Plant environmental stress tolerance improvement agent and environmental stress tolerance improvement method

Abstract

A plant environmental stress tolerance improvement agent including, as an active substance, a compound that is represented by the following formula (I), a tautomer thereof, or an agriculturally acceptable salt of either of these. (In formula (I), R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C1-4 alkyl group, and R3-R5 each independently represent a C1-4 alkyl group.)

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION: PLANT ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS TOLERANCE IMPROVEMENT AGENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS TOLERANCE IMPROVEMENT METHOD 5 [TECHNICAL FIELD]

[0001] The present invention relates to an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in plants and a method for improving environmental stress 10 tolerance. [BACKGROUND ART]

[0002] Environmental stresses such as global warming, drought and salt 15 damage adversely affect the survival of plants and therefore cause serious damage in agriculture. Since it is difficult or expensive to remove environmental stresses, there has been a need for an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in a wide range of plants. 20

[0003] Ergothioneine is known as a compound that may affect plant growth.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a fertilizer containing ergothioneine and a culture product of microorganisms that can biosynthesize ergothioneine. 25

[0005] Patent Document 2 reports that the growth of plants is promoted or the yield is increased by applying ergothioneine alone to plants.

[0006] Patent Document 3 reports that application of a microorganism extract containing ergothioneine as a fertilizer improves nitrogenase activity. 30 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0007] Patent Document 4 and Patent Document 5 report that application of glycine betaine to plants controls stress and related conditions of plants and promotes growth of plants. 5 [Citation List] [Patent Document]

[0008] Patent Document 1: JP 2018-130091 A 10 Patent Document 2: JP 2019-128636 A Patent Document 3: European Patent Application Publication No. 3696154 Patent Document 4: WO 96 / 14749 A Patent Document 5: WO 96 / 23413 A 15 [SUMMARY OF INVENTION]

[0009] Although various agents for improving environmental stress tolerance have been developed as described above, an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance that exhibits an improved effect is still 20 required. However, Patent Documents 1, 2 and 3 do not clearly describe the effect of improving environmental stress tolerance in plants. Patent Documents 4 and 5 also describe 2-mercaptohistidine betaine (ergothioneine) in addition to glycine betaine. However, there is no example relating to ergothioneine, and the effect is not confirmed. 25

[0010] An aspect of the present invention provides an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance and a method for improving environmental stress tolerance, which desirably are capable of effectively improving environmental stress tolerance in plants. 30 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0011] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an agent when used for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant, the agent comprising a compound represented by Formula (I) or its tautomer, or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient: wherein the 5 agent improves tolerance to at least one environmental stress selected from high temperature stress, freezing stress, excessive nutrient stress, ultraviolet stress and intense light stress, [Chem. 1] 10 (In Formula (I), R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R3 to R5 each 15 independently represent an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms).

[0012] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant, the method comprising treating a plant with the above-described agent for improving 20 environmental stress tolerance. [0012A] According to another aspect, there is provided an agent when used for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant, the agent comprising a compound represented by Formula (I) or its tautomer, or an agronomically 25 acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient: wherein the agent improves tolerance to at least one environmental stress selected from low temperature stress, salt stress and drying stress, and 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 the concentration of the active ingredient in a treatment solution to be applied to the plant is 0.1 mM to 1 mM, [Chem. 1] o r’n^^ NR2 NR3R*R5+ (|) 5 where in Formula (I), R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R3 to R5 each independently represent an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. 10 [0012B] According to another aspect, there is provided a method for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant, the method comprising treating a plant with the above-described agent for improving environmental stress tolerance. 15 [0012C] According to another aspect, there is provided an agent when used for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant, the agent comprising a compound represented by Formula (I) or its tautomer, or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient: 20          wherein the agent improves tolerance to excessive water stress, and the concentration of the active ingredient in a treatment solution to be applied to the plant is 0.1 mM, [Chem. 1] 25 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 where in Formula (I), R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R3 to R5 each independently represent an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. 5 [0012D] According to another aspect, there is provided a method for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant, the method comprising treating a plant with the above-described agent for improving environmental stress tolerance. 10 [DESIRABLE ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION]

[0013] According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance and a method 15 for improving environmental stress tolerance, which desirably are capable of effectively improving environmental stress tolerance in plants. [DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS] 20

[0014] [Agent for improving environmental stress tolerance] (Active ingredients) An agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the 25 present embodiment includes a compound represented by Formula (I) (hereinafter simply referred to as “compound (I)”) or its tautomer, or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient: [Chem. 2] 30 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 where in Formula (I), R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. R3 to R5 each 5 independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0015] The alkyl group may be linear or branched, that is, may be a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, a butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group or a tert-butyl group. 10

[0016] At least one of R1 and R2 is preferably a hydrogen atom, and more preferably both are hydrogen atoms. When R1 and R2 are alkyl groups, they are preferably methyl groups, ethyl groups or propyl groups, more preferably methyl groups or ethyl groups, and even more preferably methyl groups. 15

[0017] R3 to R5 are each preferably independently a methyl group, an ethyl group or a propyl group, more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, and even more preferably a methyl group. At least one of R3 to R5 is preferably a methyl group, more preferably at least two are methyl groups, 20 and even more preferably all are methyl groups.

[0018] “Its tautomer” refers to a tautomer of compound (I). Compound (I) has a tautomer when at least one of R1 and R2 is a hydrogen atom. More specifically, when R2 is a hydrogen atom in Formula (I), the compound represented by 25 Formula (II) below (hereinafter simply referred to as “compound (II)”) can exist as a tautomer. In addition, when R1 is a hydrogen atom in Formula (I), the compound represented by Formula (III) below (hereinafter simply referred to as 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 “compound (III)”) can exist as a tautomer. Compounds (II) and (III) are hereinafter collectively referred to simply as “tautomers”. [Chem. 3] where in Formulas (II) and (III), R1 to R5 are the same as R1 to R5 in Formula (I). 10

[0019] The preferred compound as compound (I) or its tautomer is specifically ergothioneine, and L-(+)-ergothioneine is more preferred.

[0020] As these compounds, commercially available compounds may be used, or those synthesized by a technique well known to those skilled in the art, for 15 example, a technique described in JP 2013-506706 T or JP 2006-160748 A may be used. Ergothioneine is known to be produced by bacteria and fungi. Examples of the production method using such a microorganism include the methods described in JP 2012-105618 A, JP 2014-223051 A, WO 2016 / 104437, WO 2016 / 121285, WO 2015 / 168112, and WO 2017 / 150304. As ergothioneine, a 20 culture containing ergothioneine obtained from these microorganisms may be used as it is, or ergothioneine may be concentrated or purified before use.

[0021] “Agronomically acceptable” normally means that it is safe, non-toxic, and not undesired biologically or otherwise, but it is acceptable for agricultural 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 use, especially for agricultural agents that improve environmental stress tolerance in plants.

[0022] The “agronomically acceptable salt” of compound (I) or its tautomer is 5 a salt that is agronomically acceptable as defined above, and refers to those capable of providing the action and effect of compound (I) or its tautomer. Examples of such salts include hydrates, solvates, acid addition salts, salts formed when the acidic proton present in compound (I) or its tautomer are replaced with metal ions, and salts formed when the acidic proton 10 coordinates with an organic base or an inorganic base.

[0023] The acid addition salt may be formed with an inorganic acid or an organic acid. Examples of the inorganic acids include hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid. Examples of the organic 15 acids include acetic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, benzoic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, citric acid, ethanesulfonic acid, fumaric acid, glucoheptonic acid, gluconic acid, glutamic acid, glycolic acid, hydroxynaphthoic acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, muconic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, propionic acid, 20 salicylic acid, succinic acid, dibenzoyl-L-tartaric acid, tartaric acid, p- toluenesulfonic acid, trimethylacetic acid, and trifluoroacetic acid.

[0024] Examples of the metal ion capable of substituting the acidic proton present in compound (I) or its tautomer include an alkali metal ion, an alkaline 25 earth metal ion, and an aluminum ion.

[0025] Examples of the organic base capable of coordinating with the acidic proton present in compound (I) or its tautomer include diethanolamine, ethanolamine, N-methylglucamine, triethanolamine, and tromethamine. 30 Examples of the inorganic base include aluminum hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, and sodium hydroxide. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0026] The agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the present embodiment includes compound (I) or its tautomer, or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient, thereby improving tolerance to environmental stress in a plant treated with the agent 5 as compared with a plant not treated with the agent.

[0027] In the present specification, “tolerance to environmental stress is improved” means that a physiological disorder caused by environmental stress is suppressed in a plant treated with the agent for improving 10 environmental stress tolerance according to the present embodiment as compared with a plant not treated with the agent.

[0028] Examples of the “index indicating that a physiological disorder caused by environmental stress has been suppressed” include an environmental 15 stress suppressing rate. The “environmental stress suppressing rate” is a rate at which a physiological disorder occurring in a plant after the plant has grown for a predetermined period in an environment in which environmental stress is applied is suppressed by treating the plant with the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the embodiment as compared 20 with a plant not treated with the agent. For example, in an environment in which environmental stress is applied, when the physiological disorder caused in a plant not treated with the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance is set to 100% and the physiological disorder caused in a plant treated with the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance is set to 20%, the 25 environmental stress suppressing rate is 80%. Regarding the “environmental stress suppressing rate”, the expression “tolerance to environmental stress is improved” means that the environmental stress suppressing rate is high.

[0029] Examples of the “index of physiological disorder” include, for example, 30 death, chlorosis (whitening or yellowing), necrosis, wilting, and the like in plants, for example, death, chlorosis (whitening or yellowing), necrosis, wilting, and the 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 like in leaves, but are not limited to those, and decreases in plant height, root length, number of flowers, number of fruits, seed yield, and the like.

[0030] As an example, the “plant mortality rate” is a percentage of the number 5 of plants that die after growing the plants for a predetermined period under predetermined conditions to the number of plants to be tested, and as an example, the mortality rate is 80% when 80 plants die after growing 100 plants for a predetermined period under predetermined conditions. Regarding the “plant mortality rate”, the expression “tolerance to 10 environmental stress is improved” means that a plant treated with the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the present embodiment has a lower mortality rate in an environment where environmental stress is applied than a plant not treated with the agent. 15

[0031] As an example, the “leaf mortality rate” is a percentage of the number of leaves that die after growing a plant to be tested for a predetermined period under predetermined conditions to the number of leaves of the plant, and as an example, the leaf mortality rate is 80% when 8 leaves die out of 10 leaves after growing the plant for a predetermined period under predetermined 20 conditions. Regarding the “leaf mortality rate”, the expression “tolerance to environmental stress is improved” means that a plant treated with the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the present embodiment has a lower mortality rate in an environment where environmental stress is applied than a plant not treated with the agent. 25

[0032] As an example, the “leaf whitening rate” is a percentage of the number of leaves that whiten after growing a plant to be tested for a predetermined period under predetermined conditions to the number of leaves of the plant, and as an example, the leaf whitening rate is 80% when 8 leaves whiten out 30 of 10 leaves after growing the plant for a predetermined period under predetermined conditions. Regarding the “leaf whitening rate”, the expression “tolerance to environmental stress is improved” means that a plant treated with 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the present embodiment has a lower leaf whitening rate in an environment where environmental stress is applied than a plant not treated with the agent. 5

[0033] As an example, the “leaf necrotizing rate” is a percentage of the area of leaves that necrotize after growing a plant to be tested for a predetermined period under predetermined conditions to the total leaf area of the plant, and as an example, the leaf necrotizing rate is 80% when the necrotized leaf area is 80 cm2 of the total leaf area of 100 cm2 after growing the plant for a predetermined period 10 under predetermined conditions. Regarding the “leaf necrotizing rate”, the expression “tolerance to environmental stress is improved” means that a plant treated with the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the present embodiment has a lower leaf necrotizing rate in an environment where environmental stress is applied than a plant not treated with the agent. 15

[0034] As an example, the “leaf wilting rate” is a percentage of the number of leaves that wilt after growing a plant to be tested for a predetermined period under predetermined conditions to the number of leaves of the plant, and as an example, the leaf wilting rate is 80% when 8 leaves wilt out of 10 leaves 20 after growing the plant for a predetermined period under predetermined conditions. Regarding the “leaf wilting rate”, the expression “tolerance to environmental stress is improved” means that a plant treated with the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the present embodiment has a lower leaf wilting rate in an environment where 25 environmental stress is applied than a plant not treated with the agent.

