WO2023043789A1 - Solutions et procédés pour former un film souple exogène, qui comprend un composant supplémentaire, sur une plante - Google Patents

Solutions et procédés pour former un film souple exogène, qui comprend un composant supplémentaire, sur une plante Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023043789A1
WO2023043789A1 PCT/US2022/043454 US2022043454W WO2023043789A1 WO 2023043789 A1 WO2023043789 A1 WO 2023043789A1 US 2022043454 W US2022043454 W US 2022043454W WO 2023043789 A1 WO2023043789 A1 WO 2023043789A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
solution
component
plant
pest
exogenous
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PCT/US2022/043454
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English (en)
Inventor
Luis Fernando HERNANDEZ AGUILAR
Brian James TIPTON
Sean Calvin MUSSER
Victoria Towers
Daniel Manriquez
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Cultiva, LLC
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Publication date
Priority claimed from US17/943,953 external-priority patent/US20230016007A1/en
Application filed by Cultiva, LLC filed Critical Cultiva, LLC
Publication of WO2023043789A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023043789A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION 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
    • A01N25/00—Biocides, 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
    • A01N25/02—Biocides, 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 liquids as carriers, diluents or solvents
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION 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
    • A01N25/00—Biocides, 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
    • A01N25/22—Biocides, 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
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION 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
    • A01N25/00—Biocides, 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
    • A01N25/34—Shaped forms, e.g. sheets, not provided for in any other sub-group of this main group
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION 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
    • A01N37/00—Biocides, 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
    • A01N37/44—Biocides, 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 at least one carboxylic group or a thio analogue, or a derivative thereof, and a nitrogen atom attached to the same carbon skeleton by a single or double bond, this nitrogen atom not being a member of a derivative or of a thio analogue of a carboxylic group, e.g. amino-carboxylic acids
    • A01N37/50—Biocides, 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 at least one carboxylic group or a thio analogue, or a derivative thereof, and a nitrogen atom attached to the same carbon skeleton by a single or double bond, this nitrogen atom not being a member of a derivative or of a thio analogue of a carboxylic group, e.g. amino-carboxylic acids the nitrogen atom being doubly bound to the carbon skeleton
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION 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
    • A01N43/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds
    • A01N43/34—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds having rings with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom
    • A01N43/40—Biocides, 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
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION 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
    • A01N43/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds
    • A01N43/48—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds having rings with two nitrogen atoms as the only ring hetero atoms
    • A01N43/54—1,3-Diazines; Hydrogenated 1,3-diazines

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to solutions and methods for forming an exogenous flexible film on a plant and to plants including the exogenous flexible film and more particularly to solutions and/or exogenous flexible films that include a supplemental component.
  • Products produced from plants and/or that utilize plant-based materials are impacted by the productivity of the plant during the growth cycle, as well as by the stability of the products post-harvest. Infestation with insects, infestation with microbes, and/or poor weather conditions may cause losses in productivity of the plant, damage to the plant, lower product yields, and/or damage to the products. In many instances, methods of protecting, or mediating, the plants’ sensitivity to such conditions are only moderately effective and/or are only effective for a brief timeframe. Other materials, such as plant growth regulators, bio-stimulants, bio-controllers, and/or nutrients also may improve plant productivity, plant stability, and/or product stability.
  • Solutions and methods for forming an exogenous flexible film, which includes a supplemental component, on a plant and plants including the exogenous flexible film include a solvent, a film forming matrix component, a hydrophobic barrier component, a plasticizing component, a film enhancing component, and a supplemental component.
  • the supplemental component includes a pesticide component that includes at least one pesticide active ingredient.
  • the methods include spraying the solution on a plant and evaporating at least a fraction of the solvent from the solution to form the exogenous flexible film.
  • the plants include exogenous flexible films formed from the soltions and/or formed via the methods.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a plant cuticle that may be coated with an exogenous flexible film, according to the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 2 is a table detailing microfracture formation for several different samples of a field trial.
  • Fig. 3 is a table detailing microfracture formation for several different samples of another field trial.
  • Fig. 4 is a graph depicting a percentage of fruit that includes microfractures as a function of time after full bloom for Bing cherries that have not been treated by the solutions and/or methods according to the present disclosure.
  • Figs. 5a-5m are tables that illustrate fungal pests, plants that may be infested by the fungal pests, and active ingredients of a supplemental component, in the form of a pesticide component, that may be incorporated into films, solutions, and/or methods, according to the present disclosure, and utilized to combat the fungal pests.
  • Figs. 6a-6d are tables that illustrate bacterial pests, plants that may be infested by the bacterial pests, and active ingredients of a supplemental component, in the form of a pesticide component, that may be incorporated into films, solutions, and/or methods, according to the present disclosure, and utilized to combat the bacterial pests.
  • Figs. 7a-7f are tables that illustrate insect pests, plants that may be infested by the insect pests, and active ingredients of a supplemental component, in the form of a pesticide component, that may be incorporated into films, solutions, and/or methods, according to the present disclosure, and utilized to combat the insect pests.
  • Fig. 8 is a table that illustrates arachnid pests, plants that may be infested by the arachnid pests, and active ingredients of a supplemental component, in the form of a pesticide component, that may be incorporated into films, solutions, and/or methods, according to the present disclosure, and utilized to combat the arachnid pests.
  • Figs. 9-16 summarize examples of tests that were performed to determine efficacy of films, solutions, and methods, according to the present disclosure, in combatting a variety of different pests on a variety of different plants.
  • the solutions and methods disclosed herein may be utilized to form, define, and/or create an exogenous flexible film, which includes a supplemental component, on a plant.
  • the exogenous flexible film may, or may be utilized to, protect the plant from environmental conditions, to protect the plant from damage that may be caused by insects, microbes, moisture, and/or weather, to repel insects, to at least partially eradicate insects and/or microbes, to regulate growth of the plant, to stimulate the plant, and/or to provide nutrients to the plant.
  • One mechanism via which the disclosed solutions and methods accomplish these goals is via decreasing a susceptibility to, or a potential for, cuticle cracking, within the plant, under conditions of high moisture, such as heavy rainfall.
  • the films, solutions, and methods, which are disclosed herein may both protect the plant from environmental factors and also may provide a supplemental benefit, such as protection from pests, regulation of growth, stimulation, and/or nutrient supply.
  • a supplemental benefit such as protection from pests, regulation of growth, stimulation, and/or nutrient supply.
  • the combination of protection and the supplemental benefit may provide significant improvements over prior art films that might protect from environmental factors without providing the supplemental benefits.
  • the term “plant” may refer to any suitable plant, portion of a plant, and/or part of a plant, examples of which include stems, roots, branches, leaves, flowers, fruits, nuts, and/or vegetables. More specific examples of plants, according to the present disclosure, include berry crops, such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and/or cranberries. Another more specific example of plants, according to the present disclosure, includes nut crops, such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and/or hazelnuts. Another more specific example of plants, according to the present disclosure, includes pome fruits, such as apples and/or pears.
  • plants includes stone fruits, such as cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, and/or apricots.
  • stone fruits such as cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, and/or apricots.
  • citrus fruits such as oranges, mandarins, tangelos, clementines, limes, lemons, and/or grapefruits.
  • grapes such as wine grapes and/or table grapes.
  • cucurbits such as melons, watermelons, squash, pumpkins, zucchini, gourds, and/or cucumbers.
  • plants includes solanaceae, such as potatoes, tomatoes, and/or peppers.
  • leafy greens such as lettuce and/or spinach.
  • plants, according to the present disclosure include pomegranates, avocados, olives, and/or figs.
  • the cuticle of a plant acts as an “armor” for protection from outside forces. Made up of two separate layers, the cuticle encompasses the cellular wall of the fruit, the leaves, the stems, and the trunk of the plant.
  • a schematic example of a plant cuticle is illustrated in Fig. 1 and indicated at 10.
  • Plant cuticle 10 may cover an epidermis 6 and a cuticular layer 8 of the plant.
  • the epidermis may include epidermal cells 7.
  • Cuticle 10 includes a first layer 20 of the cuticle that is a cutin-rich domain with embedded polysaccharides.
  • This lipidic layer which is made up of fatty acids that generally have 16 to 18 carbon atoms, defines a hydrophilic cell wall, and possesses the ability to regulate nutrient transport into and/or out of the plant.
  • First layer 20 also provides a flexible rigidity to the structure of the plant. In fruit, this layer is synthesized by the epidermis completely in the early stages of growth and as the fruit “balloons” out, it is stretched across the enlarging surface. During this stage of growth, any imperfections in the cuticle generally will extend through first layer 20 and may threaten the life of the fruit and/or may manifest as cracking of, or other damage to, the fruit.
  • a second layer 30 of the cuticle is made up of cuticular waxes. These waxes, both amorphous and crystalline, are hydrophobic and play a primary role in the plant’s permeability to water. More specifically, the cuticular waxes control the flux of water that may diffuse into and/or out of the tissue of the plant according to Fick’s Law:
  • J P c (Ci - Co) (1)
  • J is the flux of water across the cuticle per unit area (g/m 2 s)
  • Ci - Co is a difference in water concentration across the cuticle (g/m 3 )
  • Pc is the conductance of the cuticle (m/s).
  • the conductance is directly affected by the makeup of the cuticular waxes, more specifically, water permeability of the cuticle is inversely correlated with the amount of alkanes in the wax. Alkanes are a primary component of the wax layer and as their number increases, Pc decreases, reflecting a decrease in the flux of water. Apart from transpiration, the waxy cuticular layer also protects against UV radiation.
  • the wax layer (second layer 30) also contains lipophilic phenolic compounds that assist in the screening of this radiation.
  • the crystalline waxes in second layer 30 also reflect around 20-30% of incident UV waves thereby preventing harmful UV damage.
  • Exogenous flexible film 50 may be utilized to create an exogenous flexible film 50 that covers cuticle 10 and protects the cuticle.
  • Exogenous flexible film 50 also may be referred to herein as a film 50 and may be successful in both preserving the plant’s natural methods of protection from stressful conditions and in providing additional protection for the plant.
