Methods for improving plant growth, development and resistance to (non) biological stress

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods for improving plant growth, development and / or resistance to abiotic / biological stress.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to methods for improving plant growth, development, and / or resistance to abiotic / biotic stresses. Background Technology

[0002] The agricultural industry faces multiple challenges, including producing enough food and fiber to meet the needs of the world’s growing population, adopting more efficient and sustainable production methods, and adapting to climate change.

[0003] Abiotic stresses, such as frost or drought, are major problems in the agricultural industry because plants cannot always adequately adapt to cold, drought, osmotic stress (e.g., salinity), and high temperatures. Plants are particularly dependent on environmental factors and cannot actively change their location, making them highly vulnerable to abiotic stresses. Abiotic stresses are among the greatest adverse factors affecting crop growth and yield globally. For example, drought stress is one of the leading causes of crop yield reduction in agriculture. Similarly, frost can cause significant crop yield reductions, at least in areas where temperatures do not remain above freezing year-round.

[0004] In addition, plants are susceptible to pests including fungi, mollusks, viruses, and insects. These pests can damage plants and induce plant diseases, which can lead to reduced crop yields and contamination of agricultural products. A wide range of chemical pesticides are available today, but they are subject to rigorous scrutiny because they are associated with multiple negative health effects, and high levels of occupational, intentional, or accidental exposure can lead to hospitalization or even death. Exposure can occur through skin contact, ingestion of contaminated consumer products, or inhalation, after which these pesticides can be metabolized, excreted, stored, or accumulated in body fat (Nicolopoulou-Stamati et al., 2016, Front. Public Health 4 (148)). Ideal pesticides should not only be harmless to human health but also environmentally friendly and as effective and specific as possible in protecting plants from specific pests. Furthermore, ideal pesticides should prevent pests from developing resistance. There remains a demand for new products that meet these criteria.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention relates to plant growth and development, and to protecting said plants against abiotic and biotic stresses. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Unexpectedly, it has been found that fucose-containing sugars can improve plant growth, development, and / or resistance to abiotic and / or biotic stresses, characterized in that the fucose-containing sugars comprise fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds, particularly fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- bonds.

[0007] Therefore, a first aspect of the invention provides a method of treating plants, wherein a fucose-containing sugar is applied to the plant, a portion of the plant, the seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow, wherein the fucose-containing sugar comprises fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an α-1,2- or α-1,4- bond, preferably via an α-1,2- bond. A second aspect of the invention provides the use of a fucose-containing sugar as a plant growth and / or plant development biostimulant, wherein the fucose-containing sugar comprises fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an α-1,3- or α-1,4- bond, preferably via an α-1,2- bond. A third aspect of the invention provides the use of a fucose-containing sugar as a plant protectant, wherein the fucose-containing sugar comprises fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an α-1,3- or α-1,4- bond, preferably via an α-1,2- bond. Detailed Implementation

[0008] Methods of treating plants In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for treating plants, wherein the method comprises the step of applying a fucose-containing sugar to the plant, a portion of the plant, the seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow, wherein the fucose-containing sugar comprises fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an α-1,3- or α-1,4- bond, preferably via an α-1,2- bond. The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that the method according to the invention (compared to untreated plants) provides several advantages to plants, including: (i) promoted growth; (ii) promoted development; (iii) protection against abiotic stresses and / or (iv) protection against biotic stresses, as described herein. In this respect, the inventors have also unexpectedly discovered that fucose-containing sugars comprising fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an α-1,2- or α-1,4- bond, preferably via an α-1,2- bond, perform exceptionally well in the context of protection against flooding described herein. Furthermore, the method according to the invention can significantly improve flower development and protect flowers even under abiotic stress conditions such as frost.

[0009] Throughout the application and claims, the statement “the step of applying a fucose-containing sugar to the plant, a portion of the plant, the seed of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow” is preferably replaced with the statement “the step of applying a fucose-containing sugar to the plant, a portion of the plant, and / or the seed of the plant”.

[0010] In the context of this invention, the term "treatment" should be understood in its broadest sense, namely, the application of a substance (in the case of this invention, a fucose-containing sugar, optionally including additional sugars) to a plant, a part of the plant, the seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow. Various methods of delivering substances are known to those skilled in the art, and depending on whether the substance needs to be delivered to a plant, a part of the plant, the seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow, those skilled in the art can readily select a suitable method of application based on their common knowledge (e.g., Gahukar, 2016, Phytoparasitica 44(3), pp. 379-391).

[0011] In the context of this invention, the term "region" preferably refers to soil, inert substrate, volcanic debris, synthetic organic substrate (e.g., polyurethane), organic substrate (e.g., peat, compost, wood waste such as coconut fiber, wood fiber or sawdust, bark), liquid substrate (e.g., floating hydroponic systems), aeroponic cultivation, and hydroponic cultivation (e.g., nutrient film membrane technology). The inert substrate includes inorganic substrates (e.g., sand, rock wool, glass wool) and expanded minerals (e.g., perlite, vermiculite, zeolite, expanded clay). More preferably, the region refers to soil.

[0012] In the context of this invention, the term "part of a plant" refers to any part of a plant, including roots, stems, leaves, petioles, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Preferably, a part of a plant is the above-ground portion of the plant, i.e., the portion above the soil. Thus, a part of a plant is more preferably selected from a list consisting of seeds, leaves, petioles, flowers, fruits, and stems, even more preferably from a list consisting of seeds, leaves, flowers, and fruits, and even more preferably seeds or leaves. For clarity, a grain is an example of a seed derived from grasses (e.g., wheat, oats, rice, sorghum, millet, rye, barley, corn). Those skilled in the art will know that plants may contain tubers, which are storage organs for nutrients. For clarity, a root tuber is an example of a root, while a stem tuber is an example of a stem. Since a part of a plant is preferably the above-ground portion of the plant in the context of this invention, a stem also preferably does not include a stem tuber in the context of this invention, as it is the portion below the soil.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, throughout the application and claims, the step of applying the sugar [i.e., the fucose-containing sugar according to the invention, optionally including one or more other sugars] comprises one or more methods selected from: watering, spraying (including ultra-low volume spraying), irrigation, atomizing, nebulizing, dusting, foaming, spreading, coating, drenching, dripping, and injection; preferably, by watering, spraying (including ultra-low volume spraying), irrigation, atomizing, nebulizing, dusting, foaming, spreading, coating, drenching, dripping, or injection (e.g., trunk injection, soil injection)). The following situations are also within the scope of this invention: the step of applying sugars involves one or more application methods, preferably selected from one or more of the list of watering, spraying (including ultra-low volume spraying), irrigation, atomization, spraying, dusting, foaming, spreading, coating, drenching, drip irrigation, and injection (e.g., trunk injection, soil injection). Throughout the application and claims, coating is preferably performed by spraying.

[0014] In the context of seed application (as described below), coating is particularly preferred over any other application technique (especially irrigation and soaking). Therefore, throughout the application and claims, it is particularly preferred that seed application be carried out by coating, more preferably by spraying.

[0015] By using seed coating (especially by spraying), it is desirable to ensure that the substance adheres to the seed surface. Adhesives are typically used to assist in achieving this. Furthermore, by using seed coating (especially by spraying), a predetermined and correct dosage can be applied to the seed, which is not the case with irrigation and soaking, as it is impossible to know how much the seed will absorb. Moreover, by using seed coating (especially by spraying), prolonged contact with liquid is avoided, which inevitably initiates a pre-germination process (as is the case with irrigation and soaking).

[0016] Throughout the application and claims, in additional and / or alternative preferred embodiments, the step of applying the sugar (i.e., the fucose-containing sugar according to the invention, optionally including one or more other sugars) is seed application, root application, aerial application, or soil application, preferably seed application or aerial application. The sugar application step involves one or more application methods selected from the list of seed application, root application, aerial application, or soil application, which are also within the scope of the invention. The term "aerial application" refers to applying a substance (i.e., in the case of the invention, a fucose-containing sugar, optionally including other sugars) to one or more parts of the plant above the soil (including stems, leaves, petioles, flowers, fruits, and seeds). Preferably, air application involves applying the substance (i.e., in the case of this invention, a fucose-containing sugar, optionally containing other sugars) to the stem, leaf, petiole, flower, fruit, or seed; more preferably, to the stem, leaf, flower, fruit, or seed; even more preferably, to the stem, leaf, flower, or seed; most preferably, to the leaf or seed. In the case of stem application, application to the tuber is particularly preferred.

[0017] Throughout the application and claims, the term "root application" preferably refers to the application of the sugars (optionally, one or more other sugars) to the exterior of the root, and therefore preferably excludes the application of the sugars (optionally, one or more other sugars) to the interior of the root. Similarly, throughout the application and claims, the application of the sugars (optionally, one or more other sugars) to a portion of the plant, wherein said portion is the root, preferably refers to the application of the sugars (optionally, one or more other sugars) to the exterior of the plant root, and therefore preferably excludes the application of the sugars (optionally, one or more other sugars) to the interior of the root. Throughout the application and claims, the term "exterior of the root" is preferably replaced with "root epidermis".

[0018] Throughout the application and claims, the term "stem application" preferably refers to the application of the sugar (optionally, one or more other sugars) to the exterior of the stem, and therefore preferably excludes the application of the sugar (optionally, one or more other sugars) to the interior of the stem. Similarly, throughout the application and claims, the application of the sugar (optionally, one or more other sugars) to a portion of the plant, wherein said portion is the stem, preferably refers to the application of the sugar (optionally, one or more other sugars) to the exterior of the plant stem, and therefore preferably excludes the application of the sugar (optionally, one or more other sugars) to the interior of the stem.

[0019] Throughout the application and claims, in a more preferred embodiment, the step of applying the sugar [i.e., the fucose-containing sugar according to the invention, optionally including one or more other sugars] is seed application, foliar application, stem application, root application, air application, or soil application, preferably seed application, foliar application, or stem application, more preferably seed application or foliar application. The step of applying the sugar involves one or more application methods selected from the list consisting of seed application, foliar application, stem application, root application, and soil application, which are also within the scope of the invention. It should also be noted that stem application includes applying the sugar described herein to the bulb (i.e., the food storage organ present in ornamental bulbous plants).

[0020] According to the present invention, in the context of methods for protecting plants against biotic stress (see the section on "Abiotic and / or Biological Stress"), the step of applying sugars [i.e., fucose-containing sugars according to the present invention, optionally including one or more other sugars] is most preferably seed application.

[0021] In the context of this invention, the fucose-containing sugar according to the invention may be applied once to the plant, parts of the plant, seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow; or it may be applied multiple times. The multiple applications may be made on the same day, but preferably on different dates, with an interval of at least one day, more preferably at least two days, and even more preferably at least one week between two consecutive applications of the fucose-containing sugar according to the invention.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the fucose-containing sugar according to the invention is applied once to the plant, a portion of the plant, the seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow.

[0023] In the context of the method according to the invention, preferably in the context of a method for protecting plants against abiotic and / or biotic stress (see the section on "Abiotic and / or Biological Stress"), more preferably in the context of a method for protecting plants against abiotic stress (see the section on "Abiotic and / or Biological Stress"), preferably at least 1 day, preferably at least 2 days, more preferably at least 3 days, even more preferably at least 4 days, and most preferably at least 5 days before exposure to said abiotic and / or biotic stress (preferably abiotic stress), the fucose-containing sugar according to the invention is applied. Further preferably, the fucose-containing sugar according to the invention is applied ≤8 weeks, preferably ≤7 weeks, more preferably ≤6 weeks, even more preferably ≤5 weeks, even more preferably ≤4 weeks, even more preferably ≤3 weeks, and most preferably ≤2 weeks before exposure to said abiotic and / or biotic stress (preferably abiotic stress). Preferably, the fucose-containing sugars according to the present invention are applied 1-42 days, more preferably 1-35 days, more preferably 2-35 days, even more preferably 3-35 days, even more preferably 3-28 days, even more preferably 3-21 days, even more preferably 3-14 days, even more preferably 5-14 days, and most preferably 5-10 days before exposure to the abiotic stress and / or biotic stress (preferably abiotic stress).

[0024] In the context of the method according to the invention, preferably in the context of a method for protecting plants or parts of plants (preferably flowers or fruits) against abiotic and / or biotic stresses (see the section on "Abiotic and / or Biological Stresses"), more preferably in the context of a method for protecting plants or parts of plants (preferably flowers or fruits) against abiotic stresses (see the section on "Abiotic and / or Biological Stresses"), another preferred embodiment is to apply the fucose-containing sugars according to the invention before the flowering period (i.e. before stage 6 in the BBCH grading), more preferably during the inflorescence germination stage (i.e., stage 5 in the BBCH grading). The BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamtand Chemical industry, German Federal Research Center for Biology, German Federal Bureau of Variety and Chemical Industry) classification is a widely used system for the unified identification of phenological developmental stages of plants (BBCH Monograph, Growthstages of mono- and dicotyle-donous plants, Julius Kühn-Institut, ISBN 978-3-95547-071-5).

[0025] plant In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the plant is a cultivable crop, a fruiting plant, or a vegetable.

[0026] The arable crops are preferably selected from the list consisting of grain crops, pulse crops, oilseed crops, forage crops, fiber crops, and tuber crops; more preferably, from the list consisting of grain crops, oilseed crops, and tuber crops; and even more preferably, grain crops or oilseed crops. Grain crops are generally grown for their edible starchy grains. Preferred examples include maize (i.e., corn), wheat (winter and spring wheat), rice, barley, oats, millet, sorghum, rye, spelt, durum, triticale, and sugarcane. More preferred examples include maize, wheat (winter and spring wheat), rice, barley, oats, millet, rye, spelt, durum, triticale, and sugarcane. Even the most preferred examples include maize, wheat (winter and spring wheat), and barley. Throughout this application and claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms "corn" and "maize" are used interchangeably. Legume crops are typically grown for their high-protein, edible seeds. Preferred examples include lentils, beans (e.g., green beans, French beans, runner beans, haricot beans, lima beans), soybeans, broad beans, and peas (e.g., peas, snap peas, snow peas, split peas). More preferred examples include soybeans and broad beans. Even more preferred examples include soybeans. Oilseed crops are typically grown for the extraction of oil from their seeds. Preferred examples include rapeseed, soybeans, sunflowers, cotton, canola, and peanuts. Forage crops are typically grown to feed animals. Preferred examples include cowpea, clover, and timothy. Fiber crops are typically grown for non-food purposes. Preferred examples include cotton, jute, flax, coir, and hemp. Tuber crops are typically grown for their edible underground parts. Preferred examples include potatoes, yams, cassava, and araceae plants. More preferred examples include potatoes.

[0027] More preferably, the arable crops are cereal crops.

[0028] The selected plants were preferably chosen from the following list: Abiu (golden gooseberry), almond, Amla (Indian gooseberry), apple, apricot, avocado, bael (orange), banana, Ber (Indian plum), Capsicum annuum (e.g., pepper, bell pepper, sweet pepper), Carambola (starfruit), cashew, cherry, Citrus (clementine, lemon, lime, orange, etc.), coconut, crabapple. Apple, plum (Damson), durian, elderberry, grapefruit, guava, jackfruit, jujube, loquat, lychee, mango, medlar, Morello cherry, mulberry, olive, papaya, carica papaya, asimina triloba, peach, nectarine, pear, pecan, persimmon, pineapple, plum, pomelo, quince, pomegranate, rambutan, sapodilla, chikoo, soursop, strawberry, sugar-apple (Sharifa), sweet chestnut, Tamarillo, tomato, Ugli fruit, walnut, water apple, coffee and grape; more preferably, a list consisting of apple, cherry, Morelo cherry, mulberry, olive, pear, strawberry, coffee and grape; even more preferably, a list consisting of apple, cherry, strawberry, coffee and grape; even more preferably, a list consisting of apple, cherry, strawberry and grape.

[0029] The preferred vegetables are legumes, more preferably from the following list: *Brassica oleracea* (e.g., cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, red cabbage, Savoy cabbage, Chinese broccoli, collardgreens), *Brassica rapa* (e.g., turnip, Chinese cabbage, napa cabbage, bok choy), *Raphanus sativus* (e.g., radish, daikon, seedpod varieties), *Daucus carota* (e.g., carrot), *Pastilbena sativa* (e.g., parsnip), *Beta vulgaris* (e.g., beetroot, sea beet, Swiss chard, sugar beet), and *Lactuca*. (e.g., lettuce, celtuce), asparagus (e.g., asparagus officinalis), green beans (e.g., Phaseolus vulgaris), coccine beans (e.g., Phaseolus coccineus), lima beans (e.g., green beans, French beans, red beans, lentils, lima beans), broad beans (e.g., broad beans), peas (e.g., Pisum sativum), split peas (e.g., peas, snap peas, snow peas), potatoes (e.g., Solanum tuberosum), eggplants (e.g., eggplant), tomatoes (e.g., Solanum lycopersicum), cucumbers (e.g., Cucumis sativus). (e.g., cucumber), species of the genus Cucurbita spp.(e.g., large pumpkin, small pumpkin, zucchini, dense zucchini, gourd), onion (Allium cepa) (e.g., onion, scallion, green onion), garlic (Allium sativum) (e.g., garlic), Southern European garlic (Allium ampeloprasum) (e.g., leek, elephant garlic), chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) (e.g., pepper), bell pepper, spinach (Spinaciaoleracea) (e.g., spinach), Dioscorea species (Dioscorea spp.) (e.g., yam), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) (e.g., sweet potato), and cassava (Manihot esculenta) (e.g., cassava); more preferably, broad bean (Vicia faba) (e.g., broad bean) and pea (Pisum sativum). A list consisting of (e.g., peas, crisp beans, snow peas, split-pod peas) and potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) (e.g., potatoes); the preferred choice is potatoes.

[0030] In a more preferred embodiment, the plant is selected from the list comprising: maize; cotton; cereals, including wheat (winter and spring wheat), spelt wheat, durum wheat, rye, barley, oats, millet, and triticale; rapeseed as used herein includes European rapeseed (Brassica napus subsp. napus), also known as Argentine canola, rapeseed, or rape, and specific groups of cultivated varieties, canola; turnip (Brassica rapa), also known as Polish canola, and mustard (Brassica juncea), also known as quality canola brown mustard; and perennials as used herein. This includes coffee, sugarcane; fruit-bearing plants such as golden cherries, almonds, currants (Indian currants), apples, apricots, avocados, tangerines, jujubes (Indian plums), star fruit, cashews, cherries, citrus fruits (Clementia spp., lemons, limes, oranges, etc.), coconuts, crabapples, plums, durians, elderberries, figs, grapefruits, guavas, jackfruits, dates, loquats, lychees, mangoes, hawthorns, Morelo cherries, mulberries, olives, and papayas (including tropical papayas (Caricapapaya) and North American trifoliate papayas (Asimina)). Triloba), peaches and nectarines, pears, pecans, persimmons, plums, pomelos, quince, pomegranates, rambutans, sapodilla (chicory), custard apple, strawberries, custard apple (sugar apple), chestnuts, tree tomatoes, Jamaican ugly oranges, walnuts, rose apples and grapes; rice; sorghum, soybeans; turfgrass; vegetables, including wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea) (such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, red kohlrabi, crouton, Chinese kale, onion cabbage), turnip (Brassica rapa) (such as turnips, Chinese cabbage, Chinese cabbage, bok choy), radishes (Raphanus sativus) (such as water radishes, white radishes, crisp radish varieties), wild carrots (Daucus carota) (such as carrots);European parsnip (e.g., parsnip), beet (Beta vulgaris) (e.g., beetroot, sea beet, Swiss chard, sugar beet), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) (e.g., lettuce, romaine lettuce), asparagus (Aspargus officinalis) (e.g., asparagus), green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), broad bean (Phaseolus coccineus), and cotton bean (Phaseolus lunatus) (e.g., green bean, French bean, red bean, lentil, lima bean), broad bean (Vicia faba) (e.g., broad bean), pea (Pisum sativum) (e.g., pea, crisp bean, snow pea, split pea), potato (Solanum tuberosum) (e.g., potato), eggplant (Solanum melongena) (e.g., eggplant), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) (e.g., tomato), cucumber (Cucumissativus). (e.g. cucumber), Cucurbita spp. (e.g. large-fruited squash, small-fruited squash, zucchini, densely packed zucchini, bottle gourd), Allium cepa (e.g. onion, scallion, green onion), Allium sativum (e.g. garlic), Allium ampeloprasum (e.g. leeks, elephant garlic), Capsicum annuum (e.g. pepper, bell pepper, sweet pepper), Spinaciaoleracea (e.g. spinach), Dioscorea spp. (e.g. yam), Ipomoea batatas (e.g. sweet potato), and Manihot esculenta (e.g. cassava).

[0031] In even more preferred embodiments, the plants are selected from the list consisting of: corn; cotton; cereals, including wheat (winter and spring wheat), spelt wheat, durum wheat, rye, barley, oats, millet, and triticale; rapeseed as used herein includes European rapeseed, also known as Argentine rapeseed, canola, or rapeseed; perennial plants as used herein include coffee; sugarcane; fruiting plants such as apple, cherry, Morelo cherry, mulberry, olive, pear, strawberry, and grape; rice, soybean; broad beans (e.g., broad beans); peas (e.g., peas, crisp beans, snow peas, split-pod peas) and potatoes (e.g., potatoes).

[0032] In even more preferred embodiments, the plants are selected from the list of the following: corn; cotton; cereals, including wheat (winter wheat and spring wheat) and barley; rapeseed as used herein, including European rapeseed; perennial plants as used herein, including coffee; sugarcane; fruiting plants such as apples, cherries, strawberries and grapes; soybeans and potatoes (such as potatoes).

[0033] In another preferred embodiment, the plant is in a physiological state, under abiotic stress, or under biotic stress. In the context of this invention, the terms "physiological state" and "normal state" are used interchangeably herein, preferably referring to those conditions commonly used for cultivating the plant, which, as those skilled in the art, may vary from plant to plant. More preferably, the physiological state refers to a condition in the absence of abiotic and biotic stress. The terms "abiotic stress" and "biotic stress" are preferably as described in the "Abiotic and / or Biological Stress" section.

[0034] Sugars containing fucose In one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the method includes the step of applying a fucose-containing sugar to the plant, a portion of the plant, the seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow, wherein the fucose-containing sugar comprises fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an α-1,2- or α-1,4- bond, preferably via an α-1,2- bond. Throughout the application and claims, the monosaccharide is more preferably selected from: - Fucose linked by α-1,2- bonds: glucose, N-acetylglucosamine and galactose, more preferably glucose or galactose, even more preferably galactose; - Fucose linked by α-1,3- bonds: glucose, N-acetylglucosamine and galactose, more preferably glucose or N-acetylglucosamine, even more preferably glucose; - Fucose linked by α-1,4- bonds: glucose, N-acetylglucosamine and galactose, more preferably glucose or N-acetylglucosamine, even more preferably N-acetylglucosamine.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will understand that the phrase "fucose linked to a monosaccharide" refers to a situation where the fucose is bonded to a monosaccharide via a glycosidic bond, and where the fucose and monosaccharide are part of the sugars of this invention. The sugars of this invention may include other monosaccharides besides the fucose and the monosaccharide, and may also include additional fucose. The additional fucose is linked to the monosaccharide via α-1,2-, α-1,3-, or α-1,4- bonds, preferably via α-1,3- bonds.

[0036] However, in the context of this invention, and more particularly preferably throughout the application and claims, the fucose-containing sugars according to the invention (i.e., wherein the fucose-containing sugars comprise fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds, preferably via α-1,2- bonds) do not contain any additional fucose. In other words, particularly preferably, the fucose-containing sugars according to the invention do not contain any additional fucose other than the fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds described herein. Therefore, most preferably, the fucose-containing sugars described herein (wherein the fucose-containing sugars comprise fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds) refer to the case where fucose is linked to monosaccharides via glycosidic bonds, and wherein the fucose and monosaccharides are part of the sugars of the invention, which may contain other monosaccharides described herein but not additional fucose.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "carbohydrate" refers to a molecule containing at least one monosaccharide, preferably a molecule composed of one or more monosaccharide residues. As used herein, the term "monosaccharide" refers to a sugar that cannot be broken down into simpler sugars by hydrolysis, is classified as an aldose or ketose, and each molecule contains one or more hydroxyl groups. Therefore, a monosaccharide is a sugar that contains only one simple sugar.

[0038] As used herein, the terms "fucose-containing sugars" and "fucosylated sugars" are used interchangeably and both refer to sugars containing fucose, i.e., sugars containing one or more fucose residues. The term "α-1,2-fucosylated sugars" refers to sugars containing fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2-bonds, as used in the context of this invention. The term "α-1,4-fucosylated sugars" refers to sugars containing fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,4-bonds, as used in the context of this invention.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the fucose-containing sugar according to the invention is a disaccharide or oligosaccharide, preferably an oligosaccharide. In the context of this invention, the term "oligosaccharide" preferably refers to a sugar containing 2 to 20 (inclusive) monosaccharides, i.e., a degree of polymerization (DP) of 2-20. Oligosaccharides can be linear or may contain branches. The bond between two sugar units (e.g., glycosidic bond, galactosidic bond, glucosidic bond, etc.) can be represented, for example, 1,4, 1->4, or (1-4), and is used interchangeably herein. Each monosaccharide can be cyclic (e.g., in the form of pyranose or furanose). Oligosaccharides can contain both α-glycosidic and β-glycosidic bonds, or only β-glycosidic bonds.

[0040] In a more preferred embodiment, the fucose-containing sugar according to the present invention is an oligosaccharide. More preferably, the oligosaccharide is composed of 3-12 monosaccharides, preferably 3-11 monosaccharides, more preferably 3-10 monosaccharides, even more preferably 3-9 monosaccharides, even more preferably 3-8 monosaccharides, even more preferably 3-7 monosaccharides, even more preferably 3-6 monosaccharides, and most preferably 3-5 monosaccharides.

[0041] In an alternative, more preferred embodiment, the fucose-containing sugar according to the invention is an oligosaccharide, wherein the oligosaccharide is composed of 5-12 monosaccharides, preferably 5-11 monosaccharides, more preferably 5-10 monosaccharides, even more preferably 5-9 monosaccharides, even more preferably 5-8 monosaccharides, even more preferably 5-7 monosaccharides, and most preferably 5-6 monosaccharides.

[0042] For clarity, throughout the application and claims, the expression "xy" refers to the range from x (inclusive) to y (inclusive). For example, "3-5 monosaccharides" means that there are 3, 4, or 5 monosaccharides.

[0043] In other and / or alternative, more preferred embodiments, the fucose-containing sugars according to the present invention are neutral sugars. As used herein and as commonly understood in the art, "neutral" sugars refer to sugars that do not carry a negative charge originating from a carboxylic acid group.

[0044] In one or even a more preferred embodiment, the fucose-containing sugar according to the invention comprises lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB), or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc), preferably comprising lactose or LNB, and most preferably comprising lactose. In the context of this invention, the term "fucose-containing sugar comprising lactose, LNB, or LacNAc" refers to a fucose-containing sugar containing lactose, LNB, or LacNAc at the reducing end, the non-reducing end, or a position in between; optionally, the lactose (or LNB or LacNAc) further comprises one or more additional monosaccharides at the reducing end of the lactose (or LNB or LacNAc) and / or one or more additional monosaccharides at the non-reducing end of the lactose (or LNB or LacNAc). For example, 2'FL is a fucose-containing sugar that contains lactose (at the reducing end of 2'FL). For example, lactose-N-fucopentose I (LNFP I) is a fucose-containing sugar that contains LNB (at the non-reducing end) and lactose (at the reducing end).

