Agricultural composition

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to agricultural compositions. In particular, the present disclosure relates to agricultural carrier compositions. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to agricultural carrier compositions that may be loaded with at least one antipathogenic agent and / or at least one biological control agent and / or fertilizer and / or a biological stimulant and / or inducer and / or a plant growth regulator and / or an insect repellant. The invention also relates to a preparation method of the substance. The agricultural composition may comprise a lactic acid (C2-C26) alkyl ester and / or a derivative thereof, a (C2-C22) alcohol, a humectant; and a nonionic and / or anionic surfactant. The agricultural composition may further comprise a binder to provide an agricultural carrier composition. The agricultural carrier composition may further be loaded with at least one antipathogenic agent and / or at least one biological control agent and / or a fertilizer and / or a biological stimulant and / or an inducer and / or a plant growth regulator and / or an insect repellant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to agricultural compositions. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to agricultural carrier compositions. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to agricultural carrier compositions that can be loaded with at least one antipathogen and / or at least one biological control agent and / or fertilizer and / or biostimulant and / or elicitor agent and / or plant growth regulator and / or anthelmintic. The present disclosure also relates to methods for making the above substances. Background Art

[0002] The phylum Nematoda is an extremely diverse phylum of animals that is ubiquitous in most ecosystems on Earth. In agriculture and horticulture, nematodes can be beneficial or harmful to plant health, depending on the species. Beneficial nematodes can be predatory and kill pests that would otherwise have a negative impact on plant health. Harmful nematodes can directly attack parts of the plant's anatomical structure and can also additionally or alternatively act as vectors for the spread of plant diseases.

[0003] Harmful nematodes can cause extensive crop damage and are difficult to control and / or kill. Harmful nematodes can also parasitize. Known plant parasitic nematodes include hollow mouth spears or stylets that are used to pierce plant cells to obtain food sources. Such plant parasitic nematodes secrete metabolites and / or proteins into the plant host, and it is noted that such plant parasitic nematodes induce host cell differentiation, provide feeding structures that promote nematode growth and reproduction, and lead to invasion and parasitism of plants. Known nematodes feed on the roots, stems, leaves, flowers and / or seeds of plants.

[0004] As traditional chemical nematicides are increasingly withdrawn from the market due to concerns about environmental and / or ecotoxicological effects, transgenic approaches have been used to ensure that transgenic plant crops express certain proteins that act as nematicides and / or nematicidal compositions. Transgenic approaches are expensive and are often inaccessible to farmers in developing countries due to prohibitive costs.

[0005] A variety of other methods for controlling and / or killing harmful nematodes are known, including traditional chemical methods, phytochemical methods and / or biological control methods, where biological control can be understood as the use of living organisms to suppress and / or reduce and / or inhibit and / or eliminate the population of a specific pest. Single-layered approaches usually have limited success, while multi-layered approaches can lead to unwanted side effects.

[0006] For example, in a multi-tiered approach, applying conventional synthetic compounds (or phytosanitary compounds) and biological control agents to plants (or soil) may well result in the synthetic or phytosanitary chemicals destroying or damaging the biological control agents.

[0007] Organic acids are known to have nematicidal and / or nematicidal activity against bacteria and fungi. However, it is also known that organic acids can be antibacterial and antifungal. Therefore, the choice of active agent in a multi-layered approach is extremely important.

[0008] Each component of a multi-tiered approach may have a different target and / or mode of action, such that when used together in a treatment regimen, the overall effect is effective control and / or eradication of nematodes. In some cases, synergy may exist, but it is not reasonably predictable given the different biochemical pathways and modes of action at the different target sites. The unpredictability of the success of a multi-tiered approach is very high.

[0009] Because nematodes are known to develop resistance to traditional chemical nematicides, a multi-layered approach can also be used to combat resistance.

[0010] In a multi-layered approach, careful selection of the ingredients is important to avoid situations where the ingredients counteract or disrupt each other. Additionally, in a multi-layered approach that includes multiple active agents for application to the plant (or soil surrounding the plant) in a treatment regimen, the timing of the application is also important to avoid the ingredients counteracting or interfering with each other's mode of action.

[0011] Typically, a multi-layered approach in a treatment program may involve applying different ingredients or actives separately over time. This is disadvantageous for farmers because it requires multiple applications, increased compaction of the soil by farm equipment, and extra time and labor. It also requires a highly technical understanding of how the ingredients interact and may counteract each other, which is disadvantageous in areas with low literacy or education levels.

[0012] Since it is disadvantageous to apply each component individually in a multi-layered approach, it is desirable to apply the different components simultaneously.

[0013] Any vector composition is of critical importance when considering the simultaneous application of different components in a multi-level approach. The chemical composition of the vector composition should not interact negatively with each individual component while still ensuring protection of each individual component until it is delivered to the desired target site on the plant (or in the soil), where its specific mode of action can promote nematode control (and / or destruction). The development of such vector compositions requires consideration of not only the physicochemical properties of the different components, but also the biochemical and physiological pathways, desired targets, and modes of action associated with the biological control agent. Similar multi-level approaches are also desirable in treatment protocols for the control and / or elimination of other plant pathogens and / or plant pests (including insects, larvae, worms, arachnids, bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.).

[0014] In addition, in a multi-layered approach using a vector composition, when different components are applied simultaneously, shelf-life considerations are also important. The vector composition itself is required to be stable and have a stable shelf-life, mainly when used in combination with a biological control agent (chemical or biological compound, metabolite, dormant or activated biological control agent). The individual components should not negatively interact with each other or with the vector composition in a way that would result in a shortened shelf-life. The chemical interactions between all the individual components must result in a stable composition. It is extremely difficult to predict shelf-life based on individual chemical and / or biochemical and / or microbiological components.

[0015] There is a need to provide more effective agricultural compositions in agricultural chemistry, especially in combating pests such as nematodes, insects, fungi, etc., there is a need to provide more effective multi-layered agricultural compositions.

[0016] Furthermore, there is a need to improve the performance of plant protection products and / or reduce the resistance of plant pathogens to these products.

[0017] Furthermore, there remains a need to increase agricultural yields and / or improve plant health of agricultural crops.

[0018] The disclosure described below is intended to improve at least one of the problems mentioned above and / or known in the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0019] In summary, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an agricultural composition comprising:

[0020] Lactic acid (C2–C 26 ) alkyl esters and / or their derivatives;

[0021] (C2-C 22 )alcohol;

[0022] Moisturizers; and

[0023] Nonionic and / or anionic surfactants.

[0024] The lactic acid (C2-C 26 ) alkyl ester can be lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters and / or their derivatives.

[0025] The lactic acid (C2–C 26) The alkyl ester and / or its derivative may be (but not limited to) at least one selected from the following: ethyl lactate, propyl lactate, butyl lactate, pentyl lactate, hexyl lactate, heptyl lactate, octyl lactate, nonyl lactate, decyl lactate, undecyl lactate, dodecyl lactate, tridecyl lactate, tetradecyl lactate, pentadecyl lactate, hexadecyl lactate, heptadecanyl lactate, octadecyl lactate, nonadecanyl lactate, eicosyl lactate, heneicosyl lactate and docosyl lactate, and / or derivatives thereof.

[0026] The lactic acid alkyl ester may be lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters or any combination and / or derivatives thereof. Preferably, the lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) The alkyl ester and / or its derivative may be (but not limited to) at least one selected from the following: lauryl lactate (dodecyl lactate), myristyl lactate (tetradecyl lactate), cetyl lactate (hexadecyl lactate) and lauryl lactylate.

[0027] Lactic acid (C2-C 26 ) alkyl ester and / or its derivative may be lactyl lactic acid (C2–C 26 ) alkyl esters and / or their derivatives.

[0028] Lactyl lactic acid (C2–C 26 ) alkyl ester and / or its derivatives may be (but not limited to) at least one selected from the following: ethyl lactylate, propyl lactylate, butyl lactylate, pentyl lactylate, hexyl lactylate, heptyl lactylate, octyl lactylate, nonyl lactylate, decyl lactylate, undecyl lactylate, dodecyl lactylate, tridecyl lactylate, tetradecyl lactylate, pentadecyl lactylate, hexadecyl lactylate, heptadecanyl lactylate, octadecyl lactylate, nonadecanyl lactylate, eicosyl lactylate and / or derivatives thereof.

[0029] The (C2-C 26 ) alkyl lactyl lactylate and / or its derivatives may include (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl lactyl lactate and / or its derivatives. Preferably, the lactyl lactic acid (C2-C 22 ) The alkyl ester may be lauryl lactylate.

[0030] The (C2-C 22) The alcohol may include: monohydric alcohol, dihydric alcohol, trihydric alcohol, tetrahydric alcohol, pentahydric alcohol, hexahydric alcohol, alkyl alcohol, enol, alkynol, primary alcohol, secondary alcohol, tertiary alcohol, aromatic alcohol, cyclic alcohol, alicyclic alcohol, unbranched alcohol, branched alcohol, saturated alcohol and unsaturated alcohol, and / or any combination and / or derivatives thereof.

[0031] The (C2-C 22) The alcohol may be, but is not limited to, at least one selected from the following: ethanol, propanol, propan-2-ol, butanol, butan-2-ol, pentanol, pentan-2-ol, pentan-3-ol, hexanol, hexan-2-ol, hexan-3-ol, heptanol, heptan-2-ol, heptan-3-ol, heptan-4-ol, octanol, octan-2-ol, octan-3-ol, octan-4-ol, 2-ethylhexanol, nonanol, nonan-2-ol, nonan-3-ol, nonan-4-ol, nonan-5-ol, decanol, decan-2-ol, decan-3-ol, decan-4-ol, decan-5-ol, undecane alcohol, undecane-2-ol, undecane-3-ol, undecane-4-ol, undecane-5-ol, undecane-6-ol, dodecanol, dodecan-2-ol, dodecan-3-ol, dodecan- 4-ol, dodecan-5-ol, dodecan-6-ol, tridecanol, tridecan-2-ol, tridecan-3-ol, tridecan-4-ol, tridecan-5-ol, tridecan-6-ol, tridecan-7-ol, tetradecanol, tetradecan-2-ol, tetradecan-3-ol, tetradecan-4-ol, tetradecan-5-ol, tetradecan-6-ol, tetradecan-7-ol, pentadecanol, pentadecan-2-ol, pentadecan-3-ol, pentadecan-4-ol, pentadecan-5-ol, pentadecan-6-ol, pentadecan-7-ol, pentadecan-8-ol, hexadecanol, hexadecan-2-ol, hexadecan-3-ol, hexadecan-4-ol, hexadecan-5-ol, hexadecan-6-ol, hexadecan-7-ol, hexadecan-8-ol alcohol, heptadecanol, heptadecan-2-ol, heptadecan-3-ol, heptadecan-4-ol, heptadecan-5-ol, heptadecan-6-ol, heptadecan-7-ol, heptadecan-8-ol, heptadecan-9-ol, octadecanol, octadecan-2-ol, octadecan-3-ol, octadecan-4-ol, octadecan-5-ol, octadecan-6-ol, octadecan-7-ol, octadecan-8-ol, octadecan-9-ol, nonadecanol, nonadecan-2-ol, nonadecan-3-ol, nonadecan-4-ol, nonadecan-5-ol, nonadecan-6-ol, nonadecan-7-ol, nonadecan-8-ol, nonadecan-9-ol, nonadecan-10-ol, eicosanol, eicosan-2-ol, eicosan-3-ol, eicosan-4-ol , eicosan-5-ol, eicosan-6-ol, eicosan-7-ol, eicosan-8-ol, eicosan-9-ol, eicosan-10-ol, heneicosanol, heneicosan-2-ol, heneicosan-3-ol, heneicosan-4-ol, heneicosan-5-ol, heneicosan-6-ol, heneicosan-7-ol, heneicosan-8-ol, heneicosan-9-ol, heneicosan-10-ol, heneicosan-11-ol, docosanol, docosan-2-ol, docosan-3-ol, docosan-4-ol, docosan-5-ol, docosan-6-ol, docosan-7-ol, docosan-8-ol, docosan-9-ol, docosan-10-ol, docosan-11-ol,and / or any combination and / or derivatives thereof.

[0032] The humectant may be (but not limited to) at least one selected from the following: glycerol, glycerol or its alkyl ether, (C2-C 30 ) alkylene glycol, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol or its alkyl ether, sorbitol, mannitol, dulcitol and / or polyols, alkyl glycosides, linear (C4–C 18 ) alkyl (poly) glycosides, branched (C4–C 18 ) alkyl (poly) glycosides, straight chain (C4–C 18 ) alkyl (poly) glucoside, branched (C4–C 18 ) alkyl (poly) glucoside, aryl glucoside, and / or any combination and / or derivatives thereof.

[0033] The non-ionic material may be (but not limited to) at least one selected from the following: natural and / or synthetic (C8-C 22 ) alkoxylated fatty alcohols, (C8–C 22 ) ethoxylated fatty alcohols, (C8–C 22 ) Propoxylated fatty alcohols, (C8–C 22 ) ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, (C6–C 22 ) alkoxylated fatty acids, (C6–C 22 ) ethoxylated fatty acids, (C6–C 22 ) Propoxylated fatty acids, EO-PO(C6–C 22 ) Ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty acids, linear (C4–C 10 ) alkyl (poly)glycosides, branched (C4–C 10 ) alkyl (poly) glycosides; and alkoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters, alkoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters, ethoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters, ethoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate, polyethylene glycol sorbitan monopalmitate, polyethylene glycol sorbitan monostearate, N-substituted fatty acid amides, fatty acid glucamides, fatty acid alkanolamides, amine oxides, polymeric surfactants, copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl alcohol or vinyl acetate, alkoxylated fatty acid esters, glycerides or monoglycerides, and / or any combination and / or derivatives thereof.

[0034] The degree of ethoxylation of the fatty alcohols may be from 1 to 60, more preferably from 2 to 40, most preferably from 3 to 10.

[0035] The anion may be (but not limited to) at least one selected from the following: (C6-C 18 )Alkylbenzene sulfonate, calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, amine (C6-C 18 ) alkylbenzene sulfonate, triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulfonate, (C6-C 18 ) alkyl ether sulfate, (C6-C 18 ) alkyl ethoxylated ether sulfate, (C6-C 18 ) alkyl sulfate, sodium lauryl ether polyethoxylate sulfate, lignin sulfonate, benzene sulfonate, naphthalene sulfonate, dibutyl naphthalene sulfonate, (C6–C 18 ) alkyl phosphate, (C6–C 18 ) alkoxylated sulfates, xylene sulfonates, cumene sulfonates, lignin sulfonates, phenyl sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, dibutyl naphthalene sulfonates, alkyl polyglycol ether phosphates, polyaryl phenyl ether phosphates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, olefin sulfonates, condensation products of sulfonated naphthalene with formaldehyde, condensation products of sulfonated naphthalene with formaldehyde and phenol and optionally urea, condensation products of phenolsulfonic acid with formaldehyde and urea, (C6–C 18 ) alkoxylated phosphates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl aryl phosphates, such as tristyryl phosphates, and polycarboxylates, such as polyacrylates, aryl glycosides, maleic anhydride / olefin copolymers, including alkali metal salts, alkaline earth salts, ammonium salts and amine salts of the above substances, and / or any combination and / or derivatives thereof and combinations thereof.

[0036] Various elements in the agricultural composition (including the lactic acid (C2-C 26 ) alkyl esters and / or their derivatives, the (C2-C 22 ) alcohol, the humectant; and the nonionic and / or anionic surfactant) can interact chemically and physically to provide an aggregate or three-dimensional structure with sufficient stability to define the syrup and / or gel as an independent molecular substance with different physical and chemical properties from its single elements. The chemical interactions between the elements include (but are not limited to) at least one of the following interactions: ionic, ion-dipole, covalent, hydrogen bond, dipole-dipole, van der Waals, dipole-induced-dipole, London dispersion, π-π interaction, cation-π interaction, and anion-π interaction. A chemical bond is formed between two atoms or atomic groups from each element, so that the interaction between them leads to the formation of an aggregate or three-dimensional structure with sufficient stability to define the syrup and / or gel as an independent molecular substance with different physical and chemical properties from its single elements.

[0037] The agricultural composition may further comprise a carboxylic acid and / or a salt thereof. Preferably, the carboxylic acid may be (C2-C22 ) carboxylic acid and / or its salt.

