Nutrient composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance of plants

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition and method for improving osmotic stress tolerance in plants. The invention particularly relates to a composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance in plants which comprises of at least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof, hydroxyproline and alanine. The present invention also relates to method of preparation and application of the composition. The invention furthermore relates to a method for protecting plants against osmotic stress and improving plant health and yield by treating plants, a plant propagation material, locus or plant parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the composition.

Description

[0001] NUTRIENT COMPOSITION FOR IMPROVING OSMOTIC STRESS TOLERANCE OF PLANTS

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a composition and method for improving osmotic stress tolerance in plants. The invention particularly relates to a composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance in plants which comprises of at least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof, hydroxyproline and alanine. The present invention also relates to method of preparation and application of the composition. The invention furthermore relates to a method for protecting plants against osmotic stress and improving plant health and yield by treating plants, a plant propagation material, locus or plant parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the composition.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Meeting the growing demand for food within the ecological limits of our planet calls for continuous reflection on, and redesigning of, agricultural technologies and practices. Crop intensification together with appropriate nutrient management holds promise in increasing crop productivity with micronutrient enriched products.

[0006] One of such practices include use of chemical fertilisers, the discovery and use of which have been one of the key factors for increase in crop yield, agricultural productivity and food security. Use of chemical fertilisers, however, comes at an environmental cost, and fertilisers have also not been very economically effective production factor specifically, where application of fertilisers on poor soils of unbalanced compositions of nutrients has shown limited impact on yield increase. These products can cause serious damages for environment as well as consumer's health as a consequence of their residues in soil, water and food products.

[0007] Agronomic practices to apply existing mineral fertilisers, primarily containing N, P and K, at the right time, at the right place, in the right amount, and of the right composition can improve the use efficiency of fertilisers. However, the overall developments to reduce the negative side effects is inadequate for the desired transformation toward sustainable agriculture. In addition, agricultural compositions comprising fertilizer or nutrients known in the art suffers from many disadvantages or have issues in practical application such as random distribution of nutrient on the target area, poor availability of the nutrients, wastage due to leaching which in turn results in an unfavourable environment of an ecosystem and degradation of soil health along with economical loss. There are commercial nutrient-based compositions known in the art in the form of powder, bentonite granules or pastilles, pellets / prills, granules prepared through molten process etc. Such products of nutrient compositions in the form of granules or pellets or pastilles comprise swelling clays and have been associated with several drawbacks. These compositions are generally bigger in size and include swelling clay which swells on contact with moisture and disintegrates into large particles of uneven size. Such granules or pastilles also lead to an irregular release of the nutrients not meeting the plant's nutritional requirement and eventually resulting in poor field efficacy

[0008] Besides, several fertilizers or nutrient compositions known in the art includes water- soluble sources of nutrients such as such as zinc sulphate, iron sulphate, magnesium sulphate, etc. However, it was observed that such compositions tend to wash away and fail to be absorbed by the plants which in turn causes ground water contamination during heavy rainfall or irrigation. Thus, the farmer's practices involve application of such fertilizers at very high dosage of applications. The application of sulphates and other water soluble salts in higher dosages significantly elevates the salinity of the soil. Excess of salts adversely affects soil structure and fertility and microorganisms resulting not only in poor or no yields, but also can display reduced root growth, and / or reduced leaf growth or count, and / or reduced stalk weight and / or strength, and / or reduced fruit size and / or weight and / or reduced nutritional value. Salinity also affects the growth and production of crops by reducing the water potential of the soil solution, thus decreasing the availability of water.

[0009] In addition to excessive use of chemical fertilizers, there are also several natural factors that results in soil salinity. Natural soil salinity occurs in hot arid and semiarid climates with < 1 cm of annual rainfall. Soils and lands that have shallow water tables can develop saline soils due to excessive water evaporation and the concentration of salts. Poor water quality and irrigation practices also contribute to the salinization of thousands of acres of farmland each year around the world.

[0010] Salinity is therefore one of the major problems worldwide and affects the agricultural production severely. According to the FAO, the global area of salt- affected soils covers 424 million hectares of topsoil (0-30 cm) and 833 million hectares of subsoil (30-100 cm) (based on 73% of the land mapped so far) (FAO, 2021a) and is expected to affect the world more vigorously and extensively in coming years. It is expected to result in the loss of up to 50% fertile land by the middle of the 21st century (Manchanda and Garg, 2008). Various mitigation technologies are being proposed or implemented to restore salt- affected soils. These include the use of salt-tolerant genotypes, sub-surface drainage systems in waterlogged saline regions, agroforestry practices, micro -irrigation methods such as drip systems, land shaping techniques, climate-smart conservation agriculture, and the application of amendments like gypsum, biochar, and zeolites, as well as the introduction of beneficial microorganisms.

[0011] The development of stress tolerant plants has the potential to reduce or solve at least some of these problems. However, traditional plant breeding strategies to produce new lines of plants that exhibit tolerance to stresses has been slow. Lack of sufficient germplasm resources and incompatibility between distantly related plant species, present significant problems in conventional breeding. Conventional nutritional plant treatments are generally unable or incapable of providing plants with resistance to environmental stresses and are therefore limited to providing benefit to otherwise healthy or flourishing plants.

[0012] It is also known that the adaptation of plants to different stress conditions may be stimulated by chemical compounds to attempt to cancel out the negative effect on their development, for example, W02010018281A1 claims the use of menadione, a vitamin K derivative, to increase the tolerance of plants to the osmotic stress caused by salinity. In relation to the use of amino acids to improve the development conditions of plants, it is widely known that mixtures of this type of organic molecules from protein hydrolysate have been used in Europe since 1968 to fertilize the land, as pesticides, fungicides and growth regulators of the crops.

[0013] There are also documents that relate to the exogenous application of amino acids to increase salt tolerance of plant for instance, El-Samad et al. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Vol. 5(24), pp. 5692-5699, 30 October, 2011, which relates to the use of non-cyclic amino acids such as phenylalanine or proline; Monitoring Role of Exogenous Amino Acids on the Proteinogenic and Ionic Responses of Lettuce Plants under Salinity Stress Conditions, Horticulturae 2023, 9(6), 626 which suggests the use of lysine and threonine or patent application document US2009054241A1, wherein a proline derivative is used, specifically hydroxyproline. Also, there are documents disclosing role of nutrients such as elemental sulphur, silicon, selenium, zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium etc. in inducing stress tolerance in crops. The Patent application W02020016730A1 also discloses composition of elemental sulphur, nutrients and amino acid together for soil application in order to improve the availability of sulphur and other nutrient for plant uptake. Patent application document US 20210040007 Al discloses liquid formulation having glutamic acid and nutrients for stress mitigation in plants. However, in any of these cases the efficacy in relation to the osmotic stress tolerance is still limited. Additionally, many fertilizers and nutrient mixtures recognized in the field often incorporate various water soluble salts and chemical surfactants, such as lignin sulfonate and naphthalene sulfonate. High doses of such lignin sulphonate compounds have been found to cause adverse health effects in laboratory animals. Further, conventional chemical fertilizers and nutrient products comprising water soluble salts and chemical adjuvants have long-lasting environmental impacts and contribute to groundwater pollution, adversely affecting both mammalian and aquatic ecosystems. Many of these compounds are non- biodegradable, persisting in the soil for extended periods, and they also aggravate soil salinity.

[0014] Therefore, there is an urgent need for commercial agricultural practices to adopt new plant treatments that can help to improve osmotic stress tolerance in plants specifically saline stress or improve their ability to withstand and recover from environmental challenges.

[0015] The present inventors have surprisingly found that the composition comprising at least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof, in combination with hydroxyproline and alanine can effectively improve the osmotic stress tolerance of the plant. Surprisingly, the plants treated with these compositions have a greater tolerance against said stress especially when it comes to high salinity conditions, which translates into an improvement of the quality of the harvest and increased yield of the same. It was particularly observed that the composition in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules or liquid suspension as per the present invention, helps to improve the plant yield, improves soil health and balances uptake of all nutrients by the crops and exhibits significantly enhanced plant growth, quality, vitality, vigour, health and nutrient content of the crops even under high salinity conditions. Other objects and advantages of the present invention shall become apparent from the accompanying description.

[0016] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The invention relates to a composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance in plants which comprises of combination of at least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; hydroxyproline and alanine.

[0018] The present invention particularly relates to a composition comprising combination of at least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof in wherein the elemental content of nutrient is in the range of 0.0001% to 80% by weight of the total composition; hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and at least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a method of preparation and application of the composition comprising combination of at least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof, hydroxyproline and alanine and at least one agricultural excipient.

[0020] The invention furthermore relates to a method for protecting plants against osmotic stress, improving plant health and yield by treating plants, a plant propagation material, locus or plant parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the composition comprising combination of at least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof, hydroxyproline and alanine and at least one agricultural excipient. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In describing the embodiment of the invention, specific terminology is chosen for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that such specific terms include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. It is understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all subranges subsumed. Also, unless denoted otherwise percentage of components in a composition are presented as weight percent.

[0022] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability.

[0023] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] As used herein, the terms “comprising” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances.

[0025] In any aspect or embodiment described herein below, the phrase comprising may be replaced by the phrases “consisting of’ or “consisting essentially of’ or “consisting substantially of’. In these aspects or embodiment, the composition described includes or comprises or consists of or consists essentially of or consists substantially of the specific components recited therein, to the exclusion of other ingredients or excipients not specifically recited therein.

[0026] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0027] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed considering the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0028] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Also, it should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “1 to 10” is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10. Also, unless denoted otherwise, percentages of components in a composition are presented as weight percent.

[0029] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0030] The term “plant” or “crop” used in this invention are interchangeable and wherever the term “plant” has been used shall also mean vegetation of similar nature namely crops, trees, shrub, herb etc. The term ‘plant’ refers to all physical parts of a plant, including seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, foliage, and fruits. The term plant includes transgenic and non-transgenic plants.

[0031] The term “locus” of a plant herein is intended to embrace the place on which the plants are growing, where the plant propagation materials of the plants are sown or where the plant propagation materials of the plants will be placed into the soil.

[0032] The term “plant propagation material” is understood to denote generative parts of a plant, such as seeds, vegetative material such as cuttings or tubers, roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes and parts of plants, germinated plants and young plants which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from the soil. These young plants may be protected before transplantation by a total or partial treatment by immersion.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the ranges for each component are kept wide based on the local soil requirements, soil type, prior fertilizer practice and also on the specific needs of the crop. Often, a particular formulation is chosen with specific ranges of components such as iron, zinc, boron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, and selenium, either at the higher or lower end of the spectrum to optimize yield. Frequently, a higher amount of component is taken depending on the growth stage of the crops at the time of product application. Therefore, the invention encompasses a range of nutrients that extends beyond what is exemplified or described in the specifications.

[0034] “Osmotic stress”, as used herein, refers to physiologic dysfunction caused by a sudden change in the solute concentration around a cell, which are mostly the results of drought or salinity / salt stress and which causes a rapid change in the movement of water across its cell membrane.

[0035] “Salinity stress”, as used herein refers to a condition where excessive salts in soil solution cause inhibition of plant growth and plant death. Salinity tolerance in crops can be determined by analysing the yield decline in the presence of NaCl at various concentration.

[0036] As used herein the term “drought stress” is used interchangeably with water stress. The term “drought stress” as used herein can be induced in plants under conditions where reduced water content in the soil, due to a salinity of the soil, shortage of rainfall or irrigation, which leads to impaired or reduced water absorption by the plant or photosynthetic organism.

[0037] Osmotic stress such as saline stress or water stress recognized or identified by comparing a change in plant phenotypes described in more detail below between plants which have been exposed to saline / water stress conditions and plants which have not been exposed to the saline / water stress conditions. Osmotic stress in a plant or photosynthetic organism may be indicated by a change in one or more of but not limited to the following plant phenotypes, which can serve as indicators of the salinity or water stress in plants: (1) germination percentage, (2) seedling establishment rate, (3) number of healthy leaves, (4) plant length, (5) plant weight, (6) leaf area, (7) leaf colour, (8) number or weight of seeds or fruits, (9) quality of harvests, (10) flower setting rate or fruit setting rate, (11) chlorophyll content (12) plant vigor.

[0038] A mixture or combination is defined as a blend of two or more substances that are not chemically united to each other. A homogeneous mixture is defined as one whose composition is uniform throughout the mixture. It is the type of mixture where the composition is constant throughout or the components that make up the mixture are distributed uniformly.

[0039] Granules refers mainly to solid granules. The granules refer mainly to water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules, extruded granules or spheronised granules.

[0040] As described herein, “WG” or “WDG” refer to water dispersible granules and are defined as a formulation which disperses or dissolves rapidly when added to water to give a fine particle suspension. Water-dispersible granules are formulated as small, easily measured granules (an agglomeration of fine particles) by blending and agglomerating ground active ingredients together with surfactants and other formulation excipients which disperses into finer / primary particles upon addition to water. The water-dispersible granules are obtained by spray drying or by extrusion process.

[0041] As described herein the term “GR” refers to “water disintegrable granules” and are defined as a granular composition comprising agglomerated granules or particles which upon contact with sufficient water or soil moisture disintegrate or break into individual particles releasing the actives instantaneously and also over a longer period which may extend throughout the crop cycle.

[0042] “Quick release” or “instant release” or “instantaneous dispersion” can be used interchangeably and is applicable to granules which rapidly disperse to release the nutrients.

[0043] A ‘liquid suspension’ encompasses, “aqueous suspension” or aqueous dispersion” or “suspension concentrate (SC)” composition. The suspension is defined as composition wherein solid particles are dispersed or suspended in a liquid. The liquid as a vehicle can be water and / or a water miscible solvent. The water miscible solvent is environmentally safe.

[0044] The term ‘derivatives’ used in this application shall encompass the minerals and ores containing the minerals of phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, boron, copper and selenium. The term derivatives shall also encompass compounds from which phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, boron, copper and selenium can be obtained in a form that is assimilable by the plants.

[0045] Further, the dosage of active ingredient applied in the field experiment is of elemental active.

[0046] The particle size of the composition is defined as the particle of size of the composition in the form of water dispersible granules or water disintegrable granule or liquid suspension as a whole comprising nutrient / s, hydroxyproline, alanine and excipient. DIO is used to indicate particle size distribution and represent 10% of the total particles to be smaller than the determined size. D50 is the corresponding particle size when the cumulative percentage reaches 50%. D50 is also called the median particle diameter or median particle size and represent an average 50% of the total particles to be smaller than the determined size. D90 is used to indicate particle size distribution and represent 90% of the total particles to be smaller than the determined size. D90 is also the corresponding particle size when the cumulative percentage reaches 90%.

[0047] The invention relates to a composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance in plants which comprises of combination of one or more nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof, hydroxyproline and alanine and at least one agricultural excipient.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance of a plant, said composition comprising of: a) At least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof, Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof wherein the elemental content of the nutrient is in the range of 0.0001% to 80% by weight of the total composition; b) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d) At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns.

[0049] According to an embodiment, elemental iron content is in the range of 0.01% to 80% by weight of the total composition; elemental zinc content is in the range of 0.01% to 75% by weight of the total composition; elemental boron content is in the range of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition; elemental calcium content is in the range 0.05% to 50% by weight of the total composition; elemental potassium content is in the range 0.05% to 65% by weight of the total composition; elemental phosphorous content is in the range 0.05% to 30% by weight of the total composition; elemental manganese content is in the range 0.05% to 75% by weight of the total composition; elemental magnesium content is in the range of 0.05% to 60% by weight of the total composition; elemental copper content is in the range of 0.05% to 80% by weight of the total composition and elemental selenium content is in the range of 0.0001% to 50% by weight of the total composition.

