Method for fungus inhibition on living plants using carboxylic acids and salts thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting fungal growth on a living angiosperm, preferably turfgrass, tulip or banana, said method comprising contacting said living angiosperm with an effective amount of a composition comprising a carboxylic acid of formula (I) or a salt thereof wherein R is H, Ph, Ar or C1-C60 alkyl, preferably calcium propionate. The invention also relates to a living plant product in contact with a composition comprising a carboxylic acid of formula (I) or a salt thereof. # imgabs0 #

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising a carboxylic acid or a salt thereof to inhibit the growth of microorganisms on living plants. The present invention also relates to a living plant product contacted with a composition comprising a carboxylic acid or a salt thereof. Background Art

[0002] Control of microbial growth and the plant diseases it causes has received great attention in a variety of plant and agricultural fields, such as, for example, the production and maintenance of ornamental plants, turfgrass, vegetables, cereals, and fruit crops. Overcoming microbial growth and disease is important for achieving optimal plant growth, development, and production. Microbial destruction of valuable plants continues to be a threat to food supplies, and rapid population growth has put pressure on the need to increase food production to prevent starvation.

[0003] Additionally, over the past several decades, increased population growth and urbanization have led to the widespread planting of turfgrass as a means of enhancing the functional, recreational, and aesthetic value of urban spaces. This growth has made the cultivation and maintenance of turfgrass a significant horticultural industry in North America, with annual expenditures reaching $45 billion. Maintaining healthy turfgrass is of interest to consumers not only for private residences but also for businesses. Perhaps the most prominent commercial market for turfgrass is the golf industry, where course managers are committed to maintaining large expanses of flawless, healthy green turfgrass.

[0004] In addition to many other living plants and crops, turfgrass is susceptible to many common diseases, such as dollar spot, brown patch, summer patch, take-all patch and stem rust. Dollar spot is one of the more common diseases faced by turfgrass managers during the growing season. It is a foliar disease that affects both warm and cool season turfgrasses around the world. All major cool season turfgrass types can be infected with dollar spot. Some turfgrass types are more susceptible to dollar spot, such as cultivars of some creeping bentgrass or seashore paspalum. Except seashore paspalum, other warm season turfgrasses affected are bermudagrass, zoysiagrass and centipedegrass.

[0005] Depending on the turfgrass type and the area of ​​management (golf course, sports field or home lawn), dollar spot can cause varying degrees of turfgrass damage, ranging from wilted, discolored leaves in a home lawn to severe scarring on golf course greens. In these cases, dollar spot can destroy the overall aesthetics of the turfgrass and negatively affect the playability of the surface by causing harmful scarring.

[0006] Dollar spot is a foliar disease that causes leaf wilt. Depending on the mowing height, the symptoms of this disease may look different. For higher turf cuttings, the initial symptoms begin as small tan lesions that are red to maroon at the edges that usually span the entire leaf. In some cases, the lesions may have an hourglass-shaped appearance. The diameter of the infected area can range from 1-12 inches. In lower turf cuttings, symptoms first appear as circular tan spots that are approximately 1 inch in diameter. These spots can aggregate into larger infected areas. One of the signs of dollar spot is the presence of white mycelium on the leaves after heavy dew in the morning.

[0007] Keeping turfgrass healthy and reducing stress (e.g., through soil compaction) can help reduce observed damage. Proper watering and correcting fertilizer deficiencies (especially phosphorus and potassium) can also sometimes help reduce damage caused by microorganisms. However, the reduction in damage is minimal and in many cases cannot be completely eliminated.

[0008] Pesticides can also be used to protect living plants from damage by microorganisms and insects. However, these pesticides are often toxic chemicals that have a negative impact on the environment and have potential harmful effects on the health and welfare of consumers who take food from treated crops. For example, the fungicide thiophanate-methyl (the active ingredient in many pesticides) is highly toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates, mollusks and shrimps, and therefore the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has restricted its use in turfgrass and other crops to reduce the risk of damaging aquatic ecosystems. As another example, some pesticides have been shown to be "endocrine disruptors", i.e., adverse effects on the endocrine hormone system of the human body, which may be permanent in some cases, and may even appear at low doses or after exposure for a long time. (Vincelli, P. et al., "Chemical Control of Turfgrass Diseases 2017," pp.1-32, available at http: / / www2.ca.uky.edu / agcomm / pubs / ppa / ppa1 / ppa1.PDF).

[0009] It is also well known that microorganisms eventually become immune to many manufactured pesticides. Fungicide resistance in diseases such as dollar spot is a common problem in golf courses, and how to control fungicide resistance is a complex and controversial topic that has not yet been definitively answered. (Geunhwa, J. et al., Golf Course Management Magazine, 2008 pp. 117-121).

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for improved methods of inhibiting microbial growth on living plants that are environmentally friendly, less toxic, and do not result in microbial immunity or prolong the time to achieve microbial immunity. Summary of the invention

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for inhibiting microbial growth on living plants that is simultaneously environmentally friendly, less toxic, does not induce microbial immunity, prolongs the time to achieve microbial immunity, or a combination thereof.

[0012] Thus, disclosed herein is a method of inhibiting microbial growth on a living plant, the method comprising contacting the living plant with an effective amount of a composition comprising a carboxylic acid of formula (I) or a salt thereof:

[0013]

[0014] Where R is H, Ph, Ar or C1-C 60 alkyl.

[0015] Also disclosed herein is a living plant product contacted with a composition comprising a carboxylic acid of formula (I) or a salt thereof.

[0016] Other purposes and advantages of the present invention will be explained in part in the following description, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned through the practice of the present invention. The purposes and advantages of the present invention will be realized and obtained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0017] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1A Shown is the growth of M. poae three days after inoculation in the presence of 0.1-0.5% (w / v) calcium propionate (CaP).

[0019] Figure 1B Shown is the growth of P. mesonas in the presence of 0.1-0.5% (w / v) calcium propionate (CaP) seven days after inoculation.

[0020] Figure 2A Shown is the growth inhibition of M. poae at 2 days post inoculation in the presence of 0.5-4.0% (w / v) calcium propionate (CaP).

