Pollen dispersal suppressant

Abstract

To provide a chemical agent that can kill male flowers and / or suppress pollen dispersal even when sprayed. [Solution] A pollen dispersal suppressant comprising a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and at least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a pollen dispersal inhibitor. [Background technology]

[0002] Pollen allergies caused by cedar and cypress trees are reported to affect approximately 20% of people in urban areas. The incidence rate is increasing year by year, and the age of onset is getting younger. Therefore, taking measures against pollen allergies is essential. Currently, as a countermeasure, cedar varieties that do not produce pollen or produce very little pollen are being developed and replanted. However, at the current pace, it is estimated that it will take more than 500 years to replant all of them.

[0003] Non-patent document 1 also reports the use of a fungus (Leptosphaerulina japonica) that parasitizes and kills cedar male flowers, but the effects of dispersing fungi over a wide area are unpredictable, and it is difficult to gain understanding for dispersing fungi, so this has not yet been put into practical use. Furthermore, in recent years, as a drug that stops only the flowering of cedar flowers, which are the cause of hay fever, without affecting branches and leaves other than male flowers, Patent Document 1 (JP-A-7-53307) describes a pollen dispersal inhibitor containing sodium oleate as an active ingredient, Patent Document 2 (JP-A-5-238902) describes an emulsion in which oleic acid and / or linoleic acid is emulsified with a surfactant, Patent Document 3 (JP-A-2009-184990) describes a pollen dispersal inhibitor containing a partial ester of oleic acid or linoleic acid and glycerin, and Patent Document 4 (JP-A-2009-184991) describes a pollen dispersal inhibitor containing an ester of oleic acid or linoleic acid and an alcohol having a sugar skeleton. Patent Document 5 (JP 2009-191052) describes an emulsion obtained by emulsifying an ester of oleic acid or linoleic acid with a polyhydric alcohol having 4 or more carbon atoms with a surfactant, while Patent Document 6 (JP 2009-191053) describes a pollen dispersal suppressant containing an oleic acid derivative or linoleic acid derivative such as polyoxyethylene oleic acid ester, polyoxyethylene linoleic acid ester, polyoxyethylene sorbitan oleic acid ester, polyoxyethylene sorbitan linoleic acid ester, polyoxyethylene sorbitol oleic acid ester, and polyoxyethylene sorbitol linoleic acid ester. Furthermore, Patent Document 7 (JP 2012-92174) describes a pollen dispersal inhibitor containing a polyhydric alcohol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms as an active ingredient. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-53307 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-238902 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-184990 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-184991 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-191052 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-191053 [Patent Document 7] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-92174 [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Takanori Kubono, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, "Development of a technology to prevent the dispersal of Japanese cedar and cypress pollen using fungi" https: / / www.affrc.maff.go.jp / docs / research_fund / 2010 / pdf / 22023_gaiyo.pdf [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, the drugs described in Patent Documents 1-6 require high concentrations of around 5% to exert their effects, which can have adverse effects on the environment. Even if the drugs are food additives or food products, their effects cannot be ignored. The chemical described in Patent Document 7 can be used at low concentrations, and when male flowers are directly immersed in the chemical, wilting of the male flowers is observed. However, when this chemical is sprayed on plants, it does not sufficiently kill the male flowers, and the pollen dispersal suppression effect is not sufficient (see the examples in this specification). Immersing each male flower of densely growing plants in the chemical is not practical, and there is a great demand for pollen dispersal suppressants that can prevent pollen formation and dispersal using simpler methods such as chemical spraying.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above points, and aims to provide a highly practical pollen dispersal suppressant that can suppress pollen dispersal even when a chemical agent is sprayed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] As a result of diligent research, the inventors of the present invention have discovered that pollen dispersion can be significantly suppressed by using a composition containing a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms and at least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin, and have completed the present invention.

[0009] The gist of this invention is as follows: [1] Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and At least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin. A pollen dispersal suppressant that contains [this ingredient]. [2] The pollen dispersal inhibitor according to [1], wherein the polyglycerin comprises polyglycerin formed by the polymerization of 2 to 12 glycerin molecules. [3] The pollen dispersal inhibitor according to [1] or [2], wherein the glycerin-based component comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, diglycerin, triglycerin, tetraglycerin, and decaglycerin. [4] The pollen dispersal inhibitor according to any one of items [1] to [3], wherein the glycerin-based component is triglycerin. [5] A pollen dispersal inhibitor according to any one of the items [1] to [4], wherein the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol caprylate, propylene glycol caprate, and propylene glycol laurate. [6] A pollen dispersal inhibitor according to any one of items [1] to [5], wherein the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms contains propylene glycol capric acid ester. [7] A pollen dispersal inhibitor according to [1] to [6], wherein the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms contains propylene glycol laurate ester. 〔8〕 The pollen dispersal inhibitor according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔7〕, which contains the glycerin-based component in an amount of 0.1 to 20 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. 〔9〕 The pollen dispersal inhibitor according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔8〕, which contains the glycerin-based component in an amount of 0.4 to 8 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. 〔10〕 The pollen dispersal inhibitor according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔9〕, which contains the glycerin-based component in an amount of 0.8 to 4.5 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. 〔11〕 The pollen dispersal inhibitor according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔10〕, wherein the pollen is cedar or cypress pollen. 〔12〕 A pollen dispersal inhibition method, which includes a step of applying the pollen dispersal inhibitor according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔11〕 to a target plant. 〔13〕 A propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and at least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin A method for producing the pollen dispersal inhibitor according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔11〕, which includes a step of mixing them. 〔14〕 A propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and at least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin A drug for withering male flowers, which contains them. 〔15〕 The drug for withering male flowers according to 〔14〕, wherein the polyglycerin contains polyglycerin formed by polymerization of 2 to 12 glycerins. 〔16〕 The drug for withering male flowers according to 〔13〕 or 〔14〕, wherein the glycerin-based component contains at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, diglycerin, triglycerin, tetraglycerin, and decaglycerin. The agent for killing male flowers according to any one of