[0045] In even more preferred embodiments, the fucose-containing sugars according to the invention comprise fucose linked by an α-1,2-bond to glucose, N-acetylglucosamine, or galactose (preferably glucose or galactose, most preferably galactose), and optionally also comprise one or more additional monosaccharides, said monosaccharides preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, more preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, even more preferably selected from the list consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, even more preferably selected from the list consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and sialic acid, and most preferably selected from the list consisting of galactose and N-acetylglucosamine. The "sialic acid", as disclosed in this application and claims, preferably has a nine-carbon skeleton (i.e., nine-carbon sialic acid) or an eight-carbon skeleton (i.e., eight-carbon sialic acid), more preferably has a nine-carbon skeleton (preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: Neu5Ac; Neu4Ac; Neu4,5Ac2; Neu5,7Ac2; Neu5,8Ac2; Neu5,9Ac2; Neu4,5,9Ac3; Neu5,7,9Ac3; Neu5,8,9Ac3; Neu4,5,7,9Ac4; Neu5,7,8,9Ac4, Neu4,5,7,8,9Ac5 and Neu5Gc; more preferably, the nine-carbon sialic acid is Neu5Ac, i.e. N-acetylneuraminic acid). Sialic acids with a nine-carbon skeleton are well known to those skilled in the art and refer to a class of monosaccharides derived from an acidic nine-carbon parent compound (N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) or 2-keto-3-deoxynonanoic acid (Kdn; the deaminated form of N-acetylneuraminic acid)) through modifications such as the addition of acetyl, phosphate, methyl, sulfate, and / or lactyl groups. Furthermore, the N-acetyl group of Neu5Ac can be hydroxylated to generate N-hydroxyacetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc). More than 50 different examples of sialic acids with a nine-carbon skeleton are known (Essentials of Glycobiology, 2nd edition, 2009, Chapter 14, Varki and Schauer). Sialic acid with an eight-carbon skeleton is structurally related to sialic acid with a nine-carbon skeleton, especially to Kdn (Essentials of Glycobiology, 2nd ed., 2009, Chapter 14, Varki and Schauer). Therefore, it is preferable to use "eight-carbon 2-keto-3-deoxyoctanoic acid" instead of the term "sialic acid with an eight-carbon skeleton".

[0046] In this context, a particularly preferred embodiment is that the fucose-containing sugar is selected from the list consisting of: 2'-fucosyllactose (2'FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), lactose-N-fucopentose I (LNFPI), blood group A antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (GalNAc-LNFP I), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, blood group B antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (Gal-LNFP I), lactose-N-difucohexasaccharide I (LNDFH I), Lewis b-Lewis x, difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide(a) (DFLNH) (a) Trifucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (TFLNH), lactose-N-neofofucopentose I (LNnFP I), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc, 2'-fucosyllactose-N-biose (2'FLNB), difucosyllactose-N-biose (diFLNB), 2'-fucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine (2'FLacNAc), and difucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine (diFLacNAc); more preferably selected from the list of compositions: 2'FL, 2'FLNB, 2'FLacNAc, LNFP I, GalNAc-LNFP I, Gal-LNFP I. Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, LNDFH I, Lewis b-Lewis x, DFLNH (a), TFLNH, LNnFP I and Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc;Even more preferred are the following combinations: 2'FL, 2'FLNB, 2'FLacNAc, LNFP I, GalNAc-LNFP I, Gal-LNFP I, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, LNDFH I, DFLNH (a), LNnFP I, and Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc; even more preferred are the following combinations: 2'FL, 2'FLNB, 2'FLacNAc, LNFP I, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, LNDFH I, LNnFP I, and Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc; even more preferably, the fuc-containing sugars are selected from the list of the following: 2'FL, LNFP I, and LNnFP I; most preferably, 2'FL; and optionally, wherein the fucose-containing sugars are sialylated (i.e., contain sialic acid). However, it is preferred that the fucose-containing sugars do not contain sialic acid.

[0047] In this context, a preferred embodiment is that the fucose-containing sugar comprises 2'FL, 2'FLNB, or 2'FLacNAc, preferably 2'FL or 2'FLNB; and optionally further comprises one or more additional monosaccharides, the monosaccharides preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, more preferably the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, even more preferably the list consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, even more preferably the list consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and sialic acid, and most preferably selected from galactose and N-acetylglucosamine.

[0048] In this context, another and / or alternative preferred embodiment is that the fucose-containing sugar contains lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB), or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end, preferably the fucoidylated sugar contains lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end, and most preferably the fucoidylated sugar contains lactose at its reducing end.

[0049] In another and / or alternative or even more preferred embodiment, the fucose-containing sugar according to the invention comprises fucose linked by an α-1,4-bond to glucose, N-acetylglucosamine, or galactose (preferably glucose or N-acetylglucosamine, most preferably N-acetylglucosamine), and optionally further comprises one or more additional monosaccharides, said monosaccharides preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, more preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, even more preferably selected from the list consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, even more preferably selected from the list consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and sialic acid, and most preferably selected from galactose and N-acetylglucosamine.

[0050] In this context, a particularly preferred embodiment is that the fucose-containing sugar is selected from the list of the following: lactose-N-fucopentose II (LNFP II), lactose-N-difucohexasose I (LNDFH I), lactose-N-difucohexasose II (LNDFH II), Lewis b-Lewis x, difucosyllacto-N-hexasose (DFLNH), trifucosyllacto-N-hexasose (TFLNH), 4-fucosyllacto-N-biose (4FLNB), and difucosyllacto-N-biose (diFLNB); more preferably, it is selected from the list of the following: 4-fucosyllacto-N-biose (4FLNB), difucosyllacto-N-biose (diFLNB), lactose-N-fucopentose II (LNFP II), lactose-N-difucohexasose I (LNDFHI), lactose-N-difucohexasose II (LNDFH II). II), Lewis b-Lewis x and difucosyllacto-N-hexasaccharide (DFLNH); even more preferably, the following list of compositions is selected: 4-fucosyllacto-N-disaccharide (4FLNB), difucosyllacto-N-disaccharide (diFLNB), lactose-N-fucopentose II (LNFP II), lactose-N-difucohexasaccharide I (LNDFHI), lactose-N-difucohexasaccharide II (LNDFH II) and Lewis b-Lewis x; even more preferably, the following list of compositions is selected: 4-fucosyllacto-N-disaccharide (4FLNB), difucosyllacto-N-disaccharide (diFLNB), lactose-N-fucopentose II (LNFP II), lactose-N-difucohexasaccharide I (LNDFH I) and lactose-N-difucohexasaccharide II (LNDFHII); even more preferably, the following list of compositions is selected: lactose-N-fucopentose II Lactose-N-difucohexose I (LNDFH I) and lactose-N-difucohexose II (LNDFH II); most preferably LNFP II; and optionally, wherein the fucose-containing sugar is sialylated (i.e. contains sialic acid). However, it is preferred that the fucose-containing sugar does not contain sialic acid.

[0051] In this context, a preferred embodiment is that the fucose-containing sugar comprises 4FLNB; and optionally also comprises one or more other monosaccharides, preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose and sialic acid, more preferably from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose and sialic acid, even more preferably from the list consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose and sialic acid, even more preferably from the list consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine and sialic acid, and most preferably from galactose and N-acetylglucosamine.

[0052] In this context, another and / or alternative preferred embodiment is that the fucose-containing sugar contains lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB), or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end, preferably the fucoidylated sugar contains lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end, and most preferably the fucoidylated sugar contains lactose at its reducing end.

[0053] In one or even a more preferred embodiment, the fucose-containing sugars according to the invention are selected from the list of the following: 2'-fucosyllactose (2'FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), lactose-N-fucopentose I (LNFP I), blood group A antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (GalNAc-LNFP I), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, blood group B antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (Gal-LNFP I), lactose-N-fucopentose II (LNFP II), lactose-N-difucohexasaccharide I (LNDFH I), lactose-N-difucohexasaccharide II (LNDFH II), Lewis b-Lewis x, difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (DFLNH), difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (a). (DFLNH(a)), trifucosyllacto-N-hexasaccharide (TFLNH), lactose-N-neofofucopentose I (LNnFP I), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc, 2'-fucosyllacto-N-biose (2'FLNB), 4-fucosyllacto-N-biose (4FLNB), difucosyllacto-N-biose (diFLNB), 2'-fucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine (2'FLacNAc), and difucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine (diFLacNAc); more preferably selected from the list of compositions including: 2'FL, 2'FLNB, 4FLNB, diFLNB, 2'FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, lactose-N-fucopentose I (LNFPI), GalNAc-LNFP I, Gal-LNFP I, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, LNFP II, LNDFH I, LNDFH II, LNnFP I and Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc;Even more preferred are the following combinations: 2'FL, 2'FLNB, 4FLNB, diFLNB, 2'FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, LNFP I, GalNAc-LNFP I, Gal-LNFP I, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, LNFP II, LNDFH II, LNnFP I, and Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc; even more preferred are the following combinations: 2'FL, 2'FLNB, 4FLNB, diFLNB, 2'FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, LNFP I, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, LNFP II, LNDFH II, LNnFP I and Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc; even more preferably, the following list of compositions is preferred: 2'FL, 2'FLNB, 4FLNB, diFLNB, 2'FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, LNFP I, LNFP II, LNDFH II and LNnFP I; even more preferably, the following list of compositions is preferred: 2'FL, LNFP I, LNFP II, LNDFH II and LNnFP I; most preferably, the following list of compositions is preferred: 2'FL, LNFP I, LNFP II and LNnFP I; and optionally, wherein the fucose-containing sugar is sialylated (i.e., contains sialic acid). However, it is preferred that the fucose-containing sugar does not contain sialic acid.

[0054] In another preferred embodiment, the fucose-containing sugars according to the invention have been isolated from microbial culture or fermentation, cell culture, enzymatic reaction, or chemical reaction. Alternatively, the fucose-containing sugars according to the invention have been isolated from natural sources (e.g., human milk or animal milk, preferably animal milk) by, for example, chromatography or filtration techniques.

[0055] In other and / or alternative preferred embodiments, the fucose-containing carbohydrate compounds according to the present invention are preferably produced in vitro and / or in vitro by cells (preferably single cells), wherein the cells are preferably selected from a list consisting of free microorganisms, plant cells, animal cells, and protozoan cells. In other words, the fucose-containing carbohydrates of the present invention are produced by in vitro and / or in vitro culture of cells, wherein the cells are preferably selected from a list consisting of free microorganisms, plant cells, animal cells, or protozoan cells. Preferably, the cells are microorganisms. Preferably, the microorganisms are selected from a list consisting of bacteria, yeast, and fungi. More preferably, the microorganisms are bacteria, and even more preferably, the microorganisms are *Escherichia coli* (E. coli). Escherichia coli Furthermore, preferably, the cells are genetically engineered to produce fucose-containing sugars according to the present invention.

[0056] The aforementioned fucose-containing sugars are commercially available, and / or the production / purification of these sugars has been described, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to produce / obtain any of the aforementioned fucose-containing sugars. For example (all of the following references are incorporated herein by reference): -2'FL: WO2021 / 013708; Carbosynth (OF06739) -diFL:WO2022 / 034073 -2FLacNAc:WO 2022 / 034075 -diFLacNAc:WO 2022 / 034075 -LNFP I: Carbosynth (OL05676) -LNFP II: Carbosynth (OL03876) -LNDFH I: Miyazaki et al., 2010, Methods Enzymol. 480: p. 511-524 -LNDFH II: Yu et al., 2017, Chem Comm. 53(80): p. 11012-11015; Huang et al., 2021, ACS Catal. 11(5): p. 2631-2643; Carbosynth (OL06826) -DFLNH (a): Carbosynth (OD05375) -DFLNH:Carbosynth (OD06532) -TFLNH: Isosep (57 / 18-0010).

[0057] Furthermore, in another preferred embodiment of the invention, the amount of the fucose-containing sugar applied to the plant, parts of the plant, seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow is at least 0.10 µg, preferably at least 0.25 µg, more preferably at least 0.50 µg, even more preferably at least 1.00 µg, and most preferably at least 1.50 µg. More preferably, the amount of the fucose-containing sugar applied is from 0.10 µg to 100.00 mg, preferably from 0.10 µg to 75.00 mg, more preferably from 0.10 µg to 50.00 mg, even more preferably from 0.10 µg to 25.00 mg, even more preferably from 0.10 µg to 10.00 mg, even more preferably from 0.10 µg to 1.00 mg, even more preferably from 0.10 µg to 100.00 µg, even more preferably from 0.10 µg to 75.00 µg, even more preferably from 0.25 µg to 75.00 µg, even more preferably from 0.50 µg to 75.00 µg, even more preferably from 1.00 µg to 75.00 µg, and most preferably from 1.00 µg to 50.00 µg. When two or more different fucose-containing sugars according to the invention are applied, it is preferred that the amount of each fucose-containing sugar applied is at least 0.10 µg, more preferably at least 0.25 µg, more preferably at least 0.50 µg, even more preferably at least 1.00 µg, and most preferably at least 1.50 µg. More preferably, the amount of each fucose-containing sugar is from 0.10 µg to 100.00 mg, preferably from 0.10 µg to 75.00 mg, more preferably from 0.10 µg to 50.00 mg, even more preferably from 0.10 µg to 25.00 mg, even more preferably from 0.10 µg to 10.00 mg, even more preferably from 0.10 µg to 1.00 mg, even more preferably from 0.10 µg to 100.00 µg, even more preferably from 0.10 µg to 75.00 µg, even more preferably from 0.25 µg to 75.00 µg, even more preferably from 0.50 µg to 75.00 µg, even more preferably from 1.00 µg to 75.00 µg, and most preferably from 1.00 µg to 50.00 µg.

[0058] More preferably, the amount of fucose-containing sugars used according to the present invention is at least 0.10 µmol, preferably at least 0.25 µmol, more preferably at least 0.50 µmol, even more preferably at least 1.00 µmol, and most preferably at least 1.50 µmol. More preferably, the application amount is 0.10 µmol to 100.00 mmol, more preferably 0.10 µmol to 75.00 mmol, more preferably 0.10 µmol to 50.00 mmol, even more preferably 0.10 µmol to 25.00 mmol, even more preferably 0.10 µmol to 10.00 mmol, even more preferably 0.10 µmol to 1.00 mmol, even more preferably 0.10 µmol to 100.00 µmol, even more preferably 0.10 µmol to 75.00 µmol, even more preferably 0.25 µmol to 75.00 µmol, even more preferably 0.50 µmol to 75.00 µmol, even more preferably 1.00 µmol to 75.00 µmol, and most preferably 1.00 µmol to 50.00 µmol. When two or more different fucose-containing sugars according to the invention are applied, it is preferred that the amount of each fucose-containing sugar applied is at least 0.10 µmol, more preferably at least 0.25 µmol, more preferably at least 0.50 µmol, even more preferably at least 1.00 µmol, and most preferably at least 1.50 µmol. More preferably, the amount of each fucose-containing sugar applied is from 0.10 µmol to 100.00 mmol, preferably from 0.10 µmol to 75.00 mmol, more preferably from 0.10 µmol to 50.00 mmol, even more preferably from 0.10 µmol to 25.00 mmol, even more preferably from 0.10 µmol to 10.00 mmol, even more preferably from 0.10 µmol to 1.00 mmol, even more preferably from 0.10 µmol to 100.00 µmol, even more preferably from 0.10 µmol to 75.00 µmol, even more preferably from 0.25 µmol to 75.00 µmol, even more preferably from 0.50 µmol to 75.00 µmol, even more preferably from 1.00 µmol to 75.00 µmol, and most preferably from 1.00 µmol to 50.00 µmol.

[0059] When the fucose-containing sugars according to the present invention are applied to seeds, it is particularly preferred that the application rate per ton of seeds is at least 1.00 mg, preferably at least 5.00 mg, more preferably at least 10.00 mg, even more preferably at least 25.00 mg, even more preferably at least 50.00 mg, even more preferably at least 75.00 mg, and most preferably at least 100.00 mg. More preferably, the application rate per ton of seeds is from 0.001 g to 100.0 g, preferably from 0.010 g to 100.0 g, more preferably from 0.025 g to 100.0 g, even more preferably from 0.050 g to 100.0 g, even more preferably from 0.050 g to 75.0 g, even more preferably from 0.075 g to 75.0 g, even more preferably from 0.100 g to 75.0 g, and most preferably from 0.100 g to 60.0 g. One "ton" is 1000 kg. When two or more different fucose-containing sugars according to the invention are applied, the preferred application amount of each fucose-containing sugar is at least 1.00 mg per ton of seeds, preferably at least 5.00 mg, more preferably at least 10.00 mg, even more preferably at least 25.00 mg, even more preferably at least 50.00 mg, even more preferably at least 75.00 mg, and most preferably at least 100.00 mg. More preferably, the amount of each fucose-containing sugar is from 0.001 g to 100.0 g per ton of seeds, preferably from 0.010 g to 100.0 g, more preferably from 0.025 g to 100.0 g, even more preferably from 0.050 g to 100.0 g, even more preferably from 0.050 g to 75.0 g, even more preferably from 0.075 g to 75.0 g, even more preferably from 0.100 g to 75.0 g, and most preferably from 0.100 g to 60.0 g.

[0060] More preferably, the amount of fucose-containing sugars applied according to the present invention is at least 1.0 µmol per ton of seeds, preferably at least 5.0 µmol, more preferably at least 10.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 25.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 50.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 75.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 100.0 µmol, and most preferably at least 150.0 µmol. More preferably, the application rate per ton of seed is 1.0 µmol to 150.0 mmol, more preferably 10.0 µmol to 150.0 mmol, more preferably 25.0 µmol to 150.0 mmol, even more preferably 50.0 µmol to 150.0 mmol, even more preferably 75.0 µmol to 150.0 mmol, even more preferably 75.0 µmol to 125.0 mmol, even more preferably 100.0 µmol to 125.0 mmol, even more preferably 125 µmol to 125.0 mmol, even more preferably 150 µmol to 125.0 mmol, and most preferably 150 µmol to 100.0 mmol. When two or more different fucose-containing sugars according to the invention are applied, it is more preferable that the amount of each fucose-containing sugar applied is at least 1.0 µmol per ton of seed, preferably at least 5.0 µmol, more preferably at least 10.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 25.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 50.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 75.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 100.0 µmol, and most preferably at least 150.0 µmol. More preferably, the amount of each fucose-containing sugar is 1.0 µmol to 150.0 mmol per ton of seed, preferably 10.0 µmol to 150.0 mmol, more preferably 25.0 µmol to 150.0 mmol, even more preferably 50.0 µmol to 150.0 mmol, even more preferably 75.0 µmol to 150.0 mmol, even more preferably 75.0 µmol to 125.0 mmol, even more preferably 100.0 µmol to 125.0 mmol, even more preferably 125 µmol to 125.0 mmol, even more preferably 150 µmol to 125.0 mmol, and most preferably 150 µmol to 100.0 mmol.

[0061] In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the amount of the fucose-containing sugar applied to the plant, parts of the plant, seeds of the plant and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow is at least 1.0 mg per hectare of the plant, preferably at least 5.0 mg, more preferably at least 10.0 mg, even more preferably at least 25.0 mg, even more preferably at least 50.0 mg, even more preferably at least 75.0 mg, even more preferably at least 100.0 mg, and most preferably at least 250.0 mg. More preferably, the amount of the fucose-containing sugar is 0.001 g to 1000.0 g per hectare of the plant, preferably 0.001 g to 500.0 g, more preferably 0.001 g to 250.0 g, even more preferably 0.001 g to 100.0 g, even more preferably 0.001 g to 50.0 g, even more preferably 0.001 g to 25.0 g, even more preferably 0.001 g to 10.0 g, even more preferably 0.010 g to 10.0 g, even more preferably 0.025 g to 10.0 g, even more preferably 0.025 g to 7.5 g, even more preferably 0.025 g to 5.0 g, even more preferably 0.050 g to 2.5 g, even more preferably 0.050 g to 1.5 g, even more preferably 0.100 g to 1.5 g, even more preferably 0.100 g to 1.25 g per hectare of the plant. g, most preferably 0.250 g to 1.25 g. When two or more different fucose-containing sugars according to the invention are applied, the preferred application amount of each fucose-containing sugar is at least 1.0 mg per hectare of the plant, preferably at least 5.0 mg, more preferably at least 10.0 mg, even more preferably at least 25.0 mg, even more preferably at least 50.0 mg, even more preferably at least 75.0 mg, even more preferably at least 100.0 mg, and most preferably at least 250.0 mg.More preferably, the amount of each fucose-containing sugar is 0.001 g to 1000.0 g per hectare of the plant, preferably 0.001 g to 500.0 g, more preferably 0.001 g to 250.0 g, even more preferably 0.001 g to 100.0 g, even more preferably 0.001 g to 50.0 g, even more preferably 0.001 g to 25.0 g, even more preferably 0.001 g to 10.0 g, even more preferably 0.010 g to 10.0 g, even more preferably 0.025 g to 10.0 g, even more preferably 0.025 g to 7.5 g, even more preferably 0.025 g to 5.0 g, even more preferably 0.050 g to 2.5 g, even more preferably 0.050 g to 1.5 g, even more preferably 0.100 g to 1.5 g, even more preferably 0.100 g to 1.25 g. g, with the optimal value being 0.250 g to 1.25 g.

[0062] In one or even a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the amount of the fucose-containing sugar applied to the plant, parts of the plant, seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow is at least 1.0 µmol per hectare of the plant, preferably at least 5.0 µmol, more preferably at least 10.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 25.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 50.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 75.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 100.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 150.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 200.0 µmol, and most preferably at least 250.0 µmol. More preferably, the amount of fucose-containing sugar is 0.001 mmol to 1000.0 mmol per hectare of the plant, preferably 0.001 mmol to 500.0 mmol, more preferably 0.001 mmol to 250.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.001 mmol to 100.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.001 mmol to 50.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.001 mmol to 25.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.001 mmol to 10.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.010 mmol to 10.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.025 mmol to 10.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.025 mmol to 7.5 mmol, even more preferably 0.025 mmol to 5.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.050 mmol to 2.5 mmol, even more preferably 0.050 mmol to 2.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.075 mmol per hectare of the plant. The concentration is mmol to 2.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.100 mmol to 2.0 mmol, and most preferably 0.100 mmol to 1.50 mmol. When two or more different fucose-containing sugars according to the invention are applied, the application amount of each fucose-containing sugar is preferably at least 1.0 µmol per hectare of the plant, preferably at least 5.0 µmol, more preferably at least 10.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 25.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 50.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 75.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 100.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 150.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 200.0 µmol, and most preferably at least 250.0 µmol.More preferably, the amount of each fucose-containing sugar is 0.001 mmol to 10.0 mmol per hectare of the plant, preferably 0.010 mmol to 10.0 mmol, more preferably 0.025 mmol to 10.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.025 mmol to 7.5 mmol, even more preferably 0.025 mmol to 5.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.050 mmol to 2.5 mmol, even more preferably 0.050 mmol to 2.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.075 mmol to 2.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.100 mmol to 2.0 mmol, and most preferably 0.100 mmol to 1.50 mmol.

[0063] In another preferred embodiment, the fucose-containing sugars according to the invention are in the form of an agronomically acceptable salt.

[0064] Suitable salts include, but are not limited to, salts of acceptable inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, carbonic acid, boric acid, aminosulfonic acid, and hydrobromic acid, or salts of agronomically acceptable organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, hydroxymaleic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, viscous acid, gluconic acid, benzoic acid, succinic acid, oxalic acid, phenylacetic acid, methanesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, salicylic acid, sulfanilic acid, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, lauric acid, pantothenic acid, tannic acid, ascorbic acid, and valeric acid. Suitable salts also include salts of inorganic and organic bases, such as the counterions of Na, Ca, K, Li, Mg, Ni, Zn, Fe, Se, ammonium, and trimethylsulfonium. These compounds may also be obtained, stored, and / or used in the form of N-oxides. In addition, it includes acid addition salts or base salts, wherein the counterion is optically active, such as d-lactate or l-lysine, or is a racemic mixture, such as dl-tartrate or dl-arginine.

[0065] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fucose-containing sugar according to the invention is linked (preferably chemically linked) to a carrier for delivering the fucose-containing sugar. The linking of the sugar to the carrier enhances its affinity. Preferably, the carrier is a ceramide-based carrier or a peptide-based carrier, more preferably, the carrier is a ceramide-based carrier. Preferably, the peptide-based carrier is ε-polylysine, α-polylysine, polyaspartic acid, polyglutamic acid, or polyornithine. These carriers are commercially available (e.g., Sigma-Aldrich, Carbosynth). The ceramide-based carrier is preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: d18:1 / 16:0, t18:0-16:0, t18:0-h16:0, t18:0-h22:0, and t18:0-h24:0. These ceramide carriers are all commercially available products and are well known to those skilled in the art, for example, as described in WO2010 / 037785, which is incorporated herein by reference. d18:1 / 16:0 is also known as C16 ceramide and N-palmitoylsphingosine, and therefore can be used interchangeably herein. t18:0-16:0 is also known as C16 phytoceramide and N-hexadecanoylphytosphingosine, and therefore can be used interchangeably herein. t18:0-h16:0, t18:0-h22:0, and t18:0-h24:0 are glycosylinositol phosphoceramides (GIPC). As is known to those skilled in the art, "d" and "t" refer to the hydroxylation state of the entire ceramide or the long-chain base moiety (d for 2 groups, t for 3 groups), while "h" indicates the hydroxylation of the fatty acyl group.

[0066] In another preferred embodiment, the fucose-containing sugars, and optionally any (preferably all) other fucose-containing sugars, are preferably encapsulated (i.e., forming an encapsulation). This is particularly advantageous for protecting the sugars. If any other sugars are applied to the plant (see the "Other Sugars" section), then it is preferable to encapsulate any (preferably all) of the other sugars. It is preferable to encapsulate all sugars applied to the plant together.

[0067] Preferably, the encapsulation is core-shell type, i.e., the carrier material forms a shell around the active agent (i.e., the fucose-containing sugar according to the present invention). Preferably, the median diameter (D(v,0.5)) of the core is 125 µm to 250 µm, more preferably 150 µm to 250 µm, more preferably 165 µm to 250 µm, and most preferably 165 µm to 225 µm. Furthermore, the median diameter (D(v,0.5)) of the encapsulation is 20 µm to 100 µm longer than the median diameter of the core, preferably 20 µm to 75 µm, and more preferably 35 µm to 75 µm.

[0068] The carrier material preferably comprises a hot-melt material, more preferably an oil and / or wax, even more preferably a hydrogenated oil and / or wax, and optionally also comprises starch. Preferably, the starch accounts for less than 15% (w / w) of the carrier material, and more preferably, the starch accounts for less than 10% (w / w) of the carrier material.

[0069] The oil is preferably selected from the list of the following: palm oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, coconut oil, babassu oil, palm kernel oil, corn oil, sesame oil, and cottonseed oil; more preferably, the oil is selected from the list of the following: palm oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, and rapeseed oil; even more preferably, the oil is palm oil; most preferably, the oil is hydrogenated palm oil.

