Compositions, systems and methods for improving plant quality

Abstract

In some embodiments, a composition includes a nitrogen fertilizer, an active oxygen species, and an active oxygen species inducer. An effective amount of the reactive oxygen species is sufficient to increase reactive oxygen species in the plant, thereby inducing the plant to increase nitrogen absorption efficiency and increase nitrogen utilization efficiency in the plant. In some embodiments, the reactive oxygen species inducer is a black walnut extract. In some embodiments, the reactive oxygen species inducer is hydrogen peroxide.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 483,463, filed on October 9, 2023, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 415,867, filed on October 13, 2022. The entire disclosures of the U.S. patent application and the U.S. provisional patent application are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Modern agricultural methods include the use of additives in the form of fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, biostimulants, etc. to provide nutrients to plants, eliminate harmful insects and other pests, eliminate weeds and other harmful plants, or compete for resources and other plants. Many agricultural methods include providing nutrients to plants in the form of fertilizers. One such nutrient includes nitrogen. Nitrogen is a vital element in all plant life and contributes to the production of DNA, proteins, and chlorophyll. Crops or a series of crops, as well as leaching into the environment, can deplete the nitrogen levels in the soil. To restore nitrogen levels, farmers can apply nitrogen fertilizers or otherwise add nitrogen to the soil. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to compositions, systems, and methods for improving plant quality based on the application of an aqueous solution containing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ROS inducers. In some embodiments, the composition includes reactive oxygen species and an ROS inducer. An effective amount of the reactive oxygen species and the inducer is sufficient to increase the reactive oxygen species in the plant, thereby inducing the nitrogen uptake efficiency in the plant and the nitrogen utilization efficiency in the plant. In some embodiments, the reactive oxygen species and the inducer are an aqueous solution of soluble carbon molecules and black walnut extract. In some embodiments, the reactive oxygen species and the inducer are any one of hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen, or nine classes of peroxides.

[0005] This summary of the invention is intended to introduce a selected group of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary of the invention is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] Additional features and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in the following description, some of which will be apparent from the description, or can be learned by practicing such embodiments. The features and advantages of such embodiments can be realized and obtained by the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims of the present disclosure. These and other features will be more fully set forth in the following description and the appended claims, or can be learned by practicing the embodiments described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] To describe the manner in which the above and other features of the present disclosure are obtained, a more detailed description will be given with reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. For better understanding, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the various drawings. Although some of the drawings may be conceptual schematic diagrams or exaggerated representations, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. Understanding that the drawings depict some example embodiments, the embodiments will be described and explained by using the drawings with additional specificity and detail, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 represents a nitrogen absorption system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0009] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method for improving plant quality according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The present disclosure generally relates to compositions, systems, and methods based on applying an active oxygen species inducer to maintain plant biomass while reducing the available nitrogen in plants. The maintained biomass can be based on the improved absorption efficiency of the crop and / or the improved utilization efficiency of the crop. Plant biomass is generally related to the nutrient (including nitrogen) absorption of plants. Improving plant nutrient absorption efficiency involves effects on root morphology, root physiology, and root microorganisms. For example, plants showing improved nutrient absorption efficiency absorb more nitrogen and other nutrients from the soil and / or water through their roots; plants with improved nutrient utilization efficiency show better movement of nutrients within and throughout the plant.

[0011] During agricultural operations, crops can reduce or deplete the nutrient levels in the soil. For example, crops can reduce or deplete the levels or concentrations of plant-available nitrogen (e.g., nitrate (NO3), ammonium (NH4)) in the soil. This can lead to reduced nutrient absorption by future plants and subsequent crops, resulting in a decrease in the plant biomass or quality of subsequent crops. Natural methods can be used to replace the nutrients in the soil. For example, the available nitrogen level in the soil can be increased through the process of fixing free nitrogen in the atmosphere. Nitrogen fixation can include many processes and / or organisms, including nitrogen-fixing bacteria, nitrifying bacteria, nitrogen-fixing plants, any other organisms, and their combinations.

[0012] In some cases, a farm operator can increase the nutrient level in the soil by adding and / or applying nutrients to the soil. For example, a farm operator can increase the available nitrogen level in the soil by applying nitrogen to the soil. The nitrogen fertilizer concentration and application rate are determined based on the crop to be planted, its associated nitrogen absorption rate, soil characteristics, and other factors. In addition, soil laboratories and university extension services can provide localized nitrogen input recommendations based on the crop and environmental conditions. Even if there are any, few recommendations from any agency justify a 5% reduction in the input of macronutrients, including nitrogen. In fact, university extension services associate a 50% reduction in nitrogen fertilizer recommendations with a 30% to 40% reduction in crop yield. Based on these recommendations, farmers and other growers typically apply the maximum recommended amount of nitrogen fertilizer to avoid crop yield losses. The extension station at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is an example of a university extension service. The fertilization guidelines of the University of California, Davis can be found online, such as at www.cdfa.ca.gov / is / ffldrs / frep / FertilizationGuidelines / .

[0013] Traditionally, the optimal assimilation of applied nitrogen can be 50%. The unassimilated nitrogen (such as the remaining 50%) may volatilize into the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas and / or leach into groundwater as a pollutant through the soil. Traditionally, to increase nitrogen uptake by plants, an excessive amount of nitrogen fertilizer has often been applied to the soil, but without increasing nitrogen uptake. Excessive nitrogen can clog the plant's signaling pathways and be toxic to other plants or crops. In some cases, excessive nitrogen can flow into neighboring areas. For example, rain, wind, or other transport mechanisms may cause excessive nitrogen to flow into neighboring areas. These neighboring areas can include other fields, streams, ponds, lakes, oceans, other neighboring areas, and combinations thereof. This can lead to the accumulation of nitrogen in these areas, which can be toxic to some plants, animals, or other organisms, a phenomenon known as eutrophication. For a long time, farm operators have been trying to find a mechanism to reduce the amount of nitrogen applied to crops while maintaining plant biomass, but without success or with limited success. According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the techniques described herein can be used to reduce nitrogen application to the soil. As used herein in one or more of the described embodiments and empirical tests, 100% nitrogen application represents the most common agronomic recommendation for a particular crop and its growing area. Similarly, any determined nitrogen reduction is based on a reduction in the most common agronomic recommendation relevant to the crop and area.

[0014] Reactive oxygen species (ROS, "active oxygen") can cause damage to plants. In the balance between the production and consumption of ROS, ROS provides more than a dozen positive benefits to plants. In some embodiments, soluble carbon molecules bind to the ROS of black walnut, helping to maintain the balance between ROS production and consumption. Increasing the ROS level in plants can induce the regulation of cell growth, the cell cycle (including programmed cell death), tissue development, and the response to biotic and abiotic stresses. It is hypothesized that the property of ROS as a signaling molecule creates signaling pathways that enable plants to absorb sufficient nutrients from the soil, including nitrogen. This can be the result of one or more of the following factors: increased nitrogen uptake efficiency; increased utilization rate of nitrogen by plants, thus affecting nitrogen metabolism; changes in soil microbial activity that prepare or otherwise immobilize nitrogen for plant uptake; any other process; and combinations of the above factors. Without knowing all the mechanisms of action, the ultimately increased nutrient uptake efficiency is achieved when the plant is provided with nitrogen at a reduced rate, and the growth and reproductive functions of the plant are maintained if not improved. Application of ROS inducer can increase the nutrient uptake efficiency of plants and maintain plant biomass.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, ROS and / or ROS inducer can induce a ROS response in plants due to their chemical property of having at least one unpaired electron. This ROS state allows it to react rapidly with other molecules and increases ROS in plants.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a ROS inducer can induce an increase in the nutrient uptake efficiency of crops by increasing ROS in plants. Some basic components of ROS include superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and singlet oxygen. It is predicted that the application of ROS directly increases and indirectly stimulates an increase in the concentration of reactive oxygen in plants due to its property as a free radical and high reactivity. This can lead to an increased amount of the nutrient uptake efficiency of plants, including an increased amount of nitrogen uptake.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, applying a ROS inducer to a crop can help improve nitrogen uptake efficiency and nitrogen use efficiency while reducing nitrogen application. The experimental results provided herein show that when the ROS inducer is applied together with nitrogen fertilizer, the nitrogen uptake efficiency is improved by maintaining the harvest weight. The experimental results further show that when the ROS inducer is applied together with a reduced amount of nitrogen fertilizer, the nitrogen uptake and utilization efficiency are improved and the harvested biomass is maintained. It is speculated that there is a synergistic relationship between ROS, ROS inducers, and the nutrient uptake system of plants, allowing for improved nutrient uptake efficiency with reduced nutrient application. It is further speculated that there is a synergistic relationship between ROS inducers and the nutrient uptake system of plants, allowing for improved nitrogen uptake and utilization efficiency with reduced nitrogen application (i.e., reduced application of nitrogen fertilizer).

[0018] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, ROS and / or ROS inducers can help improve overall soil health. For example, during the application of ROS and / or ROS inducers, ROS and / or ROS inducers can help increase the biological activity in the soil, thereby promoting soil health. In some embodiments, ROS and / or ROS inducers can help improve soil nitrogen fixation by free-living nitrogen-fixing organisms. In this way, ROS and / or ROS inducers can help improve nitrogen use efficiency and / or nitrogen efficiency by improving the soil conditions for plant cultivation.

[0019] The present disclosure uses multiple terms to describe the characteristics and advantages of an efficient nitrogen uptake system. More detailed information regarding the meanings of such terms is now provided. For example, the term "plant quality" as used in the present disclosure refers to one or more metrics used to determine the health or value of a plant or crop. In some embodiments, plant quality is a quantifiable metric. For example, plant quality can be quantified by using one or more plant quality parameters. Plant quality parameters can include chlorophyll readings using a Spad Meter (e.g., transmittance of red and / or infrared light through the leaves), verdure (a measure of the degree of greenness), vigor (e.g., the size and rate of plant growth), canopy (e.g., the canopy cover of the plant), days to germination, days to emergence, germination percentage, survival rate, disease prevalence, root development, other plant quality parameters, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, plant quality refers to a single plant quality parameter. In some embodiments, plant quality refers to a combination of two or more plant quality parameters.