[0050] According to an embodiment, elemental iron content is in the range of 0.01% to 70% by weight of the total composition; elemental zinc content is in the range of 0.01% to 72% by weight of the total composition; elemental boron content is in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; elemental calcium content is in the range 0.05% to 36% by weight of the total composition; elemental potassium content is in the range 0.05% to 50% by weight of the total composition; elemental phosphorous content is in the range 0.05% to 21% by weight of the total composition; elemental manganese content is in the range 0.05% to 70% by weight of the total composition; elemental magnesium content is in the range of 0.05% to 55% by weight of the total composition, elemental copper content is in the range of 0.05% to 75% by weight of the total composition and elemental selenium content is in the range of 0.0001% to 25% by weight of the total composition.

[0051] According to an embodiment, hydroxyproline is present in a concentration range of from 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, hydroxyproline is present in a concentration range of from 0.01% to 10% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, hydroxyproline is present in a concentration range of from 0.01% to 5% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, hydroxyproline is present in a concentration range of from 0.05% to 10% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, hydroxyproline is present in a concentration range of from 0.05% to 10% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, hydroxyproline is present preferably in a concentration range of from 0.05% to 5% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, hydroxyproline is present more preferably in a concentration range of from 0.03% to 5% by weight of the total composition.

[0052] According to an embodiment, hydroxyproline is L-hydroxyproline or D- hydroxyproline or mixture thereof. . In a further embodiment, hydroxyproline is L- hydroxyproline.

[0053] According to an embodiment, alanine is present in a concentration range of from 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, alanine is present in a concentration range of from 0.01% to 10% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, alanine is present in a concentration range of from 0.01% to 5% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, alanine is present in a concentration range of from 0.05% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, alanine is present in a concentration range of from 0.05% to 10% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, alanine is present preferably in a concentration range of from 0.05% to 5% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, alanine is present more preferably in a concentration range of from 0.06% to 1% by weight of the total composition.

[0054] According to an embodiment, alanine is L- alanine or D- alanine or mixture thereof. In a further embodiment, alanine is L-alanine.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises hydroxyproline and alanine in weight ratio of 20:1 to 1:20. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises hydroxyproline and alanine in weight ratio of 10:1 to 1:10. According to an embodiment, the composition preferably comprises hydroxyproline and alanine in weight ratio of 5:1 to 1:5. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises hydroxyproline and alanine in weight ratio of 4:1 to 1:4. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises hydroxyproline and alanine in weight ratio of 3:1 to 1:3. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises hydroxyproline and alanine in weight ratio of 2:1 to 1:2. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises hydroxyproline and alanine in weight ratio of 1:1.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance of a plant, said composition comprising of: a) At least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof, Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof wherein the elemental content of the nutrient is in the range of 0.0001% to 80% by weight of the total composition; b) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d) At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises at least one water soluble or water insoluble nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof in wherein the elemental content of nutrient is in the range of 0.0001% to 80% by weight of the total composition; hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and at least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns and wherein the total content of the water soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% by the weight of the total composition.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises water soluble or insoluble nutrients wherein the total content of the water soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% by the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the water soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 75% by the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the water soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 65% by the weight of the total composition.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises boron and potassium in the composition in a water insoluble form or a water soluble form or mixture thereof.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises iron, zinc, calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, copper and selenium in the composition in a water insoluble form.

[0061] According to a further embodiment, the composition comprises water soluble or insoluble potassium fertilizers, salts, derivatives or mixture thereof.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the potassium fertilizers or salts include muriate of potash; potassium magnesium sulphate; potassium nitrate; potassium sodium nitrate; potassium hydroxide; potassium carbonate; potassium orthophosphate; potassium polyphosphate; potassium phosphate; potassium metaphosphate; potassium sulphate; sulphate potash magnesia; potassium chloride; rock potash; bittern potassium salt (KC1 (+ NaCl + MgSO4)); plant and wood ashes (K2CO3 + KHC03) and kelp ashes (KC1 + K2SO4); potassium fulvate; potassium humate and potassium rock powder or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other potassium salts, their derivatives without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the derivatives of potassium in the composition include minerals or ores. The ores include ores containing potassium but are not limited to Schoenite or Picromerite; Feldspar; Orthoclase; Slyvite; Carnallite; Kainite; Polyhalite or Ischelite or Polygalite; Leucite; Arrojadite; Gengenbachite; Haigerachite; Lepidolite Hazenite, Kosnarite, Langbeinite Leucophosphite, Lipuite, Manganoarrojadite, Mantienneite, Minyulite, Parwanite, Phosphofibrite, Sylvinite, Taranakite and Tinsleyite. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other minerals of potassium without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0064] According to a further embodiment, the composition comprises water soluble Potassium salt selected from one or more of Potassium Carbonate, Potassium Selenide, Potassium Sulfate, Potassium Silicates, Potassium Hydroxide, Potassium Schoenite, Potassium Bicarbonate, Potassium Persulfate and Potassium Humate. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other water soluble salts of Potassium without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0065] According to a further embodiment, the water soluble Potassium derivatives in the composition include minerals or ores. The ores include water soluble ores containing Potassium but are not limited to Carnallite, Leucite, Schoenite, Picromerite, Glauconite, Biotite, Langbeinite. The present invention covers the water soluble ores of Potassium containing Potassium level of at least 4% selected from one or more of Carnallite, Leucite, Schoenite, Picromerite, Glauconite, Biotite, Langbeinite. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other water soluble Potassium containing minerals and ores without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the potassium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 90% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the potassium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 70% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the potassium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the potassium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 45% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the potassium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 35% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the potassium salts, or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the potassium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 25% w / w of the total composition.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the water soluble phosphorus fertilizers, salts or derivatives comprises potassium phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, ammonium sulfate phosphate, potassium sulfate ammonium phosphate, calcium superphosphate, serpentine-superphosphate, ammonium phosphate, monoammonium dihydrogen phosphate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate, dipotassium ammonium phosphate, potassium ammonium hydrogen phosphate, Archerite, Arrojadite, Mantienneite, Millisite and the hydrates of the aforementioned salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof. The phosphorous fertililizer can also be in the form of phosphoric acid. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other phosphorous salts, or their derivatives or mixtures without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0068] According to an embodiment, water insoluble phosphorous fertilizer, salts or derivatives comprises elemental phosphorous, rock phosphate, calcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, fused magnesium phosphate, calcined phosphate, magnesium hydrogen phosphate, magnesium phosphate, fluorapatite, phosphate rock, feldspar, variscite, vivianite, struvite, turquoise, lazulite, bicapite, francoanellite, gengenbachite, hazenite, kosnarite, leucophosphite, Meta-ankoleite, minyulite, spheniscidite, struvite, taranakite, apatite, bone meal, bone ash, strengite, monocalcium phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, phosphorite.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the phosphorous derivatives include one or more of phosphorous containing minerals or ores or processed ores containing phosphorous including but not limited to one or more of Phosphorite, fluorapatite, francolite, phosphate rock or rock phosphate, Feldspar or microcline, Variscite, Strengite, Vivianite, Struvite, Turquoise, Lazulite, Triphylite, Archerite, Arrojadite, Arrojadite, Bicapite, Francoanellite, Gengenbachite, Haigerachite, Hazenite, Kosnarite, Leucophosphite, Manganoarrojadite, Mantienneite, Mantienneite, Meta- ankoleite, Millisite, Minyulite, Phosphofibrite, Phosphuranylite, Spheniscidite, Struvite-(K), Taranakite, Tinsleyite, and Apatite, bone meal, bone ash from which the phosphorous fertilizers, salts or derivativess can be derived. However, the above list of ores or minerals is exemplary and not meant to limit the scope of the invention.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises water insoluble phosphorous fertilizer, salts, derivatives or mixture thereof.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the phosphorous salts, derivatives, and mixtures can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the phosphorous salts, derivatives, and mixtures can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 75% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the phosphorous salts, derivatives, and mixtures can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the phosphorous salts, derivatives, and mixtures can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the phosphorous salts, derivatives, and mixtures can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 45% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the phosphorous salts, derivatives, and mixtures can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 35% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the phosphorous salts, derivatives, and mixtures can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the phosphorous salts, derivatives, and mixtures can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the water insoluble calcium salts comprises one or more of calcium oxide, calcium phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium dichromate, calcium fumarate, calcium iodate, calcium succinate, calcium oxalate, calcium perchlorate, carbonyl calcium, their complexes, derivatives and mixtures thereof.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the water soluble calcium salts comprises one or more of calcium sulphate, calcium acetate, calcium saccharide, calcium hydroxide, calcium citrate, calcium chloride, calcium lactate, calcium ascorbate, calcium arsenate, calcium gluconate, calcium glycinate, calcium formate, calcium carbonate, calcium iodide, calcium bicarbonate, calcium lignosulfonate, calcium chelate and their complexes, derivatives and mixtures.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises water insoluble calcium salts, derivatives or mixture thereof.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the calcium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the calcium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 85% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the calcium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 75% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the calcium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 65% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the calcium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the calcium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 45% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the calcium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 35% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the calcium salts, or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the calcium salts, or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the calcium salts, or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0076] According to further embodiment, the water insoluble magnesium salts include one or more of but is not limited to, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia), magnesium molybdate, magnesium phosphate, calcium magnesium phosphate, magnesium phosphate tribasic, magnesium carbonate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, magnesium aluminium silicate, calcium magnesium silicate magnesium ammonium phosphate, magnesium humate, magnesium fulvate; magnesium oxalate, magnesium tartrate, magnesium sulphide or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other magnesium salts, their derivatives without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0077] According to further embodiment, the water soluble magnesium salts include magnesium sulphate, magnesium nitrate, magnesium gluconate, magnesium glycinate, magnesium lactate, magnesium aspartate, magnesium ascorbate, magnesium lignosulphonate, magnesium acetate and magnesium citrate. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other magnesium salts or derivatives thereof without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the derivatives of magnesium in the composition include minerals or ores, the ores include ores containing magnesium but are not limited to periclase; brucite; sellaite; kotoite; pertsevite; suanite; magnesite; szaibelyite, kieserite, dolomite, hydrated dolomite and struvite. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other minerals of magnesium without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises water insoluble magnesium salts, derivatives or mixture thereof. According to an embodiment, the magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 1% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 1% w / w to 75% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 1% w / w to 65% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 1% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 1% w / w to 45% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the magnesium salts, or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 1% w / w to 35% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 1% w / w to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0080] According to further embodiment, the water insoluble iron salts include one or more of but is not limited to, iron oxide, iron hydroxide, iron phosphate, iron fumarate, iron succinate, iron sulphide, iron tartarate, iron sucrate, carbonyl iron, iron silicate, iron carbonate; iron(II) oxalate (anhydrous), Iron(II) oxalate (dihydrate) or derivatives or mixtures thereof. The iron oxide includes, but is not limited to, ferrous oxide (FeO) or iron oxide, ferric oxide (Fe2Os) or red oxide, and ferroso ferric oxide (FC3O4) or black iron oxide. Iron hydroxide includes, but is not limited to, ferric hydroxide, yellow iron oxide (FfeFeCh), iron hydroxide (Fe(OH)3), iron hydroxide (iii), iron oxyhydroxide and limonite. Iron phosphate includes, but is not limited to, iron(ii) phosphate or ferrous phosphate, ferric phosphate, ferric phosphate dihydrate, ferric phosphate hydrate, ferric glycerophosphate, ferrous pyrophosphate and ferric pyrophosphate. Iron fumarate includes, but is not limited to ferrous fumarate and iron fumarate. Iron succinate includes but is not limited to ferrous succinate and succinic acid iron (ii) salt. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other iron salts, their derivatives or mixtures, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0081] According to further embodiment, the water soluble iron salts include one or more of but is not limited to the water soluble iron salts comprise one or more of iron sulphate, iron citrate, iron silicate, iron ascorbate, iron sucrose; iron gluconate, iron lignosulphonate, iron dextran and iron chelates. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other iron salts, their derivatives or mixtures, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0082] According to further embodiment, the derivatives of iron in the composition include minerals or ores. The ores include ores containing Iron but are not limited to Roaldite, Wustite, Magnetite, Hematite, Goethite, Limonite, Siderite, Pyrite or Marcasite, Bernalite and Greenalite. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other minerals of iron without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises water insoluble iron salts, derivatives or mixture thereof.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 75% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the iron salts, or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the iron salts, or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the iron salts, or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0085] According to a further embodiment, the water insoluble zinc salts include zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, zinc chromate, zinc nitride, zinc carbonate, zinc sulphide, zinc molybdate, zinc nitrilotriacetic acid (nta), zinc phosphate, zinc phosphide, zinc borate, zinc silicate, zinc pyrophosphate, zinc humate, zinc selenide, zinc telluride, zinc fulvate, zinc citrate, zinc oxalate, zinc monomethionine, zinc carnosine and zinc aspartate or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other zinc salts without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0086] According to a further embodiment, the water soluble zinc salts comprise one or more of zinc sulphate, zinc sulphate monohydrate, zinc sulphate heptahydrate, zinc chelates, zinc oxysulfate, zinc chloride, eugenol chelated zinc, zinc glycine, zinc carbohydrate, zinc sucrate, zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, zinc polyflavonoid, zinc lignosulphonate, zinc glucoheptonate and zinc phenolate or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other zinc salts without departing from the scope of the invention. According to further embodiment, the derivatives of zinc in the composition include minerals or ores. The ores include ores containing zinc but are not limited Danbaite, Ashoverite, Periclase, Sphalerite, Wurtzite, Hydrozincite, Brianyoungite, Hemimorphite, Smithsonite, Bechererite, Aurichalcite, Hopeite, Hodgkinsonite, Fraipontite, Junitoite, Clinohedrite, Christelite, Gunningite, Cianciulliite, Ecandrewsite, Baileychlore, Boyleite and Bianchite, However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other minerals of zinc without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises water insoluble zinc salts, derivatives or mixture thereof.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the zinc salts, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the zinc salts, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 85% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the zinc salts, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 75% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the zinc salts, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 65% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the zinc salts, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the zinc salts, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the zinc salts, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 45% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the zinc salts, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the zinc salts, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 35% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the zinc salts, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the zinc salts, its derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0089] According to a further embodiment, the water insoluble manganese salts include manganese oxide, trimanganese tetraoxide or mangano-manganic oxide or Hausmannite; manganese hydroxide, manganese phosphate, manganese phosphate heptahydrate, carbonyl manganese, manganese dioxide, manganese diselenide, manganese tetroxide, manganese carbonate, manganese molybdate, manganese selenide, manganese telluride, manganese titanate, manganese nitride, manganese oxalate, manganese borate, Manganese sulfide, dimanganese trioxide, their derivatives thereof and mixtures thereof; Manganese oxide includes Manganese(II) oxide, MnO (Ferrite Grade); Manganese(II,III) oxide, MnsCU; Manganese(III) oxide, M Ch; Manganese dioxide, (manganese(IV) oxide), MnCh; Manganese(VI) oxide, MnCh; and Manganese(VII) oxide, M Ch, Manganese hydroxide includes manganese dihydroxide and Manganous hydroxide. Manganese phosphate includes Manganese (II) Phosphate, Manganese diphosphate and Manganese phosphate tribasic; Manganese dioxide includes manganese (IV) oxide, manganese peroxide, manganese black, pyrolusite and manganese superoxide. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other manganese salts without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0090] According to a further embodiment, the water soluble manganese salts include manganese acetate, manganese diacetate, manganese gluconate, manganese succinate, manganese fumarate, manganese chloride including manganese dichloride, dimanganese trioxide, manganese sulfate, manganous sulfate monohydrate, manganese chelate, manganese citrate, manganese bicarbonate, manganese zinc ferrite and sodium manganate. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other manganese salts without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises water insoluble manganese salts, derivatives or mixture thereof.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the manganese salts, or minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 90% w / w the total composition. According to an embodiment, the manganese salts, or minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 80% w / w the total composition. According to an embodiment, the manganese salts, or minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 75% w / w the total composition. According to an embodiment, the manganese salts, or minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 70% w / w the total composition. According to an embodiment, the manganese salts, or minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w the total composition. According to an embodiment, the manganese salts, or minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 50% w / w the total composition. According to an embodiment, the manganese salts, or minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the manganese salts, or minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 35% w / w by the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the manganese salts, or minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the manganese salts, or minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the manganese salts, or minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof can be present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises water soluble or insoluble boron salts, derivatives or mixture thereof.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the water insoluble boron salts include calcium borates, magnesium borate, zinc borate, boron phosphate, boron trioxide or diboron trioxide. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to use other water insoluble boron salts without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0095] According to a further embodiment, the composition comprises water soluble boron salts, derivatives or mixture thereof.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the water soluble boron salts include boric acid or orthoboric acid or boracic acid or acidum boricum; borax or sodium borate or sodium tetraborate or sodium borosilicate; or sodium tetraborate decahydrate or disodium tetraborate; disodium tetraborate octahydrate; potassium tetraborate; boron trichloride or Boron(III) chloride or Trichloroborane; boron triiodide or triiodoborane; sodium tetraborate decahydrate; boron sesquioxide or boric acid anhydride; sodium perborate; disodium octaborate tetrahydrate or Aquabor / Boron sodium oxide or Sodium octaborate or Tim-bor insecticide or Polybor; Borax pentahydrate or Bor48 or 5 Mol Borax; boron oxide which includes boron suboxide or boron monoxide; boron hydroxide, Sodium-Calcium Borates, Boron trifluoride, Boron Tribromide; boric oxide; disodium octaborate, sodium borohydride or sodium tetrahydridoborate or sodium tetrahydroborate; calcium borogluconate; sodium cyanoborohydride; sodium pentaborate; ammonium pentaborate, sodium triacetoxyborohydride or sodium triacetoxyhydroborate; sodium triethylborohydride; their complexes; derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to use other water soluble boron salts without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0097] According to further embodiment, the boron derivatives include one or more of boron containing minerals, ores or processed ores containing boron selected from but not limited oxides and carbonate ores. The minerals of boron can also be natural ores or direct shipping ores (DSO). According to an embodiment, the minerals can comprise ores such as Aristarainite, Barberiite, Borax, Ulexite, Suanite, Colemanite, Chambersite, Hillgardite, Admontite, Calciborite, Sassolite, Boric acid, Kaliborite, Preobrazhenskite and Ameghinite. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other minerals of boron without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the boron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 80% by the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the boron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 70% by the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the boron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 60% by the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the boron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 50% by the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the boron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 40% by the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the boron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 30% by the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the boron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 20% by the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the boron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 10% by the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the water insoluble copper salts include copper oxalate, copper salts of carboxylic acids, such as citric, succinic, tartaric acid, Copper oxide, Copper hydroxide, Copper molybdate, Copper phosphate, cupric oxide, cuprous oxide, copper hydroxide, copper octanoate, copper oxychloride, copper-lime mixtures, copper linoleate, copper carbonate; copper humate; copper fulvate, Copper(II) selenite and copper oleate. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other copper salts without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the water soluble copper salts include Copper Sulphide, Cupric sulphide, copper selenide, copper sulfate, basic cupric carbonate, basic cupric carbonate monohydrate, copper oxysulfate, and cuprous chloride, tribasic copper sulfate, Bordeaux mixture and copper sulfate pentahydrate. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other copper salts without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises water insoluble copper salts, derivatives or mixture thereof.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the copper salts, minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 90% by the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the copper salts, minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 75% by the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the copper salts, minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 70% by the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the copper salts, minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 50% by the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the copper salts, minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 30% by the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the copper salts, minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.1% to 15% by the weight of the total composition.

