WO2005021715A2 - Methodes propres a ameliorer la croissance des plantes et les rendements des cultures par ajustement des niveaux, ratios et cofacteurs hormonaux - Google Patents

Methodes propres a ameliorer la croissance des plantes et les rendements des cultures par ajustement des niveaux, ratios et cofacteurs hormonaux Download PDF

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WO2005021715A2
WO2005021715A2 PCT/US2004/026851 US2004026851W WO2005021715A2 WO 2005021715 A2 WO2005021715 A2 WO 2005021715A2 US 2004026851 W US2004026851 W US 2004026851W WO 2005021715 A2 WO2005021715 A2 WO 2005021715A2
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Prior art keywords
auxin
plant
growth
hormone
seed
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PCT/US2004/026851
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English (en)
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WO2005021715A3 (fr
Inventor
Jerry H. Stoller
Sherry Leclere
Albert Liptay
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Stoller Enterprises, Inc.
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Priority claimed from US10/677,708 external-priority patent/US8252722B2/en
Priority to AU2004269349A priority Critical patent/AU2004269349B2/en
Priority to NZ546042A priority patent/NZ546042A/en
Priority to KR1020067003670A priority patent/KR101120973B1/ko
Priority to EP04786531A priority patent/EP1667520A4/fr
Priority to JP2006524018A priority patent/JP2007503391A/ja
Application filed by Stoller Enterprises, Inc. filed Critical Stoller Enterprises, Inc.
Priority to BRPI0413789-2A priority patent/BRPI0413789A/pt
Priority to CA2536322A priority patent/CA2536322C/fr
Priority to MXPA06002037A priority patent/MXPA06002037A/es
Publication of WO2005021715A2 publication Critical patent/WO2005021715A2/fr
Publication of WO2005021715A3 publication Critical patent/WO2005021715A3/fr
Priority to IL173632A priority patent/IL173632A/en
Priority to TNP2006000062A priority patent/TNSN06062A1/en
Priority to EGNA2006000179 priority patent/EG25315A/xx

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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01NPRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N37/00Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing organic compounds containing a carbon atom having three bonds to hetero atoms with at the most two bonds to halogen, e.g. carboxylic acids
    • A01N37/10Aromatic or araliphatic carboxylic acids, or thio analogues thereof; Derivatives thereof
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01NPRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N25/00Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests
    • A01N25/22Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests containing ingredients stabilising the active ingredients
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01NPRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N37/00Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing organic compounds containing a carbon atom having three bonds to hetero atoms with at the most two bonds to halogen, e.g. carboxylic acids
    • A01N37/42Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing organic compounds containing a carbon atom having three bonds to hetero atoms with at the most two bonds to halogen, e.g. carboxylic acids containing within the same carbon skeleton a carboxylic group or a thio analogue, or a derivative thereof, and a carbon atom having only two bonds to hetero atoms with at the most one bond to halogen, e.g. keto-carboxylic acids
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01NPRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N39/00Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing aryloxy- or arylthio-aliphatic or cycloaliphatic compounds, containing the group or, e.g. phenoxyethylamine, phenylthio-acetonitrile, phenoxyacetone
    • A01N39/02Aryloxy-carboxylic acids; Derivatives thereof
    • A01N39/04Aryloxy-acetic acids; Derivatives thereof
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01NPRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N43/00Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds
    • A01N43/34Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds having rings with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom
    • A01N43/36Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds having rings with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom five-membered rings
    • A01N43/38Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds having rings with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom five-membered rings condensed with carbocyclic rings
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01NPRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N43/00Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds
    • A01N43/34Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds having rings with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom
    • A01N43/40Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds having rings with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom six-membered rings
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01NPRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N43/00Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds
    • A01N43/90Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds having two or more relevant hetero rings, condensed among themselves or with a common carbocyclic ring system
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01NPRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N45/00Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, containing compounds having three or more carbocyclic rings condensed among themselves, at least one ring not being a six-membered ring
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01NPRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N59/00Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing elements or inorganic compounds
    • A01N59/14Boron; Compounds thereof
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01NPRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N61/00Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing substances of unknown or undetermined composition, e.g. substances characterised only by the mode of action
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01NPRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N2300/00Combinations or mixtures of active ingredients covered by classes A01N27/00 - A01N65/48 with other active or formulation relevant ingredients, e.g. specific carrier materials or surfactants, covered by classes A01N25/00 - A01N65/48

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to methods for improving the growth and crop productivity of plants by adjusting plant hormone levels and/or ratios. These methods are also useful for improving the resistance of plants to infestation by insects and pathogens, while, at the same time, improving plant growth by controlling plant hormones. More specifically, the present invention is directed to methods for achieving those goals by applying an effective amount of one or more plant hormones to the plant tissue. Alternatively, these goals are achieved by applying to the plant tissue other substances that effect the level of one or more plant hormones in the plant tissue, causing the hormone(s) to move into a desired range.
  • Plant hormones have been known and studied for years. Plant hormones may be assigned to one of five categories: auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid and ethylene. Ethylene has long been associated with fruit ripening and leaf abscission. Abscisic acid causes the formation of winter buds, triggers seed dormancy, controls the opening and closing of stomata and induces leaf senescence. Gibberellins, primarily gibberellic acid, are involved in breaking dormancy in seeds and in the stimulation of cell elongation in stems. Gibberellins are also known to cause dwarf plants to elongate to normal size.
  • Cytokinins e.g., zeatin
  • Cytokinins are produced primarily in the roots of plants. Cytokinins stimulate growth of lateral buds lower on the stem, promote cell division and leaf expansion and retard plant aging. Cytokinins also enhance auxin levels by creating new growth from meristematic tissues in which auxins are synthesized. Auxins, primarily indole-3- acetic acid (IAA) promote both cell division and cell elongation, and maintain apical dominance. Auxins also stimulate secondary growth in the vascular cambium, induce the formation of adventitious roots and promote fruit growth. [003] Auxins and cytokinins have complex interactions.
  • IAA indole-3- acetic acid
  • auxin is synthesized in the shoot apex, while cytokinin is synthesized mostly in the root apex.
  • the ratio of auxin to cytokinin is normally high in the shoots, while it is low in the roots. If the ratio of auxin to cytokinin is altered by increasing the relative amount of auxin, root growth is stimulated. On the other hand, if the ratio of auxin to cytokinin is altered by increasing the relative amount of cytokinin, shoot growth is stimulated.
  • auxin indole-3-acetic acid
  • IAA indole-3-acetic acid
  • other synthetic auxins including indole-3-butyric acid (IBA); naphthalene acetic acid (NAA); 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D); and 2,4,5- trichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4, 5-T or agent orange) are known. While these are recognized as synthetic auxins, it should be acknowledged that IBA does naturally occur in plant tissues. Many of these synthetic auxins have been employed for decades as herbicides, producing accelerated and exaggerated plant growth followed by plant death. Agent orange gained widespread recognition when it was used extensively by the United States Army and Air Force in deforestation applications during the Vietnam War. 2,4-D finds continuing use in a number of commercial herbicides sold for use by the home gardener.
  • auxins Compounds are classified as auxins based on their biological activity in plants.
  • a primary activity for classification includes simulation of cell growth and elongation.
