WO2001047360A2

WO2001047360A2 - Methods for treating plants with cyclic glycosides

Info

Publication number: WO2001047360A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/034364
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arthur M. Nonomura
Original assignee: Hampshire Chemical Corp.
Priority date: 1999-12-29
Filing date: 2000-12-18
Publication date: 2001-07-05
Also published as: WO2001047360A3; AU2437401A

Abstract

Methods and formulations for treating plants and enhancing plant growth, wherein one or more formulations, comprising cyclic alkyl glycosides, are applied to the plants in effective amounts.

Description

METHODS FOR TREATING PLANTS AND ENHANCING PLANT GROWTH WITH CYCLIC GLYCOSIDES AND FORMULATIONS FOR SAME

This invention relates to methods and formulations for treating plants, and more specifically to methods for treating plants with formulations comprising cyclic alkyl glycosides.

The growth of plants is dependent on the synthesis of polysaccharides, especially, cellulose in cell walls, but the primers for chain initiation and the substrates for chain extension have not been previously defined. Although substrates such as UDP-Glc have been proposed and glucosyltransferases have been identified, the biosynthetic pathway has not been previously defined. Similarly, general metabolic pathways for plant growth regulators (PGRs) have also not been completely defined, although numerous PGR compounds have been identified over the past six decades.

Recently, it was reported that dodecylmaltoside and related compounds can serve as substrates for glycogen synthase. Glycogen, the reserve carbohydrate in animals, is chemically distinct from plant reserves and glycogen synthase has only rarely been described in lower plants, although biochemical pathways for plant carbohydrates may be related. Further, in U.S. Patent Number 5,958,104, Nonomura et al. describe methods for applying linear Cι-C₇ alkyl glucosides to plants to enhance plant growth and yield. Nonomura el al. also disclose that PGRS could be applied along with the linear CpC₇ alkyl glucosides. On the other hand, conjugated plant growth regulators (CPGRs) have continued to be defined as the inactivated form of PGRs and, as such, no activity is expected by treating plants with CPGRs. It is a primary object of the invention to provide methods and formulations for treating plants and enhancing plant growth by applying a formulation of CPGRS to the plants. It is a further object of the invention to provide methods and formulations for treating plants and enhancing plant growth by applying a formulation of cyclic alkyl glycosides to the plants.

It is a further object of the invention to provide methods and formulations for treating plants and enhancing plant growth by applying a formulation of one or more cyclic alkyl glycosides, one or more PGRS and one or more phytocatalysts to the plants.

It is a further object of the invention to provide methods and formulations for treating plants and enhancing plant growth by applying activated CPGRS to the plants. It is a further object of the invention to provide methods and formulations for treating plants and enhancing plant growth by applying activated CPGRS in the form of one or more cyclic alkyl glycosides to the plants.

As noted, the prior art has consistently viewed CPGRS as the inactivated form of PGRs and therefore, incapable of eliciting any plant growth activity by exogeneously applying or making CPGRs available to the plant. However, contrary to prior teachings, the methods and formulations of the invention apply CPGRs to the plants to act as artificial substrates for carbohydrate synthase having recognized that most CPGRs are cyclic alkyl glycosides and that, as storage products, CPGRs are found in plants at over twenty times the concentration of their respective PGRs. For example, if, as previously thought, CPGRs were merely inactive storage products, then exogenous or endogenous release of PGRs would yield consistent growth enhancement, yet this is not the case. See for example, M. Faiss, et al, "Chemically induced expression of the rolC-encoded b-glucosidase in transgenic tobacco plants and analysis of cytokinin metabolism: rolC does not hydrolyze endogenous cytokinin glucosides in plants" The Plant Journal. 10(l):33-46 (1996).

Furthermore, in crops, such as rice, yields have proven to be carbon sink limited. Cellulose is the largest sink in any plant and the application of cylic alkyl glycosides to allocate carbon into the largest sink may open crops to the proportionate enhancement of yield potential. See for example, J.C. Waterlow et al., "Applications of Science to Increase Yield", Chapter III, Feeding a World Population of More Than Eight Billion People (Oxford Univ. Press, 1998).

The methods and formulations of the invention were developed on the basis that conjugated plant growth regulators (CPGRs) are active contributors to polysaccharides that make up the cell wall of plants. Specificity resulting in carbon partitioning in plants is determined by the class of PGR that is conjugated to the glycoside. The invention, therefore, describes methods for promoting plant growth based on novel treatment regimes with CPGRS. When CPGRS are made available to plants in concentrations that are 30 to 300 times the cellular concentration of PGRS, the CPGRS become activated and deposit glucan units to prime and extend polymer chains. High quantities of CPGRS are required for activation because the CPGRS function both as primers and substrates for cellulose synthase. After deposition of the glycosidic conjugate, the PGR is cut away and is further metabolized to transport glucans resulting from photosynthesis. A preferred method of the invention, for treating plants and for enhancing plant growth, comprises the step of, applying an effective amount of one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of conjugated plant growth regulators, derivatives of said regulators and combinations thereof, to said plant; wherein said effective amount is preferably between about 1 and 10,000 ppm and more preferably between about 25 ppm and 2,500 ppm. In this method one or more of said compounds may comprise phenyl glycoside, wherein an effective amount preferably comprises phenyl glycoside between about 25 ppm to 250 ppm concentration. In addition, or alternatively, one or more of said compounds may comprise zeatin glycoside. Further, one or more of said conjugated plant growth regulators may be selected from a group consisting of, naphthyl glycoside, phenyl glycoside, zeatin glycoside, kinetin glycoside and benzylaminopurine glycoside. The method may further comprise the step of applying one or more phytocatalysts, wherein one or more of said phytocatalysts may comprise one or more nutrients selected from a group consisting of iron, manganese and nitrogen, wherein said nitrogen nutrient may comprise ammoniacal nitrogen. Another preferred method of the invention, for treating plants and for enhancing plant growth, comprises the step of, applying an effective amount of one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of cylic alkyl glycosides, derivatives of said cyclic alkyl glycosides and combinations thereof, to said plant. This method may further comprise the steps of applying one or more plant growth regulators to said plant and/or applying one or more phytocatalysts to said plant; wherein one or more of said phytocatalysts may comprise one or more nutrients selected from a group consisting of iron, manganese and nitrogen; and wherein said effective amount is preferably between about 25 ppm and 2,500 ppm.