[0102] According to a further embodiment, the water-insoluble selenium salts include but are not limited to selenium, selenium carbonates, vanadium selenide, magnesium selenide, manganese selenide, selenium sulphide, copper selenide, iron selenide, molybdenum selenide, cobalt selenide, bismuth selenide, zinc selenide, copper selenite, calcium selenite, magnesium selenite, manganese selenite, or cobalt selenite. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other selenium water-insoluble salts without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0103] According to a further embodiment, the water soluble selenium salts include but are not limited to selenium dioxide, selenourea, sodium selenide, potassium selenide, copper selenide, ammonium selenide, sodium selenite, potassium selenite, ammonium selenite, iron selenite, zinc selenite, sodium selenate, magnesium selenate, potassium selenate, calcium selenate, copper selenate, ammonium selenate, iron selenate, cobalt selenate or zinc selenate. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other selenium water-soluble salts without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0104] According to a further embodiment, selenium derivatives include but are not limited to potassium selenate, selenium sulfide, selenious acid, selenium yeast, downeyite etc. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other selenium derivatives without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises water insoluble selenium salts, derivatives or mixture thereof.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the selenium salts, minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.001 % w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the selenium salts, minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.001 % w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the selenium salts, minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.001% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the selenium salts, minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.001% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the selenium salts, minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.001% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the selenium salts, minerals, derivatives or mixtures thereof are present in the range of 0.001 % w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises combination of one or more of water insoluble Iron or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Zinc or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water soluble or insoluble Boron or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Calcium or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water soluble or insoluble potassium or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Phosphorous fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Manganese or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Magnesium or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Copper or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble selenium or its salts, complexes or derivatives; hydroxyproline and alanine.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises combination of one or more of water insoluble Iron or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Zinc or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water soluble Boron or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Calcium or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water soluble potassium or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Phosphorous fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Manganese or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Magnesium or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Copper or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble selenium or its salts, complexes or derivatives; hydroxyproline and alanine.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises combination of one or more of water insoluble Iron or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Zinc or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Boron or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Calcium or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble potassium or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Phosphorous fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Manganese or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Magnesium or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble Copper or its salts, complexes or derivatives; water insoluble selenium or its salts, complexes or derivatives; hydroxyproline and alanine.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the composition further comprises at least one additional nutrients or biostimulants, pesticidal actives, organic acids or mixtures thereof. According to further embodiment, the pesticidal active comprises one or more of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, miticides, acaricides, nematicides, pheromones, algicides, antifeedants, avicides, bactericides, bird repellents, biopesticides, insect repellents, ovicides, rodenticides, etc. According to an embodiment additional nutrients comprises elemental sulphur. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other additional ingredients without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0111] According to an embodiment, additional nutrient is elemental sulphur.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the composition is devoid of fertilizers that primarily comprise urea, ammonium sulphate or other conventional nitrogen fertilizers.

[0113] According to further embodiment, at least one additional nutrients or biostimulants, pesticidal actives, organic acids or mixtures thereof is present in the concentration range of 0.01% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiment, at least one additional nutrients or bio stimulants, pesticidal actives, organic acids or mixtures thereof is present in the concentration range of 0.01% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiment at least one additional nutrients or biostimulants, pesticidal actives, organic acids or mixtures thereof is present in the concentration range of 0.01% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiment, at least one additional nutrients or biostimulants, pesticidal actives, organic acids or mixtures thereof is present in the concentration range of 0.01% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises combination of one or more of nutrients selected from Iron salts or derivatives; Zinc or its salts derivatives; Boron or its salts, complexes or derivatives Calcium or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Magnesium or its salts, complexes or derivatives, Copper or its salts, complexes or derivatives and Selenium or its salts, complexes or derivatives, hydroxyproline, alanine and elemental Sulphur.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises combination of zinc or its salts or derivatives or mixture thereof; hydroxyproline; alanine and elemental sulphur.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises combination of water insoluble zinc salts, derivatives or mixture thereof; hydroxyproline; alanine and elemental sulphur.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises combination of boron or its salts or derivatives or mixture thereof; hydroxyproline; alanine and elemental sulphur. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises combination of iron or its salts or derivatives or mixture thereof; hydroxyproline; alanine and elemental sulphur.

[0118] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises combination of manganese or its salts or derivatives or mixture thereof; hydroxyproline; alanine and elemental sulphur.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises combination of selenium or its salts, derivatives or mixture thereof; hydroxyproline; alanine and elemental sulphur.

[0120] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises of one or more nutrient selected from iron salts, derivatives or mixture thereof; zinc salts, derivatives or mixture thereof; boron salts, derivatives or mixture thereof; magnesium or its salts, derivatives or mixture thereof; manganese salts, derivatives or mixture thereof; copper salts, derivatives or mixture thereof; hydroxyproline; alanine and elemental sulphur.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises of one or more water insoluble nutrient selected from iron salts, derivatives or mixture thereof; zinc salts, derivatives or mixture thereof; boron salts, derivatives or mixture thereof; magnesium or its salts, derivatives or mixture thereof; manganese salts, derivatives or mixture thereof; copper salts, derivatives or mixture thereof; hydroxyproline; alanine and elemental sulphur.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 80% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 80% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 70% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 60% by weight of the total composition.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises combination of potassium fertilizers salts, derivatives or mixture thereof; magnesium or its salts, derivatives or mixture thereof; hydroxyproline and alanine.

[0124] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises combination of water soluble or insoluble potassium fertilizers, salts, derivatives or mixture thereof and water insoluble magnesium salts, derivatives or mixture thereof, hydroxyproline, alanine.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the composition is in the form of a solid or a liquid or a gel. The solid composition is in the form of one of water dispersible granules, broadcast granules, extruded granules, wettable powders or water disintegrable granules.

[0126] According to an embodiment, the liquid composition is in the form of liquid suspension.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the composition is in the form of a water dispersible granules or water disintegrable granules.

[0128] According to a further embodiment, the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension. According to an embodiment the composition is preferably in the form of an aqueous suspension.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the invention relates to the composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance of a plant, said composition comprising of: a) At least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof, Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof wherein the elemental content of the nutrient is in the range of 0.0001% to 80% by weight of the total composition; b) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d) At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition

[0130] Wherein the composition is in the form of a water dispersible granules or a water disintegrable granules or a liquid suspension and comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises at least one water soluble or water insoluble nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof in wherein the elemental content of nutrient is in the range of 0.0001% to 80% by weight of the total composition; hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and at least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition wherein the composition is in the form of a water dispersible granules or a water disintegrable granules or a liquid suspension and comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns and wherein the total content of the water soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% by the weight of the total composition.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 40 microns. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 20 microns. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 15 microns. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 10 microns. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 5 microns.

[0133] According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 20 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 15 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 10 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 5 microns.

[0134] According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 50 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 40 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 30 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 25 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 20 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 10 microns.

[0135] According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention in the form of water dispersible granules or liquid suspension comprises particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 15 microns and D90 of 30 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention in the form of water dispersible granules or liquid suspension comprises particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 10 microns and D90 of 20 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention in the form of water dispersible granules or liquid suspension comprises particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 5 microns and D90 of 10 microns.

[0136] The inventor of the present invention surprisingly observed that the present composition when formulated at a specific particle size of 0.1 micron to 50 microns, more specifically at a particle size of 0.1 micron to 30 microns and in particular 0.1 micron to 10 microns made the nutrients present in the composition and that present in the soil readily available for uptake by the plants and increase the overall yield even under high salinity condition of soil. Thus, the particle size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns of the composition was found to be important not only in terms of ease of application of the composition in the field but also in terms of efficacy. According to an embodiment, the water dispersible granules of the composition are in the size range of 0.05 mm to 4 mm. According to a still further embodiment, the water dispersible granules of the composition are preferably in the size range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm. According to a still further embodiment, the water dispersible granules of the composition are more preferably in the size range of 0.05 mm to 2 mm.

[0137] According to a further embodiment, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules may have at least one dimension in a size range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm. According to a further embodiment, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules may have at least one dimension in a size range of 0.05 mm to 2 mm.

[0138] According to an embodiment, the composition in the form of water disintegrable granular form has granules in the size range of 0.05 mm to 6mm. According to an embodiment, the composition in the form of water disintegrable granular form has granules in the size range of 0.1 mm to 6mm. According to a further embodiment, the composition in the form of water disintegrable granules may have at least one dimension in a size range of 0.1 mm to 6 mm.

[0139] According to an embodiment, the composition further comprises one or more agriculturally acceptable excipient (agricultural excipient).

[0140] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises one or more organic excipients.

[0141] According to an embodiment, the agriculturally acceptable excipient is selected from one or more of surfactants including organic surfactants, emulsifiers, wetting agents and dispersing agents, fillers or carriers or diluents, disintegrating agent, spreading agents, colorants, anticaking agents, binders, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents, pigments, stabilizers, antifoaming agents or defoamers, penetrants, structuring agents, humectants, sticking agents, anti-freezing agent or freeze point depressants, chelating or complexing or sequestering agents, preservatives or bactericides or anti-fungal agents or biocides or anti-microbial agents or antioxidants and mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize additional agriculturally acceptable excipients without departing from the scope of the present invention. The agriculturally acceptable excipients are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0142] According to an embodiment, the composition in the form of granules comprises at least one excipient selected from surfactant including organic surfactants, emulsifiers, wetting agents, dispersing agents, binders or fillers or carriers or diluent, disintegrating agent, buffer or pH adjuster or neutralizing agent, antifoaming agent, anti-settling agents, anticaking agent, penetrating agent, sticking agent, tackifier, pigments, colorants, stabilizers, water soluble inerts, and mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize additional agriculturally acceptable excipients without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0143] According to an embodiment, the liquid suspension composition comprises at least one excipient selected from surfactants including organic surfactants, structuring agent, humectants, solvents, water miscible solvents, spreading agent, suspending agents or suspension aid or anti-settling, penetrating agent, sticking agents, drift reducing agents, preservatives, stabilizers, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents, antifreezing agent or freeze point depressants, antifoaming agents. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize additional agriculturally acceptable excipients without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0144] The excipient is present in the concentration range of from 5% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. The excipient is present in the concentration range of from 10% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. The excipient is present in the concentration range of from 10% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition. The excipient is present in the concentration range of from 10% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition. The excipient is present in the concentration range of from 10% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition. The excipient is present in the concentration range of from 10% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition.

[0145] According to an embodiment, the surfactants that are used in the composition of the present invention include one or more of emulsifiers, wetting agents, and dispersing agents. According to an embodiment, the surfactants that are used in the composition include one or more of anionic, non-ionic, and polymeric surfactants.

