U.S. patent application number 09/829395 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-22 for aspartic acid derivative-containing compositions and use thereof in stimulating and/or regulating plant and plant precursor growth.
This patent application is currently assigned to LidoChem Inc.. Invention is credited to Dean, Frank W..
Application Number | 20010044381 09/829395 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26891913 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010044381 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dean, Frank W. |
November 22, 2001 |
Aspartic acid derivative-containing compositions and use thereof in
stimulating and/or regulating plant and plant precursor growth
Abstract
Described is the use, [in the absence of (a) fertilizers and (b)
Periodic Table Group IIa and greater Group metal cations and
chelated metals], of aqueous solutions of the N-substituted
aspartic acids, (i) N-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)aspartic acid [`IDS`] and
(ii) N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-aspartic acid [`EDDS`], ammonium salts,
alkali metal salts, ammonium-alkali metal salts and optical isomers
thereof in stimulating or regulating the growth of a living,
growing plant precursor [germinating seed] or plant [from the
`seedling stage` to the `late-maturity stage`]. Such use,
optionally, is in the presence of aditional adjuvants free from
fertilizer as well as Periodic Table Group IIa and greater metal
Group cations and chelated metals. Also described are novel
compositions comprising (a) the `IDS` and/or ammonium, alkali
metal, ammonium-alkali metal salts thereof as well as optical
isomers thereof in admixture with (b) the `EDDS` and/or ammonium,
alkali metal and ammonium-alkali metal salts thereof as well as
optical isomers thereof.
Inventors: |
Dean, Frank W.; (Spring,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAELSON AND WALLACE
PARKWAY 109 OFFICE CENTER
328 NEWMAN SPRINGS RD
P O BOX 8489
RED BANK
NJ
07701
|
Assignee: |
LidoChem Inc.
|
Family ID: |
26891913 |
Appl. No.: |
09/829395 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60196436 |
Apr 12, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
504/138 ;
504/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01N 37/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
504/138 ;
504/320 |
International
Class: |
A01N 043/36; A01N
037/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A process for stimulating or regulating the growth of a living,
growing plant precursor [germinating seed] or plant having a degree
of maturity of from about >0% [seedling stage] up to about
<100% [late maturity stage] of full growth consisting of the
steps of: (a) formulating an aqueous plant precursor or plant
growth-regulating or stimulating solution consisting essentially of
water, substantially free of any (i) fertilizer and (ii) Periodic
Table Group IIa or higher Group metal cations or chelated metals,
and at least one substantially pure nitrogen-containing organic
compound selected from the group consisting of IDS, EDDS, ammonium
salts thereof, alkali metal salts thereof, ammonium-alkali metal
salts thereof and optical isomers thereof; (b) providing a living,
growing (i) plant precursor, or (ii) plant having a degree of
maturity of from about >0% up to about <100% of full growth;
and (c) applying, in the absence of fertilizer, a plant precursor
or plant growth stimulating or regulating concentration and
quantity of said nitrogen-containing organic compound contained in
said plant precursor or plant growth-regulating or stimulating
solution to said plant precursor or to said plant or to the
effective proximity of said plant precursor or said plant, over a
period of time and at a rate such that the plant precursor or plant
growth is stimulated or regulated.
2. The process of claim 1 wherein the plant precursor or plant is a
germinating seed of a plant.
3. The process of claim 2 wherein the germinating seed of a plant
is selected from the group of germinating seeds of monocotyledons
and dicotyledons.
4. The process of claim 2 wherein the germinating seed of a plant
is selected from the group consisting of germinating snap bean
[Phaseolus vulgaris L.] seed, germinating sweet corn [Zea L. var.
saccharata Sturt.] seed and germinating field corn [Zea L., mays
L.] seed, the growth of which is stimulated by an aqueous nitrogen
compound-containing solution selected from the group consisting of
(i) one or more ammonium, alkali metal, or ammonium-alkali metal
salts of EDDS taken alone, or in combination with one or more
ammonium, alkali metal or ammonium-alkali metal salts of IDS and
(ii) the free acids of IDS or EDDS, taken alone or in combination,
in a germinating seed growth stimulating concentration and
quantity.
5. The process of claim 4 wherein the weight ratio of ammonium,
alkali metal or ammonium-alkali metal salts of EDDS to ammonium,
alkali metal or ammonium-alkali metal salts of IDS is from about
20:1 up to about 1:20.
6. The process of claim 5 wherein the weight ratio of ammonium,
alkali metal or ammonium-alkali metal salts of EDDS to ammonium,
alkali metal or ammonium-alkali metal salts of IDS is about
1:1.
7. The process of claim 2 wherein the germinating seed of a plant
is selected from the group consisting of germinating field corn
[Zea L., mays L.] seed and germinating snap bean [Phaseolus
vulgaris L.] seed, the growth of which is regulated by an aqueous
solution of one or more alkali metal salts of EDDS in a germinating
seed growth regulating concentration and quantity.
8. A composition of matter comprising a mixture of (a) IDS and/or
one or more of its ammonium salts, alkali metal salts,
ammonium-alkali metal salts or optical isomers thereof and (b) EDDS
and/or one or more of its ammonium salts, alkali metal salts,
ammonium-alkali metal salts or optical isomers thereof with the
weight ratio of (a):(b) being in the range of from about 1:20 up to
about 20:1.
9. The composition of claim 8 wherein the weight ratio of (a):(b)
is about 1:1.
10. The composition of claim 8 wherein the alkali metal salts are
selected from the group consisting of sodium salts and potassium
salts.
11. The composition of claim 9 wherein the alkali metal salts are
selected from the group consisting of sodium salts and potassium
salts.
12. The process of claim 4 wherein the germinating seed of a plant
is the germinating sweet corn [Zea L. var. saccharata Sturt.] seed,
the growth of which is stimulated by an aqueous solution containing
at least one nitrogen-containing compound selected from the group
consisting of IDS free acid and EDDS free acid, wherein the
nitrogen-containing compound concentration is in the range of from
about 5.times.10.sup.-4 gram moles per liter up to about
10.times.10.sup.-4 gram moles per liter.
13. The process of claim 4 wherein the growth of the germinating
seed of a plant is stimulated by an aqueous solution containing at
least one nitrogen-containing compound selected from the group
consisting of (i) the tri-potassium salt of IDS or the tetra-sodium
salt of EDDS at a concentration of about 1.times.10.sup.-4 gram
moles per liter and (ii) a mixture of the tri-potassium salt of IDS
and the tetra-sodium salt of EDDS at a total concentration of
10.times.10.sup.-4 gram moles per liter.
14. The process of claim 7 wherein the growth of the germinating
seed of a plant is regulated by an aqueous solution containing a
nitrogen-containing compound composition consisting of the
tetra-sodium salt of EDDS at a concentration of about
10.times.10.sup.-4 gram moles per liter.
15. The process of claim 12 wherein the nitrogen-containing
compound concentration is in the range of from about
7.times.10.sup.-4 gram moles per liter up to about
8.times.10.sup.-4 moles per liter.