[0020] The term "plant biomass" includes plant weight, aboveground biomass (wet and dry weights), belowground biomass (wet and dry weights), harvest weight, harvest yield, and harvestability. In some embodiments, the harvest weight may refer to the weight of the harvested crop. The harvest weight may be based on a reference, such as per unit weight (e.g., weight of each fruit, berry, nut, stem), per field weight (e.g., weight per acre), per plant weight (e.g., weight per tree, stem, shrub), any other reference, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the harvest yield may refer to the volume of the harvested crop. The harvest yield may be based on a reference, such as per field yield (e.g., bushels per acre), per plant yield (e.g., bushels per tree, stem, shrub), any other reference, and combinations thereof. Harvestability may refer to the ability or potential to be harvested. For example, harvestability may refer to whether the crop is mature during the growing season. In some instances, harvestability may refer to whether (or the percentage) the crop is damaged at the time of harvest.

[0021] As used herein, "nitrogen fertilizer" may include any fertilizer containing nitrogen. The nitrogen fertilizer may contain any type of nitrogen. In some embodiments, the nitrogen fertilizer may contain any form of fixed nitrogen. In some embodiments, the nitrogen fertilizer may include natural ammonia (NH3), synthetic ammonia (NH3), anhydrous ammonia (NH3), nitric acid (HNO3), ammonium (NH4 + ), ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), urea (CO(NH2)2), nitrate (NO3 - ), one or more of any other type of nitrogen, and combinations thereof. The nitrogen fertilizer is applied to the crop in any form, such as solid, liquid, gas, injected into the soil, any other application form, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the nitrogen fertilizer may be a pre-packaged nitrogen fertilizer with a known composition and nitrogen concentration. Such nitrogen fertilizers may include CAN (calcium nitrate or calcium ammonium nitrate) 17 (e.g., 17-0-0) or any other type of nitrogen fertilizer.

[0022] As used herein, reactive oxygen species (ROS) include reactive chemical species formed from elemental oxygen (e.g., O2), which can serve as a source of oxidative free radicals. ROS are commonly referred to as "activated oxygen species". ROS may include one or more of the following: peracetic acid (CH3CO3H), hydroxyl radical (OH), singlet oxygen ( 1 O2), alpha-oxygen (α-O), sodium peroxide (Na2O2), potassium oxide (K2O), potassium superoxide (KO2), calcium peroxide (CaO2), urea peroxide (hydrogen peroxide-urea, CH6N2O3), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroperoxide (ROOX), peroxide (ROOR), and superoxide (O2 -), wherein R is a branched or unbranched alkane, alkene or alkyne having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and Ar is an aromatic ring, typically having 6 carbon atoms, or a combination of such rings, any other reactive oxygen species or activated oxygen species, and one or more of their combinations. In some embodiments, the ROS can include natural ROS, or ROS prepared or extracted from plant or animal sources. The ROS level in a plant can be the level or concentration of one ROS or a group of ROS in the plant.

[0023] As used herein, the term "nutrient" refers to any material that is beneficial for the growth of plants and their associated crops. Nutrients can be chemicals, ions, compounds, elements, any other materials, and combinations thereof. Examples of plant nutrients include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), any other nutrients, and combinations thereof. Nutrients can include chemical compounds and / or ions of elements.

[0024] As used herein, the term "ROS response" refers to the response of a plant based on an increase in the level of ROS or reactive oxygen in the plant. As described herein, an elevated ROS level is associated with an increased nutrient uptake efficiency. In some instances, the ROS response can directly increase the nitrogen uptake efficiency of a plant and the nitrogen use efficiency in the plant, or indirectly through a cascade effect. For example, the ROS response can induce or permit biological functions in plant cells and / or macroscopic structures, such as chemical reactions, metabolic pathways, or other activities, thereby increasing the nutrient uptake efficiency of the plant.

[0025] As used herein, the term "ROS inducer" refers to a material that induces an ROS response in a plant. The ROS inducer can include any material, compound, molecule, composition, mixture, extract, or other material that can cause an ROS response in a plant. For example, the ROS inducer can include a composition that, when absorbed by a plant, induces an ROS response. In some instances, the ROS inducer can include ROS. In some instances, the ROS can include any other composition, such as naphthoquinone and / or naphthoquinone derivatives, as discussed in further detail herein. In some embodiments, the ROS inducer can include a combination of any materials, including naphthoquinone, naphthoquinone derivatives, ROS, any other ROS or ROS inducer, and combinations thereof. As used herein, unless otherwise specified, a reference to an ROS inducer can include any ROS inducer, signaling molecule, ROS, or other molecule or compound used to generate an ROS response. In some embodiments, the ROS inducer can cause a plant to signal to produce protective compounds, such as antioxidants. The production of these protective compounds can lead to an increase in nutrient efficiency and / or utilization, including an increase in nitrogen efficiency and / or utilization.

[0026] As used herein, the term "efficiency" refers to the nutrient use efficiency relative to the amount of nutrients applied to a particular plant. For example, high efficiency can increase the plant's utilization of nutrients. In some instances, high efficiency can result in a higher nutrient uptake rate by the plant.

[0027] As used herein, the term "nutrient uptake" or "nutrient uptake efficiency" is used to describe the mechanism by which plant biomass is assumed to be maintained. Although the exact mechanism is not clear, it is assumed that an increase in plant nutrient uptake efficiency is responsible for the maintenance of plant biomass discussed herein. Without limiting the present disclosure, such an increase in nutrient use efficiency can lead to increased nutrient uptake, increased nutrient uptake efficiency, increased root mass, increased root activity, any other nutrient uptake mechanisms, and combinations thereof.

[0028] As a specific example of nutrient uptake and nutrient uptake efficiency, the term "nitrogen uptake" or "nitrogen uptake efficiency" is used to describe the mechanism by which plant biomass is assumed to be maintained. Although the exact mechanism is not clear, it is assumed that an increase in plant nitrogen uptake efficiency is responsible for the maintenance of plant biomass discussed herein. Without limiting the present disclosure, such an increase in nitrogen use efficiency can lead to increased nitrogen uptake, increased nitrogen uptake efficiency, increased root mass, increased root activity, any other nitrogen uptake mechanisms, and combinations thereof.

[0029] As used herein, the term "nutrient use efficiency" is used to describe the movement of nutrients within a plant. The utilization of nutrients within the plant implies increased physiological efficiency, better movement of nutrients and other solutes within tissues and between cells, particularly remobilization throughout the plant. An increase in nutrient use efficiency has an impact on both plant biomass and plant quality parameters. In terms of plant quality parameters, nutrient use efficiency affects the macro- and micro-nutrients of the entire plant, including the reproductive parts that are harvested and contribute to yield.

[0030] As a specific example of nutrient use efficiency, the term "nitrogen use efficiency" is used to describe the movement of nitrogen within a plant. The utilization of nitrogen within the plant implies increased physiological efficiency, better movement of nitrogen and other solutes within tissues and between cells, particularly remobilization throughout the plant. An increase in nitrogen use efficiency has an impact on both plant biomass and plant quality parameters. In terms of plant quality parameters, nitrogen use efficiency affects the macro- and micro-nutrient composition of the entire plant, including the reproductive parts that are harvested and contribute to yield.

[0031] As used herein, the term "crop" generally refers to plants grown in the field in an agricultural environment, including plants for human or animal consumption, plants used for fiber, plants used as or processed into medicine, plants grown for fragrance, flowers, herbs, and decorative, recreational, and ornamental plants. In this context, the term includes tree farms, such as conifers grown as Christmas trees and grasses grown for sod. The term may also include plants grown hydroponically, in soil, in a greenhouse, by any other means, and combinations thereof.

[0032] As used herein, the terms "apply", "applied", "applying", "application" and other forms of the word "apply" refer to placing the compositions of the present disclosure in a location where they are available to the crop. The term "apply" can refer to any application mechanism for applying the compositions to the crop. For example, the compositions of the present disclosure can be applied to the soil in which the crop is grown, to the intended roots, basal application, top dressing, side dressing, foliar application, drilling and placement, broadcasting, fertigation, any other application mechanism, and combinations thereof.

[0033] Contacting the soil in communication with the plant roots with the compositions of the present disclosure refers to soil that is sufficiently close to the plant roots to be treated such that the amount of the applied composition can reasonably be expected to reach the roots of the target plant. For example, a thin film of water around the plant roots can be in communication with the water and nutrients in the soil. This allows the roots to absorb the water and nutrients in the soil that are close to the roots. For example, for a crop in a field or a tree in an orchard, the phrase refers to the soil around the roots of the crop in the field or the tree in the orchard.

[0034] As used herein, an "effective amount" of a composition is an amount that, when applied to a crop, increases the nitrogen uptake efficiency of a plant. The effective amount can depend on the application mechanism. As a specific, non-limiting example, the effective amount of the composition can be the amount applied to the soil near the roots of the plant (e.g., within 24 inches (61.0 cm), 12 inches (30.5 cm), 6 inches (15.2 cm), 3 inches (7.6 cm), 1 inch (2.5 cm), 0.5 inch (1.3 cm), less than 0.5 inch (1.3 cm), or any value therebetween). In some instances, the effective amount can be applied to any part of the plant itself. In some embodiments, the effective amount can increase the nutrient uptake efficiency by 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% or more. In some embodiments, the effective amount can be the amount of ROS or ROS inducer applied to the plant or crop. In some embodiments, the effective amount can be the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied to the plant or crop. In some embodiments, the effective amount can be a combination of the amount of ROS or ROS inducer applied to the plant or crop and the amount of nitrogen fertilizer.

[0035] Figure 1 Represents a nitrogen uptake system 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The nitrogen uptake system 100 includes a plant 102 planted in soil 104. The plant 102 includes roots 106 in the soil 104 and leaves 108 above the soil 104 and exposed to sunlight.

[0036] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, nitrogen 110 can be applied to the plant 102. Nitrogen 110 can be applied to the plant 102 in any manner. For example, nitrogen 110 can be applied to the soil 104, leaves 108, and / or roots 106 of the plant 102. In some embodiments, nitrogen 110 is a nitrogen fertilizer. For example, nitrogen 110 can be combined with other fertilizing nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, any other fertilizing nutrient, and combinations thereof.

