Plant growth regulator system

Abstract

To provide a plant growth regulating composition comprising daminozide, and further containing low UDMH or other impurity levels.SOLUTION: A spray tank composition is provided comprising daminozide and a pH buffer, where the pH of the composition is higher than 6, preferably about 6.5 or more, and preferably lower than 8. Further provided are a concentrated composition comprising daminozide and a pH buffer, a method for treating plants, and a kit of parts.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION This application relates to spray tank mixes containing plant growth regulators for use on ornamental crops, and to plant growth regulator concentrate compositions for preparing such spray tank mixes. [Background technology]

[0002] Daminozide (succinic acid 2,2-dimethylhydrazide, CAS Registry Number 1596-84-5) is a commonly used agricultural and horticultural active agent. It is used as a plant growth regulator. It is used, for example, as a growth inhibitor for ornamental crops in greenhouses. The residual effect of daminozide is fairly short, which can be desirable for farmers who want to inhibit growth only temporarily. Daminozide is known to readily biodegrade, showing no traces of daminozide in water / sediment systems after six days, making it a good agricultural active compound for use in horticulture.

[0003] 1,1-Dimethylhydrazine, UDMH (unsymmetric dimethylhydrazine), is a precursor to daminozide and a known carcinogen. Daminozide compositions commonly contain UDMH as an impurity, creating unsafe conditions for agricultural workers who handle daminozide. UDMH is known to be able to form in daminozide solutions, especially when heated.

[0004] Guidelines currently suggest that a level of UDMH of 30 ppm by weight in daminozide is safe for use by agricultural workers, although lower levels would be preferable. Currently, health and safety requirements require workers to wear protective clothing for the first 24 hours after application. Limiting the concentration of UDMH could shorten this interval and better protect worker health.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a plant growth regulation composition that contains daminozide and that also contains low levels of UDMH or other impurities.

[0006] Tank spraying is a well-known and preferred method for applying plant growth regulators such as daminozide to plants. The active substance composition is mixed in a tank containing water and then sprayed onto the field. During this tank mixing, daminozide, provided in a liquid or solid composition, becomes diluted and then more susceptible to hydrolysis.

[0007] JP2011 / 251913 proposes a method for storing daminozide. It is directed to a liquid composition having a pH of 6.5 to 9.5 and further containing a pH adjuster in the range of 0.1 to 1.0% by weight. This storage method aims to provide a stable composition for up to two years, in which the daminozide concentration remains at an effective level. However, this does not address the issue of spray tank compositions containing very low but dangerous levels of contaminants. This reference does not address the effects of these contaminants or their concentrations in the solutions described in the reference. Therefore, it is unclear whether these compositions can be handled safely, as even slight differences in daminozide concentration could result in unsafe amounts of UDMH. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-251913 Summary of the Invention

[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide an effective amount of a spray tank solution of daminozide that exhibits very little UDMH after 24 hours.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide concentrated daminozide compositions to achieve suitable spray tank solutions, and methods for preparing them.

[0011] The spray tank solutions of the present invention preferably contain daminozide at a plant-appropriate indicated concentration, such as 1-6 g / L, although current labeling allows concentrations up to 18 g / L, and further contain a pH buffer so that the pH of the spray tank composition is above about 6 and preferably below about 9.

[0012] The inventors have surprisingly found that in spray tank compositions having a suitable pH, the daminozide composition contains much lower concentrations of UDMH upon storage for 1 or 2 days. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the suitable pH inhibits the formation of UDMH through inhibition of the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of daminozide.

[0013] Furthermore, it has been found that the ratio of pH buffer to daminozide is preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:5, more preferably from about 1:1.2 to about 1:3.

[0014] High pH or too high levels of pH buffers can cause leaf scorch, which is harmful to plants, and can also result in base-catalyzed hydrolysis or oxidation of daminozide. The spray tank compositions of the present invention have a pH of about 6 or greater, preferably about 6.5 or greater, and more preferably about 7 or greater. The spray tank compositions of the present invention preferably have a pH of about 9 or less, and more preferably about 8 or less.

[0015] The spray tank compositions of the present invention preferably contain greater than 0.05 wt. % and preferably less than or equal to 0.35 wt. % buffering agent. Low pH or too low a level of pH buffering agent can cause acid-catalyzed hydrolysis or be ineffective, respectively.

[0016] Suitable pH buffers preferably include a weak base and its conjugate acid.

[0017] Suitable pH buffering agents can be selected from the group consisting of phosphates, carbonates, borates, or mixtures thereof. Preferred metal ions include potassium or sodium. More preferred cations include ammonium. It is preferable to use buffering agents that can also be used as plant nutrients or that can be decomposed by, for example, soil bacteria to plant nutrient compounds. It is also preferable to use compounds that are not toxic to humans at the concentrations used. It is also preferable to use buffering compounds that are easily soluble in water.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a daminozide concentrate composition suitable for mixing into a spray tank.