16. The process of claim 5 wherein the weight ratio of ammonium,
alkali metal or ammonium-alkali metal salts of EDDS to ammonium,
alkali metal or alkali metal-ammonium salts of IDS is from about
1:4 up to about 4:1.
17. The composition of claim 8 wherein the weight ratio range of
(a):(b) is from about 1:4 up to about 4:1.
18. The process of claim 3 wherein the range of weight ratios of
nitrogen-containing organic compound:germinating seed is in the
range of from about 6.times.10.sup.-4:1 up to about 0.04:1.
19. The process of claim 12 wherein the range of weight ratios of
nitrogen-containing organic compound:germinating seed is from about
0.01:1 up to about 0.04:1.
20. The process of claim 1 wherein the ammonium salt is selected
from the group consisting of (a) [NH.sub.4.sup.+] and (b)
[HO--CH.sub.2--CH.sub.2-- -NH.sub.3.sup.+].
21. The composition of claim 8 wherein the ammonium salt is
selected from the group consisting of (a) [NH.sub.4.sup.+] and (b)
[HO--CH.sub.2--CH.sub.2--NH.sub.3.sup.+].
22. The composition of claim 8 intimately admixed with at least one
adjuvant selected from the group consisting of: (a) carriers; (b)
surfactants; (c) carbon skeleton energy adjuvants; (d)
vitamin/co-factor adjuvants; (e) gums; (f) anti-microbial agents;
(g) buffers; (h) protective colloids; and (i) viscosity
modifiers.
23. A process for stimulating or regulating the growth of a living,
growing plant precursor [germinating seed] or plant having a degree
of maturity of from about >0% [seedling stage] up to about
<100% [late maturity stage] of full growth consisting of the
steps of: (a) formulating an aqueous plant precursor or plant
growth-regulating or stimulating solution consisting essentially of
water, substantially free of any Periodic Table Group IIa or higher
Group metal cations or chelated metals, and at least one
substantially pure nitrogen-containing organic compound selected
from the group consisting of IDS, EDDS, ammonium salts thereof,
alkali metal salts thereof, ammonium-alkali metal salts thereof and
optical isomers thereof; (b) providing an adjuvant for said
formulated aqueous solution selected from the group consisting of:
i. carriers; ii. surfactants; iii. carbon skeleton energy
adjuvants; iv. vitamin/co-factor adjuvants; V. gums; vi.
anti-microbial agents; vii. buffers; viii. protective colloids; and
ix. viscosity modifiers x. growth regulators (c) intimately
admixing said adjuvant with said formulated aqueous solution in
order to form an adjuvant-containing formulated aqueous solution;
(d) applying, in the absence of fertilizer, a plant precursor or
plant growth stimulating or regulating concentration and quantity
of said nitrogen-containing organic compound contained in said
adjuvant-containing formulated aqueous solution to said plant
precursor or to said plant or to the effective proximity of said
plant precursor or said plant, over a period of time and at a rate
such that the plant precursor growth or plant growth is stimulated
or regulated.
24. The process of claim 23 wherein the plant precursor or plant is
a germinating seed of a plant.
25. The process of claim 24 wherein the germinating seed of a plant
is selected from the group consisting of germinating seeds of
monocotyledons and dicotyledons.
26. The process of claim 1 wherein the formulation step (a)
includes the introduction into the formulated nitrogen
compound-containing solution of an adjuvant.
27. The composition of claim 8 which also comprises
1H-indole-3-butanoic acid.
28. The composition of claim 22 which also comprises
1H-indole-3-butanoic acid.
29. The composition of claim 28 wherein the mole ratio of
1H-indole-3-butanoic acid:[IDS and EDDS] is from about
5.times.10.sup.-4:1 up to about 10.times.10.sup.-4:1.
30. The process of claim 1 wherein the plant precursor or plant is
a plant.
31. The process of claim 30 wherein the plant is Petunia violacea
Lind1. and the growth of said plant is regulated by a composition
comprising IDS free acid and EDDS free acid in a total
concentration of [IDS +EDDS] of >7.times.10.sup.-4 gram moles
per liter.
Description
RELATED CO-PENDING APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based-in-part on co-pending Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/196,436 filed on Apr. 12, 2000, and
expiring on Apr. 12, 2001, benefit for which is claimed under 35
USC 119(e).
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is directed towards stimulating or
regulating the growth of a living, growing plant precursor
[germinating seed] or plant [from the `seedling stage` to the `late
maturity` stage] in the absence of (a) fertilizer and (b) Periodic
Table Group IIa and greater Group metal cations and chelated
metals.
[0004] The present invention is also directed to novel compositions
of matter comprising (i) N-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)aspartic acid
[hereinafter also referred to as `imino-disuccinic acid` or `IDS`],
it's ammonium salts, alkali metal salts, ammonium-alkali metal
salts and optical isomers thereof in admixture with (ii)
N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-aspartic acid [hereinafter also referred to
as `ethylenediamine-disuccinic acid` or `EDDS`], it's ammonium
salts, alkali metal salts, ammonium-alkali metal salts and optical
isomers thereof. Such mixture also may comprise
1H-indole-3-butanoic acid [hereinafter also referred to as
`indolebutyric acid` or `IBA`] as well as additional adjuvants.
[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0006] The prior art recognizes the use of biodegradable metal
chelates of such polyamino succinic acids as EDDS [such as iron,
copper, zinc and manganese chelates] in plant nutrition, for the
express purpose of supplying such metals in plant nutrition.
Specifically, U.S. Pat. 5,733,858 issued on Mar. 31, 1998 and
having an effective filing date of Aug. 30, 1995 [Wilson et al I]
and the continuation-in-part thereof, U.S. Pat. 5,846,925 issued on
Dec. 8, 1998 [Wilson et al II] state:
[0007] "The invention includes the use of iron complexes of a
polyaminodisuccinic acid and a polyaminomonosuccinic acid in
abatement of hydrogen sulfide and other gases and as a source of
iron in plant nutrition. Similarly other complexes such as the
copper, zinc and manganese complexes supply those trace metals in
plant nutrition. The ferrous complexes are also useful in nitrogen
oxide abatement." [Col. 5, lines 57-64 of Wilson et al I and Col.
5, lines 60-67 of Wilson et al II].
[0008] The prior art also recognizes the advantage of using
Periodic Table Group IIa [and greater Groups] metal-complexed IDS
for use as `trace nutrient fertilizer(s)`. Specifically, U.S. Pat.
6,107,518 issued on Aug. 22, 2000 [effective date, Apr. 4, 1997]
[Groth et al] states:
[0009] "The invention relates to a process for the preparation of
iminodisuccinic acid alkali metal salts . . . . The resulting
products can be employed as complexing agents for alkaline earth
metal and heavy metal ions in the fields of OI . . . agriculture .
. . In these fields, use as a nutrient fertilizer . . . is to be
emphasized in particular . . . " [Col. 1, lines 5-15 of Groth et
al].