[0037] In some embodiments, nitrogen 110 is administered separately from the ROS inducer 112. For example, nitrogen 110 can be administered at a different time from the ROS inducer 112. In some embodiments, nitrogen 110 and the ROS inducer 112 can be administered simultaneously. In some embodiments, nitrogen 110 and the ROS inducer 112 can be administered at the same time or sequentially. For example, nitrogen 110 and the ROS inducer 112 can be dissolved in irrigation water applied to the leaves 108 and / or the soil 104. In some instances, the ROS inducer 112 can be administered by foliar application. For example, the ROS inducer 112 can be mixed in a spray tank and sprayed onto the plant leaves. This can cause the ROS inducer 112 to remain on the plant leaves, such that at least a portion of the ROS inducer 112 is at least partially absorbed by the plant leaves and / or induces an increased ROS response. In some embodiments, nitrogen 110 and / or the ROS inducer 112 can be administered by injecting into the soil. For example, nitrogen 110 and / or the ROS inducer 112 can be injected into the soil through a shank applied along the crop row. In some embodiments, the ROS inducer 112 can be administered by spraying the ROS inducer 112 and / or nitrogen 110 onto the soil. Water applied to the soil can drive the ROS inducer 112 and / or nitrogen 110 through the soil to the roots. For example, a sprayer containing a solution of the ROS inducer 112 and nitrogen 110 can be set to spray the solution onto the soil, and the solution can be applied directly to the soil prior to irrigating or otherwise watering the soil. In some embodiments, nitrogen 110 and the ROS inducer 112 can use the same application technique (e.g., foliar, soil) and / or the same application medium (e.g., mixed in the same solution). In some embodiments, nitrogen 110 and the ROS inducer 112 can be administered using different application techniques and / or application media (e.g., mixed in different solutions).

[0038] It is understood that some crops may experience different levels of nitrogen uptake and utilization efficiency at different stages of their growth cycle. According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ROS inducer 112 may be applied with each application of nitrogen 110. For example, each time nitrogen fertilizer is applied to the soil 104, the ROS inducer 112 may be applied simultaneously. In some instances, the ROS inducer 112 may be applied after the application of nitrogen 110. For example, nitrogen 110 may be applied as part of a fertilizer, and the ROS inducer 112 may be applied during a growth stage that is particularly sensitive to nitrogen uptake, such as during crop flowering or fruiting. In some instances, the ROS inducer 112 may be applied during nitrogen assimilation in the plant 102. In some instances, nitrogen 110 may be applied at the end of the growing season, such as in the fall and / or winter, and the ROS inducer 112 may be applied during sowing, germination, and / or sprouting of the plant 102 in the spring. In some embodiments, nitrogen 110 and the ROS inducer 112 may be applied to each other at any time. In some embodiments, the ROS inducer 112 may be mixed with nitrogen 110 before application, and the mixed ROS inducer 112 and nitrogen 110 may be applied by soil application, foliar application, or soil injection.

[0039] In some embodiments, it is believed that the ROS inducer 112 can be most effectively absorbed through the roots 106 of the plant 102. In this way, applying the ROS inducer 112 based on root application helps to improve the nitrogen and other nutrient uptake efficiency of the plant 102, thereby improving the plant quality. In some embodiments, the ROS inducer 112 can be absorbed through the leaves 108 of the plant 102. In this way, the ROS and the ROS inducer 112 can be applied by foliar application.

[0040] In some embodiments, it is considered and without being limited by theory that the ROS inducer 112 can be effectively absorbed through the leaves or the leaf surface of the plant. In this way, foliar application of the ROS inducer 112 may result in an increase in the ROS level of the plant 102. In some embodiments, foliar application of the ROS inducer 112 may result in an increase in the ROS response or ROS response in the plant 102. In some embodiments, the ROS inducer 112 may be applied in a combination of foliar application and root application. This may help to further increase the ROS response of the plant.

[0041] The ROS inducer 112 can be any compound that causes an increase in the ROS level in the plant 102. In some embodiments, the ROS inducer 112 can be plant-derived. For example, as will be discussed in further detail herein, the ROS inducer 112 can include plant extracts such as black walnut extract. In some embodiments, applying the black walnut extract can increase the ROS level in the plant 102, thereby enhancing the nitrogen 110 uptake efficiency of the plant 102. In some embodiments, applying the black walnut extract can induce an increase in the ROS response in the plant 102. In some embodiments, the black walnut extract can be placed in an aqueous solution together with soluble carbon molecules. The mixture of the black walnut extract and soluble carbon helps to induce an increase in the ROS response in the plant 102.

[0042] The ROS inducer 112 can include extracts obtained from any plant family that produces naphthoquinone (C 10 H6O2) and / or naphthoquinone derivatives. In some embodiments, the naphthoquinone can include 1,4-naphthoquinone. Different derivative concentrations and combinations with other compounds (such as naphthoquinone-juglone) can be phytotoxic to certain plants (Babula et al., 2014). In some embodiments, the naphthoquinone can include other isomers of naphthoquinone, such as 1,2-naphthoquinone or 2,6-naphthoquinone. In some embodiments, the naphthoquinone can include hydroxy naphthoquinone. In some embodiments, the naphthoquinone can include dihydroxy naphthoquinone (C 10 H6O4), trihydroxy naphthoquinone (C 10 H6O5), tetrahydroxy naphthoquinone (C 10 H6O6), pentahydroxy naphthoquinone (C 10 H6O7), hexahydroxy naphthoquinone (C 10 H6O8), any other naphthoquinone derivatives, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the naphthoquinone can include derivatives of naphthoquinone. In some embodiments, the 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives can include 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (lawsone), 5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (juglone), 6-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, any other 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives, and combinations thereof.

[0043] As used herein, a plant that produces naphthoquinone can include any plant that produces naphthoquinone and / or naphthoquinone derivatives. For example, a plant that produces 1,4-naphthoquinone can include any plant that produces 1,4-naphthoquinone and / or 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives. In some instances, a plant that produces 1,4-naphthoquinone can produce 1,4-naphthoquinone, hydroxy naphthoquinone, other naphthoquinone derivatives, other naphthoquinones, and combinations thereof. In some instances, a plant that produces 1,4-naphthoquinone can directly produce 1,4-naphthoquinone, hydroxy naphthoquinone, naphthoquinone derivatives, and combinations thereof. In some instances, a plant that produces 1,4-naphthoquinone can produce precursors of 1,4-naphthoquinone, hydroxy naphthoquinone, and naphthoquinone derivatives. The precursor can produce one or more of 1,4-naphthoquinone, hydroxy naphthoquinone, and naphthoquinone derivatives at any time during the processing, such as after harvest, during the extraction process, after extraction, any other time during the processing, and combinations thereof.

[0044] Plant families that produce 1,4-naphthoquinone and its derivatives (e.g., plants that produce 1,4-naphthoquinone) can include, but are not limited to, Juglandaceae, Plumbaginaceae, Ebenaceae, Boraginaceae, Dioncolphyllaceae, Ancistrocladaceae, Iridaceae, Verbenaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Avicennieae, Balsaminaceae, Bignoniaceae, Gentianaceae, Droceraceae, Asteraceae, any other plant family or plant species that produces 1,4-naphthoquinone and its derivatives, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, certain algae, fungi, bacteria, and animals can produce 1,4-naphthoquinone or its derivatives. In some embodiments, the ROS inducer 112 can include extracts from trees of the juglans genus. As discussed herein, juglone is not a ROS, but a 1,4-naphthoquinone derivative. 1,4-Naphthoquinone extracts have been found to induce an increase in the ROS level in plants or crops. In some embodiments, the presence of 1,4-naphthoquinone can serve as a useful marker for members of the Juglandaceae family required for preparing the compositions of the present invention. Preferred are members of the juglans genus. The ROS inducer 112 can include extracts from the species J. nigra (black walnut or American walnut), J. regia (English walnut), and J. cinerea (butternut). In some embodiments, J. nigra extracts can be crucial for increasing the ROS level in plants. However, it should be understood that materials from one or more members of the Juglandaceae family can be used together to form the compositions of the present invention. For example, materials from J. nigra, J. cinerea, and J. regia or any two of them can be mixed together and used as the ROS inducer 112. It should be recognized that one or more members from any plant family that produces 1,4-naphthoquinone can be combined together or used alone to achieve the effect of inducing ROS stimulation inside plants.

[0045] ROS inducers can be formed from any part of a plant, including 1,4-naphthoquinone and / or its derivatives. The highest activity is observed when using the fruit husk and leaves, with the ROS inducer 112 produced by the fruit husk showing the strongest effect. However, other parts of the trees tested so far are also active and can be used, including roots, leaves, fruits, flowers, wood, bark, and hulls. Walnuts are generally not used to prepare the compositions of the present invention simply because the price per pound of nuts is usually higher than that of wood chips, nut shells, bark, and other by-products from nuts or wood production. However, if desired, walnuts can also be used to make the compositions of the present invention. If nuts are used to manufacture the compositions of the present invention, it is preferred to also include other parts of the plant in the material to be extracted.

[0046] The present disclosure provides an additional economic use for tree waste parts for forming the compositions of the present disclosure. For example, the shell (also known as the husk) is a waste product of walnut production, while sawdust and wood chips are waste products of walnut wood production for furniture and other uses. These waste materials can be used to produce the compositions of the present invention. Additionally, after being used to produce the compositions of the present disclosure, these materials can be dried and then used for purposes such as biomass power generation, or in the case of wood chips and sawdust, as a base material for forming wood products. Since these waste materials are generated during other uses, their prices are relatively low, which can reduce the cost of preparing the compositions while bringing additional benefits to growers or processors who can obtain value from materials that would otherwise need to be disposed of economically.

[0047] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition of the present disclosure is an extract of the above plant material in an extraction solution. The extraction solution may include an aqueous solution of alcohol in acid, an aqueous acid solution, or an acid-alcohol aqueous solution. Alcohol extraction can produce a composition with the highest ROS-increasing activity. Any type of alcohol can be used, including methanol, isopropyl alcohol, and ethanol. Although 1,4-naphthoquinone is known to be soluble in ethanol, there are many other naphthoquinones present in the plant materials that can be used to manufacture the composition of the present invention, and they are also soluble in ethanol. For example, walnut shells contain 1,4-naphthoquinone and 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives, including juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, and plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone). The shell also contains tannic acid and iodine. Some other types of compounds may also be present in the composition of the present disclosure. For example, it is known that the leaves of J. regia (English walnut) contain, in addition to juglone, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, quercetin, anthocyanins, kaempferol, caffeic acid, trace amounts of p-coumaric acid, hypericin (0.2%), quercitrin, kaempferol-3-arabinoside, and quercetin-3-arabinoside. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the presence of one or more other components, or the synergistic effect produced by the combination of some or all of the components, significantly improves the nitrogen absorption and utilization efficiency activity of the composition of the present disclosure compared to using juglone alone. In some embodiments, the extraction solution may be mixed with soluble carbon molecules.

