U.S. patent application number 16/843475 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-23 for synergistic formulation including at least one gibberellin compound and salicyclic acid.
This patent application is currently assigned to Stoller Enterprises, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Stoller Enterprises, Inc.. Invention is credited to Veria Alvarado, Ritesh Bharat Sheth.
Application Number | 20200229456 16/843475 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68290959 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200229456 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sheth; Ritesh Bharat ; et
al. |
July 23, 2020 |
Synergistic Formulation Including At Least One Gibberellin Compound
and Salicyclic Acid
Abstract
A synergistic formulation comprising at least one gibberellin
(GA) compound and salicylic acid (SA) for delaying fruit ripening
and maintaining good quality of fruit under storage.
Inventors: |
Sheth; Ritesh Bharat;
(Friendswood, TX) ; Alvarado; Veria; (Longwood,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stoller Enterprises, Inc. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Stoller Enterprises, Inc.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
68290959 |
Appl. No.: |
16/843475 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16399546 |
Apr 30, 2019 |
10645942 |
|
|
16843475 |
|
|
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|
62664867 |
Apr 30, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23B 7/154 20130101;
A23L 3/3544 20130101; A23B 7/152 20130101; A23L 3/3508 20130101;
A23L 3/3481 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A23B 7/154 20060101
A23B007/154; A23L 3/3508 20060101 A23L003/3508; A23L 3/3544
20060101 A23L003/3544 |
Claims
1. A synergistic formulation comprising, at least one gibberellin
(GA) compound; at least 0.00625 wt. % salicylic acid (SA);
.gtoreq.50 wt. % at least one organic solvent; less than 5 wt. %
water; optionally at least one non-ionic or anionic surfactants;
and optionally at least one adjuvant, wherein said formulation
includes more GA than SA based on the total weight of the
formulation.
2. The synergistic formulation of claim 1 comprising, up to 20 wt.
% of said at least one gibberellin (GA) compound, and 0.00625 to 19
wt. % salicylic acid (SA).
3. The synergistic formulation of claim 1 comprising, 18-20 wt. %
of said at least one gibberellin (GA) compound; and 50-62 wt. % of
said at least one organic solvent based on the total weight of the
formulation.
4. The synergistic formulation of claim 1 comprising, 5-18.2 wt. %
of said at least one gibberellin (GA) compound; 0.9-5 salicylic
acid (SA); and 75-84 wt. % of said at least one organic solvent
based on the total weight of the formulation.
5. The synergistic formulation of claim 1 comprising, 18-20 wt. %
of said at least one gibberellin (GA) compound; 0.5-1 wt. %
salicylic acid (SA); and 75-81.5 wt. % of said at least one organic
solvent based on the total weight of the formulation.
6. The synergistic formulation of claim 1 comprising, about 12 wt.
% of said at least one gibberellin (GA) compound; about 4.5 wt. %
salicylic acid (SA); and 80-83 wt. % of said at least one organic
solvent based on the total weight of the formulation.
7. The synergistic formulation of claim 1 wherein said at least one
gibberellin compound and said salicylic acid are the only active
agents in said formulation.
8. The synergistic formulation of claim 1 wherein no halogenated
compounds are present in said formulation.
9. The synergistic formulation of claim 8 wherein no CaCl.sub.2 is
present in said formulation.
10. The synergistic formulation of claim 1, wherein said
gibberellin compound is selected from the group consisting of
gibberellic acid ("GA.sub.3"), gibberellin.sub.4 ("GA.sub.4"),
gibberellin4/7 ("GA.sub.4/7"), and combinations thereof.
11. The synergistic formulation of claim 10 wherein said
gibberellin compound is gibberellic acid ("GA.sub.3").
12. The synergistic formulation of claim 1, wherein said at least
one organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of
alcohols, dialkyl ketones, alkylene carbonates, alkyl esters,
pyrrolidones, aryl esters, and combinations thereof.
13. The synergistic formulation of claim 1, wherein said at least
one organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of
ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, ethyl lactate, 3-hydroxybutyrate
(ethyl and propyl esters), polymeric and non-polymeric glycols,
glycerols, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, propylene
carbonate and combinations thereof.
14. The synergistic formulation of claim 1, wherein said at least
one organic solvent is propylene glycol.
15. The synergistic formulation of claim 1, wherein said at least
one organic solvent is at least one polyethylene glycol (PEG) with
a molecular weight from 190-420.
