Solvent ingredients that promote plant growth

Abstract

The plant growth composition includes a solvent component and an active ingredient composition. The solvent component includes: 1-methoxy-2-propanol, triacetin, methyl isobutyl ketone, 2-butoxyethanol, ethyl acetate, butyl lactate, lactic acid and / or n-butyl pyrrolidone. The active ingredient combination is formulated to increase the growth of the plant and includes: auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, or a combination thereof. The solvent component excludes butanol and / or citric acid. The boiling point of the solvent component is at least about 100°C and less than about 180°C. The solvent component is compatible with rhizobia. The method for improving plant growth involves applying the plant growth composition to plant seeds, which may include soybean seeds, corn seeds, wheat seeds, barley seeds, alfalfa seeds, or a combination thereof; and growing the primary plant to maturity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments relate to inert compositions formulated to improve the solubility and stability of plant growth regulator compositions typically applied to seeds and young plants. Specific embodiments include inert solvent compositions having improved chemical properties and enhanced compatibility with bacterial species that are beneficial to plant development. Background Art

[0002] Improving plant growth and development is a major focus of the agriculture and forestry industry. One method of achieving robust growth involves applying growth stimulants to seeds and young plants. These substances may include plant growth regulators ("PGRs"), which may include combinations of plant hormones (which promote cell growth processes such as mitosis) and other substances (including, for example, biostimulants, biological agents, and plant extracts). These PGRs may be applied to seeds before sowing, during furrow irrigation, during sowing, or after sowing, or applied to plants as foliar sprays when plants grow. In order to facilitate these application methods, PGRs are usually dissolved in a liquid carrier, which typically includes an aqueous solvent. However, pre-existing liquid carriers suffer from many disadvantages that reduce the life and effectiveness of active PGR components. For example, some PGR active components have low solubility in current solvents, and many solvents even chemically degrade the active components they are formulated to deliver. Alternative non-aqueous solvents may also hinder the effectiveness of seed application compositions due to reduced seed treatment properties. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plant growth composition may include a solvent component and an active ingredient combination. The solvent component may include 1-methoxy-2-propanol, triacetin, methyl isobutyl ketone, 2-butoxyethanol, ethyl acetate, butyl lactate, lactic acid and / or n-butyl pyrrolidone. The active ingredient combination may be formulated to increase the growth of plants.

[0004] In some examples, the active component combination may include an amount of auxin, an amount of gibberellin, an amount of cytokinin, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the solvent component may exclude butanol. In some examples, the solvent component may exclude citric acid. In some embodiments, the solvent component may exclude lactic acid. In some examples, the solvent component may exclude propylene glycol. In some embodiments, the solvent component may exclude biodegradable polymers, polyols, or both. In some embodiments, the solvent component may account for about 95% to about 99% by weight of the plant growth composition. In some examples, the solvent component may be compatible with plant growth-promoting microbes (such as Rhizobia). In some embodiments, the active component combination may be completely soluble in the solvent component. In some examples, the active component combination may not degrade for at least about 2 weeks at about 54°C in the solvent component. In some embodiments, the boiling point of the solvent component may be at least about 100°C and less than about 180°C. In some examples, the plant growth composition may be configured to be applied directly to plant seeds.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for improving plant growth may involve applying a growth composition to a plant seed and growing the plant seed into a mature plant. The growth composition may include a solvent component and an active ingredient combination. The solvent component may include 1-methoxy-2-propanol, triacetin, methyl isobutyl ketone, 2-butoxyethanol, ethyl acetate, butyl lactate, lactic acid and / or n-butyl pyrrolidone.