[0038] The (C2-C 22) The carboxylic acid and / or its salt may be (but not limited to) at least one selected from the following: acetic acid, 2-hydroxyacetic acid, oxoacetic acid, oxalic acid, propionic acid, acrylic acid, propiolic acid, 2-hydroxypropionic acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropionic acid, 2-oxopropionic acid, 3-oxopropionic acid, 2,3-oxopropionic acid, malonic acid, 2-hydroxymalonic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-oxopropionic acid, 2,2-dihydroxymalonic acid, oxomalonic acid, ethylene oxide-2-carboxylic acid, butyric acid, 2-methylpropionic acid, (E)-but-2-enoic acid, (Z)-but-2-enoic acid, 2-methylacrylic acid, but-3-enoic acid, but-2-ynoic acid, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, 4-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-oxobutyric acid, 3-oxobutyric acid, 4-oxobutyric acid , succinic acid, 2-methylmalonic acid, (E)-butenedioic acid, (Z)-butenedioic acid, butynedioic acid, hydroxysuccinic acid, 2,3-dihydroxysuccinic acid, oxosuccinic acid, dioxosuccinic acid, valeric acid, 3-methylbutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, 2,2-dimethylpropionic acid, 3-hydroxyvaleric acid, 4-hydroxyvaleric acid, 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid, glutaric acid, 2-oxoglutaric acid, 3-oxoglutaric acid, furan-2-carboxylic acid, tetrahydrofuran-2-carboxylic acid, hexanoic acid, adipic acid, 2,3-dimethylbutyric acid, 3,3-dimethylbutyric acid, 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, prop-1-ene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, 1-hydroxypropane-1,2-3-tricarboxylic acid, (2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-diene Acid, heptanoic acid, pimelic acid, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, benzenecarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2,2-dimethylpentanoic acid, 2,3-dimethylpentanoic acid, 2,4-dimethylpentanoic acid, 3,3-dimethylpentanoic acid, 2-ethylpentanoic acid, 3-ethylpentanoic acid, 2-methylhexanoic acid, 3-methylhexanoic acid, 2,2,3-trimethylbutanoic acid, 2-ethyl-2-methylbutanoic acid, 2-ethyl-3-methylbutanoic acid, octanoic acid, benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid, benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid, benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, 2-methylheptanoic acid, 3-methylheptanoic acid, 4-methylheptanoic acid, 5-methylheptanoic acid, 6-methylheptanoic acid, 2,2-dimethylheptanoic acid, 2,3-dimethylheptanoic acid, 2,4-dimethylheptanoic acid, 2,5-dimethylheptanoic acid, 3 ,3-dimethylheptanoic acid, 3,4-dimethylheptanoic acid, 3,5-dimethylheptanoic acid, 4,4-dimethylheptanoic acid, 4,5-dimethylheptanoic acid, 5,5-dimethylheptanoic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, 3-ethylhexanoic acid, 4-ethylhexanoic acid, 5-ethylhexanoic acid, 2-octenoic acid, 3-octenoic acid, 4-octenoic acid, 5-octenoic acid, 6-octenoic acid, 7-octenoic acid, benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, (E)-3-phenylprop-2-enoic acid, decanoic acid, decanedioic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, benzene-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexacarboxylic acid, tridecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, (9Z)-octadec-9-enoic acid, (9Z,12Z)-octadec-9,12-dienoic acid, (9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic acid, (6Z,9Z,12Z)-octadeca-6,9,12-trienoic acid, (6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-6,9,12,15-tetraenoic acid, nonadecanoic acid, eicosanoic acid, (5Z,8Z,11Z)-eicosanoic acid-5,8,11-trienoic acid, (5Z,8Z,11Z,14 Z)-eicosanoic acid-5,8,11,14-tetraenoic acid, (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-eicosanoic acid-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenoic acid, heneicosanoic acid, docosanoic acid, (4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)-docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenoic acid, and salts thereof, and / or any combination thereof.

[0039] Additionally and / or alternatively, the agricultural composition may further comprise a plant hormone, typically a plant hormone associated with stress. Typically, when used, the plant hormone stimulates the production of defensive secondary plant metabolites in response to biotic and / or abiotic stress.

[0040] The plant hormone may be, but is not limited to, at least one selected from the group consisting of abscisic acid, auxin, brassinosteroid, cytokinin, ethylene, gibberellin, jasmonate, jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, strigolactone, polyamines, nitric acid, triacontanol, and derivatives thereof.

[0041] Additionally and / or alternatively, the agricultural composition may further comprise a secondary metabolite. The secondary metabolite may be a secondary plant, bacterial or fungal metabolite. Secondary metabolites may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: phenols, alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, lipids, carbohydrates and glucosinolates. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the secondary plant metabolite is salicylic acid. Secondary bacterial metabolites may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: polyketides, nonribosomal peptides, ribosomal peptides, glycosides and alkaloids. Secondary fungal metabolites may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: itaconic acid, polyketides, nonribosomal peptides and terpenes. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the secondary metabolite may be salicylic acid and / or itaconic acid.

[0042] The agricultural composition may further comprise a microorganism.

[0043] In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the microorganism may be a spore forming microorganism.

[0044] The agricultural composition may further comprise pheromone, amino acid, peptide, RNA, mRNA, siRNA, DNA, protozoa, oomycete and / or yeast.

[0045] The microorganism may be selected from (but not limited to) the following: viruses, bacteria and fungi.

[0046] Typically, the virus may include at least one selected from, but not limited to, the following families: baculoviruses, cypoviruses, and densoviruses.

[0047] Typically, the virus may include at least one baculovirus selected from, but not limited to, cydia pomonella granulovirus and cryptophlebia peltastica nucleopolyhedrovirus.

[0048] Typically, the bacteria may include at least one species selected from, but not limited to, the genera Agrobacterium, Bacillus, Burkholderia, Paenibacillus, Pseudomonas, Rhanella, Rhizobium, Saccharopolyspora, Serratia, and Streptomyces.

[0049] In certain preferred embodiments, the bacteria may be (but not limited to) at least one selected from the following: Bacillus subtilis sp., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens sp., Bacillus firmus sp., Bacillus popilliae sp., Bacillus lontimorbus sp., Bacillus nakamuri sp., Bacillus pumilus sp., Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus thuringiensis sp., Bacillus simplex sp., Bacillus licheniformis sp., Bacillus fastidiosus sp., Bacillus megaterium sp.), Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki sp., Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis sp., Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai sp., Bacillus thuringiensis aegyptii sp., Bacillus velezensis sp., Pseudomonas chlororaphis sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens sp., Pseudomonas protegeans sp., Streptomyces lydicus sp., Streptomyces sp., Lysobacter sp., and / or any combination thereof

[0050] The fungus may include mycorrhiza. Typically, the fungus may include at least one species selected from, but not limited to, the following genera: Alternaria, Aerobasidium, Ampelomyces, Aschersonia, Aspergillus, Beauveria, Candida, Clonostachys, Coniothyrium, Cordyceps, Entomophaga, Fusarium, rium, Glomus, Hirustella, Isaria, Lecanicillium, Metarhizium, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Pichia, Pseudozyma, Saccaharomyces, Talaromyces, Trichoderma, and Verticillium.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the fungus may be, but is not limited to, at least one selected from the group consisting of Aerobasidium pullulans sp., Ampelomyces Quisqualis sp., Aschersonia aleyrodis sp., Aspergillus flavus sp., Beauveria bassiana sp., Beauveria brongniartii sp., Candida oleophila sp., Clonostachys rosea sp., Coniothyrium minitans sp., Cordyceps fumosorosea sp., Entomophaga maimaiga sp., Hirustella thompsonii sp., Isaria fumosorose sp.), Metarhizium anisopliae sp., Paecilomyces fumosoroseus sp., Paecilomyces lilacinus sp., Pseudozyma flocculosp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae sp., Trichoderma asperellum sp., Trichoderma viride sp., Trichoderma mareesei sp., Trichoderma atroviride sp., Trichoderma gamsii sp., Trichoderma harzianum sp., Trichoderma polysporum sp., Trichoderma sparse paucisporum sp.), Trichoderma afroharzianu sp., Trichoderma yunnaense sp., Trichoderma evansii sp.), Trichoderma hamatum sp., Trichoderma atrobrunneum sp., and Verticillium alboatrum sp., and / or any combination thereof.

[0052] Typically, the oomycete may belong to the genera Lagenidium and / or Pythium, in particular Lagenidium giganteum sp. and / or Pythium insidiosum.

[0053] The agricultural composition may further comprise a binder. The binder may be selected from (but not limited to) the following: polysaccharides, sucrose, fructose, saccharose, pectin, amylopectin, glycosides, glucosides, (C1-C 30 ) alkyl glycoside, (C1-C 30 ) alkyl glucoside, gelatin, starch, modified starch, alginate, modified alginate, natural gum, modified gum, guar gum, rosin, rosin-rich tall oil, (C1-C 30 ) alkyl cellulose, (C1-C 30 ) alkyl cellulose salts, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose salts, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer, PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone) / hexadecene copolymer, (C1-C 30 ) alkyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, polyacrylate, (C1-C 30 )Alkyl aryl acrylates, styrene derivatives, and combinations thereof.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the binder may be a styrene acrylic emulsion polymer.

[0055] The agricultural composition may further comprise a diluent. The diluent may be water.

[0056] The agricultural composition may further comprise an additional diluent, solvent or co-solvent. The diluent, solvent or co-solvent may be selected from, but not limited to, alcohols, acids, fatty acids, amines, amides, ethers, esters, diesters, ketones, acetates, terpenes, sulfoxides, phenols, glycols, alkyl glycols, glycol ether esters, paraffins, hydrocarbons, tall oil, tall oil fatty esters, heterocyclics, aromatic hydrocarbons, cycloalkanes, nitrogen compounds, sulfur compounds, halogenated hydrocarbons, and combinations thereof. Preferred solvents or co-solvents are alkyl glycols, glycol ether esters, alkyl lactates, propylene carbonate, tall oil fatty acid esters, alkylated seed oils, such as ethylated or butylated seed oils, and combinations thereof.

[0057] The agricultural composition may further comprise an additive selected from, but not limited to, the following: preservatives, dispersants, humectants, wetting agents, spreaders, extenders, binders, fillers, adhesives, protective colloids, thickeners, thixotropic agents, penetrants, retention promoters, sequestrants, clarifying agents, antifreeze agents, anti-caking agents, hydrotropes, stabilizers, antioxidants, UV / light protectants, acidulants, alkaline agents, chelates, complexing agents, dyes, rheology modifiers, defoamers, anti-drift agents, oils, water, solvents or other co-solvents, and combinations thereof.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the alkyl lactate is lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters and / or derivatives thereof, and the amount thereof may be between about 5% and about 50% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition. Preferably, the lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters and / or their derivatives may be present in an amount of about 7 wt % to about 35 wt % of the total weight % of the formulated agricultural composition. Further preferably, the lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters and / or derivatives thereof may be present in an amount of between about 10% to about 20% by weight of the total weight % of the formulated agricultural composition. It should be understood that the ranges herein include any minimum or maximum value within the stated ranges, as well as any value therebetween. It should be understood that the weight % in this disclosure is a weight percentage.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the (C2-C 22 ) alcohol may be present in an amount of between about 0.1 wt % and about 20 wt % of the total wt % of the formulated agricultural composition. 22) alcohol may be present in an amount of about 0.5 wt % to about 10 wt % of the total weight % of the formulated agricultural composition. Further preferably, the (C2-C 22 ) alcohol may be present in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 5 wt % of the total wt % of the formulated agricultural composition. It should be understood that the ranges herein include any minimum or maximum value within the stated range, and include any value therebetween.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the humectant may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 30% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition. Preferably, the humectant may be present in an amount of about 5% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition, and more preferably, the humectant may be present in an amount of about 7% to about 15% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the nonionic and / or anionic surfactant may be present in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 50% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition prepared. Preferably, the nonionic and / or anionic surfactant may be present in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 30% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition prepared, and further preferably, the nonionic and / or anionic surfactant may be present in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition prepared. It should be understood that the scope herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0062] In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the agricultural composition contains only nonionic surfactants, but not anionic surfactants, and the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount of about 1% to about 50% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition. Preferably, the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 5% to about 30% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition, and further preferably, the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 10% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the carboxylic acid may be present in an amount between about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition. Preferably, the carboxylic acid may be present in an amount between about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition, and more preferably, the carboxylic acid may be present in an amount between about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the plant hormone may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition. Preferably, the plant hormone may be present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition, and further preferably, the plant hormone may be present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the secondary metabolite may be present in an amount between about 0.1% by weight and about 20% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition. Preferably, the secondary metabolite may be present in an amount between about 0.5% by weight and about 10% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition, and further preferably, the secondary metabolite may be present in an amount between about 0.5% by weight and about 5% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the microorganism may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 70% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition prepared. Preferably, the microorganism may be present in an amount of about 10% to about 50% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition prepared, and further preferably, the microorganism may be present in an amount of about 25% to about 35% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition prepared. It should be understood that the scope herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween. It should also be understood that the microorganism may be formulated in a growth medium, and the percentage may represent a dry weight percentage and / or a formulated wet weight percentage including the growth medium.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the binder may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition. Preferably, the binder may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 15% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition, and further preferably, the binder may be present in an amount of about 2% to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the additive may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition. Preferably, the additive may be present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 15% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition, and further preferably, the additive may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the diluent may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 80% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition. Preferably, the diluent may be present in an amount of about 10% to about 50% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition, and more preferably, the diluent may be present in an amount of about 20% to about 30% by weight of the total weight of the agricultural composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0070] The agricultural composition of the present disclosure may be provided as at least one of the following groups, but not limited to: a plant protection product, an adjuvant, a soil conditioner, a biostimulant, a seed treatment, a fertilizer, an insect growth regulator, a plant growth regulator, and an elicitor.

[0071] The agricultural composition may further comprise, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a plant protection product, an adjuvant, a soil conditioner, a biostimulant, a seed treatment, a fertilizer, an insect growth regulator, a plant growth regulator, and an inducer.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the agricultural composition of the present disclosure can be provided as a plant protection product, and can be an insecticide, a pesticide, a miticide, acaricide, an ovicide, a herbicide, a fungicide, a viricide, a nematicide, and a nematicide. Preferably, the plant protection product can be an insecticide and / or a fungicide. Further preferably, the plant protection product can be a nematicide and / or a nematicide.

[0073] In another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the agricultural composition of the present disclosure may be provided as an adjuvant, a soil conditioner, a biostimulant, a seed treatment agent, a fertilizer, an insect growth regulator, a plant growth regulator, and an inducer.

[0074] In a certain exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an agricultural composition comprising: lauryl lactylate and / or lauryl lactate and / or myristyl lactate and / or cetyl lactate and / or a combination of the foregoing substances; and octan-2-ol; and glycerol; and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate.

[0075] The agricultural composition may further comprise at least one of a carboxylic acid, a plant hormone, a secondary metabolite, a microorganism, a binder, an anionic surfactant and a diluent, as described above in the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0076] In certain embodiments, the secondary metabolite is salicylic acid and / or itaconic acid.

[0077] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the following agricultural composition, which is a carrier composition, comprising:

[0078] The lactic acid (C2-C 26 ) alkyl esters and / or their derivatives;

[0079] As described in the first aspect of the present disclosure (C 2– C 22 )alcohol;

[0080] The moisturizing agent as described in the first aspect of the present disclosure;

[0081] The nonionic and / or anionic surfactant as described in the first aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0082] The adhesive as described in the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0083] The lactic acid (C2-C 26 ) alkyl ester can be lactic acid (C 10 –C 22) alkyl esters and / or their derivatives. The various elements in the carrier composition (including the lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters and / or their derivatives, the (C2-C 22 ) alcohol, the humectant; the nonionic and / or anionic surfactant and the binder) can interact chemically and physically to provide an aggregate or a three-dimensional structure with sufficient stability to define the slurry and / or gel as an independent molecular substance with different physical and chemical properties from its single elements. The chemical interaction between the elements includes (but is not limited to) at least one of the following interactions: ionic, ion-dipole, covalent, hydrogen bond, dipole-dipole, van der Waals, dipole-induced dipole, London dispersion, π-π interaction, cation-π interaction and anion-π interaction. Chemical bonds are formed between two atoms or atomic groups from each element, and the interaction between them can lead to the formation of an aggregate or a three-dimensional structure with sufficient stability to define the slurry and / or gel as an independent molecular substance with different physical and chemical properties from its single elements.

[0084] The carrier composition may further comprise a diluent. The diluent may be water and / or a co-solvent.

[0085] The carrier composition may further comprise the additive described in the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0086] The carrier composition may be provided as a slurry and / or a gel.

[0087] The carrier composition can be provided as an adjuvant for tank mixture, an adjuvant for seed treatment, an in-can additive for plant protection products, an in-can additive for fertilizers, an in-can additive for soil conditioners, an in-can additive for biostimulants, an in-can additive for seed treatment products, a soil conditioner product for in-furrow application, and the like for agricultural purposes.

[0088] The carrier composition may be loaded with active ingredients and / or biological control agents and / or fertilizers and / or biostimulants and / or inducers and / or plant growth regulators and / or insect repellents to provide a loaded agricultural carrier composition.

[0089] The biological control agent may include a carboxylic acid, a plant hormone, a secondary metabolite, and / or a microorganism.

[0090] The active ingredient may be a plant protection product. The plant protection product may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: insecticides, pesticides, miticides, acaricides, ovicides, herbicides, fungicides, virucides, nematicides, nematocides, and insect growth regulators.