Yet another method of the invention for treating plants and for enhancing plant growth, comprises the steps of, applying an effective amount of one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of heterocylic alkyl glycosides, derivatives of said heterocyclic alkyl glycosides and combinations thereof, to said plant; applying one or more plant growth regulators to said plant; and applying one more phytocatalysts to said plant, wherein one or more of said phytocatalysts preferably comprises one or more nutrients selected from a group consisting of iron, manganese and nitrogen. A preferred formulation of the invention for treating plants and for enhancing plant growth, comprises, one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of conjugated plant growth regulators, derivatives of said regulators and combinations thereof, to said plant; and one or more phytocatalysts. One or more of said regulators may comprise one or more heterocyclic alkyl glycosides, aromatic cyclic alkyl glycosides, their derivatives and/or a combination thereof; wherein one or more of said heterocyclic alkyl glycosides may comprise zeatin glycoside; wherein one or more of said aromatic cyclic alkyl glycosides comprises phenyl glycoside; and wherein one or more of said phytocatalysts may comprise one or more nutrients selected from a group consisting of iron, manganese and nitrogen. The formulation may also further comprise one or more surfactants.

As noted, the methods and formulations of the invention are designed to treat plants and to enhance plant growth. Treatment and plant growth enhancement are generally achieved by formulating one or more cyclic alkyl glycosides with one or more phytocatalysts and with or without one or more PGRs and applying the formulation in a dry or liquid form directly to the plants and/or the plant soil. Specifically, the formulations provide the plant with activated glycosylated PGRs to enhance cellulose synthesis.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms employed herein have their conventional meaning in the art. As used herein, the following terms have the meanings ascribed to them.

"Enhance(s) growth" or "enhancing growth" refers to promoting, increasing or improving the rate of growth of the plant or increasing or promoting an increase in the size of the plant. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory regarding the mechanism by which the compositions of the present invention enhance the growth of a plant, it is believed that when cellulose synthetase enzymes are induced exogenously by PGR-glycosides in the presence of phytocatalysts, they are enhanced beyond the natural content of a plant and, thereby, lead to the enhanced growth of the plant. Exogenous enhancement of PGR- glycosides increases the capacity of an organism to transport and glycosylate cellulose.

"Plant" refers to any life form which synthesizes cellulose including, but not necessarily limited to: microbials including prokaryotes, eukaryotes, bacteria, algae, lichens and fungi; cryptophytes; angiosperms; and gymnosperms. The methods and formulations of the inventions are advantageous for many applications including, but not limited to, agricultural, horticultural, maricultural, floricultural and silvicultural applications.

"Surfactant" refers to surface-active agents, that is, which modify the nature of surfaces, often by reducing the surface tension of water. They act as wetting agents, spreaders, dispersants, or penetrants. Typical classes include cationic, anionic (for example, alkylsulfates), nonionic (for example, polyethylene oxides) and ampholytic. Soaps, alcohols, block copolymers and polysiloxanes are other examples. "Aqueous", with reference to solutions or solvents, refers to solutions or solvent systems which consist primarily of water, normally greater than 50 weight percent water, and can be essentially pure water in certain circumstances. For example, an aqueous solution or solvent can be distilled water, tap water, irrigation water, well water or the like. However, an aqueous solution or solvent can include water having substances such as pH buffers, pH adjusters, organic and inorganic salts, alcohols (for example, ethanol), sugars, amino acids, or surfactants incorporated therein. The aqueous solution or solvent may also be a mixture of water and minor amounts of one or more cosolvents, including agronomically suitable organic cosolvents, which are miscible therewith, or may form an emulsion therewith. Agronomically suitable organic solvents include, for example, acetone, methanol, limonene, paraffin oils, silanes, esters, ethers, and emulsifiers.

"Percent" or "percent" is percent by weight unless otherwise indicated.

"Ppm" refers to parts per million by weight.

"M" refers to molar concentration, "mM" refers to millimolar concentration, and "μM" refers to micromolar concentration.

"PGR" refers to a plant growth regulator.

"PGRs" is the plural of PGR.

"Auxin" is a plant hormone that is currently classified as a PGR which is physiologically active at 0. 1 to 1 ppm concentrations as a cell elongation factor or rooting stimulant found in plants.

"IAA" refers to the auxin, indoleacetic acid.

"IBA" refers to the auxin, indolebutyric acid.

"D?A" refers to the auxin, indolepropionic acid.

"NAA" refers to the auxin, α-naphthaleneacetic acid. "2,4-D" refers to the auxin, dichlorophenoxyacetic acid.

"2,4,5-T" refers to the auxin, trichlorophenoxyacetic acid.

"CPA" refers to the auxin, p-chlorophenoxyacetic acid.

"Cinn" refers to the auxin, cinnamic acid. "PAA" refers to the auxin, phenylacetic acid. "Cytokinin" refers to a PGR, generally with an adenine nucleus, that is physiologically active at very low concentration as a cell division factor found in plants and yeast.

"K" refers to the cytokinin, kinetin, which typically requires the presence of auxin.

"BA" refers to the cytokinin, N -benzyladenine. "A" refers to the cytokinin, adenine.

"BPA" refers to the cytokinin, benzyl-9-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)adenine.

"2iP" refers to the cytokinin, 6dimethylallylamino)purine.

"Z" refers to the cytokinin, zeatin. "GA" refers to gibberellins, a class of over 60 PGRs that are diterpenoid acids based on the gibberellane skeleton containing the gibbane nucleus.

"PGR-glycoside" refers to glycoside-conjugated plant growth regulator compounds listed herein and those known in the field. Prior to this invention, PGR-glycosides were conventionally regarded as the inactivated form of the PGR. The glycoside component includes pentopyranosides, hexopyranosides, and so forth. Although cytokinin-glycosides, auxinglycosides, and gibberellin-glycosides have been identified in tissues, none have yet been previously applied to plants to enhance crop yields.

"CPGR" refers to a conjugated plant growth regulator.

"KG" refers to kinetin glucoside. "KR" refers to kinetin riboside.

"BAG" refers to N⁶-benzyl adenine glucoside.

"BAR" refers to N⁶-benzyladenine riboside.

"ZG" refers to zeatin glucoside.

"ZX" refers to zeatin xyloside. "LAG" refers to indolylacetylglucoside.

"GAR" refers to gibberellin riboside.

"PG" refers to phenyl glucoside

"Alkyl glycoside" refers to glycoside-conjugated alkyls that are saturated or unsaturated; and may be cyclic, heterocyclic, aromatic, substituted aromatic, or heteroaromatic; and any combination thereof.

"Cyclic alkyl glycoside" refers to cyclic, heterocyclic, aromatic, substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic alkyl glycoside-conjugates, and any combination thereof.

The resulting mixture of the method of the invention may be applied to all parts of the plant including the leaves, shoots, roots, Stems, flowers and fruits, depending on the nature of the formulation utilized.