16. The synergistic formulation of claim 1 comprising .ltoreq.10
wt. % of said at least one non-ionic or anionic surfactants based
on the total weight of the formulation.
17. The synergistic formulation of claims 1 comprising less than 10
wt. % of said at least one adjuvant based on the total weight of
the synergistic formulation.
18. A synergistic formulation consisting essentially of, up to 20
wt. % at least one gibberellin (GA) compound based on the total
weight of the formulation; 0.00625 to 19 wt. % salicylic acid (SA)
based on the total weight of the formulation; at least 50 wt. % at
least one organic solvent based on the total weight of the
formulation; less than 5 wt. % water based on the total weight of
the formulation; less than 10 wt. % at least one additional
component; .ltoreq.10 wt. % at least one non-ionic or anionic
surfactants based on the total weight of the formulation;
.ltoreq.10 wt. % at least one adjuvant based on the total weight of
the formulation, wherein said formulation includes more GA than SA
based on the total weight of the formulation.
19. A synergistic formulation consisting of, up to 20 wt. % at
least one gibberellin (GA) compound based on the total weight of
the formulation; 0.00625 to 19 wt. % salicylic acid (SA) based on
the total weight of the formulation; at least 50 wt. % at least one
organic solvent based on the total weight of the formulation; less
than 5 wt. % water based on the total weight of the formulation;
less than 10 wt. % at least one additional component selected from
the group consisting of surface active agents, crystal growth
inhibitors, fungicides, stickers, spreaders, leaf penetrants,
dispersants, systemic acquired resistance inducers, systemic
acquired resistance inhibiters, anti-foaming agents, preservatives,
pH regulators, cosolvents, humectants, dyes, UV protectants,
vehicles, sequestrants, and combinations thereof, .ltoreq.10 wt. %
at least one non-ionic or anionic surfactants based on the total
weight of the formulation; .ltoreq.10 wt. % at least one adjuvant
based on the total weight of the formulation wherein said
formulation includes more GA than SA based on the total weight of
the formulation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.
16/399,546 filed Apr. 30, 2019, the entire contents of which is
incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the
benefit, under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 62/664,867 filed Apr. 30, 2018, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is a synergistic formulation including
at least one gibberellin compound and salicyclic acid. This
synergistic formulation delays fruit ripening and maintains good
quality of fruit under storage. Additional beneficial fruit quality
parameters achieved by using the synergistic formulation include
fruit firmness, color and decrease in postharvest diseases.
Description of Related Art
[0003] Harvested fruits are classified as climacteric and
non-climacteric based on their rate of respiration, which is
proportional to the rate of fruit decay. Respiration is the process
that provides energy to all organisms. Respiration consists of the
degradation of stored organic materials such as proteins, fats and
carbohydrates into simple end products with a release of energy.
Oxygen is consumed in the process and carbon dioxide CO.sub.2 is
produced.
[0004] Examples of climacteric fruits include, but are not limited
to, apple, apricot, avocado, bananas, biriba, blueberry,
breadfruit, cherimoya, durian, fijoa, fig, guava, jackfruit,
kiwifruit, mango, mangosteen, muskmelon, nectarine, papaya, passion
fruit, peach, pear, persimmon, plantain, plum, quince, rambutan,
sapodilla, sapote, soursop, sweetsop, and tomato.
[0005] Examples of non-climacteric fruits include, but are not
limited to, blackberry, cacao, carambola, cashew apple, cherry,
cranberry, cucumber, date, eggplant, grape, grapefruit, jujube,
lemon, lime, longan, loquat, lychee, okra, olive, orange, pea,
pepper, pineapple, pomegranate, prickly pear, raspberry,
strawberry, summer squash, tamarillo, tangerine and mandarine and
watermelon.
[0006] From the group of climacteric fruits, banana is the 2.sup.nd
largest fruit crop in the world and are cultivated in more than 120
countries in tropical and subtropical areas. The main regions of
the world that export bananas are Latin America, the Caribbean,
Asia, and Africa, and the major importers of bananas are the
European Union and United States. Bananas need to be harvested at
physiological maturity and then shipped overseas for 30 to 40 days
under low temperatures (13.2.degree. C./52.degree. F.) to reduce
their metabolism, ethylene production, and the ripening process.
Sometimes bananas are placed in modified or controlled atmosphere
rooms with ethylene absorbers such as potassium permanganate to
inhibit ethylene production.