[0006] In some examples, the plant includes a soybean plant, a corn plant, a wheat plant, a barley plant, alfalfa plant, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination may include an amount of auxin, an amount of gibberellin, an amount of cytokinin, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the solvent component may exclude butanol, citric acid, lactic acid, and propylene glycol. In some embodiments, the boiling point of the solvent component may be at least about 100° C. and less than about 180° C. In some examples, the solvent component may be compatible with rhizobia. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a method performed according to the principles of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] The solvent components provided herein can promote plant growth and development by improving the solubility and stability of various PGR compositions, and can be optimized for direct seed application. The solvent components can also protect bacteria (such as rhizobia) that can naturally enhance plant growth, which is in sharp contrast to the previously existing solvent components that are usually harmful to such bacterial species. Embodiments of the inert solvent components disclosed herein may include, for example, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, triacetin, methyl isobutyl ketone, 2-butoxyethanol, ethyl acetate, butyl lactate, lactic acid, n-butyl pyrrolidone, butanol, or a combination thereof. The effects of various solvent combinations on various PGR compositions and concentrations are experimentally evaluated to determine and improve the disclosed compositions for promoting growth. Such evaluations reveal that the disclosed compositions can be more compatible with PGR active components, so that the active components are not degraded, thereby extending the storage life and maximizing the field effect.

[0009] Embodiments of the disclosed solvent composition configured for seed application applications deviate from previously existing compositions by reducing or replacing propylene glycol and / or water. The inventors recognize that aqueous solutions may be chemically unstable, which accelerates the decomposition of a range of PGR components. The inventors also recognize that, despite its popularity, propylene glycol has a high boiling point, which prevents it from drying quickly. Slow drying ultimately results in the formation of a sticky coating that hinders effective seed treatment. The sticky or sticky coating caused by the glycol-based solvent composition may cause handling problems at all steps of the process flow (i.e., at the seed coating stage, packaging stage, storage period, and during sowing). The improved handling characteristics possible due to the rapid curing rate of the disclosed composition can increase the maximum loading factor of various PGR active components, thereby reducing the minimum effective use rate.

[0010] The disclosed solvent compositions may be mixed with one or more additional components and may be advantageously compatible with such products, which may include one or more herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, beneficial bacteria, or combinations thereof. Additives and / or dyes may also be included.

[0011] The inventive solvent ingredients disclosed herein may be chemically inert, meaning that the ingredients do not drive the growth of the plant seeds to which they are applied, but rather facilitate the efficient application, stability, and solubility of the active ingredients that drive plant growth.

[0012] Solvent composition

[0013] Ingredients provided according to the present disclosure include various amounts of inert compounds, which may include, but are not limited to, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, triacetin, methyl isobutyl ketone, 2-butoxyethanol, ethyl acetate, butyl lactate, lactic acid, n-butyl pyrrolidone, and / or butanol. Exemplary ingredients may include 1-methoxy-2-propanol, ethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol butyl ether, lactic acid, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, and / or butyl lactate, and / or variants of one or more of these compounds.

[0014] The concentration of the aforementioned solvent component can change in a given solvent composition. For example, the embodiment may also include a mixture of one or more aforementioned solvents and various amounts of deionized water (e.g., up to about 25 wt % or 50 wt % deionized water) so that the solvent composition may include at least about 75 wt % or 50 wt % pure solvents, respectively. The embodiment may also be completely free of water so that such an embodiment is non-aqueous. In various embodiments, the solvent composition may include about 50 wt %, about 55 wt %, about 60 wt %, about 65 wt %, about 70 wt %, about 75 wt %, about 80 wt %, about 85 wt %, about 90 wt %, about 95 wt %, about 96 wt %, about 97 wt %, about 98 wt %, about 99 wt % or about 100 wt % of one or more of the aforementioned paragraphs disclosed pure solvents.

[0015] Embodiments of solvent compositions containing less than about 100% by weight of the disclosed solvent components may include a certain amount of water as mentioned. Embodiments may also include a certain amount of one or more known solvents, such as propylene glycol or polypropylene glycol. According to such embodiments, the disclosed solvent composition may be combined with a pre-existing solvent composition to form a solvent mixture. The solvent mixture may be applied to the seed before sowing.