The formulations employed in the methods of the present invention may be applied to the plants using conventional application techniques. Plants nearing or at maturity may be treated at any time before and during seed development. Fruit bearing plants may be treated before or after the onset of bud or fruit formation. Improved growth occurs as a result of the exogenous application of high concentrations of soluble manganese with alkyl glycoside and other appropriate nutrients and additives such as ammoniacal nitrogen and soluble iron.

The plant growth regulators which may be activated using the formulations of the present invention include, but are not necessarily limited to: Cvtokinins Adenine Benzyl adenine (BA)

BA-derivatives BPA

(γγ-Dimethylallylamino)purine

2iP Kinetin Phenylurea 4-CPPU

Diphenylurea

Thidiazuron Zeatin

Dihydrozeatin Their glycosyl-derivatives, salts and the like; Auxins Indole-derivatives

IAA

Methyl 3-indolylacetate IAA-aspartate

IAA-alanine

JAA-phenylalanine

IAA-glycine

ΓBA Halogen-containing DBA

IBA-alanine J A Tryptophan Cinnamic acid

Naphthaleneacetic acid

Naphthoxyacetic acid

Phenylacetic acid Phenoxyacetic acid and derivatives, such as, 4-CPA 2,4-D 2,4,5-T

Meclophenoxate Picloram

Their glycosyl-derivatives, salts and the like;

Gibberellins

Their glycosyl-derivatives, salts and the like; and

PGR-like plant stimulatory compounds Jasmonic acid

Brassinosteroids

Abscisic acid

Daminozide

Dicamba Dikegulac

Maleic acid hydrazide

Phloroglucinol

Herbicides

Phosphonomethylglycine Sulfonylurea

Their glycosyl-derivatives, salts and the like.

Conjugated PGRs

PGR-glycoside

Auxin glycoside Cytokinin glycoside

Gibberellin glycoside

Brassinosteroid glycoside including, but not limited to, Benzyladenylglucoside Benzyladenylriboside Kinetin glucoside Kinetin riboside Zeatin glucoside

Zeatin riboside Zeatin xyloside Indoxyl glucoside Indoxyl riboside Indolylacetylxyloside

Indolylacetylglucoside Glucosylcoumaric acid Salicylylglucoside Topolin glycoside Tuberonylglucoside

Helicin

Cinnamyl glycoside Nitrobenzoyl glycoside Dehydroconiferylglucoside Isopentenyladenosine

Methylbutenylaminopurineglucoside Naphthyl glucoside Phenyl glucoside Phenyl glucoside derivatives Phenylglycoside

Aminophenylglycoside Polyphenylglycoside 2 ,4-D-glycoside Phenoxyacetylglycoside Halogenated phenylglycoside

Any other PGR otherwise conjugated with: Aldoses, such as, glyceraldehyde erythrose threose ribose arabinose xylose lyxose allose altrose glucose mannose gulose idose galactose talose Ketoses, such as, dihydroxyacetone erythrulose ribulose xylulose psicose fructose sorbose tagatose Furanose Pyranose

Glucopyranose Fructofuranose Fructopyranose Xylopyranose and their derivatives, for example, glucuronides, glucosamines.

Glycosylators (glycosylation substrates) useful in the formulations and methods of the invention include, but are not necessarily limited to:

Alcohol Aldehyde Carbonate Carbon dioxide Formate Formamide Ketone Pentosan Sugar

Their derivatives and the like. The phytocatalysts of the formulations and methods of the invention preferably comprise manganese, iron and ammoniacal nitrogen sources informs which are available to plants, which include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: Ammoniacal nitrogen

Ammonium salts including, but not limited to: Ammonium sulfate

Ammonium nitrate

Ammonium formate

Ammonium hydroxide

Ammonium chloride Urea

Formaldehyde urea Amino Acid Protein Peptide Manure Guano and any other acceptable fertilizer. Manganese Manganese salt Manganese chelate

Mn-EDTA

Mn-HEDTA

Mn-EDDHA Iron

Ferric salt Ferrous salt Ferrous chelate Ferric chelate

Fe-EDTA

Fe-HEDTA

Fe-EDDHA.

The formulations and methods of the present invention may be applied to virtually any variety of living organisms which synthesize cellulose. Such organisms, as noted above, include innumerable agricultural plants, such as those listed by G.M. Markle, J.J. Baron and B.A. Schneider, Food and Feed Crops of the United States, (Meister Publishing 1998). Further, plants which may benefit according to the present invention include but are not limited to all plants that have been genetically modified including hybridized, chimeric, transgenic, cross-bred, mutated, and plants which have had their DNA or RNA recombinant, modified or introduced. These lists are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to be exclusive. Other plants which may benefit by application of the compositions and methods of the present invention will be readily determined by those skilled in the art.

The methods and compositions of the present invention may be used to enhance growth in juvenile and mature plants, as well as cuttings, stolons, bulbs, rhizomes, micropropagative tissue, calli, protocorms, and seeds. Generally, however, it is desirable that, for foliar applications, the plants include at least the sprouted cotyledon (that is, the "seed leaves") and preferably at least two additional expanded true leaves. Sprouted cotyledon and two expanded leaves are also preferred for root applications because the leaf development is, to some extent, indicative of root development. In general, roots may be treated because many plant growth regulators are transported up to shoots from roots.

The present invention provides methods for treating plants, for increasing the amount of PGR-glycoside in a plant, and for enhancing the growth of the plant. These methods typically involve the application of a PGR component, the application of a glycoside component, and the application of a phytocatalyst component to the plant. In the event that a PGR-glycoside is available, these methods preferably involve the application of a PGR- glycoside component and the application of phytocatalyst component to the plant. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are compounds which generally occur naturally in plants. However, PGRs have also been applied exogenously treat crops and to enhance yields, yet producing only mixed results. According to the methods, compositions, and systems of the present invention, crop yields can be enhanced effectively and consistently by providing the glycosylator and phytocatalyst to a PGR component, such as an auxin.

Accordingly, a number of other suitable PGRS such as cytokinins, gibberellins and brassinolides, which will be readily determinable by those skilled in the art for synergistic admixture with auxins, may be utilized as the PGR component of the methods, compositions, and systems of the present invention. Specific examples of preferred auxins include, but are not limited to, indole- derivatives such as IAA, IB A, IPA; and phenoxyacetic derivatives such as 2,4-D; others, such as NAA, Cinn and PAA; and their derivatives.

Specific examples of preferred cytokinins include, but are not limited to, A, Z, K, BA and their derivatives. Specific examples of preferred gibberellins include GA₃ (gibberellic acid), GA₄, GA₇ and all other diterpenoid acids that are based on the gibberellane skeleton containing the gibbane nucleus.

For high potency response, PGR-glycosides may be applied to the plant in place of the two components, PGR and glycosylator, in accordance with the methods and compositions of this invention. Examples of suitable PGR-glycosides include but are not limited to cytokinin- glycoside, auxin-glycoside, and gibberellin-glycoside.