[0146] The anionic surfactants include one or more of, but not limited to a salt of Fatty Acid, a Polycarboxylate, Alkyl Ether Sulfates, an Alkyl Sulfate, an Alkylarylsulfate, an Alkylaryl Sulfonate, an Aryl Sulfonate, a Lignin Sulfonate, an Alkyl Diphenyl Ether Disulfonate, a Polystyrene Sulfonate, a Salt of Alkylphosphoric Acid Ester, an Alkylaryl Phosphate, a Styrylaryl Phosphate, a Salt Of Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ether Sulfuric Acid Ester, Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Sodium Salt, Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate or Its Salts, Sodium Lauroyl sarcosinate, Sulfosuccinates, Polyacrylates, Alkyl Ether Phosphate, a Salt of Polyoxyethylene alkylaryl Phosphoric Acid Ester, Sulfosuccinates -Mono and other Diesters, Phosphate Esters, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate-Isopropyl and Butyl Derivatives; Alkyl Aryl Ether Phosphates, a salt of Polyoxyethylene Aryl Ether Phosphoric Acid Ester, Mono-Alkyl Sulphosuccinates, Aromatic Hydrocarbon Sulphonates, Ammonium Laurylsulphate, Soap, Soap Substitute, Sodium Alkyl Sulfate, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, Sodium Dodecyl benzenesulfonate, Sodium Laurate, Sodium Laurethsulfate, Sodium Nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, Alkyl Carboxylates, Sodium Stearate, Alpha Olefin Sulphonates, Naphthalene Sulfonate Salts, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Fatty Acid salts, Naphthalene Sulfonate Condensates- Sodium salt, Fatty Alcohol Sulphates, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Condensates- Sodium Salt, A Naphthalene Sulfonic Acid Condensed with Formaldehyde or a Salt of Alkyl naphthalene Sulfonic Acid condensed with Formaldehyde or salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anionic surfactants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0147] The non-ionic surfactants or polymeric surfactants include one or more of but not limited to Polyol Esters, Polyol Fatty Acid Esters, Ethoxylated and Propoxylated Fatty Alcohols, EO and PO Block Copolymers, Di, Tri-Block Copolymers, Polysorbates, Alkyl Polysaccharides, Polyoxyethylene Glycol, Sorbitan Derivatives, Fatty Acid Esters of Sorbitan (Spans) and Their Ethoxylated Derivatives (Tweens), Cocamide Monoethanolamine (MEA), Decyl, Narrow- Range Ethoxylate, Oleyl Alcohol, PEG- 10, Polysorbate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan, Sorbitanmonolaurate, Sorbitanmonostearate, Sorbitantristearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Castor Oil Ethoxylate, Polyglycol Ethers, Polyadducts of Ethylene Oxide and Propylene Oxide, Polyoxy Ethylene Sorbitan, Fatty Acid Polyglyceride, Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ether, Polyoxyethylenealkylaryl Ether, a Polyoxyethylenestyrylaryl Ether, a Polyoxyethylene Glycol Alkyl Ether, Alcohol Ethoxylates- C6 to C16 / 18 Alcohols, Linear and Branched, Alcohol Alkoxylates- Various Hydrophobes and EO / PO Contents and Ratios, a Polyoxyethylene Hydrogenated Castor Oil, salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different non-ionic surfactants or polymeric surfactants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0148] According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the dispersing agents which are used in the composition include, but not limited to non-ionic dispersants selected from one or more of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether, ethoxylated fatty acids, aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates^ alkyl ethoxylates, EO-PO block and graft copolymers. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different non-ionic dispersants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the dispersing agents which are used in the composition include, but not limited to anionic dispersants selected from one or more of sulfated fatty alcohol glycol ethers, tristyrylphenolethoxylate phosphate esters; lignin sulphonates, phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and ammonium salts of lignosulfonic acid, lignin derivatives, alkylarylsulfonates, alkylsulfonates, mixture of sodium salt of naphthalene sulphonic acid urea formaldehyde condensate and sodium salt of phenol sulphonic formaldehyde condensate, polycarboxylates, sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates, sodium salts of sulfonated naphthalene, sodium naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensates, condensation products of aryl sulphonic acids and formaldehyde, polyaromatic sulfonates, sodium alkyl aryl sulfonates. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anionic dispersants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0150] According to an embodiment, the dispersing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the dispersing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the dispersing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0151] According to an embodiment the wetting agents used in the composition include, but are not limited to one or more of phenol naphthalene sulphonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, naphthalene sulphonate sodium salt, dibutylnaphthalene- sulfonic acid, alkylarylsulfonates, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, polyoxyethoxylated fatty alcohols, alkane sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether sulphates and alkyl sulfosuccinic monoesters, salts, derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different wetting agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0152] According to an embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0153] According to an embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

[0154] According to an embodiment, the spreading agents which are used in the composition include but are not limited to one or more of copolymer of maleic acid with a styrene compound, a (meth)acrylic acid copolymer, aliphatic alcohols, vegetable oils such as cottonseed or inorganic oils, petroleum distillates, trisiloxanes and modified trisiloxanes, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different spreading agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0155] According to an embodiment, the spreading agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0156] According to an embodiment, the pigments and colorants are selected from but not limited to synthetic chemicals obtained from various manufacturers. The pigments and colorants can be water soluble or water insoluble, in the form of lakes. Dyes can be solvent dyes, acid dyes or basic dyes. Examples of such products include, but not limited, Unisperse Red 3855, Pigmosol Agro Red 3785, pigment 15. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known pigments and colorants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0157] According to an embodiment, the pigments and colorants are present in the range of 0.01% to 5% by weight of the total composition.

[0158] According to an embodiment, the composition is organic composition devoid of any harmful chemical adjuvants. According to an embodiment, the organic composition comprises excipients that are of natural origin or are certifiable as organic.

[0159] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises organic surfactants. According to an embodiment, the term ‘organic surfactant’ refers to surfactants that are of natural origin or are certifiable as organic.

[0160] According to a further embodiment, the organic surfactant which are used in the composition include, but are not limited to one or more of gum Arabic, gumkaraya, gum ghatti (gum dhawada), larch gum, collagen, Albizia gum, Abelmoschus gum, Bhara gum, Cashew gum, Cordio gum, Grewia gum, Hakea gum, Khaya gum, Katira gum, Kondagogu gum, alginate, Leucaena, seed gum, Malva nut gum, Mucuna gum, Moringa gum, Neem gum, Sesbanic gum, Horse-chestnut, Oat, Sugar beet (leaves), Quinoa, Chickpea, Saffron crocus, Soybean, Licorice, Ivy, Alfalfa, Chinese ginseng, American ginseng, Green pea, Milkwort, Primula, Quillaja bark (LATAM), Soapwort, Sarsaparilla, Fenugreek, or Yucca as an extract or powdered form thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known organic surfactants without departing from the scope of the present invention. The organic surfactants are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0161] According to a further embodiment, the dispersing agent comprises fulvic acid. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known organic dispersing agent without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0162] According to a further embodiment, the composition can comprise natural diluents. According to a further embodiment, natural diluents which are used in the composition include, but are not limited to one or more of water soluble substances. For example, natural diluents comprise water soluble minerals or salts such as sulphates of sodium or potassium, or sodium chloride, or potassium chloride.

[0163] According to an embodiment, the binding agents or binders which are used in the composition include, but are not limited to one or more of lactose, water soluble cellulose derivatives, starch, dextrins, bentonite, carbohydrates such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, clays, kaolin clay, attapulgite clay, silica, perlite, talc, their derivatives and combinations thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different binding agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The binding agents are organic in nature or certifiable as organic and are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0164] According to an embodiment, the binder is present in the range of 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

[0165] According to an embodiment, the carriers which are used in the composition include, but are not limited to one or more of solid carriers or fillers or diluents. According to another embodiment, the carriers include mineral carriers, plant carriers, water-soluble carriers. The solid carriers include bentonite, clay, dolomite, kaolin, diatomaceous silicas, talc, natural silicates, starch, modified starch (Pineflow, available from Matsutani Chemical industry Co., Ltd.). Water insoluble carriers include, but not limited to clays, microcrystalline cellulose, volcanic ash, diatomaceous earth, soap stone, starch. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different carriers without departing from the scope of the present invention. The carriers are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0166] According to an embodiment, the disintegrating agents which are used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of inorganic water soluble salts e.g. sodium chloride; water soluble organic compounds such as agar, hydroxypropyl starch, carboxymethyl starch ether, tragacanth, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, metal stearates, a cellulose powder, dextrin, methacrylate copolymer, Polyplasdone® XL-10 (crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone), poly(vinylpyrrolidone). However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known disintegrating agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0167] According to an embodiment, the disintegrating agent is present in the range of 0.5% to 15% by weight of the total composition.

[0168] According to an embodiment, the anticaking agents which are used in composition include, but are not limited to one or more of silica, Perlite, Mica, Talc, soapstone, clays, ester gum, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anti-caking agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The anti-caking agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0169] According to an embodiment, the anticaking agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0170] According to an embodiment, the antifoaming agents or defoamers which are used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of silica, silicone dioxide, vegetable oils, petroleum oils, paraffin oil, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known antifoaming agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The antifoaming agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0171] According to an embodiment, the anti-foaming agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the anti-foaming agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

[0172] According to an embodiment, the sticking agents which are used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of mineral oils, vegetable oils, petroleum oil, silicone oils, emulsifiers, fish oil or fatty acid soaps or emulsified vegetable oil, cellulose derivatives, natural polymers like xanthan gum. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known sticking agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0173] According to an embodiment, the sticking agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0174] According to an embodiment, the preservatives which are used in the composition include but not limited to, one or more of bactericides, anti-fungal agents, biocides, anti-microbial agents, and antioxidant. Non-limiting examples of preservatives include one or more of potassium Sorbate, potassium Benzoate, sodium benzoate, paraben, salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known preservatives without departing from the scope of the present invention. The preservatives are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0175] According to an embodiment, the preservative is present in the range of 0.01% to 2% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the structuring agents which are used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of thickeners, viscosity modifiers, tackifiers, suspension aids, rheological modifiers or antisettling agents. The structuring agents comprises one or more of xanthan gum, metal silicates, methylcellulose, polysaccharide, alkaline earth metal silicate, bentonite, attapulgite, kaolin or polyvinyl alcohol. The structuring agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known structuring agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0176] Preferred structuring agents include one or more of xanthan gum, aluminum silicate, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, polysaccharide, alkaline earth metal silicate, clays, gelatin, and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0177] According to an embodiment, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the composition. According to an embodiment, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% by weight of the composition. According to an embodiment, the structuring agent is present in 0.01% to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0178] According to an embodiment, the antifreezing agents or freezing point depressants used in the liquid suspension composition include, but are not limited to one or more of polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, glycol ethers, glycol monoethers, carbohydrates such as fructose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, xylose, arabinose, trehalose, raffinose or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different antifreezing agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The antifreezing agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies. According to an embodiment, the anti-freezing agents or freezing point depressants is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

[0179] According to an embodiment, the chelating or complexing or sequestering agents which are used in the liquid suspension composition include, but not limited to one or more of alpha-hydroxy acids, such as citric acid; fulvic acid, cyclodextrin, humic acid. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other chelating or complexing or sequestering agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The chelating or complexing or sequestering agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0180] According to an embodiment, the chelating agents is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

[0181] According to an embodiment, the penetrant which is used in the liquid suspension composition include, but not limited to one or more of alcohol, glycol, etc. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different penetrants without departing from the scope of the present invention. The penetrants are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0182] According to an embodiment, the penetrant is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

[0183] According to an embodiment, the humectant which are used in the composition include, but are not limited to one or more of propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and the like. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known humectants without departing from the scope of the present invention. The humectants are commercially manufactured and available through various companies. According to an embodiment, the humectant is present in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition.

[0184] The composition of the present invention containing the organic excipients, is safe for environment, humans and animals. Consequently, the composition eliminates the residual effects and toxicity problem posed by the use of the conventional chemical adjuvants and surfactants. Further, the inventor found that the composition of the present invention which excludes conventional synthetic surfactants and dispersing agents such as lignin or naphathalene sulfonates, demonstrated remarkable dispersibility, suspensibility, and stability under accelerated storage conditions, even in the absence of these surfactants.

[0185] It has been surprisingly found that this composition possesses significantly enhanced physical properties, including dispersibility, suspensibility, wettability, viscosity, pourability, flowability, and spontaneous dispersion. These improvements facilitate easier handling and minimize material loss during packaging and field application, ultimately leading to superior efficacy in practical use.

[0186] According to an embodiment, the composition exhibits good dispersibility. Dispersibility is defined as the ability of the granules to disperse on addition to water. The granules is tested for dispersibility as per the CIPAC Handbook, "MT 174 Test for Dispersibility”. A known amount of granule sample is added to a defined volume of water and mixed by stirring to form a suspension. After standing for a short period, the top nine-tenths are drawn off and the remaining tenth dried and determined gravimetrically. The method is virtually a shortened test of suspensibility and is appropriate for establishing the ease with which a granule disperses uniformly in water.

[0187] According to an embodiment, the composition has a dispersibility of at least 50%. According to an embodiment, the composition has a dispersibility of at least 60%. According to an embodiment, the composition has a dispersibility of at least 70%.

[0188] According to an embodiment, the composition has a dispersibility of at least 80%.

[0189] According to an embodiment, the composition has a dispersibility of at least 90%.

[0190] According to an embodiment, the composition has a dispersibility of at least 95%.

[0191] According to an embodiment, the composition has a dispersibility of at least 99%.

[0192] According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention demonstrates superior dispersibility under accelerated storage condition (ATS) i.e. after storage at 45°C for 6 weeks. According to an embodiment, the composition demonstrates a dispersibility of more than 40% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the composition demonstrates a dispersibility of more than 60% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the composition demonstrates a dispersibility of more than 50% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the composition demonstrates a dispersibility of more than 70% under ATS.

[0193] According to an embodiment, the composition exhibits good suspensibility. Suspensibility is defined as state of the formulation wherein the actives remain suspended in a liquid medium. The composition having good suspensibility tend to remain uniformly suspended for the period of application and does not tend to cake or settle at the base of the container in which the formulation is stored. According to an embodiment, the compositions have a suspensibility of at least 40%. According to an embodiment, the compositions have a suspensibility of at least 50%. According to an embodiment, the compositions have a suspensibility of at least 60%. According to an embodiment, the compositions have a suspensibility of at least 70%. According to an embodiment, the compositions have a suspensibility of at least 80%. According to an embodiment, the compositions have a suspensibility of at least 90%. According to an embodiment, the compositions have a suspensibility of at least 95%. According to an embodiment, the compositions have a suspensibility of at least 99%. According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention demonstrates superior suspensibility under accelerated storage condition (ATS) i.e. after storage at 45°C for 6 weeks. According to an embodiment, the composition demonstrates a suspensibility of more than 40% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the composition demonstrates a suspensibility of more than 60% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the composition demonstrates a suspensibility of more than 70% under ATS.

[0194] According to an embodiment, the granules exhibit superior wet sieve retention values. The lower the wet sieve retention value better is the product for application as it will prevent nozzle choking. The Samples can be tested for wet sieve retention as per the CIPAC Handbook, "MT 185 Wet Sieve Test”. A sample of the formulation is dispersed in water and the suspension formed is transferred to the sieve and washed. The amount of the material retained on the sieve is determined by drying and weighing.

[0195] According to an embodiment, the granules have a wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve of less than 10%. According to an embodiment, the granules have a wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve of less than 5%. According to an embodiment, the granules have a wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve of less than 2%. According to an embodiment, the granules have a wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve of less than 1%. According to an embodiment, the granules have a wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve of less than 0.5%.

[0196] Attrition resistance determines the resistance of a granular material to wear. The granular composition of the present invention has good attrition resistance. The Samples can be tested for attrition as per the CIPAC Handbook specified test, "MT 178.2 - Attrition resistance of granules”. According to an embodiment, the attrition resistance of the granular composition of the present invention is at least 50%. According to an embodiment, the attrition resistance of the granular composition of the present invention is at least 60%. According to an embodiment, the attrition resistance of the granular composition of the present invention is at least 70%. According to an embodiment, the attrition resistance of the granular composition of the present invention is at least 80%. According to an embodiment, the attrition resistance of the granular composition of the present invention is at least 90%.

