RU2832767C1 - Plant growth stimulator or method of plant growth stimulation - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: biotechnology.

SUBSTANCE: invention discloses a plant growth stimulator containing an extract of an ergothioneine producing microorganism and ergothioneine as an active ingredient, and a method for stimulating plant growth, which involves treating a plant with the declared plant growth stimulant.

EFFECT: inventions provide a wider range of agents for stimulating the growth of agricultural and garden plants.

9 cl, 7 tbl, 9 ex

Description

Field of technology

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant growth regulator and its use.

Prerequisites for the creation of an invention

[0002] There is a need for an agent that has a high plant growth stimulating effect and is applicable to a wide range of plants. For example, ergothioneine, which is one of the sulfur-containing amino acids, is known as such an agent.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a fertilizer containing ergothioneine or a culture product of microorganisms that can biosynthesize ergothioneine.

[0004] Patent Documents 2 and 3 describe the use of 2-mercaptohistidine betaine, which is ergothioneine, in a plant. It is described that by such use in plants, stress and stress-related conditions can be controlled, and plant growth can be promoted.

[0005] Patent Document 4 describes the use of a microorganism extract containing ergothioneine as a fertilizer. It is described that the activity of nitrogenase is increased with such use.

List of bibliographic references

Patent document

[0006]

Patent Document 1: JP 2018-130091 A

Patent document 2: WO 96/14749

Patent Document 3: WO 96/23413

Patent Document 4: EP 3696154 A

Statement of the essence of the invention

Technical problem

[0007] However, existing agents do not have sufficient growth promoting effect, and there is a need to develop a plant growth regulator exhibiting superior growth promoting effect.

[0008] The present invention has been developed in view of the above object, and an object of the present invention is to provide a plant growth regulator with an excellent plant growth promoting effect.

Solution to the problem

[0009] As a result of careful investigation by the present inventors, it was unexpectedly discovered that an extract of ergothioneine-producing fungi exhibits a plant growth promoting effect superior to that of ergothioneine alone, and thus the object of the present invention is achieved.

[0010] A plant growth regulator according to an embodiment of the present invention is a plant growth regulator containing, as an active ingredient, an extract of a microorganism producing ergothioneine, i.e., an extract containing ergothioneine.

Advantages of the invention

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a plant growth regulator having an excellent plant growth promoting effect.

Description of embodiments

[Plant growth regulator]

[0012] The plant growth regulator of the present embodiment contains an extract of ergothioneine-producing microorganisms as an active ingredient.

Ergothioneine-producing microorganisms

[0013] As the ergothioneine-producing microorganism, for example, microorganisms known to be capable of producing ergothioneine can be used, but the ergothioneine-producing microorganisms are not limited to these. The microorganisms can be isolated from the natural environment. The microorganisms can be mutated or can undergo a treatment such as genetic recombination, as long as the microorganisms have the ability to produce ergothioneine.

[0014] Examples of microorganisms that produce ergothioneine include microorganisms belonging to the genus Apiotrichum, such as Apiotrichum porosum; microorganisms belonging to the genus Dirkmeia, such as Dirkmeia churashimaensis; microorganisms belonging to the genus Papiliotrema, such as Papiliotrema flavescens; microorganisms belonging to the genus Pseudozyma such as Pseudozyma siamensis, Pseudozyma antarctica, Pseudozyma tsukubaensis, Pseudozyma hubeiensis, Pseudozyma shanxiensis, Pseudozyma rugulosa, Pseudozyma crassa, Pseudozyma alboarmeniaca, Pseudozyma graminicola, Pseudozyma fusiformata, Pseudozyma parantarctica, Pseudozyma flocculosa and Pseudozyma churashimaensis; microorganisms belonging to the genus Ustilago such as Ustilago maydis; microorganisms belonging to the genus Methylobacterium such as Methylobacterium aquaticum; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Aureobasidium such as Aureobasidium pullulans, Aureobasidium melanogenum, Aureobasidium namibiae and Aureobasidium subglaciale; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Rhodotorula such as Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Rhodotorula glutinis and Rhodotorula paludigena; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Rhodosporidiobolus such as Rhodosporidiobolus azoricus; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Vanrija; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Pleurotus such as Pleurotus citrinopileatus; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Aspergillus such as Aspergillus sojae, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Streptomyces such as Streptomyces lividans, Streptomyces coelicolor, Streptomyces avermitilis, Streptomyces griseus, Streptomyces albus and Streptomyces albulus; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Actinomyces such as Actinomyces naeslundii, Actinomyces odontolyticus and Actinomyces oris; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Mycobacterium such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium avium; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Corynebacterium such as Corynebacterium glutamicum, Corynebacterium acetoacidophilum, Corynebacterium acetoglutamicum, Corynebacterium alkanolyticum, Corynebacterium thermoaminogenes and Corynebacterium efficiens; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Escherichia such as Escherichia coli; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Enterobacter such as Enterobacter agglomerans, Enterobacter aerogenes and Enterobacter cloacae; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Pantoea such as Pantoea ananatis, Pantoea stewartii, Pantoea agglomerans and Pantoea citrea; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Klebsiella such as Klebsiella planticola; Micro-organisms belonging to the genus Salmonella such as Salmonella enterica; Micro-organisms belonging to the genus Schizosaccharomyces such as Schizosaccharomyces pombe; Micro-organisms belonging to the genus Saccharomyces such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Micro-organisms belonging to the genus Chlorobium such as Chlorobium limicola; Micro-organisms belonging to the genus Candida such as Candida utilis; Micro-organisms belonging to the genus Penicillium such as Penicillium expansum; Micro-organisms belonging to the genus Neurospora such as Neurospora crassa; Micro-organisms belonging to the genus Claviceps such as Claviceps purpurea; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Moniliella such as Moniliella pollinis and Moniliella megachiliensis; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Cryptococcus such as Cryptococcus flavescens, Cryptococcus phenolicus and Cryptococcus terreus; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Pycnoporus such as Pycnoporus coccineus and Pycnoporus cinnabarinus; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Pleurotus such as Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus cornucopiae var.citrinopileatus, Pleurotus pulmonarius and Pleurotus eryngii; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Flammulina such as Flammulina velutipes; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Leucopaxillus such as Leucopaxillus giganteus; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Phellinus such as Phellinus linteus; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Tricholoma such as Tricholoma equestre and Tricholoma matsutake; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Coprinus such as Coprinus comatus; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Hericium such as Hericium erinaceus; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Lyophyllum such as Lyophyllum shimeji and Lyophyllum decastes; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Rozites such as Rozites caperata; Microorganisms belonging to the genus Pholiota such as Pholiota nameko; microorganisms belonging to the genus Mycoleptodonoides, such as Mycoleptodonoides aitchisonii; microorganisms belonging to the genus Agrocybe, such as Agrocybe cylindracea; microorganisms belonging to the genus Grifola, such as Grifola frondosa and Grifola gargal; and microorganisms belonging to the genus Agaricus, such as Agaricus bisporus and Agaricus campestris.

Ergothioneine-producing microorganism extract

[0015] An extract of ergothioneine-producing microorganisms can be obtained by performing extraction processing on ergothioneine-producing microorganisms or a culture product of microorganisms. The culture products include, for example, culture supernatants, culture precipitates, culture medium, cultured microbial cells, and processed products of cultured microbial cells such as crushed products of cultured microbial cells and lyophilized products of cultured microbial cells.

[0016] The method for culturing ergothioneine-producing microorganisms can be carried out in accordance with a typical culturing method used for microorganisms. The culture form may be a culture using a solid culture medium or a batch culture, a fed-batch culture or a continuous culture using a liquid culture medium, and ventilation stirring may be performed. As the culture medium, a culture medium containing carbon and nitrogen sources assimilated by microorganisms or a necessary nutrient source such as an inorganic salt can be used. Culture conditions such as culture pH, culture temperature and culture duration can be appropriately selected in consideration of the type and scale of the culture of the microorganisms to be cultured.

[0017] Examples of the extraction treatment include extraction with hot water; extraction with a solvent such as an organic solvent (e.g., methanol, ethanol, propanol, diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, ethyl acetate, acetonitrile, chloroform, dichloromethane, pentane, hexane and toluene) or the like; extraction under pressure using an autoclave or the like; chemical extraction with an enzyme, a surfactant or the like; ultrasonic extraction, alkaline extraction (e.g., sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide and potassium carbonate); acid extraction (e.g., hydrochloric acid, acetic acid and phosphoric acid); osmotic pressure extraction (e.g., sodium chloride and sucrose); extraction by pulverization; extraction by grinding (kneading); Freeze-thaw extraction; Liquid nitrogen extraction and High-speed shaking extraction. From the viewpoint of demonstrating the excellent effect of promoting plant growth, the extraction treatment is preferably hot water extraction. One type of extraction treatment may be carried out, or two or more types of extraction treatment may be carried out.

[0018] Hot water extraction is an extraction process in which the target for extraction is brought into contact with hot water or soaked in hot water for a certain period of time. The temperature of the water used in hot water extraction is preferably 40°C or higher, and more preferably 60°C or higher.

[0019] The extract of ergothioneine-producing microorganisms contains ergothioneine. The lower limit of the concentration of ergothioneine contained in the extract may be 0.1 ppm or more and 1 ppm or more. Furthermore, the upper limit of the concentration of ergothioneine contained in the extract may be 10 mass % or less and 1 mass % or less.