[0007] Gibberellic acid (GA.sub.3) is a plant growth regulator
commonly used to ensure that bananas remain un-ripened during
shipment. GA.sub.3 has been shown to delay loss in fruit firmness
and vitamin C content, and delay fruit ripening, senescence and
retard peel chlorophyll degradation in jujube. It has also been
tested in mangoes and delays loss in total weight, chlorophyll, and
ascorbic acid content and reduces amylase and peroxidase activity.
GA.sub.3 can initiate re-greening in citrus fruits and delays the
appearance of red color in tomatoes. Moreover, GA.sub.3 applied
exogenously on banana slices does not alter respiration rate or
ethylene profile, but postpones by 2 days the accumulation of
sucrose. While GA.sub.3 allows bananas to stay unripe, in some
cases it causes them to soften, which is undesirable to
consumers.
[0008] Salicylic acid (SA), a plant phenolic compound and a plant
defense hormone, has also been shown to slow down banana ripening.
Bananas treated with SA at either 0.5 mM or 1 mM had firmer fruits,
lower sugar content, and a decrease in respiration rates. Salicylic
acid inhibitory effects on ethylene biosynthesis have been known
since the late 80's in carrot and pear cell suspension culture
studies where the use of SA reduced ethylene production and allowed
proliferation of the cell culture. Acetyl salicylic acid has been
shown to inhibit ethylene production in apples. It has also been
proven that SA inhibits cell wall and membrane degrading enzymes
(polygalacturonase, lipoxygenase, cellulose and pectin
methylesterase) and as a result of this inhibition, banana fruits
treated with SA are firmer.
[0009] Later studies on tomato fruit ripening have evaluated the
use of either GA.sub.3, salicylic acid, or calcium chloride (for
its role on cell wall rigidity) in slowing ripening. Of all
treatments tested, GA.sub.3 at 0.1%, CaCl.sub.2 at 1.5% or SA at
0.4 mM extended the shelf life of tomatoes. Similar studies
conducted in Cavendish bananas tested varying concentrations of
either GA or SA and determined that 300 ppm GA.sub.3 or 4 mM SA
caused a more considerable delay in ripening than other
treatments.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A synergistic formulation comprising at least one
gibberellin compound (GA) and salicylic acid (SA) reduces the
production of ethylene while maintaining the firmness and color of
an agricultural product, which allows for a longer shelf life.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0011] The features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description of a
preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the fruit firmness at 7 days after
treatment with a control (CT), salicylic acid (SA) alone,
gibberellic acid (GA) alone, and the GA+SA synergistic formulation
of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the fruit firmness at 10 days
after treatment with a control (CT), salicylic acid (SA) alone,
gibberellic acid (GA) alone, and the GA+SA synergistic formulation
of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the ethylene emission at 7 days
after treatment with a control (CT), salicylic acid (SA) alone,
gibberellic acid (GA) alone, and the GA+SA synergistic formulation
of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the ethylene emission at 10 days
after treatment with a control (CT), salicylic acid (SA) alone,
gibberellic acid (GA) alone, and the GA+SA synergistic formulation
of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the ethylene emission in Cavendish
bananas at 21 days after treatment, this simulates the overseas
transport at 13.5.degree. C. The banana fruits were subjected to a
control (CT), gibberellic acid (GA) alone, salicylic acid (SA)
alone and the GA+SA synergistic formulation of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the fruit firmness of Cavendish
bananas 6 days after force ripening (treated with 100 ppm of
ethylene simulating commercial handling of bananas). The bananas
were subjected to a control (CT), gibberellic acid (GA) alone,
salicylic acid (SA) alone and the GA+SA synergistic formulation of
the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the peel color of Cavendish
bananas 6 days after force ripening (treated with 100 ppm of
ethylene simulating commercial handling of bananas). The bananas
were subjected to a control (CT), gibberellic acid (GA) alone,
salicylic acid (SA) alone and the GA+SA synergistic formulation of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The synergistic formulation comprises, optionally consists
essentially of, or optionally consists of, at least one gibberellin
(GA) compound; salicylic acid (SA); optionally at least one
solvent; optionally at least one additional component that does not
affect the ethylene production of the present synergistic
formulation, optionally at least one non-ionic or anionic
surfactants; and optionally at least one customary adjuvants,
wherein said synergistic formulation reducing ethylene production
in agricultural products, and preferably reduces color change of
the agricultural product. In one embodiment, the synergistic
formulation comprises, optionally consisting essentially of, or
optionally consisting of, at least one gibberellin compound and
salicylic acid as the only active agents that assist in reducing
ethylene production in agricultural products. In another
embodiment, the synergistic formulation comprises, optionally
consisting essentially of, or optionally consisting of, at least
one gibberellin compound and salicylic acid as the only active
agents that trigger a positive physiological response in
agricultural products. In another embodiment, the synergistic
formulation comprises, optionally consists essentially of, or
optionally consists of, at least one gibberellin (GA) compound and
salicylic acid (SA) without the addition of any halogenated
compound, such as chlorinated compounds, for example
CaCl.sub.2.