[0197] According to an embodiment, the composition in the form of liquid suspension is not highly concentrated and is easily pourable. The viscosity of a fluid is a measure of its resistance to gradual deformation by shear stress or tensile stress. In simple words, viscosity is resistance of fluid to flow or measure of fluid friction. These viscosity ranges can be measured using suitable viscosity measuring equipment. The viscosity should be low enough to ensure good pouring and dispersing properties, yet high enough so that the suspension has sufficient stability. According to an embodiment, the composition can have a viscosity at 25° C of less than 3000cps. According to an embodiment, the composition can have a viscosity at 25° C. of about 300 cps to about 2000 cps. According to an embodiment, the composition can have a viscosity at 25° C. of about 300 cps to about 800 cps. According to an embodiment, the composition can have a viscosity at 25° C. of about 360 cps to about 1000 cps.

[0198] According to an embodiment, the pourability of the liquid suspension is determined as per CIPAC MT- 148 by allowing the suspension to stand for 24 hrs and the amount remaining in the container after a standardized pouring procedure is determined. The container is rinsed and the amount then remaining is determined and the maximum residue in percent is calculated. According to an embodiment, the maximum rinsed residue is less than 15%. According to an embodiment, the maximum rinsed residue is less than 10%. According to an embodiment, the maximum rinsed residue is less than 5%. According to an embodiment, the rinsed residue is less than 2.5%. According to an embodiment, the spontaneity of dispersion is measured as per CIPAC MT 160. It involves preparing 250 ml of a mixture of formulation and water, mixed with only one inversion of the measuring cylinder. After standing under defined conditions the top nine-tenths is removed, and the remaining tenth assayed chemically, gravimetrically or by solvent extraction. The spontaneity of dispersion is readily calculated. According to an embodiment, the liquid suspension composition has a spontaneity of dispersion of 30%. According to an embodiment, the composition has a spontaneity of dispersion of 60%. According to an embodiment, the composition has a spontaneity of dispersion of 80%. According to an embodiment, the composition has a spontaneity of dispersion of 95%.

[0199] According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention demonstrates superior stability towards heat, light, temperature and caking. According to an embodiment, the stability exhibited by the composition is at least 3 years. According to a further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the composition is at least 2 years. According to a further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the composition is at least 1 year. According to a further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the composition is at least 6 months.

[0200] According to an embodiment, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules has hardness of less than 4 Newtons. According to further embodiment, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules hardness of less than 3 Newtons. According to further embodiment, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules has hardness of less than 2 Newtons. According to further embodiment, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules preferably has hardness of less than 1 Newtons.

[0201] More preferably, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a nil hardness. The reference to nil hardness is indicative of the fact that the hardness of the granules cannot be measured by the hardness measuring apparatus. The hardness exhibited by the granules can be estimated by hardness testers such as the ones provided by Vinsyst Portable Table Hardness Tester VTHT series.

[0202] According to an embodiment, the invention furthermore relate to the process of preparation of the composition comprising of at least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof, Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof in wherein the elemental content of the nutrient is in the range of 0.0001% to 80% by weight of the total composition; Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and at least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns.

[0203] According to an embodiment, the invention furthermore relate to the process of preparation of the composition comprising of: a) At least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof, Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof in wherein the elemental content of the nutrient is in the range of 0.0001% to 80% by weight of the total composition; b) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d) At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition

[0204] Wherein the composition is in the form of a water dispersible granules or a water disintegrable granules or a liquid suspension and comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns.

[0205] According to further embodiment, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules is made by various techniques such as spray drying, fluidized bed granulation, extrusion, freeze drying, spheronization etc.

[0206] The invention also relates to a process for preparation of the composition in the form of water dispersible granules, wherein the process comprises: i. milling a blend of a. At least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof in wherein the elemental content of nutrient is in the range of 0.0001% to 80% by weight of the total composition; b. Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c. Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d. At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition to obtain a slurry or wet mix; ii. drying the slurry or wet mix to obtain the water dispersible granules; wherein the composition comprises of particles in the size range of 0.1-50 microns.

[0207] According to another embodiment, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules is also made by dry milling a mixture of: a. At least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof in wherein the elemental content of nutrient is in the range of 0.0001% to 80% by weight of the total composition; b. Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c. Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d. At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition; in an air mill or a jet mill to obtain a homogeneous mixture with fine particle size. Water is added to the dry powder and the mixture is blended to obtain a dough or paste or wet mix, which is then extruded through an extruder to obtain the granules comprising particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns. The water dispersible granules are further sieved to remove the undersized and oversized granules and obtain the desired size. According to another embodiment, the invention further relates to the process for preparing the water disintegrable granules which involves milling a blend comprising of at least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof, Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; hydroxyproline; alanine and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient to obtain slurry or a wet mix, wherein the particles are in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. The wet mix obtained is then dried, for instance in a spray dryer, fluid bed dryer or any suitable granulating equipment, followed by sieving to remove the undersized and oversized granules to obtain a dried mix. Water is added to the dried mix and blended to obtain a dough or paste, which is then extruded through an extruder to obtain the extruded granules in a size range of 0.05 mm to 6 mm. Alternatively, the wet mix or dried mix obtained, is agglomerated in an agglomerator to obtain spheronised granular or a water disintegrable granular composition in a size range of 0.05 mm to 6 mm.

[0208] The agglomerator includes various equipments such as a disc pelletizer or pan granulator, pin agglomerator, spheronizer, or combinations thereof.

[0209] According to an embodiment, the invention further relates to the process for preparing the water disintegrable granules which involves milling a blend comprising of at least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof, Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; hydroxyproline; alanine and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient to obtain a dry mix, wherein the particles are in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. Water or moisture is introduced to form a dough which is then extruded to form water disintegrable granules of 0.05 mm to 6 mm.

[0210] According to an embodiment, the process of preparing the aqueous suspension composition involves: i) the homogenization of mixture of: a. At least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof in wherein the elemental content of nutrient is in the range of 0.0001% to 80% by weight of the total composition; b. Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c. Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d. At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition; to obtain a suspension; and wet milling the obtained suspension to provide composition with a particle size in the range of 0.1 to 30 microns. The process of preparing the aqueous suspension, involves homogenization of one or more of excipients by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. At least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof, Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; hydroxyproline and alanine are added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for about 5 to 10 min. until the total mixture becomes homogeneous. Subsequently, the suspension obtained is passed through the wet mill to obtain a desired particle size in the range of 0.1 to 30 microns. If required, one or more of excipients such as structuring agent or optionally biocide or preservatives are added to the obtained suspension, under continuous homogenization. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters to obtain suspension concentrate composition without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0211] According to an embodiment, the invention further relates to the use of the composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance of a plant or as a crop strengthener composition, crop fortification composition, a nutrient composition, a soil conditioner composition and a yield enhancer composition.

[0212] The invention furthermore relates to a method for protecting plants against osmotic stress, improving plant health and yield by treating plants, a plant propagation material, locus or plant parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the composition comprising of at least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof, Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof wherein the elemental content of the nutrient is in the range of 0.0001% to 80% by weight of the total composition; hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition, and alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0213] According to an embodiment, the invention also relates to the method of application of the composition of the present invention to the soil, seed or the foliage of the plant or to the crop. The composition is applied as a foliar spray or to the soil, seed treatment, in-furrow application, through broadcasting or through drip or trickle irrigation.

[0214] The composition may be sprayed directly to the plant, such as its foliage or applied to the plant propagation material, before it is sown or planted, or to the locus thereof. Methods of applying to the soil include any suitable method, which ensures that the composition penetrates the soil, for example nursery tray application, in furrow application, soil drenching, soil injection, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, broad casting etc. The composition is also applied in the form of a foliar spray. Thus, the compositions of the invention is used in all possible ways of application, as per the convenience of the user.

[0215] The rates of application or the dosage of the composition depends on the type of use, the type of crops, or the specific active ingredients in the composition but is such that the crop nutrition active ingredient, is in an effective amount to provide the desired action (such as crop nutrition, crop yield). According to an embodiment the composition is applied at least 1 to 5 times in a life cycle of the crops.

[0216] It has been surprisingly observed that the composition comprising at least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof, Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof wherein the elemental content of the nutrient is in the range of 0.0001% to 80% by weight of the total composition; Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition and Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition demonstrated synergistic effect compared to the activity of the individual components and combinations of two components at a time in terms of greater tolerance against osmotic stress especially high salinity soil conditions, which in turn resulted into an improvement of the quality of the harvest and increased yield of the same.

[0217] In addition to the synergistic effect, the composition of the present invention in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules or liquid suspension comprising at least one nutrient selected from iron, zinc, boron, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, copper, selenium; hydroxyproline and alanine with the particles of the composition in the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns, not only enhances the stability of the formulation but also addresses the unavailability of nutrients from the highly saline soil which in turn resulted in significant improvement in the plant yield, plant growth, quality, vitality, vigour, health and nutritive value of the crops even at substantially lower dosage. Thus, it was also observed that the present composition comprising of at least one nutrient selected from iron, zinc, boron, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, copper, selenium in combination with hydroxyproline and alanine in specific proportions when formulated in the selected particle size distribution, allows the composition to address the challenges faced while practical application and also overcomes the issues related to distribution and availability of the nutrients under high salinity condition. The composition of the invention provided a greater and balanced uptake of the nutrients, leading to healthier plants or crops, and increases the overall crop yield as well as the quality of the produce at a reduced dosage of application under saline stress condition.

[0218] A. PREPARATION EXAMPLES:

[0219] The following examples illustrate the basic methodology and versatility of the composition of the invention. It should be noted that this invention is not limited to these exemplifications. The form of the composition, excipients and the concentrations of actives and excipients can be replaced by any other forms, excipients and concentrations as covered in the present invention.

[0220] Table I: Water dispersible granular (WDG) compositions:

[0221]

[0222] Example 1 presented in Table I was prepared by blending mentioned quantity of zinc silicate, hydroxyproline, alanine, gum Arabic, alginate, polyphosphate, sodium citrate, fulvic acid and clay in water to obtain a blend. The blend obtained was milled to get a powder of average particle size below 2.3 microns. The milled slurry is then spray dried / fluid bed dried to obtain a water dispersible granular product having granule size below 2 mm. The composition had dispersibility of 70%, suspensibility of 66%, wetting out time of 5 sec, heat stability dispersibility of 65% and heat stability Suspensibility is 56%.

[0223] Examples 2-10 presented in Table I were prepared as per the process of preparation of example 1, wherein the samples included constituents in concentrations as set forth in the above table. Table II: Water disintegrable granular (DG) compositions:

[0224] Example 1 presented in Table II was prepared by blending mentioned quantity of zinc oxide, hydroxyproline, alanine, sodium citrate and bentonite in a Ribbon blender to obtain homogeneous powder. The mixture is then jet milled to obtain powder having average particle size below 3 microns, the mixture was then mixed with maltodextrin solution and water to prepare dough and extruded through any suitable equipment to obtain water disintegrable granules of around 3.2 mm and further dried to obtain moisture below 3%. The composition had attrition resistance of 99% and hardness of 10 N (Newton). Examples 2-9 presented in Table II were prepared as per the process of preparation of example 1, wherein the samples included constituents in concentrations as set forth in the above table.

[0225] Table III: Liquid suspension (SC) composition:

[0226] Example 1 was prepared by blending gum Arabic, alginate and glycerol with water, which was then homogenized in a vessel equipped with stirring facilities. Following this, elemental sulfur powder, zinc oxide, hydroxyproline, and alanine were incorporated into the homogenized mixture and stirred continuously for about 10 minutes until a uniform consistency was achieved. Sodium benzoate, sodium carbonate, bentonite, and silica were then added while maintaining continuous homogenization to produce a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was subsequently passed through a wet mill to reduce the particle size. Finally, xanthan gum and the balance amount of water were added under continuous homogenization to achieve the desired liquid suspension. The composition had a particle size of D 10 1.1-micron D50 2.8 microns and D90 4.3 -microns, viscosity of 613 cps, suspensibility of 81%. Pourability rinsed residue was found to be 0.52%. Spontaneity of dispersion 79%, wet sieve retention on75 micron was 0.09%.

[0227] Examples 2-9 presented in Table III were prepared as per the process of preparation of example 1, wherein the samples included constituents in concentrations as set forth in the above table.

[0228] B. Field trial data:

[0229] B. FIELD STUDY:

[0230] The following are some abbreviations that have been used in the field study data.

[0231] • WG / WDG: Water dispersible granule

[0232] • SC: Aqueous suspension

[0233] • DG: Water disintegrable Granules

[0234] • B: Elemental Boron

[0235] • Ca: Elemental Calcium

[0236] • K: Elemental Potassium

[0237] • P: Elemental Phosphorous

[0238] • Zn: Elemental Zinc

[0239] • Fe: Elemental Iron

[0240] • Mg: Elemental magnesium

[0241] • Mg: Elemental Manganese

[0242] • Cu: Elemental Copper

[0243] • S: Elemental Selenium

[0244] • S: Elemental Suphur • Hyp: Hydroxyproline

[0245] • Ala: Alanine

[0246] • SP: Soy protein hydrolysate

[0247] • FP: Fish protein hydrolysate

[0248] • HPT: Combination of Hydroxyproline+ Proline+ L-Tryptophen

[0249] • p.s.: Particle size of the composition

[0250] • *: Expected effect (increase in yield) calculated by Colby’s method

[0251] • UTC: Untreated control

[0252] • DAA: Days after application

[0253] • DAS: Days after sawing

[0254] • g / ha: Grams per hectare

[0255] • g.a.h.: gram active ingredient per hectare

[0256] • Qtl / ha: Quintal per hectare

[0257] • T / Ha: Tons per hectare

[0258] • g / plant: grams per plant

[0259] The percentage increase in yield over UTC was calculated using the following formula:

[0260] Increase (%) = [(Crop yield in treated plot - Crop yield in control plot) / Crop yield in control plot] X 100

[0261] “Synergy” is as defined by Colby S. R. in an article entitled “ Calculation of the synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations '' published in Weeds, 1967, 15, p. 20-22. The action expected for a given combination of two active components can be calculated as follows:

[0262] E = X + Y + Z - (XY+YZ + XZ) / 100+ (XYZ / 10000)

[0263] Where,

[0264] E= Expected % effect by mixture of two products X, Y and Z in a defined dose.

[0265] X= Observed % effect by product A

[0266] Y= Observed % effect by product B Z= Observed % effect by product C

[0267] The synergy factor (SF) is calculated by Abbott’s formula (Eq. (2) (Abbott, 1925). SF= Observed effect / Expected effect

[0268] Where, SF >1 for Synergistic reaction; SF<1 for antagonistic reaction; SF=1 for additive reaction.

[0269] When the percentage of yield effect observed for the combination is greater than the expected percentage, synergistic effect of the combination can be inferred. When the percentage of yield effect observed for the combination is equal to the expected percentage, merely an additive effect may be inferred and wherein the percentage of yield effect observed for the combination is lower than the expected percentage, an antagonistic effect of the combinations can be inferred.

[0270] Experiment 1 : To study the synergistic effect of composition comprising combination of zinc borate, hydroxyproline and alanine on growth and yield in Tomato.