[0016] Embodiments of the disclosed solvent compositions may specifically exclude one or more components, some or all of which may typically be introduced into a pre-existing solvent composition. For example, an embodiment may specifically exclude butanol. Additionally or alternatively, an embodiment may exclude citric acid, lactic acid, propylene glycol, and / or polypropylene glycol. An embodiment may also be free of biodegradable polymers, such as citrate polymers. An embodiment may also be completely non-polymeric, such that a seed coating comprising the disclosed solvent composition may be free of polymer-based substances. Exemplary compositions may also be free of C2 to C6 polyols, such as glycerol. The inclusion of one or more of these components may reduce or significantly attenuate the advantageous physical and chemical properties of the solvent compositions disclosed herein, making their exclusion from one or more embodiments essential for effectively promoting plant growth.

[0017] Solvent component disclosed herein may also include other inactive components in the form of adjuvant, excipient and / or surfactant, which may be formulated to improve the effectiveness of the active component mixed with solvent component by serving as compatible diluent and / or carrier material. One or more antioxidants (such as butylated hydroxytoluene) and / or preservatives may also be included. According to such an embodiment, the disclosed solvent may account for the major part of total solvent component, and in an embodiment, the scope is about 85 to about 99.9 % by weight, about 90 to about 99.8 % by weight, about 95 to about 99.8 % by weight, about 98 to about 99.8 % by weight, about 99 to about 99.7 % by weight, about 99.5 to about 99.8 % by weight, or about 99.6 to about 99.7 % by weight by the weight of solvent component. In some embodiments, solvent component may not contain other solvents not disclosed herein.

[0018] The solvent component may have a lower boiling point than a previously existing solvent component. For example, the boiling point of the solvent component may range from at least about 100°C to about 180°C. Exemplary boiling points may be about 100°C or lower, or about 110°C, 120°C, 130°C, 140°C, 150°C, 160°C, 170°C, or about 180°C. Relative to previously existing solvent components, the disclosed boiling points may shorten the cure time of the solvent component after seed application, making the seed dry faster and easier to handle. The cure rate and chemical makeup of the solvent component may also produce a smooth, dry coating, making the coated seed non-sticky or non-sticky after drying.

[0019] The solvent components described herein are compatible with various growth stimulating compositions (collectively referred to herein as "PGR compositions"), meaning that the solvent components do not interfere with or negatively affect the PGR compositions. The PGR compositions can be formulated for one or more plant types, including but not limited to soybeans, maize (maize), wheat, barley, alfalfa, and other crops. Maize plants can include Zea mays hybrids, inbred lines, haploids, subspecies, and variants. In some examples, one or more of the foregoing plant types can be excluded from the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0020] The PGR composition dissolved in the disclosed solvent component is configured to stimulate plant growth to a greater extent than can be achieved under natural growth conditions. Enhanced growth can be achieved by applying one or more disclosed PGR compositions to plant seeds before sowing. By enhancing the stability and solubility of the PGR composition, the disclosed solvent component can maximize the plant promotion effect of the PGR composition. For example, the disclosed solvent component can remain chemically and physically stable for at least two weeks after mixing with the PGR composition. The rapid solidification and smooth application of the solvent component can also ensure that the seeds are completely or substantially coated with a growth composition, which is composed of at least one PGR composition dissolved in the solvent component. The PGR composition disclosed herein may include an active component combination, which includes at least one auxin (e.g., indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)), at least one gibberellin (e.g., G4, G7 or both) and / or at least one cytokinin (e.g., kinetin).

[0021] Auxin plant hormones are mainly produced in and around the growth zone on plant buds. Auxin typically moves from the buds and roots in the phloem, and is slower due to intercellular polar transport. Exemplary effects caused by auxin include apical dominance, tropism, bud elongation and shoot initiation. Natural deficiency of zinc and / or phosphorus can inhibit the production of auxin in plants. Gibberellin plant hormones are also produced in the root tip and can be found in seeds, young stems and leaves. Gibberellins move from the root to the buds in the xylem and from the leaves to the buds through intercellular transport, thereby promoting plant germination and cell elongation. The production of gibberellins in plant roots and the movement of gibberellins to plant buds can be suppressed by flooding. Cytokinin plant hormones are mainly produced in the root tip. Seeds, young stems and leaves may also contain high levels of cytokinins, which are transported from the root to the buds of plants through the xylem. Cytokinins promote cell division in bud tissue, delay leaf senescence, and promote root nodule development. Flooding, drought and high temperatures can inhibit the production and transport of cytokinins. Therefore, the PGR components disclosed herein complement these natural plant hormones and can drive specific physiological processes and can be inhibited by specific environmental phenomena.