[0021] Figure 2B Shown is the inhibition of P. melongena growth at 5 days post inoculation in the presence of 0.5-4.0% (w / v) calcium propionate (CaP).

[0022] Figure 2C Shown is the inhibition of S. homoeocarpa growth 2 days after inoculation in the presence of 0.5-4.0% (w / v) calcium propionate (CaP).

[0023] Figure 2D Shown is the inhibition of Xanthomonas punctata growth at 5 days post inoculation in the presence of 0.5-4.0% (w / v) calcium propionate (CaP).

[0024] Figure 3 Shown are the effects of untreated and 1%, 2% and 5% (w / v) calcium propionate (CaP) in active cultures of R. solani, Psoralea corylifolia and Psoralea corylifolia three days after removal of the CaP.

[0025] Figure 4 Shown are the effects of 1%, 2% and 5% (w / v) calcium propionate (CaP) in active cultures of Rhizoctonia solani, Psoralea corylifolia, G. graminis and Psoralea corylifolia 14 days after removal of the CaP.

[0026] Figure 5A Shown is the growth inhibition of F. oxysporum in the presence of 15% (w / v) calcium propionate (CaP) over a period of 2 days.

[0027] Figure 5B Shown is the growth inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum in the presence of 15% (w / v) calcium propionate (CaP) over a period of 4 days.

[0028] Figure 5C Shown is the growth inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum in the presence of 15% (w / v) calcium propionate (CaP) over 5 days.

[0029] Figure 5D Shown is the growth inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum in the presence of 15% (w / v) calcium propionate (CaP) over 7 days. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms on living plants using a carboxylic acid composition. The present invention also relates to a living plant product contacted with a carboxylic acid composition. In one embodiment of the present invention, the carboxylic acid composition of the present invention comprises a carboxylic acid or a salt thereof. The carboxylic acid composition of the present invention may comprise a carboxylic acid or a salt thereof of formula (I):

[0031]

[0032] Where R is H, phenyl (Ph), Ar or C1-C 60 In one embodiment of the present invention, C1-C 60 The alkyl group is substituted with at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, At, O, S, S(O), SO2, N, P, P(O), Si, Si(O), B, Al and combinations thereof. Preferably, Ar is C6 or C 12 The aryl or heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted, wherein the heteroatom may be O or N, and the substituents may be selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, At, SO2, NH2, NHR, NR2, and combinations thereof, wherein R is as defined herein. In another embodiment of the present invention, C1-C 60 In another embodiment of the present invention, the C1-C 60 The alkyl group is substituted with two Cl substituents.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, R is H or C1-C 10 In another embodiment of the present invention, R is a C1-C8 alkyl. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, R is a C3 alkyl.

[0034] Unless otherwise indicated, the term "alkyl" means a straight or branched acyclic or cyclic hydrocarbon group or combinations thereof, which may be fully saturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, and may include divalent and polyvalent groups, having a specified number of carbon atoms (e.g., C 1-10 The term "alkyl" refers to an alkyl radical having one to ten carbon atoms, and may be substituted or unsubstituted. Examples of saturated alkyl radicals include groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, cyclohexyl, (cyclohexyl) methyl, cyclopropylmethyl, for example, homologues and isomers of n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, etc. Unsaturated alkyl radicals are alkyl radicals with one or more double or triple bonds. Examples of unsaturated alkyl radicals include vinyl, 2-propenyl, crotyl, 2-isopentenyl, 2-(butadienyl), 2,4-pentadienyl, 3-(1,4-pentadienyl), ethynyl, 1-propynyl and 3-propynyl, 3-butynyl and higher homologues and isomers.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the carboxylic acid is propionic acid and has the following formula (II):

[0036]

[0037] The carboxylic acids useful in the compositions of the present invention may be formulated with any agriculturally acceptable salt. Examples of salts include, for example, metal salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium salts, ammonium salts such as isopropylammonium salts, and trialkylsulfonium salts such as trimethylsulfonium salts.

[0038] Carboxylates useful in the present invention may include, for example, +2 , Ba +2 ,La +3 、Cd +2 , Pb +2 、Co +2 , Mn +2 、Ce +4 Mg +2 、Zn +2 , Cu +2 , Fe +3 , Fe +2 、Ni +2 , Sr +2 ,La +3 , Li +1 、Na +1 , K +1 , Rb +1 , Cs +1 、Fr +1 、Be +2 , Ra +2 、Al +3 NH4 + NH3R + NH2R2 + 、NHR3 + 、NR4 + (wherein R is as defined herein) etc. Exemplary salts may be alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts and or ammonium salts. Alkali metal ions include Li +1 、Na +1 , K +1 , Rb +1 , Cs +1 and Fr. +1 . Alkaline earth metal ions include Be +2 Mg +2 , Ca +2 , Sr + , Ba +2 and Ra +2 Ammonium salts include primary ammonium salts, secondary ammonium salts, tertiary ammonium salts and quaternary ammonium salts, such as NH4 + NH3R+ NH2R2 + 、NHR3 + 、NR4 + , wherein R is as defined herein.

[0039] In one embodiment, the carboxylic acid composition of the present invention comprises a calcium salt of a carboxylic acid. In another embodiment of the present invention, the carboxylic acid composition of the present invention comprises calcium propionate. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the carboxylic acid composition of the present invention comprises propionic acid or a salt thereof.

[0040] The carboxylic acid composition may also include an agriculturally suitable carrier. An agriculturally suitable carrier may be a liquid, solid or surfactant. Examples of solid carriers are described in Watkins et al., Handbook of Insecticide Dust Diluents and Carriers, 2nd edition, Dorland Books, Caldwell, NJ. Examples of liquid carriers are described in Marsden, Solvents Guide, 2nd edition, Interscience, New York, 1950. McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual, Allured Publ. Corp., Ridgewood, NJ and Sisely and Wood, Encyclopedia of Surface Active Agents, Chemical Publ. Co., Inc., New York, 1964 lists surfactants and recommended uses. The carboxylic acid composition may also contain additives to reduce foam, caking, corrosion, microbial growth, etc., or contain thickeners to increase viscosity.