Specific examples include, but are not limited to, GA-glucoside, GAR, JAG, KR, KG, PG, ZR, ZG, ZX, BAG, and BAR, as listed above, as well as, metabolites, and all salts, hydrates, esters, amines, surfactant-linked derivatives, and other biologically or chemically equivalent derivatives and combinations thereof.

Preferred glycosylator compounds are available organic or inorganic carbon compounds which can be metabolized by the plants to PGR-glycosides. Glycosylators must be applied to the plant in combination with phytocatalyst and may be further enhanced by formulation with PGRS. Examples of suitable glycosylators include but are not limited to organic and inorganic carbon compounds. General examples of organic compounds include alcohol, aldehyde, ketone, organic acid, sugar, pentosan, alkyl glycoside, listed hereinabove as well as, metabolites, and all salts, hydrates, esters, amines, surfactant-linked derivatives, and other biologically or chemically equivalent derivatives thereof and combinations thereof. Specific examples of organic compounds include methanol, ethanol, propanol, acetone, formate, formamide, formimide, citrate, lactate, salicylate, urea-formaldehyde, methyl glucoside, ethyl glucoside, propyl glucoside, fructose, ribose, xylose, methyl xyloside, corn syrup, molasses, maltose, PelRig^® and Triazone^®, listed hereinabove as well as, metabolites, and all salts, hydrates, esters, amines, surfactant-linked derivatives, and other biologically or chemically equivalent derivatives thereof and combinations thereof. Specific examples of inorganic carbon include carbon dioxide; carbonate; and bicarbonate, such as ammonium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and sodium bicarbonate; as well as, metabolites, and all salts, hydrates, esters, amines, surfactant-linked derivatives, and other biologically or chemically equivalent derivatives thereof and combinations thereof.

The phytocatalyst comprises soluble ammoniacal nitrogen, manganese and iron. The phytocatalyst is preferred in formulations of glycosylators and PGR-glycosides. Specific examples of ammoniacal nitrogen compounds include, but are not limited to, ammonium salts such as ammonium formate, ammonium citrate, ammonium lactate, ammonium salicylate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate and the like; urea-compounds such as urea, urea- formaldehyde; Triazone^® and other Schiff-base compounds; quaternary amines; amino acids such as glycine, glutamine, tyrosine; protein; peptide; manure; fish meal; other sewage-based fertilizers; night soil; guano; nucleotide; purine; pyrimidine; amide; and imide; as well as, metabolites, and all salts, hydrates, esters, amines, surfactant-linked derivatives, and other biologically or chemically equivalent derivatives thereof and combinations thereof.

Specific examples of soluble manganese include manganese chelate such as Mn- EDTA, Mn-HEDTA, Mn-ascorbate, and the like; and manganese salts such as manganese chloride, and the like; listed hereinabove as well as, metabolites, and all salts, hydrates, esters, amines, surfactant-linked derivatives, and other biologically or chemically equivalent derivatives thereof and combinations thereof.

Specific examples of soluble iron include iron chelate such as Fe-EDTA, Fe-HEDTA, Fe-citrate, and the like; and ferric salts such as ferric chloride, ferric ammonium sulfate and the like; and ferrous salts such as ferrous sulfate and the like; listed hereinabove as well as, metabolites, and all salts, hydrates, esters, amines, surfactant-linked derivatives, and other biologically or chemically equivalent derivatives thereof and combinations thereof.

When applied at relatively high concentrations, one or more components described above are useful in the methods of the invention for treating plants and enhancing plant growth. Typically, the PGR component and the glycosylator component are co-applied with phytocatalyst component to achieve beneficial results in the methods for treating plants, enhancing growth, and increasing cellulose biosynthesis in photosynthetic plants. The methods of the present invention include the simultaneous application of the PGR with the glycosylator and the phytocatalyst from separate sources; or the separate application of the PGR and glycosylator and phytocatalyst, wherein, the phytocatalyst is applied first followed by the application of the glycosylator and then followed by the PGR; or by order of the separate application of the PGR and the phytocatalyst wherein the phytocatalyst is applied first followed by the application of the PGR and then the glycosylator. The phytocatalyst and the glycosylator and the PGR may be applied separately, or formulated together and then applied, to the roots and/or the shoots in any combination or sequence such as those described above. The reverse orders may be applicable, but are not preferred. When the phytocatalyst and glycosylator and PGR are separately applied, they are preferably applied at or near the same time, and generally one is applied within a four hour period of the other, preferably within an hour period, more preferably within a half hour period and most preferably within a quarter hour period. In the preferred method, the phytocatalyst plus glycosylator plus PGR are formulated into a single composition and thereby simultaneously applied to the plant.

Although the components may be applied in a solid form, it is often advantageous to provide the formulation in liquid form, such as by solubilizing the components in an aqueous or agronomically suitable organic solvent or carrier to produce aqueous or organic solutions for application to the plant. The amount of PGR, glycosylator, PGR-glycoside, and phytocatalyst which is solubilized in the carrier will depend upon the particular compounds selected and the method of application. For example, PGR may be solubilized in the carrier by adding the PGR to the carrier and allowing it to dissolve. In some instances, the application of stirring, agitation, or even heat may facilitate the dissolution of the PGR in a carrier blend such as 80 percent ethanol. Typically, the PGR is applied as an aqueous solution having a PGR concentration in the range between 0.1 ppm and 500 ppm by weight of the composition inclusive, preferably between 10 ppm and 200 ppm inclusive. In one preferred embodiment, the PGR is provided as a cytokinin at or below a concentration of about 350 ppm more preferably at about 100 ppm. For example, zeatin is typically provided in carrier solutions at a concentration between about 1 ppm and 400 ppm by weight, and more preferably between about 50 ppm to 100 ppm for application to open field crops at a rate of 20 gallons per acre. The co-application of a conjugated plant growth regulator (PGR-glycoside) with a phytocatalyst does not require the simultaneous application of a glycosylator component because the glycosidic conjugate equivalent to the glycosylator is inherent in the PGR- glycosidic molecule. For example, a PGR-glycoside, such as kinetin glucoside, may be formulated with the phytocatalyst formulation, such as ammoniacal nitrogen, soluble Mn and soluble Fe. Typically, the PGR-glycoside is applied as an aqueous solution having a concentration in the range of between 10 ppm and 2,500 ppm by weight of the composition inclusive, depending on the particular PGR-glycosides utilized. For example, a range of from 100 ppm to 300 ppm BAG will be formulated with 6600 ppm ammonium sulfate, 28 ppm Mn as EDTA, 18 ppm Fe as EDTA, 600 ppm Pluronic^® L-92, and 300 ppm Dow Corning^® 21 1 for foliar application to canola. If the PGR-glycoside is the aromatic, heterocylic alkyl glycoside, phenyl glucoside, an effective amount can be as low as about 25 ppm concentration in a foliar formulation which is applied, for example, to rice.