  • the solutions and methods disclosed herein have a variety of components and methods that accomplish these benefits.
  • a hydrophobic barrier component 52 may include one or more of a hydrophobic barrier component 52, a film forming matrix component 54, a plasticizing component 56, a preservative component 58, a complexing and crosslinking component 60, an ultraviolet light (UV) protectant component 62, a film enhancing component 64, and/or a supplemental component 66, each of which is discussed in more detail herein.
  • a hydrophobic barrier component 52 may include one or more of a hydrophobic barrier component 52, a film forming matrix component 54, a plasticizing component 56, a preservative component 58, a complexing and crosslinking component 60, an ultraviolet light (UV) protectant component 62, a film enhancing component 64, and/or a supplemental component 66, each of which is discussed in more detail herein.
  • UV ultraviolet light
  • Hydrophobic barrier component 52 may be defined as any molecule that may inhibit moisture from crossing film 50. Examples of active ingredients that are attributed to this characteristic are palm oil and lecithin.
  • Palm oil is composed of a variety of fatty acids (C14, C16, and Cl 8) that are 50% saturated and 50% unsaturated. These fatty acids, when present in film 50, may form a lipid monolayer that replicates the hydrophobic layer in the natural cuticular waxes. When applied to the fruit, it may form a bilayer with the existing cuticle (exhibiting Van der Waals forces) and/or may thicken the existing cuticle.
  • Lecithin behaves similarly to palm oil in the film, as it is made up of unsaturated fatty acids, yet it also may have a significant impact on the appearance of film 50 and/or of solutions that may be utilized to form and/or define film 50.
  • Lecithin is commonly used in household products as an emulsify ing/stabilizing agent because it forms lipid bilayers and liposomes when surrounded by water. This property allows the solutions disclosed herein to become easily dispersed in solution when diluted in a solvent, such as water.
  • hydrophobic barrier components 52 in film 50 may decrease conductance (Pc, as discussed herein with reference to equation (1)), or an overall, or effective, conductance (Pc of the film-coated cuticle, thereby further decreasing water permeability of the cuticle.
  • Pc conductance
  • Pc of the film-coated cuticle thereby further decreasing water permeability of the cuticle.
  • Both palm oil and lecithin are rich in alkanes, which decreases a potential for water diffusion across film 50.
  • hydrophobic barrier component 52 examples include hydrogenated palm oil, stearic acid, carnauba wax, glyceryl monostearate, monostearin, diglycerin stearate, stearin, lanolin, acetylated lanolin, tristearin, glycerides, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, butyl stearate, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, palmitic acid, oleic acid, poly(oxyethylenes), p-nonylphenols, polysorbates, alkylethoxylates, alkylphenoxyethoxylates, dioctyl sodium, sulfosuccinate, alkyl sulfonates, pinene homopolymer, fatty acids, metal salts of fatty acids, sodium salts of fatty acids, potassium salts of fatty acids, zinc salts of fatty acids, calcium salts of fatty acids, poly
  • Film forming matrix component 54 may be described as any molecule that may be used to allow film 50 to form a matrix structure and/or that forms the matrix structure within the film.
  • An example of a component of film 50 that possesses this nature is carboxymethylcellulose (CMC).
  • Film forming matrix component 54 may be referred to herein as the bed, the matrix, and/or the superstructure of film 50 within which other components of film 50 may be entrapped and/or retained when film 50 surrounds and/or encapsulates the plant. This permits film 50 to mimic the natural cuticle of the plant. On the plant, a cellulose matrix is present as the cell wall, where it creates the bed for the existing cuticle layers. By providing an additional film-forming matrix component 54, film 50 contributes an additional, or a superficial, “cuticle” layer to the plant. The presence of the film forming matrix component also plays a role in the aesthetics of film 50, primarily its thickness. When film forming matrix component 54 includes CMC, and when CMC is combined with water, the carboxymethyl groups may react with the hydroxyl groups to form a cellulose backbone.
  • film forming matrix component 54 examples include cellulose acetate, hydroxyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl propyl cellulose, chitosan, ethylcellulose, butylcellulose, alkylcelluloses, phthalate esters of cellulose, acetate esters of cellulose, hypromellose, propylcellulose, cellulose acetate succinate, hypromellose acetate succinate, carboxyethylcellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose, hypromellose phthalate, polyvinylacetate phthalate, xanthan gum, pectin, guar gum, locust bean gum, gellan gum, gum Arabic, carrageenan, alginic acid, salts of alginic acid, acacia, tragacanth, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, methacrylic-acrylic acid copolymer, methacrylic- acrylic acid copolymer
  • Plasticizing component 56 of film 50 may include any molecule (or mixture of molecules) that may be used to facilitate formation of a firm phase but that also provides flexibility to the film. This may permit and/or facilitate expansion of film 50 as the fruit grows.
  • plasticizing component 56 include glycerin, polysorbate, a plant extract, and/or yucca extract. Glycerin is a thick liquid. It does not solidify when it freezes. Therefore, it also may be utilized as antifreeze in water. In film 50, glycerin may thicken the solution and prevent the film from becoming dry and/or brittle.
  • Glycerin is hygroscopic, meaning that it will react with water in the atmosphere and/or absorb the water. This allows for flexibility in film 50 and may decrease transpiration from the plant by decreasing the difference in water concentrations across the membrane ((Ci - Co) in equation (1)). Glycerin’s hygroscopic nature also prevents film 50 from fully drying out after application to the fruit.
  • Polysorbate may act as an emulsifying component. Because of this, polysorbate may play an important role in the solubility of the components of film 50 in water. It also may act as a surfactant, which may permit film 50 to spread across the surface of the plant by reducing an ionic surface charge of the plant.
  • plasticizing component 56 examples include propylene glycol, sorbitol, sorbitol solutions, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan monooleate, lactamide, acetamide DEA, lactic acid, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, polyoxyethylene-fatty acid esters, triacetin, dibutyl sebacate, polyglyceryl-fatty acids, and/or polyoxyethylene-fatty acid esters.
  • plasticizing component 56 examples include poly glycerol oleate, poly glyceryl 10 oleate, poly glyceryl 4 oleate, poly glyceryl 5 oleate, poly glyceryl 6 oleate, poly glyceryl 8 oleate, poly glyceryl stearate, poly glyceryl 6 stearate, poly glyceryl 2 stearate, poly glyceryl 4 stearate, lactic acid ethyl ester, lactic acid n-butyl ester, and/or honey.
  • Preservative component 58 of film 50 may include any molecule that may be utilized to increase the field and/or shelf life of a plant or plant part to which the film is applied.
  • Examples of preservative component 58 include methyl parabens, propyl parabens, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, proxel-type BIT biocides, and/or calcium propionate.
  • Methyl and propyl parabens are both antifungals that may act to prolong both the storage of solutions utilized to form film 50 as well as the shelf life of plants, fruit, and/or nuts coated by film 50.
  • Methyl and propyl parabens also mimic a natural plant pheromone and may deter insects.
  • Calcium propionate may act as a mold inhibitor and/or as an antimicrobial. It also may perform several functions in solutions utilized to form film 50. First, calcium propionate is positively charged and may neutralize any negative ions remaining in the solutions from the CMC reactions. Second, calcium propionate may decrease the viscosity of the solution. It is believed to accomplish this function by disruption of long carbon chains with the addition of positive ions.
  • preservative component 58 examples include sodium acetate, acetic acid, calcium acetate, sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, potassium, sodium sorbate, potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, vanillin, ethylvanillin, propanoic acid, sodium propanoic acid salt, calcium propanoic acid salt, ascorbyl palmitate, methyl-p-hydroxy-benzoate, methyl parabens sodium salt, propyl-p- hydroxy benzoate, propyl parabens sodium salt, butanol, ethanol, phenol, propyl gallate, benzyl alcohol, phenoxy ethanol, ethyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, butyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, phenoxy ethanol, ethyl propionate, ethyl butyrate, p-chloro-m-xylenol, vitamin E, a-tocopherol, butylated hydroxylanisole (BHA), butyl
  • Antioxidants also may be included in and/or may function as preservative component 58, and may increase field life of the plant or plant part, and/or may increase shelf life of the plant or plant part.
  • antioxidants include n-acetyl cysteine, cysteine, salts of cysteine, sodium salts of cysteine, potassium salts of cysteine, calcium salts of cysteine, ethyl gallate, propyl gallate, cetyl gallate, dodecyl gallate, ascorbic acid, sodium salts of ascorbic acid, potassium salts of ascorbic acid, calcium salts of ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, and/or ethyl maltol.
  • Complexing and crosslinking component 60 may include any component that may form a matrix, within film 50, that stretches and/or adds strength to the film.
  • Examples of complexing and crosslinking component 60 include calcium acetate, calcium chloride, zinc chloride, magnesium chloride, ferric chloride, acetic acid, salts of acetic acid, magnesium salts of acetic acid, manganese salts of acetic acid, and/or zinc salts of acetic acid.
  • UV protectant component 62 may include any molecule that may impart a UV protection quality to film 50.
  • Examples of UV protectant component 62 include talc, mica, quartz, kaolin, bentonite, attapulgite, montmorillonite, smectic clay, silica, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, methyl-cinnamate, benzyl cinnamate, octylmethoxy-cinnamate, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, cinnamic alcohol, menthyl anthranilate, ethyl anthranilate, ethyl p-aminobenzoate, homomenthyl salicylate, benzyl salicylate, 2-ethylhexyl salicylate, isoamyl salicylate, methyl salicylate, syctonemin, agave wax, and/or hippo sweat.
  • Film enhancing component 64 may be defined as molecules that may be utilized to enhance film spreading and/or to increase stability of solutions that may be utilized to form and/or define films 50.
  • film enhancing component 64 include surfactants, silicates, such as calcium silicate, potassium silicate, and/or magnesium silicate, isopropyl myristate, a silicone surfactant, SilWet 636TM, an organosilicone surfactant, and/or WidespreadTM.