[0070] The wax is preferably selected from the list of the following: candelilla wax, carnauba wax, beeswax, rice bran wax, paraffin wax, jojoba wax, microcrystalline wax, and Japanese wax; more preferably, the wax is candelilla wax or carnauba wax; most preferably, the wax is candelilla wax.

[0071] More preferably, the amount of fucose-containing sugars or all fucose-containing sugars or all sugars present in the encapsulation is 5% to 50% (w / w) of the total weight of the encapsulation, preferably 10% to 40% (w / w), more preferably 20% to 40% (w / w), and even more preferably 20% to 35% (w / w).

[0072] In another preferred embodiment, the fucose-containing sugar according to the present invention is a milk accharide and / or a Lewis antigen sugar. Preferably, the Lewis antigen sugar is Lewis a, sialic acid Lewis a, Lewis y, or sialic acid Lewis y, more preferably Lewis y or sialic acid Lewis y, and most preferably Lewis y.

[0073] In a more preferred embodiment, the fucose-containing sugar according to the present invention is a milk sugar, i.e., a sugar found in the milk of animals (preferably mammals and / or humans). In the context of the present invention, preferably, the fucoidylated sugar according to the present invention is a milk oligosaccharide, i.e., a fucose-containing oligosaccharide found in the milk of animals (preferably mammals and / or humans).

[0074] Preferably, the sugars / lacto oligosaccharides in the milk are mammalian milk sugars / mammalian lacto oligosaccharides (MMOs). More preferably, the sugars / lacto oligosaccharides in the milk are human milk sugars / human lacto oligosaccharides (HMOs).

[0075] As understood by those skilled in the art, mammalian lactooligosaccharides (MMOs) include oligosaccharides present in milk at any stage of lactation, including oligosaccharides from humans (i.e., human lactooligosaccharides or HMOs) and colostrum from mammals, including but not limited to cattle (…). Bos Taurus ),sheep( Ovis aries ),goat( Capra aegagrus hircus Bactrian camel Camelus bactrianus ),horse( Equus ferus caballus ),pig( Sus scropha ),dog( Canis lupus familiaris ) 、 Ezo brown bear ( Ursus arctos yesoensis ), polar bear ( Ursus maritimus Japanese black bear ( Ursus thibetanus japonicus ), striped skunk ( Mephitis mephitis ), hooded seal ( Cystophora cristata Asian elephant Elephas maximus African elephant Loxodonta africana ), giant anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla ), bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncates Northern minke whale ( Balaenoptera acutorostrata ), Tamar wallaby ( Macropus eugenii ), Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus ), brushtail possum ( Trichosurus Vulpecula ),koala( Phascolarctos cinereus ), East Bag Weasel ( Dasyurus viverrinus ),platypus( Ornithorhynchus anatinus(Urashima T. et al., 2011, Milk Oligosaccharides, Nova BiomedicalBooks, New York ISBN 978-1-61122-831-1; Coppa et al., 2013, Ital. J. Pediatr. 2013, 39(2)). The structures of many milk sugars have now been elucidated. Most lactooligosaccharides found in animals such as mammals and humans contain lactose at their reducing end (Urashima et al., 2011). Other lactoligosaccharides contain N-acetylactosamine (Gal-β1,4-GlcNAc) or lactose-N-disaccharide (Gal-β1,3-GlcNAc) at the reducing end (Urashima et al., 2011; Wrigglesworth et al., 2020, PLoS ONE 15(12); Urashima et al., 2013, Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem 77(3): p. 455-466; Wei et al., 2018, Sci. Rep. 8:4688). Examples of sucrose include 3'-SLN (Neu5Ac-α2,3-Gal-β1,4-GlcNAc) and 6'-SLN (Neu5Ac-α2,6-Gal-β1,4-GlcNAc) (Urashima et al., 2011; Wrigglesworth et al., 2020; Wei et al., 2018). Furthermore, milk sugars include milk glycosaminoglycans (GAG; Coppa et al., 2013; Rai et al., 2021, Int. J. Biol. Macromolecules, 193(A): p. 137-144). In the context of this invention, preferably, the fucose-containing sugars according to this invention are not glycosaminoglycans.

[0076] Throughout the application and claims, “mammalian lactooligosaccharide (MMO)” is preferred to “human lactooligosaccharide (HMO)”.

[0077] Other sugars Optionally, in the method according to the invention, one or more additional sugars are applied, preferably one or more additional oligosaccharides, more preferably one or more additional lactooligosaccharides, even more preferably one or more additional mammalian lactooligosaccharides, and most preferably one or more additional human lactooligosaccharides. When the fucose-containing sugars according to the invention and one or more additional sugars are applied to the plant, parts of the plant, seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow, preferably, the fucose-containing sugars and any (preferably all) additional sugars are applied on the same day, more preferably simultaneously, and even more preferably as a composition (preferably the composition described in the "Composition" section).

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more additional sugars are fucose-containing sugars, wherein the fucose-containing sugars comprise fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds, preferably via α-1,2- bonds, as described herein (see the "Fucose-containing Sugars" section).

[0079] In the context of this invention, in other and / or alternative preferred embodiments, one or more additional sugars are sugars that serve as intermediates in the synthesis of fucose-containing sugars, wherein the fucose-containing sugars comprise fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds according to the invention (see the "Fucose-Containing Sugars" section). As those skilled in the art will understand, the production of fucose-containing sugars requires one or more steps, wherein the fucose-containing sugars comprise fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds. Each step of the reaction cascade generates an intermediate sugar.

[0080] Compared to the final fucose-containing sugar, the intermediate sugars typically lack one or more monosaccharides. For example, possible intermediates in the synthesis of LNFP I are lactose, lactose-N-trisaccharide II (LN3, LNT-II), and LNnT. A possible intermediate in the synthesis of 2-FL is lactose.

[0081] The intermediate sugar is preferably a disaccharide or an oligosaccharide.

[0082] According to the present invention, based on fucose-containing sugars ( wherein the fucose-containing sugars comprise fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds, preferably via α-1,2- bonds), the intermediate sugars are preferably selected from: -2'-Fucose-based lactose (2'FL): lactose; - Difucosyl lactose (diFL): lactose, 2'FL, and 3-FL; -Lactose-N-fucopentose I (LNFP I): lactose, LN3, and LNT; - Blood group A antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (GalNAc-LNFP I): lactose, LN3, LNT, and GalNAc-LNT; -Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc: lactose, 3-FL, LN3, LNT, LNFP I and Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, preferably lactose, 3-FL, LN3, LNT and LNFP I; - Blood group B antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (Gal-LNFP I): lactose, LN3, LNT, and Gal-LNT; -Lactose-N-fucopentose II (LNFP II): lactose, LN3, and LNT; -Lactose-N-difucohexose I (LNDFH I): Lactose, LN3, LNT, LNFP I, and LNFP II; -Lactose-N-difucohexose II (LNDFH II): lactose, 3-FL, LN3, LNT, LNFP II and LNFP V; - Lewis b- Lewis x: lactose, 3-FL, LNT, LNFP I, LNFP II and LNFP V; - Difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (DFLNH): lactose, LN3, LNT, GlcNAc-β-1,6-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, GlcNAc-β-1,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, GlcNAc-β-1,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc and LNFP II, preferably lactose, LN3, LNT, GlcNAc-β-1,6-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, GlcNAc-β-1,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc and LNFP II; -Difucosyllactose-N-hexose(a) (DFLNH (a)): Lactose, LN3, LNT, GlcNAc-β-1,6-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, GlcNAc-β-1,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Gal-β-1,4-G lcNAc-β-1,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, GlcNAc-β-1,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc and LNFP I, preferably lactose, LN3, LNT, GlcNAc-β-1,6-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, GlcNAc-β-1,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc and LNFP I; - Trifurfuryl lactose-N-hexasaccharide (TFLNH): lactose, LN3, LNT, GlcNAc-β-1,6-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, GlcNAc-β-1,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, GlcNAc-β-1,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LNFPI and LNFP II, preferably lactose, LN3, LNT, GlcNAc-β-1,6-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, GlcNAc-β-1,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LNFP I and LNFP II; -Lactose-N-neofofucopentose I (LNnFP I): lactose, LN3, and LNnT; -Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc: -2'-Fucose-N-disaccharide (2'FLNB): LNB; -4-Fucose-N-disaccharide (4FLNB): LNB; - Difucosyl lactose-N-disaccharide (diFLNB): LNB, 2'FLNB, and 4FLNB; -2'-Fucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine (2'FLacNAc): LacNAc; and - Difucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine (diFLacNAc): LacNAc, 2'FLacNAc, and 3FLacNAc.

[0083] In the context of this invention, in other and / or alternative preferred embodiments, one or more additional sugars are non-fucosylated sugars, preferably non-fucosylated oligosaccharides, more preferably non-fucosylated lactose oligosaccharides, even more preferably non-fucosylated mammalian lactose oligosaccharides, and most preferably non-fucosylated human lactose oligosaccharides. Preferably, the non-fucosylated (oligosaccharides) are neutral non-fucosylated (oligosaccharides). "Non-fucosylated" sugars refer to sugars that do not contain fucose. As used herein and as commonly understood in the art, "neutral" sugars refer to sugars that do not contain a negative charge derived from a carboxylic acid group.

[0084] In this context, a preferred embodiment is that the unfucosylated sugar is a disaccharide or an oligosaccharide. A more preferred embodiment is that the unfucosylated sugar is an oligosaccharide. More preferably, the oligosaccharide consists of 3-12 monosaccharides, preferably 3-11 monosaccharides, more preferably 3-10 monosaccharides, more preferably 3-9 monosaccharides, more preferably 3-8 monosaccharides, more preferably 3-7 monosaccharides, more preferably 3-6 monosaccharides, and most preferably 3-5 monosaccharides.

[0085] In a more preferred embodiment, the non-fucosylated sugars according to the present invention are milk sugars (preferably mammalian milk sugars), preferably lactooligosaccharides, more preferably mammalian lactooligosaccharides, and most preferably human milk oligosaccharides.

[0086] In other and / or alternative preferred embodiments, the unfucosylated sugar comprises lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB), or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc), preferably lactose or LacNAc, more preferably lactose, even more preferably lactose-N-trisaccharide II (LNT-II), and most preferably lactose-N-tetrasaccharide (LNT) or lactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (LNnT); optionally, the unfucosylated sugar further comprises one or more additional monosaccharides, preferably selected from the list of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and N-acetylgalactosamine, more preferably selected from the list of glucose, galactose, and N-acetylglucosamine, and even more preferably selected from galactose and N-acetylglucosamine. More preferably, the non-fucosylated sugar contains lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB), or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end. Preferably, the non-fucosylated sugar contains lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end. More preferably, the non-fucosylated sugar contains lactose at its reducing end. Even more preferably, the non-fucosylated sugar contains lactose-N-trisaccharide II (LNT-II) at its reducing end. Most preferably, the non-fucosylated sugar contains lactose-N-tetrasaccharide (LNT) or lactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (LNnT) at its reducing end.

[0087] Non-fucosylated sugars containing lactose at the reducing end are preferably selected from the list of the following: lactose, lactose-N-trisaccharide II (LN3, LNT-II), lactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (LNnT), lactose-N-tetrasaccharide (LNT), p-lactose-N-neopentose, p-lactose-N-pentasaccharide, p-lactose-N-neopentose (pLNnH), p-lactose-N-hexasaccharide (pLNH), β-(1,3)galactosyl-p-lactose-N-neopentose, β-(1,4)galactosyl-p-lactose-N-pentasaccharide, Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc (Gal-a1,4-lactose), β3'-galactosyllactose, β6'-galactosyllactose, Gal-a1,4-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc, Gal-a1,4-Gal-a1,4-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc, Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc, Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1 3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc,Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc,Gal- b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Galb1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc,GalNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc (GalNAc-b1,3-lactose), Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-lactose, GalNAc-b1,3-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc (globo-N-tetraose), Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc, GalNAc-b1,3-LNT, Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-LNT, novo -LNT(GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,4-Glc),Gal- novo -LNP I (Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,4-Glc),Gal- novo -LNP II (Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc),Gal- novo-LNP III (Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,4-Glc), novo -LNO, GalNAc-b1,3-LNnT, Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-LNnT, lactose-N-hexasaccharide (LNH), p-lactose-N-hexasaccharide (pLNH), lactose-N-neohexaccharide (LNnH), iso-LNO, novo -LNO、 novo -LNnO, LND, iso-LND, GalNAc-a1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc, novo -LNP I, iso-LNT, DGalLNnH, Galilipentasaccharide, lactose-N-heptaose, lactose-N-neoheptaose, para-lactose-N-neoheptaose, para-lactose-N-heptaose, lactose-N-octaose (LNO), lactose-N-neooctaose, iso-lactose-N-octaose, para-lactose-N-octaose, iso-lactose-N-neooctaose novo -Lactose-N-neoctasaccharide, para-lactose-N-neoctasaccharide, isol-lactose-N-nonacontaccharide novo -Lactose-N-nonaconose, lactose-N-nonaconose, lactose-N-decapose, isolose-N-decapose novo -Lactose-N-decanoic acid and lactose-N-neodecanoic acid; more preferably selected from the list of the following: lactose, lactose-N-trisaccharide II (LN3), lactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (LNnT), lactose-N-tetrasaccharide (LNT), p-lactose-N-neopentasaccharide, p-lactose-N-pentasaccharide, p-lactose-N-neohexasaccharide (pLNnH), p-lactose-N-hexasaccharide (pLNH), p-lactose-N-hexasaccharide (pLNH), β-(1,3)galactosyl-p-lactose-N-neopentasaccharide, β-(1,4)galactosyl-p-lactose-N-pentasaccharide, Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc (Gal-a1,4-lactose), β3'-galactosyllactose, β6'-galactosyllactose, GalNAc-b1,3-lactose, globulin-N-tetrasaccharide, lactose-N-heptaose, lactose-N-neoheptaose, para-lacose-N-neoheptaose, para-lacose-N-heptaose, lactose-N-octaose (LNO), lactose-N-neooctaose, isolate-lacose-N-octaose, para-lacose-N-octaose, isolate-lacose-N-neooctaose, novo -Lactose-N-neoctasaccharide, para-lactose-N-neoctasaccharide, isol-lactose-N-nonacontaccharide novo -Lactose-N-nonaconose, lactose-N-nonaconose, lactose-N-decapose, isolose-N-decapose novo-Lactose-N-decasaccharide, lactose-N-neodecasaccharide; or even more preferably, selected from the list consisting of: lactose, lactose-N-trisaccharide II (LN3, LNT-II), lactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (LNnT), lactose-N-tetrasaccharide (LNT), para-lactose-N-neopentasaccharide, para-lactose-N-pentasaccharide, para-lactose-N-neohexasaccharide, para-lactose-N-hexasaccharide, lactose-N-hexasaccharide and lactose-N-neohexasaccharide; or even more preferably, selected from the list consisting of: lactose, lactose-N-trisaccharide II (LN3, LNT-II), lactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (LNnT), lactose-N-tetrasaccharide (LNT), p-lactose-N-neopentasaccharide, p-lactose-N-pentasaccharide, LNnH, LNH, p-lactose-N-neohexasaccharide (pLNnH), p-lactose-N-hexasaccharide (pLNH); most preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: lactose, lactose-N-trisaccharide, lactose-N-tetrasaccharide, and lactose-N-neotetrasaccharide. In the context of this invention, the non-fucosylated sugar is preferably not lactose.

[0088] Non-fucosylated sugars containing lactose-N-biose (LNB) at the reducing end are preferably lactose-N-biose (LNB) or diLNB (Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,3-Glc), and more preferably lactose-N-biose (LNB).

[0089] Non-fucosylated sugars containing N-acetyllactosamine (LacNac) at the reducing end are preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: N-acetyllactosamine, diLacNAc (Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc) and poly-LacNAc, more preferably N-acetyllactosamine or diLacNAc.

[0090] In other and / or alternative preferred embodiments, the non-fucosylated sugars according to the invention comprise sugars selected from the list consisting of lactose, LNB, LacNAc, LNT-II, LNT, and LNnT; preferably selected from the list consisting of LNT-II, LNT, and LNnT; optionally, said sugars further comprise one or more additional monosaccharides, said monosaccharides preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and N-acetylgalactosamine, more preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, and N-acetylglucosamine, and even more preferably selected from galactose and N-acetylglucosamine. In the context of the invention, the term "non-fucosylated sugars comprising sugars" refers to non-fucosylated sugars containing said sugars located at the reducing end, the non-reducing end, or a position between the two of said non-fucosylated sugars; optionally, said sugars further comprise one or more additional monosaccharides, thereby obtaining said non-fucosylated sugars. In other words, the non-fucosylated sugar is the same as the sugar, or has one or more additional monosaccharides at the reducing end of the sugar and / or one or more additional monosaccharides at the non-reducing end of the sugar. For example, LNT I is a non-fucosylated sugar that contains the oligosaccharide LNT-II and has an additional monosaccharide, namely galactose, at the non-reducing end.

[0091] In even more preferred embodiments, the non-fucosylated sugars according to the invention comprise sugars selected from the list consisting of lactose, LNB, LacNAc, LNT-II, LNT, and LNnT; preferably sugars selected from the list consisting of LNT-II, LNT, and LNnT; optionally, said sugars further comprise one or more additional monosaccharides, said monosaccharides preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and N-acetylgalactosamine, more preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, and N-acetylglucosamine. Preferably, the non-fucosylated sugars according to the invention comprise lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB), or N-acetylglucosamine (LacNAc) at their reducing end; more preferably, said non-fucosylated sugars comprise lactose or LacNAc at their reducing end; even more preferably, said non-fucosylated sugars comprise lactose at their reducing end; and most preferably, said non-fucosylated sugars comprise LNT-II at their reducing end.

[0092] In even more preferred embodiments, the non-fucosylated sugars according to the present invention are selected from the list consisting of: lactose, lactose-N-trisaccharide II (LN3, LNT-II), lactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (LNnT), lactose-N-tetrasaccharide (LNT), para-lactose-N-neopentasaccharide, para-lactose-N-pentasaccharide, lactose-N-neohexasaccharide, para-lactose-N-neohexasaccharide, lactose-N-hexasaccharide, para-lactose-N-hexasaccharide, β-(1,3)galactosyl-para-lactose-N-neopentasaccharide, β-(1,4)galactosyl-para-lactose-N-pentasaccharide, Gal-α1,4-Gal-β1,4-Glc (Gal-a1,4-lactose), β3'-galactosyllactose, β6'-galactosyllactose, Gal-a1,4-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc, Gal-a1,4-Gal-a1,4-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc, Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc, Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1 3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc,Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc,Gal- b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Galb1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc,GalNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc (GalNAc-b1,3-lactose), Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-lactose, GalNAc-b1,3-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc (globulin-N-tetrasaccharide), Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc, GalNAc-b1,3-LNT, Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-LNT, novo -LNT (GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,4-Glc),Gal- novo -LNP I (Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,4-Glc),Gal- novo -LNP II (Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc),Gal- novo -LNP III (Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,4-Glc), novo -LNO, GalNAc-b1,3-LNnT, Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-LNnT, LNH, LNnH, iso-LNO, novo -LNO、 novo -LNnO, LND, iso-LND, GalNAc-a1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc, novo -LNP I, iso-LNT, DGalLNnH, Galili pentasaccharide, lactose-N-heptaose, lactose-N-neoheptaose, para-lactose-N-neoheptaose, para-lactose-N-heptaose, lactose-N-octaose (LNO), lactose-N-neooctaose, iso-lactose-N-octaose, para-lactose-N-octaose, iso-lactose-N-neooctaose, novo -Lactose-N-neoctasaccharide, para-lactose-N-neoctasaccharide, isol-lactose-N-nonacontaccharide novo -Lactose-N-nonaconose, lactose-N-nonaconose, lactose-N-decapose, isolose-N-decapose novo-Lactose-N-decadecose, lactose-N-neodecose, LNB, LacNAc, diLacNAc, and poly-LacNAc. More preferably, the non-fucosylated sugars according to the present invention are selected from the list of the following: lactose-N-trisaccharide II (LN3, LNT-II), lactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (LNnT), lactose-N-tetrasaccharide (LNT), p-lactose-N-neopentasaccharide, p-lactose-N-pentasaccharide, lactose-N-neohexasaccharide, p-lactose-N-neohexasaccharide, lactose-N-hexasaccharide, p-lactose-N-hexasaccharide, β-(1,3)galactosyl-p-lactose-N-neopentasaccharide, β-(1,4)galactosyl-p-lactose-N-pentasaccharide, Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc (Gal-a1,4-lactose), β3'-galactosyllactose, β6'-galactosyllactose, Gal-a1,4-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc, Gal-a1,4-Gal-a1,4-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc, Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc, Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1 3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc,Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc,Gal- b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Galb1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc,GalNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc (GalNAc-b1,3-lactose), Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-lactose, GalNAc-b1,3-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc (globulin-N-tetrasaccharide), Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc, GalNAc-b1,3-LNT, Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-LNT, novo -LNT (GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,4-Glc),Gal- novo -LNP I(Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,4-Glc),Gal- novo -LNP II (Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc),Gal- novo-LNP III (Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,4-Glc), novo -LNO, GalNAc-b1,3-LNnT, Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-LNnT, LNH, LNnH, iso-LNO, novo -LNO、 novo -LNnO, LND, iso-LND, GalNAc-a1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc, novo -LNP I, iso-LNT, DGalLNnH, Galili pentasaccharide, lactose-N-heptaose, lactose-N-neoheptaose, para-lactose-N-neoheptaose, para-lactose-N-heptaose, lactose-N-octaose (LNO), lactose-N-neooctaose, iso-lactose-N-octaose, para-lactose-N-octaose, iso-lactose-N-neooctaose, novo -Lactose-N-neoctasaccharide, para-lactose-N-neoctasaccharide, isol-lactose-N-nonacontaccharide novo -Lactose-N-nonaconose, lactose-N-nonaconose, lactose-N-decapose, isolose-N-decapose novo-Lactose-N-decasaccharide and lactose-N-neodecasaccharide. Even more preferably, the non-fucosylated sugars according to the invention are selected from the list consisting of: lactose-N-trisaccharide II (LN3, LNT-II), lactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (LNnT), lactose-N-tetrasaccharide (LNT), p-lactose-N-neopentasaccharide, p-lactose-N-pentasaccharide, lactose-N-neohexasaccharide (LNnH), p-lactose-N-neohexasaccharide (pLNnH), lactose-N-hexasaccharide (LNH), p-lactose-N-hexasaccharide (pLNH), β-(1,3)galactosyl-p-lactose-N-neopentasaccharide, β-(1,4)galactosyl-p-lactose-N-pentasaccharide, Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc (Gal-a1,4-lactose), β3'-galactosyllactose, β6'-galactosyllactose, Gal-a1,4-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc, Gal-a1,4-Gal-a1,4-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc, Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc, Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1 3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc,Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc,Gal- b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Galb1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc,GalNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc (GalNAc-b1,3-lactose), Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-lactose, GalNAc-b1,3-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc (globulin-N-tetrasaccharide), Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc, GalNAc-b1,3-LNT, Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-LNT, novo -LNT (GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,4-Glc),Gal- novo -LNP I (Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,4-Glc),Gal- novo -LNP II (Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc),Gal- novo-LNP III (Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,4-Glc), novo -LNO, GalNAc-b1,3-LNnT, Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-LNnT, LNH, LNnH, iso-LNO, novo -LNO、 novo -LNnO, LND, iso-LND, GalNAc-a1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc, novo -LNP I, iso-LNT, DGalLNnH, Galili pentasaccharide, lactose-N-heptaose, lactose-N-neoheptaose, para-lactose-N-neoheptaose, para-lactose-N-heptaose, lactose-N-octaose (LNO), lactose-N-neooctaose, iso-lactose-N-octaose, para-lactose-N-octaose, iso-lactose-N-neooctaose, novo -Lactose-N-neoctasaccharide, para-lactose-N-neoctasaccharide, isol-lactose-N-nonacontaccharide novo -Lactose-N-nonaconose, lactose-N-nonaconose, lactose-N-decapose, isolose-N-decapose novo -Lactose-N-decasaccharide and lactose-N-neodecasaccharide. Even more preferably, the non-fucosylated sugars according to the invention are selected from the list of the following: LNT-II, LNT, LNnT, LNH, pLNH, LNnH, pLNnH, LNO, LNnO, pLNO, and pLNnO. Even more preferably, the non-fucosylated sugars are selected from the list of the following: lactose-N-trisaccharide II (LNT-II), lactose-N-tetrasaccharide (LNT), lactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (LNnT), lactose-N-hexasaccharide (LNH), p-lactose-N-hexasaccharide (pLNH), lactose-N-neohexasaccharide (LNnH), and p-lactose-N-neohexasaccharide (pLNnH). Most preferably, the non-fucosylated sugars are selected from the list of LNT-II, LNT, and LNnT.

[0093] Preferably, the non-fucosylated sugars according to the invention are isolated from microbial culture or fermentation, cell culture, enzymatic reaction, or chemical reaction. Alternatively, the non-fucosylated sugars according to the invention are isolated from natural sources (e.g., human milk or animal milk, preferably animal milk) by, for example, chromatography or filtration techniques. In other and / or alternative preferred embodiments, the non-fucosylated sugars according to the invention have been produced by cells (preferably single cells), preferably in vitro and / or in vitro, wherein the cells are preferably selected from a list consisting of free microorganisms, plant cells, animal cells, and protozoan cells. In other words, the non-fucosylated sugars according to the invention have been produced by in vitro and / or in vitro culture of cells, wherein the cells are preferably selected from a list consisting of free microorganisms, plant cells, animal cells, or protozoan cells. Preferably, the cells are microorganisms. Preferably, the microorganisms are selected from a list consisting of bacteria, yeast, and fungi. More preferably, the microorganisms are bacteria, and even more preferably, the microorganisms are *Escherichia coli*. Furthermore, preferably, the cells are genetically engineered for the production of the non-fucosylated sugars according to the invention.

[0094] In the context of this invention, in other and / or alternative preferred embodiments, one or more additional sugars are fucoidylated sugars comprising fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an α-1,3-bond, wherein the monosaccharide is preferably selected from glucose, N-acetylglucosamine, and galactose, more preferably glucose or N-acetylglucosamine; most preferably, the monosaccharide is glucose.

[0095] The fucosylated sugars are preferably fucosylated oligosaccharides, more preferably fucosylated lactose oligosaccharides, even more preferably fucosylated mammalian lactose oligosaccharides, and most preferably fucosylated human lactose oligosaccharides. Preferably, the fucosylated (oligosaccharides) are neutral fucosylated (oligosaccharides).

[0096] In other and / or alternative preferred embodiments, the fucosylated sugar is a disaccharide or an oligosaccharide. In a more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated sugar is an oligosaccharide. More preferably, the oligosaccharide consists of 3-12 monosaccharides, preferably 3-11 monosaccharides, more preferably 3-10 monosaccharides, more preferably 3-9 monosaccharides, more preferably 3-8 monosaccharides, more preferably 3-7 monosaccharides, more preferably 3-6 monosaccharides, and most preferably 3-5 monosaccharides.

[0097] In a more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated sugar is a milk sugar (preferably a mammalian milk sugar), preferably a lactose oligosaccharide, even more preferably a mammalian lactose oligosaccharide, and most preferably a human milk oligosaccharide.

[0098] In other and / or alternative preferred embodiments, the fucoidylated sugar comprises lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB), or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc). Preferably, the fucoidylated sugar comprises lactose or LacNAc. More preferably, the fucoidylated sugar comprises lactose. Optionally, the sugar further comprises one or more additional monosaccharides, preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and N-acetylgalactosamine, more preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, fucose, and N-acetylglucosamine, and even more preferably selected from galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and fucose. More preferably, the fucosylated sugar contains lactose, lactose-N-biose (LNB), or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end. More preferably, the fucosylated sugar contains lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end.