[0010] The use of amino acids with good biodegradability
[particularly in conjunction with fertilizers such as `N-P-K`
fertilizer] having one of the structures as set forth in FIGS. 24
and 25, described herein, infra, in the `BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE
DRAWINGS` section, including EDDS as well as its alkaline earth
metal salts or salts of transition metals, as a `plant growth
factor for agriculture and horticulture` is described in Japanese
Published Kokai No. 11-29415 (A) published on Feb. 2, 1999
[Takahashi et al] and abstracted in Chemical Abstracts, Volume
130:120927g.
[0011] Specifically, claim 2 of the Takahashi et al Kokai reads as
follows:
[0012] "2. Plant growth factor for agriculture and horticulture
characterized by containing at least one of the following compounds
. . . their alkaline earth metal salts or salts of transition
metals . . . ` [structure set forth as FIG. 24, infra] . . . `
where symbols are defined as follows: W.sup.1 indicates an alkylene
group containing 1-6 carbon atoms possibly substituted by hydroxide
groups, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently indicate alkyl groups
with 1-4 carbon atoms under the provision that the group can
contain a hydrogen atom, alkyl group containing 1-6 carbon atoms,
hydroxyl group or carboxyl group: . . . .` [Structure set forth as
FIG. 25, infra]` . . . Where symbols are defined as follows:
R.sup.3 indicates an alkyl group containing 1-4 carbon atoms
possibly substituted by a hydrogen atom, alkyl group with 1-6
carbon atoms, hydroxyl group or carboxyl group, and R.sup.4 and
R.sup.5 groups independently indicate alkyl groups containing 1-4
carbon atoms possibly substituted by a hydrogen atom, hydroxyl
group or carbonyl group, under the provision that R.sup.4 and
R.sup.5 cannot simultaneously be hydrogen atoms."
[0013] Furthermore, in paraphrasing Application Example 1 of
Takahashi et al, Chem. Abstracts 130:120927(1999) states:
[0014] ". . . Lettuce seeds were cultured in a fertilizer soln.
contg. 100 ppm S, S-ethylenediamine-N,N-disuccinic acid (the
stability const. 8.63, the biodegradability 98%) to show good plant
growth."
[0015] The prior art also recognizes that indolebutyric acid [IBA],
suitably diluted, is useful for promoting and accelerating root
formation of plant clippings [Monograph #4849, page 720, `The Merck
Index`, 10.sup.th edition, 1981].
[0016] The use of IDS and/or EDDS or ammonium salts, alkali metal
salts, ammonium-alkali metal salts or organic amine salts, it's
optical isomers thereof in the absence of any (a) fertilizer [e.g.,
`N-P-K`] and (b) Periodic Table Group IIa [or `greater` Group]
cations or chelated metals of our invention is neither expressly
nor implicitly disclosed by the aforementioned prior art; and such
use, as described herein, is unobvious, unexpected and
advantageous.
[0017] Furthermore the novel compositions of matter of our
invention comprising IDS and EDDS as well as salts thereof and
optical isomers thereof [taken alone, or further together with
indolebutyric acid and/or other `adjuvants`] are neither explicitly
nor implicitly disclosed in the prior art, and the properties
thereof, as living plant precursor and living plant growth
stimulants or regulators are unexpected, unobvious and
advantageous.
[0018] Thus, a need exists in the art for the use of a
fertilizer-free and Periodic Table Group IIa and greater Group
metal cation and chelated metal-free IDS and/or EDDS [and/or
ammonium salts, alkali metal salts, ammonium-alkali metal salts
and/or optical isomers thereof] composition for stimulating or
regulating the growth of plant precursors [germinating seeds] or
plants [from the `seedling stage` to the `late maturity` stage].
`Periodic Table Group IIa and greater Group` metals include, but
are not limited to alkaline earth metals, (e.g., calcium,
magnesium, barium and strontium), manganese (Group VIIb), zinc
(Group IIb), Copper (Group Ib) and iron (Group VIIIb). The term
`ammonium` is herein intended to include the [NH.sub.4.sup.+]
cation as well as the [HO--CH.sub.2--CH.sub.2--NH.sub.3.sup.+]
(also indicated herein as `2-hydroxyethylammonium`) cation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide for
the use of a fertilizer-free and Periodic Table Group IIa and
greater Group metal cation-free and chelated metal-free IDS and/or
EDDS [and/or ammonium salts, alkali metal salts, ammonium-alkali
metal salts and/or optical isomers thereof] composition for
stimulating or regulating the growth of plant precursors
[germinating seeds] or plants [from the `seedling stage` to the
`late maturity` stage].
[0020] Another object of the invention is to provide novel
compositions of matter, particularly and unexpectedly and
advantageously useful for stimulating or regulating the growth of
plant precursors [germinating seeds] and plants [from the `seedling
stage` to the `late maturity` stage] comprising (a) IDS, ammonium
salts, alkali metal salts and/or optical isomers thereof and (b)
EDDS, ammonium salts, alkali metal salts, ammonium-alkali metal
salts and/or optical isomers thereof, taken alone or further
together with indolebutyric acid [`IBA`] and/or other
adjuvants.
[0021] These and other objects are achieved by my invention as set
forth hereinbelow.
[0022] My invention thus provides a process for stimulating or
regulating the growth of a living, growing plant precursor
[germinating seed] or plant having a degree of maturity of from
about >0% [seedling stage] up to about <100% [late maturity
stage] of full growth consisting of the steps of:
[0023] (a) Formulating an aqueous plant growth-regulating or
stimulating solution consisting essentially of water, substantially
free of any Periodic Table Group IIa or higher Group metal cations
or chelated metals, and at least one substantially pure
nitrogen-containing organic compound selected from the group
consisting of IDS, EDDS, ammonium salts thereof, alkali metal salts
thereof, ammonium-alkali metal salts thereof and optical isomers
thereof;
[0024] (b) Providing a living, growing (i) plant precursor, or
(ii)plant having a degree of maturity of from about >0% up to
about <100% of full growth; and
[0025] (c) Applying, in the absence of fertilizer, a plant
precursor or plant growth stimulating or regulating concentration
and quantity of said nitrogen-containing organic compound contained
in said plant precursor or plant growth-regulating or
growth-stimulating solution to said plant precursor or to said
plant or to the proximity of said plant precursor or said plant
over a period of time and at a rate such that the growth of the
plant precursor or plant is regulated or stimulated.
[0026] Optionally, the step (a) of formulating the aqueous plant
growth-regulating or stimulating solution also includes [prior to
the step of application to the plant precursor or plant, or
proximity thereof] the simultaneous admixing or
immediately-subsequent admixing of the aqueous solution with an
adjuvant selected from the group consisting of:
[0027] (a) carriers;
[0028] (b) surfactants;
[0029] (c) carbon skeleton energy adjuvants;
[0030] (d) vitamin/co-factor adjuvants;
[0031] (e) gums;
[0032] (f) anti-microbial agents;
[0033] (g) buffers;
[0034] (h) protective colloids; and
[0035] (i) viscosity modifiers.