[0022] Preparation method

[0023] The method of preparing the solvent composition disclosed herein may involve performing one or more mixture experiments. In some examples, mixture experiments may be designed to systematically evaluate the stability and / or solubility of various PGR compositions in solvent compositions of different formulations. The active component load of a given PGR composition may be adjusted from one experiment to the next. For example, the concentration of auxin, gibberellin and / or cytokinin present in the solvent composition may be increased by 2X, 3X, 4X or 5X. Increasing the active component load may advantageously reduce the volume of the PGR composition required to achieve improved plant growth.

[0024] Embodiments may involve mixing a PGR composition with a solvent component and determining the solubility and / or stability of the PGR composition within the solvent component. The solubility and / or stability may be determined visually or with the aid of an analytical device such as a high performance liquid chromatography column. After mixing the solvent component with the PGR composition, embodiments may further involve applying the resulting composition to plant seeds, which may then be allowed to germinate and grow to maturity. Growth effects attributed to a given solvent component may also be identified by growing seeds coated with the same PGR composition but with different solvent components.

[0025] Embodiments may also involve performing root scans on plants grown from seeds coated with one of the disclosed solvent compositions. Root scans can be performed using WinRHIZO TM The root scanning method is performed by a root scanner configured to measure root density, architecture, surface area, length, diameter, area, volume, topology, and / or color resulting from a particular PGR composition. Root scanning can involve removing roots from the base of each plant stem. According to some root scanning protocols, roots from each plant can be scanned simultaneously.

[0026] Solvent components that are most compatible with one or more PGR compositions can be identified. In some embodiments, compatibility can be measured by the extent of PGR solubility within the solvent component and / or the length of time that the PGR composition remains stable (i.e., does not degrade) within the solvent component. In addition or alternatively, a solvent component with the lowest boiling point or a boiling point below about 180° C. can be selected. Solvent components can also be selected based on their compatibility with one or more plant growth-promoting microorganisms (such as rhizobia). Microbial compatibility can be measured by the extent of microbial death caused by exposure to the solvent component and / or the extent of root growth caused by sowing seeds treated with a PGR composition dissolved in a given solvent component. In the latter case, more comprehensive root growth can indicate greater microbial compatibility. For example, rhizobia can secrete nodulation factors that drive nodule development, which can subsequently lead to extensive root hair growth. Microbial compatibility can also be determined by streaking one or more microorganisms of interest onto cell culture plates containing a growth medium (e.g., agar) infused with a solvent component.

[0027] How to use

[0028] The method of improving plant growth may involve applying a plant growth composition comprising a PGR composition dissolved in one of the disclosed solvent compositions to a plant seed. The volume of the plant growth composition applied to the seed may be sufficient to coat the seed and ultimately drive improved plant growth, development and / or yield. The solvent composition may be formed by combining 1-methoxy-2-propanol, triacetin, methyl isobutyl ketone, 2-butoxyethanol, ethyl acetate, butyl lactate, lactic acid and / or n-butyl pyrrolidone with an active ingredient combination comprising an amount of an auxin, an amount of a gibberellin, an amount of a cytokinin, or a combination thereof.

[0029] The plant growth composition comprising a solvent component and an active component composition dissolved therein can be sprayed or otherwise applied to plant seeds before sowing. The plant growth composition can be applied to seeds in a production environment, and then the seeds can be provided to the planting site, or the plant growth composition can be applied to seeds in the planting site. The use rate can vary depending on the specific composition and / or plant type used. For example, the active component loading rate can range from about 1.05 to about 4.2 fl.Oz. / cwt. for direct seed treatment. In some examples, the active component loading rate can be about 2.1 fl.oz. / cwt. In other embodiments, the active component loading rate can be reduced to about 1.5 fl.oz. / cwt., about 1.0 fl.oz. / cwt., about 0.75 fl.oz. / cwt., about 0.5 fl.oz. / cwt., or between about 0.1 and about 0.5 fl.oz. / cwt. Embodiments including active ingredient loadings below 2.1 fl.oz. / cwt. may include greater concentrations of one or more active ingredients. For example, for a growth composition loading of about 0.5 fl.oz. / cwt., the concentration of the active ingredient combination may be about 4X relative to the concentration of the active ingredient combination included in a growth composition having a loading of about 2.1 fl.oz. / cwt. By reducing the loading to about 0.5 fl.oz. / cwt., the volume of plant growth composition consumed per acre may be advantageously reduced without reducing its effectiveness in enhancing plant growth.