[0099] Fucosylated sugars containing lactose at the reducing end are preferably selected from the following list: 3-fucosylated lactose (3-FL), difucosylated lactose (diFL), 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosylated lactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosylated lactose (3'S-3FL), GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-)Glc, and Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-)Glc, etc. 1,3-)Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-(fuc-α-1,2- )Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, GalNAc-α-1,3-(fuc-α-1,2-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5A c-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH II), Lewis b-Lewis x, lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP III), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-G al-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4 -(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc-β -1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-neofucopentapentasaccharide V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI), lactose-N-neofucopentapentasaccharide (LNnDFH), monofucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide III (MFLNH III), difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (a) (DFLNH (a)), difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (DFLNH) And trifucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (TFLNH); preferably, the fucosylated sugars are selected from the list of the following: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (3'S-3FL), GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1,4- (Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-(fuc-α-1 ,2-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, GalNAc-α-1,3-(fuc-α-1,2-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5A c-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFHII), Lewis b-Lewis x, lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP III), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)G al-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-G lc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Fuc-α1,2-G al-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-neofucopenaose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) And lactose-N-neo-difucohexasaccharide (LNnDFH); more preferably, the fucosylated sugars are selected from the list of the following: 3-fucosylated lactose (3-FL), difucosylated lactose (diFL), 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosylated lactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosylated lactose (3'S-3FL), GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1,4 -(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc,Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc,Gal-α-1,3-(fuc-α- 1,2-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, GalNAc-α-1,3-(fuc-α-1,2-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-) Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-difucohexose II (LNDFH II), Lewis β-Lewis x, lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lactose-N-neofucohexose (LNnDFH); even more preferably, the fucosylated sugars are selected from the list of the following: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (3'S-3FL), GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1, 4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-(fuc-α- 1,2-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, GalNAc-α-1,3-(fuc-α-1,2-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5A c-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH II) And Lewis b-Lewis x; even more preferably, the fucosylated sugars are selected from the list of the following: 3-fucosylated lactose (3-FL), difucosylated lactose (diFL), 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosylated lactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosylated lactose (3'S-3FL), GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Gal-α-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc and Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc; even more preferably, the fucosylated sugars are selected from the list of the following: 3-fucosylated lactose (3-FL), difucosylated lactose (diFL), 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosylated lactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosylated lactose (3'S-3FL), lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP) Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc and Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc; even more preferably, the fucosylated sugars are selected from the list of the following: 3-fucosylated lactose (3-FL), difucosylated lactose (diFL), and LNFP V, with the most preferred fucosylated sugars being 3-FL or LNFP V.

[0100] Unless otherwise expressly stated, throughout the application and claims, fucoidylated sugars comprising fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,3-bonds are preferably neutral sugars. Therefore, when the list of fucose-containing sugars described herein includes both neutral and non-neutral sugars, the same list omitting the non-neutral sugar is also explicitly and unambiguously disclosed herein.

[0101] Throughout the application and claims, “Glc” refers to glucose, “Gal” refers to galactose, “GlcNAc” refers to N-acetylglucosamine, “GalNac” refers to N-acetylgalactosamine, “Neu5Ac” refers to N-acetylneuraminic acid, and “Fuc” refers to fucose.

[0102] Fucosylated sugars containing N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) at the reducing end are preferably 3FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, and sialic acid Lewis x [Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc], more preferably 3FLacNAc or diFLacNAc, and most preferably 3FLacNAc.

[0103] In other and / or alternative preferred embodiments, the fucosylated sugar comprises an oligosaccharide selected from the list of 3-fucosylated lactose (3-FL) and 3-fucosylated-N-acetyllactosamine (3FLacNAc), preferably 3-FL; optionally, the oligosaccharide further comprises one or more additional monosaccharides, preferably selected from the list of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose and sialic acid, more preferably selected from the list of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine and fucose, and even more preferably selected from the list of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine and fucose. In the context of this invention, the term "fucosylated sugar comprising oligosaccharides" refers to a fucosylated sugar containing the oligosaccharide at its reducing end, its non-reducing end, or a position in between; optionally, the oligosaccharide further comprises one or more additional monosaccharides. In other words, the fucosylated sugar is the same as the oligosaccharide, or has one or more additional monosaccharides at the reducing end of the oligosaccharide and / or has one or more additional monosaccharides at the non-reducing end of the oligosaccharide. For example, LNFP V is a fucosylated sugar comprising the oligosaccharide 3-FL and two additional monosaccharides at the non-reducing end, namely galactose-β-1,4-GlcNAc.

[0104] Fucoid sugars containing 3-FL are preferably selected from the following list: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (3'S-3FL), GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, and Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, respectively. ,3-)Glc,Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc,Gal-α-1,3-(fuc-α-1,2-) Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, GalNAc-α-1,3-(fuc-α-1,2-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5A c-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH II), Lewis b-Lewis x, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lactose-N-neodifucohexasose (LNnDFH);More preferably, the following list of components is selected: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (3'S-3FL), GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP) V), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1, 3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Lactose-N-Neofucopenaose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) And lactose-N-neo-difucohexasaccharide (LNnDFH); or even more preferably, selected from the following list of compositions: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (3'S-3FL), GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFPV), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc and Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc; even more preferably, the following composition is preferred: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), difucosyllactose (diFL) and LNFP V, most preferably 3-FL or LNFP V.

[0105] Fucose-containing saccharides containing 3-fucosyl-N-acetyl-lactosamine (3FLacNAc) are preferably selected from the following list: 3FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, sialyl Lewis x [Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc], LNFP III, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, MFLNH III, DFLNH (a), DFLNH, and TFLNH; more preferably selected from the following list: 3FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, sialyl Lewis x, LNFP III, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, and Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc;Even more preferred are the following combinations: 3FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, sialic acid Lewis X, LNFP III, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,6- Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc and Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc; even more preferably, the following composition is preferred: 3FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, sialic acid Lewis X and LNFP III; even more preferably, the following composition is preferred: 3FLacNAc, diFLacNAc and LNFP III; most preferably, 3FLacNAc or LNFP III.

[0106] In one or even a more preferred embodiment, the fucose-containing sugar is selected from the list of the following: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), 3FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, sialic acid Lewis x, 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (3'S-3FL), GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-G al-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-(fu c-α-1,2-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, GalNAc-α-1,3-(fuc-α-1,2-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5A c-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH II), Lewis b-Lewis x, lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP III), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5A c-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu 5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-G al-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Lactose-N-neofucopentapentasylsaccharide V (LNnFPV, LNFP VI), Lactose-N-neofucopentapentasaccharide (LNnDFH), Monofucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide III (MFLNH III), Difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide(a) (DFLNH (a)), Difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (DFLNH) And trifucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (TFLNH); preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), 3FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, sialic acid Lewis x, 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (3'S-3FL), GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP) V), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5A c-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH II), Lewis b-Lewis x, lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP III), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1 ,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, lactose-N-neofucopentapentasaccharide V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI), lactose-N-neofucopentapentasaccharide (LNnDFH), monofucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide III (MFLNH III), difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (a) (DFLNH (a)), difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (DFLNH) And trifucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (TFLNH); more preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), 3FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, sialic acid Lewis x, 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (3'S-3FL), lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP) V), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5A c-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH II), lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP III), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lactose-N-neodifucohexasose (LNnDFH); or even more preferably selected from the list of compositions of: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), 3FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, sialic acid Lewis x, 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (3'S-3FL), lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1, 3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Lactose-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFHII), lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP III), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lactose-N-neodifucohexose (LNnDFH); or even more preferably, selected from the list of compositions including: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), 3FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), lactose-N-difucohexose II (LNDFH II), lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP III), lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lactose-N-neodifucohexose (LNnDFH); or even more preferably, selected from the list of compositions including: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3FLacNAc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), lactose-N-fucopentose III Lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFPV, LNFP VI) and lactose-N-neodifucohexose (LNnDFH); even more preferably, the following composition is preferred: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3FLacNAc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lactose-N-neodifucohexose (LNnDFH); most preferably, 3-FL or LNFP V.

[0107] In one or even a more preferred embodiment, the fucose-containing sugar is selected from the list of the following: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, sialic acid Lewis x, 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (3'S-3FL), GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1, 4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-(fuc-α- 1,2-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, GalNAc-α-1,3-(fuc-α-1,2-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5A c-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH II), Lewis b-Lewis x, lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP III), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2, 6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Ga l-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3 -)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI), Lactose-N-neodifucohexasaccharide (LNnDFH), Monofucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide III (MFLNH III), Difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide(a) (DFLNH (a)), Difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (DFLNH) And trifucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (TFLNH); preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, sialic acid Lewis x, 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (3'S-3FL), GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP) V), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5A c-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFHII), Lewis β-Lewis x, Lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP) III), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI), lactose-N-neodifucohexasose (LNnDFH), monofucosyllacto-N-hexasose III (MFLNH III), difucosyllacto-N-hexasose (a) (DFLNH (a)), difucosyllacto-N-hexasose (DFLNH), and trifucosyllacto-N-hexasose (TFLNH); more preferably selected from the list of compositions including: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, sialic acid Lewis x, 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (3'S-3FL), lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V, LNFP VI), lactose-N-neodifucohexasose (LNnDFH), monofucosyllacto-N-hexasose III (MFLNH III), difucosyllacto-N-hexasose (a) (DFLNH (a)), difucosyllacto-N-hexasose (DFLNH), and trifucosyllacto-N-hexasose (TFLNH); V), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5A c-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFHII), lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP III), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lactose-N-neodifucohexasose (LNnDFH); or even more preferably, selected from the following list of compositions: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, sialic acid Lewis x, 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (3'S-3FL), lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1, 3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Lactose-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFHII), lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP III), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lactose-N-neodifucohexose (LNnDFH); or more preferably, selected from the list of compositions including: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3FLacNAc, diFLacNAc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFPV), lactose-N-difucohexose II (LNDFH II), lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP III), lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lactose-N-neodifucohexose (LNnDFH); or more preferably, selected from the list of compositions including: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3FLacNAc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP V, LNFP VI), and lactose-N-neodifucohexose (LNnDFH); or more preferably, selected from the list of compositions including: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3FLacNAc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP V, LNFP VI), and lactose-N-difucohexose (LNFP VI). III), lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lactose-N-neodifucohexose (LNnDFH); even more preferably, it is selected from the list of compositions including: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3FLacNAc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lactose-N-neodifucohexose (LNnDFH); most preferably, 3-FL or LNFP V.

[0108] In one or even a more preferred embodiment, the fucose-containing sugar is selected from the list of the following: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3FLacNAc, sialic acid Lewis x, 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (3'S-3FL), GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fu c-α-1,3-)Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-(fuc-α-1, 2-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, GalNAc-α-1,3-(fuc-α-1,2-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5A c-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH II), Lewis b-Lewis x, lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP III), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2, 6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Ga l-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3 -)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI), Lactose-N-neodifucohexasaccharide (LNnDFH), Monofucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide III (MFLNH III), Difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide(a) (DFLNH (a)), Difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (DFLNH) And trifucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (TFLNH); preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3FLacNAc, sialic acid Lewis x, 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (3'S-3FL), GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP) V), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5A c-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFHII), Lewis β-Lewis x, Lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP) III), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI), lactose-N-neodifucohexasose (LNnDFH), monofucosyllacto-N-hexasose III (MFLNH III), difucosyllacto-N-hexasose (a) (DFLNH (a)), difucosyllacto-N-hexasose (DFLNH), and trifucosyllacto-N-hexasose (TFLNH); more preferably selected from the list of compositions including: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3FLacNAc, sialic acid Lewis x, 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (3'S-3FL), lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V, LNFP VI), 4-Glc, lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNFP V, LNFP VI), lactose-N-neodifucohexasose (LNnDFH), monofucosyllacto-N-hexasose III (MFLNH III), difucosyllacto-N-hexasose (a) (DFLNH (a)), difucosyllacto-N-hexasose (DFLNH), and trifucosyllacto-N-hexasose (TFLNH); V), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5A c-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH II), lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP III), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lactose-N-neodifucohexasaccharide (LNnDFH); or even more preferably, selected from the following list of compositions: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3FLacNAc, sialic acid Lewis x, 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosyllactose (3'S-3FL), lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1, 3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Lactose-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH II), lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP III), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lactose-N-neodifucohexose (LNnDFH); or more preferably, selected from the list of compositions including: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3FLacNAc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), lactose-N-difucohexose II (LNDFH II), lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP III), lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lactose-N-neodifucohexose (LNnDFH); or more preferably, selected from the list of compositions including: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3FLacNAc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFPIII), lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lactose-N-neofucohexose (LNnDFH); even more preferably, the following composition is preferred: 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), 3FLacNAc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), lactose-N-neofucopentose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lactose-N-neofucohexose (LNnDFH); most preferably, 3-FL or LNFP V.

[0109] Preferably, the fucosylated sugars according to the present invention are isolated from microbial culture or fermentation, cell culture, enzymatic reaction, or chemical reaction. Alternatively, the fucosylated sugars according to the present invention are isolated from natural sources (e.g., human milk or animal milk, preferably animal milk) by, for example, chromatography or filtration techniques. In other and / or alternative preferred embodiments, the fucosylated sugars according to the present invention are preferably produced in vitro and / or in vitro by cells (preferably single cells), wherein the cells are preferably selected from a list consisting of free microorganisms, plant cells, animal cells, and protozoan cells. In other words, the fucosylated sugars of the present invention are produced by in vitro and / or in vitro culture of cells, wherein the cells are preferably selected from a list consisting of free microorganisms, plant cells, animal cells, or protozoan cells. Preferably, the cells are microorganisms. Preferably, the microorganisms are selected from a list consisting of bacteria, yeast, and fungi. More preferably, the microorganisms are bacteria, and even more preferably, the microorganisms are *Escherichia coli*. Furthermore, preferably, the cells are genetically engineered for the production of the fucosylated sugars according to the present invention.

[0110] In the context of this invention, in another and / or alternative preferred embodiment, one or more additional sugars are sialic acid-containing sugars, preferably sialic acid-containing oligosaccharides, more preferably sialic acid-containing lactooligosaccharides, even more preferably sialic acid-containing mammalian lactooligosaccharides, and most preferably sialic acid-containing human lactooligosaccharides.

[0111] In the context of this invention, taking into account the synergistic results achieved in the methods according to the invention, particularly in methods for promoting plant growth and / or development (see the “Promoting Growth and / or Development” section) and methods for protecting plants against abiotic and / or biotic stresses (see the “Abiotic and / or Biological Stresses” section), it is particularly preferred that one or more additional sugars are sialic acid-containing sugars as described herein.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment, the sialic acid-containing sugar is a monosaccharide (i.e., sialic acid, preferably Neu5Ac or KDO), a disaccharide, or an oligosaccharide, more preferably a disaccharide or oligosaccharide. In a more preferred embodiment, the sialic acid-containing sugar is an oligosaccharide. More preferably, the oligosaccharide consists of 3-12, preferably 3-11, more preferably 3-10, more preferably 3-9, more preferably 3-8, more preferably 3-7, more preferably 3-6, and most preferably 3-5 monosaccharides.

[0113] In the context of this invention, sialic acid-containing sugars according to the invention may comprise: (i) one or more 9-carbon sialic acids; (ii) one or more 8-carbon sialic acids; or (iii) one or more 9-carbon sialic acids and one or more 8-carbon sialic acids. Unless otherwise expressly stated, throughout the application and claims, it is more preferred that the sialic acid-containing sugars of the invention comprise 9-carbon sialic acids, and preferably, said sugars do not contain 8-carbon sialic acids. In other words, unless otherwise expressly stated, throughout the application and claims, it is more preferred that the sialic acid-containing sugars of the invention comprise one or more 9-carbon sialic acids, and preferably, said sugars do not contain 8-carbon sialic acids. Therefore, when the list of sugars described herein contains both sugars containing 9-carbon sialic acids and sugars containing 8-carbon sialic acids, the same list of sugars not containing 9-carbon sialic acids is also explicitly and unambiguously disclosed herein.

[0114] In a more preferred embodiment, the sialic acid-containing sugar comprises sialic acid linked to a monosaccharide by an α-2,3-bond, α-2,6-bond, or α-2,8-bond, preferably an α-2,3-bond or an α-2,6-bond, more preferably an α-2,6-bond, and wherein the monosaccharide is preferably selected from galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and sialic acid (preferably Neu5Ac), more preferably galactose or N-acetylglucosamine, and even more preferably galactose. Those skilled in the art will understand that the expression "sialic acid linked to a monosaccharide" refers to the case where sialic acid is combined with a monosaccharide through a glycosidic bond, and wherein the sialic acid and monosaccharide are part of the sugars of the present invention (which may contain other monosaccharides besides the sialic acid and the monosaccharide, and may contain additional sialic acid). Throughout the application and claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, in the context of this invention (i.e., sialic acid-containing sugars), sialic acid linked to a monosaccharide via an α-2,6-bond is preferred over sialic acid linked to a monosaccharide via an α-2,3-bond or an α-2,8-bond; preferably, the monosaccharide is selected from galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and sialic acid (preferably Neu5Ac), more preferably, the monosaccharide is galactose or N-acetylglucosamine, and even more preferably, the monosaccharide is galactose.

[0115] In other and / or alternative preferred embodiments, the sialic acid-containing sugar comprises lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB), or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc). Preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugar comprises lactose or LacNAc. Most preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugar comprises lactose. In the context of this invention, the term "sialic acid-containing sugar comprising lactose, LNB, or LacNAc" refers to a sialic acid-containing sugar containing lactose, LNB, or LacNAc at the reducing end, the non-reducing end, or a position in between. Optionally, the lactose (or LNB or LacNAc) also contains one or more additional monosaccharides at the reducing end of the lactose (or LNB or LacNAc), and / or at the non-reducing end of the lactose (or LNB or LacNAc). For example, 6'SL is a sialic acid-containing sugar (containing lactose at its reducing end). More preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugar contains lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB), or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end. Preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugar contains lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end. Most preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugar contains lactose at its reducing end.

[0116] Sialic acid-containing sugars containing lactose at the reducing end (wherein the sialic acid is nonacarboxysialic acid) are preferably selected from the list of the following: 3'-sialyl-lactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyl-lactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyl-lactose, 6,6'-disialyl-lactose, 8,3-disialyl-lactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d. Disialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide (DSLNT), disialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide analog (DS'LNT), disialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (DSLNnT), and disialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide analog (DS'LNnT); more preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: 3'SL, 6'SL, 3,6-disialyllactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d. DSLNT, DS'LNT, DSLNnT, and DS'LNnT; or even more preferably selected from the list consisting of: 3'SL, 6'SL, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d. DSLNT, DS'LNT, DSLNnT, and DS'LNnT; or even more preferably selected from 6'SL, 6'S-2'FL, 6'S-3-FL, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST b, LST c, DSLNT, DSLNnT, DS'LNT and DS'LNnT; or even more preferably selected from the list consisting of: 6'SL, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST b, LST c, DSLNT, DSLNnT, DS'LNT and DS'LNnT;Even more preferably, the following list is selected: 6'SL, LST b, LST c, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, DS'LNT, and DSLNnT; even more preferably, 6'SL, LSTc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, DS'LNT, or DSLNnT; even more preferably, 6'SL, LSTc, DS'LNT, or DSLNnT; even more preferably, 6'SL or LST c, with 6'SL being the most preferred. Alternatively, a sialic acid-containing sugar containing lactose at the reducing end (wherein the sialic acid is nonacarbonylsialic acid) is preferably selected from a list of the following: 3'SL, 6'SL, LSTA, LSTb, LSTc, LSTd, DSLNT, DSLNnT, DS'LNT, and DS'LNnT; more preferably from a list of 3'SL, 6'SL, LSTA, LSTb, LSTc, and LSTd; even more preferably from a list of 3'SL, 6'SL, LSTb, and LSTc; and most preferably 6'SL, LSTb, or LSTc.

[0117] The sialic acid-containing sugars containing lactose at the reducing end (wherein the sialic acid is octacarbon sialic acid) are preferably 3'KDO-lactose or 6'KDO-lactose, more preferably 6'KDO-lactose.

[0118] The sialic acid-containing sugars containing lactose-N-biose (LNB) at the reducing end (wherein the sialic acid is nonose sialic acid) are preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'-sialylate-N-biose (3'SLNB), 6'-sialylate-N-biose (6'SLNB), and sialic acid Lewis a; more preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugar is 6'SLNB.

[0119] The sialic acid-containing sugar containing lactose-N-biose (LNB) at the reducing end (wherein the sialic acid is octose sialic acid) is preferably 3'-KDO-lactose-N-biose (3'KDO-LNB) or 6'-KDO-lactose-N-biose (6'KDO-LNB); more preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugar is 6'KDO-LNB.

[0120] The sialic acid-containing sugars containing N-acetyllactosamine (LacNac) at the reducing end (wherein the sialic acid is nonacarbon sialic acid) are preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'-sialyllactosamine (3'SLacNAc = 3'SLN), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6'SLacNAc = 6'SLN) and sialic acid Lewis x; more preferably, the sialylated sugar is 6'SLacNAc.

[0121] The sialic acid-containing sugar containing N-acetyllactosamine (LacNac) at the reducing end (wherein the sialic acid is octose sialic acid) is preferably 3'-KDO-lactosamine (3'KDO-LacNAc) or 6'-KDO-lactosamine (6'KDO-LacNAc); more preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugar is 6'KDO-LacNAc.

[0122] It is worth noting that KDO variants of Neu5Ac-containing sugars (e.g., 6'SL) can be produced in a manner similar to that of the Neu5Ac-containing sugars (e.g., enzymatic or recombinant methods) by providing CMP-KDO instead of CMP-Neu5Ac and using a sialylate transferase capable of transferring KDO (preferably a sialylate transferase with a higher affinity for KDO than Neu5Ac, more preferably a sialylate transferase capable only of transferring KDO and not Neu5Ac).

[0123] In other and / or alternative, more preferred embodiments, the sialic acid-containing sugar comprises oligosaccharides selected from the list of the following: 3'SL, 6'SL, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, 3'SLacNAc, 6'SLacNAc, 3'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-lactose, 3'KDO-LNB, 6'KDO-LNB, 3'KDO-LacNAc, and 6'KDO-LacNAc; preferably selected from the list of the following: 6'SL, 6'SLNB, 6'SLAcNAc, 6'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-LNB, and... 6'KDO-LacNAc; more preferably selected from the list of the following: 6'SL, 6'SLNB, and 6'SLAcNAc; optionally, wherein the oligosaccharide further comprises one or more additional monosaccharides, wherein the monosaccharides are preferably selected from glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, more preferably selected from the list of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, even more preferably selected from the list of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, and most preferably selected from the list of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and fucose. In the context of this invention, the term "sialic acid-containing sugar comprising oligosaccharides" refers to a sialic acid-containing sugar in which the oligosaccharide is contained at the reducing end, the non-reducing end, or a position in between of the sialic acid-containing sugar; optionally, wherein the oligosaccharide further comprises one or more additional monosaccharides. In other words, the sialic acid-containing sugar is the same as the oligosaccharide, or has one or more additional monosaccharides at the reducing end of the oligosaccharide and / or one or more additional monosaccharides at the non-reducing end of the oligosaccharide. For example, LSTc is a sialic acid-containing sugar that contains the oligosaccharide 6'SLacNAc and has two additional monosaccharides at the reducing end, namely galactose-β-1,4-glucose.

[0124] In an even more preferred embodiment, the sialic acid-containing sugar comprises oligosaccharides selected from the list of the following: 3'SL, 6'SL, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, 3'SLacNAc, 6'SLacNAc, 3'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-lactose, 3'KDO-LNB, 6'KDO-LNB, 3'KDO-LacNAc, and 6'KDO-LacNAc, preferably selected from 6'SL, 6'SLNB, 6'SLacNAc, 6'KDO-lactose, 6' The list of KDO-LNB and 6'KDO-LacNAc is optionally included, wherein the oligosaccharide further comprises one or more additional monosaccharides, the monosaccharides preferably selected from glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose and sialic acid, more preferably from the list of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose and sialic acid, even more preferably from the list of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose and sialic acid, and most preferably from the list of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine and fucose. Preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugar comprises sialic acid (preferably as described herein, more preferably 9-carbon sialic acid, even more preferably Neu5Ac), which is linked to a monosaccharide by an α-2,3-bond, α-2,6-bond, or α-2,8-bond, preferably α-2,3-bond or α-2,6-bond, more preferably α-2,6-bond, and wherein the monosaccharide is preferably selected from galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and sialic acid (preferably Neu5Ac), more preferably galactose or N-acetylglucosamine, even more preferably galactose. Preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugar according to the present invention comprises lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB), or N-acetylglucosamine (LacNAc), preferably lactose or LacNAc, and most preferably lactose. More preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugars according to the present invention contain lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB) or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) at their reducing end. Preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugars contain lactose or LacNAc at their reducing end. Most preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugars contain lactose at their reducing end.

[0125] In even more preferred embodiments, the sialic acid-containing sugars according to the present invention are selected from the list consisting of: 3'-sialyl lactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyl lactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyl lactose, 6,6'-disialyl lactose, 8,3-disialyl lactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d. Disialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide (DSLNT), disialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide analog (DS'LNT), disialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (DSLNnT), disialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide analog (DS'LNnT), 3'-sialyllactose-N-disaccharide (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyllactose-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), sialic acid Lewis a, 3'-sialyllactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6'SLacNAc), sialic acid Lewis x, 3'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-lactose, 3'KDO-L NB, 6'KDO-LNB, 3'KDO-LacNAc, and 6'KDO-LacNAc; more preferably selected from the list of the following: 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyllactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, bis(sialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide) (DSLNT), bis(sialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide) analog (DS'LNT), bis(sialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide) (DSLNnT), bis(sialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide) analog (DS'LNnT), 3'-sialyllactose-N-disaccharide (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyllactose-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), sialic acid Lewis a, 3'-sialyllactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6'SLacNAc), 3'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-lactose, 3'KDO-LNB, 6'KDO-LNB, 3'KDO-LacNAc and 6'KDO-LacNAc;Even more preferably, the following list is selected: 3'-sialyl lactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyl lactose (6'SL), 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d. Disialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide (DSLNT), disialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide analog (DS'LNT), disialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (DSLNnT), disialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide analog (DS'LNnT), 3'-sialyllactose-N-disaccharide (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyllactose-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), sialic acid Lewis a, 3'-sialyllactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6 'SLacNAc), sialic acid Lewis x, 3'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-lactose, 3'KDO-LNB, 6'KDO-LNB, 3'KDO-LacNAc and 6'KDO-LacNAc; or even more preferably selected from the list of the following: 3'-sialic acid lactose (3'SL), 6'-sialic acid lactose (6'SL), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, bis(sialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide) (DSLNT), bis(sialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide) analog (DS'LNT), bis(sialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide) (DSLNnT), bis(sialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide) analog (DS'LNnT), 3'-bis(sialyllactose-N-disaccharide) (3'SLNB), 6'-bis(sialyllactose-N-disaccharide) (6'SLNB), sialic acid Lewis a, 3'-sialic acid lactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialic acid lactosamine (6'SLacNAc), sialic acid Lewis x, 3'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-lactose, 3'KDO-LNB, 6'KDO-LNB, 3'KDO-LacNAc and 6'KDO-LacNAc;Even more preferably, the following list of components can be selected: 3'-sialyl lactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyl lactose (6'SL), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, disialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide analog (DS'LNT), disialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (DSLNnT), 3'-sialyl lactose-N-disaccharide (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyl lactose-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), sialic acid Lewis a, 3'-sialyl lactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyl lactosamine (6'SLacNAc), sialic acid Lewis x, 3'KD O-lactose, 6'KDO-lactose, 3'KDO-LNB, 6'KDO-LNB, 3'KDO-LacNAc, and 6'KDO-LacNAc; or even more preferably selected from the list of the following: 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, diasialactose-N-tetrasaccharide analogs (DS'LNT), diasialactose-N-neotetrasaccharides (DSLNnT), 3'-sialactose-N-disaccharides (3'SLNB), 6'-sialactose-N-disaccharides (6'SLNB), sialic acid Lewis a, 3'-sialactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialactosamine (6'SLacNAc), sialic acid Lewis x, 3'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-lactose, 3'KDO-LNB, 6'KDO-LNB, 3'KDO-LacNAc and 6'KDO-LacNAc; or even more preferably selected from the list consisting of: 3'-sialactose (3'SL), 6'-sialactose (6'SL), LST b, LST c, 3'-sialyl-lactose-N-disaccharide (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyl-lactose-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), 3'-sialyl-lactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyl-lactosamine (6'SLacNAc), 3'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-lactose, 3'KDO-LNB, 6'KDO-LNB, 3'KDO-LacNAc, and 6'KDO-LacNAc; or even more preferably selected from the list of the following: 6'-sialyl-lactose (6'SL), LST b, LST c, 6'-sialyl-lactose-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), 6'-sialyl-lactosamine (6'SLacNAc), 6'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-LNB, and 6'KDO-LacNAc.