[0020] "Active agents" are generally understood to include those
compounds that assist in reducing ethylene production in
agricultural products. Additionally, "active agents" are any
compounds that trigger a positive physiological response in
agricultural products.
[0021] Salicylic acid is general known to have the following
chemical structure:
##STR00001##
[0022] Gibberellin compounds are generally understood to be
tetracyclic diterpene acids. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the at least one gibberellin compound is selected from
the group consisting of gibberellic acid ("GA.sub.3"),
gibberellin.sub.4 ("GA.sub.4"), gibberellin.sub.4/7 ("GA.sub.4/7")
and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the at least one gibberellin compound is gibberellic
acid (GA.sub.3) having the following structure:
##STR00002##
[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the synergistic
formulation includes GA: SA in a ratio of 20:1 to 1:1, or 10:1 to
1:1, 5:1 to 2:1, or 3:1 to 2:1. In one embodiment, the synergistic
formulation includes at least one solvent with 20-2000 ppm GA, or
100-1800 ppm GA, or 200-1500 ppm GA, or 500-1500 ppm GA; and
20-2000 ppm salicylic acid (SA), or 50-1000 ppm SA, or 50-800 ppm
SA. In another embodiment, the synergistic formulation includes at
least one solvent with 625-1250 ppm GA and 62.5-625 ppm SA.
[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the synergistic
formulation comprises, optionally consists essentially of, or
optionally consists of, up to 20 wt. % at least one gibberellin
(GA) compound based on the total weight of the formulation; up to
at least 25 wt. % salicylic acid (SA) based on the total weight of
the formulation; optionally at least 50 wt. % at least one solvent,
preferably propylene glycol and/or PEG, based on the total weight
of the formulation; optionally at least one additional component
that does not affect the ethylene production of the present
synergistic formulation, optionally at least one non-ionic or
anionic surfactants; and optionally at least one customary
adjuvants, wherein said synergistic formulation reducing ethylene
production in agricultural products.
[0025] In alternate embodiments, the synergistic formulation
includes 5-20 wt. % at least one gibberellin compound, or
optionally 10-20 wt. % at least one gibberellin compound, or
optionally 10-15 wt. % at least one gibberellin compound, or
optionally 10-12 wt. % at least one gibberellin compound based on
the total weight of the formulation. In alternate embodiments, the
synergistic formulation may include the previously listed amounts
of GA compound and 0.5-25 wt. % salicylic acid, or optionally 4-25
wt. % salicyclic acid, or optionally 4-20 wt. % salicyclic acid, or
optionally 4-10 wt. % salicyclic acid, or optionally 4-5 wt. %
salicyclic acid based on the total weight of the formulation.
[0026] In one embodiment, the synergistic formulation comprises,
optionally consists essentially of, or optionally consists of,
18-20 wt. % of at least one gibberellin (GA) compound based on the
total weight of the formulation; 20-25 wt. % salicylic acid (SA)
based on the total weight of the formulation; 50-62 wt. % at least
one solvent, preferably propylene glycol and/or PEG, based on the
total weight of the formulation; optionally at least one additional
component that does not affect the ethylene production of the
present synergistic formulation, optionally at least one non-ionic
or anionic surfactants; and optionally at least one customary
adjuvants, wherein said synergistic formulation reducing ethylene
production in agricultural products.
[0027] In one embodiment, the synergistic formulation comprises,
optionally consists essentially of, or optionally consists of, 8-10
wt. % of at least one gibberellin (GA) compound based on the total
weight of the formulation; 8-10 wt. % salicylic acid (SA) based on
the total weight of the formulation; 75-84 wt % at least one
solvent, preferably propylene glycol and/or PEG, based on the total
weight of the formulation; optionally at least one additional
component that does not affect the ethylene production of the
present synergistic formulation, optionally at least one non-ionic
or anionic surfactants; and optionally at least one customary
adjuvants, wherein said synergistic formulation reducing ethylene
production in agricultural products.