[0091] The biological control agent may include the microorganism described in the first aspect of the present disclosure and / or the plant hormone described in the first aspect of the present disclosure and / or the carboxylic acid described in the first aspect of the present disclosure and / or the secondary metabolite described in the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural carrier composition, the lactic acid (C2-C 26 ) alkyl ester can be lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters and / or derivatives thereof, and the amount thereof may be between about 5% and about 50% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. Preferably, the lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters and / or their derivatives may be present in an amount of about 7 wt % to about 35 wt % of the total weight % of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. Further preferably, the lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters and / or their derivatives may be present in an amount of about 10% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. It should be understood that the ranges herein include any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also include any value therebetween.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural carrier composition, the (C2-C 22 ) alcohol may be present in an amount between about 0.1 wt % and about 20 wt % of the total wt % of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. 22 ) alcohol may be present in an amount of about 0.5 wt % to about 10 wt % of the total weight % of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. Further preferably, the (C2-C 22 ) alcohol may be present in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 5 wt % of the total wt % of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. It should be understood that the ranges herein include any minimum or maximum value within the stated range, and also include any value therebetween.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural carrier composition, the humectant may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 30% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. Preferably, the humectant may be present in an amount of about 5% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition, and more preferably, the humectant may be present in an amount of about 7% to about 15% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural carrier composition, the nonionic and / or anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 50% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. Preferably, the nonionic and / or anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 5% to about 30% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition, and further preferably, the nonionic and / or anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 10% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0096] In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the agricultural carrier composition contains only nonionic surfactants, but no anionic surfactants, and the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount between about 1% and about 50% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. Preferably, the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount between about 5% and about 30% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition, and further preferably, the nonionic surfactant may be present in an amount between about 10% and about 20% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural carrier composition, the binder may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. Preferably, the binder may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 15% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition, and more preferably, the binder may be present in an amount of about 2% to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural carrier composition, the diluent may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 80% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. Preferably, the diluent may be present in an amount of about 10% to about 50% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition, and more preferably, the diluent may be present in an amount of about 20% to about 30% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural carrier composition is loaded with a carboxylic acid, which may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the formulated loaded agricultural carrier composition. Preferably, the carboxylic acid may be present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the formulated loaded agricultural carrier composition, and more preferably, the carboxylic acid may be present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of the total weight of the formulated loaded agricultural carrier composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural carrier composition is loaded with a plant hormone, which may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the formulated loaded agricultural carrier composition. Preferably, the plant hormone may be present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the formulated loaded agricultural carrier composition, and further preferably, the plant hormone may be present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of the total weight of the formulated loaded agricultural carrier composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural carrier composition is loaded with a secondary metabolite, which may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the formulated loaded agricultural carrier composition. Preferably, the secondary metabolite is present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the formulated loaded agricultural carrier composition, and further preferably, the secondary metabolite is present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of the total weight of the formulated loaded agricultural carrier composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural carrier composition is loaded with microorganisms, and the amount thereof may be between about 1% by weight and about 70% by weight of the total weight % of the formulated loaded agricultural carrier composition. Preferably, the amount of the microorganisms may be between about 10% by weight and about 50% by weight of the total weight % of the formulated loaded agricultural carrier composition, and further preferably, the amount of the humectant may be between about 25% by weight and about 35% by weight of the formulated loaded agricultural carrier composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween. It should also be understood that the microorganisms may be formulated in a growth medium, and the percentages may represent dry weight percentages and / or formulated wet weight percentages including the growth medium.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural carrier composition (loaded or unloaded), the additive may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. Preferably, the additive may be present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 15% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition, and further preferably, the additive may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural carrier composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0104] Additionally and / or optionally, the agricultural carrier composition (loaded or unloaded) may further comprise (but not limited to) at least one of the following: co-solvents and other additives. The above substances may be used as in-can additives or as final commercial products.

[0105] It should be understood that the carrier composition can be mixed with the plant protection product in a tank for application, or can be mixed with the plant protection product in a barrel for application, or can be applied between ridges after the plant protection product to enhance or improve the performance of the plant protection product, promote the desired effect of the plant protection product, and improve the plant's response to the plant protection product to control pests or diseases.

[0106] The composition according to the first and / or second aspect of the present disclosure may be provided as at least one of (but not limited to) the following: a plant protection product, an adjuvant, a soil conditioner, a biostimulant, a seed treatment agent, a fertilizer, an insect growth regulator, a plant growth regulator and an inducer.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the composition according to the first and / or second aspect of the present disclosure may be a plant protection product, including (but not limited to): insecticides, miticides, acaricides, ovicides, herbicides, fungicides, virucides and nematicides.

[0108] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for producing the agricultural composition of the first aspect, the method comprising the following steps:

[0109] Lactic acid (C2-C 26 ) alkyl esters and / or their derivatives, (C2-C 22 ) alcohol, humectant; and nonionic and / or anionic surfactants are provided together to promote chemical and physical interactions to form aggregates or three-dimensional structures with sufficient stability to become slurries and / or gels.

[0110] The slurry and / or gel is an independent molecular substance having physicochemical properties different from those of its single elements. The slurry and / or gel is facilitated by chemical interactions between the elements, including (but not limited to) at least one of the following interactions: ionic, ion-dipole, covalent, hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole, van der Waals, dipole-induced dipole, London dispersion, π-π interaction, cation-π interaction, and anion-π interaction. Chemical bonds are formed between two atoms or groups of atoms from each element, so that the forces between them lead to the formation of aggregates or three-dimensional structures with sufficient stability, thereby defining the slurry and / or gel as an independent molecular substance having physicochemical properties different from those of its single elements.

[0111] The method may comprise the additional step of providing carboxylic acids and / or plant hormones and / or secondary metabolites before and / or after the slurry and / or gel is formed.

[0112] The method may comprise the additional step of providing microorganisms before and / or after the slurry and / or gel is formed.

[0113] The method may comprise the additional step of providing a plant protection product before and / or after the slurry and / or gel is formed.

[0114] The method may comprise the additional step of providing a binder before and / or after the slurry and / or gel is formed.

[0115] The method may comprise the additional step of providing water and / or a co-solvent before and / or after the slurry and / or gel is formed.

[0116] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing the carrier composition of the second aspect, the method comprising the following steps:

[0117] Lactic acid (C2-C 26 ) alkyl esters and / or their derivatives, (C2-C 22) alcohol, humectant; nonionic and / or anionic surfactants and binders are provided together to promote chemical and physical interactions to form aggregates or three-dimensional structures with sufficient stability to become slurries and / or gels.

[0118] The slurry and / or gel is an independent molecular substance having physicochemical properties different from those of its single elements. The slurry and / or gel is facilitated by chemical interactions between the elements, including (but not limited to) at least one of the following interactions: ionic, ion-dipole, covalent, hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole, van der Waals, dipole-induced dipole, London dispersion, π-π interaction, cation-π interaction, and anion-π interaction. Chemical bonds are formed between two atoms or groups of atoms from each element, so that the forces between them lead to the formation of aggregates or three-dimensional structures with sufficient stability, thereby defining the slurry and / or gel as an independent molecular substance having physicochemical properties different from those of its single elements.

[0119] The method may include the additional step of providing water and / or other co-solvents before and / or after the slurry and / or gel is formed.

[0120] The method may comprise the additional step of providing carboxylic acids and / or phytohormones and / or secondary metabolites and / or microorganisms and / or biological control agents and / or plant protection products before and / or after the slurry and / or gel is formed, thereby providing a loaded agricultural carrier composition.

[0121] Further described are the agricultural composition according to the first aspect and / or the carrier composition according to the second aspect and / or the manufacturing method according to the third aspect and / or the manufacturing method according to the fourth aspect, all of which are substantially as described, illustrated and / or exemplified herein with reference to any of the Figures and / or Examples hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0122] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0123] Figure 1 The nematicidal effects of selected bacteria when used alone or in combination with an unloaded carrier composition (UCC) according to the present disclosure are shown;

[0124] Figure 2 It was shown that loading UCC with secondary metabolites improved the overall efficacy compared to using UCC alone as a nematicide;

[0125] Figure 3A preferred embodiment of the loaded carrier composition (pLCC, also known as OR-501) according to the present disclosure is shown, which shows a superior nematicidal effect compared to commercially available products; and

[0126] Figure 4 The number of nematode eggs and second-stage juvenile nematodes per gram of root after potted field trials using the loading carrier composition of the present disclosure (pLCC, also known as OR-501) is shown.

[0127] Figure 5 Shown is a bar graph showing mean (± SEM) mortality of the piercing root rot nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans) in response to different compositions tested - Complementary Nematicidal Laboratory Trial - Portugal.

[0128] Figure 6 Shown is the percentage of mites dead 24 hours after treatment application – Supplementary Insecticidal Laboratory Trial – South Africa.

[0129] Figure 7 Shown is the percentage of mites dead 48 hours after treatment application – Supplementary Insecticidal Laboratory Trial – South Africa.

[0130] Figure 8 Bar graph showing the severity of root galling assessed visually on a scale of 0-10 (0: intact healthy root system, no infection - 10: all roots severely knotted, no root system, plant generally dead). Nematicidal field trials - Spain.

[0131] Fig. 9 The results show that the different treatments have a 3 Bar graph of the number of J2 in soil. Nematicide field trial – Spain.

[0132] Fig.10 A bar graph showing the yield / plot (tonnes / ha) recorded for the different treatments at the end of the trial. Nematicide field trial – Spain.

[0133] Fig.11 A bar graph showing the average fruit weight (g / fruit) of the different treatments recorded at the end of the trial. Nematicide field trial – Spain.

[0134] Fig.12 Bar graph showing the number of marketable fruits (g / fruit) recorded for the different treatments at the end of the trial. Nematicide field trial – Spain.

[0135] Fig.13Bar graph showing summary of data on melon (melon) for the control of southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in percentage of healthy and infected melons, healthy and infected roots, healthy and infected melons and roots for different treatments – data were recorded at harvest at the end of the trial. Nematicide field trial in a commercial greenhouse – Shandong – China.

[0136] Fig.14 Example pictures of healthy and infected root systems, and healthy and infected harvested melons are shown. Harvested melons and roots refer to the use of ORO-501 [also known as OR-501 or B-017-001 (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 20% + UCCa 80%)] composition versus standard treatment for melon against southern root-knot nematodes - Nematicidal field trial in commercial greenhouse - Shandong - China. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0137] Merely to avoid repetition, the inventive content of the present disclosure, including various aspects of the present disclosure, is reiterated here by reference. Specific but non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described.

[0138] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an agricultural composition comprising: an alkyl lactate and / or a derivative thereof, (C2-C 22 ) alcohol, a humectant; and a nonionic and / or anionic surfactant.

[0139] Typically, the lactic acid (C2-C 26 ) alkyl ester is lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters and / or their derivatives.

[0140] The lactic acid (C2–C 26 ) The alkyl ester and / or its derivative may be (but not limited to) at least one selected from the following: ethyl lactate, propyl lactate, butyl lactate, pentyl lactate, hexyl lactate, heptyl lactate, octyl lactate, nonyl lactate, decyl lactate, undecyl lactate, dodecyl lactate, tridecyl lactate, tetradecyl lactate, pentadecyl lactate, hexadecyl lactate, heptadecanyl lactate, octadecyl lactate, nonadecanyl lactate, eicosyl lactate, heneicosyl lactate and docosyl lactate, and / or derivatives thereof.

[0141] The lactic acid alkyl ester may be lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters or any combination and / or derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the lactic acid (C 10 –C 22) The alkyl ester and / or its derivative may be (but not limited to) at least one selected from the following: lauryl lactate (dodecyl lactate), myristyl lactate (tetradecyl lactate), cetyl lactate (hexadecyl lactate) and lauryl lactylate.

[0142] The lactic acid (C2-C 26 ) alkyl ester and / or its derivative may be lactyl lactic acid (C2–C 26 ) alkyl esters and / or their derivatives.

[0143] The (C2–C 26 )Alkyl lactyl lactate and / or its derivatives may be (but not limited to) at least one selected from the following: ethyl lactyl lactate, propyl lactyl lactate, butyl lactyl lactate, pentyl lactyl lactate, hexyl lactyl lactate, heptyl lactyl lactate, octyl lactyl lactate, nonyl lactyl lactate, decyl lactyl lactate, undecyl lactyl lactate, dodecyl lactyl lactate, tridecyl lactyl lactate, tetradecyl lactyl lactate, pentadecyl lactyl lactate, hexadecyl lactyl lactate, heptadecanyl lactyl lactate, octadecyl lactyl lactate, nonadecanyl lactyl lactate, eicosyl lactyl lactate and / or derivatives thereof.

[0144] The (C2-C 26 ) alkyl lactyl lactylate and / or its derivatives may include (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl lactyl lactate and / or its derivatives. Preferably, the lactyl lactic acid (C 10 –C 20 ) The alkyl ester may be lauryl lactylate.

[0145] Typically, the (C2-C 22 ) alcohols include monohydric alcohols, dihydric alcohols, trihydric alcohols, tetrahydric alcohols, pentahydric alcohols, hexahydric alcohols, alkyl alcohols, enols, alkynols, primary alcohols, secondary alcohols, tertiary alcohols, aromatic alcohols, cyclic alcohols, alicyclic alcohols, unbranched alcohols, branched alcohols, saturated alcohols and unsaturated alcohols, and / or any combination and / or derivatives thereof. In certain embodiments, the (C2-C 22) alcohol is at least one selected from (but not limited to) the following: ethanol, propanol, propan-2-ol, butanol, butan-2-ol, pentanol, pentan-2-ol, pentan-3-ol, hexanol, hexan-2-ol, hexan-3-ol, heptanol, heptan-2-ol, heptan-3-ol, heptan-4-ol, octanol, octan-2-ol, octan-3-ol, octan-4-ol, 2-ethylhexanol, nonanol, nonan-2-ol, nonan-3-ol, nonan-4-ol, nonan-5-ol, decanol, decan-2-ol, decan-3-ol, decan-4-ol, decan-5-ol, undecane alcohol, undecane-2-ol, undecane-3-ol, undecane-4-ol, undecane-5-ol, undecane-6-ol, dodecanol, dodecan-2-ol, dodecan-3-ol, dodecan-4-ol, dodecan-5-ol decane-5-ol, dodecan-6-ol, tridecanol, tridecan-2-ol, tridecan-3-ol, tridecan-4-ol, tridecan-5-ol, tridecan-6-ol, tridecan-7-ol, tetradecanol, tetradecan-2-ol, tetradecan-3-ol, tetradecan-4-ol, tetradecan-5-ol, tetradecan-6-ol, tetradecan-7-ol, pentadecanol, pentadecan-2-ol, pentadecan-3-ol, pentadecan-4-ol, pentadecan-5-ol, pentadecan-6-ol, pentadecan-7-ol, pentadecan-8-ol, hexadecanol, hexadecan-2-ol, hexadecan-3-ol, hexadecan-4-ol, hexadecan-5-ol, hexadecan-6-ol, hexadecan-7-ol, hexadecan-8-ol, heptadecanol, heptadecanol -2-ol, heptadecan-3-ol, heptadecan-4-ol, heptadecan-5-ol, heptadecan-6-ol, heptadecan-7-ol, heptadecan-8-ol, heptadecan-9-ol, octadecanol, octadecan-2-ol, octadecan-3-ol, octadecan-4-ol, octadecan-5-ol, octadecan-6-ol, octadecan-7-ol, octadecan-8-ol, octadecan-9-ol, nonadecanol, nonadecan-2-ol, nonadecan-3-ol, nonadecan-4-ol, nonadecan-5-ol, nonadecan-6-ol, nonadecan-7-ol, nonadecan-8-ol, nonadecan-9-ol, nonadecan-10-ol, eicosanol, eicosan-2-ol, eicosan-3-ol, eicosan-4-ol, eicosan-5-ol, eicosan-6-ol, -ol, eicosan-7-ol, eicosan-8-ol, eicosan-9-ol, eicosan-10-ol, heneicosanol, heneicosan-2-ol, heneicosan-3-ol, heneicosan-4-ol, heneicosan-5-ol, heneicosan-6-ol, heneicosan-7-ol, heneicosan-8-ol, heneicosan-9-ol, heneicosan-10-ol, heneicosan-11-ol, docosanol, docosan-2-ol, docosan-3-ol, docosan-4-ol, docosan-5-ol, docosan-6-ol, docosan-7-ol, docosan-8-ol, docosan-9-ol, docosan-10-ol, docosan-11-ol, and / or any combination and / or derivatives thereof.

[0146] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the (C2-C 22 ) alcohol is octan-2-ol.

[0147] Typically, the humectant is at least one selected from (but not limited to) the following: glycerol, glycerol or its alkyl ether, (C2-C 30 ) alkylene glycol, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol or its alkyl ether, sorbitol, mannitol, dulcitol and / or polyols, alkyl glycosides, linear (C4–C 18 ) alkyl (poly) glycosides, branched (C4–C 18 ) alkyl (poly) glycosides, straight chain (C4–C 18 ) alkyl (poly) glucoside, branched (C4–C 18 ) alkyl (poly) glucoside, aryl glucoside and / or any combination and / or derivatives thereof.

[0148] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the humectant is glycerin.

[0149] Typically, non-ionics may be (but are not limited to) at least one selected from the following: natural and / or synthetic (C8-C 22 ) alkoxylated fatty alcohols, (C8–C 22 ) ethoxylated fatty alcohols, (C8–C 22 ) Propoxylated fatty alcohols, (C8–C 22 ) ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, (C6–C 22 ) alkoxylated fatty acids, (C6–C 22 ) ethoxylated fatty acids, (C6–C 22 ) Propoxylated fatty acids, EO-PO(C6–C 22 ) Ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty acids, linear (C4–C 10 ) alkyl (poly)glycosides, branched (C4–C 10) alkyl (poly) glycosides; and alkoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters, alkoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters, ethoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters, ethoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate, polyethylene glycol sorbitan monopalmitate, polyethylene glycol sorbitan monostearate, N-substituted fatty acid amides, fatty acid glucamides, fatty acid alkanolamides, amine oxides, polymeric surfactants, copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl alcohol or vinyl acetate, alkoxylated fatty acid esters, glycerides or monoglycerides and / or any combination and / or derivatives of the above substances.

[0150] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the nonionic surfactant is polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate.

[0151] Typically, the anionic species is selected from at least one of the following groups (but not limited to): (C6-C 18 )Alkylbenzene sulfonate, calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, amine (C6-C 18 ) alkylbenzene sulfonate, triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulfonate, (C6-C 18 ) alkyl ether sulfate, (C6-C 18 ) alkyl ethoxylated ether sulfate, (C6-C 18 ) alkyl sulfate, sodium lauryl ether polyethoxylate sulfate, lignin sulfonate, benzene sulfonate, naphthalene sulfonate, dibutyl naphthalene sulfonate, (C6–C 18 ) alkyl phosphate, (C6–C 18 ) alkoxylated sulfates, xylene sulfonates, cumene sulfonates, lignin sulfonates, phenyl sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, dibutyl naphthalene sulfonates, alkyl polyglycol ether phosphates, polyaryl phenyl ether phosphates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, olefin sulfonates, condensation products of sulfonated naphthalene with formaldehyde, condensation products of sulfonated naphthalene with formaldehyde, phenol and optionally urea, condensation products of phenolsulfonic acid with formaldehyde and urea, (C6–C 18 ) alkoxylated phosphates, alkyl phosphates, alkylaryl phosphates, such as tristyryl phosphates, and polycarboxylates, such as polyacrylates, aryl glycosides, maleic anhydride / olefin copolymers, including alkali metal salts, alkaline earth salts, ammonium salts and amine salts of the above substances, and / or any combination and / or derivatives thereof and combinations thereof.