[0030] Figure 1 1 is a flow chart of a method for improving plant growth performed according to the principles of the present disclosure. Exemplary method 100 shows steps that can be performed in any order to improve plant growth and / or development by applying a solvent composition mixed with a combination of active ingredients to plant seeds before sowing. In other examples, one or more steps shown in method 100 can be supplemented or omitted.

[0031] In the embodiment shown, method 100 begins at box 102, "Applying a growth composition to plant seeds, wherein the growth composition includes an active component combination of auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins, and a solvent component comprising 1-methoxy-2-propanol, triacetin, methyl isobutyl ketone, 2-butoxyethanol, ethyl acetate, butyl lactate, lactic acid, and / or n-butyl pyrrolidone." Method 100 continues at box 104 with "Growing the plant seeds into mature plants." In some examples, the plant seeds may include soybean seeds, corn seeds, wheat seeds, barley seeds, alfalfa seeds, or a combination thereof. In some examples, mature plants may be defined as plants that have reached the V3, V6, V9, VT, R1, or R6 growth stages, or any stage therebetween. Embodiments of the solvent component may specifically exclude butanol, citric acid, lactic acid, propylene glycol, biodegradable polymers, polyols, and / or water. In some examples, the boiling point of the solvent component is at least about 100°C and less than about 180°C. The solvent component may be compatible with various plant growth promoting microorganisms such as rhizobia. In another embodiment, the seed may have the growth composition applied as a seed dressing or seed coating and may be a seed product, and the seed product may be grown to maturity in step 104 .

[0032] Applying the plant growth composition to plant seeds according to the methods described herein can result in improved plant growth. For example, treating plant seeds with the disclosed plant growth composition can result in mature plants with increased plant height and / or leaf turbidity. An increase in total dry plant biomass relative to plants treated with a negative control can also be observed.

[0033] Solvent Characterization and Identification

[0034] Sequential experiments were performed to characterize the physical and chemical properties of various solvent compositions. Certain solvent compositions were then selected for sequential analysis to identify the most compatible compositions with a variety of PGR compositions, with an emphasis on PGR stability and solubility.

[0035] First, the physical properties of various known solvents and solvent combinations were documented by reviewing the Safety Data Sheet ("SDS") for each solvent. Information collected from each SDS included flash point, boiling point, density, viscosity, and solubility.

[0036] The solvents initially tested included ethyl acetate, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, ethylene glycol butyl ether and 2-butoxyethanol, diethylene glycol butyl ether, lactic acid and 2-ethylhexyl ester, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, ethylhexanol, butyl lactate, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, oxyoctyl acetate, triacetin, oxyheptyl acetate, amyl acetate, M-8-10 and 1025. Data for the 16 solvents reported are shown in Table 1 below.

[0037]

[0038]

[0039] As shown, several known solvents have boiling points above 200°C, including propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, diethylene glycol butyl ether, triacetin, oxyoctyl acetate, M-8-10 and 1025. The selected solvents have boiling points between about 110°C and about 180°C, including 1-methoxy-2-propanol, ethylene glycol butyl ether, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, and amyl acetate. Several solvents have flash points above 115°C, including propylene glycol, triacetin, M-8-10 and 1025. A variety of solvents are soluble, including 1-methoxy-2-propanol, lactic acid, 2-ethylhexyl ester, propylene glycol, and triacetin.

[0040] Then, various solvent compositions were selected for sequential analysis with various active ingredient combinations formulated for plant growth enhancement. Specifically, each selected solvent composition was mixed with a PGR composition comprising a cytokinin, a gibberellin, and an auxin, and the solubility level of each PGR composition within each solvent composition was determined.