  • IPM Isopropyl myristate
  • silicates in film 50 may be attributed to the presence of silicates in film 50.
  • Potassium silicate for example, may be readily absorbed by plants due to the presence of potassium, but the yield benefits may be attributed to the silicate.
  • the uptake of silicate by the plant results in decreased environmental stresses by assisting the plant’s ability to protect itself.
  • Silicates may drive the formation of phytoliths, rigid plant tissues that may become impregnated in the epidermal cell wall, thus creating a thicker barrier for pests/pathogens to penetrate, which improves the strength of the plant and/or increases area available for light penetration.
  • the improved cellular walls also make the plant more resistant to changes in temperature, preventing the plant’s tendency to change its metabolic rates based on transpiration related stresses.
  • potassium silicate has been directly credited with an increased Calvin cycle (increased chlorophyll and carboxylase production), a balanced distribution of nutrient uptake (fewer and/or no deficiencies/excesses), and/or an increase in the readiness for ammonium uptake. Results of all of these benefits may include increased reproductive rates of the plant and/or increased yields by the plant.
  • film enhancing component 64 include aluminum magnesium silicate, aluminum calcium silicate, aluminum sodium silicate, aluminum potassium silicate, aluminum sodium potassium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, dimethicone copolyol, dimethicone copolyol fatty acid esters, dimethicone copolyol fatty acid ethers, silicone glycol copolymer, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, butyl stearate, diisopropyladipate, diacetyl adipate, dibutyl adipate, dioctyl adipate, glyceryl adipate, myristylmyristate, myristyl alcohol, oleic acid, soybean oil, vegetable oils, plant oils, ethyl oleate, lignin sulfate, salt of glycyrrhizinate, salts of myreth sulfate, castor oil dibehenate, cet
  • Supplemental component 66 may include and/or be any suitable component, compound, element, and/or structure that may be included in exogenous flexible films 50 to increase an efficacy of the exogenous flexible films in at least one way.
  • This may include one or more supplemental components 66 that may provide cooperative, complementary, combined, additive, synergestic, and/or adjuvant protection for the plant, such as from one or more pests. Additionally or alternatively, this may include one or more supplemental components 66 that may regulate growth of the plant, that may stimulate the plant, that may function as a bio stimulant for the plant, that may provide biological control of one or more pests of the plant, and/or that may function as a nutrient for the plant.
  • a supplemental component 66 that may be included in solutions that form exogenous flexible films 50 and/or that may be incorporated into the exogenous flexible films includes a pesticide component.
  • the pesticide component may include at least one pesticide active ingredient that may decrease a potential for infestation of the plant by at least one pest and/or that may protect the plant from at least one pest.
  • the pesticide component may repel at least one pest.
  • the pesticide component may interrupt at least a portion, or time period, of a life cycle of at least one pest.
  • the pesticide component may cause the plant to resist infestation by at least one pest.
  • the pesticide component may be toxic to at least one pest, at least during a susceptible portion, or time period, of the life cycle of the at least one pest.
  • the pesticide component may change at least one physical characteristic of the plant, thereby causing the plant to be less prone to infestation by at least one pest.
  • the pesticide active ingredient additionally or alternatively may be or may be referred to as a pesticide active compound, a pesticide active material, and/or pesticide active materials.
  • the pesticide component may include, may consist of, and/or may consist essentially of at least one active ingredient.
  • the active ingredient include 1,3 Dichloropropene, Abamectin, Acephate, Acetamiprid, Afidopyropen, Azadirachtin, Azoxystrobin, Bacillus Pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis, Beta-cyfluthrin, Bifenazate, Bifenthrin, Bordeaux, Boscalid, Buprofezin, Burkholderia spp., Captan, Carbaryl, Chlorantraniliprole, Chlorfenapyr, Chloropicrin, Chlorothalonil, Chromobacterium subtsugae, Cinnamaldehyde, Clofentezine, Clothiandin, Copper, Copper hydroxide, Cyazofamid, Cyazypyr (Cyantraniliprole), Cydia pomonella granulovirus
  • the at least one pest may include and/or be any pest that may be undesirable, that may damage the plant, and/or that may decrease an aesthetic appeal of the plant.
  • Examples of the at least one pest include an insect, a bug, a microorganism, a bacteria, a fungus, and/or a virus.
  • the at least one pest include pests of the family Acetobacteraceae, Botryosphaeriaceae, Davidiellaceae, Diatrypaceae, Drosophilidae, Erwiniaceae, Erysiphaceae, Glomerellaceae, Liviidae, Mucoraceae, Peronosporacea, Pleosporacea, Pseudomonadaceae, Psyllidae, Pyralidae, Sclerotinacea, Tephritidae, Tetranychidae, Togniniaceae, Totricidae, Trichocomacea, Valsaceae, Venturiacea, and/or Xanthomonadaceae.
  • the at least one pest include Acetobacter (sour rot complex), Altemariaretemata (leaf spot - sour rot complex), Altemaria arborescens (late blight), Altemaria citri (Altemaria rot), Altemaria solani (early blight), Altemaria tenussima (late blight), Amyelois transitella (navel orangeworm), Aspergillus sp (black mold - sour rot complex), Botryosphaeria spp (Bot canker), Botrytis cinerea (grey mold), Cladosporium carpophilum (Scab), Cladosporium cladosporioides (brown spot), Cladosporium herbarum (brown spot - sour rot complex), Cladosporium limoniforme (brown spot), Cladosporium ramotenellum (brown spot), Colletotrichum acutatum (anthracnose-ripe rot
  • Figs. 5a-5m Specific examples of the at least one pest, in the form of fungal pests, together with examples of plants that may be infested by the fungal pests, are illustrated in Figs. 5a-5m.
  • Figs. 5a-5m also provide examples of active ingredients of the pesticide component, which may be included in films 50 and/or in solutions that form films 50, that may be utilized to combat the fungal pests.
  • Figs. 6a-6d Specific examples of the at least one pest, in the form of bacterial pests, together with examples of plants that may be infested by the bacterial pests, are illustrated in Figs. 6a-6d.
  • Figs. 6a-6d also provide examples of active ingredients of the pesticide component, which may be included in films 50 and/or in solutions that form films 50, that may be utilized to combat the bacterial pests.
  • Figs. 7a-7f Specific examples of the at least one pest, in the form of insect pests, together with examples of plants that may be infested by the insect pests, are illustrated in Figs. 7a-7f Figs. 7a-7f also provide examples of active ingredients of the pesticide component, which may be included in films 50 and/or in solutions that form films 50, that may be utilized to combat the insect pests.
  • Fig. 8 Specific examples of the at least one pest, in the form of arachnid pests, together with examples of plants that may be infested by the arachnid pests, are illustrated in Fig. 8.
  • Fig. 8 also provides examples of active ingredients of the pesticide component, which may be included in films 50 and/or in solutions that form films 50, that may be utilized to combat the arachnid pests.
  • a supplemental component 66 that may be included in solutions that form exogenous flexible films 50 and/or that may be incorporated into the exogenous flexible films, according to the present disclosure, includes a plant growth regulator (PGR).
  • the PGR may include at least one PGR active ingredient, compound, material, and/or materials that may control, regulate, and/or direct growth of the plant.
  • the PGR may be configured to regulate and/or to increase branching of the plant, to regulate and/or to suppress shoot growth of the plant, to regulate and/or increase a return to bloom of the plant, to regulate fruit production by the plant, such as via removing excess fruit from the plant, and/or to alter fruit maturity of the plant.
  • incorporation of the PGR into the solutions and/or exogenous flexible films may facilitate improved delivery of the PGR to the plant, improved uptake of the PGR by the plant, and/or improved regulation of plant growth by the PGR. Stated differently, incorporation of the PGR into the solutions and exogenous flexible films, which are disclosed herein, may increase an efficacy of the PGR when compared to more conventional mechanisms of PGR delivery and/or application to plants.
  • incorporation of the PGR into the solutions, according to the present disclosure, and subsequent formation of exogenous flexible films, which include the PGR, on the plant may increase a contact time between the PGR and the plant, may decrease a potential for the PGR to be washed off of the plant, and/or may regulate, moderate, and/or control absorption of the PGR by the plant.
  • An example of the PGR includes an Auxin.
  • Auxins include Indol-3-ylbutyric acid, 1 -Naphthylacetic acid, 2-(l-Naphthyl)-Acetamide, Carbaryl, and/or Triclopyr.
  • PGR includes a Gibberellin.
  • Gibberellins include Gibberellin A3, Gibberellin A4/7, Gibberellin A4/7 + 6-Benzyladenine, Chlormequat chloride, Chlormequat chloride + Imazaquin, Mepiquat chloride + Ethephon, Mepiquat chloride + Prohexadionecalcium, Mepiquat chloride, Mepiquat pentaborate, Mepiquat chloride + Cyclanilide, Mepiquat chloride + Kinetin, Mepiquat chloride + Metconazole, Paclobutrazol, Paclobutrazol + Difenoconazole, Uniconazole-P, Ancymidol, Flurprimidol, Tebuconazole, Metconazole, Daminozide, Trinexapac-ethyl, and/or Prohexadione-calcium.
  • PGR includes an ethylene.
  • ethylenes include Ethephon, Ethephon + Cyclanilide, Aviglycine, Silver thiosulfate, and/or 1 -Methylcyclopropene.
  • Another example of the PGR includes an Abscisic acid.
  • An example of the Abscisic acid includes (S)-Abscisic acid.
  • Another example of the PGR includes a Jasmonate.
  • An example of the Jasmonate includes Prohydrojasmon.
  • Additional examples of the PGR include hydrogen cyanamide, Dikegulac, Mefluidide, Maleic hydrazide, Chlorpropham, 3-Decen-2-one, Carvone, and/or Lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE).
  • a supplemental component 66 that may be included in solutions that form exogenous flexible films 50 and/or that may be incorporated into the exogenous flexible films, according to the present disclosure, includes a bio-stimulant.