As noted, the PGR-glycoside component is preferably co-applied with the phytocatalyst to achieve beneficial results in methods of treating plants and enhancing growth in photosynthetic plants. The methods of the present invention include the simultaneous application of the PGR-glycoside and the phytocatalyst from separate sources; and the separate application of the PGR-glycoside and the phytocatalyst, wherein, the phytocatalyst is applied first followed by the separate application of the PGR-glycoside or wherein, the PGR- glycoside is applied first followed by the application of the phytocatalyst. The phytocatalyst and PGR-glycoside may be separately applied, or formulated together and then applied, to the roots and/or the shoots in any of the above noted combinations or sequences. Other orders may be utilized, but are not preferred. When the phytocatalyst and PGR-glycoside are separately applied, they are typically applied at or near the same time, and, generally, one is applied within a four hour period of the other, preferably within an hour period, more preferably within a half hour period and most preferably within a quarter hour period. In the preferred application method, the phytocatalyst plus PGR-glycoside are formulated into a single composition and thereby simultaneously applied to the plant.

The amount of PGR-glycoside which is solubilized in the carrier will, likewise, depend upon the particular PGR-glycoside selected and the method of application. The PGR- glycoside may be solubilized in the carrier by adding the PGR-glycoside to the carrier and allowing it to dissolve. In some instances, the application of stirring, agitation, or even heat may facilitate the dissolution of the PGR-glycoside in the carrier. Typically, the PGR- glycoside is applied as an aqueous solution having a PGR-glycoside concentration in the range between about 1 ppm and 10,000 ppm by weight of the composition inclusive, preferably between 1.0 ppm and 2,500 ppm, inclusive, and more preferably between 25 ppm and 1000 ppm, inclusive. In one preferred embodiment, the PGR-glycoside is provided as a cytokinin glycoside at or below a concentration of about 350 ppm and more preferably at about 100 ppm. For example, zeatin glucoside may be provided in carrier solutions at a concentration of from 1 ppm to 400 ppm by weight and more preferably between about 50 ppm and 200 ppm when applied to open field crops at a rate of 20 gallons per acre.

In the embodiment wherein the PGR-glycoside and the phytocatalyst are combined into a single composition, for use in the methods of the present invention, the composition includes an aqueous or agronomically suitable organic solution having solubilized, dispersed, or otherwise contained therein, an amount of the PGR-glycoside that induces cellulose synthesis in the plant and an aqueous solution having solubilized dispersed or otherwise contained therein, an amount of the phytocatalyst that induces enzyme enhancement in the plant. The solution containing the PGR-glycoside and the phytocatalyst may be prepared using the general techniques set forth above for solubilizing PGR-glycoside or phytocatalyst alone.

Compositions containing both the PGR-glycoside and the phytocatalyst are advantageous in that they permit the one-step application of both components to the plant. The one-step compositions of the invention will comprise an aqueous solution or agronomically suitable organic solvent emulsion of one or more PGR-glycosides in combination with phytocatalyst.

Compositions containing both the PGR-glycoside and the phytocatalyst component in a single solution may include any combination of 'the PGR-glycosides selected from those described hereinabove. The preferred PGR-glycosides for one-step compositions include, but are not limited to indican, KG, ZG and PG. The preferred phytocatalyst for one-step compositions include, but are not limited to, ammonium salts with chelated manganese and iron. For example, one composition according to the present invention includes 400 ppm ZG, 5650 ppm ammonium citrate, 40 ppm MUEDTA, 30 ppm FeEDTA and foliar surfactant. Another composition according to the present invention includes 200 ppm IAG, 50 ppm ZX, 10 ppm GAR, 2000 ppm ammonium formate, 27 ppm MnEDTA, 18 ppm FeEDTA and foliar spreader and wetter. Preferred PGR-glycoside compositions include: (1) PG applied as an aqueous solution at a concentration in the range of from 25 ppm to 700 ppm, preferably between about 25 ppm and 250 ppm; (2) ZG applied at a concentration in the range from 100 ppm to 5000 ppm; and (3) GAR applied as an aqueous solution at a concentration in the range from about 10 ppm to about 400 ppm; each PGR-glycoside in combination with appropriate phytocatalysts. While the compositions of the present invention may consist essentially of the aqueous solutions of the PGR, glycosylator, PGR-glycoside, and phytocatalyst, oil soluble compounds may be formulated in agronomically suitable organic solvents. For example, BAR and the phytocatalyst may be formulated as isopropanol concentrates with paraffin oil as the spreader for application in appropriate crop emulsions, hydrosols or organic films. The compositions of the present invention may also include any of a wide variety of agronomically suitable additives, adjuvants, or other ingredients and components which improve or at least do not hinder the beneficial effects of the 'compositions of the present invention (hereinafter "additives"). Generally accepted additives for agricultural application are periodically listed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. For example, foliar compositions may contain a surfactant and a spreader present in an amount sufficient to promote wetting, emulsification, even distribution and penetration of the active substances. Spreaders are typically organic alkanes, alkenes or polydimethylsiloxanes which provide a sheeting action of the treatment across the phylloplane. Suitable spreaders include paraffin oils and polyalkyleneoxide polydimethylsiloxanes. Suitable surfactants include anionic, cationic, nonionic, and zwitterionic detergents, amine ethoxylates, alkyl phenol ethoxylates, phosphate esters, PEG, polymerics, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene fatty diglycerides, sorbitan fatty acid esters, alcohol ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid ester ethoxylates, ethoxylated alkylamines, quaternary amines, sorbitan ethoxylate esters, alkyl polysaccharides, block copolymers, random copolymers, trisiloxanes, CHELACTANTS™ and blends. Surfactant preference is for polyalkylene oxides, polyalkylene glycols, and alkoxylate-fatty acids. Blends are highly effective such as our organosiloxane/nonionic surfactant Dow Corning^® + Pluronic^® blend which use is demonstrated in our examples. Preferred commercial aqueous surfactants include Hampshire LED3A; HAMPOSYL^®; TEEPOL^®; TWEEN^®; TRITON^®; LATRON™; PLURONIC^®; TETRQNIC^®; SURFONIC^®; SYNPERONIC^®; ADMOX^®; DAWN^®, and the like. Commercial emulsifiers for combination with organic solvent formulations include WITCANOL^®, RHODASURF^®, TERGITOL^® and TWEEN^®. Commercial spreaders include paraffin oil, TEGOPREN^®, AGRLMAX™, DOW CORNING^® 21 1, X-77^®, SILWET^® and the like. Penetrants such as sodium dodecylsulfate, formamides and lower aliphatic alcohols, may be used. Alkoxylation of an active component or otherwise chemically modifying the active components by incorporating a penetrant substance is useful because formulation without additional surfactant is achieved. Large molecules, such as compounds with maltose and polysaccharide structural components, pose problems related to cellular penetration. Addition of diatomaceous earth, carborundum, fine bentonite, clay, fine sand or alumina may be added to the compositions of the present invention to scratch the leaf surface and assist with penetration. Small quantities (0.03-0.3 percent) of sterile diatomaceous earth are preferred additions to the adjuvant formulation to enhance penetration. In some cases, such as cabbage, in which cells are tough, gentle movement of the diatoms across the leaf surface by mechanical rubbing or high pressure treatments may be employed.