[0019] The concentrated composition can include both a daminozide compound and a buffering compound and can be in a liquid form such as an oil dispersion, an ionic liquid, etc., or it can be in a solid form such as a powder, granules, etc.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the concentrate composition is provided as a kit of parts containing daminozide in one concentrated form and an appropriate amount of buffer as a second concentrated form, and the kit of parts further comprises instructions for handling the components of the kit to provide a spray tank solution.

[0021] Both embodiments allow for the use of daminozide in an improved and safe manner. The concentrated composition containing both buffer and daminozide can be used only in the correct amounts. The kit of parts allows for optimized packaging of both the daminozide and buffer components.

[0022] The concentrate composition or kit-of-parts preferably contains a ratio of pH buffer to daminozide of 1:1 to 1:5 by dry weight. The concentrate or kit-of-parts more preferably contains 10 to 50% by dry weight of the buffer based on the total solids.

[0023] Finally, disclosed herein are packaged products containing daminozide for minimizing operator exposure to UDMH or substances when handling daminozide. Such packaged products contain daminozide in a plastic container that prevents release of UDMH prior to opening the container and dissolving the contents of such container in water. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention provides a spray tank composition comprising daminozide and a pH buffer. The pH of the spray tank composition is about 6 or greater, more preferably about 7 or greater. Preferably, the pH of the spray tank composition is about 9 or less, more preferably about 8 or less.

[0025] The spray tank composition is water-based for plant hydration and since water is easily accessible in most locations, it saves on transportation, storage, and material costs.

[0026] Preferably, the ratio of buffer salt to daminozide is about 1:1 to about 1:5, where the ratio is defined as the weight of buffer salt to the weight of daminozide. More preferably, the ratio of buffer salt to daminozide is about 1:1.2 to about 1:3. High concentrations of buffering agent can cause leaf scorch and adversely affect the soil. Higher concentrations of buffering agent are also less desirable due to material cost, storage, and transportation. Lower concentrations of buffering agent are less effective.

[0027] Suitable pH buffers generally include a weak base and its conjugate acid. Suitable pH buffers can be selected from any buffer known in the art. Preferably, the buffer is selected from the group of phosphates, carbonates, borates, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the pH buffer includes potassium, sodium, or ammonium salts. Examples of suitable pH buffers include KH2PO4 in combination with NaOH, KH2PO4 in combination with K2HPO4, and NaHCO3 in combination with K2CO3. In a preferred embodiment, the buffer is provided as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, or ammonium carbonate. Because daminozide is an acid, it may be sufficient to have only bicarbonate as a buffer component, for example, which then dissolves with daminozide to form HCO3. - / CO3 2- Transfer to the buffer.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the concentration of daminozide in the spray tank composition is about 1 g / L to about 6 g / L. More preferably, the concentration of daminozide is about 1.5 g / L to about 5 g / L, e.g., about 2.5 g / L. Higher daminozide concentrations may result in more UDMH formation and higher costs. However, levels up to 18 g / L are permitted according to the label and, therefore, are included in the present invention.

[0029] The present invention provides spray tank compositions having a UDMH concentration of about 1 ppm or less after 24 hours. Preferably, the UDMH concentration is about 400 ppb or less, more preferably 100 ppb or less, and even more preferably 50 ppb or less. In even more preferred embodiments, the increase in UDMH is about 100 ppb or less, even more preferably about 50 ppb or less, and most preferably about 20 ppb or less over 24 hours.

[0030] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a concentrated composition comprising daminozide and a pH buffer, which composition is suitable for dilution in a spray tank to produce a spray tank composition according to the present invention that is suitable for spraying plants.

[0031] The concentrated composition can be prepared by providing a suitable pure daminozide and a pH buffer in powder form and mixing them. Alternatively, the concentrated composition can be formulated in liquid form or in tablet or granular form. Preferably, when water is required during preparation, such as when extruding granules, the water is buffered to a pH of about 6.5 or higher to prevent UDMH formation during extrusion.

[0032] The concentrated composition readily dissolves or disperses upon contact with water, forming a solution, suspension, or emulsion.

[0033] Concentrated compositions according to the present invention preferably contain about 10% by weight or more of daminozide, and preferably about 84% by weight or less of daminozide. Concentrated compositions preferably contain about 10% by weight or more of a buffering agent, and preferably about 50% by weight or less of a buffering agent. In one embodiment, the composition consists essentially of daminozide and a buffering agent.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the concentrate composition is provided as a solid.

[0035] More preferably, the solid composition is provided as a water-soluble or water-dispersible granule. In this type of formulation, the active ingredient is preferably formulated as granular particles of 100 to 300 microns in size. To prepare water-soluble or dispersible granules for spray application, they are completely soluble or dispersible in water upon stirring. Many different water-soluble or water-dispersible granular formulations for pesticides are known. For example, EP 0 252 897 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,901 disclose plant growth regulators encapsulated in water-dispersible granular formulations, U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,388 B1 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002 / 0114821 A1 disclose extruded water-soluble pesticides, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,658 discloses an extrudable composition for preparing water-dispersible granules. Water-soluble or water-dispersible granules generally contain water-soluble or water-dispersible ingredients such as lactose and sodium carbonate. Water-soluble or water-dispersible granules generally also contain additives such as surfactants.

