Synergistic agricultural formulations containing diacyl or diarylurea and at least one plant growth regulator

Abstract

Synergistic agricultural formulations include at least one diacyl or diarylurea, such as N,N'-dicarboxyurea, and at least one plant growth regulator. Such synergistic agricultural formulations enable those skilled in the art to modulate important phenotypic parameters, resulting in multiple important agronomic and horticultural traits that improve crop yield parameters beyond those of their individual components.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 529,044, filed July 6, 2017, pursuant to 35U.SC119(e), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to a synergistic agricultural formulation comprising at least one diacyl or diarylurea and at least one plant growth regulator (PGR) to significantly improve plant growth, development and yield in plant cells and throughout plant cultivation. Background Technology

[0004] As provided in International Publication No. WO 2012068473, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference, it is known that plant growth and development, as well as productivity (e.g., crops, seeds, fruits, etc.), are regulated by growth factors, mineral components, and small molecules, which are signals of gene expression that enhance plant productivity levels (whether quantitative or qualitative). Traditional methods for improving plant productivity involve applying various minerals and nitrogen components as essential additives or substrates to crops or other plants. However, such methods tend to intentionally or unintentionally neglect growth factors (e.g., plant hormones and / or other small molecules) required to enhance productivity.

[0005] Traditionally, mineral fertilizers have been primarily used for crop cultivation. However, difficulties arise when external stresses hinder successful plant development, particularly for grain or seed crops and / or other crops. Physical stresses (e.g., those caused by excessively low or high ambient temperatures, especially high temperatures) are particularly problematic. Furthermore, current agronomic practices do not employ plant growth regulators to overcome the plant difficulties caused by such stresses in producing sufficient amounts of nutrients (e.g., sugars) to prevent autophagy (i.e., the process by which newly formed cells counteract previously formed plant cells to compensate for a lack of cellular nutrition). Mineral fertilizers are known to provide eighteen minerals essential for crop growth and development. Plant growth regulators, or other signaling molecules, are known to enhance crop productivity through the expression of certain genes. In addition, extensive research has been conducted on the use of plant growth regulators and their effects on plant growth and development.

[0006] An alternative, more natural approach is gaining popularity, based on the theory that plants already possess the genes / genetic code necessary to produce greater quantities and / or higher quality of various plant tissues and to thrive in the face of common adversities such as drought, disease, and insect infestation. However, to fully express this innate genetic material and realize the plant's full potential, the plant must receive specific concentrations of various natural nutrients and / or plant hormones at specific stages of its growth process in specific parts or tissues.

[0007] As provided in International Publication No. WO 2005 / 021715, the contents of which are explicitly incorporated herein by reference, plant hormones have been known and studied for many years. Plant hormones can be classified into one of the following categories: auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, jasmonic acids, salicylic acid, polyamines, polypeptides, nitric oxide, auractolides, and ethylene. Ethylene has long been associated with fruit ripening and leaf abscission. Abscisic acid leads to the formation of winter buds, triggers seed dormancy, controls stomatal opening and closing, and induces leaf senescence. Gibberellins, primarily gibberellin, are involved in blocking seed dormancy and stimulating stem cell elongation. Gibberellins are also known to cause dwarf plants to elongate to normal size. Cytokinins are mainly produced in the roots of plants. Cytokinins stimulate the growth of lower lateral buds in the lower part of the stem, promote cell division and leaf expansion, and delay plant senescence. Cytokinins also increase auxin levels by generating new growth through meristems, where auxin is synthesized. Auxin promotes cell division and elongation, and maintains apical dominance. Auxin also stimulates secondary growth of the vascular cambium, induces adventitious root formation, and promotes fruit growth.

[0008] The most common natural auxin is indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). However, known synthetic auxins include indole-3-butyric acid (IBA); naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA); 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T or Agent Orange). While these are considered synthetic auxins, it should be acknowledged that IBA does indeed exist naturally in plant tissues. Many of these synthetic auxins have been used as herbicides for decades, causing accelerated and excessive plant growth, followed by plant death. Agent Orange gained widespread acceptance during the Vietnam War when the U.S. Army and Air Force extensively used it for defoliation applications. 2,4-D continues to be used in many commercial herbicides for agricultural, roadway, and lawn and ornamental markets.