In addition to the foregoing additives, the compositions of the present invention may also advantageously include one or more fertilizers. Suitable fertilizers for inclusion in the compositions, methods and systems of the present invention will be readily determinable by those skilled in the art and include conventional fertilizers containing elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, elevated carbon dioxide, hydrogen peroxide and the like. Nitrogenous fertilizers (that is, fertilizers containing nitrogen) are currently preferred; particularly nitrogenous fertilizers containing ammoniacal nitrogen (that is, nitrogen in the form of ammonia or ammonium ion). Nitrate fertilizers may be included in the methods of the present invention. In particular, in cases requiring foliar fertilizers, ammonium nitrate fertilizers may be utilized. Ammoniacal fertilizers may be fed to plants at any time during or after treatment, through the root or the shoot. The amount of fertilizer added to the compositions of the present invention will depend upon the plants to be treated, and the nutrient content of the soil. Typically, the conventional fertilizer is included in an amount of between about 0.1 percent and 2 percent, preferably between about 0.2 percent and 1 percent, and more preferably between about 0.4 percent and 0.8 percent by weight of the composition.

In addition to the conventional fertilizers, the compositions of the present invention may also include the novel C C₇, alkyl glucosides which are the subject of US Patent No. 5,958,104 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Preferred C]-C₇ alkyl glucosides include methyl glucosides, particularly a-methyl glucoside and β- methyl glucoside; ethyl glucoside, propyl glucoside, and combinations thereof. Currently, the preferred alkyl glucosides for inclusion in the compositions, methods, and systems of the present invention are the methyl glucosides, and combinations thereof. As with conventional fertilizers, the amount of alkyl glucoside fertilizer included in the compositions of the present invention will depend upon the plants to be treated, and the nutrient content of the soil. Typically, the alkyl glucoside is included in the amount of between 0.1 percent and 20.0 percent, preferably between 1 percent and 15 percent, and more preferably between 4 percent and 10 percent.

In addition to formulations comprising one or more iron or nitrogen sources, or high concentrations of manganese, as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/448,345 and incorporated herein, the formulations of the present invention may also include any of various secondary nutrients, such as sources of sulfur, calcium, and magnesium; as well as micronutrients, such as chelated iron, boron, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, zinc, nickel, and the like, which are conventionally formulated in foliar fertilizers. Other conventional fertilizer constituents which may be added to the compositions of the present invention include pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, antibiotics, plant growth regulators, gene therapies and the like.

As noted, the compositions of the present invention may be applied to the plants using conventional application techniques. Plants nearing or at maturity may be treated at any time before and during seed development. Fruit bearing plants may be treated before and after the onset of bud or fruit formation. The compositions of the present invention may be applied to the plant at a location including leaves, fruit, flowers, shoots, root, seed, and stem. The compositions may be applied to the leaves, seed or stem by spraying the leaves or coating the seeds with the composition. The composition may be applied to the shoot or root by spraying the shoot or root, or dusting the shoot or root, or side-dressing the root with slow-release encapsulations or formulations, or dipping the shoot or root in a bath of the composition, or drenching the soil in which the plant is being cultivated with the composition, or spray-drenching the leaves and stem of the plant such that the soil in which the plant is being cultivated becomes saturated with the composition. Foliar application (that is, application of the composition to one or more leaves of the plant) of the compositions of the present invention is currently preferred. The composition will normally be applied to the leaves of the plant using a spray. However, other means of foliar application, such as dipping, brushing, wicking, misting, electrostatic dispersion and the like of liquids, foams, gels and other formulations may also be employed. Side dressing is also applicable. Foliar sprays can be applied to the leaves of the plant using commercially available spray systems, such as those intended for the application of foliar fertilizers, pesticides, and the like, and available from commercial vendors such as FMC Corporation, John Deere, Valmont and Spraying Systems (TEFJET^®). If desired, the PGR, PGR-glycoside, glycosylator, and phytocatalyst compounds may be applied to plants in rapid sequence from separate nozzles in separate reservoirs. Chemically compatible combined mixtures may be preferred for many applications to produce improved plant growth. High foliar content of PGR, PGR-glycoside, glycosylator, and phytocatalyst maintain high rates of growth during day and night, with greatest response when plants are exposed to water, nutrients, warmth and high light intensity consistent with good agricultural practices. High potency is achieved by foliar application of compositions containing PGR with glycosylator or PGR-glycoside in combination with the phytocatalyst or readily metabolized precursors, thereto. For example, the PGR-glycoside, GA-glucoside, is formulated with the phytocatalyst formulation of ammonium bicarbonate, MnEDTA and FeHEDTA; or BA-xylopyranoside may be formulated with the Phytocatalyst formulation of ammonium formate, manganese nitrate and ferric nitrate adjusted to pH 5 with ammonium phosphates.

In the embodiment wherein the root and/or shoot is dipped in a bath of the formulation, it is preferred to pulse the application of the formulation of the present invention by dipping the shoot and/or root in the bath containing the formulation for a period of time and then removing the shoot and/or root from the formulation. The dipping period may be from 10 minute to 60 minutes, and is preferably from 30 to 45 minutes.

The formulations of the present invention may also be applied to plant tissues, such as cell suspensions, callus tissue cultures, and micropropagation cultures. Such plant tissues may be treated with the formulations of the present invention by adding the formulation to the culture medium in which the plant tissues are being cultivated. For example, 25 ppm zeatn glucoside may be added to an agar supported protocorm nutrient medium. Formulations may be formulated at very low concentrations without surfactant or spreader for treatments of roots and liquid suspension culture media.

