PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS

Abstract

Plant growth formulations include a mixture of inert compounds and a combination of the active components auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin. These formulations are auxin-dominant, and the cytokinin-to-auxin ratio in the active component combination ranges from approximately 1:10.5 to approximately 1:4.5. The amount of cytokinin varies from approximately 0.1 to 10% by weight of the active component combination in plant growth formulations formulated for furrow application to corn plants. Plant growth enhancement methods involve furrow, seed, and / or foliar application of one or more plant types with a plant growth formulation. Improvements in plant growth include increases in the average number of bushels produced per acre.

Description

APPLICATION NO.: SUBMISSION DATE: 20 / 07 / 2021 DESCRIPTIVE MEMORANDUM OF THE INVENTION PATENT PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS APPLICANT WINFIELD SOLUTIONS, LLC HOME 4001 Lexington Ave. N, Arden Hills, Minnesota 55126, United States of America PATENT TERM (years) 1447962 of 2 27140264879 SERRITELLI, CLAUDIA - 27140264879 Digitally signed by PORTALTRAM ITES - INPI Date: 2021.07.20 14:39:43 -03:00 Reason: Digitally Signed by the INPI Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina 1447962 of 2 PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] Implementations refer to plant growth-regulating compositions and methods for applying such compositions to plants. Particular implementations include auxin-dominant compositions configured to enhance the yield of corn, soybeans, cotton, wheat, and / or other row crops. BACKGROUND

[002] Improving plant growth and development is a major focus of the agricultural industry. One approach to achieving robust growth involves applying growth stimulants to seeds and young plants. These substances may include plant growth regulators (PGRs), which can comprise combinations of plant hormones that promote cell growth processes such as mitosis, and other substances including, for example, biostimulants, biologicals, and plant extracts. Unfortunately for plant growers, climatic and soil conditions at planting time can have serious and lasting effects on plant performance. Therefore, improved PGR compositions are needed to enhance plant growth regardless of conditions at planting time and beyond. 1447962 of 40 SYNTHESIS

[003] The implementations provide a plant growth composition comprising a mixture of inert compounds and a combination of active components consisting of an amount of auxin, an amount of gibberellin, and an amount of cytokinin. The amount of auxin may be dominant in the combination of active components, and the ratio of cytokinin to auxin in the combination of active components may be from approximately 1:10.5 to approximately 1:4.5. In some examples, the ratio of cytokinin to gibberellin in the combination of active components may be from approximately 1:6 to approximately 5:4. In some embodiments, the ratio of gibberellin to auxin in the combination of active components may be from approximately 1:16 to approximately 3:5. The ratio of auxin to cytokinin and gibberellin together in the combination of active components may be from approximately 5:1 to approximately 3:2.

[004] The implementations also provide a method for enhancing plant growth by applying a growth composition to plants or parts thereof and growing the plants to at least one stage of vegetative growth. The plant growth composition may include a mixture of inert compounds and a combination of active components: an amount of auxin, an amount of gibberellin, and an amount of cytokinin. The amount of auxin may be greater than the amount of 1447962 2 of 40 gibberellin and the amount of gibberellin may be greater than the amount of cytokinin. The amount of cytokinin may be from 0.1 to 10% by weight of the combination of active components.

[005] In some examples, the amount of cytokinin is approximately 3 to approximately 9% by weight of the active component combination. In some embodiments, the amount of auxin is approximately 50 to approximately 70% by weight of the active component combination. In some examples, the amount of gibberellin is approximately 30 to approximately 40% by weight of the active component combination. In some embodiments, applying the growth composition comprises furrow and / or foliar application of the growth composition. In some embodiments, applying the growth composition comprises applying the growth composition to the seeds of the plants. In some examples, the plants comprise corn plants.Improving plant growth may involve increasing the number of bushels of plants produced per acre relative to untreated control plants with the growth compound.

[006] The implementations provide a plant growth composition comprising a mixture of inert compounds and a combination of active components of an amount of auxin, an amount of gibberellin, and an amount of cytokinin. The amount of auxin may be greater than the amount of gibberellin, the amount of 1447962 of 40 gibberellin may be less than the amount of cytokinin and the amount of cytokinin may be approximately 10 to approximately 20% by weight of the combination of active components.

[007] In some examples, the amount of auxin may be approximately 65 to approximately 80% by weight of the combination of active components. In some embodiments, the amount of gibberellin may be approximately 5 to approximately 15% by weight of the combination of active components.

[008] Additional or alternative implementations provide a method for enhancing plant growth by applying a growth composition to plant seeds, plants, or parts thereof and growing the plants to at least one stage of vegetative growth. The growth composition may comprise a mixture of inert compounds and a combination of active components consisting of an amount of auxin, an amount of gibberellin, and an amount of cytokinin. The amount of auxin may be greater than the amount of gibberellin, the amount of gibberellin may be less than the amount of cytokinin, and the amount of cytokinin may be approximately 10 to approximately 20% by weight of the combination of active components.

[009] In some examples, the amount of auxin can be approximately 65 to approximately 80% by weight of the combination of active components. In some forms of 1447962 of 40 embodiment, the amount of gibberellin may be approximately 5 to approximately 15% by weight of the combination of active components. In some examples, the application of the growth composition may comprise in-furrow, seed, and / or foliar application. In some embodiments, the plants may be soybean plants, corn plants, or both. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[010] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a method for improving plant growth carried out in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[011] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of another method for improving plant growth carried out in accordance with the forms of implementation of the present disclosure.