[0035] Regarding “plant height” as another example, the expression “tolerance to environmental stress is improved” means that a plant treated with the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the present 30 embodiment has a higher plant height in an environment where environmental stress is applied than a plant not treated with the agent. In addition, regarding “root length” as another example, the expression “tolerance to environmental 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 stress is improved” means that a plant treated with the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the present embodiment has a longer root length in an environment where environmental stress is applied than a plant not treated with the agent. Regarding the “number of flowers” as another 5 example, the expression “tolerance to environmental stress is improved” means that the number of flowers in a plant treated with the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the present embodiment is larger than that in a plant not treated with the agent in an environment where environmental stress is applied. Regarding the “number of fruits” as another 10 example, the expression “tolerance to environmental stress is improved” means that the number of fruits in a plant treated with the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the present embodiment is larger than that in a plant not treated with the agent under an environment in which environmental stress is applied. Regarding the “seed yield” as another example, 15 the expression “tolerance to environmental stress is improved” means that the seed yield of a plant treated with the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the present embodiment is higher than that of a plant not treated with the agent in an environment where environmental stress is applied. 20

[0036] In particular, a preferable embodiment is an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance for suppressing death, chlorosis (whitening or yellowing), necrosis, and wilting of plants or leaves due to environmental stress.

[0037] The term “environmental stress” as used herein refers to a factor that 25 inhibits normal growth among environmental factors to which a plant may be subjected. Examples thereof include high temperature stress, low temperature stress, freezing stress, salt stress, excessive nutrient stress, drying stress, excessive water stress, ultraviolet stress, weak light stress, and intense light stress. 30

[0038] These factors are basically conditions under which normal growth is difficult without treatment with the agent for improving environmental stress 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 tolerance according to the present embodiment. The term “normal growth” as used herein refers to a degree of growth in a state in which these factors do not affect the growth and the plant is not treated with the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the present embodiment. The 5 expression “normal growth is difficult” includes not only the case where the growth is difficult but also the case where the degree of growth is worse than that in the normal growth.

[0039] The agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the 10 present embodiment preferably includes compound (I) or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient. The agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the present embodiment may include a plurality of compounds among compound (I) and its tautomer, or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient. 15

[0040] Normally, in a solution, compound (I) and compound (II) or (III) can exist in equilibrium. The ratio of compound (I) to compound (II) or (III) can vary depending on the solvent, temperature, or pH. 20

[0041] (Applicable plant) The agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the present embodiment typically exhibits an environmental stress tolerance improving effect on all plants, and examples of applicable plants include the 25 following: Poaceae such as rice, wheat, barley, rye, oats, triticale, corn, sorghum, sugar cane, turf, bentgrass, bermudagrass, fescue, and ryegrass; Legumes such as soybean, peanut, kidney bean, pea, adzuki bean, and alfalfa; Convolvulaceae such as sweet potato; Solanaceae such as capsicum, sweet pepper, tomato, eggplant, potato, and tobacco; 30 Polygonaceae such as buckwheat; Asteraceae such as sunflower; Araliaceae such as ginseng; Brassicaceae such as rapeseed, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, turnip, cabbage, arugula, Japanese radish, and radish; 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 Chenopodiaceae such as sugar beet; Malvaceae such as cotton; Rubiaceae such as coffee tree; Sterculiaceae such as cacao; Theaceae such as tea; Cucurbitaceae such as watermelon, melon, cucumber, and pumpkin; Liliaceae such as onion, leek, and garlic; Rosaceae such as strawberry, 5 apple, almond, apricot, plum, yellow peach, Japanese plum, peach, and pear; Apiaceae such as carrot; Araceae such as taro; Anacardiaceae such as mango; Bromeliaceae such as pineapple; Caricaceae such as papaya; Ebenaceae such as persimmon; Ericaceae such as blueberry; Juglandaceae such as pecan; Musaceae such as banana; Oleaceae such as olive; Palmae 10 such as coconut and date; Rutaceae such as mandarin orange, orange, grapefruit, and lemon; Vitaceae such as grape; flowers and ornamental plants; trees other than fruit trees; and other ornamental plants.

[0042] Other examples include wild plants, cultivars, plants and cultivars bred 15 by conventional hybridizing or plasmogamy, and genetically recombinant plants and cultivars obtained by gene manipulation. Examples of genetically recombined plants and cultivars include herbicide-tolerant crops, pestresistant crops in which an insecticidal protein-producing gene has been recombined, pathogen-resistant crops in which a pathogen resistance 20 derivative-producing gene has been recombined, taste-improved crops, yield- improved crops, preservation-improved crops, and yield-improved crops. Examples of genetically recombined cultivar that has been approved in each country include those stored in the database of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA). Specific examples include 25 ones including registered trademark such as AgriSure, AgriSure 3000 GT, AgriSure 3122 E-Z Refuge, AgriSure 3122 Refuge Renew, AgriSure Artesian 3030 A, AgriSure Artesian 3011 A, AgriSure Duracade, AgriSure Duracade 5222 E-Z Refuge, AgriSure GT, AgriSure GT / CB / LL, AgriSure RW, AgriSure Viptera 3110, AgriSure Viptera 3111, AgriSure Viptera 3220 E-Z Refuge, 30 AgriSure Viptera 3220 Refuge Renew, BiteGard, Bollgard, Bollgard II, Bollgard II, Bollgard II / Roundup Ready, Bollgard 3 XtendFlex Cotton, Bollgard Cotton, Bollgard / Roundup Ready Cotton, B.t., B.t / BXN Cotton, B.t. Maize, BtXtra, 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 BXN, BXN Canola, BXN Cotton, Clearfield, DroughtGard, Enlist, Enlist Cotton, Enlist WideStrike 3 Cotton, Genuity, Genuity Bollgard II XtendFlex, Genuity Intacta RR2 Pro, Genuity SmartStax, Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete, Genuity VT Double Pro, Genuity VT Double Pro RIB Complete, Genuity VT 5 Triple Pro, Genuity VT Triple Pro RIB Complete, GlyTol, GlyTol Cotton, Herculex, Herculex 1, Herculex RW, Herculex XTRA, IMI, IMI Canola, InVigor, KnockOut, Liberty Link, Liberty Link Conola, Liberty Link cotton, NatureGard, Newleaf, Nucotn, Optimum, Optimum AcreMax, Optimum AcreMax I, Optimum AcreMax-R, Optimum AcreMax RW, Optimum AcreMax RW-R, Optimum 10 AcreMax Xtra-R, Optimum AcreMax Xtreme-R, Optimum AcreMax Xtreme, Optimum Intrasect, Optimum Intrasect Xtra, Optimum Intrasect Xtreme, Optimum Leptra, Optimum TRIsect, Poast Compatible, Powercore, Powercore Corn, Powercore Corn Refuge Advanced, Protecta, Roundup Ready, Roundup Ready 2, Roundup Ready Conola, Roundup Ready Cotton, Roundup Ready 15 Xtend, Roundup Ready / YieldGard, RR Flex / Bollgard II, SCS, SmartStax, SmartStax Refuge Advanced, StarLink, Twinlink, VipCot, VipCot Cotton, WideStrike, WideStrike 3, YieldGard, YieldGard Corn Borner, YieldGard Rootworm, YieldGard Plus, and YieldGard VT Triple. 20

[0043] (Formulation) The agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in the present embodiment is typically used by mixing compound (I) or a tautomer thereof as an active ingredient, or a mixture thereof with a carrier, a surfactant, other 25 formulation aids, or the like, and formulating the mixture into various forms such as dustable powders, granules, dust-granule mixtures, wettable powders, water soluble powders, emulsifiable concentrates, soluble concentrates, oil or oil miscible liquids, aerosols, microcapsule suspensions, pastes, liniments, smoke generators, gas generators, and ultra-low volume 30 formulations. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0044] Examples of the carrier to be used as a formulation aid include solid carriers and liquid carriers. Examples of the solid carrier include those used as powder carriers and granular carriers, such as minerals such as clay, talc, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, montmorillonite, bentonite, kaolinite, kaolin, 5    pyrophyllite, agalmatolite, acid clay, activated clay, attapulgite, attapulgite clay, limestone, calcite, marble, vermiculite, perlite, pumice, silica stone, silica sand, sericite and porcelain stone; synthetic organic substances such as urea; salts such as calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium sulfate, ammonium sulfate, potassium chloride, slaked lime, and baking soda; 10 synthetic inorganic substances such as amorphous silica (e.g., white carbon and fumed silica) and titanium dioxide; plant carriers such as wood flour, corn stalk (cob), walnut shell (nut shell), fruit core, rice hull, coconut shell, sawdust, bran, soy flour, powdered cellulose, starch, dextrin, and sugars (e.g., lactose and sucrose); and various polymeric carriers such as crosslinked lignin, cation gel, 15 gelatin gelated by heat or a polyvalent metal salt, water-soluble polymer gel (e.g., agar), chlorinated polyethylene, chlorinated polypropylene, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and urea-aldehyde resins.

[0045] Examples of the liquid carrier include aliphatic solvents such as 20 paraffins (normal paraffin, iso-paraffin, naphthene); aromatic solvents such as xylene, alkylbenzene, alkylnaphthalene, and solvent naphtha; mixed solvents such as kerosene; machine oils such as refined high-boiling point aliphatic hydrocarbons; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, and cyclohexanol; polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, 25 diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol; polyhydric alcohol derivatives such as propylene glycol ether; ketones such as acetone, acetophenone, cyclohexanone, methylcyclohexanone, and Y-butyrolactone; esters such as fatty acid methyl ester (coconut oil fatty acid methyl ester), ethylhexyl lactate, 30 propylene carbonate, dibasic acid methyl ester (succinic acid dimethyl ester, glutamic acid dimethyl ester, and adipic acid dimethyl ester); nitrogencontaining solvents such as N-alkylpyrrolidones and acetonitrile; sulfur- 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 containing solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide; oils and fats such as coconut oil, soybean oil, and rapeseed oil; amide solvents such as dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethyloctaneamide, N,N-dimethyldecaneamide, 5-(dimethylamino)-2-methyl-5-oxo-valeric acid methyl ester, and N- 5 acylmorpholine-based solvents (e.g., CAS No. 887947-29-7); and water.

[0046] Examples of the surfactant used as the formulation aid include nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, silicone surfactants, fluorosurfactants, and biosurfactants. 10 Examples of the nonionic surfactants include sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene resin acid ester, polyoxyethylene fatty acid diester, polyoxyethylene alkyl   ether, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene dialkyl phenyl ether, 15 polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether formalin condensate, polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene block polymer, alkyl polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene block polymer ether, alkyl phenyl polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene block polymer ether, polyoxyethylene alkylamine, polyoxyethylene fatty acid amide, polyoxyethylene fatty acid 20 bisphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene benzylphenyl (or phenylphenyl) ether, polyoxyethylene styrylphenyl (or phenylphenyl) ether, polyoxyethylene castor oil, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, and alkyl glycosides.

[0047] Examples of the anionic surfactants include sulfates such as alkyl 25 sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene benzyl (or styryl) phenyl (or phenylphenyl) ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene block polymer sulfates; sulfonates such as paraffin (alkane) sulfonates, a-olefin sulfonates, dialkyl sulfosuccinates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, mono- or dialkyl naphthalene sulfonates, naphthalene 30 sulfonate-formalin condensates, alkyl diphenyl ether disulfonates, lignin sulfonates, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether sulfonates, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfosuccinic acid half esters; carboxylates such as fatty acids, resin 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 acids, polycarboxylic acids, alkyl ether carboxylates, alkenyl succinic acids, N-acylamino acids, and naphthenic acids; and phosphates such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphates, polyoxyethylene mono- or dialkyl phenyl ether phosphates, polyoxyethylene benzyl (or styryl) phenyl (or 5 phenylphenyl) ether phosphates, polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene block polymer phosphates, and alkyl phosphates.