In the methods of the present invention, the formulations are typically applied in the amount of between 3 gallons per acre and 100 gallons per acre, depending upon the application method. For horticulture applications, the formulations are preferably applied in the amount of between 75 gallons per acre and 100 gallons per acre. For ground-rig row crop applications, the formulations are preferably applied in the amount of between 10 gallons per acre and 40 gallons per acre. As a standard for consistent comparisons, treatments of this invention are calibrated to convential foliar spray ground rig volumes of 20 gallons per acre. For aerial applications by helicopter or airplane crop dusters, the formulations are preferably applied in the amount of between 1 gallon per acre and 5 gallons per acre. The formulations may be applied in a single application, or in multiple applications interrupted by periods of photosynthetic activity. Ornamentals and other tender nursery plants meant for indoor horticulture will frequently require lower concentrations and perhaps more frequent application than outdoor agricultural crops.

In general agricultural practice, withholding pesticidal application to the target crop for 2 days prior to and following treatment is recommended to prevent interference. Suitable light and temperature conditions may be achieved by treating plants at any time of day or night. Optimal to hot temperatures, usually above 15°C and preferably above 30°C, may be required after treatment. The plants should remain exposed to the sunlight or high intensity illumination for a period of time sufficient to allow for incorporation of treatments. Usually, the plants should remain exposed to sunlight or other illumination during daylight photoperiods for at least six hours after treatments. Sufficient nutrients should be present to support healthy growth.

Throughout the growing season after treatments, either sun or artificial illumination should have an intensity and duration sufficient for prolonged high rates of photosynthesis. A minimum suitable illumination intensity is 200 μmol photosynthetically active quanta (400- 700 urn) mV, with direct sunlight normally providing much higher illumination. Prior to treatment, leaf temperature should be sufficiently high for optimal growth or hotter, usually above 100°C to 35°C. After treatment, the leaf temperature will normally drop as a consequence of improved transpiration. It is preferable that the plant be exposed to at least a week of intense illumination preferably greater than 500 μmol photosynthetically active quanta mV following application of the formulations of the present invention.

Formulations according to the present invention may be tailored for specific uses, including enhanced yield; early yield; rapid cycling through growing seasons; aftermarket; rooting; branching; flower retention; fruit optimization; and in all areas of PGRS with one or more glycosylators, PGR-glycosides, and phytocatalysts, which have commercial impact and in which optimal growth and quality control is beneficial.

In addition to the methods and formulations described hereinabove, the present invention also includes a plant growth enhancing system. The system includes (a) an aqueous solution containing an amount of a phytocatalyst which provides component that supports enzymes necessary for transport of glycosides in the plant, and (b) an aqueous solution containing an amount of a glycosylator which induces PGR-glycosylation and (c) an aqueous solution containing an amount of PGR which induces growth of the plant by transport of said glycosylator to glycosidic sites in said plant. Typically, the phytocatalyst is selected from the group consisting of ammoniacal nitrogen, soluble manganese, and soluble iron and combinations thereof, although any of the phytocatalyst components described hereinabove may be employed in the systems of the present invention. The glycosylator employed in the systems of the present invention may also be selected from those described above. Preferred glycosylators for use in the systems of the present invention include, but are not limited to, alcohols, organic acids, bicarbonates and alkyl glycosides and combinations thereof. Preferred PGRS for use in the systems of the present invention include, but are not limited to, auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, and brassinosteroids and combinations thereof. The aqueous solutions employed in the systems of the present invention may be formulated in the same manner as described above for compositions, using the same types of aqueous carriers. One preferred system according to the present invention includes a formulation of urea- formaldehyde, ammonium sulfate, MnEDTA and FeHEDTA as the phytocatalyst; with elevated carbon dioxide and potassium formate as the glycosylator; and IAA+K as the PGR blend. Another preferred system according to the present invention includes tyrosine methyl ester HC1, ammonium nitrate, manganese acetate, and ferric chloride as the phytocatalyst; plus formamidine acetate and as the glycosylator; and with NAA+BA+GA as the PGR blend.

The following examples are provided to further illustrate the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting thereof. In these examples, KOH, HC1, ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, manganese EDTA, ferric EDTA, ferric HEDTA, Dow Corning® surfactants, and purified water were obtained from Dow Chemical Company. Ethanol (Ethan), ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, methanol (meow), ammonium phosphate, and sodium bicarbonate, were obtained from Fisher Scientific. CPGRS, PGRs, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) were obtained from Sigma. TWEEN^® was obtained from ICI; SILWET^® surfactants were obtained from OSi; and Pluronic^® surfactants were obtained from BASE. In these examples, "1" means liter; "ml" means milliliter; "cm" means centimeter;

"cm²" means centimeters squared; "nm" means nanometer; "g" means grams; "mg' means milligrams; "M" means molar; "mM" means millimolar; "μM" means micromolar; "mol" means moles; "μmol" means micromoles; "mg/ml" means milligrams per milliliter; "ml/cm²" means milliliters per centimeter squared; "ppm" means parts per million based on weight; "percent" or "percent" means percent by weight (of the composition); "Da" means Daltons; "1/mm" means liters per minute; "h" means hour(s); "mm" means minute(s); "s" means second(s); "°C" means degrees Centigrade (all temperatures are in "°C, unless otherwise indicated).

Following are examples of specific compositions according to the present invention, which may advantageously be employed in the methods of the present invention to treat plants and to enhance growth in plants to increase transport of glycosides in plants. The following exemplary compositions are intended to provide further guidance to those skilled in the art, and do not represent an exhaustive listing of compositions within the scope of the present invention.

First Exemplary Composition: Foliar

Composition Formula Broad Range Concentration Narrow Range Concentration Zeatin glucoside 1 mM 100 ppm to 5000 ppm 300 to 900 ppm

Ammonium sulfate 50 mM 0.1 percent to 0.9 percent 0.5 percent to 0.7 percent

Mn-EDTA 0.05 mM 1 ppm to 75 ppm Mn 20 ppm to 35 ppm

Fe-EDTA 0.03 mM 3 ppm to 40 ppm Fe 10 ppm to 20 ppm

Dow Corning^® 211 0.3 g/1 0.2g/l to 0.5 g/1 0.2 g/1 to 0.3 g/1 Pluronic^® L-62 0.9 g/1 0.6g/l to l.O g/l 0.6 g/1 to 0.9 g/1

Make the formula in water. Spray on foliage at a volume of 20 gallons per acre. Allow approximately a week or more between treatments.

Second Exemplary Composition: Root Immersion

Composition Formula Broad Range Cone. Narrow Range Cone.

Kinetin glucoside 0.3 mM 1 ppmtoόOO ppm 50 to 200 ppm

Ammonium nitrate 30 mM 0.1 percent to0.5percent 0.1 percent to 0.3 percent

Potassium Phosphates 8 mM 0.1 percent toθ.5 percent 0.1 percent to 0.2 percent

Mn-EDTA 0.02 mM 1 ppmto20 ppm 1 ppm to 5 ppm

Fe-EDTA 0.02 mM 1 ppm to 100 ppm Fe 10 ppm to 20 ppm Immerse roots of plants in the aqueous solution for 15 minutes to one hour. Remove from solution and transfer roots into water, taking care to keep roots drenched with water at all times. Transplant treated plants into appropriate media.

