MÉTODO DE ELICITAÇÃO PARA ESTIMULAR A RESPOSTA DO SISTEMA IMUNOLÓGICO EM PLANTAS

Abstract

The invention refers to the use of monolaurin as a biostimulant for eliciting a defensive response in plants against biotic and abiotic stress by way of genetic stimulation of the immune system.

Description

[001] The invention relates to the field of biostimulation in plants and crops. It relates specifically to the use of lauric (C12) fatty acid 1-monoglyceride (monolaurin), or a composition containing it, to induce an immune system response in plants and crops. PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE

[002] Plants and crops are exposed to various biotic and abiotic stresses in their environment. Abiotic stress is the negative impact of non-living factors on living organisms in a specific environment. The main abiotic stresses affecting plants and crops include drought, salinity, heat, cold, freezing, nutritional stress, high light intensity, ozone, and anaerobic stress. On the other hand, biotic stress occurs as a result of damage caused by other living organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, beneficial and harmful insects, herbivorous animals, and competing plants.

[003] Abiotic stresses are often prevented by optimizing plant growth conditions through the use of fertilizers, nutrients, and growth regulators. Meanwhile, synthetic pesticides and phytochemical compounds are almost essential for controlling plant diseases and for agricultural production in order to avoid biotic stress. However, the overuse of these synthetic chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, and the like) is a global concern due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment. Furthermore, the overuse of chemicals is the main cause of the development of resistance in pathogens. In this context, promoting environmentally friendly alternatives seems necessary to reduce the use of chemicals in agriculture and, consequently, mitigate their environmental effects.

[004] Plants have developed the ability to activate defenses in response to both types of stress, leading to varying degrees of resistance, which can be effective at the site of infection or systemically. The plant's chemical response to biotic and abiotic stresses is encoded in genes. Complex signaling networks are activated according to the type of Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 11 / 55 2 / 27 invading organism, external attack, or problematic situation. Defense-related signaling responses involve phosphorylation events, ionic fluxes, and phytohormone accumulation, leading to transcriptional activation of the gene encoding the synthesis of antimicrobial compounds, such as phytoalexins or pathogenesis-related proteins (PRs). These PR proteins are lytic enzymes that can destroy the integrity of the pathogen's cell wall and inhibit growth.

[005] On the other hand, suppression or prevention of plant immunity is critical for pathogens to successfully infect their hosts, and it is well known that many pathogens (such as Candidatus Liberibacter, Pseudomonas syringae, Xanthomonas campestris, Cladosporium fulvum, Phytophthora infestans, Globodera rostochiensis, Pseudocercospora fuligena, Magnaporthe oryzae, Zymoseptoria tritici, Colletotrichum pathogens, or Blumeria graminis) exhibit various mechanisms to disable, minimize, and / or delay the host plant's immune system response. As an example, Candidatus Liberibacter does not induce a considerable immune response until 5 to 9 weeks after inoculation.

[006] From this perspective, plant immune system stimulators, or biostimulants, or elicitors, are compounds capable of activating the plant immune system to defeat and / or limit infection by pathogens, deal with herbivorous animals, and / or mitigate extreme environmental conditions. These elicitors do not have a direct toxic effect on pathogens and pests, nor do they directly provide nutrients to plants, but they can induce plant defense signaling pathways against biotic and abiotic stresses, making them an option to replace traditional agrochemicals in a sustainable agricultural production system. Since some pathogens can disable, minimize, and / or delay the host plant's immune system response, their biostimulation provides an enhanced immune response in plants in the early stages of infection, maximizing the chances of defeating it.

[007] Different biostimulants utilize distinct mechanisms. In terms of biochemical composition, biostimulants include a wide variety of inorganic and organic compounds, plant extracts, essential oils, algae extracts, bacteria, fungi, humic acids, peptides, and polysaccharides; in terms of results, biostimulants improve the Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 12 / 55 3 / 27 nutrient absorption, regulate plant growth and / or activate plant defenses.

[008] On the other hand, the antibacterial and antifungal activity of monolaurin (glycerol monolaurate alpha-GML) is well known. Monolaurin is a lipophilic monoglyceride, meaning that, biologically, the target site of its attack is the cytoplasmic membrane of cells. Although the mechanism for the antibacterial activity of monolaurin has not been fully understood, it has been shown to cause structural damage to the cell membrane used as a permeable barrier and inhibits the transport of amino acids into the cell. Another hypothesis is based on the penetration of monolaurin in an undissociated form into bacterial cells and its dissociation within the cells, leading to acidification of the cellular contents. In general, Gram-negative bacteria are more likely to be resistant to the effects of the monoglyceride, presumably due to the presence of an outer membrane.In terms of antifungal activity, in vitro studies suggest that monolaurin generally requires a higher concentration in the medium, although some fungi, such as Alternaria Alternata or Fusarium ssp., appear to be more sensitive. The bactericidal and fungicidal properties of monolaurin have been described in various areas, such as food preservation, animal feed, human bacterial diseases, and plant infections and pests, as described in documents US6103768A and WO2021 / 064075.

[009] In terms of plant biostimulation, document EP1096853A1 describes aqueous preparations of fatty alcohols and / or partial esters of fatty acids with lower polyfunctional alcohols, mixed with ecologically compatible surfactant compounds, as a mixture of valuable substances with strengthening and / or sanitizing action on plants against the attack of phytopathogenic fungi and / or soil pests. Document EP1570735B1 describes a plant growth-promoting composition comprising a glycerol derivative as a plant growth-promoting agent, a surfactant, and a chelating agent. Document WO1996 / 019111 describes isopropyl and 2-ethylhexyl esters of lauric acid to increase the activity of agrochemical active substances. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[010] The inventors discovered that monolaurin can stimulate the Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 13 / 55 4 / 27 plant immune system against biotic and abiotic stress.

[011] Unless otherwise indicated, all terms used in this application are to be understood as having their common meaning as known in the state of the art. Other more specific terms used in this application are set forth below and are intended to be applied uniformly throughout the specification and claims, unless a definition expressly set forth otherwise provides a broader definition.