  • Auxins have been studied since the 1800's. Charles Darwin noticed that grass coleoptiles would grow toward a uni-directional light source. He discovered that the growth response of bending toward the light source occurred in the growth zone below the plant tip, even though it was the tip that perceived the light stimulus. Darwin suggested that a chemical messenger was transported between the plant tip and the growth zone. That messenger was later identified as an auxin.
  • All plants require a certain ratio of auxin, i.e., IAA, to cytokinin for cell division. While the ratios may vary, it is well known that the ratio of IAA to cytokinin must be much greater for cell division in the apical meristem tissue than the ratio in the meristem tissue of the roots. Each part of a plant may require a different IAA to cytokinin ratio for cell division. For example, different ratios may be required for cell division in the stem, fruit, grain and other plant parts. In fact, it has been estimated that the ratio for apical meristem cell division may be considerably more, in fact, as much as 1000 times greater than the ratio necessary for root cell division. While the mechanism by which this ratio is determined remains unknown, other hormones and enzymes are likely to be involved in its perception.
  • Plants generally grow best at temperatures from about 68° F to about 87° F (about 21 - 30° C). In this temperature range it is presumed that plants produce sufficient amounts of auxins, particularly IAA, to maintain normal growth. While ideal temperatures vary among species, crop plants typically grow best in the foregoing range. While temperature is an important factor, it should also be noted that other environmental factors can effect cell division. The moisture content of the plant, the nutrient status (especially the level of available nitrogen), the light intensity on the plant and the age of the plant, together with the temperature, all effect the ability of the plant to produce plant hormones, including IAA and cytokinin which dictate cell division.
  • Plants respond to light during the growth process.
  • the light in the range of the red wavelengths is primarily used by plants in order to trigger normal plant growth. It also determines the plant's photoperiodism.
  • red wavelength light is reduced on plant parts by the shading effect of neighboring plants. This causes the shaded plant to seek out more sunlight and causes the extension of internode length as the shaded plant rapidly grows to seek more sunlight.
  • auxin particularly IAA moves from the light side of plant tissue to the dark side.
  • shading of lower plant parts becomes prominent in a field of plants the movement of IAA from the new apical meristem tissue rapidly accelerates downward in the plant. The movement of IAA downward will be dependent upon the amount of shade that occurs at the bottom of the plant.
  • gibberellic acid tends to migrate in a plant to where there is the most abundance of red wavelength light, it will tend to move upward in a plant toward the apical meristem tissue. This, in turn, triggers the more rapid movement downward of IAA toward the shaded side of the plant.
  • the amount of movement of IAA downward will depend upon the positioning of the apical meristem tissue of the plant. If the apical meristem tissue is located more vertically from the plant crown, IAA movement downward will be greater. If the apical meristem tissue is located more horizontally relative to the plant crown, IAA movement will be less. If the apical meristem tissue on a branch or a limb is bent downward, it is very difficult for IAA to move against gravity and therefore its movement downward will be limited.
  • auxins are efficiently transported out of the tissues where they are metabolized and move downward in the plant. This results in the redistribution of auxin and the reduction of the auxin level in the tissues where it was produced. The result is tissues that are deficient in the level of auxin.
  • the present invention is based upon the Stoller model for plant growth.
  • This model was developed from a combination of field observations and analysis of the scientific literature. This model takes into account published data on plant hormone levels and relates them to plant growth that can be observed to result from changes in these hormone levels. Although much research has been done over the past century on plant hormones, this is to our knowledge the first comprehensive model relating levels of hormones directly to field-observed plant growth responses. This model also provides for the first time an applicable method for controlling plant growth in the field with natural plant hormones to generate desired growth. Although there is a broad research base in the literature, most of this research deals with only one hormone or the specifics of the interaction of a subset of hormones within a very defined event.
  • Ideal plant growth is defined as growth that would occur under conditions of ideal temperature, moisture, light, and nutrient balance, and is represented by adequate growth of both root and shoot tissues such that the growth of one tissue does not dominate at the expense of another tissue during any growth stage.
  • ideal growth a plant is neither infected by pathogens nor invaded by insects or parasites.
  • An ideally growing plant is generally compact in appearance, with equal amounts of root and shoot mass, good color, and good flower and fruit set. An ideally growing plant will give the maximum yield possible from its genetic potential.
  • Boron has been shown to be essential for nitrogen fixation by plants, where it enhances the stability of the interconnections between the nodules and the plant roots. Moreover, from an evolutionary standpoint boron-regulated growth may be correlated with the ability of vascular plants to maintain upright growth and to form lignified secondary walls.
  • boron may be directly associated with cell growth.
  • An aploplastic target for the primary action of boron deprivation which signals deeper into the cell via endocytosis-mediated pectin along a putative cell wall plasma membrane cytoskeleton continuum has also been suggested.
  • Boron in animals can act both at the transcriptional and translational level. Further research will likely bear out similar action in plants. Boron is taken up by the plant and accumulates at the growing points where it enters the cell walls.
  • boron has an important role in ionic membrane transport regulation. Boron appears to be most active in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, i.e., just before and during mitosis when cells divide.
  • This invention provides a model for understanding the ways hormones function in crop plants, and provides methods by which plant growth can be manipulated through the addition of hormone solutions through application to roots or aerial tissues.
  • the method relies on the observation that the root of the plant is the primary organ responsible for sensing environmental conditions and sending hormone cues.
  • Central to the invention is the observation that hormone responses are determined chiefly by the establishment of auxin and cytokinin gradients within the plant. It is the relative levels of hormones to one another and to auxin and cytokinin that are the determining factors for most hormone responses.
  • the present invention is directed to methods for improving the growth and crop productivity of plants by adjusting the level or ratio of plant hormones in the tissues of the plant.
  • a plant hormone in an amount effective to produce the desired effect e.g., improved growth, improved fruit set, or improved plant architecture, is applied to the plant tissue.
  • Improvements to plant architecture may include more prolific and continuous root growth; shorter stature with shorter internodes; stalkier, more branching shoot configuration; thicker leaves with enhanced photosynthetic capacity and enhanced sugar (photosynthate) transfer to the anatomic, crop portions having economic interest to the producer; even, continuous and enhanced cell division and cell expansion resulting in improved number and quality of flower pollination, fruit initiation, fruit sizing and compositional development; or similarly, enhanced tuber, seed, stem or leaf development and performance with concomitant enhanced qualities in shipping, storage or merchandising. While any of the plant hormones may be effective, the hormone is typically selected from the auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins and abscisic acid.
  • the presently preferred hormone is an auxin, particularly indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) or indole-3-butyric acid (IBA).
  • the auxin is applied in an amount insufficient to negatively affect growth of the plant tissues.
  • PGRs plant growth regulators
  • PGRs plant growth regulators
  • the auxin is selected from the group consisting of the natural auxins, synthetic auxins, auxin metabolites, auxin precursors, auxin derivatives and mixtures thereof.
  • the preferred auxin is a natural auxin, most preferably indole-3-acetic acid.
  • the presently preferred synthetic auxin is indole-3-butyric acid.
  • manipulation of the auxin level within the desired range can be achieved by application of a plant growth regulator or hormone, e.g., cytokinin or gibberellic acid.
  • a hormone e.g., an auxin or another PGR
  • the auxin or PGR is applied to the roots, foliage, flowers or fruits of the plant after planting.
  • auxin is preferably applied at a rate of about 0.0028 to about 0.028 grams auxin per 100 kg. seed weight.
  • the rate of application may be calculated so as to result in about 0.0125 to about 2.8 grams auxin per hectare of planted pieces.