[0126] In even more preferred embodiments, the sialic acid-containing sugars according to the present invention are selected from the list consisting of: 3'-sialyl lactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyl lactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyl lactose, 6,6'-disialyl lactose, 8,3-disialyl lactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d. Disialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide (DSLNT), disialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide analog (DS'LNT), disialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (DSLNnT), disialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide analog (DS'LNnT), 3'-sialyllactose-N-disaccharide (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyllactose-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), sialic acid Lewis a, 3'-sialyllactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6'SLacNAc) And sialic acid Lewis X; more preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: 3'-sialyl lactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyl lactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyllactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d. Disialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide (DSLNT), disialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide analog (DS'LNT), disialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (DSLNnT), disialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide analog (DS'LNnT), 3'-sialyllactose-N-biose (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyllactose-N-biose (6'SLNB), sialic acid Lewis a, 3'-sialyllactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6'SLacNAc), and sialic acid Lewis x;Even more preferably, the following list is selected: 3'-sialyl lactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyl lactose (6'SL), 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST a, LST b, LST c, LSTd, bis(sialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide) (DSLNT), bis(sialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide) analog (DS'LNT), bis(sialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide) (DSLNnT), bis(sialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide) analog (DS'LNnT), 3'-sialyllactose-N-disaccharide (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyllactose-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), sialic acid Lewis a, 3'-sialyllactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6'SLacNAc) and sialic acid Lewis x; or even more preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, bis(sialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide) (DSLNT), bis(sialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide) analog (DS'LNT), bis(sialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide) (DSLNnT), bis(sialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide) analog (DS'LNnT), 3'-sialyllactose-N-disaccharide (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyllactose-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), sialic acid Lewis a, 3'-sialyllactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6'SLacNAc) and sialic acid Lewis x; or even more preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST a, LST b, LST c, LSTd, bis(l)-l)-l)-l)-l)-l)-l)-l)-l)-l)-l)-l)-l)-l)-l)"" sialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide analog (DS'LNT), DSLNnT, 3'-SLNB, 6'-SLNB, 6'-SLNB, sialyl Lewis a, 3'-SLacNAc, 6'-SLacNAc, and sialyl Lewis x;Even more preferably, a list consisting of the following is selected: 6'-sialyl lactose (6'SL), LST b, LST c, 6'-sialyl lactose-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), and 6'-sialyl lactosamine (6'SLacNAc); most preferably, a list consisting of 6'SL and LST c is selected.

[0127] The aforementioned sialic acid-containing sugars are commercially available, and / or their production / purification has been described, thus enabling those skilled in the art to produce / obtain any of the aforementioned sialic acid-containing sugars. For example (all subsequent references are incorporated herein by reference): -N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac): Carbosynth (MA00746) -3'SL: Zhang et al., 2022, ACS Synth. Biol. 11(8): p. 2837-2845; Carbosynth(OS04397) -6'SL:Guo et al., 2018, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 84(13): e00071-18;Carbosynth (OS04398) -3,6-Disialyllactose: Pan et al., 2006, Carbohydr. Res. 341(6): p. 730-737 -6,6'-disialyllactose: Drouillard et al., 2010, Carbohydr. Res. 345(10): p.1394-1399 -8,3-Disialyllactose: Carbosynth (OD45739) -3'S-3-FL: Biosynth / Cymit Quimica (3D-OSO1065) -LST a: Carbosynth (OL03882) -LST b: Carbosynth (OL03877) -LST c: WO2016 / 199071; Carbosynth (OL06570) -LST d: Carbosynth (OS158776) -3'SLNB: Carbosynth (OS35289) -Sialic acid Lewis a:Carbosynth (OS00745) -Sialic acid Lewis X: Yu et al., 2017, Chem. Commun (Camb) 53(80): p. 11012-11015; Carbosynth (OS04058) -3'KDO-Lactose: PCT / EP2023 / 058392 -6'KDO-lactose: Drouillard et al., 2010, Carbohydr. Res. 345(10): p. 1394-1399.

[0128] Optionally, one or more additional sugars, wherein the sugars are monosaccharides, are applied in the method according to the invention. The monosaccharides are preferably selected from a list of the following: sialic acid (preferably as described herein, more preferably Neu5Ac or KDO), galactose, L-fucose, GlcNAc, glucose, GalNAc, xylose, mannose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, and gluconic acid; more preferably selected from a list of sialic acid (preferably as described herein, more preferably Neu5Ac or KDO), galactose, L-fucose, and glucose; and even more preferably selected from a list of sialic acid (preferably as described herein, more preferably Neu5Ac or KDO), galactose, and L-fucose.

[0129] In the context of the method according to the invention, more preferably, if the one or more additional sugars are applied to a plant, a portion of the plant, a seed of the plant, and / or a region where the plant is intended to grow, in the method according to the invention, then the one or more additional sugars are intermediate sugars as described herein.

[0130] In the context of the method according to the invention, it is most preferred that, if the one or more additional sugars are applied to a plant, a portion of the plant, the seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow, in the method according to the invention, the one or more additional sugars are sialic acid-containing sugars as described herein.

[0131] In addition, another preferred embodiment is that the amount of any (preferably each) of the additional sugars described herein applied to the plant, parts of the plant, seeds of the plant and / or areas where the plant is intended to grow is at least 0.10 µg, preferably at least 0.25 µg, more preferably at least 0.50 µg, even more preferably at least 1.00 µg, and most preferably at least 1.50 µg. More preferably, the amount of any (preferably each) of the additional sugars applied is from 0.10 µg to 100.00 mg, preferably from 0.10 µg to 75.00 mg, more preferably from 0.10 µg to 50.00 mg, even more preferably from 0.10 µg to 25.00 mg, even more preferably from 0.10 µg to 10.00 mg, even more preferably from 0.10 µg to 1.00 mg, even more preferably from 0.10 µg to 100.00 µg, even more preferably from 0.10 µg to 75.00 µg, even more preferably from 0.25 µg to 75.00 µg, even more preferably from 0.50 µg to 75.00 µg, even more preferably from 1.00 µg to 75.00 µg, and most preferably from 1.00 µg to 50.00 µg. More preferably, the amount of any (preferably each) of the additional sugars applied is at least 0.10 µmol, preferably at least 0.25 µmol, more preferably at least 0.50 µmol, even more preferably at least 1.00 µmol, and most preferably at least 1.50 µmol. More preferably, the amount of any (preferably each) of the additional sugars is 0.10 µmol to 100.00 mmol, preferably 0.10 µmol to 75.00 mmol, more preferably 0.10 µmol to 50.00 mmol, even more preferably 0.10 µmol to 25.00 mmol, even more preferably 0.10 µmol to 10.00 mmol, even more preferably 0.10 µmol to 1.00 mmol, even more preferably 0.10 µmol to 100.00 µmol, even more preferably 0.10 µmol to 75.00 µmol, even more preferably 0.25 µmol to 75.00 µmol, even more preferably 0.50 µmol to 75.00 µmol, even more preferably 1.00 µmol to 75.00 µmol, and most preferably 1.00 µmol to 50.00 µmol.

[0132] When applying the additional sugars according to the invention to the seeds, it is particularly preferred that the amount of any (preferably each) of the additional sugars applied is at least 1.00 mg per ton of seeds, preferably at least 5.00 mg, more preferably at least 10.00 mg, even more preferably at least 25.00 mg, even more preferably at least 50.00 mg, even more preferably at least 75.00 mg, and most preferably at least 100.00 mg. More preferably, the amount of any (preferably each) of the additional sugars applied is from 0.001 g to 100.0 g per ton of seeds, preferably from 0.010 g to 100.0 g, more preferably from 0.025 g to 100.0 g, even more preferably from 0.050 g to 100.0 g, even more preferably from 0.050 g to 75.0 g, even more preferably from 0.075 g to 75.0 g, even more preferably from 0.100 g to 75.0 g, and most preferably from 0.100 g to 60.0 g. More preferably, the amount of any (preferably each) of the additional sugars applied is at least 1.0 µmol per ton of seed, preferably at least 5.0 µmol, more preferably at least 10.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 25.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 50.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 75.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 100.0 µmol, and most preferably at least 150.0 µmol. More preferably, the application amount of any (preferably each) of the additional sugars is 1.0 µmol to 150.0 mmol per ton of seed, preferably 10.0 µmol to 150.0 mmol, more preferably 25.0 µmol to 150.0 mmol, even more preferably 50.0 µmol to 150.0 mmol, even more preferably 75.0 µmol to 150.0 mmol, even more preferably 75.0 µmol to 125.0 mmol, even more preferably 100.0 µmol to 125.0 mmol, even more preferably 125 µmol to 125.0 mmol, even more preferably 150 µmol to 125.0 mmol, and most preferably 150 µmol to 100.0 mmol.

[0133] In a more preferred embodiment, any (preferably each) of the additional sugars applied to the plant, parts of the plant, seeds of the plant and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow is at least 1.0 mg per hectare of the plant, preferably at least 5.0 mg, more preferably at least 10.0 mg, even more preferably at least 25.0 mg, even more preferably at least 50.0 mg, even more preferably at least 75.0 mg, even more preferably at least 100.0 mg, and most preferably at least 250.0 mg. More preferably, the amount of any (preferably each) of the additional sugars is 0.001 g to 1000.0 g per hectare of the plant, preferably 0.001 g to 500.0 g, more preferably 0.001 g to 250.0 g, even more preferably 0.001 g to 100.0 g, even more preferably 0.001 g to 50.0 g, even more preferably 0.001 g to 25.0 g, even more preferably 0.001 g to 10.0 g, even more preferably 0.010 g to 10.0 g, even more preferably 0.025 g to 10.0 g, even more preferably 0.025 g to 7.5 g, even more preferably 0.025 g to 5.0 g, even more preferably 0.050 g to 2.5 g, even more preferably 0.050 g to 1.5 g, even more preferably 0.100 g to 1.5 g, even more preferably 0.100 g to 1.25 g per hectare of the plant. g, with the optimal value being 0.250 g to 1.25 g.

[0134] In one or even a more preferred embodiment of the invention, any (preferably each) of the additional sugars applied to the plant, parts of the plant, seeds of the plant and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow is at least 1.0 µmol per hectare of the plant, preferably at least 5.0 µmol, more preferably at least 10.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 25.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 50.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 75.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 100.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 150.0 µmol, even more preferably at least 200.0 µmol, and most preferably at least 250.0 µmol. More preferably, the amount of any (preferably each) of the additional sugars is 0.001 mmol to 1000.0 mmol per hectare of the plant, preferably 0.001 mmol to 500.0 mmol, more preferably 0.001 mmol to 250.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.001 mmol to 100.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.001 mmol to 50.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.001 to 25.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.001 mmol to 10.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.010 mmol to 10.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.025 mmol to 10.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.025 mmol to 7.5 mmol, even more preferably 0.025 mmol to 5.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.050 mmol to 2.5 mmol, even more preferably 0.050 mmol to 2.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.075 mmol per hectare of the plant. mmol to 2.0 mmol, even more preferably 0.100 mmol to 2.0 mmol, and most preferably 0.100 mmol to 1.50 mmol.

[0135] In another preferred embodiment, any (preferably all) of the additional sugars are present in the form of agronomically acceptable salts.

[0136] Suitable salts include, but are not limited to, salts of acceptable inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, carbonic acid, boric acid, aminosulfonic acid, and hydrobromic acid, or salts of agronomically acceptable organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, hydroxymaleic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, viscous acid, gluconic acid, benzoic acid, succinic acid, oxalic acid, phenylacetic acid, methanesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, salicylic acid, sulfanilic acid, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, lauric acid, pantothenic acid, tannic acid, ascorbic acid, and valeric acid. Suitable salts also include salts of inorganic and organic bases, such as counterions of Na, Ca, K, Li, Mg, Ni, Zn, Fe, Se, ammonium, and trimethylsulfonium. These compounds may also be obtained, stored, and / or used in the form of N-oxides. In addition, it includes acid addition salts or base salts, wherein the counterion is optically active, such as d-lactate or l-lysine, or is a racemic mixture, such as dl-tartrate or dl-arginine.

[0137] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fucosylated sugar, and optionally any (preferably all) further fucosylated sugars, are linked (preferably chemically linked) to a carrier for delivering the fucosylated sugar. In another and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the non-fucosylated sugar, and optionally any (preferably all) further non-fucosylated sugar, are linked (preferably chemically linked) to a carrier for delivering the fucosylated sugar. In another and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the sialic acid-containing sugar, and optionally any (preferably all) further sialic acid-containing sugar, are linked (preferably chemically linked) to a carrier for delivering the sialic acid-containing sugar. In another and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the additional sugar, and optionally any (preferably all) further additional sugar, are linked (preferably chemically linked) to a carrier for delivering the additional sugar. The linking of the sugar to the carrier can increase its affinity. Preferably, the carrier is a ceramide-based carrier or a peptide-based carrier, more preferably, the carrier is a ceramide-based carrier. Preferably, the peptide-based carrier is ε-polylysine, α-polylysine, polyaspartic acid, polyglutamic acid, or polyornithine. These carriers are commercially available (e.g., Sigma-Aldrich, Carbosynth). The ceramide-based carrier is preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: d18:1 / 16:0, t18:0-16:0, t18:0-h16:0, t18:0-h22:0, and t18:0-h24:0. These ceramide carriers are all commercially available products and are well known to those skilled in the art, for example, as described in WO2010 / 037785, which is incorporated herein by reference. d18:1 / 16:0 is also known as C16 ceramide and N-palmitoylsphingosine, and therefore can be used interchangeably herein. t18:0-16:0 is also known as C16 phytoceramide and N-hexadecanoyl phytosphingosine, and therefore can be used interchangeably herein. t18:0-h16:0, t18:0-h22:0, and t18:0-h24:0 are glycosylinositol phosphoceramide (GIPC). As will be known to those skilled in the art, “d” and “t” refer to the hydroxylation state of the entire ceramide or the long-chain base moiety (d for 2 groups, t for 3 groups), while “h” indicates the hydroxylation of the fatty acyl group.

[0138] Composition In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fucose-containing sugars according to the invention (see the "Fucose-Containing Sugars" section) are part of the composition. Therefore, a preferred method is a method of treating plants, wherein the method includes the step of applying the composition to the plant, parts of the plant, seeds of the plant, and / or areas where the plant is intended to grow, wherein the composition comprises fucose-containing sugars, wherein the fucose-containing sugars comprise fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds, preferably via α-1,2- bonds (see the "Fucose-Containing Sugars" section).

[0139] In other and / or alternative preferred embodiments, in the method according to the invention, any one or more (preferably all) additional sugars (see “Additional Sugars” section) applied to the plant, parts of the plant, seeds of the plant and / or areas where the plant is intended to grow are part of the composition.

[0140] In the context of this invention, in the method according to the invention, each sugar according to the invention applied to the plant, a portion of the plant, the seed of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow is preferably part of the same composition.

[0141] In a more preferred embodiment, the composition further comprises one or more of the following: emulsifiers, solvents, surfactants, carriers, dispersants, thickeners, hydrophobic agents, water-retaining agents, extenders, solid carriers, foaming agents, antifreeze agents, and defoamers.

[0142] In other and / or alternative preferred embodiments, the composition is selected from the list of the following: solutions, emulsions, suspensions, powders, dusts, foams, pastes, granules, aerosols, microcapsules, compressed forms, capsules, and fogging formulations (cold or hot fog).

[0143] More preferably, the composition according to the invention is an agricultural chemical composition, i.e., a composition suitable for agricultural use (agricultural composition), and more preferably a composition suitable for industrial agricultural use (industrial agricultural composition).

[0144] More preferably, the composition is a synthetic composition, i.e., a composition that does not exist in nature and / or a composition in which at least one component is produced by synthesis.

[0145] In the compositions of the present invention, preferably, the concentration of the fucose-containing sugars (see the "Fucose-containing Sugars" section) is at least 0.000001% (w / w) of the total weight of the composition, more preferably at least 0.00001%, more preferably at least 0.00005%, and most preferably at least 0.0001% (w / w). Additionally and / or alternatively, the concentration of the fucoidylated sugars is ≤50.0% (w / w) of the total weight of the composition, preferably ≤40.0%, more preferably ≤30.0%, even more preferably ≤20.0%, even more preferably ≤10.0%, even more preferably ≤5.0%, and most preferably ≤1.0% (w / w). More preferably, the concentration of the fucosylated sugar is from 0.000001% to 50.0% of the total weight of the composition, preferably from 0.000001% to 10.0%, more preferably from 0.000001% to 5.0%, even more preferably from 0.00001% to 5.0%, and most preferably from 0.00001% to 1.0% (w / w).

[0146] Throughout the application and claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms "wt.%" and "% (w / w)" are used interchangeably and both refer to weight percentage. If the composition is, for example, a solid composition, then 1.0 wt.% means 1.0 g of sugar per 100.0 g of the solid composition. If the composition is, for example, a liquid composition, then 1.0 wt.% means 1.0 g of sugar per 100.0 g of the liquid composition.

[0147] In the composition according to the invention, preferably, any (preferably all) additional sugars (if any) (see the "Additional Sugars" section) are present at a concentration of at least 0.000001% (w / w) of the total weight of the composition, more preferably at least 0.00001%, more preferably at least 0.00005%, and most preferably at least 0.0001% (w / w). Additionally and / or alternatively, the concentration of said any (preferably all) additional sugars is ≤50.0% (w / w) of the total weight of the composition, preferably ≤40.0%, more preferably ≤30.0%, even more preferably ≤20.0%, even more preferably ≤10.0%, even more preferably ≤5.0%, and most preferably ≤1.0% (w / w). More preferably, the concentration of any (preferably all) additional sugars is from 0.000001% to 50.0% of the total weight of the composition, preferably from 0.000001% to 10.0%, more preferably from 0.000001% to 5.0%, even more preferably from 0.00001% to 5.0%, and most preferably from 0.00001% to 1.0% (w / w).

[0148] Promote growth and / or development In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the method of the present invention is a method for promoting the growth and / or development of a plant or a part of a plant (preferably a flower or fruit), wherein the method includes the step of applying a fucose-containing sugar to the plant, a part of the plant, a seed of the plant, and / or a region where the plant is intended to grow, wherein the fucose-containing sugar comprises fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an α-1,2- or α-1,4- bond, preferably via an α-1,2- bond. Preferably, the plant is under physiological conditions, abiotic stress, or biotic stress.

[0149] In the context of this invention, the term “promote” may be used interchangeably with “improve”, and in relation to plant growth and / or development, it means that the plant growth and / or plant development is generally improved in one or more characteristics or parameters compared to a control plant (i.e., a plant that has not received the fucose-containing sugars as described in the invention (optionally any further sugars as described in the “Other Sugars” section)).

[0150] In the context of this invention, the term “promoting growth and / or development” preferably refers to one or more of the following: improving plant yield (i.e., biomass), improving fructification, improving flower development, and improving strength (i.e., vigor).

[0151] Plant yield refers to the biomass of a plant or one or more parts of a plant, which may include aboveground parts (preferably harvestable parts) and / or underground parts (preferably harvestable parts). Preferably, plant yield includes one or more of the following: number of roots, root mass, root volume, leaf area, stem length, stem mass, number of fruits, and fruit mass; all of which can be readily assessed by those skilled in the art using conventional techniques. Alternatively, the plant yield preferably refers to the fresh or dry weight of the whole plant, preferably the fresh or dry weight of the plant canopy (i.e., the aboveground part of the plant). More preferably, the plant yield is assessed by measuring stem length or stem mass, and even more preferably, by measuring stem length. Compared to untreated plants (i.e., plants not treated with fucose-containing sugars and optionally other sugars according to the invention), the improvement in plant yield preferably involves an increase in the stem length or weight (dry or fresh, preferably fresh) or canopy weight (dry or fresh, preferably fresh) of the plant (preferably an increase in stem length) of at least 1.0%, preferably at least 2.5%, more preferably at least 5.0%, and most preferably at least 7.5%.

[0152] Fruit-setting capacity refers to the process of fruit growth, including the number of fruits, fruit size, fruit weight, and fruit quality. Preferably, the fruit-setting capacity is assessed by counting the number of fruits on the plant and / or the average fruit weight on the plant.

[0153] Flower development refers to the process of flower development, including the number of flowers, flower size, flower quality, and flower characteristics. Preferably, flower development is assessed by counting the number of healthy, normal flowers.

[0154] The strength of a plant can be assessed by examining its stand. Alternatively, an increase in the ratio of stem weight to stem length also indicates an increase in the strength of the plant. Throughout the application and claims, mass (i.e., weight) can be fresh weight or dry weight, preferably fresh weight.

[0155] The terms “method,” “plant,” “application,” “fucosyl sugar,” “plant part,” and “region” are as described above (see the sections “method of treating plants,” “plant,” “fucosyl sugar,” “other sugars,” and “composition”).

[0156] In a more preferred embodiment, the fucose-containing sugar is as described in the "Fucose-containing Sugars" section.

[0157] As specifically described in the "Other Sugars" section, optionally, one or more additional sugars, preferably one or more additional oligosaccharides, more preferably one or more additional lactooligosaccharides, even more preferably one or more additional mammalian lactooligosaccharides, and most preferably one or more additional human lactooligosaccharides, are applied in the method according to the invention. The one or more additional sugars may be fucosylated sugars as described in the "Fucose-Containing Sugars" section. Additionally and / or alternatively, the one or more additional sugars may be intermediate sugars as described in the "Other Sugars" section. Additionally and / or alternatively, the one or more additional sugars may be non-fucosylated sugars as described in the "Other Sugars" section. Additionally and / or alternatively, the one or more additional sugars may be fucosylated sugars containing fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,3-bonds as described in the "Other Sugars" section. Additionally and / or alternatively, the one or more additional sugars may be sialic acid-containing sugars as described in the "Other Sugars" section. Additionally and / or alternatively, the one or more additional sugars may be monosaccharides as described in the "Additional Sugars" section.

[0158] In the context of promoting growth and / or development, it is particularly preferred that one or more additional sugars are sialic acid-containing sugars (preferably as described in the "Additional Sugars" section).

[0159] In another preferred embodiment, an effective amount of the fucose-containing sugar according to the invention is applied to the plant, parts of the plant, seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow. The term "effective amount" refers to the amount required to achieve improvement in one or more characteristics or parameters of plant growth and / or plant development compared to a control plant. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the effective amount will vary depending on factors such as the plant species or variety treated, the presence or absence of stress (e.g., abiotic and / or biotic stress), the desired outcome, the life stage of the plant, and the application site (e.g., leaves, roots, seeds). In any individual case, a suitable effective amount can be readily determined by those skilled in the art. If one or more additional sugars are applied in the method according to the invention, it is preferred that any one (preferably all) of the additional sugars be applied in an effective amount. In the context of this invention, where at least one additional sugar is applied to the plant, a portion of the plant, the seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow in a method for enhancing plant growth and / or development, it is particularly preferred that each fucose-containing sugar and each additional sugar are applied in a synergistic amount. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, a “synergistic amount” of sugar means the amount by which the sugar provides a synergistic effect. In the context of this invention, the synergistic effect means an enhancing effect on plant growth and / or development that is greater than the enhancing effect on growth and / or development observed when applying a sugar alone.

[0160] In other and / or preferred embodiments, the fucose-containing sugar is applied to the plant in a phytotoxic amount. If one or more additional sugars are applied in the method according to the invention, it is preferred that any (preferably all) of the additional sugars be applied in a phytotoxic amount. For clarity, the term "phytotoxic" applies to the treated plant, meaning that the applied sugar is non-toxic to the treated plant (or, according to the art, at least has an acceptable level of toxicity).

[0161] In a more preferred embodiment, the amount of the fucose-containing sugars and (if present) any (preferably all) other sugars is as described in the “Fucose-containing Sugars” and “Other Sugars” sections.

[0162] Abiotic stress and / or biotic stress In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the method of the present invention is a method for protecting a plant or a part of a plant (preferably a flower or fruit) against abiotic and / or biotic stresses, wherein the method includes the step of applying a fucose-containing sugar to the plant, a part of the plant, a seed of the plant, and / or a region where the plant is intended to grow, wherein the fucose-containing sugar comprises fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an α-1,2- or α-1,4- bond, preferably via an α-1,2- bond. The result of employing the method for protecting the plant is that the plant becomes tolerant to abiotic and / or biotic stresses. In view of the excellent results achieved, a particularly preferred embodiment is that the method of the present invention is a method for protecting one or more flowers of a plant against abiotic and / or biotic stresses (preferably abiotic stresses). In other words, preferably, the method is a method for protecting one or more flowers of a plant against abiotic and / or biotic stresses (preferably abiotic stresses).

[0163] In the context of this invention, the term "stress" preferably refers to any condition or substance that negatively affects the growth, development, and / or metabolism of a plant. When the condition / substance has living properties, it is referred to as "biotic stress" (Gull et al., 2019, IntechOpen, Abiotic and biotic stress in plants, chapter 1, pp. 1-19). When the condition / substance has non-living properties (e.g., physical and / or chemical properties), it is referred to as "abiotic stress" (Gull et al., 2019, IntechOpen, Abiotic and biotic stress in plants, chapter 1, pp. 1-19).