Additional Exemplary Heterocyclic Alkyl Glycosides Formulations

Heterocyclic Alkyl Glycoside Preferred concentration Cone. Range

_mM 2m/l mM gm/1 Naphthyl glucoside 3 mM 0.9 gm 1 3 to lOmM 0.5 to 5 gm/1 Phenyl glucoside 0.3 mM 0.08 gm/1 O.l to l mM 0.01 to 3gm/l Zeatin glucoside 1 mM 0.4 gm/1 0.3 to 2 mM 0.1 to 2 gm/1 Kinetin glucoside 1 mM 0.4 gm/1 0.3 to 2 mM 0.1 to 2 gm/1 Kinetin riboside 1 mM 0.4 gm 1 0.3 to 2 mM 0.1 to 1 gm/1 Benzylaminopurine glucoside 1 mM 0.3 gm 1 0.3 to 2 mM O.lto 1 gm/1

The above listed heterocylic alkyl glycosides were calibrated to a foliar application volume of 20 gallons per acre and were formulated with Fe, Mn, NH₄ and wetting agents to support activation and leaf penetration. For example, Zeatin β-D-glucoside was purchased from Sigma and formulated with 50 mM ammonium sulfate, 20 ppm manganese and 20 ppm iron. The solution was applied to radish foliage with 1 gm/liter surfactant. At a concentration of 1 mM of zeatin glucoside, the application elicited a 74 percent increase in yield. The conjugated cytokinin, zeatin glucoside enhanced both shoot and root growth in the radish, with somewhat more shoot growth than root growth as shown below.

Compound Root (dry gm) Shoot (dry gm) Root (inc.) Shoot (inc.)

Control 0.037 0.135 0 percent 0 percent

Zeatin Glucoside 0.062 0.235 68 percent 74 percent First Exemplary Formulation for General Treatment of Crops

Compound Concentration

Phenyl glucoside 0.8 gm Ammonium sulfate 7 gms

Potassium phosphates 1 gm (adjust to pH 7 to pH 8)

MnEDTA ( 12percent Mn) 0.2 gm

FeEDTA ( 13 percent Fe) 0.2 gm

Block copolymer surfactant 0.8 gm Trisiloxane spreader 0.4 gm

Dissolve the above listed contents in 1 liter of water. Provide fertilizers to crop so that nutrient supplementation is optimized for desired yield. For example, for radish, apply to foliage of the crop at a volume of 20 gallons per acre; for rice apply to foliage of the crop at a volume of 7 gallons per acre.

Second Exemplary Formulation for General Treatment of Crops

Compound Concentration Zeatin glucoside 0.4 gm

Block copolymer surfactant 2 gms

Provide fertilizers to crop so that nutrient supplementation is optimized for desired yield. Dissolve contents in 1 liter of water. Apply to foliage of the crop at a volume of 20 gallons per acre. In instances where nutrients are not optimized for a given crop, supplement the exemplary formulations with the following minimal plant nutrients:

Ammonium sulfate 7 gms

Potassium phosphates 1 gm (adjust to pH 7 to pH 8) MnEDTA( 12 percent Mn) 0.2 gm

FeEDTA ( 13 percent Fe) 0.2 gm Although specific features of the invention are described with respect to one example and not others, this is for convenience only as some feature of one described example may be combined with one or more of the other examples in accordance with the methods and formulations of the invention.

Other permutations of the methods and formulations of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the following claims:

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for treating plants and for enhancing plant growth, comprising the step of, applying an effective amount of one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of conjugated plant growth regulators, derivatives of said regulators and combinations thereof, to said plant.

2. The method of Claim 1 , wherein one or more of said compounds comprises phenyl glycoside.

3. The method of Claim 2, wherein an effective amount comprises phenyl glycoside between about 25 ppm to 250 ppm concentration.

4. The method of Claim 1 , wherein one or more of said compounds comprises zeatin glycoside.

5. The method of Claim 1 , wherein one or more of said conjugated plant growth regulators is selected from a group consisting of, naphthyl glycoside, phenyl glycoside, zeatin glycoside, kinetin glycoside and benzylaminopurine glycoside.

6. The method of Claim 1 , further comprising the step of applying one or more phytocatalysts.

7. The method of Claim 6, wherein one or more of said phytocatalysts comprises one or more nutrients selected from a group consisting of iron, manganese and nitrogen.

8. The method of Claim 7, wherein said nitrogen nutrient comprises ammoniacal nitrogen.

9. The method of Claim 1 , wherein said effective amount is between about 25 ppm to 2.500 ppm.

10. A method for treating plants and for enhancing plant growth, comprising the step of, applying an effective amount of one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of heterocylic alkyl glycosides, derivatives of said heterocyclic alkyl glycosides and combinations thereof, to said plant.

11. The method of Claim 10, further comprising the step of applying one or more plant growth regulators to said plant.

12. The method of Claim 11, further comprising the step of applying one or more phytocatalysts to said plant.

13. The method of Claim 12, wherein one or. more of said phytocatalysts comprises one or more nutrients selected from a group consisting of iron, manganese and nitrogen.

14. The method of Claim 10, further comprising the step of applying one or more phytocatalysts to said plant.

15. The method of Claim 10, wherein one or more of said phytocatalysts comprises one or more nutrients selected from a group consisting of iron, manganese and nitrogen.

16. The method of Claim 10, wherein said effective amount is between about 25 ppm and 1,000 ppm.

17. A method for treating plants and for enhancing plant growth, comprising the steps of, applying an effective amount of one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of heterocylic alkyl glycosides, derivatives of said heterocyclic alkyl glycosides and combinations thereof, to said plant; applying one or more plant growth regulators to said plant; and applying one more phytocatalysts to said plant.

18. The method of Claim 17, wherein one or more of said phytocatalysts comprises one or more nutrients selected from a group consisting of iron, manganese and nitrogen.

19. A formulation for treating plants and for enhancing plant growth, comprising, one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of conjugated plant growth regulators, derivatives of said regulators and combinations thereof, to said plant; and one or more phytocatalysts.

20. The formulation of Claim 19, wherein one or more of said regulators comprises one or more heterocyclic alkyl glycosides.

21. The formulation of Claim 19, wherein one or more of said heterocyclic alkyl glycosides comprises zeatin glycoside.

22. The formulation of Claim 19, wherein One or more of said regulators is aromatic and comprises phenyl glycoside.

23. The formulation of Claim 19, wherein one or more of said phytocatalysts comprises one or more nutrients selected from a group consisting of iron, manganese and nitrogen.

24. The formulation of Claim 19, further comprising one or more surfactants.