WO2019092604A2

WO2019092604A2 - Plant treatment

Info

Publication number: WO2019092604A2
Application number: PCT/IB2018/058737
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johan Izak BRUWER (Dr); Paulus Johannes DU RANDT; Richard Trevor WIMBUSH
Original assignee: Tip Agri (Pty) Limited
Priority date: 2017-11-07
Filing date: 2018-11-07
Publication date: 2019-05-16
Also published as: ZA202002391B; WO2019092604A3

Abstract

This invention relates to the treatment of a plant whereby a plant growth regulant compound is administered to the root zone of the plant in order to regulate its vegetative growth and increase its productivity as well as minimizing alternate bearing.

Description

PLANT TREATMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the treatment of a plant. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to the treatment of a plant by utilizing a growth regulant compound.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is well known for plants to have alternate-bearing habits with distinct On' and Off seasons whereby more crops are being produced during the On' season and fewer crops are being produced during the 'off season. This production fluctuation is generally the result of more plant reserves being available after the 'off season, consequently resulting in a better crop yield the following year. Similarly, following an 'on' season, the plant's reserves are more depleted, resulting in a lesser crop yield the following year.

Such crop production variation is not desirable, as it adversely affects the farmers' crop output over a period of time which not only has a financial implication on the farmers, but also makes accurate production forecasts difficult.

Furthermore, some plants tend to generally yield fewer crops as too much of the plant's reserves are directed towards vegetative growth that could otherwise have been directed towards flower development, fruit set and fruit development which would result in a better crop yield.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a method of treating a plant with which the applicant believes the aforementioned disadvantages may, at least partially, be alleviated, or to provide a useful alternative to known methods of treating plants. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of the present specification, the distribution of seasons is arranged in three-month blocks beginning from the start of the spring month (i.e.: the 1 st day of the month containing the spring equinox) and extending to the end of the third month. These blocks are then broken up into 1 -month periods comprising the 'early', 'mid' and 'late' periods of that season. The seasons as described in the specification accordingly span the following in the Southern and Northern hemispheres respectively:

Spring: September to November/March to May;

Summer: December to February/June to August;

Autumn: March to May/September to November; and

Winter: June to August/December to February.

Here is should be noted that different varieties of citrus plants will have differing growing seasons in differing environments. As such, the periods referred to are only approximate and should be interpreted with reference to the functional effect of the treatments as described herein below.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of treating a field grown citrus plant including the step of administering a plant growth regulant compound comprising (E)-1 -(4-Chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 -yl)pent- 1 -en-3-ol to the root zone of the plant at a rate of between 0.05 g and 2.0 g per plant.

There is provided for the compound to be administered during a 12-month period.

A feature of the invention provides for the plant to be at least two years of age. Preferably, the plant may be at least three years of age.

Preferably, the plant may be any one of mandarin and lemon bearing plants.

There is provided for the compound to be administered to soil, preferably, to within the area of soil located above the roots of the plant.

The compound may be administered, as a main dose, at a rate of between 0.05 g and 2.0 g per plant for reducing the plant's first (main) seasonal vegetative flush and to improve fruit set and fruit size. Preferably, the main dose may be administered at a rate of between 0.1 g and 0.5 g per plant. Most preferably, the main dose may be administered at a rate of between 0.15 g and 0.3 g per plant. According to an example embodiment of the invention the main dose may be administered during mid-winter to early summer. The compound may be administered, as an initial dose, at a rate of between 0.05 g and 2.0 g per plant for inducing flowering of the plant. Preferably, the initial dose may be administered at a rate of between 0.1 g and 0.5 g per plant. Most preferably, the initial dose may be administered at a rate of between 0.15 g and 0.25 g per plant. According to an example embodiment of the invention the initial dose may be administered about three months before the main dose. Preferably, the initial dose may be administered during late autumn. Most preferably, the initial dose may be administered at flower initiation.

The compound may be administered, as a first booster dose, at a rate of between 0.05 g and 2.0 g per plant for reducing the plant's second seasonal vegetative flush and to increase fruit size. Preferably, the first booster dose may be administered at a rate of between 0.05 g and 0.50 g per plant. Most preferably, the first booster dose may be administered at a rate of between 0.1 g and 0.25 g per plant. According to an example embodiment of the invention the first booster dose may be administered about three months after the main dose. Preferably, the first booster dose may be administered during mid to late spring.