[0036] (j) Growth regulators
[0037] Examples of such adjuvants [in addition to indolebutyric
acid [`IBA`] are set forth herein, infra].
[0038] Examples of the chemical structures of the IDS and EDDS
salts useful in the practice of my invention are set forth in FIGS.
15-21, inclusive, infra, and described in the section herein
entitled: "BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS" infra.
[0039] The living, growing plants and plant precursors of our
invention are monocotyledons and dicotyledons, as exemplified
by:
[0040] I. Monocotyledons
[0041] (a) Allium cepa var. proliferum Targioni-Tozzetti
[shallot];
[0042] (b) Curcuma domestica Val. [turmeric];
[0043] (c) Dioscorea opposita Thunb. [wild yam];
[0044] (d) Ellettaria cardamomum Maton [cardamom];
[0045] (e) Oryza perennis Moench [wild rice];
[0046] (f) Phalaenopsis amablis Blume [moth orchid];
[0047] (g) Phoenix dactylifera L. [date palm];
[0048] (h) Polianthes tuberosa L. [tuberose];
[0049] (i) Saccharum officinarum L. [noble sugar cane];
[0050] (j) Vanilla fragrans (Salisb.) Ames [vanilla];
[0051] (k) Vetiveria zizanoides (L.) Nash [khuskhus grass];
[0052] (1) Zea mays L. [field corn];
[0053] (m) Zea mays L. var. saccharata [sweet-corn].
[0054] II. Dicotyledons
[0055] (a) Cinnamomum cassia (Nees) Nees ex Blume [cassia];
[0056] (b) Coffea canephora Pierre ex Froehner [arabica
coffee];
[0057] (c) Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f.&Thoms.
[ylang-ylang];
[0058] (d) Dipteryx Schreb.odorata (Aubl.) Willd. [tonka bean];
[0059] (e) Durio Adans. zibethinus Murr. [durian];
[0060] (f) Glycine max. (L.) Merr. [soya bean];
[0061] (g) Gossypium hirsutum L. [cotton];
[0062] (h) Mentha spicata L. [spearmint];
[0063] (i) Nicotiana suaveolens Lehm. [nicotine tobacco];
[0064] (j) Ocimum basilicum L. [sweet basil];
[0065] (k) Passiflora edulis Sims [passion fruit];
[0066] (l) Persea americana Mill. [avocado];
[0067] (m) Petunia violacea Lindl. [petunia];
[0068] (n) Phaseolus vulgaris L. [snap bean];
[0069] (o) Pueraria thunbergiana (Sieb.&Zucc.) Benth.
[kudzu];
[0070] (p) Cuphea hyssopifolia Kunth. [Mexican heather].
[0071] When the nitrogen containing compounds useful in the
practice of our invention include alkali metal salts, the preferred
alkali metal salts are potassium salts and sodium salts, as
explified by the compounds having the structures as set forth in
FIGS. 15-19, infra, as described in the section herein entitled:
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS` infra.
[0072] The optical isomers useful in the practice of our invention
have structures, for example, as set forth in FIGS. 22 and 23
herein, described in the section herein entitled `BRIEF DESCRIPTION
OF THE DRAWINGS`, infra.
[0073] When using the novel composition of our invention,
containing the (a) IDS and/or salts or optical isomers thereof and
(b) the EDDS and/or salts or optical isomers thereof, the weight
ratio of the EDDS and/or salts or optical isomers thereof: IDS
and/or salts or optical isomers thereof is in the range of from
about 20:1 up to about 1:20, more preferably from about 4:1 up to
about 1:4. When the novel composition of my invention also contains
indolebutyricacid [`IBA`] the mole ratio of the IBA to the IDS and
EDDS [and/or salts or optical isomers thereof] varies from about
5.times.10.sup.-4: 1up to about 10.times.10.sup.-4: 1.
[0074] When the nitrogen-containing organic compounds of our
invention are used to stimulate or regulate the growth of
germinating plant seeds, the preferable effective weight ratio of
nitrogen-containing organic compound: germinating seed is in the
range of from about 6.times.10.sup.-4: 1 up to about 0.04:1. In
addition, the range of effective concentrations of
nitrogen-containing compound in aqueous solution is a function of
the particular germinating seed being treated and whether the
growth of the germinating seed is to be regulated or
stimulated.
[0075] Thus, for example, when the growth of germinating sweet corn
[Zea L. var.caccharata Sturt.] seed is to be stimulated by IDS free
acid and/or BDDS free acid [the structures of which are set forth
in FIGS. 11 and 12, described infra], the concentration range of
IDS and/or EDDS is from about 5.times.10.sup.-4 up to about
10.times.10.sup.-4 gram moles per liter of treating solution,
preferably in the range of from about 7.times.10.sup.-4 up to about
8.times.10.sup.-4 gram moles per liter.
[0076] However, surprisingly, the germinating-seed stimulating
concentration of the tri-potassium salt of IDS [the structure of
which is set forth in FIG. 17, infra, or the tetra-sodium salt of
EDDS [the structure of which is set forth in FIG. 15, infra] is
about 1.times.10.sup.-4 gram moles per liter.
[0077] At a concentration of about 10.times.10.sup.-4 gram moles
per liter, the tetra-sodium salt of EDDS acts as a germinating seed
growth regulator, however. Also, surprisingly [as will be observed
from the results of Example IV, infra] the novel compositions of
matter of our invention containing mixtures of IDS and EDDS free
acids at concentration levels of >200 ppm [that is, greater than
7.times.10.sup.-4 gram moles per liter] regulate the growth [by
means of reduction of the rate of growth] of Petunia violacea
Lindl. [Petunia].
[0078] Herein, the term `growth regulator` is intended to be used
to explain changes in the plant physiology whereby the rate of
growth in the plants is significantly changed. Plant growth
regulators are used, inter alia, for initiating growth, controlling
growth, promoting flowering, thinning flowers, providing drought
protection and ripening fruit.
[0079] IDS and EDDS free acids have such an effect on plant
seedlings and plants. When a dose of EDDS free acid [or salts or
optical isomers thereof] in combination with IDS free acid [or
salts or optical isomers thereof] is applied to a germinating seed
at a concentration level >200 ppm [that is, greater than
7.times.10.sup.-4 moles per liter, germination is significantly,
and surprisingly retarded. However, at concentration levels <200
ppm are applied to the same germinating seed, `radical emergence`
occurs within a significantly lower time period, and is
significantly more uniform.
[0080] The practice of the immediately aforementioned aspect of my
invention gives rise to a shortening of internode lengths. Bursts
of vegetative growth often compete with the `source-sink`
relationships between the vegetative parts and the reproductive
organs of higher plants. Those skilled in the art have often turned
to Gibberelic acid transport or synthesis inhibition to control a
`flush` or `burst` of growth, i.e., plant height. While such
measures may be successful in controlling plant height, they do not
normally contribute to plant `yield`.
[0081] Uniform seedling emergence is important while preparing to
harvest. Late seedling emergence may delay harvest or spread
harvesting over an extended period of time. Accordingly, uniform
seedling emergence and uniform growth substantially insure uniform
pollination, uniform fruit setting and uniform ripening.