[0020] Since the plant growth regulator of the present embodiment contains an extract of ergothioneine-producing microorganisms as an active ingredient, a plant treated with the plant growth regulator exhibits an excellent growth promoting effect. In the present specification, "an excellent growth promoting effect" means that at least one of the plant growth indices is superior to known plant growth regulators. Examples of the "plant growth indices" include the height of a plant, the weight of the above-ground portion, the weight of the underground portion, the number of shoots, the yield of roots, the yield of stems, the number of leaves, the yield of leaves, the number of flowers, the number of fruits, the yield of fruits, the number of seeds and the yield of seeds of a plant. It should be noted that the term "above-ground portion" means a portion that is above the surface of the ground or water, and the "underground portion" means a portion that is below the surface of the ground or water.

[0021] The plant growth regulator according to the present embodiment functions as an agent for increasing seed yield, an agent for increasing (extending) plant height, an agent for increasing the number of flowers, an agent for increasing the weight of the above-ground part, or an agent for increasing the weight of the underground part.

(Applicable plants)

[0022] The plant growth regulator according to the present embodiment substantially exhibits a growth promoting effect on all plants, and examples of applicable plants include the following: Poaceae such as rice, wheat, barley, rye (triticale), oats, triticale, corn, sorghum, sugarcane, grasses, bent grass, Bermuda grass, fescue and ryegrass; Legumes such as soybeans, peanuts, beans, peas, radiata beans and alfalfa; Convolvulaceae such as sweet potato; Solanaceae such as capsicum, pepper, tomato, eggplant, potato and tobacco; Polygonaceae such as buckwheat; Asteraceae such as sunflower; Araliaceae such as ginseng; Brassicaceae such as Arabidopsis thaliana, rapeseed, Chinese cabbage, turnip, cabbage, daikon, and radish; Chenopodiaceae such as sugar beet; Malvaceae such as cotton; Rubiaceae such as coffee; Sterculiaceae such as cocoa; Theaceae such as tea leaf; Cucurbitaceae such as watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, and pumpkin; Liliaceae such as onion, leek, and garlic; Rosaceae such as strawberry, apple, almond, apricot, plum, yellow peach, Japanese plum, peach, and pear; Apiaceae such as carrot; Araceae such as taro; Anacardiaceae such as mango; Bromeliaceae such as pineapple; Caricaceae such as papaya; Ebenaceae such as persimmon; Ericaceae, such as bilberry; Juglandaceae, such as pecan; Musaceae, such as banana; Oleaceae, such as olive; Palmae, such as coconut and date palm; Rutaceae, such as mandarin, orange, grapefruit, and lemon; Vitaceae, such as grapes; flowers and ornamentals; trees other than fruit trees; and other ornamentals.

[0023] Other examples of useful plants include wild plants, cultivated plant varieties, plants and plant varieties developed by known hybridization or plasmogamy, and genetically recombinant plants and plant varieties obtained by genetic engineering. Examples of genetically recombinant plants and plant varieties include herbicide-resistant crops, pest-resistant crops in which a gene producing an insecticidal protein has been recombined, pathogen-resistant crops in which a gene producing a derivative of pathogen resistance has been recombined, crops with improved flavor, crops with improved yield, crops with improved storage, and crops with improved productivity. Examples of genetically recombinant varieties that have been approved in each country include those deposited in the International Service for Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) database. Specific examples include products with trade names such as AgriSure, AgriSure 3000GT, AgriSure 3122 E-Z Refuge, AgriSure 3122 Refuge Renew, AgriSure Artesian 3030A, AgriSure Artesian 3011A, AgriSure Duracade, AgriSure Duracade 5222 E-Z Refuge, AgriSure GT, AgriSure GT/CB/LL, AgriSure RW, AgriSure Viptera 3110, AgriSure Viptera 3111, AgriSure Viptera 3220 E-Z Refuge, AgriSure Viptera 3220 Refuge Renew, BiteGard, Bollgard, Bollgard II, Bollgard II/Roundup Ready, Bollgard 3 XtendFlex Cotton, Bollgard Cotton, Bollgard/Roundup Ready Cotton, B. t., B. t./BXN Cotton, B. t. Maize, BtXtra, BXN, BXN Canola, BXN Cotton, Clearfield, DroughtGard, Enlist, Enlist Cotton, Enlist WideStrike 3 Cotton, Genuity, Genuity Bollgard II XtendFlex, Genuity Intacta RR2 Pro, Genuity SmartStax, Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete, Genuity VT Double Pro, Genuity VT Double Pro RIB Complete, Genuity VT Triple Pro, Genuity VT Triple Pro RIB Complete, GlyTol, GlyTol Cotton, Herculex, Herculex 1, Herculex RW, Herculex XTRA, IMI, IMI Canola, InVigor, KnockOut, Liberty Link, Liberty Link Conola, Liberty Link cotton, NatureGard, Newleaf, Nucotn, Optimum, Optimum AcreMax, Optimum AcreMax I, Optimum AcreMax-R, Optimum AcreMax RW, Optimum AcreMax RW-R, Optimum AcreMax Xtra-R, Optimum AcreMax Xtreme-R, Optimum AcreMax Xtreme, Optimum Intrasect, Optimum Intrasect Xtra, Optimum Intrasect Xtreme, Optimum Leptra, Optimum TRIsect, Poast Compatible, Powercore, Powercore Corn, Powercore Corn Refuge Advanced, Protecta, Roundup Ready, Roundup Ready 2, Roundup Ready Conola, Roundup Ready Cotton, Roundup Ready Xtend, Roundup Ready/YieldGard, RR Flex/Bollgard II, SCS, SmartStax, SmartStax Refuge Advanced, StarLink, Twinlink, VipCot, VipCot Cotton, WideStrike, WideStrike 3, YieldGard, YieldGard Corn Borner, YieldGard Rootworm, YieldGard Plus and YieldGard VT Triple.

Another component and composition of plant growth regulator

[0024] In the plant growth regulator of the present embodiment, an extract of ergothioneine-producing microorganisms can be used as a plant growth regulator as is. Moreover, the extract can be concentrated or purified and then used as a plant growth regulator. Moreover, the plant growth regulator of the present embodiment may further contain another component other than the extract of ergothioneine-producing microorganisms. For example, the extract of ergothioneine-producing microorganisms can be used by mixing with a carrier (diluent), a surfactant and other processing aids for use in various forms such as dust powders, granules, micro-/macro granules, wettable powders, water-soluble powders/granules, emulsifiable concentrates, soluble concentrates, oil-miscible liquids/powders, aerosol dispensers, microcapsule suspensions, pastes, liquid ointments, smoke generators, gas generators and ultra-low volume formulations.

[0025] Examples of the carrier used as the preparation aid include solid carriers and liquid carriers. Examples of the solid carrier include carriers that are used as powder carriers and granular carriers, for example, minerals such as clay, talc, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, montmorillonite, bentonite, kaolinite, kaolin, pyrophyllite, agalmatolite, acid clay, activated clay, attapulgite, attapulgite clay, limestone, calcite, marble, vermiculite, perlite, pumice, quartzite, quartz sand, sericite and porcelain stone; synthetic organic substances such as urea; salts such as calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium sulfate, ammonium sulfate, potassium chloride, slaked lime and baking soda; synthetic inorganic substances such as amorphous silica (e.g., fumed silica and colloidal silica) and titanium dioxide; vegetable carriers such as wood flour, corn stalk (cob), walnut shell (nut shell), fruit pith, rice husk, coconut shell, sawdust, bran, soybean flour, powdered cellulose, starch, dextrin and sugars (e.g., lactose and sucrose); and various polymeric carriers such as cross-linked lignin, cationic gel, gelatin gelatinized by heat or with a polyvalent metal salt, water-soluble polymer gel (e.g., agar), chlorinated polyethylene, chlorinated polypropylene, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and urea resins.

[0026] Examples of the liquid carrier include aliphatic solvents such as paraffins (normal paraffin, isoparaffin, naphthene); aromatic solvents such as xylene, alkylbenzene, alkylnaphthalene and solvent naphtha; mixed solvents such as kerosene; machine oils such as purified high-boiling aliphatic hydrocarbons; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol and cyclohexanol; polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol; polyhydric alcohol derivatives such as propylene glycol ether; ketones such as acetone, acetophenone, cyclohexanone, methylcyclohexanone and γ-butyrolactone; esters such as fatty acid methyl ester (coconut fatty acid methyl ester), ethyl hexyl lactate, propylene carbonate, methyl ester of dibasic acid (succinic acid dimethyl ester, glutamic acid dimethyl ester, and adipic acid dimethyl ester); nitrogen-containing solvents such as N-alkylpyrrolidones and acetonitrile; sulfur-containing solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide; oils and fats such as coconut oil, soybean oil, and rapeseed oil; amide solvents such as dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethyloctanamide, N,N-dimethyldecanamide, methyl 5-(dimethylamino)-2-methyl-5-oxopentanoate, and N-acylmorpholine solvents (such as CAS No. 887947-29-7); and water.

[0027] Examples of the surfactant used as a formulation aid include nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, silicone surfactants, fluorine surfactants, and biological surfactants. Examples of nonionic surfactants include, for example, sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene resin acid ester, polyoxyethylene fatty acid diester, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene phenyl alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene dialkyl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether formalin condensate, polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene block polymer, polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene alkyl ether block polymer, polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene alkyl phenyl ether block polymer, polyoxyethylene alkyl amine, polyoxyethylene fatty acid amide, polyoxyethylene fatty acid bisphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene benzylphenyl (or phenylphenyl) ether, polyoxyethylene ether polyoxyethylene styrylphenyl (or phenylphenyl) ether, polyoxyethylene castor oil, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil and alkyl glycosides.