[0152] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the suoshu anionic surfactant is lignin sulfonate.

[0153] Typically, the agricultural composition further comprises a carboxylic acid and / or a salt thereof. Preferably, the carboxylic acid may be (C2-C 22 ) carboxylic acid and / or its salt, as described in the Summary of the Invention.

[0154] Additionally and / or alternatively, the agricultural composition further comprises a plant hormone. The plant hormone is selected from (but not limited to) at least one of the following: abscisic acid, auxin, brassinosteroids, cytokinins, ethylene, gibberellins, jasmonates, jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, strigolactones, polyamines, nitric acid, triacontanol and derivatives thereof.

[0155] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the plant hormone is salicylic acid.

[0156] Additionally and / or alternatively, the agricultural composition may further comprise a secondary metabolite. The secondary metabolite may be a secondary plant, bacterial or fungal metabolite. Secondary metabolites may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: phenols, alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, lipids, carbohydrates, and glucosinolates. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the secondary plant metabolite is salicylic acid. The secondary bacterial metabolite may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: polyketides, non-ribosomal peptides, ribosomal peptides, glycosides, and alkaloids. Secondary fungal metabolites may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: itaconic acid, polyketides, non-ribosomal peptides, and terpenes. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the secondary metabolite may be salicylic acid and / or itaconic acid.

[0157] Typically, the agricultural composition further comprises a microorganism. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the microorganism may be a spore-forming microorganism.

[0158] The agricultural composition may further comprise pheromones, amino acids, peptides, RNA, mRNA, siRNA, DNA, protozoa, oomycetes and / or yeast.

[0159] The microorganism may be selected from (but not limited to) the following: viruses, bacteria and fungi.

[0160] Typically, the virus may include at least one selected from, but not limited to, the following families: baculoviruses, cypoviruses, and densoviruses.

[0161] Typically, the virus may include at least one baculovirus selected from, but not limited to, cydia pomonella granulovirus and cryptophlebia peltastica nucleopolyhedrovirus.

[0162] Typically, the bacteria may include at least one species selected from, but not limited to, the genera Agrobacterium, Bacillus, Burkholderia, Paenibacillus, Pseudomonas, Rhanella, Rhizobium, Saccharopolyspora, Serratia, and Streptomyces.

[0163] In certain preferred embodiments, the bacteria may be (but not limited to) at least one selected from the following: Bacillus subtilis sp., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens sp., Bacillus firmus sp., Bacillus popilliae sp., Bacillus lontimorbus sp., Bacillus nakamuri sp., Bacillus pumilus sp., Bacillus sphaericus sp., Bacillus thuringiensis sp., Bacillus simplex sp., Bacillus licheniformis sp., Bacillus fastidiosus sp., Bacillus megaterium sp.), Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki sp., Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis sp., Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai sp., Bacillus thuringiensis aegyptii sp., Bacillus velezensis sp., Pseudomonas chlororaphis sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens sp., Pseudomonas protegeans sp., Pseudomonas sp., Streptomyces lydicus sp., Streptomyces sp.), Lysobacter sp., and / or any combination thereof.

[0164] The fungus may include mycorrhiza. Typically, the fungus may include at least one species selected from, but not limited to, Alternaria, Aerobasidium, Ampelomyces, Aschersonia, Aspergillus, Beauveria, Candida, Clonostachys, Coniothyrium, Cordyceps, Entomophaga, Fusarium, and more. rium, Glomus, Hirustella, Isaria, Lecanicillium, Metarhizium, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Pichia, Pseudozyma, Saccaharomyces, Talaromyces, Trichoderma, and Verticillium.

[0165] In certain embodiments, the fungus may be, but is not limited to, at least one selected from the group consisting of Aerobasidium pullulans sp., Ampelomyces Quisqualis sp., Aschersonia aleyrodis sp., Aspergillus flavus sp., Beauveria bassiana sp., Beauveria brongniartii sp., Candida oleophila sp., Clonostachys rosea sp., Coniothyrium minitans sp., Cordyceps fumosorosea sp., Entomophaga maimaiga sp., Hirustella thompsonii sp., Isaria fumosorose sp.), Metarhizium anisopliae sp., Paecilomyces fumosoroseus sp., Paecilomyces lilacinus sp., Pseudozyma flocculosp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae sp., Trichoderma asperellum sp., Trichoderma viride sp., Trichoderma mareesei sp., Trichoderma atroviride sp., Trichoderma gamsii sp., Trichoderma harzianum sp., Trichoderma polysporum sp., Trichoderma sparse paucisporum sp.), Trichoderma afroharzianu sp., Trichoderma yunnaense sp., Trichoderma evansii sp.), Trichoderma hamatum sp., Trichoderma atrobrunneum sp., and Verticillium alboatrum sp..

[0166] Typically, the oomycete may belong to the genera Lagenidium and / or Pythium, in particular Lagenidium giganteum sp. and / or Pythium insidiosum.

[0167] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the microorganism is a bacterium from the genus Bacillus and / or Pseudomonas. In a preferred embodiment, the bacterium may be Bacillus subtilis sp., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens sp., Bacillus firmus sp., Bacillus thuringiensis sp., Bacillus simplex sp., Bacillus licheniformis sp., Bacillus megaterium sp., Bacillus velezensis sp. and / or Pseudomonas fluorescens sp., Pseudomonas protegeans sp., and the strain is a separate single form, or a combination of strains or strains thereof.

[0168] In a preferred embodiment, the fungus may be Trichoderma harzianum sp., Trichoderma asperellum sp., Trichoderma viride sp., Trichoderma reesei sp., and / or Paecilomyces lilacinus sp., wherein the fungus species may be in an isolated single form or a combination of strains thereof.

[0169] In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the agricultural composition further comprises a binder. The binder may be selected from (but not limited to) the following: polysaccharides, sucrose, fructose, saccharose, pectin, pullulan, glycosides, glucosides, (C1-C 30 ) alkyl glycoside, (C1-C 30 ) alkyl glucosides, gelatin, starch, modified starch, alginates, modified alginates, natural gums, modified gums, guar gum, rosin, rosin-rich tall oil, (C1-C 30 ) alkyl cellulose, (C1-C 30 ) alkyl cellulose salts, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose salts, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer, PVP / hexadecene copolymer, (C1-C 30 ) alkyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, polyacrylate, (C1-C 30 )Alkyl aryl acrylates, styrene derivatives, and combinations thereof.

[0170] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the binder is a styrene acrylic emulsion polymer.

[0171] In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the agricultural composition further comprises a diluent. The diluent may be water.

[0172] The agricultural composition may further comprise an additive selected from, but not limited to, preservatives, clarifiers, antifreeze agents, hydrotropes, stabilizers, antioxidants, acidulants, chelates, complexing agents, dyes, rheology modifiers, defoamers, anti-drift agents, oils or other solvents, and combinations thereof.

[0173] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the lactic acid (C2-C 26 ) alkyl esters (including lactic acid (C 10– C 20 ) alkyl esters and / or derivatives thereof) may be present in an amount of about 5% to about 50% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0174] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the (C2-C 22) alcohol may be present in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt % of the total wt % of the formulated agricultural composition. It should be understood that the ranges herein include any minimum or maximum value within the stated range, and also include any value therebetween.

[0175] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the humectant may be present in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 30 wt % of the total wt % of the formulated agricultural composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0176] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the nonionic and / or anionic surfactant may be present in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 50 wt % of the total wt % of the formulated agricultural composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0177] In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the agricultural composition comprises only a nonionic surfactant and no anionic surfactant, and the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount of about 1% to about 50% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition. It should be understood that the ranges herein include any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also include any value therebetween.

[0178] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the carboxylic acid may be present in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt % of the total wt % of the formulated agricultural composition. It should be understood that the ranges herein include any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also include any value therebetween.

[0179] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the plant hormone may be present in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt % of the total wt % of the formulated agricultural composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0180] In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural carrier composition is loaded with secondary metabolites, which may be present in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt % of the total weight of the formulated loaded agricultural composition. It should be understood that the ranges herein include any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also include any value therebetween.

[0181] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the microorganism may be present in an amount between about 1% and about 70% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition. It should be understood that the ranges herein include any minimum or maximum value within the range, as well as any value therebetween. It should also be understood that the microorganism may be formulated in a growth medium, and the percentages may represent dry weight percentages and / or formulated wet weight percentages including the growth medium.

[0182] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the binder may be present in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt % of the total wt % of the formulated agricultural composition. It should be understood that the ranges herein include any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also include any value therebetween.

[0183] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the additive may be present in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt % of the total wt % of the formulated agricultural composition. It should be understood that the range herein includes any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also includes any value therebetween.

[0184] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the diluent may be present in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 80 wt % of the total wt % of the formulated agricultural composition. It should be understood that the ranges herein include any minimum or maximum value within the range, and also include any value therebetween.

[0185] In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural composition comprises lauryl lactylate, octan-2-ol, glycerol and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate. The agricultural composition may further comprise at least one of carboxylic acid, secondary plant metabolites, plant hormones, microorganisms, adhesives and diluents, as described in the first aspect disclosed above.

[0186] The agricultural composition may further comprise, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a plant protection product, an adjuvant, a soil conditioner, a biostimulant, a seed treatment, and a fertilizer.

[0187] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the plant protection product may be an insecticide, a pesticide, a miticide, acaricide, an ovicide, a herbicide, a fungicide, a viricide, a nematocide, and a nematode inhibitor, and further preferably, the plant protection product may be a nematocide and / or a nematode inhibitor. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the agricultural composition of the present disclosure may be provided as a plant protection product, and may be an insecticide, a pesticide, a miticide, acaricide, an ovicide, a herbicide, a fungicide, a viricide, a nematocide, and a nematode inhibitor. Preferably, the plant protection product may be an insecticide and / or a fungicide. Further preferably, the plant protection product is a nematocide and / or a nematode inhibitor.

[0188] In another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the agricultural composition of the present disclosure may be provided as an adjuvant, a soil conditioner, a biostimulant, a seed treatment agent, a fertilizer, an insect growth regulator, a plant growth regulator, and an inducer.

[0189] According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the following agricultural composition is provided, wherein the agricultural composition is a carrier composition, comprising: the alkyl lactate and / or its derivative as described in the first aspect of the present disclosure, the (C2-C 22 ) alcohol, the humectant as described in the first aspect of the present disclosure, the nonionic and / or anionic surfactant as described in the first aspect of the present disclosure, and the adhesive as described in the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0190] The carrier composition is typically provided as a slurry and / or a gel.

[0191] The carrier composition usually further comprises a diluent. The diluent is usually water.

[0192] Optionally and / or additionally, the agricultural composition may further comprise an additional diluent, solvent or co-solvent. The diluent, solvent or co-solvent is preferably selected from (but not limited to) the following: alcohols, ethers, esters, diesters, terpenes, glycols, alkyl glycols, glycol ether esters, tall oil, tall oil fatty esters, alkylated seed oils, nitrogen compounds, sulfur compounds, halogenated hydrocarbons, and combinations thereof. Preferred solvents or co-solvents are alkyl glycols, glycol ether esters, alkyl lactates, propylene carbonate, tall oil fatty acid esters, alkylated seed oils, such as ethylated or butylated seed oils, and combinations thereof.

[0193] The carrier composition is usually loaded with active ingredients and / or biological control agents and / or fertilizers and / or biostimulants and / or inducers and / or plant growth regulators and / or insect repellents to provide a loaded agricultural carrier composition.

[0194] It will be appreciated that the loaded agricultural carrier composition may comprise a variety of plant protection products, thereby providing a multifaceted mode of intervention for treating and / or controlling plant pathogens during use.

[0195] The active ingredient is typically a plant protection product. The plant protection product may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: insecticides, pesticides, miticides, acaricides, ovicides, herbicides, fungicides, virucides, nematicides, and nematocides.

[0196] The biological control agent may include the microorganism described in the first aspect of the present disclosure and / or the plant hormone described in the first aspect of the present disclosure and / or the carboxylic acid described in the first aspect of the present disclosure and / or the secondary metabolite described in the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0197] Applicants provide a multi-level approach to pest control when the quad-crusher carrier composition is loaded with active ingredients and biological control agents. As noted above, multi-level approaches to simultaneously deliver active ingredients and biological control agents to plants or soil are fraught with difficulties.

[0198] Applicants were surprised that for the loaded agricultural carrier compositions of the preferred embodiments, wherein the biological control agent comprises a microorganism and a secondary plant metabolite, the microorganism and the plant hormone remain intact and / or undamaged and / or stable when loaded into the carrier composition. This is particularly surprising when the microorganism is a bacterium and the secondary metabolite is salicylic acid and / or itaconic acid, since it is known in the art that salicylic acid and / or itaconic acid destroy and / or damage bacteria.

[0199] Without being limited by theory, the applicant believes that the lactic acid (C 10 -C 22 ) alkyl esters provide an effective solvent medium for salicylic acid and / or itaconic acid, while providing a good delivery medium for microorganisms without affecting the activity of the microorganisms.

[0200] This unexpected and unique protective property exhibited by the unloaded agricultural composition provides an unexpected extension of the shelf life of the loaded agricultural composition, even at room temperature, mainly due to the consistent improvement in the viability of all microorganisms and embodiment compositions tested in the present disclosure compared to the benchmarked product.

[0201] Without being bound by theory, the unloaded agricultural carrier composition hinders the germination of microbial spores, thereby extending the shelf life.

[0202] The unsupported agricultural carrier composition inhibits and / or prevents and / or slows germination of spore-forming microorganisms, wherein the unsupported agricultural carrier composition encapsulates the spore-forming microorganisms such that the spore-forming microorganisms are dispersed within the unsupported agricultural carrier composition.

[0203] The unloaded agricultural carrier composition is generally provided as a gel in which the spore-forming microorganisms are dispersed. The unloaded agricultural carrier composition, when loaded with the spore-forming microorganisms, forms the loaded agricultural carrier composition. Only after the loaded agricultural carrier composition is applied to soil, plants, roots, insects, etc., the spore-forming microorganisms are expelled from the gel carrier composition into the surrounding environment, after which germination of the spore-forming microorganisms occurs.

[0204] In addition, as shown in the examples below, the unloaded agricultural carrier composition itself shows some initial antipathogenic activity. This is advantageous in that there is a dual effect after initial application to the soil, firstly the initial antipathogenic activity of the unloaded agricultural carrier composition, and secondly (later) the antipathogenic activity of the microorganism (particularly after spore germination enters an active state). Therefore, the loaded agricultural carrier composition can provide a two-pronged antipathogenic treatment mechanism over a long period of time. This allows for increased efficacy while reducing soil compaction, reducing water spraying, and shortening the application interval of plant protection products in a multi-layer approach. This is surprising and unexpected.

[0205] Another unexpected and surprising property exhibited by the unloaded carrier composition is the ability to improve performance when UCC is added to a barrel mix containing microorganisms. Performance is improved when the microorganism is a spore forming species (exemplified by Bacillus sp.) or a non spore-forming species (exemplified by Pseudomonas sp.). In the examples below, it was observed that when UCC was added to a barrel mix with a prior art product, the performance of the prior art product and the loaded agricultural carrier composition was consistently better than the performance of the prior art product when used alone.

[0206] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural carrier composition, the lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 )alkyl esters and / or derivatives thereof may be present in an amount between about 5 wt % and about 50 wt % of the total wt % of the formulated agricultural carrier composition.

[0207] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural composition, the (C2-C 22) alcohol may be present in an amount between about 0.1 wt % and about 20 wt % of the total wt % of the formulated agricultural carrier composition.

[0208] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural carrier composition, the humectant may be present in an amount between about 1 wt % and about 30 wt % of the total wt % of the formulated agricultural carrier composition.

[0209] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural carrier composition, the nonionic and / or anionic surfactant may be present in an amount between about 1 wt % and about 50 wt % of the total wt % of the formulated agricultural carrier composition.

[0210] In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the agricultural carrier composition comprises only a nonionic surfactant and no anionic surfactant, and wherein the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount between about 1 wt % and about 50 wt % of the total wt % of the formulated agricultural carrier composition.

[0211] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural carrier composition, the binder may be present in an amount between about 0.1 wt % and about 20 wt % of the total weight % of the formulated agricultural carrier composition.

[0212] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural carrier composition, the diluent may be present in an amount between about 1 wt % and about 80 wt % of the total weight % of the formulated agricultural carrier composition.

[0213] In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural carrier composition is loaded with a carboxylic acid, which may be present in an amount between about 0.1 wt % and about 20 wt % of the total weight % of the formulated agricultural carrier composition.

[0214] In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural carrier composition is loaded with plant hormones, and the amount of plant hormones present may be between about 0.1 wt % and about 20 wt % of the total weight of the formulated loaded agricultural composition.

[0215] In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural carrier composition is loaded with secondary metabolites, and the secondary metabolites are present in an amount between about 0.1 wt % and about 20 wt % of the total weight of the formulated loaded agricultural composition.

[0216] In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural carrier composition is loaded with microorganisms, which may be present in an amount between about 1 wt % and about 70 wt % of the total weight % of the formulated agricultural composition.

[0217] In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural carrier composition (loaded or unloaded), the additive may be present in an amount between about 0.1 wt % and about 20 wt % of the total weight % of the formulated agricultural carrier composition.

[0218] In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural carrier composition comprises lauryl lactylate, octan-2-ol, glycerol, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate and styrene acrylic polymer. The agricultural carrier composition may further comprise water and / or other co-solvents. According to the first and / or second aspects disclosed above, the agricultural carrier composition is typically loaded with at least one of a carboxylic acid, a plant hormone, a microorganism, a secondary metabolite, a plant protection product and / or a biological control agent.

[0219] The composition according to the first and / or second aspect of the present disclosure may be provided as at least one of (but not limited to) the following: a plant protection product, an adjuvant, a soil conditioner, a biostimulant, a seed treatment agent, a fertilizer, an insect growth regulator, a plant growth regulator and an inducer.

[0220] The applicant is investigating various methods of making the first and second aspects of the present disclosure.

[0221] Definitions of certain terms used in this disclosure:

[0222] As used herein, the term "adjuvant" is a broad term that will be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art (without limitation to a special or customary meaning), and refers to, but is not limited to, agents that modify the effects of other agents, and more specifically are used to enhance the efficacy of pesticides (e.g., herbicides, insecticides, fungicides) and other agents.

[0223] As used herein, the term "stable" is a broad term, and when combined or associated with the term "promoted storage stability", it means that after the sample is stored for 15 days under at least 3 conditions [room temperature (about 20°C); low temperature (0°C or 5°C); high temperature (54°C)], the formulation maintains similar performance in terms of physical and chemical properties. The storage stability test is carried out according to the CIPAC MT 46 method.

[0224] As used herein, the term "stable" is a broad term, and when combined or associated with the term "shelf life", means that in an actual storage stability test (or also referred to as a shelf life test), after the sample is stored at room temperature (approximately 23°C ± 3°C) for a period of time, the formulation maintains similar performance in terms of physicochemical properties and microbial activity.

[0225] As used herein, the term "stable" is a broad term, and when combined or related with the term "emulsion", it will be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art (not limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers to (but is not limited to) emulsion stability, that is, the ability of an emulsion to resist changes in its properties over time, so that the size of the droplets in the emulsion does not change significantly over time (more specifically, during the period of mixing with water for application to a target), and is therefore given its ordinary meaning to which those skilled in the art are accustomed. Emulsion stability testing is performed according to the CIPAC MT 36 method.

[0226] As used herein, the term "solvent" or "co-solvent" is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art (without limitation to a special or customary meaning), and refers to (but is not limited to) a compound having some property of being able to dissolve other compounds, which may be polar or non-polar, linear or branched, cyclic or aliphatic, aprotic or amphoteric, including (but not limited to): alcohols, acids, amines, ethers, esters, diesters, ketones, acetates, terpenes, sulfoxides, phenols, glycols, alkyl glycols, glycol ether esters, paraffins, hydrocarbons, heterocyclics, aromatic hydrocarbons, cycloalkanes, nitrogen compounds, sulfur compounds, halogenated hydrocarbons, mixtures or combinations of solvents, and the like.

[0227] Whenever a group is described as "optionally substituted", the group may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more specified substituents. Similarly, when a group is described as "unsubstituted or substituted", if substituted, the substituent may be selected from one or more specified substituents. If no substituent is specified, it means that the specified "optionally substituted" or "substituted" group may be substituted by one or more groups individually and independently selected from the following: alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heteroalicyclic, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, (heteroalicyclic) alkyl, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, acyl, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, cyano, halogen, thiocarbonyl, O-carbamoyl, N-carbamoyl, O-thiocarbamoyl, N-thiocarbamoyl, C-amide, N-amide, S-sulfonamido, N-sulfonamido, C-carboxyl, protected C -carboxyl, O-carboxyl, isocyanato, thiocyanato, isothiocyanato, nitro, silyl, sulfenyl, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, trihalomethanesulfonyl, trihalomethanesulfonamido, amino, monosubstituted amino and disubstituted amino, and protected derivatives thereof.

[0228] As used herein, the term "alkyl" is a broad term to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art (without limitation to a special or customary meaning), and means, but is not limited to, a straight chain or branched, acyclic or cyclic, unsaturated or saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon containing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 or more carbon atoms, while the term "lower alkyl" has the same meaning as alkyl except that it contains 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms. Representative saturated straight chain alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, etc.; while saturated branched alkyl groups include isopropyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, isopentyl, etc. Unsaturated alkyl groups contain at least one double bond or triple bond between adjacent carbon atoms (referred to as "alkenyl" or "alkynyl" respectively). Representative straight chain and branched alkenyl groups include ethenyl, propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, isobutenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-methyl-1-butenyl, 2-methyl-2-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, etc.; while representative straight chain and branched alkynyl groups include ethynyl, propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentynyl, 3-methyl-1-butynyl, etc. Typical alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, eicosyl, heneicosyl, docosyl, tricosyl, tetracosyl, pentacosyl, hexacosyl, heptacosyl, octacosyl, nonacosyl, triacontyl, trineicosyl, dotriacontyl, tritriacontyl, tetratriacontyl, pentatriacontyl, and hexatriacontyl. The alkyl group may be substituted or unsubstituted.

[0229] As used herein, the term "alkoxy" is a broad term that is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art (without being limited to a special or customary meaning), and refers to (but is not limited to) an alkyl group attached through an oxygen bridge (i.e., -O-alkyl), such as methoxy, ethoxy, and the like.

[0230] The term "alcohol" as used herein is a broad term that is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art (without limitation to a special or customary meaning), and refers to (but is not limited to) any compound described herein that contains one or more hydroxyl groups, or any compound substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups or functionalized to contain one or more hydroxyl groups.

[0231] The term "ester" as used herein is a broad term that will be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art (without limitation to a special or customary meaning), and refers to, but is not limited to, any compound described herein that contains one or more ester groups, such as a monoester, diester, triester, or polyester, or any compound that is substituted with one or more ester groups, or is functionalized to contain one or more ester groups. Esters include, but are not limited to, fatty acid esters.

[0232] As used herein, the term "glycol" is a broad term that is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art (without being limited to a special or customary meaning), and may include diols, for example, polyalkylene glycols, such as polyethylene glycol (having the formula H(OCH2CH2) n OH, wherein n is greater than 3), polypropylene glycol or a diol including monomers containing longer hydrocarbon chains.

[0233] Non-limiting Examples

[0234] The embodiments of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting. Applicants envision expanding the scope of use in the agricultural field.

[0235] The compositions of the first and second aspects of the present disclosure were tested as plant protection products (preferably nematicides and / or nematostatic agents).Preferred embodiments include biological control agents.

[0236] Table 1.1 - shows an exemplary embodiment of a composition according to the present disclosure, which is an unloaded carrier composition (UCC) (UCC is provided as a gel).

[0237]

[0238]

[0239] Table 1.2 - shows an exemplary embodiment of the composition of the present disclosure, which is a loaded carrier composition (LCC)

[0240]

[0241]

[0242] Table 1.3 - shows an exemplary embodiment of the composition of the present disclosure, which is a preferred embodiment of the loaded carrier composition (pLLC, also known as OR-501)

[0243]

[0244] Preparation method of loaded agricultural carrier composition according to the present disclosure

[0245] For illustrative purposes, the following is an overview of the preparation of the loaded agricultural carrier composition (LCC) used in the non-limiting examples.

[0246] Provided are the production and use of a loaded agricultural carrier composition (LCC). Typically, the loaded agricultural carrier composition is woven into a concentrate containing at least an antipathogenic agricultural compound and / or an antipathogenic agricultural microorganism and / or a mixture of antipathogenic agricultural microorganisms dispersed or dissolved in the unloaded agricultural carrier (UCC). The antipathogenic loaded agricultural carrier composition is stable and can be stored for at least one year at room temperature (about 20° C.) or even under refrigerated conditions (about 5° C.), and can be diluted before use. Alternatively, the antipathogenic agricultural compound and the unloaded agricultural carrier can also be mixed and diluted. The loaded agricultural carrier composition is usually diluted with water or other means to provide a stable tank mix of the diluted agricultural composition before use and application to crops or crop soil or near it to prevent and control pathogen populations and / or prevent and control and / or treat diseases associated with the pathogen. The present disclosure extends to the application of the agricultural composition to soil, substrate, plant, part of a plant, animal, building, equipment, etc. or nearby. The loaded agricultural carrier composition according to the present disclosure is stable before and during use.

[0247] The anti-pathogen loaded agricultural carrier composition according to the present disclosure is generally in the form of a liquid and / or slurry and / or gel, the active ingredient and / or biological control agent is dissolved or dispersed in the agricultural carrier, and is stable as a concentrate, and is stable in a tank mix. The anti-pathogen loaded agricultural carrier composition is provided as a composition comprising more than one compound. The concentrated stable anti-pathogen loaded agricultural carrier composition may include: lactic acid (C2-C 26 ) alkyl esters and / or derivatives thereof in an amount between 5.0 and 50.0% by weight; (C2-C 22 ) alcohol in an amount between 0.1 and 20.0 wt %; a humectant in an amount between 1.0 and 30.0 wt %; a nonionic and / or anionic surfactant in an amount between 1.0 and 50.0 wt %; optionally, a binder in an amount between 0.1 and 20.0 wt %; a diluent, preferably water, in an amount between 1.0 and 80.0 wt %; and one or more biological control agents, preferably one or more bacteria or fungi, in an amount between 1.0 and 70.0 wt %; wherein the anti-pathogen loaded agricultural carrier composition is stable in concentrate form and has a shelf life of at least one year at room temperature (about 20° C.).

[0248] The anti-pathogenic agricultural compounds, and / or anti-pathogenic agricultural microorganisms, and / or anti-pathogenic agricultural microorganism mixtures referred to herein can be insecticides, pesticides, miticides, acaricides, ovicides, herbicides, fungicides, virucides, nematocides, nematode inhibitors, and insect growth regulators.

[0249] The unloaded agricultural carrier (UCC) may alternatively and / or additionally be loaded with plant growth regulators, inducers, biostimulants and / or fertilizers.

[0250] Applicants were surprised at the long shelf life of the compositions of the present disclosure. In addition, the compositions did not show phase separation and remained stable over a long period of time.

[0251] It should be understood that the antipathogenic agricultural composition and the unloaded agricultural carrier composition (UCC) can be blended and then diluted. The antipathogenic agricultural composition can be at least an antipathogenic agricultural compound / composition, and / or an antipathogenic agricultural microorganism, and / or a mixture of antipathogenic agricultural microorganisms. In a preferred embodiment, the unloaded agricultural carrier composition (UCC) is first added to the barrel mixture to obtain a stable solution of an unloaded agricultural carrier, and in a second step, the antipathogenic agricultural composition (preferably a microorganism) is added to the agricultural carrier solution to obtain an antipathogenic agricultural composition dispersed or diluted into the agricultural carrier solution. This diluted or dispersed mixed antipathogenic agricultural composition is stable and can be applied to crops or crop soil or nearby to prevent and control pathogen populations and / or prevent and control and / or treat diseases associated with the pathogens. The present disclosure extends to the application of the agricultural composition in soil, substrate, plant, part of a plant, animal, building, equipment, etc. or nearby. The unloaded agricultural carrier composition (UCC) according to the present disclosure is stable before and during use.

[0252] The unloaded agricultural carrier composition (UCC) is provided as a liquid and / or slurry and / or gel composition comprising more than one compound. The concentrated stable unloaded agricultural carrier composition (UCC) may comprise: lactic acid (C2-C 26 ) alkyl esters and / or derivatives thereof in an amount between 5.0 and 50.0% by weight; (C2-C 22 ) alcohol in an amount between 0.1 and 20.0 wt %; a humectant in an amount between 1.0 and 30.0 wt %; a nonionic and / or anionic surfactant, preferably a nonionic surfactant, in an amount between 1.0 and 50.0 wt %; optionally, a binder in an amount between 0.1 and 20.0 wt %; a diluent, preferably water and / or other co-solvents, in an amount between 1.0 and 80.0 wt %; wherein the unloaded agricultural carrier composition (UCC) is stable and has a shelf life of at least two years at room temperature (about 20° C.).

[0253] The anti-pathogenic agricultural compounds, and / or anti-pathogenic agricultural microorganisms, and / or anti-pathogenic agricultural microorganism mixtures referred to herein can be insecticides, pesticides, miticides, acaricides, ovicides, herbicides, fungicides, virucides, nematocides, nematode inhibitors, and insect growth regulators.

[0254] Testing whether the loaded agricultural carrier composition (OR-501) of the present disclosure has nematicidal and / or nematode-inhibiting properties

[0255] The applicant tested a series of compositions according to the present disclosure, including: unloaded carrier composition (UCC), loaded carrier composition of the preferred embodiment (pLCC, also known as OR-501), OR-501 further loaded with other active substances and / or biological control agents, compositions of bacterial biological control agents alone, commercially available compositions, water and controls. All compositions were directed to the activity of killing and / or inhibiting nematodes.

[0256] Broadly speaking, the compositions of the present disclosure demonstrate nematicidal and / or nematostatic performance superior to the chemical standard oxamyl. Oxamyl has been phased out due to potential harm to the environment. There is a need for more environmentally friendly nematicides that are similar in efficacy to or superior to the traditional chemical standard (e.g., oxamyl).

[0257] In particular, the applicant was surprised that the loaded agricultural carrier composition (pLCC also referred to as OR-501) in the preferred embodiment, wherein the biological control agent includes a microorganism and a plant hormone, the microorganism and the plant hormone remain intact and / or undamaged and / or stable when loaded into the carrier composition. This is particularly surprising when the microorganism is a bacterium and the plant hormone is salicylic acid, since salicylic acid is known in the art to destroy and / or damage bacteria.

[0258] Embodiment 1:

[0259] Nematicide laboratory test - As described in Table 2, various compositions were prepared and tested in vitro as nematicides and / or nematostatic agents.

[0260] The unloaded carrier composition (UCC) comprises: alkyl lactate and / or derivatives (alkyl lactyl lactate), (C2-C 22 ) alcohol (octan-2-ol), a humectant (glycerol), a nonionic surfactant (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate) and a binder (styrene acrylic polymer).

[0261] The preferred loading carrier composition (pLCC, also known as OR-501) consists of: lactic acid (C 10 –C 22) alkyl esters and / or derivatives (lauryl lactylate), C2-C 22 Alcohol (octan-2-ol), humectant (glycerol), nonionic surfactant (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate), and binder (styrene acrylic polymer), microorganisms (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens spp., specifically CM5; ATCC PTA-12138) and secondary metabolites (salicylic acid).

[0262] Table 2 shows the formulations tested as nematicides and / or nematostatic agents.

[0263]

[0264] Experimental setup and bioassay methods:

[0265] Bioassays are designed to determine the efficacy of the test agent and include the following steps:

[0266] 1. Extract nematodes from carrot discs using mesh extraction;

[0267] 2. Count the nematodes extracted from 100 μL of water sample;

[0268] 3. Preferably, the nematode count in this sample is between 40-80 nematodes;

[0269] 4. Determine the efficacy in ELISA plate;

[0270] 5. For all treatments, prepare a stock solution that is 10 times diluted compared to the master preparation;

[0271] 6. For treatments tested at 5% or 1.5%, introduce 50 μL or 15 μL aliquots of the corresponding stock solution into the wells, respectively. Fill the volume with 50 μL of nematode extract (except for treatments tested at 1.5%, where 35 μL of distilled water were introduced) to a total volume of 100 μL. Mix the contents of the wells thoroughly with a pipette to ensure proper distribution of both nematodes and treatment components;

[0272] 7. Each treatment was repeated at least 6 times. Each time, the flask containing the nematode colony was mixed by manually shaking before introducing the nematodes into the wells. In this way, we can ensure that the number of nematodes is uniform and avoid the nematodes settling at the bottom of the flask;

[0273] 8. Keep the entire ELISA plate in dark conditions for 24 hours after the treatment is introduced; and

[0274] 9. Evaluate the mortality of nematodes 24 hours after treatment under a stereomicroscope. Moving nematodes are considered alive. Motile nematodes are poked with a fine brush. If they show a slight reaction to the poking, they are considered alive. If not, they are considered dead.

[0275] The only validity criterion is that the nematode mortality in the negative control should not exceed 10%.

[0276] Statistical analysis:

[0277] Raw mortality data were analyzed using RStudio (version 1.4.1717). The data set was subjected to the Shapiro-Wilk normality test (α=0.05). The data were not normally distributed; therefore, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used. If significant, the Wilcoxon rank sum t test was performed to facilitate paired comparisons between treatment groups.

[0278] result

[0279] Table 3 shows the raw data collected from the experimental protocol.

[0280]

[0281]

[0282]

[0283]

[0284]

[0285] Figure 1 The nematicidal effects of the selected bacteria when applied alone or in admixture with an unloaded carrier composition (UCC) are shown. Nematode mortality was significantly increased when Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Pseudomonas fluorescens were applied in admixture with an unloaded carrier composition. Our trials also showed that OR-501 / pLCC exhibited the highest nematicidal effect of the treatments presented, and interestingly, caused significantly higher mortality than the synthetic standard (Vypromide).

[0286] Figure 1 Box plots with interquartile ranges are shown, with bars representing medians. Whiskers represent SEM. Dots represent outliers. Asterisks represent statistically significant differences between treatments.

[0287] Figure 2 Box plots with interquartile ranges are shown, and bars are medians. Whiskers indicate SEM. Dots indicate outliers. Asterisks indicate statistically significant differences between treatments.

[0288] from Figure 2 As can be seen in Figure 2, the inclusion of plant secondary metabolites in the formulation improved the overall efficacy compared to UCC. Furthermore, the addition of maltodextrin to UCC did not have any significant effect on nematode mortality.

[0289] Also tested (Brazilian brand ) to compare its efficacy with that of pLLC. Figure 3 shown. Figure 3 Box plots with interquartile ranges are shown, and bars are medians. Whiskers indicate SEM. Dots indicate outliers. Asterisks indicate statistically significant differences between treatments.

[0290] pLLC performed significantly better than competitor products, achieving nearly 90% nematode mortality, compared to The microbial nematicide rate was 5.6%.

