, L-glutamine, D-glutamine, L-valine, D-valine, L-ornithine, D-ornithine, D-octopine, N6-acetyl-L-lysine, N-acetyl-L -glutamate, aspartate, sacrosine, S-methyl-L-methionine, a complex mixture of amino acids such as plant extract, yeast extract, vegetable protein hydrolyzate such as soy wheat, rice, cotton, pea, corn or potato protein hydrolysate, marine extract algae, seaweed hydrolysate, animal protein hydrolysate, or any combination thereof.

[0164] If the osmoprotectant contains an amino acid or amino acid derivative, then the amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.05% to about 10%, based on the total weight/volume ratio (w/v) of the composition, e.g. , from about 0.05% to about 1.0%, from about 0.5% to about 5.0%, or from about 5.0% to about 10%, based on the total weight/volume ratio (w/v .) composition, or may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.00010% to about 1.0%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition, from about 0, 00015% to about 0.05%, about 0.01% to about 0.25%, or about 0.25% to about 1.0%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the finished to the use of the composition.

[0165] For example, the amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.05% to about 10%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the composition.

[0166] The amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.05% to about 1.0%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the composition.

[0167] The amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.05% to about 5.0%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the composition.

[0168] The amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 5.0% to about 10%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the composition.

[0169] Alternatively, the amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.00010% to about 1.0%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the composition.

[0170] The amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.00015% to about 0.05%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the composition.

[0171] The amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.01% to about 0.25%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the composition.

[0172] The amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.25% to about 1.0%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the composition.

[0173] Alternatively, if the osmoprotectant contains an amino acid or amino acid derivative, then the amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 1 mM to about 600 mM, for example, from about 1 mM to about 5 mM, from about 10 mM to about 60 mM, from about 75 mM to about 200 mM, or from about 245 mM to about 600 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0174] For example, the amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 1 mM to about 600 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0175] The amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 1 mM to about 5 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0176] The amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 10 mM to about 60 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0177] The amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 75 mM to about 200 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0178] The amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 245 mM to about 600 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0179] In ready-to-use compositions, the amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present at a concentration of from about 0.5 µM to about 3 mM, for example, from about 0.5 µM to about 2 mM, from about 0.5 µM to about 1 mM , from about 0.5 μM to about 500 μM, from about 0.5 μM to about 250 μM, or from about 0.5 μM to about 100 μM, based on the total molarity of the composition ready for use.

[0180] For example, the amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.5 μM to about 3 mM, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0181] The amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.5 μM to about 2 mM, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0182] The amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.5 μM to about 1 mM, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0183] The amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.5 µM to about 500 µM, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0184] The amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.5 µM to about 250 µM, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0185] The amino acid or amino acid derivative may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.5 µM to about 100 µM, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0186] If the osmoprotectant contains a quaternary ammonium salt, then the quaternary ammonium salt may contain choline chloride.

[0187] In compositions containing a first osmoprotectant and a second osmoprotectant, the first osmoprotectant may contain betaine hydrochloride, and the second osmoprotectant may contain L-proline.

[0188] In compositions containing the first and second osmoprotectants, the first osmoprotectant may contain glycine betaine, and the second osmoprotectant may contain L-proline.

[0189] In compositions containing the first and second osmoprotectants, the first osmoprotectant may contain betaine hydrochloride, and the second osmoprotectant may contain proline betaine.

[0190] In compositions containing the first and second osmoprotectants, the first osmoprotectant may contain ectoine, and the second osmoprotectant may contain L-proline.

[0191] In compositions containing the first and second osmoprotectants, the first osmoprotectant may contain ectoine, and the second osmoprotectant may contain proline betaine.

[0192] In compositions containing the first and second osmoprotectants, the first osmoprotectant may contain betaine hydrochloride, and the second osmoprotectant may contain trehalose.

[0193] In compositions containing the first and second osmoprotectants, the first osmoprotectant may contain betaine, and the second osmoprotectant may contain sucrose.

[0194] In compositions containing the first and second osmoprotectants, the first osmoprotectant may contain proline, and the second osmoprotectant may contain sucrose.

[0195] If the composition contains an antidesicant, or the methods exogenously apply an antidesicant to the plant, then the antidesicant may comprise a potassium salt, calcium chloride, glycerol, glyceryl monostearate, or a combination of any of these compounds.

[0196] Preferably, if the composition or method includes an antidesicant, then the antidesicant contains a potassium salt.

[0197] For example, an antidesiccant may comprise potassium phosphate monobasic, potassium phosphate dibasic, potassium phosphate tribasic, potassium acetate, potassium chloride, potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, dipotassium phosphate, potassium ammonium phosphate, potassium bicarbonate, or a combination of any of these compounds.

[0198] The potassium salt can be obtained from the fertilizer composition.

[0199] For example, an antidesicant contains tribasic potassium phosphate.

[0200] As another example, the antidesicant contains potassium acetate.

[0201] As an additional example, the antidesicant contains potassium sulfate.

[0202] The antidesicant may contain a calcium salt. For example, the calcium salt may contain calcium chloride.

[0203] Antidesicants are also referred to in the art as "humectants". The terms "antidesicant" and "moisture-retaining agent" are used interchangeably herein. Humidifiers are hygroscopic substances that help retain moisture.

[0204] The humectant may contain, for example, glycerol, glycerol, a glycerol derivative such as glycerol monostearate, glycerol triacetate, triacetin, propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glyceryl triacetate, sucrose, tagatose, sugar alcohol, or sugar polyol (e.g., sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, or mantitol), polymeric polyol (eg, polydextrose), collagen, aloe or aloe vera gel, alpha hydroxy acid (eg, lactic acid), honey, molasses, quillia, sodium hexametaphosphate, lithium chloride, urea, chloride calcium; or a combination of any of these compounds.

[0205] Synthetic humectants can also be used as antidesiccants. Synthetic humectants include butylene glycol, tremella extract, dicyanamide, sodium pyroglutamic acid, sodium lactate, or a combination of any of these compounds.

[0206] For example, the antidesicant may contain glycerol.

[0207] The antidesicant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.002% to about 20%, from about 0.002% to about 10%, from about 0.002% to about 5%, from about 0.002% to about 1%, from about 0.002% to about 0.5%, from about 0.002% to about 0.005%, or from about 0.005% to about 0.5%, based on the total weight/volume ratio (w/v) of the ready-to-use composition.

[0208] For example, the antidesiccant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.002% to about 20%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0209] The antidesiccant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.002% to about 10%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0210] The antidesicant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.002% to about 5%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0211] The antidesicant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.002% to about 1%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0212] The antidesicant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.002% to about 0.5%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0213] The antidesicant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.002% to about 0.005%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0214] The antidesicant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.005% to about 0.5%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the ready-to-use composition.

[0215] Alternatively, the antidesicant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 50 μM to about 3 M, for example, from about 50 μM to about 300 μM, from about 50 μM to about 225 μM, from about 85 μM to about 200 μM, from about 200 μM to about 300 μM, or from about 200 μM to about 3 M, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0216] For example, the antidesiccant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 50 μM to about 3 M, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0217] The antidesicant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 50 µM to about 300 µM, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0218] The antidesicant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 50 μM to about 225 mM, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0219] The antidesicant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 85 μM to about 200 mM, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0220] The antidesicant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 200 μM to about 300 mM, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0221] The antidesicant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 200 μM to about 3 M, based on the total molarity of the ready-to-use composition.

[0222] The antidesiccant may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.5% to about 100%, from about 1.0% to about 67%, or from about 2% to about 25%, based on the total weight/volume ratio ( wt/vol.) concentrated composition.

[0223] For example, the antidesicant may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.5% to about 100%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0224] The antidesiccant may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 1.0% to about 67%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0225] The antidesicant may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 2% to about 25%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0226] Alternatively, the antidesicant may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 30 mM to about 100 mM, from about 30 mM to about 60 mM, or from about 50 mM to about 60 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0227] For example, the antidesiccant may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 30 mM to about 100 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0228] The antidesiccant may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 30 mM to about 60 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0229] The antidesiccant may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 50 mM to about 60 mM, based on the total molarity of the concentrated composition.

[0230] If the composition is applied to a plant or part of a plant, the antiperspirants included in the composition spread to form a thin film on the surface. Application of an antirespirant-containing composition reduces respiration loss while maintaining a higher concentration of carbon dioxide in plant tissues during photosynthesis, thereby increasing the overall respiration efficiency of the plant.

[0231] The antirespirant may contain a surfactant.

[0232] Antirespirants also act as antitranspirants in plants to minimize water loss through transpiration.

[0233] In addition, antirespirant agents are used to increase the adhesion of agricultural compositions in soil and to increase the delivery and absorption of the composition into a plant or plant part. Said actives should also absorb and retain water in tissues or the apoplast (extracellular environment surrounding plant cells), reducing water vapor loss and increasing water retention in tissues. Antirespirant agents help slow or prevent excessive water loss or minimize water loss through transpiration.

[0234] If the composition contains an antirespirant, then the antirespirant may contain a nonionic surfactant.

[0235] Alternatively, the antirespirant may contain a cationic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, or any combination thereof.

[0236] In particular, the antirespirant may contain an anionic surfactant.

[0237] In addition, the antirespirant may contain an alkylene glycol, a polyoxyalkylene or derivative thereof, an organosilicon compound, an alcohol ethoxylate, an alkylaryl ethoxylate, a sulfosuccinic acid surfactant, an antitranspirant, or any combination thereof.

[0238] For example, the silicone compound may contain an immiscible silicone surfactant.

[0239] The polyoxyalkylene may contain any polymer of alkylene glycol or alkylene oxide. For example, the polyoxyalkylene may contain polyoxyalkylene, alkoxypolyoxyalkylene, C ₈ -C ₃₀ alkylpolyoxyalkylene, or any combination thereof. The term "polyoxyalkylene" as used herein includes a polyalkylene glycol such as polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol, or a polyalkylene oxide such as polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide.

[0240] The antiperspirant may contain an alkylene glycol such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, alkyl and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol, alkyl polysaccharide, alkyl polyglucoside ester, polyethylene poly and propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxy propylene and polyethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, or any combination thereof.

[0241] Preferably, the alkylene glycol includes ethylene glycol.

[0242] The alkylene glycol may also preferably contain polyethylene glycol.

[0243] Антиреспирант может содержать полиоксиалкилен или его производное, а полиоксиалкилен или его производное может содержать алкилполиоксиэтилен, метоксиполиоксиэтилен, октилполиоксиэтилен, нонилполиоксиэтилен, децилполиоксиэтилен, ундецилполиоксиэтилен, лаурилполиоксиэтилен, тридецилполиоксиэтилен, тетрадецилполиоксиэтилен, пентадецилполиоксиэтилен, гексадецилполиоксиэтилен, гептадецилполиоксиэтилен, октадецилполиоксиэтилен, кокополиоксиэтилен, талло-полиоксиэтилен, an alkylpolyoxyethoxylate ether, an alkylphenol ethoxylate, a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, or any combination or derivative thereof.

[0244] The antitranspirant may contain atrazine, phenylmercuric acetate, alkenylsuccinic acid, succinic acid, an alcohol such as ethyl alcohol, hydrated lime, calcium carbonate, a clay such as kaolinite clay or bentonite clay, magnesium carbonate, zinc sulfate, anionic surfactants agents, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, or any combination thereof.

[0245] As noted above, surfactants that act as antirespirants can be included in the composition or methods of applying the antirespirant. The surfactant may contain a heavy petroleum oil, a heavy petroleum distillate, a polyol fatty acid ester, a polyethoxylated fatty acid ester, a rylalkyl polyoxyethylene glycol, an alkylamine acetate, an alkylarylsulfonate, a polyhydric alcohol, an alkyl phosphate, an alcohol ethoxylate, an ethoxylate alkylphenol, alkyloxylated polyol, alkylpolyethoxyether, alkylphenol ethoxylate, alkylpolyoxyethoxylate, alkylphenol ethoxylate, soybean oil, xyl or other soybean oil derivative, glycerin, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene-monobutyl ether, or any combination thereof.

[0246] Surfactants can be included in various compositions, including compositions for foliar use.

[0247] The antirespirant may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 1.0% to about 99.8%, from about 1.0% to about 75%, from about 1.0% to about 50%, from about 1, 0% to about 46%, from about 3.0% to about 40%, or from about 30% to about 38%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0248] For example, the antirespirant may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 1.0% to about 99.8%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0249] The antirespirant may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 1.0% to about 75%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0250] The antirespirant may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 1.0% to about 50%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0251] The antirespirant may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 1.0% to about 46%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0252] The antirespirant may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 3.0% to about 40%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0253] The antirespirant may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 30% to about 38%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the concentrated composition.

[0254] The antirespirant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.025% to about 15%, from about 0.025% to about 10%, from about 0.01% to about 10%, from about 0.01% to about 5%, 0.05% to about 4.0%, about 0.1% to about 3.0%, about 0.1% to about 0.5%, or about 0.1% to about 0 .2% based on the total weight/volume (w/v) of the composition.

[0255] For example, the antirespirant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.05% to about 15%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the composition.

[0256] The antirespirant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.025% to about 10%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the composition.

[0257] The antirespirant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.01% to about 10%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the composition.

[0258] The antirespirant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.01% to about 5%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the composition.

[0259] The antirespirant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.1% to about 3.0%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the composition.

[0260] The antirespirant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.1% to about 0.5%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the composition.

[0261] The antirespirant may be present in the ready-to-use composition at a concentration of from about 0.1% to about 0.2%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the composition.

[0262] In compositions containing an osmoprotectant, an antidesiccant, and an antirespirant, or in methods of applying an osmoprotectant, an antidesiccant, and an antirespirant, the osmoprotectant may contain betaine hydrochloride, the antidesiccant may contain tribasic potassium phosphate, and the antirespirant may contain alkyl- and alkylauryl polyoxyethylene glycol.

[0263] The osmoprotectant may contain L-proline, the antidesiccant may contain tribasic potassium phosphate, and the antirespirant may contain alkyl and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol.

[0264] For example, an osmoprotectant may contain betaine hydrochloride and L-proline, an antidesiccant may contain tribasic potassium phosphate, and an antirespirant may contain alkyl and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol.

[0265] As another example, an osmoprotectant may contain betaine hydrochloride, an antidesiccant may contain tribasic potassium phosphate, and an antirespirant may contain alkylpolyoxyethylene.

[0266] As an additional example, an osmoprotectant may contain betaine hydrochloride, an antidesiccant may contain tribasic potassium phosphate, and an antirespirant may contain an alkyl polyoxyethoxylate ether.

[0267] The osmoprotectant may contain betaine hydrochloride and L-proline, the antidesiccant may contain tribasic potassium phosphate, and the antirespirant may contain alkylpolyoxyethylene.

[0268] The osmoprotectant may contain betaine hydrochloride and L-proline, the antidesiccant may contain potassium acetate, and the antirespirant may contain alkyl and alkylauryl polyoxyethylene glycol.

[0269] Alternatively, the osmoprotectant may contain L-proline, the antidesiccant may contain tribasic potassium phosphate, and the antirespirant may contain alkylpolyoxyethylene.

[0270] For example, an osmoprotectant may contain proline betaine, an antidesicant may contain tribasic potassium phosphate, and an antirespirant may contain alkyl and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol.

[0271] As another example, an osmoprotectant may contain ectoine, an antidesiccant may contain potassium sulfate, and an antirespirant may contain an anionic surfactant.

[0272] The osmoprotectant may contain ectoine, the antidesiccant may contain potassium sulfate, and the antirespirant may contain an anionic surfactant based on sulfosuccinic acid.

[0273] As an additional example, an osmoprotectant may contain choline chloride, an antidesiccant may contain calcium chloride, and an antirespirant may contain a nonionic surfactant.

[0274] The osmoprotectant may contain choline chloride, the antidesiccant may contain calcium chloride, and the antirespirant may contain a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer.

[0275] As another example, an osmoprotectant may contain betaine hydrochloride, an antidesiccant may contain glycerol, and an antirespirant may contain an alkyl polyglucoside ester.

[0276] In compositions containing an osmoprotectant and an antirespirant, or in methods of applying an osmoprotectant and an antirespirant, the osmoprotectant may contain betaine hydrochloride, and the antirespirant may contain alkyl- and alkylauryl polyoxyethylene glycol.

[0277] As an example, an osmoprotectant may contain L-proline, and an antirespirant may contain alkyl and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol.

[0278] As another example, an osmoprotectant may contain betaine hydrochloride and L-proline, and an antirespirant may contain alkyl and alkylauryl polyoxyethylene glycol.

[0279] As an additional example, the osmoprotectant may contain trehalose, and the antirespirant may contain an organosilicon compound.

[0280] Alternatively, the osmoprotectant may contain ectoine, and the antirespirant may contain an anionic surfactant.

[0281] For example, an osmoprotectant may contain ectoine, and an antirespirant may contain an anionic surfactant based on sulfosuccinic acid.

[0282] In compositions containing an osmoprotectant and an antidesiccant, and methods for applying an osmoprotectant and an antidesiccant, the osmoprotectant may contain betaine hydrochloride and the antidesiccant may contain glycerin.

[0283] In compositions containing an antidesicant and an antirespirant, and in methods for applying an antidesicant and an antirespirant, the antidesiccant may contain potassium acetate, and the antirespirant may contain an organosilicon compound.

[0284] Alternatively, the antidesiccant may contain potassium sulfate, and the antirespirant may contain an anionic surfactant.

[0285] For example, an antidesiccant may contain potassium sulfate, and an antirespirant may contain an anionic surfactant based on sulfosuccinic acid.

[0286] As another example, an antidesiccant may contain calcium chloride, and an antirespirant may contain a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer.

[0287] If the antidesiccant contains calcium chloride and the antirespirant contains a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, the composition may further comprise an osmoprotectant, and the osmoprotectant may contain choline chloride.

[0288] The compositions and methods described herein may also further include a wetting agent, defoamer, buffering agent, biocide, fixing agent, microbiostat, colorant, preservative, antioxidant, surfactant, chelating agent, or any combination thereof.

[0289] The term "microbiostat" refers to any agent that inhibits or prevents the growth of one or more microbes, such as bacteria, yeast, viruses and/or fungi.

[0290] If present, a wetting agent, prototypical agent, buffering agent, biocide, fixing agent, microbiostat, colorant, preservative, antioxidant, surfactant, chelating agent, or any combination thereof may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 50 wt. % of the composition, for example, from about 0.1 to about 20 wt. % of the composition, from about 1 to about 20 wt. % of the composition, or from about 1 to about 10 wt. % composition.

[0291] For example, a wetting agent, defoamer, buffering agent, biocide, fixing agent, microbiostat, colorant, preservative, antioxidant, surfactant, chelating agent, or any combination thereof may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 0.1 % to about 20 wt. % composition.

[0292] A wetting agent, defoamer, buffering agent, biocide, fixing agent, microbiostat, colorant, preservative, antioxidant, surfactant, chelating agent, or any combination thereof may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 1% to about 20 wt. % composition.

[0293] A wetting agent, defoamer, buffering agent, biocide, fixing agent, microbiostat, colorant, preservative, antioxidant, surfactant, chelating agent, or any combination thereof may be present in the concentrated composition at a concentration of from about 1% to about 10 wt. % composition.

[0294] Suitable wetting agents include all compounds that promote wetting and are commonly used in agrochemical compositions, including, for example, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate such as diisopropyl naphthalenesulfonate and diisobutyl naphthalenesulfonate.

[0295] Suitable antifoam agents include all agrochemically effective antifoam compounds such as a silicone antifoam agent, magnesium stearate, a silicone emulsion, a long chain alcohol, a fatty acid and a salt thereof, and an organofluorine compound or a mixture of any of these compounds.

[0296] Suitable buffering agents include all buffering agents commonly used in agricultural compositions such as, for example, monopotassium phosphate, acrylic acid, glutaric acid, gluconic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, carboxylated alcohol ethoxylate, ethoxylated alkylphenol carboxylate ester , tristyrylphenol alkoxylate carboxylate ester, tristyrylphenol alkoxylate phosphate ester, fatty acid, or any mixture thereof.

[0297] Suitable fixing agents may be based on a polyvinyl alkyl ether, such as polyvinyl methyl ether, or ketones, such as benzophenone or ethylene benzophenone.

[0298] Suitable microbiostats and biocides include all microbiostats and biocides commonly used in agricultural compositions, such as, for example, organic acid.

[0299] Suitable preservatives include all preservatives commonly used in agricultural compositions, such as, for example, a preservative derived from hemoformal dichlorophen and benzyl alcohol. Other suitable preservatives include 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, or any combination of them.

[0300] Suitable antioxidants include all antioxidants commonly used in agricultural compositions such as, for example, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate, octyl gallate, dodecyl gallate, butylated hydroxyanisole, propyl paraben, sodium benzoate, 4,4'-(2,3- dimethyltetramethylene)dibrenzcatechin (nordihydroguaiaretic acid).

[0301] Suitable surfactants include all surfactants commonly used in agricultural compositions and may be nonionic, anionic, cationic, or zwitterionic.

[0302] Nonionic surfactants include polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide block copolymers, polyethylene-polypropylene glycol,

alkylpolyoxyethylene, ethers of polyethylene glycol and linear alcohols, reaction products of fatty acids with ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone, copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylic esters, alkyl ethoxylates, alkylaryl ethoxylates, which may be optionally phosphated or neutralized with basic polyoxyamine derivatives, nonylphenol ethoxylates, and any mixture thereof.

[0303] Anionic surfactants include, for example, alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of alkyl sulfonic acid and alkylaryl sulfonic acid, polystyrene sulfonic acid salts, polyvinyl sulfonic acid salts, naphthalene sulfonic acid salts, formaldehyde condensates, salts of naphthalene sulfonic acid, phenol sulfonic acid and formaldehyde condensates, lignin sulfonic acid salts, and any mixture thereof.

[0304] The surfactant may include alkyl carboxylate, sodium stearate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, perfluorononanoate, perfluorooctanoate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium myreth sulfate, docusate, perfluorooctane sulfonate, perfluorobutane ether sulfate, alkyl aryl ether phosphate, phosphate, alkyl simple октенидина гидрохлорид, цетримония бромид, цетилпиридиния хлорид, бензалкония хлорид, бензетония хлорид, диметилдиоктадециламмония хлорид, диоктадецилдиметиламмония бромид, 3-[(3-холамидопропил)диметиламмонио]-1-пропансульфонат, кокамидопропилгидроксисултаин, кокамидопропилбетаин, фосфитидилсерин, фосфатидилэтаноламин, фосфатидилхолин, сфингомиелин, жирный спирт , cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ether, octaethylene glycol monodecyl ether, pentaethylene glycol monodecyl ether, polyoxypropylene glycol alkyl ether, simple alk glucoside yl ether, decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, octyl glucoside, polyoxyethylene glycol octylphenol ether, alkylene glycol such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, alkyl and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol, alkyl polysaccharide, alkyl polyglucoside ester, polyethylene polypropylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene and polyethylene glycol, hexylene glycol and simple alkyl polyoxyethylene glycol ether, nonoxynol-9, glycerol alkyl ester, glyceryl laurate, polyoxyethylene glycol-sorbitan alkyl ester, polysorbate, sorbitan alkyl ester, cocamide monoethanolamine, cocamide diethanolamine, dodecyldimethylamine oxide, polyethylene glycol block copolymer, polypropylene glycol block copolymer, poloxamer, polyethoxylated tallow amine or its polyalkylene a derivative such as alkylpolyoxyethylene, methoxypolyoxyethylene, octylpolyoxyethylene, nonylpolyoxyethylene, decylpolyoxyethylene, undecylpolyoxyethylene, laurylpolyoxyethylene, three decylpolyoxyethylene, tetradecylpolyoxyethylene, pentadecylpolyoxyethylene, hexadecylpolyoxyethylene, heptadecylpolyoxyethylene, octadecylpolyoxyethylene, cocopolyoxyethylene, tallowpolyoxyethylene, polyethoxylate alkyl ether, alkylphenol ethoxylate and polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, organosilicon compound, alcohol ethoxylate, alkylaryl ethoxylate, or any combination of their sulfonic acid surfactants.

[0305] The chelating agent may contain EDTA.

[0306] The composition may also contain an additional active ingredient such as a pesticide, fertilizer, plant growth regulator, biocontrol agent, biostimulant, seaweed extract or derivative thereof, or any combination thereof. If an additional active ingredient is contained, then it can be from about 1 to about 99.9 wt. % composition, for example, from about 5 wt. % to about 99 wt. %, from about 20 wt. % to about 95 wt. %, from about 20 wt. % to about 60 wt. %, from about 1 to about 60 wt. %, from about 1 to about 50 wt. %, from about 1 to about 40 wt. % of the composition, from about 1 to about 25 wt. % of the composition, or from about 1 to about 10 wt. % concentrated composition.

[0307] The pesticide may contain a fungicide, insecticide, acaricide, herbicide, nematicide, bactericide, or any combination thereof.