  • the auxin should be applied at a rate of about 0.0002 to about 0.06 grams auxin per hectare per day. Multiple applications may be required over an extended growing period.
  • the hormone e.g., an auxin or another PGR
  • the solution may be applied as an aqueous solution or as a powder.
  • the solution may be applied to the plant tissue by conventional spraying or irrigation techniques.
  • the solution may further include a metal selected from the group consisting of the alkaline earth metals, transition metals, boron and mixtures thereof.
  • Such metals preferably are selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, iron, cobalt, molybdenum and mixtures thereof.
  • Seeds or tubers may be treated prior to planting by spraying with or by immersion in such aqueous solutions.
  • the preferred method of applying PGRs may be along with a boron-containing solution.
  • boron is known to modulate respiration.
  • the boron requirement for reproductive growth is higher than that for vegetative growth.
  • Boron interacts with auxin especially in cell elongation such as pollen tubes, trichomes and other cells.
  • Boron also stimulates auxin-sensitive plasmalemma NADH-oxidase and is necessary for the auxin stimulation of ferricyanide-induced proton release in plant cells.
  • Boron is also part of the endocytosis mechanism of rhamnogalacturonan II dimers (linking through di-ester bonds) in formation of primary walls in dividing cells such as root tips, trichomes or pollen tubes.
  • boron is linked with auxin-mediated cell division as well as auxin-mediated cell elongation.
  • boron has been reported to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activities. Accordingly, it is believed that application of PGRs, together with boron, will improve the effect of the PGR in suppressing insect and pathogen infestation in plants.
  • the hormone e.g., an auxin or other PGRs
  • the hormone may also be applied as a dry powder.
  • the hormone is mixed with an environmentally and biologically compatible material.
  • the powder may be applied to the foliage, flowers or fruits of the plant by conventional dusting methods.
  • the powder may be encapsulated in a biologically compatible material to provide slow release when placed on or near the seeds, tubers or roots of the plant.
  • biologically compatible materials include the clays, lignites, resins, silicones and mixtures thereof.
  • the methods of the present invention improve plant architecture, e.g., by limiting excessive growth of vines, by controlling internode length, by controlling top growth, by controlling flower set, by increasing fruit size and/or by increasing total crop yield. These improvements are achieved by applying an effective amount of a hormone, preferably an auxin, to the plant tissue.
  • a hormone preferably an auxin
  • the present invention includes seeds and seed pieces for producing plants having dispersed on the surface thereof a hormone, e.g., an auxin or other PGR, in an amount effective to alter plant architecture as explained above, but in an amount insufficient to negatively effect growth of the plant tissues.
  • a plant growth regulator e.g., a plant hormone such as cytokinin or gibberellic acid, which acts by affecting the level or effectiveness of applied auxin may be used.
  • a plant growth regulator e.g., a plant hormone such as cytokinin or gibberellic acid, which acts by affecting the level or effectiveness of applied auxin may be used.
  • Such PGR should be dispersed on the surface of seeds or seed pieces in an amount effective to manipulate the auxin level within the desired range.
  • FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the level of various plant hormones present in plant tissue during the plant growth cycle
  • FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating the gradient of auxin to cytokinin in plant tissue between the roots and the shoots of the plant;
  • FIG. 3 is a bar graph illustrating the effect on hypocotyl length resulting from treatment of radish plants with various plant hormones in accord with the present invention as summarized in Table I;
  • FIG. 4 is a bar graph illustrating the effect on leaf length resulting from treatment of radish plants with various plant hormones in accord with the present invention as summarized in Table I;
  • FIG. 5 is a bar graph illustrating the effect on average shoot height resulting from foliar applied treatment of radish plants with various plant hormones in accord with the present invention as summarized in Table II;
  • FIG. 6 is a bar graph illustrating the effect on the average total fruit weight of tomatoes produced from plants treated with various plant hormones in accord with the present invention as summarized in Table III;
  • FIGS. 7 is a bar graph illustrating the effect on the average fruit weight of individual tomatoes produced from plants treated with various plant hormones in accord with the present invention as summarized in Table III;
  • Fig. 8 is a bar graph illustrating the length of, respectively, the first, second and third internodes resulting from treating cucumber plants with different plant hormones, either alone or in combination, in accord with present invention as summarized in Table IV;
  • Figs. 9a - 9e are bar graphs illustrating, respectively, the average vine length, average internode number, average number of branches, average internode length and average fruit length of cucumber plants treated with various plant hormones in accord with the present invention as summarized in Table V;
  • Figs. 10a - 10c are bar graphs illustrating, respectively, the average plant height, canopy diameter and root weight of pepper plants treated with various dosage rates of a plant growth regulator solution in accord with the present invention as summarized in Table VI;
  • Figs. 11 a and 11 b are bar graphs illustrating, respectively, the average yield per plant and percentage of peppers graded large / fancy from pepper plants treated with various dosage rates of a plant growth regulator solution in accord with the present invention as summarized in Table VII.
  • the Stoller model for plant growth states that plant growth is a direct response to hormone signals and hormone balance, and this balance is dynamic, changing with plant age and in response to environmental conditions such as temperature, moisture, nutrient balance, and light.
  • cytokinin levels briefly rise to a maximum level, and this rise coincides with a period of rapid cell division (Lur and Setter 1993). This is followed by a rise in auxin, gibberellin and abscisic acid levels (Marschner 1986).
  • cytokinin is the first hormone produced. This is perhaps most obvious through the observation that during seed germination, the radicle, or seedling root, is the first structure to emerge from the seed coat.
  • the root is the primary site of cytokinin biosynthesis (Davies 1995). Cytokinin then moves from the root tip upward into the shoot, and establishes a gradient in which cytokinin is high in root tips and decreases gradually toward the shoot apex. Once cytokinin has reached the shoot apex, cell division is stimulated. These new shoot tissues produce auxin, and this auxin is the dominant hormone in young shoot tissues (Davies 1995). During this stage, cell division and therefore growth is directly correlated to the relative amounts of auxin and cytokinin in the tissue, as the length of time cell division will occur is dependent on the relative amounts of these hormones. When levels in the tissue are adequate, cell division will occur. When levels of one or both of these hormones decrease below a critical ratio, cell division will cease. If hormones can be added to tissues at this time, the period of cell division can be prolonged. This will potentially increase cell number and, therefore, size of plant tissues.
  • the auxin produced in the new shoot tissues travels down the stem to the roots, where it stimulates cell division to generate lateral root growth. As auxin is transported out of shoot tissues, it stimulates the synthesis of gibberellic acid (GA). Therefore, after the stage of cell division, gibberellin levels begin to rise in the tissue while cytokinin and auxin levels fall (Marschner 1986). If auxin transport does not occur, gibberellic acid biosynthesis will not occur (Wolbang and Ross, 2001). While auxin seems to be most responsible for the expansion of leaf cells, gibberellic acid plays an important part in the elongation of stem cells (Fosket 1994).
  • a high level of auxin transport downward will generate greater biosynthesis of gibberellic acid, and thus longer internode length.
  • Gibberellic acid also causes elongation of stolons in potato, and high gibberellic acid levels in potato stolons will prevent tuberization. During this period in which gibberellin dominates, cell size increases. See Fig. 1.