[0271] The field trial was carried out to study the effect of the composition of zinc borate, hydroxyproline and alanine at different concentrations in WDG and SC form on growth and yield in paddy cultivated in saline soil. The trial was carried out by Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. The paddy in trial field was raised following good agricultural practice.

[0272] Details of experiment a) Trial Location : Umargaon, Gujrat b) Crop & Variety : Paddy c) Experiment season : Kharif 2024 d) Trial Design : Randomized Block Design e) Replications : 4 f) Treatment : 9 g) Plot size : 6m x 5m = 30sq.m h) Date of sowing : 26.06.2024 i) Date of Application : 11.07.2024 j) Method of application: Soil application k) Date of Harvesting : 10.10.2024

[0273] The observations on yield were recorded at the time of harvesting and mean data is presented in Table 1.

[0274] Table 1:

[0275] *Expected percentage increase in yiek

[0276] It can be observed from Table 1 that Treatments T1 and T2 with compositions of Zinc borate 80% (Zn: 50%+ B: 5.5%) + Hydroxyproline 1% + Alanine 1.5% WDG and Zinc borate 35% (Zn: 21.9%+ B:2.4%) + Hydroxyproline 0.5% + Alanine 0.6% SC, were highly effective and demonstrated increased yield of paddy as compared to the two-way combination treatments (T3, T4 and T5), and standalone treatments (T6, T7 and T8). It can be seen that the treatments T1 and T3 to T8 were applied at the same active dosage i.e. 193g / ha Boron, 1750 g / ha Zinc, 35 g / ha Hydroxyproline, 52.5 g / ha Alanine. The expected percentage increase in yield calculated using Colby’s formula was 34.57% whereas the observed percentage increase in yield for Treatment T1 was 57.26%. Thus, the synergy factor for treatment T1 is 1.66 which indicates synergistic effect. Additionally, Treatment T2, also showed higher yields compared to Treatments T3 to T8, even though it was applied at a lower dosage than Treatments T3 to T8. Similar effects were also observed in terms growth parameters such as plant height, plant vigor etc.

[0277] Thus, the combination of zinc borate, hydroxyproline and alanine in WDG and SC form as per embodiment of the present invention is synergistic and provides higher crop yield and improved growth parameters as compared to the application of individual actives and two way combinations when applied at the same dosage. The surprising synergistic result of treatments T1 and T2 is attributed to the composition comprising zinc borate, hydroxyproline and alanine as per the embodiments of the invention, where all three constituents are present in a single composition at a specific concentration. Experiment 2: To study the synergistic effect of composition comprising combination of potassium, magnesium, hydroxyproline and alanine on growth and yield in Tomato.

[0278] The field trial was carried out to study the effect of the composition comprising of combination of potassium, magnesium, hydroxyproline and alanine at different concentrations in WDG form on growth and yield in tomato crop cultivated in saline soil. The trial was carried out by Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. The tomato in trial field was raised following good agricultural practice.

[0279] Details of experiment a) Trial Location Khambhat, Anand District, Gujarat b) Crop Tomato (variety Namdhari) c) Experiment season Rabi 2023-2024 d) Trial Design Randomized Block Design e) Replications Four f) Treatments Nine g) Plot size 8m x 5m = 40 sq.m h) Date of Application 5.11.2023 i) Method of application Drip irrigation j) Date of transplanting 5.11.2023 k) Date of Pickings 19.01.2024, 28.01.2024, 25.02.2024

[0280] The observations on plant height was taken at 60 days after application from 10 randomly selected plants per treatment per replication and mean value was calculated. The observations on yield were recorded at the time of harvesting and mean data is presented in Table 2.

[0281] Table 2:

[0282] *Expected percentage increase in yield

[0283] The data presented in Table 2 indicates that Treatment Tl, with the composition containing Potassium carbonate 70% (K-39.6%) + Magnesium oxide 6.5% (Mg- 3.9%)+ Hydroxyproline 0.09%+ Alanine 0.06% in DG form, was highly effective, resulting in a significant increase in tomato yield compared to Treatments T3 to T6, which lack at least one of these key components. Specifically, Treatment Tl achieved a yield increase of 65.22% over the untreated control, while Treatments T3 to T8 exhibited yield increases ranging from approximately 10% to 32%. It is important to note that Treatments Tl and T3 to T8 were administered at the same active dosage: 1386 g / ha of elemental potassium, 137 g / ha of elemental magnesium, 3.15 g / ha of hydroxyproline, and 2.1 g / ha of alanine. Additionally, it was observed that Treatment T2 with the composition of the present invention also showed higher yield compared to Treatments T3 to T6 even though treatment T2 was applied at a lower dosage than T3 to T6. Further, applying Colby’s method to estimate the anticipated yield increase for treatments T6, T7, and T8 resulted in an expected yield increase of 42.50%. It can be seen that the observed increase in yield for treatments T1 and T2 were 65.22% and 56.52% respectively which are higher than the expected yield derived from Colby’s method. Consequently, the synergy factors for treatments T1 and T2 are calculated to be 1.53 and 1.33, respectively, indicating a synergistic effect.

[0284] Moreover, it can be appreciated from the observed results that plant height in Tomato crop were also higher in treatments T1 and T2 as compared to treatments T3 to T8. It was also observed that the leaves of tomato plot treated with treatments T1 and T2 were greener as compared to Treatments T3-T8 and the untreated plot where yellow leaves were observed.

[0285] Thus, the combination of potassium, magnesium, hydroxyproline and alanine in DG form as per embodiment of the present invention is synergistic and provides higher crop yield and improved growth parameters as compared to the application of compositions which do not comprise all these components. The surprising synergistic result of treatments T1 and T2 is attributed to the composition comprising potassium, magnesium, hydroxyproline and alanine as per the embodiments of the invention, where all these constituents are present in a single composition at a specific concentration.

[0286] Experiment 3: To study the synergistic effect of composition comprising combination of potassium, magnesium, hydroxyproline and alanine on growth and yield in wheat.

[0287] The field trial was carried out to study the effect of the composition of potassium, magnesium, hydroxyproline and alanine at different concentrations in WDG form on growth and yield in wheat crop cultivated in saline soil. The trial was carried out by Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. The wheat crops in trial field was raised following good agricultural practice.

[0288] Details of experiment a) Trial Location Anand Gujarat b) Crop Wheat c) Experiment season Kharif 2023 d) Trial Design Randomized Block Design e) Replications Four f) Treatments Nine g) Plot size 8m x 5m = 40 sq.m h) Date of Application 10.10.2023 i) Method of application Application in furrow at the time of sowing j) Date of transplanting 10.10.2023 k) Date of harvesting 24.03.2024

[0289] The observations on number of tillers was taken at 76 days after application from 10 randomly selected plants per treatment per replication and mean value was calculated. The observations on yield were recorded at the time of harvesting and mean data is presented in Table 3.

[0290] Table 3:

[0291]

[0292] *Expected percentage increase in yield

[0293] The data presented in Table 3 indicates that Treatment Tl, with the composition comprising combination of Potassium carbonate 60% (K: 33.94%) + Magnesium hydroxide 25% (Mg: 10.42%) + Hydroxyproline 2.5% + Alanine 1.5% in WDG form, was highly effective, resulting in a significant increase in wheat yield compared to Treatments T3 to T6, which lack at least one of these key constituents. Specifically, Treatment Tl exhibited a yield increase of 69.88% over the untreated control, while Treatments T3 to T8 provides yield increases ranging from approximately 12% to 34% over untreated control. It is important to note that Treatments Tl and T3 to T8 were administered at the same active dosage: 1358 g / ha of elemental potassium, 417 g / ha of elemental magnesium, 100 g / ha of hydroxyproline, and 60 g / ha of alanine. Additionally, it can be observed that Treatment T2 with the composition of the present invention, which was applied at a lower dosage, also showed higher yield as compared to Treatments T3 to T6.

[0294] Further, applying Colby’s method to estimate the anticipated yield increase for treatments T6, T7, and T8, the expected yield increase obtained was 44.01%. It can be seen that the observed increase in yield for treatments Tl and T2 were 69.88% and 56.39% respectively which are higher than the expected yield derived from Colby’s method. Consequently, the synergy factors for treatments Tl and T2 are calculated to be 1.58 and 1.28, respectively, indicating a synergistic effect.

[0295] Moreover, it can be appreciated from the results presented in Table 3 that no. of tillers in wheat crop were also higher in treatments Tl and T2 as compared to treatments T3 to T8.

[0296] Thus, the combination of potassium, magnesium, hydroxyproline and alanine in WDG form as per embodiment of the present invention is synergistic and provides higher crop yield and improved growth parameters as compared to the application of compositions which do not comprise all these constituents. The surprising synergistic result of treatments T1 and T2 is attributed to the composition comprising potassium, magnesium, hydroxyproline and alanine as per the embodiments of the invention, where all these constituents are present in a single composition at a specific concentration.

[0297] Experiment 4: To study the synergistic effect of combination of elemental sulphur, zinc, hydroxyproline and alanine on growth and yield in Corn.

[0298] The field trial was carried out to study the effect of the composition of elemental sulphur, zinc, hydroxyproline and alanine at different concentrations in the form of aqueous suspension (SC) on growth and yield in com crop cultivated in saline soil. The trial was carried out by Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. The corn crops in trial field was raised following good agricultural practice.

[0299] Details of experiment a) Trial Location Ananad, Gujarat b) Crop Corn c) Experiment season Kharif 2024 d) Trial Design Randomized Block Design e) Replications Four f) Treatments Nine g) Plot size 8m x 5m = 40 sq.m h) Date of Application 25.08.2024 i) Method of application Soil application j) Date of transplanting 25.08.2024 k) Date of harvesting 10.12.2024

[0300] The observations on plant growth parameters such as greenness, plant height, plant vigor were recorded at 76 DAAfrom 10 randomly selected plants per treatment per replication and mean value was calculated. The observations on yield were recorded at the time of harvesting and mean data is presented in Table 4.

[0301] Table 4

[0302] The data presented in Table 4 illustrates that Treatment Tl, with the composition comprising combination of Elemental Sulphur 45%+ Zinc carbonate 15% (Zn: 7.8%) + Hydroxyproline 1.5% + Alanine 1.5% in SC form, demonstrated significantly higher yield along with improved growth parameters such as greenness, plant height, plant vigor etc. compared to Treatments T3 to T6, which lack at least one of these key constituents. Specifically, Treatment Tl provided a yield increase of 54.13% over the untreated control, while Treatments T3 to T8 exhibited yield increases ranging from approximately 7 % to 29%. It is important to note that Treatments Tl and T3 to T8 were administered at the same active dosage: 10080 g / ha of elemental sulphur, 1747 g / ha of elemental Zinc, 336 g / ha of hydroxyproline, and 336 g / ha of alanine. Additionally, it can be observed that Treatment T2 with the composition of the present invention also showed higher growth and yield even thogh applied at a lower dosage, as compared to Treatments T3 to T6.

[0303] Further, applying Colby’s method to estimate the anticipated yield increase for treatments T6, T7, and T8, the expected yield increase obtained was 30.59%. It can be seen that the observed increase in yield for treatments T1 and T2 were 54.13% and 49.54% respectively which are higher than the expected yield derived from Colby’s method. Consequently, the synergy factors for treatments T1 and T2 are calculated to be 1.77 and 1.62, respectively, indicating a synergistic effect.

[0304] Thus, the combination of sulphur, zinc, hydroxyproline and alanine in SC form as per embodiment of the present invention is synergistic and provides higher crop yield and improved growth parameters as compared to the application of compositions which do not comprise all these constituents. The surprising synergistic result of treatments T1 and T2 is attributed to the composition comprising sulphur, zinc, hydroxyproline and alanine as per the embodiments of the invention, where all these constituents are present in a single composition at a specific concentration.

[0305] Experiment 5: To evaluate effectiveness of combination of elemental Sulphur, Zinc, Hydroxyproline and Alanine vis-a-vis combination of Sulphur, Zinc and mixture of amino acids (protein hydrolysates) on Tomato cultivated under saline (15 g / L) and non- saline (0 g / L) growth conditions.

[0306] The pot trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of composition of present invention comprising combination of elemental sulphur, zinc, hydroxyproline and alanine in saline and non-saline soil vis-a-vis combination of sulphur, zinc and protein hydrolysates (mixture of amino acids). Tomato plants were transplanted in plastic pots of 20 kg filled with a standardized soil mixture. The soil used in the experiment was a loamy mix, with an initial pH of 6.8. In the non-saline group, no additional salt was added, and plants were irrigated with non-saline water. For saline group, salinity was adjusted using sodium chloride (NaCl) at 15 g / L per plant. Plants were cultivated in a controlled greenhouse environment, with a temperature of 31°C during the day and 22°C at night, 75% relative humidity, and 14 h of light per day along with standard growing practice. The composition of the present invention and comparative samples were applied as a foliar spray to the treated plants at 30 days of crops after transplanting as per calibration. The water volume used for foliar application was equivalent to 200L / acre. Irrigation was applied every three days, using 500 ml of water per pot, ensuring that the saline treatments received water with the specified salt concentration to maintain consistent levels. Non-saline treatments were irrigated with distilled water.

[0307] Table 5:

[0308]

[0309]

[0310] Table 5A: (Continuation of Table 5)

[0311]

[0312] The data presented in the Tables 5 and 5 A indicate that treatments T1 to T3 and T8 to T10 with the compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention comprising combination of elemental sulphur, zinc, hydroxyproline and alanine in WDG form under non-saline as well as high salinity condition exhibited superior yield and enhanced growth parameters such as greenness, plant height, stem girth, leaf count, branch count, and fruit number etc. compared to treatments T4 to T6 and Ti l to T13. The treatments T4, T5, Ti l and T12 consist of a composition as described in W02020016730A1 comprising combination of elemental sulphur, zinc and protein hydrolysate such as soy protein hydrolysate / fish protein hydrolysate which includes various amino acids and treatments T6 and T13 consist of composition comprising combination of sulphur, zinc and amino acid mixture of hydroxyproline, proline and L- tryptophan. Under non-saline conditions treatments T1-T3 with the compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention demonstrated yield increases over untreated control of 66.81%, 64.91% and 63.14% respectively. Further, treatments T8 to T10 with the same compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention tested under saline conditions (with 15g / L of NaCl applied per plant), showed yield increases over untreated control of 52.08%, 49.37% and 48.72 % respectively. Conversely, treatments T4 to T6, with the compositions which include elemental sulfur and protein hydrolysate as per W02020016730A1 or different amino acid mixtures, exhibited yield increases of only 47.49%, 44.57% and 38.90% under nonsaline condition. Further, the treatments Ti l to T13 with the same compositions of elemental sulfur and protein hydrolysate / different amino acid mixtures under saline conditions, resulted in significant yield reductions with 22.17%, 22.36% and 16.80% yield respectively.

[0313] This analysis highlights that while prior art compositions faced considerable yield declines under salinity stress, the formulations of the present invention exhibited enhanced tolerance to saline conditions.

[0314] Experiment 6: To evaluate effectiveness of combination of Rock phosphate, Hydroxyproline and Alanine vis-a-vis combination of Rock phosphate with other amino acid combinations under saline (15 g / L) and non- saline (0 g / L) growth conditions for Brinjal.