[0041] Surfactants include, for example, polyethoxylated alcohols, polyethoxylated alkylphenols, polyethoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters, dialkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, silicones, N,N-dialkyl taurates, lignin sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensates, polycarboxylates, and polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene block copolymers.

[0042] Solid carriers include, for example, ground corn cobs, clays (such as bentonite, montmorillonite, attapulgite and kaolin), starch, sugar, silica, talc, diatomaceous earth, urea, calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and sodium sulfate.

[0043] Liquid carriers include, for example, water, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, N-alkylpyrrolidone, ethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, paraffin, alkylbenzene, alkylnaphthalene, oils of olive, castor, linseed, tung, sesame, corn, peanut, cottonseed, soybean, rapeseed and coconut, fatty acid esters, ketones such as cyclohexanone, 2-heptanone, isophorone and 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, and alcohols such as methanol, cyclohexanol, decanol and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol.

[0044] The formulation of the carboxylic acid composition can be selected to conform to the physical properties of the carboxylic acid, the mode of application and environmental factors (such as soil type, moisture and temperature). Available formulations include liquids such as solutions (including emulsifiable concentrates), suspensions, emulsions (including microemulsions and / or suspoemulsions), etc., which can be optionally thickened into gels.

[0045] Available formulations also include solids such as dusts, powders, granules, pills, tablets, films, etc., which may be water-dispersible ("wettable") or water-soluble. The carboxylic acid composition may be microencapsulated calcium propionate, and further formed into a suspension or solid formulation; alternatively, the entire formulation may be encapsulated calcium propionate (or "external coating"). Encapsulated calcium propionate solutions may control or delay the release of active ingredients. Sprayable formulations may be deployed in a suitable medium and used in spray volumes of one liter to several hundred liters per hectare. High-strength formulations are primarily used as intermediates for further formulation.

[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, the carboxylic acid composition is a liquid preparation. In another embodiment of the invention, the carboxylic acid composition comprises water as a carrier. Carboxylic acid and / or its salt can be present in a liquid preparation or water with a concentration range of 0.1% to 50% (w / v), 0.5% to 25% (w / v), 0.1% to 12% (w / v) or 5% to 12% (w / v). In one embodiment of the invention, the concentration of carboxylic acid and / or salt is about 5% (w / v).

[0047] The carboxylic acid compositions useful in the present invention may also be mixed with one or more fertilizers, pesticides, safeners, insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, bactericides, acaricides, growth regulators, chemosterilants, semiochemicals, repellents, attractants, pheromones, feeding stimulants or other biologically active compounds. Examples of such agricultural protective agents that can be formulated with the carboxylic acid compositions of the present invention are insecticides such as abamectin, acephate, azinphos-methyl, bifenthrin, buprofezin, carbofuran, chlorfenapyr, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, cyfluthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, chlorpyrifos-methyl ... cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, diafenthiuron, diazinon, diflubenzuron, dimethoate, esfenvalerate, fenoxycarb, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, fipronil, flucythrinate, taufenamide fluvalinate), fonophos, imidacloprid, isofenphos, malathion, metaldehyde, methamidophos, methidathion, methomyl, methoprene, methoxychlor, 7-chloro-2,5-dihydro-2-[[N-(methoxycarbonyl)-N-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino]carbonyl]indeno[1,2-e][1,3,4]oxadiazine-4a(3H)-carboxylic acid methyl ester (DPX-JW062), monocrotophos, oxamyl, parathion, parathion-methyl, permethrin, phorate, phosalone, phosmet,phosphamidon, pirimicarb, profenofos, rotenone, sulprofos, tebufenozide, tefluthrin, terbufos, tetrachlorvinphos, thiodicarb, tralomethrin, trichlorfon and triflumuron; fungicides such as azoxystrobin, benomyl, blasticidin-S, Bordeaux mixture (tribasic copper sulfate), bromuconazole, calcium propionate tafol, calcium propionatetan, carbendazim, chloroneb, chlorothalonil, copper oxychloride, oxychloride), copper salts, cymoxanil, cyproconazole, cyprodinil (CGA 219417), diclomezine, dicloran, difenoconazole, dimethomorph, diniconazole, diniconazole-M, dodine, edifenphos, epoxiconazole (BAS480F), famoxadone, fenarimol, fenbuconazole, fenpiclon il), fenpropidin, fenpropimorph, fluazinam, fluguinconazole, flusilazole, flutolanil, flutriafol, folpet, fosetyl-aluminum, furaxyl, hexaconazole, ipconazole, iprobenfos, iprodione,isoprothiolane, kasugamycin, kresoxim-methyl, mancozeb, maneb, mepronil, metalaxyl, metconazole, S-7-benzothiazole thiocarboxylic acid methyl ester (CGA245704), myclobutanil, neo-asozin (ferric methyl arsenate), oxadixyl, penconazole, pencycuron, probenazole, prochloraz, propiconazole, pyrifenox, pyroquilon, quinoxyfen, spiroxamine (KWG4168), sulfur, tebuconazole, fluazifop ( tetraconazole, thiabendazole, thiophanate-methyl, thiram, triadimefon, triadimenol, tricyclazole, triticonazole, validamycin and vinclozolin; nematicides such as aldoxycarb and fenamiphos; fungicides such as streptomycin; acaricides such as amitraz, chinomethionat, chlorobenzilate, cyhexatin, dicofol, dienochlor, etoxazole, fenazaquin, fenbutatin oxide), fenpropathrin, fenpyroximate, hexythiazox, propargite, pyridaben, and tebufenpyrad; and biological agents.

[0048] In some cases, combinations with fungicides having similar spectrum of control but different modes of action will be particularly advantageous for inhibiting microbial growth.

[0049] The formulations of the invention are used in conventional ways, for example by watering, spraying, atomizing, spreading, brushing and in powder form for dry seed treatment, in solution form for seed treatment, in water-soluble powder form for seed treatment, in water-soluble powder form for slurry treatment, encapsulation or by encrustation. In one embodiment of the invention, the carboxylic acid composition is contacted with living plants by spraying.