[012] For the purposes of this invention, any ranges provided include both the lower and upper endpoints of the range. Ranges provided, such as temperatures, times, weights and the like, should be considered approximate unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[013] For the purposes of the invention, monolaurin is also known by the generic names glycerol monolaurate, glyceryl laurate and 1-lauroyl-glycerol, which are considered interchangeable. Monolaurin is the alpha monoester formed from glycerol and lauric acid, which has the IUPAC name 2,3-dihydroxypropyl dodecanoate, with CAS number 142-18-7 and NSC 698570.

[014] As used herein, the term plant refers to both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants, and includes familiar organisms such as, but not limited to, trees, herbs, shrubs and grasses.

[015] The term “immune system”, as used in this application, refers to all molecules, biomolecules, interactions, biochemical reactions, cellular processes, gene processes and expressions, proteins and phytohormones, molecular signaling pathways and chemical and physical events involved in phytochemistry that give plants the ability to prevent and / or resist adverse environmental circumstances and / or biological attack by pathogens, pests and herbivores.

[016] The molecular responses of plants to abiotic and biotic stresses involve interactions and interconnections with many other molecular pathways. Studies have shown that there is interaction (or overlap) between immune responses against abiotic and biotic factors, which is explained by the convergence between signaling and subsequent biochemical events induced by both layers of defense. These pathways are regulated by Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 14 / 55 5 / 27 Proteins and phytohormones that affect gene expression: Alterations in phytohormones and proteins influence plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses because they modulate defense signaling pathways that culminate in the production of secondary metabolites and activate defense priming. Thus, as demonstrated in the experimental section, monolaurin, as an external compound capable of inducing the overexpression of these genes, has a biostimulatory effect on the plant's immune system.

[017] One of the first signals in many abiotic stresses involves reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which modify enzymatic activity and gene regulation. ROS signaling in response to abiotic stresses and its interactions with hormones has been exhaustively reviewed. ROS and RNS form a coordinated network that regulates many plant responses to the environment. The two most important phytohormones that regulate plant responses to abiotic stress are abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene. ABA is a central regulator of many plant responses to environmental stresses, particularly osmotic and salinity stresses. Activation of ABA signaling cascades results in greater plant tolerance to dehydration stress. Ethylene is also involved in many responses to abiotic stresses, including drought, ozone, flooding (hypoxia and anoxia), heat, cold, injury, and UV-B light.

[018] Plants also respond to biotic stresses caused by biological agents, such as pathogens or insects. These plant defenses can be broadly classified as constitutive (permanent) or induced (temporary). Constitutive defenses are always present in the plant and do not depend on attack by biological agents; they are constantly activated, but not always necessary, which entails high costs for plants. On the other hand, induced defenses are activated only in the presence of an attacker. Within this second possibility, induced resistance is a physiological state of increased defensive capacity of the plant, triggered by biological or chemical inducers, which protects plant tissues not exposed to the initial attack against future attacks by pathogens and herbivorous insects.Induced resistance can be triggered in plants by pathogen infection, in response to insect herbivory, or by root colonization by certain mutualistic rhizosphere microbes. Two of the most common forms... Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 15 / 55 6 / 27 studied forms of induced resistance are Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR), triggered by plant pathogens, and Systemic Induced Resistance (SIR), triggered by mutualistic microbes that colonize roots. SAR and ISR are differentiated primarily based on the elicitor and regulatory pathways involved, although the signaling pathways that regulate SAR and ISR share some components.

[019] In systemic tissues, SAR is characterized by elevated levels of the hormone salicylic acid (SA), which activates the expression of a large set of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes involved in defense responses. In contrast to SAR, ISR is generally mediated by an SA-independent pathway, where jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene are the main agents, and typically functions without PR gene activation.

[020] Gene overexpression encodes proteins involved in the plant's immune system against pathogen attacks (biotic stress), but also under certain conditions of heat, drought, and salinity (abiotic stress). Thus, genetic biostimulation is promoted when, after the application of monolaurin, the plant receives the elicitation signal and triggers certain biological reactions: firstly, the stress factor is identified, usually in membrane receptors; then, this signal is transduced in the cell by intramolecular calcium and kinase proteins. Subsequently, secondary metabolites are synthesized as transduction signals (secondary messengers). These secondary metabolites include phytohormones such as ethylene, abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, or salicylic acid, among others. These messengers activate gene expression that encodes defense proteins.

