Liquid foliar composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to liquid foliar compositions, methods for preparing such liquid foliar compositions, methods for enhancing the wettability of a surface, uses of said liquid foliar compositions in agricultural and horticultural applications, and the use of particulate mineral-based materials comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide in liquid foliar compositions.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to liquid foliar compositions, methods for preparing such liquid foliar compositions, methods for enhancing the wettability of a surface, uses of said liquid foliar compositions in agricultural and horticultural applications, and the use of particulate mineral-based materials comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide in liquid foliar compositions. [Background technology]

[0002] Fertilizers have been used for a long time to improve plant growth or crop yield. In general, soil is provided with necessary components such as nitrogen (urea, nitrates), phosphorus (phosphates), potassium (as salts), sulfur (sulfates or sulfites), or nutrients. However, it has become clear that it can be advantageous to apply fertilizers, for example, on the leaves of plants, since the components can be directly taken up by the plants. Furthermore, it can also be advantageous to use fertilizers in the form of liquid foliar compositions, since the required amount of fertilizer is applied locally in solution, preventing fertilizer waste and leaching.

[0003] For example, US Patent Publication No. 2015266786 refers to nanocrystalline compounds containing essential nutrients that have been synthesized to have effective physical and chemical properties, including a large contact surface area / total surface area ratio to allow maximum leaf surface contact, limited mobility and improved solubility, a net positive charge, soluble salt-forming groups, and reactive surface edges for cation exchange to release cationic ions into the water film on the leaf surface.

[0004] WO 14087202 refers to a fertilizer composition in which nitrogen-containing macronutrients are adsorbed onto the surface of hydroxyapatite phosphate nanoparticles, said fertilizer composition slowly releasing the nitrogen-containing macronutrients into the soil.

[0005] Polish PL 404091 A1 relates to a nanoparticle foliar fertilizer, which is a mixture of crushed minerals, mainly containing calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. The foliar fertilizer nanoparticles contain particulate minerals with a particle size of 500 nm to 20 μm, which are mixed in a suitable weight ratio and distributed in powder form. The foliar fertilizer factory delivers nanoparticle nutrients in nano and micro particle sizes.

[0006] Indian application IN201841016488 refers to nanoparticles consisting of titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide which have tremendous effect when applied as foliar coverage of plants to derive various benefits. Preparation and application of nanoparticles as foliar coverage increases the uptake of both macronutrients, essential minerals, and micronutrients and enhances productivity. The main requirement of sustained and improved growth of plants is achieved by nutrients provided as fertilizers which may consist of bulk fertilizers, secondary fertilizers, and micronutrients applied in the soil or as foliar spray depending on the environment. Application of doped titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide nanoparticles helps the crop to increase the uptake of minerals from the soil. There is no supplementation of micronutrients added to the soil or applied as foliar coverage. The nanomaterials when applied as foliar spray increase the uptake of micronutrients and increase the uptake of nitrogen, phosphate, potash, and silicon from the soil.

[0007] China CN106064970 refers to a foliar micro-fertilizer for grapefruit cultivation and its preparation method. The foliar micro-fertilizer includes the following raw materials: phosphate fertilizer, potassium fertilizer, calcium fertilizer, manganese fertilizer, iron fertilizer, boron fertilizer, zinc fertilizer, selenium fertilizer, amino acid and organic silicone. The selenium fertilizer is microbial nano-selenium. The microbial nano-selenium is a bio-activated selenium fertilizer. The product provides comprehensive nutrients for flowering and fruiting, stimulates plant growth and development, promotes nutrient absorption and plant metabolism, increases photosynthesis and chlorophyll content, improves plant biological antioxidant effect and environmental stress resistance, improves grapefruit disease resistance and stress tolerance, prevents flower and fruit abscission, reduces pathological changes in fruit, increases yield, and improves quality and mouthfeel.

[0008] China CN108558524 relates to a multifunctional nano titanium dioxide composite foliar fertilizer, which belongs to the technical field of fertilizer. The multifunctional nano titanium dioxide composite foliar fertilizer is prepared from the following components (mass percent): 5-15 percent nano titanium dioxide, 40-50 percent nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer, 30-40 percent micronutrient fertilizer, 0.5-1 percent dispersant, 5-10 percent complexing agent, and 0.1-0.5 percent surfactant. Nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer is prepared from the following ingredients (by mass percent): 40-50 percent urea, 10-20 percent ammonium chloride, and 35-45 percent dipotassium phosphate, while micronutrient fertilizer is prepared from the following ingredients (by mass percent): 30-40 percent ferrous sulfate, 10-20 percent zinc sulfate, 10-20 percent copper sulfate, 15-25 percent magnesium nitrate, and 10-15 percent calcium nitrate. Multifunctional nano-titanium dioxide composite foliar fertilizer is prepared by utilizing the special photocatalytic function of nano-titanium dioxide and then blending with other foliar fertilizer ingredients. The composite foliar fertilizer can promote the photosynthesis of green vegetables, promote the rapid absorption of other nutrient components by the leaves, decompose the residual pesticides and other residual organic matter on the leaves, and also has antibacterial, insect-resistant and leaf self-cleaning effects, and achieves seed strengthening, disease resistance, sterilization, yield increasing, quality improving and the like effects.

[0009] China CN111943764 refers to a soil-modified nano-calcium foliar fertilizer for agriculture and its application method, and specifically relates to the field of foliar fertilizer. The foliar fertilizer is composed of the following raw materials (parts by weight): potassium fulvate, urea, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, borax, calcium carbonate, chitin, and trace elements, and is prepared from the following raw materials (parts by weight): 5-10 parts urea, 5-25 parts potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 1-5 parts borax, 1-5 parts calcium carbonate, and 1-5 parts chitin. According to the above invention, calcium carbonate is prepared into small molecule particles by high-tech nanotechnology, then the small molecule particles are coated with chitin to prevent the phenomenon of small molecule aggregation and improve the dispersibility, suspension properties and efficiency, and calcium carbonate is nano-crystallized, so that the plants can quickly absorb calcium carbonate, calcium carbonate is convenient for adhesion, and is not easily caused by excess damage or fat injury with sunlight and water spray, and can effectively absorb calcium, and the calcium ions in the foliar fertilizer can supplement the calcium element required by the plants in real time, thereby greatly improving the calcium element absorption effect and plant growth efficiency.

[0010] However, prior art foliar compositions suffer from several drawbacks: in particular the fertilizing properties are typically not very satisfactory, since nutrient uptake is often insufficient.

[0011] Thus, there remains a need for liquid foliar compositions that provide better fertilizing properties, such as increased nutrient uptake, and long-lasting effects when the composition is applied to a surface, such as a plant surface or a fungal surface. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid foliar composition. A further object of the present invention is that the liquid foliar composition provides better fertilizing properties when the composition is applied onto a surface, such as a plant surface or a fungal surface. Another object of the present invention is that the liquid foliar composition provides increased nutrient uptake and long-lasting effects when the composition is applied onto a surface, such as a plant surface or a fungal surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] One or more of the above-mentioned objects and other objects can be achieved by the subject matter defined in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0014] Thus, the present invention relates to a liquid foliar composition comprising: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt % of a particulate mineral-based material, based on the total weight of the composition, comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, and having a weight-based median particle diameter d of the particulate mineral-based material. 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt % of a moisturizer, based on the total weight of the composition, and / or (d) 0.01 to 3 wt % of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the particulate mineral-based material comprises: (a) a weight-based median particle size d of 10 nm to 10 μm, preferably 20 nm to 1 μm, more preferably 30 nm to 800 nm, even more preferably 40 nm to 500 nm, and most preferably 50 nm to 200 nm; 50Wherein the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 Particles having a weight-based median particle size d < 1 μm, as measured by dynamic light scattering 50 and / or (b) a weight-based top cut d in the range of 50 nm to 100 μm, preferably 100 nm to 10 μm, more preferably 120 nm to 5 μm, even more preferably 130 nm to 1 μm, and most preferably 130 nm to 800 nm; 98 value, the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 Particles having a diameter of <1 μm are measured by dynamic light scattering, and the weight-based top cut d 98 Value, and / or (c) Nitrogen and 1 to 250 m, measured using the BET method based on ISO 9277:2010 2 / g, preferably 5 to 200m 2 / g, more preferably 15 to 150m 2 / g, and even more preferably 20 to 100 m 2 BET specific surface area in g / g.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the particulate mineral-based material comprises alkaline earth metal carbonates, alkaline earth metal phosphates, alkaline earth metal sulfates, alkaline earth metal oxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, and mixtures thereof.

[0017] According to yet another embodiment, (i) the particulate mineral-based material comprises at least one calcium ion-containing material preferably selected from the group comprising natural ground calcium carbonate (NGCC), such as marble, limestone, and chalk, precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), hydroxyapatite, and mixtures thereof; (ii) the particulate mineral material is selected from the group consisting of anhydrous magnesium carbonate, i.e. upsalite or magnesite (MgCO3), magnesium oxide (MgO), artinite (Mg2(CO3)(OH)2·3H2O), 15-dipingite (Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·5H2O), georgiosite (Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·5H2O), pokrovskite (Mg2(CO3)(OH)2·0.5H2O), baringtonite (MgCO3·2H2O), lancefordite (MgCO3·5H2O), nesquehonite (MgCO3·3H2O), talc (Mg3SiO4O 10 (OH)2), and mixtures thereof; or (iii) said particulate mineral-based material comprises at least one calcium ion-containing material and at least one magnesium ion-containing material, preferably selected from the group comprising dolomite, huntite, and mixtures thereof.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the humectant is an organic humectant or an inorganic salt comprising zinc cations, potassium cations, magnesium cations, calcium cations, chloride anions, and mixtures thereof, preferably the humectant is selected from the group comprising calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, magnesium sulphate, zinc sulphate, glycerol and mixtures thereof, preferably calcium chloride and / or glycerol.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof, more preferably the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of salts of fatty acids, benzoates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, dialkyl sulfosuccinates, polycarboxylates, salts of alkyl sulfates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl diglycol ether sulfates, salts of alcohol sulfates, sulfonates, such as alkyl sulfonates, aryl sulfonates, and / or alkylaryl sulfonates, such as lignin sulfonates, alkyl diphenyl ether disulfonates, polystyrene sulfonates, phenol sulfonates condensed with formaldehyde, salts of alkyl phosphoric acid esters, alkylaryl phosphates, styryl aryl phosphates, salts of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene styryl aryl ether sulfates, ammonium polyoxyethylene styryl aryl ether sulfates. one or more anionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of sorbitan fatty acid esters, salts of polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphates, salts of polyoxyethylene alkylaryl phosphates, polyoxyethylene styryl aryl ether phosphates or salts thereof, and salts of maleic anhydride alkylene copolymers; organically modified trisiloxanes, organic silicones, polyethylene glycol monoethers, sorbitan fatty acid esters, glycerin fatty acid esters, fatty acid polyglycerides, fatty acid alcohol polyglycol ethers, acetylene glycols, acetylene alcohols, oxyalkylene block polymers, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ethers, polyoxyethylene styryl aryl ethers, polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitol fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oils,one or more nonionic surfactants selected from polyoxyethylene castor oil and polyoxypropylene fatty acid esters, one or more cationic surfactants selected from alkoxylated fatty amines, and amphoteric surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

[0020] According to yet another embodiment, the composition further comprises a dispersant, preferably the dispersant is formed from monomers and / or comonomers selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, fumaric acid, maleic anhydride, isocrotonic acid, aconitic acid (cis or trans), mesaconic acid, sinapic acid, undecylenic acid, angelic acid, canellic acid, hydroxyacrylic acid, acrolein, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, vinylpyrrolidone, vinylcaprolactam, ethylene, propylene, isobutylene, diisobutylene, vinyl acetate, styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, methyl vinyl ketone, esters of acrylic and methacrylic acid, and mixtures thereof, more preferably the dispersant is poly(acrylic acid) and / or poly(methacrylic acid).