  • the bio-stimulant may include at least one bio-stimulant active ingredient, compound, material, and/or materials that may be configured to stimulate the plant, such as to enhance nutritional efficiency of the plant, enhance abiotic stress tolerance of the plant, and/or enhance one or more crop quality traits of the plant.
  • incorporation of the bio-stimulant into the solutions and/or exogenous flexible films may facilitate improved delivery of the bio-stimulant to the plant, improved uptake of the bio-stimulant by the plant, and/or improved stimulation of the plant by the bio-stimulant. Stated differently, incorporation of the bio-stimulant into the solutions and exogenous flexible films, which are disclosed herein, may increase an efficacy of the bio-stimulant when compared to more conventional mechanisms of bio-stimulant delivery and/or application to plants.
  • incorporation of the bio-stimulant into the solutions, according to the present disclosure, and subsequent formation of exogenous flexible films, which include the biostimulant, on the plant may increase a contact time between the bio-stimulant and the plant, may decrease a potential for the bio-stimulant to be washed off of the plant, and/or may regulate, moderate, and/or control absorption of the bio-stimulant by the plant.
  • the biostimulant include humic acids, macro algae, seaweed extracts, micro algae extracts, protein hydrolysate, glycine betaine, and/or plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria.
  • a supplemental component 66 that may be included in solutions that form exogenous flexible films 50 and/or that may be incorporated into the exogenous flexible films, according to the present disclosure, includes a bio-controller.
  • the bio-controller may include at least one bio-controller active ingredient, compound, material, materials, and/or organism that may control, that may be a natural predator for, that may naturally consume, and/or that may naturally infest at least one pest.
  • incorporation of the bio-controller into the solutions and/or exogenous flexible films may facilitate improved delivery of the bio-controller to the plant, improved uptake of the bio-controller by the plant, improved protection of plant growth by the bio-controller, and/or improved delivery of the bio-controller to the at least one pest. Stated differently, incorporation of the bio-controller into the solutions and exogenous flexible films, which are disclosed herein, may increase an efficacy of the bio-controller when compared to more conventional mechanisms of bio-controller delivery and/or application to plants.
  • incorporation of the bio-controller into the solutions, according to the present disclosure, and subsequent formation of exogenous flexible films 50, which include the bio-controller, on the plant may increase a contact time between the bio-controller and the plant, may decrease a potential for the bio-controller to be washed off of the plant, may cause the bio-controller to function as a barrier to infestation by the at least one pest, may at least partially isolate the plant from the bio-controller, and/or may regulate, moderate, and/or control absorption of the biocontroller by the plant.
  • An example of the bio-controller includes a bacteria.
  • bacteria include Pseudomonas fluorescens, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Agrobacterium radiobacter strain 84, Bacillus subtilis, Streptomyces lydicus, Burkholderia cepacia, Erwinia amylovora, Alcaligenes sp., Serratia marcescens GPS 5, and/or Streptomyces griseoviridis.
  • bio-controller includes a fungus.
  • fungi include Trichoderma sp., Gliocladium sp., Fusarium oxysporum (nonpathogenic), Penicillium islanidicum (for groundnut), Aspergillus niger — strain AN27, VAM (fungus), Candida oleophila, Pythium oligandrum, Chaetomium globosum, Ampelomyces quisqualis, Coniothyrium minitans, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Verticillium lecanii, Verticillium chlamydosporium, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Nomuraea rileyi, Hirsutella species, Photorhabdus luminescences akhurustii strain K-l, Myrothecium verrucaria, Piriformospora indica, and/or Phlebia gigantean.
  • bio-controller includes a virus.
  • viruses include Nuclear polyhedrosis viruses and/or Granulosis viruses.
  • a supplemental component 66 that may be included in solutions that form exogenous flexible films 50 and/or that may be incorporated into the exogenous flexible films, according to the present disclosure, includes a nutrient.
  • the nutrient may include at least one nutrient active ingredient, compound, material, and/or materials that may be utilized by the plant during growth thereof.
  • incorporation of the nutrient into the solutions and/or exogenous flexible films may facilitate improved delivery of the nutrient to the plant and/or improved uptake of the nutrient by the plant. Stated differently, incorporation of the nutrient into the solutions and exogenous flexible films, which are disclosed herein, may increase an efficacy of the nutrient when compared to more conventional mechanisms of nutrient delivery and/or application to plants.
  • incorporation of the nutrient into the solutions, according to the present disclosure, and subsequent formation of exogenous flexible films 50, which include the nutrient, on the plant may increase a contact time between the nutrient and the plant, may decrease a potential for the nutrient to be washed off of the plant, and/or may regulate, moderate, and/or control absorption of the nutrient by the plant.
  • Examples of the nutrient include micronutrients and/or macronutrients. Additional examples of the nutrient include molybdenum, nickel, copper, zinc, manganese, iron, boron, chlorine, sulfur, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, potassium, nitrogen, cobalt, sodium, silicon, selenium, iodine, and/or vanadium.
  • film 50 may be formed by applying a solution to the plant.
  • the solution may include a solvent, as well as hydrophobic barrier component 52, film forming matrix component 54, plasticizing component 56, preservative component 58, complexing and crosslinking component 60, UV protectant component 62, and/or film enhancing component 64.
  • the solution also includes supplemental component 66.
  • the solvent examples include water and/or deionized (DI) water.
  • the solvent may define any suitable portion, fraction, and/or weight percent of the solution.
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at least 10 weight percent (wt%), at least 12 wt%, at least 14 wt%, at least 16 wt%, at least 18 wt%, at least 20 wt%, at least 22 wt%, at least 24 wt%, at least 26 wt%, at least 28 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 32 wt%, at least 34 wt%, at least 36 wt%, at least 38 wt%, at least 40 wt%, at least 42 wt%, at least 44 wt%, at least 46 wt%, at least 48 wt%, at least 50 wt%, at least 52 wt%, at least 54 wt%, at least 56 wt%, at least 58
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at most 82 wt%, at most 80 wt%, at most 78 wt%, at most 76 wt%, at most 74 wt%, at most 72 wt%, at most 70 wt%, at most 68 wt%, at most 66 wt%, at most 64 wt%, at most 62 wt%, at most 60 wt%, at most 58 wt%, at most 56 wt%, at most 54 wt%, at most 52 wt%, at most 50 wt%, at most 48 wt%, at most 46 wt%, at most 44 wt%, at most 42 wt%, at most 40 wt%, at most 38 wt%, at most 36 wt%, at most 34 wt%, at most 32 wt%, at most 30 wt%, at most 28 wt%, at most 26
  • the hydrophobic barrier component may form and/or define any suitable portion, fraction, and/or weight percent of the solution.
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at least 1 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 3 wt%, at least 4 wt%, at least 5 wt%, at least 6 wt%, at least 8 wt%, at least 10 wt%, at least 12 wt%, at least 14 wt%, at least 16 wt%, at least 18 wt%, at least 20 wt% at least 25 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 35 wt%, and/or at least 40 wt% of the hydrophobic barrier component.
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at most 50 wt%, at most 45 wt%, at most 40 wt%, at most 35 wt%, at most 30 wt%, at most 25 wt%, at most 24 wt%, at most 22 wt%, at most 20 wt%, at most 18 wt%, at most 16 wt%, at most 14 wt%, at most 12 wt%, at most 10 wt%, at most 8 wt%, at most 6 wt%, at most 4 wt%, and/or at most 2 wt% of the hydrophobic barrier component.
  • the solution also may include and/or be a mixture of hydrophobic barrier components, such as those that are disclosed herein.
  • the mixture of hydrophobic barrier components may include any suitable fraction of individual components included therein. Examples of the fraction of individual components include fractions of at least 1 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 4 wt%, at least 6 wt%, at least 8 wt%, at least 10 wt%, at least 20 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, and/or at least 99 wt% of the hydrophobic barrier component of the solution.
  • the fraction of individual components may be at most 99 wt%, at most 95 wt%, at most 90 wt%, at most 80 wt%, at most 70 wt%, at most 60 wt%, at most 50 wt%, at most 40 wt%, at most 30 wt%, at most 20 wt%, at most 10 wt%, at most 8 wt%, at most 6 wt%, at most 4 wt%, at most 2 wt%, and/or at most 1 wt% of the hydrophobic barrier component of the solution.
  • the film forming matrix component may form and/or define any suitable portion, fraction, and/or weight percent of the solution.
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at least 0.05 wt%, at least 0.1 wt%, at least 0.15 wt%, at least 0.2 wt%, at least 0.25 wt%, at least 0.3 wt%, at least 0.4 wt%, at least 0.5 wt%, at least 0.6 wt%, at least 0.7 wt%, at least 0.8 wt%, at least 0.9 wt%, at least 1.0 wt%, at least 1.2 wt%, at least 1.4 wt%, at least 1.6 wt%, at least 1.8 wt%, at least 2.0 wt%, at least 2.2 wt%, at least 2.4 wt%, at least 2.6 wt%, at least 2.8 wt%, at least 3.0 wt%, at least 3.5
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at most 30 wt%, at most 25 wt%, at most 20 wt%, at most 15 wt%, at most 10.0 wt%, at most 9.5 wt%, at most 9.0 wt%, at most 8.5 wt%, at most 8.0 wt%, at most 7.5 wt%, at most 7.0 wt%, at most 6.5 wt%, at most 6.0 wt%, at most 5.5 wt%, at most 5.0 wt%, at most 4.5 wt%, at most 4.0 wt%, at most 3.5 wt%, at most 3.0 wt%, at most 2.8 wt%, at most 2.6 wt%, at most 2.4 wt%, at most 2.2 wt%, at most 2.0 wt%, at most 1.8 wt%, at most 1.6 wt%, at most 1.4 w
  • the solution also may include and/or be a mixture of film forming matrix components, such as those that are disclosed herein.
  • the mixture of film forming matrix components may include any suitable fraction of individual components included therein. Examples of the fraction of individual components include fractions of at least 1 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 4 wt%, at least 6 wt%, at least 8 wt%, at least 10 wt%, at least 20 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, and/or at least 99 wt% of the film forming matrix component of the solution.