[0050] The methods and products of the present invention can be used to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. The terms "inhibit" microbial growth or "materials that inhibit" microbial growth are used to mean materials that prevent microbial growth or subsequently kill microorganisms to keep the population within acceptable limits, or materials that significantly hinder the microbial growth process or maintain the level of maintenance microorganisms at a specified level or range. Depending on the microorganism and its pathogenicity, the specified level can vary greatly; generally, it is preferred that the harmful organisms are present at such a level that any disease or multiple diseases caused by the microorganisms cannot be visually detected with 20 / 20 vision at a distance of more than one meter from the living plant. In one embodiment of the present invention, the microorganisms cannot be detected or are maintained at a level that is harmless to the living plant.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the microorganism is a fungus or a bacterium. The carboxylic acid composition of the present invention can be used to inhibit the growth of fungi belonging to the following categories: Ascomycetes (e.g. Venturia, Podosphaera, Erysiphe, Monilinia, Mycosphaerella, Uncinula); Basidiomycetes (e.g. Hemileia, Rhizoctonia, Phakopsora, Puccinia, Ustilago, Tilletia); Fungiimperfecti (also known as Deuteromycetes); For example, Botrytis, Helminthosporium, Rhynchosporium, Fusarium, Septoria, Cercospora, Alternaria, Pyricularia and Pseudocercosporella; Oomycetes (for example, Phytophthora, Peronospora, Pseudoperonospora, Albugo, Bremia, Pythium, Pseudosclerospora and Plasmopara).

[0052] In another embodiment of the present invention, the microorganism is Scerotinia homoeocarpa, Rhizoctonia solani, Magnaporthe poae, Gaeumannomyces graminis, Puccinnia striiformis or Fusarium Oxysporum.

[0053] Specific examples of diseases caused by microorganisms include gray snow mold (Typhula spp.), pink snow mold (Microdochium nivale), leaf spot (Drechslera and Bipolaris), red thread (Laetisaria fuciformis), dollar spot (dollar spot), brown spot (Rhizoctonia solani), large patch (Rhizoctonia solani), pink patch (Limonomyces roseipellis), gray leaf spot (Pyricularia grisea), anthracnose (Colletotrichum cereale), phythium blight (Pythium spp.), red leaf spot (Dreschslera erythrospila), brown ringpatch (Waitea circinata), powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis), slime mold (e.g., Physarum cinereum), summer spot (Physarum graminis), take-all spot (Aspergillus graminearum), necrotic ring spot (Ophiosphaerella spp.), yellow patch (Rhizoctonia cerealis), melting out (Dreschslera and Bipolaris), smut diseases (Ustilago spp.), and rusts (Puccinnia spp.) such as stem rust (Puccinnia striiformis) and panama disease or tropical race (TR4) or fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum).

[0054] According to the present invention, "non-living" generally applies to plants that once had but no longer have a physical lifespan, while "living" or "alive" applies to plants that have a physical lifespan, i.e., living plants are plants that are actively growing (or capable of actively growing) compared to harvested plant material and, for example, still have functional roots. By way of example only, lawn grass that has been cut by a lawn mower and thus separated from its roots is "non-living", while the part of the lawn grass that is still growing in a growing medium (e.g., soil) is "alive" or "alive". Similarly, according to the present invention, plants such as alfalfa, hay, peanuts, wheat, corn, cereals, etc. that have been cut for consumption, for example, are "non-living". By way of example only, "living" plants according to the present invention may include lawn grass turf when growing in a surface growing medium (e.g., soil), as well as lawn grass turf when cut horizontally into thin layers for use in places other than growing. In other words, lawn grass in the form of turf is not "non-living" according to the present invention simply because it is removed from the surface soil in a thin layer, because the lawn grass turf can be transported and continue to grow in a new location.

[0055] According to the present invention, living "plants" include both angiosperms and gymnosperms. Living "plants" may include, for example, grapevines; cereals such as wheat, barley, rye or oats; beets such as sugar beets or fodder beets; fruits such as pome, stone or soft fruit, for example apples, pears, plums, peaches, almonds, cherries, strawberries, raspberries or blackberries; leguminous plants such as beans, lentils, peanuts, alfalfa, peas or soybeans; oil crops such as rapeseed, mustard, olives, sunflowers, coconuts, castor oil plants, cocoa beans or groundnuts; cucumber plants such as gourds, cucumbers or melons; fiber plants such as bananas, ... The term "plant" refers to a plant of the family A, B, C, D, or C. The term "plant" refers to a plant of the family A, B, C, D, or C. The term "plant" refers to a plant of the family A, B, C, D, or C. The term "plant" refers to a plant of the family A, B, C, D, or C. The term "plant" refers to a plant of the family A, B, C, D, D, D, D. The term "plant" refers to a plant of the family A, B, C ...

[0056] In one embodiment of the invention, the living plant is an angiosperm. In another embodiment of the invention, the living plant is mature. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the living plant is lawn grass. As used herein, the term "lawn grass" refers to cultivated grasses that provide ground cover, such as turf or lawn that is periodically cut or mowed to maintain a consistent height.

[0057] Examples of cool season turfgrasses include, but are not limited to, bluegrasses (Poa spp.), such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), supina bluegrass (Poa asupina), rough bluegrass (Poa trivialis L.), Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa L.), annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.), dryland bentgrass (Agrostis castellena), upland bluegrass (Poa glaucantha Gaudin), wood bluegrass (Poa nemoralis L.), and bulbous bluegrass (Poa bulbosa L.); bentgrasses and redtop (Agrostis spp.), such as creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds or Agrostisstolonifera), colonial bentgrass (Agrostis tenuis Sibth.), velvet bentgrass (Agrostis canina L.), South German Mixed Bentgrass (Agrostis tenius sibth., Agrostis canina L. and Agrostis palustris Huds.), and redtop (Agrostis alba L.); fescues (Festuca spp.), such as red fescue (Festuca rubra L.spp.rubra), creeping fescue (Festuca rubra L.), chewing fescue (Festuca rubracommutata Gaud.), sheep fescue (Festuca ovina L.), hard fescue (Festuca longifolia Thuill.), hair fescue (Festuca calciumpropionateillata Lam.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), meadow fescue (Festuca elanor L.); ryegrasses (Lolium spp.), such as annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.); and wheatgrasses (Agropyron spp.), such as fairway wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.), crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum (Fisch.) Schult.) and western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii Rydb.). Other cool-season turfgrasses include beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata Fern.), smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), cattails such as Timothy (Phleum pratense L.), sand cattail (Phleum subulatum L.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), weeping alkaligrass (Puccinellia distans (L.) Parl.), and crested dog'ccs-tail (Cynosurus cristatus L.).