[0021] The dispersant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the composition further comprises a plant nutrient element, insecticide, or sun protection compound selected from the group consisting of zinc, copper, iron, manganese, boron, molybdenum, nitrogen, silicon, sodium, chlorine, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, manganese, sulfur, and mixtures thereof.

[0023] According to a further aspect there is provided a method of preparing a liquid foliar composition as defined herein, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, wherein the particulate mineral-based material has a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 Particles having a particle size of <1 μm are measured by dynamic light scattering. (b) providing a moisturizer and / or a surfactant; and (c) dissolving and / or dispersing the particulate mineral-based material and the humectant and / or the surfactant in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium such that the particulate mineral-based material is present in an amount of 0.1 to 60 wt. % based on the total weight of the composition, and the humectant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt. % based on the total weight of the composition, and / or the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt. % based on the total weight of the composition.

[0024] According to one embodiment, step (c) further comprises dissolving and / or dispersing a dispersant in the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium such that the dispersant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0025] According to another aspect there is provided a method for increasing the wettability of a surface, preferably a plant surface or a fungal surface, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a liquid foliar composition as defined herein; and (b) applying said liquid foliar composition to said surface, preferably a plant surface or a fungal surface.

[0026] According to a further aspect there is provided the use of the liquid foliar composition defined herein in agricultural and horticultural applications.

[0027] According to another aspect, there is provided the use of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide in a liquid foliar composition, the particulate mineral-based material having a median particle size by weight d 50 There is provided the use of a particulate mineral-based material, wherein the particle diameter is in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the particulate mineral-based material in combination with a humectant and / or surfactant provides enhanced wettability combined with a long-lasting effect for the surface, preferably a plant surface or a fungal surface, to which the liquid foliar composition is applied.

[0029] For purposes of the present invention, the following terms have the following meanings:

[0030] Where the term "comprising" is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "consisting of" is considered a preferred embodiment of the term "comprising of". Hereinafter, when a group is defined to include at least a certain number of embodiments, this can also be understood to disclose a group that preferably consists only of these embodiments.

[0031] Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun such as "a", "an" or "the", this includes a plural of that noun unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0032] Terms such as "obtainable" or "definable" and "obtained" or "defined" are used interchangeably. This does not mean, for example, that the term "obtained" implies that an embodiment must be obtained by the sequence of steps following the term "obtained" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, but such a limited understanding is always included by the term "obtained" or "defined" as a preferred embodiment.

[0033] In accordance with the present invention, a liquid foliar composition comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt % of a particulate mineral-based material, based on the total weight of the composition, comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, and having a weight-based median particle diameter d of the particulate mineral-based material. 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt % of a moisturizer, based on the total weight of the composition, and / or (d) 0.01 to 3 wt % of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0034] In order to increase the wettability of a surface, preferably a plant surface or a fungal surface, and thus provide better fertilizing properties, e.g. increased nutrient uptake, and long-lasting effects, when the liquid composition is applied onto plant leaves, the liquid foliar composition according to the present invention must comprise a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a median particle size by weight of d 50is found in particular to have a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm and to have a humectant and / or surfactant dissolved or dispersed in the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium.

[0035] Reference will now be made in further detail to the present invention, and in particular to the liquid foliar compositions described above.

[0036] A requirement of the present invention is that the foliar composition is liquid and thus comprises a solvent as a liquid phase. Preferably, the liquid phase comprises, and preferably consists of, water, e.g. tap water. However, the term does not exclude that the liquid phase of the foliar composition comprises a small amount of at least one water-miscible organic solvent. The water-miscible organic solvent is selected from the group comprising methanol, ethanol, acetone, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), dodecanol, and mixtures thereof. When the foliar composition comprises at least one water-miscible solvent, the liquid phase of the foliar composition comprises this at least one water-miscible solvent in an amount of 0.1-40.0 wt.%, preferably 0.1-30.0 wt.%, more preferably 0.1-20.0 wt.%, and most preferably 0.1-10.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the liquid phase of the foliar composition. For example, the liquid phase of a foliar composition comprises water, e.g., tap water. With this in mind, a liquid foliar composition comprises an aqueous solvent or an aqueous dispersion medium. However, liquid foliar compositions typically include a residual solids content, and thus liquid foliar compositions preferably include an aqueous dispersion medium.

[0037] The liquid foliar composition is further required to contain a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide. When using at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material as the particulate mineral-based material, advantageous effects in terms of wettability on the deposited surface can be particularly achieved. Thus, the liquid foliar composition preferably contains at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material as the particulate mineral-based material.

[0038] It is noted that the particulate mineral-based material preferably comprises an alkaline earth metal carbonate, an alkaline earth metal phosphate, an alkaline earth metal sulfate, an alkaline earth metal oxide, an alkaline earth metal hydroxide, and mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the particulate mineral-based material comprises an alkaline earth metal carbonate, an alkaline earth metal phosphate, an alkaline earth metal oxide, an alkaline earth metal hydroxide, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the particulate mineral-based material comprises an alkaline earth metal carbonate, an alkaline earth metal oxide, an alkaline earth metal hydroxide, and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the particulate mineral-based material comprises an alkaline earth metal carbonate, an alkaline earth metal hydroxide, and mixtures thereof. For example, the particulate mineral-based material comprises an alkaline earth metal carbonate.

[0039] In one embodiment, the particulate mineral-based material comprises an alkaline earth metal carbonate in combination with a particulate mineral-based material selected from the group comprising, or preferably consisting of, alkaline earth metal phosphates, alkaline earth metal oxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, and mixtures thereof. For example, the particulate mineral-based material comprises an alkaline earth metal carbonate in combination with a particulate mineral-based material selected from the group comprising, or preferably consisting of, alkaline earth metal oxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, and mixtures thereof.

[0040] In light of the above, the particulate mineral-based material preferably comprises calcium ions and / or magnesium ions as alkaline earth metal ions.

[0041] For example, the particulate mineral-based material preferably comprises calcium ions as alkaline earth metal ions, and therefore the particulate mineral-based material comprises at least one calcium ion-containing material and / or at least one magnesium ion-containing material.

[0042] When the particulate mineral-based material comprises at least one calcium ion-containing material, said at least one calcium ion-containing material is preferably selected from the group comprising natural ground calcium carbonates (NGCC), such as marble, limestone, and chalk, precipitated calcium carbonates (PCC), hydroxyapatite, and mixtures thereof.

[0043] Alternatively, when the particulate mineral-based material comprises at least one magnesium ion-containing material, the magnesium ion-containing material may be anhydrous magnesium carbonate, i.e., upsalite or magnesite (MgCO3), magnesium oxide (MgO), artinite (Mg2(CO3)(OH)2·3H2O), 15-dipingite (Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·5H2O), georgiosite (Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·5H2O), pokrovskite (Mg2(CO3)(OH)2·0.5H2O), baringtonite (MgCO3·2H2O), lancefordite (MgCO3·5H2O), nesquehonite (MgCO3·3H2O), talc (Mg3SiO4O 10 (OH)2), and mixtures thereof.

[0044] Alternatively, when the particulate mineral-based material comprises at least one calcium ion-containing material and at least one magnesium ion-containing material, the materials are preferably selected from the group comprising dolomite, huntite, and mixtures thereof.

[0045] In one embodiment, the particulate mineral-based material is an iron oxide selected from iron(II) oxide, iron(III) oxide, iron(II,III) oxide, or mixtures thereof. Note that the term "iron oxide" also includes iron oxyhydroxides. For example, iron oxides include agakenite (β-FeO(OH)), hematite (Fe2O3), ferroxyhite (δ-FeO(OH)), ferrihydrite (FeO(OH)), and mixtures thereof. 10 O 14In particular, the preferred ferromagnets are selected from the group including, and preferably consisting of, goethite (α-FeO(OH)), lepidocrocite (γ-FeO(OH)), maghemite (γ-FeO), magnetite (FeO), wustite (FeO), and mixtures thereof.

[0046] Preferably, the iron oxide is iron(III) oxide or iron(II,III) oxide. For example, iron(III) oxide or iron(II,III) oxide can be hematite (Fe2O3), ferroxyhite (FeO(OH)), ferrihydrite (Fe 10 O 14 Preferably, the iron(III) oxide or iron(II,III) oxide is selected from the group including, and preferably consisting of, hematite (FeO(OH)), goethite (α-FeO(OH)), lepidocrocite (γ-FeO(OH)), maghemite (γ-FeO), magnetite (FeO), and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the iron(III) oxide or iron(II,III) oxide is selected from the group including, and preferably consisting of, hematite (FeO), ferroxyhite (FeO(OH)), ferrihydrite (FeO), and mixtures thereof. 10 O 14 Preferably, the iron(III) oxide or iron(II,III) oxide is selected from the group including, preferably consisting of, hematite (Fe2O3), magnetite (Fe3O4), and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the iron(III) oxide is selected from the group including, preferably consisting of, hematite (Fe2O3), magnetite (Fe3O4), and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the iron(III) oxide is selected from the group including, preferably consisting of, hematite (Fe2O3), ferroxyhite (FeO(OH)), ferrihydrite (Fe 10 O 14 Preferably, the iron(II,III) oxide is selected from the group consisting of, preferably consisting of, hematite (FeO(OH)), goethite (α-FeO(OH)), lepidocrocite (γ-FeO(OH)), maghemite (γ-FeO), and mixtures thereof, or the iron(II,III) oxide is magnetite (FeO). More preferably, the iron(III) oxide is hematite (FeO), ferroxyhite (FeO(OH)), ferrihydrite (FeO), or mixtures thereof. 10 O 14Preferably, the iron(II,III) oxide is selected from the group including, and preferably consisting of, iron(II,III) oxide, hematite (FeO(OH)), goethite (α-FeO(OH)), lepidocrocite (γ-FeO(OH)), maghemite (γ-FeO), and mixtures thereof, or the iron(II,III) oxide is magnetite (FeO). Most preferably, the iron(III) oxide is hematite (FeO), or the iron(II,III) oxide is magnetite (FeO).