[0009] N,N'-Dicarboxyurea is a proprietary organic molecule originally designed to inhibit ethylene production in plants. It works by quenching reactive oxygen species signals that cause ACC to convert to ethylene. This molecule has shown a significant role in inhibiting excess intracellular ethylene, thereby maintaining hormonal balance, plant growth, and productivity. Therefore, from an agronomic and economic perspective, synergistic effects between management inputs that produce better responses at the same input levels are highly desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Synergistic agricultural formulations comprise at least one diacyl or diarylurea, such as N,N'-dicarboxyurea, and at least one plant growth regulator (PGR). Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are typically selected from ethylene, auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, jasmonic acids, salicylic acid, polypeptides, polyamines, nitric oxide, auractones, their precursors, their derivatives, and mixtures thereof. When applied to plants during physiologically sensitive periods, these synergistic agricultural formulations provide a synergistic interaction of essential components, thereby enhancing the yield and quality of the growing crop. Such synergistic agricultural formulations enable those skilled in the art to enhance plant growth and regulate important phenotypic parameters, leading to multiple important agronomic and horticultural traits, and consequently increasing crop yield parameters beyond those of their individual components. More specifically, these synergistic agricultural formulations can be used to improve plant yield parameters, thereby increasing the yield and quality of economically important crops. These yield parameters include, but are not limited to, root weight, length and structure, flowers, fruits and grain groups, stem diameter, tillering / branching and position, net photosynthesis, plant height and size, and the protein and sugar and / or starch content of harvestable fruits and grains, thereby improving crop yield and quality and maximizing system productivity. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments thereof, wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 The effect of the synergistic agricultural formulation according to the invention, comprising a mixture of 14 wt.% DFU and 10 wt.% Stoller's STIMULATE Yield Enhancer (YE) plant growth regulators used per pint per acre, on the rate of plant photosynthesis was shown compared to each individual component applied per pint per acre.

[0013] Figure 2The effect of the synergistic agricultural formulation according to the invention, comprising a mixture of 14 wt.% DFU and 10 wt.% Stoller's STIMULATE YE plant growth regulators used per pint per acre, on the rate of plant transpiration was shown compared to each individual component applied per pint per acre.

[0014] Figure 3 The effects of the synergistic agricultural formulation according to the invention, comprising a mixture of 14 wt.% DFU and 10 wt.% Stoller's STIMULATE YE plant growth regulators, on plant root length were shown compared to each individual component applied at one pint per acre.

[0015] Figure 4 The effects of the synergistic agricultural formulation according to the invention, comprising a mixture of 14 wt.% DFU and 10 wt.% Stoller's STIMULATE YE plant growth regulators, on plant biomass were shown compared to each individual component applied at one pint per acre.

[0016] Figure 5 The results show the yield of maize seed treatment using the synergistic agricultural formulation according to the invention, comprising a mixture of 14 wt.% DFU and 10 wt.% Stoller's STIMULATE YE plant growth regulators, applied at one pint per acre compared to each individual component applied at one pint per acre.

[0017] Figure 6 The results show the yield of winter wheat seed treatment using the synergistic agricultural formulation according to the invention, comprising a mixture of 14 wt.% DFU and 10 wt.% Stoller's STIMULATE YE plant growth regulators, applied at one pint per acre compared to each individual component applied at one pint per acre.

[0018] Figure 7 The results show the yield of soybean seed treatment with the synergistic agricultural formulation according to the invention, comprising a mixture of 14 wt.% DFU and 10 wt.% Stoller's STIMULATE YE plant growth regulators, applied at one pint per acre compared to each individual component applied at one pint per acre.