[0164] In the context of this invention (i.e., abiotic stress, biotic stress, or both), throughout the application and claims, the term "protection" is preferably replaced by the expression "control, prevention, or treatment," more preferably by the expression "prevention or treatment." In the context of abiotic stress, the term "protection" is more preferably replaced by the term "prevention." As understood by those skilled in the art, the term "control" preferably refers to reducing the degree / severity of abiotic and / or biotic stress; eliminating said abiotic and / or biotic stress; and / or preventing damage or further damage caused by said abiotic and / or biotic stress. In the context of this invention, the term "treatment" preferably means suppressing the abiotic and / or biotic stress, i.e., halting the development of the abiotic and / or biotic stress; alleviating the abiotic and / or biotic stress, even if the abiotic and / or biotic stress subsides; and / or alleviating the condition caused or resulting from the abiotic and / or biotic stress, i.e., alleviating, preventing, or treating the symptoms of the abiotic and / or biotic stress. In other words, "treating" preferably means reducing the duration (number of days / weeks / months the plant suffers from the abiotic and / or biotic stress), risk, complications, and / or severity of the abiotic and / or biotic stress; this also includes alleviating the symptoms caused by the abiotic and / or biotic stress. The term "prevention" preferably means avoiding the occurrence of the abiotic and / or biotic stress and / or reducing the incidence of the abiotic and / or biotic stress. In other words, “prevention” preferably refers to improving the risk of suffering from said abiotic and / or biotic stresses. Throughout the application and claims, unless otherwise specifically stated, the term “prevention” may preferably be replaced by the term “priming,” which is a mechanism that causes a change in the plant’s physiological state, enabling the plant to respond more quickly and / or more robustly after exposure to abiotic and / or biotic stresses.

[0165] The terms “method,” “plant,” “application,” “fucosyl sugar,” “plant part,” and “region” are as previously described (see the sections “method of treating plants,” “plant,” “fucosyl sugar,” “other sugars,” and “composition”).

[0166] In a more preferred embodiment, the abiotic stress is selected from a list consisting of frost, drought, osmotic stress (preferably salinity), humidity (preferably flooding), heat stress, light stress (preferably UV stress), and mechanical stress; preferably from a list consisting of frost, drought, osmotic stress (preferably salinity), humidity (preferably flooding), heat stress, and light stress (preferably UV stress); more preferably from a list consisting of frost, drought, osmotic stress (preferably salinity), humidity (preferably flooding), and light stress (preferably UV stress); even more preferably from a list consisting of frost, drought, osmotic stress (preferably salinity), and humidity (preferably flooding); and most preferably from a list consisting of frost, drought, and humidity (preferably flooding). In the context of this invention, it has been unexpectedly found that fucosylated sugars according to the invention (see the section "Fucose-Containing Sugars," optionally including other sugars (see the section "Other Sugars"), particularly sialylated sugars, perform exceptionally well in a flooded environment.

[0167] The term "flooding," as is well known to those skilled in the art, refers to a situation where at least the plant roots are submerged for a considerable period of time. As is known to those skilled in the art, the time required to reach the flooding stage depends on the plant species, but is preferably at least 1 day, more preferably at least 2 days, even more preferably at least 3 days, even more preferably at least 4 days, even more preferably at least 5 days, even more preferably at least 6 days, and most preferably at least 7 days. Flooding is characterized by oxygen deficiency and carbohydrate depletion. For clarity, flooding does not include ponding (e.g., swamps) or inundation (dry areas permanently covered by water). In other words, "flooding" refers to a situation where a dry area is temporarily submerged (preferably at least 1 day, more preferably at least 2 days, even more preferably at least 3 days, even more preferably at least 4 days, even more preferably at least 5 days, even more preferably at least 6 days, and most preferably at least 7 days), periodically submerged, or intermittently submerged.

[0168] The abiotic stress is one or more of frost, drought, osmotic stress (preferably salt), humidity (preferably flooding), heat stress, light stress (preferably UV stress), and mechanical stress; preferably one or more of frost, drought, osmotic stress (preferably salt), humidity (preferably flooding), heat stress, and light stress (preferably UV stress); more preferably one or more of frost, drought, osmotic stress (preferably salt), humidity (preferably flooding), and light stress (preferably UV stress); even more preferably one or more of frost, drought, osmotic stress (preferably salt), and humidity (preferably flooding); most preferably one or more of frost, drought, and humidity (preferably flooding), which is also within the scope of this invention.

[0169] In another, more preferred embodiment, the biotic stress includes plant pathogens, i.e., organisms pathogenic to plants, preferably comprising such organisms. The plant pathogen preferably causes direct damage and / or disease to the plant, more preferably causing disease to the plant. Therefore, the biotic stress preferably includes plant pathogens or diseases caused by said plant pathogens (preferably comprising such organisms), more preferably including diseases caused by said plant pathogens (preferably comprising such organisms). Preferably, the plant pathogen is selected from the list of fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, mollusks, and insects. More preferably, the plant pathogen is selected from the list of fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and insects. Even more preferably, the plant pathogen is selected from the list of fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Even more preferably, the plant pathogen is a fungus or a bacterium. Most preferably, the plant pathogen is a fungus.

[0170] The plant pathogenic fungi are preferably selected from the list consisting of the following genera: *Albugo*, *Alternaria*, *Aphanomyces*, *Ascochyta*, *Aspergillus*, *Blumeria*, *Botrytis*, *Bremia*, *Ceratocystsc*, *Cercospora*, *Cladiosporium*, *Cladosporium*, *Claviceps*, and *Cercospora*. Cochliobolus, Colletotrichum, Corticium, Cycloconium, Diaporthe, Elsinoe, Eutypa, Exobasidium, Fomitiporia, Fusarium, Gaeumannomyces, Ganoderma, Gibberella, Gloeosporiu m), Glomerella, Guigardia, Gymnosporangium, Helminthospohum, Helminthosporium, Hemileia, Leptosphaeria, Macropomina, Magnaporthe, Mildew, Monilinia, Monographella, Mycosphaer ella), Nectria, Oomycete, Penicillium, Peronospora, Phaemonella, Phaeoacremonium, Phaeosphaera, Phakopsora, Phona, Phopsis, Phytophthora, Plasmodiophora, Plasmopara, and Forsythoside(Podosphaera), *Pseudoperonospora*, *Puccinia*, *Pyrenopeziza*, *Pyrenophora*, *Pyricularia*, *Pythium*, *Ramularia*, *Rhizoctonia*, *Rhizopus*, *Rhynchosporium*, *Sarocladium*, *Podosphaera* Genus: Sclerotinia, Sclerotium, Septoria, Sphacelotheca, Tapesia, Taphrina, Thievabbussis, Tilletia, Typhula, Uncinula, Urocystis, Uromyces, Ustilago, Venturia, and Verticillium. The plant pathogenic fungi are more preferably selected from the list consisting of: *Alternaria*, *Erysticercus*, *Botrytis*, *Cercospora*, *Clavicipitaceae*, *Colletotrichum*, *Metacarpa*, *Fusarium*, *Gibberellinia*, *Gibberellinia*, *Gibberellinia*, *Helminthospohum*, *Helminthospohum*, *Gibberellinia*, *Gibberellinia*, *Metacarpa*, molds, *Cladosporium*, *Gibberellinia*, *Gibberellinia*, *Gibberellinia*, *Gibberellinia*, *Oomycetes*, *Penicillium*. The genera *Peronospora*, *Cyclocarya*, *Laminaria*, *Stemona*, *Pseudomonas*, *Plasmodium*, *Plasmodium*, *Plasmodium*, *Monocotyle*, *Cyclocarya*, *Pseudomonas*, *Stemona*, *Sclerotium*, *Pyth ... The most preferred selection of the plant pathogenic fungi is from the list consisting of the following genera: Alternaria, Erythrophagus bryonicum, Botrytis, Cercospora, Colletotrichum, Messula, Fusarium, Gibberella, Discospora, Helminthospohum, Helminthospohum, Micrococcus, Messula macrocarpa, molds, oomycetes, Downy mildew, Strains, Stem punctata, Phytophthora, Styloides, Pythium, Pseudomonas, Sclerotium, Sclerotium, Sclerotium, and Nematospermum.

[0171] The plant pathogenic bacteria are preferably from the genera Acidovorax, Agrobacterium, Burkholderia, Clavibacter, Erwinia, Pantoea, Pectobacterium, Phytoplasma, Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, Spiroplasma, Streptomyces, Xanthomonas, or Xylella.

[0172] The plant pathogen virus is preferably a mosaic virus. Alternatively and / or alternatively, the plant pathogen virus is preferably selected from the list consisting of: Tobacco mosaic virus, Tomoato spotted wilt virus, Tomato yellow leaf curl virus, Cucumber mosaic virus, Potato virus Y, Cauliflower mosaic virus, African cassavamosaic virus, Plum pox virus, Brome mosaic virus, and Potato virus X.

[0173] The plant pathogenic insects are preferably from the families Plutellidae, Noctuidea, Aphididae, Tenebrionidae, Drosophilidae, Delphacidae, Chrysomelidae, Crambidae, Thripidae, Pentatomidae, Chrysomelidae, Tetranychidae, or Aphrophoridae. More preferably, the plant pathogenic insects belong to the genera *Plutella*, *Spodoptera*, *Myzus*, *Nilaparvata*, *Helicoverpa*, *Diabrotica*, *Chilo*, *Thrips*, *Euschistus*, *Phaedon*, *Tetranichus*, *Sitobion*, *Tribolium*, *Drosophila*, or *Philaenus*. More preferably, the plant pathogenic insects are selected from the following list: *Plutella*, *Spodoptera*, *Myzus*, *Nilaparvata*, *Helicoverpa*, *Diabrotica*, *Chilo*, *Thrips*, *Euschistus*, *Phaedon*, *Tetranichus*, *Sitobion*, *Tribolium*, *Drosophila*, or *Philaenus*.

[0174] In the context of biological stress, the preferred embodiment is the fucose-containing sugar as disclosed in the "Fucose-containing Sugars" section.

[0175] In the context of abiotic stress, the preferred embodiment is a fucose-containing sugar, as disclosed in the "Fucose-containing Sugars" section.

[0176] As specifically described in the "Other Sugars" section, optionally, one or more additional sugars, preferably one or more additional oligosaccharides, more preferably one or more additional lactooligosaccharides, even more preferably one or more additional mammalian lactooligosaccharides, and most preferably one or more additional human lactooligosaccharides, are applied in the method according to the invention. The one or more additional sugars may be fucosylated sugars as described in the "Fucose-Containing Sugars" section. Additionally and / or alternatively, the one or more additional sugars may be intermediate sugars as described in the "Other Sugars" section. Additionally and / or alternatively, the one or more additional sugars may be non-fucosylated sugars as described in the "Other Sugars" section. Additionally and / or alternatively, the one or more additional sugars may be fucosylated sugars containing fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,3-bonds as described in the "Other Sugars" section. Additionally and / or alternatively, the one or more additional sugars may be sialic acid-containing sugars as described in the "Other Sugars" section. Additionally and / or alternatively, the one or more additional sugars may be monosaccharides as described in the "Additional Sugars" section.

[0177] In the context of abiotic and / or biotic stress, it is particularly preferred that one or more additional sugars are sialic acid-containing sugars (preferably as described in the "Additional Sugars" section).

[0178] Furthermore, under abiotic stress, when the following substances are applied to the plant, parts of the plant, seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow, according to the present invention, a synergistic protective effect is obtained: (i) Fucosylated sugars according to the invention, comprising fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds, preferably via α-1,2- bonds (see the section "Fucose-Containing Sugars"); and (ii) Sialic acid-containing sugars as described herein (see the “Other Sugars” section), preferably sialic acid-containing sugars comprising sialic acid linked to a monosaccharide by an α-2,6-bond (preferably, wherein the sialic acid is 9-carbon sialic acid or 8-carbon sialic acid, more preferably 9-carbon sialic acid, more preferably Neu5Ac), preferably, the monosaccharide is selected from galactose, N-acetylglucosamine and sialic acid (preferably Neu5Ac), more preferably, the monosaccharide is galactose or N-acetylglucosamine, more preferably, the monosaccharide is galactose.

[0179] The sialic acid-containing sugar preferably comprises oligosaccharides selected from the list of 6'SL, 6'SLNB, 6'SLAcNAc, 6'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-LNB, and 6'KDO-LacNAc, more preferably from the list of 6'SL, 6'SLNB, 6'SLAcNAc, and 6'KDO-lactose, and most preferably from the list of 6'SL, 6'SLNB, and 6'SLAcNAc; optionally, the oligosaccharides further comprise one or more additional monosaccharides, preferably selected from the list of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, more preferably from the list of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, even more preferably from the list of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, and most preferably from the list of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and fucose. Additionally and / or alternatively, preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugar comprises lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB), or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc), preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugar comprises lactose or LacNAc, and most preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugar comprises lactose; optionally, the sialic acid-containing sugar further comprises one or more additional monosaccharides, preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, more preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, even more preferably selected from the list consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, and most preferably selected from the list consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and fucose. More preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugar contains lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB), or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end; more preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugar contains lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end; and most preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugar contains lactose at its reducing end. More preferably, the sialic acid-containing sugars are selected from the list of the following: 6'-sialyl-lactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyl-lactose, 6,6'-disialyl-lactose, 6'S-2'FL, 6'S-3-FL, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST b, LST c, DSLNT, DS'LNT, DSLNnT, DS'LNnT, 6'-sialyl-lacto-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), 6'-sialyl-lactosamine (6'SLacNAc), 6'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-LNB, and 6'KDO-LacNAc;More preferably, the following list is selected: 6'-sialyl lactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyl lactose, 6'S-2'FL, 6'S-3-FL, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST b, LST c. DSLNT, DS'LNT, DSLNnT, DS'LNnT, 6'-sialyllacto-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6'SLacNAc), 6'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-LNB, and 6'KDO-LacNAc; or even more preferably selected from the list of the following: 6'-sialyllactos(6'SL), 6'S-2'FL, 6'S-3-FL, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST b. LST c, DSLNnT, DS'LNT, 6'-sialyl-lactose-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), 6'-sialyl-lactosamine (6'SLacNAc), 6'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-LNB, and 6'KDO-LacNAc; even more preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: 6'-sialyl-lactose (6'SL), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST b, LST c, 6'-sialyl-lactose-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), 6'-sialyl-lactosamine (6'SLacNAc), 6'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-LNB, and 6'KDO-LacNAc; even more preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: 6'-sialyl-lactose (6'SL), LST b, LST c, 6'-sialyl-lactose-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), 6'-sialyl-lactosamine (6'SLacNAc), 6'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-LNB, and 6'KDO-LacNAc; even more preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: 6'-sialyl-lactose (6'SL), LST b, LSTc, 6'-sialyl-lactose-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), 6'-sialyl-lactosamine (6'SLacNAc), and 6'KDO-lactose; even more preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: 6'-sialyl-lactose (6'SL), LST b, LST c, 6'-sialyl-lactose-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), and 6'-sialyl-lactosamine (6'SLacNAc); even more preferably selected from the list of the following compositions: 6'-sialyl-lactose (6'SL), LST b, and LST c; or even more preferably 6'SL or LST c;The optimal choice is 6'SL.

[0180] In another preferred embodiment, an effective amount of the fucose-containing sugars of the present invention is applied to the plant, parts of the plant, seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow. In the context of biotic stress, the term "effective amount" refers to the amount required to protect against, preferably control, prevent, or treat, the biotic stress described herein. If the biotic stress is a fungus or fungal disease, the effective amount is a fungicidal effective amount, i.e., the relative amount of the sugars that effectively inhibits or controls the fungal growth rate, increases fungal mortality, or eradicates the fungus. In the context of abiotic stress, the term "effective amount" refers to the amount required to protect against, preferably control, prevent, or treat, the abiotic stress described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the effective amount will vary depending on factors such as the (a)biotic stress to be controlled, the plant species or variety to be treated, climatic conditions, the growth stage of the plant, and the application site (e.g., leaves, roots, seeds). The appropriate effective amount in any particular case can be readily determined by those skilled in the art (e.g., through systematic field trials, which is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art). In the context of this invention, where at least one additional sugar is applied to the plant, parts of the plant, seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow in a method of protecting the plant against abiotic and / or biotic stresses, it is particularly preferred that each fucose-containing sugar and each additional sugar is applied in a synergistic amount. Those skilled in the art will understand that a “synergistic amount” of sugar refers to the amount of sugar that provides a synergistic effect. In the context of this invention, the synergistic effect refers to an improvement (preferably an improvement in tolerance) to abiotic and / or biotic stresses in the plant, which is greater than the effect observed when applying the individual sugars alone.

[0181] In other and / or preferred embodiments, the fucose-containing sugar is applied to the plant in a non-phytotoxic amount. If one or more additional sugars are applied in the method according to the invention, preferably any (preferably all) of the additional sugars are applied in a non-phytotoxic amount. For clarity, the term "non-phytotoxic" refers to the treated plant, i.e., the applied sugar is non-toxic to the treated plant (or at least has a level of toxicity acceptable according to the art).

[0182] In a more preferred embodiment, the amount of the fucose-containing sugar and (if present) any (preferably all) other sugars, as described in the "Fucose-containing Sugars" and "Other Sugars" sections.

[0183] use In a second aspect, the present invention provides the use of fucose-containing sugars as biostimulants for plant growth and / or plant development, wherein the fucose-containing sugars comprise fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds, preferably via α-1,2- bonds. Preferably, the invention provides the use of compositions as biostimulants for plant growth and / or plant development, wherein the compositions comprise fucose-containing sugars, wherein the fucose-containing sugars comprise fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds, preferably via α-1,2- bonds, and optionally comprise one or more additional sugars, preferably as described in the "Additional Sugars" section, more preferably as described in the "Promoting Growth and / or Development" section.

[0184] In the context of this invention, the terms "fucose-containing sugars", "plants", "compositions", "other sugars", "plant growth" and "plant development" are the same as those described in the first aspect of this invention in the second aspect and claims.

[0185] In a third aspect, the present invention provides the use of fucose-containing sugars as plant protectants, wherein the fucose-containing sugars comprise fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds, preferably via α-1,2- bonds. Preferably, the present invention provides the use of compositions as plant protectants, wherein the compositions comprise fucose-containing sugars, wherein the fucose-containing sugars comprise fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds, preferably via α-1,2- bonds, and optionally comprise one or more additional sugars, preferably as described in the “Additional Sugars” section, more preferably as described in the “Abiotic Stress and / or Biological Stress” section.

[0186] In the context of this invention, the terms "fucose-containing sugars", "plants", "compositions", "other sugars" and "protection" are as described in the third aspect and claims of this invention as in the first aspect.

[0187] Detailed Implementation Plan The present invention preferably relates to the following specific embodiments: 1. A method of treating a plant, wherein the method includes the step of applying a fucose-containing sugar to the plant, a portion of the plant, a seed of the plant, and / or a region where the plant is intended to grow, wherein the fucose-containing sugar comprises fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an α-1,2- or α-1,4- bond, preferably via an α-1,2- bond.

[0188] 2. The method according to embodiment 1, wherein the fucose-containing sugar is a disaccharide or oligosaccharide, preferably an oligosaccharide.

[0189] 3. The method according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the fucose-containing sugar comprises 2'-fucosylated lactose (2'FL), 2'-fucosylated lactose-N-disaccharide (2'FLNB), or 2'-fucosylated N-acetyllactosamine (2'FLacNAc), preferably 2'FL or 2'FLNB; optionally further comprising one or more additional monosaccharides, said monosaccharides preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, more preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, even more preferably selected from the list consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid, even more preferably selected from the list consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and sialic acid, most preferably selected from galactose and N-acetylglucosamine.

[0190] 4. The method according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the fucose-containing sugar comprises 4-fucosyllactose-N-disaccharide (4FLNB); optionally further comprising one or more additional monosaccharides, wherein the monosaccharides are preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose and sialic acid, more preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose and sialic acid, even more preferably selected from the list consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose and sialic acid, even more preferably selected from the list consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine and sialic acid, and most preferably selected from galactose and N-acetylglucosamine.

[0191] 5. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the fucose-containing sugar comprises lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB) or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc), preferably, the fucose-containing sugar comprises lactose or LNB, and most preferably, the fucose-containing sugar comprises lactose.

[0192] 6. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the fucose-containing sugar contains lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB) or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end, preferably, the fucose-containing sugar contains lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end, and most preferably, the fucose-containing sugar contains lactose at its reducing end.

[0193] 7. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the fucose-containing sugar is selected from the list consisting of: 2'-fucosyllactose (2'FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), lactose-N-fucopentose I (LNFP I), blood group A antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (GalNAc-LNFP I), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, blood group B antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (Gal-LNFP I), lactose-N-fucopentose II (LNFP II), lactose-N-difucohexasaccharide I (LNDFH I), lactose-N-difucohexasaccharide II (LNDFH II), Lewis b-Lewis x, difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (DFLNH), difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (a) (DFLNH(a)), trifucosyllacto-N-hexasaccharide (TFLNH), lactose-N-neofofucopentose I (LNnFP I), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc, 2'-fucosyllacto-N-biose (2'FLNB), 4-fucosyllacto-N-biose (4FLNB), difucosyllacto-N-biose (diFLNB), 2'-fucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine (2'FlacNAc), and difucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine (diFLacNAc); more preferably selected from the list of compositions including: 2'FL, 2'FLNB, 4FLNB, diFLNB, 2'FlacNAc, diFLacNAc, lactose-N-fucopentose I (LNFPI), GalNAc-LNFP I, Gal-LNFP I, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, LNFP II, LNDFH I, LNDFH II, LNnFP I and Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc;Even more preferred are the following combinations: 2'FL, 2'FLNB, 4FLNB, diFLNB, 2'FlacNAc, diFLacNAc, LNFP I, GalNAc-LNFP I, Gal-LNFP I, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, LNFP II, LNDFH II, LNnFP I, and Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc; even more preferred are the following combinations: 2'FL, 2'FLNB, 4FLNB, diFLNB, 2'FlacNAc, diFLacNAc, LNFP I, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, LNFP II, LNDFH II, LNnFP I and Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc; even more preferably, the following list of compositions is preferred: 2'FL, 2'FLNB, 4FLNB, diFLNB, 2'FlacNAc, diFLacNAc, LNFP I, LNFP II, LNDFH II and LNnFP I; even more preferably, the following list of compositions is preferred: 2'FL, LNFP I, LNFP II, LNDFH II and LNnFP I; most preferably, the following list of compositions is preferred: 2'FL, LNFP I, LNFP II and LNnFP I; and optionally, the fucose-containing sugars are sialylated.

[0194] 8. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the application step is seed application, root application, air application or soil application, preferably seed application or air application.

[0195] 9. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the application step includes one or more of the following: watering, spraying (including ultra-low volume spraying), irrigation, atomization, spraying, dusting, foaming, spreading, coating, drenching, drip irrigation and injection.

[0196] 10. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the plant is an arable crop, a fruiting plant, or a vegetable.

[0197] 11. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the plant is under physiological conditions, abiotic stress or biotic stress.

[0198] 12. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the fucose-containing sugar is part of the composition.

[0199] 13. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the method is used to promote the growth and / or development of a plant or a part of a plant.

[0200] 14. The method according to embodiment 13, wherein the growth and / or development refers to one or more of improving plant yield, improving fruit setting ability, improving flower development and improving strength.

[0201] 15. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the method is used to protect a plant or parts of a plant from abiotic and / or biotic stresses.

[0202] 16. The method according to embodiment 15, wherein the abiotic stress is selected from a list consisting of frost, drought, osmotic stress (preferably salinity), humidity (preferably flooding), heat stress, light stress (preferably UV stress), and mechanical stress; preferably selected from a list consisting of frost, drought, osmotic stress (preferably salinity), humidity (preferably flooding), heat stress, and light stress (preferably UV stress); more preferably selected from a list consisting of frost, drought, osmotic stress (preferably salinity), humidity (preferably flooding), and light stress (preferably UV stress); even more preferably selected from a list consisting of frost, drought, osmotic stress (preferably salinity), and humidity (preferably flooding); and most preferably selected from a list consisting of frost, drought, and humidity (preferably flooding).

[0203] 17. The method according to embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the biological stress includes plant pathogens or diseases caused by said plant pathogens.

[0204] 18. The method according to embodiment 17, wherein the plant pathogen is selected from a list consisting of fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, mollusks, and insects.

[0205] 19. The method according to embodiment 17 or 18, wherein the plant pathogen is a fungus.

[0206] 20. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein one or more additional sugars are applied to the plant, a portion of the plant, the seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow.

[0207] 21. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the method further comprises the step of applying one or more additional sugars.

[0208] 22. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 21, wherein the method further comprises the step of applying a non-fucosylated sugar.

[0209] 23. The method according to embodiment 22, wherein the non-fucosylated sugar comprises sugars selected from the list consisting of lactose, LNB, LacNAc, LNT-II, LNT, and LNnT; preferably sugars selected from the list consisting of LNT-II, LNT, and LNnT; optionally, wherein the sugar further comprises one or more additional monosaccharides, the monosaccharides preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and N-acetylgalactosamine, more preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, and N-acetylglucosamine, and even more preferably selected from galactose and N-acetylglucosamine.

[0210] 24. The method according to embodiment 22 or 23, wherein the non-fucosylated sugar comprises lactose, lactose-N-biose (LNB) or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc), preferably the non-fucosylated sugar comprises lactose or LacNAc, and most preferably the non-fucosylated sugar comprises lactose.

[0211] 25. The method according to any one of embodiments 22 to 24, wherein the non-fucosylated sugar comprises lactose, lactose-N-biose (LNB) or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end, preferably the non-fucosylated sugar comprises lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end, and most preferably the non-fucosylated sugar comprises lactose at its reducing end.

[0212] 26. The method according to any one of embodiments 22 to 24, wherein the unfucosylated sugar is selected from the list consisting of: lactose, lactose-N-trisaccharide II (LN3, LNT-II), lactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (LNnT), lactose-N-tetrasaccharide (LNT), para-lactose-N-neopentasaccharide, para-lactose-N-pentasaccharide, lactose-N-neohexasaccharide, para-lactose-N-neohexasaccharide, lactose-N-hexasaccharide, para-lactose-N-hexasaccharide, β-(1,3)galactosyl-para-lactose-N-neopentasaccharide, β-(1,4)galactosyl-para-lactose-N-pentasaccharide, Gal-α1,4-Gal-β1,4-Glc (Gal-a1,4-lactose), β3'-galactosyllactose, β6'-galactosyllactose, Gal-a1,4-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc, Gal-a1,4-Gal-a1,4-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc, Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc, Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1 3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc,Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc,Gal- b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc,GalNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc (GalNAc-b1,3-lactose),Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-lactose,GalNAc-b1,3-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc (Globulin-N-tetrasaccharide), Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-Gal-a1,4-Gal-b1,4-Glc, GalNAc-b1,3-LNT, Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-LNT, novo-LNT (GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,4-Glc), Gal-novo-LNP I (Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,4-Glc), Gal-novo-LNP II (Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc), Gal-novo-LNP III (Gal-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,6-[Gal-b1,3]-Gal-b1,4-Glc), novo-LNO, GalNAc-b1,3-LNnT, Gal-b1,3-GalNAc-b1,3-LNnT, LNH, LNnH, iso-LNO, novo-LNO, novo-LNnO, LND, iso-LND, GalNAc-a1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc, novo-LNP I, iso-LNT, DGalLNnH, Galili pentasaccharide, lactose-N-heptaose, lactose-N-neoheptaose, para-lactose-N-neoheptaose, para-lactose-N-heptaose, lactose-N-octaose (LNO), lactose-N-neooctaose, iso-lactose-N-octaose, para-lactose-N-octaose, iso-lactose-N-neooctaose, novo-lactose-N-neooctaose, para-lactose-N-neooctaose, iso-lactose-N-nonaose, novo-lactose-N-nonaose, lactose-N-nonaose, lactose-N-decansaccharide, iso-lactose-N-decansaccharide, novo-lactose-N-decansaccharide, lactose-N-neodecasac, iso-lactose-N-decansaccharide, novo-lactose-N-decansaccharide, lactose-N-neodecasac, LNB, LacNAc, diLacNAc, and poly-LacNAc.