[0048] Examples of the cationic surfactants include salts of amines such as alkylamines and alkyl pentamethyl propylene diamines; salts of ammoniums such 10 as alkyltrimethylammoniums, methyl polyoxyethylene alkylammoniums, alkyl pyridiniums, mono- or di-alkyl methylated ammoniums, alkyl dimethyl benzalkoniums, and benzethonium (octylphenoxyethoxy ethyl dimethyl benzylammonium). 15

[0049] Examples of the amphoteric surfactant include dialkyldiamino ethyl betaine, alkyldimethyl benzyl betaine, and lecithin (e.g., phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine).

[0050] Examples of the silicone surfactant include trisiloxane ethoxylate. 20

[0051] Examples of the fluorosurfactant include perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, perfluoroalkyl sulfonates, and perfluoroalkyl trimethylammonium salts.

[0052] Examples of the biosurfactant include sophorolipids, rhamnolipids, 25 trehalose lipids, mannosyl alditol lipids, cellobiose lipids, glucose lipids, oligosaccharide fatty acid esters, spiculisporic acids, corynomycolic acids, agaricic acids, surfactins, serrawettins, viscosins, lichenysins, arthrofactins, emulsans, and alasans. 30

[0053] Examples of other formulation aids include inorganic salts used as pH adjusters (e.g., sodium and potassium); water-soluble salts such as common salt; xanthan gum, guar gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 carboxyvinyl polymers, acrylic polymers, polyvinyl alcohols, starch derivatives, water-soluble polymers (e.g., polysaccharides), alginic acid and salts thereof, which are used as thickeners; metal stearates, sodium tripolyphosphate, and sodium hexametaphosphate, which are used as disintegrating dispersants; 5 benzoic acid and salts thereof, sorbic acid and salts thereof, propionic acid and salts thereof, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, 1,2-benzothiazol-3-one, which are used as preservatives; sodium polyphosphate, sodium polyacrylate, sodium lignosulphonate, sodium citrate, sodium gluconate / glucoheptonate, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid and disodium 10 and ammonium salts thereof, which are used as sequesterants; pigments and dyes used as colorants, fluorine-based defoamers, silicone-based defoamers, and ethylene oxide / propylene oxide copolymers, which are used as defoamers; phenol-based antioxidants, amine-based antioxidants, sulfurbased antioxidants, and phosphoric acid-based antioxidants, which are used 15 as antioxidants; salicylic acid-based UV absorbers and benzophenone-based UV absorbers, which are used as UV absorbers; quicklime and magnesium oxide, which are used as desiccants; and other adjuvants and chemical damage reducers and deterioration inhibitors. 20

[0054] Some formulations are used as they are and some are diluted with a diluent such as water to a predetermined concentration before use. The concentration of compound (I) when diluted before use is preferably in the range from 0.0001 to 1 wt.%. The same applies to the tautomers of compound (I). 25

[0055] These formulations are prepared so that compound (I) is contained as an active ingredient in an amount of 0.1 to 90 wt.%, and more preferably 0.2 to 50 wt.%. The amount of compound (I) used is from 0.005 to 50 kg, and more preferably from 0.03 to 30 kg per 1 ha of agricultural and horticultural land such as fields, rice fields, orchards, and greenhouses. The same applies 30 to the tautomers of compound (I). Since the concentration and quantity used differ depending on the form of the agent, time of use, usage method, usage 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 location, target crops and the like, they may be increased or decreased without being limited to the above range.

[0056] (Other active ingredients) 5 The agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in the present embodiment may be used in combination with other known active ingredients to enhance the performance as an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance, or an effect different from the improvement of environmental stress 10 tolerance may imparted to the agent and used. Examples of the other known active ingredients include active ingredients contained in known agents for improving environmental stress tolerance, known plant growth regulators, fungicides, insecticides, miticides, nematicides, and herbicides. 15

[0057] Examples of the active ingredient of the known agent for improving environmental stress tolerance include seaweed extract, corn extract, microalgae, mycorrhizal fungus, humic acid, fulvic acid, oxidized glutathione, L-proline, glycine betaine, 5-aminolevulinic acid, 2-hexenal, trehalose, silicic acid, nicotinic acid, acetic acid, and ethanol. 20

[0058] Examples of the active ingredients of known plant growth regulators include aminoethoxyvinylglycine, chlormequat, chlorpropham, cyclanilide, dikegulac, daminozide, ethephon, flurprimidol, flumetralin, forchlorfenuron, gibberellin, mepiquat chloride, methylcyclopropene, benzylaminopurine, 25 paclobutrazol, prohexadione, thidiazuron, tributylphosphorotrithioate, trinexapac-ethyl, uniconazole, sodium 1-naphthaleneacetate, 1-naphthylacetamide, 1-methylcyclopropene, 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA), ethyl 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxybutyrate (MCPB), isoprothiolane, indole butyric acid, ethychlozate, calcium formate, chlormequat, choline, 30 cyanamide, dichlorprop, decyl alcohol, sorbitan trioleate, nicosulfuron, pyraflufen-ethyl, butralin, prohydrojasmon, anisiflupurin, and pendimethalin. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0059] Examples of the active ingredients suitable for use in fungicides include nucleic acids metabolism inhibitors, fungicides acting on cytoskelton and motor proteins, respiration inhibitors, amino acids and protein synthesis inhibitors, signal transduction inhibitors, lipid synthesis or transport / membrane integrity 5 or function inhibitors, sterol biosynthesis inhibitors, cell wall biosynthesis inhibitors, melanin synthesis inhibitors, host plant defence inducers, chemical multi-site inhibitors, and biologicals with multiple modes of action.

[0060] Examples of the nucleic acids metabolism inhibitors include benalaxyl, 10 benalaxyl-M or kiralaxyl, furalaxyl, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M or mefenoxam, ofurace, oxadixyl, bupirimate, dimethirimol, ethirimol, hymexazole, octhilinone, and oxolinic acid.

[0061] Examples of the fungicides acting on cytoskelton and motor proteins 15 include benomyl, carbendazim, fuberidazole, thiabendazole, thiophanate, thiophanate-methyl, diethofencarb, ethaboxam, pencycuron, zoxamide, fluopicolide, fluopimomide, phenamacril, metrafenone, and pyriofenone.

[0062] Examples of the respiration inhibitors include diflumetorim, fenazaquin, 20 tolfenpyrad, benodanil, benzovindiflupyr, bixafen, boscalid, carboxin, fenfuram, flubeneteram, fluindapyr, fluopyram, flutolanil, fluxapyroxad, furametpyr, inpyrfluxam, isofetamid, isoflucypram, isopyrazam, mepronil, oxycarboxin,   penflufen, penthiopyrad,   pydiflumetofen, pyrapropoyne, pyraziflumid,   sedaxane, thifluzamide, azoxystrobin, coumoxystrobin, 25 dimoxystrobin, enestrobin, enoxastrobin, famoxadone, fenamidone, fenaminstrobin, flufenoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin,     kresoxim-methyl, mandestrobin, metominostrobin, metyltetraprole, orysastrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyrametostrobin, pyraoxystrobin, pyribencarb, triclopyricarb, trifloxystrobin, amisulbrom, cyazofamid, fenpicoxamid, florylpicoxamid, 30 metarylpicoxamid, binapacryl, dinocap, fluazinam, meptyldinocap, fentin acetate, fentin chloride, fentin hydroxide, silthiofam, and ametoctradin. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0063] Examples of the amino acids and protein synthesis inhibitors include cyprodinil, mepanipyrim, pyrimethanil, blasticidin-S, kasugamycin, streptomycin, and oxytetracycline. 5

[0064] Examples of the signal transduction inhibitors include proquinazid, quinoxyfen, fludioxonil, chlozolinate, dimethachlone, fenpiclonil, iprodione, procymidone, and vinclozolin.

[0065] Examples of the lipid synthesis or transport / membrane integrity or 10 function inhibitors include edifenphos (EDDP), iprobenfos (IBP), isoprothiolane, pyrazophos, biphenyl, chloroneb, dicloran (CNA), etridiazole, quintozene (PCNB), tecnazene (TCNB), tolclofos-methyl, iodocarb, propamocarb, prothiocarb, extracts of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), plant oil mixtures (eugenol, geraniol, thymol), natamycin (pimaricin), fluoxapiprolin, 15 and oxathiapiprolin.

[0066] Examples of the sterol biosynthesis inhibitors include azaconazole, bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, diniconazole, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, fenbuconazole, fluoxytioconazole, 20 fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imazalil, imibenconazole, ipconazole, ipfentrifluconazole, mefentrifluconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, oxpoconazole, pefurazoate, penconazole, prochloraz, propiconazole, prothioconazole, simeconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triflumizole, triticonazole, fenarimol, nuarimol, 25 pyrifenox, pyrisoxazole, triforine, methyl (2RS)-2-[2-chloro-4-(4-chlorophenoxy)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propanoate, 1-((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-5-(4-chlorobenzyl)-2-(chloromethyl)-2- methylcyclopentan-1-ol,         methyl-2-((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-3-(4- chlorobenzyl)-2-hydroxy-1-methylcyclopentane-1-carboxylate, aldimorph, 30 dodemorph, fenpropimorph, tridemorph, fenpropidin, piperalin, spiroxamine, fenhexamid, fenpyrazamine, pyributicarb, naftifine, and terbinafine. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0067] Examples of the cell wall biosynthesis inhibitors include polyoxin, benthiavalicarb (benthiavalicarb-isopropyl), dimethomorph, flumorph, iprovalicarb, mandipropamid, pyrimorph, and valifenalate. 5

[0068] Examples of the melanin synthesis inhibitors include fthalide, pyroquilon, tricyclazole, carpropamid, diclocymet, fenoxanil, and tolprocarb.

[0069] Examples of the host plant defence inducers include acibenzolar-S-methyl, probenazole, tiadinil, isotianil, laminarin, Reynoutria sachalinensis 10 extracts, Bacillus mycoides isolate J, cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain LAS117, fosetyl (fosetyl-aluminum, fosetyl potassium, fosetyl sodium), phosphorous acid and salts thereof, and dichlobentiazox.

[0070] Examples of the chemical multi-site inhibitors include ferbam, 15 mancozeb, maneb, metiram, propineb, thiram, zinc thiazole, zineb, ziram, amobam, anilazine, dithianon, dichlofluanid, tolylfluanid, guazatine, iminoctadine acetate, iminoctadine albesilate, copper or various copper salts (e.g., copper oxychloride, copper(II) hydroxide, copper hydroxide sulfate, copper sulfate, organocopper (oxine-copper), nonyl phenol sulfonic acid 20 copper, DBEDC), sulfur, captan, captafol, folpet, chlorothalonil (TPN), quinoxaline (chinomethionat), fluoroimide, and methasulfocarb.

[0071] Examples of the biopesticides / agrochemicals of biological origin with multiple modes of action include Bacillus subtilis strain AFS032321, Bacillus 25 amyloliquefaciens strain QST713, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain FZB24, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain MBI600, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain F727, Clonostachys rosea strain CR-7, Gliocladium catenulatum strain J1446, Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain AFS009, Streptomyces griseoviridis strain K61, Streptomyces lydicus strain 30 WYEC108, Trichoderma atroviride strain I-1237, Trichoderma atroviride strain LU132, Trichoderma atroviride strain SC1,Trichoderma asperellum strain T34, 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 extracts from Swinglea glutinosa and extracts from the cotyledons of lupine plantlets (BLAD) lupin saplings.

[0072] Examples of other compounds for use in fungicides include 5 chloroinconazide, seboctylamine, flumetylsulforim, flufenoxadiazam, cyflufenamid, cymoxanil, diclomezine, dipymetitrone, dodine, fenitropan, ferimzone, flusulfamide, flutianil, harpin, inorganic salts (hydrogencarbonates (sodium hydrogencarbonate, potassium hydrogencarbonate), potassium carbonate), ipflufenoquin, KINOPROL, materials of biological origin, machine 10 oils, organic oils, picarbutrazox, pyridachlometyl, quinofumelin, tebufloquin, tecloftalam (bactericides), triazoxide, validamycin, aminopyrifene, and shiitake mycelium mycelia extracts.