[0308] When included in the composition, the herbicide may contain 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, acetochlor, acifluorfen, alachlor, ametrin, atrazine, aminopyralid, benefin, bensulfuron, methylbensulfuron, bensulide, bentazone, bispyribac sodium, bromacil, bromoxynil , butylate, carfentrazone, 2-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, chlorimuron, ethylchlorimuron, chlorsulfuron, cletodym, clomazone, clopyralid, clopyralic acid, cloransulam, CMPP-P-DMA, cycloate, DCPA, desmedifam, dicamba, dichlobenil, diclofop, dichlorprop, dichlorprop-R , dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenol, diclosulam, diflufenzopyr, dimethenamid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid dimethylamine salt, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid ester, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid derivatives, diquat, diuron, DSMA, endothall, EPTC, etalfluralin, etofumesate, fenoxaprop, fluazifop-R, flucarbazone, flufenacet, flumetsulam, flumiclorac, flumioxazine, fluometuron, fluroxypyr, fluroxypyr 1-methylheptyl ester, fomesafen, fomesafe sodium salt na, foramsulfuron, glufosinate, ammonium glufosinate, glyphosate, halosulfuron, halosulfuron-methyl, hexazinon, 2-hydroxyphenoxyacetic acid, 4-hydroxyphenoxyacetic acid, imazamethabenz, imazamox, imazapic, imazakhin, imazapir, imazethapir, isoxaben, isoxaflutol, lactofen, linuron, MSPA, MSRV, mecoprop, mecoprop-R, mesotrione, metolachlor-s, metribuzin, metsulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl, molinate, MSMA, napropamide, naptalam, nicosulfuron, norflurazon, oryzalin, oxadiazon, oxyfluorfen, paraquat, pelargonic acid, pendimethalin, phenmedipham , picloram, primisulfuron, prodiamine, prometrin, pronamide, propanil, prosulfuron, pyrazon, pyroxasulfone, pyrithiobac, quinclorac, quizalofop, rimsulfuron, sethoxydim, siduron, simazine, sulfentrazone, sulfometuron, tribernuron, tribernuron-methyl, sulfosulfuron, tebuthiuron, thizopyrazil , thifensulfuron, thifensulfuron-methyl, thiobencarb, tralkoxydim, triallate, triasulfuron, tribenuron, triclopyr, trifluralin, triflusulfuron, or lu I want a combination of them.

[0309] When included in the composition, the fungicide may contain aldimorph, ampropylphos, potassium ampropylphos, andoprim, anilazine, aconazole, azoxystrobin, benalaxyl, benodanil, benomyl, benzamacryl, benzamacryl-isobutyl, benzwindflupyr, bialaphos, binapacryl, biphenyl, bitertanol, blasticidin-S , boscalide, bromuconazole, bupirimate, butiobate, calcium polysulfide, capsimycin, captafol, captan, carbendazim, carvone, quinomethionate, chlobentiazone, chlorphenazole, chloroneb, chloropicrin, chlorothalonil, chlosolinate, closilacone, kufraneb, cymoxanil, cyproconazole, cyprobam, cyprodinil, dichlorophen, diclobutrazol, diclofluanid, diclomesin, dicloran, diethofencarb, dimethirimol, dimethomorph, dimoxystrobin, diniconazole, diniconazole-M, dinocap, diphenylamine, dipyrithione, dithalymphos, dithianone, dodemorph, dodin, drazoxolone, edifenphos, epoxiconazole, ethiconazole, etridiasol, ethirimol famoxadone, fenapanil, fenarimol, fenbuconazole, fenfuram, fenitropan, fenpiclonil, fenpropidine, fenpropimorph, fentin acetate, fe ntina hydroxide, ferbam, ferimzone, fluazinam, fludioxonil, flumetover, fluoromide, fluquinconazole, flurprimidol, flusilazole, flusulfamide, fluoxastrobin, flutolanil, flutriafol, folpet, fosethyl-aluminum, fosethyl-sodium, phthalide, fureridazole, furaconyl, furaconyl, furalaksil, furalaksil , cis-furconazole, furmecicpox, guazatin, hexachlorobenzene, hexaconazole, hymexazole, imazalil, imibenconazole, iminoctadine, iminoctadine albesilate, iminoctadine triacetate, iodocarb, iprobenphos (IBP), iprodione, irumamycin, isoprothiolane, isovaledione, kasugamycin, kresoxim-methyl, copper preparations such as: copper hydroxide, copper naphthenate, copper oxychloride, copper sulfate, copper oxide, copper oxin and Bordeaux mixture, mancopper, mancozeb, maneb, meferimzone, mepanipyrim, mepronil, metconazole, metasulfocarb, metfuroxam, metalaxyl, metiram, metomekpam, metsulfovax, mildiomycin, myclobutanil, myclozolin, nickel dimethyldithiocarbamate, nitrotal-isopropyl, nuarimol, ofurac, oxadixyl, oxamocarb, oxolinic acid, o xycarboxim, oxyfentiin, paclobutrazol, pefurazoate, penconazole, pencycuron, fosdifen, picoxystrobin, pimaricin, piperalin, polyoxin, polyoxorim, probenazole, prochlorac, procymidone, propamocarb, sodium propanosine, propiconazole, propineb, prothiocyanazole, pyraclostrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyrazophos, pyrifenox, pyrimethanil, pyrochilon, pyroxyfur, quinconazole, quintozen (PCNB), strobilurin, sulfur and sulfur-based preparations, tebuconazole, tecloftalam, teknazen, tetcyclazis, tetraconazole, thiabendazole, thithiophene, thifluzamide, thiophanate-methyl, thioximide, tolclofos-methyl, tolylfluanid, triadimefon, triadimenol, triazbutyl, triazole, triazoxide, trichlamide, triclopyr, tricyclazole, tridemorph, trifloxystrobin, triflumizole, triforin, uniconazole, validamycin A, vinclozolin, viniconazole, zarilamide, zineb, ziram, also Dagger G, OK-8705, OK-8801, a-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-(3-(2-phenoxyethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol, a-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-[3-fluoro-3- propyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol, a-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-[3-methoxy-a-methyl-1H-1,2,4- triazole-1-ethanol, a-(5-methyl-1,3-dioxan-5-yl)-[3-[[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methylene]-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1 -ethanol, (5RS,6RS)-6-hydroxy-2,2,7,7-tetramethyl-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-octanone, (E)-a -(methoxyimino)-N-methyl-2-phenoxyphenylacetamide, 1-isopropyl{2-methyl-1-[[[1-(4-methylphenyl)ethyl]amino]carbonyl]propyl}carbamate, 1-(2,4- dichlorophenyl)-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)ethanone-O-(phenylmethyl)oxime, 1-(2-methyl-1-naphthalenyl)-1H-pyrrol-2,5-dione , 1-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-3-(2-propenyl)-2,5-pyrrolidinedione, 1-[(diiodomethyl)sulfonyl]-4-methylbenzene, 1-[[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl )-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl]methyl]-1H-imidazole, 1-[[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-phenyloxiranyl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole, 1- [1-[2-[(2,4-dichlorophenyl)methoxy]phenyl]ethenyl]-1H-imidazole, 1-methyl-5-nonyl-2-(phenylmethyl)-3-pyrrolidinol, 2',6'-dibromo -2-methyl-4'-trifluoromethoxy-4'-trifluoromethyl-1,3-thiazolecarboxanilide, 2,2-dichloro-N-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-1-ethyl-3-methylcyclopropanecarboxamide, 2, 6-dichloro-5-(methylthio)-4-pyrimidinylthiocyanate, 2,6-dichloro-N-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl )benzamide, 2,6-dichloro-N-[[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]benzamide, 2-(2,3,3-triiodo-2-propenyl)-2H-tetrazole, 2-[(1- methylethyl)sulfonyl]-5-(trichloromethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole, 2-[[6-deoxy-4-O-(4-O-methyl-(3-D-glycopyranosyl)-a-D- glucopyranosyl]amino]-4-methoxy-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimindine-5-carbonitrile, 2-aminobutane, 2-bromo-2-(bromomethyl)pentandidinitrile, 2-chloro-N-(2,3 -dihydro-1,1,3-trimethyl-1H-inden-4-yl)-3-pyridinecarboxamide, 2-chloro-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N-(isothiocyanatomethyl)acetamide, 2-phenylphenol (OPP ), 3,4-dichloro-1-[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]pyrrole-2,5-dione, 3,5-dichloro-N-[cyano[(1-methyl)-2-propynyl)oxy]methyl ]benzamide, 3-(1,1-dimethylpropyl-1-oxo-1H-indene-2-carbonitrile, 3-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-ethoxy-3-isoxazolidinyl]pyridine, 4-chloro- 2-cyano-N,N-dimethyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-imidazole-1-sulfonamide, 4-methyltetrazolo[1,5-a]quinazolin-5(4H)-one, 8-(1, 1-dimethylethyl)-N-ethyl-N-propyl-1,4-dioxaspiro[4,5]decane-2-methanamine, 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, 9H-xanthene-2-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-9-carboxylic hydrazide kitty lots, bis-(1-methylethyl)-3-methyl-4-[(3-methylbenzoyl)oxy]-2,5-thiophene dicarboxylate, cis-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(1H-1,2, 4-triazol-1-yl)cycloheptanol, cis-4-[3-[4-(1,1-dimethylpropyl)phenyl-2-methylpropyl]-2,6-dimethylmorpholine hydrochloride, ethyl-[(4-chlorophenyl)azo ]cyanoacetate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium methanetetrathiol, methyl-1-(2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethylinden-1-yl)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylate, methyl-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl )-N-(5-isoxazolylcarbonyl)-DL-alaninate, methyl-N-(chloroacetyl)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-DL-alaninate, N-(2,3-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)- 1-methylcyclohexanecarboxamide, N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2-methoxy-N-(tetrahydro-2-oxo-3-furanyl)acetamide, N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2-methoxy-N-( tetrahydro-2-oxo-3-thienyl)acetamide, N-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-4-methyl-3-nitrobenzenesulfonamide, N-(4-cyclohexylphenyl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro- 2-pyrimidinamine, N-(4-hexylphenyl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2-pyrimidinamine, N-(5-chloro-2-methylphenyl)-2-methoxy-N-(2-oxo-3 -oxazolidinyl)acetamide, N-(6-methoxy)-3-pyridinyl)cyclopropanecarboxamide , N-[2,2,2-trichloro-1-[(chloroacetyl)amino]ethyl]benzamide, N-[3-chloro-4,5-bis(2-propynyloxy)phenyl]-N'-methoxymethanimidamide, sodium salt of N-formyl-N-hydroxy-DL-alanine, O,O-diethyl-[2-(dipropylamino)-2-oxoethyl]ethylphosphoramidothioate, O-methyl-S-phenylphenylpropylphosphoramidothioate, S-methyl-1,2,3- benzothiadiazol-7-carbothioate and spiro[2H]-1-benzopyran-2,1'(3'H)-isobenzofuran]-3'-one, N-(trichloromethyl)thio-4-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboximide, tetramethylthioperoxydicarboxylic acid diamide, methyl-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N-(methoxyacetyl)-DL-alaninate, 4-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)-1H-pyrrol- 3-carbonitrile or any combination thereof.

[0310] Examples of active ingredients include organic phosphorus-containing agents, carbonate agents, carboxylates, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and materials derived from microorganisms. Additional active ingredient may contain alanicarb, aldicarb, aldoxycarb, allixicarb, aminocarb, bendiocarb, benfuracarb, bufencarb, butacarb, butocarboxym, butoxycarboxym, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbosulfan, kpoetocarb, dimethylan, ethiofencarb, fenobucarb, fenotiocarb, formetanate, isofurate - sodium, methiocarb, methomyl, metolcarb, oxamyl, pirimicarb, promecarb, propoxur, thiodicarb, thiophanox, trimetacarb, CMS, xylylcarb and triazamate; acephate, azamethifos, azinphos (-methyl, -ethyl), aromophos-ethyl, aromfenvinphos (-methyl), autathiophos, cadusafos, carbophenotion, chlorethoxyphos, chlorfenvinphos, chlormephos, chlorpyrifos (-methyl, -ethyl), coumaphos, cyanofenphos, cyanophos, Chlorphenvinphos, Demeton-E-methyl, Demeton-E-methylsulfone, Dialyphos, Diazinon, Dichlorfenthion, Dichlorvos/DDVP, Dicrotophos, Dimethoate, Dimethylvinphos, Dioxabenzophos, Disulfotone, EPN, Ethion, Ethoprofos, Etymphos, Famfur, Fenamiphos, Fenitrothion, Fensulfothion, fenthion, flupyrazophos, fonofos, formotion, fosmethylan, fostiazate, heptenophos, iodfenfos, iprobenfos, isazophos, isofenphos, isopropyl-O-salicylate, isoxathion, malathion, mecarbam, metakryphos, methamidophos, metidathione, mevinfos, monocrotophos, naled, omethoate, oxydemeton- methyl, parathion (-methyl/-ethyl), phentoate, phorate, fosalon, phosmet, phosphamidon, phosphocarb, phoxim, pyrimiphos (-methyl/ethyl), profenophos, propafos, propetamphos, prothiophos, protoate, pyraclophos, pyridafenthion, pyridathione, quinalphos , sebufos, sulfotep, sulprofos, t ebupyrimphos, temephos, terbufos, tetrachlorvinphos, thiometon, triazophos, trichlorfon, vamidothion; acrinathrin, allethrin (d-cis-trans, d-trans), beta-cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, bioallethrin, bioallethrin-E-cyclopentyl isomer, bioethanometrin, biopermethrin, bioresmethrin, chlovaportrin, cis-cypermethrin, cis-resmethrin, cis-permethrin , clocitrin, cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin (alpha-, beta-, theta-, zeta-), cyfenotrin, deltamethrin, empentrin (JR-isomer), esfenvalerate, etofenprox, fenfluthrin, fenpropatrin, fenpyrythrin, fenvalerate, flubrocitrinate, flucitrinate , flufenprox, flumethrin, fluvalinate, fubfenprox, gamma-cyhalothrin, imiprothrin, cadetrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, metofluthrin, permethrin (cis-, trans-), phenothrin (IR-trans-isomer), pralletrin, profluthrin, protrifenbut, pyresmethrin, resmethrin , RU 15525, silafluofen, tau-fluvalinate, tefluthrin, teralletrin, tetramethrin (-1R-isomer), tralometrin, transfluthrin, ZXI 8901, pyrethrins (pyrethrum); DDT; acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, nithiazine, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, nicotine, bensultap, cartap; spinosad; camphechlor, chlordane, endosulfan, gamma-HCH, HCH, heptachlor, lindane, methoxychlor; fiprols such as, for example, acetoprole, ethiprole, fipronil, pyrafluprol, pyriprole and vaniliprole; avermectin, emamectin, emamectin benzoate, ivermectin, milbemycin, latidectin, lepimectin, selamectin, doramectin, eprinomectin and moxidectin; diofenolan, epofenonan, fenoxycarb, hydroprene, kinoprene, methoprene, pyriproxyfen and triprene; depsipeptides such as emodepsid; chromafenoside, halofenoside, methoxyfenoside, tebufenoside; bistrifluron, chlofluazuron, diflubenzuron, fluazuron, flucycloxuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, novaluron, noviflumuron, penfluron, teflubenzuron, triflumuron; buprofezin; cyromazine; diafenthiuron; cyhexatin, fenbutatin oxide; chlorfenapyr; dinitrophenols such as, for example, binapacryl, dinobuton, dinocap, DNOC; phenazakhine, fenpyroximate, pyrimidifen, pyridaben, tebufenpyrad, tolfenpyrad; hydramethylnon; dicofol; rotenones; acechinocil, fluacripyrim; strains of Bacillus thuringiensis; tetronic acids such as spirodiclofen, spiromesifen; tetramic acids such as spirotetramate, 3-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-8-methoxy-2-oxo-1-azaspiro[4.5]dec-3-en-4-ylethyl carbonate; carboxamides such as flonicamid; amitraz; flubendiamide; thiocyclam hydro-oxalate and sodium thiosultap.

[0311] Suitable bactericides include kasugamycin, tetracycline, oxytetracycline, streptomycin, bacterial control agents, copper-based fungicides, margosa oil, vinegar, or any combination thereof.

[0312] For example, the fungicide may contain strobilurin, conazole, or a combination thereof.

[0313] The fungicide may contain pyraclostrobin, metconazole, or a combination thereof.

[0314] As another example, the fertilizer may contain azoxystrobin.

[0315] In addition, the fertilizer may contain trifloxystrobin, prothioconazole, or a combination thereof.

[0316] If a fertilizer is included in the compositions of the present invention, the fertilizer may comprise a nitrogen foliar fertilizer, a phosphorus foliar fertilizer, a manganese foliar fertilizer, or any combination thereof.

[0317] The pH of the composition can be adjusted to be acidic, basic, or neutral, depending on the specific needs of the user. For example, the pH may be from about 4 to about 10.

[0318] Components of the compositions described herein may also be provided in a kit. Thus, the present invention also relates to a kit containing an osmoprotectant and/or antidesicant and/or antirespirant and instructions for applying the osmoprotectant and/or antidesicant and/or antirespirant to a plant to increase its productivity, where the osmoprotectant, antidesicant and antirespirant are different from each other. .

[0319] For example, provided herein is a kit containing an osmoprotectant, antidesiccant, antirespirant, and instructions for applying the osmoprotectant, antidesiccant, and antirespirant to a plant to increase its productivity. Osmoprotectant, antidesiccant and antirespirant are different from each other.

[0320] An additional set is proposed. The kit contains osmoprotectant, antidesiccant and instructions for applying osmoprotectant and antidesiccant to the plant to increase its productivity. Osmoprotectant and antidesicant are different from each other.

[0321] Another set is proposed. The kit contains osmoprotectant, antirespirant and instructions for applying osmoprotectant and antirespirant to the plant to increase its productivity. Osmoprotectant and antirespirant are different from each other.

[0322] Another set is proposed. The kit contains the first osmoprotectant, the second osmoprotectant and instructions for applying the first osmoprotectant and the second osmoprotectant to the plant to increase its productivity. The first osmoprotectant and the second osmoprotector are different from each other.

[0323] An additional set is proposed. The kit contains an antidesicant, antirespirant and instructions for applying the antidesicant and antirespirant to the plant to increase its productivity. Antidesicant and antirespirant are different from each other.

[0324] Additional components of the compositions described above may also be included in any of the kits.

[0325] If the components of the compositions described herein can be provided in a kit, then each component can be provided in a separate container in the kit. For example, the kit may contain separate containers containing an osmoprotectant, an antirespirant, and/or an antidesiccant. Similarly, if the kit contains the first and second osmoprotectants, then the first and second osmoprotectants may be provided in separate containers in the kit.

[0326] If the components of the compositions are provided in separate containers in a kit, end users may then combine the components with each other into a single composition prior to application to the plant. Alternatively, the end user may apply the components sequentially to the plants without combining the components with each other prior to application to the plant.

[0327] In addition, if the kit contains concentrated, dry or granular forms of one or more osmoprotectants, antidesiccants and/or antirespirants, then the end user will need to dilute or reconstitute the osmoprotectant(s), antidesiccant and/or antirespirant before applying to the plant .

[0328] Any of the compositions described herein and any of the chemical components of any of the kits described herein may be provided as a solid or liquid. For example, any of the compositions or any of the chemical components of any of the kits may be in the form of wet or dry granules. For example, any of the compositions described herein may be in the form of a wet dispersible granule. Similarly, in any of the kits described herein, the osmoprotectant and/or antidesiccant and/or antirespirant may be in the form of wet or dry granules (eg, wet dispersible granules).

[0329] As another example, any of the compositions provided herein may be in the form of a dry powder. Likewise, in any of the kits described herein, the osmoprotectant and/or antidesiccant and/or antirespirant may be in the form of a dry powder.

[0330] If the composition, osmoprotectant, antidesicant, or antirespirant is provided in a solid or dry form (e.g., as a dry powder or wet dispersible granule), then the solid or dry form is suitably mixed with any agriculturally acceptable household liquid (eg water) prior to application to the plant or part of the plant.

[0331] If the composition is in solid form (e.g., a dry powder or wet dispersible granule), or if one or more chemical components of the kit are provided in solid form, then the active ingredients (e.g., osmoprotectant and/or antidesiccant and/or osmoprotectant ) are present in a total concentration of from about 0.001% (w/w) to 99.5% (w/w), preferably from about 5% (w/w) to about 98% (w/w) and more preferably from about 40% to about 97.5% (w/w).

[0332] For example, if the composition is in solid form and the composition contains betaine, proline, a carbohydrate, or a betaine or proline homologue or analog, or if the kit contains betaine, proline, a carbohydrate, or a proline or betaine homologue or analog, then betaine, a betaine homologue, the betaine analog, proline, proline homologue, proline analog, or carbohydrate may be present at a concentration of from about 0.05% (w/w) to about 99% (w/w).

[0333] This document also provides a method for improving the productivity of a plant compared to an untreated plant. The method includes optionally diluting in a suitable volume of water an effective amount of a composition, such as described above, to obtain a composition for application, and exogenously applying the composition to a plant. The untreated plant is under the same conditions as said plant but is not treated with the application composition. When using a concentrated composition, it is diluted in a suitable volume of water to obtain a composition for application.

[0334] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for improving the productivity of a plant compared to an untreated plant, wherein the method comprises exogenously applying an osmoprotectant, an antidesiccant, and an antirespirant to the plant during a treatment period. The untreated plant is under the same conditions as said plant, but is not treated with an osmoprotectant, antidesiccant, and antirespirant.

[0335] The invention also relates to a method for improving the productivity of a plant compared to an untreated plant, wherein the method comprises exogenously applying an osmoprotectant and an antidesiccant to the plant during the treatment period. The untreated plant is under the same conditions as the specified plant, but it is not treated with an osmoprotectant and an antidesiccant.

[0336] The invention further relates to a method for increasing the productivity of a plant relative to an untreated plant, wherein the method comprises exogenously applying an osmoprotectant and an antirespirant to the plant during a treatment period, wherein the untreated plant is not treated with the osmoprotectant and antirespirant but is under the same conditions as the specified plant.

[0337] The invention further relates to a method for increasing the productivity of a plant relative to an untreated plant, wherein the method comprises exogenously applying an antidesiccant and antirespirant to the plant during a treatment period, wherein the untreated plant is not treated with the antidesicant and antirespirant but is under the same conditions as the specified plant.

[0338] In any of these methods, increased crop productivity may include increased yield, increased plant parts or storage organs, improved water regime, increased stress tolerance, increased protection against abiotic stress factors, improved phenotypic characteristics, increased livability, increased protection against herbicide damage, increased weed sensitivity to the herbicide, increased herbicide efficacy, improved flower health and vigor, increased growth rate, or any combination thereof.

[0339] Increasing yield may include an increase in flowering organs, an increase in the number of flowers, an increase in the number of seeds, an increase in pod fullness, an increase in the number of seeds per pod, a coarsening of seeds in a pod, improved pod attachment, an improvement in ear quality, an increase in the number of grains, an increase in ear fullness, an increase in the number of fruit sets, an increase in the number of fruits, an enlargement of fruits, or any combination thereof.

[0340] An increase in plant parts or storage organs may include an increase in root tubers, an increase in stem tubers, an increase in rhizome, an increase in stolons, an increase in corms, an increase in pseudobulbs, an increase in bulbs, or any combination thereof.

[0341] Improved water management may include increased movement of water into and through the plant, increased water retention, increased water use efficiency, increased turgor, or any combination thereof.

[0342] Improved flower health and vigor may include increased bloom duration.

[0343] For example, improved preservation of the health and vigor of flowers can be achieved during storage, transport, replanting of flowers, or any combination thereof.

[0344] Flowers may include cut flowers.

[0345] Alternatively, the flowers may include uncut flowers.

[0346] An abiotic stressor may include high temperatures, such as temperatures above 29°C, low temperatures, such as temperatures below 12°C, water scarcity, drought, desiccation, high humidity, such as above 60% humidity, low humidity, for example, humidity below 30%, fluctuations in humidity, fluctuations in osmotic pressure, high salinity, increased transpiration, low soil moisture, UV stress, radiation stress, or a combination of any of these factors.

[0347] For example, severe salinity may include a medium whose electrical conductivity is at least 4.00 millisiemens per centimeter.

[0348] For example, an abiotic stressor may include high salinity, and increased protection against an abiotic stressor may include improved plasma membrane integrity, improved plasma membrane repair, improved plasma membrane permeability change, or any combination thereof after exposure to high salinity conditions.

[0349] As another example, an abiotic stressor may include temperatures above 29°C, water scarcity, drought, any combination thereof, and increased protection against an abiotic stressor may include improved plant recovery after exposure to temperatures above 29°C, water scarcity or drought.

[0350] Improved phenotypic characteristics may include increasing chlorophyll levels, increasing the length of the growing season, slowing down aging, increasing turgor, improving plant growth and germination, preventing chlorosis, preventing stunting, preventing leaf curl, preventing leaf curl, preventing dropping of leaves, flowers, and /or fruits or any combination thereof.

[0351] Improvement in phenotypic characteristics may include an increase in the length of the growing season. Stay-green phenotypes in crop plants may be associated with increased levels of chlorophyll and other protective pigments that enhance the plant's ability to withstand the drought and water stresses that typically accompany heat and low humidity stresses. The stay-green phenotype can also be described as having a long growing season in the case of plants, or having a delay before the senescence period during ear filling with grain. Stay-green phenotypes are desirable and provide an increase in the length of time during which the plants actively photosynthesize and fill the ear, for example, which last longer in the field season for corn.

[0352] The compositions and methods provided herein may provide some beneficial effects for plants, in particular seedlings, lawns and garden plants, such as reduced transplant shock, reduced post-harvest losses, increased vigor of cuttings in the nursery, increased efficiency increase in grafting efficiency (citrus industry), increase resistance to cold stress, increase resistance to heat stress, increase resistance to frost, reduce losses from waterlogging or excess moisture stress, increase resistance to salt stress, increase resistance to oxidative and radiation stress (ultraviolet stress), improved water loss characteristics under water scarcity stress, increased resistance to extreme temperature fluctuations, improved tolerance to stress with humidity changes (high humidity and low humidity), favorable effects from increased yield (production harvested), increased number of flowers harvested (number) and flower retention (flowering time), increased longevity and vigor, and reduced or slowed aging (more pronounced stay-green phenotype), among others.

[0353] the Compositions and methods described herein are suitable for the treatment of plants that will be for some period of time in less favorable growing conditions, such as storage or transportation. Climate control in vehicles transporting plants from the nursery to distribution facilities may not be optimal in terms of air movement, temperature and humidity control. Plants grown and transported from commercial greenhouses can be stored for days in warehouses and trailers with poor temperature control. Vehicles, warehouses and various rooms used for storage or transportation are generally not properly temperature controlled or well insulated and can experience extreme temperature fluctuations in hot and cold weather. Plants can also be transported or stored in close proximity to each other, resulting in warmer environments and reduced air currents. For delicate and even more fragile plants, an increase in transport time can create a dangerous situation for the health and survival of the plant. Many plants do not tolerate transportation longer than 48 hours.

[0354] The compositions are suitable for use in greenhouses, but are also suitable for use before, during, or after storage, transport, and other indoor activities. All major manufacturers and distributors are faced with the loss of some part of the product during storage and transportation. These losses may occur as a result of drying or loss of moisture in plants or plant parts during transport or storage in tightly packed or stacked conditions (shelving). Plants can also be subject to rapid changes in temperature and humidity. The agricultural compositions of the present invention and the osmoprotectant used in combination with an antidesiccant and/or antirespirant can be used to reduce and minimize post-harvest product losses.

[0355] The main causes of damage to trees and shrubs, such as broadleaf evergreens, conifers, roses and hydrangeas, during the winter is drying or drying out, in particular during the winter months, if the ground freezes and the roots cannot get additional water from soil, and the survival of plants depends on water, which is mainly stored in their roots or stems. Such a scenario can be problematic for evergreen trees and shrubs that do not shed their leaves for the winter. The osmoprotectant, antidesiccant and antirespirant properties included in the disclosed agricultural compositions are used to retain moisture in the plant. In regions with drier and harsher winters, these agricultural compositions can be applied multiple times during the winter season and during the coldest months.

[0356] The agricultural compositions are also suitable for preventing moisture loss in bulbs, pseudobulbs, corms, tubers, root stalks, shoots during pre-sowing treatment, pre-storage, or transplanting to reduce transplant shock and stimulate growth when plants put out new roots, or during grafting time (rhizomes and shoots). Agricultural compositions can also be used to extend the shelf life or shelf life of fruits and vegetables, tubers, pumpkins, gourds and other harvested plants or plant parts, such as Christmas trees.

[0357] Live cut flowers have a limited life or lifespan. You can expect most cut flowers to last a few days with proper care. Agricultural compositions can be provided exogenously as a foliar, dip or impregnation solution, or as an additive that can be added to an aqueous or gel based solution to prolong flower life and freshness. Agricultural compositions are also suitable for maintaining the health and growth of flowers (cut or uncut) during storage, transport and replanting.

[0358] As an alternative to using a composition that is prepared such that it includes an osmoprotectant and an antidesicant and/or an antirespirant, an osmoprotectant, an antidesicant and an antirespirant, or an osmoprotectant and an antidesicant, or an osmoprotectant and an antirespirant, or an antidesicant and an antirespirant can be applied to the plant simultaneously or sequentially. By "simultaneous" is meant that the application of the components at least partially overlaps in time, wherein the application of the components may not start and/or end at the same time.

[0359] In these methods, an osmoprotectant, an antidesiccant and an antirespirant, or an osmoprotectant and an antidesicant, or an osmoprotectant and an antirespirant, or an antidesiccant and an antirespirant are applied to the plant in separate compositions, rather than included in a single composition.

[0360] If the osmoprotectant and/or antidesiccant and/or antirespirant are applied separately, then the osmoprotectant, antidesiccant and antirespirant can be selected from osmoprotectants, antidesiccants and antirespirants such as those described herein for the agricultural composition.

[0361] Osmoprotectant can be applied in an amount of from about 29.57 to about 1774.41 ml per hectare (from 1 to 60 fl oz per acre).

[0362] Osmoprotectant can be applied in an amount of from about 29.57 to about 739.34 ml per hectare (from 1 to 25 fl oz per acre).

[0363] In those methods where the osmoprotectant contains betaine, betaine can be applied in an amount of from about 8.87 to about 2365.88 ml per hectare, or from about 236.59 to about 709.76 ml per hectare.

[0364] If the osmoprotectant contains betaine, betaine can be applied in an amount of from about 29.57 to about 1774.41 ml per hectare (from 1 to 60 fl oz per hectare), from about 29.57 to about 414.03 ml per hectare (from 1 to 14 fl oz per hectare) or from about 207.02 to about 739.34 ml per hectare (from 7 to about 25 fl oz per hectare).

[0365] For example, betaine can be applied in an amount of from about 8.87 to about 2365.88 ml per hectare.

[0366] Betaine can be applied in an amount of from about 236.59 to about 709.76 ml per hectare.

[0367] Alternatively, betaine can be applied in an amount of from about 29.57 to about 1774.41 ml per hectare (from 1 to 50 fl oz per hectare).

[0368] Betaine can be applied in an amount of from about 29.57 to 414.03 ml per hectare (from 1 to 14 fl oz per hectare).

[0369] Betaine can be applied in an amount of from about 207.02 to about 739.34 ml per hectare (7 to 25 fl oz per hectare).

[0370] In those methods where the osmoprotectant contains proline, proline can be applied in an amount of from about 8.87 to about 2365.88 ml per hectare, or from about 236.59 to about 709.76 ml per hectare.

[0371] If the osmoprotectant contains proline, proline can be applied in an amount of from about 29.57 to about 1774.41 ml per hectare (from 1 to 60 fl oz per hectare), from about 29.57 to about 414.03 ml per hectare (from 1 to 14 fl oz per hectare) or from about 207.02 to about 739.34 ml per hectare (from 7 to about 25 fl oz per hectare).

[0372] For example, proline can be applied in an amount of from about 7.3 to about 2338.5 ml per hectare (from 0.1 to 32 fl oz per acre).

[0373] Proline can be applied in an amount of from about 233.8 to 701.5 ml per hectare (3.2 to 9.6 fl oz per acre).

[0374] Alternatively, proline can be applied in an amount of from about 29.57 to about 1774.41 ml per hectare (from 1 to 60 fl oz per hectare).

[0375] Proline can be applied in an amount of from about 29.57 to 414.03 ml per hectare (from 1 to 14 fl oz per hectare).

[0376] Proline can be applied in an amount of from about 207.02 to about 739.34 ml per hectare (7 to 25 fl oz per hectare). Proline can be applied in an amount from about 8.87 ml per hectare to about 2365.88 ml per hectare.

[0377] For example, proline can be applied in an amount of from about 236.59 to about 709.76 ml per hectare.

[0378] In those methods in which an antidesicant is applied, the antidesicant can be applied in an amount of from about 29.57 to about 2070.15 ml per hectare (from 1 to 70 fl oz per hectare) or from about 29.57 to about 739, 34 ml per hectare (from 1 to 25 fl oz per hectare).

[0379] For example, the antidesiccant can be applied in an amount of from about 29.57 to about 2070.15 ml per hectare (from 1 to 70 fl oz per hectare).

[0380] As another example, the antidesiccant can be applied in an amount of from about 29.57 to about 739.34 ml per hectare (from 1 to 25 fl oz per hectare).

[0381] In those methods in which an antirespirant is applied, it can be applied in an amount of from about 29.57 to about 1478.68 ml per hectare (from 1 to 50 fl oz per hectare) or from about 29.57 to about 739, 34 ml per hectare (from 1 to 25 fl oz per hectare).

[0382] For example, the antirespirant can be applied in an amount of from about 29.57 to about 1478.68 ml per hectare (from 1 to about 50 fluid ounces per hectare).

[0383] As an additional example, the antirespirant can be applied in an amount of from about 29.57 to about 739.34 ml per hectare (from 1 to 25 fluid ounces per hectare).

[0384] In those methods in which the agricultural composition is applied, the composition can be applied in an amount of from about 29.57 to about 1478.68 ml per hectare (from 1 to 50 fl oz per hectare) or from about 29.57 to about 739 .34 ml per hectare (from 1 to 25 fl oz per hectare).

[0385] For example, the agricultural composition can be applied in an amount of from about 29.57 to about 1478.68 ml per hectare (from 1 to 50 fl oz per hectare).

[0386] As another example, the agricultural composition can be applied in an amount of from about 29.57 to about 739.34 ml per hectare (from 1 to 25 fl oz per hectare).

[0387] An osmoprotectant, an antidesiccant and an antirespirant, or an osmoprotectant and an antidesiccant, or an osmoprotectant and an antirespirant can be applied once or more frequently during the growing season. For example, an osmoprotectant, antidesicant and antirespirant, or an osmoprotectant and antidesiccant, or an osmoprotectant and antirespirant, or an antidesicant and antirespirant can be applied once, twice, three times, four times, five times, or more than five times during the growing season.

[0388] In those methods in which the osmoprotectant and/or antidesiccant and/or antirespirant is applied two or more times during the growing season, the first application can be done at or before the V8 development stage, and subsequent applications can be done before the flowering of the plant.

[0389] The first application can also be made to the plant growth medium (eg, the soil around the plant) before planting, and subsequent applications can be made after planting (eg, applied to the plant before the plant blooms).

[0390] For example, the first application can be carried out as a seed treatment or at or before the VE development stage, at or before the V1 development stage, at or before the V2 development stage, at or before the V3 development stage, at the V4 development stage or before, at or before the V5 developmental stage, or before the V6 developmental stage, or before the V7 developmental stage, or before the V8 developmental stage, or before the V9 developmental stage, or before the V10 developmental stage her, V11 developmental or before, V12 developmental or before, V13 developmental or before, V14 developmental or before, V15 developmental or before, VT developmental, or before, at or before the R1 developmental stage, or before the R2 developmental stage, or before the R3 developmental stage, or before the R4 developmental stage, or before the R6 developmental stage, or before the R7 developmental stage, or development of R8 or before it.

[0391] For example, the first application can be at or before the germination stage, at or before the germination stage, at or before the tillering stage, at or before the booting stage, at or before the stalk stage, or at the heading stage. or before it. For example, if the Fix scale is used to identify the growth stage of crops, then the first application may be at or before stage 1, at or before stage 2, at or before stage 3, at or before stage 4, at stage 5, or before, at or before step 6, or before step 7, or before step 8, or before step 9, or before step 10, or before step 10.1, or before step 10.2 her, at or before step 10.3, at or before step 10.4, or at or before step 10.5.

[0392] For example, the treatment period may be from about V2 to about R8, from about V3 to about V8, from about VT to about R2, from about R2 to about R8, from the period preceding the developmental stage of VE to about R8, or from the period preceding the developmental stage of VE, up to about V3.

[0393] An increase in crop productivity may include an increase in growth rate, and the treatment period may extend from a period prior to the VE development stage to about V3.

[0394] The vegetative (V) and reproductive (R) stages of development of various plants (including corn and soybeans) are known in the art and are described, for example, in Ransom, Growth and Management Quick Guide, North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension Service (May 2013, available at https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/crops/a1173.pdf) and Naeve, Soybean Production: Growth and Development - Growth Stages, University of Minnesota Extension Service (2011; available at https://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/soybean/growth-and-development/growth-stages/), both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0395] Optional second and subsequent applications can also be carried out at any of the stages, as described above. Preferably, if application is carried out in more than one operation, then different application operations are carried out at different stages of growth. More preferably, the second and subsequent applications are carried out before the plant begins to bloom.

[0396] For example, an osmoprotectant, an antidesiccant, and an antirespirant can be applied once or more during the growing season.

[0397] The osmoprotectant, antidesiccant, and antirespirant can be applied more than once during the growing season, and the first application can be made at or before the V8 development stage, and subsequent applications can be made before the flowering of the plant.

[0398] As another example, the osmoprotectant and antidesiccant can be applied once or more during the growing season.

[0399] The osmoprotectant and antidesiccant can be applied more than once during the growing season, and the first application can be made at or before the V8 development stage, and subsequent applications can be made before the flowering of the plant.

[0400] As an additional example, the osmoprotectant and antirespirant can be applied once or more during the growing season.

[0401] The osmoprotectant and antirespirant can be applied more than once during the growing season, and the first application can be made at or before the V8 development stage, and subsequent applications can be made before the flowering of the plant.

[0402] As an additional example, the antidesiccant and antirespirant can be applied once or more during the growing season.

[0403] The antidesicant and antirespirant can be applied more than once during the growing season, and the first application can be at or before the V8 developmental stage, and subsequent applications can be made before the flowering of the plant.

[0404] The number of application steps and the amount of osmoprotectant, antidesiccant, and/or antirespirant applied to a particular plant may depend on the type of plant, the type of osmoprotectant, antidesiccant, and/or antirespirant applied, and environmental conditions, among other factors. Environmental conditions include high salinity, high temperature, low temperature, water scarcity, drought, desiccation, high humidity, low humidity, temperature fluctuations, humidity fluctuations, osmotic pressure fluctuations, increased transpiration, low soil moisture, UV stress , radiation stress and others. The number of application operations and the amount applied to a particular plant may also depend on the desired phenotypic characteristics.

[0405] In any of the methods, the osmoprotectant and/or antidesiccant and/or antirespirant can be applied as a seed treatment or as a soil treatment to the area around the plant, plant part, or seed.

[0406] In any of the methods, the osmoprotectant and/or antidesiccant and/or antirespirant can be applied exogenously to plants or plant parts, or as a foliar spray, furrow spray, impregnation agent, additive introduced through the irrigation pipeline or irrigation system, means for aerial top dressing or by impregnating the soil or non-soil particles or matrix, which provide direct contact with the plant, plant part or plant seed. The osmoprotectant and/or antidesiccant and/or antirespirant can be applied as an aqueous solution, emulsion, suspension, granular composition or powder. The term "exogenous application" is intended to refer to any method of application that brings the applied composition into contact with the plant, plant part, or plant seed, and includes any of the methods described above, including application to the soil or the area around the plant, plant part, or seed. plants.

[0407] If an osmoprotectant and/or an antidesiccant and/or an antirespirant is applied to the plant during a treatment period, the treatment period may be from about VE to about V4, from about V3 to about V8, from about VT to about R2, or from about R1 to about R8. For example, the treatment period may be less than about one minute, less than about two minutes, less than about five minutes, less than about thirty minutes, less than about one hour, less than about two hours, less than about five hours, or less than about one day.

[0408] "Growing season" is defined as the period of time during which plant growth occurs. The growing season may be different depending on the geographical location or type of plant. The growing season may differ from year to year depending on environmental factors. For example, the growing season can be defined as the period of time between the last temperature drop below 0°C in spring and the first temperature drop below 0°C in autumn. In other areas, the growing season may be defined as the period of time when the average rainfall exceeds a given amount (for example, the rainy season). However, in tropical regions, the rainy season can interrupt the growing season due to excess rainfall.

[0409] In addition, the compositions and methods of the present invention can be used to protect plants from herbicide damage. Herbicides can be phytotoxic, especially to sensitive plants that are not the target of their application, when applied in an amount to control or suppress weed growth. Crop yields can be adversely affected by herbicide damage to plants. The compositions and methods can increase the tolerance of herbicides to non-target plants, such as corn and soybeans, and prevent plant injury. Agricultural compositions are particularly well suited for application to plants in which osmolytes such as betaines or prolines are not normally stored or accumulated in cells.

[0410] The proposed compositions and methods, which use the betaine and proline treatment as described, can be used to protect against the transfer or evaporation of pesticides to susceptible plants that are planted near the place where the pesticides should be applied or where they have already been used . Foliar feeding or furrow treatment for plant protection can be carried out as a preventive measure before or during or after the application of the herbicide. Said protective foliar application may be carried out after the herbicide has been delivered to an adjacent field, or may be carried out as part of furrow treatment in the area around the seed, for example, seeds planted in a field that has been contacted with the herbicide prior to planting.

[0411] Application rates, application timing, and plant physiology can be optimized to make the plant more susceptible to herbicidal activity or to provide a benefit that includes protection to prevent damage from herbicides (eg, herbicides from the phenoxy herbicide class, such as dicamba).

[0412] The agricultural composition and methods described herein can be applied to any plant species and/or their seeds. The compositions and methods are generally applied to seeds that are agronomically important. The seed may be a transgenic seed that can grow into a transgenic plant that includes a transgenic entity that confers, for example, tolerance to a particular herbicide or combination of herbicides, increased disease resistance, increased resistance to insects, drought, stress, and/or increased yield. The seed may contain a breeding trait, including, for example, a breeding trait for disease resistance. In some cases, the seed includes at least one transgenic trait and at least one breeding trait.

[0413] The compositions and methods can be used to treat any suitable type of seed, including, but not limited to, row crops and vegetables. For example, one or more plants or plant parts or seeds of one or more plants may include abaca (Manila hemp) (Musa textilis), forage alfalfa (Medicago sativa), seed alfalfa (Medicago sativa), almond (Prunus dulcis), anise seed ( Pimpinella anisum), apple (Maius sylvestris), apricot (Prunus armeniaca), areca (betel nut) (Areca catechu), arracachu (Arracacia xanthorrhiza), arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea), artichoke (Cynara scolymus), asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), avocado (Persea americana), bajru (pearl millet) (Pennisetum americanum), bambara peanut (Vigna subterranea), banana (Musa paradisiaca), barley (Hordeum vulgare), beans, mature, edible, grains (Phaseoius vulgaris), beans, harvested greens (Phaseolus and Vigna spp.), fodder beet (common beet) (Beta vulgaris), red beet (Beta vulgaris), sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), fodder sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), seed sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) , bergamot (Citrus bergamia), o pex betel (Areca catechu), black pepper (Piper nigrum), black locust (Acacia mearnsii), various blackberries (Rubus spp.), blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), brazil nuts (Berthoiletia excelsa), breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) , horticultural beans, mature (Vicia Faba), horticultural beans harvested green (Vicia Faba), broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis), technical sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), broom sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), red, white, savoy cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), Chinese cabbage ( Brassica chinensis), kale (Brassica spp.), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), melon (Cucumis melo), cumin seeds (Carum carvi), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), cardamom (Cynara cardunculus), carob (Ceratonia siliqua), edible carrots (Daucus carota spp.sativa), fodder carrots (Daucus carota sativa), cashew nuts (Anacardium Occidentale), cassava (manioc) (Manihot esculenta), castor bean (Ricinus communis), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var.botrytis), root celery (Apium graveo lens var. rapaceum), celery (Apium graveolens), chayote (Sechiumedule), cherry, all varieties (Prunus spp.), chestnut (Castanea sativa), chickpea (mutton pea) (Cicer arietinum), chicory ( Cichorium intybus), chicory greens (Cichorium intybus), mature fresh chili pepper (all varieties) (Capsicum spp. (appiite)), fresh chili pepper (all varieties) (Capsicum spp. (appiite)), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), citron (Citrus medica), citronella (Cymbopogon citrates; Cymbopogon nardus), clementine (Citrus reticulata), clove (Eugenia aromatica; Syzygium aromaticum), fodder clover (all varieties) (Trifolium spp.), seed clover (all varieties) (Trifolium spp.), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), coconut (Cocos nucifera), taro (Colocasia esculenta), coffee (Coffea spp.), kola nut, all varieties (Cola acuminata), colza (rapeseed) (Brassica napus), grain corn (maize) (Zea mays), silage corn ( maize (Zea mays), vegetable corn (maize) (Zea mays), lettuce corn (Valerianella locusta), cotton, all varieties (Gossypium spp.), cotton seed, all varieties (Gossypium spp.), grain cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata), green-harvested cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), cranberry (Vaccinium spp.), watercress (Lepidium sativum), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), currant, all varieties (Ribes spp.), cream apple (Appopa reticulate) , taro (Colocasia esculenta), dates (Phoenix dactylifera), moringa (Moringa oleifera), durra (sorghum) (Sorghum bicolour), durum wheat (Triticu m durum), ground pea (Vigna subterranea), edo (eddo) (Xanthosoma spp.; Colocasia spp.), Eggplant (Solanum melongena), Endive (Cichorium endivia), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Fig (Ficus carica), Hazelnut (Corylus avellana), Furcraea (Furcraea macrophylla), fiber flax (Linum usitatissimum), oil flax (flaxseed) (Linum usitatissimum), formium (New Zealand flax) (Phormium tenax), ripe garlic (Allium sativum), green garlic (Allium sativum), geranium (Pelargonium spp) .; Geranium spp.), ginger (Zingiber officinale), gooseberries, all varieties (Ribes spp.), gourds (Lagenaria spp; Cucurbita spp.), mutton peas (chickpeas) (Cicer arietinum), grapes (Vitis vinifera), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), raisin grapes (Vitis vinifera), table grapes (Vitis vinifera), wine grapes (Vitis vinifera), esparto (Lygeum spartum), hedgehog (Dactylis glomerata), Sudanese sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, var. sudanense ), groundnut (peanut) (Arachishipogaea), guava (Psidium guajava), guinea sorghum (sorghum) (Sorg hum bicolor), hazelnut (hazelnut) (Corylus avellana), hemp fiber (Cannabissativa spp.indica), manila hemp (abaca) (Musa textilis), rush (Crotalaria juncea), hemp (marijuana) (Cannabis sativa), henequen (Agave fourcroydes), lawsonia (Lawsonia inermis), hops (Humulus lupulus), fava beans (Vicia faba), horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), hybrid corn (Zea mays), indigofera (indigofera tinctoria), jasmine (Jasminum spp.), Jerusalem artichoke (Heiianthus tuberosus), sugar sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), jute (Corchorus spp.), kale (Brassica oleracea var. Acephala), kapok (Ceiba pentandra), kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. Gongylodes), lavender (Lavandula spp.), leek (Allium ampeloprasum; Allium porrum), lemon (Citrus limon), lemongrass ( Cymbopogon citratus), lentils (Lens culinaris), lespedeza, all varieties (Lespedeza spp.), lettuce (Lactuca sativa var, capitata), sour lime (Citrus aurantifoiia), sweet lime (Citrus limetta), linseed (flax for oil) (Linum usitatissimum), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), lychee (Litchi chinensis), Japanese medlar (Eriobotrya japonica), lupine, all varieties (Lupinus spp.), macadamia (Queensland nut) (Macadamia spp. Ternifblia), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), maize (Agave atrovirens), maize (corn) (Zea mays), maize (corn) for silage (Zea mays), maize (hybrid) (Zea mays), common maize (Zea mays), mandarin (Citrus reticulata) , red beet (fodder beet) (Beta vulgaris), mango (Mangifera indica), cassava (cassava) (Manihot esculenta), pulse mix (mix cereals) (a mixture of Triticum spp. and Secale cereale), German medlar (Mespilus germanica), melons other than watermelon (Cucumis melo), seed millet (Sorghum bicolor), African millet (Pennisetum americanum), cane millet (Pennisetum americanum), dagussu (Eleusine Sogasapa), mogar (Setaria italica), barnyard grass (Echinochloa esculenta), pearl millet (Bajra, cane millet) (Pennisetum americanum), common millet (Panicum miliaceum), mint, all varieties (Mentha spp.), mulberry for fruit, all varieties (Morus spp.), mulberry for silkworms (Morus alba), mushrooms (Agaricus spp.; Pleurotus spp.; Volvariella), mustard (Brassica nigra; Sinapis alba), nectarine (Prunus persica var. Nectarina), New Zealand flax (Formium) (Phormium tenax), Abyssinian Gizotia seeds (Guizotia abyssinica), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), fodder oats (Avena spp .), oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), olive tree (Olea europaea), onion seeds (Allium sulfur), mature onion (Allium sulfur), green onion (Allium sulfur), poppy (Papaver somniferum), orange (Citrus sinensis), orange (Citrus aurantium), ornamentals (various), palm (Borassus flabeilifer), palm, seed oil (Elaeis guineensis), palm, oil (Elaeis guineensis), palm, sago (Metroxylon sagu) , papaya (pawpaw) (Carica papaya), parsnips (Pastinaca sativa), peas, food, mature, for grain (Pisum sativum), peas picked green (Pisum sativum), peach (Prunus persica), peanut (peanut) ( Arachis hypogaea), pear (Pyrus communis), pecan (Carya illinoensis), pepper, che rye (Piper nigrum), pepper, ripe (Capsicum spp.), persimmon (Diospyros kaki; Diospyros virginiana), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), pineapple (Ananas comosus), pistachio nut (Pistacia vera), paradise banana (Musa sapientum), plum (Prunus domestica), pomegranate (Punica granatum), pomelo (Citrus grandis), seeds poppy (Papaver somniferum), potato (Solamum tuberosum), palm tree, stone oil (Elaeis guineensis), potato, sweet (Ipomoea batatas), prunes (Prunus domestica), pumpkin, food (Cucurbita spp.), fodder gourd (Cucurbita spp. ), chamomile (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefoiium), quebracho (Aspidosperma spp.), Queensland walnut (Macadamia spp.ternifolia), quince (Cydonia oblonga), cinchona (Cinchona spp.), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), white ramie (Boehmeria nivea) , rapeseed (colza) (Brassica napus), raspberry, all varieties (Rubus spp.), red beet (Beta vulgaris), bent grass (Agrostis spp.), green ramie (Boehmeria nivea), rhubarb (Rheum spp.), rice ( Oryza sativa; Oryza glaberrima), rose (Rose spp.), hevea (Hevea brasiiiensis), rutabagas (Swedish) (Brassica napus var, napobrassica), rye (Secale cereale), chaff seed (Lolium spp.), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), goatbeard (Tragopogon porrifolius), sapodilla (Achras sapota), satsumu (tangerine/tangerine) (Citrus reticulata ), kozelets (black goatbeard) (Scorzonera hispanica), sesame (Sesamum indicum), shea (nut) butter (Vitellaria paradoxa), sisal (Agave sbalana), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), panicled sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), durru (Sorghum bicolor), guinea sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), sugar sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), soybean (Glycine max), bean hay (Glycine max), spelt (Triticum spelta), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), squash (Cucurbita spp.), strawberry (Fragaria spp.), sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), fodder sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), seed sugar beet (Be^a vulgaris), fodder sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum), sugar cane or alcohol (Saccharum officinarum), sugarcane for straw (Sac charum officinarum), fodder sunflower (Helianthus annuus), oil sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Indian hemp (Crotalaria juncea), swede (Brassica napus var. napobrassica), swede (Brassica napus var. napobrassica), sweet corn (Zea mays), sweet lime (Citrus limetta), sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum), sweet potato (Lopmoea batatas), sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicobr), tangerine ( Citrus reticulata), malanga (Xanthosoma sagittifolium), tapioca (cassava) (Manihot esculenta), taro (Colocasia esculenta), tea (Camellia sinensis), teff (Eragrostis abyssinica), timothy grass (Phleum pratense), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), shamrock (Lotus spp.), fodder triticale (hybrid of Triticum aestivum and Secale cereale), tung tree (Aleurites spp,; Fordii), food turnip (Brassica rapa), fodder turnip (Brassica rapa), urenu (Congolese jute) (Urena lobata), vanilla (Vanilla planifolia), corn vetch (Vicia sativa), walnut (Juglans spp., in particular Juglans regia), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), wheat (Triticum aestivum), yams (Dioscorea spp. .), Paraguayan holly (Ilex paraguariensis).

[0414] The compositions and methods described herein can also be applied to lawn grass, ornamental grass, flowers, ornamental plants, trees, and shrubs. The agricultural compositions are also suitable for use in nurseries, lawns and gardens, floriculture or cut flowers, and provide the benefits of increasing productivity, protecting health, vigour, and longevity of plants. For example, they can be applied to perennials, annuals, forced-germinated bulbs or pseudobulbs, grasses, groundcovers, trees, shrubs, ornamental plants (eg, orchids, etc.), tropical plants, and seedlings.

[0415] Alternatively, the methods described herein may include applying a pesticide-containing seed treatment agent to the plant seed prior to applying the osmoprotectant and/or antidesiccant and/or antirespirant to the plant.

[0416] After studying the detailed description of the invention, it will be obvious that modifications and changes are possible without going beyond the scope of the invention defined in the attached claims.

EXAMPLES

[0417] The following non-limiting examples are provided to further illustrate the present invention.

Example 1 Preparation of agricultural compositions

[0418] Compositions 1-23 and Stachidrine Composition 1, each containing an osmoprotectant, an antidesicant, and an antirespirant, were prepared as indicated in Table 1. The concentration ranges shown in Table 1 are for a concentrated (undiluted) form, such as an aqueous solution , suspension, etc., which can be delivered to the farmer or producer before being diluted to the recommended application rate. Antirespirant Control A and Antirespirant Control B are also described in Table 1.

Example 2: Feeding corn VT-Improving Yield

[0419] Agricultural compositions containing an agriculturally effective amount of betaine-HCl (composition 1 according to example 1) or L-proline (composition 2 according to example 1) were applied by foliar spraying at a rate of 3.2 fl oz per acre (fl. oz/acre) (234 ml per hectare) per two commercially available VT development stage corn hybrids. Large field trials were conducted at 10 separate sites in the Midwestern territories of Iowa (IA) and Illinois (IL).

[0420] Corn yields in bushels per acre (bush/acre and kg/hectare) were determined at 10 plant plots after betaine foliar treatment (composition 1) as shown in panel A of FIG. 1 and nine plots for plants after foliar treatment with Prol and Nom (composition 2) as shown in panel B of FIG. 1 and indicated after normalization by bush/acre for control corn plants (using water only) that were not treated with any foliar application.

[0421] Betaine-HCl fodder supplementation (composition 1), as shown in panel A of FIG. 1 resulted in an average increase of 9.2 bu/ac (577.5 kg/ha) over control corn and achieved a 70% efficiency rate in 10 harvested areas. Foliar application of L-proline (composition 2) as shown in panel B of FIG. 1 resulted in an average increase of 8.31 bu./acre (521.6 kg/ha) compared to control corn plants and provided an efficiency rate of 66.7% in nine plots harvested. The efficiency indicator corresponds to the proportion of the studied areas in which one of the methods of processing provides an increase in yield compared to other methods of processing.

Example 3: Feeding VT Maize with a Fungicide

[0422] An agricultural fertilizer composition containing an agriculturally effective amount of betaine-HCl (composition 1 according to example 1) was combined with a commercially available fungicide HEADLINE AMP ((13.64% pyraclostrobin, 5.14% metconazole), suitable for application in time of pollination and head fullness, and was applied by foliar spraying to VT stage maize. ) on six commercially available corn hybrids (5829A4, 5828MX, 6076SX, 6158AM, 6225HR, 6365AMX). C.IL, and Southern Part, S. IL) and Iowa (IA) using repeated trials Two hybrids of corn were grown at each site. manufacturers, the tests at each site were repeated 2-4 times. HEADLINE AMP Fungicide (applied at the manufacturer's recommended rate at each site. Corn yields in bushels per acre (bush/acre) were reported for all sites as the average yield for retests at each site. Yield change in bushels/acre for corn after foliar treatment with betaine and fungicide HEADLINE AMP (normalized to control corn plants that were treated with only fungicide.

[0423] Corn yields in bushels per acre (bush/acre) were determined at ten sites for plants after foliar treatment with betaine (composition 1) and HEADLINE AMP®, and normalized to bushels/acre for control corn plants (treatment with fungicide only ) (FIG. 2). Yields (bush/acre) were normalized for each control using identical corn hybrids grown in the same area.

[0424] Foliar application with betaine-HCl (composition 1) and fungicide (HEADLINE AMP®) as shown in FIG. 2 resulted in an average increase of 5.4 bu/acre (338.9 kg/hectare) over control corn plants and achieved a 100% success rate across all plots and over all treatments. Yield increase in corn after foliar application of betaine (composition 1) and fungicide averaged 5.4 bu/acre (338.9 kg/hectare) compared to control treated corn plants treated with fungicide alone.

Example 4: Feeding V5-V8 Corn - Yield Improvement

[0425] Agricultural fertilizer compositions containing an agriculturally effective amount of betaine-HCl (composition 1 according to example 1) or L-proline (composition 2 according to example 2) were applied by foliar spraying at a rate of 3.2 fl oz per acre (l oz/acre) (234 ml per hectare) on commercially available V5-V8 developmental corn hybrids. Large field trials were conducted at select sites in the Midwestern territories of Iowa (IA) and Illinois (IL). Corn yields in bushels per acre (bush/acre) were determined at three plots for betaine foliar plants (composition 1) and proline foliar plants (composition 2) and normalized to bushels/acre for control corn plants.

[0426] Corn yields (bush/acre) normalized to control corn plant yields in bush/acre were reported for foliar treatments using compositions containing betaine-HCl (composition 1) and L-proline (composition 2 ), where each composition contained an osmoprotectant, an antidesicant and an antirespirant (antitranspirant) to increase yield (FIG. 3). The results for the fertilizer composition containing an agriculturally effective amount of betaine-HCl (composition 1) are shown in the light bars (labeled 1, 2 and 4) and for the L-proline treatment (composition 2) are shown in the dark bar (labeled 3) . The average value for the combined foliar treatment compositions 1 and 2 is shown in the column labeled "Average". Maize yields after betaine-HCl foliar treatment averaged 4.9 bu/ac (305.1 kg/ha) higher, with L-proline foliar yields averaging 5.6 bu/ac ( 351.5 kg/hectare) compared to control plants that were not foliarly fed with either betaine or proline. The average bu/ac yield increase for the combined betaine-HCl and L-proline foliar treatments was over 5 bu/ac compared to control corn plants. The success rate was 100% for corn plants after foliar application with proline and betaine.

Example 5: Two feedings of corn V5 - VT

[0427] Large field yield trials were performed using agricultural compositions containing an agriculturally effective amount of betaine-HCl (composition 1 according to example 1) and L-proline (composition 2 according to example 1). The foliar treatment agents were applied by foliar spraying at a rate of 3.2 fluid ounces per acre (fl oz/acre) (234 ml per hectare). Foliar agents containing betaine-HCl (composition 1) or L-proline (composition 2) containing an osmoprotectant, an antidesiccant and an antirespirant (antitranspirant) were applied to corn. The compositions were applied twice at developmental stages V5 and VT. Maize yields (bush/acre) were determined at three plant plots after foliar treatment with betaine (composition 1) or proline (composition 2). The results of both foliar treatments were normalized to control plants that were not foliar treated.

[0428] Corn yield is reported as yield change (bush/acre) of plants after foliar treatment with betaine and proline, normalized to bush/acre for control plants or plants that were not foliar treated (FIG. 4).

[0429] Foliar treatment by delivering agriculturally effective amounts of betaine-HCl resulted in an average increase of 3.3 bu/acre (207.14 kg/hectare) compared to control plants that were not foliarized. Foliar treatment by delivering agriculturally effective amounts of L-proline resulted in an average increase of 7.27 bu/acre (456.34 kg/hectare) compared to no foliar control. The success rate was 83.3% for corn plants foliarly fed twice with betaine or proline. Foliar formulations of Betaine-HCl (Formulation 1) and L-Proline (Formulation 2) applied twice during the growing season (V5 and VT) provided more than 5 bush/acre (331 kg/hectare) yield increases compared with control plants (treated with water only), for which none of the methods of foliar feeding was carried out.

Example 6: Feeding V5 Maize - Large Strip Trials

[0430] Large field strip trials were carried out using foliar treatment agents containing agriculturally effective amounts of betaine-HCl (composition 1 according to example 1) and L-proline (composition 2 according to example 1), containing an osmoprotectant, an antidesiccant and an antirespirant ( antitranspirant) that were applied in combination with STRATEGO®YLD fungicide (10.8% prothioconazole and 32.3% trifloxystrobin) to corn. Large field strip trials were conducted at three sites planting two hybrids each in the Midwest in Iowa (IA), Illinois (IL) and Ohio (OH) using repeated strip testing of fungicides. The plots were cultivated according to the growing technologies of individual producers, the tests on each plot were repeated two to four times. STRATEGO®YLD fungicide was applied at the indicated rates at each site and betaine and proline foliar applied at 3.2 fl oz per acre (fl oz/acre) (234 ml per hectare) in stage V5 corn development. Maize yields (bush/acre) were reported for plants after foliar treatment with betaine (composition 1) and proline (composition 2) and normalized to corn treated with fungicide alone (FIG. 5).

[0431] Maize yield (bush/acre) was reported for plants after foliar treatment with betaine and proline (compositions 1 and 2) in combination with commercially available fungicide STRATEGO®YLD (FIG. 5). Yields were normalized to those of control corn plants that were treated with fungicide alone. Maize yield after foliar application with betaine-HCl and STRATEGO®YLD fungicide (panel A of FIG. 5) was compared with that of plants treated with L-proline and STRATEGO®YLD fungicide (panel B of FIG. 5). The results of foliar treatment with betaine-HCl (composition 1) and L-proline (composition 2) in combination with fungicide treatment were normalized to the yield of corn treated with STRATEGO® YLD fungicide alone. The normalized yield was indicated for each plot (FIG. 5). Both foliar treatments in combination with STRATEGO®YLD fungicide provided a significant increase in yield compared to control plants. Foliar treatment with betaine-HCl and STRATEGO®YLD fungicide as shown in panel A of FIG. 5 resulted in an average increase of 1.23 bu/acre (77.2 kg/hectare) over control plants, with foliar treatment with L-proline and STRATEGO®YLD fungicide as shown in panel B of FIG. 5 resulted in an average increase of 5.55 bu/acre (348.4 kg/hectare) over control plants.

Example 7: Feeding V5-V8 Corn - Cob Weight, Total Kernels, Kernel Weight, Cob Diameter

[0432] Large field yield trials were carried out using agricultural fertilizer compositions containing an agriculturally effective amount of betaine-HCl (composition 1 according to example 1) and L-proline (composition 2 according to example 1) on field corn (DEKALB coated with agent for seed treatments ACCELERON and PONCHO 600) at the V5-V8 development stage. The seed treatment agent ACCELERON contains difenoconazole (1.25%) and PONCHO 600 contains clothianidin (48.0%). Corn was planted at a density of 25,000 to 27,000 seeds/acre and foliar applied. Corn yields (bush/acre) were determined for two plots in the Midwest (KS). Maize yields were determined on two reused plots in each plot, where six type plants were sampled from each plot. Maize yield parameters were determined to obtain an average of: cob weight, total kernels, kernel weight, cob diameter, for plants after foliar treatment with both betaine-HCl and L-proline, and compared with control (untreated) plants.

[0433] The results of foliar treatment with betaine-HCl (composition 1) applied to V5-V8 corn, including total ear weight, kernel weight, ear diameter, and average yield (bush/acre), were reported for 2 plots. Foliar treatment with betaine-HCl (composition 1) (table 2) or L-proline (composition 2) (table 3) of corn resulted in an increase in cob weight (in grams), total number of kernels, kernel weight and ear diameter (mm) compared to with control plants. Maize yields (bush/acre) also increased and the average increase for corn treated with betaine-HCl foliar (composition 1) was 116% compared to control (water treated only) plants.

[0434] The results of foliar treatment with L-proline (composition 2) applied to V5-V8 corn, including total ear weight, kernel weight, ear diameter, and average yield (bush/acre), were reported for two plots. Foliar treatment with L-proline (composition 2) applied to corn resulted in increased ear weight (in grams), total kernel number, kernel weight and ear diameter (mm) compared to control plants (Table 3). Increases in cob weight, kernel number, kernel weight, and cob diameter contributed to increased corn yield (bush/acre), where the average increase for corn treated with foliar agent containing L-proline (composition 2) was 106% compared to with control (untreated) plants.

Example 8 Application of an osmoprotectant and an antirespirant.

[0435] Foliar application was carried out using L-proline osmoprotectant and alkyl- and alkylluarylpolyoxyethylene glycol antiperspirant (composition 5 according to example 1). The osmoprotectant and antirespirant formulation was diluted and applied at a rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml per hectare) to corn (Beck hybrid 5140RR). Yield (bush/acre) and average change in yield (bush/acre) were determined for four sites in the Midwest using randomized multi-site trials. Foliar application with an osmoprotectant and antirespirant was compared with a control (water + antirespirant) resulting in an increase in overall yield per plot (145.5 bu/acre or 9101.1 kg/hectare) compared to control plants (118 bu/ha). acre or 7406.4 kg/hectare) as shown in Table 4. This corresponds to an increase of almost 28 bush./acre for corn treated with the composition containing osmoprotectant and antirespirant.

[0436] Soybean yield tests were conducted to determine the effect of using a combination of an osmoprotectant and an antirespirant applied as a foliar application at two stages of soybean development on yield. Compositions were prepared as described in Table 5.

[0437] The compositions were diluted and applied at a rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml per hectare) to soybeans (variety 375NR). Yields (bush/acre) and absolute change in yield (bush/acre) were determined for four sites in the Midwest using randomized multi-site trials.

[0438] Compositions 4, 5 and 3 were compared with the control treatment (water + lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol). The foliar treatment was compared with a control treatment that was carried out at the same growth stages, either V4-V5 or R2-R3, at each site. Yield (bush/acre) (per plot) for soybean plants foliarly treated with compositions 4, 5, and 3 is reported. ) in percent, normalized to the control, are indicated for each processing method and combinations of processing methods in table 6.

[0439] Foliar application of composition 4 provided the maximum yield increase in percent, which was on average 16% higher than control plants when applied to soybeans at the V4-V5 developmental stage. The duration of foliar treatment with the composition containing the osmoprotectant and antirespirant varied depending on the osmoprotectant that was combined with the antirespirant, as well as the stage of development of the soybean for which the foliar treatment was carried out. Foliar formulation 3, when applied at growth stages R2 to R3, provided a marked yield increase over the same treatment applied at growth stages V4-V5 for soybean and control.

Example 9: Fertilizing corn in furrows

[0440] Treated the soil using betaine-HCl (composition 1 according to example 1) to increase the yield of corn (commercial variety). The betaine composition was applied to the soil or area around the seed (furrow) at a rate of 24.0 fl oz/acre (1754 ml/hectare). Furrow application or tillage trials were conducted on four reused sites, which were randomly selected. Average harvested weight per site (kg/hectare), seed moisture (%), and grain yield (kilogram/site) were determined and reported as the average of the four sites used for each trial. Increase in harvested weight per site (kg/hectare), seed moisture (%), and grain yield (kilogram/area) when using betaine-HCl (composition 1) as a furrow treatment when applied to the area around the seed at the time of planting and before seed incorporation were significantly different from corn treated with water control (Table 7).

Example 10: Feeding Corn and Soybeans - Increasing Plant Height

[0441] The composition of L-proline (composition 2 according to example 1) was applied as a foliar top dressing to corn (corn hybrids Beck 5828 YH) grown in a controlled environment greenhouse. Changes in plant height (cm)—a measure of growth rate—were measured under stress-free and stress conditions. A foliar treatment was carried out on two-week-old corn at the developmental stage V2 to V3. Plant height (cm) was measured just before foliar feeding, which was given two weeks later and then again ten days later for four weeks old corn. Conducted two repeated tests using ten plants per test. Corn plants were grown in the absence of stress and under simulated stress conditions. Maize plants grown in the absence of stress were grown under optimized greenhouse conditions for four weeks. After growing for two weeks, corn was foliarly fed with an L-proline composition (composition 2 according to example 1) containing an osmoprotectant and an antidesicant or an osmoprotectant and an antirespirant. Some corn plants were not treated with foliar proline compositions (control).

[0442] After foliar feeding of plants from the group in which studied stress conditions, they were placed in an environment to simulate heat stress and drought. Heat stress was induced using heat mats to raise the ambient temperature from about 21°C to 30°C. During this period of heat stress, the plants were left without watering. The height of corn grown in the absence of stress and in an environment with simulated stress conditions was measured. Changes in plant height after foliar treatment with L-proline were determined and normalized against water-treated control plants for each condition. The cumulative averages for two trials using nine plants per trial are shown in Table 8.

[0443] Foliar treatment of corn with L-proline (composition 2) accelerated growth. Plant height increased by about 5% in plants grown in the absence of stress, and by 8% in plants grown under stressful conditions (heat stress and drought). The standard error of the mean (SEM) was also indicated as a percentage, since the distribution of points on the curve was normal. It was found that plant heights (cm) were distributed according to the normal law, that is, approximately 95% of the population did not go beyond +/- 1.96 SD of the average. It was shown that the increase in height of corn treated with foliar treatment with L-proline compared to control plants treated with water was significant (p < 1.00) both in the absence of stress (p (0.085) and in stressed conditions). conditions (p=0.007) (Table 8).

[0444] Foliar treatment of soybeans with L-proline (composition 2) also resulted in increased growth under both stress and non-stress conditions. Soybeans were grown and treated with composition 2 in a manner identical to that described above for corn, and also subjected to heat stress and growth was assessed in the same way as described above for corn. Plant height increased by approximately 3% for plants grown under stress and 8.7% for plants grown under stress conditions (heat stress and drought) (Table 9).

Case Study 11: Soybean Fertilization-Improving Yields

[0445] Large field yield trials were performed using agricultural compositions containing an agriculturally effective amount of betaine-HCl (composition 1 according to example 1) or L-proline (composition 2 according to example 1). Agents containing Betaine-HCl and L-Proline were applied by foliar spraying at a rate of 3.2 fl oz per acre (fl oz/ac) (234 ml per hectare) to soybeans grown on five plots (lots were used in: IA, IL, IN, KS and SD). Soybeans were foliarly treated with betaine-HCl and L-proline at the R2 development stage. Soybean yields (bush/acre) for plants foliarly treated with betaine (composition 1) or proline (composition 2) were normalized to control plants for which no foliar treatment was performed (only water was used).

[0446] Soybean yield (bush/acre) is shown in FIG. 6 for plants treated with a foliar agent containing an agriculturally effective amount of betaine-HCl (light bars in FIG. 6; plots 4, 10, and 12) and L-proline (dark bars in FIG. 6; plots 1- 3, 5-9, 11 and 13). As shown in FIG. 6, the average increase in yield of plants treated with betaine-HCl was 3.3 bu/acre (221.9 kg/hectare) compared to the yield harvested from control plants. The average increase in yield from soybeans treated with L-Proline was 2.5 bush/acre (168.1 kg/hectare) compared to control plants. The success rate was 92.3% for soybeans foliarly treated with betaine or proline, where the yield increase was 2.7 bu/ac (181.6 kg/hectare) compared to control plants that were not treated with any of the foliar agents. top dressing.

Example 12: Feeding Winter Wheat - Increasing Yield

[0447] Large field yield trials were carried out using agricultural compositions containing an agriculturally effective amount of betaine-HCl (composition 1 according to example 1) or L-proline (composition 2 according to example 1), which were applied to wheat (wheat cv. Beck 88 ) (Table 10). Agents containing betaine-HCl and L-proline were applied by foliar spraying at a rate of 3.2 fl. Fix). Wheat grown at five sites in the Midwest (IL, MO, and KS) was harvested. Wheat yields (bush/acre) for plants after betaine foliar treatment (composition 1) or proline foliar treatment (composition 2) are listed below in Table 10 as average bush/acre per plot and change in average bush/acre compared to control.

[0448] Foliar application of betaine-HCl increased winter wheat yield on average by 1 bush/acre (67.3 kg/hectare), while foliar application of L-proline increased wheat yield on average 1.9 bush/acre ( 127.8 kg/hectare) for various plots where the crop was harvested.

[0449] Large field yield trials were conducted using agricultural compositions containing an agriculturally effective amount of L-proline (composition 2) applied to wheat (Beck 88 wheat) in 2015 and 2016 (Everest wheat) (Table 11 ). The L-proline formulation was applied by foliar spraying at a rate of 3.2 fluid ounces per acre (fl oz/acre) (234 ml per hectare) to wheat at the time of flag leaf emergence (Fix growth stage 8). This stage of wheat development was specifically chosen for foliar application, as the emergence and development of flag leaves is important for high yields, and thus the additional protection provided by proline foliar application was used in the field to increase yields. Harvested wheat grown in seven plots (IL, MO and KY). Wheat yields in bu/ac and kg/hectare are shown in Table 11 for plants after foliar treatment with proline, as the mean change in bu/ac and kg/hectare compared to control and percentage efficiency (%) for seven plots .

[0450] Wheat yield (bush/acre) increased for plants that were treated with a foliar treatment agent containing L-proline (composition 2). For plants treated in 2015, after treatment, the total average yield was 76 bu/acre (5111 kg/acre) for seven plots, representing an increase of 1.9 bu/acre (127.8 kg/hectare) over with control and an efficiency rate of 75%. For plants treated in 2016, after treatment with the L-proline formulation, the total average yield was approximately 81 bu/acre (approximately 5447.2 kg/hectare) for seven plots in total, resulting in an increase of 2.2 bu/acre (approximately 148 kg/hectare) compared to control and an efficiency rate of 50%.

Example 13: Feeding Winter Wheat - Increasing Yield

[0451] Large field yield trials were performed using agricultural compositions containing an agriculturally effective amount of betaine-HCl (composition 6 according to example 1) or L-proline (composition 5 according to example 1), which were applied to two wheat hybrids (Beck 120 and Everest). Wheat seeds of both hybrids were treated with SATIVA(IMF MAX (which is available from NuFarm Americas Inc. and contains 11.16% imidacloprid (systemic insecticide), 0.60% metalaxyl (acylalanine fungicide), 0.45% tebuconazole (triazole fungicide), and 0.36% fludioxonil (non-systemic fungicide) applied to seeds according to recommended label directions as a suspension prior to planting (3.5 fl oz per 100 lbs of seed (234 ml per approximately 45 kg). Wheat planted in reused pads 1.5 (3.0 m (3.8 m with a row spacing of 1.8 meters in five plots. Three replicate trials of each foliar treatment method, each hybrid, and each foliar treatment method were randomly selected according to a randomized Betaine-HCl and L-Proline agents were applied by foliar spraying at a rate of 3.2 fl oz per acre (fl oz/ac) (234 ml per hectare) during flag x leaves (growth stage 8 according to Fix). Wheat grown at five locations in the US Midwest (IL, KU&MO) was harvested. Wheat yields in bush/acre or kg/hectare are listed in Table 12 for betaine and L-proline foliar treatments and the baseline control seed treatment as the average total yield for all five plots. The mean change in yield (bush/acre) compared to antirespirant control A for the two hybrids is also shown for the five plots (Table 12). In both controls, the seeds were base-treated with SATIVA (IMF MAX, which was applied at a rate of 3.5 fl. oz. per 100 pounds of seed (234 ml per 45 kg).

[0452] Foliar application of compositions 5 and 6 of wheat during the appearance of flag leaves provided an increase in the yield of two hybrids of wheat. The overall yield of wheat treated with composition 6 (80 bu/acre or 5380 kg/hectare) was 2.14 bu/acre (143.9 kg/hectare) higher than that of wheat treated with antirespirant control, giving an efficacy score of 63 %. In addition, the yield of wheat treated with composition 5 (81 bu/ac or 5447 kg/hectare) was 3.46 bu/ac (232.7 kg/hectare) higher than that of wheat treated with the antirespirant control, giving efficiency 71%. The foliar treatment with formulations 5 and 6 was shown to be compatible with SATIVA(IMF MAX) seed treatment and the resulting yield increase was 1.05 bu/ac (70.6 kg/hectare) compared to the antirespirant control.

Example 14: Fertilizing Tomatoes - Increasing Yields

[0453] Foliar agents containing betaine-HCl (composition 1 according to example 1) and L-proline (composition 2 according to example 1) were applied by exogenous spraying before the flowering stage and used to increase the yield of tomatoes.

[0454] Small areas have been developed to mimic commercial tomato growing conditions. Tomatoes were first planted as seedlings in greenhouses 42-56 days before planting in raised beds. The tomatoes were transplanted when the soil temperature at a depth of three inches (7.5 cm) reached 15.6°C. Tomatoes were grown in raised beds covered with black film mulch. Plants were grown using drip irrigation and fertilizer (80 pounds (36.3 kg) of nitrogen; 100 pounds (45.4 kg) of phosphate and 100 pounds (45.4 kg) of potash or potassium), which was applied according to the manufacturer's recommendations in during the growing season to ensure optimum plant growth and yield. Small raised-bed sites have been developed to mimic the planting density used by commercial growers, who typically plant 2,600 to 5,800 plants per acre in separate rows with spacings of 45.7 to 76.2 cm between plants in a row and 1. 5 to 2 meters between rows. [Orzolek et al., "Agricultural Alternatives: Tomato Production." University Park: Penn State Extension, 2016].

[0455] Foliar treatment using betaine-HCl (composition 1) or L-proline (composition 2) was performed on two tomato hybrids, JetSetter (trial 1) and Better Big Boy (trial 2) at the early flowering stage (first flower appearance ). The study foliar formulations of betaine and proline were applied at application rates of 3.2 fl oz/acre and 32 fl oz/acre (or 234 ml/hectare and 2339 ml/hectare) to tomato plants and compared with controls ( applied water at the same rate). The effect of foliar treatment on the increase in tomato yield was determined and the values normalized according to the results for the control treated with water were indicated. The average percentage change in yield compared to the average yield of the control is shown in Table 13.

[0456] As shown in Table 13, average yield, expressed as a percentage change from control plants, is reported separately for two trials as the average of two tomato hybrids. Foliar application of betaine-HCl (composition 1) resulted in an average increase in the number of tomato fruits by 28% compared to control plants in both trials and for both hybrids. Foliar application with L-proline (composition 2) resulted in an average increase in the number of tomato fruits by 19% compared to control plants in both trials and for both hybrids.

[0457] A foliar treatment with betaine-HCl (composition 1) or L-proline (composition 2) of tomatoes (hybrid: Roma) in the first flowering stage was also carried out using two application rates (1.0 fl oz / acre or 73, 1 ml/hectare and 3.2 fl oz/acre or 234 ml/hectare), yield changes for two replicate trials are shown in Table 14.

[0458] Both retests were conducted at the same site in the Midwest (MO). The number of fruits per plant, fruit weight (in grams) and yield (lb/acre) were harvested and reported for Roma tomatoes after foliar treatment with betaine and proline and untreated control plants (only water was used) (Table 14).

[0459] Foliar treatment with betaine-HCl (composition 1) or L-proline (composition 2) resulted in increased yield of Roma tomatoes when applied using two application rates of 1.0 fl oz/acre and 32 fl oz/acre (73.1 ml/hectare and 234 ml/hectare (Table 14). Foliar application of both betaine-HCl (composition 1) and L-proline (composition 2) resulted in an increase in tomato fruit number, fruit weight and overall yield. (lb/acre) compared to untreated control plants (which were treated with water only).

Example 15: Feeding Peppers - Increasing Yield

[0460] Foliar treatment with betaine-HCl (composition 1 according to example 1) or L-proline (composition 2 according to example 1) was carried out in small areas designed to simulate commercial conditions for growing pepper (Capsicum). Peppers were grown from 6-week-old seedlings in raised beds covered with black film mulch, which had good water retention characteristics, in soil pH 5.8-6.6. Plants were grown using drip irrigation and fertilizer applied according to the manufacturer's recommendations during the growing season to ensure optimum plant growth and yield. Small raised-bed sites have been developed to mimic the planting density used by commercial growers, who typically plant approximately 10,000-14,000 plants per acre in double rows spaced 35.6-45.7 cm apart, on beds with mulch of films, where the distance between plants in the row was 40.6-61 cm, and between the centers of the beds 5.0-6.5 feet. A separate row of peppers can also be planted per bed (5000-6500 plants per acre) [Orzolek et al., "Agricultural Alternatives: Pepper Production." University Park: Penn State Extension, 2010].

[0461] Foliar application with compositions containing betaine-HCl (composition 1) or L-proline (composition 2) was carried out before flowering and up to the early flowering stage for two varieties of pepper: Red Knight (RK) and Hungarian Hot Wax (HHW) . The betaine and proline foliar formulations were applied at application rates of 3.2 fl oz/acre and 32 fl oz/acre (234 ml and 2339 ml/hectare, respectively) to peppers and compared to control (applied water with the same cost). The effect of foliar application on pepper yield was determined for two separate crops harvested using a single harvest and normalized to the yield of control plants. The average percentage yield change from control plants is reported in Table 15 as the change in total weight (in pounds) of pepper harvested and total pepper harvested after betaine and proline treatment at 3.2 and 32 fl oz/acre (234 ml and 2339 ml/ha, respectively).

[0462] The average yield after foliar treatment with betaine and proline is indicated as a percentage change relative to the average yield harvested from control plants. Yield change in percentage of pepper after foliar treatment is reported as the average of two crops and two varieties of pepper. The percentage change in yield compared to control (water) pepper plants is shown for both RK and HHW pepper varieties (Table 15).

[0463] Foliar application of betaine-HCl resulted in an average yield increase of 33% (listed as total weight) for RK peppers at an increased rate of 32 fl oz/acre (2339 ml/hectare), and an increase in total peppers for two consumption rates was 4.9% and 7.4%, respectively, compared with the control. Foliar application of L-Proline resulted in a 6.6% and 18% increase in gross weight yield, respectively, for RK peppers at application rates of 3.2 and 32 fl oz/acre (234 ml and 2339 ml). /hectare), and the increase in the total number of peppers for the two application rates was 8.7% and 9.9%, respectively, compared with the control. In addition, foliar treatment with betaine-HCl resulted in a 57.7% and 45% increase in gross weight yield, respectively, for HHW peppers at application rates of 3.2 and 32 fl oz/acre (234 ml and 2339 ml/hectare), and the increase in the total number of peppers for the two application rates was 33.3% and 9.72%, respectively, compared with the control. Foliar treatment with L-Proline resulted in a 146% and 185% increase in gross weight yield, respectively, for HHW peppers at application rates of 3.2 and 32 fl oz/acre (234 ml and 2339 ml/hectare). ), and the increase in the total number of peppers for the two application rates was 72.2% and 141%, respectively, compared with the control.

[0464] There were differences in the response of the two varieties of pepper to foliar treatment with L-betaine and L-proline, but the final yield was increased for both varieties of pepper (table 15). A significant increase in yield was observed for pepper variety HHW, pepper variety RKn control or untreated plants. Foliar treatment with betaine-HCl and L-proline in both RK and HHW pepper varieties resulted in an increase in weight (at an increased application rate for RK) and total number of peppers compared to untreated plants or plants treated with water as a control.

Example 16: Potato Fertilization-Improving Yield

[0465] The potatoes were planted in pots to mimic the planting density commonly used by commercial growers, which is equivalent to planting one chopped tuber per foot, in rows, with the pot diameter being chosen based on the recommended row spacing used by commercial growers. Potatoes (variety: Yukon Gold) were started from cut tubers using cut tubers containing 2-3 eyes each, planted cut down and eyes up in 7.6 L pots containing topsoil. Treatment with the L-proline composition (composition 2 according to example 1) was carried out in the furrow by applying the composition to the cut potato tuber and/or the ground around the cut potato tuber at an application rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre per pot (234 ml/hectare) . Eight plants were harvested for each treatment 90 days after planting. Yield parameters for total potato biomass (fresh mass) per plant and potato diameter were measured, and the mean values were reported as percent change from control untreated (treated with water only) plants (Table 16).

[0466] Treatment with L-proline (composition 2), which was carried out by applying to the furrow on cut potato tubers at the time of planting, led to a significant increase in the total biomass and yield of harvested potatoes. The increase in yield was determined by the overall increase in fresh biomass (g), yield or number of tubers harvested, potato diameter (mm) and overall increase in tubers per plant compared to control plants or plants not foliarly treated (Table 16).

Example 17: Fertilizing Courgettes - Increasing Yields

[0467] Foliar treatment agents containing betaine-HCl (composition 1 according to example 1) or L-proline (composition 2 according to example 1) were exogenously applied to Crookneck squash at the first flowering stage. Both betaine and proline foliar formulations were applied to squash using an application rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml/hectare). Yields were compared for plants treated with the betaine and proline compositions and control untreated (treated with water only) plants planted at the same site in the Midwest (MO) using two replicate trials.

[0468] Plant yield after foliar treatment is listed in Table 17 as number of squash per plant, weight (grams) of squash, and total squash yield (lbs/acre) and is presented as a percentage change from untreated control plants.

[0469] Both foliar treatments, betaine-HCl (composition 1) and L-proline (composition 2), provided an increase in the yield of Crookneck squash when applied before flowering compared to untreated control plants. The percentage increase after foliar treatment is shown for the percentage change in number of squash per plant, squash weight and overall yield in Table 17.

Example 18: Feeding Lettuce - Increasing Yield

[0470] Foliar formulations containing betaine-HCl (composition 1 of Example 1) or L-proline (composition 2 of Example 1) were applied two weeks after emergence of Bib lettuce grown on a Midwest (MO) site . Betaine and proline foliar formulations were applied at application rates of 3.2 fl oz/acre or 32 fl oz/acre (234 ml and 2339 ml/hectare, respectively) to lettuce plants. Yields (harvested lettuce or aboveground biomass) of harvested lettuce treated foliarly with betaine-HCl or L-proline were compared to control (treated with water only) plants. The effect of foliar application on lettuce yield was determined for two separate crops harvested using a single harvest and normalized to the yield of control plants. The average percent yield change from control plants is shown in Table 18 as percent yield change (lbs/acre) from control lettuce.

[0471] Foliar treatment agents containing betaine-HCl (composition 1) or L-proline (composition 2), which were applied at an increased rate of 32 fl oz/acre, provided an increase in harvested fresh biomass by 5% and 4%, respectively, compared to untreated lettuce plants.

Example 19: Lawn and Roll Grass Fertilization - Increased Growth and Health

[0472] A foliar treatment agent containing betaine-HCl (composition 1 according to example 1) was applied to rolled grass (variety: Zoysia) to determine if foliar application could enhance growth and/or health and/or delay lodging and browning of the grass. Golf course turf grass was foliarly fed to permanently lit or partially shaded areas and compared to turf grass treated with water instead of betaine (water control). A foliar application of betaine-HCl was applied at 3.2 fl oz/acre (or 234 ml/hectare) on the surface of roll grass, and the experiment was repeated using 1.22 x 1.22 m rolls on four fully lit or partially shaded areas of the golf course during peak periods. All selected areas were directed strictly to the west, and with the help of a coordinate grid, rolls were designated, on which foliar and control processing was carried out. At each site, each block was divided into eight segments, two experiments were carried out for each processing method. During the season, changes in plant height (cm), which is an indication of the growth rate of rolled grass, were measured and normalized to rolled grass that was not foliarly treated (control). The mean percent change in plant height, normalized to control, and standard deviation (SD) are shown in Table 19.

[0473] Changes in plant height (cm) were reported for rolled grass foliarly treated with betaine-HCl (composition 1) in fully lit and partially shaded areas of the golf course (Table 19). Plant height—a measure of plant growth—was increased for Zoysia turf grass, which was foliarly treated with betaine-HCl in both full and partially shaded areas, compared to control turf grass, which was not foliarly treated. Foliar treatment of fully lit areas of rolled grass (trials 1 and 2) resulted in an increase in plant height compared to partially shaded areas of rolled grass (trial 2; trial 1 was excluded due to disease).

Example 20: Feeding Maize - Improving Water Movement and Retention, Turgor and Osmotic Potential

[0474] The regulation of osmosis in plants is a mechanism for maintaining turgor and reducing the negative impact of water deficiency on vegetative and reproductive tissues. Corn (maize cv. Beck (hybrid) 5828 YH) was treated with a foliar composition containing betaine-HCl (composition 1 according to example 1). The composition was applied to maize at approximately the V4-V7 developmental stage to increase water potential and maintain a positive turgor balance to improve plant survival and productivity under heat stress conditions.

[0475] Foliar top dressing of the culture was carried out at a rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml/hectare). The PLANTBEAT system (PHYTECH) was used to determine the time dependence of water potential or turgor potential (real-time movement of water through the plant) after and without betaine foliar treatment.

[0476] In the fields, areas subject to heat stress were specifically selected. The PLANTBEAT system uses a water meter and moisture sensors that measure water loss in the soil. Measured humidity values are collected using a real-time interface for recording and downloading data using a computer or mobile interface. Real-time measured values of stem diameter (using a dendrometer (a device for measuring the diameter or thickness of a stem) with a resolution of 0-10 mm), soil moisture potential (range 0-84 sbar; using a tensiometer), temperature (range 0-40 °C) and volumetric moisture content (VWC; range 0-70%) were obtained for corn V4-V7 after foliar treatment with betaine, and compared with control (only water was used).

[0477] The PHYTEC PLANTBEAT measuring system was also used to measure stem diameter, and moisture sensors were placed at a depth of 30.5 cm to measure soil water loss during heat stress. Changes in water movement and turgor in corn after betaine foliar application were compared to soil moisture or soil productivity at one foot depth (FIG. 7).

[0478] Data collected for water movement or turgor potential for corn was combined with soil moisture data collected with microclimate sensors. Spatial imaging was also used to get an idea of the lack of water in the field.

[0479] In corn that was exogenously applied with the composition of betaine-HCl, improved water movement into the plant and water retention in the plant were observed. This treatment also resulted in an increase in the turgor of these plants after foliar treatment under conditions of heat stress, water deficiency, drought and low humidity. In maize treated with the betaine-HCl formulation, an increased tolerance for water loss was observed, which was associated with reduced stomatal conductance and reduced transpiration loss and provided increased water use efficiency (WUE). Plants after foliar treatment took up less water from the soil under stressed conditions compared to control plants that received only control water spray treatment (FIG. 7).

[0480] Changes in corn stalk diameter were measured over a 5-day period using the PHYTECH PLANTBEAT measuring system, the results are shown in Table 20. Abrupt changes in turgor pressure, as measured by stalk diameter change, are indicative of a plant being water deficient. An increase or change in stem diameter within one day is an indicator of plant stress. A change of more than 200 mm indicates the physiological response of corn to stress.

[0481] In plants treated with an agriculturally effective concentration of betaine-HCl (composition 1), changes in water movement into and through the plant and fluctuations in turgor pressure were evaluated. Water losses to the ambient atmosphere for control or unfoliarized corn plants were significantly higher compared to corn foliarly treated with the disclosed betaine-HCl containing agent. Betaine-HCl-treated corn, applied as a foliar treatment, had increased water retention and maintained a constant turgor pressure, as evidenced by a narrow stem diameter range of 129-196 mm over a 5-day period, in contrast to fluctuations in stem diameter, observed for control plants, which varied between 140-558 mm (table 20). Absolute changes in stem diameter are indicators of turgor regulation in the plant, which can determine excessive stress, water movement and ultimately water loss by the plant. The plant can regulate these parameters to maintain the osmotic potential. It was shown that the change in stem diameter, which is a measure of turgor pressure, was constant for maize foliarly treated with betaine-HCl, in contrast to water-treated controls, which showed large fluctuations in stem diameter or turgor pressure. In addition, for the diameter of corn treated with betaine-HCl foliar feeding, less fluctuation in stem turgor was observed, which was associated with increased water retention in plants. Lower soil temperatures were also observed for corn treated with betaine-HCl foliar application compared to the increased soil temperatures observed for control plants.

[0482] The PLANTBEAT system provides an accurate measurement of soil moisture. The soil in the control corn plots had a reduced water holding capacity, with an 8% reduction in soil water holding capacity compared to soil planted with betaine-HCl foliar corn, which measured a water holding capacity of 40% at a depth of one foot. There were clear differences, in terms of increased soil moisture loss, between unfoliarized corn (control) and betaine-HCl foliar treated corn. Plants treated with foliar agents containing betaine-HCl generally used less water from the soil, which was transpirationated through the plant to the atmosphere, and therefore the soil next to and under the treated plants retained more water under heat stress and had lower temperature (FIG. 7).

Example 21: Soybean Fertilization - Improved Water Movement Increases Stomatal Opening and Turgor in Soybean Leaves

[0483] The composition of betaine was applied to the selected layers of the epidermis of soybean leaves and studied the stimulation and enhancement of stomatal opening. The movement of water through the stomata is associated with increased gas exchange or movement of carbon dioxide into the leaf, which is retained as carbon and correlates with increased water use efficiency (WUE) or more efficient movement of water through the plant. WUE can also be defined as the ratio of biomass produced to the amount of water evaporated through stomata (transpiration). Treatment with a composition containing betaine-HCl as an osmoprotectant, potassium salt as an antidesicant and a surfactant as an antirespirant (composition 4 according to example 1) was carried out on the outer layers of the epidermis cut from soybean leaves to measure the effect of betaine-HCl on opening and closing of stomata.

[0484] Soybeans (MorSoy cultivar) were grown in 3.8 L pots using a 3:1 potting mix of topsoil and a VIROGO potting mix containing the following relative amounts of total nitrogen (N), available phosphate (P), and soluble potassium (K ): 0.07% total nitrogen/0.04% available phosphate/0.03% soluble potassium, under normal summer conditions in July in the US Midwest (MO). The peel of the epidermal layer was collected from the abaxial (lower) surface of soybean leaves at the V5 developmental stage. Immediately after harvesting, the epidermal sections were immersed without access to light in a 1 mM CaCl ₂ solution and kept at a constant temperature of 22°C for 30 minutes. Then, the epidermal sections were immersed for several seconds in deionized water, after which they were transferred to a solution containing betaine-HCl ( composition 4 according to example 1). Pre-treatment with CaCl ₂ was used to remove any disrupted cells as well as to mechanically correct the stomatal complex (guard cells and stomatal cleft) that might occur when the epidermal sections were removed from soybean leaves. Control images (original stomatal cleft) were obtained immediately after pre-treatment (before treatment with betaine-HCl). The pretreated epidermal sections were then added to the betaine-HCl solution and continuous imaging was performed for five minutes. Each epidermal sample was examined in one replicate. A total of nine images of samples of each soybean plant were obtained using a total of three soybean plants (giving a total of 27 sections). Sections of the epidermis were visualized by placing on a microscope slide with a drop of deionized water and immediately examined under a light microscope (phase contrast microscope OMAX A3RDF50, magnification 400X). A digital color camera (OMAX A355OU) was attached to a microscope and used to take images. The images were sent to real time image processing software (OMAX Toup View). Color photomicrographs (300 pixel resolution with white balance correction) of outer epidermal sections were obtained with continuous recording for 5 minutes. FIG. 8) and treatment with betaine-HCl after five minutes (panel C in FIG. 8).

[0485] Stomatal guard cells surrounding each stomata in epidermal sections provided increased stomatal opening after application of betaine-HCl (composition 4) in all 27 imaging samples. The application of composition 4 increased the concentration of osmolytes in the solution, as a result of which water moved from an area with a high water potential (outside the sections of the leaf epidermis) to an area with a lower water potential, moving the betaine-HCl solution into the leaves, which led to increased turgor of guard cells and thus increasing the stomatal gap(s). On panel A in FIG. 8 shows guard cells that have lost water or become lethargic, resulting in a closure of the stomatal opening or a reduction in the stomatal opening. The use of a betaine-HCl solution resulted in an increased opening of the stomata or an increase in the stomatal gap between two guard cells. The increase in stomatal opening that occurred with betaine-HCl treatment was observed after a three minute incubation period (panel B of FIG. 8). This increase was maintained, and after a five minute incubation period, a further increase in the stomatal gap in the stomatal complex was observed (panel C in FIG. 8). In abaxial sections of soybean epidermis in leaves after control pretreatment, only fully closed stomata were observed (or an average measured stomatal gap size of 0 μm), while in sections that were treated with betaine-HCl, the average size of stomatal gaps was in the range of 2-2.2 µm after a three-minute incubation period and 2.5-3 µm after a five-minute incubation period.

Example 22: Onion Feeding - Improved Membrane Integrity After Exposure to Salt Stress

[0486] The effect of salt stress on the integrity of onion Sabroso (Allium cera L.) epidermal cell membranes was determined by treating a layer of onion cell membranes with saline and then treating with an osmoprotectant composition at a preselected time point. Exogenous application of osmoprotectants such as betaine-HCl or L-proline or a combination of betaine and proline can be used to promote the repair and stabilization of salt stressed cell membranes. Osmo protectors such as betaine and proline accumulate in cells and help balance the difference in osmosis between the cell's environment and the cytosol. Exogenous application agents consisting of betaine-HCl and L-proline were applied, both in combination and separately, to onion cell layers after exposure to salt (providing salinity) stress, and then cell membrane repair and integrity were studied after exposure. An increase in the permeability of plant cell membranes that surround the cytoplasm, the main fluid content of the cell, causes leaks and adversely affects the cells of the growing plant. The increase in permeability can either be reversible, in which case the cell membrane can reclose after treatment (e.g., with concentrated saline), or irreversible, where cell membranes are detached and removed from cell structures, resulting in cell lysis or destruction.

[0487] In onion cell membranes that were treated with concentrated saline, changes in recovery, stabilization and membrane integrity were studied after treatment with osmoprotective agents containing a combination of betaine-HCl and L-proline (composition 3 according to example 1), betaine-HCl (composition 4 according to example 1) or L-proline (composition 5 according to example 1) and compared with layers of onion cells that were not exposed to saline (control treatment with deionized water). One layer of the epidermis of a Spanish onion (variety Sabroso, bulb diameter approx. 8-10 cm) was removed. The outer membranous scales, the first juicy scale and the second layer of the onion were removed. Then sections with a diameter of 20 mm were removed from the third layer of scales (intact). Each sample was studied in one experiment. A total of nine specimens of each bulb were collected and imaged, three individual bulbs were used, resulting in a total of 27 specimens. Layers of onion cells were used to determine the integrity of the cell membrane after treatment with saline and the subsequent study of the recovery of the cell membrane after treatment with compositions containing osmoprotectants betaine and/or proline.

[0488] Onion samples were cut and washed with deionized water to remove cell fragments or other contents, and then immediately immersed in fresh diluted neutral red (NR) staining solution (NR dye, THERMO FISHER). A fresh diluted neutral red stock solution was obtained as a 0.5% NR solution, which was dissolved for 30 minutes in acetone and then filtered twice. The filtered mother liquor was further diluted to 0.04% using 0.2 M mannitol in 0.01 M HEPES buffer (4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid) (pH 7.8). The resulting solution was used as a staining solution. Onion slices were immersed in 600 μl of diluted dye solution for two hours and then washed for 30 minutes in 0.2 M mannitol/0.01 M HEPES buffer. Onion samples were placed on a microscope slide with a drop of deionized water and immediately examined under a light microscope (phase contrast microscope OMAX A3RDF50, fixed field 0.50X). A digital color camera (OMAX A355OU) was attached to the microscope and used to acquire images which were sent to real time image processing software (OMAX Toup View). Color photomicrographs (300 pixel resolution with white balance correction) of outer epidermal cells were obtained for each sample.

[0489] To study the effect of salt stress, 300 mM saline NaCl was applied to onion cell layers for 30-40 minutes. The onion cell layers were then visualized as described above to determine the level of membrane integrity or separation from the intact cell layer. Then, osmoprotective agents containing betaine-HCl and L-proline (composition 3), betaine-HCl (composition 4) or L-proline (composition 5) were added to the samples. Osmoprotective agents were applied directly to the surface of the epidermal cell layer and images of the cell layers were continuously obtained for two to three minutes. Membrane recovery, stabilization and integrity were determined for each of the osmoprotective agents by imaging as described above and compared to the control water treatment in each run.

[0490] FIG. 9, epidermal layers of three bulbs that were treated with deionized water as controls show only healthy cells with no signs of shedding or increased membrane permeability (panels A, D, and G of FIG. 9). In contrast, for layers of epidermal cells that were subjected to salt stress (300 mm NaCl), separation of cell membranes and shrinkage of cells is shown (panels B, E and H in FIG. 9).

[0491] Exogenous application of formulations 3, 4, or 5 resulted in complete regeneration of onion cell membranes (panels C, F, and I in FIG. 9). For all onion cell membranes that were treated with osmoprotectant, a reversal of the increased membrane permeability induced by the treatment was observed.

highly concentrated salt solution. Treatment with a composition containing both betaine-HCl and L-proline (composition 3) resulted in the most complete recovery of the membrane to the control level or the level without saline treatment, as shown in panel C of FIG. 9.

Example 23: Corn Feeding-Extended Normalized Relative Vegetation Index (ENDVI) Analysis.

[0492] The Extended Normalized Relative Vegetation Index (ENDVI) is a measure of fresh vegetation growth and was used to determine crop greenness index in field trials using remote sensing technology. In the ENDVI index, values in the range of -0.1 to 0.1 indicate no or no greenness, while values close to 1 indicate saturated green. Plants actively absorb visible light in the spectral wavelength range of 400-700 nm and reflect light in the near infrared wavelength range of 700-1100 nm. Measured ENDVI values may correspond to certain vegetative properties such as plant biomass or greenness, plant layer light uptake, and photosynthetic capacity (eg leaf area index, biomass and chlorophyll concentration). ENDVI images were collected using a sensor attached to the drone (DJI MATRICE 100) specially designed to capture images and filter out different wavelengths of light during shooting. The sensor uses the visible and near infrared ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum. Healthy plants with a lot of greenery or biomass reflect green (G) and near infrared (NIR) light and absorb both blue (B) and red light. Plants that are less healthy or have less aboveground biomass reflect more visible and less NIR light. ENDVI uses red and green as reflection channels and blue as absorption channel. In the ENDVI formula below, the sum of the NIR signals and the green channels is defined as the reflection channel. The blue channel signal is multiplied by two to compensate for the summation of the NIR and G channels. In the ENDVI equation, using the above calculations on the signals of the NIR, G and B channels, the following ratio is obtained as a separate end parameter:

[0493] Corn seeds (hybrid DEKALB cultivar DKC 58-89) treated with a seed treatment agent containing fungicide EVERGOL((7.18% propiconazole, 3.59% penflufen and 5.74% metalaxyl) and PONCHO®/VOTiVO( 500 (a mixture of 40.3% insecticide clothianidin and 51.6% microbial agent Bacillus firmus 1582) was planted in the US Midwest (IL). V5-V7 development ENDVI images were acquired three weeks after each foliar treatment and after the corn canopy was fully closed Test sites for identifying individual foliar treatments in the field and sites for re-examining each treatment were clearly delineated using GPS coordinates in each field trial.Restudy plots selected for visualization were of constant size.For each foliar treatment, data were collected sites, and for each site used, images of one row were obtained. Using ENDVI technology, orthomosaic images were obtained for red, near-infrared, green, blue and white wavelengths (255 nm, filter for the background, since the green channel also reflects white light) from areas of identical size for each processing method. The images were processed with drone camera image analysis software. The average intensity for each of the image channels was determined separately using the channel separation mode. Then the average ENDVI values for the spectral reflectance for the NIR, G and B channels were determined and entered into the ENDVI algorithm to calculate the plant health index (greenness) for each study site. The indicated numerical parameters were then averaged for the three sites used, which are shown in Tables 21-25. Post-treatment ENDVI values were compared to control treatments, the results are shown in Tables 21-25. The treatment compositions were applied at a rate of 3.2 fl oz. /acre (234 ml/hectare).

[0494] Compositions containing betaine-HCl and/or L-proline, antidesicant and antirespirant (compositions 4 and 6-9) were applied exogenously to V5-V7 corn. Compositions 7, 8 and 9 contained about 2% more tribasic potassium phosphate antidesicant compared to compositions 4 and 6. The antirespirants used in the foliar formulations also varied. The antirespirant in compositions 4 and 6 was an alkyl- and al-kylauryl-polyoxyethylene-glycol surfactant. The antiperspirant in compositions 7, 8 and 9 was an alkylpolyoxyethylene. The results are shown in Table 21. Foliar application of betaine-HCl (compositions 4, 6, 7 and 8) or betaine-HCl in combination with L-proline (composition 9) resulted in an increase in the ENDVI index or ratio compared to plants treated with antirespirant Control B. ENDVI is reported as a percentage change from ENDVI obtained for corn treated with antirespirant control B only. +L-proline (composition 9).

[0495] DEKALB corn hybrids (DKC 58-89 and DKC 52-61) were grown from seed treated with the fungicide EVERGOL(in combination with PONCHO®/VOTIVO(500) prior to planting. Osmoprotectants for exogenous application were co-fertilized at the V5-V7 development stage The compatibility of CORON 25-0-0.5 V foliar fertilizer (available from Helena Chemical) with compositions containing a combination of betaine-HCl and L-proline (composition 10 according to example 1) or betaine-HCl (compositions 6, 6 -1 and 6-2 according to example 1), which were applied as a foliar treatment.The antirespirants studied in combination with betaine-HCl and L-proline treatment agents included three nonionic surfactants: ALLIGARE SURFACE((alkyl- and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol), ALLIGARE 90 (alkyl polyoxyethylene), and AQUA SUPREME (alkyl polyoxyethoxylate ether; Alligare LLC).ENDVI values are given for each treatment as the average of two corn hybrids (DKC 58-89 and DKC 52 -61) in Table 22. Control plants were not treated with fertilizer or osmoprotective compositions, but were treated with EVERGOL fungicide (in combination with PONCHO®/VOTIVO(500.

[0496] As shown in Table 22, betaine-HCl compositions (compositions 6, 6-1, and 6-2) containing various antirespirants were observed to increase the ENDVI ratio compared to ENDVI values for seed-grown plants that were treated only seed processing. The ENDVI ratio values for composition 6 (alkyl- and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol) were 10% higher compared to the average ENDVI value for seed-grown plants that received only seed treatment and no foliar treatment. Betaine-HCl formulated with alkylpolyethoxylate ether (formulation 6-2) provided a 7% increase in mean ENDVI over control, while betaine-HCl formulated with alkylpolyoxyethylene (formulation 6-1) provided an increase in mean ENDVI by 3% compared with the control, equivalent to the method of treatment with composition 11 containing both osmoprotectants betaine-HCl and L-proline.

[0497] Foliar treatments using SILWET L-77 (an immiscible silicone surfactant) as an antirespirant in combination with an antidesicant (potassium acetate) and trehalose as an osmoprotectant were applied to corn (DEKALB hybrid, DCK 58- 89) at the development stage V5 - V7 and assessed the differences in the values of the ENDVI ratio compared to plants that were not treated with foliar spraying. Control plants were not sprayed. The results are shown in tables 23 and 24.

[0498] As shown in Table 23, corn pads after foliar treatment using only potassium acetate had only a slight increase in the ENDVI ratio compared to control pads that were not sprayed; however, treatment with potassium acetate and SILWET L-77 resulted in an 8% increase in the ENDVI ratio compared to control sites that were not sprayed.

[0499] As shown in Table 24, formulation 25 (containing SILWET L-77 and potassium acetate) provided higher ENDVI ratios, increased by about 6% compared to control sites that were not sprayed. Foliar application of SILWET L-77 (Composition 23) and Potassium Acetate (Composition 24) applied separately to two corn hybrids resulted in an average increase in ENDVI of 4% compared to control plots that were not sprayed.

[0500] Ectoin ((S)-2-methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid or 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid) was selected in as an alternative osmoprotective agent for foliar treatment of corn, and was applied to the DEKALB DKC 65-81 hybrid at the V5-V7 developmental stage. Ectoine acts as a protectant that acts as an osmolyte and has been used as a foliar treatment agent in combination with at least one desiccant and at least one antirespirant. Ectoine was applied exogenously or as a foliar dressing in combination with potassium sulfate as an antidesicant and AEROSOL OT-100 (anionic surfactant based on sulfosuccinic acid) (table 25).

[0501] As shown in Table 25, treatment with combinations of AEROSOL OT-100 surfactant and potassium sulfate or AEROSOL OT-100 surfactant and ectoine (compositions 29 and 30, respectively) resulted in a 4% increase in mean ENDVI ratio compared to a control treatment without spraying hybrid maize DKC 65-81. In addition, the combined foliar treatment with AEROSOL OT-100 surfactant and ectoine (composition 30) provided a synergistic effect in which the increase in the average value of the ENDVI ratio was 4% and exceeded the combined effect of applying the two specified compositions separately.

Example 24: Fertilizing Sugar Beets - Frost Protection

[0502] Betaine-HCl (Formulation 4 of Example 1) for exogenous application was used to provide freeze protection and was applied as a foliar spray to young sugar beets. Plants of the genus Beta and Chenopodiaceae, such as sugar beets, are able to accumulate osmolytes, such as betaines, in their cells, which have a beneficial effect on the plant, providing protection against abiotic stress. However, with the use of exogenous application agents containing betaine, additional beneficial effects can be provided for sugar beet, in particular for young plants germinating through cold soil in spring. The agricultural composition used to treat sugar beets from freezing contained an antidesicant (tribasic potassium phosphate), an osmoprotectant (betaine-HCl) and an antirespirant (alkyl- and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol).

[0503] The betaine-HCl composition was provided by a foliar application of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml per hectare) of early stage sugar beets. Sugar beet (a commercially available seed variety) was sown in 39.7 cm ³ pots containing topsoil to a depth of about 0.6 cm at a rate of four seeds per pot. After planting, 50 ml of water at room temperature was added to each pot to germinate the seeds. Sugar beets were watered and fertilized using the standard regimen. The pots were kept in a controlled environment chamber and beets were grown using a 12/12 hour day/night cycle and a temperature regime of 21°C day/15°C night. The plants were germinated and grown for 14 days (approximately 2 weeks) under these conditions, and then the temperature in the chamber was lowered to -3°C for 72 hours to simulate freezing conditions, keeping the day/night parameters constant. After this time, the sugar beet was placed in recovery medium for two weeks at a temperature in the range of 18-20° C. using the same day/night cycle as before. Sugar beet, which was foliarly treated with betaine-HCl, was compared with sugar beet, which was foliarly treated with water only. For plants after foliar feeding with betaine-HCl and control treatment with water, the level of germination in percent, standing density and total biomass (roots, stems and leaves) were measured. The results were normalized according to the control experiment with water (table 26).

[0504] Foliar application of betaine-HCl (composition 1) resulted in increased percent germination, percent stand density (cold-treatment recovery), and overall productivity as measured by increased biomass per sugar beet plant. Foliar application of a betaine-HCl composition provided by spraying onto emerging sugar beets can be applied just before a cold snap or early frost is predicted and provides protection for young plants from freezing.

Example 25: Soybean Fertilization - Improved Tolerance of Water Deficit and Heat Stress

[0505] An agricultural composition containing betaine-HCl and L-proline (a 50:50 mixture of compositions 1 and 2 according to example 1) was exogenously applied by foliar spraying to soybeans at the first leaf stage (VC to V1). Soybean seeds (soybean variety 297 NR) were sown in 39.7 cc pots containing topsoil to a depth of 2.54 cm at a rate of two seeds per pot. After planting, 50 ml of water at room temperature was added to each pot to germinate the seeds. The pots were kept in a greenhouse with artificial lighting and treated with approximately 300 μmol m ^-2 s ^-1 using a day/night cycle of 13/11 hours and a temperature regime of 21°C day/15°C night.

[0506] The combined composition of betaine and proline (a 50:50 combination of compositions 1 and 2) was exogenously sprayed onto soybeans at the single leaf stage (in separate experiments). Control soybean plants were treated with water. A foliar agent containing betaine and proline was applied at a rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml per hectare) to simulate application rates in large field trials. Soybeans were treated with a foliar agent or water alone (control) and returned to a controlled environment chamber for 24 hours for plant uptake of the compositions. After a 24 hour digestion period, the plants were transferred to heat stress and water deficit conditions. The plants were left without watering for three days and placed in a heat chamber that simulated summer heat conditions (39°C). The plants were observed by the interval shooting method for 36 hours. Soybean plants were characterized using a rating system on a scale of 0-4, also indicating the time it took for the plant to reach the state described using the rating in Table 27. A score of 0 indicates that at any point in time during the study, the plants reached conditions when they could not recover or died.

[0507] Soybean plants (total 20 plants/treatment method) were evaluated after combined treatment with betaine and proline and compared with control plants that were treated with water only (table 27). The average time (in hours) to reach each stage, described by ratings 0-4, is shown in Table 27. Control plants (fed only with water) reached rating 0 in an average of 18 hours, while plants foliarly fed with the combination betaine and proline (a 50:50 mixture of compositions 1 and 2) reached a rating of 0 approximately 23 hours after transfer to a simulated stress environment. Soybean plants treated with the betaine/proline composition had increased survival under water scarcity and heat stress conditions and showed increased turgor, or the ability to maintain single-lobed leaves for longer periods of time.

Example 26 Corn Feed - Improved Phenotypic Characteristics

[0508] Stay-green phenotypes were studied during periods of no stress and under stress conditions for corn grown in large field trials. The phenotype characteristics of stay-green corn treated with agricultural fertilizer compositions containing an agriculturally effective amount of betaine-HCl (composition 1 according to example 1) or L-proline (composition 2 according to example 2) were evaluated and classified and compared with control plants. The foliar compositions were applied by foliar spraying at a rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml per hectare) to a commercially available corn hybrid (Beck 5828 YH corn hybrids) at the V4-V8 developmental stage. Large field trials were conducted at selected sites in the Midwestern territories of Iowa (IA) and Illinois (IL). Corn yield was measured in bushels per acre (bush/acre) for plants after foliar treatment with betaine (composition 1) or proline (composition 2) as described in Example 4 above, the results are shown in FIG. 3.

[0509] Stay-green phenotypes were also studied in a two-plot trial of corn for plants after foliar treatment with betaine (composition 4 according to example 1) or foliar treatment with L-proline (composition 5 according to example 1), for which an average increase of 5 bush./acre compared with control corn plants at the stage of development of V8-VT. For corn after exogenous foliar feeding with combined fertilizer compositions containing betaine-HCl and/or L-proline (compositions 4 and 5), an average increase in greenness of two to three times was observed at the development stage V4-V8 when visually assessed at the development stages V8 and VT compared to control plants that were not foliar treated. Plants after combined treatment with betaine-HCl and L-proline by exogenous application to the leaves also did not observe leaf chlorosis, growth inhibition, or curling or curling of the leaves, as in the case of untreated control plants, which had all of these symptoms caused by stress.

Example 27: Corn and Soybean Fertilization - Protection from Herbicide Damage

[0510] Foliar agents containing betaine-HCl (composition 1 according to example 1) or L-proline (composition 2 according to example 1) were applied to corn and soybeans at an application rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml/hectare) simultaneously with a high dose of ROUNDUP((2% glyphosate 2% pelargonic acid; 1.42 L/hectare). Agents were applied at developmental stages V5-V8 for corn and R2 for soybeans (Table 28). Control plants were not treated herbicide, betaine-HCl or proline.

[0511] As shown in Table 28, ROUNDUP spraying (at recommended application rates) resulted in lower corn and soybean yields (bush/acre) compared to untreated control plants. Yields of ROUNDUP® treated plants was about 10 bu./acre lower for corn and more than 2 bu./acre lower for soybeans compared to control plants that were not treated with the herbicide. -proline (composition 2), which was applied simultaneously to plants and fields treated with ROUNDUP®, provided an increase in the yield of both corn and soybeans, as shown in table 28.

Example 28 Application of Osmoprotectants - Dicamba Herbicide Compatibility in Soybean and Arabidopsis Biological Studies

[0512] Osmoprotective compositions containing L-proline were tested in combination with dicamba herbicide to determine compatibility. In these cases, dicamba can be used over plants to control weeds after emergence. An osmoprotectant combination test with dicamba was performed on soybean and Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-O ecotype) to determine the possible negative impact on herbicide efficacy caused by the use of betaine or proline as an osmoprotectant. A non-transgenic soybean cultivar that does not contain the dicamba resistance transgene and is thus susceptible to the dicamba herbicide was selected for testing to determine the potential for interference or impairment of herbicide treatment results when using betaine or proline as osmoprotectants. Arabidopsis thaliana, a weed commonly known as Tal's clover, was also selected for use in these studies because the genus Brassica includes several weed species that are susceptible to herbicides such as dicamba.

[0513] Soybean seeds (MorSoy cultivar) were sown directly into 39.7 ^cc pots containing a 3:1 planting mix of topsoil and VIGORO potting mix (N 0.07/P 0.04/K 0.03), on depth of 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in the amount of two seeds per pot and watered with 50 ml of water at room temperature (each pot) for germination. Potted soybean seeds were then placed in a controlled environment growth chamber and grown on a 16/8 light/dark day cycle using fluorescent lighting providing approximately 200-300 µmol m ^-2 s ^-1 (light photons) and a temperature setting of 21 °C during the day / 15°C at night. Plants were grown until the single-lobed leaves were fully open or VC development stage and then foliarly treated with L-proline prior to dicamba treatment. The formulation of L-proline (162 µl; Composition 5 according to Example 1) was diluted with water (50 ml) to provide an application rate of approximately 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml/hectare). A control was also used, in which only treatment with water was carried out. Spraying six equal doses of each agent was carried out at the same distance of 30.5 cm above the top edge of the pot. The single-lobed leaves were then allowed to dry for 30 minutes, after which commercially available dicamba (CLASH™ available from NuFarm Americas, Inc.) was added. The final herbicide concentration was 50 mg/L at 0.01% (v/v) (86.94 μM) concentration of SILWET L-77 silicone surfactant. The epinasty of seven different plants was evaluated for each treatment using a rating scale of 0-4 as described in Table 29. The average epinasty index is also listed in Table 29.

[0514] As shown in Table 29, the foliar treatment with L-proline (composition 5) applied to early soybeans was found to be compatible with the dicamba herbicide applied over the plants and did not inhibit the effectiveness of the herbicide. . Soybean plants that were particularly susceptible to dicamba damage were used to investigate the possible suppression or masking of damage to a susceptible plant when using a proline formulation. Foliar treatment with L-proline (composition 5) was carried out before applying dicamba to single-lobed soybean leaves. Treatment with L-proline did not prevent or suppress symptoms of damage, such as epinasty symptoms on the leaves, that resulted from treatment with dicamba herbicide. The results of treatment with L-proline, which was applied to soybeans, did not differ significantly from the overall average epinasty index of plants that were treated with water and dicamba, for which the average epinasty index was 3.0.

[0515] Seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana were germinated and grown under sterile conditions on 0.5 X Moore's Seege-Skoog (MS) agar plates and 1% sucrose for one week. Seedlings were treated foliarly with betaine-HCl (formulation 4 of Example 1) with or without dicamba herbicide (CLASH™, available from NuFarm America, Inc.) or formulated with a silicone surfactant, SILWET L-77 (available in Helena Chemical) provided at a final concentration of 0.01% (v/v) (86.94 μM). Treatment with dilute betaine-HCl (composition 4) was applied at a concentration that corresponded to a foliar top dressing at a rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml/hectare), four sprays were carried out for each seedling at the indicated rate. Dicamba was sprayed onto Arabidopsis seedlings at a final concentration of 200 mg/l. This concentration is effective in suppressing the growth of weeds susceptible to dicamba. The total number of Arabidopsis seedlings tested depended on the actual proportion of seedlings that were germinated and grown on MS agar, the total number of seedlings ranging from N=23 to N=54 for each treatment. Plants after foliar feeding were placed in a controlled environment greenhouse at a constant temperature of 21°C and a constant photoperiod of 200-300 µmol ^-1 m ^-2 s ^-1 for 48 hours, after which visible herbicide damage was assessed. Conducted two repeated tests using agents with the addition of dicamba. A damage index ranging from 1 to 5 was determined for each plant, indicating the total number of plants from each rating category. The total damage index was also calculated taking into account the total number of plants from each category, and then the average value of the damage index was indicated. The criteria for determining the damage index are shown in table 30. The results of this study are shown in table 31. The upper and lower numerical values indicated in the lines "Dicamba + Surfactant" and "Dicamba + Surfactant + Composition 4" in table 31 , represent the results of each of the two replicate tests.

[0516] As shown in Table 31, application of dicamba at a final concentration of 200 mg/L to young Arabidopsis seedlings resulted in most plants having damage indices of 3 and 4, while plants treated with surfactant alone as a control, showed no visible signs of damage. Signs of dicamba damage, as described in rating groups 1-5, were not mitigated or masked by the combined treatment of dicamba and betaine-HCl (composition 4). The overall mean damage index for dicamba with surfactant was not significantly different from the damage index reported for use of dicamba and surfactant in combination with betaine-HCl. The corresponding damage indices were 3.36 and 3.15 for each of these treatments.

Example 29: Feeding Balsam and Poinsettia - Increased Heat Tolerance

[0517] Balsam before the flowering stage, which was abundantly watered and was in a soilless environment, was placed in a growth chamber with a day temperature of 21 ° C to 25 ° C and a night temperature of about 18 ° C. Then foliar application agent L was sprayed onto the balsam -proline (composition 2 according to example 1) at a rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml/hectare). Balsam after foliar feeding with proline or control treatment with water was returned to the growth chamber with the same temperature regime for 24 hours after foliar feeding. After 24 hours the temperature was raised to 37.8° C. and held for 38 hours. The injury index was assessed for plants treated with the proline composition and compared with the indices of control plants treated with water only (Table 32). The initial index for all plants was 5.

[0518] A similar study was performed for poinsettias. Plants were treated in the same manner as described above for balsam, except that the heat stress step was performed within 36 or 72 hours of returning the plants to the growth chamber, and heat stress exposure was performed at 29.4°C. Poinsettias were treated with either betaine-HCl (composition 1 according to example 1), or L-proline (composition 2 according to example 1). The results are shown in Table 33.

[0519] Table 32 Balsam Injury Index After Exposure to Heat Stress for 38 Hours

Example 30: Feeding Cut Flowers - Increasing Transpiration and Water Movement

[0520] Flowers (fresh cut cloves) were placed in compositions containing betaine-HCl (composition 4 according to example 1), L-proline (compositions 5 and 11 according to example 1) or a combination of betaine-HCl and L-proline (composition 12 according to example 1). Control flowers were not treated with water, treated with water only or with surfactant only (antirespirant control A according to example 1). Compositions 4, 5, 11, and 12 were treated at concentrations that were comparable to those used for foliar treatments and met the application rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml/hectare). Antirespirant Control A was used at a concentration of 78.75 mM. Five flower stems (cut to the same length) were placed in conical tubes containing 12 ml of each agent (except for the control without water), and then the tubes were filled to 15 ml with water. Cut flower stems were soaked (by immersion) for about 24 hours in various agents and then placed in a controlled environment growth chamber having a constant temperature of 21° C. and a constant photoperiod (200-300 µmol ¹ m ^-2 s ^-1 ). The temperature in the controlled environment growth chamber containing the cut flowers (which remained in the agent solutions) was then raised to 37° C. and kept at a constant level for 24-48 hours. These conditions mimic the dryness and desiccation that can occur when flowers are transported from nurseries to large stores. Final solution absorbance (ml) was measured for cut flowers placed in agents containing betaine-HCl (composition 4), L-proline (compositions 5 and 11) or a combination of betaine and proline (composition 12) and compared with the same parameter, measured for control plants that were treated with water only or surfactant only. Average solution uptake was compared for cut flowers that were treated with different formulations, as well as for cut flowers that were not treated with water, allowing comparison to severe drought conditions. Received average values for the total number of flowers treated with each agent, the values of the average absorption of the solution are shown in table 34.

[0521] Solutions containing osmoprotectant (compositions 4, 5, 11, and 12) were compared to a control treatment with water and surfactant, as well as a control without water. Visible differences in solution uptake of cut cloves were observed during and after the cooking period. All three agents containing varying amounts of L-proline and antidesicant (compositions 5, 11 and 12) applied to cut flower stems resulted in increased stem solution uptake compared to the control water or surfactant treatment. Carnation cut flowers that were treated with a formulation of betaine-HCl and L-proline with a higher concentration of antidesicant (155 µM tribasic potassium phosphate; Composition 12) showed the largest increase in solution uptake, indicating an increase in transpiration or water movement through the cut stem and more intensive water consumption in the cut flower compared to the control treatment with water or surfactant.

Example 31: Foliar Treatment with Betaine-HCl, L-Proline, and Alternative Osmo Protectors Mi-Maize Growth Rate and Recovery under Drought Conditions

[0522] Growth rate under drought conditions was studied for corn treated with osmoprotectants (betaine-HCl and L-proline) provided in combination with an antidesiccant (potassium salt) and an antirespirant (surfactant). Corn (hybrid Beck 5828 YH) was grown in a controlled environment greenhouse. Corn seeds were sown directly into 39.7 cm ³ pots containing a 3:1 planting mix of topsoil and VIGORO potting mix (N 0.07/P 0.04/K 0.03) to a depth of 2.54 cm in the amount two seeds per pot. After planting, 50 ml of water at room temperature was added to each pot to germinate the seeds. Plants were grown for 1.5 weeks on a 16/8 light/dark day cycle using fluorescent lighting providing about 200-300 µmol m ^-2 s ^-1 (photons of light) and a temperature regime of 21°C day/15°C at night.

[0523] After 1.5 weeks, the potted plants were watered with another 50 ml of water and the height of each plant was measured. The plants were then separated to prevent possible cross-contamination with different foliar agents.

[0523] The plants were then treated by foliar feeding with compositions containing both betaine-HCl and L-proline (compositions 12, 13, 14 and 15 according to example 1) or betaine-HCl as the only osmoprotectant (composition 4 according to example 1). Foliar application was carried out using six sprayers providing the same dose and spaced at the same distance (30.5 cm above the top of the pot), at a rate of application that was equivalent to 3.2 fl oz per acre (fl oz/acre) ( 234 ml/hectare) in the field. Each foliar application was tested in two trials with 14 plants each. The treated plants were then randomly allocated in a randomized block design to groups for each treatment. Control plants were treated in the same manner but with a surfactant-only formulation, ALLIGARE SURFACE((alkyl- and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol; Alligare LLC), applied at a final concentration of 0.10% (v/v) (78.75 mM), which corresponds to the final concentration of surfactant in compositions 4 and 12-15.After foliar treatment, the plants were returned to the same randomized plots in the greenhouse and left without watering to start and simulate drought conditions in the field for two weeks.After finding the plants the final height of each plant was measured for two weeks under drought conditions.The relative growth rate in percent under drought conditions was calculated for each plant from each group using the equation:

[0525] The growth rate is indicated in Table 35 as the relative growth rate and the average percent change in growth rate, normalized to the growth rate of control plants that were treated with surfactant alone. Growth rate results are reported as the cumulative average of two trials using 14 plants per trial.

[0526] As shown in Table 35, for foliar agents (compositions 12-15) containing various concentrations of betaine-HCl (83.49 mM or 300 mM) and L-proline (100 mM or 163.88 mM), provided in a formulation with an antidesicant (tribasic potassium phosphate) and an antirespirant (ALLIGARE SURFACE™), an increased relative growth rate under drought conditions was observed compared to plants that were treated with a surfactant (control). Treatment with an agent containing high concentrations of betaine-HCl (300 mM) and L-proline (163.88 mM) (composition 13) of corn was comparable to treatment with an agent containing betaine-HCl (83.49 mM) and L-proline (163, 88 mM) (formulation 14), which also contained sucrose (10 μM) and EDTA (5 μM) and provided a +4% increase in relative growth rate compared to control plants that were treated with surfactant alone. Composition 15 had the same concentrations of betaine-HCl (83.49 mM) and L-proline (163.88 mM) as composition 14, but did not contain sucrose and EDTA and provided an increase in the relative plant growth rate by +6% compared to with control plants treated with surfactant only. The greatest increase in relative growth rate was observed in plants after foliar treatment with betaine-HCl (83.49 mM) (formulation 4), which resulted in a +14% increase in growth rate compared to control plants that were treated with surfactant alone.

[0527] Plant recovery under drought conditions was also determined for corn treated with osmoprotectants (betaine-HCl and L-proline) provided in combination with an antidesiccant (potassium salt) and an antirespirant (surfactant). Corn (hybrid Beck 5828 YH) was planted in a controlled environment greenhouse and grown under the conditions described above in the first paragraph of this example. Corn was foliarly treated with agents containing a combination of betaine-HCl and L-proline (compositions 3 and 12-18 according to example 1), betaine-HCl as the only osmoprotectant (composition 4 according to example 1) or L-proline as the only osmoprotectant ( composition 5 according to example 1) and an antidesiccant (potassium salt) and an antirespirant (surfactant). Foliar treatment of corn was carried out 1.5 weeks after emergence and studied the recovery or survival of plants under drought stress conditions (table 36). Control plants were treated with water spray only as a control. Each foliar treatment was randomly selected according to a randomized block design for each treatment, which included two trials using 14 plants per trial for each of the foliar treatments conducted. After foliar treatment, the plants were returned to the controlled environment greenhouse and left without water for two weeks to run and simulate drought conditions. At the end of the two week dry period, the plants were watered (50 ml of water per pot at 48, 72 and 144 hours) during the recovery period. The plants were returned to controlled environment greenhouses and recovery was determined at 48, 72 and 144 hours after the start of re-irrigation. Plant recovery is indicated in Table 36 as the average number of plants remaining compared to the total number of plants after 1.5 weeks (before drought). In addition, plant recovery is reported in Table 36 as a percentage of the total number of recovered plants for each treatment at 48, 72, and 144 hours after re-watering the soil. The average number of plants and the proportion of plants recovered from the total for each treatment are shown in Table 36. Foliar treatment was carried out at an application rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml/hectare).

[0528] As shown in Table 36, a foliar treatment agent (composition 13) having a concentration of betaine-HCl of 300 mM and a concentration of L-proline of 163.88 mM and additionally containing 57 mM tribasic potassium phosphate as an antidesicant and ALLIGARE SURFACE (in as an antirespirant, provided the highest number of live plants 48 and 72 hours after re-watering (during the recovery period), the average plant recovery rate was 53% and 63%, respectively. (83.49 mM) and L-Proline (163.88 mM), an antidesiccant at a higher concentration (155 µM tribasic potassium phosphate) and an antirespirant ALLIGARE SURFACE™, provided a number of plants recovered after 144 hours comparable to the number of plants treated formulation 13, the average recovery was 66% for both treatments.The addition of other stabilizers such as sucrose and EDTA to formulations containing beta in-HCl and L-proline (composition 14) also resulted in improved plant recovery after being under drought conditions, resulting in an average of 58% of the total number of plants recovering after 144 hours.

[0529] The betaine-HCl formulation (composition 19 of Example 1) was compared with the alternative osmoprotectants stachydrine (L-proline-betaine) and the sugar alcohol myoinositol, which were applied as a foliar treatment to compare corn growth rate under drought conditions. Stachydrine was chosen as an osmoprotectant acting as a negative control due to its functional role in the induction of nodulation (Phillips, D.A., Joseph, C.M., Maxwell, C.A., "Trigonelle and stachydrine released from alfalfa seeds activate NodD2 protein in Rhizobium meliloti (1992) Plant Physiology 99:1526-1531). The mechanism of action of stahydrine as an osmoprotectant is different from that of betaine-HCl.

[0529] Plant growth rate under drought conditions was compared for corn treated with foliar agents containing betaine-HCl, stachydrine, or myoinositol (see Table 37). Corn (hybrid Beck 5828 YH) was planted in a controlled environment greenhouse and grown under the conditions described in the first paragraph of this example. After 1.5 weeks, the potted plants were watered with another 50 ml of water and the height of each plant was measured. The plants were then separated to prevent possible cross-contamination with different foliar agents. The plants were then foliarly fed with the formulations described in Table 1 (composition 19, stachydrine formulation or stachydrine control), a surfactant-only control (antirespirant control A), or a formulation containing 55 mM myoinositol. Foliar application was carried out using six sprayers providing the same dose and placed at the same distance (30.5 cm above the top of the pot), at an application rate that was equivalent to the flow rate in fluid ounces per acre (fl oz/acre) in the field conditions as shown in Table 37. Each foliar application was tested in two trials with 14 plants. The treated plants were then randomly allocated in a randomized block design to groups for each treatment. Antirespirant Control A containing ALLIGARE SURFACE((Alligare LLC) was applied at the same final concentration of 0.10% (v/v) (78.75 mM) as the other formulations. After foliar treatment, plants were returned to those the same randomized plots in the greenhouse and left without watering to start and simulate drought conditions in the field for two weeks.After the plants were in drought conditions for two weeks, the final height of each plant was measured.The relative growth rate in percent under drought conditions was calculated for each plant from each group using the equation for calculating the growth rate in percent (%) (given above in this example).The results are shown as average values in table 37.

[0531] Formulations that included stachydrine, when applied with or without an antidesicant and an antirespirant (stachydrine composition) or without them (stachydrine control) to corn grown in water-deficient conditions, provided only a slight increase in relative plant growth rate of + 0.9% compared to plants treated with surfactant alone. Betaine-HCl foliar formulation (Composition 19) when applied to drought-produced corn provided an increase in plant growth rate (+6.8% increase) compared to control plants that were foliarized only superficially -active substance. A more pronounced percentage increase in growth rate was observed for plants after foliar feeding with betaine-HCl (composition 19) compared to plants treated with any of the stahydrin agents. Foliar application with myo-inositol also resulted in an increase in growth rate (+2.1% compared to surfactant-only control plants). Combinations of betaine-HCl formulations (eg formulation 19) with myoinositol can result in an additional percentage increase in corn growth rate.

Example 32: Feeding V4 - V7 Corn - Yield Improvement

[0532] Maize for large field trials was grown from corn seeds (DEKALB hybrids: DKC 58-89; DKC 52-61 and DKC 65-81) coated with a seed treatment agent containing the fungicide EVERGOL (in combination with PONCHO®/VOTIVO( 500. Agricultural formulations containing an agriculturally effective amount of betaine-HCl, L-proline, or combinations thereof were applied in combination with an antidesicant (potassium salt) and an antirespirant (surfactant) to corn. conventional or conservative soil tillage for corn planting Fertilizers were applied according to traditional farming practices that were consistent across plots in the Midwestern U.S. Herbicides were applied for weed control and as cultivation supplements as needed All plots, plants were planted in four-row plots 17.5 feet (5.3 meters) long. or to a depth of 1.5-2 inches (about 5 cm) to ensure normal root development. Corn was planted at an average of about 42,000 plants per acre with a row width of 30 inches (average 0.8 meters) and a planting density of 1.6 to 1.8 seeds per foot (30 cm).

[0533] Corn was foliarly applied at about the V5 developmental stage using agricultural compositions containing an osmoprotectant, an antidesiccant, and an antirespirant. Foliar formulations containing betaine-HCl (compositions 4 and 19 according to example 1), various amounts of antidesiccant (tribasic potassium phosphate) and various surfactants (antirespirants) were applied to three corn hybrids (DEKALB hybrids: hybrid 1: DKC52 -61; hybrid 2: DKC 58-89; hybrid 3: DKC 65-81) planted at seven sites in the US Midwest (IN, IL and IA). The mean change in corn yield (bush/acre) was determined at seven plots and reported in Table 38 as the change from control corn plants that were not foliar or base-treated. A surfactant-only control (ALLIGARE 90, alkylpolyoxyethylene) was used at a concentration of 0.10%. Treatment compositions were applied at a rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml/hectare).

[0534] The two foliar betaine-HCl agents had the same concentrations of betaine-HCl (83.49 mM) and surfactant (which was applied at a final concentration of 0.10%), but a different type of surfactant (composition 4 contained ALLIGARE SURFACE ((alkyl- and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol) and formulation 19 contained ALLIGARE 90 (alkylpolyoxyethylene)). The formulations also had different concentrations of tribasic potassium phosphate antidesicant, where formulation 4 contained 57 μM tribasic potassium phosphate and formulation 19 contained 155 μM tribasic phosphate Potassium As shown in Table 38, formulation 4, which was applied foliarly, resulted in an increase in average yield of three corn hybrids by +5.32 bu/acre (333.9 kg/hectare), while formulation 19 resulted in +1.94 bu/acre (121.8 kg/hectare) yield increase over control corn seed treatment.

[0535] In a separate experiment, corn including three different hybrids (DEKALB: DKC 52-61; DKC 58-89; DKC 65-81) at approximately V5 development stage was foliarly fed with ROUNDUP POWERMAX((active ingredient potassium glyphosate, 48 .7% application rate: 24 fl oz/acre (1754 ml/hectare)) in combination with treatment with osmoprotective compositions 9 and 19 according to example 1 at an application rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml/hectare) ROUNDUP POWERMAX combined foliar treatment with formulations 9 and 19 was studied at seven sites in the US Midwest (IN, IL, and IA).Corn yield (bush/acre) was determined and reported in Table 39 as the average change in yield (bush ./acre) at all plots compared to control corn plants that were not foliar treated (control with base seed treatment).

[0536] The base seed treatment agent (control) was the fungicide EVERGOL(+PONCHO®/VOTIVO(500). Prior to planting, seed treatment was performed as described for seed treatment control on all plants that were treated with the foliar treatment methods described in Table 39.

[0537] As shown in Table 39, foliar application of corn using ROUNDUP POWER MAX (in combination with osmoprotective agents containing betaine-HCl and L-proline (composition 9) or betaine-HCl as the sole osmoprotectant (composition 19) provided increased yields compared to corn plants not foliarly grown from seed treated with EVERGOL(+PONCHO VOTIVO 500 base seed treatment agent) or compared to corn plants that were grown from seed treated with a base seed treatment agent and then foliarly treated with ROUNDUP POWERMAX herbicide ((yield 0.76 bu/acre vs. control). ROUNDUP POWERMAX foliar application (in combination with betaine-HCl formulations and L-proline (composition 9) or betaine-HCl (composition 19) resulted in a positive yield increase of +1.23 bu/acre (composition i 10) and +2.65 bu./acre (composition 19), respectively, compared with the yield of control plants for which only seed treatment was carried out.

[0538] Another experiment compared the effect on yield (bush/acre) of foliar formulations containing antirespirants (various surfactants) in combination with betaine-HCl as an osmoprotectant and a fixed amount of antidesiccant (155 µM tribasic potassium phosphate) when applied to corn at the developmental stage V5. Betaine-HCl foliar agents (compositions 19-21 according to Example 1) were applied to two corn hybrids (DEKALB: DKC 52-61 and DKC 58-89) at seven sites in the US Midwest (IN, IL and IA) at a application 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml/hectare). These foliar agents had constant concentrations of betaine-HCl (83.49 mM) and antidesiccant (155 µM tribasic potassium phosphate) but contained different antirespirants (surfactants: ALLIGARE SURFACE((alkyl- and alkylaurylpolyoxyethylene glycol) , ALLIGARE 90 (alkylpolyoxyethylene), AQUA SUPREME (alkylpolyoxyethoxylate ether)) that were included in the formulations Yields (bush/acre) are listed in Table 40 as the average total yield of the hybrid at seven plots and as the average total change in yield (bush/acre). /acre) for both hybrids compared to the yield of corn grown after the base seed treatment (Table 40) The base seed treatment agent (control) was the fungicide EVERGOL(+PONCHO®/VOTIVO(500.

[0539] As shown in Table 40, foliar formulations containing Composition 19 (ALLIGARE 90), Composition 20 (ALLIGARE SURFACE™) and Composition 21 (AQUA SUPREME), when applied to corn at about the V5 developmental stage, had a positive effect on the total yield determined for both hybrids compared to control plants for which only seed treatment was carried out. The average yield increase for foliar application of formulation 19 was +2.4 bu/acre, formulation 20 provided a yield increase of +5.1 bu/acre (320 kg/hectare), and formulation 21 provided a yield increase of +7.6 bush/acre (477 kg/hectare) when applied as a foliar application to corn at an application rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml/hectare). Treatment with formulation 21 containing AQUA SUPREME surfactant and provided as a formulation with betaine-HCl and an antidesiccant (potassium salt) provided the largest yield increase compared to the other two surfactant formulations tested.

Example 33: VT Maize Fertilization - Increased Yield

[0540] Composition 9 according to Example 1, a formulation that contained two osmoprotectants (betaine-HCl and L-proline) in combination with an antidesiccant (tribasic potassium phosphate) and an antirespirant (ALLIGARE 90 surfactant (alkyl polyoxyethylene)) , was applied as a foliar application to three corn hybrids (DEKALB: DKC 58-89; DKC 52-61, DKC 65-81) at the VT development stage. Corn was planted in 40-foot (12.2 m) rows at three sites in the US Midwest (MO, IL). Foliar treatment was performed with Composition 9 and ALLIGARE 90 Surfactant alone as a control (antirespirant control B according to Example 1) of each of the three hybrids planted in three plots at a rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml/hectare ). Yields (bush/acre) are shown in Table 41 as the average yield of three corn hybrids at three sites in the US Midwest, as well as the average change in yield (bush/acre) after foliar treatment with composition 10 compared to corn that was treated only antirespirant control B.

[0541] As shown in Table 41, treatment with foliar composition 9 containing betaine-HCl and L-proline together with tribasic potassium phosphate (antidesiccant) and ALLIGARE 90 surfactant (antirespirant) of VT maize resulted in a significant increase in overall yields +12.2 bush/acre (766 kg/hectare).

[0542] In a separate experiment, large field trials were conducted at one and two sites in the US Midwest (IL) planted with three different corn hybrids (DEKALB: DKC 58-89; DKC 52-61; DKC 65-81). The results are shown in Table 42. Seeds of each of the corn hybrids were coated with a seed treatment agent containing the fungicide EVERGOL(in combination with PONCHO®/VOTIVO(500). (PLURONIC F-68, antirespirant), quaternary ammonium salt (choline chloride) and/or dihydrated salt (calcium chloride) were applied to corn at V5 development stage.Foliar treatment was performed using the final concentrations and application rates described in Table 42. Choline chloride was chosen for its similar properties to osmolytes.Choline chloride is a precursor of acetylcholine and is involved in the regulation of plant water reabsorption.Choline chloride was tested as a foliar agent alone and in combination with an antirespirant (PLURONIC F 68 surfactant). The average bush/acre yield was obtained for two trials. Trial 1 was performed at one site and Trial 2 at two sites in the US Midwest (IL). Yields (bush/acre) are reported as the average yield at site(s) and as the mean of all three hybrids except as noted in Table 42 and as the mean change in yield (bush/acre) from control plants. for which only seed treatment was carried out. Control plants treated with basic seed treatment received only seed treatment with fungicide EVERGOL(+PONCHCO/VOTIVO(500) and no foliar treatment.

[0543] Foliar application of PLURONIC(F-68, choline chloride, or calcium chloride surfactant applied alone to corn resulted in an overall increase in yield or an increase in yield compared to control plants treated with base seed treatment alone Yield increase in corn after foliar treatment with PLURONIC(F-68) surfactant was +2.3 bu/ac (144 kg/hectare), while treatment with choline chloride or calcium chloride resulted in a yield increase of +8.5 bu ./acre (533.5 kg/hectare) and +11.8 bu./acre (740.6 kg/hectare), respectively, compared to control plants treated with basic seed treatment alone. 2.3 bu/acre (144 kg/hectare) obtained for corn with PLURONIC F-68 surfactant treatment and +11.8 bu/acre (740.6 kg/hectare) yield increase with treatment calcium chloride was additive when conducting combined agent treatment. After combined treatment with PLURONIC F-68 surfactant and calcium chloride, corn yield increased by +15.15 bu/acre (951 kg/hectare) compared to control plants treated with basic seed treatment alone. Maize yields were increased by +8.5 bush/acre (533.5 kg/hectare) for plants foliarly treated with choline chloride and a combination of choline chloride, calcium chloride, and PLURONIC(F-68. Combined) surfactant. treatment resulted in only +0.4 bu/acre yield increase compared to plants treated with choline chloride. bush./acre (558.6 kg/hectare) compared with the yield of control plants, which were carried out only basic seed treatment.

Example 34: V4-V6 Soybean Fertilization - Yield Improvement (Large Yield Field Trial)

[0544] In a large field trial, soybeans were grown from seeds treated with the fungicide EVERGOL(and PONCHO®/VOTIVO(500). Soybeans were planted 1.5-2 inches (about 5 cm) deep to ensure normal root development. .5-foot (3.8 meters) plots averaging 150,500 plants per acre with rows 30 inches (0.8 meters) wide and planted at 7 to 8 seeds per foot (30 cm).

[0545] Agricultural compositions containing agriculturally effective amounts of betaine-HCl or combinations of betaine-HCl and L-proline together with an antidesiccant (potassium salt) and an antirespirant (surfactant) have been applied to soybeans. Agents containing betaine-HCl and L-proline were applied by foliar spraying at a rate of 3.2 fl. IN, IA and IL). Soybeans were treated with foliar agents containing betaine-HCl or combinations of betaine-HCl and L-proline (compositions 4, 7, 9 and 19 according to Example 1) at about the V4-V6 developmental stage. The yield of soybean plants treated with osmoprotective compositions was determined for each of three soybean varieties (Asgrow: AG2733, AG3536 and AG4034) at six plots. The results are reported in Table 43 as change in yield (bush/acre) compared to control soybean plants treated with base seed treatment only and no foliar spray treatment. A surfactant-only control (antirespirant control B according to Example 1) was also used, which was applied at an application rate of 0.10% (78.75 mM).

[0546] Foliar soybean nutrition with betaine-HCl (composition 4) and betaine-HCl in combination with L-proline (composition 9) provided in formulations together with an antidesiccant (tribasic potassium phosphate) and an antirespirant (surfactant) provided positive yield increase. Foliar treatment with betaine-HCl formulation (composition 4) resulted in a yield increase of +2.18 bu/acre (146.6 kg/hectare) with a 64% efficiency rate, while treatment with betaine-HCl and L-proline formulation (composition 9) resulted in an average yield increase of +2.94 bu/acre (197.7 kg/hectare) with an 82% efficiency rate compared to soybean plants that were not foliar treated (basic seed treatment control). A slight increase in average yield was also observed for soybeans after foliar treatment with other formulations of betaine-HCl (compositions 7 and 19).

[0547] In another experiment, in a large field repetitive yield trial, soybean (variety: Asgrow AG4034) was grown from seeds treated with a base seed treatment complex containing the fungicide EVERGOL(and PONCHO®/VOTIVO(500, at three sites in the US Midwest (IL) Foliar treatments containing an alternative osmoprotectant (trehalose), an antidesiccant (potassium acetate), an antirespirant (SILWET L-77), or a combination of trehalose and SILWET L-77, were applied to soybeans at the R2 developmental stage at the application rate described in Table 44, and studied the effect of treatment on plant yield.Trehalose is a non-reducing carbohydrate that is resistant to acid hydrolysis and is stable in solution at high temperatures and under acidic conditions.Trehalose was applied alone and in combination with an immiscible silicone surfactant (SILWET L -77) by foliar spraying on soybeans.

[0548] The final application concentrations were: SILWET L-77=86.94 μM, trehalose=10 mM, and potassium acetate 234.4 mM.

[0549] For soybeans grown from seeds after basic seed treatment (control), the average yield was 66.8 bush./acre (4492.3 kg/hectare) in three plots. Treatment with SILWET L-77 alone resulted in a non-significant yield reduction of -0.23 bu/acre (-15.5 kg/hectare) on average compared to seed treatment-only control plants. Soybean foliar feeding with trehalose alone at 6.4 fl oz/acre (467.7 ml/hectare) resulted in a yield increase of +1.49 bu/acre (100.2 kg/hectare) compared to control plants, for which only seed treatment was carried out. Trehalose foliar treatment (6.4 fl oz/acre) in combination with SILWET L-77 (3.2 fl oz/acre or 234 ml/hectare) resulted in +3.32 bu/acre ( 223.3 kg/hectare) compared with control plants for which only seed treatment was carried out (table 44). The combined foliar treatment with trehalose and SILWET L-77 provided a synergistic effect on soybean yield, as the increase of more than 3 bu/ac (201.8 kg/hectare) was greater than the sum of the yield increase with trehalose and SILWET L-77 applied alone .

Example 35: R2 Soybean Fertilization - Increased Yield (Large Yield Field Trial)

[0550] Large field yield trials were performed using foliar application of osmoprotectants (betaine-HCl and L-proline). Betaine-HCl and L-proline agents (compositions 7, 8, 9, 19 and 22 according to example 1) were applied by foliar spraying at a rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml/hectare) to three soybean varieties (Asgrow : AG2733, AG3536 and AG4034) grown at 12 sites in the US Midwest (IA, IN, IL). For each foliar treatment at each plot, soybeans were planted in 12.5-foot (3.81 meter) row plots and three trials were conducted for each treatment. Soybeans were treated foliarly with betaine-HCl and L-proline at the R2 development stage. Harvested soybean yield is reported in Table 46 as mean yield (bush/acre) and mean change in yield (bush/acre) compared to control after treatment with surfactant alone and is reported as the average of all plots for all three soybean varieties ( table 45) and for each individual of the three soybean varieties compared to a control treatment with surfactant alone for the corresponding soybean variety (table 46). A control surfactant treatment (antirespirant control B according to Example 1) was performed at a concentration of 0.10% (78.75 mM).

[0551] The average yield (bush/acre) and the average change in soybean yield (bush/acre) are reported for two plots for soybean variety AG2733, for six plots for soybean variety GG3536, and for 4 plots for soybean variety AG4034.

[0552] As shown in Table 46, in general, foliar treatment agents consisting of betaine-HCl as the sole osmoprotectant (compositions 7, 8 and 19), betaine-HCl in combination with L-proline (composition 9) or L -proline as the only osmoprotectant (composition 22) provided an increase in yield for all three soybean varieties. The only exception was one of the betaine-HCl foliar agents (composition 19), which was applied to soybean cultivar AG4034. However, the same treatment with betaine-HCl (composition 19) resulted in a yield increase for two varieties (AG2733: +3 bu/ac (201.8 kg/hectare), AG3536: +2.43 bu/ac (163, 4 kg/hectare) compared to plants that were treated with antirespirant control B only. Soybean cultivar AG2733 was the highest yielding cultivar across all plots studied (two sites in the US Midwest in IA), while soybean cultivars AG3536 and AG4034 had a comparable yields in all plots studied and gave similar results depending on the foliar treatment method used.The agents with the highest concentration of betaine-HCl (composition 8) and the betaine-HCl agent with sucrose and EDTA additives (composition 7) provided the most consistent increase in yield for all three soybean varieties ranging from +1.44 to +1.98 bu/acre (+96.8 to +133.2 kg/ha for composition 8 and +1.17 to +2.13 bu ./acre (from +78.7 to +143.2 kg/hectare) for composition 7. Treatment with betaine-HCl in combination with L-proline (composition 9) L-proline at high concentration (composition 22) resulted in the maximum increase in yield of soybean cultivar AG2733 and provided a yield increase of +4.06 and +5.28 bu/acre, respectively, when tested in treatment methods compared to soybean yield treated with antirespirant control B (Table 46).

[0553] In another study, foliar treatment agents for betaine-HCl (composition 4 according to example 1) and betaine-HCl with L-proline (composition 9 according to example 1) were applied to soybeans (variety AG2733) planted in two separate plots on the Middle The US West (IA) is in development stage R2. At each site, three 12.5-foot (3.81 meters) pads were tested for each treatment. Yields are reported as average yields (bush/acre) for two plots. The mean yield change was compared to that of plants grown from seeds treated with seed treatment alone (seed treatment control without foliar treatment) at two plots (Table 47). Foliar agents were applied at a rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml per hectare). The base seed treatment agent was a combination of the fungicide EVERGOL(and PONCHO®/VOTIVO(500.

[0554] A foliar treatment agent containing betaine-HCl (composition 4) or a combination of betaine-HCl and L-proline (composition 9), which was applied to soybean (variety AG2733) at the R2 development stage, provided an increase in average yield (bush. /acre) compared to control plants for which only basic seed treatment was carried out. Treatment with betaine-HCl (formulation 4) resulted in an increase of +5 bush/acre (+336.2 kg/hectare), while the combined treatment with betaine-HCl and L-proline resulted in an increase of +1.1 bush/acre. acre (+74 kg/hectare) compared to plants grown from seed after control treatment (Table 47).

[0555] In an additional study, large field yield trials were conducted using betaine-HCl (composition 19 according to example 1) or betaine-HCl with L-proline (composition 9 according to example 1) treatment agents containing a broad spectrum fungicide: STRATEGO ®YLD (10.8% prothioconazole and 32.3% thiofloxistrobin). STRATEGO®YLD is a commercially available fungicide suitable for use as an early foliar application in R2 development stage soybeans. Treatment agents for betaine-HCl with L-proline (composition 9) and betaine-HCl (composition 19) applied by foliar spraying at a rate of 3.2 fl oz per acre (fl oz/ac) (234 ml/hectare) ), and the STRATEGGOYLD fungicide was applied by foliar spraying at a rate of 4.0 fl oz per acre (fl oz/acre) (292 ml/hectare). Soybeans (variety: Asgrow AG4034) grown at five locations in the US Midwest (IN, IA and IL) were foliar treated. For each foliar treatment, soybeans were planted in 12.5-foot (3.81 m) plots in each plot in triplicate for each treatment. Soybean yields were determined for plants treated with the osmoprotectant/fungicide as described in Table 48. Soybean yields are reported in Table 48 as average yield (bush/acre) for soybean cultivar AG4034 at five plots, and as yield change (bush/acre). acre) compared to soybeans treated with STRATEGO®YLD fungicide alone.

[0556] The base seed treatment agent (ST control) was EVERGOL(+PONCHO®/VOTIVO(500) fungicide. STRATEGO®YLD fungicide was applied at the concentration and application rate recommended on the product label.

[0557] STRATEGO®YLD fungicide provided in combination with betaine-HCl foliar agent (Formulation 19) resulted in yield gains in soybean at five sites—an overall average yield gain of +2.10 bu/acre (141.2 kg/hectare) compared to the yield of plants treated with STRATEGO®YLD fungicide alone. The STRATEGO®YLD fungicide has been shown to generally provide an average increase in soybean yield of +3-4 bu/acre (+202-269 kg/hectare). STRATEGO®YLD fungicide in combination with betaine-HCl treatment agent (composition 19), when applied to soybeans during the early season, can provide yield increases of +5 bu/ac (+336.3 kg/hectare) or more over with soybeans grown in the usual way (without processing).

Example 36: Top dressing during spring sowing of vegetables - Increased yield

[0558] Plants were grown in raised beds covered with black film mulch using an experimental row planting pattern to simulate growing conditions for large commercial batches of individual vegetable crops. Plants were grown using drip irrigation and fertilization schedules according to manufacturers' recommendations for the area during the growing season to provide optimal conditions for plant growth.

[0559] Beets (Beta vulgaris, cultivar: Red Ace F1) were grown from seeds planted in lightly plowed sandy loam soil in raised beds covered with black film mulch. Seeds were planted at a depth of 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Three weeks after germination, the plants were thinned to one plant per five inches (12.5 cm) with an average of 100 plants per bed. Sugar beets were planted at one site in the US Midwest (MO). A foliar spray treatment using betaine-HCl (composition 7 according to example 1) was applied at an application rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml/hectare) for early vegetative stage beets about 15 days after emergence. Foliar treatment with betaine-HCl (composition 7) during this phase was studied to determine the effect on root growth during the storage period, when most of the energy is spent on root growth. Harvested sugar beet yield was determined as root weight per plant (in grams) and aboveground biomass per plant (in grams) for the treatments described in Table 49. Plants were treated with a foliar treatment agent containing betaine-HCl (composition 7), an antirespirant control In according to example 1 or control without spraying. Yields of harvested sugar beets after foliar treatment with both Composition 7 and commercial standard (positive control) were compared with those treated with surfactant alone or no foliar treatment at all (no spray control). Yields are shown in Table 49 for a single crop harvested at the end of the growing season (spring to summer, April to late August) as average root mass per plant and average aboveground biomass per plant.

[0560] Yield after treatment with betaine-HCl (composition 7) was compared with that of beets that were not sprayed or treated with surfactant only, as well as those of plants treated with a commercial standard as a positive control. As shown in Table 49, foliar application using the agent betaine-HCl (composition 7), which was applied to the beets about 15 days after emergence, resulted in an increase in root mass of +17.3 g per plant or an increase in root mass by +35% per plant compared to root plants treated with surfactant only or no spray control. Beet after foliar treatment with betaine-HCl (composition 7) also significantly increased aboveground biomass per plant, the average increase was about 245 grams compared to plants treated with surfactant only, or control without spray. Thus, foliar application of the betaine-HCl agent (composition 7) to beets resulted in an average increase in aboveground biomass of +27% compared to the yield of plants treated with surfactant alone or with no spray control.

[0561] Foliar treatment agents containing betaine-HCl (compositions 8 and 19 according to example 1) or a combination of betaine-HCl and L-proline (composition 9 according to example 1) were applied to jalapeno peppers (Capsicum) at the early flowering stage ( appearance of the first flower). 12 week old pepper seedlings were planted in two raised beds covered with black film mulch containing soil with good water holding capacity having a pH of 5.8-6.6. Jalapeno peppers were planted at planting densities simulating commercial pepper growing conditions. Jalapeno pepper plant spacing was 14-16 inches (38 cm) and plant row spacing 16-24 inches (50 cm), resulting in approximately 25 plants per bed. Betaine and proline foliar formulations were applied at an application rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml/hectare). The control treatment included a surfactant-only foliar control (antirespirant control B according to Example 1). The effect of foliar application on pepper yield or average jalapenos per plant and total aboveground biomass per plant (grams) was determined for two separate crops harvested using a single harvest. Pepper counts and aboveground biomass per plant were normalized to pepper yield or biomass after a control foliar treatment with surfactant alone (Table 50).

[0562] As shown in Table 50, the amount of jalapeno peppers per plant correlated strongly with the average biomass per plant in pepper yield tests. Total pepper versus total aboveground biomass was plotted for each pepper plant and a positive correlation was shown with an ^R2 value of 0.8994 (FIG. 10). Foliar treatment with formulations containing betaine-HCl (formulation 19: 83.49 mM; composition 8: 166.98 mM) applied at a rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml/hectare) early flowering on jalapeno peppers resulted in the largest increase in yield compared to the yield of peppers after a control treatment with surfactant alone. Composition 19 more than doubled pepper yields, providing +110% more pepper and a significant increase in aboveground biomass per plant, an increase in biomass of about +196 grams per plant (+159% biomass increase) compared to plant biomass after control treatment with surfactant only. Formulation 8 also resulted in a significant increase in pepper yield, providing +30% more pepper and a significant increase in aboveground biomass per plant (about +62 grams biomass increase per plant or +50% increase in biomass) compared to plant biomass after control treatment. only surfactant.

Example 37: Lettuce Feeding - Biomass Increase

[0563] Osmoprotectant L-proline (composition 5 according to example 1) was applied to lettuce leaves at two different times before harvest to study the effect of the osmoprotectant on the total harvested biomass. Lettuce was grown at two sites in the USA (MO, AZ). Ten lettuce seeds (variety: Buttercrunch Lettuce) for each treatment were planted one centimeter deep in sandy loam soil in raised beds covered with black film mulch. The plants were grown in two rows of 10 feet (about 3 meters) long with row spacing of 18 inches (46 cm) for each treatment, for a total of three beds per trial. The treated beds were separated from the control beds without spraying according to a randomized block plan. Drip irrigation was provided to saturate the soil for proper seed germination. Three weeks after germination, the plants were thinned to one plant per five inches (12.5 cm), averaging about 24 plants per bed. The plants were watered using drip irrigation. Lettuce was foliarly treated with L-Proline (Composition 5) at two different times during the growing season - 10 days after emergence and 10 days before harvest - at an application rate of 3.2 fl oz/acre (234 ml /hectare). All aboveground lettuce biomass was collected for the two indicated time points and the total on-site biomass was compared with that of control plants that were not sprayed. Lettuce biomass after treatment with L-proline (formulation 5) is shown as percent biomass change compared to control plants that were not sprayed in Table 51.

[0564] Foliar application of lettuce with L-proline (composition 5) 10 days prior to harvest resulted in an increase in plant biomass at harvest, with an average biomass increase of +8.5% compared to control lettuce plants that were not sprayed .

Case Study 38: Cotton Fertilization - Yield Improvement

[0565] American cotton (Gossypium hirsutum, cultivar CG 3885B2XF) was grown at four sites in the United States (three in LA and one in TX), in beds in rows of 13.33 x 40 feet (4.06 (12.19 m) with row spacing of 40" (101.6 cm). Each plot was planted at a density of 4.5 seeds/foot (30.48 cm). Standard herbicide and fertilizer applications were used as recommended for each region. Treatment formulations containing betaine -HCl (composition 4 according to example 1) and betaine-HCl and L-proline (composition 9 according to example 1), were applied at an application rate of 3.2 fl oz / acre (234 ml / hectare) at the first flowering stage (approximately 55 days post-emergence.) Each foliar and no-treatment control was tested four times using a randomized full-block design Cotton lint (cotton lint) was harvested at harvest time and reported as the average amount of cotton lint in kilograms per hectare . WITH The average change in the amount of cotton fiber per unit area was compared with the amount of cotton fiber per unit area harvested from control plants. The results obtained are shown in table 52.

[0566] For cotton, after foliar treatment with betaine-HCl (composition 4), a slightly higher cotton fiber yield - an average increase of +1.7 kg of cotton fiber per hectare - was obtained compared to the weight of cotton fiber for untreated control plants. The combined treatment with betaine-HCl and L-proline (formulation 9) resulted in a significantly higher amount of cotton fiber per unit area, where the average increase was approximately +37 kg of cotton fiber per hectare compared to untreated control plants.

Example 39: Fertilizing Alfalfa with Osmoprotectants Betaine-HCl and L-Proline-Increased Yield

[0567] The effect of foliar application of osmoprotectants betaine-HCl and L-proline (composition 3 according to Example 1) on total biomass (harvested bales) and crude protein content in hay was studied. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was rooted one year prior to the trial and grown on three acre plots in three separate US trials (CA). Twenty alfalfa plants per square foot were planted and maintained at the recommended planting density for field trials. Each three-acre plot was foliar treated or control treated without spraying in triplicate. The alfalfa harvest at each site was collected at three different time points (three separate mowings were carried out during the growing season, in the spring-summer of 2017). Complied with region-specific recommendations for fertilizer use and weed control and provided irrigation with a 28-day cycle, alfalfa mowing (for hay) was carried out after the 28th day. Fertilizer (SUPERPHOS, a high phosphate fertilizer containing calcium dihydrogen phosphate and monocalcium phosphate [Ca(H ₂ PO ₄ ) ₂ ⋅H ₂ O) was applied at a rate of 19-23 liters per acre or 47 to 57 liters per hectare during irrigation overlap. Foliar application using a combination of betaine-HCl and L-proline (composition 3) was carried out two weeks before the first mowing at an application rate of 3.2 fl oz / acre (234 ml / hectare) and was evaluated by calculating the average number of bales and the average percent crude protein content per day of mowing compared to alfalfa control plots without spraying. Crude protein levels were measured by the Haka-Kjeldahl method in samples taken from five random bales for each of three crops harvested from the site (Rossi, AM, et al., 2004, "Nitrogen contents in food: a comparison between the Kjeldahl and Hach methods ," The Journal of the Argentine Chemical Society 92: 99-108). The results are shown in table 53.

[0568] Foliar treatment with the combination of osmoprotectants betaine-HCl and L-proline (composition 3) resulted in an increase in the number of bales for three crops harvested during the growing season by more than + 7 bales for areas treated with osmoprotectant, compared with untreated controls platforms. Crude protein levels, as measured by nitrogen concentration in harvested alfalfa hay, were also significantly increased in plants after foliar treatment with the combination of betaine-HCl and L-proline (formulation 3), with an increase in protein levels of almost 4%. Due to this increase in crude protein level obtained for plants treated with composition 4, the quality of alfalfa hay changed from "good" for untreated control plants to "premium" (for plants treated with composition 3).

[0569] "Good" quality is used to describe plants that are in early or medium maturity, in early or mid-flowering stages, with foliage and a thin or medium stem, and which show no damage other than slight leaf discoloration. "Premium" quality is used to describe plants in the early stage of maturation before flowering, with a thin stem, a large number of leaves (factors indicating high nutritional value), a green cover and no damage. The crude protein level in "good" alfalfa is 18 to 20. The crude protein level in "premium" alfalfa is 20 to 22.

Example 40: Increased corn growth after early planting in drought conditions

[0570] Rapid initial growth in phenological stages up to V3, in particular between V2 and V3 stages, at early planting of seedlings was studied for corn treated with various combinations of osmoprotectant (betaine-HCl), antirespirant (40.3% complex alkyl polyglucoside esters) and an antidesiccant (glycerin), which was used to soak the soil during planting. The antirespirant also acted as an infiltrating surfactant (a surfactant or impregnation agent applied to the surface of the soil) and the antidesiccant acted as a humectant. Maize growth as measured by change in plant height (cm) up to V3 developmental stage was studied for the treatments described in Tables 54 and 55. antidesicant) was also compared with other impregnation methods and a control that used only water. Glycerin, a polyol compound that contains three hydroxyl groups that are responsible for its water solubility and hygroscopic nature, was chosen as the viscous humectant for use in combination with the osmoprotectant betaine-HCl and an infiltrating surfactant. This triple combination was selected for treatment based on its soil impregnation principle, which promotes moisture retention and control by absorbing moisture and condensing it into contact with the germinating seed and/or growing plant.

[0571] The treatment combination was provided as a soil impregnation at planting and then at emergence to promote growth in the early stages of V development, improve early vigor, ensure planting stability, and protect against drought exposure when seedlings are planted early. The osmoprotectant betaine-HCl was provided at a final application concentration of 83.49 mM. The infiltrating surfactant was diluted with water to the recommended application rate in a ratio of 1:1600 (surfactant to water) (52.9 μM). The humectant for the final treatment was diluted to 1% concentration with water (136.8 mm). Treatments with the single and combined agents were performed at the application rate (fl oz/acre) shown in Tables 54 and 55. The application rates for betaine-HCl and soil humectant were 1,000 times higher than the antirespirant application rates in Table 54. In Table 55 application rates for all three components were the same.

[0571] Seeds of corn (hybrid Beck 5828 YH) were planted directly in 39.7 cm3 pots containing a 2:1 planting mix of topsoil and coarse sand for road construction to obtain the desired mixture for sandy loamy soil, consisting of 1.5% organic substances, 70% sand, 17.5% dust and 12.5% clay with a soil pH of 7.5. Seeds were planted to a depth of 2.54 cm, two seeds per pot. After planting, the seeds were treated with 50 ml of each agent (as described in Tables 54 and 55) at room temperature, which was added to the soil in each pot as a soil soak at the indicated equivalent application rate. Impregnation with each agent was performed on a total of 48 seeds (24 pots) which were placed in a growth chamber with a 13/11 light/dark day cycle using fluorescent lighting providing approximately 200-300 µmol m ^-2 s ^-1 (photons of light) , and a temperature of 21°С during the day/15°С at night. On the 3rd day (three days after planting, DAP), when all the seeds had germinated, the soil was impregnated using 50 ml of each agent for each seedling. After the second impregnation, watering of the plants was stopped to induce and simulate drought conditions that may occur when seedlings are planted early. Plant height (cm) was measured after 11 days for each plant grown under drought conditions (3 to 11 DAP). 11 days after planting, the height of each plant was determined after various treatments. Corn plants that were treated as described in Table 55 were additionally watered with 50 ml of water 11 days after planting. Plant height was measured again at the end of the 14th day (14 days after planting). Comparison of plant growth from stage V2-V3 is shown in Table 55.

[0572] Plant height (cm) was determined as a measure of plant growth. The mean change in plant height is reported in Table 54 as the percentage change in plant height compared to the height of plants that were grown in soil treated with water only as a control. Application of the surfactant-only control resulted in, on average, a slight reduction in plant height (-1%) compared to plants grown in soil after the water-only soak control treatment. The combined treatment with osmoprotectant (betaine-HCl) and humectant (glycerol) (composition 37) provided a rapid increase in early growth of seedlings, as shown for plants 11 days after planting, the increase was + 5% compared to plants grown in soil after control processing by impregnation only with water. Corn seeds planted in soil treated with a moisture-retaining agent (glycerin) germinated faster and then took root and developed due to the presence of favorable moisture conditions in the soil. Treatment with osmoprotectant, surfactant and humectant (composition 38) resulted in the largest increase in plant growth in early stages V. Composition 38 resulted in an average increase in plant height of +21% compared to plants grown in soil after the control treatment by impregnation only water. This significant increase in corn growth in the early stages of V suggests a synergistic effect of the triple combination agent (composition 38) compared to the agent containing only betaine-HCl and glycerol (composition 37).

humectant (glycerin) and osmoprotectant (betaine-HCl) were applied in an amount equivalent to 6 fluid ounces per acre (fl oz./acre), 177.44 ml per acre or 438.45 ml per hectare.

[0573] Soil impregnation using an osmoprotectant (betaine-HCl) provided in combination with an infiltrating surfactant (alkylpolyglucoside ester) and a humectant (glycerol) was compared to treatment with osmoprotectant alone, surfactant alone, and humectant alone , which was carried out as described in Table 55. An infiltrating surfactant, which was applied as a soil treatment to corn seeds, and then three days after planting, resulted in an average decrease in plant height of -2% or growth retardation when switching from development stage V2 to stage V3 compared to plants grown in soil after control treatment by impregnation with water only. The humectant-only control resulted in +3% higher corn height or faster seedling growth at an early stage or transition from V2 to V3 compared to plants grown in soil treated with water alone. Plants grown in soil after the control treatment with only osmoprotectant saw an average +8% increase in height from stage V2 to stage V3 compared to plants grown in soil after the control treatment with water only. Composition 38 containing osmoprotectant, irrigation surfactant and humectant resulted in the largest plant growth during the transition from V2 to V3 growth stage and an average increase in plant height over the specified period of + 9% compared to plants grown in soil after control treatment with water only. The ability of glycerol, used as a humectant and provided in combination with betaine-HCl in the presence of an irrigation surfactant, to absorb water provided accelerated establishment of seedlings and increased growth at an early stage of vegetative development.

[0575] When presenting the elements of the present invention or its preferred embodiment(s), the implementation of the singular form (equivalent to English "a", "an", "the") and "specified" mean that one or more items. The terms "comprising", "comprising", and "having" are intended to be inclusive, and additional elements may be present in addition to the listed elements.

[0576] In view of the above, it can be seen that some objects of the invention are achieved and other preferred results are obtained.

[0577] Since various changes can be made to the compositions and methods described above without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all aspects of the invention contained in the description described above and shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (47)

1. An agricultural composition for increasing the productivity of crops, containing an osmoprotectant, an antidesicant and an antirespirant, where the osmoprotectant contains betaine, proline, or a combination thereof, where the antidesiccant contains monobasic potassium phosphate, dibasic potassium phosphate, tribasic potassium phosphate, potassium acetate, potassium chloride, potassium nitrate , potassium sulfate, dipotassium phosphate, potassium ammonium phosphate, potassium bicarbonate, or a combination thereof, and the antirespirant is a nonionic surfactant containing alkylene glycol, polyoxyalkylene, alkoxypolyoxyalkylene, C ₈ -C ₃₀ alkylpolyoxyalkylene, or any combination thereof. 2. The composition according to claim. 1, which additionally contains a second osmoprotectant, while the first and second osmoprotectors are different from each other. 3. The composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1 or 2, wherein the betaine is selected from glycine betaine, glycine betaine aldehyde, β-alanine betaine, betaine hydrochloride, cetyl betaine, proline betaine, choline- O- sulfate betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, oleyl betaine, sulfobetaine, lauryl betaine, octyl betaine, caprylamidopropyl betaine, lauramidopropylamido betaine, their isostearamido combinations. 4. The composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1 or 2, wherein the proline is selected from L-proline, D-proline, hydroxyproline, proline betaine, or a combination thereof. 5. The composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4 wherein the antidesicant is derived from a fertilizer composition. 6. The composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, wherein said antirespirant is an alkylene glycol selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, alkyl and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol, polyethylene polypropylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene and polyethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, alkyl polysaccharide, alkyl polyglucoside ester, or any combination thereof; or антиреспирант представляет собой полиоксиалкилен или его производное, при этом полиоксиалкилен выбран из алкилполиоксиэтилена, метоксиполиоксиэтилена, октилполиоксиэтилена, нонилполиоксиэтилена, децилполиоксиэтилена, ундецилполиоксиэтилена, лаурилполиоксиэтилена, тридецилполиоксиэтилена, тетрадецилполиоксиэтилена, пентадецилполиоксиэтилена, гексадецилполиоксиэтилена, гептадецилполиоксиэтилена, октадецилполиоксиэтилена, кокополиоксиэтилена, талло-полиоксиэтилена, простого алкилполиоксиэтоксилатного эфира, этоксилата alkylphenol, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, or any combination thereof. 7. The composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, in which: said osmoprotectant is betaine hydrochloride, the antidesicant is tribasic potassium phosphate, and the antirespirant is alkyl and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol; or said osmoprotectant is L-proline, the antidesicant is tribasic potassium phosphate, and the antirespirant is alkyl and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol; or said osmoprotectant is betaine hydrochloride and L-proline, the antidesicant is tribasic potassium phosphate, and the antirespirant is alkyl and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol; or said osmoprotectant is betaine hydrochloride, the antidesicant is tribasic potassium phosphate, and the antirespirant is alkylpolyoxyethylene; or said osmoprotectant is betaine hydrochloride, the antidesicant is tribasic potassium phosphate, and the antirespirant is an alkyl polyoxyethoxylate ether; or said osmoprotectant is betaine hydrochloride and L-proline, the antidesicant is tribasic potassium phosphate, and the antirespirant is alkylpolyoxyethylene; or said osmoprotectant is betaine hydrochloride and L-proline, the antidesicant is potassium acetate, and the antirespirant is alkyl and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol; or said osmoprotectant is L-proline, the antidesicant is tribasic potassium phosphate, and the antirespirant is alkylpolyoxyethylene; or said osmoprotectant is proline betaine, the antidesicant is tribasic potassium phosphate, and the antirespirant is alkyl and alkyl lauryl polyoxyethylene glycol. 8. The composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7 further comprising a wetting agent, defoamer, buffering agent, fixing agent, microbiostat, preservative, antioxidant, surfactant, chelating agent, or a combination thereof. 9. The composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8 further comprising a pesticide, fertilizer, plant growth regulator, biocontrol agent, biostimulant, seaweed extract, or any combination thereof. 10. The composition of claim 9, wherein said pesticide comprises a fungicide, insecticide, acaricide, herbicide, bactericide, nematicide, or any combination thereof. 11. The composition according to any one of paragraphs. 9 or 10, wherein said fertilizer comprises a nitrogen foliar fertilizer, a phosphorus foliar fertilizer, a manganese foliar fertilizer, or any combination thereof. 12. The composition according to any one of paragraphs. 10 or 11, wherein said fungicide contains strobilurin, conazole, pyraclostrobin, metconazole, azoxystrobin, trifloxystrobin, prothioconazole, or a combination thereof. 13. The composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1-12, characterized in that, when said composition is provided in a ready-to-use form, betaine is present at a concentration of 0.00015 to 0.5% and/or proline is present at a concentration of 0.0005 to 1%, an antidesicant is present at a concentration of 0.002 to 20% and a nonionic surface - the active substance is present in a concentration of 0.025 to 15% or, when said composition is provided in the form of a concentrate, betaine is present at a concentration of 0.05 to 8.5% and/or proline is present at a concentration of 0.05 to 6%, an antidesiccant is present at a concentration of 1 to 67% and a nonionic surfactant the substance is present in a concentration of 1 to 50%, based on the total weight/volume (w/v) ratio of the composition. 14. The composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1-12, characterized in that said composition is in the form of a dry powder or a water-dispersible granule. 15. A set to improve the productivity of crops, containing an agricultural composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1-14 and instructions for exogenously applying said composition to crops to increase productivity. 16. A method of increasing the productivity of crops, including exogenous application to crops of the composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1-14 during the processing period. 17. The method according to claim 16, in which increasing the productivity of an agricultural crop includes increasing yield, increasing parts of a plant or storage organs, improving the water regime of a plant, increasing plant resistance to stress, increasing plant protection against abiotic stress factors, improving phenotypic characteristics of a plant, strengthening protecting the plant from herbicide damage, increased sensitivity of weeds to the herbicide, increased effectiveness of the herbicide on the plant, improved maintenance of plant flower health and vigor, increased plant growth rate, or any combination thereof. 18. The method according to claim 17, in which the increase in yield includes an increase in flowering organs, an increase in the number of flowers, an increase in the number of seeds, an increase in the filling of the pod, an increase in the number of seeds in the pod, an enlargement of the seeds in the pod, improved pod attachment, an improvement in the quality of the ear, an increase in the number grains, an increase in ear fullness, an increase in the number of fruit sets, an increase in the number of fruits, an enlargement of fruits, or a combination thereof. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the increase in plant parts or storage organs includes increase in root tubers, increase in stem tubers, increase in rhizome, increase in stolons, increase in corms, increase in pseudobulbs, increase in bulbs, or a combination thereof. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the improvement in the water regime of the plant comprises increased movement of water into and through the plant, increased water retention, increased water use efficiency, increased turgor, or a combination thereof. 21. The method of claim. 17, wherein the improved health and vigor of the flowers of the plant includes increasing the duration of flowering. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein improved preservation of the health and vigor of the flowers of the plant is ensured during storage, transport, replanting of the flowers, or any combination thereof. 23. The method of claim 22 wherein the plant comprises a cut plant. 24. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 21 or 22, wherein the plant includes an uncut plant. 25. The method of claim 17, wherein said abiotic stressor includes temperatures above 29°C, temperatures below 12°C, water scarcity, drought, desiccation, humidity above 60%, humidity below 30%, humidity fluctuations, osmotic pressure fluctuations , high salinity, increased transpiration, low soil moisture, UV stress, radiation stress, or a combination thereof. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the high salinity comprises a medium whose electrical conductivity is at least 4.00 millisiemens per centimeter. 27. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 25 or 26, wherein said abiotic stressor includes high salinity and increased protection against the abiotic stressor includes improved plasma membrane integrity, improved plasma membrane repair, improved plasma membrane permeability change, or any combination thereof after exposure to high salinity conditions. 28. The method of claim 25, wherein said abiotic stressor includes temperatures above 29°C, water stress, drought, or any combination thereof, and enhancing protection against the abiotic stressor comprises improving plant recovery from exposure to temperatures above 29°C, water stress or drought. 29. The method according to p. 17, in which the improved phenotypic characteristics of the plant include an increase in the level of chlorophyll; increase in the duration of the growing season; slowing down aging; prevention of chlorosis; prevention of growth retardation; preventing leaf curl; prevention of leaf curl; preventing the dropping of leaves, flowers and/or fruits; or any combination of them. 30. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 16-29, where the amount of betaine in the composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1-14 is from 0.94 to 30 g per hectare. 31. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 16-30, where the amount of proline in the composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1-14 ranges from 1.4 to 44.1 g per hectare. 32. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 16-31, where the amount of antidesicant in the composition according to any one of paragraphs. 1-14 ranges from 0.9 to 28.3 g per hectare. 33. The method according to any one of paragraphs. 16-32, wherein said treatment period is V2 to R8, V3 to V8, VT to R2, R2 to R8, pre-VE to R8, or pre-VE to V3. 34. The method of claim 17, wherein the increase in crop productivity comprises increasing the growth rate and the treatment period extends from a period prior to the VE development stage to V3. 35. The method according to p. 17, in which the specified method includes applying to the seed of the plant a seed treatment agent containing a pesticide, before applying the composition according to paragraphs. 1-14.

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