[0036] Generally, water-soluble or water-dispersible granules can be prepared by first providing the ingredients and then pulverizing or milling them to provide a powder. The powders can then be dry-mixed, and the mixture can then be moistened with water until a paste suitable for extrusion is formed. The paste can then be extruded, and the resulting granules can be dried, for example, in a fluidized bed dryer. In a preferred embodiment, the extrusion water is buffered to a suitable pH.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the concentrate composition is provided as a powder. A suitable powder formulation is one that dissolves readily in water when mixed with water to form a solution. Once a solution is formed, further mixing or stirring of the tank mix is ​​not required. Such a wettable powder formulation is preferably a dry, finely ground formulation. In this formulation, the active ingredient may be combined with a finely ground dry carrier along with other components that enhance the powder's ability to be suspended in water. Suitable carriers include microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, and mineral clay. When the wettable powder is mixed with water, the daminozide and buffer dissolve, while the carrier may form a suspension. The solution / suspension is then applied by spraying.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the concentrate composition is provided in tablet form. The tablet formulation may be effervescent and dissolve in water over a period of 2 to 10 minutes, depending on the type and size of the tablet. Tablets generally deliver only 0.2 to 2 grams of active ingredient per 10 gram tablet.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the concentrate composition is provided as a liquid.

[0040] Preferably, the liquid composition is essentially free of water. By free of water, it is meant that the concentrated composition contains less than 5% by weight of water. More preferably, the concentrated composition contains no more than about 3% by weight of water, more preferably no more than about 1% by weight of water, and most preferably no more than about 0.5% by weight of water.

[0041] The liquid composition can be in the form of a solution, emulsion or suspension.Examples of suitable liquid formulations are oil dispersions, concentrated liquids and ionic liquids.The liquid of the liquid composition can be, for example, oil, ester, alcohol or ether.

[0042] The oil dispersion generally comprises an organic hydrophobic carrier in which at least one of daminozide or a pH buffer is dispersed. Preferably, the oil dispersion forms an emulsion when mixed with water. Preferably, the organic carrier is an oil or a derivative thereof. Preferably, the carrier material is a vegetable oil or a derivative thereof having a melting point of about 10°C or less, preferably about 0°C or less. Suitable vegetable oils include, for example, palm oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, linseed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, etc. Suitable derivatives of vegetable oils include alkyl esters of fatty acids, such as C1-C6-alkyl esters, or methyl esters of rapeseed oil, such as biodiesel.

[0043] The concentrate formulation contains daminozide and a pH buffer. All components in the concentrate can dissolve to form a solution. In this embodiment, the solvent is preferably a polar solvent such as alcohol or ether. The solvent can be a short-chain alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, butanol, propanol, or isopropyl alcohol. The solvent can be an aprotic solvent such as ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, acetone, t-butyl methyl ether, DMSO, etc.

[0044] Alternatively, one or more components may only partially dissolve or not at all, forming a dispersion. The dispersion medium may be any solvent. Preferably, the dispersion medium is an organic solvent such as an alcohol or an ester.

[0045] Alternatively, the concentrate is an emulsion in which daminozide and / or a pH buffer are dissolved in at least one phase. One of the phases can be a polar solvent such as an alcohol or ether. The solvent can be a short-chain alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, butanol, propanol, or isopropyl alcohol. The solvent can be an aprotic solvent such as diethyl ether. One of the phases can be an organic solvent such as a vegetable oil or a derivative thereof. Preferably, the organic solvent is a vegetable oil or a derivative thereof having a melting point of about 10°C or less, preferably about 0°C or less. Suitable vegetable oils include palm oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, linseed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, etc. Suitable derivatives of vegetable oils include alkyl esters of fatty acids, such as C1-C6 alkyl esters, or methyl esters of rapeseed oil, such as biodiesel. Although vegetable oils are preferred for environmental reasons, other organic fluids can be used such as hydrocarbon oils such as toluene, naphthalene, octane, decalin, or paraffinic oils such as C15-C30 hydrocarbons, optionally mixed with lower carbon number alkanes or organic base solvents such as amines, imines, ureas, amides, imides, and / or their derivatives.

[0046] Other suitable solvents include ethers such as t-butyl-methyl ether, esters such as t-butyl-acetate, butyl-acetate, DMSO, and the like.

[0047] Additives may be added to the concentrate composition and may include one or more of surfactants, anti-caking agents, antioxidants, anti-foaming agents, micronutrients, additional growth regulators, fungicides, biocides, or other additives known in the art such as safeners, colorants, and the like.

[0048] Surfactants can include, for example, emulsifiers and / or solubilizers. Emulsifiers are commonly used in various liquid compositions such as solutions, emulsions, suspensions, oil dispersions, ionic liquids, etc.

[0049] As mentioned above, the concentrate according to the present invention may further contain an emulsifier. The emulsifier may aid in the concentration of the growth regulator upon dilution with water, and may aid in the emulsification of the carrier fluid in the aqueous phase. The emulsifier may also promote the uptake of the active substance by plants. Suitable emulsifiers may be anionic, cationic, or nonionic emulsifiers, and are well known in the art.

[0050] Typical emulsifiers, or surfactants, include alkyl sulfate salts such as diethanolammonium laurate sulfate, alkylaryl sulfonates such as calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, alkylphenol-alkylene oxide adducts such as nonylphenol-C18 ethoxylate, alcohol-alkylene oxide adducts such as tridecyl alcohol-C16 ethoxylate, castor oil ethoxylate (EO), and the like. ethoxylated fatty acids such as 25 or 40), soaps such as sodium stearate; alkyl naphthalene sulfonates such as sodium dibutyl naphthalene sulfonate; dialkyl esters of sulfosuccinates such as sodium di(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate; sorbitol esters such as sorbitol oleate; quaternary amines such as lauryltrimethylammonium chloride; polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids such as polyethylene glycol stearate; block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; salts of mono- and di-alkyl phosphate esters; polyamine-fatty acid condensates; random polyester condensates; lecithin or modified lecithin; monoglycerides or diglycerides.

[0051] Preferably, the emulsifier is an alkoxylated sugar esterified with a fatty acid, or a sugar esterified with a fatty acid. Suitable sugars or polyols include pentaerythritol, sorbitol, maltose, trimethylolpropane, ethylene glycol, etc. The 30 alkoxy groups are preferably ethyloxy or propyloxy, and most preferably contain at least three ethoxy groups, preferably at least five ethoxy groups. Esterification with a fatty acid may include esterification with a C12-C24 fatty acid, which may be unsaturated, preferably monounsaturated.

[0052] The concentrate according to the invention may further comprise a disinfectant.

[0053] Suitable additional compounds that can be added are jasmonates or phosphonic acids that enhance the plant's defense mechanisms. Suitable jasmonates include methyl jasmonate, propyldihydrojasmonate, and jasmonic acid.

[0054] Suitable further compounds that can be added are, for example, metal compounds such as zinc, manganese, selenium, iron, copper, boron, molybdenum, and magnesium, mixtures thereof, etc. The metal ions can be used as chelates or salts, for example, EDTA chelates, citrates, proteinates, or in another form in which the metal is absorbed by the plant leaves.

[0055] The concentrate according to the invention may further comprise an antioxidant such as, for example, vitamin E, butylated hydroxyanisole, Vulkanox BHT (2,6-di-tert.-butyl-p-cresol) or butylhydroxytoluene.

[0056] The concentrates of the present invention may further include an anti-foaming agent such as a silicone-based oil, magnesium stearate, or octanol.

[0057] The concentrate according to the invention may further comprise a bactericide and / or algicide, for example a biocide such as isothiazolin-3 derivatives such as benzylisothiazoline, n-octylisothiazolinone, chloromethyl, and methylisothiazolinone; bromo-nitro-propane-diol; ethylenedioxydimethanol; (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea; iodo-propynylbutylcarbamate; N-trichloromethylthiophthalimide; zinc pyrithione; dichlorophen, streptomycin, copper sulfate, or sorbate.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the concentrate composition according to the present invention is shelf-stable for at least 2 years and contains less than 30 ppm UDMH relative to daminozide during this time, hi a more preferred embodiment, the concentrate composition contains no more than about 20 ppm UDMH relative to daminozide, and even more preferably no more than about 15 ppm UDMH relative to daminozide during this time.

[0059] The concentrate can also be supplied as a kit of parts, with the daminozide concentrate delivered in one compartment and the buffer components delivered in another. Kits of parts have the advantage of eliminating potentially difficult formulation studies and allowing for optimal packaging of the individual components. Additionally, kits of parts significantly reduce the potential for errors when feeding different components into the spray tank.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the concentrate composition, or kit-of-parts composition, is supplied as a packaged product designed to minimize operator exposure to UDMH or other substances when handling daminozide. Generally, this can be accomplished by providing plastic packaging that prevents release of UDMH before the package is opened and the contents of such package are dissolved or dispersed in water. Preferably, the plastic container dissolves or decomposes upon contact with water. The dissolution or disintegration of the packaging allows the contents to be easily dissolved or dispersed while minimizing operator exposure to the contents.

[0061] In an embodiment, the plastic packaging is a polyethylene or polyester film. In a more preferred embodiment, the plastic packaging decomposes or dissolves when in contact with water. Plastics suitable for dissolving in water include polyvinyl alcohol.

[0062] The concentrate compositions or kit-of-parts compositions of the present invention can be diluted to form the spray tank compositions of the present invention. The concentrate compositions are diluted with water. Dilution is carried out by providing an appropriate amount of concentrate and an appropriate amount of water.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the dilution is carried out so that the concentration of daminozide in the final diluted composition is from about 1 g / L to about 6 g / L, more preferably from about 1.5 g / L to 5 g / L, e.g., about 2.5 g / L, although a maximum of 18 g / L is possible.

[0064] One method of using daminozide is to prepare a semi-concentrate of 200-400 g / L, such as about 300 g / L, and then dynamically dilute the semi-concentrate in-line. This is referred to as diluting the concentrate.

[0065] In an embodiment, (a) preparing a slurry composition comprising: (i) 100-400 g / L of daminozide, preferably about 100-200 g / L of daminozide, and (ii) a pH buffer, preferably by diluting a concentrated composition or granules as described above, such that the pH of the composition is greater than 6, preferably greater than or equal to 6.5, and preferably less than 9; (b) diluting the slurry composition to a dilute composition comprising about 1-18 g / L of daminozide; (c) spraying the plant with the diluted composition.

[0066] This method can be used, for example, using a dosing pump sprayer, which is preferred as it allows for precise dosing of the active substance.

[0067] Surprisingly, it was found that slurry compositions containing 200 g / L or more of daminozide were still able to maintain a pH above 7.

[0068] Spray tank compositions obtained by diluting the concentrate compositions of the present invention contain UDMH at a concentration of about 1 ppm or less after 24 hours. Preferably, the UDMH concentration after 24 hours is about 400 ppb or less, more preferably 100 ppb or less, and even more preferably about 50 ppb or less.

[0069] During dilution, the spray tank mixture is preferably agitated to promote good mixing.

[0070] Suitable dilutions can include about 96% by weight or more water and about 4% by weight or less of the concentrate composition. Preferably, the concentrate composition is diluted with water in the range of about 1:50 to 1:1000 (weight / weight, based on dry matter daminozide / water), preferably 1:150 to 1:1000.

[0071] Other additives can also be added to spray tank for dilution.Suitable additives are as mentioned above.Therefore, the additives or additional active ingredients used in combination with daminozide can be added to concentrate, but can also be added directly to aqueous phase.Suitable additional active compounds include additional growth regulators, fungicides, biostimulants (micronutrients and macronutrients, for example, metal compounds, jasmonic acid, etc.), insecticides and / or acaricides.

[0072] Suitable additional compounds include plant growth regulators such as S-ABA, triazoles with growth regulating activity such as one or more gibberellins, gibberellin derivatives, chlormequat, ethephon, metconazole, tebuconazole, and paclobutrazol, auxins, and / or cytokinins.

[0073] Suitable gibberellins include gibberellic acid (GA3), GA4, GA7, and the like. More generally, the term "gibberellin" encompasses diterpenoids with tetracyclic ring systems. Regarding their nomenclature, gibberellins were numbered in the order of their discovery, so the numbering does not represent the position of a specific substituent. The compounds have 19 or 20 carbons and 4 or 5 ring systems. Some examples of gibberellins include GA3, commonly called gibberellic acid, and GA4 and GA7, which are direct precursors of GA3. Approximately 130 gibberellins have been described to date, and these are encompassed by the general term "gibberellin." Gibberellin derivatives include, for example, 16,17-dihydrogibberellin.

[0074] Suitable auxins include natural or synthetic chemicals that behave like naturally occurring auxins produced by plant enzyme systems, and the terms "auxin" and "auxin" as used herein refer to both natural and synthetic forms of such compounds. Indoleacetic acid, indole-3-butyric acid (3-BA), naphthaleneacetamide, 2-methyl-1-naphthaleneacetic acid, and 2-methyl-1-naphthylacetamide are hormonally active and can be substituted for naturally occurring auxins. For example, it may be useful to have a metal ion, such as zinc or manganese, present with the auxin. In a preferred embodiment, the auxin used is selected from the group consisting of 3-indolebutyric acid, 3-indoleacetic acid, 1-naphthylacetic acid, 3-indolebutyric acid, and their salts and esters. Preferably, the metal ions required for good activity are provided together with the auxin.

[0075] Suitable cytokinins are a type of plant regulator (plant hormone) that promotes cell division or cytokinesis in plant roots and shoots. There are two types of cytokinins: adenine-type cytokinins, represented by kinetin, zeatin, and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP, also known as 6-BAP or 6-benzyladenine), and phenylurea-type cytokinins, such as diphenylurea and thidiazuron (TDZ). In a preferred embodiment, the cytokinin is selected from the group consisting of kinetin (synthetic or derived from seaweed), 6-BAP, 1-(2-chloropyridin-4-yl)-3-phenylurea (CPPU), and TDZ.

[0076] Suitable additional compounds include morpholines such as fenpropidin and fenpropimorph, certain powdery mildew fungicides such as metrafenone, cyflufenamid, quinoxyfen, and proquinazide; SBI fungicides such as triazoles such as epoxiconazole, prothioconazole, metconazole, tebuconazole, difenoconazole, penconazole, propiconazole, triticonazole, and the like; strobilurins (Qol fungicides) such as azoxystrobin, cumoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, enoxastrobin, famoxadone, fenamidone, fenaminostrobin, fluoxastrobin, flufenoxystrobin, kresoxim-methyl, metominostrobin, orysastrobin, pyraoxystrobin, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, pyramethastrobin, pyribencarb, triclopyricarb, trifloxystrobin, and the like. SDHIs such as benodanil, bixafen, boscalid, carboxin, fenfuram, fluopyram, flutolanil, flaxapyroxad, furametpyr, isopyrazam, mepronil, oxycarboxin, penflufen, penthiopyrad, sedaxane, and thifluzamide; mancozeb, bupirimate, captan, chlorothalonil, copper-based products, cyazofamid, cyprodinil, diethofencarb, and dimethomorph , dithianon, dodemorph, fenamidone, fenhexamid, fenpropidin, fenpyrazamine, fluazinam, fludioxonil, fluopyram, fosetyl, imazalil, isopyrazam, kresoxim-methyl, mandipropamid, mepanipyrim, metalaxyl-M, metiram, myclobutanil, potassium bicarbonate, potassium phosphate, propamocarb, quinoxyfen, sulfur, thiophanate-methyl, and triadimenol.

[0077] Suitable further compounds that can be added are biostimulants, including, for example, micro- and macronutrients, optionally applied as foliar fertilizers, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid.

[0078] Suitable additional compounds that can be added include jasmonic acid or phosphonic acid, which strengthens the plant's defense mechanisms.Suitable jasmonic acids include methyl jasmonate, propyldihydrojasmonate, and jasmonic acid.A further suitable compound for strengthening plant resistance includes acibenzolar-S-methyl.

[0079] Suitable further compounds that can be added are, for example, metal compounds such as zinc, manganese, selenium, iron, copper, boron, molybdenum, and magnesium, mixtures thereof, etc. The metal ions can be used as chelates or salts, for example, EDTA chelates, citrates, proteinates, or in another form in which the metal is absorbed by the plant leaves.

[0080] Suitable further compounds include insecticides such as azadirachtin, esfenvalerate, thiamethoxam, formetanate, pirimicarb, pymetrozine, spirotetramat, abamectin, rapeseed oil, paraffin oil, pyrethrins, bifenazate, hexythiazox, acequinocyl, clofentezine, etoxazole, cyflumetofen, spirodiclofen, maltodextrin, acequinocyl, fenpiroximate, milbemectin, acetamiprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, dimethoate, deltamethrin, thiacloprid, sulfoxaflor, orange oil, imidacloprid, cypermethrin and alpha-cypermethrin, flonicamid, cyantraniliprole, methiocarb, spinosad, indoxacarb, etofenprox, etc.

[0081] Suitable additional compounds include acaricides, which may be any of those known in the art.

[0082] Preferably, the spray tank mix composition is used within 48 hours of diluting the concentrate, even more preferably within 24 hours, and most preferably within 10 hours (i.e., the same day). Longer waiting times can adversely affect the mix in the tank, such as residue, product degradation, etc.

[0083] A suitable amount of spray solution is applied to the plants, which may be done via any method known in the art, such as tank spraying, boom spraying, drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, etc.

[0084] The spray tank composition is applied to plants to provide an effective amount of daminozide, preferably at least 50 g / ha and up to 12.5 kg / ha. A preferred amount is about 0.5 kg / ha to 5 kg / ha. Generally, the maximum application rate is 25 kg / ha per crop cycle.

[0085] Preferably, the spray tank composition is applied to the foliage of the plant.

[0086] The spray tank composition is generally sprayed at a rate of about 50 L / ha to about 1500 L / ha, preferably about 500 L / ha to about 1000 L / ha.

[0087] Crops suitable for treatment with the spray tank mixture according to the invention include ornamental crops, more preferably crops such as ageratum, aster, azela, begonia, brassica, broccoli, calibrachoa, calendula, celosia, centaurea, chrysanthemum, coleus, cosmos, crossandra, dahlia, delphinium, dianthus, dicentra, dusty miller, exacum, ficus, gardenia, gerbera, gomphrena, helianthus, hibiscus, hydrangea, kalanchoe, lisianthus, lobelia, marigold, nemesia, petunia, pelodendron, phlox, poinsettia, pothos, laddermacchera, salvia, schefflera, sunflower, syngonium, tagetes, verbena, violet, vinca, and zinnia. [Example]

[0088] Example 1 Tank-mix media (buffered to pH 4.0, 7.0, and 9.0) were prepared with both deionized and tap water (defined composition). Tap and deionized water were also included as controls. UDMH concentrations were measured after 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours of storage at 20°C.

[0089] All test samples were 250 mL in volume and contained 1.1 g of dissolved daminozide. All buffer salts included 0.1 N NaOH. To obtain a pH of 4.04, 0.1 M KH2PO4 was used at pH = 7.07, and 0.1 M boric acid was used at pH = 9.04. 0.1 M KH phth. (phthalic acid) was used.

[0090] The results are shown in Table 1 below. It can be seen that at pH 7 and pH 9, UDMH concentrations of up to 50 ppb were observed after 24 hours. After 24 hours, only 0.89 μg / mL of UDMH was formed in water buffered to pH 4. This amount is still less than 0.02% of the daminozide concentration (4.4 g / L). However, such concentrations raise safety concerns. Such concerns are even greater when using daminozide in unbuffered water, see the deterioration in the performance of daminozide in unbuffered water after only 4 hours. [Table 1]

[0091] Example 2 Concentrated compositions according to the present invention were prepared according to Table 2. To assess storage stability, samples were tested immediately after preparation and after 2 weeks of storage at 54°C. [Table 2]

[0092] The daminozide concentration of the granules was measured after preparation and after 2 weeks of storage at 54°C. See Table 3. It can be observed that the daminozide concentration in % w / w appears to increase, presumably due to loss of water. The daminozide concentration was measured by reversed-phase HPLC using a C18 column. [Table 3]

[0093] The appearance of the granules was evaluated after preparation and after storage, see Table 4. [Table 4]

[0094] Tables 5-7 detail the behavior of wetting time, foam persistence and solubility, and solution stability before and after accelerated storage. The granules proved acceptable after storage. [Table 5] [Table 6] [Table 7]

[0095] Example 3: A concentrate composition according to Table 8 was prepared.

[0096] Daminozide was passed through a Retsch SR300 hammer mill equipped with a 360° 1.0 mm screen. The hammer-milled daminozide was then passed through an Atritor M4 micronizer using 6 bar air. Sodium carbonate was passed through the same hammer mill. The micronized daminozide and hammer-milled sodium carbonate were dry mixed until a homogenous powder was formed.

[0097] To prepare Granule 1, tap water was added to Powder Base 1 and the resulting paste was extruded through a 1 mm screen. The granules were fluid-bed dried at 50°C for 30 minutes.

[0098] To prepare granule 2, the powder was wetted using a 0.21 wt% sodium carbonate monohydrate solution in water. Extrusion was then carried out in the same manner as for granule 1. [Table 8]

[0099] The composition was added to water at 4 g / L. The pH of the dilution remained within the range of 7.0-8.0 for 24 hours. The UDMH concentration was determined by absorbance at 260 nm. See Table 9 for results. [Table 9]

[0100] UDMH concentrations did not change significantly after 4 hours.

[0101] Example 4: Greenhouse trials on cut chrysanthemums were conducted in the Netherlands. Spray tank compositions were prepared according to Table 10. Dazide Enhance is a commercially available powder containing 85% by weight of daminozide. The spray rate was 1000 l / ha. Applications were performed on May 13, 20, and 28, 2019, and evaluations were performed on May 20, 28, 5, and June 19, 2019. [Table 10]

[0102] In particular, the compositions according to the invention showed better efficacy than comparable examples at the same concentrations.

[0103] Example 5: Tank spray solutions were made by dissolving daminozide in buffered water (pH 7 or 8), and comparative examples were provided by dissolving in tap water and buffered water at pH 6. Daminozide was provided in the form of the commercial product Dazide Enhance, which contains 85% daminozide by weight.

[0104] The spray tank composition was sprayed on chrysanthemums at a rate of 1000 l / ha. Application was carried out on February 11th and evaluation was carried out on March 4th, 2019.

[0105] Average height was measured and compared to untreated controls. It has been shown that the effectiveness of daminozide is maintained at various pH levels using various amounts of buffer. Table 11 shows the buffer concentrations at various pH levels, and Table 12 details the results of the height experiment. It can be seen that the use of buffer did not adversely affect the effectiveness of daminozide. Some phytotoxicity was observed with pH buffer 8 one week after application, but by the day of evaluation, the effects were no longer seen. [Table 11] [Table 12]

[0106] Example 6: Greenhouse trials were conducted on petunias in the Netherlands. Spray tank compositions were prepared according to Table 13. Dazide Enhance is a commercially available powder containing 85% by weight of daminozide. The spray rate was 1000 l / ha. Applications were performed on June 10, June 14, June 19, June 24, and June 29, 2019, and evaluations were performed on June 19, June 24, June 29, and July 5, 2019. [Table 13]

[0107] It can be observed that all daminozide treatments were effective. During the final evaluation, commercial value was also assessed. Plants in water only were too large and lost their commercial value. Plants in the comparative example 10 g / L were too small and had too few flowers. All other plants had acceptable commercial value.

[0108] Example 7: Greenhouse trials were conducted on chrysanthemums of the variety Aviator. Spray tank compositions were prepared according to Table 14. The spray rate was 1000 l / ha. Applications were carried out on July 17, July 23, and August 1, and evaluation was carried out on August 16. [Table 14]

[0109] It can be observed that all daminozide treatments were effective. During the final evaluation, commercial value was also assessed. Plants in water only lost their commercial value because they were too large. All other plants had acceptable commercial value.

[0110] Example 8: Greenhouse trials were conducted on chrysanthemums. Spray tank compositions were prepared according to Table 15. The spray rate was 1000 l / ha. Applications were carried out on September 4, September 10, and September 17, and evaluation was carried out on November 9. [Table 15]

[0111] It can be observed that all daminozide treatments were effective.

[0112] Example 9: Greenhouse trials were conducted on hydrangeas. Spray tank compositions were prepared according to Table 16. The spray rate was 1000 l / ha. Applications were carried out on July 15, July 19, July 24, July 29, and August 2, and evaluation was carried out on August 27. [Table 16]

[0113] It can be observed that all daminozide treatments were effective.

[0114] Example 10: A buffer system of daminozide plus base was prepared according to Table 17 below. Tap water was used to make the buffer system. The pH of the mixture was tested at the times specified according to Table 17. [Table 17]

[0115] Example 11: Granule C was compared to Dazide Enhance for pH control at various dilution rates, with results detailed in Table 18 below. [Table 18]

[0116] It can be observed that even at high concentrations (300 g / L, or about 150 g / L of daminozide), the composition according to the invention was able to maintain a pH above 7.

[0117] Example 12: The test formulation of Granule C was diluted with water to a daminozide concentration of 4.25 g / L in various water types and monitored for UDMH formation. The results are detailed in Table 19 below. As a comparative example, pure daminozide at a concentration of 4.25 g / L was also diluted. [Table 19]

[0118] It can be observed that in this particular example granule, the initial concentration of UDMH is relatively high, yet still within acceptable levels. Furthermore, the increase observed over 24 hours is negligible compared to the increase in the unbuffered daminozide solution. Granules with lower initial levels of UDMH can be made, resulting in a lower overall concentration of UDMH.

Claims

1. A spray tank composition comprising daminozide and a pH buffer, wherein the pH of said composition is greater than 6, preferably greater than about 6.5, and preferably less than 9.

2. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the pH is from 6.5 to 8.

3. 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the ratio of buffer salt to daminozide is from 1:1 to 1:5, said ratio being defined as the weight of buffer salt to the weight of daminozide.

4. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ratio of buffer salt to daminozide is from 1:1.2 to 1:

3.

5. 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the pH buffering agent comprises a weak base and its conjugate acid, preferably selected from the group of phosphates, carbonates, borates, or mixtures thereof, more preferably potassium or sodium salts.

6. The composition of claim 5 , wherein the pH buffering agent is selected from sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, or ammonium carbonate.

7. A spray tank composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the concentration of daminozide is from 1 to 6 g / L.

8. 8. The spray tank spray tank composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the concentration of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) after 24 hours is about 400 ppb or less, more preferably 100 ppb, or even more preferably about 50 ppb or less.

9. A spray tank composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the increase in UDMH concentration after 24 hours is about 100 ppb or less, preferably 50 ppb or less, or more preferably 20 ppb or less.

10. 8. A concentrated composition comprising daminozide and a pH buffer, said composition being suitable for dilution in a spray tank to produce the spray tank composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, which is suitable for spraying plants.

11. 11. The concentrated composition of claim 10, wherein the composition is in a solid form such as granules, powder, or in a liquid form such as a liquid concentrate, oil dispersion, ionic liquid, or the like.

12. 12. The concentrated composition of claim 10 or 11, wherein the concentrate is in solid form and comprises 10-60% by weight of daminozide, 10-40% by weight of a buffering agent, and 10-50% of a soluble carrier.

13. A method for treating plants, wherein a spray tank composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is prepared by diluting a concentrate composition according to any one of claims 10 to 12, and the spray tank composition is sprayed on plants within 48 hours, preferably within 24 hours, more preferably within 10 hours after preparation.

14. 1. A kit-of-parts comprising daminozide and a pH buffer salt, wherein the pH buffer salt forms a pH buffer upon dilution of a pH greater than 6, preferably greater than 6.5, and preferably less than 8, and preferably the weight ratio of pH buffer salt to daminozide is from about 1:1 to about 1:5, more preferably from about 1:1.2 to about 1:

3.

15. 15. A concentrated composition or kit-of-parts according to any one of claims 10 to 12 or 14, wherein the concentrated composition or kit-of-parts is provided in a plastic container, preferably the plastic dissolving or degrading on contact with water.

16. 1. A method for treating plants, comprising: (a) preparing a slurry composition comprising: (i) 100-400 g / L of daminozide, preferably about 100-200 g / L of daminozide; and (ii) a pH buffer; the pH of the composition is preferably greater than 6, preferably greater than about 6.5 and preferably less than 9, preferably by dilution of the composition according to any one of claims 10 to 12; (b) diluting the slurry composition to a dilute composition comprising about 1-18 g / L of daminozide; (c) spraying the diluted composition onto a plant.

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