[0213] 27. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the method further comprises the step of applying a fucosylated sugar, said fucosylated sugar comprising fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an α-1,3-bond.

[0214] 28. The method according to embodiment 27, wherein the monosaccharide is selected from glucose, N-acetylglucosamine and galactose, preferably glucose or N-acetylglucosamine, and most preferably glucose.

[0215] 29. The method according to embodiment 27 or 28, wherein the fucosylated sugar comprising fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an α-1,3-bond comprises an oligosaccharide selected from 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) and 3-fucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine (3FlacNAc), preferably 3-FL; optionally, wherein the oligosaccharide further comprises one or more additional monosaccharides, preferably selected from a list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose and sialic acid, more preferably selected from a list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine and fucose, and even more preferably selected from a list consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine and fucose.

[0216] 30. The method according to any one of embodiments 27 to 29, wherein the fucoidylated sugar comprising fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an α-1,3-bond comprises lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB) or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc), preferably lactose or LacNAc, and most preferably lactose.

[0217] 31. The method according to any one of embodiments 27 to 30, wherein the fucoidosylated sugar comprising fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an α-1,3-bond comprises lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB), or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end, preferably the fucoidosylated sugar comprising lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end, and most preferably the fucoidosylated sugar comprising lactose at its reducing end.

[0218] 32. The method according to any one of embodiments 27 to 31, wherein the fucosylated sugar comprising fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an α-1,3-bond is selected from the list consisting of: 3-fucosylated lactose (3-FL), difucosylated lactose (diFL), 3FlacNAc, diFlacNAc, sialic acid Lewis x, 6'-sialic acid-3-fucosylated lactose (6'S-3FL), 3'-sialic acid-3-fucosylated lactose (3'S-3FL), GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-) Glc, Gal-α-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc, Gal-α- 1,3-(fuc-α-1,2-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, GalNAc-α-1,3-(fuc-α-1,2-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-fucopentose V (LNFP V), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5A c-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, lactose-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH II), Lewis β-Lewis X, lactose-N-fucopentose III (LNFP) III), Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,6-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Lactose-N-neofucopentapentasylsaccharide V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI), Lactose-N-neofucopentapentasaccharide (LNnDFH), Monofucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide III (MFLNH III), Difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (a) (DFLNH (a)), Difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (DFLNH), and Trifucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (TFLNH).

[0219] 33. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 32, wherein the method further comprises the step of applying a sugar containing sialic acid.

[0220] 34. The method according to embodiment 33, wherein the sialic acid is 9-carbon sialic acid or 8-carbon sialic acid, preferably 9-carbon sialic acid.

[0221] 35. The method according to embodiment 34, wherein the nine-carbon sialic acid is selected from the list of the following: Neu5Ac; Neu4Ac; Neu4,5Ac2; Neu5,7Ac2; Neu5,8Ac2; Neu5,9Ac2; Neu4,5,9Ac3; Neu5,7,9Ac3; Neu5,8,9Ac3; Neu4,5,7,9Ac4; Neu5,7,8,9Ac4, Neu4,5,7,8,9Ac5 and Neu5Gc, preferably, wherein the nine-carbon sialic acid is N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac).

[0222] 36. The method according to embodiment 34, wherein the octacarbon sialic acid is ketodeoxyoctanoic acid (KDO).

[0223] 37. The method according to any one of embodiments 33 to 36, wherein the sialic acid is linked to the monosaccharide via an α-2,3-bond, an α-2,6-bond, or an α-2,8-bond, preferably via an α-2,3-bond or an α-2,6-bond, and more preferably via an α-2,6-bond.

[0224] 38. The method according to embodiment 37, wherein the monosaccharide is selected from galactose, N-acetylglucosamine and sialic acid, preferably, the monosaccharide is galactose or N-acetylglucosamine, more preferably, the monosaccharide is galactose.

[0225] 39. The method according to any one of embodiments 33 to 38, wherein the sialic acid-containing sugar comprises oligosaccharides selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, 3'SLacNAc, 6'SLacNAc, 3'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-lactose, 3'KDO-LNB, 6'KDO-LNB, 3'KDO-LacNAc, and 6'KDO-LacNAc, preferably selected from 6'SL, 6'SLNB, 6'SLacNAc, and 6'KDO-lactose. The list consists of 6'KDO-LNB and 6'KDO-LacNAc; optionally, the oligosaccharide further comprises one or more additional monosaccharides, the monosaccharides preferably selected from glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose and sialic acid, more preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose and sialic acid, even more preferably selected from the list consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose and sialic acid, and most preferably selected from the list consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine and fucose.

[0226] 40. The method according to any one of embodiments 33 to 39, wherein the sialic acid-containing sugar comprises lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB) or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc), preferably lactose or LacNAc, and most preferably lactose.

[0227] 41. The method according to any one of embodiments 33 to 40, wherein the sialic acid-containing sugar comprises lactose, lactose-N-disaccharide (LNB) or N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end, preferably the sialic acid-containing sugar comprises lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end, and most preferably the sialic acid-containing sugar comprises lactose at its reducing end.

[0228] 42. The method according to any one of embodiments 33 to 41, wherein the sialic acid-containing sugar is selected from the list consisting of: 3'-sialyl lactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyl lactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyl lactose, 6,6'-disialyl lactose, 8,3-disialyl lactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(GlcNAc-β-1,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, Neu5Ac-α-2,6-(Neu5Ac-α-2,3-)Gal-β-1,4-Glc, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d. Disialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide (DSLNT), disialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide analog (DS'LNT), disialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide (DSLNnT), disialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide analog (DS'LNnT), 3'-sialyllactose-N-disaccharide (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyllactose-N-disaccharide (6'SLNB), sialic acid Lewis a, 3'-sialyllactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6'SLacNAc), sialic acid Lewis x, 3'KDO-lactose, 6'KDO-lactose, 3'KDO-LNB, 6'KDO-LNB, 3'KDO-LacNAc and 6'KDO-LacNAc.

[0229] 43. Use of fucose-containing sugars as biostimulants for plant growth and / or plant development, wherein the fucose-containing sugars comprise fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds, preferably via α-1,2- bonds.

[0230] 44. Use of fucose-containing sugars as plant protectants, wherein the fucose-containing sugars comprise fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds, preferably via α-1,2- bonds.

[0231] The present invention more preferably relates to the following specific embodiments: 1. A method of treating a plant, wherein the method includes the step of applying a fucose-containing sugar to the plant, a portion of the plant, a seed of the plant, and / or a region where the plant is intended to grow, wherein the fucose-containing sugar comprises fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an α-1,2- or α-1,4- bond, preferably via an α-1,2- bond.

[0232] 2. The method according to embodiment 1, wherein the sugar is an oligosaccharide.

[0233] 3. The method according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the fucose-containing sugar comprises 2'-fucosylated lactose (2'FL), 2'-fucosylated lacto-N-disaccharide (2'FLNB), or 2'-fucosylated N-acetyllactosamine (2'FLacNAc); optionally further comprising one or more additional monosaccharides, said monosaccharides preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose, and sialic acid.

[0234] 4. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the fucose-containing sugar is selected from the list consisting of: 2'-fucosyllactose (2'FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), lactose-N-fucopentose I (LNFP I), blood group A antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (GalNAc-LNFP I), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,3-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α-1,3-)Glc, blood group B antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (Gal-LNFP I), lactose-N-difucohexasaccharide I (LNDFH I), Lewis b-Lewis x, difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (a) (DFLNH (a)), Trifucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (TFLNH), Lactose-N-neofofucopentose I (LNnFP I), Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β-1,4-GlcNAc-β-1,3-Gal-β-1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc, 2'-fucosyllactose-N-biose (2'FLNB), Difucosyllactose-N-biose (diFLNB), 2'-fucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine (2'FlacNAc), and Difucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine (diFLacNAc).

[0235] 5. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the fucose-containing sugar is 2'-fucosylated lactose.

[0236] 6. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the fucose-containing sugar is LNFP I or LNnFP I.

[0237] 7. The method according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the fucose-containing sugar comprises 4-fucosyllactose-N-disaccharide (4FLNB); optionally further comprising one or more additional monosaccharides, said monosaccharides preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose and sialic acid.

[0238] 8. The method according to embodiment 7, wherein the fucose-containing sugar is selected from the list consisting of: lactose-N-fucopentose II (LNFP II), lactose-N-difucohexasose I (LNDFH I), lactose-N-difucohexasose II (LNDFH II), Lewis b-Lewis x, difucosyllacto-N-hexasose (DFLNH), trifucosyllacto-N-hexasose (TFLNH), 4-fucosyllacto-N-biose (4FLNB), and difucosyllacto-N-biose (diFLNB).

[0239] 9. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the application step is seed application, root application, air application or soil application, preferably seed application or air application.

[0240] 10. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the application step includes coating, preferably by spraying.

[0241] 11. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the fucose-containing sugar is part of the composition.

[0242] 12. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the method is used to promote the growth and / or development of a plant or a part of a plant.

[0243] 13. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the method is used to protect a plant or parts of a plant from abiotic and / or biotic stresses.

[0244] 14. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the method is used to protect a plant or parts of a plant from abiotic stresses selected from the list of the following: frost, drought, osmotic stress (preferably salt), humidity (preferably flooding), heat stress, light stress (preferably UV stress), and mechanical stress.

[0245] 15. The method according to embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the abiotic stress is flooding.

[0246] 16. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the method is used to protect a plant or a part of a plant from biotic stress.

[0247] 17. The method according to embodiment 13 or 16, wherein the biological stress includes a plant pathogen or a disease caused by the plant pathogen, and the plant pathogen is selected from a list consisting of fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, mollusks and insects.

[0248] 18. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the method further comprises the step of applying one or more additional sugars to the plant, a portion of the plant, the seeds of the plant, and / or the area where the plant is intended to grow.

[0249] 19. The method according to embodiment 18, wherein the method includes the step of administering: non-fucosylated sugars, and / or fucosylated sugars containing fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,3-bonds, and / or sugars containing sialic acid.

[0250] 20. The method according to embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the method includes the step of applying a sugar containing sialic acid, wherein the sialic acid is linked to the monosaccharide via an α-2,6-bond.

[0251] 21. Use of fucose-containing sugars as biostimulants for plant growth and / or plant development, wherein the fucose-containing sugars comprise fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds, preferably via α-1,2- bonds.

[0252] 22. Use of fucose-containing sugars as plant protectants, wherein the fucose-containing sugars comprise fucose linked to monosaccharides via α-1,2- or α-1,4- bonds, preferably via α-1,2- bonds.

[0253] definition The terms used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments should be understood not only to have their ordinary meaning, but also to include structures, materials, or behaviors that, by special definition, extend beyond their ordinary meaning. Therefore, if an element can be construed as having more than one meaning in the context of this specification, its use in the claims must be understood to cover all possible meanings supported by the specification and the term itself.

[0254] The various aspects and embodiments of the invention disclosed herein should be understood not only in the order and context specifically described herein, but also in any order and any combination thereof. Unless otherwise stated, the various embodiments identified herein can be combined with each other. All publications, patents, and patent applications referenced in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Unless otherwise specifically stated, all words in the singular form shall be deemed to include the plural form, and vice versa. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein generally have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Generally, the nomenclature used herein and the laboratory procedures described herein in cell culture, molecular genetics, organic chemistry, and nucleic acid chemistry and hybridization are well known and commonly used in the art. Standard techniques are used for nucleic acid and peptide synthesis. Generally, enzymatic reactions and purification steps are performed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0255] Embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the accompanying drawings and description, and while specific terminology has been used, it is for descriptive purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims. It must be understood that the illustrated embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes, other embodiments, improvements, additions of details, and uses may be made within the text and spirit of this invention and within its scope, which is limited only by the claims as interpreted under patent law (including the doctrine of equivalents). In the appended claims, reference characters used to designate claim steps are provided for ease of description only and are not intended to imply any particular order of execution of the steps (unless otherwise specifically stated).

[0256] In this document and its claims, the verbs “comprising,” “having,” and “containing,” and their variations thereof, are used in a non-limiting sense, meaning to include the item following the word, but not excluding items not specifically mentioned. The verb “consistently made of” means that, for example, a composition as defined herein may contain additional components besides those specifically specified, but such additional components do not alter the distinctive features of the invention. Throughout the document and claims, unless specifically stated otherwise, the verbs “comprising,” “having,” and “containing,” and their variations thereof, are preferably replaced by “consisting of” (and its variations) or “consistently made of” (and its variations thereof). Furthermore, the reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not preclude the possibility of more than one of that element, unless the context explicitly requires the presence of one and only one such element. Therefore, the indefinite article “a” or “an” generally means “at least one.” When the terms “about,” “approximately,” or “around” are used in conjunction with numerical values, parameters, or ranges of numerical values ​​(e.g., amount, volume, volume ratio, volume percentage, weight ratio, weight percentage, or application rate of a component of a composition), they mean an amount, volume, volume ratio, volume percentage, weight ratio, weight percentage, or application rate that is recognized by those skilled in the art to provide an effect equivalent to that obtained from a specified amount, volume, volume ratio, volume percentage, weight ratio, weight percentage, or application rate; these are included herein and should be interpreted according to the number of significant figures reported and the application of conventional rounding techniques. Preferably, when the terms “about,” “approximately,” or “around” are used in conjunction with numerical values ​​(e.g., about 10), it preferably means that the value can be 15% above or below the given value (10), preferably 10%, more preferably 5%, and even more preferably 1%.

[0257] Throughout the specification and claims, unless otherwise specifically stated, the expression "from x to y" (where x and y represent numerical values) means a range of values ​​including both x and y, where x represents the minimum value and y represents the maximum value. Therefore, x and y are included within this range, except for any values ​​in between.

[0258] The terms “LNT II”, “LNT-II”, “LN3”, “Lactose-N-trisaccharide II”, “Lactose-N-trisaccharide II”, “Lactose-N-trisaccharide”, “Lactose-N-trisaccharide” and “GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0259] The terms "LNT", "Lactose-N-Tetrasaccharide", and "Lactose- N "-Tetrasaccharide" and "Gal-β1,3-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4Glc" can be used interchangeably.

[0260] The terms "LNnT", "lactose-N-neotetrasaccharide", and "lactose- N "Neo-tetrasaccharide", "Neo-LNT" and "Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc" can be used interchangeably.

[0261] The terms “lactose-N-pentasaccharide” and “LN5” are used interchangeably and refer to GlcNAC-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAC-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc.

[0262] The terms “lactose-N-neohexose” and “LNnH” are used interchangeably, referring to Gal-b1,4-GlcNAC-b1,6-(Gal-b1,4-GlcNAC-b1,3)-Gal-b1,4Glc.

[0263] The term "pLNnH" refers to Gal-b1,4-GlcNAC-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAC-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc.

[0264] The terms “p-lactose-N-neohexose II” and “pLNnH-II” are used interchangeably and refer to Gal-b1,4-GlcNAC-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-GlcNAC-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc.

[0265] The term "pLNH" refers to Gal-b1,3-GlcNAC-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAC-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc.

[0266] The terms “p-lactose-N-hexasaccharide II” and “pLNH-II” are used interchangeably, referring to Gal-b1,3-GlcNAC-b1,3-Gal-b1,3-GlcNAC-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc.

[0267] The term "pLNnO" refers to Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc.

[0268] The term "pLNnD" refers to Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc.

[0269] The term "LNH" refers to Gal-b1,4-GlcNAC-b1,6-(Gal-b1,3-GlcNAc-b1,3)-Gal-b1,4-Glc.

[0270] The terms “lactose-N-disaccharide” and “LNB” are used interchangeably and refer to Gal-b1,3-GlcNAc.

[0271] The terms “N-acetyllactosamine” and “LacNAc” are used interchangeably and refer to Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc.

[0272] The terms “iso-LNO” and “iso-lactose-N-octasaccharide” are used interchangeably, referring to Gal-b1,3-GlcNAc-b1,3-(Gal-b1,3-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,6-)Gal-b1,4-Glc.

[0273] The terms “LND” and “lactose-N-decaose” are used interchangeably.

[0274] The terms “LNnD” and “lactose-N-neodecanose” are used interchangeably.

[0275] The terms “2'-fucosylated lactose”, “2'-fucosylated lactose”, “α-1,2-fucosylated lactose”, “α-1,2-fucosylated lactose”, “α-1,2-fucosylated lactose”, “α-1,2-fucosylated lactose”, “Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,4-Glc”, “2FL”, and “2'FL” are used interchangeably.

[0276] The terms “3-fucosyllactose”, “α-1,3-fucosyllactose”, “α-1,3-fucosyllactose”, “α-1,3-fucosyllactose”, “α-1,3-fucosyllactose”, “Gal-β1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc”, “3FL” and “3-FL” are used interchangeably.

[0277] The terms “di-fucosyllactose”, “di-fucosyllactose”, “lactofucotetrasaccharide”, “2',3-di-fucosyllactose”, “2',3-di-fucosyllactose”, “α-2',3-fucosyllactose”, “α-2',3-fucosyllactose”, “Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)Glc”, “DFLac”, “2',3 diFL”, “DFL”, “DiFL”, and “diFL” are used interchangeably.

[0278] The terms “LNFP-I”, “Lactose-N-fucopentose I”, “LNFP I”, “LNF I OH I type determinant”, “LNFI”, “LNF1”, “LNF 1”, “Blood group H antigen pentose type 1” and “Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,3-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-Glc” can be used interchangeably.

[0279] The terms “GalNAc-LNFP-I”, “blood group A antigen hexasaccharide type 1”, and “GalNAc-α1,3-(Fuc-α1,2)-Gal-β1,3-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-Glc” can be used interchangeably.

[0280] The terms “Gal-LNFP-I”, “blood group B antigen hexasaccharide type 1”, and “Gal-α1,3-(Fuc-α1,2)-Gal-β1,3-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-Glc” can be used interchangeably.

[0281] The terms “LNFP-II”, “lactose-N-fucopentose II”, and “Gal-β1,3-(Fuc-α1,4)-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0282] The terms “LNFP-III”, “lactose-N-fucopentose III”, and “Gal-β1,4-(Fuc-α1,3)-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0283] The terms “LNFP-V”, “Lactose-N-fucopentose V”, and “Gal-β1,3-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-(Fuc-α1,3)-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0284] The terms "LNDFH I", "Lactose-N-difucohexose I", "LNDFH-I", "LDFH I", and "Le" are also used to describe this. b "-Lactose", "Lewis-β-hexasaccharide" and "Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,3-[Fuc-α1,4]-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-Glc" can be used interchangeably.

[0285] The terms “LNDFH II”, “Lactose-N-difucohexose II”, “Lewis α-Lewis x”, “LDFH II” and “Fuc-α1,4-(Gal-β1,3)-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-(Fuc-α1,3)-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0286] The terms “Lewis b-Lewis x” and “Fucα1,4-[Fuc-α1,2-Galβ1,3]-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-[Fuc-α1,3]-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0287] The terms “MFLNH III”, “monofucyl lactose-N-hexasaccharide-III”, and “Gal-β1,4-[Fuc-α1,3]-GlcNAc-β1,6-[Gal-β1,3-GlcNAc-β1,3]-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0288] The terms “DFLNH (a)”, “difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide (a)”, and “Gal-β1,4-[Fuc-α1,3]-GlcNAc-β1,6-[Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,3-GlcNAc-β1,3]-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0289] The terms “DFLNH”, “difucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide”, and “Gal-β1,4-[Fuc-α1,3]-GlcNAc-β1,6-[Fuc-α1,4-[Gal-β1,3]-GlcNAc-β1,3]-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0290] The terms “TFLNH”, “trifucosyllactose-N-hexasaccharide”, and “Gal-β1,4-[Fuc-α1,3]-GlcNAc-β1,6-[Fuc-α1,4-[Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,3]-GlcNAc-β1,3]-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0291] The terms “LNnFP I”, “Lactose-N-neofofucopentose I”, and “Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,4-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0292] The terms “LNFP-VI”, “LNnFP V”, “Lactose-N-neofofucopentose V” and “Gal-β1,4-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-(Fuc-α1,3)-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0293] The terms “LNnDFH”, “Lactose-N-neofucohexasaccharide”, “Lewis x hexasaccharide”, and “Gal-β1,4-(Fuc-α1,3)-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-(Fuc-α1,3)-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0294] The terms “2'-fucosylated lactose-N-disaccharide”, “2'FLNB”, and “Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,3-GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0295] The terms “4-fucosyllactose-N-disaccharide”, “4FLNB”, and “Fuc-α1,4-[Gal-β1,3-]GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0296] The terms “difucosyllactose-N-disaccharide”, “diFLNB”, and “Fuc-α1,4-[Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,3-]GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0297] The terms “2'-fucosylosyl-N-acetyllactosamine”, “2'FlacNAc”, and “Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,4-GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0298] The terms “3-fucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine”, “3FlacNAc”, and “Gal-β1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0299] The terms “diFlacNAc” and “Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,4-[Fuc-α1,3-]GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0300] The terms “3'-sialyl lactose”, “3'-sialyl lactose”, “α-2,3-sialyl lactose”, “α-2,3-sialyl lactose”, “α-2,3-sialyl lactose”, “α-2,3-sialyl lactose”, “3SL”, “Sia-α2,3-Gal-β1,4-Glc” and “3'SL” are used interchangeably.

[0301] The terms “6'-sialyl lactose”, “6'-sialyl lactose”, “α-2,6-sialyl lactose”, “α-2,6-sialyl lactose”, “α-2,6-sialyl lactose”, “α-2,6-sialyl lactose”, “6SL”, “Sia-α2,6-Gal-β1,4-Glc” and “6'SL” are used interchangeably.

[0302] The terms “3,6-disialyllactose” and “Neu5Ac-α2,3-Neu5Ac-α2,6-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0303] The terms “6,6'-disialyllactose” and “Neu5Ac-α2,6-Neu5Ac-α2,6-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0304] The terms “8,3-disialyllactose” and “Neu5Ac-α2,8-Neu5Ac-α2,3-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0305] The terms “3'S-2'FL”, “3'-sialic acid-2'-fucosylated lactose”, and “Neu5Ac-α2,3-[Fuc-α1,2-]Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0306] The terms “6'S-2'FL”, “6'-sialic acid-2'-fucosylated lactose”, and “Neu5Ac-α2,6-[Fuc-α1,2-]Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0307] The terms “3'S-3-FL”, “3'-sialic acid-3-fucosylated lactose”, and “Neu5Ac-α2,3-Gal-β1,4-[Fuc-α1,3]Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0308] The terms “6'S-3-FL”, “6'-sialic acid-3-fucosylated lactose”, and “Neu5Ac-α2,6-Gal-β1,4-[Fuc-α1,3]Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0309] The terms “LSTa”, “LS-tetrasaccharide a”, “sialic acid-lactose-N-tetrasaccharide a”, “sialic acid-lactose-N-tetrasaccharide a” and “Neu5Ac-a2,3-Gal-b1,3-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0310] The terms “LSTb”, “LS-tetrasaccharide b”, “sialic acid-lactose-N-tetrasaccharide b”, “sialic acid-lactose-N-tetrasaccharide b” and “Gal-b1,3-(Neu5Ac-a2,6)-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0311] The terms “LSTc”, “LS-tetrasaccharide c”, “sialic acid-lactose-N-tetrasaccharide c”, “sialic acid-lactose-N-tetrasaccharide c”, “sialic acid-lactose-N-neo-tetrasaccharide c” and “Neu5Ac-a2,6-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc” can be used interchangeably.

[0312] The terms “LSTd”, “LS-tetrasaccharide d”, “sialic acid-lactose-N-tetrasaccharide d”, “sialic acid-lactose-N-tetrasaccharide d”, “sialic acid-lactose-N-neo-tetrasaccharide d” and “Neu5Ac-α2,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc” can be used interchangeably.

[0313] The terms “3'-sialyl lactose-N-disaccharide”, “3'SLNB”, and “Neu5Ac-a2,3-Gal-b1,3-GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0314] The terms “6'-sialyl lactose-N-disaccharide”, “6'SLNB”, and “Neu5Ac-a2,6-Gal-b1,3-GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0315] The terms “monofucrose-monosialol-N-octasaccharide”, “sialic acid Lewis a”, “sialic acid Lea”, “5-acetylneuraminic acid-(2-3)-galactosyl-(1-3)-(fucopyranosyl-(1-4))-N-acetylglucosamine” and “Neu5Ac-α2,3-Gal-β1,3-[Fuc-α1,4]-GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0316] The terms “3'-sialyl lactosamine”, “3'SLacNAc”, and “Neu5Ac-a2,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0317] The terms “6’-sialyl lactosamine”, “6’SLacNAc”, and “Neu5Ac-a2,6-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0318] The terms “sialic acid Lewis x”, “sialic acid Lex”, “5-acetylneuraminic acid-(2-3)-galactosyl-(1-4)-(fucopyranosyl-(1-3))-N-acetylglucosamine” and “Neu5Ac-α2,3-Gal-β1,4-[Fuc-α1,3-]GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0319] The terms “Neu4Ac”, “4-O-acetyl-5-amino-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycerol-D-galactose-non-2-onepyranoic acid”, and “4-O-acetylneuraminic acid” are used interchangeably and have the molecular formula C11H19NO9.

[0320] The terms “Neu5Ac”, “5-acetamido-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycerol-D-galactose-non-2-onepyranoic acid”, “D-glycerol-5-acetamido-3,5-dideoxy-D-galactose-non-2-onepyranoic acid”, “5-(acetamido)-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycerol-D-galactose-2-nonylonepyranoic acid”, “5-(acetamido)-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycerol-D-galactose-2-nonylonepyranoic acid”, “5-(acetamido)-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycerol-D-galactose-non-2-nonylonepyranoic acid”, and “5-(acetamido)-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycerol-D-galactose-non-2-onepyranoic acid” are used interchangeably and have the molecular formula C11H19NO9.

[0321] The terms “Neu4,5Ac2”, “N-acetyl-4-O-acetylneuraminic acid”, “4-O-acetyl-N-acetylneuraminic acid”, “4-O-acetyl-N-acetylneuraminic acid compound”, “4-acetyl-5-acetamido-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycerol-D-galactose-nonyl ketone acid compound”, “4-acetyl-5-acetamido-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycerol-D-galactose-2-nonyl ketone acid compound”, “4-acetyl-5-acetamido-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycerol-D-galactose-2-nonyl ketone acid”, and “4-acetyl-5-(acetamido)-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycerol-D-galactose-2-nonyl ketone acid” are used interchangeably and have the molecular formula C13H21NO10.