[012] FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of the growth improvements achieved in maize plants grown in numerous locations in response to the treatment of the plants using the growth-regulating compositions described in accordance with the embodiments of this disclosure.

[013] FIG. 4 is another graphical representation of the growth improvements achieved in maize plants grown in numerous locations in response to the treatment of the plants using such growth-regulating compositions described herein. 1447962 of 40

[014] FIG. 5 is another graphical representation of the growth improvements achieved in maize plants grown in numerous locations in response to the treatment of the plants using such growth-regulating compositions described herein.

[015] FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of the growth improvements achieved in soybean plants using such growth-regulating compositions described herein.

[016] FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of the growth improvements achieved in soybean plants grown in numerous locations in response to the treatment of soybean seeds using such growth-regulating compositions described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[017] The PGR compositions provided herein can promote plant growth and development and can be configured for in-furrow, seed, and / or foliar application. Particular PGR compositions may include varying amounts of active components, including auxin, one or more gibberellins (e.g., gibberellic acid, GA4, or GA7), and / or cytokinin (e.g., kinetin), and can be formulated to stimulate the growth of corn or soybean plants in response to in-furrow and / or seed application. The compositions have been optimized to promote plant growth through experimental evaluation of 1447962 of 40 different proportions of active PGR components in many locations and climates. Among other improvements, the compositions formulated based on these experiments can enhance plant resilience, leading to consistent improvements in plant growth regardless of environmental conditions at planting time. Implementations of PGR compositions configured for furrow and / or seed application deviate from many pre-existing PGR compositions by being auxin-dominant and, in some cases, including little or no cytokinin. As used herein, “auxin-dominant” PGR compositions are those in which auxin is present at the highest weight percentage relative to other active components, such as gibberellin and cytokinin. PGR Compositions

[018] The compositions provided in accordance with this disclosure include various amounts of PGRs, which may include, but are not limited to, auxins such as indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), gibberellins such as gibberellic acid, GA4 and / or GA7, and cytokinins such as kinetin. PGRs may be mixed in various combinations, such that each PGR may be considered a component of a PGR, which may be further combined with additional components, such as one or more excipients, solvents, and adjuvants. PGR compositions may be configured to stimulate specific plant growth processes, and even slight variations within a particular formulation are possible. 1447962 of 40 can have a significant impact on plant performance. Example compositions include moderate to high amounts of auxin and little or no cytokinin.

[019] Auxin plant hormones are produced primarily in and around the growth regions of plant shoots. Auxins typically move from shoots and roots in the phloem, and more slowly by polar cell-to-cell transport. Example effects induced by auxins include apical dominance, tropisms, shoot elongation, and root initiation. Natural deficiencies of zinc and / or phosphorus can inhibit auxin production in plants. Gibberellin plant hormones are also produced in root tips and can be found in seeds, young stems, and leaves. Gibberellins move from roots to shoots in the xylem and from leaves to shoots by cell-to-cell transport, promoting plant germination and cell elongation.The production of gibberellins in plant roots and their movement to plant shoots can be inhibited by flooding. The plant hormones cytokinin are produced primarily in root tips. Seeds, young stems, and leaves can also contain high levels of cytokinins, which are transported through the xylem from the roots to the shoots of a plant. Cytokinins promote cell division in shoot tissue, delay leaf senescence, and promote nodule development. Flooding, drought, and... High temperatures (1447962) can inhibit the production and transport of cytokinins. Therefore, the PGR components described in this document complement these natural plant hormones and can promote specific physiological processes and can be inhibited by specific environmental phenomena.

[020] Each PGR composition described herein may include a combination of active components, including an auxin, at least one gibberellin, and / or a cytokinin. Of these three components, the auxin may constitute the majority of the active component combination, and the cytokinin may constitute the minor component. By including moderate to high amounts of auxin and low amounts of cytokinin, such compositions may differ from pre-existing compositions recommended for furrow, seed, and / or foliar application, which often include moderate to high amounts of cytokinin, such as greater than or approximately equal to 50% by weight of the total active component load. The ratio of auxin to the other active components may differ depending on the plant or application method.For example, auxin-dominant compositions in which cytokinin is the minor component can be specifically tailored for corn plants and / or in-furrow applications, while alternative embodiments may also include a combination of active components in which auxin is dominant but gibberellin is the minor component. Such. 1447962 of 40 embodiments can be formulated specifically for soybean plants and / or seed application.

[021] Based on the weight of a given combination of active components, specific examples of the described PGR compositions formulated primarily for the treatment of corn plants in rows may include auxin in amounts ranging from approximately 50 to approximately 90% by weight, approximately 52 to approximately 80% by weight, approximately 54 to approximately 70% by weight, approximately 56 to approximately 65% ​​by weight, approximately 58 to approximately 62% by weight, approximately 58% by weight, approximately 59% by weight, approximately 60% by weight, or approximately 61% by weight.The amount of gibberellin may vary from approximately 10 to approximately 48% by weight, approximately 15 to approximately 46% by weight, approximately 20 to approximately 44% by weight, approximately 25 to approximately 42% by weight, approximately 30 to approximately 40% by weight, approximately 32 to approximately 38% by weight, approximately 34 to approximately 36% by weight, approximately 34% by weight, approximately 35% by weight, or approximately 36% by weight based on the weight of the combination of active components. The amount of cytokinin may vary from approximately 0 to approximately 15% by weight, approximately 1 to approximately 10% by weight, approximately 2 to approximately 8% by weight, or approximately 3% by weight. 1447962 from 40 to approximately 7% by weight, approximately 4 to approximately 6% by weight, approximately 5% by weight, or approximately 6% by weight based on the weight of the active component combination. Because it can inhibit plant growth under certain conditions, some embodiments may exclude cytokinins entirely. One specific embodiment configured for in-row treatment of corn plants may include approximately 59% by weight of auxin, approximately 35% by weight of gibberellic acid, and approximately 6% by weight of cytokinin, for example, + / - 2% by weight, based on the weight of the active component combination. The weight-for-weight percentage (% by weight) of the combined active components relative to the total composition of PGR, including various inert compounds, may range from approximately 0.1 to approximately 0.25% by weight. approximately 0.12 to approximately 0.23% by weight, approximately 0.14 to approximately 0.21% by weight, approximately 0.16 to approximately 0.19% by weight, approximately 0.17 to approximately 0.18% by weight, approximately 0.17 to approximately 0.175% by weight, or approximately 0.173% by weight in several examples.