[0028] In one embodiment, the synergistic formulation comprises,
optionally consists essentially of, or optionally consists of,
18-20 wt. % of at least one gibberellin (GA) compound based on the
total weight of the formulation; 0.5-1 wt. % salicylic acid (SA)
based on the total weight of the formulation; 75-81.5 wt. % at
least one solvent, preferably propylene glycol and/or PEG, based on
the total weight of the formulation; optionally at least one
additional component that does not affect the ethylene production
of the present synergistic formulation, optionally at least one
non-ionic or anionic surfactants; and optionally at least one
customary adjuvants, wherein said synergistic formulation reducing
ethylene production in agricultural products.
[0029] In one embodiment, the synergistic formulation comprises,
optionally consists essentially of, or optionally consists of,
about 12 wt. % of at least one gibberellin (GA) compound based on
the total weight of the formulation; about 4.5 wt. % salicylic acid
(SA) based on the total weight of the formulation; 80-83.5 wt. % at
least one solvent, preferably propylene glycol and/or PEG, based on
the total weight of the formulation; optionally at least one
additional component that does not affect the ethylene production
of the present synergistic formulation, optionally at least one
non-ionic or anionic surfactants; and optionally at least one
customary adjuvants, wherein said synergistic formulation reducing
ethylene production in agricultural products.
[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the synergistic
solution is provided as a non-aqueous solution. As provided herein,
it is understood that the term "non-aqueous" may include small
amounts of water, preferably less than 5 wt. %, preferably less
than 4 wt. %, preferably less than 3 wt. %, preferably less than 2
wt. %, preferably less than 1 wt. %, and preferably less than 0.5
wt. % based on the total weight of the synergistic formulation.
However, it is preferred that water is not intentionally added to
the present synergistic formulation.
[0031] The synergistic formulation of the present invention
preferably includes at least one solvent such that the total amount
of solvents present is .gtoreq.50 wt. %, .gtoreq.60 wt. %,
.gtoreq.70 wt. %, .gtoreq.80 wt. %, or .gtoreq.85 wt. %, or
.gtoreq.90 wt. %, or .gtoreq.95 wt. %, or .gtoreq.99 wt. % based on
the total weight of the synergistic formulation.
[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the synergistic
formulation includes the above-identified amounts of SA and GA and
at least one solvent selected from a wide variety of organic
solvents. Such solvents include, but are not limited to, ethanol,
n-propanol, iso-propanol, ethyl lactate, 3-hydroxybutyrate (ethyl
and propyl esters), polymeric and non-polymeric glycols, glycerols,
polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, propylene carbonate and
combinations thereof. In one embodiment, propylene glycol is used
as the solvent in the synergistic formulation of the present
invention. Preferably, the synergistic formulation includes the
above-identified amounts of SA and GA and .gtoreq.50 wt. %
propylene glycol, or .gtoreq.60 wt. % propylene glycol, or
.gtoreq.70 wt. % propylene glycol, .gtoreq.80 wt. % propylene
glycol, or .gtoreq.85 wt. % propylene glycol, or .gtoreq.90 wt. %
propylene glycol, or .gtoreq.95 wt. % propylene glycol, or
.gtoreq.99 wt. % propylene glycol based on the total weight of the
synergistic formulation. In another embodiment, at least one
polyethylene glycol (PEG) with a molecular weight from 190-420 is
used as the solvent in the synergistic formulation of the present
invention. Preferably, the synergistic formulation includes the
above-identified amounts of SA and GA and .gtoreq.50 wt. %
polyethylene glycol, or .gtoreq.60 wt. % polyethylene glycol, or
.gtoreq.70 wt. % polyethylene glycol .gtoreq.80 wt. % polyethylene
glycol, or .gtoreq.85 wt. % polyethylene glycol, or .gtoreq.90 wt.
% polyethylene glycol, or .gtoreq.95 wt. % polyethylene glycol, or
.gtoreq.99 wt. % polyethylene glycol based on the total weight of
the synergistic formulation. Preferably, the synergistic
formulation includes the above-identified amounts of SA and GA and
.gtoreq.50 wt. % of a combination of solvents, such as polyethylene
glycol and propylene glycol, or .gtoreq.60 wt. % of a combination
of solvents, such as polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol, or
.gtoreq.70 wt. % of a combination of solvents, such as polyethylene
glycol and propylene glycol, .gtoreq.80 wt. % of a combination of
solvents, such as polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol, or
.gtoreq.85 wt. % of a combination of solvents, such as polyethylene
glycol and propylene glycol, or .gtoreq.90 wt. % of a combination
of solvents, such as polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol, or
.gtoreq.95 wt. % of a combination of solvents, such as polyethylene
glycol and propylene glycol, or .gtoreq.99 wt. % of a combination
of solvents, such as polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol based
on the total weight of the synergistic formulation.
[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the synergistic
formulation includes polar and semi-polar organic solvent is a
single or combination of "non-volatile, polar or semi-polar organic
solvents", herein defined to exclude those volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) with a vapor pressure less than 0.1 mm Hg at
20.degree. C. A polar solvent is defined as that which dissolves
ionic and other polar solutes. Semi-polar solvents induce a certain
degree of polarity in non-polar molecules. A measurement of
polarity may be determined by its dielectric constant. Semi- and
polar solvents defined in this invention are those solvents that
have dielectric constants greater than 10 @ 20.degree. C. For
example, the synergistic formulation may include, but is not
limited to the following solvents: alcohols, dialkyl ketones,
alkylene carbonates, alkyl esters, pyrrolidones, aryl esters, and
combinations thereof.
[0034] The synergistic formulation may also include non-ionic or
anionic surfactants including, but not limited to the group
consisting of carboxylates, sulfonates, natural oils, alkylamides,
arylamides, alkylphenols, arylphenols, ethoxylated alcohols,
polyoxygethylene, carboxylic esters, polyalkylglycol esters,
anhydrosorbitols, glycol esters, carboxylic amides,
monoalkanolamine, poloxyethylene fatty acid amides, polysorbates,
cyclodextrins, sugar based, silicone based, polyalkylated alcohols,
alkylaryl ethoxylates, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment,
the synergistic formulation includes the above-identified amounts
of SA and GA and optional solvents and a total amount of
surfactants of .ltoreq.10 wt. %, or .ltoreq.5 wt. %, or .ltoreq.1
wt. % based on the total weight of the synergistic formulation.
[0035] The synergistic formulation may include the above-identified
amounts of GA compound, SA, optional solvents, optional surfactants
and optional additional components such that the total amounts of
all such additional components is preferably less than 10 wt. %, or
less than 5 wt. %, or less than 1 wt. % based on the total weight
of the synergistic formulation. Preferably, such components do not
affect the ethylene production of the present synergistic
formulation. These additional components include surface active
agents, crystal growth inhibitors, fungicides, stickers, spreaders,
leaf penetrants, dispersants, systemic acquired resistance
inducers, systemic acquired resistance inhibiters, anti-foaming
agents, preservatives, pH regulators, cosolvents, humectants, dyes,
UV protectants, vehicles, sequestrants, and combinations thereof,
or other components which do not affect the ethylene production of
the present synergistic formulation.
[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the synergistic
formulation is prepared by combining the above-identified amounts
of GA compound, SA, optional solvents, optional surfactants and
optional additional components with optional customary adjuvants.
In one embodiment of the present invention the total amounts of all
such customary adjuvants is preferably less than 10 wt. %, or less
than 5 wt. %, or less than 1 wt. % based on the total weight of the
synergistic formulation.
[0037] The synergistic formulation may be provided in the form of
solutions, emulsions, suspensions, pastes, powders or granulates.
In a preferred embodiment, the synergistic formulation is a
solution, most preferably a non-aqueous solution.
[0038] The active agents are used in the form of their formulations
or the forms of application prepared therefrom or their mixtures
with further components in customary manner, e.g. by means of
pouring, splashing, spraying or dusting. Suitable forms of
application are, for example, aqueous or non-aqueous solutions,
which are stabilized with customary dispersing agents, suspensions,
emulsions, spray agents or dusting agents. Other forms of
application involved the immersion of commodity or agricultural
product into a solution containing the active agents. Application
could be done pre-harvest and post-harvest.