  • ABA abscisic acid
  • the auxin that was synthesized during the cell division stage stimulates not only gibberellic acid production, but also ethylene biosynthesis. Ethylene in turn stimulates ABA biosynthesis (Hansen and Grossman 2000). Ethylene and abscisic acid levels are responsible for tissue maturation and will eventually trigger senescence and death, once auxin, gibberellin and cytokinin levels decrease (Pessarakli 1994).
  • ethylene and abscisic acid can also be synthesized in response to plant stress. Often times a surge of reactive oxygen species coincides with increased ethylene (Abeles, et al., 1992). Abscisic acid and ethylene mediate several events associated with senescence and fruit ripening. Abscisic acid causes stomatal closure resulting in decreased carbon dioxide exchange and decreased photosynthesis, and abscisic acid inhibits sucrose mobilization by preventing phloem loading (Davies 1995).
  • Cytokinin is produced in meristematic tissues, primarily in the root, and can be transported to other tissues through the xylem and phloem (Pessarakli, 1994). Auxin is also produced in meristematic tissues, especially in shoots. Auxins can be transported downward through parenchyma cells via the action of polar auxin transporters, or can be transported in any direction through sieve tubes of the phloem (Pessarakli, 1994). Gibberellins are produced in growing tissues, with the highest concentrations of gibberellic acid being in roots and developing seeds, and lower concentrations in shoots and leaves. Gibberellic acid can be transported through both the xylem and the phloem. Abscisic acid is produced in all tissues and is transported to growing regions through either xylem or phloem. Ethylene is synthesized in all tissues and moves rapidly by diffusion (Pessarakli, 1994).
  • the growth of the plant is clearly a complex of responses to the interactions of many hormones. As stated earlier, it is well documented that a high cytokinin to auxin ratio will favor shoot development while a low cytokinin to auxin ration will favor root development (Pessarakli, 1994). These hormones also regulate the levels and possibly the transport of one another, lndole-3-acetic acid (IAA) can alter cytokinin levels and vice versa (Zhang et al 1996). In addition, other hormones affect the synthesis, degradation, and transport of one another. Gibberellic acid stimulates IAA oxidase activity to bring down IAA levels following the cell division stage.
  • IAA lndole-3-acetic acid
  • gibberellic acid can stimulate it's own biosynthesis through the repression of negative regulators of transcription (Gazzarrini and McCourt, 2003), and that IAA is required for gibberellic acid biosynthesis (Wolbang and Ross 2001). IAA has also been shown to stimulate the production of ethylene, and ethylene causes an increase in abscisic acid synthesis (Hansen and Grossman 2000).
  • the hormones In addition to regulating the levels of one another, the hormones also interact to affect plant processes as determined by the ratio of one hormone to another. High levels of abscisic acid and ethylene in young leaves will not induce senescence, and in young leaves auxin, gibberellic acid, and cytokinin levels are still relatively high. However in mature leaves, where auxin, gibberellic acid, and cytokinin levels have dropped, abscisic acid and ethylene do promote senescence. Thus, by changing the timing of the hormone fluxes in tissues, it is possible to change the timing of developmental events such as senescence.
  • Hormones also affect the transport of metabolites in the plant. Sucrose and gibberellic acid move in the opposite direction of IAA. In other words, in tissues where IAA levels are being reduced, either due to transport or degradation, gibberellic acid levels and subsequently sucrose levels rise. The mechanisms by which this process is mediated are unknown, but the transport of auxin conjugates appears to be involved in phloem loading (Davies 1995).
  • auxin metabolism many of the mineral nutrients associated in plant deficiencies are minerals involved in auxin metabolism. For example, zinc is a cofactor in auxin biosynthesis, and boron inhibits the lAA-oxidizing enzyme, thereby extending the half-life of IAA. Calcium is involved in auxin transport and auxin signaling pathways, and manganese and magnesium are cofactors for enzymes that liberate auxin from conjugate storage forms. Again, altering the nutrients that affect auxin content can skew the hormone balance and change the development of the plant.
  • Photosynthates in a plant normally move in an opposite direction to the IAA gradient.
  • IAA is produced in the apical meristem tissue and moves, by gravity, toward the basal part of the plant. When doing so, it directs the movement of photosynthates from mature leaves toward the apical meristem tissue of the plant.
  • the rapid growth of a plant is merely an indication of the quantity of photosynthates that are moving from mature leaves to the apical meristem tissue of the plant. This would also indicate that the gradient of IAA movement downward increases as the rapidity of growth of the plant increases.
  • Another way to decrease the IAA gradient is a topical application of IAA and/or IBA to the upper portions of the plant. This would tend to equalize to the level of IAA and/or IBA in all of the above ground plant tissue.
  • the gradient of IAA is neutralized. This can be more effectively done with short intervals, e.g., two to three days, between these topical applications.
  • these two auxins can be added, together with a boron solution, to maintain the activity of the IAA and/or IBA over a longer period of time. This is probably the preferred method of using IAA and/or IBA in regulating IAA gradient movement, because it eliminates more frequent applications and the costs associated therewith.
  • ABA abscisic acid
  • gibberellic acid and/or auxin abscisic acid
  • This is an enzyme related activity, which causes the germination of the seed under proper moisture and temperature conditions.
  • the first tissue that usually appears from the seed is the root.
  • Roots have the ability to synthesize cytokinin. Their ability to synthesize auxins is rather low. Therefore, in order to have adequate cell division the roots must receive a supply of IAA from the apical meristem tissue of new growth. It is a demand from the roots for additional IAA that forces the growing point and new leaves from a plant. New cell growth provides IAA to be transported downward to apical tissue of the root in order to trigger cell initiation and cell division. If the demand for IAA by the root system is greater then the upper portion of the plant can furnish, the root will trigger bud formation of new plants, which originate from the crown or the basal portion of the plant. This is manifested by suckering on corn, daughter plants on bananas, tillers on wheat, and vegetative stolons on potatoes.
  • auxin, cytokinin and/or gibberellic acid be applied in abundance at regular intervals to enable the plant to balance its own hormonal needs. This is critical to the use of plant growth hormones in order to control and increase the yield of crops. This is particularly important in obtaining the maximum genetic expression from any of the plant cells that are developing during any period of the plant's growth cycle.
  • IAA as a topical application or applied through the root system with regular abundance can control the activity of gibberellic acid and thereby control the growth of the plant during periods of plant shading due to high plant population, or in case of a tree, the shading of the internal parts of the plant by the leaves of the tree.
  • the function of the root is to provide the nutrients, minerals, and water needed by the plant to survive and reproduce.
  • the Stoller model also assumes that the root is the primary sensing organ of the plant, with the root cap functioning as a "thinking cap” to gather information about the outside conditions and communicate these conditions to other parts of the plant to initiate a response within the plant.
  • Numerous studies on gravitropic and touch responses have implicated the root cap in determining the direction in which the root should grow (Massa and Gilroy 2003, Boonsirichai, et al. 2002).
  • the root cap is likely the region of the plant most responsible for sensing environmental conditions and altering the hormone balance of the plant accordingly. It has been shown that signals from the root cap can stimulate the formation of an auxin gradient in the root (Boonsirichai et al. 2002, Chen et al. 2002), and that this auxin gradient results in root bending to alter the direction of root growth. It is likely that root cap signals may be carried throughout the plant to alter the gradients of many hormones and affect growth according to the environment the root caps perceive.