[022] Particular examples of the described PGR compositions formulated primarily for seed-to-plant application in soybeans may include auxin in amounts ranging from approximately 50 to approximately 95% by weight, approximately 55 to approximately 1447962 of 40 90% by weight, approximately 60 to approximately 86% by weight, approximately 65 to approximately 82% by weight, approximately 70 to approximately 78% by weight, approximately 72 to approximately 76% by weight, approximately 73% by weight, approximately 74% by weight, or approximately 75% by weight. The amount of gibberellin may vary from approximately 1 to approximately 20% by weight, approximately 3 to approximately 18% by weight, approximately 5 to approximately 16% by weight, approximately 7 to approximately 14% by weight, approximately 9 to approximately 11% by weight, approximately 10% by weight, approximately 11% by weight, approximately 12% by weight, or approximately 13% by weight based on the weight of the combination of active components.The amount of cytokinin can vary from approximately 0 to approximately 30% by weight, approximately 0 to approximately 25% by weight, approximately 0 to approximately 20% by weight, approximately 3 to approximately 19% by weight, approximately 6 to approximately 18% by weight, approximately 9 to approximately 17% by weight, approximately 12% to approximately 16% by weight, approximately 10% by weight, approximately 11% by weight, approximately 12% by weight, approximately 13% by weight, approximately 14% by weight, approximately 15% by weight, or approximately 16% by weight, based on the weight of the combination of active components. Because it can inhibit plant growth under certain conditions, some formulations may exclude cytokinins. 1447962 of 40 complete. One specific embodiment configured for the treatment of soybean seeds may include approximately 74% by weight of auxin, approximately 10% by weight of gibberellic acid, and approximately 16% by weight of cytokinin, for example, + / - 2% by weight, based on the weight of the active component combination. Another specific embodiment configured primarily for the treatment of soybean seeds may include approximately 84% by weight of auxin, approximately 5% by weight of gibberellic acid, and approximately 11% by weight of cytokinin, for example, + / - 2% by weight, based on the weight of the active component combination.Another specific embodiment configured primarily for the treatment of soybean seeds may include approximately 79% by weight of auxin, approximately 5% by weight of gibberellic acid, and approximately 16% by weight of cytokinin, for example, + / - 2% by weight, based on the weight of the active component combination. Another specific embodiment configured primarily for the treatment of soybean seeds may include approximately 68% by weight of auxin, approximately 11% by weight of gibberellic acid, and approximately 21% by weight of cytokinin, for example, + / - 2% by weight, based on the weight of the active component combination.Another specific embodiment, configured primarily for the treatment of soybean seeds, may include approximately 63% by weight of auxin, approximately 11% by weight of gibberellic acid, and approximately 26% by weight of cytokinin, for example, + / - 2% by weight, based on the weight of the combination of active components. Other. 1447962 of 40. A specific embodiment configured primarily for the treatment of soybean seeds may include approximately 75% by weight of auxin, approximately 12.5% ​​by weight of gibberellic acid, and approximately 12.5% ​​by weight of cytokinin, for example, + / - 2% by weight, based on the weight of the combination of active components. Another specific embodiment configured primarily for the treatment of soybean seeds may include approximately 76% by weight of auxin, approximately 12% by weight of gibberellic acid, and approximately 12% by weight of cytokinin, for example, + / - 2% by weight, based on the weight of the combination of active components. The weight-for-weight percentage of the combined active components with respect to the total composition of PGR, including a mixture of several inert compounds, may vary from approximately 0.1 to approximately 0.26% by weight, approximately 0.12 to approximately 0.24% by weight, approximately 0.14 to approximately 0.22% by weight, approximately 0.16 to approximately 0.20% by weight, approximately 0.18 to approximately 0.20% by weight, or approximately 0.19% by weight in several examples.

[023] Auxin may be dominant in the combination of active components and the cytokinin to auxin ratio may vary from approximately 1:9 to approximately 1:10, approximately 1:10.5 or approximately 1:11, or it may be approximately 1:2, approximately 1:2.4, approximately 1:2.5, approximately 1:3, 1447962 of 40 approximately 1:4, approximately 1:4.5, approximately 1:5 to approximately 1:9, approximately 1:10 or approximately 1:10.5. The ratio of cytokinin to gibberellin may vary from approximately 1:5 to approximately 1:6, or it may be approximately 5:4, or approximately 3:1; the ratio of gibberellin to auxin may vary from approximately 1:7 to approximately 1:16, or it may be approximately 3:5; and the ratio of auxin to cytokinin and gibberellin together may range from approximately 3:4 to approximately 5:1, or it may be approximately 1:2 or approximately 3:2. The ratios mentioned above may vary depending on whether a growth composition is being formulated for corn plants, soybean plants, furrow application, seed application, and / or foliar application.For example, a growth composition formulated primarily for application in the furrow of corn plants, seeds, and / or seedlings may include a combination of active components in which the cytokinin-to-auxin ratio is approximately 1:9, approximately 1:10, approximately 1:10.3, or approximately 1:11. The same growth composition may include a gibberellin-to-auxin ratio of approximately 1:2, approximately 3:8, approximately 1:1.7, or approximately 2:3, and a cytokinin-to-gibberellin ratio of approximately 1:5, approximately 1:6, or approximately 1:7. The auxin-to-cytokinin and gibberellin ratio, combined, may be approximately 3:2 or approximately 1:0.68. In some embodiments, one or more of these may also be used. 1447962 of 40 the ratios mentioned above for treating soybean plants. The yield improvements resulting from the application of PGR compositions comprising one or more of the aforementioned PGR component ratios can be highly sensitive. For example, a PGR composition in which the cytokinin-to-auxin ratio is 1:9 may perform significantly better than a PGR composition in which the cytokinin-to-auxin ratio is 1:10, 1:8, or 1:11, for example. The particular ratios of PGR components may also be specific to the PGR compositions described, i.e., PGR compositions containing three PGR components (auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin) or at least two PGR components (auxin and gibberellin).As further described below, the precise PGR formulations described herein were discovered through extensive experimentation conducted under a wide range of environmental conditions.

[024] A separate growth composition formulated primarily for seed-to-plant application to soybeans may include a combination of active components in which the cytokinin-to-auxin ratio is approximately 1:8, approximately 1:6, approximately 1:5, approximately 1:4, approximately 1:2.4, approximately 1:3, approximately 2:5, approximately 3:1, approximately 2:7, approximately 2:9, approximately 2:13, or approximately 1:4.7. The same growth composition may 1447962 of 40 include a gibberellin-to-auxin ratio of approximately 1:6, approximately 1:7, approximately 1:9, approximately 1:10, approximately 1:16, approximately 1:15, or approximately 2:13 and a cytokinin-to-gibberellin ratio of approximately 3:2, approximately 2:1, approximately 3:1, approximately 3:1.2, or approximately 1:0.7. The auxin-to-cytokinin and gibberellin ratio, together, may be approximately 3:1, approximately 5:1, approximately 4:1, approximately 2:1, or approximately 1:0.36. As noted above, the ratios of PGR components can be very sensitive and specific to the described PGR compositions, i.e., PGR compositions containing three PGR components (auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin) or at least two PGR components (auxin and gibberellin).

[025] Although auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin may be referred to herein, it should be understood that such components incorporate classes of PGR compounds and that specific subtypes of each PGR component may be used in particular embodiments. For example, auxin may comprise indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), gibberellin may comprise gibberellic acid (GA3), GA4, and / or GA7, and cytokinin may comprise kinetin. The more general class of each compound is often referenced herein for illustrative purposes only and should not be viewed as limiting. 1447962 of 40

[026] PGR compositions may further include one or more inert components or excipients in the form of adjuvants, solvents, and / or surfactants, which may be formulated to enhance the efficacy of the active components by acting as diluents and / or carriers, for example. Together, the inert components or excipients may constitute an inert composition. Non-aqueous embodiments of the inert composition may specifically exclude water, which may be incompatible with or even detrimental to one or more of the PGR components. Therefore, non-aqueous embodiments of the inert composition may be critical to maximizing the efficacy of the specific PGR components described herein. Particular examples of the inert composition may exclude propylene glycol, along with one or more additional inert compounds.Alternative embodiments may include propylene glycol, for example, at a reduced volume relative to the pre-existing inert compositions. Additional embodiments may include water, which may constitute a small portion, for example, less than approximately 20% by weight, less than 10% by weight, between approximately 10% and approximately 20% by weight, less than 5% by weight, or less than 1% by weight, of the inert composition. Together, the inert components may constitute the majority (in % by weight) of the total PGR composition, varying in some embodiments. approximately 85 to approximately 99.9% by weight, approximately 90 to approximately 99.8% by weight, approximately 95 to approximately 99.8% by weight, 1447962 of 40 approximately 98 to approximately 99.8% by weight, approximately 99 to approximately 99.7% by weight, approximately 99.5 to approximately 99.8% by weight, or approximately 99.6 to approximately 99.7% by weight of the PGR composition. Formulation methods

[027] The methods for formulating the PGR compositions described herein may involve conducting one or more mixing experiments and evaluating the resulting compositions at various locations in different climates. In some examples, a mixing experiment may be designed to systematically evaluate the growth effects caused by varying proportions of active components while maintaining the same total amount of active components included in a given PGR composition.Maintaining identical loads of active components advantageously isolates the growth effects caused by specific combinations of active substances, so that the growth response exhibited by plants treated with the active substances can be attributed to the proportions of the individual PGR components rather than the total amount of the combination of active components included in a PGR composition.

[028] The forms of implementation may involve sowing, germination and growth of test plants and the application of 1447962 of 40 different PGR compositions for separating batches of plant seeds or, alternatively, for separating groups of plants by furrow and / or foliar application. Plant seeds, for example, corn or soybean seeds, can be planted in a growing medium, which can be placed in a multi-cell seedling tray. The planted seeds can be germinated in a controlled environment, which may be confined to a greenhouse or growth chamber. The conditions of the controlled environment can vary depending on the type of seed or a particular set of specific conditions, such as drought, prolonged daylight, short daylight, or heavy rain. In some examples, the controlled environment may comprise a temperature of approximately 25 to approximately 35 °C, approximately 27 to approximately 33 °C, approximately 29 to approximately 31 °C, or approximately 30 °C.Humidity can also vary, ranging from approximately 45% to approximately 61%, approximately 47% to approximately 59%, approximately 49% to approximately 57%, approximately 51% to approximately 55%, or approximately 53%. An initial period of constant light, for example, 24 hours, can be applied to the planted seeds, which can then be watered at regular intervals, for example, daily, to encourage germination. Alternatively, the seeds can be sown directly in an outdoor field plot in one or more locations, thus subjecting the seeds, seedlings, and growing plants to natural climatic conditions throughout the entire growth process. 1447962 of 40

[029] Emerging plants may be allowed to grow to various growth stages, e.g., V6, V9, VT, R1, or R6, or at least one vegetative growth stage, at which point plant growth and developmental health can be measured. A vegetative growth stage may include a growth stage beyond germination, at which point the plants have a root system capable of supporting plant growth, as evidenced by stem and / or leaf development, for example. Improved plant growth, development, and / or maturity can be determined by measuring any or all differences in growth and / or yield compared to untreated plants or plants treated with different growth-promoting compositions. Measurements can be obtained per plant or collectively.Aggregate measurements may include bushels produced per acre, for example. Indicators of corn plant growth, development, and / or maturity acquired at later growth stages may include, for example, seed production and / or ear prolificacy. The measurements acquired may depend on the growth stage being targeted for improvement.

[030] The formulation and application methods described herein may be limited to one or more particular plant types, including but not limited to corn (maize), soybeans, cotton, wheat, barley, alfalfa, and other row crops. Corn plants may include hybrids, inbreds, haploids, subspecies, and varieties of 1447962 of 40 Zea mays. In some examples, one or more of the plant types mentioned above may be excluded from the methods described in this document.

[031] PGR compositions that most consistently promote enhanced growth across a variety of environmental conditions can be identified. Environmental conditions may include warm weather, cold weather, drought, moderate to heavy rainfall, etc., and may be present at planting time and / or during at least part of the growing process. Methods of use

[032] Methods for enhancing plant growth may involve applying a aforementioned PGR composition to a plant seed, part of a plant, whole plant, and / or soil or other growing medium, e.g., vermiculite, and / or one or more commercial growth products in which a seed is planted in a quantity sufficient to enhance plant growth, development, and / or yield. The PGR composition used for a particular application may be formed by combining the desired ratio of active components with one or more adjuvants, excipients, and / or other components described herein in the quantities specified.

[033] The total amount of active components added per liter of the total PGR composition may vary, from approximately 0.05 to approximately 0.2 dry ounces, approximately 0.05 to 1447962 of 40 approximately 0.1 dry ounces, approximately 0.05 to approximately 0.08 dry ounces, approximately 0.05 to approximately 0.06 dry ounces, approximately 0.055 to Approximately 0.059 dry ounces, approximately 0.055 dry ounces, or approximately 0.059 dry ounces. The amount of each individual active component may also vary depending on the application method. For seed and / or furrow application, the amount of cytokinin may vary from approximately 0 to approximately 0.04 dry ounces, approximately 0.004 to approximately 0.02 dry ounces, approximately 0.008 to approximately 0.015 dry ounces, or approximately 0.010 to approximately 0.012 dry ounces per quart of the total PGR composition.The amount of auxin may vary from approximately 0.01 to approximately 0.134 dry ounces, approximately 0.01 to approximately 0.05 dry ounces, approximately 0.011 to approximately 0.04 dry ounces, approximately 0.011 to approximately 0.037 dry ounces, approximately 0.0112 dry ounces, approximately 0.02 dry ounces, approximately 0.04 dry ounces, or approximately 0.035 dry ounces per quart of the total PGR composition. The amount of gibberellin, such as gibberellic acid, can vary from approximately 0.01 to approximately 0.134 dry ounces, approximately 0.01 to approximately 0.05 dry ounces, approximately 0.011 to approximately 0.04 dry ounces, approximately 0.011 to approximately 0.037 dry ounces, approximately 0.0112 dry ounces, approximately 0.02 dry ounces, approximately 0.04 ounces. 1447962 of 40 dry ounces, or approximately 0.035 dry ounces per quart of the total PGR composition. For seed application specifically, the amount of cytokinin may vary from 0.02 to approximately 0.04 dry ounces, approximately 0.025 to approximately 0.035 dry ounces, approximately 0.028 to approximately 0.033 dry ounces, or approximately 0.03 to approximately 0.032 dry ounces per quart of total PGR composition. The amount of auxin may vary from approximately 0 to approximately 0.02 dry ounces, approximately 0.004 to approximately 0.016 dry ounces, approximately 0.008 to approximately 0.014 dry ounces, or approximately 0.010 to approximately 0.012 dry ounces per quart of the total PGR composition.The amount of gibberellin, for example, gibberellic acid, can vary from approximately 0.006 to approximately 0.026 dry ounces, from approximately 0.01 to approximately 0.02 dry ounces, from approximately 0.01 to approximately 0.012 dry ounces, from approximately 0.014 to approximately 0.018 dry ounces, or from approximately 0.015 to approximately 0.017 dry ounces per quart of the total PGR composition.

[034] PGR compositions can be used for seed treatment, furrow application, and / or foliar application. For furrow application, a PGR composition can be applied to the growing medium, e.g., soil, in which the seed is planted. Furrow application can be achieved using a drip irrigation system. 1447962 of 40 rows that administers the PGR composition mixed with water. In some examples, a PGR composition comprising a combination of active components including approximately 50 to approximately 90% by weight of auxin, approximately 10 to approximately 48% by weight of gibberellic acid, and approximately 0 to approximately 15% by weight of cytokinin can be applied equally within each row of soil and / or growing medium in which each plant seed, e.g., corn seed, is sown. The application of the PGR composition to seeds or in rows can be done prior to germination.

[035] For seed application, a PGR composition can be applied to plant seeds, for example by spraying, so that the seeds are totally or substantially coated with the PGR composition. The PGR composition can be applied to seeds in production environments, and the seeds can then be provided to a planting site, or the plant growth composition can be applied to seeds at the planting site. In some examples, a PGR composition comprising a combination of active components including approximately 55 to approximately 90% by weight of auxin, approximately 1 to approximately 20% by weight of gibberellin, and approximately 0 to approximately 20% by weight of cytokinin can be applied equally to each plant seed. 1447962 of 40

[036] For foliar application, a PGR composition can be applied directly to the leaves, stem, and / or flowers of each growing plant. In some examples, a PGR composition comprising a combination of active components including approximately 55 to approximately 90% by weight of auxin, approximately 1 to approximately 20% by weight of gibberellin, and approximately 0 to approximately 20% by weight of cytokinin can be applied equally to each plant. In some examples, foliar application of the PGR composition can be employed at or before the V4 growth stage, while further embodiments can continue foliar application of the PGR composition after the V4 growth stage, for example, throughout V5, V6, V9, VT, or R1 growth stages.

[037] Foliar and / or furrow applications may also involve spraying treatment seeds, seedlings, and / or growing plants with a PGR composition. Use rates may vary depending on the application method and plant type. For example, approximately 4.7 to approximately 6.3 fl. oz. per acre may be used for furrow treatment of corn. For direct seed treatment, approximately 1.05 to 4.2 fl. oz. per hundredweight (cwt). Foliar application may involve applying approximately 10 ml of PGR solution to each plant. The PGR composition may be applied at consistent intervals, for example, daily or every 2 days, every 7 days, every 14 days, every 21 days, or any interval in between. 1447962 of 40 In some embodiments, plants or parts of plants, for example, roots, can be immersed in an aqueous solution of a PGR composition for a certain period of time.

[038] Improved plant performance achieved through the application of the PGR compositions described herein may include increased seedling vigor, increased yield response, increased plant height, increased root density, increased plant biomass, and / or increased bushels per acre compared to pre-existing PGR formulations. A yield improvement may be an increase in the average number of bushels / acre produced by plants treated with one or more of the described PGR compositions relative to the number of bushels / acre produced by plants treated with one or more pre-existing growth compositions. The increase per acre in bushels produced may range from approximately 1.5 to approximately 7.0. This effect may be observed in multiple locations, including locations where the average temperature at planting time is at least 60°F.The specific yield improvements achieved may depend on a variety of factors. For example, seeds from plants and / or seedlings treated with a PGR composition containing high amounts of auxin and gibberellic acid relative to cytokinin may eventually exhibit increases in plant height, leaf turgor, and / or the number of bushels of plants produced per acre relative to plants not treated with such a composition. 1447962 of 40 growth described. One or more of these improvements can be achieved early in plant development, for example around the V4 growth stage, and can continue throughout development.

[039] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method for enhancing plant growth carried out in accordance with the principles of this disclosure. Example Method 100 shows the steps that can be implemented, in any sequence, to enhance plant performance by applying a particular PGR composition. In additional examples, one or more of the steps shown in Method 100 may be supplemented or omitted. For example, in some examples, the enhanced plant growth achieved in step 106 can be accomplished before the plant reaches maturity.

[040] In the embodiment shown, Method 100 begins at Block 102 by “applying an in-furrow growth composition to maize plants or parts thereof.” As described in accordance with the embodiments described herein, the growth composition may include a mixture of inert compounds and a combination of active components consisting of an amount of auxin, an amount of gibberellin, and an amount of cytokinin. The amount of auxin may be greater than the amount of gibberellin, the amount of gibberellin may be greater than the amount of cytokinin, and the amount of cytokinin may range from approximately 0.1 to 10% by weight of the combination of active components. In some examples, the ratio of cytokinin to auxin in the combination of components The ratio of 40 active ingredients in the 1447962 mixture varies from approximately 1:10 to approximately 1:5, inclusive. Method 100 continues in block 104 by “growing corn plants at least to a vegetative growth stage.” The method continues in block 106 by “enhancing the growth of corn plants by increasing the number of bushels of plants produced per acre relative to corn plants not treated with the growth composition.”

[041] FIG. 2 is another flowchart of a method for improving plant growth carried out in accordance with the principles of this disclosure. Example Method 200 shows the steps that can be implemented, in any sequence, to improve plant performance by applying a particular PGR composition. In additional examples, one or more of the steps shown in Method 200 may be supplemented or omitted. For example, in some examples, the improved plant growth achieved in step 206 can be accomplished before the plant reaches maturity, e.g., before the plants reach the R6 growth stage.

[042] In the embodiment shown, Method 200 begins at block 202, “applying a growth composition to soybean seeds.” As described in accordance with the embodiments described herein, the growth composition may include a mixture of inert compounds and a combination of active components consisting of an amount of auxin, an amount of gibberellin, and an amount of cytokinin. The amount of auxin may be 1447962 of 40 greater than the amount of gibberellin, the amount of gibberellin may be less than the amount of cytokinin, and the amount of cytokinin may vary from approximately 10 to approximately 20% by weight of the active component combination in some examples. Method 200 continues in block 204 by “converting soybean seeds into vegetative soybean plants.” The method continues in block 206 by “enhancing the growth of soybean plants by increasing the number of bushels of plants produced per acre relative to soybean plants not treated with the growth composition.”

[043] The following experimental tests are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. EXAMPLES

[044] Field trials of maize plants

[045] The following field trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of single, bidirectional, and tridirectional PGR component mixtures on maize plant growth in response to separate foliar and in-furrow applications. The PGR formulations included mixtures of an auxin (IBA), a cytokinin (kinetin), and / or gibberellins. The best-performing PGR formulations were compared with each other and with pre-existing PGR formulations to eventually identify the optimal combination of auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellin(s) to enhance maize plant performance. 1447962 of 40

[046] Table 1 shows the proportion of cytokinin, auxin, and gibberellin included in each of Treatments 1–9. The proportion of each active component ranged from 0.0 to 0.67, totaling 1.0. As shown, Treatments 1–4 were evaluated by foliar application to growing maize plants, and Treatments 5–9 were evaluated by in-furrow application to maize seedlings. Notably, cytokinin constituted the smallest portion of each PGR formulation. The PGR formulations were either auxin-dominant, gibberellin-dominant, or contained equal proportions of auxin and gibberellin. Table 1 Treatment type of application CYK AUX GIB Active mixture 1 foliar 0.20 0.60 0.20 3-way dominant AUX 2 foliar 0.33 0.55 0.12 3-way dominant AUX 3 foliar 0.24 0.64 0.12 3-way dominant AUX 4 foliar 0.14 0.74 0.12 3-way dominant AUX 5 furrow 0.00 0.67 0.33 bidirectional AUX-GIB 6 furrow 0.00 0.33 0.67 bidirectional AUX-GIB 1447962 of 40 7th groove 0.20 0.20 0.60 3-way dominant GIB 8th groove 0.07 0.46 0.47 3-way AUX-GIB 9th groove 0.07 0.58 0.35 3-way dominant AUX

[047] By treating different maize plants separately with the PGR compositions represented in Table 1, the effects of various combinations of PGR active components were clarified and compared with pre-existing treatments of Ascend® SL or Ascend® Pro (each sold by Winfield® United). Ascend® SL includes a combination of active components consisting of approximately 0.090 wt% cytokinin (kinetin), approximately 0.030 wt% gibberellic acid, and approximately 0.045 wt% auxin (indole-3-butyric acid) based on the weight of the total PGR composition. Ascend® Pro includes a combination of active components consisting of 0.090% by weight of cytokinin (kinetin), approximately 0.030% by weight of gibberellins (GA4 + GA7) and approximately 0.045% by weight of auxin (indole-3-butyric acid) based on the total weight composition of the PGRs.The furrow treatment was determined to work best in improving plant performance and thus provided the most promising route for further evaluation. 1447962 of 40

[048] The results of applying Treatments 5-9 in furrows at 19 locations in the Midwest are shown below in Table 2. Each treatment was provided simultaneously with OptiStart® / Local Pro (sold by Winfield® United). Table 2 Treatment Mean effect Locations Gains % gain Average gain p-value 5 1.8 19 11 57.9 4.6 0.088 6 2.4 19 14 73.7 5.1 0.082 7 0.0 19 9 47.4 5.0 0.990 8 0.9 19 9 47.4 6.4 0.568 9 2.6 19 14 73.7 5.4 0.258

[049] Table 2 shows that Treatments 6 and 9 caused the highest average effect of experimental candidates in row based on the average number of bushels produced per acre by the plants in the study. Treatment 6 resulted in an average increase in the number of bushels produced per acre of +2.4 relative to Ascend® SL, and Treatment 9 resulted in an average increase in the number of bushels produced per acre of +2.6 relative to Ascend® SL. Success rates, defined by the number of locations where the treatments resulted in improvements in plant performance relative to Ascend® SL, were greater than 70% for both Treatment 6 and Treatment 9. For the locations where the 1447962 out of 40 test treatments outperformed Ascend® SL, the average marginal increase in plant yield measured over 5 bushels / acre.

[050] Treatments 6 and 9 were further evaluated by comparing the two formulations head-to-head. Each treatment was applied to the rows of corn plants at the same time as OptiStart® / Local Pro at 23 locations in the Midwest. As shown in Table 3 below, Treatment 9 outperformed Treatment 6 by producing more bushels per plant (+2.4) and generating higher profits (16 vs. 12) and a higher profit percentage (69.6%). Table 3 Treatment Mean effect Locations Gains % gain s Average gain p-value 6 0.0 23 12 52.2 7.1 0.994 9 2.4 23 16 69.6 6.7 0.237

[051] Based on the aforementioned results, Treatment 9 was selected for further testing, this time in conjunction with Ascend® Pro, applying the treatments in rows to separate corn plants at 23 locations across North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. OptiStart® / Local Pro was again provided concurrently with the treatments. The results are graphically represented in FIG. 3. Positive numbers on the map indicate locations where Treatment 9 outperformed Ascend® Pro, and negative numbers represent the 1,447,962 of 40 average difference in bushels / acre produced at each location. The piano roll on the right also shows the average effect (bushels / acre) at each location. The mark 0 on the y-axis represents an equal effect between Treatment 9 and Ascend® Pro, so positive bars represent locations where Treatment 9 outperformed Ascend® Pro. As shown in FIG. 3, Treatment 9 outperformed Ascend® Pro approximately 70% of the time by an average of +6.7 bushels / acre, or in 16 of the 23 locations used for testing. The average effect across all locations was +2.4 bushels in favor of Treatment 9.

[052] Treatment 9 was then evaluated in furrow against Ascend® Pro at 18 locations distributed across comparatively warmer areas in Nebraska, Kansas, Texas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The results are shown in Fig. 4, which, like Fig. 3, includes positive numbers on the map at locations where Treatment 9 outperformed Ascend® Pro. The graph on the right again shows the average effect (bushels / acre) at each location. As shown, Treatment 9 outperformed Ascend® Pro by an average of +2.3 bushels / acre at all locations, and in 67% of the locations where Treatment 9 outperformed Ascend® Pro, it did so by an average of +6.5 bushels / acre.

[053] Similar field trials were again conducted in exclusively warm environments to further determine the degree of 1447962 of 40 increase in corn plant yield caused by in-row application of Treatment 9 versus Ascend® Pro. To qualify as a warm environment, the temperature at each test site was at least 60°F at planting time. As shown in the graph in FIG. 5, Treatment 9 outperformed Ascend® Pro by an average of +2.9 bushels / acre, and in 10 of the 15 cases where Treatment 9 outperformed Ascend® Pro, it did so by an average of +6.5 bushels / acre. These results are consistent with the observation that Treatment 9 can consistently outperform Ascend® Pro in warm environments.

[054] Field trials with soybean plants

[055] The following field trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of three-way PGR component mixtures on soybean plant growth in response to seed application. The PGR formulations included mixtures of an auxin (IBA), a cytokinin (kinetin), and gibberellins. The best-performing PGR formulations were compared with each other and with pre-existing PGR formulations to eventually identify the optimal combination of auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellin(s) to enhance soybean plant performance.

[056] The new treatments 1 and 2 were evaluated against commercially available products, including Ascend® WSG, Warden® CX, Ascend® Pro and Ascend® SL (each sold by Winfield® United), by treating separate soybean seeds with one of each 1447962 of 40 PGR composition, growing the plants to at least one vegetative growth stage and counting the number of bushels produced per acre. Treatment 1 included a combination of active components of 74% by weight auxin, 14% by weight cytokinin, and 12% by weight gibberellin. Treatment 2 included a combination of active components of 47% by weight gibberellin, 46% by weight auxin, and 7% by weight cytokinin.

[057] As shown in FIG. 6, the application of Treatment 1 seeds resulted in the highest number of bushels / acre, at 64.7, which constituted a statistically significant marginal increase in bushels / acre compared to the other treatments. Warden® CX came in second, causing an average yield of 63.1 bushels / acre, followed by Treatment 2 and Warden® CX (62.8 bushels / acre).

[058] Treatment 1 was then combined with Warden® CX, and the resulting combination was evaluated against Warden® CX alone at 16 locations in South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. The results are shown in Fig. 7. As shown, the combination of Treatment 1 and Warden® CX outperformed Warden® CX by an average of +1.6 bushels / acre, outperforming Warden® CX at 62.5% of the locations. At the locations where the combination of Treatment 1 and Warden® CX outperformed Warden® CX, the average marginal increase in bushels / acre measured +3.4. These data indicate that the seed treatment application of Treatment 1, 1447962 of 40 alone or in combination with Warden® CX, can generate a significant increase in the number of bushels of soybeans produced per acre compared to pre-existing growth-promoting compositions.

[059] As used herein, the term “approximately” that modifies, for example, the amount of a component in a composition, concentration, and ranges thereof, employed to describe the methods of disclosure, refers to the variation in numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measurement and handling procedures used to make compounds, compositions, concentrates, or formulations for use; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the starting materials or components used to carry out the methods; and similar proximate considerations. The term “approximately” also encompasses quantities that differ due to the aging of a formulation with a particular starting concentration or mixture, and quantities that differ due to the blending or processing of a formulation with a particular starting concentration or mixture.When modified by the term “approximately”, the appended claims include equivalents to these quantities.

[060] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments, several features are sometimes grouped together into a single embodiment for the purpose of 1447962 of 40 simplify disclosure and aid in understanding one or more of the various aspects. However, these disclosure methods should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention for the statements to require more features than are expressly mentioned in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, inventive aspects are found in fewer than all the features of a single embodiment described above, and each embodiment described herein may contain more than one inventive feature.

[061] Although the present disclosure provides references to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 1447962 of 40 27140264879 SERRITELLI, CLAUDIA - 27140264879 Digitally signed by PORTALTRAM ITES - INPI Date: 2021.07.20 14:39:43 -03:00 Reason: Digitally Signed by the INPI Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Claims

1. A plant growth composition characterized in that it comprises: a mixture of inert compounds; and a combination of active components of an amount of auxin, an amount of gibberellin, and an amount of cytokinin, wherein the amount of auxin is dominant in the combination of active components, and wherein the ratio of cytokinin to auxin in the combination of active components is from 1:10.5 to 1:4.

5. Six claims follow.