[0058] Examples of warm season turfgrasses include Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp. LCRich), Zoysia spp. Willd., St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum Walt Kuntze), Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides Munro Hack.), Carpetgrass (Axonopus affinis Chase), Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge), Kikuyugrass (Pennisetumclandestinum Hochst. ex Chiov.), Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloids (Nutt.) Engelm.), Blue gramma (Bouteloua gracilis (HBK) Lag. ex Griffiths), Seashore paspalum (Seashore paspalum) (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) and Sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx. Torr.)).

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the carboxylic acid composition of the present invention is contacted with a cool-season turfgrass. In another embodiment of the present invention, the cool-season turfgrass is selected from the group consisting of varieties of fescue, rye, and Kentucky bluegrass.

[0060] The living plant can be contacted with the carboxylic acid composition of the present invention every day, every week, every 10 days, every two weeks or every month. Any treatment scheme can be followed, as long as the best inhibition of microbial growth and / or disease is obtained. In one embodiment of the invention, the carboxylic acid composition is contacted with the living plant approximately every 2 to 30 days, 5 to 21 days, 7 to 21 days or 7 to 14 days. In the colder season, the processing can be less frequent.

[0061] One or more parts of a living plant can be contacted with the carboxylic acid composition of the present invention, such as leaves, crowns, roots, runners, stems, foliage, fruits, seeds, seedlings, tubers or bulbs. In one embodiment of the present invention, the carboxylic acid composition is contacted with at least a portion of lawn grass, the portion being selected from the group consisting of leaves, crowns, runners, roots and combinations thereof. In another embodiment of the present invention, a living plant is growing in or will grow in a medium (e.g., soil or sand) therein and contacts the carboxylic acid composition of the present invention.

[0062] The carboxylic acid composition of the present invention can be applied in a spray form by conventional methods, such as conventional high gallon hydraulic spray, low gallon spray, air blast, air spray and dusting. The dilution and application rate will depend on the type of equipment used, the required application method and frequency and the disease to be controlled. The carboxylic acid composition of the present invention can be applied in the range of 2 to 50 gallons / 1000 square meters.

[0063] An effective amount of the carboxylic acid or salt thereof in the carboxylic acid compositions according to the present invention for application to lawn grass and other similar living plant areas is typically from about 0.1 to about 30 grams per square meter of area to be treated, from about 1.0 to about 10 grams per square meter of area to be treated, from about 2.5 to about 7.5 grams per square meter of area to be treated, or from about 3.0 to 5.0 grams per square meter of area to be treated.

[0064] In another embodiment, the effective amount of the carboxylic acid or its salt in the carboxylic acid composition according to the present invention for application to seeds is about 10 to about 20 grams per 50 kilograms of seeds. In yet another embodiment, the effective amount of the carboxylic acid or its salt in the carboxylic acid composition according to the present invention can be incorporated into the soil or applied to the soil surface at a dosage rate of about 0.5 kg to about 300 kg or about 1 kg to about 75 kg per hectare.

[0065] The present invention also relates to a living plant product contacted with a composition comprising a carboxylic acid or a salt thereof of formula (I). In one embodiment of the present invention, the living plant product is a lawn grass turf contacted with a carboxylic acid or a salt thereof of formula (I), such as propionic acid or calcium propionate. In another embodiment of the present invention, the living plant product is soil contacted with a carboxylic acid or a salt thereof of formula (I), such as propionic acid or calcium propionate. In another embodiment of the present invention, the living plant product is a flower bulb (such as a tulip bulb) contacted with a carboxylic acid or a salt thereof of formula (I), such as propionic acid or calcium propionate. In another embodiment of the present invention, the living plant product is a banana contacted with a carboxylic acid or a salt thereof of formula (I), such as propionic acid or calcium propionate. Therefore, the method of the present invention can be used to inhibit fungal growth in the environment of a living plant. The preferred features of each embodiment described herein can be combined with the preferred features of other embodiments described herein. Example

[0066] The following examples are not intended to be limiting, and represent certain embodiments of the invention.

[0067] Example 1

[0068] The effective dose range of calcium propionate treatment against new infections in semisolid media was determined by inhibition zone assay: 0.1-0.5% calcium propionate (w / v) dose range

[0069] Liquid cultures of four common microorganisms were prepared and listed below along with the diseases they cause in turfgrass:

[0070]

[0071] To test the efficacy of calcium propionate (CaP) against the four microorganisms listed above, an inhibition zone assay was performed. Potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates were punched and then amended with 100 μL / well of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% (w / v) calcium propionate. Control plates were amended with 100 μL / well of dH2O. Plates were inoculated with plugs from active cultures. Growth patterns were observed over seven days. Three days after inoculation ( Figure 1A ) and seven days after vaccination ( Figure 1B ) shows representative results for summer leaf spot pathogen.

[0072] like Figure 1A and 1B As shown, no growth inhibition was observed. Similar results were observed with Phyllosporium graminearum, Aspergillus graminearum, and Rhizoctonia solani. This experiment demonstrates that calcium propionate at a concentration of 0.5% (w / v) or less is not effective as a fungicidal treatment.

[0073] Example 2

[0074] The effective dose range of calcium propionate treatment against new infections in semisolid media was determined by inhibition zone assay: 0.5-4% calcium propionate (w / v) dose range

[0075] The inhibition zone assay described in Example 1 was performed using calcium propionate doses of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% (w / v). Growth diameters were recorded 2, 5 and 7 days after inoculation. The data shown in Table 1 represent the mean ± standard deviation (SD) of two replicate plates for each test strain.

[0076] Table 1

[0077]

[0078] As shown in Table 1 and Figures 2A-2DAs shown, X. dollar spot and X. serrata showed significant growth inhibition over a seven-day growth period. Growth inhibition was observed starting two days after inoculation ( Figure 2A and 2C ), with significant inhibition shown at five days ( Figure 2B and 2D ). Growth at five days was clearly directed toward the 0.5-1% (w / v) calcium propionate wells, indicating an inhibitory effect at concentrations of 2-4% (w / v).