[0041] Some PGR compositions were provided at 4X active ingredient loading rates relative to a 1X loading rate of 2.1 fl.oz. / cwt. For the 4X PGR compositions, the ratio was adjusted to 0.5 fl.oz. / cwt. to accommodate the flow meter characteristics of typically used seed treatment equipment. Table 2 shows the adjusted rates for active ingredients loaded at 2.1 fl.oz. / cwt., and active ingredients at 0.5 fl.oz. / cwt., where each active ingredient loading is indicated by its weight percentage in the PGR composition (including solvent).

[0042]

[0043] The 14 unique solvent compositions evaluated with the PGR compositions are listed in Table 3 below. As shown, some solvent compositions were mixed with deionized water ("DI"), while other solvent compositions were provided undiluted. For example, Solvent Composition 1 comprised 75% ethyl acetate and 25% DI water and was mixed with a 4X PGR composition. Similarly, Solvent Composition 2 comprised 90% ethyl acetate and 10% DI water and was mixed with a 4X PGR composition. Solvent Composition 3 comprised 75% 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 25% DI water and was mixed with a 1X PGR composition. The amount of each PGR component (measured in grams) is shown along with the solubility level of each corresponding PGR composition.

[0044] The compositions were mixed in a 120 mL glass jar with a stir bar placed on a magnetic stir plate. The solubility of each PGR composition was determined visually.

[0045]

[0046] Table 3 shows that the PGR compositions mixed with solvent components 1, 2 and 11 are insoluble, while the PGR compositions mixed with solvent components 3-10 and 12 are soluble. The PGR composition in which the solvent components 13 and 14 of the formulation are mixed is slightly soluble.

[0047] Based on their favorable physical properties and solubility data, several solvent compositions were selected for additional analysis. Each selected solvent composition was mixed with 0.1 wt % butylated hydroxytoluene ("BHT") and a 4X PGR composition. Propylene glycol was used as a control. The solvents evaluated and the masses of each PGR component and BHT are shown in Table 4 below.

[0048]

[0049]

[0050] The density and viscosity of the solvent components are then determined. Density measurement using DMA TM The viscosity was measured using a modular micro-rheometer. The viscosity level was measured at 25°C. Twenty data points were collected over a two minute period and the average of these data points was recorded as the viscosity.

[0051] As shown in Table 5 below, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, diethylene glycol butyl ether, butyl lactate, and ethylene glycol butyl ether each had a density measurement of less than 1.00 g / mL. Polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol had the highest viscosity, with a large difference, and 1-methoxy-2-propanol had the lowest viscosity.

[0052]

[0053] The same seven solvent compositions were then evaluated with CX (which is formulated for soybean seed treatment and consists of The compatibility of the combination of fungicide and insecticide sold by United (containing a proprietary solvent) was investigated. Specifically, 0.5 fl.oz. / cwt. of each test solution was added to 50 mL of Based on visual observations during mixing, none of the tested solvents appeared to be CX is incompatible, indicating that such solvents can be advantageously used with CX and / or similar fungicide / insecticide compositions and mixed with PGR compositions dissolved therein. The stability of the mixtures was then evaluated by placing the samples at 54°C, 4°C and / or -10°C for a period of two weeks. The viscosity levels were measured before and after the two-week stability test, as well as the density levels after the test, and the results are shown in Table 6 below.

[0054]

[0055]

[0056] Table 6 shows that the viscosity of each solvent mixture decreased significantly over a two week period, with 1-methoxy-2-propanol decreasing the most. The post-experimental density of all samples ranged from about 1.02 to about 1.1.

[0057] To understand whether varying the active ingredient loading rate would affect the bioperformance of the PGR compositions, two solvent components, methoxypropanol and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, selected for their favorable solubility properties, solidification properties, and compatibility with rhizobia, were mixed with various PGR compositions (4X). Propylene glycol was also included as a control sample, and each component was mixed with BHT (4X). Citric acid was excluded from all samples. The weight percentage of each PGR component mixed with each solvent component is shown in Table 7 below.