[0019] Figure 8 The results show the yield of maize furrowed plants treated with the synergistic agricultural formulation according to the invention, comprising 7.5 wt.% DFU, 0.01 wt.% cytokinin, and 0.05 wt.% IAA, when applied at a pint / acre compared to each individual component; and

[0020] Figure 9 The results show the yield of maize foliar treatments using the synergistic agricultural formulation according to the invention, comprising 7.5 wt.% DFU and 0.01 wt.% cytokinin, applied per pint per acre compared to each individual component applied per pint per acre. Specific Implementation

[0021] This invention relates to an effective synergistic agricultural formulation, preferably an aqueous solution, comprising, optionally substantially, or optionally consisting of: 30 to 0.1 wt.% of at least one diacyl or diarylurea, preferably diformylurea, and 0.001 to 99.9 wt.% of at least one plant growth regulator. In one embodiment, the agricultural formulation comprises, optionally substantially, or optionally consisting of: 20 to 0.1 wt.% of at least one diacyl or diarylurea, preferably diformylurea, and 0.001 to 5 wt.% of at least one plant growth regulator. In another embodiment, the agricultural formulation comprises, optionally substantially, or optionally consisting of: 20 to 0.1 wt.% of at least one diacyl or diarylurea, preferably diformylurea, and 0.001 to 1 wt.% of at least one plant growth regulator. In one embodiment, the agricultural formulation comprises, optionally substantially, or optionally comprises: 20 to 0.1 wt.% of at least one diacyl or diarylurea, preferably diformylurea, and 0.001 to 0.05 wt% of at least one plant growth regulator. In another embodiment, the agricultural formulation comprises, optionally substantially, or optionally comprises: 20 to 1 wt.% of at least one diacyl or diarylurea, preferably diformylurea, and 0.001 to 1 wt% of at least one plant growth regulator. In yet another embodiment, the agricultural formulation comprises, optionally substantially, or optionally comprises: 20 to 5 wt.% of at least one diacyl or diarylurea, preferably diformylurea, and 0.001 to 0.05 wt%, or 0.001 to 0.02 wt% of at least one plant growth regulator. In one embodiment, the agricultural formulation comprises, optionally substantially, or optionally consists of: 15 to 10 wt.% of at least one diacyl or diarylurea, preferably diformylurea, and 0.001 to 0.05 wt%, or 0.001 to 0.02 wt% of at least one plant growth regulator. In the embodiments defined above, one embodiment provides that, in the synergistic agricultural formulation, no other agriculturally active ingredients are present besides at least one diacyl or diarylurea and at least one plant growth regulator.

[0022] When diacyl and / or diarylurea formulations are combined with at least one plant growth regulator, the resulting formulations exhibit fundamental and novel biological responses in plants, demonstrating synergistic effects with either the plant growth regulator or the individual diacyl and diarylurea compounds. The synergistic effect of the combined formulations results in fundamental and novel maximum responses to yield parameters assessed at reduced concentrations compared to each component individually. The resulting formulations significantly improve product efficiency, crop yield, quality, and productivity, thereby enhancing farm profitability while reducing the amount of exogenous chemicals required for agriculture, thus limiting the associated off-target risks of modern agriculture to the environment.

[0023] The fundamental and novel properties of this invention benefit crop system management and crop yield in agriculture and horticulture. When used during germination and seedling establishment, these fundamental and novel properties improve root and shoot structure. When used during the vegetative stage, these fundamental and novel properties include improved growth rate and development. When used during flowering, these fundamental and novel properties improve fruit or grain groups. When used during fruit ripening and grain filling, these fundamental and novel properties enhance photosynthesis, resulting in larger, more marketable fruits and increased grain filling.

[0024] While those skilled in the art will be able to prepare aqueous solutions of synergistic agricultural agents at the desired concentrations for agricultural use, it has been found that solutions containing about 0.001-1.0 M of the active ingredient (i.e., diacyl or diarylurea and plant growth regulators) are beneficial. Currently, aqueous solutions containing about 0.001-0.050 M are preferred for soil and foliar applications. While these solutions can be applied at any rate desired by those skilled in the art, it has been found that optimal results are provided when aqueous solutions of the aforementioned concentrations are applied to foliar or soil applications at a rate of about 4-16 oz / A and to seeds at a rate of 15-750 ml per 100 lbs. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that adding a small amount of oil and / or surfactant, preferably less than 5 wt%, to the aqueous solution sprayed on leaves will improve the adhesion of the reaction product to the leaves and the absorption of the reaction product by the plant. Suitable oils include saturated and unsaturated oils, alcohols, esters, and other compounds having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic functional groups. Exemplary oils include vegetable oils, including sunflower oil and soybean oil. Exemplary biologically acceptable surfactants include organopolyphosphates and ethoxynonylphenol. Again, those skilled in the art can determine the appropriate concentration for each desired application. However, aqueous solutions of the concentrations described above are generally considered universally suitable. The application amount of these solutions should be sufficient to provide approximately 1-100 grams per acre of reaction product, nonmetals, metalloids, and metal-containing complexes.