[0073] Examples of the active ingredients suitable for use in insecticides include 15 acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, GABA-gated chloride channel blockers, sodium channel modulators, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulators, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric modulators, glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluCl) allosteric modulators, juvenile hormone mimics, miscellaneous non-specific (multi-site) inhibitors, chordotonal organ 20 TRPV channel modulators, mite growth inhibitors affecting CHS1, microbial disruptors of insect midgut membranes, inhibitors of mitochondrial ATP synthase, uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation via disruption of the proton gradient, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channel blockers, inhibitors of chitin biosynthesis affecting CHS1, inhibitors of chitin biosynthesis (type 1), molting 25 disruptors (Dipteran), ecdysone receptor agonists, octopamine receptor agonists, mitochondrial complex III electron transport inhibitors, mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors (METI), voltage-dependent sodium channel blockers, inhibitors of acetyl CoA carboxylase, mitochondrial complex IV electron transport inhibitors, mitochondrial complex II electron transport inhibitors, ryanodine 30 receptor modulators, chordotonal organ modulators, GABA-gated chloride channel allosteric modulators, and baculoviruses. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0074] Examples of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors include alanycarb, aldicarb, bendiocarb, benfuracarb, butocarboxim, butoxycarboxim, carbaryl (NAC), carbofuran, carbosulfan, ethiofencarb, fenobucarb (BPMC), fenothiocarb, formetanate, furathiocarb, isoprocarb 5 (MIPC), methiocarb, methomyl, metolcarb (MTMC), oxamyl, pirimicarb, propoxur (PHC), thiodicarb, thiofanox, triazamate, trimethacarb, XMC, xylylcarb (MPMC), acephate, azamethiphos, azinphos-ethyl, azinphos-methyl, cadusafos, chlorethoxyfos, chlorfenvinphos (CVP), chlormephos, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, coumaphos, cyanophos (CYAP), demeton- 10 S-methyl, diazinon, dichlorvos (DDVP), dicrotophos, dimethoate, dimethylvinphos, ethylthiomethon (disulfoton), EPN, ethion, ethoprophos, famphur, fenamiphos, fenitrothion (MEP), fenthion (MPP), fosthiazate, heptenophos, imicyafos, isofenphos, isopropyl O-(methoxyaminothiophosphoryl)salicylate, isoxathion, malathon (malathion), 15 mecarbam, methamidophos, methidathion (DMTP), mevinphos, monocrotophos, naled (BRP), omethoate, oxydemeton-methyl, parathion, methyl parathion (parathion-methyl), phenthoate (PAP), phorate, phosalone, phosmet (PMP), phosphamidon, phoxim, pirimiphos-methyl, profenofos, propetamphos, prothiofos, pyraclofos, pyridaphenthion, quinalphos, sulfotep, 20 tebupirimfos, temephos, terbufos, tetrachlorvinphos (CVMP), thiometon, triazophos, trichlorfon (DEP), and vamidothion.

[0075] Examples of the GABA-gated chloride channel blockers include chlordane, benzoepin (endosulfan), dienochlor, ethiprole, fipronil, pyriprole, 25 and nicofluprole.

[0076] Examples of the sodium channel modulators include acrinathrin, allethrin (d-cis-trans-allethrin, d-trans-allethrin), bifenthrin, bioallethrin (bioallethrin, S-cyclopentenyl-isomers), bioresmethrin, chloroprallethrin, 30 chlorfenson, cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin (cyfluthrin, p-isomers), cyhalothrin (cyhalothrin, A-, Y—isomers), cypermethrin (cypermethrin, a-, p-, 0-, Z—isomers), cyphenothrin [(1R)-trans-isomers], deltamethrin, dimefluthrin, empenthrin 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 [(EZ)-(1R)-isomers], esfenvalerate, etofenprox, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, flubrocythrinate, flucythrinate, flumethrin, fluvalinate (T-fluvalinate), halfenprox, imiprothrin, kadethrine, metofluthrin, momfluorothrin, epsilon-metofluthrin, epsilon-momfluorothrin, permethrin, phenothrin [(1R)-trans isomer], 5 prallethrin, profluthrin, pyrethrin, resmethrin, silafluofen, tefluthrin, phthalthrin (tetramethrin), tetramethrin [(1R)-isomers], tralomethrin, transfluthrin, DDT, methoxychlor, aldrin, dieldrin, and lindane (lindene).

[0077] Examples of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive 10 modulators include acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, nicotine sulfate (nicotine), sulfoxaflor, flupyradifurone, dicloromezotiaz, fenmezoditiaz, and triflumezopyrim.

[0078] Examples of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric 15 modulators include spinetoram, spinosad, flupyrimin, and GS-omega / kappa HXTX-Hv1a peptide.

[0079] Examples of the glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluCl) allosteric modulators include abamectin, emamectin benzoate, lepimectin, and 20 milbemectin.

[0080] Examples of the juvenile hormone mimics include hydroprene, kinoprene, methoprene, fenoxycarb, and pyriproxyfen. 25

[0081] Examples of miscellaneous nonspecific (multi-site) inhibitors include methyl bromide, other alkyl halides, chloropicrin, sodium aluminum fluoride, sulfuryl fluoride, borax, boric acid, disodium octaborate, sodium metaborate, tartar emetic, dazomet, carbam (metam-ammonium), metam-sodium (carbam sodium), and methyl isothiocyanate. 30

[0082] Examples of the chordotonal organ TRPV channel modulators include pymetrozine, pyrifluquinazon, and afidopyropen. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0083] Examples of the mite growth inhibitors affecting CHS1 include clofentezine, diflovidazin, hexythiazox, and etoxazole. 5

[0084] Examples of the microbial disruptors of insect midgut membranes include Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. tenebrionis, proteins contained in B. t. crops (Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1Fa, Cry1A. 105, Cry2Ab, Vip3A, mCry3A, Cry3Bb, Cry34Ab1 / Cry35Ab1), and Bacillus sphaericus. 10

[0085] Examples of the inhibitors of mitochondrial ATP synthase include diafenthiuron, azocyclotin, tricyclohexyltin hydroxide (cyhexatin), fenbutatin oxide, propargite (BPPS), and tetradifon. 15

[0086] Examples of the uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation via disruption of proton gradient include chlorfenapyr, DNOC, and sulfluramid.

[0087] Examples of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channel blockers include bensultap, cartap hydrochloride, thiocyclam, thiosultap 20 sodium, and monosultap.

[0088] Examples of the inhibitors of chitin biosynthesis affecting CHS1 include bistrifluron, chlorfluazuron, diflubenzuron,    flucycloxuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, novaluron,   noviflumuron, 25 teflubenzuron, and triflumuron.

[0089] Examples of the inhibitors of chitin biosynthesis (type 1) include buprofezin. 30

[0090] Examples of the molting disruptors (Dipteran) include cyromazine. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0091] Examples of the ecdysone receptor agonists include chromafenozide, halofenozide, methoxyfenozide, and tebufenozide.

[0092] Examples of the octopamine receptor agonists include amitraz. 5

[0093] Examples of the mitochondrial complex III electron transport inhibitors include hydramethylnon, acequinocyl, fluacrypyrim, flupyroxystrobin, and bifenazate. 10

[0094] Examples of the mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors (METI) include fenazaquin, fenpyroximate, pyridaben, pyrimidifen, tebufenpyrad, tolfenpyrad, and derris (rotenone).

[0095] Examples of the voltage-dependent sodium channel blockers include 15 indoxacarb and metaflumizone.

[0096] Examples of the inhibitors of acetyl CoA carboxylase include spirodiclofen, spiromesifen, spiropidion, spidoxamat, spirobudifen, and spirotetramat. 20

[0097] Examples of the mitochondrial complex IV electron transport inhibitors include aluminum phosphide, calcium phosphide, phosphine, zinc phosphide, prussic acid (calcium cyanide, sodium cyanide), and potassium cyanide.

[0098] Examples of the mitochondrial complex II electron transport inhibitors 25 include cyenopyrafen, cyetpyrafen, cyflumetofen, pyflubumide, and cyclobutrifluram.

[0099] Examples of the ryanodine receptor modulators include chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, cyclaniliprole, flubendiamide, tetraniliprole, fluchlordiniliprole, 30 chlorantraniliprole, tetrachlorantraniliprole, cyhalodiamide, and cyproflanilide.

[0100] Examples of the chordotonal organ modulators include flonicamid. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0101] Examples of the GABA-gated chloride channel allosteric modulators include broflanilide, fluxametamide, and isocycloseram. 5

[0102] Examples of the baculoviruses include codling moth (Cydia pomonella) GV, false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) GV, velvetbean caterpillar (Anticarsis gemmatalis) MNPV, and cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) NPV.

[0103] Examples of other insecticides, miticides, and nematicides include 10 azadirachtin, benzomate (benzoximate), phenisobromolate (bromopropylate), quinoxaline system (chinomethionate), kelthane (dicofol), lime sulfur, mancozeb, pyridalyl, sulfur, acynonapyr, amidoflumet, benzpyrimoxan, fluazaindolizine, fluensulfone, fluhexafon, flupentiofenox,   flometoquin, metaldehyde, tyclopyrazoflor, dimpropyridaz, trifluenfuronate, 15 indazapyroxamet, sulfiflumin, Burkholderia spp., Wolbachia pipientis (Zap), Chenopodium ambrosioides near ambrosioides extracts, fatty acid monoesters with glycerol or propanediol, neem oil, machine oil, rapeseed oil, blended oils (safflower and cottonseed oil), starch, saccharified reduced starch, sodium oleate, ferric phosphate, nemadectin, Beauveria bassiana strains, Metarhizium 20 anisopliae strain (F52), Paecilomyces fumosoroseus Apopka strain (97), diatomaceous earth, dichlorodiisopropyl ether (DCIP), 1,3-dichloropropene (DD), levamisole hydrochloride, morantel tartrate, and tioxazafen.

[0104] Examples of effective components suitable for herbicidal use include 25 acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor compounds, amino acid compounds, cyclohexanedione compounds, acetamide compounds, bipyridinium compounds, allyloxyphenoxypropionic acid compounds, carbamates compounds, pyridine compounds, urea compounds, dinitroaniline compounds, protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor compounds, 30 phenoxyacetic acid compounds, hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase enzyme (HPPD) inhibitor compounds, and triazine compounds. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0105] Examples of the acetolactate synthesis (ALS) inhibitor compounds include imazamethabenz and imazamethabenz-methyl, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazethapyr, amidosulfuron, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron and bensulfuron-methyl, chlorimuron and chlorimuron-methyl, chlorimuron- 5 ethyl, chlorsulfuron, cinosulfuron, cyclosulfamuron, ethametsulfuron and ethametsulfuron-methyl, ethoxysulfuron, flazasulfuron, flucetosulfuron, flupyrsulfuron, flupyrsulfuron-methyl and salts thereof, foramsulfuron, halosulfuron, halosulfuron-methyl, imazosulfuron, iodosulfuron and salts thereof, iodosulfuron-methyl and salts thereof, mesosulfuron, mesosulfuron- 10 methyl, metazosulfuron, metsulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl, nicosulfuron, oxasulfuron, primisulfuron, primisulfuron-methyl, propyrisulfuron, prosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, rimsulfuron,     sulfometuron, sulfometuron-methyl, sulfosulfuron, thifensulfuron, thifensulfuron-methyl, triasulfuron, tribenuron, tribenuron-methyl, trifloxysulfuron and salts thereof, 15 triflusulfuron, triflusulfuron-methyl, tritosulfuron, imazamethabenz, bispyribac-sodium, cloransulam, cloransulam-methyl, diclosulam,   florasulam, flucarbazone and salts thereof, flumetsulam, metosulam, orthosulfamuron, penoxsulam, pyroxsulam, propoxycarbazone and salts thereof, pyribenzoxim, pyriftalid, pyriminobac-methyl, pyrimisulfan, pyrithiobac and salts thereof, 20 pyroxsulam, thiencarbazone, thiencarbazone-methyl, and triafamone.

[0106] Examples of the amino acid compounds include bialaphos and salts thereof, glufosinate and salts thereof, glufosinate P and salts thereof, and glyphosate and salts thereof. 25

[0107] Examples of the cyclohexanedione compounds include alloxydim, butroxydim, clethodim, cloproxydim, cycloxydim, profoxydim, sethoxydim, tepraloxydim, and tralkoxydim. 30

[0108] Examples of the acetamide compounds include napropamide, dimethachlor, pethoxamid, acetochlor, alachlor, allidochlor (CDAA), butenachlor, delachlor, diethatyl-ethyl, propisochlor, prynachlor, butachlor, 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 dimethenamid, dimethenamid-P, metazachlor, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, pretilachlor, propachlor, thenylchlor, flufenacet, and mefenacet.