[0058]

[0059] The active ingredient loading of each PGR component was then measured via high performance liquid chromatography ("HPLC") to ensure that the active ingredient did not chemically decompose in the novel solvent composition. HPLC was performed using an Agilent 1260 apparatus with a diode array detector for active ingredient quantification.

[0060] The percent change between the amount of each active component initially added to the solvent component and the amount of each active component remaining after HPLC is indicated below in Table 8. As shown, the deviation for each composition was less than 1%.

[0061]

[0062]

[0063] The experimental results summarized above indicate that pre-existing PGR compositions exhibit improved chemical stability and increased solubility in several solvent compositions disclosed herein.

[0064] As used herein, the term "about", which modifies, for example, the amount, concentration, and range of a component in a composition / composition employed in an embodiment of the present disclosure, refers to a variation in the numerical amount, which may occur, for example, by typical measurement and processing procedures for preparing compounds, compositions / compositions, concentrates, or using formulations; by unexpected errors in these procedures; by differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the starting materials or components used to implement the method, and similar approximate considerations. The term "about" also encompasses amounts that differ due to aging of a formulation having a specific initial concentration or mixture, and amounts that differ due to mixing or processing a formulation having a specific initial concentration or mixture. In the case of modification with the term "about", the appended claims include equivalents of these amounts.

[0065] Similarly, it should be understood that in the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments, various features are sometimes combined together in a single embodiment for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure and facilitating understanding of one or more of the various aspects. However, these methods disclosed should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than those explicitly recited in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, aspects of the present invention lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, and each embodiment described herein may contain more than one feature of the present invention.

[0066] Although the present disclosure provides reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A plant growth composition comprising: A solvent composition, wherein the solvent composition is selected from the group consisting of: 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 2-butoxyethanol; and An active ingredient combination, comprising auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin, wherein the active ingredient combination is formulated to increase plant growth, wherein the solvent composition comprises 95% to 99% by weight of the plant growth composition.

2. The plant growth composition of claim 1, wherein the solvent composition excludes butanol.

3. The plant growth composition of claim 1, wherein the solvent composition excludes citric acid.

4. The plant growth composition of claim 1, wherein the solvent composition excludes lactic acid.

5. The plant growth composition of claim 1, wherein the solvent composition excludes propylene glycol.

6. The plant growth composition of claim 1, wherein the solvent composition excludes biodegradable polymers and / or polyols.

7. The plant growth composition of claim 1, wherein the solvent composition is compatible with plant growth promoting microorganisms.

8. The plant growth composition of claim 7, wherein the plant growth promoting microorganism comprises Rhizobium.

9. The plant growth composition of claim 1, wherein the combination of active ingredients is completely soluble in the solvent composition.

10. The plant growth composition of claim 1, wherein the combination of active ingredients does not degrade within the solvent composition at 54°C for at least 2 weeks.

11. The plant growth composition of claim 1, wherein the boiling point of the solvent composition is at least 100°C and less than 180°C.

12. The plant growth composition of claim 1, wherein the plant growth composition is configured to be applied directly to a plant seed.

13. A method for improving plant growth, the method comprising: A growth composition is applied to a plant seed, the growth composition comprising: A solvent composition, wherein the solvent composition is selected from the group consisting of: 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 2-butoxyethanol; and An active ingredient combination, the active ingredient combination comprising auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin; and growing the plant seeds into mature plants, wherein the solvent composition comprises 95 wt % to 99 wt % of the growth composition.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the plant comprises a soybean plant, a corn plant, a wheat plant, a barley plant, an alfalfa plant, or a combination thereof.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the active ingredient combination comprises an auxin, a gibberellin, a cytokinin, or a combination thereof.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the solvent composition excludes butanol, citric acid, lactic acid, and propylene glycol.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the boiling point of the solvent composition is at least 100°C and less than 180°C.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the solvent composition is compatible with Rhizobium.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the growth composition further comprises ethyl acetate, butyl lactate, lactic acid, or n-butylpyrrolidone as a solvent component.

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