[0315] The pot trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of composition of present invention comprising combination of rock phosphate, hydroxyproline, and alanine vis-a-vis compositions that include rock phosphate combined with different amino acids, in saline and non-saline condition with five replications. Brinjal plants were transplanted in plastic pots of 20 kg filled with a standardized soil mixture. The soil used in the experiment was a loamy mix, with an initial pH of 6.8. In the non-saline group, no additional salt was added, and plants were irrigated with non-saline water. For saline group, salinity was adjusted using sodium chloride (NaCl) at 15 g / L per plant. Plants were cultivated in a controlled greenhouse environment, with a temperature of 25 °C during the day and 18 °C at night, 60% relative humidity, and 14 h of light per day. The composition of the present invention and comparative samples were applied as soil application. Irrigation was applied every three days, using 500 ml of water per pot, ensuring that the saline treatments received water with the specified salt concentration to maintain consistent levels. Non-saline treatments were irrigated with distilled water.

[0316] Table 6:

[0317] The data presented in the Table 6 illustrates the effectiveness of the compositions as per the present invention, which includes combination of phosphorous compound (Rock phosphate), hydroxyproline, and alanine (treatments T1 and T 10) under non- saline as well as high salinity condition as compared to compositions that include rock phosphate combined with different amino acids, where one or both amino acids differ from hydroxyproline and alanine.

[0318] From the data in Table 6, it is evident that under non-saline conditions, treatment Tl, with the composition as per the embodiment of the present invention demonstrated yield increases of 66.77% over untreated control. Further, treatment T10, with the same composition under saline conditions (with 15g / L of NaCl applied per plant), resulted in a yield increase of 62.10% over the untreated control. In contrast, treatments T2 to T8, which incorporated rock phosphate with different amino acid combinations, yielded increases ranging from 26% to 52% under nonsaline conditions and treatments T11 to T17, using same compositions under saline conditions, resulted in significant yield reductions in the range of 12% to 36%.

[0319] This evaluation underscores that while formulations with alternative amino acid combinations suffered notable yield losses under salinity stress, the compositions of the present invention, comprising hydroxyproline and alanine alongside nutrient such as rock phosphate, demonstrated superior resilience to saline conditions.

[0320] Experiment 7: To evaluate effectiveness of combination of Nutrients, with Hydroxyproline and Alanine vis-a-vis combination of Nutrients with other amino acids in wheat cultivated in saline condition.

[0321] The field trial was carried out to study the effect of the composition of elemental nutrient mixture, hydroxyproline and alanine at different concentrations in WG form on growth and yield in wheat crop cultivated in saline soil. The trial was carried out by Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. The wheat crops in trial field was raised following good agricultural practice.

[0322] Details of experiment a) Trial Location Samni village, Bharuch, Gujarat b) Crop Wheat c) Experiment season Kharif 2023 d) Trial Design Randomized Block Design e) Replications Four f) Treatments Nine g) Plot size 8m x 5m = 40 sq.m h) Date of Application 15.10.2023 i) Method of application Application in furrow at the tim j) Date of Seed sowing 15.10.2023 k) Date of harvesting : 10.03.2024

[0323] Table 7:

[0324]

[0325]

[0326]

[0327]

[0328]

[0329] Table 7A: (Continuation of Table 7)

[0330]

[0331] The data presented in the Table 7 illustrates the effectiveness of the compositions as per the present invention, which includes combination of Sulphur + Magnesium oxide + Zinc carbonate + Ferric oxide + Copper oxide + Boric acid + Manganese hydroxide+ Hydroxyproline + Alanine (treatments Tl) under high salinity condition as compared to compositions that include same nutrients with different amino acid combinations, where one or both amino acids differ from hydroxyproline and alanine. From the data presented in Table 7, it is evident that treatment Tl, with the composition as per the embodiment of the present invention demonstrated yield increases of 46.18% over untreated control. In contrast, treatments T2 to T8, which incorporated same composition of nutrients with different amino acid combinations, yielded increases ranging from approximately 14% to 19% over untreated control.

[0332] Furthermore, it can be seen from Table 7A that treatment T1 with the composition as per the present invention with hydroxyproline and alanine demonstrated enhanced uptake of nutrients such as Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Boron, Manganese, Copper and Sulphur as compared treatments T2 to T8.

[0333] This evaluation indicates that the composition of the invention, which include hydroxyproline and alanine in combination with nutrients, demonstrate significant efficacy and result in enhanced yield and nutrient absorption when compared to compositions containing different amino acid combinations.

[0334] Experiment 8: To evaluate the effectiveness of a composition containing less than 80% water-soluble nutrient salts, Hydroxyproline, and Alanine compared to a composition with more than 80% water-soluble nutrient salts, Hydroxyproline, and Alanine in tomatoes cultivated under saline growth conditions

[0335] The pot trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of composition of present invention in saline soil. Tomato plants were transplanted in plastic pots of 20 kg filled with a standardized soil mixture. The soil used in the experiment was a saline. Plants were cultivated in a controlled greenhouse environment, with a temperature of 25 °C during the day and 18°C at night, 60% relative humidity, and 14 h of light per day. The composition of the present invention and comparative samples were applied as a soil application (application at plant base near root zone). Irrigation was applied every three days, using 500 ml of water per pot, ensuring that the saline treatments received water with the specified salt concentration to maintain consistent levels. The observations on plant growth parameters such as greenness, plant height, no. of fruits were recorded at 60 DAAfrom 10 randomly selected plants per treatment per replication and mean value was calculated. The observations on yield were recorded at the time of harvesting and mean data is presented in Table 8.

[0336] Table 8:

[0337]

[0338] The data presented in the Table 8 illustrates the effectiveness of the compositions as per the present invention, which includes water insoluble nutrient salts or combination of water insoluble or water soluble nutrients, hydroxyproline and alanine wherein water soluble salt content was not more than 80% vis-a-vis composition comprising water soluble nutrients, hydroxyproline and alanine with water soluble salt content more than 80%. It can be observed from Table 8 that treatment T1 with the composition comprising water insoluble nutrient i.e. 85% Boron phosphate in combination with 0.5% Hydroxyproline and 1% Alanine in WDG form as per the embodiment of the present invention demonstrated highest yield of 38.06% over untreated control. Further treatment T2 with composition comprising Boron phosphate 20% (B: 2.04%) + Boric acid 65% (B: 11.36%) + Hydroxyproline 0.5% + Alanine 1% WDG (i.e. water soluble salt content not more than 80%) as per the embodiment of the present invention exhibited yield increase of 23.31% as compared to treatment T3, with the composition comprising Boric acid 85% (14.86%) + Hydroxyproline 0.5% + Alanine 1% WDG (i.e. water soluble salt content more than 80%) which showed yield increase of only 8.18% over untreated control.

[0339] Similar results were also observed in case of potassium + hydroxyproline + alanine (treatments T4-T6) and calcium + hydroxyproline + alanine (treatments T7 to T9).

[0340] These results indicates that under saline conditions, the composition of the present invention which includes water-insoluble nutrient salts or a water-soluble salt content below 80%, exhibits markedly superior performance than the compositions consisting exclusively of water-soluble salts with water soluble salt content of more than 80%.

[0341] Experiment 9: To evaluate the effect of particle size of the composition on Cowpea cultivated under saline soil.

[0342] The pot trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of particle size of the composition on growth and yield of the cowpea cultivated under saline condition. Cowpea seeds were sown in plastic pots of 20 kg filled with a standardized soil mixture. The soil used in the experiment was a saline. Plants were cultivated in a controlled greenhouse environment, with a temperature of 25 °C during the day and 18°C at night, 60% relative humidity, and 14 h of light per day. The composition of the present invention and comparative samples were applied as soil application as broadcasting after sowing. Irrigation was applied every three days, using 500 ml of water per pot, ensuring that the saline treatments received water with the specified salt concentration to maintain consistent levels.

[0343] The observations on greenness, plant height and no. of pods were taken at 76 days after application from 10 randomly selected plants per treatment per replication and mean value was calculated. The plant vigor observations were taken at 76 days after application at 0-200% rating scale where UTC (untreated control) should be always 100%. Chlorophyll content in 10 randomly selected leaves per treatment per replication was determined and mean value was calculated. The observations on yield were recorded at the time of harvesting and mean data is presented in Table 9. Table 9:

[0344]

[0345]

[0346] The data presented in Table 9 illustrates that the treatments with the compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention with particles of the composition in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns i.e. Tl, T4, T7 resulted in significant improvement in chlorophyll content, yield and other plant growth parameters as compared to treatments T2, T3, T5, T6, T8, and T9 with the same compositions having particles in the size range beyond 0.1 to 50 microns. For instance, treatment T1 with the composition comprising Potassium Silicate 5% (K: 2.53%) + Magnesium oxide 75% (45.23%) + Hydroxyproline 5% + Alanine 4% WDG with particles in the size range of 0.1-50 microns as per the embodiment of the present invention demonstrated yield increase of around 49.32% over untreated control. In contrast, treatments T2 and T3 with the same compositions having the particle size beyond 0.1-50 microns showed yield increase of only 24.66% and 9.59% respectively. The results are all the more surprising as the treatments T1 to T3 comprising combination of potassium, magnesium, hydroxyproline and alanine with different particle size ranges were applied at almost the same dosage of actives to the soil i.e. at a dosage of about 0.09 g / plant of potassium, 1.58% g / plant magnesium, 0.175 g / plant of hydroxyproline and about 0.14 g / plant of alanine.

[0347] Further, treatment T4 with the composition comprising Cuprous oxide 6.5% (Cu: 5.77%) + Hydroxyproline 3.5%+ Alanine 4.5% SC with particles in the size range of 0.1-30 microns as per the embodiment of the present invention demonstrated yield increase of around 41.10% over untreated control. In contrast, treatments T5 and T6 with the same compositions having the particle size beyond 0.1-50 microns showed yield increase of only 12.33% and 5.48% respectively. The results are all the more surprising as the treatments T4 to T6 comprising combination of copper, hydroxyproline and alanine with different particle size ranges were applied at almost the same dosage of actives to the soil i.e. at a dosage of about 0.29 g / plant of copper, 0.175 g / plant of hydroxyproline and about 0.225 g / plant of alanine.

[0348] Similarly, treatment T7 with the composition comprising Elemental Sulphur 50%+ Boric acid 20% (B: 3.5%) Hydroxyproline 6%+ Alanine 2% DG with particles in the size range of 0.1-50 microns as per the embodiment of the present invention demonstrated yield increase of around 57.53% over untreated control. In contrast, treatments T8 and T9 with the same compositions having the particle size beyond 0.1-50 microns showed yield increase of only 26.03% and 10.96% respectively. The results are all the more surprising as the treatments T7, T8 and T9 comprising combination of sulphur, boron, hydroxyproline and alanine with different particle size ranges were applied at almost the same dosage of actives to the soil i.e. at a dosage of about 0.09 g / plant of boron, 1.25 g / plant of sulphur, 0.15 g / plant hydroxyproline and about 0.05 g / plant of alanine.

[0349] Furthermore it can be observed that treatments Tl, T4 and T7 with the composition of the present invention also demonstrated superior growth parameters such as greenness, plant height, no. of pods, plant vigor, chlorophyll content etc. as compared to treatments T2, T3, T5, T6, T8 and T9.

[0350] Thus, it can be seen that the superior results are observed when the particles of the composition are in the range of 0.1-50 microns.

[0351] Experiment 10: To evaluate the effect of different types of the composition comprising nutrient, hydroxyproline and alanine on Brinjal cultivated under saline soil.

[0352] The pot trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of different types of composition on Tomato cultivated under saline soil. Tomato plants were transplanted in plastic pots of 20 kg filled with a standardized soil mixture. The soil used in the experiment was saline soil. Plants were cultivated in a controlled greenhouse environment, with a temperature of 25°C during the day and 18 °C at night, 60% relative humidity, and 14 h of light per day. The composition of the present invention and comparative samples were applied to soil by in furrow application. Irrigation was applied every three days, using 500 ml of water per pot, ensuring that the saline treatments received water with the specified salt concentration to maintain consistent levels.

[0353] Table 10:

[0354]

[0355] It can be seen from the data presented in Table 10 that treatments with the compositions of the present invention i.e. T1 and T2 comprising iron, selenium, hydroxyproline and alanine in the form of a water disintegrable granules (DG) and an aqueous suspension (SC) illustrated significant increase in plant height and yield in brinjal crop as compared to treatments T3 and T4 with the composition in WP and pellet form. In particular, it can be observed that treatment T1 with the composition in the form of DG as per the embodiment of the present invention and T3 and T4 in WP and Pellet form were applied at almost same dosage of iron, selenium, hydroxyproline and alanine. It can be observed that the treatment T1 with the composition comprising Ferrous oxide 85% (Fe: 66.07%) + selenium dioxide 0.02% (Se: 0.014%) + Hydroxyproline 0.5%+ Alanine 0.4% in DG form as per the embodiment of the present invention showed enhanced yield of around 69.58% while treatment T3 and T4 with composition in WP and pellet form showed a yield increase of around 29.23% and 23.75% respectively over untreated control.

[0356] Further, it can be seen that treatment T2 with Ferrous oxide 42.5% (Fe: 33.04%) + selenium dioxide 0.01% (Se: 0.007%)+ Hydroxyproline 0.25%+ Alanine 0.2% SC as per the embodiment of the present invention demonstrated 63.83% enhancement in yield over untreated control which is also higher than that in treatments T3 and T4 with WP and pellet form. The yield increase was more surprising since the treatment T2 was applied at lower dosage of actives as compared to that in treatments T3 and T4. The similar improvement was also observed in case of plant growth parameters.

[0357] Similar, superior results were also observed for the treatments T5-T7 with the composition of the present invention comprising manganese, hydroxyproline and alanine in the form of WG and SC. The unexpected efficacy of the treatments with composition of the present invention was on account of it being in WDG, SC and DG form and same was not observed with composition in WP and pellet form.

[0358] Further, the inventor of the present invention also tested the granular and aqueous suspension compositions of the present invention on other crops like Okra, Chilli, etc. It was observed that the composition of the present invention demonstrated enhanced crop yield and crop characteristics like straw weight, greenness of crop, plant height, fruit weight, chlorophyll content, and improved photosynthesis and also added to the nutritional value of the crop even under stressed condition.

[0359] The superior effect of the present composition is on account of elements being a homogeneous mixture of one or more nutrients as claimed with hydroxyproline and alanine in granular and aqueous suspension form and in specific particle size of 0.1- 50 microns. Further, the various advantageous properties associated with the compositions according to the invention, include but are not limited to improved stability of the composition even without the use of chemical adjuvants such as lignin sulfhonate and naphthalene sulfonate, improved toxicological and / or ecotoxicological behavior, improved crop characteristics including crop yields, crop qualities and characteristics and other advantages familiar to a person skilled in the art.

[0360] It has been observed that the composition of the present invention demonstrates enhanced, efficacious and superior behaviour in the fields. Through the composition of the present invention, the number of applications or the amount of chemical fertilizers, nutrients or pesticides are minimized. Moreover, the present composition exhibits a surprisingly higher field efficacy at reduced dosages of application of the composition as compared to prior known compositions. The composition is highly stable and safe for the user as well as the environment and do not show any phytotoxicity. This novel composition helps to improve plant yield, balanced uptake of all nutrients, reduce yellowing of leaves and improved plant physiological parameters providing a nutritionally rich crop.

[0361] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred.

Claims

Claims:I claim:

1. A composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance of a plant, said composition comprising of: a) At least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof, Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof wherein the elemental content of the nutrient is in the range of 0.0001% to 80% by weight of the total composition; b) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d) At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns.