[0048] Black walnut extract was prepared and its component concentrations were analyzed using gas chromatography. At a detection limit of 2 parts per million (ppm), the concentration of acetic acid was found to be approximately 6,100 ppm, the concentration of ethyl acetate was found to be approximately 600 ppm, the concentration of 1,1-diethoxypropane was 3 ppm, and the total concentration of unidentified diols was 94 ppm. By gas chromatography, juglone, lawsone, plumbagin, and 1,4-naphthoquinone were not detected in the sample. Therefore, it can be speculated that the presence of these compounds in the material is a signal of other ROS-inducing compounds.

[0049] It was also noted that the alcohol extraction composition was more effective than the water extract, and naphthoquinones are soluble in ethanol. Therefore, it can be speculated that the combination of 1,4-naphthoquinone and other naphthoquinones particularly contributes to the significant nutrient absorption effect produced by using the composition of the present invention in the method of the present invention, although other components may also be involved. It should be noted that although 1,4-naphthoquinone itself is not considered to be the cause of the nutrient absorption effect of the composition of the present disclosure, it is considered to be a marker for the presence of other compounds (such as other naphthoquinones) that may be the cause of these effects either alone or in combination.

[0050] The acid or alcohol used for preparing the plant extract may be present at the following concentrations: between 10% and 90% by weight, between about 20% and 80% by weight, or between 40% and 75% by weight. For alcohol extraction, alcohols with concentrations between about 50% and about 70% by weight are particularly effective. Although alcohols such as ethanol can be obtained in pure form (such as "absolute" ethanol), they are usually sold on the market in the form of high-proportion aqueous solutions. For example, ethanol is usually a 95% aqueous alcohol solution on the market. In the basic research of the present invention, a 70% ethanol solution was used, and a 70% ethanol solution can also be used according to the convenience of processing. In the United States, ethanol is usually denatured to ensure that it will not be used for drinking purposes without paying the corresponding federal tax. If denatured ethanol is used, a denaturing agent non-toxic to plants should be used at the concentration at which it will be present when the extract is applied to the soil.

[0051] In some embodiments, the extract may contain up to 95.6% alcohol. In some embodiments, the extract may contain 30% to 95.6% alcohol. In some embodiments, the extract may contain 30% to 70% alcohol. In some embodiments, it is crucial for improving the extraction effect of 1,4-naphthoquinone and its related derivatives that the extract contains 30% to 70% alcohol.

[0052] In some embodiments, the extract may contain up to 99% acid (such as glacial acetic acid). In some embodiments, the extract may contain 30% to 99% acid. In some embodiments, the extract may contain 30% to 70% acid. In some embodiments, it is crucial for improving the extraction effect of 1,4-naphthoquinone and its related derivatives that the extract contains 30% to 70% acid.

[0053] In some embodiments, the extract may contain an acid-alcohol aqueous solution. In some embodiments, the acid-alcohol aqueous solution may contain 30 - 70% alcohol and 30 - 70% acid. In some embodiments, it is crucial for improving the extraction effect of 1,4-naphthoquinone and its related derivatives that the acid-alcohol aqueous solution contains 30% - 70% alcohol and 30% - 70% acid.

[0054] In some embodiments, the extract can be prepared with water as the matrix. For example, plant material (such as black walnut plant material) can be soaked in water to prepare the extract. In some embodiments, the water extract can be boiled to prepare the extract.

[0055] In some embodiments, the extract can be prepared by a carbon dioxide extraction process. For example, the plant material can be placed in a container with controlled temperature, pressure, and carbon dioxide concentration. Carbon dioxide can facilitate the extraction of 1,4-naphthoquinone and other substances from the plant material.

[0056] The compositions of the present disclosure may include extracts of the above plant materials in an aqueous alcohol solution, in an acid, in an aqueous acid solution, or in an acid-alcohol solution. In some embodiments, glacial acetic acid may be used for the alcohol extraction. It is believed that diluting acetic acid to a solution of about 30 - 80%, about 40 - 60%, or about 50% may improve the extraction of ROS-inducing substances from the plant materials.

[0057] Acid extraction of the plant materials may result in a composition having increased ROS activity, which is unexpectedly higher than the extract obtained by extracting the same materials with water only. The acid may be non-toxic to plants and may be environmentally friendly. The acid may be an organic acid such as acetic acid, citric acid, peracetic acid, and isocitric acid. In particular, acetic acid and citric acid are widely available, inexpensive, and non-toxic to plants at the concentrations at which the compositions are applied in the field.

[0058] Although embodiments of the present disclosure may discuss the application of the extract and / or the solution comprising the extract, it should be understood that the ROS inducer 112 may be in any form. For example, the ROS inducer 112 may be prepared as a powder. The powder may increase the convenience of transportation and handling. In some instances, the ROS inducer 112 may be prepared as a powder by drying, precipitation, or otherwise solidifying the components of the extract.

[0059] The ROS inducer 112 may include a mixture and / or solution of one or more materials. For example, the ROS inducer 112 may include a mixture and / or solution of one or more of water, alcohol, acid, acid-alcohol, acid-alcohol aqueous solution, the extract of the essential element Juglans nigra, one or more ROSs, any other essential elements, and combinations thereof.

[0060] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ROS inducer 112 may include one type of ROS or multiple different types of ROS. When applied to plants, the ROS can serve as a ROS inducer. In some embodiments, the ROS inducer 112 may include a certain concentration of ROS. For example, the ROS inducer 112 may include a certain concentration of hydrogen peroxide or other peroxides. In some embodiments, the concentration of the ROS inducer 112 based on the plant extract may be from about 1 ppm to about 500,000 ppm. In some embodiments, the concentration of the ROS inducer 112 based on the plant extract may be from about 1500 ppm to about 20,000 ppm. In some embodiments, the concentration of the ROS inducer 112 based on the plant extract may be from about 2000 ppm to about 15,000 ppm. In some embodiments, the concentration of the ROS inducer 112 based on the plant extract may be from about 3000 ppm to about 10,000 ppm. In some embodiments, the concentration of the ROS inducer 112 based on the plant extract may be from about 3,500 ppm to about 8,000 ppm. In some embodiments, the concentration of the ROS inducer 112 based on the plant extract may be from about 4,000 ppm to about 7,000 ppm. In some embodiments, the concentration of the ROS inducer 112 based on the plant extract may be from about 4500 ppm to about 6,000 ppm. In some embodiments, the concentration of the ROS inducer 112 based on the plant extract may be from about 5000 ppm to about 10,000 ppm. In some embodiments, the concentration of the ROS inducer 112 based on the plant extract being between 5,000 ppm and 10,000 ppm may be crucial for increasing the ROS level in plants to enhance nitrogen absorption and utilization efficiency. As used herein, the term "about" means that it is difficult to obtain precise applications, and in any given application, the concentration of the composition may vary within a range of about 200 ppm or more. It is also understood that such minor variations will not have any measurable impact on the efficacy of the ROS inducer 112 in increasing ROS.

[0061] In some embodiments, the ROS or ROS inducer 112 solution applied to the plant 102 may include soluble carbon. For example, the soluble carbon may include one or more acids such as humic acid and / or fulvic acid. In some embodiments, the ROS or ROS inducer 112 may include leonardite extract. The leonardite extract may include soluble carbon. In some embodiments, the leonardite extract may be present in the ROS or ROS inducer 112 in a concentration range between 0.1% and 50%. For example, the leonardite extract may be present in the ROS or ROS inducer 112 at a concentration of 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, or any value therebetween.

[0062] In some embodiments, the ROS inducer 112 may be applied at an application rate. The application rate may be the amount of the ROS inducer 112 solution applied per unit of land area. In some embodiments, the application rate may be the amount of the ROS inducer 112 solution applied by foliar and / or soil injection. In some embodiments, the application rate may be within a range, where an upper limit value, a lower limit value, or both the upper and lower limit values of the range include any one of 0.01 gallons per acre, 0.05 gallons per acre, 0.1 gallons per acre, 0.2 gallons per acre, 0.3 gallons per acre, 0.4 gallons per acre, 0.5 gallons per acre, 0.6 gallons per acre, 0.7 gallons per acre, 0.8 gallons per acre, 0.9 gallons per acre, 1.0 gallons per acre, 1.1 gallons per acre, 1.2 gallons per acre, 1.3 gallons per acre, 1.4 gallons per acre, 1.5 gallons per acre, 2 gallons per acre, 5 gallons per acre, 10 gallons per acre, 20 gallons per acre, 30 gallons per acre, 40 gallons per acre, 50 gallons per acre, 75 gallons per acre, 100 gallons per acre, or any value therebetween. For example, the application rate may be greater than 0.01 gallons per acre. In another example, the application rate may be less than 100 gallons per acre. In some other examples, the application rate may be any value within the range of 0.01 gallons per acre to 100 gallons per acre. In some embodiments, an application rate between 0.25 gallons per acre and 3 gallons per acre may be crucial for improving the ROS response of the crop.

[0063] In some embodiments, the ROS inducer 112 can include synthetic ROS. For example, the ROS inducer 112 can include hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can have any concentration. For example, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide can be 10 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 250 ppm, 500 ppm, 1,000 ppm, 2,500 ppm, 5,000 ppm, 10,000 ppm, 25,000 ppm, 50,000 ppm, 100,000 ppm or any value between the two. In some embodiments, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide can be between 10 ppm and 100,000 ppm. In some embodiments, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide can be between 100 ppm and 50,000 ppm. In some embodiments, a concentration of hydrogen peroxide between 1,000 ppm and 10,000 ppm may be crucial for improving the ROS response of plants or crops.

[0064] In some embodiments, the extracts and / or compositions of the present disclosure can include surfactants. The surfactants can help improve transport through the soil and / or absorption by plants. For example, the surfactants can help transport the ROS inducer from the application site to the roots (e.g., increase the permeability of the ROS inducer). This can enable more ROS inducer to be absorbed by the plant roots and / or enhance the effect of the ROS inducer. The surfactants can account for 0.01% to 50% of the weight of the composition to help the solution penetrate the soil and contact the plant roots.

[0065] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition containing nitrogen fertilizer can contain one or more other ingredients. For example, the composition can further contain one or more of menadione, lysine, isoleucine, salicylic acid or melatonin. These ingredients can help improve the absorption and utilization efficiency of nitrogen by plants or crops, and / or improve the plant quality. It has been found that when each of these ingredients is added to the composition of the present disclosure, a synergistic effect may occur. For example, compared with applying menadione, black walnut solution or nitrogen fertilizer to plants alone, adding menadione (such as vitamin K3) can act synergistically with the ROS inducer to improve nutrient absorption efficiency, improve plant quality, increase harvest weight, bring other benefits and combinations thereof. Similarly, adding lysine, isoleucine, salicylic acid or melatonin can help synergistically improve the ROS response of plants, rather than applying any one of these ingredients alone, applying black walnut extract alone or applying nitrogen fertilizer alone. Although the exact mechanism for improving plant quality is not clear, it is speculated that these additional ingredients can help improve the ROS response and / or improve the response of other pathways in plants, thereby improving nutrient absorption efficiency, plant biomass and plant quality.

[0066] Application method

[0067] It should be recognized that the object of the present invention is to apply the composition at an effective concentration to crops in any and all ways, including soil, roots, foliage, or others. As a specific, non-limiting example, the composition is applied to provide a ROS inducer at a concentration of about 1 ppm to 10,000 ppm around and at the roots. For most plants, in the early stage of their life, the roots will be close to the surface, and the concentration at the roots will be close to the concentration applied to the surface. Seedlings and some species of plants, such as the herbaceous plants used in golf courses, lawns, and parks, tend to have short fibrous roots. For these plants, applying a ROS inducer at a concentration of about 1 ppm to 10,000 ppm on the soil surface can provide approximately this concentration of ROS inducer to the root system and the soil around the root system, thereby improving the nitrogen absorption and utilization efficiency and plant quality.

[0068] Although the root systems of some grasses and seedlings are shallow, the root systems of many plants and many more mature plants are deep, usually extending 4 to 12 inches deep into the soil. In some embodiments, most of the root systems involved in nutrient and water absorption are located in the top 12 inches of the soil, while the deeper root systems tend to be involved in plant fixation. In sandy, aerated soils, the root systems involved in nutrient transport can extend to 18 inches. The compositions of the present disclosure can penetrate the root systems in the top 12 inches of the soil to improve nutrient absorption efficiency.

[0069] The compositions of the present invention can be applied in a variety of ways. It can be understood that 30,000 gallons of water will typically soak 1 acre to a depth of 12 inches ("acre-foot"). To provide 5000 ppm of the composition of the present invention, 15 gallons of the composition need to be added to the water supply and applied to the field. Alternatively, a 30,000 ppm composition can be applied to the soil surface and water can be used to "push" the soil so that the composition enters the acre-foot of soil to a concentration of 5000 ppm down to 12 inches. Farmers typically use this "water push method" when applying agricultural chemicals to create a concentration gradient.

[0070] It can be understood that for a golf course, the root systems of the herbaceous plants may only penetrate the top 5 - 6 inches of the soil, may only require 1000 to 1500 gallons of water, and may only require 6 - 7.5 gallons of the composition to provide 5000 ppm of the composition in the water.

[0071] It should be noted that farmers are generally well aware of the flow rate per acre of the irrigation system or other soil application systems on their land, as well as the area to be covered. Farmers can calculate the amount of water used to irrigate the land at any given time (for example, 300 gallons per minute multiplied by 50 acres multiplied by 30 minutes is 450,000 gallons of water). Then, farmers can calculate how much water is needed to apply the solution at the desired concentration.

[0072] In some embodiments, when the plant is in contact with the composition for a period of time, the composition of the present disclosure induces a ROS response. In some embodiments, the contact period can be within a range, and the upper limit value, lower limit value, or upper and lower limit values of the range include any value among 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 5 hours, 10 hours, 20 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, 10 days, or any value between the two. For example, the contact period can be greater than 1 minute. In another example, the contact period can be less than 10 days. In other examples, the contact period can be any value within the range between 1 minute and 10 days. In some embodiments, a contact period of less than 1 day may be crucial for increasing the ROS response based on ROS inducer absorption.

[0073] In some embodiments, the contact period can be based on the type of ROS inducer used. For example, the contact period for an extract of Juglans nigra plants can be indefinite. In other words, the Juglans nigra extract can be applied to the soil and still provide a ROS response induction effect for multiple days (e.g., more than 10 days) before being absorbed by the plant roots. In certain examples, the contact period for hydrogen peroxide can be 24 hours or less. Hydrogen peroxide can decompose into water and oxygen under the action of sunlight and / or other elements. This can result in a shorter contact period for hydrogen peroxide compared to the Juglans nigra extract.

[0074] The contact period between the plant roots and the composition disclosed in the present invention mentioned above is intended to describe the time that can effectively improve nitrogen absorption and utilization efficiency and / or maintain plant biomass and / or improve plant quality. In some embodiments, the composition of the present invention is harmless to plants and can continue to be used after the desired time has passed.

[0075] The composition of the present invention can be applied to the soil through hoses, pipes, droppers, sprinklers, irrigation canals, or other devices. In fact, agriculture is not an exact science, and the equipment used is usually not precision equipment. Therefore, when the water flow is turned off, water usually continues to drip or flow from the hose or through the irrigation canal or other applicators for some time. Therefore, it can be understood that the application time is usually an approximation, measured from the start of the mixture flow to the end of the mixture flow, regardless of whether some of the mixture continues to drip or flow out of the applicator.

[0076] The compositions of the present disclosure can be applied to the leaves of plants. For example, the compositions of the present disclosure can be mixed in a spray tank and sprayed onto plants. The spray tank can be configured to leave droplets of the ROS inducer on the plant leaves. This can enable the plant leaves to absorb and / or respond to the presence of the ROS inducer, thereby increasing the ROS level in the plant and / or inducing an increase in ROS response in the plant.

[0077] As is known to those skilled in the art, non-chemical methods, such as crop rotation and cover crops, can be used instead of or in combination with chemical methods to control nitrogen uptake and utilization efficiency. The compositions of the present invention can be used in combination with or instead of these methods.

[0078] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used to increase the nitrogen uptake efficiency, nitrogen utilization efficiency, and / or increase plant biomass and plant quality of almost any plant. Although some plants are considered to be vulnerable to damage due to elevated ROS levels, when the compositions of the present invention are applied at the concentrations contemplated herein, the concentration of the ROS inducer will not even damage susceptible plants. The plants protected by the means of the present invention can be dicotyledons, such as carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, grapes, citrus fruits, and legumes, or monocotyledons, such as corn. The plants grown can be for human or animal consumption, such as grains, vegetables, and fruits. The plants grown can be for decoration, such as flowers, or for ornamental purposes, such as trees used as Christmas trees or plants used as houseplants. In addition, they can be plants grown for fiber, such as cotton, or plants grown for use as turf. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used to protect plants grown in the field or other open conditions as crops, such as forest plantations or turf, but the present invention can also be used to protect plants grown in environments such as greenhouses and hothouses. The compositions of the present invention can also be used for hydroponics.

[0079] Experimental results

[0080] The experimental results described herein are the results of various empirical studies on the effect of black walnut extract on nitrogen application. The experiments described below provide a baseline 100% nitrogen application rate. This baseline 100% nitrogen application rate is calculated based on the conventional nitrogen application recommended by local soil laboratories, appropriate university extension departments, and commercial groups for specific crops, regions, and soil conditions. In fact, in cases where there is a range of nitrogen application rates, the lower limit of the range is used for comparison. As discussed herein, the traditional thinking in current agriculture is that a 100% nitrogen application rate maximizes crop yield, and any reduction in nitrogen application generally results in a reduction in crop yield.

[0081] Experiment 1

[0082] A third-party field trial was conducted on celery to compare the effects of applying black walnut extract including salicylic acid in combination with CAN-17 nitrogen fertilizer with applying nitrogen fertilizer alone. The experiment was carried out in a test field with a plot area of 40 square feet. During the 15-week growing season, a total of five applications were made. 10% of the treatment was applied in the 4th week, 15% in the 7th week, 20% in the 9th week, 25% in the 11th week, and 30% in the 13th week. The crop was harvested around the 15th week.

[0083] The nitrogen fertilizer was applied at a ratio of approximately 100:1 relative to the black walnut extract. As shown in Table 1 below, the total application rate of nitrogen fertilizer was 80 gallons per season, and the relevant application rate of black walnut extract was 0.8 gallons per season.

[0084] Table 1. Application Rates

[0085]

[0086] Various plant metrics were measured to determine the effect of black walnut extract on plant biomass. For example, as shown in Table 2 below, the harvest weight was measured as an indicator of plant biomass.

[0087] Table 2. Plant Harvest Weights

[0088]

[0089] As shown in Table 2, applying black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer can increase the harvest weight. For example, compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, applying 100% nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract can increase the harvest weight by 8% (e.g., (1329 - 1227) / 1227). Compared with 50% nitrogen fertilizer application, applying 50% black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer can increase the harvest weight by 37% (e.g., (1381 - 1007) / 1007). These results indicate that applying black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer can improve plant quality, especially increasing the harvest weight.

[0090] It can be seen that reducing the application rate of nitrogen fertilizer alone will lead to a decrease in the harvest weight. For example, as can be seen from Table 2, reducing the amount of nitrogen fertilizer from 100% application rate to 50% application rate will result in a decrease in the harvest weight. Surprisingly, compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, applying 50% black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer will lead to a 13% increase in the harvest weight (e.g., (1381 - 1227) / 1227). These results show that even when reducing the application of nitrogen fertilizer, applying black walnut extract can increase the harvest weight. In fact, reducing the application rates of black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer will unexpectedly increase the harvest weight. Reducing the application rates of black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer from 100% application rate to 50% application rate results in a 4% increase in the harvest weight.

[0091] These surprising results suggest that there is a synergistic effect between nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract. While the exact mechanism remains unknown, and without being limited by theory, it is believed that the combined application of black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer can improve the nitrogen uptake efficiency of plants and enhance the nitrogen utilization efficiency of plants or crops. As described herein, the application of black walnut extract can increase the ROS level in plants or crops. This may induce a nitrogen-deficient state in plants. This may lead to an increase in nitrogen uptake efficiency and nitrogen utilization efficiency. The increase in both nitrogen uptake efficiency and nitrogen utilization efficiency is related to the increase in harvest weight.

[0092] In fact, these surprising results show that as the application rates of nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract decrease, the harvest weight increases (or at least remains unchanged). The harvest weight increases compared to nitrogen fertilizer alone or to the combination of increased nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut.

[0093] As shown in Table 3 below, compared with 50% application of nitrogen fertilizer alone, 50% application of nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract can increase the nitrogen concentration (such as %N) by 19.7% (for example, (2.13 - 1.78) / 1.78). The nitrogen concentration can be the amount of nitrogen in plants based on plant dry matter. These results surprisingly show that black walnut extract can improve nitrogen uptake and utilization efficiency while reducing the application of nitrogen fertilizer. In contrast, reducing nitrogen fertilizer without black walnut extract leads to a significant decrease in nitrogen concentration.

[0094] Table 3. Nitrogen Concentration

[0095]

[0096] As shown in Table 4 below, the experimental results further show an increase and / or maintenance of other plant quality indicators, such as SPAD, vigor, and canopy.

[0097] Table 4. Plant Quality Indicators

[0098]

[0099] It can be seen that compared with 100% single nitrogen fertilizer, the application of 100% nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut composition can increase SPAD by 7% (e.g., (65 - 60.6) / 60.6), maintain the vigor level, and increase the canopy by 2%. After the application of 100% nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut composition, SPAD increased by 5%, vigor increased by 4%, and the tree crown decreased by 1%. These surprising results indicate that the nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut composition can lead to an increase or maintenance of plant quality indicators such as SPAD, vigor, and canopy. Combined with the increase in harvest weight or plant biomass, the experimental results surprisingly show that compared with single nitrogen fertilizer, the application of the composition of nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract can comprehensively improve plant quality. In fact, the experimental results unexpectedly show that compared with single nitrogen fertilizer, the application of a smaller amount or application rate of the composition of nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract can comprehensively improve plant quality.

[0100] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the combined application of black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer can enable a farm operator to reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizer used for a specific field or a specific crop. This can lead to a reduction in nitrogen runoff generated by the nitrogen fertilizer applied to the field. This helps prevent damage to fields, waterways, lakes, oceans, and other areas caused by high nitrogen concentrations resulting from nitrogen runoff. In some embodiments, reducing nitrogen fertilizer can reduce nitrogen gas (such as NOx gas) in the atmosphere. This can help reduce the amount of pollution related to nitrogen fertilizer in the atmosphere.

[0101] Experiment 2

[0102] A greenhouse experiment was conducted on corn to compare the effects of applying black walnut extract including salicylic acid while applying CAN - 17 nitrogen fertilizer with applying nitrogen fertilizer alone. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with test pots having a diameter of 14 inches and filled with low - nitrogen soil.

[0103] The black walnut extract was applied at an application rate of approximately 0.18 gallons per acre. As shown in Table 5 below, the full application rate of nitrogen fertilizer was 16.3 gallons per acre, and while analyzing the 70% application rate and 50% application rate of nitrogen fertilizer, the same application rate of black walnut extract (BWE) was also analyzed.

[0104] Table 5. Application Rates

[0105] Application rate Application amount (gallons per acre) CAN - 17 (100%) 100％ 16.3 CAN - 17 (100%) 100％ 16.3 Black walnut extract 100％ 0.18 CAN - 17 (70%) 70％ 11.41 CAN - 17 (70%) 70％ 11.41 Black walnut extract 100％ 0.18 CAN - 17 (50%) 50％ 8.15 CAN - 17 (50%) 50％ 8.15 Black walnut extract 100％ 0.18

[0106] Various plant indicators were measured to determine the effect of black walnut extract on plant biomass and quality. For example, as shown in Table 6 below, above - ground and below - ground plant biomass were measured as indicators of plant biomass.

[0107] Table 6. Plant Biomass

[0108]

[0109] As shown in Table 6, in each case studied, adding black walnut extract increased plant biomass. For example, adding black walnut extract with 100% CAN-17 nitrogen fertilizer resulted in a 24.5% increase in aboveground wet biomass (e.g., (58.31 - 46.8) / 46.8), a 10.5% increase in aboveground dry biomass (e.g., (16.38 - 14.83) / 14.83), and a 20.8% increase in underground biomass (e.g., (12.16 - 10.07) / 10.07). Adding black walnut extract with 70% CAN-17 nitrogen fertilizer led to an 11.2% increase in aboveground wet biomass (e.g., (64.17 - 57.71) / 57.71), a 7% increase in aboveground dry biomass (e.g., (17.57 - 16.43) / 16.43), and an 18.3% increase in underground biomass (e.g., (13.69 - 11.57) / 11.57). Adding black walnut extract with 50% CAN-17 nitrogen fertilizer caused a 12.0% increase in aboveground wet biomass (e.g., (61.33 - 54.74) / 54.74), a 5.6% increase in aboveground dry biomass (e.g., (16.97 - 16.08) / 16.08), and a 5.8% increase in underground biomass (e.g., (12.36 - 11.68) / 11.68).

[0110] Surprisingly, compared to applying 100% CAN-17 nitrogen fertilizer alone, adding black walnut extract to 50% CAN-17 nitrogen fertilizer increased aboveground wet biomass by 31.1% (e.g., (61.33 - 46.80) / 46.80), aboveground dry biomass by 14.4% (e.g., (16.97 - 14.83) / 14.83), and underground biomass by 22.7% (e.g., (12.36 - 10.07) / 10.07). These surprising results suggest that adding black walnut extract can increase biomass while reducing nitrogen fertilizer application.

[0111] Experiment 3

[0112] A greenhouse experiment was conducted on corn to compare the effects of applying black walnut extract including salicylic acid with applying nitrogen fertilizer alone while applying UAN-32 nitrogen fertilizer. The experiment was carried out in test pots filled with high-nitrogen soil.

[0113] The black walnut extract was applied at a rate of approximately 0.25 gallons per acre. As shown in Table 7 below, the full application rate of nitrogen fertilizer was 8.5 gallons per acre, and while analyzing 70% and 50% application rates of nitrogen fertilizer, the same application rate of black walnut extract (BWE) was also analyzed.

[0114] Table 7. Application Rates

[0115] Application rate Application amount (gallons per acre) UAN - 32 (100%) 100％ 8.5 UAN - 32 (100%) 100％ 8.5 Black walnut extract 100％ 0.25 UAN - 32 (80%) 80％ 6.8 UAN - 32 (80%) 80％ 6.8 Black walnut extract 100％ 0.25 UAN - 32 (50%) 50％ 4.25 UAN - 32 (50%) 50％ 4.25 Black walnut extract 100％ 0.25

[0116] Measure various plant metrics to determine the effect of black walnut extract on plant biomass and quality. For example, as shown in Table 8 below, measure aboveground and underground plant biomass as an indicator of plant biomass.

[0117] Table 8. Plant Biomass

[0118]

[0119] As shown in Table 8, in each case studied, adding black walnut extract increased plant biomass. For example, when black walnut extract was added with 100% UAN-32 nitrogen fertilizer, aboveground biomass increased by 13.6% (e.g., (22.14 - 19.50) / 19.50), and underground biomass increased by 88.9% (e.g., (4.86 - 2.57) / 2.57). When black walnut extract was added with 80% UAN-32 nitrogen fertilizer, aboveground biomass increased by 19.4% (e.g., (22.00 - 18.43) / 18.43), and underground biomass increased by 22.5% (e.g., (5.25 - 4.25) / 4.29). When black walnut extract was added with 50% UAN-32 nitrogen fertilizer, aboveground biomass increased by 11.8% (e.g., (25.71 - 23.00) / 23.00), and underground biomass increased by 1.7% (e.g., (5.00 - 4.92) / 4.92). These surprising results indicate that adding black walnut extract in combination with the applied nitrogen fertilizer can increase plant biomass.

[0120] Surprisingly, compared to applying 100% UAN-32 nitrogen fertilizer alone, adding black walnut extract to 50% UAN-32 nitrogen fertilizer increased aboveground biomass by 31.9% (e.g., (25.71 - 19.50) / 19.50) and underground biomass by 94.4% (e.g., (5.00 - 2.57) / 2.57). These surprising results indicate that adding black walnut extract can increase biomass while reducing nitrogen fertilizer application.

[0121] Experiment 4

[0122] A field experiment was conducted on corn to compare the effect of applying black walnut extract including salicylic acid in combination with UAN-32 nitrogen fertilizer with applying nitrogen fertilizer alone. The experiment was carried out in test pots with a pot area of 90.75 square inches.

[0123] Nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract were applied in combination with 0-10-10 fertilizer, and the application rates are shown in Table 9. As shown in Table 9 below, the application rates of black walnut extract and 0-10-10 remained constant in each experiment.

[0124] Table 9. Application Rates

[0125]

[0126] Various plant indicators were measured to determine the effects of black walnut extract on plant biomass and quality. For example, as shown in Table 10 below, ear yield and silage yield were measured as indicators of plant biomass. Untreated plots (e.g., unfertilized or without black walnut extract application) were also analyzed for comparison.

[0127] Table 10. Plant Yields

[0128]

[0129] As can be seen from Table 10, after applying black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer, the nitrogen fertilizer application decreased while the yield increased. For example, compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, the 70% nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract application increased the ear yield by 6.9% (e.g., (188.6 - 176.4) / 176.4). The 50% nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract application increased the ear yield by 1.9% compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application (e.g., (179.8 - 176.4) / 176.4), and increased the ear yield by 7.1% compared with 50% nitrogen fertilizer application (e.g., (179.8 - 167.9) / 167.9). Compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, the 70% nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract application increased the silage yield by 4.4% (e.g., (59.5 - 57.0) / 57.0). The 50% nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract application increased the silage yield by 1.3% compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application (e.g., (57.8 - 57.0) / 57.0), and increased the silage yield by 6.7% compared with 50% nitrogen fertilizer application (e.g., (57.8 - 54.2) / 54.2). These results indicate that applying black walnut extract simultaneously with nitrogen fertilizer can improve plant quality, especially increase the ear yield and silage yield of corn.