[0291] Unloaded agricultural carrier compositions (UCC) have shown some initial antipathogenic activity (see Figure 2 ). This is advantageous in that there is a dual effect after the initial application to the soil, firstly the initial antipathogenic activity of the unloaded agricultural carrier composition, and secondly (later) the antipathogenic activity of the microorganisms (particularly after spore germination into an active state). Thus, the loaded agricultural carrier composition provides a two-pronged antipathogenic treatment mechanism over a longer period of time. This allows for increased efficacy while at the same time reducing soil compaction, reducing water spraying, and shortening the application intervals of plant protection products in a multi-layer approach. This is surprising and unexpected.

[0292] Laboratory Tests of Supplemental Nematicides

[0293] The aim of this study was to better understand lactate (C2–C 26 ) The effect of alkyl ester derivatives on the nematicidal effect of the composition prepared according to the present application. Table 4 summarizes all the tested compositions.

[0294] Four unloaded carrier compositions (UCCa, UCCb, UCCc, UCCd) were prepared, comprising: (i) lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters [lauryl lactylate (in UCCa), lauryl lactate (in UCCb), cetyl lactate (in UCCc), and a mixture of lauryl lactate, myristyl lactate, and cetyl lactate (in UCCd)]; (ii) (C2-C 22) alcohol (octan-2-ol); (iii) humectant (glycerol); (iv) nonionic surfactant (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate); (v) binder (styrene acrylic polymer), and (vi) secondary metabolite (salicylic acid).

[0295] A fifth unloaded carrier composition (UCCe) was prepared, comprising: (i) lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl ester (lauryl lactylate); (ii) (C2-C 22 ) alcohol (octan-2-ol); (iii) humectant (glycerol); (iv) nonionic surfactant (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate); (v) binder (styrene acrylic polymer); and (vi) secondary metabolite (itaconic acid).

[0296] Table 4. Tested compositions and their contents

[0297]

[0298] Experimental setup and bioassay methods

[0299] The nematicidal efficacy regimen includes the following steps:

[0300] 1- Extract nematodes from carrot discs using the grid extraction method.

[0301] 2- Count the nematodes extracted in 100 μL of water.

[0302] 3- Preferably, the nematode count in this sample is between 60-80 nematodes.

[0303] 4- Determination of efficacy in ELISA plates.

[0304] 5- After the introduction of the treatment, keep the entire ELISA plate in dark conditions for 24 hours.

[0305] 6- Evaluate the mortality of the nematodes 24 hours after treatment under a stereomicroscope. Moving nematodes are considered alive. Motile nematodes are poked with a fine brush and if they react slightly to the poking, they are considered alive. If not, they are considered dead.

[0306] 7- The only effectiveness criterion is that the mortality of nematodes in the untreated control group should not exceed 10%.

[0307] result

[0308] Figure 5The nematicidal effects of the various compositions tested are shown. The penetrating root rot nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans) responded to B-017-03 (containing UCCb made with lauryl lactate) with the highest mortality of 73.9%. B-017-04 (containing UCCc made with cetyl lactate) and B-017-05 (containing UCCd made from a mixture of lauryl lactate, myristyl lactate, and cetyl lactate) caused 60.1% and 58.5% mortality, respectively. Reducing the concentration of B-017-05 to 1% and 0.5% resulted in a significant reduction in nematode mortality, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 As shown, this suggests a dose-response effect.

[0309] B-017-06 contains the bacterial agent Bacillus subtilis BS03 (GAT), which is different from the microorganism used in the other compositions (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens). The efficacy of B-017-06 (48.9%) was significantly lower than all Bacillus amyloliquefaciens compositions. Other Bacillus subtilis strains and other species will be added to the nematicidal trials in the future.

[0310] In the case of itaconic acid replacing salicylic acid, the nematicidal effect was compromised, with B-017-07 showing 23.4% nematode mortality. Clearly, the reduction in dose from 5% to 2% affected the nematicidal effect of composition B-017-07, and even at the dose used, 23.4% control can be considered promising. Another set of trials is underway, including similar doses of itaconic acid and salicylic acid, to evaluate both metabolites at the same percentages and doses.

[0311] The test was considered valid because the mortality of nematodes in the untreated control group did not exceed 10%.

[0312] in conclusion - All lactate (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters all show unique interactions with other ingredients to form very well structured gels that keep microorganisms alive even at room temperature, which is surprising and shows promising ability to improve the shelf life and performance of agricultural compositions such as insecticides, acaricides, miticides, ovicides, herbicides, fungicides, virucides, nematicides, nematostats, insect growth regulators, plant growth regulators, inducers or biostimulants, wherein the agricultural compositions contain biological species or act alone as adjuvants.

[0313] Supplemental fungicide laboratory testing

[0314] Screening of fungicidal biological efficacy

[0315] The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of the compositions of the present disclosure as fungicides by testing the ability of the compositions to inhibit the growth of selected fungi, namely Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata, Monolinia fructicula and Fusarium graminearum. In the first set of tests, fungicides of different compositions made using different types of alkyl lactates according to the present disclosure, as well as prior art products for control, and negative controls were used to evaluate efficacy.

[0316] Different fungi are selected based on their ability to spread and induce crop diseases in crops.

[0317] Description of work: Different dilutions of different variants of the composition according to the present disclosure (in particular UCCa and UCCb loaded with microbial agents) were prepared and inoculated in an appropriate medium (potato dextrose agar) and then exposed to different fungi in exponential growth phase in sterile petri dishes. After the incubation period, the effect of each substance / concentration combination on fungal growth was evaluated.

[0318] equipment:

[0319] Balance - A calibrated balance (Sartorius brand, model Quintix 3102-1S) was used to prepare the composition, culture medium and necessary dilutions.

[0320] Autoclave - All culture media and generated biological wastes were sterilized by autoclave (brand AJCosta, model UNICLVE 88) before use.

[0321] Biological safety cabinet - All work requiring sterile conditions was performed in a biological safety cabinet (brand EuroClone, model Safemate EZ 1.2).

[0322] Incubator - All culture plates were cultured in an incubator (Brand Raypa, Model DOD-90) at 25°C.

[0323] Tested samples: different compositions prepared using different types of alkyl lactates according to the present disclosure, prior art products, and negative controls, as described in the following table.

[0324] Table 5. Sample identification

[0325]

[0326] The above composition was diluted in water at a ratio of 0.5% (w / w), 1% (w / w) and 5% (w / w), respectively.

[0327] Discs were soaked with each dilution of each composition and inserted in triplicate into Petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar (PDA).

[0328] PDA was the medium of choice because it is a rich medium that promotes overall growth of the fungus, so that the fungus is not subject to any other constraints during growth other than exposure to the composition being tested.

[0329] Once dry, a cube of each fungus selected for the test (Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata, Pseudomonas australis and Fusarium graminearum) in exponential growth phase was inserted into the middle of the plate. The plate was incubated at 25°C for 7 days.

[0330] After the incubation period, the growth inhibition diameter (in millimeters) of each plate was measured.

[0331] result

[0332] Table 6 below shows the results of the growth inhibition diameter of Alternaria alternata after incubation, in millimeters.

[0333] Table 6. Shows the results of the growth inhibition diameter of Alternaria internelum after incubation, in millimeters, for each composition at the concentration tested.

[0334]

[0335] * = A, B and C are replicates of each test sample.

[0336] Table 7 below shows the results of the Botrytis cinerea growth inhibition diameter after incubation, in millimeters.

[0337] Table 7. Shows the results of the Botrytis cinerea growth inhibition diameter after incubation in millimeters for each composition at the concentration tested.

[0338]

[0339] * = A, B and C are replicates of each test sample.

[0340] Table 8 below shows the results of the growth inhibition diameter of the American-Australian stone fruit brown rot pathogen after incubation, in millimeters.

[0341] Table 8. Shows the results of the growth inhibition diameter of Pseudomonas australis after incubation, in millimeters, for each composition at the concentration tested.

[0342]

[0343] * = A, B and C are replicates of each test sample.

[0344] Table 9 below shows the results of the growth inhibition diameter of Fusarium graminearum after incubation, in millimeters.

[0345] Table 9. Shows the results of the growth inhibition diameter of Fusarium graminearum after incubation, in millimeters, for each composition at the concentration tested.

[0346]

[0347] * = A, B and C are replicates of each test sample.

[0348] Interpretation of results

[0349] For the negative control (component marked as 0), there was no obstacle to fungal growth after incubation, so there was no growth inhibition for all tested fungi.

[0350] For all tested fungi, all compositions showed significant inhibition of fungal growth compared to the negative control.

[0351] Table 10 shows the percent efficacy of each composition compared to a prior art registered biological product based on Bacillus subtilis (composition numbered 4). For each composition, the dosage level started at a low dose of 0.5% to a high concentration of 5% and was applied to each fungus in the evaluation.

[0352] For the mean values ​​of growth inhibition obtained with the prior art standard reference, the mean value of growth inhibition for the higher tested dose (5% w / w) was assumed to be 100% relative to the control (efficacy), whereas the mean values ​​for all other compositions were considered using the 100% reference percentage from the standard reference applied at 5% w / w.

[0353] The average results for the remaining compositions tested at different doses and species are shown in Table 10.

[0354] Table 10 shows the relative percentages of efficacy of compositions made using Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus subtilis according to the present invention and registered fungicides based on Bacillus subtilis in controlling four agricultural fungi.

[0355]

[0356] Considerations

[0357] Under the conditions used in this experiment, all tested compositions (1 to 4) except the negative control showed similar efficacy in inhibiting the growth of Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, American Australian stone fruit brown rot fungus and Fusarium graminearum. In addition, even when using a low dose that was diluted 10 times compared to the high dose, it was difficult to establish a clear dose-response for the tested fungi.

[0358] Despite the different species used in B. amyloliquefaciens based compositions 1 and 2, and the different alkyl lactates used in each of the three compositions, the screening tests clearly showed that B. amyloliquefaciens based compositions 1 and 2 exhibited slightly higher or similar performance relative to the B. subtilis based commercial fungicide.

[0359] In the case of Pseudomonas australis, compositions 3 and 4 had higher efficacy than compositions 1 and 2. Bacillus subtilis appeared to be more effective in controlling Pseudomonas australis than Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

[0360] in conclusion:

[0361] Under the conditions used in this in vitro screening assay, all compositions demonstrated inhibition of fungal growth at all concentrations tested compared to the negative control.

[0362] For Alternaria internelum, Botrytis cinerea, and Fusarium graminearum, the observed results for the four compositions tested were statistically similar, with Composition 1 performing slightly better.

[0363] For the fungus American Australian stone fruit brown rot fungus, the observation results can show that Bacillus subtilis performs better than Bacillus amyloliquefaciens in controlling American Australian stone fruit brown rot fungus. Compositions 3 and 4 perform statistically better than compositions 1 and 2. Composition 3 performs slightly better than composition 4 in controlling American Australian stone fruit brown rot fungus.

[0364] Supplemental insecticide laboratory test

[0365] Effects of several Bacillus amyloliquefaciens compositions on red spider mite and Tetranychus urticae Evaluation of contact toxicity of Tetranychus urticae (Trichoptera)

[0366] Location: Strand, South Africa

[0367] Pests: Red spider mites, two-spotted spider mites

[0368] Life stage: Adult female

[0369] Application method: Porter spray tower

[0370] Number of applications: 1

[0371] Objective: To test the effectiveness of several Bacillus amyloliquefaciens compositions as contact insecticides.

[0372] Table 11. List of treatments for laboratory bioassay trials.

[0373]

[0374] Materials: pipettes, pipette tips, 50 mL glass beaker, 250 mL glass beaker, plastic dropper, deionized water, stirring spoon, weighing boat, marker, modified petri dish, cotton pad, 5 mL plastic syringe, 6 mL plastic syringe, tape and cork borer.

[0375] Research animals and maintenance

[0376] Adult females of two-spotted spider mites (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) were obtained from a laboratory colony at Oro Agri, Strand, South Africa. The colony fed on runner beans and was maintained at a constant temperature of 25°C with a photoperiod of 12:12 L:D.

[0377] Laboratory Biological Testing

[0378] During the application period and the test period, a culture dish with a modified lid was used to place the mites. The lid was modified to include a square grid, thereby reducing the relative humidity in the culture dish. A cotton pad was placed in each culture dish and moistened with 10 mL of water. Leaf disks (2.2 cm in diameter) were cut from legumes using a cork borer and placed on a wet cotton pad to keep them turgid. Two leaf disks were placed on each cotton pad as a food source for the mites. The underside of the disk was placed upward because the mites mostly feed on the underside of the leaves. Five adult female mites were placed on each leaf disk, and five culture dishes were used for each treatment (i.e., 50 mites for each treatment). After applying the treatment agent, the mite individuals were left in their respective culture dishes, and mortality and morbidity assessments were performed during the test period.

[0379] Table 12. Pipetting product volumes.

[0380]

[0381]

[0382] Treatment agent application

[0383] All treatment applications were made using a Porter Spray Tower (Porter Precision Laboratory Spray Tower, Burkard Scientific). The Porter Spray Tower was calibrated for 5 mL of solution, equivalent to 415 liters / ha (see ZA 2015 Porter Spray Tower Spray Volumes). To apply the treatments, the Petri dishes containing the mites were placed on the platform of the Porter Tower and sprayed once with 5 mL of the desired treatment (pressure 0.6 bar). After spraying, the Petri dishes were stored in a temperature-controlled room at a constant temperature of 25°C.

[0384] Mortality and morbidity assessment

[0385] Mortality and morbidity were assessed 24 and 48 hours after application. Mites were considered dead if their legs did not move after being poked with a fine paint brush for 10 seconds. Morbidity was defined as individuals that were no longer visibly healthy but not yet dead (i.e., leg movement was still visible).

[0386] Figure 6 The percentage of mite mortality 24 hours after application of the treatment is shown.

[0387] Statistical analysis – mortality 24 hours after treatment application

[0388] All statistical analyses were performed using the PAST statistical software package.

[0389] A Shapiro-Wilk test was performed, which indicated that the data were not normally distributed (p<0.05). Therefore, the data were not analyzed using ANOVA, but a Kruskal-Wallis test was performed instead. This test indicated that there were significant differences between the treatments (p<0.0001).

[0390] Post hoc Mann-Whitney comparisons were then performed to distinguish which treatments were significantly different from each other. The test showed that all treatments were significantly better than the control group (i.e., caused significantly higher mortality) (see Tables 13 and Figure 6 The following treatments also significantly outperformed the chemical standard, resulting in higher mortality: B-017-003, B-017-004, and B-017-005 (see Tables 13 and Figure 6 ).

[0391] Table 13 shows the results of the Mann-Whitney test for mortality data 24 hours after treatment application. Significant differences (p<0.05) are indicated in red font and bold.

[0392]

[0393]

[0394] Figure 7The percentage of mite mortality 48 hours after treatment application is shown.

[0395] Statistical analysis – mortality 48 hours after treatment application

[0396] All statistical analyses were performed using the PAST statistical software package.

[0397] A Shapiro-Wilk test was performed, which indicated that the data were not normally distributed (p<0.05). Therefore, the data were not analyzed using ANOVA, but a Kruskal-Wallis test was performed instead. This test indicated that there were significant differences between the treatments (p<0.001).

[0398] Post hoc Mann-Whitney comparisons were then performed to distinguish which treatments were significantly different from each other. The test results showed that all treatments were significantly better than the control group (ie, caused significantly higher mortality) (see Table 4).

[0399] Table 14 shows the results of the Mann-Whitney test for mortality data 48 hours after treatment application. Significant differences (p<0.05) are indicated in red font and bold.

[0400]

[0401] Discussion and Conclusion

[0402] The results showed that the four different compositions tested for efficacy against red spider mites (see Table 14: B-017-001; B-017-003; B-017-004; B-017-005) all resulted in significantly higher mortality compared to the control group at 24 and 48 hours after application of the treatment (see Tables 13 and 14, and Figure 6 and 7 ).

[0403] It can be concluded that all four tested compositions (B-017-001, B-017-003, B-017-004 and B-017-005) do have significant effects on mites when used as contact insecticides / miticides. All four compositions were effective against red spider mites, causing significantly higher mortality than the control group.

[0404] It is necessary to confirm that the agricultural carrier composition of the present disclosure is used with other types of bacteria to provide a loaded agricultural carrier composition as an insecticide and / or acaricide. A series of trials will be used against various insects to test the use of entomopathogenic fungi in different dedicated gel matrices (UCC and / or UCCa and / or UCCb and / or UCCc and / or UCCd and / or UCCe) to enhance efficacy. Pests will be used as model organisms for efficacy screening at the Oro Agri factories in South Africa and Portugal. The selected pests are at least a) Tetranychus urticae (Trichoptera) - Red spider mite; b) Planococcus ficus - Vine mealybug; c) Bathycoelia distincta (Hemiptera) - Two-spotted Stinkbug. For each target, at least one trial will be conducted on each of the following entomopathogenic fungi: Beauvariabassiana and Metarhizium anisopilae. Chemical and biological standards will be used to compare efficacy and control.

[0405] Embodiment 2:

[0406] Nematicide field trial

[0407] Pot trials were conducted under controlled conditions in the grow room at Oro Agri South Africa’s facility in Strand, South Africa. All trials in the grow room were equipped with artificial lighting, air conditioning and irrigation systems suitable for plant growth.

[0408] Table 15. – Field trials – Location, crop variety and treatment details

[0409] crop: tomato variety: Floradade irrigation: Artificial irrigation-daily irrigation Growth substrate Malmesbury sand with Telopic fumigation

[0410] Materials and methods

[0411] Description of experimental design and trial layout

[0412] The trial included six treatments, each replicated five times. All pots were filled with the same soil mix and planted with tomato plants; one plant per pot. The nematodes inoculated with the soil were obtained from ARC in Stellenbosch. The nematodes were Meloidogyne javanica, which were applied to each pot as a drench with 3555 eggs / J2's per pot around the base of the plant (100 mL). The product treatment was also applied as a soil drench treatment after four days.

[0413] Pruning tomatoes

[0414] Plants will be pruned according to the laboratory M059 method. Pruning of tomato plants will be performed when the tomato plants are at least 15 cm tall. The main stem will be cut with pruning shears 1 cm above the second or third true leaf of each plant to stimulate the growth of lateral buds.