2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein elemental iron content is in the range of 0.01% to 80% by weight of the total composition; elemental zinc content is in the range of 0.01% to 75% by weight of the total composition; elemental boron content is in the range of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition; elemental calcium content is in the range 0.05% to 50% by weight of the total composition; elemental potassium content is in the range 0.05% to 65% by weight of the total composition; elemental phosphorous content is inthe range 0.05% to 30% by weight of the total composition; elemental manganese content is in the range 0.05% to 75% by weight of the total composition; elemental magnesium content is in the range of 0.05% to 60% by weight of the total composition; elemental copper content is in the range of 0.05% to 80% by weight of the total composition and elemental selenium content is in the range of 0.0001% to 50% by weight of the total composition.

3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein elemental iron content is in the range of 0.01% to 70% by weight of the total composition; elemental zinc content is in the range of 0.01% to 72% by weight of the total composition; elemental boron content is in the range of 0.01% to 28% by weight of the total composition; elemental calcium content is in the range 0.05% to 36% by weight of the total composition; elemental potassium content is in the range 0.05% to 50% by weight of the total composition; elemental phosphorous content is in the range 0.05% to 21% by weight of the total composition; elemental manganese content is in the range 0.05% to 70% by weight of the total composition; elemental magnesium content is in the range of 0.05% to 55% by weight of the total composition; elemental copper content is in the range of 0.05% to 75% by weight of the total composition and elemental selenium content is in the range of 0.0001% to 25% by weight of the total composition.

4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of a solid or a liquid or a gel.

5. The composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the solid composition is in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules or spheronized granules.

6. The composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the liquid composition is in the form of liquid suspension.

7. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein Hydroxyproline is in the range of 0.01% to 5% by weight of the total composition.

8. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein alanine is in the range of 0.01% to 5% by weight of the total composition.

9. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ratio of hydroxyproline to alanine is 20:1 to 1:20 preferably 5:1 to 1:5.

10. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nutrient is selected from water soluble or water insoluble salts or derivatives or mixture thereof.

11. The composition as claimed in claim 10, wherein the total content of the water soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% by the weight of the total composition.

12. The composition as claimed in claim 10, wherein the total content of the water soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 65% by the weight of the total composition.

13. The composition as claimed in claim 10, wherein the water soluble nutrient is selected from potassium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof or boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof.

14. The composition as claimed in claim 10, wherein the water insoluble nutrient is selected from one or more of Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; potassium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixturethereof; magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; water insoluble copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and selenium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof.

15. The composition as claimed in claim 13, wherein the water soluble potassium fertilizer, salt or derivative comprises one or more of Potassium Carbonate, Potassium Selenide, Potassium Sulfate, Potassium Silicates, Potassium Hydroxide, Potassium Schoenite, Potassium Bicarbonate, Potassium Persulfate and Potassium Humate, Potassium, Carnallite, Leucite, Schoenite, Picromerite, Glauconite, Biotite, Langbeinite.

16. The composition as claimed in claim 13, wherein the water soluble boron salt or derivative comprises one or more of boric acid or orthoboric acid or boracic acid or acidum boricum; borax or sodium borate or sodium tetraborate or sodium borosilicate; or sodium tetraborate decahydrate or disodium tetraborate; disodium tetraborate octahydrate; potassium tetraborate; boron trichloride or Boron(III) chloride or Trichloroborane; boron triiodide or triiodoborane; sodium tetraborate decahydrate; boron sesquioxide or boric acid anhydride; sodium perborate; disodium octaborate tetrahydrate or Aquabor / Boron sodium oxide or Sodium octaborate or Tim-bor insecticide or Polybor; Borax pentahydrate or Bor48 or 5 Mol Borax; boron oxide which includes boron suboxide or boron monoxide; boron hydroxide, Sodium-Calcium Borates, Boron trifluoride, Boron Tribromide; boric oxide; disodium octaborate, sodium borohydride or sodium tetrahydridoborate or sodium tetrahydroborate; calcium borogluconate; sodium cyanoborohydride; sodium pentaborate; ammonium pentaborate, sodium triacetoxyborohydride or sodium triacetoxyhydroborate; sodium triethylborohydride.

17. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein water insoluble zinc salts or derivatives comprise one or more of zinc oxide, zinc sulphide, zinc hydroxide, zinc carbonate, zinc molybdate, zinc phosphate, zinc borate, zinc silicate, zincpyrophosphate, zinc humate, zinc fulvate, zinc citrate, zinc oxalate, zinc monomethionine, zinc carnosine, zinc chromate, zinc nitrilotriacetic acid (nta), zinc phosphide, zinc selenide, zinc telluride, zinc aspartate, danbaite, ashoverite, periclase, sphalerite, wurtzite, hydrozincite, brianyoungite, hemimorphite, smithsonite, bechererite, aurichalcite, hopeite, hodgkinsonite, fraipontite, junitoite, clinohedrite, christelite, gunningite, cianciulliite, ecandrewsite, baileychlore, boyleite and bianchite.

18. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the water insoluble iron salts or derivatives comprise one or more of iron oxide, iron hydroxide, iron phosphate, iron fumarate, iron succinate, iron sulphide, iron sucrate, iron tartarate, carbonyl iron, iron carbonate; iron(ii) oxalate (anhydrous), iron(ii) oxalate (dihydrate), roaldite, wusite, magnetite, hematite, goethite, limonite, siderite, pyrite or marcasite, bemalite, greenalite and mixtures thereof.

19. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the water insoluble boron salt or derivative comprises calcium borates, magnesium borate, zinc borate, boron phosphate, boron trioxide or diboron trioxide, Aristarainite, Barberiite, Borax, Ulexite, Suanite, Colemanite, Chambersite, Hillgardite, Admontite, Calciborite, Sassolite, Boric acid, Kaliborite, Preobrazhenskite and Ameghinite.

20. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the water insoluble magnesium salts or derivatives comprise one or more of Magnesium oxide, Magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia), Magnesium molybdate, Magnesium phosphate, Calcium magnesium phosphate, Magnesium phosphate tribasic, Magnesium carbonate, Magnesium silicate, Magnesium trisilicate, Magnesium Aluminium Silicate, Calcium Magnesium Silicate, Magnesium ammonium phosphate, Magnesium humate, Magnesium fulvate; Magnesium oxalate, Magnesium tartrate, Magnesium sulphide or Periclase, Brucite; Sellaite;Kotoite; Pertsevite; Suanite; Magnesite; Szaibelyite; Kieserite; Dolomite; hydrated dolomite and Struvite.

21. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the water insoluble manganese salts or derivatives comprise one or more of manganese oxide, trimanganese tetraoxide or mangano-manganic oxide or Hausmannite; manganese hydroxide, manganese phosphate, manganese phosphate heptahydrate, carbonyl manganese, manganese dioxide, manganese diselenide, manganese tetroxide, manganese carbonate, manganese molybdate, manganese selenide, manganese telluride, manganese titanate, manganese nitride, manganese oxalate, manganese borate, Manganese sulfide, dimanganese trioxide, their derivatives thereof and mixtures thereof; Manganese oxide includes Manganese(II) oxide, MnO (Ferrite Grade); Manganese(II,III) oxide, Mn3O4; Manganese(III) oxide, Mn2O3; Manganese dioxide, (manganese(IV) oxide), Mn02; Manganese(VI) oxide, Mn03; and Manganese(VII) oxide, Mn2O7, Manganese hydroxide includes manganese dihydroxide and Manganous hydroxide. Manganese phosphate includes Manganese (II) Phosphate, Manganese diphosphate and Manganese phosphate tribasic; Manganese dioxide includes manganese (IV) oxide, manganese peroxide, manganese black, pyrolusite and manganese superoxide.

22. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the water insoluble calcium salts or derivatives comprise one or more of calcium oxide, calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, calcium phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium fumarate, calcium iodate, calcium succinate, calcium oxalate, calcium perchlorate, carbonyl calcium.

23. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the water insoluble potassium fertilizer, salt or derivative comprises one or more of muriate of potash; potassium magnesium sulphate; potassium nitrate; potassium sodium nitrate;potassium orthophosphate; potassium polyphosphate; potassium phosphate; potassium metaphosphate; potassium sulphate; sulphate potash magnesia; rock potash; bittern potassium salt; plant and wood ashes (K2CO3 + KHC03); kelp ashes (KC1 + K2SO4); potassium fulvate; potassium humate; potassium rock powder; Schoenite or Picromerite; Feldspar; Orthoclase; Slyvite; Carnallite; Kainite; Polyhalite or Ischelite or Polygalite; Leucite; Arrojadite; Gengenbachite; Haigerachite; Lepidolite Hazenite; Kosnarite; Langbeinite Leucophosphite; Lipuite; Manganoarrojadite; Mantienneite; Minyulite; Parwanite; Phosphofibrite; Sylvinite; Taranakite and Tinsleyite.

24. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the water insoluble phosphorous fertilizer, salts or derivatives comprises elemental phosphorous, rock phosphate, calcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, fused magnesium phosphate, calcined phosphate, magnesium hydrogen phosphate, magnesium phosphate, fluorapatite, phosphate rock, feldspar, variscite, vivianite, struvite, turquoise, lazulite, bicapite, francoanellite, gengenbachite, hazenite, kosnarite, leucophosphite, Meta-ankoleite, minyulite, spheniscidite, struvite, taranakite, apatite, bone meal, bone ash, strengite, monocalcium phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, phosphorite.

25. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the water insoluble copper salts or derivatives comprise one or more of copper oxalate, copper salts of carboxylic acids, such as citric, succinic, tartaric acid, Copper oxide, Copper hydroxide, Copper molybdate, Copper phosphate, cupric oxide, cuprous oxide, copper hydroxide, copper octanoate, copper oxychloride, copper-lime mixtures, copper linoleate, copper carbonate; copper humate; copper fulvate, Copper(II) selenite and copper oleate.

26. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the water insoluble selenium salt or derivative comprises one or more of selenium, selenium carbonates, vanadium selenide, magnesium selenide, manganese selenide, selenium sulphide, copper selenide, iron selenide, molybdenum selenide, cobalt selenide, bismuth selenide, zinc selenide, copper selenite, calcium selenite, magnesium selenite, manganese selenite, or cobalt selenite.

27. The composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the water dispersible granules are in a size range of from 0.05 mm to 3 mm and comprise particles in a size range of 0.1 to 30 microns.

28. The composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the water dispersible granular composition comprises of particles having an average diameter distribution (D50) of less than 10 microns.

29. The composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the composition in the form of water dispersible granular composition comprises of particles having an average diameter distribution (D50) of less than 5 micron.

30. The composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the water disintegrable granules are in a size range of from 0.05 mm to 6 mm and comprises particles in a size range of 0.1 to 50 microns.

31. The composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the liquid suspension composition comprises elemental iron content is in the range of 0.01% to 50% by weight of the total composition; elemental zinc content is in the range of 0.01% to 50% by weight of the total composition; elemental calcium content is in the range 0.05% to 25% by weight of the total composition; elemental potassium content is in the range 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition; elemental phosphorous content is in the range 0.05% to 25% by weight of the total composition; elemental manganese content is in the range0.05% to 50% by weight of the total composition; elemental magnesium content is in the range of 0.05% to 20% by weight of the total composition, elemental boron content is in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition, elemental copper content is in the range of 0.05% to 50% by weight of the total composition and elemental selenium content is in the range of 0.0001% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

32. The composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the composition in the form of liquid suspension comprises of particles having an average diameter distribution (D50) of less than 10 microns.

33. The composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the composition in the form of liquid suspension comprises of particles having an average diameter distribution of less than 5 micron.

34. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the excipients are selected from one or more of surfactants, emulsifiers, wetting agents, dispersing agents, fillers, carriers, diluents, spreading agents, colorants, anticaking agents, binders, buffers, pH adjusters, neutralizing agents, pigments, stabilizers, antifoaming agents, defoamers, penetrants, structuring agents, humectants, sticking agents, anti-freezing agent, freeze point depressants, chelating, complexing or sequestering agents, preservatives or bactericides, anti-fungal agents or biocides, anti-microbial agents and antioxidants.

35. The composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the excipient comprises surfactants, structuring agent, humectants, spreading agent, suspending agents or suspension aid or anti-settling, penetrating agent, sticking agents, drift reducing agents, preservatives, stabilizers, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents, antifreezing agent or freeze point depressants, antifoaming agents.

36. The composition as claimed in claim 35, wherein the structuring agent is selected from one or more of thickeners, suspending agents or suspension aid agents, viscosity modifiers or rheology modifiers, tackifiers, anti-settling agents.

37. The composition as claimed in claim 1 and 34, wherein the excipients are organic excipients.

38. The composition as claimed in claim 1 and 37, wherein the excipients are selected from one or more of surfactants, emulsifiers, wetting agents and dispersing agents.

39. The composition as claimed in claim 44, wherein the surfactants are selected from gum Arabic, gumkaraya, gum ghatti (gum dhawada), larch gum, collagen, Albizia gum, Abelmoschus gum, Bhara gum, Cashew gum, Cordio gum, Grewia gum, Hakea gum, Khaya gum, Katira gum, Kondagogu gum, Leucaena, seed gum, Malva nut gum, Mucuna gum, Moringa gum, Neem gum, Sesbanic gum, alginate.

40. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nutrient comprises combination of Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives and Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof.

41. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises an additional nutrients; biostimulants and pesticidal active ingredients or mixtures thereof, wherein the further active ingredient is present in a concentration range of 0.001% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition.

42. The composition of claim 41, wherein the additional nutrient comprises elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 80% by weight of the total composition.

43. A process for preparation of the composition in the form of water dispersible granules as claimed in claims 5, wherein the process comprises: i. milling a blend of a. At least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof in wherein the elemental content of nutrient is in the range of 0.0001% to 80% by weight of the total composition; b. Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c. Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d. At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition to obtain a slurry or wet mix; ii. drying the slurry or wet mix to obtain the water dispersible granules; wherein the composition comprises of particles in the size range of 0.1- 50 microns.

44. A process for preparation of the composition in the form of liquid suspension as claimed in claim 6, wherein the process comprises: i. milling a blend of a) At least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof;Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof in wherein the elemental content of nutrient is in the range of 0.0001% to 80% by weight of the total composition; b) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d) At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition wherein the composition comprises of particles in the size range of 0.1-30 microns, wherein the total content of the water soluble salts, derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 50% by the weight of the total composition.

45. A process for preparation of the composition in the form of water disintegrable granules as claimed in claims 5, wherein the process comprises: i. milling a blend comprising: a. At least one nutrient selected from Iron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Zinc salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Boron salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Calcium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Potassium fertilizers or its salts, complexes or derivatives; Phosphorous fertilizers or salts, complexes or derivatives; Manganese salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Magnesium salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof; Copper salts or complexes or derivatives or mixture thereof and Selenium or its salts or complexes or derivativesor mixture thereof in wherein the elemental content of nutrient is in the range of 0.0001% to 80% by weight of the total composition; b. Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c. Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d. At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition to obtain a slurry or a wet mix; ii. drying the wet mix obtained, in a spray dryer, fluid bed dryer or any suitable granulating equipment, followed by sieving to remove the undersized and oversized granules to obtain a dried mix; iii. blending the dried mix to obtain a dough or paste, which is then extruded through an extruder to obtain the water disintegrable granules.

46. The process as claimed in claim 45, wherein the wet mix of step (ii) or the dried mix of step (iii) is agglomerated in an agglomerator to obtain spheronised granular or a water disintegrable granular composition.

47. A composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is at least one of a fertilizer composition, a crop strengthener composition, a soil conditioner composition and a yield enhancer composition.

48. A method for protecting plants against osmotic stress and improving plant health or yield; wherein the method comprises treating at least one of a plant, a plant propagation material, locus or plant parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims.