Composition for improving germination and flowering

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition formulated to produce improved germination, flowering and disease resistance in perennial fruit crops and / or ornamental trees, comprising: (a) one or more compounds represented by the following structure: #imgabs0# wherein R' is OH or OCOCH3, and R" is H, a monovalent cation, any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C1-C10 alkyl, any C7-C10 alkylaryl or phenyl; and (b) an alkoxylated amine represented by the following structure: #imgabs1# wherein A is selected from N, N 1 R1 or N→O, and wherein R1 is H, methyl or benzyl, R2 is any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C8-C22 alkyl, R3 is any (linear or branched) C2-C4 alkyl, x is in the range of 0 to 4, and y+z is in the range of 2 to 50. Also included are methods of use, such as methods for preparing the composition.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 201680006833.6, application date March 1, 2016, applicant is Zram Co., Ltd., and invention name is "Composition for improving germination and flowering". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to compositions formulated to improve germination, flowering and disease resistance of various trees or crops (including perennial fruit crops), methods of preparation and methods of use thereof. Background Art

[0003] Perennial horticultural and forestry plants native to temperate and northern regions experience cyclical periods of active growth and dormancy corresponding to the seasons. When growth resumes in the spring, the site of new growth is a bud. Dormant buds of deciduous plants are sometimes called "winter buds." Bud dormancy is characterized by the inability to grow even under favorable growing conditions, and the final resumption of growth is called interrupted dormancy or "sprouting." "Depth of dormancy" is directly related to winter cold, which can be quantitatively measured by temperature accumulation below a certain point, such as the "Richardson Chill Unit," or by averaging temperatures during extreme late fall and winter months. Commercial growers who manage cultivated plants hope to get strong germination, followed by vigorous growth, flowering (and) fruit production. This happens naturally when plants with high cold requirements experience a cold winter.

[0004] Many horticultural areas do not experience cold winters, and changes in local climatic conditions are increasingly exacerbating the problem of severe winter cold. It is possible to overcome the effects of severe winter cold in some plants, or to increase the benefit of good winter cold, by chemically treating the plants in late winter dormancy. The simplest chemical "germinants" are 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol, which is now deregulated in most countries, and cyanamide (HC), which is still widely used in some countries. In some crops, such as the leading "Hayward" kiwifruit varieties (Actinidia deliciosa (A.Chev.) CF Lang and ARFerguson var. delicios), applications in late winter dormancy have produced almost ideal results:

[0005] Increase the percentage of winter buds that germinate and grow leaves (% germination)

[0006] Increased uniformity of germination (i.e. more buds germinating at the same time and rate)

[0007] Increased number of flowers (and therefore more fruit at harvest)

[0008] Increase the percentage of flowering branches (% flowering branches, preferably by increasing the number of flowers per flowering branch)

[0009] Intensive flowering (shortened flowering period, better coincidence with flowering of male vines, thus resulting in better pollination and causing fruits to mature in a synchronized manner)

[0010] - Reducing the frequency of naturally occurring double and triple flowers (side flowers) which produce undersized or misshapen fruit and must be removed manually at considerable cost to the grower.

[0011] Controls green algae and lichens, which is an additional benefit not related to germination.

[0012] Unfortunately, HC is a very toxic chemical and was excluded in Annex I of Directive 91 / 414 EEC of October 2008, threatening its continued use in non-European countries. The main concern is damage to non-target crops and humans in contact, who may develop contact dermatitis, respiratory and gastrointestinal irritation, headaches and liver damage when drinking alcohol after exposure to HC. In addition, in some crops, HC produces too strong a response and may produce undesirable side effects. For example, when applied to yellow-fleshed kiwifruit varieties such as Hortl6A (Actinidia chinesis Planch., Chinese variety Hort16A) and Gold3 (Actinidia chinesis Planch., Chinese variety Zesy002), HC produces too many flowers and increases the frequency of unwanted side flowers. Clearly, there is a need for safer germinants with better activity in plants. Summary of the invention

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved composition and / or method of preparation and / or use thereof which will obviate or minimise one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages, or will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

[0014] The inventors have surprisingly discovered that a composition comprising the following components, when applied to dormant perennial fruit crops, results in improved germination, improved flowering and / or enhanced disease resistance:

[0015] One or more compounds represented by the following structures:

[0016]

[0017] Where R' is OH or OCOCH 3 , and R" is H, a monovalent cation, any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C1-C10 alkyl, any C7-C10 alkylaryl or phenyl;

[0018] The composition is represented by the following structure:

[0019]

[0020] Where A is selected from N, N + R 1 or N→O, and where R 1 is H, methyl or benzyl, R 2 is any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C8-C22 alkyl group; R 3 is any (linear or branched) C2-C4 alkyl group, x is in the range of 0 to 4, and y+z is in the range of 2 to 50; and, optionally, C6-C22 fatty acid esters and / or one or more nitrogen compounds.

[0021] The compositions provide a safe and effective alternative to HC and minimize or eliminate one or more of the aforementioned problems.

[0022] In one broad aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising:

[0023] (a) one or more compounds represented by the following structures:

[0024]

[0025] Where R' is OH or OCOCH 3 , and R" is H, a monovalent cation, any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C1-C10 alkyl, any C7-C10 alkylaryl or phenyl; and

[0026] (b) an alkoxylated amine composition represented by the structure:

[0027]

[0028] Where A is selected from N, N + R 1 or N→O, and where R 1 is H, methyl or benzyl, R 2 is any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C8-C22 alkyl group; R 3 is any (linear or branched) C2-C4 alkyl, x is in the range of 0 to 4, and y+z is in the range of 2 to 50, and

[0029] (c) optionally, one or more fatty acid esters comprising C6-C22 fatty acids and C1-C4 alcohols, and / or

[0030] (d) Optionally, one or more nitrogen compounds selected from urea, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate.

[0031] In another broad aspect, the invention provides methods of formulating the compositions of the invention.

[0032] In another broader aspect, the invention provides methods of improving germination, flowering and disease resistance using the compositions of the invention.

[0033] In some aspects, a composition for producing improved germination, flowering and disease resistance in perennial fruit crops and / or ornamental trees comprises

[0034] (a) one or more compounds represented by the following structures:

[0035]

[0036] Where R' is OH or OCOCH 3 , and R" is H, a monovalent cation, any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C1-C10 alkyl, any C7-C10 alkylaryl, or phenyl; and

[0037] (b) Alkoxylated amines represented by the following structure:

[0038]

[0039] Where A is selected from N, N + R 1 or N→O, and where R 1 is H, methyl or benzyl, R 2 is any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C8-C22 alkyl group, R 3 is any (linear or branched) C2-C4 alkyl group, x is in the range of 0 to 4, and y+z is in the range of 2 to 50.

[0040] In some respects, the composition can also include (c) one or more fatty acid esters comprising C6-C22 fatty acids and C1-C4 alcohols. In other respects, the composition can also include (d) one or more nitrogen compounds selected from urea, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate. In some respects, component (a) is salicylic acid or a salicylate comprising a monovalent cation salt of salicylic acid, methyl salicylate, ethyl salicylate, isopropyl salicylate, allyl salicylate, butyl salicylate, isobutyl salicylate, 3-methyl-2-butenyl salicylate, isopentyl salicylate, amyl salicylate, hexyl salicylate, cis-3-hexenyl salicylate, ethylhexyl salicylate, phenyl salicylate, benzyl salicylate, p-tolyl salicylate, phenylethyl salicylate, 2-phenylpropyl salicylate, 3-phenylpropyl salicylate, or 2-acetoxysalicylate. For example, in some aspects, (a) is salicylic acid, a monovalent cationic salt of salicylic acid, or methyl salicylate. In some aspects, the cation is an alkali metal ion, an ammonium ion, an amine, a quaternary ammonium ion, or an amine oxide.

[0041] In some non-limiting aspects, the composition can include components (a) and (b), wherein (a) is salicylic acid, and (b) is an alkoxylated amine represented by the following structure:

[0042]

[0043] Where A is selected from N, N + R 1 or N→O, and where R 1 is H, methyl or benzyl, R 2 is any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C8-C22 alkyl group, R 3 is any (linear or branched) C2-C4 alkyl group, x is in the range of 0 to 4, and y+z is in the range of 2 to 50.

[0044] In some aspects, the composition is formulated for application to perennial fruit crops.

[0045] In other aspects, a composition for application to dormant perennial fruit crops to produce improved germination, flowering, and disease resistance may include:

[0046] (a) one or more compounds represented by the following structures:

[0047]

[0048] Where R' is OH or OCOCH 3 , and R" is H, a monovalent cation, any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C1-C10 alkyl, any C7-C10 alkylaryl or phenyl;

[0049] (b) Alkoxylated amines represented by the following structure:

[0050]

[0051] Where A is selected from N, N + R 1 or N→O, and where R 1 is H, methyl or benzyl, R 2 is any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C8-C22 alkyl group, R 3 is any (linear or branched) C2-C4 alkyl, x is in the range of 0 to 4, and y+z is in the range of 2 to 50; and

[0052] (c) one or more fatty acid esters comprising C6-C22 fatty acids and C1-C4 alcohols. In some aspects, the composition may further include (d) one or more nitrogen compounds selected from urea, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate.

[0053] In some aspects, the composition can be such that (a) is salicylic acid and (b) is an alkoxylated amine represented by the structure:

[0054]

[0055] Where A is selected from N, N + R 1 or N→O, and where R 1 is H, methyl or benzyl, R 2 is any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C8-C22 alkyl group, R 3 is any (linear or branched) C2-C4 alkyl group, x is in the range of 0 to 4, and y+z is in the range of 2 to 50, and (c) is methyl oleate, ethyl oleate or butyl oleate.

[0056] In some aspects, (a) is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 40% by weight; (b) is present in an amount of about 1% to about 99%; (c) is present in an amount of about 1% to about 80%; and (d) is present in an amount of about 1% to about 80%.

[0057] In some aspects, the composition may further comprise a biocide selected from a bactericide, a fungicide, an insecticide, or a nematicide.

[0058] In some aspects, a method for improving germination, flowering, and disease resistance in perennial fruit crops and / or ornamental trees comprises applying to aerial plant parts a biologically effective amount of a composition comprising:

[0059] (a) one or more compounds represented by the following structures:

[0060]

[0061] Where R' is OH or OCOCH 3 , and R" is H, a monovalent cation, any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C1-C10 alkyl, any C7-C10 alkylaryl, or phenyl, and

[0062] (b) Alkoxylated amines represented by the following structure:

[0063]

[0064] Where A is selected from N, N + R 1 or N→O, and where R 1 is H, methyl or benzyl, R 2 is any C8-C22 alkyl group (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched), R 3 is any C2-C4 alkyl (straight or branched), x is in the range of 0 to 4, and y+z is in the range of 2 to 50. In some aspects, the composition also includes (c) one or more fatty acid esters comprising C6-C22 fatty acids and C1-C4 alcohols, and / or (d) one or more nitrogen compounds selected from urea, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate. In addition, in some aspects of the method, the composition is applied at an application rate of about 5kg / Ha to about 200kg / Ha. The method can also further include diluting the composition into water. In some aspects, applying the composition includes spraying aerial plant parts during winter dormancy. In some aspects, the perennial fruit crops include vine fruits, berries, pome fruits, drupes and nuts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] The following illustrative drawings are attached to this disclosure:

[0066] Figure 1 The progress of germination in trial 1 is shown;

[0067] Figure 2 The progress of flowering in trial 1 is shown;

[0068] Figure 3 The progress of germination in trial 2 is shown;

[0069] Figure 4 The progress of flowering in trial 2 is shown;

[0070] Figure 5 The progress of germination in trial 4 is shown;

[0071] Figure 6 The progress of flowering in trial 4 is shown;

[0072] Figure 7 shows the progress of germination in Trial 5; and

[0073] Figure 8 The progress of germination in Trial 6 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] As described above, the present disclosure relates to compositions for improving germination, flowering and disease resistance of various trees or crops (including perennial fruit crops), methods for preparing the compositions and methods for using the compositions, which will now be described in conjunction with the attached Figure 1 It should be noted that the same reference numerals represent the same elements in all the different embodiments.

[0075] The following definitions and abbreviations will be used in the interpretation of the claims and specification. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "having," or "containing," or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a composition, mixture, process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to those compositions, mixtures, processes, methods, articles, or apparatus.

[0076] As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" preceding an element or component are intended to be non-limiting to the number of instances (i.e., occurrences) of the element or component. Therefore, "a" or "an" should be understood to include one or at least one, and the singular form of an element or component also includes the plural unless the number is obviously singular.

[0077] As used herein, the term "invention" or "present invention" is a non-limiting term and is not intended to refer to any single aspect of the particular invention, but rather encompasses all possible aspects described in the specification and claims.

[0078] As used herein, the term "about" to modify the amount of an ingredient, component, or reactant employed refers to variations in values ​​that may occur, for example, through typical measurements and liquid handling procedures for preparing concentrates or solutions. In addition, variations may occur by inadvertent errors in measurement procedures, differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to make the composition or perform the method, and the like. On the one hand, the term "about" means within 10% of the reported value. On the other hand, the term "about" means within 5% of the reported value. However, on the other hand, the term "about" means within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of the reported value.

[0079] As used herein, the term germination (or dormancy interruption) refers to the initiation of growth from dormant buds at the beginning of the annual growth cycle. When applied to dormant perennial crops, germination agents improve germination and often also affect downstream processes in a similar manner, thereby improving flowering and fruiting. More specifically, such improvements can include:

[0080] Increased number of branches, flowers and / or fruits, although in very profusely flowering species or varieties, reduced number of branches, flowers and / or fruits may be desirable;

[0081] · Advancing budbreak and flowering to achieve an earlier harvest, but sometimes delays are sought to avoid or reduce frost damage in early spring;

[0082] Faster germination;

[0083] Intensive flowering, which in turn improves pollination, reduces disease susceptibility (flowering is usually when protective sprays cannot be applied), increases the consistency of maturity index to enable a single harvest and improve profitability;

[0084] Improved synchronization of flowering with male pollinators;

[0085] Improved flower and fruit characteristics, such as the absence of double and triple flowers / fruits that do not mature well; and

[0086] More predictable growing seasons.

[0087] Additionally, the germinant composition should be safe to use and in some aspects non-phytotoxic and harmless to non-target crops and the environment.

[0088] Perennial fruit crops applicable to the present invention may include vines, berries, pome fruits, drupes and nuts. Vine fruits include wine grapes and table grapes, passion fruit, kiwi fruit, kiwi berry, etc. Berries contain raspberry species (blackberry, raspberry, dewberry, tayberry, etc., and very extensive hybrid species such as boysenberry, loganberry, marionberry, etc.), currant species (blackcurrant, redcurrant, gooseberry and some hybrid species), lingonberry species (cranberry, blueberry, huckleberry, etc.), as well as mulberries, tree tomatoes, figs and avocados. Pome fruits (or pome fruits) include apples, hawthorns, pears, Japanese pears, quince, loquats, persimmons, etc. Drupes include apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines, mangoes, cherries, olives, etc. Nuts include chestnuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, almonds, hickory, pecans, etc.

[0089] The present invention may also be applied to various ornamental trees where increased budding and flowering is desirable.

[0090] The composition comprises as a first component (referred to herein as component "(a)") one or more compounds represented by the following structure:

[0091]

[0092] Where R' is OH or OCOCH 3 , and R" is H, a monovalent cation, any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C1-C10 alkyl group, any C7-C10 alkylaryl group or phenyl.

[0093] Compounds can be based on salicylic acid (2-hydroxybenzoic acid, C 6 H 4 (OH)COOH), salicylic acid is a plant hormone isolated from plants and can act as an inducer. Salicylic acid is a plant hormone, a molecule present and acting at very low concentrations, which is involved in a plant defense system against biotrophic pathogens, called systemic acquired resistance (SAR), one of the two well-characterized systems with induced resistance. Plants also have protection systems against viruses, pests and abiotic stress responses. In SAR, exposure to a single biotrophic pathogen triggers a high defense state against a wide range of biotrophic pathogens throughout the plant. Salicylic acid acts in individual responding cells as part of a "SA-dependent defense pathway", which ultimately activates a set of "salicylic acid-responsive" defense-related genes. Molecules other than salicylic acid transmit signals that alert other (systemic) tissues to the presence of pathogens. Salicylic acid applied externally to plant tissues at very low concentrations produces a response similar to pathogen exposure, therefore, it acts as an "inducer". SAR is a relatively rapid plant response associated with the active growth phase of the growth-dormancy cycle. Salicylic acid has the following physical properties: Molecular formula C 7 H 6 O 3 ; Molecular weight 138.12 g / mol; Forms white needle-like fine crystals, odorless; Melting point 159°C; Flash point 157°C; Vapor pressure 1.09×10 -8 MPa (25°C); density 1.443 g / ml (20°C); K ow logP=2.26; pKa 2.98; solubility in water 2.24 g / L (25°C), benzene 0.775% w / w (25°C), propanol 27.36% w / w (21°C), ethanol 34.87% w / w (21°C), acetone 396 (23°C). Biodegradation of salicylic acid in Pahokee soil was rapid under different agricultural practices.

[0094] The salts and esters of salicylic acid are sometimes referred to as salicylates. The salts and partial salts of salicylic acid can be prepared using any agriculturally suitable monovalent cation. Suitable cations may include, but are not limited to, alkali metal ions, ammonium ions, amines, quaternary ammonium ions, and amine oxides.

[0095] In some respects, salicylic acid is present in the composition as an alkoxylated amine salt. In some respects, salicylic acid esters can include esters (i.e. 2-hydroxybenzoates, such as methyl salicylate) formed by reacting with the carboxylic acid moiety or esters (i.e. benzoates, such as acetylsalicylic acid, 2-acetoxybenzoic acid) formed in 2-hydroxy reactions. Many suitable esters based on aliphatic or aromatic alcohols up to C10 can be used as aromatics, flavoring agents and medicines commercially available. These include methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil), ethyl salicylate, isopropyl salicylate, allyl salicylate, butyl salicylate, isobutyl salicylate, 3-methyl-2-butenyl salicylate, isopentyl salicylate, amyl salicylate, hexyl salicylate, cis-3-hexenyl salicylate, ethylhexyl salicylate, phenyl salicylate, benzyl salicylate, p-tolyl salicylate, phenylethyl salicylate, 2-phenylpropyl salicylate, 3-phenylpropyl salicylate. In some aspects, the salicylate is capable of undergoing spontaneous hydrolysis or metabolic conversion to salicylic acid and / or methyl salicylate.

[0096] In some aspects, the natural compound is salicylic acid, the salt is an amine ethoxylate salt, and the ester is methyl salicylate. For example, the amine ethoxylate salt of salicylic acid can be used.

[0097] The alkoxylated amine of the composition, the second component of the present invention (referred to herein as component "(b)"), is a cationic surfactant represented by the following structure:

[0098]

[0099] Where A is selected from N, N + R 1 or N→O, and where R 1 is H, methyl or benzyl, R 2 is any C8-C22 alkyl (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched); R 3 is any C2-C4 alkyl (straight or branched), x is in the range of 0 to 4, and y+z is in the range of 2 to 50.

[0100] Alkoxylated amine surfactants can be made from any naturally occurring mixture of fatty acids (vegetable oils, animal fats, etc.), synthetic mixtures, semi-purified or purified fatty acids. A wide range of products suitable for use in the present invention are commercially available. These include Series of ethoxylated etheramines such as E-17-5, ethoxylated quaternary ammonium compounds such as Q-17-5, and ethoxylated amine oxides such as those manufactured by Air Products and Chemicals Inc. AO-14-2; from Stepan Ethoxylated tallow amine; from Huntsman AM fatty amine ethoxylate; from Alczo Nobel Ethoxylated amines, Ethoxylated quaternary ammonium salts and Propoxylated fatty amines; and Fatty amine ethoxylates, etc.

[0101] In some aspects, another component of the composition can be a fatty acid ester comprising one or more of a C6-C22 fatty acid and a C1-C4 alcohol (referred to herein as component "(c)"). These compounds are available in bulk as a mixture of fatty acid esters, where the heterogeneity reflects the fatty acid distribution of the oil or fat feedstock, rather than the alcohol residues. The fatty acids are esterified and the triglycerides are transesterified using a single alcohol. Fatty acid methyl esters are now produced in large quantities for biodiesel. The monounsaturated ω-9 fatty acid oleic acid (18:1 cis-9) is the most abundant fatty acid in rapeseed, palm and jatropha oils, and animal fats, and therefore fatty acid methyl esters derived from these sources are sometimes referred to simply as methyl oleate. Longer chain alcohol residues up to C4 have the advantage of improving the transdermal properties of the spray mixture. Various blends of ingredients, such as methyl oleate and butyl oleate in a ratio ranging from about 1:0 to about 0:1 are included in the compositions of the present invention. Other mixtures with different alcohol residues can be envisioned. In certain aspects, the fatty acid ester is a fatty acid methyl ester.

[0102] In addition, in some aspects, the composition can contain at least one nitrogen compound (referred to herein as component "(d)"). The optional nitrogen compound of the composition can include urea, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, and potassium nitrate, among others. The exact choice and concentration of the nitrogen compound depends on the target crop species. For example, for kiwifruit, one mixture of compounds can replace another with little effect on efficacy.

[0103] Suitable formulation types for the compositions of the present invention and methods for preparing the compositions are described, for example, in "Chemistry and Technology of Agrochemical Formulations", 1998, DA Knowles (ed.), Kluwer Academic Publishers, "Pesticide Formulation and Adjuvant Technology", 1966, CL Foy (ed.), CRC Press, and "Formulation Technology: Emulsions, Suspensions, Solid Forms", 2001, H. Mollet and A. Grubenmann, Wiley-VCH.

[0104] For ease of use in the field, a concentrate of the composition is prepared for dilution into water, the composition comprising components (a) + (b) or, alternatively, components (a) + (b) + (c). In some aspects, component (d) is prepared as a separate liquid nitrogen concentrate for dilution into water. The formulation concentrate of (a) + (b) or (a) + (b) + (c) is simply mixed in water together with the liquid nitrogen concentrate to provide the simplest method for optimizing the concentration of the ingredients in the field according to the type of crop to be treated. One or more nitrogen compounds of component (d) may alternatively be added directly to the water in the spray tank as a powdered solid before or after the addition of the above concentrate. The composition of the present invention includes a formulated concentrate comprising all components (a)-(d), and it includes a spray mixture prepared by any means, the means comprising adding any one of the components (a) + (b) separately, and optionally adding (c) and / or (d).

[0105] Any suitable weight ratio may be used. For example, when preparing a concentrate comprising a composition of components (a), (b) and (c), the following weight ratios of ingredients may be used:

[0106] (a) + (b): about 0.1% to about 40% (a) and about 1% to about 99% (b).

[0107] (a) + (b) + (c): about 0.1% to about 40% (a), about 1% to about 99% (b) and about 1% to about 80% (c).

[0108] Other additives can be combined with any concentrated mixture of the composition or with the spray mixture. Common formulation additives and their functions are described in the aforementioned publication. These additives suitable for the present invention include water, suitable cationic and anionic surfactants, dispersants, drift reducers, emulsifiers, penetrants, spreading agents, wetting agents, soaps, carriers, oils, solvents, diluents, inert ingredients, conditioners, emollients, acids, alkalis, salts, various organic and inorganic solid substrates, preservatives, defoamers, antifreeze agents, tackifiers, adhesives, dyes, fertilizers, micronutrients, etc.

[0109] The composition comprising (a) + (b) can be prepared as a water-insoluble concentrate (formulation code SL). For example, component (a) is simply dissolved or mixed into component (b).

[0110] In one aspect, a composition comprising salicylic acid is used to titrate an alkaline form of an alkoxylated amine surfactant to prepare a neutral salt. Depending on the ratio of the ingredients and the characteristics and concentration of component (a), additional different acids may be required to complete the titration of the alkoxylated amine surfactant (alkaline form thereof) to about neutral pH, or in some cases to reduce the pH of the resulting spray mixture to a value as low as about pH 3. Any agriculturally acceptable inorganic or organic acid may be used, including but not limited to hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, oxalic acid, C1-C20 alkyl sulfonic acids, aryl sulfonic acids and disulfonic acids, C1-C20 alkyl phosphonic acids, aryl phosphonic acids and diphosphonic acids. Many alkoxylated amine surfactants are sold in neutralized form for ready use. When using these compounds with non-esterified salicylates, the formulator has several options available to him: (i) adding salicylic acid to produce an acidic mixture; (ii) adding salicylic acid and an appropriate base in any order to produce a neutral mixture; (iii) adding a salicylate to produce a neutral mixture. The salicylate can be mixed into an alkaline or neutralized alkoxylated amine surfactant, and the pH can be further adjusted by adding any of the above acids or with an appropriate base to achieve the target pH in the final spray mixture. Suitable bases include any agriculturally acceptable alkali metal hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide or amine.

[0111] Depending on the degree and type of alkoxylation, some neat alkoxylated amine surfactants may require a long time to transition through the gel state before they are fully dispersed when mixed into water at high intensity. The same problem may occur when diluting a formulation comprising (a) + (b) to prepare a spray mixture. This problem can be overcome when preparing a concentrate by mixing the alkoxylated amine surfactant (1-99% by volume) into a suitable diluent (1-99% by volume) such as water and / or a water-miscible non-aqueous solvent selected from, but not limited to, alcohols, glycols, glycol ethers and esters. In some aspects, the diluent is non-aqueous. Most salicylates are liquids and, in many cases, when present in an amount exceeding about 20% of the formulation, will act as a suitable diluent in most cases without the need for an additional separate diluent.

[0112] In order to prepare a formulation concentrate comprising components (a) + (b) + (c), it is necessary to overcome the incompatibility of fatty acid esters (hydrophobicity) with alkoxylated amine surfactants (hydrophobicity and polarity / charge). This is usually caused by introducing a strong organic acid containing a hydrophobic portion as a coupling agent between the oil and the amine surfactant. Examples of suitable known coupling agents include strong organic acids, including but not limited to C1-C20 alkyl sulfonic acids, aryl sulfonic acids, C1-C20 alkaryl sulfonic acids and disulfonic acids, C1-C20 alkyl phosphonic acids, aryl phosphonic acids, C1-C20 alkaryl phosphonic acids and diphosphonic acids, such as toluene sulfonic acid, xylene sulfonic acid, dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (dobanic acid), etc.

[0113] We have unexpectedly discovered that salicylic acid, a weak carboxylic acid, acts as a good coupling agent, enabling the alkoxylated amine surfactant to be mixed with an oil (such as methyl oleate) to prepare an emulsifiable concentrate that is easily dispersed in water. When the optional nitrogen compound of the present invention is used, the resulting oil-in-water emulsion is stable in the absence or presence of high salt concentrations. When salicylic acid is used to couple the amine and oil, it can be combined with the amine in a basic form. Optionally, an additional strong organic acid can be added to completely neutralize the amine. The ingredients - salicylic acid, other strong organic acid, basic amine and oil can be combined in any order. For example, the basic amine can be neutralized and then mixed in the oil component.

[0114] The present invention provides a method for improving germination, flowering and disease resistance of perennial fruit crops, the method comprising applying to aerial plant parts a biologically effective amount of a composition comprising:

[0115] (a) one or more compounds represented by the following structures:

[0116]

[0117] Where R' is OH or OCOCH3 , and R" is H, a monovalent cation, any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C1-C10 alkyl, any C7-C10 alkylaryl or phenyl;

[0118] (b) an alkoxylated amine composition represented by the structure:

[0119]

[0120] Where A is selected from N, N + R 1 or N→O, and where R 1 is H, methyl or benzyl, R 2 is any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C8-C22 alkyl group; R 3 is any (linear or branched) C2-C4 alkyl, x is in the range of 0 to 4, and y+z is in the range of 2 to 50; and

[0121] (c) optionally, one or more fatty acid esters comprising a C6-C22 fatty acid and a C1-C4 alcohol; and / or

[0122] (d) Optionally, one or more nitrogen compounds selected from urea, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate.

[0123] Depending on the crop species, the composition can be applied at any time during dormancy. Typically, the best time to apply is between about 2 weeks and about 10 weeks before natural germination. Typically, the composition is applied after winter pruning, but this is not a necessary requirement.

[0124] Based on the combined weight of components (a) + (b), (a) + (b) + (d), or (a) + (b) + (c) + (d), the composition can be applied at an application rate of about 1 kilogram per hectare (kg / ha) to about 300 kg / ha. In some aspects, based on the combined weight of the components, the composition can be applied at a rate of about 5 kg / ha to about 200 kg / ha. In some aspects, based on the combined weight of the components, the application rate is about 10 kg / ha to about 150 kg / ha.

[0125] Generally, the composition can be diluted into water and applied by conventional methods, which in most cases will be sprayed with an orchard jet sprayer, but for ornamentals, for example, it may be more convenient to use a backpack or motorized backpack sprayer. The proportion of water added is determined by the crop concerned, with larger species requiring larger proportions of water to ensure adequate coverage. Spraying with concentrates is possible, but superwetters sprayed with concentrates must generally be used with great care to avoid possible antagonism with the ingredients in the composition. Drift reducers may also be used, provided they do not contain anionic surfactants and will be tested in small scale trials before widespread use.

[0126] Fungicide active ingredients (including fungicides, bactericides, insecticides, nematicides, etc.) can be combined with the spray mixture, as long as the formulation ingredients are compatible with the composition of the present invention. Fertilizers other than those in component (d) can also be combined with the dilution of the composition, as long as they do not significantly interfere with the germination enhancement mode of action.

[0127] Example

[0128] It should be understood that the following examples of compositions and methods of use of the present invention are provided only as non-limiting examples, and that other compositions and methods of use will also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0129] Examples 1-4

[0130] Components Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Salicylic acid 2.76g 2.76g - 1.38g Methyl salicylate - - 1.52 - Tomamine E-17-5 40.00g 40.00g 40.00g 6.67g Teric 12A3 - - - 6.67g Tensiofix XN6 - - - 6.67g Propylene glycol 20.00g 20.00g 20.00g - Methyl oleate - - - 40.00g 5mol / L hydrochloric acid 12.80g 16.80g 16.60g - Ammonium Nitrate 110.0g 110.0g 110.0g 110.0g Calcium ammonium nitrate 110.0g 110.0g 110.0g 110.0g water Up to 2.0 liters Up to 2.0 liters Up to 2.0 liters Up to 2.0 liters Final pH 6.6 3.8 6.6 2.9

[0131] Note: Tomamine E-17-5 is an alkyl ether (C17 equivalent) tertiary amine modified with 5 moles of ethylene oxide, Teric 12A3 is an alcohol ethoxylate, and Tensiofix XN6 is a phosphate ester surfactant. The mixture is prepared as a liquid concentrate by first mixing Tomamine E-17-5 with propylene glycol or other surfactant, then slowly adding salicylic acid or methyl salicylate until dissolved, then adding HCl, and finally adding methyl oleate in Example 4. The concentrate is stable at ambient temperature and can be used in combination with water and nitrogen salts in the field, and then made in large quantities before use.

[0132] Embodiment 5-8

[0133] Components Example 5 Example 6 Example 7 Example 8 Salicylic acid 2.45g 4.91g 7.36g 2.45 Tomamine E-17-5 35.29g 36.05g 36.80g 35.38 Propylene glycol 17.65g 18.02g 18.40g - Methyl oleate - - - 35.38 Hydrochloric acid (5 mol / L) 6.65g 3.33g - - p-Toluenesulfonic acid (65%) - - - 7.98 Ammonium Nitrate 110.0g 110.0g 110.0g 110.0g Calcium ammonium nitrate 110.0g 110.0g 110.0g 110.0g water Up to 2.0 liters Up to 2.0 liters Up to 2.0 liters Up to 2.0 liters Final pH 7.6 7.6 7.6 7.5

[0134] Note: The mixture was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1-4.

[0135] Examples 9-12

[0136] Components Example 9 Example 10 Embodiment 11 Example 12 Salicylic acid 7.36g 7.36g 7.00g 7.00g Tomamine E-17-5 36.80g 36.80g 34.99g 34.99g Propylene glycol 18.40g 18.40g - - Methyl oleate - - 34.99g 34.99g Urea 89.0g - 89.0g - Calcium ammonium nitrate 105.0g - 105.0g - water Up to 2.0 liters Up to 2.0 liters Up to 2.0 liters Up to 2.0 liters Final pH 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.2

[0137] Note: The mixture was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1-4.

[0138] Comparative Example 1. The following mixture is based on the use of Armobreak disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,885,932. TM , the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TM It is a tallow amine containing 5 moles of ethylene oxide derived units and 12 moles of propylene oxide derived units. In 2.0 liters of water, mix 40.00 grams of Armobreak TM , 110 grams of ammonium nitrate and 110 grams of calcium ammonium nitrate, with a final pH of 6.7.

[0139] Comparative Example 2. In 2.0 liters of water, mix 40.00 g of Armobreak TM and 110 g potassium nitrate, the final pH was 9.4.

[0140] Comparative Example 3. The following mixture is based on EP 1,189,513, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. EP 1,189,513 lists Valagro SpA as the owner and is directed to compositions utilizing, inter alia, nonionic surfactants. For example, EP 1,189,513 discloses a composition comprising ammonium nitrate and nonylphenol reacted with ethylene oxide. By product name K and Active The composition is sold on the market. It is a mineral fertilizer designed for spraying on dormant trees before bud break. In 2.0 liters of water, mix 120 ml K and 180 ml Active The final pH was 6.7.

[0141] Comparative Example - Hydrogen cyanamide (HC). A commercial preparation of HC was diluted to 60 ml per liter of water and mixed with a drift reducer (Driftstop TM - a mixture of an organosilicon surfactant and a synthetic polymer drift retardant) (2 ml / L).

[0142] All experiments were based on a randomized complete block experimental design.

[0143] Trial 1: Trial 1 demonstrates the superior performance of the compositions of the present invention compared to previous HC alternatives. A cane application experiment was conducted in the Hayward kiwifruit orchard in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, following a winter with average winter cold in 2010. Canes of low to moderate vigour with an average length of 1.6 m from 36 vines were marked and either left untreated or applied with one of HC, Examples 1-4 and Comparative Example 1. The date of application (August 6) was 56 days before natural bud break (DBNB). Bud break (BBCH stage 9) and flowering (BBCH stage 60) were determined based on photographs published by Salinero et al., 2009, "Phenological growth stages of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward')", Scienti Hoiticulturae 121, 27-31, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The data plotted and tabulated represent the average of 36 replicates and are normalised according to the number of winter buds on each cane.

[0144] Figure 1 The progress of germination in Trial 1 is shown. Figure 2 The progress of flowering in Trial 1 is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The progress curves depicted in the Figures were fitted to a cumulative normal curve to calculate the midpoints of germination and flowering (corresponding to the date of 50% response) and the spread of response time (defined as 4× standard deviation), as summarized in Tables 1 and 2. HC and Examples 1-3 all resulted in a large increase in germination and flowering compared to the untreated results, and brought germination and flowering onset earlier and reduced the spread of germination and flowering. The oil-containing mixture of Example 4 produced a slightly later and slower response than HC and Examples 1-3, but was still more effective than Comparative Example 1.