[0028] Examples of anionic surfactants include sulfates such as alkyl sulfate, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether sulfate, polyoxyethylene benzyl (or styryl) phenyl (or phenylphenyl) ether sulfate, polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene block polymer sulfate; sulfonates such as paraffin (alkane) sulfonate, α-olefin sulfonate, dialkyl sulfosuccinate, alkyl benzene sulfonate, mono- or dialkyl naphthalene sulfonate, naphthalene sulfonate-formalin condensate, alkyl diphenyl ether disulfonate, lignin sulfonate, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether sulfonate, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfosuccinic acid half ester; carboxylates such as fatty acids, resin acids, polycarboxylic acids, alkyl ether carboxylates, alkenyl succinic acids, N-acylamino acid and naphthenic acid, and phosphate salts such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphate, polyoxyethylene mono- or dialkylphenyl ether phosphate, polyoxyethylene benzyl (or styryl) phenyl (or phenylphenyl) ether phosphate, polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene block polymer phosphates and alkyl phosphates.

[0029] Examples of the cationic surfactant include amine salts such as alkylamines and alkyl pentamethylpropylenediamine; ammonium salts such as alkyl trimethyl ammonium, methyl polyoxyethylene alkyl ammonium, alkyl pyridinium, mono- or dialkyl methylated ammonium, alkyl dimethyl benzalkonium, and benzethonium (octyl phenoxyethoxyethyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium).

[0030] Examples of amphoteric surfactant include dialkyldiaminoethyl betaine, alkyl dimethyl benzyl betaine, and lecithin (e.g., phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine).

[0031] An example of a silicone surfactant is trisiloxane ethoxylate.

[0032] Examples of fluorosurfactants include perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, perfluoroalkyl sulfonates, and perfluoroalkyl trimethylammonium salts.

[0033] Examples of the biological surfactant include sophorolipids, rhamnolipids, trehalose lipids, mannosyl alditol lipids, cellobiose lipids, glucose lipids, oligosaccharide fatty acid esters, spiculisporic acids, corynomycolic acids, agaric acids, surfactins, serravettins, viscosins, lichenisins, arthrofactins, emulsans, and alasans.

[0034] Examples of other auxiliary compositions include inorganic salts used as pH regulators (e.g. sodium and potassium); water-soluble salts such as common salt; xanthan gum, guar gum, carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxyvinyl polymers, acrylic polymers, polyvinyl alcohols, starch derivatives, water-soluble polymers (e.g. polysaccharides), alginic acid and its salts, which are used as thickening agents; metal stearates, sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate, which are used as disintegrating dispersants; benzoic acid and its salts, sorbic acid and its salts, propionic acid and its salts, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, 1,2-benzothiazolin-3-one, which are used as preservatives; Sodium polyphosphate, sodium polyacrylate, sodium lignosulfonate, sodium citrate, sodium gluconate/glucoheptonate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and its disodium and ammonium salts, which are used as sequestrants; pigments and dyes used as coloring agents, fluorine-based defoamers, silicone-based defoamers and ethylene oxide/propylene copolymers, which are used as defoamers; phenol-based antioxidants, amine-based antioxidants, sulfur-based antioxidants and phosphoric acid-based antioxidants, which are used as antioxidants; salicylic acid-based UV absorbers and benzophenone-based UV absorbers, which are used as UV absorbers; quicklime and magnesium oxide, which are used as desiccants; and adjuvants and reducers of chemical damage and inhibitors of deterioration.

[0035] The content of the active ingredient in the plant growth regulator according to the present embodiment may be 0.1 ppm or more or 1 ppm or more. Moreover, the use amount of the ergothioneine-producing microorganism extract may be 0.0001 kg or more and 0.001 kg or more per 1 ha of an agricultural or horticultural area such as fields, rice fields, orchards and greenhouses. The concentration and use amount of the active components may be increased or decreased without regard to the above range since they depend on the composition, use time, use method, use place and target crops.

(Other active ingredients)

[0036] The plant growth regulator according to the present embodiment can be used in combination with other known active ingredients to improve the performance as a plant growth regulator. Examples of other known active ingredients include active ingredients contained in known plant growth regulators, fungicides, insecticides, miticides, nematicides, and herbicides.

[0037] Examples of active ingredients of known plant growth regulators include oxidized glutathione, L-glutamic acid, L-proline, aminoethoxyvinylglycine, chlormequat, chlorpropham, cyclanilide, dikegulac, daminozide, ethephon, flurprimidol, flumetralin, forchlorfenuron, gibberellin, maleic hydrazide salt, mepiquat chloride, methylcyclopropene, benzylaminopurine, paclobutrazol, prohexadione, thidiazuron, tributylphosphorothritioate, trinexapac-ethyl, uniconazole, sodium 1-naphthalene acetate, 1-naphthylacetamide, 1-methylcyclopropene, 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA), ethyl 4-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)butanoate (MCPB), isoprothiolane, itaconic acid, indolebutyric acid, ethyl closate, calcium formate, chlormequat, choline, cyanamide, dichlorprop, decyl alcohol, sorbitan trioleate, nicosulfuron, pyraflufen-ethyl, butralin, prohydrojasmone, anisiflupurine, and pendimethalin.

[0038] Examples of active ingredients suitable for use in fungicides include inhibitors of nucleic acid metabolism, fungicides acting on the cytoskeleton and motor proteins, respiration inhibitors, inhibitors of amino acid and protein synthesis, inhibitors of signal transduction, inhibitors of lipid synthesis or membrane transport/integrity or function, inhibitors of sterol biosynthesis, inhibitors of cell wall biosynthesis, inhibitors of melanin synthesis, inducers of host plant defenses, multi-site chemical inhibitors, and biologicals with multiple modes of action.

[0039] Examples of nucleic acid metabolism inhibitors include benalaxyl, benalaxyl-M or chiralaxyl, furalaxyl, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M or mefenoxam, ofurace, oxadixyl, bupirimate, dimethirimol, ethirimol, hymexazole, octhilinone, and oxolinic acid.

[0040] Examples of fungicides that act on the cytoskeleton and motor proteins include benomyl, carbendazim, fuberidazole, thiabendazole, thiophanate, thiophanate-methyl, diethofencarb, ethaboxam, pencycuron, zoxamide, fluopicolide, fluopimamide, fenamacryl, metrafenone, and pyriophenone.

[0041] Examples of respiratory inhibitors include diflumetorim, fenazaquin, tolfenpyrad, benodanil, benzovindiflupyr, bixafen, boscalid, carboxin, fenfuram, flubeneteram, fluindapyr, fluopyram, flutolanil, fluxapyroxad, furametpyr, inpirfluxam, isofetamide, isoflucipram, isopyrazam, mepronil, oxycarboxin, penflufen, penthiopyrad, pydiflumetofen, pyrapropoine, pyraziflumide, sedaxan, tifluzamide, azoxystrobin, coumoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, enestrobin, enoxastrobin, famoxadone, fenamidone, fenaminstrobin, flufenoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, mandestrobin, metominostrobin, methyltetraprol, orysastrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyrametostrobin, pyraoxystrobin, pyribencarb, triclopiricarb, trifloxystrobin, amisulbrom, cyazofamid, fenpicoxamide, florylpicoxamide, metharylpicoxamide, binapacryl, dinocap, fluazinam, meptyldinocap, fentin acetate, fentin chloride, fentin hydroxide, silthiofam and amethoctradine.

[0042] Examples of amino acid and protein synthesis inhibitors include cyprodinil, mepanipyrim, pyrimethanil, blasticidin-S, kasugamycin, streptomycin, and oxytetracycline.

[0043] Examples of signal transduction inhibitors include proquinazid, quinoxyfen, fludioxonil, chlozolinate, dimethalone, fenpiclonil, iprodione, procymidone, and vinclozolin.

[0044] Examples of synthesis of lipid or membrane transport/integrity or function inhibitors include edifenfos (EDDP), iprobenfos (IBP), isoprothiolane, pyrazophos, biphenyl, chloroneb, dicloran (CNA), etridiazole, quintozene (CNB), teknazen (TCNB), tolclofos-methyl, iodocarb, propamocarb, prothiocarb, Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) extracts, vegetable oil mixtures (eugenol, geraniol, thymol), natamycin (pimaricin), fluoxapiprolin, and oxathiapiprolin.

[0045] Examples of sterol biosynthesis inhibitors include azaconazole, bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, diniconazole, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, fenbuconazole, fluoxythioconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imazalil, imibenconazole, ipconazole, ipfentrifluconazole, mefentrifluconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, oxpoconazole, pefurazoate, penconazole, prochloraz, propiconazole, prothioconazole, simeconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triflumizole, triticonazole, fenarimol, nuarimol, pyrifenox, pyrisoxazole, triforine, methyl (2RS)-2-[2-chloro-4-(4-chlorophenoxy)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propanoate, 1-((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-5-(4-chlorobenzyl)-2-(chloromethyl)-2-methylcyclopentane-1-ol, methyl 2-((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-3-(4-chlorobenzyl)-2-hydroxy-1-methylcyclopentane-1-carboxylate, aldimorph, dodemorph, fenpropimorph, tridemorph, fenpropidin, piperalin, spiroxamine, fenhexamid, fenpyrazamine, pyributicarb, naftifine and terbinafine.

[0046] Examples of cell wall biosynthesis inhibitors include polyoxin, benthiavalicarb (benthiavalicarb-isopropyl), dimethomorph, flumorph, iprovalicarb, mandipropamide, pyrimorph, and valiphenalate.

[0047] Examples of melanin synthesis inhibitors include phthalide, pyroquilone, tricyclazole, carpropamide, diclocymet, fenoxanil, and tolprocarb.

[0048] Examples of host plant defense inducers include acibenzolar-S-methyl, probenazole, tiadinil, isothianil, laminarin, Reynoutria sachalinensis extracts, Bacillus mycoides isolate J, Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain LAS117 cell wall, fosetyl (aluminum fosetyl, potassium fosetyl, sodium fosetyl), phosphorous acid and its salts, and dichlobenthiazox.