[0025] Diacyl or diarylurea

[0026] As described in U.S. Patent 6,040,273, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference, the preferred diacyl or diaryl urea of ​​the present invention is a reactant of a carboxylic acid and a urea, having the following formula:

[0027]

[0028] R1, R2, R3, and R4 may be the same or different, and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, allyl, vinyl, and alkoxy groups having 1-6 carbon atoms, substituted and unsubstituted phenyl groups, and halides. Preferably, the reaction product of the present invention is N,N′-dicarboxyurea or N,N′-diacetylurea. In one embodiment, these reaction products are prepared by reacting a carboxylic acid having the formula RCOOH, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, allyl, vinyl, and alkoxy groups having 1-6 carbon atoms, substituted and unsubstituted phenyl groups, and halides. Exemplary acids include formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, and citric acid. Preferably, R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and unsubstituted alkyl groups having 1-3 carbon atoms. Currently, the most preferred acids are formic acid or acetic acid. These carboxylic acids react with substituted or unsubstituted ureas having the formula (NHR')₂CO, wherein each R' is the same or different, and is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl groups having 1-6 carbon atoms, unsubstituted and unsubstituted alkoxy groups having 1-6 carbon atoms, substituted and unsubstituted phenyl groups, and halides. Unsubstituted ureas are currently the most preferred reactants. In its most preferred embodiment, the invention comprises the reaction product of urea and formic acid, namely N,N′-diformylurea, having the following formula:

[0029]

[0030] In addition, agricultural formulations may include diarylureas, including but not limited to chlorpyrifos having the following general formula:

[0031]

[0032] It has been found that the reactions will proceed over a wide temperature range, for example, from about 10°C to about 140°C, limited only by the boiling points of the reactants and products. While these reactions can be accelerated by adding heat in any conventional manner, it has been found that the method of the present invention can be conveniently carried out in a temperature range of about 15°C to about 40°C, preferably at room temperature, i.e., at about 20°C to about 30°C. These reactions appear to be slightly exothermic. The reaction of formic acid and urea to form dicarboxyurea is completed within 24 hours at room temperature. It is preferred to stir the reaction mixture until it becomes clear, and then allow it to stand until crystals of the reaction product form. The reaction is believed to proceed by the elimination of two water molecules. The reaction of urea with formic acid proceeds as follows: H₂NCONH₂ + 2RCOOH → RCONHCONHCOR + 2H₂O. In this reaction, formic acid reacts with one hydrogen atom on each urea nitrogen to form N,N'-dicarboxyurea. Therefore, for each mole of urea, the reaction mixture preferably contains about 2 moles of carboxylic acid.

[0033] Plant growth regulators / plant hormones

[0034] Although at least one plant growth regulator (PGR) provided in the synergistic agricultural formulation can be any effective plant hormone, plant hormones are generally selected from ethylene, auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, jasmonic acids, salicylic acid, polypeptides, polyamines, nitric oxide, auractones, their precursors, their derivatives, and mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the synergistic agricultural formulation comprises only PGR, which is selected from ethylene, auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, jasmonic acids, salicylic acid, polypeptides, polyamines, nitric oxide, auractones, their precursors, their derivatives, and mixtures thereof.

[0035] The auxin is preferably selected from the group consisting of natural auxins, synthetic auxins, auxin metabolites, auxin precursors, auxin derivatives, and mixtures thereof. Preferred auxins are natural auxins, with indole-3-acetic acid being the most preferred. Currently, the preferred synthetic auxin is indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Other exemplary synthetic auxins that can be used in this invention include indole-3-propionic acid, indole-3-butyric acid, phenylacetic acid, naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 4-chloroindole-3-acetic acid, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,3,6-trichlorobenzoic acid, 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoic acid, 4-amino-3,4,5-trichloropyridinecarboxylic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0036] Cytokinins are preferably selected from one or more of the following: zeatin, various forms of zeatin, N6-benzyladenine, N6-(δ-2-isopentyl)adenine, 1,3-diphenylurea, thiamethoxam, CPPU (chlorpyrifos), kinetin, or other chemical agents with cytokinin activity. Kinetin is a preferred cytokinin.