  • the fraction of individual components may be at most 99 wt%, at most 95 wt%, at most 90 wt%, at most 80 wt%, at most 70 wt%, at most 60 wt%, at most 50 wt%, at most 40 wt%, at most 30 wt%, at most 20 wt%, at most 10 wt%, at most 8 wt%, at most 6 wt%, at most 4 wt%, at most 2 wt%, and/or at most 1 wt% of the film forming matrix component of the solution.
  • the plasticizing component may form and/or define any suitable portion, fraction, and/or weight percent of the solution.
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at least 0.5 wt%, at least 1 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 4 wt%, at least 6 wt%, at least 8 wt%, at least 10 wt%, at least 12 wt%, at least 14 wt%, at least 16 wt%, at least 18 wt%, at least 20 wt%, at least 22 wt%, at least 24 wt%, at least 26 wt%, at least 28 wt%, and/or at least 30 wt% of the plasticizing component.
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at most 40 wt%, at most 35 wt%, at most 30 wt%, at most 25 wt%, at most 20 wt%, at most 15 wt%, at most 10 wt%, at most 8 wt%, at most 6 wt%, at most 4 wt%, at most 2 wt%, and/or at most 1 wt% of the plasticizing component.
  • the solution also may include and/or be a mixture of plasticizing components, such as those that are disclosed herein.
  • the mixture of plasticizing components may include any suitable fraction of individual components included therein. Examples of the fraction of individual components include fractions of at least 1 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 4 wt%, at least 6 wt%, at least 8 wt%, at least 10 wt%, at least 20 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, and/or at least 99 wt% of the plasticizing component of the solution.
  • the fraction of individual components may be at most 99 wt%, at most 95 wt%, at most 90 wt%, at most 80 wt%, at most 70 wt%, at most 60 wt%, at most 50 wt%, at most 40 wt%, at most 30 wt%, at most 20 wt%, at most 10 wt%, at most 8 wt%, at most 6 wt%, at most 4 wt%, at most 2 wt%, and/or at most 1 wt% of the plasticizing component of the solution.
  • the preservative component may form and/or define any suitable portion, fraction, and/or weight percent of the solution.
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at least 0.001 wt%, at least 0.005 wt%, at least 0.01 wt%, at least 0.05 wt%, at least 0.
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at most 12 wt%, at most 10 wt%, at most 8 wt%, at most 6 wt%, at most 5 wt%, at most 4 wt%, at most 3 wt%, at most 2 wt%, at most 1 wt%, at most 0.8 wt%, at most 0.6 wt%, at most 0.4 wt%, and/or at most 0.2 wt% of the preservative component.
  • the solution also may include and/or be a mixture of preservative components, such as those that are disclosed herein.
  • the mixture of preservative components may include any suitable fraction of individual components included therein. Examples of the fraction of individual components include fractions of at least 1 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 4 wt%, at least 6 wt%, at least 8 wt%, at least 10 wt%, at least 20 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, and/or at least 99 wt% of the preservative component of the solution.
  • the fraction of individual components may be at most 99 wt%, at most 95 wt%, at most 90 wt%, at most 80 wt%, at most 70 wt%, at most 60 wt%, at most 50 wt%, at most 40 wt%, at most 30 wt%, at most 20 wt%, at most 10 wt%, at most 8 wt%, at most 6 wt%, at most 4 wt%, at most 2 wt%, and/or at most 1 wt% of the preservative component of the solution.
  • the complexing and crosslinking component may form and/or define any suitable portion, fraction, and/or weight percent of the solution.
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at least 0.05 wt%, at least 0. 1 wt%, at least 0.2 wt%, at least 0.3 wt%, at least 0.4 wt%, at least 0.5 wt%, at least 0.6 wt%, at least 0.8 wt%, at least 1 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 4 wt%, at least 6 wt%, and/or at least 8 wt% of the complexing and crosslinking component.
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at most 10 wt%, at most 8 wt%, at most 6 wt%, at most 4 wt%, at most 3 wt%, at most 2 wt%, at most 1 wt%, at most 0.8 wt%, at most 0.6 wt%, at most 0.4 wt%, and/or at most 0.2 wt% of the complexing and crosslinking component.
  • the solution also may include and/or be a mixture of complexing and crosslinking components, such as those that are disclosed herein.
  • the mixture of complexing and crosslinking components may include any suitable fraction of individual components included therein. Examples of the fraction of individual components include fractions of at least 1 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 4 wt%, at least 6 wt%, at least 8 wt%, at least 10 wt%, at least 20 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, and/or at least 99 wt% of the complexing and crosslinking component of the solution.
  • the fraction of individual components may be at most 99 wt%, at most 95 wt%, at most 90 wt%, at most 80 wt%, at most 70 wt%, at most 60 wt%, at most 50 wt%, at most 40 wt%, at most 30 wt%, at most 20 wt%, at most 10 wt%, at most 8 wt%, at most 6 wt%, at most 4 wt%, at most 2 wt%, and/or at most 1 wt% of the complexing and crosslinking component of the solution.
  • the UV protectant component may form and/or define any suitable portion, fraction, and/or weight percent of the solution.
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at least 0.001 wt%, at least 0.005 wt%, at least 0.01 wt%, at least 0.05 wt%, at least 0.1 wt%, at least 0.2 wt%, at least 0.4 wt%, at least 0.8 wt%, at least 1 wt%, at least 1.5 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 2.5 wt%, at least 3 wt%, at least 4 wt%, at least 5 wt%, at least 6 wt%, at least 7 wt%, and/or at least 8 wt% of the UV protectant component.
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at most 12 wt%, at most 10 wt%, at most 8 wt%, at most 6 wt%, at most 5 wt%, at most 4 wt%, at most 3 wt%, at most 2 wt%, at most 1 wt%, at most 0.8 wt%, at most 0.6 wt%, at most 0.4 wt%, and/or at most 0.2 wt% of the UV protectant component.
  • the solution also may include and/or be a mixture of UV protectant components, such as those that are disclosed herein.
  • the mixture of UV protectant components may include any suitable fraction of individual components included therein. Examples of the fraction of individual components include fractions of at least 1 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 4 wt%, at least 6 wt%, at least 8 wt%, at least 10 wt%, at least 20 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, and/or at least 99 wt% of the UV protectant component of the solution.
  • the fraction of individual components may be at most 99 wt%, at most 95 wt%, at most 90 wt%, at most 80 wt%, at most 70 wt%, at most 60 wt%, at most 50 wt%, at most 40 wt%, at most 30 wt%, at most 20 wt%, at most 10 wt%, at most 8 wt%, at most 6 wt%, at most 4 wt%, at most 2 wt%, and/or at most 1 wt% of the UV protectant component of the solution.
  • the film enhancing component may form and/or define any suitable portion, fraction, and/or weight percent of the solution.
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at least 0.01 wt%, at least 0.05 wt%, at least 0.1 wt%, at least 0.15 wt%, at least 0.2 wt%, at least 0.25 wt%, at least 0.5 wt%, at least 1 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 4 wt%, at least 6 wt%, at least 8 wt%, at least 10 wt%, at least 12 wt%, at least 14 wt%, at least 16 wt%, at least 18 wt%, at least 20 wt%, at least 22 wt%, at least 24 wt%, at least 26 wt%, at least 28 wt%, and/or at least 30 wt% of the film enhancing component.
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at most 40 wt%, at most 35 wt%, at most 30 wt%, at most 25 wt%, at most 20 wt%, at most 18 wt%, at most 16 wt%, at most 14 wt%, at most 12 wt%, at most 10 wt%, at most 8 wt%, at most 6 wt%, at most 4 wt%, and/or at most 2 wt% of the film enhancing component.
  • the solution also may include and/or be a mixture of film enhancing components, such as those that are disclosed herein.
  • the mixture of film enhancing components may include any suitable fraction of individual components included therein. Examples of the fraction of individual components include fractions of at least 1 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 4 wt%, at least 6 wt%, at least 8 wt%, at least 10 wt%, at least 20 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, and/or at least 99 wt% of the film enhancing component of the solution.
  • the fraction of individual components may be at most 99 wt%, at most 95 wt%, at most 90 wt%, at most 80 wt%, at most 70 wt%, at most 60 wt%, at most 50 wt%, at most 40 wt%, at most 30 wt%, at most 20 wt%, at most 10 wt%, at most 8 wt%, at most 6 wt%, at most 4 wt%, at most 2 wt%, and/or at most 1 wt% of the film enhancing component of the solution.
  • the supplemental component may form and/or define any suitable portion, fraction, and/or weight percent of the solution.
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at least 0.05 wt%, at least 0. 1 wt%, at least 0.
  • the solution may include, consist of, and/or consist essentially of at most 30 wt%, at most 25 wt%, at most 20 wt%, at most 15 wt%, at most 10 wt%, at most 9.5 wt%, at most 9.0 wt%, at most 8.5 wt%, at most 8.0 wt%, at most 7.5 wt%, at most 7.0 wt%, at most 6.5 wt%, at most 6.0 wt%, at most 5.5 wt%, at most 5.0 wt%, at most 4.5 wt%, at most 4.0 wt%, at most 3.5 wt%, at most 3.0 wt%, at most 2.8 wt%, at most 2.6 wt%, at most 2.4 wt%, at most 2.2 wt%, at most 2.0 wt%, at most 1.8 wt%, at most 1.6 wt%, at most 1.4 wt
  • the solution also may include and/or be a mixture of supplemental components, such as those that are disclosed herein.
  • the mixture of supplemental components may include any suitable fraction of individual supplemental components included therein.
  • the fraction of individual supplemental components include fractions of at least 1 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 4 wt%, at least 6 wt%, at least 8 wt%, at least 10 wt%, at least 20 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 95 wt%, and/or at least 99 wt% of the supplemental component of the solution.
  • the fraction of individual supplemental components may be at most 99 wt%, at most 95 wt%, at most 90 wt%, at most 80 wt%, at most 70 wt%, at most 60 wt%, at most 50 wt%, at most 40 wt%, at most 30 wt%, at most 20 wt%, at most 10 wt%, at most 8 wt%, at most 6 wt%, at most 4 wt%, at most 2 wt%, and/or at most 1 wt% of the supplemental component of the solution.