[0130] Experiment 5

[0131] A field experiment on corn was conducted to compare the effects of applying black walnut extract containing salicylic acid simultaneously with UAN-32 nitrogen fertilizer with applying nitrogen fertilizer alone. The experiment was carried out in test pots with a pot area of 90.75 square inches.

[0132] The application rates of nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract are shown in Table 11.

[0133] Table 11. Application Rates

[0134]

[0135] Various plant metrics were measured to determine the effects of black walnut extract on plant biomass and quality. For example, as shown in Table 12 below, ear yield and silage yield were measured as plant quality metrics. Analyses and comparisons were also made on untreated plots (e.g., unfertilized or without black walnut extract application).

[0136] Table 12. Plant Yields

[0137]

[0138] As can be seen from Table 12, the application of black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer increased yields while reducing nitrogen fertilizer application. For example, compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, 50% nitrogen fertilizer application and 100% black walnut extract application increased ear yield by 0.8% (e.g., (189.4 - 188.0) / 188.0). Compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, 25% nitrogen fertilizer application and 100% black walnut extract application increased ear yield by 0.8% (e.g., (189.5 - 188.0) / 188.0). Compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, 25% nitrogen fertilizer application and 200% black walnut extract application increased ear yield by 0.4% (e.g., (188.8 - 188.0) / 188.0). Compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, 50% nitrogen fertilizer application and 100% black walnut extract application increased silage yield by 9.0% (e.g., (60.3 - 55.3) / 55.3). Compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, 25% nitrogen fertilizer application and 100% black walnut extract application increased silage yield by 3.7% (e.g., (57.4 - 55.3) / 55.3). These results indicate that the application of black walnut extract in combination with nitrogen fertilizer can improve plant quality, especially increasing ear yield and silage yield of corn.

[0139] Experiment 6

[0140] A greenhouse experiment was conducted on tomatoes to compare the effects of applying black walnut extract containing salicylic acid in combination with UAN - 32 nitrogen fertilizer with applying nitrogen fertilizer alone. The experiment was carried out on test pots with a pot area of 4 square feet.

[0141] The application rates of nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract are shown in Table 13.

[0142] Table 13. Application Rates

[0143]

[0144] Measure various plant indicators to determine the effect of black walnut extract on plant biomass and quality. For example, as shown in Table 14 below, measure the above-ground and below-ground biomass as indicators of plant quality. Analyses and comparisons were also made on untreated plots (e.g., unfertilized or without the application of black walnut extract).

[0145] Table 14. Plant Biomass

[0146]

[0147] As can be seen from Table 14, the application of black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer increased the biomass while reducing the nitrogen fertilizer. For example, compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, the application of 100% nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract increased the above-ground biomass by 6.1% (e.g., (341.3 - 321.7) / 321.7). The application of 70% nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract increased the above-ground biomass by 4.8% compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application (e.g., (337.0 - 321.7) / 321.7), and increased the above-ground biomass by 1.7% compared with 70% nitrogen fertilizer application (e.g., (337.0 - 331.3) / 331.3). The application of 50% nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract increased the above-ground biomass by 8.6% compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application (e.g., (349.3 - 321.1) / 349.3), and increased the above-ground biomass by 5.1% compared with 50% nitrogen fertilizer application (e.g., (349.3 - 332.4) / 332.4). The application of 100% nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract increased the below-ground biomass by 8.6% compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application (e.g., (20.9 - 19.2) / 19.2). The application of 70% nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract increased the below-ground biomass by 14.1% compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application (e.g., (21.9 - 19.2) / 19.2), and increased the below-ground biomass by 35.6% compared with 70% nitrogen fertilizer application (e.g., (21.9 - 16.2) / 16.2). The application of 50% nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract increased the below-ground biomass by 0.3% compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application (e.g., (19.3 - 19.2) / 19.2), and increased the below-ground biomass by 3.3% compared with 50% nitrogen fertilizer application (e.g., (19.3 - 18.6) / 18.6). These results indicate that the application of black walnut extract along with nitrogen fertilizer can improve plant quality, especially increasing plant biomass.

[0148] Experiment 7

[0149] A greenhouse experiment was conducted on tomatoes to compare the effects of applying black walnut extract containing salicylic acid along with UAN-32 nitrogen fertilizer with applying nitrogen fertilizer alone. The experiment was carried out in test pots with a pot area of 4 square feet.

[0150] The application rates of nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract are shown in Table 15.

[0151] Table 15. Application Rates

[0152]

[0153] Various plant metrics were measured to determine the effects of black walnut extract on plant biomass and plant quality. For example, as shown in Table 16 below, aboveground and underground biomass were measured as plant quality metrics. Untreated plots (e.g., not fertilized or not treated with black walnut extract) were also analyzed for comparison.

[0154] Table 16. Plant Biomass

[0155]

[0156] As shown in Table 16, the application of black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer resulted in increased biomass and reduced nitrogen fertilizer application. For example, compared to 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, 50% nitrogen fertilizer application and 100% black walnut extract application resulted in a 26.0% increase in aboveground biomass (e.g., (143.5 - 113.9) / 113.9) and a 5.8% increase in underground biomass (e.g., (8.3 - 7.9) / 7.9). Compared to 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, 50% black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer application resulted in a 24.8% increase in aboveground biomass (e.g., (142.1 - 113.9) / 113.9). These results indicate that the application of black walnut extract in combination with nitrogen fertilizer can improve plant quality, especially plant biomass. These results further indicate that the return of black walnut extract decreases at a 25% nitrogen fertilizer application rate. In other words, compared to a 100% nitrogen fertilizer application rate, a 25% nitrogen fertilizer application rate results in reduced biomass.

[0157] Experiment 8

[0158] A greenhouse experiment was conducted on corn to compare the effects of applying black walnut extract containing salicylic acid in combination with UAN-32 nitrogen fertilizer with applying nitrogen fertilizer alone. The experiment was conducted in test pots with a pot area of 4 square feet.

[0159] The application rates of nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract are shown in Table 17.

[0160] Table 17. Application Rates

[0161]

[0162] Various plant metrics were measured to determine the effects of black walnut extract on plant biomass and quality. For example, as shown in Table 18 below, aboveground and underground biomass were measured as metrics of plant biomass. Analyses and comparisons were also made on untreated plots (e.g., unfertilized or without application of black walnut extract).

[0163] Table 18. Plant Biomass

[0164]

[0165] As shown in Table 18, the application of black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer led to an increase in biomass and a reduction in nitrogen fertilizer application. For example, compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, 50% nitrogen fertilizer application and 100% black walnut extract application resulted in a 68.1% increase in aboveground biomass (e.g., (18.3 - 10.9) / 10.9). Compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, 50% nitrogen fertilizer application and 50% black walnut extract application led to a 44.1% increase in aboveground biomass (e.g., (15.7 - 10.9) / 10.9). For 25% nitrogen fertilizer application and 100% black walnut extract application, compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, the aboveground biomass increased by 60.3% (e.g., (17.4 - 10.9) / 10.9), and compared with 25% nitrogen fertilizer application, the aboveground biomass increased by 19.6% (e.g., (17.4 - 14.6) / 14.6). For 25% nitrogen fertilizer application and 200% black walnut extract application, compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, the aboveground biomass increased by 125.3% (e.g., (24.5 - 10.9) / 10.9), and compared with 25% nitrogen fertilizer application, the aboveground biomass increased by 68.1% (e.g., (24.5 - 14.6) / 14.6). For 50% nitrogen fertilizer application and 100% black walnut extract application, compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, the underground biomass increased by 11.7% (e.g., (12.4 - 11.1) / 11.1). For 25% nitrogen fertilizer application and 100% black walnut extract application, compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, the underground biomass increased by 54.1% (e.g., (17.1 - 11.1) / 11.1), and compared with 25% nitrogen fertilizer application, the underground biomass increased by 15.4% (e.g., (17.1 - 14.9) / 14.9). For 25% nitrogen fertilizer application and 200% black walnut extract application, compared with 100% nitrogen fertilizer application, the underground biomass increased by 111.2% (e.g., (23.5 - 12.4) / 12.4), and compared with 25% nitrogen fertilizer application, the underground biomass increased by 58.2% (e.g., (23.5 - 14.9) / 14.9). These results indicate that the application of black walnut extract along with nitrogen fertilizer can improve plant quality, especially increasing plant biomass.

[0166] Experiment 9

[0167] A field experiment was conducted on corn to compare the effects of applying black walnut extract containing salicylic acid in combination with UAN-32 nitrogen fertilizer with applying nitrogen fertilizer alone. The experiment was carried out on a test field with an area of 200 square feet.

[0168] The application rates of nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract are shown in Table 19.

[0169] Table 19. Application Rates

[0170]

[0171] Various plant indicators were measured to determine the effects of black walnut extract on plant biomass and quality. For example, as shown in Table 20 below, fresh silage and dry silage were measured as indicators of plant biomass.

[0172] Table 20. Plant Weights

[0173]

[0174] As can be seen from Table 20, the application of black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer led to an increase in silage weight. For example, with 75% application of nitrogen fertilizer and 100% application of black walnut extract, the fresh plant weight increased by 0.5% compared to 100% application of nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., (313.0 - 311.5) / 313.0). With 50% application of nitrogen fertilizer and 50% application of black walnut extract, the fresh plant weight increased by 0.1% compared to 100% application of nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., (313.0 - 311.5) / 311.5), and increased by 2.5% compared to 50% application of nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., (311.75 - 304.75) / 304.75). These results indicate that applying black walnut extract in combination with nitrogen fertilizer can improve plant quality, especially increase plant biomass.

[0175] Experiment 10

[0176] A field experiment was conducted on corn to compare the effects of applying black walnut extract containing salicylic acid in combination with UAN-32 nitrogen fertilizer with applying nitrogen fertilizer alone. The experiment was carried out on a test field with an area of 200 square feet.

[0177] The application rates of nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract are shown in Table 21.