[0145] Table 1. Onset and rapidity of germination in Experiment 1.

[0146]

[0147] Table 2: Onset and rapidity of flowering in Trial 1.

[0148]

[0149] Trial 2: Trial 2 shows the dose-response relationship between the concentration of salicylic acid components and the sprouting response and flowering response in Hayward kiwifruit vines. A vine dabbing experiment was conducted in 2012 at the Hayward kiwifruit orchard in Taranaki, New Zealand. On August 9, vines with an average length of 1.2 meters from 33 vines were marked and either left untreated or dabbed with one of HC, Examples 5-8 and Comparative Examples 2 and 3, 50DBNB (September 28). Midpoints and spreads were calculated for sprouting (Table 3), but there were insufficient data to calculate flowering. The orchard experienced a very low winter chill and the untreated vines produced very poor sprouting, which was greatly improved by HC (Table 3). Figure 3 ). Increasing the concentration of salicylic acid (Examples 5-7) resulted in a progressively greater increase in the total number of sprouts, an increasing number of early sprouts, and a decreasing degree of spread. Even with the relatively low concentration of salicylic acid present, Example 8 still produced a strong response, possibly reflecting the greater ability of the oil-containing composition to penetrate the skin of the kiwifruit cane. Comparative Example 2 produced a response similar to some of the examples of the present invention, while Comparative Example 3 produced almost no change from the untreated response. Figure 3 The progress of germination in Experiment 2 is illustrated. Figure 4 The progress of flowering in Trial 2 is illustrated.

[0150] Table 3. Onset and rapidity of germination in Trial 2.

[0151]

[0152] Trial 3: Trial 3 demonstrated the utility of the present invention in reducing disease following application in an orchard infected with Psa. A trial in which whole Hayward kiwifruit vines were sprayed was established in the Bay of Plenty in 2013. There were twelve replicates and two groups of untreated vines. HC (700 litres / Ha) and the composition of Example 8 (800 litres / Ha) were applied on three dates using a tube sprayer designed to produce the spray deposition typical of an orchard jet sprayer. Of particular concern in this trial was the prevalence of Psa leaf spot, which becomes evident in late spring, particularly on vines sprayed with early HC. Vines were assessed for Psa leaf spot by evaluating 40 randomly selected leaves (10 on each side of the two top branches making up each vine) (Table 4). Analysis of variance indicated that leaf spotting increased significantly on HC treated vines after the first two applications, whereas treatment with Example 8 produced a slight reduction on all application dates.

[0153] Table 4. Psa leaf spots in Hayward kiwifruit leaves

[0154]

[0155] Mean values ​​followed by the same letter are not significantly different (P=0.05, Duncan's new MRT)

[0156] Trial 4: Trial 4 demonstrates the effectiveness of the composition of the invention as a sprouting agent in Gold3 kiwifruit. This cane application trial was conducted in a Bay of Plenty orchard in the critical months of May and June in 2013 following a severe cold winter. Canes of low to moderate vigour typical of the orchard were applied with HC or Example 9 on August 13 and August 20, 34 and 27 days prior to natural sprouting which occurred on September 16. The composition of Example 9 brought sprouting forward and made sprouting as intensive as HC (Tables 5 and 6). Figure 5 ). Figure 5 It illustrates the progress of germination. Figure 6 The progress of flowering in Trial 4 is illustrated.

[0157] Table 5. Onset and rapidity of germination in Trial 4.

[0158]

[0159] Similar to HC, the composition of Example 9 greatly increased the key parameter, King Flowers per Winter Bud (KFWB) by increasing % germination, by increasing the proportion of flower branches, and by increasing the number of King Flowers per flower branch (KFFS, Table 6). However, HC increased the frequency of side flowers (double and triple flowers), which must be manually removed at considerable cost to the grower to ensure proper fruit size. In contrast, Example 9 did not change the frequency of side flowers and deformed fruits (August 13) or completely eliminated them (August 20).

[0160] Table 6. Summary of germination and flowering data for Trial 4.

[0161]

[0162] Trials 5 and 6: Trials 5 and 6 demonstrate the effectiveness of the compositions of the invention in promoting germination and flowering after severe and good winter chills, respectively. These 2014 spray trials were conducted in the Bay of Plenty (Trial 5, five replicates, each piece The pits consisted of two vines, each represented by ten evaluation canes, five canes on each side of the pit) and Hawke's Bay, New Zealand (Trial 6, four replicates, each piece The depressions consisted of four vines, each representing twenty evaluated canes, with five canes per vine). HC (700 liters / Ha) and Examples 9 and 10 (800 liters / Ha) were sprayed on August 16 (37 DBNB, Test 5) and August 11 (30 DBNB, Test 6). Figure 7 shows the progress of germination in trial 5, Figure 8The progress of germination in Trial 6 is shown.

[0163] According to current management practices, Gold3 growers need at least about 1.8 single petal flowers (SFWB) per winter bud to achieve the recommended layout (packout) of 17,000 trays / Ha. After the severe winter cold in 2014, untreated vines in the Bay of Plenty orchards produced insufficient flower kings (1.7KFWB, Table 7) to obtain targeted fruit yields, even with the expensive option of cutting the pedicels to remove the side flowers to leave the flower kings intact. The HC treatment resulted in excessive flower numbers and almost doubled the frequency of double and triple flowers, while Example 9 resulted in a moderate increase in frequency but did not produce more side flowers. The advantage in this case is the reduction of pruning costs to cut pedicels to remove all double and triple flowers. The relatively good winter cold in Hawkes Bay resulted in sufficient flower numbers in untreated vines, but the very high frequency of side flowers was further increased by the HC treatment. Treatment with Example 9 or with Example 10 lacking nitrogen compounds produced a moderate increase in flower numbers without increasing side flowers, thereby greatly reducing pruning costs.