[0049] Examples of chemical multisite inhibitors include ferbam, mancozeb, maneb, metiram, propineb, thiram, zinc thiazole, zineb, ziram, amobam, anilazine, dithianone, dichlofluanid, tolylfluanid, guazatine, iminoctadine acetate, iminoctadine albesilate, copper or various copper salts (e.g., copper oxychloride, copper (II) hydroxide, copper hydroxide sulfate, copper sulfate, organocopper (oxine copper), copper nonylphenol sulfonic acid, DBEDC), sulfur, captan, captafol, folpet, chlorothalonil (TPN), quinoxaline (quinomethionate), fluorimide, and metasulfocarb.

[0050] Examples of biological products with multiple modes of action include Bacillus subtilis strain AFS032321, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain QST713, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain FZB24, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain MBI600, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain F727, Clonostachys rosea strain CR-7, Gliocladium catenulatum strain J1446, Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain AFS009, Streptomyces griseoviridis strain K61, Streptomyces lydicus strain WYEC108, Trichoderma atroviride strain I-1237, Trichoderma atroviride strain LU132, Trichoderma atroviride strain SC1, Trichoderma asperellum strain T34, as well as extracts from Swinglea glutinosa and extracts from cotyledons of lupine sprouts (BLAD).

[0051] Examples of other compounds for use in fungicides include chlorinconazide, seboctylamine, flumethylsulforim, flufenoxadiazam, cyflufenamid, cymoxanil, diclomezine, dipimethitron, dodine, fenitropan, ferimzone, flusulfamide, flutianil, harpin, inorganic salts (hydrogen carbonates (sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate), potassium carbonate), ipflufenoquine, KINOPROL, materials of biological origin, machine oils, organic oils, picarbutrazox, pyridachloromethyl, quinofumelin, tebufloquine, tecloftalam (bactericides), triazoxide, validamycin, aminopyrifen and shiitake mycelium extracts.

[0052] Examples of active ingredients suitable for use in insecticides, miticides and nematicides include acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, GABA-gated chloride channel blockers, sodium channel modulators, competitive nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) modulators, allosteric nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) modulators, allosteric glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluCl) modulators, juvenile hormone mimetics, various non-specific (multi-site) inhibitors, chordotonal organ TRPV channel modulators, CHS1-acting mite growth inhibitors, insect midgut membrane microbial disruptors, mitochondrial ATP synthase inhibitors, proton pump inhibitors, oxidative phosphorylation uncouplers, gradient, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channel blockers, CHS1-mediated chitin biosynthesis inhibitors, chitin biosynthesis inhibitors (type 1), molting inhibitors (dipteran), ecdysone receptor agonists, octopamine receptor agonists, mitochondrial complex III electron transport inhibitors, mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors (METI), voltage-gated sodium channel blockers, acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors, mitochondrial complex IV electron transport inhibitors, mitochondrial complex II electron transport inhibitors, ryanodine receptor modulators, chordotonal organ modulators, allosteric modulators of GABA-gated chloride channels, and baculoviruses.

[0053] Examples of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors include alanycarb, aldicarb, bendiocarb, benfuracarb, butocarboxim, butoxycarboxim, carbaryl (NAC), carbofuran, carbosulfan, ethiofencarb, fenobucarb (BPMC), fenothiocarb, formatenate, furathiocarb, isoprocarb (MIPC), methiocarb, methomyl, metolcarb (MTMC), oxamyl, pirimicarb, propoxur (PHC), thiodicarb, thiophanox, triazamate, trimethacarb, XMC, xylylcarb (MPMC), acephate, azamethiphos, azinphos-ethyl, azinphos-methyl, cadusafos, chlorethoxyphos, chlorfenvinphos (CVP), chlormephos, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, coumaphos, cyanophos (CYAP), demeton-S-methyl, diazinon, dichlorvos (DDVP), dicrotophos, dimethoate, dimethylvinphos, ethylthiomethone (disulfoton), EPN, ethion, ethoprofos, famfour, fenamiphos, fenitrothion (MEP), fenthion (MPP), fosthiazate, heptenophos, imitsiaphos, isofenphos, isopropyl-O-(methoxyaminothio-phosphoryl) salicylate, isoxathione, malatone (malathion), mecarbam, methamidophos, methidathione (DMTP), mevinphos, monocrotophos, naled (BRP), omethoate, oxydemeton-methyl, parathion, methyl parathion (parathion-methyl), phentoate (PAP), phorate, phosalon, phosmet (PMP), phosphamidon, phoxim, pirimiphos-methyl, profenofos, propetamphos, protiophos, pyraclofos, pyridafention, quinalphos, sulfotep, tebupirimphos, temephos, terbufos, tetrachlorvinphos (CVMP), thiometone, triazophos, trichlorfon (DEP) and vamidothion.

[0054] Examples of GABA-gated chloride channel blockers include chlordane, benzoepine (endosulfan), dienochlor, ethiprole, fipronil, pyriprole, and nicofluprole.

[0055] Examples of sodium channel modulators include acrinathrin, allethrin (d-cis-trans-allethrin, d-trans-allethrin), bifenthrin, bioallethrin (bioallethrin, S-cyclopentenyl isomers), bioresmethrin, chlorprallethrin, chlorfenzone, cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin (cyfluthrin, β-isomers), cyhalothrin (cyhalothrin, λ-, γ-isomers), cypermethrin (cypermethrin, α-, β-, θ-, ξ-isomers), cyphenothrin [(1R)-trans-isomers], deltamethrin, dimefluthrin, empenthrin [(EZ)-(1R)-isomers], esfenvalerate, etofenprox, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, flubrocitrinate, flucythrinate, flumethrin, fluvalinate (τ-fluvalinate), halfenprox, imiprothrin, cadetrin, metofluthrin, momfluorothrin, epsilon-metofluthrin, epsilon-momfluothrin, permethrin, phenothrin [(1R)-trans-isomer], prallethrin, profluthrin, pyrethrin, resmethrin, silafluofen, tefluthrin, phthalthrin (tetramethrin), tetramethrin [(1R)-isomers], tralomethrin, transfluthrin, DDT, methoxychlor, aldrin, dieldrin, and lindane (lindene).

[0056] Examples of competitive nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) modulators include acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, nicotine sulfate (nicotine), sulfoxaflor, flupyradifurone, dichloromesothiaz, phenmesodithiaz, and triflumezopyrim.

[0057] Examples of allosteric modulators of nicotinic acetylcholine (nAChR) include the peptide spinetoram, spinosad, flupyrimine, and the GS-omega/kappa peptide HXTX-Hv1a.

[0058] Examples of allosteric modulators of glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCl) include abamectin, emamectin benzoate, lepimectin, and milbemectin.

[0059] Examples of juvenile hormone mimetics include hydroprene, kinoprene, methoprene, fenoxycarb, and pyriproxyfen.

[0060] Examples of various non-specific (multi-site) inhibitors include methyl bromide, other alkyl halides, chloropicrin, sodium aluminum fluoride, sulfuryl fluoride, borax, boric acid, disodium octaborate, sodium metaborate, potassium antimonyl tartrate, dazomet, carbam (metam ammonium), metam sodium (carbam sodium), and methyl isothiocyanate.

[0061] Examples of chordotonal organ TRPV channel modulators include pymetrozine, pyrifluquinazone, and afidopyrene.

[0062] Examples of mite growth inhibitors that affect CHS1 include clofentezine, difluvidazine, hexythiazox, and etoxazole.

[0063] Examples of microbial disruptors of the insect midgut membrane include Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. tenebrionis, B. t. proteins contained in cultures (Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1Fa, Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab, Vip3A, mCry3A, Cry3Bb, Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1), and Bacillus sphaericus.

[0064] Examples of mitochondrial ATP synthase inhibitors include diafenthiuron, azocyclotin, tricyclohexyltin hydroxide (cyhexatin), fenbutatin oxide, propargite (BPPS), and tetradifon.

[0065] Examples of proton gradient disrupting oxidative phosphorylation uncouplers include chlorfenapyr, DNOC, and sulfluramid.

[0066] Examples of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channel blockers include bensultap, cartap hydrochloride, thiocyclam, thiosultap sodium, and monosultap.

[0067] Examples of chitin biosynthesis inhibitors that affect CHS1 include bistrifluron, chlorfluazuron, diflubenzuron, flucicoxuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, novaluron, noviflumuron, tetflubenzuron, and triflumuron.

[0068] Examples of chitin biosynthesis inhibitors (type 1) include buprofezin.

[0069] Examples of molting inhibitors (of dipterans) include cyromazine.

[0070] Examples of ecdysone receptor agonists include chromafenozide, halofenozide, methoxyfenozide, and tebufenozide.

[0071] Examples of octopamine receptor agonists include amitraz.

[0072] Examples of mitochondrial complex III electron transport inhibitors include hydramethylnon, acequinocil, fluacrypyrim, and bifenazate.

[0073] Examples of mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors (METIs) include fenazaquine, fenpyroximate, pyridaben, pyrimidifen, tebufenpyrad, tolfenpyrad, and derris (rotenone).

[0074] Examples of voltage-gated sodium channel blockers include indoxacarb and metaflumizone.

[0075] Examples of acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors include spirodiclofen, spiromesifen, spiropidione, speedoxamate, and spirotetramat.

[0076] Examples of mitochondrial complex IV electron transport inhibitors include aluminum phosphide, calcium phosphide, phosphine, zinc phosphide, hydrocyanic acid (calcium cyanide, sodium cyanide), and potassium cyanide.

[0077] Examples of mitochondrial complex II electron transport inhibitors include cyenopyrafen, cyetpyrafen, cyflumetofen, piflumide, and cyclobutrifluram.