[0039] The synergistic formulation of the present invention may be
used on any agricultural product, for example, on: bananas, apples,
mangoes, avocados, artichokes, blueberries, carrots, celery,
cherries, citrus, collard greens, broccoli, cucumbers, corn,
grapes, melons, pecans, peppers, pineapples, rice, rhubarb,
spinach, stone fruits, strawberries, watercress and other plants in
need of treatment. In one preferred embodiment, the synergistic
formulation is used on bananas to reduce ethylene production while
maintaining firmness to yield a fruit with a longer shelf life.
[0040] It should be understood that the recitation of a range of
values includes all of the specific values in between the highest
and lowest value. For example, the recitation of "20-2000 ppm"
includes all of the values between 20 to 2000 such that either the
upper or lower limits may include, but are not limited to 30, 30,
40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800,
900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, and 1900
ppm. For example, the recitation of "10:1 to 1:1"" includes all of
the values between 10:1 to 1:1 such that either the upper or lower
limits may include, but are not limited to, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1,
5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1 to 1:1. For example, the recitation of "up to 20
wt. %" includes all of the values between 0.001-20 such that either
the upper or lower limits may include, but are not limited to
0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20.
For example the recitation of "up to at least 25 wt. %" includes
all of the values between 0.001-25 such that either the upper or
lower limits may include, but are not limited to 0.001, 0.01, 0.1,
0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25.
For example, the recitation of "at least 50 wt. %" includes all of
the values between 50-100 such that either the upper or lower
limits may include, but are not limited to 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55,
56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64. 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 70, 71, 72,
73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89,
90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, and 100.
[0041] As used herein, all numerical values relating to amounts,
weight percentages and the like are defined as "about" or
"approximately" each particular value, namely, plus or minus 10%
(+-10%). For example, the phrase "at least 5% by weight" is to be
understood as "at least 4.5% to 5.5% by weight." Therefore, amounts
within 10% of the claimed values are encompassed by the scope of
the claims. The percentages of the components in the formulations
are listed by weight percentage based on the total weight of the
formulation, unless stated otherwise.
[0042] A basic and novel characteristic of the present invention is
that the synergistic formulation comprises, optionally consists
essentially or, or optional consists of, at least one gibberellin
compound (GA) and salicylic acid (SA), optionally in solution, that
reduces the production of ethylene while maintaining the firmness
and color of an agricultural product, which allows for a longer
shelf life.
[0043] The following example illustrates one embodiment of the
present invention. Those of skill in the art would understand how
to modify the example to arrive at the present invention.
Example 1
[0044] The active agents gibberellic acid (GA.sub.3) and salicylic
acid (SA) were tested separately and mixed together (GA+SA
synergistic formulation) to determine their effects on Thailand
banana shelf life. Ethylene emission and fruit hardness/fruit
firmness were the parameters measured in this test.
[0045] The active agents were tested at full rate when used alone
and at half rate when combined in the synergistic formulation.
Initial experiments, not reported here, were done to determine the
best dose combination of active agents.
[0046] Treatments consisted of a Control-water treatment, SA 552
ppm (4 mM) in propylene glycol, GA.sub.3 1500 ppm in propylene
glycol, and GA.sub.3 750 ppm (12 wt. %)+SA 276 ppm (4.5 wt. %) (2
mM) in propylene glycol. These formulations including the active
agents were dissolved in water and then 5 ml were sprayed over each
banana. The bananas were air dried for 25 minutes and then placed
in transparent closed boxes at 75.degree. F. for up to 10 days.
[0047] Ethylene was measured with a Portable Ethylene Analyzer
F-900, Felix Instruments. The fruits were placed for 40-60 minutes
in sealed containers adapted with septum stoppers and then a
syringe was used to sample the air in the headspace. Ethylene was
determined in ppm/g/min units. The fruit hardness/fruit firmness
was measured in Newtons (force units) for a 4 mm depth with a
Texture analyzer CT-3, 4500 g, BrookField Ametek with a TA10
probe.
[0048] FIGS. 1-4 show the test results indicating that ethylene
emission was the lowest when the synergistic formulation was
applied to the bananas. And accordingly, the fruit firmness at 10
DAT was the highest when the bananas were treated with the
synergistic formulation. This demonstrates that the synergistic
formulation has a stronger effect on fruit ripening and extending
banana shelf life than the individual active agent's
formulations.