[0047] It is noted that Fe2O3, e.g., hematite, may be used interchangeably with Fe3O4. In one embodiment, the iron oxide is thus selected from the group including, and preferably consisting of, hematite (Fe2O3), magnetite (Fe3O4), and mixtures thereof.

[0048] It is preferred that the particulate mineral-based material comprises at least one calcium ion-containing material, preferably selected from the group comprising natural ground calcium carbonates (NGCCs), such as marble, limestone, and chalk, precipitated calcium carbonates (PCCs), hydroxyapatite, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the particulate mineral-based material comprises at least one calcium ion-containing material, preferably selected from the group comprising natural ground calcium carbonates (NGCCs), such as marble, limestone, and chalk, and precipitated calcium carbonates (PCCs). Most preferably, the particulate mineral-based material comprises at least one calcium ion-containing material, which is natural ground calcium carbonates (NGCCs), such as marble, limestone, and chalk.

[0049] In order to improve the wettability of the liquid composition on the surface to which it is applied, the particulate mineral-based material has a characteristic median particle size value d 50 The inventors have further found that the present invention must have the following structure:

[0050] More precisely, the weight-based median particle size d of the particulate mineral material 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50Particles with a diameter <1 μm are measured by dynamic light scattering.

[0051] Preferably, the particulate mineral-based material has a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value within the range of 10 nm to 10 μm, more preferably 20 nm to 1 μm, even more preferably 30 nm to 800 nm, even more preferably 40 nm to 500 nm, and most preferably 50 nm to 200 nm.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, the top cut by weight of the particulate mineral-based material, d 98 is a value within the range of 50 nm to 100 μm, preferably 100 nm to 10 μm, more preferably 120 nm to 5 μm, even more preferably 130 nm to 1 μm, and most preferably 130 nm to 800 nm.

[0053] In one embodiment, the particulate mineral-based material has a median particle size by weight d 50 Thus, the value is in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based top cut d 98 is within the range of 50 nm to 100 μm, preferably 100 nm to 10 μm, more preferably 120 nm to 5 μm, even more preferably 130 nm to 1 μm, and most preferably 130 nm to 800 nm.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the weight-based median particle size d of the particulate mineral-based material 50 is a value within the range of 10 nm to 10 μm, more preferably 20 nm to 1 μm, even more preferably 30 nm to 800 nm, even more preferably 40 nm to 500 nm, and most preferably 50 nm to 200 nm, and the weight-based top cut d 98 is within the range of 50 nm to 100 μm, preferably 100 nm to 10 μm, more preferably 120 nm to 5 μm, even more preferably 130 nm to 1 μm, and most preferably 130 nm to 800 nm.

[0055] For example, particulate mineral materials have a median particle size by weight, d 50is a value within the range of 50 nm to 200 nm, and the weight-based top cut d 98 The value is in the range of 150 nm to 800 nm.

[0056] The "particle size" of a particulate material is defined herein as the particle size d x The weight-based median particle size d 50 For particles having a diameter of ≥ 1 μm, the weight-based median particle diameter d 50 and reference top cut d 98 The value of is determined by the sedimentation method, which is the analysis of sedimentation behavior in the gravimetric field. 50 and d 98 The value of indicates the diameter value below which 50% or 98% by weight of the particles, respectively, have a diameter. The measurements are carried out with a Sedigraph® 5120 from Micromeritics Instrument Corporation, USA. The methods and instruments are known to those skilled in the art and are widely used to determine particle size distribution. The measurements are carried out in an aqueous solution of 0.1% by weight Na4P2O7. The samples are dispersed using a high speed stirrer and sonication treatment.

[0057] Weight-based median particle size d 50 For particles with a diameter < 1 μm, the weight-based median particle diameter d 50 and reference top cut d 98 The values ​​of d were evaluated using a Malvern Zetasizer ZS90 Dynamic Light Scattering System. 50 and d 98 The values ​​of indicate the diameter value below which 50% or 98% by weight of the particles have a diameter, respectively. The raw data obtained by the measurements are analyzed using Mie theory with a particle refractive index of 1.57 and an absorption coefficient of 0.01.

[0058] Therefore, the weight-based median particle size d50 Particles having a particle size of ≧1 μm are measured by a sedimentation method and have a weight-based median particle size d 50 Particles with a size <1 μm, if present, are measured by dynamic light scattering throughout the present invention unless otherwise stated.

[0059] Additionally or alternatively, the particulate mineral-based material may be provided with nitrogen and a 1-250 m 2 / g, preferably 15 to 150m 2 / g, more preferably 20 to 100m 2 In one embodiment, the particulate mineral-based material has a BET specific surface area of ​​5 to 200 m / g, measured using nitrogen and the BET method according to ISO 9277:2010. 2 / g, preferably 15 to 150m 2 / g, and even more preferably 20 to 100 m 2 / g BET specific surface area.

[0060] In one embodiment, the particulate mineral-based material thus has a median particle size by weight d 50 is in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based top cut d 98 is in the range of 50 nm to 100 μm, preferably 100 nm to 10 μm, more preferably 120 nm to 5 μm, even more preferably 130 nm to 1 μm, and most preferably 130 nm to 800 nm, and the BET specific surface area is in the range of 1 to 250 m, measured using nitrogen and the BET method based on ISO 9277:2010. 2 / g, preferably 5 to 200m 2 / g, more preferably 15 to 150m 2 / g, and even more preferably 20 to 100 m 2 / g.

[0061] In a further embodiment, the particulate mineral-based material has a median particle size by weight d 50is a value within the range of 10 nm to 10 μm, more preferably 20 nm to 1 μm, even more preferably 30 nm to 800 nm, even more preferably 40 nm to 500 nm, and most preferably 50 nm to 200 nm, and the weight-based top cut d 98 is in the range of 50 nm to 100 μm, preferably 100 nm to 10 μm, more preferably 120 nm to 5 μm, even more preferably 130 nm to 1 μm, and most preferably 130 nm to 800 nm, and the BET specific surface area is in the range of 1 to 250 m, measured using nitrogen and the BET method based on ISO 9277:2010. 2 / g, preferably 5 to 200m 2 / g, more preferably 15 to 150m 2 / g, and even more preferably 20 to 100 m 2 / g.

[0062] For example, particulate mineral materials can be made by dividing the mass median particle size d 50 is a value within the range of 50 nm to 200 nm, and the weight-based top cut d 98 is in the range of 130 nm to 800 nm, and the BET specific surface area is in the range of 20 to 100 m, as measured using nitrogen and the BET method based on ISO 9277:2010. 2 / g.

[0063] Still further, the liquid foliar composition comprises the particulate mineral-based material in an amount of 0.1-60 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the liquid foliar composition comprises the particulate mineral-based material in an amount of 0.1-50 wt %, preferably 0.1-40 wt %, more preferably 0.1-30 wt %, even more preferably 0.1-20 wt %, and most preferably 0.1-10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises the particulate mineral-based material in an amount of 1-50 wt %, preferably 1-40 wt %, more preferably 1-30 wt %, even more preferably 1-20 wt %, and most preferably 1-10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0064] The liquid foliar composition further comprises a humectant. "Humectant" in the sense of the present invention means a moisturizing agent. The humectant increases the drying time of the liquid foliar composition, thus allowing more ions / nutrients to be absorbed. It should be noted that the humectant may be any compound that has a moisturizing effect known to those skilled in the art and is not harmful to the surfaces to which it is applied, i.e. plant surfaces and fungal surfaces.

[0065] In one embodiment, the humectant is an organic humectant or an inorganic salt.Preferably, the humectant is an inorganic salt comprising zinc cation, potassium cation, magnesium cation, calcium cation, chloride anion, and mixtures thereof.For example, the humectant is selected from the group comprising calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, zinc sulfate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof.Most preferably, the humectant is selected from the group comprising calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof.For example, the humectant is calcium chloride and / or glycerol.

[0066] In one embodiment, the humectant is calcium chloride or glycerol, preferably calcium chloride, hi another embodiment, the humectant is a mixture of calcium chloride and glycerol.

[0067] It should be noted that the humectant has a different composition from the particulate mineral-based material containing at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide. Thus, when the particulate mineral-based material contains at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, for example, ground calcium carbonate (NGCC) or precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), the humectant cannot be calcium carbonate. However, it goes without saying that the cation of the humectant and the cation of the particulate mineral-based material containing at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material may be the same. Thus, when the particulate mineral-based material contains at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, for example, ground calcium carbonate (NGCC) or precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), the humectant may contain calcium cations, for example calcium chloride.

[0068] Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt. % of a particulate mineral-based material, based on the total weight of the composition, comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, preferably ground calcium carbonate (NGCC) or precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), the particulate mineral-based material having a median particle diameter d based on weight of the particulate mineral-based material. 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a humectant comprising calcium cations, preferably calcium chloride and / or glycerol.

[0069] In another embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises a mixture of humectants, preferably one humectant is calcium chloride and one or more other humectants are selected from the group comprising potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, zinc sulfate, and glycerol. For example, the liquid foliar composition comprises a mixture of humectants comprising calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, and zinc sulfate. When a mixture of humectants is present in the liquid foliar composition, the individual humectants may be present in equal or different amounts. Preferably, the individual humectants are present in different amounts in the liquid foliar composition.

[0070] Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt % of a particulate mineral-based material, based on the total weight of the composition, comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, and having a weight-based median particle size d of the particulate mineral-based material. 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt % of a mixture of humectants, based on the total weight of the composition, wherein one humectant is calcium chloride and one or more other humectants are selected from the group consisting of potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, zinc sulfate, and glycerol.

[0071] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt % of a particulate mineral-based material, based on the total weight of the composition, comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, and a weight-based median particle diameter d of the particulate mineral-based material. 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt % of a mixture of humectants, based on the total weight of the composition, wherein one humectant is calcium chloride and one or more other humectants are selected from the group consisting of potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, zinc sulfate, and glycerol.