[0078] Examples of ryanodine receptor modulators include chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, cyclaniliprol, flubendiamide, tetraniliprol, fluchlordiniliprol, tetrachlorantraniliprole, cyhalodiamide, and cyproflanilide.

[0079] Examples of chordotonal organ modulators include flonicamid.

[0080] Examples of allosteric modulators of GABA-gated chloride channels include broflanilide, fluxamethamide, and isocycloseram.

[0081] Examples of baculoviruses include codling moth (Cydia pomonella GV), false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta GV), velvet bean caterpillar (Anticarsis gemmatalis MNPV), and cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera NPV).

[0082] Examples of other insecticides, miticides, and nematicides include azadirachtin, benzomate (benzoximate), phenisobromolate (bromopropylate), quinoxaline system (quinomethionate), keltan (dicofol), lime sulphur, mancozeb, pyridalyl, sulphur, acinonapyr, amidoflumet, benzpyrimoxane, fluazaindolisine, fluensulfone, fluhexafon, flupenthiofenox, flomethoquine, metaldehyde, ticlopyrazoflor, dimpropyridase, trifluenfuronate, indazapyroxamet, Burkholderia spp., Wolbachia pipientis (Zap), Chenopodium ambrosioides near ambrosioides extracts, fatty acid monoesters with glycerol or propanediol, neem oil, Machine oil, rapeseed oil, mixed oils (safflower and cottonseed oil), starch, saccharified reduced starch, sodium oleate, iron phosphate, nemadectin, Beauveria bassiana strains, Metarhizium anisopliae strain (F52), Paecilomyces fumosoroseus strain Apopka (97), diatomaceous earth, dichlorodiisopropyl ether (DCIP), 1,3-dichloropropene (D-D), levamisole hydrochloride, morantel tartrate and thioxazafen.

[0083] Examples of effective components suitable for herbicidal use include acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor compounds, amino acid compounds, cyclohexanedione compounds, acetamide compounds, bipyridinium compounds, allyloxyphenoxypropionic acid compounds, carbamate compounds, pyridine compounds, urea compounds, dinitroaniline compounds, protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor compounds, phenoxyacetic acid compounds, hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) enzyme inhibitor compounds, and triazine compounds.

[0084] Examples of acetolactate synthesis inhibitor (ALS) compounds include imazamethabenz and imazamethabenz-methyl, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazethapyr, amidosulfuron, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron and bensulfuron-methyl, chlorimuron and chlorimuron-methyl, chlorimuron-ethyl, chlorsulfuron, cinosulfuron, cyclosulfamuron, ethametsulfuron and ethamesulfuron-methyl, ethoxysulfuron, flazasulfuron, flucetosulfuron, flupyrsulfuron, flupyrsulfuron-methyl and its salts, foramsulfuron, halosulfuron, halosulfuron-methyl, imazosulfuron, iodosulfuron and their salts, iodosulfuron-methyl and their salts, mesosulfuron, mesosulfuron-methyl, metazosulfuron, metsulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl, nicosulfuron, oxasulfuron, primisulfuron, primisulfuron-methyl, propyrisulfuron, prosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, rimsulfuron, sulfometuron, sulfometuron-methyl, sulfosulfuron, thifensulfuron, thifensulfuron-methyl, triasulfuron, tribenuron, tribenuron-methyl, trifloxysulfuron and its salts, triflusulfuron, triflusulfuron-methyl, tritosulfuron, imazamethabenz, bispyribac sodium, cloransulam, cloransulam-methyl, diclosulam, florasulam, flucarbazone and its salts, flumetsulam, metosulam, orthosulfamuron, penoxsulam, pyroxsulam, propoxycarbazone and its salts, pyribenzoxime, pyriftalide, pyriminobac-methyl, pyrimisulfan, pyrithiobac and its salts, pyroxsulam, thiencarbazone, thiencarbazone-methyl and triafamone.

[0085] Examples of amino acid compounds include bialaphos and its salts, glufosinate and its salts, glufosinate P and its salts, and glyphosate and its salts.

[0086] Examples of cyclohexanedione compounds include alloxydim, butroxydim, clethodim, cloproxydim, cycloxydim, profoxydim, sethoxydim, tepraloxydim, and tralkoxydim.

[0087] Examples of acetamide compounds include napropamide, dimethachlor, petoxamide, acetochlor, alachlor, allidochlor (CDAA), butenachlor, delachlor, diethatyl-ethyl, propisochlor, prinachlor, butachlor, dimethenamid, dimethenamid-P, metazachlor, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, pretilachlor, propachlor, thenylchlor, flufenacet, and mefenacet.

[0088] Examples of bipyridinium compounds include cyperquat, morphamquat, diquat, and paraquat.

[0089] Examples of allyloxyphenoxypropionic acid compounds include clodinafop, clodinafop-propargyl, clofop, cyhalofop-butyl, diclofop, diclofop-methyl, diclofop-p-methyl, fenoxaprop, fenoxaprop-ethyl, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, fluazifop, fluazifop-butyl, fluazifop-p-butyl, haloxyfop, haloxyfop-methyl, haloxyfop-p-methyl, isoxapyrifop, metamifop, propaquizafop, quizalofop, quizalofop-ethyl, quizalofop-p-ethyl, and quizalofop-p-tefuryl.

[0090] Examples of carbamate compounds include asulam, carbetamide, desmedipham, chlorprocarb, fenisofam, cycloate, dimepiperate, pebulate, thiocarbazil, vernolate, barban, chlorbufam, chlorpropham, profam, svep, phenmedipham, butylate, EPTC, esprocarb, molinate, orbencarb, prosulfocarb, pyributicarb, thiobencarb (benthiocarb), and triallate.

[0091] Examples of pyridine compounds include aminopyralid, clopyralid, diflufenican, dithiopyr, fluridone, fluroxypyr, galauxifen, florpyraxifen, picloram and their salts, picolinafen, thiazopyr and triclopyr and their salts.

[0092] Examples of urea compounds include benzothiazolone, bromuron, buturon, chlorbromuron, chloroxuron, difenoxuron, dimefuron, ethidimuron, fenuron, fluothiuron, metobenzuron, metobromuron, metoxuron, monolinuron, monuron (CMU), neburon, parafluron, siduron, thiazafluron, chlorotoluron, dimron, diuron (DCMU), fluometuron, isoproturon, linuron, metabenzthiazuron, tebuthiuron, cumiluron, carbutylate, and isouron.

[0093] Examples of dinitroaniline compounds include benfluralin (betrodin), butralin, dinitramine, ethalfluralin, fluchloralin, isopropalin, nitralin, profluralin, oryzalin, pendimethalin, prodiamine, and trifluralin.

[0094] Examples of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor compounds include acifluorfen, aclonifen, azaphenidine, bifenox, chlomethoxynil, ethoxyfen, ethoxyfen-ethyl, fomesafen, fluazolate, fluoroglycofen, fluoroglycofen-ethyl, halsafen, lactofen, oxyfluorfen, butafenacil, epirifenacil, chlornitrofen (CNP), fluorodifen, fluoronitrofen (CFNP), nitrofen (NIP), oxyfluorfen, chlorphthalim, flumipropine, carfentrazone, carfentrazone-ethyl, cinidon-ethyl, flumiclorac-pentyl, flumioxazine, fluthiacet, fluthiacet-methyl, oxadiargyl, oxadiazone, pentoxazone, pyraclonil, pyraflufen, pyraflufen-ethyl, saflufenacil, sulfentrazone, thidiazimine, benzphendizone, profluazole and flufenpyr-ethyl.

[0095] Examples of phenoxyacetic acid compounds include 2,4,5-T, 2,4-D and its salts, 2,4-DB and its salts, clomeprop, dichlorprop, fenoprop, MCPA and its salts, MCPB and its salts, mecoprop (MCPP) and its salts, mecoprop-P and its salts.

[0096] Examples of hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) enzyme inhibitors include benzobicyclone, benzofenap, bicyclopyrone, isoxaflutole, mesotrione, pyrasulfotole, pyrazolinate (pyrazolate), pyrazoxyfene, sulcotrione, tefuryltrione, tembotrione, topramezone, fenquinotrione, and tolpyralion.

[0097] Examples of the triazine compound include atraton, aziprothrin, chlorazine, ziprazine, desmethrin, dipropetrin, eglinazine-ethyl, ipazine, metoprotrin, procyazine, proglinazine, prometon, propazine, sebutylazine, secbumetone, terbumetone, triethazine, ametryn, atrazine, cyanazine, dimetamethrine, hexazinone, indaziflam, metamitron, metribuzin, prometryn, simazine (CAT), simethrine, terbuthylazine, terbutryn, and triaziflam.

[0098] Examples of other compounds for herbicidal use include amicarbazone, etiosin, isomethiosin, aminocyclopyrachlor, aminotriazole, anilofos, piperofos, beflubutamide, benazolin, benfuresate, bentazone, bromacil, isocil, bromobutide, bromophenoxime, bromoxynil, butamifos, DMPA, chlorthal-dimethyl (TCTP), cafenstrole, chloridazone (PAC), brompirazone, chlorthal, clomazone, cumiluron, dicamba (MDBA) and their salts, chloramben, 2,3,8-TBA (TCBA), benazolin-ethyl, chlorfenac, chlorfenprop, dichlobenil (DBN), chlorothiamide (DCBN), cinmethylin, Metiozolin, Amitrol, Flamprop-M, Fozamine, Methyldymron, Monalide, MSMA, Difenzoquat, Diflufenzopyr, Endothall and its salts, Ethofumesate, Etobenzanide, Fenoxasulfone, Fentrazamide, Flupoxam, Fluorchloridone, Flurtamone, Indanophane, Tridifan, Ioxynil, Ipfencarbazone, Isoxaben, Triaziflam, Lenacil, Methylarsonic acid, Napthalam, Fluorchloridone, Norflurazon, Oxacyclomefone, Pinoxaden, Chloranocryl=dicryl, Pentanochlor (CMMP), Propanil, Propyzamide, Pyridate, Pyroxasulfone, Promacil, Quinclorac, Quinmerac, Quinoclamine, Terbacil, Cyclopyrimorate, Florpyrauxifen-benzyl, lancotrione and its salts, cyclopyranil, bixlozone, tetflupyrolimet, dimesulfazet, dinosam, dinoseb (DNBP), DNOC, dinoterb, etinofen, medinoterb, DSMA, oleic acid, pelargonic acid, cacodylic acid, diphenamide, naproanilide, tebutam, bensulide, dalapon, TCA, mefluidide, perfluidone, CAMA, thiafenacil, trifludimoxazine, rimisoxafen, fenpyrazone, dioxopyritrione, cipyrafluone, bipyrazone, benquitrion, tetrapion (flupropanate) and their salts, and d-limonene.

Method of stimulating plant growth

[0099] The plant growth regulator according to the present embodiment can be used, for example, in cultivated lands such as fields, rice fields, meadows and orchards, or uncultivated lands. The plant growth regulators according to the present embodiment can be used in all fertilization methods such as foliar application, mixing with feed water, spraying on the soil, introducing into the subsoil using an injector, seed treatment including bulb and tuber treatment, and direct fertilization of plants. Thus, the method for promoting plant growth according to the present embodiment includes a fertilization procedure using the above-mentioned plant growth regulator.

[0100] In the case of application by mixing with water for feeding, for example, water is fed to a crop, or the surface of water in a rice field can be treated with granules or the like. In one example, the concentration of the active ingredient in the fed water is 0.1 mg/L or more, and preferably 1 mg/L or more. The amount of the active ingredient used for treating water in rice fields is, for example, 0.1 g or more, preferably 1 g or more per 10 ares of rice plantation.

[0101] In the case of application by foliar application or soil spraying, for example, the planting hole or the area adjacent to it can be treated with granules at the time of transplanting seedlings, or the seeds, plants or soil around the plants can be treated with granules and wettable powder. In addition, mixing with soil after spraying on the soil may be preferable. The amount of the active ingredient used for foliar application or soil surface spraying is, for example, 0.1 mg or more, preferably 1 mg or more per 1 m ² of agricultural or horticultural soil.

[0102] In seed treatment, the agent is applied to the seeds by mixing and stirring the wettable powder and the dust powder with the seeds or by dipping the seeds in the diluted wettable powder. Seed treatment also includes seed treatment by coating. The amount of active ingredients used in the case of seed treatment is, for example, 0.005 g or more, preferably 0.05 g or more per 100 kg of seeds. Seeds treated with agricultural or horticultural chemicals can be used in the same way as ordinary seeds.

[0103] In addition, since the concentration and the amount used vary depending on the kind of agent, time of use, method of use, place of use, target crops, etc., they can be increased or decreased regardless of the above ranges.

[Application of plant growth regulator]

[0104] As described above, the plant growth regulators according to this embodiment show an excellent growth promoting effect in the treated plants. Thus, the plant growth regulator according to this embodiment can be used, for example, as a biostimulant. The plant growth regulator in this embodiment can also be mixed with fertilizers, soil conditioners and pesticides used.

[0105] In the present specification, the term "biostimulator" is mainly intended to refer to an agent that acts on the physiology of a plant through a route other than fertilizers in order to improve the vitality, yield and quality of a crop, and is different from "fertilizer". "Fertilizer" is a material that is "applied to a cultivated soil or cultivated water to supply nutrients to plants", and it is a material that provides nutrients necessary for a plant. In a case where the nutrition of a plant is insufficient, the supply of fertilizers provides an effect of improving the nutritional status of the plant, but in a case where the nutrients of the plant are sufficient to a certain extent, such an effect cannot be expected.

[Summary]

[0106] The plant growth regulator according to the present embodiment comprises an extract of a microorganism producing ergothioneine as an active ingredient, and the extract contains ergothioneine.

[0107] In the plant growth regulator according to the present embodiment, the extract may be a hot water extraction product.

[0108] In the plant growth regulator according to the present embodiment, the ergothioneine-producing microorganism may be at least one type of microorganism selected from the group consisting of microorganisms belonging to the genus Apiotrichum, microorganisms belonging to the genus Dirkmeia, microorganisms belonging to the genus Papiliotrema, microorganisms belonging to the genus Pseudozyma, microorganisms belonging to the genus Ustilago, microorganisms belonging to the genus Methylobacterium, microorganisms belonging to the genus Aureobasidium, microorganisms belonging to the genus Rhodotorula, microorganisms belonging to the genus Rhodosporidiobolus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Vanrija, microorganisms belonging to the genus Pleurotus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Aspergillus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Streptomyces, microorganisms belonging to the genus Actinomyces, microorganisms belonging to the genus Mycobacterium, microorganisms belonging to the genus Corynebacterium, microorganisms belonging to the genus Escherichia, microorganisms belonging to the genus Enterobacter, microorganisms belonging to the genus Pantoea, microorganisms belonging to the genus Klebsiella, microorganisms belonging to the genus Salmonella, microorganisms belonging to the genus Schizosaccharomyces, microorganisms belonging to the genus Saccharomyces, microorganisms belonging to the genus Chlorobium, microorganisms belonging to the genus Candida, microorganisms belonging to the genus Penicillium, microorganisms belonging to the genus Neurospora, microorganisms belonging to the genus Claviceps, microorganisms belonging to the genus Moniliella, microorganisms belonging to the genus Cryptococcus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Pycnoporus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Pleurotus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Flammulina, microorganisms belonging to the genus Leucopaxillus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Phellinus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Tricholoma, microorganisms belonging to the genus Coprinus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Hericium, microorganisms belonging to the genus Lyophyllum, microorganisms belonging to the genus Rozites, microorganisms belonging to the genus Pholiota, microorganisms belonging to the genus Mycoleptodonoides, microorganisms belonging to the genus Agrocybe, microorganisms belonging to the genus Grifola, and microorganisms belonging to the genus Agaricus.

[0109] In the plant growth regulator according to the present embodiment, the ergothioneine-producing microorganism may be at least one microorganism selected from the group consisting of Apiotrichum porosum, Dirkmeia churashimaensis, Papiliotrema flavescens, and Pseudozyma siamensis.

[0110] The method for promoting plant growth according to the present embodiment comprises treating the plant with the plant growth regulator described above.

[0111] The plant growth regulator according to the present embodiment may be an agent for increasing seed yield, an agent for increasing plant height, an agent for increasing the number of flowers, an agent for increasing the weight of the above-ground part, or an agent for increasing the weight of the underground part.

[0112] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail herein using examples. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples below, and it goes without saying that various variations are possible with respect to the details thereof. Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope specified in the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means described in the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, all documents described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference.

[Examples]

[0113] In the following examples, the symbol "%" represents % by weight unless otherwise noted.

Preparation example 1: obtaining a hot water extraction product from ergothioneine-producing microorganisms

(1) Pre-cultivation

[0114] Ergothioneine-producing microorganisms were added to the YM culture medium and cultured at 200 rpm at 25°C for 2-3 days. A test tube was used for the culture. Papiliotrema flavescens, Pseudozyma siamensis, Apiotrichum porosum, Dirkmeia churashimaensis, or Rhodosporidiobolus azoricus were used as ergothioneine-producing microorganisms.

[0115] 0.5 ml of the obtained culture solution was added to 50 ml of YM culture medium and cultured at 200 rpm at 25°C for 2 days. A 300 ml flask was used for the cultivation.

(2) Basic cultivation

[0116] 100 ml of the culture solution obtained in the pre-cultivation was added to 2 L of the YM culture medium and cultured at 400 rpm at 25°C for 5 days. A 5 L jar fermenter was used for the cultivation. The ventilation rate was 2 L/min (1 rpm/rpm).

(3) Collection of microbial cells

[0117] The culture solution obtained in the main culture was subjected to centrifugal separation at 6000-9000 rpm at 4°C for 10-60 minutes, and the supernatant was removed. The microbial cell pellet was collected, washed with pure water, and then subjected to centrifugal separation, and thus the supernatant was removed. After removing the supernatant, the microbial cell pellet was collected and lyophilized.

(4) Hot water extraction

[0118] The lyophilized microbial cells were suspended in 20 ml of pure water. The suspension was heated at 96°C for 15 minutes. After cooling to room temperature, centrifugal separation was performed at 6000-9000 rpm at 4°C for 5-10 minutes, and the supernatant was collected. 10 ml of pure water was added to the sediment after separation, and the sediment was suspended using a vortex mixer, heated, and subjected to centrifugal separation, thereby obtaining a supernatant. This process was repeated 2-4 times, and the collected supernatant was regarded as a hot water extraction product.

Evaluation Example 1: Comparison of Arabidopsis thaliana Seed Yield

[0119] One Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) was sown in a plastic pot with a diameter of 60 mm and a height of 55 mm. Deep plastic containers, each with a diameter of 160 mm and a height of 28 mm, were prepared, and six pots were placed in them respectively. As soil, 45 ml of vermiculite, 22.5 ml of granular soil (Kumiai horticultural soil), and 22.5 ml of vermiculite were added to each pot in that order.