  • the Stoller model takes advantage of the role of the root cap in generating hormone signals through the application of plant hormones to the root area. Root application will be the preferred method of hormone application because it gives more consistent plant response due to the fact that the root cap is the growth control center as well as the natural source of many hormone signals.
  • the function of the shoot is to provide energy for growth through photosynthesis, and to carry out reproductive processes.
  • the shoot grows primarily in response to the conditions communicated from the root. The communications are likely perceived as a difference in the ratio of hormones to one another.
  • the result of this communication is an alteration of growth. For example, if root growth has been prolific, the amount of cytokinin produced in new root tissues will be higher relative to levels when there is less growth. This cytokinin level will result in a change in the gradient of auxin to cytokinin that will increase the cytokinin content in aerial tissues and stimulate new cell growth. See Fig. 2. The greater the root mass, or the stronger the cytokinin production, the more shoot growth will be stimulated.
  • cytokinin in roots during the vegetative growth stage can sometimes lead to excessive growth of vines in potato, and can also stimulate the production of lateral branching in dicots. During this vegetative period, the addition of auxin to the root area will prevent this unwanted top growth.
  • IAA synthesized in new shoot tissues can then be transported to the root, or can be diverted to any tissue along the way.
  • High IAA concentrations are also critical to bud development of flowers and fruit development. This is evidenced by the fact that when temperatures are very high during flower set and fruit set, there is a high rate of flower abscission and fruit malformation. This results because IAA synthesis is inhibited at higher temperatures (Rapparinini, et al 2002) possibly due to the temperature optima of the nitrilase genes involved in IAA biosynthesis (Vortechnik et al., 2001 ).
  • auxin is then transported out of the flower. As fruit and seed develop, these tissues, too, synthesize high levels of IAA, which is transported out.
  • This auxin transport causes several things to happen. First, gibberellic acid biosynthesis is stimulated in these tissues as the auxin is transported. Second, the auxin stimulates the release of sugars from the leaves. High levels of lAA-ester conjugates in phloem have been correlated with increased phloem loading of sugars (Davies 1995). The sugar loaded into the phloem can then be transported into developing fruits, tubers, or other sink tissues.
  • auxin moves into root tissues. Although some auxin in root tissues is beneficial, oversupply is harmful. Because roots normally have very low levels of auxin, root tissue is very sensitive to auxin levels. In fact it takes 100-fold more IAA to cause shoot sensitivity than it does to cause root sensitivity (Davies 1995). As a result of the high sensitivity of roots to the auxin gradient, the transport of large quantities of IAA from fruiting bodies overloads these cells and inhibits root cell growth. This is evidenced by the observations that root decline coincides with fruit set in soybean, and soybean plants with higher pod numbers show faster decline. An overabundance of auxin can both inhibit cell division directly and increase the synthesis of ethylene and subsequently abscisic acid. This will ultimately lead to root senescence and plant death.
  • auxin can be applied to roots at levels high enough to arrest root growth, it has never been suggested that the plant synthesizes enough auxin to bring about its own death.
  • cytokinin when applied at or just before first flower, cannot only delay root decline, but can in fact increase meristematic roots to levels even higher than before flowering. This application will increase plant life and reduce plant stress, and has even been observed to alleviate symptoms of verticillium wilt infection in potato.
  • cytokinin should be applied to the roots to balance this high level of auxin being transported down from flowers and fruits.
  • cytokinin should again be applied to correct this problem. Addition of cytokinin to the root area will balance the effects of excess auxin, abscisic acid, or ethylene and prolong root life.
  • the present invention is directed to methods for controlling the growth of plant tissues by manipulating the levels and ratios of plant hormones in the plant tissue, particularly in the roots of the plants. By manipulating there hormone levels and ratios, growth of the plant can be controlled to increase root size, extend root life, alter internode length, increase lateral branching, regulate appearance of new top growth and increase fruit quality.
  • a plant hormone e.g., an auxin
  • an auxin in an amount effective to produce the desired improved plant architecture and the resulting improvement in plant growth and productivity is applied to the plant tissue.
  • the auxin is applied in an amount sufficient to produce the desired result, it must be applied in an amount insufficient to negatively affect growth of plant tissue.
  • the level, ratio or effectiveness of endogenous or applied hormone may be manipulated to fall within ranges to produce those results.
  • the desired manipulation can be achieved by applying other plant growth regulators (PGRs), e.g., plant hormones such as the kinetins and gibberellins, more specifically cytokinin and gibberellic acid, and their precursors and/or derivatives in effective amounts.
  • PGRs plant growth regulators
  • auxins useful in the methods of the present invention are selected from the group consisting of the natural auxins, synthetic auxins, auxin metabolites, auxin pre-cursors, auxin derivatives and mixtures thereof.
  • the preferred auxin is indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a natural auxin.
  • the preferred synthetic auxin is indole-3-butyric acid (IBA).
  • exemplary synthetic auxins which may be employed in the methods of the present invention include indole propionic acid, indole-3-butyric acid, phenylacetic acid, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, 4-chloroindole-3-acetic acid, 2,4,5- trichlorophenoxy acetic acid, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy acetic acid, 2,3,6- trichlorobenzoic acid, 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoic acid, 4-amino-3,4,5-trichloropicolinic acid and mixtures thereof.
  • NAA naphthalene acetic acid
  • 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy acetic acid 2,3,6- trichlorobenzoic acid
  • 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoic acid 4-amino-3,4,5-trichloropicolinic acid and mixtures thereof.
  • PGRs plant growth hormones which act by altering the level or effectiveness of endogenous or applied auxin within the plant tissue may also be applied.
  • These hormones may include ethylene, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, jasmonates, salicylic acids and precursors and derivatives thereof.
  • the plant hormone e.g., an auxin or another PGR
  • an auxin should be applied at a rate of about 0.0028 to about 0.028 grams auxin per 100 kg seed weight.
  • the auxin is applied to seeds, e.g., bean seeds, at a rate of about 0.016 to about 0.1 12 grams auxin per 100 kg seed weight.
  • the auxins should be applied at a rate to result in about 0.125 to about 2.8 grams auxin per hectare of planted seed pieces.
  • the rate of application to potato seed pieces should result in about 0.125 to about 0.28 grams auxin per hectare of planted seed pieces.
  • the auxin When applied to the roots, foliage, flowers or fruits of plants, the auxin should be applied at a rate of about 0.0002 to about 0.06 grams auxin per hectare per day, more preferably at a rate of about 0.002 to about 0.01 grams auxin per hectare per day.
  • Application may be made over a series of days during the growing period based upon perceived stress on the plants and observed infestation.
  • another PGR may be applied at a rate sufficient to manipulate the level of endogenous and/or applied auxin to within the stated ranges.
  • the hormone is applied to the roots, foliage, flowers or fruits of a plant after planting. While application to the roots or tubers prior to planting or by soil application after planting, may produce the best results in some circumstances, in others, application to the foliage may be preferred. The specific crop and the desired result must be taken into account when selecting an application method.
  • the plant hormone e.g., an auxin or another PGR
  • the solution may include a metal selected from the group consisting of the alkaline earth metals, the transition metals, boron and mixtures thereof.
  • Preferred metals include calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, iron, cobalt, molybdenum and mixtures thereof. Most preferred are calcium and boron.
  • the metal may be present in a range from about 0.001 to about 10.0 percent-by-weight, preferably from about 0.001 to about 5.0 percent-by-weight.