[0082] The aqueous nitrogen compound-containing solutions useful in
the practice of my invention can be applied to plants or plant
precursor as stated supra. The application may be by means of
spraying on plant leaves [`foliar application`]; and/or by adding
in a carefully controlled manner the solution to soil in the
proximity of germinating seeds or plant seedlings [e.g., from about
>0 up to about 100 mm. distant from the edge of the germinating
seed or plant seedling]; and/or by seed priming or imbibing
germinating seeds with the aqueous solution. When carrying out
spraying, the spraying may be effected using any conventional means
for spraying liquids such spray nozzles, atomizers, or the
like.
[0083] The temperature of the aqueous solution can be controlled by
means of carrying out temperature control and the admixing of the
water with the nitrogen-containing compound, e.g., EDDS and/or IDS
alkali metal salts, if the application step is to occur immediately
subsequent to such admixture step. Otherwise, the temperature of
the aqueous treatment solution is adjusted by subsequent heating or
cooling, followed by storage in insulated containers as
desired.
[0084] The amount and concentration of adjuvant used is a function
of the particular plant or germinating plant seed treated as well
as the soil composition and temperature and humidity conditions
proximate the plant or germinating seed being treated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0085] The teachings of the present invention can be readily
understood by considering the following detailed description in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0086] FIG. 1 sets forth a block-flow schematic diagram of an
embodiment of the process of our invention, without inclusion of
additional adjuvants in the aqueous solution of the
nitrogen-containing compound of our invention.
[0087] FIG. 2 sets forth a block flow diagram of a second
embodiment of the process of our invention with the inclusion of
the step of adjuvant addition to the pre-mixed
water/nitrogen-containing compound solution prior to plant or plant
precursor treatment with the resulting aqueous adjuvant-containing
mixture.
[0088] FIG. 3 sets forth a block flow diagram of a third embodiment
of the process of our invention with the inclusion of the step of
adjuvant addition simultaneously with the mixing of the water and
nitrogen-containing compound of my invention prior to plant or
plant precursor treatment with the resulting aqueous
adjuvant-containing mixture.
[0089] FIG. 4 sets forth a block flow diagram of the embodiment of
the process of my invention of FIG. 1 with the inclusion of a heat
and temperature control means in the mixing means for admixing the
water with the nitrogen-containing compound(s) of our
invention.
[0090] FIG. 5 sets forth a block flow diagram of the embodiment of
the process of my invention of FIG. 2 with the inclusion of heat
and temperature control means in (a) the mixing means for admixing
the water with the nitrogen-containing compound(s) of our invention
for the purpose of forming an aqueous solution; and (b) the mixing
means for admixing the resulting aqueous solution with one or more
adjuvants.
[0091] FIG. 6 sets forth a block flow diagram of the embodiment of
the process of my invention with the inclusion of heat and
temperature control means for admixing the water,
nitrogen-containing compound of my invention, and the adjuvant(s)
useful in the practice of my invention, prior to application of the
resulting mixture to plant precursors or plants.
[0092] FIG. 7 sets forth a generic chemical structure for EDDS and
its salts useful in the practice of my invention wherein X.sub.1,
X.sub.2, X.sub.3 and X.sub.4 are the same or different hydrogen,
ammonium or alkali metal.
[0093] FIG. 8 sets forth a generic chemical structure for IDS and
its salts useful in the practice of my invention wherein X.sub.1,
X.sub.2, X.sub.3 and X.sub.4 are each the same or different
hydrogen, ammonium or alkali metal.
[0094] FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively set forth generic chemical
structures for EDDS and IDS salts useful in the practice of our
invention wherein M.sub.1.sup.+, M.sub.2.sup.+, M.sub.3.sup.+ and
M.sub.4.sup.+ are each the same or different and each represents
ammonium or alkali metal.
[0095] FIG. 11 sets forth the structure for EDDS free acid.
[0096] FIG. 12 sets forth the structure for IDS free acid.
[0097] FIGS. 13 and 14 set forth, respectively the structures for
mono-ammonium or mono-alkali metal salts of EDDS and IDS, wherein
M.sup.+ is alkali metal or ammonium.
[0098] FIG. 15 sets forth the chemical structure of the
tetra-sodium salt of EDDS.
[0099] FIGS. 16 and 19 set forth, respectively, the chemical
structures of the sodium-potassium-[NH.sub.4.sup.+] salts of EDDS
and IDS.
[0100] FIG. 17 sets forth the chemical structure of the
tri-potassium salt of IDS.
[0101] FIG. 18 sets forth the chemical structure of the
tetra-sodium salt of IDS.
[0102] FIGS. 20 and 21 set forth, respectively, the chemical
structures of the mono-2-hydroxyethylammonium salts of IDS and
EDDS.
[0103] FIG. 22 sets forth a representation of a generic
stereoisomer structure of IDS wherein the "(*)" indicates the
location of an asymmetric carbon atom and wherein each of X.sub.1,
X.sub.2, X.sub.3 and X.sub.4 represents the same or different
hydrogen, ammonium or alkali metal.
[0104] FIG. 23 sets forth a stereoisomer of the EDDS
sodium-potassium-[NH4.sup.+] salt, useful in the practice of my
invention wherein each of the "(*)" 's indicates the location of an
asymmetric carbon atom.
[0105] FIGS. 24 and 25 are the two generic structures set forth in
the Takahashi et al Japanese Kokai No. 11-29415 and are fully
described herein in the `BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE/Description
of the Prior Art` section of this specification, supra.
[0106] FIG. 26 [located immediately after FIG. 4] sets forth the
structure of indolebutyric acid [`IBA`].
[0107] In FIGS. 1-6, inclusive, to facilitate understanding,
identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to
designate identical elements that are common to the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0108] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, IDS and/or EDDS and/or its
ammonium, alkali metal and/or its ammonium salts or optical isomers
thereof [one or more of the `nitrogen-containing compounds of my
invention`] at location 10 is transported through line 11 past
control valve 12 into mixing vessel 16 where it is admixed, with
water from location 13. The water from location 13 is transported
to vessel 16 through line 14 past control valve 15. The blending
may take place using temperature/heat transfer control means, shown
by reference numeral 50 in FIG. 4.
[0109] The resulting aqueous solution in then transported through
line 17 past control valve 18 into application means 19 [e.g., a
holding vessel/spraying nozzle] from which the solution is applied
to a plant precursor or plant is indicated, supra.
[0110] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5 IDS and/or EDDS and or salts
thereof or optical isomers thereof stored in vessel 20 is(are)
transported via line 21 past control valve 22 into mixing vessel 26
where the compound(s) are admixed with water being transported from
holding tank 23 through line 24 past control valve 25. The
resulting aqueous solution may be subjected to temperature control
by means of temperature control/heat transfer device 52 [shown in
FIG. 5] operating in mixing vessel 26.