[0072] In another embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises a mixture of humectants, one humectant is calcium chloride and one or more other humectants are selected from the group comprising calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate, zinc sulfate, and glycerol.

[0073] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt % of a particulate mineral-based material, based on the total weight of the composition, comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, and having a weight-based median particle size d of the particulate mineral-based material. 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt % of a mixture of humectants, based on the total weight of the composition, wherein one humectant is potassium nitrate and one or more other humectants are selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate, zinc sulfate, and glycerol.

[0074] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt % of a particulate mineral-based material, based on the total weight of the composition, comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, and a weight-based median particle diameter d of the particulate mineral-based material. 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt % of a mixture of humectants, based on the total weight of the composition, wherein one humectant is potassium nitrate and one or more other humectants are selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate, zinc sulfate, and glycerol.

[0075] In another embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises a mixture of humectants, one humectant is magnesium sulfate and one or more other humectants are selected from the group comprising calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, zinc sulfate, and glycerol.

[0076] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt % of a particulate mineral-based material, based on the total weight of the composition, comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, and having a weight-based median particle size d of the particulate mineral-based material. 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt % of a mixture of humectants, based on the total weight of the composition, wherein one humectant is magnesium sulfate and one or more other humectants are selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, zinc sulfate, and glycerol.

[0077] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt % of a particulate mineral-based material, based on the total weight of the composition, comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, and a weight-based median particle diameter d of the particulate mineral-based material. 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt % of a mixture of humectants, based on the total weight of the composition, wherein one humectant is magnesium sulfate and one or more other humectants are selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, zinc sulfate, and glycerol.

[0078] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt % of a particulate mineral-based material, based on the total weight of the composition, comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, and a weight-based median particle diameter d of the particulate mineral-based material. 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt % of a mixture of humectants, based on the total weight of the composition, including, and preferably consisting of, calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, and zinc sulfate.

[0079] However, when the moisturizer comprises, and preferably consists of, calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, and zinc sulfate, the calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, and magnesium sulfate are preferably present in equal amounts, while the amount of zinc sulfate may be different from the other moisturizers, for example, the calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, and magnesium sulfate are preferably present in equal amounts, while the amount of zinc sulfate is less than the amount of the other moisturizers.

[0080] In another embodiment, the humectants include, and preferably consist of, calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, and zinc sulfate, where the calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, and magnesium sulfate are present in different amounts, while the amount of zinc sulfate is less than the amounts of the other humectants.

[0081] In one embodiment, the humectant comprises, and preferably consists of, calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, and zinc sulfate, with the calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, and magnesium sulfate being present in different amounts, while the amount of zinc sulfate is less than the amount of calcium chloride.

[0082] Further, the liquid foliar composition comprises a humectant in an amount of 0.01-10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the liquid foliar composition comprises a humectant in an amount of 0.01-8 wt %, preferably 0.02-6 wt %, more preferably 0.03-5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04-4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05-3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0083] It should be noted that the amount of humectant refers to the total amount of humectant, i.e., if a mixture of humectants is present, the amount of humectant refers to the total amount of the mixture of humectants in the liquid foliar composition.

[0084] With this in mind, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt %, preferably 1 to 50 wt %, more preferably 1 to 40 wt %, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt %, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt %, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, wherein the particulate mineral-based material has a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0085] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0086] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.05 to 3 wt % of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0087] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.05 to 3 wt % of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0088] In general, the weight-based median particle size d of a particulate mineral material is 50However, the weight-based median particle size d of particulate mineral materials is in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm. 50 may be preferably in the range of 1 μm to 20 μm. In this embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 1 μm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 Particulate mineral-based materials, the particles of which have a size of ≧1 μm, as determined by sedimentation methods, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, still more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0089] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 1 μm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 Particulate mineral-based materials, the particles of which have a size of ≧1 μm, as determined by sedimentation methods, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, still more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0090] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 1 μm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 Particulate mineral-based materials, the particles of which have a size of ≧1 μm, as determined by sedimentation methods, and (c) 0.05 to 3 wt % of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0091] In another embodiment, the weight-based median particle size d of the particulate mineral-based material 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to <1 μm. This is particularly advantageous for enhancing surface wettability. In this embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is in the range of 5 nm to <1 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, still more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0092] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is in the range of 5 nm to <1 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, still more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0093] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is in the range of 5 nm to <1 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.05 to 3 wt % of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0094] Additionally or alternatively, the liquid foliar composition comprises a surfactant, which is advantageous for reducing surface tension, thus further improving wettability on the surface to which the composition is applied. Thus, the surfactant may be any surfactant known to those skilled in the art, provided that it is not harmful to the surfaces to which it is applied, i.e., plant surfaces and fungal surfaces.

[0095] Thus, the surfactant is preferably selected from the group consisting of cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

[0096] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the surfactant is a salt of a fatty acid, a benzoate, an alkyl sulfosuccinate, a dialkyl sulfosuccinate, a polycarboxylate, a salt of an alkyl sulfate, an alkyl sulfate, an alkyl diglycol ether sulfate, a salt of an alcohol sulfate, a sulfonate, e.g. an alkyl sulfonate, an aryl sulfonate, and / or an alkylaryl sulfonate, e.g. a lignin sulfonate, an alkyl diphenyl ether disulfonate, a polystyrene sulfonate, a phenol sulfonate condensed with formaldehyde, a salt of an alkyl phosphoric acid ester, an alkylaryl phosphate, a styrylaryl phosphate, a salt of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate, a polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether sulfate, a polyoxyethylene styrylaryl ether sulfate, an ammonium polyoxyethylene styrylaryl ether sulfate, a salt of a polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether sulfate, a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphate, a polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ... one or more anionic surfactants selected from salts of acid esters, polyoxyethylene styryl aryl ether phosphate esters or salts thereof, and salts of maleic anhydride alkylene copolymers; one or more nonionic surfactants selected from organically modified trisiloxanes, organic silicones, polyethylene glycol monoethers such as isotridecyl polyethylene glycol ethers, sorbitan fatty acid esters, glycerin fatty acid esters, fatty acid polyglycerides, fatty acid alcohol polyglycol ethers, acetylene glycols, acetylene alcohols, oxyalkylene block polymers, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ethers, polyoxyethylene styryl aryl ethers, polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitol fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene castor oil, and polyoxypropylene fatty acid esters;one or more cationic surfactants selected from alkoxylated fatty amines, and amphoteric surfactants, and mixtures thereof;

[0097] In one embodiment, the surfactant is a sulfonate. Preferably, the sulfonate is selected from the group consisting of aryl sulfonates and / or alkylaryl sulfonates and their formaldehyde condensates. The alkyl moiety in the sulfonate to be used in the present invention may be linear or branched. It may be, for example, a C1-12 alkyl moiety, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, or dodecyl. The aryl moiety in the sulfonate may be a monocyclic or polycyclic aryl, such as a benzene ring or a naphthalene ring. As the salt of the sulfonate, various salts may be mentioned. It may be, for example, a salt with an alkali metal, such as sodium or potassium, or a salt with an alkaline earth metal, such as magnesium or calcium. More preferably, the sulfonate is an alkylaryl sulfonate or a formaldehyde condensate thereof, even more preferably an alkylbenzene sulfonate, an alkylnaphthalene sulfonate, an alkylbenzene sulfonate condensed with formaldehyde, or an alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensed with formaldehyde. Most preferably, the sulfonate is an alkylbenzene sulfonate condensed with formaldehyde, or an alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensed with formaldehyde.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is a non-ionic surfactant. More preferably, the surfactant is an organically modified trisiloxane. An example of an organically modified trisiloxane is polyether trisiloxane. Such surfactants are well known to those skilled in the art and are available, for example, under the trade name Break-Thru® from AlzChem Trostberg GmbH.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is an organomodified trisiloxane, most preferably an organomodified trisiloxane.

[0100] If present, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises a surfactant in an amount of 0.01-3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the liquid foliar composition comprises a surfactant in an amount of 0.01-2.5 wt %, preferably 0.02-2.5 wt %, more preferably 0.03-2 wt %, even more preferably 0.04-1.8 wt %, and most preferably 0.05-1.5 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0101] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition thus comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0102] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0103] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.05 to 1.5 wt. % of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0104] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.05 to 1.5 wt. % of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0105] In one embodiment, the weight-based median particle size d of the particulate mineral-based material 50 The surfactant is present in the liquid foliar composition when the weight-based median particle diameter d 50 Particles having a size of ≧1 μm are measured by sedimentation methods.

[0106] Thus, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 1 μm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 Particulate mineral-based materials, the particles of which have a size of ≧1 μm, as determined by sedimentation methods, and (c) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0107] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 1 μm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50Particulate mineral-based materials, the particles of which have a size of ≧1 μm, as determined by sedimentation methods, and (d) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0108] It should be noted that if the liquid foliar composition contains a surfactant, it may not need to contain a humectant.

[0109] However, it is preferred that the liquid foliar composition comprises a humectant and a surfactant, which is advantageous since the humectant provides better fertilizing properties, such as increased nutrient uptake and long-lasting effects, when the liquid composition is applied onto the foliage of a plant, while the surfactant improves wettability on the applied surface, preferably the surface of a plant or fungus.

[0110] With this in mind, it is preferred that the liquid foliar composition contains a humectant and a surfactant.

[0111] Thus, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) a humectant in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition; and (d) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0112] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a humectant, and (d) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0113] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 3% by weight of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (d) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0114] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 3% by weight of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (d) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0115] In one embodiment, the weight-based median particle size d of the particulate mineral-based material 50 The surfactant is present in the liquid foliar composition when the weight-based median particle diameter d 50 Particles having a size of ≧1 μm are measured by sedimentation methods.

[0116] Thus, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 1 μm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 Particulate mineral-based materials, the particles of which have a size of ≧1 μm, as determined by sedimentation methods; (c) a humectant in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition; and (d) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0117] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 1 μm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 Particulate mineral-based materials, the particles of which have a size of ≧1 μm, as determined by sedimentation methods; (c) a humectant in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition; and (d) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0118] Alternatively, the weight-based median particle size d of the particulate mineral material 50When the value is within the range of 5 nm to 1 μm, the liquid foliar application composition preferably does not contain a surfactant.

[0119] Thus, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is in the range of 5 nm to <1 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; The liquid foliar composition does not contain a surfactant.

[0120] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is in the range of 5 nm to <1 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; The liquid foliar composition does not contain a surfactant.

[0121] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition further comprises a dispersing agent. The dispersing agent is advantageous for stabilizing the liquid foliar composition by dispersing solids in the composition. Thus, the dispersing agent may be any dispersing agent known to those skilled in the art, provided that it is not harmful to the surfaces to which it is applied, i.e., plant surfaces and fungal surfaces.

[0122] Thus, the dispersing agent is preferably formed from monomers and / or comonomers selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, fumaric acid, maleic anhydride, isocrotonic acid, aconitic acid (cis or trans), mesaconic acid, sinapic acid, undecylenic acid, angelic acid, canellic acid, hydroxyacrylic acid, acrolein, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, vinylpyrrolidone, vinylcaprolactam, ethylene, propylene, isobutylene, diisobutylene, vinyl acetate, styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, methyl vinyl ketone, esters of acrylic and methacrylic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0123] Preferably, the dispersant is poly(acrylic acid) and / or poly(methacrylic acid). More preferably, the dispersant is poly(acrylic acid) or poly(methacrylic acid), e.g. poly(acrylic acid).

[0124] If present, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises a dispersant in an amount of 0.01-3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the liquid foliar composition comprises a dispersant in an amount of 0.01-2.5 wt %, preferably 0.02-2.5 wt %, more preferably 0.03-2 wt %, even more preferably 0.04-1.8 wt %, and most preferably 0.05-1.5 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0125] With this in mind, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) from 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably from 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably from 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably from 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably from 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably from 0.05 to 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a humectant, and / or (d) from 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably from 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably from 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably from 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a surfactant, and (e) 0.01 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.01 to 2.5 wt.-%, preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt.-%, more preferably 0.03 to 2 wt.-%, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8 wt.-%, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5 wt.-%, of a dispersing agent, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0126] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a diameter of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering, and (c) from 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably from 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably from 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably from 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably from 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably from 0.05 to 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a humectant, and / or (d) from 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably from 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably from 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably from 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a surfactant, and (e) 0.01 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.01 to 2.5 wt.-%, preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt.-%, more preferably 0.03 to 2 wt.-%, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8 wt.-%, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5 wt.-%, of a dispersing agent, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0127] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) a humectant in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition; and (d) 0.01 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.01 to 2.5 wt.-%, preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt.-%, more preferably 0.03 to 2 wt.-%, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8 wt.-%, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5 wt.-%, of a dispersing agent, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0128] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) a humectant in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition; and (d) 0.01 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.01 to 2.5 wt.-%, preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt.-%, more preferably 0.03 to 2 wt.-%, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8 wt.-%, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5 wt.-%, of a dispersing agent, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0129] In the foregoing embodiment, the liquid foliar composition is preferably free of surfactants.

[0130] Alternatively, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) from 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably from 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably from 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably from 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a surfactant, and (d) 0.01 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.01 to 2.5 wt.-%, preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt.-%, more preferably 0.03 to 2 wt.-%, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8 wt.-%, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5 wt.-%, of a dispersing agent, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0131] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) from 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably from 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably from 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably from 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a surfactant, and (d) 0.01 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.01 to 2.5 wt.-%, preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt.-%, more preferably 0.03 to 2 wt.-%, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8 wt.-%, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5 wt.-%, of a dispersing agent, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0132] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises a humectant, a surfactant, and a dispersant. In this embodiment, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) from 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably from 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably from 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably from 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a surfactant, and (e) 0.01 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.01 to 2.5 wt.-%, preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt.-%, more preferably 0.03 to 2 wt.-%, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8 wt.-%, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5 wt.-%, of a dispersing agent, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0133] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) from 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably from 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably from 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably from 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a surfactant, and (e) 0.01 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.01 to 2.5 wt.-%, preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt.-%, more preferably 0.03 to 2 wt.-%, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8 wt.-%, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5 wt.-%, of a dispersing agent, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0134] Preferably, the liquid foliar composition comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 3% by weight of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (d) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0135] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 3% by weight of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (d) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0136] Alternatively, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 1.5 wt. % of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (d) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0137] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 1.5 wt. % of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (d) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0138] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 3% by weight of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (e) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0139] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 3% by weight of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (e) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0140] Additionally, the liquid foliar composition may further comprise plant nutritional elements, which may be advantageous for improving plant growth and / or health when the liquid foliar composition is applied onto a surface, preferably a plant surface or a fungal surface.

[0141] The plant nutritional element may be selected from any of the plant nutritional elements typically used in the composition to be prepared. For example, the plant nutritional element may be selected from the group consisting of zinc, copper, iron, manganese, boron, molybdenum, nitrogen, silicon, sodium, chlorine, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, manganese, sulfur, and mixtures thereof, insecticides, or sunscreen compounds.

[0142] If present, the liquid foliar composition preferably contains the plant nutritional elements in an amount of 0.01-3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the liquid foliar composition contains the plant nutritional elements in an amount of 0.01-2.5 wt %, preferably 0.02-2.5 wt %, more preferably 0.03-2 wt %, even more preferably 0.04-1.8 wt %, and most preferably 0.05-1.5 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0143] With this in mind, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) a humectant in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition; and (c) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of plant nutritional elements, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0144] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a humectant, and (d) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of plant nutritional elements, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0145] In the foregoing embodiment, the liquid foliar composition is preferably free of surfactants.

[0146] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises plant nutritional elements and a surfactant. That is, the liquid foliar composition is preferably free of a surfactant. In this embodiment, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) from 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably from 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably from 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably from 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a surfactant, and (d) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of plant nutritional elements, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0147] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) from 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably from 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably from 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably from 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a surfactant, and (d) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of plant nutritional elements, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0148] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises plant nutritional elements, a humectant, and a surfactant. In this embodiment, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) from 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably from 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably from 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably from 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a surfactant, and (e) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of plant nutritional elements, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0149] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) from 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably from 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably from 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably from 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a surfactant, and (e) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of plant nutritional elements, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0150] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises plant nutritional elements and a dispersing agent. In this embodiment, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) 0.01 to 3 wt. %, preferably 0.01 to 2.5 wt. %, preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt. %, more preferably 0.03 to 2 wt. %, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8 wt. %, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5 wt. %, of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (e) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of plant nutritional elements, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0151] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) 0.01 to 3 wt. %, preferably 0.01 to 2.5 wt. %, preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt. %, more preferably 0.03 to 2 wt. %, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8 wt. %, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5 wt. %, of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (e) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of plant nutritional elements, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0152] In another embodiment, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) from 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably from 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably from 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably from 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a surfactant, (d) 0.01 to 3 wt. %, preferably 0.01 to 2.5 wt. %, preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt. %, more preferably 0.03 to 2 wt. %, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8 wt. %, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5 wt. %, of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (e) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of plant nutritional elements, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0153] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) from 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably from 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably from 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably from 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a surfactant, (d) 0.01 to 3 wt. %, preferably 0.01 to 2.5 wt. %, preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt. %, more preferably 0.03 to 2 wt. %, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8 wt. %, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5 wt. %, of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (e) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of plant nutritional elements, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0154] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises plant nutritional elements, a humectant, a surfactant, and a dispersant. In this embodiment, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) 0.01 to 3 wt. %, preferably 0.01 to 2.5 wt. %, preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt. %, more preferably 0.03 to 2 wt. %, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8 wt. %, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5 wt. %, of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition; (e) 0.01 to 3 wt. %, preferably 0.01 to 2.5 wt. %, preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt. %, more preferably 0.03 to 2 wt. %, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8 wt. %, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5 wt. %, of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (f) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of plant nutritional elements, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0155] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 0.1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, or 1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 1 to 40 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 30 wt%, even more preferably 1 to 20 wt%, and most preferably 1 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.01 to 10 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 8 wt %, more preferably 0.02 to 6 wt %, even more preferably 0.03 to 5 wt %, even more preferably 0.04 to 4 wt %, and most preferably 0.05 to 3 wt %, of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) 0.01 to 3 wt. %, preferably 0.01 to 2.5 wt. %, preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt. %, more preferably 0.03 to 2 wt. %, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8 wt. %, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5 wt. %, of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition; (e) 0.01 to 3 wt. %, preferably 0.01 to 2.5 wt. %, preferably 0.02 to 2.5 wt. %, more preferably 0.03 to 2 wt. %, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8 wt. %, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5 wt. %, of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (f) 0.01 to 3% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 2.5% by weight, preferably 0.02 to 2.5% by weight, more preferably 0.03 to 2% by weight, even more preferably 0.04 to 1.8% by weight, and most preferably 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of plant nutritional elements, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0156] Preferably, the liquid foliar composition comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 3% by weight of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (d) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a plant nutrient element, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0157] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 3% by weight of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (d) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a plant nutrient element, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0158] Alternatively, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 a particulate mineral-based material having a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm; (c) 0.05 to 1.5 wt. % of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (d) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a plant nutrient element, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0159] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 1.5 wt. % of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (d) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a plant nutrient element, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0160] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 a particulate mineral-based material having a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm; (c) 0.05 to 3% by weight of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (e) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a plant nutrient element, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0161] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 3% by weight of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) 0.05 to 1.5% by weight of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (e) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a plant nutrient element, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0162] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 3% by weight of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) 0.05 to 1.5 wt. % of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (e) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a plant nutrient element, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0163] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 3% by weight of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) 0.05 to 1.5 wt. % of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (e) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a plant nutrient element, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0164] Alternatively, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 1.5 wt. % of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) 0.05 to 1.5 wt. % of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (e) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a plant nutrient element, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0165] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 1.5 wt. % of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) 0.05 to 1.5 wt. % of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (e) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a plant nutrient element, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0166] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition preferably comprises: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 3% by weight of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) 0.05 to 1.5 wt. % of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition; (e) 0.05 to 1.5 wt. % of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (f) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a plant nutrient element, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0167] For example, a liquid foliar composition may include: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, the particulate mineral-based material having a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 A particulate mineral-based material, the particles having a size of <1 μm being measured by dynamic light scattering. (c) 0.05 to 3% by weight of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; (d) 0.05 to 1.5 wt. % of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition; (e) 0.05 to 1.5 wt. % of a dispersant, based on the total weight of the composition, and (f) 0.05 to 1.5 weight percent of a plant nutrient element, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0168] The liquid foliar composition defined herein is preferably prepared by a method for its preparation. The method for preparing the liquid foliar composition defined herein comprises the steps of: (a) providing a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide; determining a weight-based median particle diameter d of the particulate mineral-based material; 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 Particles having a particle size of <1 μm are measured by dynamic light scattering. (b) providing a moisturizer and / or a surfactant; and (c) dissolving and / or dispersing the particulate mineral-based material and the humectant and / or the surfactant in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium such that the particulate mineral-based material is present in an amount of 0.1 to 10 wt.%, or 1 to 60 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, and the humectant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, and / or the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0169] With regard to the definitions of the liquid foliar composition, the particulate mineral material, the humectant, the surfactant, the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium, and preferred embodiments thereof, reference is made to the descriptions provided above when discussing the technical details of the liquid foliar composition of the present invention.

[0170] It should be noted that the term "dissolving" in the sense of the present invention refers to a process in which no solids can be detected in the liquid foliar composition to be prepared. The term "dispersing" in the sense of the present invention refers to a process in which all of the solids added to the aqueous medium can still be detected in the liquid foliar composition to be prepared, i.e. no solids are dissolved in the aqueous medium. The term "dissolving and dispersing" in the sense of the present invention refers to a process in which part of the solids can still be detected in the liquid foliar composition, while another part is dissolved in the aqueous medium.

[0171] Step (c) is preferably carried out by dissolving and dispersing the particulate mineral-based material and the humectant and / or surfactant in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium. For example, step (c) is preferably carried out by dissolving and dispersing the particulate mineral-based material and the humectant in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium, i.e. in the absence of a surfactant. Alternatively, step (c) is preferably carried out by dissolving and dispersing the particulate mineral-based material and the surfactant in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium, i.e. in the absence of a humectant. Preferably, step (c) is carried out by dissolving and dispersing the particulate mineral-based material and the humectant and surfactant in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium.

[0172] Step (c) is preferably carried out by mixing the particulate mineral-based material of step (a) with an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium. Any suitable mixing (or stirring) means may be used to thoroughly mix the components together. Suitable equipment for mixing or agitation (agitation or stirring) is known to those skilled in the art.

[0173] Step (c) may be carried out at room temperature, i.e. at a temperature of 20° C.±2° C., or at a temperature above the freezing point of the composition prepared in step (c). For example, step (c) is carried out at a temperature of 1 to 50° C., preferably 5 to 45° C.

[0174] It should be noted that the particulate mineral-based material and the humectant and / or surfactant can be dissolved and / or dispersed in the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium in any order. For example, the particulate mineral-based material is first dissolved and / or dispersed in the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium, and then the humectant and / or surfactant is subsequently added to the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium containing the particulate mineral-based material. In another embodiment, the humectant and / or surfactant is first dissolved and / or dispersed in the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium, and then the particulate mineral-based material is subsequently added to the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium containing the humectant. In another embodiment, the humectant and / or surfactant and the particulate mineral-based material are first mixed, and then the mixture is subsequently dissolved and / or dispersed in the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium.

[0175] As discussed above, the liquid foliar composition may include a dispersant, a plant nutritional element, or a mixture thereof. In this embodiment, the method of preparing the liquid foliar composition defined herein comprises the steps of: (a) providing a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, wherein the particulate mineral-based material has a weight-based median particle size d 50 is in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, (b) providing a moisturizer and / or a surfactant; and (b1) providing a dispersant; and / or (b2) Providing plant nutrient elements; and (c) dissolving and / or dispersing the particulate mineral-based material, the humectant, and the optional surfactant, and / or the optional dispersant, and / or the optional plant nutrient elements in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium such that the particulate mineral-based material is present in an amount of 0.1 to 10 wt.%, or 1 to 60 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, and the humectant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, and / or the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, and / or the optional dispersant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, and / or the optional plant nutrient elements are present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0176] It should be noted that the particulate mineral-based material, the humectant and / or surfactant and / or any dispersant and / or any plant nutrient element can be dissolved and / or dispersed in the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium in any order. For example, the particulate mineral-based material is first dissolved and / or dispersed in the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium, and then the humectant and / or surfactant and / or any dispersant and / or any plant nutrient element is subsequently added to the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium containing the particulate mineral-based material. In one embodiment, the humectant and / or surfactant is first dissolved and / or dispersed in the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium, and then the particulate mineral-based material and any dispersant and / or any plant nutrient element are subsequently added to the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium containing the humectant and / or surfactant. In one embodiment, the optional dispersing agent and / or optional plant nutritional elements are first dissolved and / or dispersed in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium, after which the particulate mineral-based material and the humectant and / or surfactant are subsequently added to the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium containing the optional dispersing agent and / or optional plant nutritional elements. In one embodiment, the humectant and / or surfactant and the particulate mineral-based material are first mixed, and the mixture is subsequently dissolved and / or dispersed in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium, after which the optional dispersing agent and / or optional plant nutritional elements are subsequently added to the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium containing the humectant and the particulate mineral-based material. In one embodiment, the humectant and / or surfactant and / or optional dispersing agent and / or optional plant nutritional elements are mixed, and the mixture is subsequently dissolved and / or dispersed in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium, after which the particulate mineral-based material is subsequently added to the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium containing the humectant and / or surfactant and / or optional dispersing agent and / or optional plant nutritional elements. In one embodiment, the particulate mineral-based material and any optional dispersing agent and / or any optional plant nutrient elements are first mixed and the mixture is then dissolved and / or dispersed in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium, after which a humectant and / or surfactant is subsequently added to the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium containing the particulate mineral-based material and any optional dispersing agent and / or any optional plant nutrient elements.

[0177] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition further comprises a surfactant. In this embodiment, the method of preparing a liquid foliar composition as defined herein comprises the steps of: (a) providing a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, wherein the particulate mineral-based material has a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 Particles having a particle size of <1 μm are measured by dynamic light scattering. (b) providing moisturizers and surfactants; and (c) dissolving and / or dispersing the particulate mineral-based material, the humectant and the surfactant in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium such that the particulate mineral-based material is present in an amount of 0.1 to 10 wt.%, or 1 to 60 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, the humectant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, and the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0178] In another embodiment, the liquid foliar composition further comprises a dispersing agent, which is preferably used when step (c) comprises dispersing, or dissolving and dispersing, the particulate mineral-based material and the humectant and / or surfactant in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium. In this embodiment, a method of preparing a liquid foliar composition as defined herein comprises the steps of: (a) providing a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide; determining a weight-based median particle diameter d of the particulate mineral-based material; 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 Particles having a particle size of <1 μm are measured by dynamic light scattering. (b) providing a moisturizer and / or surfactant; (b1) providing a dispersant; and (c) dissolving and / or dispersing the particulate mineral-based material, the humectant and the dispersant in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium such that the particulate mineral-based material is present in an amount of 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 60 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, and the humectant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, and / or the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, and the dispersant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0179] In another embodiment, the liquid foliar composition further comprises a plant nutritional element. In this embodiment, the method of preparing the liquid foliar composition defined herein comprises the steps of: (a) providing a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide; determining a weight-based median particle diameter d of the particulate mineral-based material; 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 Particles having a particle size of <1 μm are measured by dynamic light scattering. (b) providing a moisturizer and / or a surfactant; and (b2) providing plant nutrient elements; and (c) dissolving and / or dispersing the particulate mineral-based material, the humectant and the plant nutrient elements in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium such that the particulate mineral-based material is present in an amount of 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 60 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, and the humectant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, and / or the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, and the plant nutrient elements are present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0180] In another embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises a humectant, a surfactant, and a dispersant. In this embodiment, the method of preparing the liquid foliar composition defined herein comprises the steps of: (a) providing a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide; determining a weight-based median particle diameter d of the particulate mineral-based material; 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 Particles having a diameter of <1 μm are measured by dynamic light scattering, (b) providing a moisturizer and a surfactant; (b1) providing a dispersant; and (c) dissolving and / or dispersing the particulate mineral-based material, the humectant and the surfactant and the dispersant in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium such that the particulate mineral-based material is present in an amount of 0.1 to 10 wt.%, or 1 to 60 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, the humectant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, and the dispersant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0181] In another embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises a humectant, a surfactant, and a plant nutritional element. In this embodiment, the method of preparing the liquid foliar composition defined herein comprises the steps of: (a) providing a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, wherein the particulate mineral-based material has a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50Particles having a particle size of <1 μm are measured by dynamic light scattering. (b) providing a moisturizer and a surfactant; and (b2) Providing plant nutrient elements; and (c) dissolving and / or dispersing the particulate mineral-based material, the humectant, the surfactant, and the plant nutrient elements in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium such that the particulate mineral-based material is present in an amount of 0.1 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 60 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, the humectant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, and the plant nutrient elements are present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0182] In another embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises a dispersant, and a plant nutritional element, and mixtures thereof. A method of preparing a liquid foliar composition as defined herein comprises the steps of: (a) providing a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, wherein the particulate mineral-based material has a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 Particles having a particle size of <1 μm are measured by dynamic light scattering. (b) providing a moisturizer and / or surfactant; (b1) providing a dispersant; (b2) Providing plant nutrient elements; and (c) dissolving and / or dispersing the particulate mineral-based material, the humectant and / or the surfactant, and the dispersant and the plant nutrient elements in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium such that the particulate mineral-based material is present in an amount of 0.1 to 10 wt.%, or 1 to 60 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, and the humectant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, and / or the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, and the dispersant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, and the plant nutrient elements are present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0183] In one embodiment, the liquid foliar composition comprises a humectant, a surfactant, a dispersant, and plant nutritional elements. In this embodiment, a method for preparing a liquid foliar composition as defined herein comprises the steps of: (a) providing a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, wherein the particulate mineral-based material has a weight-based median particle size d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 Particles having a particle size of <1 μm are measured by dynamic light scattering. (b) providing a moisturizer and a surfactant; (b1) providing a dispersant; (b2) Providing plant nutrient elements; and (c) dissolving and / or dispersing the particulate mineral-based material, the humectant, the surfactant, the dispersant, and the plant nutrient elements in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium such that the particulate mineral-based material is present in an amount of 0.1 to 10 wt.%, or 1 to 60 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, the humectant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, the dispersant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, and the plant nutrient elements are present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0184] With regard to the definitions of dispersants, plant nutritional elements and preferred embodiments thereof, reference is made to the descriptions provided above when discussing the technical details of the liquid foliar composition of the present invention.

[0185] Method and use for increasing the wettability of a surface According to a further aspect of the invention, the liquid foliar composition defined herein is used in a method for enhancing the wettability of a surface.

[0186] The present invention therefore further relates to a method for increasing the wettability of a surface, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a liquid foliar composition as defined herein; and (b) applying the liquid foliar composition to the surface.

[0187] With regard to the liquid foliar composition and its preferred embodiments, reference is made to the descriptions provided above when discussing the technical details of the liquid foliar composition of the present invention.

[0188] The expression "increasing the wettability" according to the present invention means that the contact angle of the surface on which the foliar composition is applied is, after application, at least 20°, more preferably at least 30°, even more preferably at least 40°, and most preferably at least 50° lower than the contact angle of an untreated surface, i.e. the surface before application of the foliar composition. Additionally or alternatively, the contact angle of the surface on which the foliar composition is applied remains stable, i.e. the decrease and / or increase in the contact angle of the surface on which the foliar composition is applied after 1-10 washes, preferably after 1-8 washes, more preferably after 1-5 washes, is less than 20°, more preferably less than 15°, and most preferably less than 12°. The decrease and / or increase in the contact angle after washing is compared to the contact angle after application of the foliar composition, i.e. the contact angle without washing.

[0189] The surface to which the liquid foliar composition is applied is preferably a plant surface or a fungal surface.

[0190] In a preferred embodiment, the method for increasing the wettability of a surface therefore comprises the steps of: (a) providing a liquid foliar composition as defined herein; and (b) applying the liquid foliar composition to a plant surface or a fungal surface.

[0191] It should be noted that the liquid foliar composition may be applied to a surface by any method known to one of skill in the art. For example, the liquid foliar composition may be applied to a surface by spraying, fogging, dripping, dipping, brushing, and the like. Preferably, the liquid foliar composition is applied to a surface by spraying.

[0192] The liquid foliar composition is preferably applied to the surface of a plant or fungus, preferably edible crops and ornamental plants, and most preferably edible crops and ornamental plants having a certain degree of hydrophobic foliar properties. The expression "hydrophobic leaf surface" according to the present invention means that the leaf surface has a static water contact angle θ of 80° or more. Preferably, the leaf surface has a static water contact angle θ of 80° to 180°, more preferably 80° to 150°.

[0193] In one embodiment, the static water contact angle θ of the leaf surface is 150° or more, for example, 150° to 180°.

[0194] In light of the advantageous effects obtained for the present invention, another aspect of the present application further relates to the use of the liquid foliar composition defined herein in agricultural and horticultural applications.

[0195] With regard to the liquid foliar composition and its preferred embodiments, reference is made to the descriptions provided above when discussing the technical details of the liquid foliar composition of the present invention.

[0196] A further aspect of the invention is the use of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide in a liquid foliar composition, the particulate mineral-based material having a median particle size by weight d 50 is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d 50 ≧1 μm, measured by a sedimentation method, the weight-based median particle size d 50 The use relates to particles having a diameter of <1 μm, as determined by dynamic light scattering.

[0197] In a preferred embodiment, the particulate mineral-based material in combination with a humectant and / or surfactant provides enhanced wettability combined with a long-lasting effect for the surface to which the liquid foliar composition is applied. For example, the particulate mineral-based material in combination with a humectant and / or surfactant provides enhanced wettability combined with a long-lasting effect for the plant or fungal surface to which the liquid foliar composition is applied. Most preferably, the particulate mineral-based material in combination with a humectant and surfactant provides enhanced wettability combined with a long-lasting effect for the surface to which the liquid foliar composition is applied. For example, the particulate mineral-based material in combination with a humectant and surfactant provides enhanced wettability combined with a long-lasting effect for the plant or fungal surface to which the liquid foliar composition is applied.

[0198] With regard to the liquid foliar composition, the particulate mineral material, the humectants, the surfactants, and their preferred embodiments, reference is made to the descriptions provided above when discussing the technical details of the liquid foliar composition of the present invention.

[0199] The following examples and tests illustrate the invention but do not limit it in any way. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0200] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the contact angle measurements for Formulation A. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows the contact angle measurements for Formulation B. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows the contact angle measurements for Formulation C. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the contact angle measurements for Formulation D. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows contact angle measurements for Formulation A, Formulation B, and Formulation C after each rain shower. [Figure 6]Figure 6 shows the contact angle measurements of a nanoparticle slurry containing a humectant, a nanoparticle slurry containing Genapol as a surfactant, and a nanoparticle slurry containing a combination of both (humectant and surfactant). [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the contact angle measurements of a nanoparticle slurry containing a humectant, a nanoparticle slurry containing Break-Thru as a surfactant, and a nanoparticle slurry containing a combination of both (humectant and surfactant). [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the contact angle measurements of a nanoparticle slurry containing CaCl2 or glycerol as a humectant in combination with a surfactant. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the contact angle measurements of various different nanoparticle-based coatings.

Examples

[0201] Examples I. Analysis method BET specific surface area of the material Throughout this specification, the BET method (using nitrogen as the adsorbing gas) was used to determine the specific surface area (m 2 / g) of the mineral filler. This method is well known to those skilled in the art (ISO 9277:2010). Then, the total surface area (m 2 ) of the mineral filler was obtained by multiplying the specific surface area of the mineral filler by its mass (g) before treatment.

[0202] Particle size distribution of particulate materials (% particles by mass with diameter < X), and weight median diameter (d 50 ) As used herein and as generally defined in the art, for particles with a weight-based median particle size of d 50 ≧ 1 μm, the values of "d 50 " and "d 98 " were measured by the sedimentation method. The sedimentation method is an analysis of sedimentation behavior in the field of gravimetric measurement. The measurements were performed using a Sedigraph® 5120 from Micromeritics Instrument Corporation, USA.

[0203] The measurements are carried out in a 0.1 wt% aqueous solution of Na4P2O7. The sample is dispersed using a high speed stirrer and sonication.

[0204] Weight-based median particle size d 50 For particles with a particle diameter of <1 μm, the weight-based median particle diameter d 50 and top cut d 98 The values ​​of were evaluated using a Malvern Zetasizer ZS90 Dynamic Light Scattering System. The raw data obtained by the measurements are analyzed using Mie theory with a particle refractive index of 1.57 and an absorption coefficient of 0.01.

[0205] OCA (optical contact angle) measurement Equipment: optical contact angle (OCA 50), dataphysics Test liquid: Deionized water Table tilt angle: 0° Droplet size: 2μL Mode: Droplet Technology Syringe outer diameter: 0.52mm

[0206] The OCA consisted of an optical setup consisting of lenses, lamps, a metering system, a video camera, a movable stage in X, Y and Z directions, and a tilt table (tilt 0-95°).

[0207] The OCA was an instrument equipped with a metering system, a camera, a stage, a tilt table, and software, SCA-20, that helped operate the instrument. The software also assisted in the analysis of the average contact angle of the liquid on the surface.

[0208] The surface was positioned and fixed on a stage under the dosing system. Deionized water was loaded into the dosing system and a 2 μL drop was dispensed onto the surface. The nominal diameter of the drop displayed on the screen was suggested to be less than 1 / 2 the field view. The drop was recorded during deposition and evaluation was performed from the recorded video while the table was in a horizontal position. The average contact angle (side-to-side contact angle) was measured using a circular (less than 30°) or elliptical fitting (30-60°). The data was evaluated until the outline of the drop was visible.

[0209] II. Working Examples Example 1 Materials used: - Support plate: Sandblasted PMMA plate (50 x 50 mm) - Surfactant: Break Thru (0.25g) - Particulate mineral material: Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC) ■Micro GCC:BET 1~2m 2 / g,d 50 = 3 to 4 μm, d 98 =9~10μm ■ Nano GCC: BET 30~40m 2 / g,d 50 = 60~70nm, d 98 =140~150nm - Moisturizer: CaCl2 (150mM)

[0210] Methods used: - Application: Spray application, working distance 30cm, final coating weight per panel approximately 14mg - Rinse: 1 rinse step and 5ml of deionized water per plate, applied with a pipette - Contact angle measurement: Sessile drop technique, drop size 2μl The formulations used for testing are shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0211] The results obtained in Example 1 are shown in Table 2 below. [Table 2]

[0212] The optical contact angle was measured after 0, 3 and 5 rinse steps and compared to the uncoated substrate. The results show that the nanoparticles without surfactant (formulation B) have the same effect as the formulations with surfactant (formulations A and C), regardless of particle size. The results below the evolution of the contact angle are shown for each formulation in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4.

[0213] Example 2 Formulations A, B, and C shown in Table 1 above were used. Methods used: - Application: Spray application, working distance 30cm, final coating weight per panel approximately 14mg - Rinse: 1 rinse step and 1360ml of tap water per board, coated with rain machine - Contact angle measurement: Sessile drop technique, drop size 2μl

[0214] The three formulations A, B, and C showed low contact angles in Example 1, therefore further testing was performed on Formulation A, B, and C. Specifically, the contact angles of Formulation A, B, and C were measured after each of multiple cleaning steps. The rinsing procedures were adjusted to realistic conditions in the field.

[0215] The results show that the wetting properties remain very good for the formulations containing nanoparticles (Formulation A and Formulation B), whereas this is lost for the formulation containing microparticles (Formulation C). In addition, measurements were performed on plates without particles to demonstrate the effect of particles (surfactants).

[0216] The results are shown in Figure 5.

[0217] Example 3 The following examples demonstrate the synergistic effect of humectants and surfactants in combination with particulate mineral-based materials.

[0218] material Surfactants Genapol X-080 (Gen; non-ionic surfactant; isotridecyl polyethylene glycol ether) ○Break-Thru S 240 (BT; non-ionic surfactant; polyether trisiloxane) ·mineral ○GCC nanoparticles (BET=38m 2 / g,d 50 = 135 nm, d 98 =340nm) Moisturizer ○CaCl2 Glycerol ·Support plate ○Mica grade V1

[0219] Description and Results of Tests for Optical Contact Angle (OCA) The contact angles of the different formulations (see Table 3) on a mica surface were measured. The formulation was loaded into a syringe and 5 μl of the slurry was deposited onto the mica surface as quickly as possible (less than 1 minute after loading into the syringe). The side-to-side angle of the droplet contacting the mica was tracked over time. Typically, contact angles were measured for up to 300 seconds, but in some cases the slurry formulation reached very low contact angles for shorter periods of time. [Table 3]

[0220] Two surfactants were evaluated: Break-Thru and Genapol. Contact angle measurements of nanoslurries containing humectant, surfactant, and a combination of both (humectant and surfactant) are shown in Figure 6 for Genapol and Figure 7 for Break-Thru.

[0221] A synergistic effect between the humectant and both surfactants is observed, as indicated by the lower contact angle of the complete formulation (nGCC+CaCl2(humectant)+surfactant) compared to formulations containing particles only (nGCC), or "particles+humectant" (nGCC+CaCl2), or "particles+surfactant" (nGCC+surfactant).

[0222] Example 4 The following examples demonstrate the effectiveness of using different humectants in combination with particulate mineral-based materials and surfactants.

[0223] material Surfactants ○Break-Thru S 240 (BT; non-ionic surfactant; polyether trisiloxane) ·mineral ○GCC nanoparticles (BET=38m 2 / g,d 50 = 135 nm, d 98 =340nm) Moisturizer ○CaCl2 Glycerol ·Support plate ○Mica grade V1

[0224] Substitution of CaCl2 with glycerol was evaluated. Contact angles of nanoslurries containing combinations of humectants and surfactants are shown in Figure 8 for CaCl2 and glycerol. The compositions correspond to those shown in Table 3 above.

[0225] Substitution of CaCl2 with glycerol has the same qualitative effect on the measured contact angles, i.e. the CA of (nGCC glycerol BT) is only slightly lower compared to the CA of (nGCC BT).

[0226] Example 5 The example below shows the effect of iron oxide on contact angle.

[0227] material Surfactants ○Break-Thru S 240 (BT; non-ionic surfactant; polyether trisiloxane) ·mineral ○GCC nanoparticles (nano-GCC; BET=38m 2 / g,d 50 = 135 nm, d 98 =340nm) ○GCC microparticles (micro-GCC; BET 1-2m 2 / g,d 50 = 3 to 4 μm, d 98 =9~10μm) Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Nano-Fe3O4; product no. 637106, Sigma Aldrich; BET=8m 2 / g,d 50 = 120 nm, d 98 =500 nm) Moisturizer ○CaCl2 ·Support plate Sandblasted PMMA plate

[0228] Description and Results of Tests for Optical Contact Angle (OCA) Rough PMMA panels were spray coated with the formulations listed in Table 4 below. The final weight of the dried coating is about 14 mg. About 2 μl of water was deposited onto the prepared coating. The left and right angles of the droplet were measured. Measurements were also performed after rinsing the coated panels five times using a rain simulator. The rain simulator was set to simulate a 50 mm European torrential rain event. [Table 4]

[0229] Water contact angle values ​​measured on the as-prepared coatings are low for all formulations, in the range of 4-5°. However, after rinsing, the evolution of the contact angle is different and appears to be related to the chemical composition. In the case of GCC, the microparticle-based coating shows a sharp increase in the contact angle up to 72°, whereas this is less true for the nanoparticle-based coating. In the case of Fe3O4, the contact angle of the nanoparticle-based coating increases to 22°. The results are shown in Figure 9. It is noteworthy that the same results as for Fe3O4 are observed for Fe2O3 (e.g. Fe2O3 nanoparticles (Nano-Fe2O3, product no. 544884, Sigma Aldrich; BET = 50-245 m 2 / g, particle size <=50 nm) should also be obtained. Thus, Fe3O4 can be substituted for Fe2O3 and vice versa without loss of efficacy.

Claims

1. 1. A liquid foliar composition comprising: (a) an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium; (b) 0.1 to 60 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition, of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, wherein the particulate mineral-based material has a weight-based median particle size d ５０ is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d ５０ ≧1 μm, measured by sedimentation method, and the weight-based median particle size d ５０ a particulate mineral-based material, the particles of which have a size of <1 μm as measured by dynamic light scattering; (c) 0.01 to 10 wt % of a humectant, based on the total weight of the composition; and / or (d) 0.01 to 3 wt % of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

2. 10. The liquid foliar composition of claim 1, wherein the particulate mineral-based material comprises: (a) a weight-based median particle size d of 10 nm to 10 μm, preferably 20 nm to 1 μm, more preferably 30 nm to 800 nm, even more preferably 40 nm to 500 nm, and most preferably 50 nm to 200 nm; ５０ wherein the weight-based median particle size d ５０ ≧1 μm, measured by sedimentation method, and the weight-based median particle size d ５０ Particles having a weight-based median particle size d<1 μm, as measured by dynamic light scattering ５０ and / or (b) a weight-based top cut d in the range of 50 nm to 100 μm, preferably 100 nm to 10 μm, more preferably 120 nm to 5 μm, even more preferably 130 nm to 1 μm, and most preferably 130 nm to 800 nm ９８ wherein the weight-based median particle size d ５０ ≧1 μm, measured by sedimentation method, and the weight-based median particle size d ５０ Particles having a weight-based top cut d<1 μm are measured by dynamic light scattering. ９８ and / or (c) Nitrogen and 1 to 250 m, measured using the BET method based on ISO 9277:2010 ２ / g, preferably 5 to 200 m ２ / g, more preferably 15 to 150 m ２ / g, and even more preferably 20 to 100 m ２ / g BET specific surface area.

3. 10. The liquid foliar composition of claim 1, wherein the particulate mineral-based material comprises alkaline earth metal carbonates, alkaline earth metal phosphates, alkaline earth metal sulfates, alkaline earth metal oxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, and mixtures thereof.

4. (i) the particulate mineral-based material comprises at least one calcium ion-containing material, preferably selected from the group comprising natural ground calcium carbonate (NGCC), such as marble, limestone, and chalk, precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), hydroxyapatite, and mixtures thereof; (ii) the particulate mineral-based material is anhydrous magnesium carbonate, i.e., upsalite or magnesite (MgCO ３ ), magnesium oxide (MgO), arthite (Mg ２ (CO ３ ) (OH) ２ ・3H ２ O), 15 Dipingite (Mg ５ (CO ３ ) ４ (OH) ２ ・5H ２ O), giorgiosite (Mg ５ (CO ３ ) ４ (OH) ２ ・5H ２ O), Pokrovskite (Mg ２ (CO ３ ) (OH) ２ ・0.5H ２ O), ballintonite (MgCO ３ ・2H ２ O), Lansfordite (MgCO ３ ・5H ２ O), nesquehonite (MgCO ３ ・3H ２ O), talc (Mg ３ Si ４ O １０ (OH) ２ ), and mixtures thereof; or (iii) the particulate mineral-based material comprises at least one calcium ion-containing material and at least one magnesium ion-containing material, preferably selected from the group comprising dolomite, huntite, and mixtures thereof; The liquid foliar composition of claim 1.

5. 2. The liquid foliar composition of claim 1, wherein the humectant is an organic humectant or an inorganic salt comprising zinc cations, potassium cations, magnesium cations, calcium cations, chloride anions, and mixtures thereof, preferably the humectant is selected from the group comprising calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, zinc sulfate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof, preferably calcium chloride and / or glycerol.

6. The surfactant is selected from the group consisting of cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof, more preferably the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of salts of fatty acids, benzoates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, dialkyl sulfosuccinates, polycarboxylates, salts of alkyl sulfates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl diglycol ether sulfates, salts of alcohol sulfates, sulfonates such as alkyl sulfonates, aryl sulfonates, and / or alkylaryl sulfonates such as lignin sulfonates, alkyl diphenyl ether disulfonates, polystyrene sulfonates, phenol sulfonates condensed with formaldehyde, salts of alkyl phosphoric acid esters, alkylaryl phosphates, styrylaryl phosphates, salts of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene styrylaryl ether sulfates, ammonium polyoxyethylene styrylaryl ether sulfates, poly one or more anionic surfactants selected from salts of oxyethylene alkylaryl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphates, salts of polyoxyethylene alkylaryl phosphate esters, polyoxyethylene styryl aryl ether phosphate esters or salts thereof, and salts of maleic anhydride alkylene copolymers; organically modified trisiloxanes, organic silicones, polyethylene glycol monoethers, sorbitan fatty acid esters, glycerin fatty acid esters, fatty acid polyglycerides, fatty acid alcohol polyglycol ethers, acetylene glycols, acetylene alcohols, oxyalkylene block polymers, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ethers, polyoxyethylene styryl aryl ethers, polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitol fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil,2. The liquid foliar composition of claim 1, which is one or more nonionic surfactants selected from polyoxyethylene castor oil and polyoxypropylene fatty acid esters, one or more cationic surfactants selected from alkoxylated fatty amines, and amphoteric surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

7. 10. The liquid foliar composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises a dispersant, preferably formed from monomers and / or comonomers selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, fumaric acid, maleic anhydride, isocrotonic acid, aconitic acid (cis or trans), mesaconic acid, sinapic acid, undecylenic acid, angelic acid, canellic acid, hydroxyacrylic acid, acrolein, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, vinylpyrrolidone, vinylcaprolactam, ethylene, propylene, isobutylene, diisobutylene, vinyl acetate, styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, methyl vinyl ketone, esters of acrylic and methacrylic acid, and mixtures thereof, more preferably wherein the dispersant is poly(acrylic acid) and / or poly(methacrylic acid).

8. 8. The liquid foliar composition of claim 7, wherein the dispersant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

9. 10. The liquid foliar composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises a plant nutrient element, insecticide, or sunscreen compound selected from the group consisting of zinc, copper, iron, manganese, boron, molybdenum, nitrogen, silicon, sodium, chlorine, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, manganese, sulfur, and mixtures thereof.

10. 1. A method for preparing a liquid foliar composition, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, wherein the particulate mineral-based material has a weight-based median particle size d ５０ is a value in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm, and the weight-based median particle size d ５０ ≧1 μm, measured by sedimentation method, and the weight-based median particle size d ５０ Particles having a particle size of <1 μm are measured by dynamic light scattering, (b) providing a moisturizer and / or surfactant; and (c) dissolving and / or dispersing the particulate mineral-based material and the humectant and / or the surfactant in an aqueous solvent or dispersion medium such that the particulate mineral-based material is present in an amount of 0.1 to 60 wt % based on the total weight of the composition, and the humectant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt % based on the total weight of the composition, and / or the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein step (c) further comprises dispersing a dispersant in the aqueous solvent or dispersion medium such that the dispersant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 3 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

12. 1. A method for increasing the wettability of a surface, preferably a plant surface or a fungal surface, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a liquid foliar composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and (b) applying said liquid foliar composition to said surface, preferably a plant surface or a fungal surface.

13. Use of the liquid foliar composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in agricultural and horticultural applications.

14. Use of a particulate mineral-based material comprising at least one alkaline earth metal ion-containing material, iron oxide, or zinc oxide in a liquid foliar composition, wherein the particulate mineral-based material has a weight-based median particle size d ５０ The use of particulate mineral-based materials, wherein the particle size is in the range of 5 nm to 20 μm.

15. 15. The use according to claim 14, wherein the particulate mineral-based material in combination with a humectant and / or surfactant provides enhanced wettability combined with a long-lasting effect for the surface, preferably a plant surface or a fungal surface, onto which the liquid foliar composition is applied.

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