  • the preferred method of applying the PGRs may be along with a boron-containing solution, including up to about 10.0 percent-by-weight boron. Boron will tend to stabilize the auxins in plant tissues to which such solutions are applied.
  • a metal preferably boron
  • the application of a metal, preferably boron, together with the PGR appears to extend the effective life of the PGR, thus permitting longer times between repeat applications.
  • Boron appears to improve the efficacy, both the life and activity, of added IAA by suppressing the activity and or synthesis of lAA-oxidase, the enzyme that degrades IAA in plants.
  • the anti-oxidant ascorbic acid may be part of the mechanism through which boron enhances IAA activity. Boron also enhances sugar transport in plants, cell wall synthesis, lignification, cell wall structure through its borate ester linkages, RNA metabolism, DNA synthesis, phenol metabolism, membrane functions and IAA metabolism. Further, boron is known to modulate respiration.
  • the boron requirement for reproductive growth is higher than that for vegetative growth.
  • Boron interacts with auxin especially in cell elongation such as pollen tubes, trichomes and other cells. Boron also stimulates auxin-sensitive plasmalemma NADH-oxidase and is necessary for the auxin stimulation of ferricyanide-induced proton release in plant cells. Boron is also part of the endocytosis mechanism of rhamnogalacturonan II dimers (linking through di-ester bonds) in formation of primary walls in dividing cells such as root tips, trichomes or pollen tubes. Thus, boron is linked with auxin-mediated cell division as well as auxin-mediated cell elongation. Finally, boron has been reported to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activities. Accordingly, it is believed that application of PGRs, together with boron, will improve the effect of the PGR in suppressing insect and pathogen infestation in plants.
  • IAA oxidase is the enzyme that is responsible for the catabolism of IAA.
  • gibberellic acid is to increase IAA oxidase, so that gibberellic acid can control cell growth.
  • boron decreases the level of IAA oxidase.
  • a solution containing the plant hormone e.g., an auxin or another PGR
  • a solution containing the plant hormone may be sprayed on seeds or tubers using conventional spray equipment.
  • the seeds or tubers may be immersed in an aqueous solution of the hormone.
  • an aqueous solution containing the hormone e.g., an auxin or another PGR
  • the hormone may be applied using conventional irrigation or spray equipment.
  • the hormone may be applied in a dry form as a powder.
  • the hormone is mixed with a biologically and environmentally compatible material.
  • Such a powder may be applied to the foliage, flowers or fruits by conventional dusting equipment.
  • the powder may be encapsulated in a biologically compatible material to provide for slow release when placed on or near the seeds, tubers or roots of the plant.
  • a biologically compatible material to provide for slow release when placed on or near the seeds, tubers or roots of the plant.
  • Such encapsulated materials may be placed directly on the seeds or tubers or may be dispersed within the root zone of the plant where the slowly released auxin may be absorbed by the roots.
  • Exemplary biologically compatible materials useful in encapsulation include the clays, lignites, resins, silicones and mixtures thereof.
  • the present invention includes seeds and seed pieces for producing plants which have been treated in accord with the present invention.
  • seed pieces include a plant seed or seed piece having dispersed on the surface thereof a plant hormone, e.g., an auxin or another PGR, in an amount effective to inhibit growth of harmful organisms in or on tissues of the plant, but in an amount insufficient to negatively affect growth of the plant tissues.
  • a plant hormone e.g., an auxin or another PGR
  • Such seeds and seed pieces have dispersed on the surface thereof a PGR in an amount sufficient to manipulate the endogenous and/or applied hormone level or ratio to within a range for producing the desired result.
  • Such seed pieces may be prepared by spraying an aqueous solution of the hormone, e.g., an auxin or another PGR, onto the surface of seeds or seed pieces.
  • the seeds or seed pieces may be immersed in an aqueous solution of the hormone.
  • the hormone is present in an amount of about 0.0028 to about 0.028 grams of auxin per 100 kg seed weight of beans and similar seeds.
  • the auxin in the presently preferred embodiment, is present in an amount to result in about 0.0125 to about 2.8 grams auxin per hectare of planted seed pieces.
  • the PGR solution is an aqueous solution including 0.015% IAA, 0.005% IBA, 0.009% cytokinin and 0.005% gibberellic acid as active ingredients. Also present as inactive ingredients are 1.000% emulsifier, 0.850% surfactant and 0.050% defoamer.
  • Hypocotyl and leaf lengths are expressed in millimeters ⁇ standard deviation of the mean.
  • Treatments in accord with the present invention whether using a single hormone, e.g., an auxin or cytokinin, or a combination as provided by the PGR solution result in production of leaves characterized by both increased average leaf length and average hypocotyl length.
  • Tomato variety TSH04 which is a processing tomato
  • All plants were grown in five gallon pots in a greenhouse. Eight plants were used for each treatment.
  • Application of the treatments was done aerially to eight plants and in the soil for eight plants to allow comparison of soil versus foliar application of the PGRs.
  • Treatments were 6 oz/acre PGR solution.
  • the treating solutions were prepared by diluting 0.0042 ml of concentrated solution into 100 ml water for application to the soil, or into 50 ml water for foliar application.
  • the IAA solution was prepared by diluting 0.42 micrograms of IAA into 100 ml water for application to the soil, or into 50 ml water for foliar application.
  • the cytokinin solution was prepared by diluting 0.42 micrograms of kinetin into 100 ml water for application to the soil, or into 50 ml water for spraying of the foliage.
  • the solution containing both IAA and kinetin at a 1 :1 ratio was prepared by diluting 0.42 micrograms of IAA and 0.42 micrograms of kinetin into 100 ml water for application to the soil, or into 50 ml water for foliar application.
  • a solution containing both IAA and kinetin at a 4:1 ratio was prepared by diluting 0.42 micrograms of IAA and 0.1 1 micrograms of kinetin into 100 ml water for soil application, or into 50 ml water for foliar application.
  • a solution containing both IAA and kinetin at a 1 :4 ratio was prepared by diluting 0.11 micrograms of IAA and 0.42 micrograms of kinetin into 100 ml water for soil application, or into 50 ml water for foliar application. Water was employed as a control. Plants were kept pruned to one fruiting truss per plant and the weight of the fruit from each plant was measured when most of the fruit had ripened (112 days after planting). Results are tabulated in Table III. Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate the increased fruit weight achieved, respectively, for total and individual fruits with each treatment.
  • NitroPlus ⁇ is a solution containing, as active ingredients, amines complexed with calcium or magnesium chloride. NitroPlus ⁇ is a trademark of Stoller Enterprises, Inc. [0103] Tomato plants treated in accord with the present invention appear to generally produce more and heavier fruit, particularly where the treating solution includes both and auxin and cytokinin in equal parts.
  • the cucumber variety used was the National pickling cucumber distributed by NK Lawn & Garden Co. (Chattanooga, TN). Eight plants were used per treatment. Treatments were applied to the soil of each five-gallon pot containing one plant per pot. Treatments were 6 oz/acre PGR solution.
  • the final PGR solution was prepared by diluting 0.0042 ml of the concentrated solution into 100 ml water.
  • the IAA solution was prepared by diluting 0.42 micrograms of IAA into 100 ml water.
  • the cytokinin solution was prepared by diluting 0.42 micrograms of kinetin into 100 ml water. Finally, plants were treated with 6 oz acre N-Large.
  • the treating solution was prepared by diluting 0.0042 ml of the commercial solution into 100 ml water.