[0049] A statistical analysis of the data confirms that the
synergistic formulation provides significant results as
follows:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 7 Day Firmness SA 552 GA.sub.3 1500 GA.sub.3
750 + SA 276 P value vs control 0.17602 0.68073 0.73437 P value vs
SA 552 0.1225 0.39234 P value vs GA 1500 0.49524
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 10 Day Firmness SA 552 GA.sub.3 1500
GA.sub.3 750 + SA 276 P value vs control 0.76078 0.70965 0.09455 P
value vs SA 552 0.46565 0.14888 P value vs GA 1500 0.01981
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 7 Day Ethylene Study SA 552 GA.sub.3 1500
GA.sub.3 750 + SA 276 P value vs control 0.98635 0.05908 0.0013706
P value vs SA 552 0.05558 0.001017097 P value vs GA 1500
0.000347125
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 10 Day Ethylene Study SA 552 GA.sub.3 1500
GA.sub.3 750 + SA 276 P value vs control 0.29322 0.63964 0.00648 P
value vs SA 552 0.04572 8.8E-05 P value vs GA 1500 7.9E-05
Example 2
[0050] The active agents Gibberellic acid (GA.sub.3) and Salicylic
acid (SA) were tested separately and mixed together (GA+SA
synergistic formulation) to determine their effects on Cavendish
banana (most popular commercial banana) shelf life. Ethylene
emission, fruit hardness/fruit firmness and color were the
parameters measured in this test.
[0051] The active agents were tested at full rate when used alone
and at different ratios (GA:SA) when combined in the synergistic
formulation: .about.20:1, .about.10:1, .about.5:1, .about.2.7:1 and
.about.1:1.
[0052] Treatments consisted of a Control-water treatment, SA 1500
ppm in propylene glycol , GA.sub.3 1500 ppm in propylene glycol,
and GA.sub.3 1250 ppm (18.2 wt. %)+SA 62.5 ppm (0.9 wt. %)
(.about.20:1) in propylene glycol, GA.sub.3 1250 ppm (18.2 wt.
%)+SA 125 ppm (1.8 wt. %) (.about.10:1) in propylene glycol,
GA.sub.3 1250 ppm (16.7 wt. %)+SA 250 ppm (3.3 wt. %) (.about.5:1)
in propylene glycol, GA.sub.3 750 ppm (12 wt. %)+SA 276 ppm (4.5
wt. %) (.about.2.7:1) in propylene glycol and GA.sub.3 625 ppm (5
wt. %)+SA 625 ppm (5 wt. %) (.about.1:1) in propylene glycol. The
formulations including the active agents were dissolved in water
and mixed with thiabendazole and imidazole (300 ppm each),
fungicides used commercially in bananas. Sprays were directed to
the crown. The bananas were air dried and then packed in commercial
cardboard boxes using an internal plastic liner with 4 holes at the
bottom. Packaged fruit was stored in a cold room at 13.5.degree. C.
for transport simulation of 21 days. After transport simulation,
the fruit was transferred to a ripening room at 18.degree. C. for
24 hours and then ethylene at 100-150 ppm was applied for 24 hours
using a continuous discharge catalytic generator (American ripener
arco 1200).
[0053] Ethylene was measured with a gas chromatograph, (Agilent
7920 FID/TCD). The fruits (950-1500 grams) were placed for 2 hours
in sealed containers (2.5 gallons) adapted with septum stoppers and
then a syringe was used to sample the air in the headspace.
Ethylene was determined in uL/Kg.h units. The fruit hardness/fruit
firmness was measured in Newtons (force units) with a Chatillon
DPPH100, conical probe of 5 mm for a fixed depth of 0.5 inch. Peel
color was measured with an iWAVE WR10 Colorimeter, which is similar
to the CR300 Chroma meter Minolta. Hue values were calculated based
on the a, b and L values read by the device.
[0054] FIGS. 5-7 show the test results indicating that ethylene
emission right after transport simulation, when the bananas are
still green, was the lowest when the synergistic formulation of
2.7:1 was applied to the bananas. The fruit firmness and color were
measured on bananas that were exposed to ethylene to induce
ripening (force ripening using 100-150 ppm of ethylene), this will
show how effective was the postharvest treatment on banana shelf
life. The Hue value for the control is the lowest and all treated
bananas have a higher Hue value. The yellow color is equivalent to
a Hue value of 90 and green color is equivalent to a Hue value of
180. The higher the hue the greener the banana peel.
[0055] Although the present invention has been disclosed in terms
of a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that numerous
additional modifications and variations could be made thereto
without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the
following claims:
* * * * *