[0111] The resulting aqueous solution is then transported via line
28 past control valve 27 into mixing vessel 29 where the aqueous
nitrogen-containing compound(s) used in the practice of my
invention is blended with one or more adjuvants [as described in
detail, infra] previously held in holding vessel 30 and transported
to mixing vessel 29 via line 31 past control valve 32. As shown in
FIG. 5, mixing vessel 29 may be equipped with heat
transfer/temperature control means 53 for temperature adjustment of
the resulting mixture and/or to facilitate blending and/or
dissolution of the ingredients. The resulting mixture of water,
nitrogen-containing compound(s) and one or more adjuvants is
transported to plant or plant precursor application means 35 [e.g.,
holding tank/spray nozzle means] via line 34 past control valve 33
where the mixture is applied to plants or plant precursors [e.g.,
germinating plant seeds] as described, supra.
[0112] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, EDDS and/or IDS and/or salts
thereof or optical isomers thereof, located in holding vessel 36
are passed through line 37 past control valve 38 into blending
vessel 45. Simultaneously, or immediately subsequent, water from
holding vessel 39 is transported to mixing vessel 45 via line 40
past control valve 41. Simultaneously, or subsequently, one or more
adjuvants [as described in detail, infra] is transported into
mixing vessel 45 via line 43 past control valve 44. The
adjuvant(s),water and nitrogen-containing compound(s) are admixed
in vessel 45 to form a solution or emulsion. Vessel 45 may
optionally be equipped with a heat transfer/temperature control
device 51 [as shown in FIG. 6] in order to adjust the temperature
of the adjuvant-nitrogen-conta- ining compound-water mixture and/or
in order to facilitate the blending or mixing unit operation.
[0113] The resulting mixture or blend is then transported via line
47 past control valve 46 to plant or plant precursor application
means 48 [e.g., holding vessel/spray nozzle means] from whence the
resulting mixture is applied to plants and/or plant precursors
[e.g., germinating seeds] as described, supra.
[0114] The compositions useful in the practice of my invention may
be formulated in a wide range of forms known to those skilled in
the art. The compositions useful in the practice of my invention
may, for example, be in the form of a concentrate to be diluted
prior to application, or it may be in the form of a granule, powder
or liquid with a suitable solid or liquid carrier. Thus, for
example, compositions useful in the practice of my invention may be
in the form of emulsions, or aqueous dispersions, and may include
solvents. In the alternative, the compositions useful in the
practice of my invention may be adapted to form an emulsion prior
to use.
[0115] Operating concentrations higher than those set forth supra
of the EDDS [or salts thereof or optical isomers thereof] and/or
IDS [or salts thereof or optical isomers thereof]-containing
formulations useful in the practice of our invention may be used
when, for example, the application to the plant or plant precursor
of such compositions is in a form suitable for use as an ultra-low
volume spray which merely contains the active nitrogen-containing
compounds of my invention, e.g., the IDS [or salts or optical
isomers thereof] and/or the EDDS [or salts or optical isomers
thereof].
[0116] The compositions useful in the practice of my invention can
be prepared in the form of wettable powders, soluble powders,
dusting powders, granulates, solutions, emulsifiable concentrates
emulsions [as stated supra], suspended concentrates or aerosols, or
in microencapsulated form [produced, for example, via coacervation]
for controlled release application to pants or plant precursors of
the active nitrogen-containing compound components, e.g., the IDS
and/or EDDS free acids and/or salts thereof or optical isomers
thereof.
[0117] The wettable powders useful in the practice of my invention
can be prepared in such a manner that they contain the active
nitrogen-containing compound; and such wettable powders normally
contain, in addition to a solid support, a wetting agent, a
dispersant, and, when appropriate, one or more stabilizers and/or
other additives such as penetration agents, adhesives, colorants,
or anti-lumping agents.
[0118] Aqueous dispersions and emulsions, such as, for example,
compositions obtained by diluting with water a wettable powder or
an emulsifiable concentrate are intended to be included within the
general scope of my invention. Such emulsions may be of the
`water-in-oil` type or of the `oil-in-water` type and may have the
consistence resembling that of a `mayonnaise`
[0119] As stated supra, the step of the process of my invention, of
formulating the aqueous plant precursor or plant growth-regulating
or stimulating solution may also [optionally] include [prior to the
step of application to the plant precursor or plant or proximity
thereof] the simultaneous admixing or the immediately-subsequent
admixing of the aqueous nitrogen-containing compound solution with
at least one adjuvant selected from the group consisting of:
[0120] (a) carriers;
[0121] (b) surfactants;
[0122] (c) carbon skeleton energy adjuvants;
[0123] (d) vitamin/co-factor adjuvants;
[0124] (e) gums;
[0125] (f) anti-microbial agents;
[0126] (g) buffers;
[0127] (h) protective colloids;
[0128] (i) viscosity modifiers; and
[0129] (j) growth regulators
[0130] Examples of which are as follows:
[0131] (a) carriers:
[0132] In the context of my invention, a carrier is an organic or
inorganic natural or synthetic material with which the active
material is associated to facilitate its application to the plant,
to the seeds, or to the soil proximate to said seed and/or plant,
or its transportation or handling. The support can be a solid
[e.g., clays, natural or synthetic silicates, resins and waxes] or
fluid [e.g., water, alcohols, ketones, petroleum fractions,
chlorinated hydrocarbons and liquified gases].
[0133] (b) surfactants:
[0134] The compositions useful in the practice of my invention may
include one or more surfactants which aid in the preparation of
other compositions and which may assist in the penetration of
active components through plant or seed membranes. Such surfactants
include anionic, cationic, non-ionic and zwitterionic surfactant.
Anionic surfactants include alkyl aryl ethoxylates, fatty acid
ethoxylates, vegetable seed oil ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid
ester ethoxylates, or other alkoxylates. More specifically, a
useful surfactant is the compound,
C.sub.9H.sub.19-[phenylene]-(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.9OH also known
as NONOXYNOL-9.TM. or NP-9.TM.. Thus, the surfactant can be an
ionic or non-ionic emulsifier, dispersant or wetting agent such as,
for example, salts of polyacrylic acids, condensates of ethylene
oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acids or fatty amines. Such
surfactants are more specifically set forth in U.S. Pat. No.
6,184,182 issued on Feb. 6, 2001 [U.S. Class 504, subclass 116],
the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0135] (c) carbon skeleton energy adjuvants
[0136] The function of this component is to supply one or more
carbon skeletons for the synthesis of proteins and other molecules
or to supply energy for metabolism. Water-soluble carbohydrates
such as sucrose, fructose, glucose and other di- and
monosaccharides are suitable, commonly in the form of molasses or
other byproducts of food manufacture. Commercially available
lignosulfonates are also suitable as a `CSE` source, inasmuch as
they commonly contain sugars. More specifically, examples of CSE
sugars are: mannose, lactose, dextrose, fructose, fucose,
raffinose, xylose and arabinose. Sugar alcohols are also useful
CSE's, specifically, for example, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol and
xylitol. Organic acids are useful CSE's, for example,
alpha-ketoglutaric acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, citric acid,
and aspartic acid. Nucleotides are useful CSE's, for example,
adenosine, uridine, thymine, cytosine, guanine and guanosine.
[0137] (d) vitamin/co-factor adjuvants
[0138] Examples of useful vitamin/co-factor adjuvants in the
practice of my invention are folic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid,
nicotinic acid, riboflavin and thiamin, as well as derivatives
thereof. For example, useful thiamine derivatives are thiamine
disulfide and thiamine hydrochloride. Useful riboflavin derivatives
are flavin adenine dinucleotide and flavin adenine mononucleotide.
Useful nicotinic acid derivatives are nicotinic acid amide,
nicotinic acid benzyl ester, nicotinic acid methyl ester and
nicotinic acid nitrile. A useful biotin derivative is biotin methyl
ester.
[0139] (e) gums
[0140] Examples of gums useful as adjuvants I the practice of my
invention are xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic gum carageenan, gum
elemi, locust bean gum and gum tragacanth.
[0141] (f) anti-microbial agents
[0142] Examples of anti-microbial agents useful in the practice of
my invention are propionic acid, benzoic acid, thymol, indole, and
sorbic acid.
[0143] (g) buffers
[0144] Examples of buffers useful in the practice of my invention
are alkali metal [sodium or potassium] formates, carbonates,
bicarbonates, propionates, benzoates and/or acetates.
[0145] (h) protective colloids
[0146] Examples of agents which form protective colloids
surrounding and/or emicro-encapsulating the nitrogen-containing
active compounds useful in the practice of my invention are
gelatin, colloidal silica and colloidal alumina. In addition, the
gums cited supra when appropriately applied have the ability to
form such protective colloids.
[0147] (i) viscosity modifiers Examples of viscosity modifiers
useful in the practice of my invention are terpenes, such as
myrcene, dihydromyrcene, terpene derivatives such as citronellol,
and those materials set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,644, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0148] (j) growth regulators
[0149] Seaweed extract--kelp extract, Kinetin, Kinetin riboside,
benzyladenine, zeatin riboside, zeatin, extract of corn cockle,
isopentenyl adenine, dihydrozeatin, indoleacetic acid, phenylacetic
acid, IBA, indole ethanol, indole acetaldehyde, indoleacetonitrile,
indole derivatives, gibberellins (e.g. GA1, GA2, GA3, GA4, GA7,
GA38 etc.) polyamines, monoethanolamine, allopurinol, GA
inhibitors, ethylene inducing compounds, ethylene biosynthesis
inhibitors, GABA, anticytokinins and antiauxins, ABA inducers and
inhibitors, and other known growth regulators.
[0150] The following examples are illustrative, and my invention is
only limited by the scope of the claims following the examples.
EXAMPLE I
[0151] Title: Use of the tetra-sodium salt of EDDS on Germinating
Sweet Corn Field Corn, Cantaloupe Melon and Snap Bean Seeds
[0152] Styrofoam plates were each charged with 80 ml. water. The
plates are titled: (a) The `control` plates; (b) The `Treatment 1`
plates; and (c) the `Treatment 2` plates.
[0153] Into the `control` plates, the `Treatment 1` plates and the
`Treatment 2` plates were placed, at the loading of 10 seeds per
plate, germinated sweet corn seeds, germinated field corn seeds,
germinated snap bean seeds, germinated cantaloupe melon seeds and
germinated soy bean seeds.
[0154] The `Treatment 1` plates were then each treated with 0.1 ml.
of a 38% aqueous solution of the tetra-sodium salt of EDDS [having
the structure as set forth in FIG. 15], or 0.000475 gm./plate, or
475 ppm per plate.
[0155] The `Treatment 2` plates were then each treated with 1 ml.
of a 38% aqueous solution of the tetra-odium salt of EDDS, or
0.00475 gm./plate or 4750 ppm per plate.
[0156] No EDDS salt was added to the `control` plate.
[0157] Over a period of 9 days, each plate had distilled water
added thereto, as needed, in order to make up for the evaporation
of the water during the 9 day period.
[0158] 9 days after the trial commenced, the number of germinated
seeds which survived were as set forth in attached Table I.
[0159] The soy bean test was void, since mold had developed on the
soy beans and no seed were viable.
[0160] The `Treatment 1` plates, after 9 days, showed uniform
germination and growth of the germinated sweet corn seeds, as
compared with the control.
[0161] The `Treatment 2` plates, after 9 days, showed inhibition of
the germination and growth of the sweet corn.
[0162] The `Treatment 2` plates, after 9 days, showed inhibition of
the germination and growth of the field corn.
EXAMPLE II
[0163] Title: Use of the tri-potassium salt of IDS, alone, or
toegether with the tetra-potassium salt of EDDS on Germinating Seet
Corn, Field Corn and Cantaloupe Melon Seeds
[0164] Styrofoam plates were each charged with 80 ml. water. The
plates are titled: (a) The `control` plates; (b) The `Treatment 1`
plates; (c) The `Treatment 2` plates and (d) the `Treatment 3`
plates.
[0165] Into the `control` plates, the `Treatment 1` plates, the
`Treatment 2` plates and the `Treatment 3` plates, were placed, at
a loading of 6 seeds per plate, sweet corn seeds, field corn seeds,
cantaloupe melon seeds and soy bean seeds.
[0166] The `Treatment 1` plates were then each treated with 1 ml.
of a 37% solution of the tri-potassium salt of IDS [having the
structure as set forth in FIG. 17], or 0.00463 gm./plate or 4630
ppm per plate.
[0167] The `Treatment 2` plates were then each treated with 0.1 ml.
of a 37% solution of the tri-potassium salt of IDS, or 0.000463
gm./plate, or 463 ppm per plate.
[0168] The `Treatment 3` plates were then each treated with a
mixture 0.5 ml. of a 37% solution of the tri-potassium salt of IDS
and 0.5 ml. of a 38% solution of the tetra-sodium salt of EDDS, or
0.000231 gm/plate of the IDS salt and 0.000238 gm./plate of the
EDDS salt.
[0169] No EDDS or IDS salts were added to the control plate.
[0170] Over a period of 9 days, each plate had distilled water
added thereto, as needed, in order to make up for the evaporation
of water during the 9 day period.
[0171] 9 days after the trial commenced, the number of germinated
seeds which survived were as set forth in attached Table II.
[0172] The sweet corn seeds treated with the IDS salt and the
combination of the IDS and EDDS salts germinated and the resulting
seedlings started to grow more uniformly.
[0173] The field corn seeds treated with the mixture of the IDS and
EDDS salts commenced germinating during the 9 days period, and
commenced growing more uniformly during the nine day period.
EXAMPLE III
[0174] Title: Use of the EDDS free acid and/or the IDS free acid on
Germinating Field Corn Seeds 100 ml. each of 37% solutions of the
tetra-sodium salt of IDS having the structure as set forth in FIG.
18 and the tetra-sodium salt of EDDS having the structure as set
forth in FIG. 15 were placed in beakers and sufficient 29% aqueous
HCl was added thereto to complete the formation of IDS and EDDS
free acid crystals.