[0079] As shown in Table 1, seven days after inoculation, the growth of P. solani in the presence of calcium propionate was measured to be 6.08 ± 0.57 cm, compared to 8.5 ± 0 cm for the control plates. P. solani was inhibited to a similar extent. The G. graminearum inoculum showed growth inhibition at 2 and 5 days after inoculation; however, no growth differences were observed between the calcium propionate amended plates and the control plates at 7 days after inoculation. In contrast to the growth inhibition observed in the other three strains, R. solani growth was not inhibited in the presence of calcium propionate.

[0080] The inhibition zone experiments were repeated to confirm the effect of 2-4% (w / v) calcium propionate on the growth inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results of these experiments were mixed, with inhibition observed in the 2-4% (w / v) range, but not consistently (data not shown). These inconsistent results suggest that calcium propionate concentrations in the 2-4% range were insufficient to inhibit the growth of newly started cultures.

[0081] Example 3

[0082] The effective dose range of calcium propionate treatment against new infections in semisolid media was determined by inhibition zone assay: 5-12% calcium propionate (w / v) dose range

[0083] As described above, the inhibition zone assays were performed using PDA plates amended with 5-12% (w / v) calcium propionate. As a control, plates were amended with a composition comprising propiconazole, a commonly used fungicidal treatment for microbial infections of turfgrass sold under the trademark Banner The growth diameter was recorded 13 days after inoculation. The data shown in Table 2 represent the mean ± standard deviation (SD) of three replicate plates for each strain tested. Inocula of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Rhizoctonia solani typically grew into vigorous cultures covering the entire surface of the plate within 7 days (8.5 cm growth). Graminoides is a slower growing strain, reaching vigorous growth in 12-14 days.

[0084] After seven days of growth in the presence of 5-12% (w / v) calcium propionate, significant growth inhibition was observed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aspergillus graminearum (4.3 ± 0.3 cm, 3.1 ± 0.4 cm, and 4.0 ± 0.6 cm, respectively). Growth inhibition persisted until day 10; however, by day 13, inhibition subsided and the culture became vigorous. In contrast, no inhibition of Rhizoctonia solani growth was observed at calcium propionate concentrations up to 12% (w / v) (Table 2). As expected, cultures inoculated in 1% Banner 1 supplemented with 6% Banner 1 were not significantly inhibited. Cultures on plates containing propiconazole also showed growth inhibition. Repeated experiments testing 5-12% (w / v) calcium propionate concentrations showed similar results, indicating that this range of calcium propionate concentrations is effective as an antifungal agent against newly established microbial infections for up to 10 days.

[0085] Table 2

[0086]

[0087] Example 4

[0088] To determine the effective dose range of calcium propionate treatment against new infections in semisolid media containing uniformly distributed calcium propionate.

[0089] Compared to the inhibition zone assay described in Examples 1-3, for this experiment, a PDA with calcium propionate fully integrated into the agarose was prepared. Thus, the inoculum was grown on plates where calcium propionate was incorporated throughout the plate at a uniform concentration, rather than a concentration zone established by simple diffusion as in the inhibition zone assay. PDA plates were amended with 5, 7.5, 10, or 12% (w / v) calcium propionate. Growth diameters were recorded 15 days after inoculation. The data shown in Table 3 represent the results of a single plate test.

[0090] Compared to what was observed with the inhibition zone assay, inocula of Rhizoctonia solani showed significant growth inhibition at 5% and 7.5% (w / v) calcium propionate concentrations after 15 days of observation (4.6 cm and 2.0 cm, respectively, compared to 8.5 cm growth after 7 days without calcium propionate). 10% and 12% (w / v) calcium propionate concentrations completely inhibited growth for up to 15 days. Plates inoculated with Psoralea corylifolia, Psoralea corylifolia, or Aspergillus graminearum showed no growth at any of the calcium propionate concentrations tested. Repeated experiments showed similar results.

[0091] Overall, these data indicate that calcium propionate concentrations above 5% (w / v) are effective in preventing the growth of newly started cultures of three of the four tested microorganisms. In addition, these studies indicate that calcium propionate is also effective against Rhizoctonia solani at higher concentrations (above 10% (w / v)).

[0092] Table 3

[0093]

[0094] To determine whether the observed complete growth inhibition was due to the fungistatic or fungicidal effects of calcium propionate, the plug inoculum (described in Table 3 above) used to initiate the culture in the presence of calcium propionate was transferred to PDA plates without calcium propionate. The plates were observed for 14 days. After the transfer of plugs of Psoralea corylifolia, Psoralea corylifolia, and Aspergillus graminearum that were initially grown on 5, 7.5, 10, or 12% (w / v) calcium propionate, no growth was seen on the unamended PDA plates. Similarly, plugs of Rhizoctonia solani that did not show growth on 10% and 12% (w / v) calcium propionate did not grow when moved to a calcium propionate-free environment. In contrast, transfer of Rhizoctonia solani plugs that showed growth inhibition on 5% and 7.5% (w / v) calcium propionate plates resulted in vigorous growth 6-7 days after plug transfer. The data indicate that 5% (w / v) calcium propionate showed fungicidal effects on three of the four test microorganisms.

[0095] However, while this concentration of calcium propionate appeared to have a growth inhibitory effect on R. solani, it was fungistatic rather than fungicidal; 10-12% (w / v) calcium propionate was required to achieve fungicidal action against R. solani. The observed results demonstrate the efficacy of calcium propionate treatment on newly started cultures and suggest that calcium propionate can be used as a preventative treatment for turfgrass to prevent microbial infection and / or treat early-stage infection.

[0096] Example 5

[0097] The effective dose range of calcium propionate treatment against new infections in liquid culture medium containing a uniform distribution of calcium propionate was determined.

[0098] To examine the effective dose range in liquid culture, malt extract broth (MEB) was prepared and amended with calcium propionate at concentrations of 1, 2, 5 and 10% (w / v). Unamended MEB was used as a control for growth. Each of the four microorganisms identified in Example 1 was tested twice by inoculating the MEB with agar plugs from vigorous cultures. Growth was observed over five days. In each of the microorganisms examined, visible growth was evident in liquid culture on day 2 after inoculation, with growth established by 4 days in the absence of calcium propionate. In contrast, no growth was observed in cultures containing calcium propionate, even at the lowest dose of 1% (w / v). To confirm this result, experiments with similar results were repeated, indicating that calcium propionate agents as low as 1% (w / v) were effective in preventing the growth of new inocula in MEB liquid cultures.

[0099] Example 6

[0100] Efficacy of calcium propionate treatment against established microbial infections

[0101] To examine the effect of calcium propionate on established cultures of Psoralea corylifolia and Psoralea serrata, MEBs were inoculated with agar plugs as described previously. The cultures were grown for 10 days to establish a solid mycelial mat. After 10 days, the mycelial mat was disrupted by pipetting, thereby disrupting the mycelium (ruptured culture). One milliliter of the ruptured culture was transferred to MEBs amended with 1%, 2%, 5%, or 10% (w / v) calcium propionate. MEBs without calcium propionate were used as controls. After inoculation of the ruptured mycelium, the cultures were grown for five days.

[0102] No growth was observed in broken cultures of X. truncatula and X. serrata at all tested calcium propionate doses over five days, whereas broken cultures grown in the absence of calcium propionate showed vigorous growth. These data suggest that calcium propionate can effectively treat robust infections of at least two common microorganisms.

[0103] To further examine the effect of calcium propionate on established liquid cultures, MEBs were inoculated by plug transfer and the cultures were grown for one to six days. Thereafter, calcium propionate was added to active cultures at a final concentration of 1%, 2%, or 5% (w / v); control cultures had no calcium propionate. Calcium propionate was then added to established one to six day old cultures and the cultures were grown for two days in the presence of calcium propionate, after which the calcium propionate was washed away and the cultures returned to MEBs only. Growth after washing away the calcium propionate was recorded over 14 days.

[0104] Untreated control cultures showed normal growth patterns for all four tested microorganisms ( Figure 3 ). In calcium propionate treated cultures, growth was inhibited in the presence of calcium propionate at all tested concentrations. Three days after calcium propionate removal, Xanthomonas graminearum, Ulmus graminearum (data not shown), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed continued growth inhibition at all tested concentrations; in Rhizoctonia solani cultures, robust growth was observed after calcium propionate removal at the concentrations tested. These results indicate that short-term exposure to calcium propionate at concentrations of 1-5% (w / v) has a fungistatic effect on established cultures of Xanthomonas graminearum, Ulmus graminearum, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for at least three days after calcium propionate removal.

[0105] During further observation at 14 days, some growth recovery was observed ( Figure 4In cultures of G. graminearum, concentrations as low as 1% (w / v) appeared to have a fungicidal effect, as no growth was observed for up to two weeks after calcium propionate removal. In contrast, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed varying degrees of growth recovery at 1% or 2% (w / v) calcium propionate, while no growth recovery was observed after 5% (w / v) treatment, indicating a fungistatic effect at this concentration. Cultures of Rhizoctonia solani showed some minor growth inhibition over the course of two weeks at all concentrations tested, suggesting that higher calcium propionate concentrations may show efficacy against this strain ( Figure 4 ).

[0106] Example 7

[0107] The effective dose range of calcium propionate treatment against new infections in semisolid media was determined by inhibition zone assay: 1-15% calcium propionate (w / v) dose range

[0108] Cultures of Fusarium oxysporum were grown on PDA medium until vigorous. To test the effect of calcium propionate (CaP), fungal plugs were transferred to YPA or PDA amended with CaP, and growth was monitored for seven days. YPA plates were amended with 1%, 4%, or 15% CaP. Growth was unaffected in the presence of 1% CaP, while Fusarium oxysporum was unable to grow in the presence of 4% or 15% CaP (data not shown). Similar results were observed for growth on PDA amended with 15% calcium propionate (Figure 5). These results indicate that CaP concentrations above 4% are effective for inhibiting the growth of Fusarium oxysporum.

[0109] Example 8

[0110] Efficacy of calcium propionate treatment on infected live turfgrass cultivars

[0111] Golf Course 1

[0112] Calcium propionate was dissolved in water to form a 5% (w / v) solution. Live golf course turfgrass exhibiting severe dollar spot infection was divided into four areas. Area 1 was untreated, Area 2 was treated with 2.5 grams of calcium propionate / square meter, Area 3 was treated with 5 grams of calcium propionate / square meter, and Area 4 was treated with 10 grams of calcium propionate / square meter. The turfgrass consisted primarily of red fescue (Festuca rubra). A 5% (w / v) solution of calcium propionate was sprayed onto the turfgrass.

[0113] The four plots were visually inspected for dollar spot after 10 days. Dollar spot could no longer be visually detected in plots 2, 3, or 4. In contrast, dollar spot was still visually detectable in the untreated plot 1. A burning effect on the turfgrass was observed in plot 4. The turfgrass in plots 2 and 3 appeared healthy.

[0114] Thereafter, all plots (1-4) were treated with 5 g of calcium propionate / m2. A 5% (w / v) solution of calcium propionate was sprayed onto the turfgrass every 10 to 14 days. For a period of several months (late summer to early spring), dollar spot could not be visually detected in any of plots 1-4.

[0115] Golf Course 2

[0116] Calcium propionate was dissolved in water to form a 5% (w / v) solution. Live golf course turfgrass exhibiting both dollar spot and Fusarium oxysporum infection was treated. The turfgrass consisted primarily of hairy bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris). A 5% (w / v) solution of calcium propionate was sprayed onto the turfgrass every 10 days at a concentration of 3-4 g / m2. Ten days after the initial application, dollar spot and Fusarium oxysporum infection could no longer be visually detected and the turfgrass appeared healthy.

[0117] Numbered implementation plan

[0118] The following numbered implementations are provided:

[0119] 1. A method for inhibiting fungal growth on a living angiosperm, the method comprising contacting the living angiosperm with an effective amount of a composition comprising a carboxylic acid or a salt thereof of formula (I):

[0120]

[0121] wherein R is H, substituted or unsubstituted Ph, substituted or unsubstituted Ar, or substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched acyclic or cyclic C1-C 60 alkyl.

[0122] 2. The method according to embodiment 1, wherein R is (i) a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C 10 (ii) substituted or unsubstituted C1-C8 alkyl; (iii) substituted or unsubstituted C2-C6 alkyl; or (iv) substituted or unsubstituted C3 alkyl.

[0123] 3. A method according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein R is substituted by (i) at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of: F, Cl, Br, I, At, O, S, S(O), SO2, N, P, P(O), Si, Si(O), B, Al, and combinations thereof; or by (ii) at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of: H, F, Cl, Br, I, At, SO2, NH2, NHR, NR2, and combinations thereof.

[0124] 4. The method of embodiment 3, wherein R is substituted with (i) at least one Cl substituent; or (ii) at least two Cl substituents.

[0125] 5. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the alkyl group is a linear or branched, acyclic or cyclic hydrocarbon group or a combination thereof, which may be fully saturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, and may include divalent groups and polyvalent groups.

[0126] 6. A method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the saturated hydrocarbon radical is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, cyclohexyl, (cyclohexyl)methyl, cyclopropylmethyl, homologues and isomers of n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl; and the unsaturated alkyl radical is selected from the group consisting of vinyl, 2-propenyl, crotyl, 2-isopentenyl, 2-(butadienyl), 2,4-pentadienyl, 3-(1,4-pentadienyl), ethynyl, 1-propynyl and 3-propynyl, 3-butynylethyl and higher homologues and isomers.

[0127] 7. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the carboxylic acid of formula (I) or its salt comprises a carboxylic acid neutralized by a cation selected from the group consisting of: Ca +2 , Ba +2 ,La +3 、Cd +2 , Pb +2 、Co +2 , Mn +2 、Ce +4 Mg +2 、Zn +2 , Cu +2 , Fe +3 , Fe +2 、Ni +2 , Sr +2 ,La +3 , Li +1 、Na +1 , K +1 , Rb +1 , Cs +1 、Fr +1 、Be +2 , Ra +2 、Al +3 NH4 + NH3R + NH2R2 + 、NHR3 + and NR4 + .

[0128] 8. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the carboxylic acid is propionic acid.

[0129] 9. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the carboxylic acid of formula (I) or a salt thereof is calcium propionate.

[0130] 10. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the living angiosperm is (i) a lawn grass, (ii) a tulip bulb, or (iii) a banana plant.

[0131] 11. The method of any one of embodiment 10, wherein (i) 0.1 to 30 grams; (ii) 0.1 to 10 grams; (iii) 2.5 to 7.5 grams or (iv) 3 to 5 grams of the carboxylic acid or salt thereof is applied per square meter of the lawn grass, tulip bulbs or banana plants.

[0132] 12. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the living angiosperm is mature.

[0133] 13. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the composition further comprises water.

[0134] 14. A method according to embodiment 13, wherein the concentration of the carboxylic acid is (i) 0.1% to 50% (w / v); (ii) 0.5% to 25% (w / v); (iii) 0.1% to 12% (w / v); (iv) 5% to 12% (w / v); or about 5% (w / v).

[0135] 15. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the composition is administered once every one to three weeks.

[0136] 16. A method of inhibiting fungal growth on mature living turfgrass, the method comprising contacting the turfgrass with an effective amount of a composition comprising:

[0137] Propionic acid or its salts; and

[0138] water.

[0139] 17. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the propionic acid or a salt thereof is calcium propionate.

[0140] 18. The method of embodiment 16 or embodiment 17, wherein the composition is administered once every one to three weeks.

[0141] 19. A method according to embodiment 16, wherein the composition comprises calcium propionate at the following concentrations: (i) 0.1% to 15% (w / v); (ii) 0.1% to 12% (w / v); (iii) 5% to 12% (w / v); (iv) 0.1% to 0.5% (w / v); (v) 0.5% to 4%; (vi) 1% to 5%; (vii) 2% to 4%; or (viii) about 5% (w / v).

[0142] 20. The method of any one of embodiments 16 to 19, wherein the turf grass is a cool season turf grass.

[0143] 21. The method of any one of embodiments 16 to 20, wherein the fungus is selected from the group consisting of Scerotinia homoeocarpa, Rhizoctonia solani, Magnaporthe poae, Gaeumannomyces graminis, Puccinnia striiformis, or Fusarium oxysporum, and combinations thereof.

[0144] 22. The method of embodiment 21, wherein the fungus is Scerotinia homoeocarpa.

[0145] 23. The method of embodiment 17, wherein the amount of calcium propionate is contacted to 2.5 to 7.5 grams per square meter of turf grass.

[0146] 24. The method of embodiment 17, wherein the amount of calcium propionate is between 3.0 and 5.0 grams per square meter of turf grass contacted.

Claims

1. A method for inhibiting fungal growth on a living flower, the method comprising contacting the living flower with an effective amount of a composition consisting of calcium propionate and water, wherein the concentration of the calcium propionate is 5% to 12% (w / v).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the living flower is a tulip bulb.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the living flower is mature.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the concentration of calcium propionate is 5% (w / v).

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is administered once every one to three weeks.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the fungus is selected from the group consisting of Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, Rhizoctonia solani, Magnaporthe poae, Gaeumannomyces graminis, Puccinnia striiformis, Fusarium oxysporum, and combinations thereof.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the fungus is Sclerotiniahomoeocarpa.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is contacted with the living flower by spraying.

9. A method of inhibiting fungal growth on a living cereal plant, the method comprising contacting the living cereal plant with an effective amount of a composition consisting of calcium propionate and water, wherein the concentration of calcium propionate is 5% to 12% (w / v).

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the living cereal plant is (i) rye, (ii) wheat, (iii) barley or (iv) oats.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the living cereal plants are mature.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the concentration of calcium propionate is 5% (w / v).

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the composition is administered once every one to three weeks.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the fungus is selected from the group consisting of Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, Rhizoctonia solani, Magnaporthe poae, Gaeumannomyces graminis, Puccinnia striiformis, Fusarium oxysporum, and combinations thereof.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the fungus is Sclerotiniahomoeocarpa.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the composition is contacted with the living cereal plants by spraying.

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