  • N-Large is a formulation containing 4 percent gibberellin (GA3). Water was used as a control. Treatments were applied to the soil at the time of planting, and weekly thereafter. Twenty-one (21) days after planting, the internode length of the first (bottom), second (middle), and third (top) internodes were measured to the nearest millimeter. The average internode length for first, second, and third internodes was calculated for each treatment. Results are tabulated in Table IV and illustrated in Fig. 8.
  • Internode length is measured in millimeters ⁇ standard deviation of the mean. [0106] Cucumbers were harvested and weighted to the nearest gram eighty- four (84) days after planting. At the same time, the total vine length was measured to the nearest millimeter. In addition, the number of internodes and number of branches were also counted. Average vine length, average internode number, average branch number, average internode length and average cucumber weight were determined. Results are tabulated in Table V and illustrated in Figs. 9a-9e.
  • Vine length and internode length were measured to the nearest millimeter. Internode length was calculated by dividing the vine length by the internode number. Cucumber weight was measured to the nearest gram. All measurements are shown ⁇ the standard deviation of the mean.
  • emulsifier 0.850% surfactant and 0.050% defoamer.
  • the solutions were applied to the plants from drip lines in two (2) gallons of water per treatment plot for each of the treatments in each of the replicates. Measurements of plant height, canopy diameter and root weight were taken ninety- seven (97) days after transplanting. Plant height in centimeters was measured. Canopy diameter at its widest was measured in centimeters. The weight of the roots in grams was measured after shaking off the soil. The results are reported in Table VI. The effect on plant height, canopy diameter and root weight are illustrated in Figs. 10a - 10c, respectively.
  • Means are different at 5% probability when followed by a different letter.
  • emulsifier 0.850% surfactant and 0.050% defoamer.
  • the solutions were applied to the plants from drip lines in two (2) gallons of water per treatment plot for each of the treatments in each of the replicates. Peppers were harvested from all the plants in all of the plots. The number of peppers per plant was recorded. The weights of the harvested peppers were determined. The percentage of large peppers (those graded fancy - first grade) was calculated. The results are recorded in Table VIM. The yield per plant and percentage of large peppers are illustrated in Figs. 11a and 1 1 b.
  • Means are different at 5% probability when followed by a different letter.
  • Means are different at 5% probability when followed by a different letter.
  • Corn stem circumference increased with increasing concentration of the applied PGR solution. A maximum response was reached at the 16 oz/acre rate and then decreased slightly at higher rate.
  • the effects of PGRs on the growth and yield of bell pepper plants were evaluated in this experiment.
  • the experiment employed a randomized (4) replicate trial.
  • the bell peppers were planted 12 inches apart in 2 rows with 40 inches between rows.
  • the PGR solution had the same composition as that used in Example 4. Controls were merely treated with water.
  • the solutions were applied to the plants at the rate of 6 or 12 oz per acre from drip lines.
  • the PGR solutions were applied shortly after transplanting as a single treatment or on a repeated bi-weekly basis as indicated in Table IX.
  • the plant height and canopy width were measured at maturity.
  • Peppers were harvested from all of the plants in all of the plots.
  • the weights of the harvested peppers were determined.
  • the percentage of larger peppers (those graded fancy - first grade) was calculated.
  • the weight of the plant roots were determined after harvest. The results are reported in Table IX
  • the effect of PGRs on the yield and grade of potatoes was evaluated in this experiment. Potatoes were planted in 40 foot rows with a spacing of 36 inches between rows. Treatments were replicated 5 times. Normal production practices were followed.
  • the PGR solution used in this experiment comprised an aqueous solution containing 0.015 % IAA, 0.005 % IBA, 0.009 % cytokinin, 0.005 % gibberellic acid, 1.000 % emulsifier, 0.850 % surfactant and 0.050 % defoamer, together with 8.0 % boron and 0.004 % molybdenum.
  • the PGR solutions were applied at the rate of 0.5 or 1.0 gallon per acre as a side dressing at the last cultivation between the rows.
  • the potatoes were harvested, weighed and graded. The results, including both total yield (lbs per plant) and yield of USA grade No. 1 potatoes per plant, are reported in Table XI.
  • Potatoes were planted in 40 foot rows with a spacing of 36 inches between rows. Treatments were replicated 5 times. Normal production practices were followed.
  • the PGR solution used in this experiment comprised an aqueous solution containing 0.015 % IAA, 0.005 % IBA, 0.009 % kinetin, 0.005 % gibberellic acid, 1.000 % emulsifier, 0.850 % surfactant and 0.050 % defoamer, together with a compliment of nutrients.
  • the treatments were applied at the rate of one gallon per acre via side dressing at the last cultivation between the rows.

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Abstract

Lorsque dans l'agriculture la température et le degré d'humidité s'écartent de la normale, deux phénomènes se produisent : la croissance des plantes est affectée et les maladies prolifèrent. Selon le modèle de Stoller pour la croissance végétale, un équilibre hormonal approprié est nécessaire pour une croissance et des rendements optimaux. Lorsque les conditions de croissance dévient de la normale, l'équilibre hormonal est altéré et la croissance des plantes en pâtit. Cette invention apporte des preuves à l'appui de ce modèle et explicite le rapport entre les niveaux d'hormones et la croissance des plantes. Une compréhension claire de ce rapport facilitera le choix de traitements agricoles visant à éliminer ces problèmes. Si nous ne pouvons pas agir sur le climat, nous sommes en revanche capables de limiter les dégâts causés par le stress environnemental en manipulant les niveaux et ou le rapport des hormones végétales dans les divers tissus de la plante. En ajustant les niveaux et/ou les ratios d'hormones, en particulier l'auxine et les cytokines dans le tissu des racines, nous pouvons aider la plante à surmonter et à compenser le stress environnemental.
PCT/US2004/026851 2003-08-22 2004-08-18 Methodes propres a ameliorer la croissance des plantes et les rendements des cultures par ajustement des niveaux, ratios et cofacteurs hormonaux WO2005021715A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (11)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
MXPA06002037A MXPA06002037A (es) 2003-08-22 2004-08-18 Metodos para mejorar el crecimiento y la productividad del cultivo de plantas ajustando los niveles, relaciones y/o cofactores de las hormonas vegetales.
CA2536322A CA2536322C (fr) 2003-08-22 2004-08-18 Methodes propres a ameliorer la croissance des plantes et les rendements des cultures par ajustement des niveaux, ratios et cofacteurs hormonaux
KR1020067003670A KR101120973B1 (ko) 2003-08-22 2004-08-18 식물 성장 호르몬 수준, 비율 및/또는 공동-인자를조정하여 식물의 성장 및 작물 생산성을 개선하는 방법
EP04786531A EP1667520A4 (fr) 2003-08-22 2004-08-18 Methodes propres a ameliorer la croissance des plantes et les rendements des cultures par ajustement des niveaux, ratios et cofacteurs hormonaux
JP2006524018A JP2007503391A (ja) 2003-08-22 2004-08-18 植物ホルモン水準、比および/または補因子を調節することによる植物の成長および栽培作物生産力を改良する方法
AU2004269349A AU2004269349B2 (en) 2003-08-22 2004-08-18 Methods for improving growth and crop productivity of plants by adjusting plant hormone levels, ratios and/or co-factors
BRPI0413789-2A BRPI0413789A (pt) 2003-08-22 2004-08-18 métodos para melhorar o crescimento e produtividade de colheita de plantas ajustando-se os nìveis de hormÈnio da planta, relações e/ou co-fatores
NZ546042A NZ546042A (en) 2003-08-22 2004-08-18 Methods for improving growth and crop productivity of plants using an auxin and boron
IL173632A IL173632A (en) 2003-08-22 2006-02-09 Methods for improving plant growth and crop
TNP2006000062A TNSN06062A1 (en) 2003-08-22 2006-02-21 Methods for improving growth and crop productivity of plants by adjusting plant hormone levels, ratios and/or co-factors
EGNA2006000179 EG25315A (en) 2003-08-22 2006-02-21 Methods for improving growth and crop productivityof plants by adjusting plant hormone levels, rati os and/or co-factors.