[021] Therefore, this invention describes the stimulation, through the application of monolaurin, of key genes involved in these processes. These genes are as follows: basic β-1,3-endoglucanse, Harpina-induced similar protein (Harp), chitinase endochitinase family 19 PR3 (CHI3), pathogenesis-related protein-1 (PR1A), peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), ethylene-induced chitinase PR3 (ChiEt), PR2 (GluB), blue copper protein (BCP), osmotin-like protein, PR5 (Osm2), and subtilisin-like protease, PR7 (Sub1). The known contribution of these genes to the plant immune system is described below: Harp (Harpin-induced similar protein) is involved in Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 16 / 55 7 / 27 Plant defense responses against biotic and some abiotic agents. Harpins are glycine-rich, thermostable proteins secreted by phytopathogenic Gram-negative bacteria, such as Phytophthora infestans. Harpin proteins induce multiple responses in plants, such as Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR), hypersensitivity response, increased growth, resistance to some pests, and drought tolerance through their involvement in ABA signaling and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Overexpression of genes encoding harpin increases plant resistance to diseases and some abiotic stresses. - CHI genes (endochitinases) are involved in plant defense responses against abiotic agents (saline solutions, ozone, UV light) and biotic factors (fungi, bacteria, viruses, viroids, fungal cell wall components, and oligosaccharides). These genes promote endochitinase enzymatic proteins capable of hydrolyzing chitin polymers. Specifically, overexpression of CHI3 genes is involved in the ethylene and SA pathways, increasing plant resistance to fungal, bacterial, and pest diseases, as well as some abiotic factors such as salinity and heavy metal stresses. - PR1A genes (pathogen-related protein-1) are involved in plant defense responses against biotic factors (fungi, bacteria, viruses) as a marker for a salicylic acid-mediated response and Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR). PR1 genes constitute between 1% and 2% of all proteins in plant leaves. Overexpression of PR1A genes increases plant resistance to fungal, bacterial, and pest diseases. - PPO (polyphenol oxidase) genes are involved in plant defense responses against injuries (caused by herbivores and / or insects) and pathogens. These genes promote polyphenol oxidase enzymatic proteins that use molecular oxygen to oxidize orthodiphenols into orthoquinones. These proteins commonly cause browning reactions after tissue damage, which is important in plant defense. They are involved in jasmonic acid (JA) pathways in the plant defense response during Systemic Induced Resistance (SIR). Overexpression of PPO genes increases plant resistance to injury. Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 17 / 55 8 / 27 - ChiEt genes (ethylene-induced chitinases) are involved in responses to a variety of stresses, such as drought, flooding, pathogen attack, and high salinity. Ethylene, an essential phytohormone involved in plant-pathogen interaction, plays a positive role in plant resistance against fungal pathogens, but ethylene also mediates adaptive responses to a variety of abiotic stresses, such as drought, flooding, and high salinity. Overexpression of ChiEt genes increases plant resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. - GluB (Beta-Endoglucanase) genes are involved in responses to pathogen infections. Xyloglucan-specific endo-β-glucanases are enzymes that can attack xyloglucan and cellulose. They can significantly damage the plant cell wall, as xyloglucan binds to cellulose microfibrils, contributing to the structural integrity of cell walls. These enzymes are produced by pathogenic fungi colonizing plants to disrupt the extracellular space of plant tissues. Plants produce xyloglucan-specific endoglucanase inhibitor proteins that bind to the enzyme and inhibit its activity. Thus, overexpression of GluB genes increases the production of these inhibitors and, therefore, the plant's resistance to pathogen colonization. - BCP genes (blue copper-binding proteins) prevent copper toxicity in plants at high concentrations. Plants have developed a series of mechanisms to prevent the consequences of excess or deficiency of copper. This gene family encodes proteins involved in oxidation / reduction processes carried out in response to high salinity and heavy metal stresses. Overexpression of BCP genes significantly increases the growth rate of plant cells under abiotic factors such as Cu(2+), Zn(2+) and high salinity stresses. - Osm2 genes (osmotin-like protein) are involved in responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Osmotin-like proteins belong to the PR-5 group and were originally isolated from tobacco cells under osmotic stress. Overexpression of Osm2 genes induces tolerance to abiotic stress, reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and also provides protection against fungal infections by increasing plasma membrane permeability and dissipating the potential for Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 18 / 55 9 / 27 membrane of infective fungi. It also has antibacterial activity against many foodborne pathogens. - Sub1 genes (subtilisin-like proteases) are involved in responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Subtilisin-like proteases (subtilases) are serine proteases that play highly specific roles in plant development and signaling cascades. In plant-pathogen interactions, subtilase expression has been induced following pathogen attack and salicylic acid (SA) application. Furthermore, subtilases have been reported to be involved in drought and salt resistance mechanisms. Overexpression of Sub1 genes induces tolerance to abiotic stress and also provides protection against pathogen infections.

[022] As mentioned above, the use of an effective amount of monolaurin stimulates the plant's immune system against biotic and abiotic stresses. In one embodiment, the use of monolaurin is to stimulate the plant's immune system against abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, heat, cold, freezing, nutrient stress, high light intensity, ozone, heavy metals, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the use of monolaurin is to stimulate the plant's immune system against biotic factors such as pests, bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, beneficial and harmful insects, and combinations thereof.

[023] The term “effective amount” refers to the amount sufficient to achieve the intended technical effect, meaning the amount of monolaurin that allows stimulation of the plant’s immune system against biotic and abiotic stresses. In addition, the term “biostimulant effective amount,” as used herein, refers to the amount of monolaurin as an active ingredient suitable to be administered or applied to plants by any method (including foliar, root, or intravascular) that allows stimulation of the plant’s immune system against biotic and abiotic stresses.

[024] In one embodiment of the invention, the effective biostimulant amount of monolaurin, to stimulate the plant immune system against biotic and abiotic stresses, is from 0.001 to 5.000 mg per plant. In another embodiment of the invention, the effective biostimulant amount of monolaurin, to stimulate the plant immune system against biotic and abiotic stresses, is from 0.01 to 2.000 mg per plant. In another embodiment of the invention, the Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 19 / 55 10 / 27 The effective biostimulant quantity of monolaurin, to stimulate the plant immune system against biotic and abiotic stresses, is 0.1 to 1,000 mg per plant.

[025] In one embodiment of the invention, monolaurin forms part of an “agrochemical composition” comprising the effective biostimulant amount of monolaurin and one or more “acceptable agrochemical excipients and / or carriers.” For the purposes of this invention, the term “agrochemical composition” refers to a chemical composition suitable for use in agriculture for any purpose. Furthermore, the term “acceptable agrochemical excipients and / or carriers” refers to an excipient or carrier suitable for use in agricultural technology for the preparation of compositions with agrochemical use. This means that the composition or the excipients or carriers are suitable for use in contact with plants without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, undesirable response, among others. The appropriate excipients and / or carriers, and their quantities, can be easily determined by those skilled in the art, according to the type of formulation being prepared.Examples of suitable excipients or carriers include, but are not limited to, solvents, co-solvents, diluents, surfactants, emulsifying agents, wetting agents, moisturizing agents, thickeners, stabilizers, rheological modifiers, adhesive agents, pigments, and dyes, among others. In one embodiment, monolaurin is part of an “agrochemical composition,” as defined above and below, comprising from 0.01 to 99.5% by weight of monolaurin. In another embodiment, monolaurin is part of an “agrochemical composition,” as defined above and below, comprising from 15 to 75% by weight of monolaurin. In yet another embodiment, monolaurin is part of an “agrochemical composition,” as defined above and below, comprising from 20 to 50% by weight of monolaurin. In another embodiment, monolaurin is part of an "agrochemical composition" as defined above and below, comprising 35 to 45% by weight of monolaurin.

[026] In one embodiment of the invention, monolaurin forms part of an “agrochemical composition,” as defined above, which is presented in the form of a liquid, solid, and semi-solid composition, such as gels and creams. In one embodiment of the invention, the use of monolaurin to stimulate the system Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 20 / 55 11 / 27 The plant's immune defense against biotic and abiotic stresses comprises foliar application, stem application, stem injection, root application, root injection, soil application, or a combination thereof. The appropriate form of the agrochemical composition, its excipients and / or carriers, and their quantities, can be easily determined by those skilled in the art, according to the type of application. In one embodiment of the invention, monolaurin is part of an "agrochemical composition," which is a topical foliar composition in the form of a liquid or gel. In another embodiment of the invention, monolaurin is part of an "agrochemical composition," which is a liquid composition that can be injected and / or microinjected into the stem or root. The term "liquid composition" includes solutions, suspensions, emulsions, liposomes, micelles, colloids, particles (microparticles and nanoparticles).The term "solid" composition encompasses powder (soluble or dispersible powder), granules (including dispersible or soluble granules), and / or capsules.