[0164] Table 7. Summary of germination and flowering data for trial 5

[0165]

[0166] Table 8. Summary of germination and flowering data for Trial 6

[0167]

[0168] Trial 7: In Nelson, New Zealand, 2014, after a severe winter, the use of the present invention improved germination, flowering and therefore fruit quality of Magnus variety blackcurrants. Examples 9 and 10 were sprayed at 500 l / Ha on 21 August on a 20 m long row. On 17 December, the fruits were harvested from 5 canes per treatment and graded as black (target maturity), coloured (nearly ripe) and green (unripe, inedible). The weight distribution between black, coloured and green fruits was: untreated - 60%, 33% and 7%; Example 9 - 81%, 17% and 2%, Example 10 - 94%, 6% and 0%.

[0169] Trial 8: Use was evaluated on Granny Smith Apples in New Plymouth, New Zealand following a severe winter freeze in 2013. Treatments were applied using a hand backpack sprayer at 200 L / Ha in replicate trials (4 replications of two tree plots) on 9 August 2013. Example 12 (lacking the alternative nitrogen compound) produced increased bud break and flowering compared to the untreated control, and approximately doubled the fruit set compared to hydrogen cyanamide as a comparative example (HC in Table 9).

[0170] Table 9. Budburst, flowering, and fruiting of Granny Smith Apples.

[0171]

[0172] Having generally described the present invention, including describing the best mode of the present invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention contemplates the embodiments of the present invention as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention should not be measured only by the specific embodiments exemplified herein.

[0173] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that more complex technological advances may occur after this document is filed with the patent office. To the extent that these later developed improvements embody the core operating principles of the present disclosure, these improvements are also considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0174] The invention may also be construed broadly to include the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification, either individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more parts, elements, members or features, and where specific integers are referred to herein having known equivalents, such equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0175] It will also be understood that in the case of products, methods or processes as described or claimed herein and sold as separate components, or incomplete as a "kit", such developments would also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0176] In one embodiment, the present invention includes within its scope a kit providing, in separate containers or in separate compartments such as within the same container, a germinant composition combining:

[0177] (a) one or more compounds represented by the following structures:

[0178]

[0179] Where R' is OH or OCOCH 3, and R" is H, a monovalent cation, any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C1-C10 alkyl, any C7-C10 alkylaryl or phenyl; and

[0180] (b) an alkoxylated amine composition represented by the structure:

[0181]

[0182] Where A is selected from N, N + R 1 or N→O, and where R 1 is H, methyl or benzyl, R 2 is any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C8-C22 alkyl group; R 3 is any (linear or branched) C2-C4 alkyl, x is in the range of 0 to 4, and y+z is in the range of 2 to 50, and

[0183] (c) optionally, one or more fatty acid esters comprising C6-C22 fatty acids and C1-C4 alcohols, and / or

[0184] (d) Optionally, one or more nitrogen compounds selected from urea, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate.

Claims

1. A composition formulated to produce improved germination, flowering and disease resistance in perennial fruit crops and / or ornamental trees, comprising: (a) one or more compounds represented by the following structures: wherein R' is OH or OCOCH3, and R" is H, a monovalent cation, any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C1-C10 alkyl, any C7-C10 alkaryl, or phenyl, wherein (a) is present in an amount of 0.1 wt% to 40 wt%; and (b) Alkoxylated amines represented by the following structure: Where A is selected from N, N + R1 or N→O, and wherein R1 is H, methyl or benzyl, R2 is any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C8-C22 alkyl, R3 is any (linear or branched) C2-C4 alkyl, x is in the range of 0 to 4, and y+z is in the range of 2 to 50; (d) one or more nitrogen compounds selected from the group consisting of urea, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein (a) is salicylic acid or a salicylate salt containing a monovalent cation of salicylic acid, methyl salicylate, ethyl salicylate, isopropyl salicylate, allyl salicylate, butyl salicylate, isobutyl salicylate, 3-methyl-2-butenyl salicylate, isopentyl salicylate, amyl salicylate, hexyl salicylate, cis-3-hexenyl salicylate, ethylhexyl salicylate, phenyl salicylate, benzyl salicylate, p-tolyl salicylate, phenylethyl salicylate, 2-phenylpropyl salicylate, 3-phenylpropyl salicylate, or 2-acetoxysalicylate.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein (a) is salicylic acid, a monovalent cation salt of salicylic acid or methyl salicylate.

4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein The cation is an alkali metal ion, an ammonium ion, an amine, a quaternary ammonium ion or an amine oxide.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein (a) is salicylic acid, and (b) is an alkoxylated amine represented by the following structure: Where A is selected from N, N + R1 or N→O, and wherein R1 is H, methyl or benzyl, R2 is any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C8-C22 alkyl, R3 is any linear or branched C2-C4 alkyl, x is in the range of 0 to 4, and y+z is in the range of 2 to 50.

6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is formulated for application to perennial fruit crops.

7. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising (c) Methyl oleate or ethyl oleate.

8. The composition of claim 1, wherein (b) is present in an amount of 1% to 99%.

9. The composition of claim 1, wherein (d) is present in an amount of 1% to 80%.

10. A method for improving germination, flowering and disease resistance in perennial fruit crops and / or ornamental trees comprising applying to aerial plant parts a biologically effective amount of a composition comprising: (a) one or more compounds represented by the following structures: wherein R' is OH or OCOCH3, and R" is H, a monovalent cation, any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C1-C10 alkyl, any C7-C10 alkylaryl or phenyl, wherein (a) is present in an amount of 0.1 wt% to 40 wt%; (b) Alkoxylated amines represented by the following structure: Where A is selected from N, N + R1 or N→O, and wherein R1 is H, methyl or benzyl, R2 is any (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched) C8-C22 alkyl, R3 is any (linear or branched) C2-C4 alkyl, x is in the range of 0 to 4, and y+z is in the range of 2 to 50; and, (d) one or more nitrogen compounds selected from the group consisting of urea, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The composition is applied at an application rate of 5 kg / Ha to 200 kg / Ha.

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: The composition is diluted in water.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein: Application of the composition comprises spraying aerial plant parts during winter dormancy.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The perennial fruit crops are selected from vine fruits, berries, pome fruits, stone fruits and nuts.

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