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US10/677,708 US8252722B2 (en) 2003-08-22 2003-10-02 Controlling plant pathogens and pests with applied or induced auxins
US54948604P 2004-03-02 2004-03-02
US60/549,486 2004-03-02

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EP1922928A1 (fr) * 2006-09-29 2008-05-21 Syngeta Participations AG Méthode pour augmenter la productivité intrinsèque d'une plante
EP1712131A3 (fr) * 2005-04-11 2009-09-02 Timac Agro España, S.A. Compositions comprenant l' indole et / ou au moins un derivé d'indole pour augmenter l' efficacité des plantes d'assimiler les mineraux nutriants
FR2941592A1 (fr) * 2009-02-03 2010-08-06 Pierre Philippe Claude Utilisation du molybdene (mo) en nano-dosage en presence de tryptophane (trp) pour la biofertilisation des grandes cultures non legumineuses
WO2011124554A3 (fr) * 2010-04-06 2012-05-31 Bayer Cropscience Ag Utilisation de l'acide 4-phényl butyrique et/ou de ses sels pour augmenter la tolérance au stress chez des végétaux
US8252722B2 (en) 2003-08-22 2012-08-28 Stoller Enterprises, Inc. Controlling plant pathogens and pests with applied or induced auxins
EP2640192A1 (fr) * 2010-11-19 2013-09-25 Stoller Enterprises, Inc. Mélange favorisant la croissance des plantes et son procédé d'application
US8722580B2 (en) 2006-11-22 2014-05-13 Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited Agent for inhibiting cytokinin signaling
WO2016115300A1 (fr) 2015-01-14 2016-07-21 Stoller Enterprises, Inc. Solution non-aqueuse de régulateur(s) de croissance végétale et solvant(s) organique(s) polaires et/ou semi-polaire(s)
CN109832135A (zh) * 2019-03-13 2019-06-04 中国农业科学院棉花研究所 一种棉花的种植方法及利用其棉花制备干花的方法
CN112889611A (zh) * 2021-01-14 2021-06-04 唐山市农业科学研究院 一种红小豆的种植方法
US20230247993A1 (en) * 2018-07-31 2023-08-10 Winfield Solutions, Llc Plant growth regulator compositions and methods of using same

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JP2009225696A (ja) * 2008-03-21 2009-10-08 Sumika Agrotech Co Ltd 種子のストレス耐性強化方法及び消毒処理方法
WO2011069890A2 (fr) * 2009-12-08 2011-06-16 Basf Se Mélanges pesticides
KR20140037062A (ko) * 2011-03-21 2014-03-26 더 거버너스 오브 더 유니버시티 오브 알버타 옥신 식물 성장 조절제
JP6679490B2 (ja) * 2014-09-01 2020-04-15 雪印種苗株式会社 不定根発生誘導剤及び根系発達促進剤
KR102610350B1 (ko) * 2018-11-01 2023-12-06 (주)아모레퍼시픽 수크로스, 인돌-3-아세트산 및 로즈힙 열매 추출물의 혼합물을 포함하는 절화의 수명 연장 및 수분 손실 억제용 조성물
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Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8252722B2 (en) 2003-08-22 2012-08-28 Stoller Enterprises, Inc. Controlling plant pathogens and pests with applied or induced auxins
EP1712131A3 (fr) * 2005-04-11 2009-09-02 Timac Agro España, S.A. Compositions comprenant l' indole et / ou au moins un derivé d'indole pour augmenter l' efficacité des plantes d'assimiler les mineraux nutriants
WO2008037489A3 (fr) * 2006-09-29 2008-05-22 Syngenta Participations Ag Procédé d'accroissement de la productivité intrinsèque d'une plante
EP1922928A1 (fr) * 2006-09-29 2008-05-21 Syngeta Participations AG Méthode pour augmenter la productivité intrinsèque d'une plante
US8722580B2 (en) 2006-11-22 2014-05-13 Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited Agent for inhibiting cytokinin signaling
FR2941592A1 (fr) * 2009-02-03 2010-08-06 Pierre Philippe Claude Utilisation du molybdene (mo) en nano-dosage en presence de tryptophane (trp) pour la biofertilisation des grandes cultures non legumineuses
WO2011124554A3 (fr) * 2010-04-06 2012-05-31 Bayer Cropscience Ag Utilisation de l'acide 4-phényl butyrique et/ou de ses sels pour augmenter la tolérance au stress chez des végétaux
EP2640192A1 (fr) * 2010-11-19 2013-09-25 Stoller Enterprises, Inc. Mélange favorisant la croissance des plantes et son procédé d'application
EP2640192A4 (fr) * 2010-11-19 2014-04-30 Stoller Ets Mélange favorisant la croissance des plantes et son procédé d'application
WO2016115300A1 (fr) 2015-01-14 2016-07-21 Stoller Enterprises, Inc. Solution non-aqueuse de régulateur(s) de croissance végétale et solvant(s) organique(s) polaires et/ou semi-polaire(s)
EP4218413A2 (fr) 2015-01-14 2023-08-02 Stoller Enterprises, Inc. Solution non-aqueuse de régulateurs de croissance végétale et solvant organique semi-polaire
US20230247993A1 (en) * 2018-07-31 2023-08-10 Winfield Solutions, Llc Plant growth regulator compositions and methods of using same
CN109832135A (zh) * 2019-03-13 2019-06-04 中国农业科学院棉花研究所 一种棉花的种植方法及利用其棉花制备干花的方法
CN112889611A (zh) * 2021-01-14 2021-06-04 唐山市农业科学研究院 一种红小豆的种植方法

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NZ546042A (en) 2009-09-25
CA2536322C (fr) 2012-10-09
EP1667520A2 (fr) 2006-06-14
AU2004269349B2 (en) 2011-11-17
EP1667520A4 (fr) 2010-05-19
EG25315A (en) 2011-12-11
AR045734A1 (es) 2005-11-09
JP2007503391A (ja) 2007-02-22
IL173632A0 (en) 2006-07-05
IL173632A (en) 2013-10-31
CA2536322A1 (fr) 2005-03-10
ECSP066446A (es) 2006-09-18
KR101120973B1 (ko) 2012-03-05
BRPI0413789A (pt) 2006-11-07
PE20050506A1 (es) 2005-09-09
MXPA06002037A (es) 2006-05-17
WO2005021715A3 (fr) 2006-02-02
KR20070018769A (ko) 2007-02-14
AU2004269349A1 (en) 2005-03-10
PA8609401A1 (es) 2005-05-24
CR8308A (es) 2006-09-18
TNSN06062A1 (en) 2007-10-03

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