[0109] Examples of the bipyridinium compounds include cyperquat, 5 morfamquat, diquat, and paraquat.

[0110] Examples of the allyloxyphenoxypropionic acid compounds include clodinafop, clodinafop-propargyl, clofop, cyhalofop-butyl, diclofop, diclofop-methyl, diclofop-P-methyl, fenoxaprop, fenoxaprop-ethyl, fenoxaprop-P-10 ethyl, fluazifop, fluazifop-butyl, fluazifop-P-butyl, haloxyfop, haloxyfop-methyl, haloxyfop-P-methyl, isoxapyrifop, metamifop, propaquizafop, quizalofop, quizalofop-ethyl, quizalofop-P-ethyl, and quizalofop-P-tefuryl.

[0111] Examples of the carbamate compounds include asulam, carbetamide, 15 desmedipham, chlorprocarb, phenisopham, cycloate, dimepiperate, pebulate, tiocarbazil, vernolate, barban, chlorbufam, chlorpropham, propham, swep, phenmedipham, butylate, EPTC, esprocarb, molinate, orbencarb, prosulfocarb, pyributicarb, thiobencarb (benthiocarb) and tri-allate. 20

[0112] Examples of the pyridine compounds include aminopyralid, clopyralid, diflufenican, dithiopyr, fluridone, fluroxypyr, halauxifen, florpyrauxifen, picloram and salts thereof, picolinafen, thiazopyr, and triclopyr and salts thereof.

[0113] Examples of the urea compounds include benzothiazolone, bromuron, 25 buturon, chlorbromuron, chloroxuron, difenoxuron, dimefuron, ethidimuron, fenuron, fluothiuron, metobenzuron, metobromuron, metoxuron, monolinuron, monuron (CMU), neburon, parafluron, siduron, thiazafluron, chlorotoluron, dymron, diuron (DCMU), fluometuron, isoproturon, linuron, methabenzthiazuron, tebuthiuron, cumyluron, karbutilate, and isouron. 30 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0114] Examples of the dinitroaniline compounds include benfluralin (bethrodine), butralin, dinitramine, ethalfluralin, fluchloralin, isopropalin, nitralin, profluralin, oryzalin, pendimethalin, prodiamine, and trifluralin. 5

[0115] Examples of the protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor compounds include acifluorfen, aclonifen, azafenidin, bifenox, chlomethoxynil, ethoxyfen, ethoxyfen-ethyl, fomesafen, fluazolate, fluoroglycofen, fluoroglycofen-ethyl, halosafen, lactofen, oxyfluorfen, butafenacil, epyrifenacil, chlornitrofen (CNP), fluorodifen, fluoronitrofen 10   (CFNP), nitrofen   (NIP), oxyfluorfen, chlorphthalim, flumipropyn, carfentrazone, carfentrazone-ethyl, cinidon-ethyl, flumiclorac-pentyl, flumioxazin, fluthiacet, fluthiacet-methyl, oxadiargyl, oxadiazon, pentoxazone, pyraclonil, pyraflufen, pyraflufen-ethyl, saflufenacil, sulfentrazone, thidiazimin, benzfendizone, profluazol, and flufenpyr-ethyl. 15

[0116] Examples of the phenoxyacetic acid compound include 2,4,5-T, 2,4-D and salts thereof, 2,4-DB and salts thereof, clomeprop, dichlorprop, fenoprop, MCPA and salts thereof, MCPB and salts thereof, mecoprop (MCPP) and salts thereof, and mecoprop-P and salts thereof. 20

[0117] Examples of the hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase enzyme (HPPD) inhibitor compounds include benzobicyclon, benzofenap, bicyclopyrone, isoxaflutol, mesotrione, pyrasulfotol, pyrazolynate (pyrazolate), pyrazoxyfen, sulcotrione, tefuryltrione, tembotrione, topramezone, fenquinotrione, and 25 tolpyralate.

[0118] Examples of the triazine compound include atraton, aziprotryn, chlorazine, cyprazine, desmetryn, dipropetryn, eglinazine-ethyl, ipazine, methoprotryne, procyazine, proglinazine, prometon, propazine, sebuthylazine, 30 secbumeton, terbumeton, trietazine, ametryn, atrazine,   cyanazine, dimethametryn, hexazinone, indaziflam, metamitron, metribuzin, prometryn, simazine (CAT), simetryn, terbuthylazine, terbutryn, and triaziflam. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0119] Examples of other compounds for herbicidal use include amicarbazone, ethiozin, isomethiozin, aminocyclopyrachlor, aminotriazole, anilofos, piperophos, beflubutamid, benazolin, benfuresate, bentazone, bromacil, isocil, 5 bromobutide, bromofenoxim, bromoxynil, butamifos, DMPA, chlorthal-dimethyl (TCTP), cafenstrole, chloridazon (PAC), brompyrazon, chlorthal, clomazone, cumyluron, dicamba (MDBA) and salts thereof, chloramben, 2,3,8-TBA (TCBA), benazolin-ethyl, chlorfenac, chlorfenprop, dichlobenil (DBN), chlorthiamid (DCBN), cinmethylin, methiozolin, amitrol, flamprop-M, fosamine, 10 methyldymron, monalide, MSMA, difenzoquat, diflufenzopyr, endothall and salts thereof, ethofumesate, etobenzanid, fenoxasulfone, fentrazamide, flupoxam, fluorochloridone, flurtamone, indanofan, tridiphane, ioxynil, ipfencarbazone, isoxaben, triaziflam, lenacil, methylarsonic acid, naptalam, flurochloridone, norflurazon, oxaziclomefone, pinoxaden, chloranocryl=dicryl, 15 pentanochlor (CMMP), propanil, propyzamide, pyridate, pyroxasulfone, promacyl, quinclorac, quinmerac, quinoclamine, terbacil, cyclopyrimorate, florpyrauxifen-benzyl, lancotrione and salts thereof, cyclopyranil, bixlozone, tetflupyrolimet, dimesulfazet, dinosam, dinoseb (DNBP), DNOC, dinoterb, etinofen, medinoterb, DSMA, cacodylic acid, diphenamid, naproanilide, 20 tebutam, bensulide, dalapon, TCA, mefluidide, perfluidone, CAMA, tiafenacil, trifludimoxazin, rimisoxafen, fenpyrazone, dioxopyritrione, cypyrafluone, bipyrazone, benquitrione, fluchloraminopyr, pyriflubenzoxim, flufenoximacil, iptriazopyrid, flusulfamide, broclozone, indolauxipyr, icafolin, pyraquinate, tetrapion (flupropanate) and salts thereof, and d-limonene. 25

[0120] [Method for improving environmental stress tolerance in plant] The agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in the present embodiment may be used, for example, in cultivated lands such as fields, 30 paddy fields, lawns, and orchards or non-cultivated lands. The agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in the present embodiment can be used by all methods of application, such as foliar application, mixing into 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 water supply, spraying on soil, injecting into subsoil using an injector, seed treatment including treatment of bulbs and tubers, and direct application to plants. Thus, a method for improving environmental stress tolerance in the present embodiment includes a procedure for application using the above- 5 described agent for improving environmental stress tolerance.

[0121] In the case of application by mixing into water supply, for example, water is fed to the crop, or the water surface of a paddy field may be treated with granules or the like. In one example, the concentration of the active 10 ingredient in the feed water is from 0.5 to 500 mg / L, and preferably from 1 to 300 mg / L. The amount of the active ingredient used when administered to paddy water is, for example, from 0.5 to 5000 g, and preferably from 3 to 3000 g per 10a of paddy field. 15

[0122] In the case of application by foliar application or spraying on soil, a planting hole or the vicinity thereof may be treated with granules or the like in the transplantation of seedling or the like, or seeds, plants or the earth around a plant may be treated with granules, a wettable power, or the like. In addition, it may be preferable to mix with soil after spraying on the soil. The 20 amount of the active ingredient used for foliar application or spraying on soil surface is, for example, from 0.5 to 5000 mg, and preferably from 3 to 3000 mg per 1 m2 of agricultural and horticultural land.

[0123] In seed treatment, the agent is applied to the seeds by mixing and 25 stirring a wettable powder and a dustable powder with the seeds or by dipping the seeds in a diluted wettable powder. Seed treatments also include seed coating treatments. The amount of active ingredients used in the case of seed treatment is, for example, from 0.005 to 10000 g, and preferably from 0.05 to 1000 g per 100 kg of the seeds. Seeds treated with agricultural or horticultural 30 chemicals can be used in the same way as common seeds. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0124] Additionally, since the concentration and amount used differ depending on the form of the agent, time of use, usage method, usage location, target crops and the like, they may be increased or decreased without being limited to the above range. As described above, compound (I) 5 and its tautomer exhibit an excellent environmental stress tolerance improving effect on a wide range of plants.

[0125] [Use of agent for improving environmental stress tolerance] 10 The agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in the present embodiment exhibits an excellent environmental stress tolerance improving effect in treated plants, as described above.

[0126] [Summary] 15 As described above, an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance of Aspect 1 according to the present invention includes a compound represented by Formula (I) or its tautomer, or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient: 20 [Chem. 4] 25 In Formula (I), R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R3 to R5 each independently represent an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0127] In an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant of Aspect 2 according to the present invention, in Aspect 1, the compound represented by Formula (I) is preferably ergothioneine. 5

[0128] An agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant of Aspect 3 according to the present invention, in Aspect 1 or 2, preferably improves tolerance to at least one environmental stress selected from high temperature stress, low temperature stress, freezing stress, salt stress, excessive nutrient stress, drying stress, excessive water stress, ultraviolet 10 stress, weak light stress, and intense light stress.

[0129] In an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant of Aspect 4 according to the present invention, in any one of Aspects 1 to 3, the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance is an agent for improving 15 salt stress tolerance.

[0130] In an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant of Aspect 5 according to the present invention, in any one of Aspects 1 to 3, the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance is an agent for improving 20 drying stress tolerance.

[0131] In an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant of Aspect 6 according to the present invention, in any one of Aspects 1 to 3, the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance is an agent for improving 25 high temperature stress tolerance.

[0132] In an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant of Aspect 7 according to the present invention, in any one of Aspects 1 to 3, the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance is an agent for improving 30 excessive nutrient stress tolerance. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0133] In an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant of Aspect 8 according to the present invention, in any one of Aspects 1 to 3, the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance is an agent for improving excessive water stress tolerance. 5

[0134] In an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant of Aspect 9 according to the present invention, in any one of Aspects 1 to 3, the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance is an agent for improving ultraviolet stress tolerance. 10

[0135] In an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant of Aspect 10 according to the present invention, in any one of Aspects 1 to 3, the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance is an agent for improving intense light stress tolerance. 15

[0136] In an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant of Aspect 11 according to the present invention, in any one of Aspects 1 to 3, the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance is an agent for improving freezing stress tolerance. 20

[0137] In an agent for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant of Aspect 12 according to the present invention, in any one of Aspects 1 to 3, the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance is an agent for improving low temperature stress tolerance. 25

[0138] A method for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant of Aspect 13 according to the present invention includes treating a plant with the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance described in any one of Aspects 1 to 12. 30

[0139] Embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail using the examples below. Needless to say, the present invention is not 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 limited to the following examples, and details of the present invention can be in various manners. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it may be varied in various ways within the scope of the claims. Thus, an embodiment achieved by appropriately 5 combining technical means described herein will be included in the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, the contents of all the literatures referred herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [EXAMPLES] 10

[0140] Hereinafter, the effect of the agent for improving environmental stress tolerance according to the present embodiment will be described using L-(+)-ergothioneine. In the following description, glycine betaine which is a compound different from the agent for improving environmental stress 15 tolerance according to the present embodiment is used as a compound for comparison. In the following description, L-(+)-ergothioneine may be abbreviated as “EGT” and glycine betaine may be abbreviated as “GB”.