[0120] In a thermostatic chamber set at a room temperature of 22°C, the light period was 16 hours and the dark period was 8 hours. A fluorescent lamp (PLANT FLEC fluorescent lamp, 40W LED plant growth lamp, incandescent color, manufactured by Nippon Medical and Chemical Instruments Co., Ltd.) was used to provide illumination, so that the light intensity under the fluorescent lamp was 5000 lx in the central portion. Water was supplied from the bottom, and the water level was set to approximately 5 mm. The chemical treatment was started 2 weeks after sowing. Specifically, on the 8th, 10th, 12th, and 14th days after sowing, 50 ml of plant growth regulator was added instead of water supply.

[0121] The hot water extraction product obtained in Preparation Example 1 was used as the plant growth regulator. In addition, the plant growth regulator obtained from a 1 mM aqueous solution of ergothioneine was used for comparison.

[0122] On the 89th day after sowing, the seeds were collected and the seed yield was assessed. The results of the assessment are shown in Table 1.

[0123]

[Table 1] Sample name EGT concentration Seed yield attitude towards unprocessed control attitude towards EGT C-EGT-PFL 0.82 mM 1.5 1,2 C-EGT-PSI 1 mm 1.9 1.6 EGT 1 mm 1,2 1.0 Unprocessed control - 1.0 0.8

[0124] In Table 1, "C-EGT-PFL" is a hot water extraction product of Papiliotrema flavescens. "C-EGT-PSI" is a hot water extraction product of Pseudozyma siamensis. "EGT" is ergothioneine; a product commercially available as a reagent was used. "Untreated Control" is pure water only.

[0125] As shown in Table 1, the extract of ergothioneine-producing microorganisms resulted in higher seed yield than the ergothioneine treatment alone and the untreated control, and provided an excellent plant growth promotion effect.

Evaluation Example 2: Comparison of Arabidopsis thaliana Seed Yield

[0126] One Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) was sown in a plastic pot with a diameter of 60 mm and a height of 55 mm. Deep plastic containers, each with a diameter of 160 mm and a height of 28 mm, were prepared, and six pots were placed in them respectively. As a soil, 45 ml of vermiculite, 22.5 ml of granular soil (Kumiai horticultural soil), and 22.5 ml of vermiculite were added to each pot in that order.

[0127] In a growth chamber with a room temperature set at 22°C, the light period was 16 hours and the dark period was 8 hours. The lighting conditions were set such that the light intensity was 5000 lx in the center under the fluorescent lamp. Water was supplied from the bottom, and the water level was set to approximately 5 mm. The chemical treatment was started 2 weeks after sowing. Specifically, on the 8th, 10th, 12th, and 14th days after sowing, 50 ml of plant growth regulator was added instead of water supply.

[0128] The hot water extraction product of Dirkmeia churashimaensis (C-EGT-DCH) obtained in Preparation Example 1 was used as the plant growth regulator. Moreover, the plant growth regulator obtained from 0.1 mM aqueous solution of ergothioneine was used for comparison.

[0129] On the 87th day after sowing, the seeds were collected and the seed yield was assessed. The results of the assessment are shown in Table 2.

[0130]

[Table 2] Sample name EGT concentration Seed yield mm attitude towards unprocessed control attitude towards EGT C-EGT-DCH 0,1 1.4 1,1 EGT 0,1 1.3 1.0 Unprocessed control - 1.0 0.8

[0131] As shown in Table 2, the extract of ergothioneine-producing microorganisms resulted in higher seed yield than the ergothioneine treatment alone and the untreated control, and provided an excellent plant growth promoting effect.

Evaluation example 3: comparison of plant height when wheat and rapeseed were treated with each sample

[0132] In a 9 cm Petri dish on which filter paper was placed, 10 ml of plant growth regulator was added. Ten wheat or rapeseed seeds were placed per Petri dish. In a thermostatic chamber with a room temperature set at 25 °C, the light period was 16 hours and the dark period was 8 hours. A fluorescent lamp (PLANT FLEC fluorescent lamp, 40 W LED for plant growth, incandescent color, manufactured by Nippon Medical and Chemical Instruments Co., Ltd.) was used to provide illumination, so that the light intensity under the fluorescent lamp was 5000 lx in the central part.

[0133] The hot water extraction product obtained in Preparation Example 1 was used as the plant growth regulator. In addition, the plant growth regulator obtained from a 1 mM aqueous solution of ergothioneine was used for comparison.

[0134] The height of wheat or rapeseed plants was assessed on the 7th day after sowing. The results of the assessment are shown in Table 3.

[0135]

[Table 3] Sample name EGT concentration Height of wheat plant Height of rapeseed plant mm attitude towards unprocessed control attitude towards EGT attitude towards unprocessed control attitude towards EGT C-EGT-DCH 0,1 2.0 1.8 1.5 1.3 C-EGT-PFL 0,1 1.6 1.4 1.5 1.3 C-EGT-APO 0,1 1.4 1,2 1.5 1.4 C-EGT-RAZ 0,1 1.5 1.3 1.5 1.3 C-EGT-SCE 0 0.8 0.7 1,1 1.0 EGT 1 1,1 1.0 1,1 1.0 Unprocessed control - 1.0 0.9 1.0 0.9

[0136] In Table 3, "C-EGT-DCH" is a hot water extraction product of Dirkmeia churashimaensis. "C-EGT-PFL" is a hot water extraction product of Papiliotrema flavescens. "C-EGT-APO" is a hot water extraction product of Apiotrichum porosum. "C-EGT-RAZ" is a hot water extraction product of Rhodosporidiobolus azoricus. "C-EGT-SCE" is a hot water extraction product of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is a yeast that does not produce ergothioneine. "EGT" is ergothioneine; a product commercially available as a reagent was used. "Untreated Control" is pure water only.

[0137] As shown in Table 3, the extract of ergothioneine-producing microorganisms resulted in a higher plant height of wheat and rapeseed than the case of treatment with ergothioneine alone, the extract of yeast not producing ergothioneine, and the untreated control, and an excellent effect of promoting plant growth was achieved.

Assessment Example 4: Comparing the Number of Tomato Flowers

[0138] A plastic square pot of 120 mm in length and 100 mm in height was placed with 1 L of granular soil (Kumiai horticultural soil) and one individual tomato plant (Micro Tom).

[0139] In a thermostatic chamber set at a room temperature of 25°C, the light period was 16 hours and the dark period was 8 hours. A fluorescent lamp (PLANT FLEC fluorescent lamp, 40W LED plant growth lamp, incandescent color, manufactured by Nippon Medical and Chemical Instruments Co., Ltd.) was used to provide illumination, so that the light intensity under the fluorescent lamp was 5000 lx in the central portion. Water was supplied from the bottom, and the water level was set to approximately 5 mm. Chemical treatment was started 4 weeks after sowing. Specifically, on the 25th, 27th, 29th, 31st, 33rd, 35th and 37th days after sowing, 50 ml of plant growth regulator was added instead of water supply.

[0140] The hot water extraction product of Pseudozyma siamensis (C-EGT-PSI) obtained in Preparation Example 1 was used as the plant growth regulator. Moreover, the plant growth regulator obtained from 0.1 mM aqueous solution of ergothioneine was used for comparison.

[0141] On the 64th day after sowing, the number of flowers was assessed. The results of the assessment are shown in Table 4.

[0142]

[Table 4] Sample name EGT concentration Number of flowers mm attitude towards unprocessed control attitude towards EGT C-EGT-PSI 0,1 1.5 1,2 EGT 0,1 1.3 1.0 Unprocessed control - 1.0 0.8

[0143] As shown in Table 4, the extract of ergothioneine-producing microorganisms resulted in the production of more flowers than the ergothioneine treatment alone and the untreated control, and provided an excellent plant growth promoting effect.

Assessment example 5: comparison of the mass of underground parts of radishes

[0144] A plastic pot with a diameter of 100 mm and a height of 135 mm was placed with 600 ml of granular soil (Kumiai horticultural soil) and one individual radish plant (Akamaru Hatsuka).

[0145] The radishes were grown in a greenhouse at a room temperature of 25°C. Chemical treatment was started 2 weeks after sowing. Specifically, 50 ml of plant growth regulator was added on the 10th, 12th, 14th and 16th days after sowing.

[0146] The hot water extraction product of Pseudozyma siamensis (C-EGT-PSI) obtained in Preparation Example 1 was used as the plant growth regulator. Moreover, the plant growth regulator obtained from 0.1 mM aqueous solution of ergothioneine was used for comparison.

[0147] On the 28th day after sowing, the mass of the underground part was assessed. The results of the assessment are shown in Table 5.

[0148]

[Table 5] Sample name EGT concentration Mass of the underground part mm attitude towards unprocessed control attitude towards EGT C-EGT-PSI 0,1 1.4 1,1 EGT 0,1 1,2 1.0 Unprocessed control - 1.0 0.8

[0149] As shown in Table 5, the extract of ergothioneine-producing microorganisms resulted in a larger underground part weight than the ergothioneine treatment alone and the untreated control, and provided an excellent plant growth promoting effect.

Example of preparation 2: preparation of extract of microorganisms producing ergothioneine by different extraction methods

Extraction with methanol

[0150] The microbial cells lyophilized in (3) "collecting microbial cells" of Production Example 1 were suspended in 20 ml of a 50% aqueous methanol solution. After shaking the suspension at room temperature for 1 hour, the suspension was separated by centrifugation at 6000 rpm for 5 minutes, and the collected supernatant was used as a methanol extract.

Acetone extraction

[0151] The microbial cells lyophilized in (3) "collecting microbial cells" of Production Example 1 were suspended in 20 ml of a 50% aqueous acetone solution. After shaking the suspension at room temperature for 1 hour, the suspension was separated by centrifugation at 6000 rpm for 5 minutes, and the collected supernatant was used as an acetone extract.

Acid extraction

[0152] The microbial cells lyophilized in (3) "collecting microbial cells" of Production Example 1 were suspended in 20 ml of 0.1 M sulfuric acid. After shaking the suspension at room temperature for 1 hour, the suspension was separated by centrifugation at 6000 rpm for 5 minutes, and the collected supernatant was used as an acid extract.