[0415] Microbial inoculation

[0416] Since the products used as treatment agents in this test are mainly nematode inhibitors (nematistats), the soil needs to have a microbial population to simulate the interaction between microorganisms and nematodes.

[0417] Therefore, a microbial inoculant was applied in all treatments to simulate this effect. The microbial inoculant is a community of 21 microorganisms, some of which have multiple strains, making a total of 31 strains. It is a commercial product and the field application rate is 2 liters / hectare. The microbial inoculant was applied four days before the nematode inoculation.

[0418] Nematode inoculation

[0419] The nematode inoculation was carried out four days before the product treatment, with 3555 eggs / J2's per pot. Due to insufficient nematode population, the inoculation rate was slightly lower than expected. Three holes with a diameter of 5 mm and a depth of 3.5 cm were drilled around the plants, and 5 mL of the inoculation solution was applied in them. The holes were immediately sealed. The soil was fully moistened before inoculation.

[0420] Measurement parameters

[0421] Table 16. – Shows the parameters measured

[0422]

[0423] * and Sugar Flotation

[0424] Table 17.- Processing table

[0425]

[0426] result

[0427] Figure 4 Root extract counts - the number of eggs and second-stage larvae per gram of root.

[0428] Discussion and Conclusion

[0429] The results of root extraction are as follows Figure 4As shown. The data show that 0.1% of OR-501x and OR-501y were significantly lower than the (+) untreated group; the result of the treatment was a significant reduction in the incidence of nematodes in the roots. The lower concentration of 0.01% of OR-501x and OR-501y was not as effective as the 0.1% concentration of OR-501x and OR-501y. All other treatments were numerically lower than the untreated. The level of contamination in the (-) untreated was very low.

[0430] Considering that the product is not a direct nematicide but only an antagonist, and that nematode populations were significantly reduced, these results are promising. More trials are needed to determine efficacy and investigate ideal application rates.

[0431] Examples 1 and 2 show that the compositions according to the present disclosure are effective nematicides, insecticides and fungicides. The applicant envisages conducting further detailed experiments to show that these compositions are effective plant protection products in general.

[0432] Applicants believe that agricultural compositions and / or agricultural carrier compositions (loaded / unloaded) improve at least one of the disadvantages known in the prior art.

[0433] Embodiment 3:

[0434] Direct Method for Bacterial Quantification - Shelf Life Test

[0435] equipment

[0436] Balance - A calibrated balance should be used to prepare compositions, media and necessary dilutions. The brand of balance used at the Palmela facility is Sartorius, model Quintix 3102-1S.

[0437] Autoclave - All culture media and biological waste generated before use should be sterilized by autoclave. The autoclave used in the Palmela plant is AJCosta, model UNICLVE 88.

[0438] Biosafety Cabinet - All work requiring sterile conditions should be carried out in a biosafety cabinet. The brand of biosafety cabinet used in the Palmela plant is AJCosta EuroClone, model SafemateEZ 1.2.

[0439] Incubator - All plates should be incubated at the appropriate temperature for the microorganisms required for quantitation. Generally, the most common bacteria are incubated at 35°C. The brand of incubator used at the Palmela facility is Raypa, model DOD-90.

[0440] method

[0441] The method of directly quantifying bacteria by plating a predetermined amount of sample has the advantage of high sensitivity. This method is based on the principle that every living microorganism will multiply and produce visible colonies. It is believed that every bacterial cell in the sample will form a visible colony once it spreads.

[0442] Serial dilutions of the target sample should be performed based on the expected CFU value of the original sample so that there are between 30 and 300 colonies on each plate.

[0443] If the theoretical value of the sample is 2x10 9 CFU / mL, up to 10 -7 Serial dilutions of the strain were prepared and 100 μL of the relevant dilutions were plated on a petri dish with a non-selective agar medium such as Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA).

[0444] At least two independent serial dilutions should be performed. Each independently prepared relevant dilution should be plated in triplicate on a Petri dish.

[0445] Based on the expected amount of CFU / mL in the original undiluted sample, the relevant dilutions plated onto the plates (in triplicate) are the ideal dilutions to obtain between 30 and 300 colonies per plate, as well as dilutions slightly above and below this to account for any variation in actual versus theoretical numbers.

[0446] Considering 2x10 9 CFU / mL and the fact that 100 μL of the relevant dilution was plated in the culture dish, the ideal dilution to plate in the culture dish is 10 -6 Theoretically, 200 CFU / plate will appear after the incubation period. The other two dilutions applied to the culture dish should be 100 μL of dilution 10 -5 (triplicate) and 100 μL of dilution 10 -7 .

[0447] After plating, the plates should be incubated for 24 hours at a more appropriate incubation period and the number of colonies in each plate should be counted.

[0448] Sample identification:

[0449] Table 18. List of treatments for laboratory shelf life testing.

[0450]

[0451]

[0452] The company’s multiple laboratories in Palmela, Portugal, Valencia, Spain, Strand, South Africa, Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Fresno, USA, including third-party laboratories, conduct shelf-life testing using alkyl lactate-based gels as carriers for biologics, among others.

[0453] result

[0454] Table 19 shows the results of the viable count or colony count of each microorganism at each time period, in CFU / mL, expressed as CFU reduction (in %).

[0455]

[0456]

[0457] evaluate

[0458] Batch 50120210709 is 19 months old. From the results, it can be seen that the CFU / mL of bacteria has remained stable over time at room temperature (23℃±3℃). Although the time of other batches is shorter, their bacteria or colony counts also remain stable over time at room temperature.

[0459] The expected time for bacterial or colony counts to stabilize is at least 30 months, but if counts remain within ±20% of the initial bacterial or colony counts, testing will continue up to 36 months, which is an excellent goal.

[0460] Other batches of compositions prepared according to the present application were also tested for shelf life at room temperature, and these compositions were prepared with isolated species and mixtures with at least the following microorganisms: Bacillus subtilis sp., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens sp., Bacillus firmus sp., Bacillus thuringiensis sp., Bacillus simple sp., Bacillus licheniformis sp., Bacillus velezensis sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens sp., Pseudomonas protegeans sp., Trichoderma harzianum sp., Trichoderma asperellum sp., Paecilomyces lilacinus sp., sp.) and Beauveria bassiana sp.

[0461] It is known that currently plant protection products and / or biocontrol agents comprising microorganisms often have a limited shelf life. Applicants were surprised that the compositions according to the present disclosure showed an extended shelf life, the microorganisms not dying and decaying within the typical period known in the art.

[0462] Applicants were also surprised at the long shelf life of the compositions of the present disclosure. In addition, these compositions did not show phase separation and remained stable over a long period of time.

[0463] Embodiment 4:

[0464] Embodiments of the present disclosure are useful as nematicidal and / or nematostatic agrochemical products.

[0465] OR-501 (pLCC, also known as OR-N-6) was applied to the root zone of greenhouse-grown tomato plants through a drip irrigation system. The trial was conducted on tomatoes grown in soil artificially inoculated with southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) eggs and J2 to ensure homogeneity of the target nematode population and reliability of the results.

[0466] Table 20 summarizes the treatments in the trial and Table 21 summarizes the time, date and method of application.

[0467] Table 20 shows the table of treatment agents

[0468]

[0469] Table 21 shows the schedule of administration

[0470] Application No. Application time Date of application Application method A 3 days after transplanting - BBCH 13 08 / 11 / 2022 Drip irrigation B BBCH 13 15 / 11 / 2022 Drip irrigation C BBCH 15 25 / 11 / 2022 Drip irrigation E BBCH 22 15 / 12 / 2022 Drip irrigation

[0471] Experimental setup and test methods

[0472] The experiment adopted a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates and a single plot area of ​​12m 2 (6m x 2m) and includes 24 plants (2 rows).

[0473] A few days before transplanting tomatoes, the soil of each plant was artificially inoculated with 42,163 eggs+J2 of southern root-knot nematodes.

[0474] All application of the trial products was carried out via a drip irrigation system above the planting rows (product applied directly to the root zone). The total irrigation water volume used for the application was 20,000 l / ha and in practice the application sequence was as follows:

[0475] 1.8000 l / ha of water is used to moisten the soil to ensure adequate placement of the product within the future root zone

[0476] 2. The product is diluted into 10,000 litres / ha of water to ensure even distribution in the future root zone

[0477] 3.8000 litres / ha of water for cleaning irrigation lines and sealing irrigation bulbs

[0478] The following assessments were performed throughout the trial:

[0479] - Evaluate the severity of root galls in the plant root system by visual inspection according to the modified root knot index (0-10) of Bridge and Page 1980:

[0480] Table 22 shows the evaluation table of root damage degree

[0481]

[0482]

[0483] Soil nematode count: the number of J2 M. incognita in 100 ml of soil

[0484] Yield was measured at several consecutive harvests and the total fruit yield (of all harvests) was calculated and expressed as:

[0485] aTotal production (tons / hectare)

[0486] bTotal number of fruits / hectare

[0487] cAverage fruit weight (g / fruit)

[0488] d Visual assessment of phytotoxicity according to percentage of severity

[0489] result

[0490] The results for each of the main variables recorded in the experiment are as follows.

[0491] Severity of Root Gall:

[0492] Figure 8 Shown are the visually assessed severity of galls in the different treatments throughout the trial (47, 89 and 131 days after transplanting).

[0493] Untreated plants showed moderate knot severity, ranging from 4.43 (89 DAT) to 5.1 (47 DAT) depending on the evaluation date. The standard reference OLREDY significantly reduced knot severity compared to the control at all 3 evaluation dates. OR-501 achieved a numerical reduction in knot severity compared to the control.

[0494] Nematode populations in soil:

[0495] Fig. 9 Nematode populations (number of J2 / 100 cm) counted in soil samples collected throughout the experiment are shown. 3 Soil). Soil samples were collected at three different time points:

[0496] -0DAT: Check whether the nematode population is sufficient and uniform before the first application

[0497] -89 and 131 DAT: To evaluate changes in nematode populations in the soil after product application

[0498] At the start of the trial, before the first application, all treatments showed statistically comparable nematode populations, with values ​​ranging from 431 to 454 J2 / 100 cm 3 Soil, depending on the treatment.

[0499] At both evaluation dates (89 and 131 DAT), both the standard reference OLREDY and OR-501 significantly reduced the nematode population compared to the control group. OLREDY and OR-501 presented statistically and numerically comparable results.

[0500] Fruit production:

[0501] At the end of the experiment, the total tomato yield of each treatment was recorded.

[0502] Fig.10 , 11 Figures 1 and 12 show the different parameters recorded for the assessment of tomato yield:

[0503] - Fig.10 The total production (yield) of the different treatments is shown in tonnes per hectare

[0504] - Fig.11 The total number of marketable fruits harvested in the different treatments is shown (expressed as marketable fruits / hectare).

[0505] - Fig.12 The average fruit weight (g / fruit) of the different treatments is shown.

[0506] In terms of yield, fruit yield (tons / ha) of OLREDY and OR-501 was higher than that of the untreated control. Although not significant, substantial yield increases of 33 and 25 percentage points were recorded for OLREDY and OR-501, respectively, compared to the control treatment (forced to 100%).

[0507] In terms of the total number of marketable fruits, an increase in the number of marketable fruits was observed for OLREDY and OR-501 compared to the untreated control. Although not significant, substantial increases of 32 and 23 percentage points were recorded for the number of marketable fruits for OLREDY and OR-501, respectively, compared to the control treatment (forced to 100%).

[0508] Regarding the average fruit weight (g / fruit), all treatments presented very similar values. This result confirms the positive effect of OLREDY and OR-501 on total fruit yield, since, although the number and yield of marketable fruits in the treated objects were substantially higher than in the control, the average fruit weight did not decrease.

[0509] in conclusion

[0510] This trial, conducted under commercial conditions of tomato production, confirmed the nematicidal activity of ORO-501 against southern root-knot nematodes and its associated benefits to tomato production.

[0511] The results of three applications of ORO-501 via a drip irrigation system at the beginning of the crop cycle are as follows:

[0512] - Numerical reduction in root gall intensity compared to the control group

[0513] - Throughout the trial, the nematode population (number of J2) was significantly reduced compared to the control group

[0514] - The figures for total tomato production (tonnes of tomatoes / hectare) and the number of marketable fruits increased, while the average fruit weight remained the same

[0515] ORO-501 applied at a dosage of 10 L / ha is safe for crops and does not cause any form of phytotoxicity. It also reduces the use of traditional pesticides and reduces the level of pesticide residues in soil and crops (food or non-food crops).

[0516] Another important feature praised by the researchers of OR-501 and common to all formulations prepared according to the present invention is that it can be easily stored at room temperature for at least 2 years. This is much more practical for farmers and end users than biological products with a shelf life of 3 or 6 months and / or storage at 5°C to -18°C (refrigerated or ultra-refrigerated).

[0517] The high stability and extended shelf life of the composition prepared according to the present invention gives the end user the confidence that the same biologic efficacy and performance will be obtained within the shelf life of the biologic commercial product.

[0518] The applicant was surprised that the carrier composition comprising alkyl lactate (and / or its derivatives) and carboxylic acid did not damage and / or destroy the microbial biocontrol agent when loaded with the microbial biocontrol agent, since it is well known in the prior art that alkyl lactate and carboxylic acid have antimicrobial properties according to the teaching of EP 1 898 900 B1. This is particularly true for ORO-501 (pLCC, also known as OR-N-6).

[0519] Example 5

[0520] Field efficacy of ORO-501, also known as B-017-001 [Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (20%) + UCCa (80%)] against southern root-knot nematodes in melon. Shandong, China (September 2022)

[0521] Table 23.- Trial identification and location

[0522]

[0523] Experimental and treatment details

[0524] 1. On the day of transplanting, soak the roots with 1% (10ml / 1L) + metalaxyl-M + hymexazol, and irrigate with a dosage of 9 liters / hectare 23 days after transplanting.

[0525] 2. On the day of transplanting, soak the roots with 1% (10ml / 1L) + metalaxyl + benomyl, and irrigate with 3% CS 15 liters / hectare of avermectin 23 days after transplanting.

[0526] 3. On the day of transplanting, soak the roots with 1% (10ml / 1L) + metalaxyl + oxadiazine, and irrigate with avermectin 3% CS + 3 billion / g Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (ORO-501 (also named B-017-001-Amyloliquefaciens + UCCa). Reference - commercial Paecilomyces lilacinus, dosage is 15kg / ha + 15kg / ha, 23 days after transplanting, irrigate with 3% CS 15 liters / ha of avermectin.

[0527] result

[0528] The field trial was conducted at a third-party facility greenhouse farm. Melons were collected and evaluated after harvest. The roots of plants treated with ORO-501 drip irrigation + irrigation were pulled out by farmers manually, and the roots of plants in other treatments were collected with a shovel (roots are more affected by nematodes).

[0529] The number of healthy and infected roots, healthy and infected melons and all evaluations and statistics are included in Table 24 below.

[0530] It is noteworthy that because the roots in the avermectin treatment were affected by nematodes, even when pulled out with a shovel, they were still shorter than those treated with ORO-501 soaking + avermectin.

[0531] Table 24 shows an overview of the results after harvest

[0532]

[0533] Fig.13 Shown is a bar graph summarizing data based on the percentage of healthy and infected melons, healthy and infected roots, healthy and infected melons and roots in melon treatments for control of southern root-knot nematode - data recorded at harvest at the end of the trial.

[0534] Fig.14 Pictures of healthy and infected root systems, and examples of healthy and infected harvested melons are shown. The harvested melons and roots refer to the use of ORO-501 aka B-017-001 (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 20% + UCCa 80%)] composition versus a standard treatment of melons against southern root-knot nematodes.

[0535] in conclusion

[0536] 1. ORO-501 has good efficacy against nematodes. It is soaked at a rate of 1% on the day of transplanting and irrigated at a dose of 9 liters / hectare 23 days later. It is estimated that the efficacy lasts for about 15-20 days at this dose.

[0537] 2.ORO-501 can be mixed with fungicides during soaking.

[0538] 3. The nematode infection rate of melons with ORO-501 was 10.7%, which was much lower than that of avermectin + Paecilomyces (where the rate of melons infected by nematodes was 38.3%).

[0539] 4. ORO-501 can be used to prevent melon nematodes by irrigating on the day of transplanting and again 15-20 days later. Since the infection rate of melons treated with ORO-501 was 10.7%, changing the application method from soaking to irrigation on the day of transplanting will be evaluated.

[0540] 5. It was clear to all involved in the trial that the composition ORO-501 provided more than just nematode control. Assessing fruit size, health, harvest time, plant and fruit structure, it became clear that ORO-501 had properties as a biostimulant and / or plant growth regulator. Its mode of action will be studied in field trials, laboratory phenotyping systems, and greenhouse trials over the next season.

[0541] 6. Other field and laboratory trials are currently being conducted in China and elsewhere to generate data and knowledge for future reference.

[0542] Ongoing testing and trials

[0543] Disease Biological Efficacy Screening - Fungicides

[0544] Samples of agricultural compositions of certain embodiments are being evaluated for pest efficacy and compared to other products and samples to assess survival, shelf life, synergy and antagonism, and in vitro efficacy against most common or applicable plant pathogens.

[0545] Growth inhibition was measured using potato dextrose agar (PDA) modified with the test compounds to compare the colony growth of several fungi, with plain (unmodified) PDA plates used as controls. Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinereal, Colletotrichum fioriniae, Fusarium moniliforme, F. oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Verticillium dahlia, Xanthomonas arboricolapv. Juglandis, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium graminearum, Macrophomina faseolina, Alternaria alternata, Monolinia fructicula, Phytophthora infestans infestans strain EU_6_A1, Phytophthora infestans strain EU_13_A2, Phytophthora infestans strain EU_36_A2, Phytophthora infestans strain EU_37_A2, Phytophthora infestans strain EU_41_A2 and other agriculturally useful species are or will be grown on acidified potato dextrose agar and / or grown in a specific manner other than PDA. Amended plates and control plates will be inoculated with mycelial plugs (5 mm in diameter) and then cultured at 25°C until the species colonies in the control plates approach the edge of the plate. The colony radius will be measured and the percentage inhibition of each test compound will be calculated relative to the control plate radius.