[0037] Gibberellins are preferably selected from one or more of the following: GA1, GA2, GA3, GA4, GA5, GA6, GA7, GA8, GA9, GA 10 GA 11 GA 12 GA 13 GA 14 GA 15 GA 16 GA 17 GA 18 GA 19 GA 20 GA 21 GA 22 GA 23 GA 24 GA 25 GA 26 GA 27 GA 28 GA 29 GA 30 GA 31 GA 32 GA 33 GA 34 GA 35 GA 36 GA 37 GA 38 GA 39 GA 40 GA 41 GA 42 GA 43 GA 44 GA 45 GA 46 GA 47 GA 48 GA 49 GA 50 GA 51 GA 52 GA 53 GA 54 GA 55 GA 56 GA 57 GA 58 GA 59 GA60 , GA 61 , GA 62 , GA 63 , GA 64 , GA 65 , GA 66 , GA 67 , GA 68 , GA 69 , GA 70 , GA 71 , GA 72 , GA 73 , GA 74 , GA 75 , GA 76 , GA 77 , GA 78 , GA 79 , GA 80 , GA 81 , GA 82 , GA 83 , GA 84 , GA 85 , GA 86 , GA 87 , GA 88 , GA 89 , GA 90 , GA 91 , GA 92 , GA 93 , GA 94 , GA 95 , GA 96 , GA 97 , GA 98 , GA 99 , GA 100 , GA 101 , GA 102 , GA 103 , GA 104 , GA 105 , GA 106 , GA 107 [[ID=9​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​GA 123 GA 124 GA 125 and / or GA 126 The preferred gibberellin is gibberellic acid (GA3).

[0038] Auxin, preferably indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), is present in an amount such that the auxin is about 0.0001 to 10 wt.%, preferably about 0.0005 to about 5 wt.%, preferably 0.0005 to about 2 wt.%, preferably 0.0005 to about 1 wt.%, preferably 0.0005 to about 0.5 wt.%, and preferably about 0.0005 to about 0.05 wt.%.

[0039] Gibberellin, preferably gibberellic acid (GA3), is present in the synergistic agricultural formulation in an amount such that the gibberellin is from about 0.0001 to 20 wt.%, preferably from about 0.0001 to 15 wt.%, preferably from about 0.0001 to 7.5 wt.%, preferably from about 0.0005 to about 5 wt.%, preferably from about 0.0005 to about 1 wt.%, preferably from about 0.0005 to about 0.11 wt.%, preferably from about 0.0005 to about 0.07 wt.%, and preferably from about 0.0005 to about 0.05 wt.%.

[0040] Cytokinin, preferably kinetin, is present in an amount such that the amount of cytokinin in the synergistic agricultural formulation is about 0.0003 to 0.3 wt.%, preferably 0.0009 to 0.15 wt.%, more preferably about 0.00015 to 0.15 wt.%, and most preferably about 0.001 to 0.05 wt.%.

[0041] As provided in International Publication WO2012068473, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plant growth regulator is a PGR mixture of only two plant hormones (cytokinin and gibberellin). When used together, the ratio of plant growth regulator, cytokinin, and gibberellin is preferably 1:10 to 1:300, more preferably 1:20 to 1:40. The most preferred ratio is about 1:30. However, to obtain optimal results, the absolute amounts of cytokinin and gibberellin must be varied proportionally to the volume / weight of the treated plants and their fruits.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plant growth regulator may comprise a PGR mixture of only two plant hormones: cytokinin and auxin. When used together, the ratio of the plant growth regulator, cytokinin, and auxin is preferably 1:10 to 1:300, more preferably 1:20 to 1:40. A ratio of about 1:30 is most preferred. However, for optimal results, the absolute amounts of cytokinin and gibberellin must vary proportionally to the volume / weight of the treated plant and its fruit.