[0175] 0.2 grams/liter of each of the free acids was added to
distilled water to yield 1 liter stock solutions of each free acid,
at a concentration of 0.2 gm/liter.
[0176] Seven styrofoam plates were provided, titled: (a) The
`control` plate; (b) the `Treatment A` plate; (c) the Treatment B`
plate; (d) the `Treatment C` plate; (e) the `Treatment D` plate and
(f) the `Treatment E` plate.
[0177] To each plate, eight (8) field corn seeds were added.
[0178] To the `control` plate, 100 ml. of distilled water was
added.
[0179] To the `Treatment A` plate, 100 ml. of EDDS stock solution
was added [200 ppm EDDS].
[0180] To the `Treatment B` plate, 20 ml. of IDS stock solution and
80 ml. of EDDS stock solution was added [40 ppm IDS and 160 ppm
EDDS].
[0181] To the `Treatment C` plate, 40 ml. of IDS stock solution and
60 ml.of EDDS stock solution was added [80 ppm IDS and 120 ppm
EDDS].
[0182] To the `Treatment D` plate, 60 ml. of IDS stock solution and
40 ml.of EDDS stock solution was added [120 ppm IDS and 80 ppm
EDDS].
[0183] To the `Treatment E` plate, 80 ml. of IDS stock solution and
20 ml.EDDS stock solution was added [160 ppm IDS and 40 ppm
EDDS].
[0184] To the `Treatment F` plate, 100 ml. of IDS stock solution
was added [200 ppm IDS].
[0185] The treatments are tabulated in attached Table III.
[0186] When the corn seeds were subject to Treatment B,C,D and E,
both growth rates and germination rates of
1TABLE I (EXAMPLE I) NUMBER OF SEED GERMINATED AND SURVIVED
Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Control (EDDS at EDDS at 1 ml Crop (water)
0.1 ml Per liter) Per liter) Sweet corn 7 10 7 Field corn 7 9 4
Snap beans 4 5 1 Cantaloupe 0 1 0 melon
[0187]
2TABLE II (EXAMPLE II) NUMBER OF SEED GERMINATED AND SURVIVED
Treatment 3 (IDS @ 0.5 ml Treatment 1 Treatment 2 per liter and
Control (IDS @ 1 ml (IDS @ 0.1 ml EDDS @ 0.5 Crop (water) Per
liter) Per liter) ml per liter) Sweet corn 4 4 5 6 Field corn 2 2 2
4 Cantaloupe 1 1 1 1 melon Soy bean.sup.2 0 0 0 0
[0188]
3TABLE III (EXAMPLE III) ml of PARTS PARTS grams of grams of Treat
0.2 g/l ml OF 0.2 PER 1000 PER 1000 IDS per EDDS per ppm ppm ment
IDS g/l EDDS IDS EDDS plate plate IDS EDDS Control 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
A 0 100 0 0.2 0 0.02 0 200 B 20 80 0.04 0.16 0.0008 0.0128 40 160 C
40 60 0.08 0.12 0.0032 0.0072 80 120 D 60 40 0.12 0.08 0.0072
0.0032 120 80 E 50 20 0.16 0.04 0.0128 0.0008 160 40 F 100 0 0.2 0
0.02 0 200 0
[0189]
4TABLE IV (EXAMPLE IV) 0.2 ml/l EDDS 0.2 ml/l of IDS acid stock
solution acid stock solution IDS ppm EDDS ppm Control (water) 0 0 0
0 Treatment 1 100 ml 0 0 200 Treatment 2 0 100 ml 200 0 Treatment 3
50 ml 50 ml 100 100
[0190]
5TABLE V (EXAMPLE V) 0.2 ml/l EDDS 0.2 ml/l of IDS acid stock
solution acid stock solution IDS ppm EDDS ppm Control (water) 0 0 0
0 Treatment 1 50 ml 50 ml 100 100 Treatment 2* 50 ml 50 ml 100
100
[0191] the field corn seed and resultant seedlings increased
significantly.
[0192] The combinations of the IDS and EDDS free acids in
proportions [by weight] of from 4:1 up to 1:4 have merit for growth
stimulation.
[0193] From the results of this example, one having ordinary skill
in the art will conclude that concentrations of IDS and EDDS free
acids greater than 200 ppm will significantly slow, delay and
inhibit the growth of field corn seedlings.
EXAMPLE IV
[0194] Title: Effect of IDS and/or EDDS free acids on Mexican
Heather
[0195] Four sets of six Mexican Heather plants each were placed on
trays without transplanting. 0.2 gm/liter stock solutions of IDS
and EDDS free acids prepared according to Example III,supra, were
used, in three different treatments [EDDS alone, IDS alone and a
50:50 mixture of EDDS and IDS] to treat the three sets of plants as
set forth in Table IV, attached, by placing the solutions into the
soil within 10 mm.of each of the plants. A fourth set was treated
with distilled water [the `control` set].
[0196] Soil application of EDDS to Mexican heather promoted a
greater root mass at the expense of vegetative growth. At the end
of the experiment, the plant leaves are lower on the main stem and
internode lengths are shortened.
[0197] Soil application of IDS to Mexican heather promoted a
greater root mass at the expense of vegetative growth, although to
a significantly lesser extent than done using EDDS.
EXAMPLE V
[0198] Title: Effect of IDS/EDDS free acid mixture on Petunia
[0199] Three sets of six Petunia plants were placed on trays
without transplanting. Two sets of plants. `Treatment set 1` and
`Treatment set 2` were each treated with a mixture of 50 ml. IDS
free acid stock solution and 50 ml. EDDS free acid stock solution,
prepared according to Example III, supra The treatments were
effected by placing solutions into the soil within a 10 mm.
distance from the roots of each of the plants.
[0200] The `Treatment set 2` test solution also contained 0.001
gm./liter of indolebutyric acid having a structure as set forth in
FIG. 26, in admixture with a surfactant which is a nona-ethoxylated
nonyl phenol, NONOXYNOL-9.TM. having the structure:
C.sub.9H.sub.19-(phenylene)-(OCH.su- b.2CH.sub.2).sub.9OH.
[0201] A third set was treated solely with distilled water [the
`control` set].
[0202] The treatments are summarized in the attached Table V, with
the `Treatment set 2` being marked with an `*` to indicated use of
the `IBA` in that particular treatment.
[0203] Combinations of EDDS and IDS free acids [having,
respectively, the chemical structures set forth in FIGS. 11 and
12], at 200 ppm [7.times.10.sup.-4 moles per liter] slowed the
growth of the Petunia plant. The plants treated with the IDS-EDDS
free acid combination are more compact with shorter internodes; and
have a significantly lower mass.
[0204] In addition, when the `IBA` is used in conjunction with the
EDDS-IDS mixture, the plants are `stunted`.
[0205] Although various embodiments which incorporate the teachings
of the present invention have been shown and described in detail
herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other
varied embodiments that still incorporate these teachings.
* * * * *