[0546] Greenhouse trials and field trials

[0547] Samples of agricultural compositions of certain embodiments are currently being evaluated in pest bioefficacy screening programs and compared to other products and samples to assess their activity, shelf life, synergy and antagonism, and efficacy against most common or applicable plant pathogens in greenhouse and field trials.

[0548] The field trials were designed to test the most viable agricultural combinations in comparison with commercial benchmark products in several countries and regions including Europe, Brazil, the United States, South Africa, Australia, China and India.

[0549] Pest control biological efficacy screening - insecticide, insecticide, mite killer, mite killer, egg killer, weed killer, fungicide, virus killer, nematode killer test:

[0550] The samples of agricultural compositions of certain embodiments are currently being evaluated for pest biological efficacy and compared with other products and samples to evaluate their survival rate, shelf life, synergy and antagonism, and efficacy against most common or applicable plant pathogens in vitro. The mode of action is also being studied. Applicants believe that the compositions according to the first and second aspects of the present disclosure and / or provided herein can provide effective solutions for plant pathogens and / or plant biological stimulation.

[0551] In summary, the applicant believes that the disclosure according to the first to fourth aspects of the present disclosure at least partially improves one of the shortcomings known in the prior art.

[0552] Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments and / or embodiments thereof, it should be understood that those skilled in the art, after understanding the above, can easily think of changes, variations and equivalents to these embodiments. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be assessed as the scope of the claims and any equivalents thereof, which are attached hereto.

Claims

1. An agricultural composition comprising Lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters and / or their derivatives; (C2-C 22 )alcohol; Moisturizers; and Nonionic surfactant.

2. The agricultural composition according to claim 1, wherein The lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters and / or their derivatives are selected from at least one of the following: decyl lactate, undecyl lactate, dodecyl lactate, tridecyl lactate, tetradecyl lactate, pentadecyl lactate, hexadecyl lactate, heptadecanyl lactate, octadecyl lactate, nonadecanyl lactate, eicosyl lactate, heneicosyl lactate and docosyl lactate, and / or their derivatives.

3. The agricultural composition according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein The lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters and / or derivatives thereof are selected from at least one of the following: lauryl lactylate, lauryl lactate, myristyl lactate and cetyl lactate.

4. The agricultural composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The (C2-C 22 ) Alcohols include: monohydric alcohols, dihydric alcohols, trihydric alcohols, tetrahydric alcohols, pentahydric alcohols, hexahydric alcohols, alkyl alcohols, enols, alkynols, primary alcohols, secondary alcohols, tertiary alcohols, aromatic alcohols, cyclic alcohols, alicyclic alcohols, unbranched alcohols, branched alcohols, saturated alcohols and unsaturated alcohols, and / or any combination and / or derivatives thereof.

5. The agricultural composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The (C2-C 22 ) The alcohol is at least one selected from the group consisting of ethanol, propanol, propan-2-ol, butanol, butan-2-ol, pentanol, pentan-2-ol, pentan-3-ol, hexanol, hexan-2-ol, hexan-3-ol, heptanol, heptan-2-ol, heptan-3-ol, heptan-4-ol, octanol, octan-2-ol, octan-3-ol, octan-4-ol, 2-ethylhexanol, nonanol, nonan-2-ol, nonan-3-ol, nonan-4-ol, nonan-5-ol, decanol, decan-2-ol, decan-3-ol, decan-4-ol, decan-5-ol, undecane alcohol, undecane-2-ol, undecane-3-ol, undecane-4-ol, undecane-5-ol, undecane-6-ol, dodecanol, dodecan-2-ol, dodecan-3-ol, dodecan-4-ol, dodecan-5-ol , dodecan-6-ol, tridecanol, tridecan-2-ol, tridecan-3-ol, tridecan-4-ol, tridecan-5-ol, tridecan-6-ol, tridecan-7-ol, tetradecanol, tetradecan-2-ol, tetradecan-3-ol, tetradecan-4-ol, tetradecan-5-ol, tetradecan-6-ol, tetradecan-7-ol, pentadecanol, pentadecan-2-ol, pentadecan-3-ol, pentadecan-4-ol, pentadecan-5-ol, pentadecan-6-ol, pentadecan-7-ol, pentadecan-8-ol, hexadecanol, hexadecan-2-ol, hexadecan-3-ol, hexadecan-4-ol, hexadecan-5-ol, hexadecan-6-ol, hexadecan-7-ol, hexadecan-8-ol, heptadecanol, heptadecan-2-ol , heptadecan-3-ol, heptadecan-4-ol, heptadecan-5-ol, heptadecan-6-ol, heptadecan-7-ol, heptadecan-8-ol, heptadecan-9-ol, octadecanol, octadecan-2-ol, octadecan-3-ol, octadecan-4-ol, octadecan-5-ol, octadecan-6-ol, octadecan-7-ol, octadecan-8-ol, octadecan-9-ol, nonadecanol, nonadecan-2-ol, nonadecan-3-ol, nonadecan-4-ol, nonadecan-5-ol, nonadecan-6-ol, nonadecan-7-ol, nonadecan-8-ol, nonadecan-9-ol, nonadecan-10-ol, eicosanol, eicosan-2-ol, eicosan-3-ol, eicosan-4-ol, eicosan-5-ol, eicosan-6-ol , eicosan-7-ol, eicosan-8-ol, eicosan-9-ol, eicosan-10-ol, heneicosanol, heneicosan-2-ol, heneicosan-3-ol, heneicosan-4-ol, heneicosan-5-ol, heneicosan-6-ol, heneicosan-7-ol, heneicosan-8-ol, heneicosan-9-ol, heneicosan-10-ol, heneicosan-11-ol, docosanol, docosan-2-ol, docosan-3-ol, docosan-4-ol, docosan-5-ol, docosan-6-ol, docosan-7-ol, docosan-8-ol, docosan-9-ol, docosan-10-ol, docosan-11-ol, and / or any combination and / or derivatives thereof.

6. The agricultural composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The moisturizing agent is selected from at least one of the following: glycerol, glycerol or its alkyl ether, (C2-C 30 ) alkylene glycol, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol or its alkyl ether, sorbitol, mannitol, dulcitol and / or polyols, alkyl glycosides, linear (C4–C 18 ) alkyl (poly) glycosides, branched (C4–C 18 ) alkyl (poly) glycosides, straight chain (C4–C 18 ) alkyl (poly) glucoside, branched (C4–C 18 ) alkyl (poly) glucoside, aryl glucoside and / or any combination and / or derivatives thereof.

7. The agricultural composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The nonionic surfactant is selected from at least one of the following: natural and / or synthetic (C8-C 22 ) alkoxylated fatty alcohols, (C8–C 22 ) ethoxylated fatty alcohols, (C8–C 22 ) propoxylated fatty alcohols, (C8–C 22 ) ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, (C6–C 22 ) alkoxylated fatty acids, (C6–C 22 ) ethoxylated fatty acids, (C6–C 22 ) Propoxylated fatty acids, EO-PO(C6–C 22 ) ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty acids, straight chain (C4–C 10 ) alkyl (poly) glycosides, branched (C4–C 10 ) alkyl (poly) glycosides; and alkoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters, alkoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters, ethoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters, ethoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate, polyethylene glycol sorbitan monopalmitate, polyethylene glycol sorbitan monostearate, and combinations thereof.

8. The agricultural composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising at least one C2-C 22 Carboxylic acids and / or salts thereof: acetic acid, 2-hydroxyacetic acid, oxoacetic acid, oxalic acid, propionic acid, acrylic acid, propiolic acid, 2-hydroxypropionic acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropionic acid, 2-oxopropionic acid, 3-oxopropionic acid, 2,3-oxopropionic acid, malonic acid, 2-hydroxymalonic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-oxopropionic acid, 2,2-dihydroxymalonic acid, oxomalonic acid, ethylene oxide-2-carboxylic acid, butyric acid, 2-methylpropionic acid, (E)-but-2-enoic acid, (Z)-but-2-enoic acid, 2-methylacrylic acid, but-3-enoic acid, but-2-ynoic acid, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, 4-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-oxobutyric acid, 3-oxobutyric acid, 4-oxobutyric acid, succinic acid, 2-methylmalonic acid, (E)-butene Diacids, (Z)-butenedioic acid, butynedioic acid, hydroxysuccinic acid, 2,3-dihydroxysuccinic acid, oxosuccinic acid, dioxosuccinic acid, valeric acid, 3-methylbutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, 2,2-dimethylpropionic acid, 3-hydroxyvaleric acid, 4-hydroxyvaleric acid, 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid, glutaric acid, 2-oxoglutaric acid, 3-oxoglutaric acid, furan-2-carboxylic acid, tetrahydrofuran-2-carboxylic acid, hexanoic acid, adipic acid, 2,3-dimethylbutyric acid, 3,3-dimethylbutyric acid, 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, prop-1-ene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, 1-hydroxypropane-1,2-3-tricarboxylic acid, (2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoic acid, heptanoic acid, pimelic acid, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, benzenecarboxylic acid, 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid, 2,2-dimethylpentanoic acid, 2,3-dimethylpentanoic acid, 2,4-dimethylpentanoic acid, 3,3-dimethylpentanoic acid, 2-ethylpentanoic acid, 3-ethylpentanoic acid, 2-methylhexanoic acid, 3-methylhexanoic acid, 2,2,3-trimethylbutanoic acid, 2-ethyl-2-methylbutanoic acid, 2-ethyl-3-methylbutanoic acid, octanoic acid, benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid, benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, 2-methylheptanoic acid, 3-methylheptanoic acid, 4-methylheptanoic acid, 5-methylheptanoic acid, 6-methylheptanoic acid, 2,2-dimethylheptanoic acid, 2,3-dimethylheptanoic acid, 2,4-dimethylheptanoic acid, 2,5-dimethylheptanoic acid, 3,3-dimethylheptanoic acid, 3,4-dimethylheptanoic acid, 3,5-dimethylheptanoic acid, 4,4-dimethylheptanoic acid, 4,5-dimethylheptanoic acid, 5,5-dimethylheptanoic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, 3-ethylhexanoic acid, 4-ethylhexanoic acid, 5-ethylhexanoic acid, 2-octenoic acid, 3-octenoic acid, 4-octenoic acid, 5-octenoic acid, 6-octenoic acid, 7-octenoic acid, benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, (E)-3-phenylprop-2-enoic acid, decanoic acid, decanedioic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, benzene-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexacarboxylic acid, tridecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, (9Z)-octadec-9-enoic acid, (9Z,12Z)-octadec-9,12-dienoic acid, (9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadec-9,12,15-trienoic acid, (6Z,9Z,12Z)-octadecano-6,9,12-trienoic acid, (6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadecano-6,9,12,15-tetraenoic acid, nonadecanoic acid, eicosanoic acid, (5Z,8Z,11Z)-eicosano-5,8,11-trienoic acid, (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-eicosano-5,8,11,14-tetraenoic acid, (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)-eicosano-5,8,11,14,17-pentaenoic acid, heneicosanoic acid, docosanoic acid, (4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)-eicosano-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenoic acid, and salts thereof.

9. The agricultural composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising at least one plant hormone selected from the group consisting of abscisic acid, auxin, brassinosteroids, cytokinins, ethylene, gibberellins, jasmonates, jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, strigolactones, polyamines, nitrates, triacontanol, and derivatives thereof.

10. The agricultural composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a secondary metabolite.

11. The agricultural composition according to claim 10, wherein The secondary metabolites are salicylic acid and / or itaconic acid.

12. The agricultural composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a microorganism selected from the group consisting of viruses, bacteria and fungi.

13. The agricultural composition of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a binder.

14. The agricultural composition according to claim 13, wherein The adhesive is selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, sucrose, fructose, sucrose, pectin, amylopectin, glycosides, glucosides, (C1-C 30 ) alkyl glycoside, (C1-C 30 ) alkyl glucoside, gelatin, starch, modified starch, alginates, modified alginates, natural gums, modified gums, guar gum, rosin, rosin-rich tall oil, (C1-C 30 ) alkyl cellulose, (C1-C 30 ) alkyl cellulose salts, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose salts, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer, PVP / hexadecene copolymer, (C1-C 30 ) alkyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, polyacrylate, (C1-C 30 ) alkyl aryl acrylates, and combinations thereof.

15. The agricultural composition of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising an additive selected from the group consisting of preservatives, clarifiers, antifreeze agents, hydrotropes, stabilizers, antioxidants, acidulants, chelates, complexing agents, dyes, rheology modifiers, defoamers, anti-drift agents, oils or other solvents, and combinations thereof.

16. The agricultural composition according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising an anionic surfactant, wherein The anionic surfactant is selected from at least one of the following: 18 )Alkylbenzene sulfonate, calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, amine (C6-C 18 ) alkylbenzene sulfonate, triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulfonate, (C6-C 18 ) alkyl ether sulfate, (C6-C 18 ) alkyl ethoxylated ether sulfate, (C6-C 18 ) alkyl sulfate, sodium lauryl ether polyethoxylate sulfate, lignin sulfonate, benzene sulfonate, naphthalene sulfonate, dibutyl naphthalene sulfonate, (C6–C 18 ) alkyl phosphate, (C6–C 18 ) alkoxylated sulfates, xylene sulfonates, cumene sulfonates, lignin sulfonates, phenyl sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, dibutyl naphthalene sulfonates, alkyl polyglycol ether phosphates, polyaryl phenyl ether phosphates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, olefin sulfonates, condensation products of sulfonated naphthalene with formaldehyde, condensation products of sulfonated naphthalene with formaldehyde, phenol and optionally urea, condensation products of phenolsulfonic acid with formaldehyde and urea, (C6–C 18 ) alkoxylated phosphates, alkyl phosphates, alkylaryl phosphates, such as tristyryl phosphates, and polycarboxylates, such as polyacrylates, aryl glycosides, maleic anhydride / olefin copolymers, including alkali metal salts, alkaline earth salts, ammonium salts and amine salts of the above substances, and / or any combination and / or derivatives thereof and combinations thereof.

17. The agricultural composition of claim 1, wherein the lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters and / or derivatives thereof are present in an amount of about 5% to about 50% by weight of the total weight of the formulated agricultural composition, wherein the C2-C 22 The alcohol is present in an amount between about 0.1 wt % and about 20 wt % of the total weight % of the formulated agricultural composition, wherein the humectant is present in an amount between about 1 wt % and about 30 wt % of the total weight % of the formulated agricultural composition, and wherein the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount between about 1 wt % and about 50 wt % of the total weight % of the formulated agricultural composition.

18. The agricultural composition of claim 17, further comprising a carboxylic acid present in an amount between about 0.1 wt% and about 20 wt% of the total wt% of the formulated agricultural composition.

19. The agricultural composition of claim 17 or 18, further comprising a plant hormone present in an amount between about 0.1 wt% and about 20 wt% of the total wt% of the formulated agricultural composition.

20. The agricultural composition of any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising a secondary metabolite present in an amount between about 0.1 wt% to about 20 wt% of the total wt% of the formulated agricultural composition.

21. The agricultural composition of any one of claims 17 to 20, further comprising a microorganism present in an amount between about 1 wt% and about 70 wt% of the total wt% of the formulated agricultural composition.

22. The agricultural composition of any one of claims 17 to 21, further comprising a binder present in an amount between about 0.1 wt% to about 20 wt% of the total wt% of the formulated agricultural composition.

23. The agricultural composition of any one of claims 17 to 22, further comprising a diluent present in an amount between about 1 wt% to about 80 wt% of the total wt% of the formulated agricultural composition.

24. The agricultural composition of any one of claims 17 to 23, further comprising an additive present in an amount between about 0.1 wt% to about 20 wt% of the total wt% of the formulated agricultural composition.

25. An agricultural composition comprising At least one lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) an alkyl ester selected from the group consisting of lauryl lactylate, lauryl lactate, myristyl lactate, and cetyl lactate; Octan-2-ol; glycerin; Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monohydrate; secondary metabolites; Microorganisms; and Adhesive.

26. The agricultural composition of claim 25, wherein The secondary metabolites are salicylic acid and / or itaconic acid.

27. The agricultural composition according to claim 25 or 26, wherein The microorganism is at least one of any species of the following genera: Agrobacterium, Bacillus, Burkholderia, Paenibacillus, Pseudomonas, Rahn's, Rhizobium, Saccharopolyspora, Serratia, Streptomyces, Alternaria, Aerobasidiomyces, Powdery Folium, Aspergillus, Beauveria, Candida, Spirocystis, Shield Pseudomonas, Cordyceps, Entomophaga, Fusarium, Glomus, Hirsutella, Corysporium, Lecanthraceae, Metarhizium, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Pichia, Saccharomyces, Saccharomyces, Talaromyces, Trichoderma, Verticillium, Chytridiomyces and Baculovirus.

28. A carrier composition comprising lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) alkyl esters and / or derivatives, C2-C 22 Alcohol, humectant, nonionic surfactant and binder.

29. The carrier composition of claim 28, wherein The lactic acid (C 10 –C 22 ) The alkyl ester is selected from the group consisting of lauryl lactylate, lauryl lactate, myristyl lactylate and cetyl lactylate.

30. A carrier composition as claimed in claim 28 or claim 29, further comprising a diluent, a solvent and / or a co-solvent.

31. The carrier composition of claim 28 to claim 30, further comprising an active ingredient and / or a biological control agent and / or a fertilizer and / or a biostimulant and / or an inducer and / or a plant growth regulator and / or an insect repellent to provide a loaded agricultural carrier composition.

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