[0178] Table 21. Application Rates

[0179]

[0180] Various plant metrics were measured to determine the effects of black walnut extract on plant biomass and quality. For example, as shown in Table 22 below, the harvest weight of corn ears was measured as an indicator of plant biomass.

[0181] Table 22. Plant weights

[0182]

[0183] As shown in Table 20, the application of black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer resulted in an increase in silage weight. For example, with 75% nitrogen fertilizer application and 100% black walnut extract application, the fresh plant weight increased by 2.8% compared to 100% nitrogen fertilizer application (e.g., (44.1 - 42.88) / 42.88). With 50% nitrogen fertilizer application and 50% black walnut extract application, the fresh plant weight increased by 7.3% compared to 50% nitrogen fertilizer application (e.g., (54.53 - 53.53) / 53.53). These results indicate that applying black walnut extract in combination with nitrogen fertilizer can improve plant quality, especially increasing plant biomass.

[0184] Experiment 11

[0185] A third-party field experiment was conducted on cantaloupe to compare the effects of applying black walnut extract containing salicylic acid and two different nitrogen fertilizers (CAN17 and UAN-32) with applying nitrogen fertilizer alone.

[0186] The application rates of nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract are shown in Table 23.

[0187] Table 23. Application rates

[0188]

[0189] Various plant metrics were measured to determine the effects of black walnut extract on plant biomass and quality. For example, as shown in Table 24 below, the cantaloupe yield and the brix level of cantaloupe were measured as indicators of plant biomass and quality.

[0190] Table 24. Plant quality

[0191]

[0192] As shown in Table 24, the application of black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer can increase the yield and sugar content of melons. For example, the application of 50% UAN-32 nitrogen fertilizer and 100% black walnut extract increased the melon yield by 4.2% (e.g., (1.25 - 1.2) / 1.2) and the sugar content by 8.3% (e.g., (11.7 - 10.8) / 10.8) compared to the application of 100% UAN nitrogen fertilizer. Compared with the application of CAN17 nitrogen fertilizer, the application of 50% nitrogen fertilizer and 100% black walnut extract increased the melon yield by 2.4% (e.g., (1.28 - 1.25) / 1.25) and the sugar content by 11.3% (e.g., (11.8 - 10.6) / 10.6). These results indicate that the application of black walnut extract in combination with nitrogen fertilizer, regardless of the type of nitrogen fertilizer, can improve plant quality, especially increase the yield and sugar content of melons.

[0193] Experiment 12

[0194] A third-party field experiment was conducted on celery to compare the effects of applying black walnut extract containing salicylic acid and two different nitrogen fertilizers (CAN17 and UAN-32) with the application of nitrogen fertilizer alone.

[0195] The application rates of nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract are shown in Table 25.

[0196] Table 25. Application Rates

[0197]

[0198] Various plant indicators were measured to determine the effects of black walnut extract on plant biomass and quality. For example, as shown in Table 26 below, plant biomass was measured as an indicator of plant quality.

[0199] Table 26. Plant Quality

[0200]

[0201] As shown in Table 26, the application of black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer led to an increase in biomass. For example, compared with the application of CAN17 nitrogen fertilizer, the application of 50% nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract led to a 3.1% increase in biomass (e.g., (0.757 - 0.734) / 0.734). Although numerically, the application of 50% UAN-32 resulted in lower biomass, the results of both the 100% single application rate of UAN-32 and the 50% combined application rate of UAN-32 and black walnut extract were within the standard error of the mean. These results indicate that the application of black walnut extract in combination with nitrogen fertilizer, regardless of the type of nitrogen fertilizer, can improve or maintain plant quality, especially improve or maintain biomass.

[0202] Experiment 13

[0203] A field experiment was conducted on broccoli to compare the effects of applying black walnut extract containing salicylic acid and two different nitrogen fertilizers (CAN17 and UAN-32) with applying nitrogen fertilizer alone.

[0204] The application rates of nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract are shown in Table 27.

[0205] Table 27. Application Rates

[0206]

[0207] Various plant metrics were measured to determine the effect of black walnut extract on plant biomass and quality. For example, as shown in Table 28 below, plant yield was measured as an indicator of plant biomass.

[0208] Table 28. Plant Quality

[0209]

[0210] As shown in Table 28, applying black walnut extract and nitrogen fertilizer can maintain biomass. Although numerically, the results of reducing nitrogen fertilizer and black walnut extract are smaller than those of applying full-dose fertilizer, the differences are within the experimental error range. These results indicate that applying black walnut extract simultaneously with nitrogen fertilizer, regardless of the type of nitrogen fertilizer, can maintain plant yield while reducing nitrogen fertilizer.

[0211] Figure 2 is a flowchart of method 220 for improving the plant quality of crops according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. A farm operator can prepare a composition including nitrogen fertilizer and a reactive oxygen species inducer at 222. The nitrogen fertilizer can include CAN-17 fertilizer, and the reactive oxygen species inducer can include black walnut extract or any other ROS inducer discussed herein. In some embodiments, preparing the composition can include mixing the nitrogen fertilizer and the reactive oxygen species and the reactive oxygen species inducer at a weight ratio of 100:1. Method 220 can further include applying the composition to the roots of the crop at 224. The composition can be applied to the roots such that the roots absorb at least a portion of the nitrogen fertilizer and at least a portion of the reactive oxygen species and the reactive oxygen species inducer. The reactive oxygen species and the reactive oxygen species inducer can be configured to increase the ROS level in the crop to increase the harvest weight of the crop. In some embodiments, the composition can be applied to the top 12 inches of the soil.

[0212] This document describes one or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure. These described embodiments are examples of the technology of the present disclosure. In addition, for the sake of brevity in describing these embodiments, not all features of the actual embodiments may be described in the specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual embodiment, as in any engineering or design project, numerous decisions specific to the embodiment will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as meeting system-related and business-related constraints, and such decisions may vary from one embodiment to another. Moreover, it should be understood that such development work can be complex and time-consuming, but it will still be routine work in design, fabrication, and production for those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from the present disclosure.

[0213] The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” mean one or more of the foregoing described elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements in addition to the listed elements. Further, it should be understood that reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure does not preclude the existence of other embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. For example, any element described in connection with one embodiment herein can be combined with any element of any other embodiment described herein. The numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values recited herein are intended to include that value, as well as other values that are “about” or “approximate” the recited value, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments of the present disclosure pertain. Accordingly, the interpretation of the recited values should be broad enough to include at least values that are sufficiently close to the recited values for performing the desired function or achieving the desired result. The recited values include at least the variations expected in a suitable manufacturing or production process and can include values within 5%, 1%, 0.1%, or 0.01% of the recited values.

[0214] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, in light of the present disclosure, that equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent structures, including functional “means-plus-function” clauses, are intended to cover structures that perform the recited function as described herein, including structural equivalents that operate in the same manner and equivalent structures that provide the same function. The applicant hereby expressly disclaims any reliance on “means-plus-function” or other functional claim formats, except where the term “means” appears in conjunction with a related function in a claim. Every addition, deletion, and modification to an embodiment within the meaning and scope of the claims should be included in the claims.

[0215] As used herein, the terms "about", "approximately", and "substantially" denote such quantities that are close to the stated quantity still capable of performing the desired function or achieving the desired result. For example, the terms "about", "approximately", and "substantially" may refer to such quantities that are within less than 5% of the stated quantity, within less than 1% of the stated quantity, within less than 0.1% of the stated quantity, and within less than 0.01% of the stated quantity. In addition, it should be understood that any direction or frame of reference in the foregoing description is only a relative direction or motion. For example, any mention of "up" and "down" or "above" or "below" only describes the relative position or motion of the relevant elements.

[0216] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Changes within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims are to be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A composition for maintaining plant biomass while reducing nitrogen fertilizer application, the composition comprising: A reactive oxygen species inducer, wherein an effective amount of the reactive oxygen inducer is sufficient to increase the reactive oxygen species response of the plant, and the increased reactive oxygen species response induces the plant to improve nutrient absorption efficiency.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the reactive oxygen species inducer comprises an extract of a plant that produces 1,4-naphthoquinone.

3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the extract is produced by placing the plant that produces 1,4-naphthoquinone in an extraction solution, the extraction solution being an acid-alcohol aqueous solution having 30% to 70% alcohol and 30% to 70% acid, and the extract comprises the extraction solution in which the plant is placed.

4. The composition of claim 2, wherein the plant that produces 1,4-naphthoquinone is a member of the Juglans genus.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the plant that produces 1,4-naphthoquinone is J. nigra species.

6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the reactive oxygen species inducer comprises naphthoquinone.

7. The composition of claim 1, which further comprises soluble carbon.

8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the soluble carbon comprises weathered lignite extract.

9. The composition of claim 1, which further comprises a surfactant.

10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the reactive oxygen species inducer is applied in combination with the nitrogen fertilizer at a ratio of about 100:

1.

11. The composition of claim 1, which further comprises at least one of menadione, lysine, isoleucine, salicylic acid or melatonin.

12. A composition for applying to plants, the composition comprising: Nitrogen fertilizer; and Reactive oxygen species, wherein an effective amount of the reactive oxygen species is sufficient to increase the reactive oxygen species response of the plant, and the reactive oxygen species response induces the plant to improve at least one of nitrogen absorption efficiency or nitrogen utilization efficiency.

13. The composition of claim 12, wherein the reactive oxygen species comprises at least one of peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide or peroxide.

14. The composition of claim 13, wherein the reactive oxygen species comprises hydrogen peroxide.

15. A method for maintaining plant biomass while reducing nitrogen application, comprising: Preparing a composition containing an effective amount of a reactive oxygen species inducer; And Applying the composition to plants such that the crop absorbs at least a portion of the reactive oxygen species inducer, wherein an effective amount of the reactive oxygen species inducer is sufficient to increase the reactive oxygen species response of the plant, and the increased reactive oxygen species response induces the plant to improve nutrient absorption efficiency.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein preparing the composition comprises preparing a nitrogen fertilizer containing reactive oxygen species.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein preparing the composition comprises mixing the nitrogen fertilizer and the reactive oxygen species inducer at a ratio of about 100:

1.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein applying the composition to the roots of the crop comprises applying the composition to the top 12 inches of soil.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the reactive oxygen species inducer comprises hydrogen peroxide.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein applying the composition comprises applying the composition multiple times during one growing season.

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