[0322] The terms “Neu5,7Ac2”, “7-O-acetyl-N-acetylneuraminic acid”, “N-acetyl-7-O-acetylneuraminic acid”, “7-O-acetyl-N-acetylneuraminic acid compound”, “7-acetyl-5-acetamido-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycerol-D-galactose-nonyl ketone acid compound”, “7-acetyl-5-(acetamido)-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycerol-D-galactose-2-nonyl ketone acid compound”, “7-acetyl-5-acetamido-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycerol-D-galactose-2-nonyl ketone acid”, and “7-acetyl-5-(acetamido)-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycerol-D-galactose-2-nonyl ketone acid” are used interchangeably herein and have the molecular formula C13H21NO10.

[0323] The terms “Neu5,8Ac2” and “5-n-acetyl-8-o-acetylneuraminic acid” are used interchangeably in this document and have the molecular formula C13H21NO10.

[0324] The terms “Neu5,9Ac2”, “N-acetyl-9-O-acetylneuraminic acid”, “9-anana”, “9-O-acetylsialic acid”, “9-O-acetyl-N-acetylneuraminic acid”, “5-n-acetyl-9-O-acetylneuraminic acid”, “N,9-O-diacetylneuraminic acid compound” and “N,9-O-diacetylneuraminic acid compound” are used interchangeably herein and have the molecular formula C13H21NO10.

[0325] The terms “Neu4,5,9Ac3” and “5-N-acetyl-4,9-di-O-acetylneuraminic acid” are used interchangeably in this document.

[0326] The terms “Neu5,7,9Ac3” and “5-N-acetyl-7,9-di-O-acetylneuraminic acid” are used interchangeably in this document.

[0327] The terms “Neu5,8,9Ac3” and “5-N-acetyl-8,9-di-O-acetylneuraminic acid” are used interchangeably in this document.

[0328] The terms “Neu4,5,7,9Ac4” and “5-N-acetyl-4,7,9-tri-O-acetylneuraminic acid” are used interchangeably in this document.

[0329] The terms “Neu5,7,8,9Ac4” and “5-N-acetyl-7,8,9-tri-O-acetylneuraminic acid” are used interchangeably in this document.

[0330] The terms “Neu4,5,7,8,9Ac5” and “5-N-acetyl-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetylneuraminic acid” are used interchangeably in this document.

[0331] The terms "Neu5Gc", "N-hydroxyacetyl-neuraminic acid", "N-hydroxyacetylneuraminic acid", "N-hydroxyacetylneuraminic acid compound", "N-hydroxyacetyl-neuraminic acid compound", "N-hydroxyacetyl-neuraminic acid", "N-hydroxyacetylneuraminic acid", "3,5-dideoxy-5-((hydroxyacetyl)amino)-D-glycerol-D-galactose-2-nonylketone acid", "3,5-dideoxy-5-(hydroxyacetyl)amino)-D-glycerol-D- "Galactose-2-nonanonepyranoic acid", "3,5-dideoxy-5-(hydroxyacetamido)-D-glycerol-D-galactose-nonanonepyranoic acid", "3,5-dideoxy-5-[(hydroxyacetyl)amino]-D-glycerol-D-galactose-nonanonepyranoic acid", and "D-glycerol-5-hydroxyacetamido-3,5-dideoxy-D-galactose-nonanonepyranoic acid" are interchangeable and have the molecular formula C11H19NO10.

[0332] The terms “DSLNnT” and “disialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide” are used interchangeably and refer to Neu5Ac-a2,6-[Neu5Ac-a2,6-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,3]-Gal-b1,4-Glc.

[0333] The terms “DSLNT” and “disialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide” are used interchangeably and refer to Neu5Ac-a2,6-(Neu5Ac-a2,3-Gal-b1,3-)GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc.

[0334] The terms “DS'LNT” and “disialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide analogue” are used interchangeably and refer to Neu5Ac-a2,6-(Neu5Ac-a2,6-Gal-b1,3-GlcNAc-b1,3-)Gal-b1,4-Glc.

[0335] The terms “DS'LNnT” and “disialyllactose-N-neotetrasaccharide analogue” are used interchangeably and refer to Neu5Ac-a2,6-(Neu5Ac-a2,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,3-)Gal-b1,4-Glc.

[0336] The terms “Gal” refers to galactose, “GlcNAc” refers to N-acetylglucosamine, “Neu5Ac” refers to N-acetylneuraminic acid, “Glc” refers to glucose, “ManNAc” refers to N-acetylmannosamine, “GalNAc” refers to N-acetylgalactosamine, “Fuc” refers to fucose, and “LacNAc” refers to N-acetyllactosamine.

[0337] Example The present invention will be described in more detail in the embodiments. The following embodiments are intended to further illustrate and explain the present invention, and are not intended to limit it in any way.

[0338] Example 1: Carbohydrates 2'-Fucosyllactose (2'FL) was produced and purified in *E. coli* via a recombinant method as described in Examples 10, 13, and 14 of WO 2022 / 034079, and subsequently dried as described in Example 21 of WO 2022 / 034079 to obtain 2'FL powder (purity 99.3%; 97.79% w / w, determined by quantitative NMR). Throughout the Examples section, the "purity" of sugars is expressed relative to the total sugar content. For example, 2'FL powder with a purity of 99.3% means powder in which 2'FL constitutes 99.3% of the total sugar content of the powder.

[0339] Lactose-N-fucopentose I (LNFP I) was produced and purified in Escherichia coli by a recombinant method as described in Example 6 of WO2023 / 285650, and then dried as described in Example 21 of WO2022 / 034079 to obtain LNFP I powder (purity 97.8%).

[0340] N-acetylgalactosamine-lactose-N-fucopentose I (GalNAc-LNFP I) was produced in Escherichia coli by a recombinant method as described in Example 10 of WO 2022 / 034077, but in a bioreactor as described in Example 1 of WO 2022 / 034077, followed by purification and drying as described in Example 21 of WO 2022 / 034079 to obtain GalNAc-LNFP I powder (97.36% purity).

[0341] Lactose-N-fucopentose II (LNFPII) was produced and purified in Escherichia coli by a recombinant method as described in Examples 7 and 22 of WO 2023 / 110994, and then dried as described in Example 21 of WO 2022 / 034079 to obtain LNFP II powder (purity 83.7%).

[0342] 3'-Sialyllactose (3'SL) and 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL) were prepared according to WO 2022 / 034079 (Examples 11, 13, and 14; for 6'SL, the *E. coli* strain is described in Example 3 of WO 2018 / 122225, and for 3'SL, the *E. coli* strain is described in Example 7 of WO 2018 / 122225, wherein *Pasteurella multocida* was used). Pasteurella multocida The α-2,3-sialoyltransferase of α-2,3-sialoyltransferase (amino acids 1-268 of Uniprot ID Q9CLP3 sequence v1) was produced and purified in E. coli by a recombinant method as described in the document, and then dried according to Example 21 of WO 2022 / 034079 to obtain monosodium 3'SL powder (purity 98.4%; 83.68%, determined by quantitative NMR) and monosodium 6'SL powder (purity 98.6%; 82.64%, determined by quantitative NMR).

[0343] Lactose-sialotetrate c (LST c) was produced and purified in Escherichia coli by a recombinant method as described in WO2022 / 034079 (Examples 11, 13 and 14), and then dried as described in Example 21 of WO 2022 / 034079 to obtain monosodium LST c powder (purity 97.3%).

[0344] Carbohydrate analysis Standards were purchased from Carbosynth (UK), Elicityl (France), and IsoSep (Sweden). Other compounds were analyzed using in-house prepared standards.

[0345] Neutral oligosaccharides were analyzed on a WatersAcquity H-class UPLC equipped with an evaporative light scattering (ELSD) detector or a refractive index (RI) detector. 0.7 µL of sample was injected into a WatersAcquity UPLC BEH Amide column (2.1 × 100 mm; 130 Å; 1.7 µm) equipped with an Acquity UPLC BEH Amide VanGuard column (130 Å, 2.1 × 5 mm). The column temperature was 50 °C. The mobile phase consisted of 1 / 4 water and 3 / 4 acetonitrile solution with 0.2% triethylamine added. Isocratic elution was performed at a flow rate of 0.130 mL / min. The ELS detector was set to a drift tube temperature of 50 °C, a nitrogen pressure of 50 psi, a gain of 200, and a data rate of 10 pps. The RI detector was set to 35 °C.

[0346] Sialidized oligosaccharides were analyzed on an Acquity H-class UPLC equipped with a refractive index (RI) detector. 0.5 µL of sample was injected into a Waters Acquity UPLC BEH Amide column (2.1 × 100 mm; 130 Å; 1.7 µm). The column temperature was 50 °C. The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of 70% acetonitrile, 26% ammonium acetate buffer (150 mM), and 4% methanol, with 0.05% pyrrolidine added. Isocratic elution was performed at a flow rate of 0.150 mL / min. The RI detector temperature was set to 35 °C.

[0347] Both neutral and sialylated sugars were analyzed on a Waters Acquity H-class UPLC equipped with a refractive index (RI) detector. 0.5 µL of sample was injected into a Waters Acquity UPLC BEH Amide column (2.1 x 100 mm; 130 Å; 1.7 µm). The column temperature was 50 °C. The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of 72% acetonitrile and 28% ammonium acetate buffer (100 mM) with 0.1% triethylamine added. Isocratic elution was performed at a flow rate of 0.260 mL / min. The RI detector temperature was set to 35 °C.

[0348] The purity of the target sugar is calculated using the following formula: [AUC(target sugar) / AUC(sugars detected)] 100%. “AUC” refers to the “Area Under the Curve”.

[0349] Quantitative NMR The percentage w / w of the target sugars in the total powder mass was determined by qNMR.

[0350] NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker Avance Neo 400MHz equipped with SmartProbe.

[0351] Spectroscopic analysis was performed using TopSpin v4.1.1 software (Bruker BioSpin GmbH). Deuterated water (D2O, 99.9%D), maleic acid (TraceCERT, Supelco, lot number BCCC6481, purity 99.94%), and 5 mm glass NMR tubes (Wilmad, 400 MHz grade) were all purchased from Sigma Aldrich. An analytical balance with an accuracy of 0.1 mg was used for sample preparation.

[0352] Prepare samples in triplicate. The analyte (HMO) is analyzed directly; the sample was not dried or otherwise treated prior to preparation. Accurately weigh approximately 50 mg of HMO and approximately 25 mg of internal standard (maleic acid) and place them together in a 3 mL glass vial. Add 500 µL of deuterated water (D₂O) and vortex until all solids dissolve. Transfer 125 µL of the resulting clear, colorless solution to an NMR tube, add 475 µL of D₂O, and carefully vortex to mix the contents.

[0353] The spectrum was recorded at 400 MHz at a temperature of 298 K, without rotation (rotator frequency = 0), with the following parameters and settings: - Flip angle: 30° -Number of scans: 32 - Relaxation delay: 20 s.

[0354] Import raw data in Bruker data file format into TopSpin, where the software automatically performs Fourier transform and phase correction. No manual phase correction or other forms of baseline correction are required. For quantitative analysis, manually integrate the two signals (excluding their...). 13 C satellite peak), and calculate the purity (mass fraction percentage) of HMO as follows:

[0355] -w X The purity (% m / m) of the HMO analyte to be tested. -I X and I S These are the integral values ​​of the quantitative HMO and internal standard signals, respectively. -N X and N S This refers to the number of protons (1H nuclei) that contribute to the quantitative signals of HMO and internal standards (maleic acid has 2 protons). -M X and M S The molecular weights of HMO and internal standard -m X and m S It is the mass of HMO and internal standard in the qNMR sample. -w S It is the (known) purity of the internal standard.

[0356] Example 2: Biostimulation Setting up experiments Wheat (Quintus variety), corn (Like it variety), and soybean (Lenka variety) seeds were coated in a Satec ML2000 seed treatment machine (8 liters of formulation per ton of seed). The formulation consisted of an 8% (v / v) aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol and different concentrations of sugars (see Example 1) (i.e., “single treatment”) or combinations of different concentrations of different sugars (see Example 1) (i.e., “combination treatment”). The coated seeds were sown in 96-well seedling trays filled with standard potting soil. Each tested sugar concentration or combination was tested in eight replicates, with six plants per replicate.

[0357] result Stem length (cm) and biomass (canopy fresh weight; g), as well as the ratio of fresh weight to stem length, were determined at different days after sowing (DAS) to assess plant strength. Results are expressed as a percentage of the untreated control (UTC, i.e., the formulation without the tested sugar), which was set at 100%. Table 1 shows the results of individual treatments in wheat (quintus variety) and maize (Likeit variety), while Table 2 shows the results of combined treatments in maize (Likeit variety) and soybean (Lenka variety). Unless otherwise explicitly stated, in all examples, the untreated control (UTC) refers to the plant or plant part receiving the formulation without the tested sugar.

[0358] Table 1. Results of biostimuli from individual treatments “DAS” = Days after sowing; “UTC” = Untreated control; “Dosage” represents the amount of each tested sugar per ton of seed. “7 / 14 DAS”: 7 days for wheat (Quintus variety) and 14 days for maize (Like it variety). “14 / 21 DAS”: 14 days for wheat (Quintus variety) and 21 days for maize (Like it variety).

[0359] Table 2. Biostimulation Results of Combined Treatments “DAS” = Days after sowing; “UTC” = Untreated control; “Dosage” indicates the amount of each tested sugar per ton of seed.

[0360] Example 3: Biostimulation (Abiotic Stress) Set up drought / flood tests For foliar treatment, corn (variety Mofox, Mon Chérie, or Beppo) seeds or wheat (variety Chevignon) seeds were sown in seedling trays (12×8) containing a substrate supplemented with perlite. Ten days later, when the plants had two grown leaves, foliar application was performed by spraying with aqueous solutions of different concentrations of sugars (see Example 1) or combinations of different concentrations of different sugars (see Example 1). A spray chamber equipped with an Albuz ADI 100° drift-reducing nozzle was used to simulate field application at a rate of 200 liters per hectare.

[0361] Regarding seed treatment, maize (variety Mofox) seeds were coated using a Satec ML2000 seed treatment machine (8 liters of formulation per ton of seeds). The formulation consisted of an 8% (v / v) aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol and aqueous solutions of sugars of varying concentrations (see Example 1) or combinations of different sugars of varying concentrations (see Example 1). The coated seeds were then sown in seedling trays (12×8) containing a substrate supplemented with perlite.

[0362] Three days after foliar treatment (foliar treatment experiment) or approximately 13 days after sowing (seed coating experiment), the plants were planted in P9 pots and placed under the following conditions: -Drought: Place the plants in plastic containers without watering. When the first signs of drought appear, water each pot with 100 mL. - Flooding: Place the plant in a plastic container filled with water. Adjust the water level to the height of the pot, ensuring the substrate is submerged. If yellowing leaves appear, place the plant under intermittent flooding conditions (21 liters of water per 2.5 m³ every 24 hours for 2 minutes). 2 ).

[0363] - Intermittent flooding system: This is used to test growth-promoting effects under "normal conditions".

[0364] Climate conditions in a greenhouse: Temperature: 22℃ (daytime) / 10℃ (nighttime) Humidity: 50% relative humidity -Covering: 300 W / m² = 30% shading rate 500 W / m² = 50% shading rate 700 W / m² = 70% shading rate 900 W / m² = 90% shading rate.

[0365] The stem length, chlorophyll content, biomass (i.e., canopy fresh weight), and substrate moisture content of each pot were assessed. Measurements were taken on the first day after transplanting (i.e., the initial measurement) and then every 3-4 days for 3-4 weeks.

[0366] Set up a frost experiment Strawberries (Sonata / Elsanta / Flair varieties) (1 plant per P13 pot) were cultivated in standard strawberry substrate with the addition of Osmocoat (18-5-11 + 4CaO + 2MgO Agroblen; 180 g / 65 L substrate). The pots were placed in an intermittent flooding system (every 2.5 m³ every 10 minutes). 2 Apply 21 liters of water twice every 24 hours. Foliar application (aqueous solutions of different concentrations of sugars (see Example 1), or a combination of different concentrations of different sugars (see Example 1)) can be applied by spraying during the early growth stage (approximately 1 week after planting), 1 day before frost, or 10 days before frost. A spray chamber equipped with an Albuz ADI 100° drift reducer nozzle was used to simulate 200 liters per hectare for field application. At full bloom, each branch at the same phenological stage was marked, and the plants were placed overnight on trays in a 5°C freezer (with cushioning plants around the trays). In the morning, after refrigerating the plants, they were placed in freezer containers at -5°C. A temperature recorder was placed between the plants. When the temperature reached -3°C, the freezing temperature was set to -3°C. After freezing at -3°C for one hour, the plants were removed from the containers. One day and one week after the frost, the percentage of damaged flowers on the marked branches was assessed. In addition, when the fruit is ripe, mature fruit is harvested and assessed (the number and weight of primary and secondary fruit on marked branches and other parts of the plant are counted separately). After three harvests, the number of flowering branches, immature fruit, and stolons is also assessed.

[0367] Climate conditions in a greenhouse: Temperature: 22℃ (daytime) / 10℃ (nighttime) Humidity: 50% relative humidity - Shading effect: 300 W / m² = 30% shading rate 500 W / m² = 50% shading rate 700 W / m² = 70% shading rate 900 W / m² = 90% shading rate.

[0368] result Tables 3 (Follicular Treatment) and 4 (Seed Treatment) show the growth of maize during the stress period (GS), recovery period (GR), and test period (GT) (i.e., plant length at the end of the specified period minus plant length at the beginning of the specified period), expressed as a percentage compared to the untreated control (UTC, i.e., no sugar application) (set as 100%). For example, growth during the stress period is calculated as: plant length at the beginning of recovery minus plant length before the onset of stress.

[0369] Table 3. Biostimulation results (foliar treatment) of maize (varieties Mofox or Mon Chérie) and wheat (variety Chevignon) under different abiotic stress conditions. "UTC" = untreated control; "Dosage" indicates the amount of each tested sugar per hectare; "GS" = growth during stress; "GR" = growth during recovery; "GT" = growth during the experiment.

[0370] Table 4. Biostimulation results (seed treatment) of maize (variety Mofox) under different abiotic stress conditions. "UTC" = Untreated control; "Dosage" indicates the amount of each tested sugar per hectare; "GS" = Growth during stress; "GR" = Growth during recovery; "GT" = Growth during the trial period.

[0371] Table 5 shows the number of healthy flowers, number of primary fruits, and fruit weight of strawberries (after frost stress) treated with sugars (foliar treatment), expressed as a percentage compared to the untreated control (UTC, i.e., no sugar application) (set as 100%).

[0372] Table 5. Biostimulation results of strawberry (varieties Sonata / Elsanta / Flair) under frost stress. “UTC” = untreated control; “dosage” indicates the amount of sugar per hectare per test; “ / ” indicates no fruit was harvested on the marked branch.

[0373] Example 4: Biological stress Laboratory tests Wheat (variety Feeling) or rapeseed (variety Helga) seeds were coated in a Satec ML2000 seed treatment machine (8 liters of formulation per ton of seeds). The formulation consisted of an 8% (v / v) aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol and different concentrations of sugars (see Example 1) or combinations of different concentrations of different sugars (see Example 1). Each concentration was repeated four times. Five seeds were placed on moistened filter paper in a petri dish. Seeds were germinated in an incubator at 20°C with a 12-hour light / 12-hour dark cycle. Four days after the start of the experiment, seedlings were infected with a spore suspension of the pathogen (for wheat, Fusarium solani). Fusarium culmorum FUSACU); for rapeseed, use semi-live, nutrient-type spotted cocci ( Leptosphaeria maculans (i.e., LEPTMA), with a concentration of 1×10 5 1 spore / ml in 1 / 8 potato glucose broth. Add 3 ml of spore suspension to each petri dish to ensure infection. Monitor plant health daily after infection until two weeks after inoculation. Compare treated plants with untreated healthy seedlings and untreated infected seedlings. Results are expressed as the percentage of healthy plants (efficacy) compared to untreated infected seedlings.

[0374] Greenhouse Experiment For foliar treatment, wheat (Benchmark or Bennington) seeds were sown in potting soil, 4 seeds per pot. Each test concentration was tested in 5 replicates. Fifteen days after sowing, foliar application was performed by spraying with aqueous solutions of different concentrations of sugars (see Example 1) or combinations of different concentrations of different sugars (see Example 1). Field application was simulated at 200 liters per hectare using a spray chamber equipped with an Albuz ADI 100° drift-reducing nozzle.

[0375] For seed treatment, wheat (Benchmark) seeds were coated in a Satec ML2000 seed treatment machine (8 liters of formulation per ton of seeds). The formulation consisted of an 8% (v / v) aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol and different concentrations of sugars (see Example 1) or combinations of different concentrations of different sugars (see Example 1). The coated seeds were then sown in potting soil: 4 seeds per pot. Each test concentration was tested in 5 replicates.

[0376] Apply at a concentration of 1×10⁻⁶ days after foliar treatment (foliar treatment test) or 18 days after sowing (seed coating test). 5 Spores / mL of the live vegetative fungus *Cryptospora spp.* (wheat rust) Puccinia triticina Plants were inoculated with a spore suspension of PUCCRT until dripping. Plants were assessed at 11, 13, and 21 days post-inoculation after the appearance of initial symptoms. The percentage of PUCCRT spots on the top four leaves of the plant (i.e., infection severity) was determined. The mean severity of the top four leaves per plant was calculated. The overall efficacy of each treatment was calculated as a percentage of the untreated infected control.

[0377] For foliar treatment, potatoes (Wilja variety) were sown in 1-liter pots (1 potato per pot) in a greenhouse. Each treatment was tested in quadruplicate. One month after sowing, the plants were treated with sugars using a track-mounted sprayer at a rate of 200 liters / ha (aqueous solutions of different concentrations of sugars). Three days after treatment, the plants were sprayed with a spore suspension (1×10⁻⁶). 6 1 spore / mL) for inoculating potatoes with Phytophthora ( Phytophthora infestans (PHYTIN). Seven days after inoculation, disease severity was assessed by measuring the percentage of PHYTIN infection in the whole plant. The mean disease severity for each treatment was calculated and compared with the untreated control (efficacy percentage).

[0378] result Tables 6 (Laboratory tests: wheat and rapeseed), 7 (Greenhouse tests: wheat variety Benchmark), 8 (Greenhouse tests: wheat variety Bennington), and 9 (Greenhouse tests: potato) show the efficacy of different sugars in protecting plants against plant pathogens.

[0379] Table 6. Efficacy of fucosylated sugars in protecting wheat (variety Feeling) and rapeseed (variety Helga) against pathogens (laboratory tests) “FUSACU” = Fusarium oxysporum; “LEPTMA” = Leptospira leptospira; “UTC” = Untreated control

[0380] Table 7. Efficacy of fucosylated sugars in protecting wheat (variety Benchmark) against wheat stalk rust (greenhouse trial). “UTC” = Untreated control

[0381] Table 8. Efficacy of fucosylated sugars in protecting wheat (variety Bennington) against wheat stalk rust (greenhouse trial). “UTC” = untreated control

[0382] Table 9. Efficacy of fucosylated sugars in protecting potatoes (variety Wilja) against pathogenic Phytophthora (greenhouse trial). “UTC” = Untreated control

Claims

1. A method of treating a plant, wherein the method comprises the step of applying a fucose-containing saccharide to the plant, to a part of the plant, to a seed of the plant and / or to an area where the plant is expected to grow, wherein the fucose-containing saccharide comprises fucose linked to a monosaccharide by an a-1,2-linkage or an a-1,4-linkage, preferably by an a-1,2-linkage.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the saccharide is an oligosaccharide.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fucose-containing saccharide comprises 2’-fucosyllactose (2’FL), 2’-fucosyllactose-N-biose (2’FLNB) or 2’-fucosyl-N- acetyl lactosamine (2’FLacNAc); which optionally further comprises one or more additional monosaccharides, preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N- acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose and sialic acid.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fucose-containing saccharide is selected from the list consisting of: 2’-fucosyllactose (2’FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), lacto-N-fucopentaose I (LNFPI), blood group A antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (GalNAc-LNFP I), Fuc-a1,2-Gal-b-1,3-GlcNAc-b-1,3-Gal-b-1,4-(Fuc-a-1,3-)Glc, Fuc-a1,2-Gal-b-1,4-GlcNAc-b-1,3-Gal-b-1,4-(Fuc-a-1,3-)Glc, blood group B antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (Gal-LNFP I), lacto-N-difucohexaose I (LNDFH I), Lewis b-Lewis x, difucosyllacto-N-hexaose (a) (DFLNH (a)), trifucosyllacto-N-hexaose (TFLNH), lacto-N-neofucopentaose I (LNnFP I), Fuc-a1,2-Gal-b-1,4-GlcNAc-b-1,3-Gal-b-1,4-(Fuc-a1,3-)Glc, 2’-fucosyllacto-N-biose (2’FLNB), difucosyllacto-N-biose (diFLNB), 2’-fucosyl-N-acetyl lactosamine (2’FLacNAc) and difucosyl-N-acetyl lactosamine (diFLacNAc).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fucose-containing saccharide is 2’-fucosyllactose.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fucose-containing saccharide is LNFP I or LNnFP I.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fucose-containing saccharide comprises 4-fucosyllactose-N-biose (4FLNB); optionally further comprising one or more additional monosaccharides, preferably selected from the list consisting of glucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, fucose and sialic acid.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the fucose-containing saccharide is selected from the list consisting of lacto-N-fucopentaose II (LNFP II), lacto-N-difucohexaose I (LNDFH I), lacto-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH II), Lewis b-Lewis x, difucosyllacto-N-hexaose (DFLNH), trifucosyllacto-N-hexaose (TFLNH), 4-fucosyllactose-N-biose (4FLNB) and di-fucosyllacto-N-biose (diFLNB).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the step of applying is seed application, root application, aerial application or soil application, preferably seed application or aerial application.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the step of applying comprises coating, preferably by spraying.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fucose-containing saccharide is part of a composition.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the method is used to promote growth and / or development of a plant or part of a plant.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the method is used to protect a plant or part of a plant against abiotic stress and / or biotic stress.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the method is used to protect a plant or part of a plant against abiotic stress, selected from the list consisting of frost, drought, osmotic stress (preferably salt), humidity (preferably flooding), heat stress, light stress (preferably UV stress) and mechanical stress.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the abiotic stress is flooding.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the method is used to protect a plant or part of a plant against biotic stress.

17. The method according to claim 13 or 16, wherein the biotic stress comprises a plant pathogen or a disease caused by the plant pathogen, and wherein the plant pathogen is selected from the list consisting of fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, molluscs and insects.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the method further comprises the step of applying one or more additional saccharides to the plant, part of the plant, seed of the plant and / or the area where the plant is expected to grow.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the method comprises the step of applying (i) a sialic acid containing saccharide, and / or (ii) a non-fucosylated saccharide, and / or (iii) a fucosylated saccharide comprising a fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an a-1,3-linkage, and / or (iv) a monosaccharide, and / or (v) an intermediate for the synthesis of the fucose containing saccharide comprising a fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an a-1,2-linkage or an a-1,4-linkage.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the method comprises the step of applying a sialic acid containing saccharide, wherein the sialic acid is linked to a monosaccharide via an a-2,6-linkage.

21. Use of a fucose containing saccharide as a plant growth and / or plant development biostimulant, wherein the fucose containing saccharide comprises a fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an a-1,2-linkage or an a-1,4-linkage, preferably via an a-1,2-linkage.

22. Use of a fucose containing saccharide as a plant protection agent, wherein the fucose containing saccharide comprises a fucose linked to a monosaccharide via an a-1,2-linkage or an a-1,4-linkage, preferably via an a-1,2-linkage.

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