[0043] In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plant growth regulator may comprise a PGR mixture of only three plant hormones (cytokinin, gibberellin, and auxin). In the preferred mixture, the cytokinin is kinetin, the gibberellin is GA3, and the auxin is IBA. When used together, the amount of kinetin is preferably 4-6 times, more preferably 2-3 times, the amount of gibberellin, and the amount of IBA is preferably 1-1.5 times the amount of gibberellin. The synergistic agricultural formulation may preferably comprise: a) 0.2-0.0005 wt.%, more preferably 0.10-0.0009 wt.% kinetin; b) 0.1-0.0003 wt.%, more preferably 0.05-0.0005 wt.% GA3; and c) 0.1-0.003 wt.%,

[0044] More preferably, 0.05-0.0005 wt.% IBA is used as the only PGR present in the synergistic agricultural formulation.

[0045] Example

[0046] Maximizing rapeseed (canola) yield

[0047] As can be demonstrated by those skilled in the art, increased plant productivity leads to increased yield. Dimethylurea formulations mitigate the effects of ethylene stress by reducing stress. Stoller's STIMULATE YE plant growth regulator mixture (a solution of 0.009 wt.% cytokinin, 0.005 wt.% gibberellin, and 0.005 wt.% auxin) supports early growth and development in a variety of crops, including maize. Figure 1-4 As shown, compared to each individual component applied at one pint / acre, the synergistic agricultural formulation according to the invention, comprising a mixture of 14 wt.% DFU and 10 wt.% Stoller plant growth regulators applied at one pint / acre, significantly increased photosynthesis, respiration, root length, and biomass.

[0048] like Figure 5As shown, when used as a corn seed treatment, the synergistic agricultural formulation according to the invention, comprising a mixture of 14 wt.% DFU and 10 wt.% Stoller plant growth regulators, applied at one pint per acre, was found to increase yield compared to each individual component applied at one pint per acre. Statistical data for this analysis are provided below:

[0049] Figure 5 Statistical data:

[0050]

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown, when used as a winter wheat seed treatment, the synergistic agricultural formulation according to the invention, comprising a mixture of 14 wt.% DFU and 10 wt.% Stoller plant growth regulators, applied at one pint per acre, was found to increase yield compared to each individual component applied at one pint per acre. Statistical data for this analysis are provided below:

[0052] Figure 6 Statistical data:

[0053]

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, when used as a soybean seed treatment, the synergistic agricultural formulation according to the invention, comprising a mixture of 14 wt.% DFU and 10 wt.% Stoller plant growth regulators, applied at one pint per acre, was found to increase yield compared to each individual component applied at one pint per acre. Statistical data for this analysis are provided below:

[0055] Figure 7 Statistical data:

[0056]

[0057]

[0058] like Figure 8 As shown, when used as a corn furrow treatment, the synergistic agricultural formulation according to the invention, comprising 7.5 wt.% DFU, 0.01 wt.% cytokinin, and 0.05 wt.% indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), was found to increase yield when applied at one pint per acre compared to each individual component. Statistical data for this analysis are provided below:

[0059] Figure 8 Statistical data:

[0060]

[0061] like Figure 9 As shown, when used as a foliar treatment for maize V3-V5, the synergistic agricultural formulation according to the invention, comprising 7.5 wt.% DFU and 0.01 wt.% cytokinin, was found to increase yield when applied at one pint / acre compared to each individual component. The statistical data provided for this analysis are as follows:

[0062] Figure 9 Statistical data:

[0063]

[0064] Although the invention has been disclosed according to preferred embodiments, it should be understood that other modifications and variations may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An agricultural preparation for increasing crop yield, comprising: The mixture contains 14 wt.% N,N'-dicarboxyurea and 10 wt.% a plant growth regulator, wherein the plant growth regulator comprises 0.005 wt.% indole-3-butyric acid, 0.005 wt.% gibberellic acid, and 0.009 wt.% kinetin. The indole-3-butyric acid, gibberellic acid, and kinetin are the only plant growth regulators in the agricultural formulation, and the crop is selected from the group consisting of rapeseed, corn, winter wheat, and soybean, and the N,N'-dicarboxyurea and the plant growth regulator are the only agricultural active ingredients.

2. The agricultural formulation according to claim 1, comprising the N,N'-dicarboxyurea, the plant growth regulator, water, and less than 5 wt.% oil and surfactant.

3. Use of the agricultural agent according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the use includes applying the agricultural agent to seeds or leaves.

4. The use according to claim 3, wherein the agricultural agent is applied at a rate of 1.16924 L per hectare.

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