The compound may be administered, as a second booster dose, at a rate of between 0.05 g and 2.0 g per plant for containing the plant's third seasonal vegetative flush and to increase fruit size. Preferably, the second booster dose may be administered at a rate of between 0.05 g and 0.50 g per plant. Most preferably, the second booster dose may be administered at a rate of between 0.1 g and 0.25 g per plant. According to an example embodiment of the invention the second booster dose may be administered about two months after the first booster dose. Preferably, the second booster dose may be administered during early to late summer.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided for the use of a plant growth regulant compound in the manufacture of a treatment product for treating a plant, whereby the product is formulated for administration to the root zone of a plant, as defined above.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a plant growth regulant compound for administration to the root zone of a plant, as defined above.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a plant growth regulant solution or emulsion for administration to the root zone of a plant, as defined above, the solution or emulsion including liquid and a plant growth regulant compound dissolved or emulsified in the liquid.

There is provided for the solution or emulsion to include between 0.01 g and 0.75 g compound per ml liquid. These and other features of the invention are described in more detail below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, a method of treating a plant in order to regulate its growth is disclosed whereby a plant growth regulant compound (being an active ingredient) is administered to the root zone of the plant.

The applicant has found that the method is especially effective on citrus-type plants, more specifically mandarin and lemon bearing plants. Early indications have shown that the method could also be beneficial when applied to other fruit-bearing deciduous plants, including trees, shrubs and/or vines, selected from the group of berries, pome, subtropical fruit (including mangoes and litchis), nut (including macadamia, pecan and cashew nuts) and grape bearing plants.

The administered compound is selected from the family of triazole chemical compounds. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the administered compound is, as per its lUPAC name, (E)-1 -(4-Chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1 ,2,4- triazol-1 -yl)pent-1 -en-3-ol, commonly known as Uniconazole. Uniconazole reduces the biosynthesis of gibberellin acid within a plant which inhibits the plant's growth. Gibberellin is a plant growth hormone which promotes vegetative growth.

The compound is administered to the soil adjacent to the plant. In order for the compound to be taken up by the plant's roots, it is preferable to administer the compound to the area of soil located directly above the plant's roots, being its root zone. According to an example embodiment of the invention, the compound is administered to the plant at a rate of between about 0.05 g and about 2.0 g.

One example embodiment of the invention provides for the compound to be administered at different stages throughout a 12-month period.

Firstly, 4 ml of an aqueous solution, containing 50g Uniconazole per litre, is administered, as an initial dose, during late autumn (May in the Southern hemisphere) to the citrus plant to induce flowering. The flowering gene is active at this stage of the season, i.e. the stage when the tree decides how many flowers, it will push during the coming Spring period. Trees that had a bumper on year with a large crop would usually decide not to push heavy flower but rather to regain its strength and flower poorly to channel all energy into vegetative growth. The application of Uniconazole at this stage would reverse the process by inhibiting the biosynthesis of gibberellins, thus channelling the trees energy to flowering. The trees energy being maintained via upgraded fertilisation to prevent any damage being done to the tree itself.

Secondly, approximately 4 to 5 ml of the solution (4 ml for Mandarin and 5 ml for Lemon plants) is administered, as a main dose, approximately three months after the initial dose had been administered, being during mid-winter to early summer (months of July to September in the Southern hemisphere). At this stage the tree will have its main vegetative flush which need to be contained and fruit size maximising total yield. Approximately sixty percent (60 %) of the trees annual vegetative flush occur at this stage. The main dose thus not only serves to reduce the plant's first (main) seasonal vegetative flush, but also to improve fruit set and fruit size, thereby maximising total yield.

Thirdly, approximately 3 to 4 ml of the solution (3 ml for Mandarin and 4 ml for Lemon plants) is administered, as a first booster dose, about three months after the main dose had been administered, being during mid to late spring (months of October and November in the Southern hemisphere). This is to reduce the incidence of the second seasonal vegetative flush which occur at this stage. Approximately twenty five percent (25%) of the trees annual vegetative flush occur at this stage. The first booster dose not only serves to reduce the plant's second seasonal vegetative flush, but also to enhance fruit size, thereby maximising total yield.

Lastly, approximately 3 to 4 ml of the solution (3 ml for Mandarin and 4 ml for Lemon plants) is administered, as a second booster dose, about two to three months after the first booster dose had been administered, being during early to late summer. This is to reduce the incidence of the third seasonal vegetative flush which occur at this stage. Approximately fifteen percent (15%) of the trees annual vegetative flush occur at this stage. The second booster dose not only serves to reduce the plant's third seasonal vegetative flush, but also to enhance fruit size, thereby maximising total yield.

It is preferable to administer uniconazole to mature plants being in a crop production phase, typically being at least three years of age. In one example embodiment of the invention, uniconazole may be administered to 2-year old trees to force them into a crop production phase the subsequently year. Preferably, the compound is administered through the utilization of an automatic irrigation system, including micro sprayers and drip emitters, although the compound could also be administered through the utilisation of a portable applicator, or a combination of the foregoing.

In order to administered the compound, it is dissolved or emulsified in liquid, being water, to form a plant growth regulating solution or emulsion, which is then administered to the plant, as described above. The solution or emulsion would include between 0.01 g and 0.75 g compound per ml liquid.

It is envisaged that through the implementation of the invention, any one or more of the following advantages could be achieved, when compared to conventional practices:

1 ) Increased and sustainable high crop yields per plant.

2) Increase crop size.

3) Minimise alternate bearing as vigorous growing cultivars tend to yield lower crops in seasons following high yields.

4) Inhibit excessive vegetative growth with multiple seasonal applications. Control overall plant size for ease of orchard management and to improve internal & external crop quality.

5) Manipulate growth patterns and overall plant size in crop production under nets to improve production and internal & external fruit quality.

6) Enhance and improve crop colour and quality. The description is presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the precise details as described herein and that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

TRIALS

As stated above, plants, including vigorous citrus cultivars tend to yield lower crops or have alternate-bearing habits with distinct On' and Off' seasons, even with relatively low yields. In order to illustrate that Uniconazole can improve sustainable yield increases over time on vigorous citrus cultivars, various trials were conducted in the Western Cape province of South Africa on Orri Mandarin and Lemon cultivars. During these trials, Uniconazole was applied through the micro irrigation system, using an application tank under pressure. The Uniconazole dosage rate was based on a rate/tree and, therefore, the dosage rate/row was determined by the number of trees/row. The application tank was connected to each row [plot] to ensure that only one row at a time was dosed. The application was done during an irrigation cycle, but after the irrigation system reached operational pressure.

Yield data was determined at harvest of each trial from 10 trees/plot, selected at random in each plot [row]. The yield/treatment [average kg/10 trees/plot] was, therefore, determine from 40 trees/treatment: All the fruit from each tree was harvested and weighed in order to obtain the total kilograms per tree. The average yield/treatment was calculated from these figures. The yield/tree/treatment was converted to ton/ha over the total duration of each trial.

In both cultivars yields in the treated plots were significantly higher than in the untreated plots. Alternative-bearing [> 20 % deviation] was in both cultivars significantly less over time.

Uniconazole reduced the internode length and hence vegetative growth in spring - the latter results probably cause the yield increases: More plant reserves available for flower development and fruit set. Reduced internodes and shoot growth were only observed on the spring vegetative flush, which followed the Uniconazole applications late winter [beginning of August] - the number of internodes on the shoots did not differ from the untreated control. However, the mid-summer flash [December] and late- summer flash [March] was normal compared to the growth in the untreated control. This restricted spring growth was not detrimental for yield.

EXAMPLE TRAILS WITH ORCHARD PLANTS (I.E. FIELD GROWN PLANTS) TIP AGRI "TIP PLUS" TRIAL SUMMARY

Test Product: TIP Agri "Tip Plus" contains 50g Uniconazole per litre as a suspension concentrate.

Objective: To illustrate the efficacy and crop safety of the use of "Tip Plus" as a plant growth regulator to increase crop yields and reduce alternate bearing in citrus, specifically lemons and mandarin types. Application: Tip Plus is applied through the irrigation system to the soil after harvest of the previous crop and at bud-break in late autumn or early spring before flowering.

LEMON TRIALS Six lemon trials were conducted on in the Citrusdal (Olifants River Valley, Western Cape Province), Sundays River Valley (Addo, Eastern Cape Province), Groblersdal and Hoedspruit (Limpopo Province) lemon growing areas.

Locations: 4 - see above. Rootstock: 3 - Rough lemon, Troyer Citrange lemon and Carizzo lemon root stock. Seasons: 4 - Three trials received 4 annual applications in August each year (trials were over a 4-year period; 2012-2013-2014-2015) and three trials received a single application in either August or September.

Harvest: each trial application was taken to harvest and the crop mass per tree was determined.

Uniconazole Residues: Fruit samples were analysed for uniconazole residues at harvest.

Lemon Trial Details

Trial Number Lemon - 1 Lemon - 2 Lemon - 3

Researcher Dr. I. Bruwer Dr. I. Bruwer Dr. I. Bruwer

Trial Reference No. Lemon 1 Lemon 2 Lemon 2

CD/KDW/2012-16 CD/GK/2012-16 CD/KSW/2012-16

Location Citrusdal, Citrusdal, Citrusdal,

Western Cape Western Cape Western Cape Province Province Province

Bioclimatic Zone Csa - Warm Csa - Warm Csa - Warm

temperate; temperate; temperate;

summer dry and summer dry and summer dry and hot. hot. hot.

Soil Analysis 41 % clay; 22 silt; 10% clay; 8% silt; 10% clay; 15% silt;

37% sand. 82% sand. 75% sand.

Evaluations Shoot length Yield Yield

Fruit size Residue data Residue data Yield

Residue data

MANDARIN TRIALS

Eleven mandarin trials were conducted on in the Citrusdal (Olifants River Valley and Olifants River mountain range, Western Cape Province), Swellendam (Western Cape Province), Sundays River Valley (Addo, Eastern Cape Province), Groblersdal and Letsitele (Limpopo Province) and Burgersfort and Nelspruit (Mpumalanga Province) citrus growing areas.

Locations: 4 - see above.

Rootstock - Trials were conducted on three root stock varieties - Carrizo Citrange root stock, Troyer Citrange root stock and Shamouti orange root stock.

Varieties - The trials were conducted on three varieties of mandarins - Leanri Mandarins, Nadarcot Mandarins and Orri Mandarins.

The majority of trials were on Orri Mandarins as this is the most popular variety planted.

Seasons - Trials were conducted over seven growing seasons (2010/1 1 to 2016/17). (i) Two trials received 2 annual applications (2010, 201 1 ) which were designed to determine the optimum dosage rate, (ii) Four trials received one application (2016). (iii) One trial received three annual applications (2013, 2014, 2015).

(iv) Three trials received 4 annual applications in August each year (trials were over a 4-year period; 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015).

Harvest - each trial application was taken to harvest and the crop yield (mass per tree) was determined.

Phototoxicity - each trial was monitored at regular intervals and inspected for any abnormal symptoms that could be attributed to the uniconazole treatment.

Uniconazole Residues - Fruit samples were analysed for uniconazole residues at harvest. Mandarins were also harvested when immature to determine if uniconazole residues were present.

Mandarin Citrus Trial Details

Trial Number Mandarin - 1 Mandarin - 2 Mandarin - 3

Researcher Dr. I. Bruwer Dr. I. Bruwer Dr. I. Bruwer

Trial Reference No. Orri Orri Orri 3

1 /CD/BL/2010-12 2/CD/OD/2010-12 CD/CS/2012-16

Location Elephants River Elephants River Citrusdal Valley,

Mountain Range, Mountain Range, Citrusdal,

Citrusdal. Citrusdal. Western Cape Western Cape Western Cape Province

Province Province

Bioclimatic Zone Bsk Csb Csa

Arid, steppe, cold Warm temperate, Warm temperate, arid. summer dry and summer dry and warm. hot.

Crop Orri Mandarin - 12 Orri Mandarin - 7 Orri Mandarin - 12 years of age years of age years of age

Root Stock Variety Carrizo Citrange. Troyer Citrange. Carrizo Citrange.

Application Micro-irrigation Micro-irrigation Micro-irrigation Equipment system; pre- system; pre- system; pre- calibrated calibrated calibrated

Residue data

Trial Number Mandarin - 4 Mandarin - 5 Mandarin - 6

Researcher Dr. I. Bruwer Dr. I. Bruwer Dr. I. Bruwer

Trial Reference Orri Orri 5 Orri

No. 4/CD/MP/2014-16 SWD/OP/2013-16 6/CD/MK/2012-16

Location Citrusdal Valley, Swellendam, Olifants River

Citrusdal. Western Cape Mountain Range, Western Cape Province Citrusdal, Province Western Cape

Province

Bioclimatic Zone Csa Cfa Csb

Warm temperate, Warm temperate, Warm temperate, summer dry and fully humid and summer dry and hot. warm summer. warm.

Crop Orri Mandarin - 3 Orri Mandarin - 16 Orri Mandarin - 4 years of age years of age years of age

Root Stock Variety Carrizo Citrange. Carrizo Citrange. Carrizo Citrange.

Application Micro-irrigation Micro-irrigation Micro-irrigation Equipment system; pre- system; pre- system; pre- calibrated calibrated calibrated pressurised pressurised pressurised dosage tank. dosage tank. dosage tank.

Treatment Dates 15 August 2014 1 1 August 2013 1 1 August 2012

6 August 2015 15 August 2014 8 August 2013

6 August 2015 2 August 2014 15 August 2015

Number of 2 3 4

applications

Treatment 1 year. 1 year 1 year

Intervals

"Tip Plus" Dosage 4.0 mi/tree [X] 4.0 mi/tree [X] 4.0 mi/tree [X] Rates (mi/tree) 8.0 mi/tree [2X] 8.0 mi/tree [2X] 8.0 mi/tree [2X]

Soil Analysis 13% clay, 2% silt, 19% clay; 10% silt;

85% sand. 71 % sand.

Evaluations Yield - kg/tree and Yield - kg/tree and Yield - kg/tree and t/ha. t/ha. t/ha.

Phytotoxicity Phytotoxicity Phytotoxicity observation observation observation Residue data Residue data Residue data

Trial Number Mandarin - 7 Mandarin - 8 Mandarin - 9

Researcher Dr. I. Bruwer Dr. I. Bruwer, P. Dr. I. Bruwer, P.

du Randt du Randt

Trial Reference No. Orri Limp Ros 1 -2015- LIMP LETS 1

10/CD/MP/2012-16 16 2016/17

Location Citrusdal Valley, Groblersdal, Letsitele,

Citrusdal. Limpopo Province. Limpopo Province. Western Cape

Province

Bioclimatic Zone Csa BSh BSh

Warm temperate, Arid, Steppe, Hot Arid, Steppe, Hot summer dry and arid. arid.

hot.

Crop Orri Mandarin - 25 Orri Mandarin - 3 Nadarcot

years of age years of age Mandarins - 1 1 years of age

Root Stock Variety Shamouti orange Carrizo root stock. Carrizo root stock.

root stock.

Treatment Dates 7 August 2012 17 August 2016 24 August 2016

5 August 2013

1 August 2014

8 August 2015

Number of 4 1 1

applications

Treatment Intervals 1 year. - -

"Tip Plus" Dosage 4.0 mi/tree [X] 5.0 mi/tree [X] 4.0 mi/tree [X] Rates (mi/tree) 8.0 mi/tree [2X] 10.0 mi/tree [2X] 8.0 mi/tree [2X] Soil Analysis 19% clay, 8% silt, 10% clay, 12% 14% clay, 12% 73% sand. silt, 78% sand. silt, 74% sand.

Phytotoxicity Phytotoxicity Phytotoxicity observation observation observation Residue data Residue data. Residue data.

Trial Number Mandarin - 10 Mandarin -1 1

Researcher Dr. I. Bruwer, P. du Dr. I. Bruwer, P. du

Randt Randt

Trial Reference No. MP-L-1 -2016 GUST LIMP ORRI

2

Location Nelspruit, Burgersfort,

Mpumalanga Limpopo Province.

Province.

Bioclimatic Zone Cwa Bsk

Warm temperate, Arid, Steppe, Cold

Winter dry, Hot arid.

summer.

Crop Leanri Mandarins - Orri Mandarin - 3

3 years of age years of age

Root Stock Variety Carrizo root stock. Carrizo root stock.

Application Micro-irrigation Micro-irrigation

Equipment system; pre- system; pre- calibrated calibrated

pressurised dosage pressurised dosage

tank. tank.

Treatment Dates 23 August 2016 9 August 2016

Number of 1 1

applications

Treatment Intervals - -

"Tip Plus" Dosage 4.0 mi/tree [X] 5.0 mi/tree [X]

Rates (mi/tree) 8.0 mi/tree [2X] 10.0 mi/tree [2X]

Soil Analysis 14% clay, 8% silt, 6% clay, 12% silt,

78% sand. 82% sand.

Evaluations Yield - kg/tree and Yield - kg/tree and

t/ha. t/ha.

Phytotoxicity Phytotoxicity

observation observation

Residue data. Residue data. - LEMONS

^* Index: Untreated control = 100; Treatments - above 100 is percent better than the control; below 100 is percent worse than the control.

RESULTS - MANDARINS

UNICONAZOLE RESIDUE ANALYSES Lemons

The following table presents the uniconazole residue analyses from trials that had uniconazole applied in August (pre-flowering) and the fruit was analysed for uniconazole residues at harvest and in immature fruit where indicated.

Trial No. 1 2 3 4 5 6

Trial Code CD/KD CD/GK/ CD/KS Lemon Grob 1 Hds 2

W/ 2012-16 W/ 4

2012-16 2012-16

Number of Annual 4 4 4 1 2 1

Applications

Days After Last 217 231 231 231 236 189

Application

Untreated Control ND^* ND ND ND ND ND

Tip Plus - 5.0mf [X] ND ND¹ ND² ND³ ND⁴ ND⁴

Tip Plus - 10.0mf [2X] - - ND¹ ND - -

Immature Fruit

Number of Annual 5 5 5

Applications Days After Last 135 135 135

Application

Untreated Control ND ND ND

Tip Plus - 5.0mf [X] ND⁵ ND⁵ ND⁵

Mature Fruit at Harvest

Number of Annual 5 5 5

Applications

Days After Last 217 230 230

Application

Untreated Control ND ND ND

Tip Plus - 5.0mf [X] ND⁵ ND⁵ ND⁵

^* = None Detected

ND¹ - See Hearshaw and Kinnes Analytical Laboratory Report Reference 1 10008B

ND² - See Hearshaw and Kinnes Analytical Laboratory Report Reference 108128A

ND³ - See Hearshaw and Kinnes Analytical Laboratory Report Reference 135696. ND⁴ - See Hearshaw and Kinnes Analytical Laboratory Report Reference 1261 16.

ND⁵ - See Hearshaw and Kinnes Analytical Laboratory Report Reference 1261 15.

Mandarins

Mature Fruit at Harvest

Trial No. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 1

Number of Annual 4 2 3 4 4 1 1 1 1 Applications

Days After Last 324 324 324 324 324 324 324 268 324 Application

Untreated Control ND^* ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND

Tip Plus - 4.0mf [X] ND¹ ND¹ ND¹ ND¹ ND¹ - ND² ND³ -

Tip Plus - 5.0mf [X] - - - - - ND² - - ND²

Tip Plus - 8.0mf [2X] ND ND ND ND ND - - - -

Immature Fruit

Number of Annual 5 3 4 5 5 2 - 2 2 Applications

Days After Last 135 135 135 135 135 120 - 120 135 Application Untreated Control ND ND ND ND ND ND - ND ND

Tip Plus - 4.0m£ [X] ND⁴ ND⁴ ND⁴ ND⁴ ND⁴ - - ND⁵ -

Tip Plus - 5.0mi [X] - - - - - ND⁵ - - ND⁵

^* = None Detected

ND¹ - See Hearshaw and Kinnes Analytical Laboratory Report Reference 1 10009A. ND² - See Hearshaw and Kinnes Analytical Laboratory Report Reference 13651 1 . ND³ - See Hearshaw and Kinnes Analytical Laboratory Report Reference 128035. ND⁴ - See Hearshaw and Kinnes Analytical Laboratory Report Reference 1261 13. ND⁵ - See Hearshaw and Kinnes Analytical Laboratory Report Reference 1261 14.