Alkali extraction

[0153] The microbial cells lyophilized in (3) "collecting microbial cells" of Production Example 1 were suspended in 20 ml of a 0.1 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. After shaking the suspension at room temperature for 1 hour, the suspension was separated by centrifugation at 6000 rpm for 5 minutes, and the collected supernatant was used as an alkaline extract.

Surfactant extraction

[0154] The microbial cells lyophilized in (3) "collecting microbial cells" of Production Example 1 were suspended in 20 ml of a 1% aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate. After shaking the suspension at room temperature for 1 hour, the suspension was separated by centrifugation at 6000 rpm for 5 minutes, and the collected supernatant was used as a surfactant extract.

Freeze-thaw extraction

[0155] The microbial cells lyophilized in (3) "collection of microbial cells" of Production Example 1 were suspended in 20 ml of pure water. After freezing the suspension at -20°C, the suspension was thawed and subjected to separation by centrifugation at 6000 rpm for 5 minutes, and the collected supernatant was used as a freeze-thaw extract.

Extraction by attrition

[0156] The microbial cells lyophilized in (3) "collecting microbial cells" of Production Example 1 were ground in a mortar and suspended in 20 ml of pure water. After shaking the suspension at room temperature for 1 hour, the suspension was separated by centrifugation at 6000 rpm for 5 minutes, and the collected supernatant was used as an extract obtained by grinding.

Extraction by autoclaving

[0157] The culture solution obtained in (2) “main cultivation” of Production Example 1 was subjected to autoclave treatment (temperature: 121°C, pressure: 2 atm, treatment time: 20 minutes), and then the supernatant was collected by centrifugation separation at 6000 rpm for 5 minutes, and the collected supernatant was used as an autoclave extract.

Evaluation example 6: seed yield when treating Arabidopsis thaliana with microbial extracts obtained by different extraction methods

[0158] One Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) was sown in a plastic pot with a diameter of 60 mm and a height of 55 mm. Deep plastic containers, each with a diameter of 160 mm and a height of 28 mm, were prepared, and six pots were placed in them respectively. As soil, 45 ml of vermiculite, 22.5 ml of granular soil (Kumiai horticultural soil), and 22.5 ml of vermiculite were added to each pot in that order.

[0159] In a growth chamber with a room temperature set at 22°C, the light period was 16 hours and the dark period was 8 hours. The lighting conditions were set such that the light intensity was 5000 lx in the central part under the fluorescent lamp. Water was supplied from the bottom side, and the water level was set to approximately 5 mm. The chemical treatment was started 2 weeks after sowing. Specifically, on the 8th, 10th, 12th and 14th days after sowing, 50 ml of plant growth regulator was added instead of water supply.

[0160] Various extracts of Pseudozyma samentosis obtained in Preparation Example 2 were used as the plant growth regulator. Moreover, a plant growth regulator obtained from a 0.1 mM aqueous solution of ergothioneine was used for comparison.

[0161] On the 95th day after sowing, the seeds were collected and the seed yield was assessed. The results of the assessment are shown in Table 6.

[0162]

[Table 6] Extraction method EGT concentration Plant height Seed yield mm attitude towards unprocessed control attitude towards EGT attitude towards unprocessed control attitude towards EGT Extraction with methanol 0,1 1.3 1,2 2.1 1.7 Acetone extraction 0,1 1,2 1,1 2.0 1.6 Freeze-thaw extraction 0,1 1,1 1,1 1.8 1.5 Extraction by attrition 0,1 1.3 1,2 1.9 1.5 EGT 0,1 1,1 1.0 1,2 1.0 Unprocessed control - 1.0 0.9 1.0 0.8

[0163] As shown in Table 6, under all extraction methods, the extracts of ergothioneine-producing microorganisms resulted in higher plant height and higher seed yield than those treated with ergothioneine alone and the untreated control, and provided superior plant growth promotion effects.

Evaluation example 7: effect in case of treatment of Arabidopsis thaliana plant with microorganism extract obtained by different extraction methods

[0164] One Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) was sown in a plastic pot with a diameter of 60 mm and a height of 55 mm. Deep plastic containers, each with a diameter of 160 mm and a height of 28 mm, were prepared, and six pots were placed in them respectively. As a soil, 45 ml of vermiculite, 22.5 ml of granular soil (Kumiai horticultural soil), and 22.5 ml of vermiculite were added to each pot in that order.

[0165] In a growth chamber with a room temperature set at 22°C, the light period was 16 hours and the dark period was 8 hours. The lighting conditions were set such that the light intensity was 5000 lx in the center under the fluorescent lamp. Water was supplied from the bottom, and the water level was set to approximately 5 mm. The chemical treatment was started 2 weeks after sowing. Specifically, on the 8th, 10th, 12th and 14th days after sowing, 50 ml of plant growth regulator was added instead of water supply.

[0166] Various extracts of Pseudozyma samentosis obtained in Preparation Example 2 were used as the plant growth regulator. Moreover, a plant growth regulator obtained from a 0.1 mM aqueous solution of ergothioneine was used for comparison.

[0167] On the 93rd day after sowing, the plant height, weight of the above-ground part and seed yield were assessed. The results of the assessment are shown in Table 7.

[0168]

[Table 7] Extraction method EGT concentration Plant height Mass of the above-ground part Seed yield mm attitude towards unprocessed control attitude towards EGT attitude towards unprocessed control attitude towards EGT attitude towards unprocessed control attitude towards EGT Acid extraction 0,1 1.3 1,2 1,2 1,1 1.7 1.4 Alkali extraction 0,1 1.4 1.3 1,2 1,2 1.5 1,2 Surfactant extraction 0,1 1.4 1.3 1.6 1.4 1.5 1,2 Extraction by autoclaving 0,1 1.4 1.3 1.4 1.3 1.4 1,1 EGT 0,1 1,1 1.0 1,1 1.0 1.3 1.0 Unprocessed control - 1.0 0.9 1.0 0.9 1.0 0.8

[0169] As shown in Table 7, under all extraction methods, the extracts of ergothioneine-producing microorganisms resulted in higher plant height, higher above-ground weight, and higher seed yield than those treated with ergothioneine alone and the untreated control, and provided superior plant growth promotion effects.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

[0170] The present invention provides excellent plant growth promotion and can be used in fields such as agriculture and horticulture.

Claims (9)

1. A plant growth promoter comprising an extract of a microorganism producing ergothioneine as an active ingredient, wherein the extract contains ergothioneine, and the ergothioneine contained in the extract has a concentration of 0.00001 mass % or more and 10 mass % or less. 2. The plant growth stimulator according to claim 1, wherein the ergothioneine-producing microorganism is at least one type of microorganism selected from the group consisting of microorganisms belonging to the genus Apiotrichum, microorganisms belonging to the genus Dirkmeia, microorganisms belonging to the genus Papiliotrema, microorganisms belonging to the genus Pseudozyma, microorganisms belonging to the genus Ustilago, microorganisms belonging to the genus Methylobacterium, microorganisms belonging to the genus Aureobasidium, microorganisms belonging to the genus Rhodotorula, microorganisms belonging to the genus Rhodosporidiobolus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Vanrija, microorganisms belonging to the genus Pleurotus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Aspergillus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Streptomyces, microorganisms belonging to the genus Actinomyces, microorganisms belonging to the genus Mycobacterium, microorganisms belonging to the genus Corynebacterium, microorganisms belonging to the genus Escherichia, microorganisms belonging to the genus Enterobacter, microorganisms belonging to the genus Pantoea, microorganisms belonging to the genus Klebsiella, microorganisms belonging to the genus Salmonella, microorganisms belonging to the genus Schizosaccharomyces, microorganisms belonging to the genus Saccharomyces, microorganisms belonging to the genus Chlorobium, microorganisms belonging to the genus Candida, microorganisms belonging to the genus Penicillium, microorganisms belonging to the genus Neurospora, microorganisms belonging to the genus Claviceps, microorganisms belonging to the genus Moniliella, microorganisms belonging to the genus Cryptococcus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Pycnoporus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Pleurotus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Flammulina, microorganisms belonging to the genus Leucopaxillus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Phellinus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Tricholoma, microorganisms belonging to the genus Coprinus, microorganisms belonging to the genus Hericium, microorganisms belonging to the genus Lyophyllum, microorganisms belonging to the genus Rozites, microorganisms belonging to the genus Pholiota, microorganisms belonging to the genus Mycoleptodonoides, microorganisms belonging to the genus Agrocybe, microorganisms belonging to the genus Grifola, and microorganisms belonging to the genus Agaricus. 3. The plant growth stimulator according to claim 1, wherein the microorganism producing ergothioneine is at least one microorganism selected from the group consisting of Apiotrichum porosum, Dirkmeia churashimaensis, Papiliotrema flavescens, Pseudozyma siamensis and Rhodosporidiobolus azoricus. 4. A plant growth stimulator according to any one of paragraphs 1-3, wherein the plant growth stimulator is intended to increase seed yield. 5. A plant growth stimulator according to any one of paragraphs 1-3, wherein the plant growth stimulator is intended to increase the height of a plant. 6. A plant growth stimulator according to any one of paragraphs 1-3, wherein the plant growth stimulator is intended to increase the number of flowers. 7. A plant growth stimulator according to any one of paragraphs 1-3, wherein the plant growth stimulator is intended to increase the mass of the above-ground part. 8. A plant growth stimulator according to any one of paragraphs 1-3, wherein the plant growth stimulator is intended to increase the mass of the underground part. 9. A method for stimulating plant growth, comprising treating the plant with a plant growth stimulator according to any one of paragraphs 1-3.