[0141] [Evaluation Example 1] Comparison of effects on tolerance to salt stress 20 L-(+)-ergothioneine (Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 3) and glycine betaine (Comparative Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 4) were prepared so as to have the concentrations shown in Table 1 below. EGT and GB were commercially available products, and pure water was used as a solvent. 25

[0142] Three individuals of Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) were seeded per well in a 24-well cell culture plate. Mixed salts for Murashige and Skoog medium (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) to which 1 wt.% of sucrose and 0.1 wt.% of agar-agar powder were added was used as a liquid medium, 30 and the liquid medium was placed in a 2 mL per well. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0143] They were located in a growth chamber set at room temperature of 22°C, and the light period was 16 hours and the dark period was 8 hours. The light conditions were set such that the light intensity was 5000 lx in the central part under irradiation with the fluorescent lamp. On the fourth day 5 after seeding, EGT or GB was added so as to give a predetermined concentration, and 24 hours later, an aqueous sodium chloride solution was added so as to give a final 100 mM concentration, thereby giving a salt stress.

[0144] The number of surviving plants was counted on the 10th day after 10 seeding, and the plant mortality rate was evaluated as an index of physiological disorder. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1. The mortality rate and the environmental stress suppressing rate were calculated according to the following formulas. 15                                  Mortality rate (%) = {1 - (number of surviving plants / number of plants tested)} x 100 Environmental stress suppressing rate (%) = {1 - (mortality rate of test compound-treated group / mortality rate of non- 20                             treated group)} x 100 [Table 1] Table 1 Test compound Test compound concentration Salt stress Mortality rate Environmental stress suppressing rate Example 1 EGT 1 mM Yes 14% 81% Example 2 EGT 0.1 mM Yes 39% 48% Comparative Example 1 GB 1 mM Yes 75% 0% Comparative Example 2 GB 0.1 mM Yes 79% 0% Comparative Example 3 EGT 1 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 4 GB 1 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 5 - - Yes 75% - 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 Comparative Example 6 - - No 0% -

[0145] As shown in Table 1, physiological disorders such as chlorosis were observed in Arabidopsis thaliana plants due to salt stress, 75% of the tested Arabidopsis thaliana plants died (Comparative Example 5), and even with GB 5 treatment, the death due to salt stress was not suppressed (Comparative Examples 1 and 2). In contrast, treatment with EGT resulted in a mortality rate of 14% in 1 mM (Example 1) and 39% in 0.1 mM (Example 2), indicating that the death due to salt stress was suppressed. 10

[0146] [Evaluation Example 2] Comparison of effects on tolerance to drying stress EGT (Example 3) was prepared so as to have the concentration shown in Table 2 below. A commercially available EGT was used, and pure water was used as a solvent. 15

[0147] One individual Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) was seeded in a plastic pot having a diameter of 60 mm and a height of 55 mm. Plastic deep dishes each having a diameter of 160 mm and a height of 28 mm were prepared, and six pots were respectively placed therein. As soil, 45 mL of vermiculite, 22.5 mL 20 of granular soil (Kumiai horticultural soil), and 22.5 mL of vermiculite were placed in the pot in this order.

[0148] They were located in a growth chamber set at room temperature of 22°C, and the light period was 16 hours and the dark period was 8 hours. The light 25 conditions were set such that the light intensity was 5000 lx in the central part under irradiation with the fluorescent lamp. Water supply was conducted from the bottom, and the water level was set at about 5 mm. EGT in an amount of 50 mL was added on the 22nd day after seeding, and drying stress was applied by stopping water supply for 18 days from 2 days after the addition of EGT. 30 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0149] The number of surviving plants was counted 18 days after the stoppage of water, and the plant mortality rate was evaluated as an index of physiological disorder. The evaluation results are shown in Table 2. The mortality rate and the environmental stress suppressing rate were calculated 5 according to the following formulas. Mortality rate (%) = {1 - (number of surviving plants / number of plants tested)} x 100 10                   Environmental stress suppressing rate (%) = {1 - (mortality rate of test compound-treated group / mortality rate of nontreated group)} x 100 [Table 2] 15 Table 2 Test compound Test compound concentration Drying stress Mortality rate Environmental stress suppressing rate Example 3 EGT 1 mM Yes 0% 100% Comparative Example 7 - - Yes 50% - Comparative Example 8 - - No 0% -

[0150] As shown in Table 2, physiological disorders such as wilting and necrosis were observed in Arabidopsis thaliana plants due to drying stress, and 50% of 20 tested Arabidopsis thaliana plants died (Comparative Example 7), whereas all Arabidopsis thaliana plants survived by treatment with EGT (Example 3).

[0151] [Evaluation Example 3] Comparison of effects on tolerance to drying stress 25 EGT (Example 4) or GB (Comparative Example 9) was prepared so as to have the concentration shown in Table 3 below. EGT and GB were commercially available products, and pure water was used as a solvent. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0152] In a plastic pot having a diameter of 60 mm and a height of 55 mm, 90 mL of granular soil (Kumiai horticultural soil) was placed, and one individual cotton (manufactured by TOHOKU SEED CO., LTD.) was seeded per pot. 5

[0153] They were managed in a greenhouse set at room temperature of 25°C. EGT in an amount of 50 mL or GB in an amount of 50 mL was added on the 23rd day after seeding, and drying stress was applied by stopping water supply for 4 days after 4 days from the addition of EGT or GB. 10

[0154] The leaves were collected 4 days after the stoppage of water and photographed with a digital camera. The photographed pictures of the leaves were analyzed with image analysis software WinROOF (manufactured by MITANI Corporation) to quantify the total leaf area and the green leaf area. 15

[0155] Using the above-described total leaf area and green leaf area, the leaf necrotizing rate after 4 days from the stoppage of water was evaluated. The evaluation results are shown in Table 3. The leaf necrotizing rate and the environmental stress suppressing rate were calculated according to the following formulas. 20 Leaf necrotizing rate (%) = {1 - (green leaf area / total leaf area)} x 100 Environmental stress suppressing rate (%) 25    = {1 - (leaf necrotizing rate of test compound-treated group / leaf necrotizing rate of non-treated group)} x 100 [Table 3] 30 Table 3 Test compound Test compound concentration Drying stress Leaf necrotizing rate Environmental stress suppressing rate 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 Example 4 EGT 0.1 mM Yes 26% 50% Comparative Example 9 GB 0.1 mM Yes 68% 0% Comparative Example 10 - - Yes 52% - Comparative Example 11 - - No 0% -

[0156] As shown in Table 3, physiological disorders such as wilting, chlorosis, and necrosis were observed in cotton plants due to drying stress, 52% of the tested cotton plant leaves necrotized (Comparative Example 10), and even 5 with GB treatment, the necrotizing due to drying stress was not suppressed (Comparative Example 9). In contrast, with EGT treatment, the necrotizing rate due to drying stress was suppressed to 26% (Example 4).

[0157] [Evaluation Example 4] Comparison of effects on tolerance to high 10 temperature stress EGT (Example 5 and Comparative Example 13) or GB (Comparative Example 12 and Comparative Example 14) was prepared so as to have a concentration shown in Table 4 below. EGT and GB were commercially 15   available products, and pure water was used as a solvent.

[0158] In a plastic pot having a diameter of 60 mm and a height of 55 mm, 80 mL of culture soil (manufactured by Hanagokoro Co., Ltd.) was put, and one individual Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) was seeded per pot. Plastic deep 20   dishes each having a diameter of 160 mm and a height of 28 mm were prepared, and four pots were respectively placed therein.

[0159] They were located in a growth chamber set at room temperature of 22°C, and the light period was 16 hours and the dark period was 8 hours. 25 The light conditions were set such that the light intensity was 5000 lx in the central part under irradiation with the fluorescent lamp. Water supply was conducted from the bottom, and the water level was set at about 5 mm. On the 41st day after seeding, 50 mL of EGT or 50 mL of GB was added, and 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 one day after that, high temperature stress was applied by exposure to an environment of 42°C for 3 hours.

[0160] The surviving plants were counted 12 days after the high temperature 5 stress was applied, and the plant mortality rate was evaluated as an index of physiological disorder. The evaluation results are shown in Table 4. The mortality rate and the environmental stress suppressing rate were calculated according to the following formulas. 10                                   Mortality rate (%) = {1 - (number of surviving plants / number of plants tested)} x 100 Environmental stress suppressing rate (%) = {1 - (mortality rate of test compound-treated group / mortality rate of non- 15                             treated group)} x 100 [Table 4] Table 4 Test compound Test compound concentration High temperature stress Mortality rate Environmental stress suppressing rate Example 5 EGT 0.5 mM Yes 25% 67% Comparative Example 12 GB 0.5 mM Yes 75% 0% Comparative Example 13 EGT 0.5 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 14 GB 0.5 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 15 - - Yes 75% - Comparative Example 16 - - No 0% - 20

[0161] As shown in Table 4, physiological disorders such as wilting and necrosis were observed in Arabidopsis thaliana plants due to high temperature stress, 75% of the tested Arabidopsis thaliana plants died (Comparative Example 15), and even with GB treatment, the mortality rate 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 due to high temperature stress was not suppressed (Comparative Example 12). In contrast, with EGT treatment, the mortality rate due to high temperature stress was suppressed to 25% (Example 5). 5

[0162] [Evaluation Example 5] Comparison of effects on tolerance to excessive nutrient stress EGT (Example 6) or GB (Comparative Example 17) was prepared so as to have a concentration shown in Table 5 below. EGT and GB were 10 commercially available products, and pure water was used as a solvent.

[0163] One individual Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) was seeded in a plastic pot having a diameter of 60 mm and a height of 55 mm. Plastic deep dishes each having a diameter of 160 mm and a height of 28 mm were prepared, and four 15 pots were respectively placed therein. As soil, 45 mL of vermiculite, 22.5 mL of granular soil (Kumiai horticultural soil), and 22.5 mL of vermiculite were placed in the pot in this order.

[0164] They were located in a growth chamber set at room temperature of 20   22°C, and the light period was 16 hours and the dark period was 8 hours. The light conditions were set such that the light intensity was 5000 lx in the central part under irradiation with the fluorescent lamp. Water supply was conducted from the bottom, and the water level was set at about 5 mm. On the 61st day after seeding, 50 mL of EGT or 50 mL of GB was added, and one day after 25 that, a liquid fertilizer (HYPONeX, manufactured by Hyponex Japan Corp., Ltd.) was applied at a 5-fold dilution to give excessive nutrient stress.

[0165] The number of wilted leaves was evaluated one day after the excessive nutrient stress was applied. The evaluation results are shown in 30 Table 5. The leaf wilting rate and the environmental stress suppressing rate were calculated according to the following formulas. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 Leaf wilting rate (%) = (number of wilted leaves / total number of leaves of plants tested) x 100 Environmental stress suppressing rate (%) 5      = {1 - (wilting rate of test compound-treated group / wilting rate of non-treated group)} x 100 [Table 5] 10 Table 5 Test compound Test compound concentration Excessive nutrient stress Leaf wilting rate Environmental stress suppressing rate Example 6 EGT 0.5 mM Yes 24% 76% Comparative Example 17 GB 0.5 mM Yes 89% 11% Comparative Example 18 - - Yes 100% - Comparative Example 19 - - No 0% -

[0166] As shown in Table 5, the physiological disorder of wilting was observed in 100% of the leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana plants subjected to excessive nutrient stress (Comparative Example 18), and even with GB treatment, the wilting rate 15 due to excessive nutrient stress was hardly suppressed (Comparative Example 17). In contrast, the EGT-treated Arabidopsis thaliana leaves (Example 6) showed a lower wilting rate than the GB-treated Arabidopsis thaliana leaves, and leaf wilting due to excessive nutrient stress was suppressed. 20

[0167] [Evaluation Example 6] Comparison of effects on tolerance to drying stress EGT (Examples 7 and 8) or GB (Comparative Examples 20 and 21) was prepared so as to have the concentration shown in Table 6 below. EGT and GB were commercially available products, and pure water was used as a solvent. 25 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0168] In a 60 mm square plastic pot having a height of 66 mm, 150 mL of granular soil (Kumiai horticultural soil) was placed, and one individual soybean plant was seeded per pot. 5

[0169] They were managed in a greenhouse set at room temperature of 25°C. EGT in an amount of 50 mL or GB in an amount of 50 mL was added on the 23rd day after seeding, and drying stress was applied by stopping water supply for 7 days after the addition of EGT or GB. 10

[0170] Dead leaves were counted 7 days after the stoppage of water, and the leaf mortality rate was evaluated as an index of physiological disorder. The evaluation results are shown in Table 6. The leaf mortality rate and the environmental stress suppressing rate were calculated according to the following formulas. 15                              Leaf mortality rate (%) = (number of dead leaves / total number of leaves of tested plants) x 100 Environmental stress suppressing rate (%) = {1 - (leaf mortality rate of test compound-treated group / leaf mortality rate 20                          of non-treated group)} x 100 [Table 6] Table 6 Test compound Test compound concentration Drying stress Leaf mortality rate Environmental stress suppressing rate Example 7 EGT 1 mM Yes 38% 39% Example 8 EGT 0.1 mM Yes 55% 11% Comparative Example 20 GB 1 mM Yes 62% 0% Comparative Example 21 GB 0.1 mM Yes 71% 0% Comparative Example 22 - - Yes 62% - Comparative Example 23 - - No 0% - 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0171] As shown in Table 6, physiological disorders such as leaf wilting and necrosis were observed in soybean plants due to drying stress, 62% of the tested soybean plant leaves died (Comparative Example 22), and even with 5 GB treatment, the mortality rate due to drying stress was not suppressed (Comparative Examples 20 and 21). In contrast, with EGT treatment, the mortality rate due to drying stress was suppressed to 55% in 0.1 mM (Example 8) and 38% in 1.0 mM (Example 7). 10

[0172] [Evaluation Example 7] Comparison of effects on tolerance to drying stress EGT (Example 9) or GB (Comparative Example 24) was prepared so as to have the concentration shown in Table 7 below. EGT and GB were commercially available products, and pure water was used as a solvent. 15

[0173] In a plastic pot having a diameter of 135 mm and a height of 110 mm, 1 kg of granular soil (Kumiai horticultural soil) was placed, and 5 individual radish (Akamaru Hatsuka) was seeded per pot. 20

[0174] They were managed in a greenhouse set at room temperature of 25°C. EGT in an amount of 50 mL or GB in an amount of 50 mL was added on the 22nd day after seeding, and water supply was stopped for 7 days. After cultivation under water supply for 7 days, drying stress was applied by stopping water supply for 7 days again. 25

[0175] The dead leaves of radish were counted after the drying stress was applied, and the leaf mortality rate was evaluated as an index of physiological disorder. The evaluation results are shown in Table 7. The leaf mortality rate and the environmental stress suppressing rate were calculated according to 30 the following formulas. Leaf mortality rate (%) 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 = (number of dead leaves / total number of leaves of tested plants) x 100 Environmental stress suppressing rate (%) = {1 - (leaf mortality rate of test compound-treated group / leaf mortality rate 5                          of non-treated group)} x 100 [Table 7] Table 7 Test compound Test compound concentration Drying stress Leaf mortality rate Environmental stress suppressing rate Example 9 EGT 0.5 mM Yes 17% 71% Comparative Example 24 GB 0.5 mM Yes 73% 0% Comparative Example 25 - - Yes 59% - Comparative Example 26 - - No 0% - 10

[0176] As shown in Table 7, physiological disorders such as leaf wilting and necrosis were observed in radish plants due to drying stress, 59% of the tested radish leaves died (Comparative Example 25), and even with GB treatment, the mortality rate due to drying stress was not suppressed 15 (Comparative Example 24). In contrast, with EGT treatment, the mortality rate due to drying stress was suppressed to 17% (Example 9).

[0177] [Evaluation Example 8] Comparison of effects on tolerance to drying stress 20 EGT (Example 10) or GB (Comparative Example 27) was prepared so as to have a concentration shown in Table 8 below. EGT and GB were commercially available products, and pure water was used as a solvent.

[0178] In a plastic pot having a diameter of 135 mm and a height of 110 mm, 25   1 L of a raising seedling culture soil (manufactured by Kanetaki Co., Ltd.) was placed, and 100 mm square of turf (Manila grass) was planted per pot. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0179] They were managed in a greenhouse set at room temperature of 25°C. 12.5 mL of EGT or 12.5 mL of GB was added about one month after planting, and water supply was stopped for 7 days thereafter. After cultivation under 5 water supply for 7 days, drying stress was applied by stopping water supply for 7 days again.

[0180] The dead leaves of turf to which the drying stress was applied were counted, and the leaf mortality rate was evaluated as an index of 10 physiological disorder. The evaluation results are shown in Table 8. The leaf mortality rate and the environmental stress suppressing rate were calculated according to the following formulas. Leaf mortality rate (%) 15      = (number of dead leaves / total number of leaves of tested plants) x 100 Environmental stress suppressing rate (%) = {1 - (leaf mortality rate of test compound-treated group / leaf mortality rate of non-treated group)} x 100 20 [Table 8] Table 8 Test compound Test compound concentration Drying stress Leaf mortality rate Environmental stress suppressing rate Example 10 EGT 0.1 mM Yes 35% 65% Comparative Example 27 GB 0.1 mM Yes 100% 0% Comparative Example 28 - Yes 100% - Comparative Example 29 - 0% - 25

[0181] As shown in Table 8, physiological disorders such as necrosis were observed in turf plants due to drying stress, 100% of the tested turf leaves 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 died (Comparative Example 28), and even with GB treatment, the mortality rate due to drying stress was not suppressed (Comparative Example 27). In contrast, with EGT treatment, the mortality rate due to drying stress was suppressed to 35% (Example 10). 5

[0182] [Evaluation Example 9] Comparison of effects on tolerance to excessive water stress EGT (Example 11, Comparative Example 31) or GB (Comparative Examples 10   30 and 32) was prepared so as to have a concentration shown in Table 9 below. EGT and GB were commercially available products, and pure water was used as a solvent.

[0183] 5 mL of pure water was added to 9-cm petri dishes on which filter paper 15 was placed, and 12 rapeseed seeds were seeded per petri dish. They were located in a growth chamber set at room temperature of 22°C, and the light period was 16 hours and the dark period was 8 hours. The light conditions were set such that the light intensity was 5000 lx in the central part under irradiation with the fluorescent lamp. 20

[0184] On the sixth day after seeding, pure water in the petri dish was removed, 5 mL of EGT or 5 mL of GB was added to the petri dish, and one day after that, 50 mL of pure water was added to the petri dish to apply excessive water stress. 25

[0185] The surviving plants were counted 19 days after the excessive water stress was applied, and the mortality rate of the plants was evaluated as an index of physiological disorder. The evaluation results are shown in Table 9. The mortality rate and the environmental stress suppressing rate were calculated according to the following formulas. 30 Mortality rate (%) = {1 - (number of surviving plants / number of plants tested)} x 100 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 Environmental stress suppressing rate (%) = {1 - (mortality rate of test compound-treated group / mortality rate of nontreated group)} x 100 5 [Table 9] Table 9 Test compound Test compound concentration Excessive water stress Mortality rate Environmental stress suppressing rate Example 11 EGT 0.1 mM Yes 25% 58% Comparative Example 30 GB 0.1 mM Yes 60% 0% Comparative Example 31 EGT 0.1 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 32 GB 0.1 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 33 - - Yes 60% - Comparative Example 34 - - No 0% - 10

[0186] As shown in Table 9, physiological disorders such as chlorosis were observed in rapeseed plants due to excessive water stress, 60% of the tested rapeseed plants died (Comparative Example 33), and even with GB treatment, the mortality rate due to excessive water stress was not suppressed (Comparative Example 30). In contrast, with EGT treatment, the mortality rate 15 due to excessive water stress was suppressed to 25% (Example 11).

[0187] [Evaluation Example 10] Comparison of effects on tolerance to ultraviolet stress 20 EGT (Examples 12 and 13, Comparative Examples 37 and 38) or GB (Comparative Examples 35, 36, 39, and 40) was prepared so as to have a concentration shown in Table 10 below. EGT and GB were commercially available products, and pure water was used as a solvent. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0188] 5 mL of pure water was added to 9-cm petri dishes on which filter paper was placed, and 10 wheat seeds were seeded per petri dish. They were located in a growth chamber set at room temperature of 22°C, and the light period was 16 hours and the dark period was 8 hours. The light conditions 5 were set such that the light intensity was 5000 lx in the central part under irradiation with the fluorescent lamp.

[0189] On the 7th day after seeding, pure water in the petri dish was removed, 5 mL of EGT or 5 mL of GB was added to the petri dish, and one day after that, 10 ultraviolet stress was applied by exposure for one hour under irradiation with an ultraviolet lamp (GL-15, manufactured by Toshiba Corporation) with the intensity of ultraviolet radiation of a wavelength of 254 nm set to 550 pW / cm-2.

[0190] The dead leaves were counted 6 days after the ultraviolet stress was 15 applied, and the leaf mortality rate was evaluated as an index of physiological disorder. The evaluation results are shown in Table 10. The leaf mortality rate and the environmental stress suppressing rate were calculated according to the following formulas. 20                              Leaf mortality rate (%) = (number of dead leaves / total number of leaves of tested plants) x 100 Environmental stress suppressing rate (%) = {1 - (leaf mortality rate of test compound-treated group / leaf mortality rate 25                          of non-treated group)} x 100 [Table 10] Table 10 Test compound Test compound concentration Ultraviolet stress Leaf mortality rate Environmental stress suppressing rate Example 12 EGT 1 mM Yes 23% 57% Example 13 EGT 0.1 mM Yes 34% 36% 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 Comparative Example 35 GB 1 mM Yes 44% 17% Comparative Example 36 GB 0.1 mM Yes 50% 6% Comparative Example 37 EGT 1 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 38 EGT 0.1 mM No 1% - Comparative Example 39 GB 1 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 40 GB 0.1 mM No 5% - Comparative Example 41 - - Yes 53% - Comparative Example 42 - - No 0% -

[0191] As shown in Table 10, physiological disorders such as chlorosis were observed in wheat plants due to ultraviolet stress, 53% of the tested wheat plants died (Comparative Example 41), and even with GB treatment, the 5 mortality rate due to ultraviolet stress was hardly suppressed (Comparative Examples 35 and 36). In contrast, the mortality rate of wheat plants treated with EGT was lower than that of wheat plants treated with GB, and the mortality rate due to ultraviolet stress was suppressed to 34% in 0.1 mM (Example 13) and to 23% in 1.0 mM (Example 12). 10

[0192] [Evaluation Example 11] Comparison of effects on tolerance to ultraviolet stress EGT (Examples 14 and 15, Comparative Examples 45 and 46) or GB 15 (Comparative Examples 43, 44, 47 and 48) was prepared so as to have a concentration shown in Table 11 below. EGT and GB were commercially available products, and pure water was used as a solvent.

[0193] Turf (Manila grass) cut into a 50 mm square was placed on a petri dish 20 and managed in a greenhouse at room temperature of 25°C. The plant height was trimmed to the length of 10 mm. 10 mL of EGT or 10 mL of GB was added per petri dish, and one day after that, ultraviolet stress was applied by exposure for one hour under irradiation with an ultraviolet lamp (GL-15, 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 manufactured by Toshiba Corporation) with the intensity of ultraviolet radiation of a wavelength of 254 nm set to 525 pW / cm-2.

[0194] Dead leaves were counted 7 days after the ultraviolet stress was 5 applied, and the leaf mortality rate was evaluated as an index of physiological disorder. The evaluation results are shown in Table 11. The leaf mortality rate and the environmental stress suppressing rate were calculated according to the following formulas. 10                              Leaf mortality rate (%) = (number of dead leaves / total number of leaves of tested plants) x 100 Environmental stress suppressing rate (%) = {1 - (leaf mortality rate of test compound-treated group / leaf mortality rate 15                          of non-treated group)} x 100 [Table 11] Table 11 Test compound Test compound concentration Ultraviolet stress Leaf mortality rate Environmental stress suppressing rate Example 14 EGT 1 mM Yes 6% 90% Example 15 EGT 0.1 mM Yes 13% 79% Comparative Example 43 GB 1 mM Yes 59% 6% Comparative Example 44 GB 0.1 mM Yes 54% 14% Comparative Example 45 EGT 1 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 46 EGT 0.1 mM No 2% - Comparative Example 47 GB 1 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 48 GB 0.1 mM No 2% - Comparative Example 49 - - Yes 63% - Comparative Example 50 - - No 0% - 20 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0195] As shown in Table 11, physiological disorders such as chlorosis were observed in turf plants due to ultraviolet stress, 63% of the tested turf leaves died (Comparative Example 49), and even with GB treatment, the mortality rate due to ultraviolet stress was hardly suppressed (Comparative Examples 5   43 and 44). In contrast, the mortality rate of the turf treated with EGT was lower than that of the turf plants treated with GB, and the mortality rate due to ultraviolet stress was suppressed to 13% in 0.1 mM (Example 15) and 6% in 1.0 mM (Example 14). 10

[0196] [Evaluation Example 12] Comparison of effects on tolerance to intense light stress EGT (Example 16) or GB (Comparative Example 51) was prepared so as to have a concentration shown in Table 12 below. EGT and GB were 15 commercially available products, and pure water was used as a solvent.

[0197] In a plastic pot having a diameter of 60 mm and a height of 55 mm, 90 mL of culture soil (manufactured by Hanagokoro Co., Ltd.) was placed, and 4 individual Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) were seeded per pot. 20

[0198] They were located in a growth chamber set at room temperature of 22°C, and the light period was 16 hours and the dark period was 8 hours. The light conditions were set such that the light intensity was 5000 lx in the central part under irradiation with the fluorescent lamp. 12.5 mL of EGT or 12.5 mL of GB was 25 added on the 43rd day after seeding, and one day after that, intense light stress was applied by exposure for 24 hours under irradiation of LED light (manufactured by Esbaybulbs Co., Ltd.) with a light intensity set to 2000 pmol / m-2 / sec.

[0199] Whitened leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana subjected to intense light 30 stress were counted, and the leaf whitening rate was evaluated as an index of physiological disorder. The evaluation results are shown in Table 12. The 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 leaf whitening rate and the environmental stress suppressing rate were calculated according to the following formulas. Leaf whitening rate (%) 5    = (number of leaves whitened / total number of leaves of plants tested) x 100 Environmental stress suppressing rate (%) = {1 - (leaf whitening rate of test compound-treated group / leaf whitening rate of non-treated group)} x 100 10 [Table 12] Table 12 Test compound Test compound concentration Intense light stress Leaf whitening rate Environmental stress suppressing rate Example 16 EGT 0.1 mM Yes 8% 78% Comparative Example 51 GB 0.1 mM Yes 40% 0% Comparative Example 52 - - Yes 37% - Comparative Example 53 - - No 0% - 15

[0200] As shown in Table 12, physiological disorders such as chlorosis were observed in Arabidopsis thaliana due to intense light stress, 37% of the tested Arabidopsis thaliana leaves were whitened (Comparative Example 52), and even with GB treatment, the leaf whitening due to intense light stress was not suppressed (Comparative Example 51). In contrast, with EGT treatment, the leaf 20 whitening rate due to intense light stress was suppressed to 8% (Example 16).

[0201] [Evaluation Example 13] Comparison of effects on tolerance to freezing stress 25 EGT (Example 17, Comparative Example 55) or GB (Comparative Examples 54 and 56) was prepared so as to have the concentration shown in Table 13 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 below. EGT and GB were commercially available products, and pure water was used as a solvent.

[0202] 5 mL of pure water was added to 9-cm petri dishes on which filter paper 5 was placed, and 10 broccoli seeds were seeded per petri dish. They were located in a growth chamber set at room temperature of 22°C, and the light period was 16 hours and the dark period was 8 hours. The light conditions were set such that the light intensity was 5000 lx in the central part under irradiation with the fluorescent lamp. 10

[0203] On the 6th day after seeding, pure water in the petri dish was removed, and then, 5 mL of EGT or 5 mL of GB was added to the petri dish, and freezing stress was applied by, 14 days after the addition, a first exposure to an environment of -20°C for 20 minutes, and, 1 day after the first exposure, a 15 second exposure to an environment of -20°C for 20 minutes.

[0204] The surviving plants were counted 24 hours after the freezing stress was applied, and the mortality rate of the plants was evaluated as an index of physiological disorder. The evaluation results are shown in Table 13. The 20 mortality rate and the environmental stress suppressing rate were calculated according to the following formulas. Mortality rate (%) = {1 - (number of surviving plants / number of plants tested)} x 100 25 Environmental stress suppressing rate (%) = {1 - (mortality rate of test compound-treated group / mortality rate of nontreated group)} x 100 30 [Table 13] Table 13 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 Test compound Test compound concentration Freezing stress Mortality rate Environmental stress suppressing rate Example 17 EGT 0.1 mM Yes 38% 56% Comparative Example 54 GB 0.1 mM Yes 100% 0% Comparative Example 55 EGT 0.1 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 56 GB 0.1 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 57 - - Yes 86% - Comparative Example 58 - - No 0% -

[0205] As shown in Table 13, physiological disorders such as stalk breakage and necrosis were observed in broccoli plants due to freezing stress, 86% of the tested broccoli plants died (Comparative Example 57), and even with GB 5 treatment, the mortality rate due to freezing stress was not suppressed (Comparative Example 54). In contrast, with EGT treatment, the mortality rate due to freezing stress was suppressed to 38% (Example 17).

[0206] [Evaluation Example 14] Comparison of effects on tolerance to 10 freezing stress EGT (Example 18, Comparative Example 60) or GB (Comparative Examples 59 and 61) was prepared so as to have the concentration shown in Table 14 below. EGT and GB were commercially available products, and pure water 15 was used as a solvent.

[0207] 5 mL of pure water was added to 9-cm petri dishes on which filter paper was placed, and 10 seeds of strawberry (wild strawberry) were seeded per dish. They were located in a growth chamber set at room temperature of 20   22°C, and the light period was 16 hours and the dark period was 8 hours. The light conditions were set such that the light intensity was 5000 lx in the central part under irradiation with the fluorescent lamp. 2023354193   25 Jun 2026

[0208] On the 15th day after seeding, pure water in the petri dish was removed, and then 5 mL of EGT or 5 mL of GB was added, and 9 days after that, freezing stress was applied by exposure to an environment of -20°C for 20 minutes. 5

[0209] The surviving plants were counted 3 days after the freezing stress was applied, and the mortality rate of the plants was evaluated as an index of physiological disorder. The evaluation results are shown in Table 14. The mortality rate and the environmental stress suppressing rate were calculated according to the following formulas. 10 Mortality rate (%) = {1 - (number of surviving plants / number of plants tested)} x 100 Environmental stress suppressing rate (%) 15    = {1 - (mortality rate of test compound-treated group / mortality rate of non treated group)} x 100 [Table 14] 20 Table 14 Test compound Test compound concentration Freezing stress Mortality rate Environmental stress suppressing rate Example 18 EGT 0.1 mM Yes 29% 54% Comparative Example 59 GB 0.1 mM Yes 63% 0% Comparative Example 60 EGT 0.1 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 61 GB 0.1 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 62 - - Yes 63% - Comparative Example 63 - - No 0% -

[0210] As shown in Table 14, physiological disorders such as necrosis were observed due to freezing stress, 63% of the tested strawberry plants died (Comparative Example 62), and even with GB treatment, the mortality rate 25 due to freezing stress was not suppressed (Comparative Example 59). In 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 contrast, with EGT treatment, the mortality rate due to freezing stress was suppressed to 29% (Example 18).

[0211] [Evaluation Example 15] Comparison of effects on tolerance to low 5 temperature stress EGT (Examples 19 and 20, Comparative Examples 66 and 67) or GB (Comparative Example 64, 65, 68 and 69) was prepared so as to have a concentration shown in Table 15 below. EGT and GB were commercially 10 available products, and pure water was used as a solvent.

[0212] 1 mL of pure water was added to 3.5-cm petri dishes on which filter paper was placed, and 5 agrugula seeds were seeded per petri dish. They were located in a growth chamber set at room temperature of 22°C, and the 15 light period was 16 hours and the dark period was 8 hours. The light conditions were set such that the light intensity was 5000 lx in the central part under irradiation with the fluorescent lamp.

[0213] On the 4th day after seeding, pure water in the petri dish was removed, 20 and then 1 mL of EGT or 1 mL of GB was added, and 24 hours after that, low temperature stress was applied by exposure to an environment of 4°C for 48 hours.

[0214] The number of wilted agrugula leaves was evaluated 3 days after the 25 low temperature stress was applied. The evaluation results are shown in Table 15. The leaf wilting rate and the environmental stress suppressing rate were calculated according to the following formulas. Leaf wilting rate (%) 30      = (number of wilted leaves / total number of leaves of plants tested) x 100 Environmental stress suppressing rate (%) 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 = {1 - (leaf wilting rate of test compound-treated group / leaf wilting rate of non-treated group)} x 100 [Table 15] 5 Table 15 Test compound Test compound concentration Low temperature stress Leaf wilting rate Environmental stress suppressing rate Example 19 EGT 1 mM Yes 0% 100% Example 20 EGT 0.1 mM Yes 0% 100% Comparative Example 64 GB 1 mM Yes 60% 10% Comparative Example 65 GB 0.1 mM Yes 60% 10% Comparative Example 66 EGT 1 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 67 EGT 0.1 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 68 GB 1 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 69 GB 0.1 mM No 0% - Comparative Example 70 - - Yes 67% - Comparative Example 71 - - No 0% -

[0215] As shown in Table 15, the physiological disorder of wilting was observed in 67% of the agrugula leaves subjected to low temperature stress 10 (Comparative Example 70), and even with GB treatment, the leaf wilting rate due to low temperature stress was hardly suppressed (Comparative Examples 64 and 65). In contrast, with EGT treatment, the leaf wilting rate due to low temperature stress was suppressed to 0% (Examples 19 and 20). 15

[0216] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0217] It will be understood that the terms “comprise” and “include” and any of 20 their derivatives (e.g. comprises, comprising, includes, including) as used in 2023354193   25 Jun 2026 this specification, and the claims that follow, is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which the term refers, and is not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated or implied. 5

[0218] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure is not restricted in its use to the particular application or applications described. Neither is the present disclosure restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and / or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiment or 10 embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

10

1. An agent when used for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant, the agent comprising a compound represented by Formula (I) or its tautomer, or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient:wherein the agent improves tolerance to at least one environmental stress selected from high temperature stress, freezing stress, excessive nutrient stress, ultraviolet stress and intense light stress,[Chem. 1]152025where in Formula (I), R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R3 to R5 each independently represent an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

2. The agent when used for improving environmental stress tolerance according to claim 1, wherein the compound represented by Formula (I) is ergothioneine.

3. The agent when used for improving environmental stress tolerance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the agent improves high temperature stress tolerance.2023354193   25 Jun 2026

4. The agent when used for improving environmental stress tolerance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the agent improves excessive nutrient stress tolerance.5

5. The agent when used for improving environmental stress tolerance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the agent improves ultraviolet stress tolerance.10

6. The agent when used for improving environmental stress tolerance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the agent improves intense light stress tolerance.

7. 15 The agent when used for improving environmental stress tolerance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the agent improves freezing stress tolerance.

8. A method for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant, the method 20 comprising treating a plant with the agent described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. An agent when used for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant, the agent comprising a compound represented by Formula (I) or its tautomer, 25 or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient:wherein the agent improves tolerance to at least one environmental stress selected from low temperature stress, salt stress and drying stress, and the concentration of the active ingredient in a treatment solution to be applied to the plant is 0.1 mM to 1 mM,30[Chem. 1]2023354193   25 Jun 2026where in Formula (I), R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R3 to R5 each independently represent an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon 5 atoms.

10. A method for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant, the method comprising treating a plant with the agent described in claim 9.10

11. An agent when used for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant, the agent comprising a compound represented by Formula (I) or its tautomer, or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient:15          wherein the agent improves tolerance to excessive water stress,and the concentration of the active ingredient in a treatment solution to be applied to the plant is 0.1 mM,[Chem. 1]or'n^^\__NR2 NR^R5* (|)20where in Formula (I), R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R3 to R5 each independently represent an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.252023354193   25 Jun 2026

12. A method for improving environmental stress tolerance in a plant, the method comprising treating a plant with the agent described in claim 11.