CONCLUSIONS Lemons (i) When Tip Plus (50g uniconazole/i) was applied by micro-irrigation to lemon trees at 5.0 mi per tree, the crop yield increased by up to 43% when compared with the untreated control trees.

(ii) The annual application of Tip Plus at 5.0 mi per tree over four (4) seasons resulted in each season exhibiting a yield increase of over 40% when compared with the untreated control trees.

The uneven bearing of fruit in alternate seasons was eliminated.

(iii) Tip Plus applied at 5.0 mi per tree [X] and 10.0 mi per tree [2X] showed observable phytotoxicity symptoms on the fruit or the foliage and shoot growth. (iv) Uniconazole residue analyses at 230 days after application indicated that no uniconazole was detected in the fruit in 6 trials that received between 1 and 5 annual applications. After 5 annual treatments, immature fruit was analysed for uniconazole residues at 135 days after application and no residues were found.

A pre-harvest interval of 135 days after application is proposed. Mandarins

(i) When Tip Plus (50g uniconazole/!!) was applied by micro-irrigation to mandarin trees at 4.0 mi or 5.0 mi per tree, the crop yield increased by up to 100% when compared with the untreated control trees. (ii) The annual application of Tip Plus at 4.0 mi or 5.0 mi per tree over four (4) seasons resulted in each season exhibiting a yield increase of over 100% when compared with the untreated control trees.

The uneven bearing of fruit in alternate seasons was eliminated.

(iii) Tip Plus applied at 5.0 mi per tree [X] and 10.0 mi per tree [2X] showed no observable phytotoxicity symptoms on the fruit or the foliage and shoot growth. (iv) Uniconazole residue analyses at 120 days after application indicated that no uniconazole was detected in the fruit. A pre-harvest interval of 120 days after application is proposed.

Claims

A method of treating a field grown citrus plant including the step of administering a plant growth regulant compound comprising (E)-1 -(4-Chlorophenyl)-4,4- dimethyl-2-(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 -yl)pent-1 -en-3-ol to the root zone of the plant at a rate of between 0.05 g and 2.0 g per plant.

The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound is administered during a 12-month period.

The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plant is at least three years of age.

The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the citrus plant is growing under orchard conditions.

The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compound is administered to soil, preferably, to within the area of soil located above the roots of the plant.

The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compound is administered, as a main dose, at a rate of between 0.05 g and 2.0 g per plant for reducing the plant's first (main) seasonal vegetative flush and to improve fruit set and fruit size.

The method according to claim 6, wherein the main dose is administered at a rate of between 0.1 g and 0.5 g per plant.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the main dose is administered during mid-winter to early summer.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compound is administered, as an initial dose, at a rate of between 0.05 g and 2.0 g per plant for inducing flowering of the plant.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the initial dose is administered at a rate of between 0.1 g and 0.5 g per plant.

1 1 . The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the initial dose is administered about three months before the main dose.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compound is administered, as a first booster dose, at a rate of between 0.05 g and 2.0 g per plant for reducing the plant's second seasonal vegetative flush and to increase fruit size.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the first booster dose is administered at a rate of between 0.05 g and 0.50 g per plant.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the first booster dose is administered about three months after the main dose.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compound is administered, as a second booster dose, at a rate of between 0.05 g and 2.0 g per plant for containing the plant's third seasonal vegetative flush and to increase fruit size.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the second booster dose is administered at a rate of between 0.05 g and 0.50 g per plant.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the second booster dose is administered about two to three months after the first booster dose.

18. Use of a plant growth regulant compound in the manufacture of a treatment product for treating a plant, whereby the product is formulated for administration to the root zone of a plant, as defined above.

19. A plant growth regulant compound for administration to the root zone of a plant, as defined above.

20. A plant growth regulant solution or emulsion for administration to the root zone of a plant, as defined above, the solution or emulsion including liquid and a plant growth regulant compound dissolved or emulsified in the liquid.

21 . The solution or emulsion of claim 20, wherein the solution or emulsion include between 0.01 g and 0.75 g compound per ml liquid.