[027] In one embodiment of the invention, monolaurin is part of an “agrochemical composition” selected from either a ready-to-use composition or a concentrated composition. The ready-to-use composition includes compositions that are in a form suitable for direct use in agriculture. However, concentrated compositions require a subsequent dilution step until the effective biostimulant amount of monolaurin is achieved.

[028]

[028] In one embodiment, monolaurin is part of an “agrochemical composition” adsorbed and / or absorbed onto a solid support. In one embodiment, monolaurin is part of an “agrochemical composition” adsorbed and / or absorbed onto a solid support selected from the group consisting of a mineral-based support, a polymer-based support and / or an organic-based support. In one embodiment, monolaurin is part of an “agrochemical composition” absorbed onto a solid support, wherein the solid support is a mineral-based support selected from the group consisting of silica, bentonite, sepiolite, activated carbon, diatomaceous earth and a combination thereof. In one embodiment, monolaurin is part of an “agrochemical composition” absorbed onto a solid carrier, wherein the solid carrier is a polymer-based carrier selected from the group consisting of starch polymers, cellulose polymers, lignin polymers, and polymers of Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 21 / 55 12 / 27 chitosan and nanochitosan, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohols, polycaprolactone, polylactic acid, polyacrylate, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polyvinyl acetate. In one embodiment, monolaurin is part of an agrochemical composition absorbed onto a solid support, the solid support being an organic-based support selected from the group consisting of compost, manure, lignin, cellulose, chitosan, humic acids, fulvic acids, sludge from treatment plants, sawdust, straw and mud, and organic residues from biomass industries.

[029] In one embodiment of the invention, monolaurin forms part of an “agrochemical composition”, as defined above, as a unique active ingredient to stimulate the plant’s immune system against biotic and abiotic stress.

[030] In one embodiment of the invention, monolaurin forms part of an “agrochemical composition,” as defined above, further comprising one or more additional active ingredients. In one embodiment of the invention, monolaurin forms part of an “agrochemical composition,” as defined above, further comprising one or more additional active ingredients selected from the group consisting of pesticides, antifungal agents, antibacterial agents, essential oils, biostimulants, amino acid-based compounds, and mixtures thereof.

[031] In one embodiment of the invention, monolaurin forms part of an “agrochemical composition”, as defined above, further comprising one or more active biostimulant ingredients selected from the group consisting of humic and fulvic acids, protein hydrolysates and other N-containing compounds, seaweed and botanical extracts, chitosan and other biopolymers, inorganic compounds, beneficial fungi, beneficial bacteria and mixtures thereof.

[032] In one embodiment, the use of monolaurin is to stimulate the plant's immune system against biotic and abiotic stress, and the application comprises one or more additional applications. In one embodiment, the use of monolaurin is to stimulate the plant's immune system against biotic and abiotic stress, and the application comprises a first application and at least one additional application with daily, weekly, monthly, or annual frequency after the first application. Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 22 / 55 13 / 27

[033] The agricultural compositions comprising an effective biostimulant amount of monolaurin used in this invention can be prepared according to methods well known in the state of the art. The appropriate method and conditions can be easily determined by those skilled in the art, according to the type of formulation and the method of application.

[034] Throughout the description and claims, the word includes and its variations are not intended to exclude other technical features, additives, components, or steps. Furthermore, the word includes the case of consisting of. Objectives, advantages, and additional features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by examining the description or may be learned by practicing the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[035] Figure 1 shows the severity of Xcv infection in pepper plants treated with monolaurin.

[036] Figure 2 illustrates the impact of drought conditions on the biomass of tomato plants treated with monolaurin (foliar application of 1%, 0.5% and 0.1% solutions; soil application of 40 mg / l, 20 mg / l and 5 mg / l solutions).

[037] Figure 3 shows a comparison of tomato plant biomass under drought conditions with different monolaurin treatments (foliar application of 1%, 0.5% and 0.1% solutions; soil application of 40 mg / l, 20 mg / l and 5 mg / l solutions). DESCRIPTION OF MODALITIES

[038] The following examples are provided by way of illustration and are not intended to be limiting of this invention. Furthermore, this invention encompasses all possible combinations of particular and preferred embodiments described herein. 1. Stimulation of the immune system in tomato plants. 1.1. Plants.

[039] Tomato seeds (Rio Grande variety) were placed in an inert rockwool substrate (Grodan©Plugs), germinated, and cultivated (25 ± 2 °C and 16 h of natural light, 18 ± 2 °C and 8 h of darkness and 50% relative humidity). Three weeks after sowing (two-cotyledon phenological stage), the plants were transferred to pieces of rockwool measuring 7.5x7.5x6.5 Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 23 / 55 14 / 27 cm (Grodan©Delta), previously soaked in nutrient solution [Epsomite (MgSO4 at 49%) and Hakaphos® (NPK 15:15:10)]. Tomato plants were acclimatized in a greenhouse until they reached 15 cm in height (approximately 7 weeks after sowing). Fungicide and bactericide treatments were avoided to exclude interference in the experiment. The plants were kept under the described conditions and irrigated with nutrient solution every two days throughout the experiment. 1.2. Method and sampling.

[040] Monolaurin (99% purity, including 1% free glycerol, diglyceride and triglyceride) was dissolved in 96% ethanol at a concentration of 2% by weight.

[041] The experiment consisted of two treatments, an active application with monolaurin (2% by weight) in ethanol and a control without activity (CNTOH), consisting of distilled water and ethanol.

[042] The active solution was prepared by dissolving 1 g of monolaurin in 5 ml of pure ethanol. After dissolving the monolaurin, 45 ml of distilled water were added. No active control was prepared by mixing 5 ml of pure ethanol in 45 ml of distilled water, in order to exclude the potential interference of ethanol in the results of the experiment. Both treatments were applied by foliar spraying until the droplets fell. The experimental design consisted of three replicates with three plants each (nine plants per treatment).

[043] Leaf samples were collected 24 hours after treatment application and immediately immersed in liquid nitrogen to prevent overexpression of defense genes as a consequence of injury caused by cutting the leaves to be analyzed. Total mRNA was obtained using the PureLink® Plant RNA Reagent extraction kit and treated with the enzyme DNase to eliminate possible contaminants from the genomic DNA. RNA was quantified using a Nanodrop N-200 UV-Vis spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific) and its integrity was verified by analyzing an aliquot of the RNA sample on a denaturing agarose gel stained with ethidium bromide. Total RNA was stored at -80 °C. This RNA was used as a template for cDNA (complementary DNA) synthesis by reverse transcription (RT-PCR) and used to quantify the expression levels of selected defense genes by qPCR, using the Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 24 / 55 15 / 27 Sybr®Green reagent, and compared to the untreated control (CNT-OH). RTqPCR quantifies the amplification product by fluorescence. The amount of fluorescence is proportional to the amount of product generated; this fluorescence is monitored during each PCR cycle, and the analysis generates the Ct value (cycle limit), which signifies the cycle in which the first significant detectable increase in fluorescence occurs. The Ct values ​​obtained for each treatment and each replicate were used to estimate the ratio of the expression level of the target defense genes relative to the endogenous reference gene (actin gene, which is constitutively expressed and has constant expression levels in all cells and is invariant under different study conditions). The relative levels of gene expression were quantified, using the Ct values ​​for each gene studied, by the ΔΔCt method.In addition, the data were analyzed with a second method, the Pfaffl method, which is similar to ΔΔCt but corrected for the efficiencies of the different genes, using the Rest 2009 analysis software (Pfaffl, MW, 2001, Nucleic Acids Res. 29 (9): e45).

[044] The nine marker genes described (plus one reference gene) were chosen as defense markers for different pathways related to defense induction in tomato plants. The gene encoding the actin protein was used as a reference in the Pfaffl method.

[045] The criterion of the present invention considers as “gene overexpression” an expression value twice that expressed in control plants. However, other studies consider as “overexpressed gene” those with a value 1.2 times greater. 1.3. Results.

[046] The application of the product monolaurin (99% purity, 2% by weight) to tomato plants by foliar spraying until the droplets fell demonstrated an increase in the relative gene expression in the nine genes studied, 24 h after treatment. These results were validated using the two methodologies described above (ΔΔCt Method and Pfaffl Method), as described in Table 1. Table 1. Gene overexpression in tomato plants after monolaurin application using two methodologies (ΔΔCt method and Pfaffl method). ΔΔCt Method Pfaffl Method Gen CNT-OH Monolaurin Expression Efficiency Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 25 / 55 16 / 27 (2%) Reaction GluB 1.08 52.79 0.89 36.79 Harp 1.05 14.1 0.87 10.43 BPC 1.09 11.04 1.05 11.29 Osm2 1.07 53.9 1 48.1 PPO 1.02 9.62 1.13 9.48 Sub1 1.1 22.16 1 20.87 ChiEt 1.06 33.3 0.92 25.28 Chi3 1.05 4.09 1 6.15 PR1A 1.12 66.34 1.01 56.94 Actin 0.9 1 1.4. Conclusions.

[047] Treatment of tomato plants by foliar spraying with a single application of the product monolaurin (2%) produced a significant overexpression of genes encoding polyphenol oxidase (PPO), endoglucanase (GluB), harpin (Harp), endochitinase (CHI3 and ChiEt), blue copper protein (BCP), osmotin (Osm2), and pathogenesis-related proteins (PR1A, Sub1). These results confirm a surprising overexpression of key genes in the plant immune system through the application of monolaurin. The expression of the aforementioned genes in plants triggers a cascade of cross-communication signaling pathways, through different biomolecules (proteins, hormones, etc.), with the ability to activate various defense strategies against adverse environmental conditions and / or biological attack by pathogens, pests, and herbivores. Therefore, the use of monolaurin stimulates the plant immune system to trigger a response against biotic and abiotic stress. 2. Stimulation of the immune system in bell pepper plants against biotic stress.

[048] The efficacy of biostimulation with monolaurin in bell pepper plants (Capsicum annuum - Italian sweet pepper, Batlle variety) was evaluated against biotic stress caused by infection with the phytopathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. Vesicatoria 206 (Xcv). 2.1. In vitro bactericidal activity assay.

[049] The in vitro antibacterial activity of monolaurin against Xcv was evaluated in order to exclude the potential bactericidal activity of monolaurin. The determination of bactericidal activity was carried out using the so-called “elimination assay” with a suspension of the bacteria in liquid medium. Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 26 / 55 17 / 27

[050] A commercial 1 g monolaurin capsule was dissolved in ethanol, following the supplier's instructions, to sample concentrations of 250 pg / ml. For comparative purposes, a commercial bactericidal agent, ZZ Cuprocol, was also tested. ZZ Cuprocol was supplied as a suspension (Sygenta) containing 70% w / v copper oxychloride and was tested at a concentration of 0.75 ml / l or 1.5 ml / l. In addition, several negative control samples (which do not promote any bactericidal effect) were also included. Comparative samples are disclosed below: - Comparative control 1 in which monolaurin was replaced by distilled water, - Comparative control - OH 2 in which monolaurin was replaced by ethanol.

[051] The method consisted of mixing 100 μl of the appropriate concentration of the sample to be tested with 100 μl of the bacterial suspension at a stock concentration of 2x10⁸ CFU / ml, obtaining a final volume of 200 μl in each well of the microplate (bacterial suspension at a final concentration of approximately 10⁸ CFU / ml). The multi-well plates were incubated at 28 °C under constant agitation (150 rpm). After 30 and 120 minutes (min) of exposure of the bacterial strain to the different concentrations, samples were collected and their survival (CFU / ml) was analyzed by counting viable cells on agar. In this specific modality, 250 μg / ml of monolaurin and 1.5 ml / l of ZZ Cuprocol were tested.

[052] Colony-forming units were counted after 24 hours of incubation for Xcv, and survival (CFU / ml) was compared with control samples. Three samples were collected for each concentration and time. The results are presented in Table 2. Table 2. Antibacterial activity of monolaurin against Xcv using the method known as the "killing assay". Sample Survival (CFU / ml) Samples tested Quantity At 30 min. At 120 min. Pathogen test (Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria) Negative control comparative 1 - 8.24 8.2 Negative OH control comparative 2 - 8.16 8.13 Cuprocol comparative 1.5 ml / l 6.66 5.13 Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 27 / 55 18 / 27 (positive control) Monolaurin 250 pg / ml 7.87 7.75

[053] Therefore, monolaurin does not exhibit any bactericidal effect on Xcv at bactericidal concentrations of 250 μg / ml. 2.2. In vivo biostimulant activity assay in bell peppers. 2.2.1. Method and sampling.

[054] The plant material used in the experiment was Dulce Italiano (Batlle) pepper seeds. These seeds were sown in cells for germination and, after the first two true leaves appeared, were transferred to 750 ml containers. The plants were fertilized weekly with a 200 ppm NPK solution (20:10:20). The use of fungicides and bactericides was avoided to exclude interference in the development of the experiment. The plants were kept in pots under standard growing conditions, in a controlled environment in terms of temperature, relative humidity and light (25 ± 2 °C and 16 hours of light, 20 ± 2 °C and 8 hours of darkness). The experiment was started two to three weeks after the transfer (presence of 4 true leaves) and after the plants had acclimatized to greenhouse conditions.

[055] Two treatments were performed: monolaurin at a concentration of 2% and an untreated control (NTC). The monolaurin and NTC solutions were prepared as per item 1.2. For the experimental design, nine plants were treated with each product, consisting of three replicates with three plants per replicate.

[056] To evaluate the effectiveness of the product in controlling Xcv infection in pepper plants, a curative strategy was followed. This strategy consisted of inoculating the plants with the pathogen and, one hour after inoculation, applying a monolaurin solution (2%). Pathogen inoculation and product application were performed by foliar spraying.

[057] Disease levels were determined 7 and 12 days after pathogen inoculation (dapi), assigning an infection intensity index (severity index) with values ​​from 0 to 4, depending on the percentage of leaf surface affected: 0, no symptoms; 1, 1-25% of the surface affected; 2, 26-50% of the surface affected; 3, 51-75% of the surface affected; and 4, 76-100% of the surface affected. Between 4 and 5 leaves were evaluated. Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 28 / 55 19 / 27 per plant. 2.2.2. Results.

[058] Table 3 and Figure 1 show the efficacy results of the assay. At 7 and 12 dapi, plants curatively treated with monolaurin showed a significant reduction in infection severity compared to the untreated control, with a reduction in severity index of 58% and 37%, respectively. Table 3. Severity of Xcv infection in pepper plants treated with monolaurin. Xanthomonas test (Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria in pepper plants) Severity Index Samples tested Quantity 7 dapi 12 dapi Negative treatment comparative - CNT - 2.68 2.55 Monolaurin 2% 1.13 1.60

[059] Unlike the CNT control, plants treated with monolaurin (2%) showed an increase in the severity index at 7 and 12 dapi. Since this occurred in the treated plants, it is possible to conclude that the Xcv infection was neither suppressed nor controlled; therefore, it cannot be stated that there are bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects. Furthermore, it is well known that the pathogen Xcv translocates approximately 30 effector proteins of type 3 to pepper plants (Capsicum annuum) to suppress the plants' immune responses, resulting in a delayed immune response. Therefore, the low level of infection in the treated plants was caused by the plant's early immune retaliation. Thus, the use of monolaurin stimulates the plant's immune system to trigger a defensive response against Xcv infection, and this response achieves a reduction in the severity index at 7 and 12 dapi. 2.3. Conclusions.

[060] These results confirm the stimulation of the immune system in pepper plants to induce a defensive response against Xcv bacterial infection through the application of monolaurin. Once bactericidal and / or bacteriostatic effects are ruled out, the defensive strategies of the treated plants, triggered by the application of monolaurin, show more efficient results against infection than the natural strategies of Systemic Acquired Resistance in untreated plants. Therefore, the Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 29 / 55 20 / 27 gene overexpression, caused by biostimulation with monolaurin, develops an enhanced defensive capacity against pathogen infections. 3. Stimulation of the immune system's defenses against abiotic stress in tomato plants.

[061] The efficacy of biostimulation with monolaurin was evaluated in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L, variety Tres Cantos Zaragozano) against abiotic stress caused by drought. The experiment was based on a biostimulant screening method for crop seedlings under water deficit stress developed by Jiménez-Arias et al., where the final biomass weight of the seedlings (dry weight) is the variable used to compare and study the effect of the biostimulants. (Jiménez-Arias, D.; MoralesSierra, S.; Borges, AA; Herrera, AJ; Luis, JC New Biostimulants Screening Method for Crop Seedlings under Water Deficit Stress. Agronomy 2022, 12, 728). 3.1. Plants.

[062] Eight standard 54-cell tomato seedling trays were purchased from a local commercial nursery. Tomato seeds were sown in the trays using an automatic seeder to ensure germination and uniformity of growth, up to the two-true-leaf stage (two weeks). The seedling trays were then transferred to a greenhouse with controlled conditions (temperature 20–27 °C, photoperiod 16–8 h, humidity 60–75%) and the plants were acclimatized in this greenhouse for one week, watered with 50 ml of Hoagland solution at half the concentration per day (Hoagland Basal Salt Mixture No. 2, Sigma-Aldrich), divided into two 25 ml doses. Fungicide and bactericide treatments were avoided to exclude interference in the assay. 3.2. Sampling method and processing. The experiment consisted of eight treatments: 1) Active foliar application with monolaurin (1% by weight) in ethanol, 2) active foliar application with monolaurin (0.5% by weight) in ethanol, 3) active foliar application with monolaurin (0.1% by weight) in ethanol, 4) active application to the soil with monolaurin (40 mg / l) in temperate water, 5) active application to the soil with monolaurin (20 mg / l) in temperate water, 6) active application to the soil with monolaurin (5 mg / l) in temperate water, Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 30 / 55 21 / 27 7) a control with optimally irrigated plants (CNT-W) and 8) a control with drought-stressed plants (CNT-D).

[063] In foliar application, monolaurin and CNT-OH solutions were prepared as per item 1.2 and diluted with a water / ethanol mixture in the same proportion. All treatments were applied by foliar spraying until the droplets fell.

[064] The experiment was conducted over seven days after the acclimation period in a greenhouse. CNT-W plants were irrigated with 50 ml of Hoagland solution at half the concentration per day (two doses of 25 ml), CNT-D and the other treatments were irrigated with 25 ml of Hoagland solution at half the concentration per day (two doses of 12.5 ml). For soil application, the amounts of monolaurin (40, 20 and 5 mg) were added to one liter of Hoagland solution at half the concentration at 50 °C. Then, 5 ml of these solutions were mixed with 20 ml of Hoagland solution at half the concentration (35 °C) and applied to the seedlings during the first five days of the trial.

[065] The experimental design involved 50 plants in each control and treatment. After the trial, the plants were cut close to the ground, dried in an oven at 75 °C for 4 days and weighed. The statistical mean of the weight of the seedlings was compared. 3.3. Results.

[066] Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the results of the assay effectiveness. Figure 2 shows that CNT-W seedlings reached an average weight of 306.1 mg, while CNT-D plants reached 224.5 mg. This means a reduction in average biomass weight of about 27% compared to CNT-W due to drought conditions. All treated assays showed higher biomass than CNT-D, suggesting, therefore, greater efficiency in managing drought conditions.

[067] As shown in Figure 3, the application of the highest concentration in the soil (40 mg / l) reduced the biomass weight of the seedlings by 11% compared to CNT-W, which means almost 21% more biomass than CNT-D. The second application of monolaurin (20 mg / l) followed this trend, and the most diluted application (5 mg / l) still showed an increase compared to CNT-D. Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 31 / 55 22 / 27

[068] Furthermore, foliar treatment also demonstrated some efficiency against water stress in seedlings. The foliar application of the highest concentration (1%) increased biomass weight by approximately 12% compared to CNT-D. The second and third foliar applications of monolaurin (0.5% and 0.1%) also showed an increase compared to CNT-D. 3.4. Conclusions.

[069] These results confirm the stimulation of the immune system in tomato plants to induce a defensive response against drought through the application of monolaurin. The defensive strategies of treated plants, triggered by the application of monolaurin, show more efficient results against water stress than the natural strategies in untreated plants. Therefore, the genetic overexpression caused by biostimulation with monolaurin results in an enhanced defensive capacity against abiotic stresses. 4. Compositions 4.1. Liquid compositions 4.1.1. Liquid leaf compositions containing monolaurin.

[070]

[070] Reference liquid compositions for foliar application containing monolaurin are indicated below.

[071] Table 4 presents the ingredients, their function and their quantity expressed as a percentage by weight in relation to the total weight of the composition. Table 4. Example of a leaf liquid composition containing monolaurin. Ingredients Commercial Product Function Quantity (% by weight) Monolaurin Monolaurin 90%(1) Active ingredient 30 Octylphenol ethoxylate Citowett® Wetting agent 10 Polyoxyethylene-20 sorbitan monooleate Tween 80 Surfactant 15 Vegetable oil Agri-pure™ AP-406(2) Biosolvent 45 (1) Monolaurin 90% contains 10% glycerol, diglycerides and free triglycerides (2) Agri-pure™ AP-406: plant-based rapeseed oil methyl ester marketed by Cargill; any other suitable vegetable oil for the Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 32 / 55 23 / 27 agriculture can be used in its place.

[072] This formulation was dispersed in water at a ratio of 0.5 liters of formulation / hectoliter of water (0.5% v / v) and, after stirring at 1000 rpm, kept stable for more than 120 minutes. The mixture was prepared at 50 °C. Concentrated liquid foliar composition

[073] A concentrated dispersion in water, comprising the formulation of Table 4, was prepared, firstly, by mixing all the ingredients listed in the table above; and, secondly, by dispersing the resulting mixture in water at a ratio of 0.1 to 5 liters of formulation per hectoliter of water (resulting in a final concentration of 0.1 to 5% v / v) and, after vigorous agitation at 1000 rpm for 5 minutes, kept stable for more than 120 minutes. The mixture was prepared at 50 °C. 4.1.2. Liquid foliar compositions containing monolaurin and other active ingredients.

[074] Reference liquid compositions for foliar application containing monolaurin and additional active ingredients are indicated below. Liquid compositions containing monolaurin and herbal essential oil (bactericidal).

[075] A reference liquid composition for foliar application, comprising monolaurin and at least one essential oil, is indicated below. Origanum essential oil may be substituted for any other essential oil.

[076] Table 5 indicates the ingredients, their function and their quantity, expressed as a percentage by weight in relation to the total weight of the composition. Table 5. Example of a liquid leaf composition containing monolaurin and Origanum essential oil as a bactericidal active ingredient. Ingredients Commercial Product Function Quantity (% by weight) 1-monoglyceride of C12 fatty acid Monolaurin 90%(1) Active ingredient 30 Octylphenol ethoxylate Citowett® Wetting agent 10 Polyoxyethylene-20 sorbitan monooleate Tween 80 Surfactant 15 Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 33 / 55 24 / 27 (1) Monolaurin 90% contains 10% free glycerol, diglycerides and triglycerides (2) Agri-pure™ AP-406: plant-based rapeseed oil methyl ester marketed by Cargill; any other vegetable oil suitable for agriculture may be used in its place. [07 7] A diluted aqueous dispersion comprising the formulation of Table 5 was prepared following the processes disclosed in the previous section, adding the essential oil of the herb to prepare the first mixture of ingredients. Liquid compositions containing monolaurin and liquid L-amino acid biostimulant. [07 8] A reference liquid composition for foliar application, comprising monolaurin and at least one liquid biostimulant compound, is indicated below. Any other biostimulant disclosed in the prior art may be used. [07 9] Table 6 presents the ingredients, their function and their quantity expressed as a percentage by weight in relation to the total weight of the composition. Table 6. Example of a liquid foliar composition containing monolaurin and la-amino acid as a biostimulant active ingredient. Ingredients Commercial Product Function Quantity (% by weight) C12 fatty acid 1-monoglyceride Monolaurin 90%(1) Active ingredient 30 Octylphenol ethoxylate Citowett® Wetting agent 10 Polyoxyethylene-20 sorbitan monooleate Tween 80 Surfactant 15 Agri-pure™ AP-406 vegetable oil(2) Biosolvent 30 1a-amino acid biostimulant(3) TerraSorb® Active ingredient 25 (1) Monolaurin 90% contains 10% glycerol, diglycerides and free triglycerides. (2) Agri-pure™ AP-406: plant-based rapeseed oil methyl ester, marketed by Cargill; any other vegetable oil suitable for agriculture may be used in its place. Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 34 / 55 25 / 27 (3) TerraSorb®: 1-α-amino acid biostimulant for foliar application, marketed by Bioiberica; any other liquid biostimulant suitable for agriculture may be used in its place. [08 0] A diluted aqueous dispersion comprising the formulation of Table 6 was prepared following the processes disclosed in the previous section, adding the antifungal agent to prepare the first mixture of ingredients. 4.1.3. Liquid nanoemulsion foliar composition

[081] Monolaurin can be presented in nanoemulsions, as well as in other types of nanoformulations.

[082] The nanoformulation is in the form of an oil-in-water nanoemulsion containing monolaurin. The droplet size ranged from 200-400 nm, measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA).

[083] Table 7 indicates the ingredients, their functions and their quantities expressed in grams. Table 7. Example of a liquid nanocomposition containing monolaurin. Ingredients Commercial Product Function Quantity (g) C12 fatty acid 1-monoglyceride Monolaurin 90%(1) Active ingredient 35 Soy lecithin - Emulsifying agent 10 Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate Tween 40 Surfactant 5 Water - Solvent 50 (1) Monolaurin 90% contains 10% free glycerol, diglyceride and triglyceride

[084] Monolaurin was mixed with soy lecithin at 50 °C under vigorous stirring (4,000 rpm) for 5 minutes. Conversely, water was mixed with the surfactant at 50 °C under vigorous stirring (4,000 rpm) for 5 minutes. Both solutions were mixed at 50 °C under vigorous stirring (4,000 rpm) for 10 minutes. The mixture was then sonicated with an ultrasonic probe (Hielscher UP200st, 26 kHz) for 12 minutes at 50 °C. The temperature was controlled during the ultrasonication step using a cooling jacket, and the resulting mixture, in the form of a nanodispersion, remained stable for at least Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 35 / 55 26 / 27 minus three days. 4.2. Solid compositions 4.2.1. Solid compositions for application by spraying on the soil

[085] Examples of compositions of a mineral solids absorption composition for application to soils by spraying are disclosed below. Instead of silica, other minerals may be used, such as bentonite, sepiolite, activated carbon, diatomaceous earth and / or combinations thereof.

[086] Table 8 presents the ingredients, their functions and their quantities expressed as a percentage by weight in relation to the total weight of the composition. Table 8. Example of a solid composition for soil spraying containing monolaurin. Ingredients Commercial Product Function Quantity (% by weight) C12 1-monoglyceride fatty acid Monolaurin 90%(1) Active ingredient 35 Silica IQE D300 Support 63 Silica IQE Ibersil D100 Fluidizing agent 2 (1) Monolaurin 90% contains 10% free glycerol, diglyceride and triglyceride

[087] Monolaurin was added as a spray at 70 °C in a rotating drum where the silica mixture (IQE D300 / IQE Ibersil D100) was already placed. The drum rotated at 30 rpm. 4.2.3. Compositions in combination with solid active compound for spray application to the soil.

[088] Below is an example of a solid absorption composition with other active compounds for spray application. Instead of humic-fulvic acids, other compounds can be used such as fertilizers, manure, dried seaweed, compost and / or combinations thereof, among others.

[089] Table 9 describes the ingredients, their functions and their quantities expressed as a percentage by weight in relation to the total weight of the composition. Table 9. Example of a solid composition for soil spraying containing Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 36 / 55 27 / 27 monolaurin in combination with a solid biostimulant compound. Ingredients Commercial Product Function Quantity (% by weight) C12 1-monoglyceride fatty acid Monolaurin 90%(1) Active ingredient 30 Humic-fulvic acids Kation H-65(2) Active ingredient 45 Silica IQE D300 Fluidizing agent 20 Silica IQE Ibersil D100 Fluidizing agent 5 (1) Monolaurin 90% contains 10% free glycerol, diglycerides and triglycerides. (2) Kation™ H-65: concentrated solid humic-fulvic acid marketed by Nutrelic with 60% by weight humic acid and 5% by weight fulvic acids; any other humic and / or fulvic acid compound suitable for agriculture may be used in its place.

[090] Monolaurin was added as a spray at 70 °C to a rotating drum where the silica mixture (IQE D300 / IQE Ibersil D100) and Kation H-65 was already placed. The drum rotated at 30 rpm.

Claims

1. Use of an effective amount of monolaurin, characterized by its ability to stimulate the plant's immune system against biotic and abiotic stresses.

2. Use, according to claim 1, characterized in that the abiotic stress is caused by stresses resulting from drought, salinity, heat, cold, freezing, nutrients, high light intensity, ozone, heavy metals and combinations thereof.

3. Use, according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the biotic stress is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, nematodes, beneficial and harmful insects, herbivorous animals and combinations thereof.

4. Use, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the plants belong to the nightshade family.

5. Use, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the effective amount of monolaurin is from 0.001 mg to 5.000 mg per plant.

6. Use, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the effective amount of monolaurin is from 0.01 mg to 2,000 mg per plant or, optionally, from 0.1 to 1,000 mg per plant.

7. Use, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that monolaurin is part of an agrochemical composition, comprising an effective biostimulant amount of monolaurin and one or more excipients and / or carriers acceptable for agriculture.

8. Use according to claim 7, characterized in that the agrochemical composition comprises from 0.01 to 99% by weight of monolaurin.

9. Use, according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the agrochemical composition comprises 15 to 75% by weight of monolaurin, optionally 20 to 50% by weight of monolaurin; or optionally 35 to 45%.

10. Use, according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the agrochemical composition further comprises at least one additional active ingredient. Petition 870250083466, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, page 38 / 55 2 / 2 11. Use according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one additional active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of pesticides, antifungal agents, antibacterial agents, essential oils, amino acid-based compounds, fertilizers, biostimulants and mixtures thereof.

12. Use, according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the stimulation of the plant's immune system comprises the application of monolaurin, or alternatively, of the agrochemical composition, in a form selected from the group consisting of liquids, solids and gels.

13. Use, according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the stimulation of the plant's immune system comprises the application of monolaurin, or alternatively, of the agrochemical composition, in a foliar application, a stem application, a stem injection, a root application, a root injection, a soil application or a combination thereof.

14. Use, according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that stimulation of the plant's immune system involves at least one application of an effective biostimulant amount of monolaurin and / or an agrochemical composition containing it.

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