  • Methods of forming an exogenous flexible film may include spraying a solution on a plant and evaporating at least a fraction of a solvent from the solution to form and/or define the exogenous flexible film.
  • Examples of the solution are disclosed herein.
  • Examples of the exogenous flexible film are disclosed herein with reference to film 50 of Fig. 1.
  • the solution may be a concentrated solution. Under these conditions, and prior to the spraying, the methods may include diluting the concentrated solution with solvent, or with additional solvent, to form and/or define a sprayed, or diluted, solution. The spraying then may include spraying the diluted solution.
  • the plant may include fruit.
  • the spraying may include spraying at least a threshold number of days prior to harvesting of the fruit.
  • the threshold number of days prior to harvesting of the fruit include at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, at least 25, at least 30, at least 35, at least 40, at least 45, at least 50, at least 55, at least 60, at least 65, at least 70, at least 75, at least 80, at least 85, or at least 90 days.
  • the spraying may include spraying within a threshold number of days of bud break, spraying at least a threshold number of days before bud break, spraying at most a threshold number of days after bud break, spraying within a threshold number of days of full bloom, spraying at least a threshold number of days before full bloom, spraying at most a threshold number of days after full bloom, spraying within a threshold number of days of fruit set, spraying at least a threshold number of days before fruit set, and/or spraying at most a threshold number of days after fruit set.
  • Examples of the threshold number of days include 2 days, 4 days, 6 days, 8 days, 10 days, 12 days, 14 days, 16 days, 18 days, 20 days, 22 days, 24 days, 26 days, 28 days, and/or 30 days.
  • the methods also may be repeated.
  • the methods may be repeated a plurality of different times, with each instance of the spraying being performed a different number of days prior to harvesting of the fruit.
  • a first subset of the components of the solution may be applied to the fruit during a first application (e.g., during a first instance of the spraying) and a second subset of the components of the solution may be applied to the fruit during a second, or a subsequent application (e.g., a second instance of the spraying).
  • solutions are examples of solutions, according to the present disclosure, that may be utilized to form exogenous flexible films on plants and/or of the results of utilizing such solutions and/or films. These examples illustrate the benefits of the solutions and methods disclosed herein and/or specific solution compositions that may be utilized. The examples are in no way to be considered limiting to the present disclosure.
  • the solutions and methods disclosed herein may be utilized to reduce the occurrence and/or severity of microfractures in the cuticle of fruits. The presence of microfractures often correlates with larger-scale fruit cracking and/or with the incidence of disease within the fruit. As such, the solutions and methods disclosed herein may be referred to as solutions and/or methods for decreasing cracking and/or for decreasing disease incidence in fruit.
  • a solution including approximately 13.3 wt% of a hydrophobic barrier component, 1 wt% of a film forming matrix component, 6.8 wt% of a plasticizing component, 0.44 wt% of a preservative component, 16.9 wt% of a film enhancing component, 60 wt% of a solvent, and 1 wt% of a complexing and crosslinking component was applied to fruit (Bing cherries). The fruit then was observed for microfractures at harvest.
  • Fig. 2 The results of this field test are summarized in Fig. 2. More specifically, the solution was applied to a first test sample (i.e., Sample # Al) 25 days after full bloom (approximately 69 days prior to harvest). The solution was applied to a second test sample (i.e., Sample # A2) both 25 days after full bloom (69 days prior to harvest) and 35 days after full bloom (59 days prior to harvest). The solution was applied to a third test sample (i.e., Sample # A3) 25 days after full bloom (69 days prior to harvest), 35 days after full bloom (59 days prior to harvest), and at straw color (approximately 60 days after full bloom and 34 days prior to harvest).
  • a first test sample i.e., Sample # Al
  • Sample # A2 both 25 days after full bloom (69 days prior to harvest) and 35 days after full bloom (59 days prior to harvest).
  • Sample # A3 25 days after full bloom (69 days prior to harvest), 35 days after full bloom (59 days prior to harvest), and at straw color (
  • the solution was applied to a fourth test sample (i.e., Sample # A4) 25 days after full bloom (69 days prior to harvest), 35 days after full bloom (59 days prior to harvest), at straw color (34 days prior to harvest), and 10 days after straw color (24 days prior to harvest).
  • a control sample i.e., Sample # A Control did not receive any application of the solution.
  • Sample # Al contained 86% fruit with no measurable microfractures
  • Sample # A2 contained 84% fruit with no measurable microfractures
  • Sample # A3 contained 84% fruit with no measurable microfractures
  • Sample A4 contained 84% fruit with no measurable microfractures
  • Sample # A Control contained only 70% fruit with no measurable microfractures.
  • Fig. 3 the solution was once again applied to fruit (Bing cherries) and the fruit then was observed for microfractures at harvest.
  • the results of this field test are summarized in Fig. 3. More specifically, the solution was applied to a first test sample (i.e., Sample # Bl) at 30 days after full bloom (approximately 64 days prior to harvest) and at straw color (approximately 34 days prior to harvest). The solution also was applied to a second test sample (i.e., Sample # B2) at straw color (34 days prior to harvest) and 15 days after straw color (approximately 19 days prior to harvest). A control sample (Sample # B Control) did not receive any application of the solution.
  • sample # Bl The early application test sample (Sample # Bl) exhibited a 20% decrease in the occurrence of microfractures (or increase in the number of fruit with no measurable microfractures) when compared to the late application test sample (Sample # B2) and a 28% decrease in the occurrence of microfractures (or increase in the number of fruit with no measurable microfractures) when compared to the late application test sample. More specifically, Sample # Bl contained 65% fruit with no measurable microfractures, while Sample # B2 contained 45% fruit with no measurable microfractures. Sample # B Control contained 37% fruit with no measurable microfractures.
  • the cuticle is formed early in the life of the fruit and then stretches, expands, and/or thins as the fruit develops. It is postulated that early application of films 50 fortifies the cuticle during the early stages of fruit development, thereby decreasing a potential for microfracture formation during growth and providing a significant increase in fruit quality at harvest.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates the percent of fruit (Bing cherries) exhibiting microfractures as a function of time, during fruit development, for fruit that has not been treated with films 50.
  • microfractures generally do not develop until approximately 44 days after full bloom and then increase substantially with time before plateauing.
  • the onset of microfracture development may correlate to the onset of rapid growth of the fruit, which occurs in parallel with a significant decrease in cuticle development within the fruit.
  • the existing cuticle is stretched, which may lead to microfracture formation.
  • Application of films 50 prior to this phase of fruit growth and/or prior to microfracture formation may strengthen the cuticle, thereby decreasing the potential for microfracture formation during the rapid growth phase.
  • the solutions and methods disclosed herein may improve the quality and/or shelf life of fruits in other ways, such as during post-harvest storage.
  • Coating of fruit with the solutions disclosed herein and/or with films 50 formed thereby may reduce the transpiration, transmission, and/or diffusion of oxygen through the cuticle.
  • ROS reactive oxygen species
  • films 50 may cause fruit to stay fresh for extended periods of time when compared to fruit that does not include films 50 formed thereon. It has been observed that spraying at a time later in the growing season does not necessarily reduce the overall amount of oxygen in the fruit so ROS level would not decline. On the other hand, spraying earlier, such as more than 40 days prior to harvest, decreases the amount of oxygen in the fruit and effects ROS production.
  • the methods disclosed herein may lower an amount of oxygen present within the fruit during maturation of the fruit. This may decrease an amount of oxygen present within the fruit to react with and/or to degrade ethylene and/or may impact ethylene production within the fruit. Increased ethylene may be responsible for fruit being larger, for more solids and/or sugars being present within the fruit, for increased sweetness of taste of the fruit, etc. After harvest, the decrease in oxygen transpiration may cause a decrease in the production of ethylene, which decreases the degradation and/or senescense of the fruit. Thus, fruit coated with films 50 may remain in a better state after harvest when compared to fruit that is not coated with films 50. In one example, stored post-harvest fruit coated with films 50 exhibited a 15% decrease in disease occurrence. Decreases in ROS and the increased ethylene also may provide a slightly longer growing period that gives the fruit a better appearance.
  • Coating fruit with films 50 also results in improved ethylene "regulation". As fruit starts to ripen, and ethylene is given off, the pattern is generally erratic, meaning that the fruit exhibits peaks and valleys of ethylene release. This inconsistent release can lead to pre-harvest stress and can continue into post-harvest, reducing the shelf life of the fruit. Coating the fruit with film 50 makes ethylene release more consistent, thereby decreasing stress on the fruit and/or leading to a more consistent shelf life of the fruit.
  • Coating fruit with films 50 also may decrease stress, or a potential for stress, within the plant. When stressed, plants commonly increase ethylene production. As such, fruit coated with films 50 may exhibit lower ethylene production when placed in stressful conditions.
  • Coating fruit with films 50 also may increase firmness of the cuticle.
  • the effective thickness of the cuticle is increased, which may provide better protection for the fruit and/or may reduce cracking of the fruit during rain events.
  • Increasing the effective cuticle strength by the thickening of the cuticle also may provide better protection of the fruit from sunbum.
  • increasing fruit cuticle strength may reduce fractures and/or micro-fractures in the cuticle, which may decrease a potential for disease to enter into the fruit.
  • Coating fruit with films 50 also may enhance photosynthetic activity when compared to non-coated fruit.
  • Sunbum damage may be caused when photosynthetically active portions of the plant lose their efficiency in transforming solar energy into chemical energy due to a block in electron transport from the photosystem II complex (PS-II) to photosystem I (PS-I).
  • PS-II photosystem II complex
  • PS-II photosystem II complex
  • the PS-II complex loses its energy transportation ability to PS-I and the excess of accumulated solar energy gives way to the formation of ROS within the plant.
  • the ROS induces oxidative damage to the tissue, which is observed as sunburn.
  • Applications of exogenous flexible films, according to the present disclosure have been observed to reduce sunburn incidence.
  • exogenous flexible films 50 which are disclosed herein, generally are formed by spraying a solution on a plant.
  • the solution generally is an aqueous solution including a solvent, in the form of water, and several other components, examples of which are disclosed herein.
  • An example of a concentrated solution includes 7 wt% preservative component, 25 wt% hydrophobic barrier component, 13 wt% plasticizing component, 33 wt% film enhancing component, 2 wt% film forming matrix component, and 20 wt% water. This solution is proven to be stable and readily diluted with additional water at the time of application.
  • supplemental component 66 in the form of the pesticide component, within exogenous flexible films 50, may provide additional, and unexpected, benefits for plants when compared to application of exogenous flexible films 50 that do not include the pesticide component.
  • the combination of the pesticide component with other components of exogenous flexible films 50 may provide significant benefits for plants over application of the pesticide component alone to the plants.
  • the pesticide component and other components of exogenous flexible films 50 may have and/or provide cooperative, complementary, combined, additive, synergestic, and/or adjuvant protection for the plant and/or from pests. The magnitude of this protection is unexpected and may be significantly greater than the protection provided by the pesticide component alone and/or by exogenous flexible films that do not include the pesticide component.
  • Fig. 9 the efficacy of exogenous flexible films 50, according to the present disclosure, in combatting grey mold (Botrytis cinered) on Portola strawberries was tested.
  • Four groups were tested, including an untreated control (group 1), application of an exogenous flexible film that does not include a pesticide component (group 2), application of a pesticide component alone (Cyprodinil and Fludioxonil - group 3), and application of an exogenous flexible film, according to the present disclosure, that includes the pesticide component (group 4).
  • the four groups were evaluated for infestation with grey mold at four different, progressively longer, times post-harvest. For the first two evaluations (shortest time post-harvest), only group 1 exhibited grey mold.
  • exogenous flexible films 50 While group 1 , group 2, and group 3 all exhibited at least some infestation during at least one of the harvests, no infestation was observed during any of the three harvests for group 4.
  • exogenous flexible films 50 consistently protect strawberries from grey mold despite varying environmental conditions that may render prior art treatments more variable and/or less effective.
  • Fig. 11 the efficacy of exogenous flexible films 50, according to the present disclosure, in combating grey mold (Botrytis cinered) on Frontelis strawberries was tested.
  • exogenous flexible films 50 provide significant protection from SWD oviposition on cherries and that this protection is substantially better than that achieved utilizing exogenous flexible films that do not include a corresponding pesticide component and/or utilizing the pesticide component alone.
  • exogenous flexible films 50 provide significant protection from SWD oviposition on blueberries and that this protection is substantially better than that achieved utilizing exogenous flexible films that do not include a corresponding pesticide component and/or utilizing the pesticide component alone.
  • Fig. 14 the efficacy of exogenous flexible films 50, according to the present disclosure, in combatting Drosphila suzukii (SWD) infestation of blueberries was tested.
  • Four groups were once again tested, including an untreated control (group 1), application of an exogenous flexible film that does not include a pesticide component (group 2), application of the pesticide component alone (Capsaicin - group 3), and application of an exogenous flexible film 50, according to the present disclosure, that includes the pesticide component (group 4).
  • One application was performed at color change.
  • the four groups were evaluated for infestation with SWD at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after application.
  • exogenous flexible films 50 provide longer-term protection from SWD oviposition on blueberries than that achieved utilizing exogenous flexible films that do not include a corresponding pesticide component and/or utilizing the pesticide component alone.
  • exogenous flexible films 50 provide consistent and long-lived protection from fire blight in apples when compared to the results achieved utilizing exogenous flexible films that do not include a corresponding pesticide component and/or utilizing the pesticide component alone.
  • Fig. 16 the efficacy of exogenous flexible films 50, according to the present disclosure, in combatting Phytophthora infestans (early blight) infestation of Russet potatoes was tested.
  • supplemental component 66 in the form of the plant growth regulator (PGR), within exogenous flexible films 50, may provide additional, and unexpected, benefits for plants when compared to application of exogenous flexible films 50 that do not include the PGR.
  • the combination of the PGR with other components of exogenous flexible films 50 may provide significant benefits for plants over application of the PGR alone to the plants.
  • the PGR and other components of exogenous flexible films 50 may have and/or provide cooperative, complementary, combined, additive, and/or adjuvant protection for the plant and/or from pests. The magnitude of this protection is unexpected and may be significantly greater than the protection provided by the PGR alone and/or by exogenous flexible films that do not include the PGR.
  • the efficacy of exogenous flexible films 50, according to the present disclosure, in improving the redness of apples was tested.
  • exogenous flexible films 50 can significantly improve the redness of apples.
  • application of exogenous flexible films 50 that include AVG provided a six-fold decrease in unmarketable, or low-value, apples that exhibit less than 60% surface area redness.
  • exogenous flexible films 50 can significantly improve skin smoothness in apples, leading to a significantly higher fraction of high-value fruit.
  • application of exogenous flexible films 50 that include GA4+7 provided an over 50% increase in fruit with smooth, or defect-free, skin.
  • exogenous flexible films 50 in improving the marketability of fruit, in the form of Minneiska apples, was tested.
  • Four groups were tested, including an untreated control group (group 1), application of a PGR with the active ingredient of GA4+7 (group 2), application of an exogenous flexible film that does not include a PGR (group 3), and application of an exogenous flexible film that includes GA4+7 (group 4).
  • the four groups were evaluated for marketability. In particular, the percentage of unmarketable fruit due to the presence of lenticel breakdown was quantified. For the untreated fruit in the control group (group 1), 5.1% of the fruit was unmarketable. For the fruit treated with GA4+7 alone (group 2), 6.5% of the fruit was unmarketable. For the fruit treated with the exogenous flexible film that does not include the PGR (group 3), 4.4% of the fruit was unmarketable. However, the fruit treated with the exogenous flexible film that includes GA4+7 (group 4), only 1.6% of the fruit was unmarketable. These results indicate that exogenous flexible films 50, according to the present disclosure, can significantly improve the marketability of apples.
  • exogenous flexible films 50 that include GA4+7 provided a 275% decrease in unmarketable fruit when compared to fruit treated with exogenous flexible films that do not include a PGR and an over 300%-400% decrease in unmarketable fruit when compared to fruit treated with GA4+7 alone and/or when compared to untreated fruit.
  • supplemental component 66 in the form of the nutrient, within exogenous flexible films 50, may provide additional, and unexpected, benefits for plants when compared to application of exogenous flexible films 50 that do not include the nutrient.
  • the combination of the nutrient with other components of exogenous flexible films 50 may provide significant benefits for plants over application of the nutrient alone to the plants.
  • the nutrient and other components of exogenous flexible films 50 may have and/or provide cooperative, complementary, combined, additive, and/or adjuvant protection for the plant and/or from pests. The magnitude of this protection is unexpected and may be significantly greater than the protection provided by the nutrient alone and/or by exogenous flexible films that do not include the nutrient.
  • the efficacy of exogenous flexible films 50, according to the present disclosure, in preventing cracking of Skeena cherries was tested.
  • Five groups were tested, including an untreated control group (group 1), application of an exogenous flexible film that does not include a nutrient (group 2), application of an exogenous flexible film, according to the present disclosure, that includes a nutrient in the form of calcium (group 3), application of an exogenous flexible film, according to the present disclosure, that includes a nutrient in the form of silicon (group 4), and application of an exogenous flexible film, according to the present disclosure, that includes a nutrient in the form of both calcium and silicon (group 5).
  • Treated groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 received applications at 100% petal fall, at straw color, and 10 days after straw color.
  • the five groups were evaluated for cracking at harvest. In particular, the percentage of fruit that exhibited cracks was quantified for each group. In the untreated control group (group 1), 19% of the fruit exhibited cracks. In the group that was treated with the exogenous flexible film that does not include the nutrient (group 2), 10% of the fruit exhibited cracks. Application of exogenous flexible films that include a nutrient provided even better results, with 5% of the fruit in group 3 exhibiting cracking, 4% of the fruit in group 4 exhibiting cracking, and 3% of the fruit in group 5 exhibiting cracking.
  • the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity.
  • Multiple entities listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the entities so conjoined.
  • Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified.
  • a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other entities).
  • These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.
  • the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more of the entity in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every entity specifically listed within the list of entities and not excluding any combinations of entities in the list of entities.
  • This definition also allows that entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified within the list of entities to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified.
  • “at least one of A and B” may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other entities).
  • each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B and C together, and optionally any of the above in combination with at least one other entity.
  • adapted and “configured” mean that the element, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intended to perform a given function.
  • the use of the terms “adapted” and “configured” should not be construed to mean that a given element, component, or other subject matter is simply “capable of’ performing a given function but that the element, component, and/or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the function.
  • elements, components, and/or other recited subject matter that is recited as being adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa.
  • the phrase, “for example,” the phrase, “as an example,” and/or simply the term “example,” when used with reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure, are intended to convey that the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is an illustrative, non-exclusive example of components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure.
  • a solution formulated to be applied to a plant and to form an exogenous flexible film on the plant comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of at least one of:
  • the film forming matrix component includes, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), cellulose acetate, hydroxyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyl propyl cellulose, chitosan, ethylcellulose, butylcellulose, alkylcelluloses, phthalate esters of cellulose, acetate esters of cellulose, hypromellose, propylcellulose, cellulose acetate succinate, hypromellose acetate succinate, carboxyethylcellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose, hypromellose phthalate, polyvinylacetate phthalate, xanthan gum, pectin, guar gum, locust bean gum, gellan gum, gum Arabic, carrageenan, alginic acid, salts of alginic acid, acacia, tragacanth, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol
  • the hydrophobic barrier component includes, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one of palm oil, hydrogenated palm oil, lecithin, soya lecithin, stearic acid, carnauba wax, glyceryl monostearate, monostearin, diglycerin stearate, stearin, lanolin, acetylated lanolin, tristearin, glycerides, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, butyl stearate, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, palmitic acid, oleic acid, poly(oxyethylenes), p-nonylphenols, polysorbates, alkylethoxylates, alkylphenoxyethoxylates, dioctyl sodium, sulfosuccinate, alkyl sulfonates, pinene homopolymer,
  • the plasticizing component includes, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one of glycerin, polysorbate 20, a plant extract, yucca extract, propylene glycol, sorbitol, sorbitol solutions, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan monooleate, lactamide, acetamide DEA, lactic acid, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, polyoxyethylene-fatty acid esters, triacetin, dibutyl sebacate, polyglyceryl-fatty acids, polyoxyethylene-fatty acid esters, poly glycerol oleate, poly glyceryl 10 oleate, poly glyceryl 4 oleate, poly glyceryl 5 oleate, poly glyceryl 6 oleate, poly glyceryl 8 oleate, poly glyceryl stearate, poly glyceryl 6 stearate, poly
  • plasticizing component includes, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one of a plant extract and a yucca extract.
  • the film enhancing component includes, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one of aluminum magnesium silicate, aluminum calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, aluminum sodium silicate, aluminum potassium silicate, aluminum sodium potassium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, dimethicone copolyol, dimethicone copolyol fatty acid esters, dimethicone copolyol fatty acid ethers, silicone glycol copolymer, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, butyl stearate, diisopropyladipate, diacetyl adipate, dibutyl adipate, dioctyl adipate, glyceryl adipate, myristylmyristate, myristyl alcohol, oleic acid, soybean oil, vegetable oils, plant oils, ethyl oleate, lignin sulfate, salt
  • the film enhancing component includes, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one of a silicate, calcium silicate, potassium silicate, magnesium silicate, isopropyl myristate, a silicone surfactant, SilWet 636TM, an organosilicone surfactant, and WidespreadTM.
  • Al 8 The solution of any of paragraphs Al -Al 7, wherein the solution further includes a complexing and crosslinking component.
  • the complexing and crosslinking component includes, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one of calcium acetate, calcium chloride, zinc chloride, magnesium chloride, ferric chloride, acetic acid, salts of acetic acid, magnesium salts of acetic acid, manganese salts of acetic acid, and zinc salts of acetic acid.
  • the preservative component includes, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one of methyl parabens, propyl parabens, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, proxel-type BIT biocides, calcium propionate, sodium acetate, acetic acid, calcium acetate, sodium benzoate, benzoic acid, potassium, sodium sorbate, potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, vanillin, ethylvanillin, propanoic acid, sodium propanoic acid salt, calcium propanoic acid salt, ascorbyl palmitate, methyl-p-hydroxy-benzoate, methyl parabens sodium salt, propyl-p-hydroxy benzoate, propyl parabens sodium salt, butanol, ethanol, phenol, propyl gallate, benzyl alcohol, phenoxy ethanol, ethyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, butyl-p-hydroxybenzo
  • the UV protectant component includes, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one of talc, mica, quartz, kaolin, bentonite, attapulgite, montmorillonite, smectic clay, silica, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, methyl-cinnamate, benzyl cinnamate, octylmethoxy-cinnamate, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, cinnamic alcohol, menthyl anthranilate, ethyl anthranilate, ethyl p-aminobenzoate, homomenthyl salicylate, benzyl salicylate, 2-ethylhexyl salicylate, isoamyl salicylate, methyl salicylate, syctonemin, agave wax, and hippo sweat.
  • the supplemental component includes a pesticide component that includes at least one pesticide active ingredient, optionally wherein the at least one pesticide active ingredient includes, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one of 1,3 Dichloropropene, Abamectin, Acephate, Acetamiprid, Afidopyropen, Azadirachtin, Azoxystrobin, Bacillus Pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis, Beta- cyfluthrin, Bifenazate, Bifenthrin, Bordeaux, Boscalid, Buprofezin, Burkholderia spp., Captan, Carbaryl, Chlorantraniliprole, Chlorfenapyr, Chloropicrin, Chlorothalonil, Chromobacterium subtsugae, Cinnamaldehyde, Clofentezine, Clothiandin, Copper, Copper hydro
  • the supplemental component includes a plant growth regulator (PGR) that includes at least one PGR active ingredient, optionally wherein the at least one PGR active ingredient includes, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one of an Auxin, Indol-3-ylbutyric acid, 1 -Naphthylacetic acid, 2-(l- Naphthyl)-Acetamide, Carbaryl, Triclopyr, a Gibberellins, Gibberellin A3, Gibberellin A4/7, Gibberellin A4/7 + 6-Benzyladenine, Chlormequat chloride, Chlormequat chloride + Imazaquin, Mepiquat chloride + Ethephon, Mepiquat chloride + Prohexadionecalcium, Mepiquat chloride, Mepiquat pentaborate, Mepiquat chloride + Cyclanilide, Mepiquat chloride + Kinetin,
  • PGR plant growth regulator
  • the supplemental component includes a bio-stimulant that includes at least one bio-stimulant active ingredient, optionally wherein the at least one bio-stimulant active ingredient includes, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one of humic acids, macro algae, seaweed extracts, micro algae extracts, protein hydrolysate, gtlycine betaine, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria.
  • the supplemental component includes a bio-controller that includes at least one bio-controller active ingredient, optionally wherein the at least one bio-controller active ingredient includes, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one of a bacteria, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Agrobacterium radiobacter strain 84, Bacillus subtilis, Streptomyces lydicus, Burkholderia cepacia, Erwinia amylovora, Alcaligenes sp., Serratia marcescens GPS 5, Streptomyces griseoviridis, a fungus, Trichoderma sp., Gliocladium sp., Fusarium oxysporum (nonpathogenic), Penicillium islanidicum (for groundnut), Aspergillus niger — strain AN27, VAM (fungus), Candida o
  • the supplemental component includes a nutrient that includes at least one nutrient active ingredient, optionally wherein the at least one nutrient active ingredient includes, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one of a micronutrient, a macronutrient, molybdenum, nickel, copper, zinc, manganese, iron, boron, chlorine, sulfur, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, potassium, nitrogen, cobalt, sodium, silicon, selenium, iodine, and vanadium.
  • a method of forming an exogenous flexible film on a plant comprising: spraying the solution of any of paragraphs A1-A36 on the plant; and evaporating at least a fraction of the solvent from the solution to form the exogenous flexible film.
  • threshold number of days is at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, at least 25, at least 30, at least 35, at least 40, at least 45, at least 50, at least 55, at least 60, at least 65, at least 70, at least 75, at least 80, at least 85, or at least 90 days.
  • the method further includes decreasing incidence of a pest on the plant, optionally wherein the pest includes at least one of an insect, a bug, a microorganism, a bacteria, a fungus, a virus, a pest of the family Acetobacteraceae, a pest of the family Botryosphaeriaceae, a pest of the family Davidiellaceae, a pest of the family Diatrypaceae, a pest of the family Drosophilidae, a pest of the family Erwiniaceae, a pest of the family Erysiphaceae, a pest of the family Glomerellaceae, a pest of the family Liviidae, a pest of the family Mucoraceae, a pest of the family Peronosporacea, a pest of the family Pleosporacea, a pest of the family Pseudomonadaceae, a pest of the family Psyllidae,

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  • Agricultural Chemicals And Associated Chemicals (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des solutions et des procédés pour former un film souple exogène, qui comprend un composant supplémentaire, sur une plante et des plantes comprenant le film souple exogène. Les solutions comprennent un solvant, un composant de matrice filmogène, un composant de barrière hydrophobe, un composant plastifiant, un composant d'amélioration de film et un composant supplémentaire. Le composant supplémentaire comprend un composant pesticide qui comprend au moins un ingrédient actif pesticide. Les procédés comprennent la pulvérisation de la solution sur une plante et l'évaporation d'au moins une fraction du solvant de la solution pour former le film souple exogène. Les plantes comprennent des films souples exogènes formés à partir des solutions et/ou formés par l'intermédiaire des procédés.
PCT/US2022/043454 2021-09-14 2022-09-14 Solutions et procédés pour former un film souple exogène, qui comprend un composant supplémentaire, sur une plante WO2023043789A1 (fr)

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US202163244115P 2021-09-14 2021-09-14
US63/244,115 2021-09-14
US17/943,953 US20230016007A1 (en) 2017-11-27 2022-09-13 Solutions and methods for forming an exogenous flexible film, which includes a supplemental component, on a plant and plants including the exogenous flexible film
US17/943,953 2022-09-13

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US3847641A (en) * 1972-05-25 1974-11-12 Mobil Oil Corp Wax emulsions for controlling transpiration in plants
US7222455B2 (en) * 1998-10-27 2007-05-29 Washington State University Research Foundation Compositions and methods for suppressing cracking and water loss from cherries
US8752328B2 (en) * 2009-04-23 2014-06-17 State Of Oregon Acting By And Through The State Board Of Higher Education On Behalf Of Oregon State University Flexible films and methods of making and using flexible films
US20190159446A1 (en) * 2017-11-27 2019-05-30 Cultiva, LLC Solutions and methods for forming an exogenous flexible film on a plant and plants including the exogenous flexible film
US20190281819A1 (en) * 2018-03-13 2019-09-19 Cultiva, LLC Novel pest repellant formulations and uses thereof for crop protection

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3847641A (en) * 1972-05-25 1974-11-12 Mobil Oil Corp Wax emulsions for controlling transpiration in plants
US7222455B2 (en) * 1998-10-27 2007-05-29 Washington State University Research Foundation Compositions and methods for suppressing cracking and water loss from cherries
US8752328B2 (en) * 2009-04-23 2014-06-17 State Of Oregon Acting By And Through The State Board Of Higher Education On Behalf Of Oregon State University Flexible films and methods of making and using flexible films
US20190159446A1 (en) * 2017-11-27 2019-05-30 Cultiva, LLC Solutions and methods for forming an exogenous flexible film on a plant and plants including the exogenous flexible film
US20190281819A1 (en) * 2018-03-13 2019-09-19 Cultiva, LLC Novel pest repellant formulations and uses thereof for crop protection

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