[14] to

[16] , wherein the glycerin-based component is triglycerin. The agent for killing male flowers according to any one of

[14] to

[17] , wherein the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms contains at least one selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol caprylate, propylene glycol caprate, and propylene glycol laurate. The agent for killing male flowers according to any one of

[14] to

[18] , wherein the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms contains propylene glycol caprate. The agent for killing male flowers according to any one of

[14] to

[19] , wherein the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms contains propylene glycol laurate. The agent for killing male flowers according to any one of

[14] to

[20] , wherein the glycerin-based component is contained in an amount of 0.1 to 20 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. The agent for killing male flowers according to any one of

[14] to

[21] , wherein the glycerin-based component is contained in an amount of 0.4 to 8 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. The agent for killing male flowers according to any one of

[14] to

[22] , wherein the glycerin-based component is contained in an amount of 0.8 to 4.5 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. The agent for killing male flowers according to any one of

[14] to

[23] , wherein the male flower is a male flower of Cryptomeria japonica or Chamaecyparis obtusa. A method for killing male flowers, comprising a step of applying the agent for killing male flowers according to any one of

[14] to

[24] to a target plant. 〔26〕 A propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms and At least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin, A method for producing a chemical agent for killing male flowers as described in any one of items

[14] to

[24] , comprising the step of mixing the following:

[27] Use of at least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin in the manufacture of a pollen dispersal inhibitor or an agent for killing male flowers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The pollen dispersal inhibitor of the present invention can kill male flowers not only by immersion but also by spraying. Therefore, it is possible to reduce or prevent pollen formation or dispersal more easily and practically than with conventional methods. Furthermore, the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the present invention can efficiently reduce or prevent pollen formation or dispersal even when sprayed at low concentrations. Therefore, it causes little phytotoxicity to target plants, has a low environmental impact, is safe, economical, and practical. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a photograph showing the state of male flowers on cedar trees in a field after the application of the chemical agent of the present invention. The death of male flowers was confirmed in the areas indicated by the black circles in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] <<Pollen Dispersion Inhibitor>> A first aspect of the present invention is a pollen dispersal inhibitor comprising a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and at least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin.

[0013] <Glycerin-based ingredients> The pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment comprises at least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin. The glycerin-based component preferably contains at least one compound represented by the following formula (1), and more preferably at least one compound represented by the following formula (1). JPEG2026055809000001.jpg2056 In formula (1), n ​​is between 1 and 12. n is preferably between 1 and 11, more preferably between 1 and 10, more preferably between 1 and 9, more preferably between 1 and 8, more preferably between 1 and 7, more preferably between 1 and 6, more preferably between 1 and 5, more preferably between 1 and 4, more preferably between 1 and 3, more preferably between 2 and 3, and more preferably between 3. Furthermore, the polyglycerin preferably contains polyglycerin formed by the polymerization of 2 to 12 glycerin molecules, more preferably polyglycerin formed by the polymerization of 2 to 12 glycerin molecules, even more preferably polyglycerin formed by the polymerization of 2 to 10 glycerin molecules, even more preferably polyglycerin formed by the polymerization of 2 to 9 glycerin molecules, even more preferably polyglycerin formed by the polymerization of 2 to 8 glycerin molecules, even more preferably polyglycerin formed by the polymerization of 2 to 7 glycerin molecules, even more preferably polyglycerin formed by the polymerization of 2 to 6 glycerin molecules, even more preferably polyglycerin formed by the polymerization of 2 to 5 glycerin molecules, even more preferably polyglycerin formed by the polymerization of 2 to 4 glycerin molecules, even more preferably polyglycerin formed by the polymerization of 2 to 3 glycerin molecules, and even more preferably polyglycerin formed by the polymerization of 3 glycerin molecules. Furthermore, the glycerin-based component preferably contains glycerin or polyglycerin obtained by polymerizing 2 to 12 glycerin molecules, more preferably glycerin or polyglycerin obtained by polymerizing 2 to 12 glycerin molecules, even more preferably glycerin or polyglycerin obtained by polymerizing 2 to 10 glycerin molecules, even more preferably glycerin or polyglycerin obtained by polymerizing 2 to 9 glycerin molecules, even more preferably glycerin or polyglycerin obtained by polymerizing 2 to 8 glycerin molecules, and glycerin or polyglycerin obtained by polymerizing 2 to 7 glycerin molecules It is even more preferable that the polyglycerin is formed by the polymerization of phosphorus, even more preferably that it is formed by the polymerization of glycerin or 2 to 6 glycerin molecules, even more preferably that it is formed by the polymerization of glycerin or 2 to 5 glycerin molecules, even more preferably that it is formed by the polymerization of glycerin or 2 to 4 glycerin molecules, even more preferably that it is formed by the polymerization of glycerin or 2 to 3 glycerin molecules, and even more preferably that it is formed by the polymerization of 3 glycerin molecules.

[0014] Among these, the glycerin-based component is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, diglycerin, triglycerin, tetraglycerin, and decaglycerin; more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, diglycerin, triglycerin, and tetraglycerin; and even more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, diglycerin, and triglycerin. It is also preferable that it be at least one selected from the group consisting of diglycerin, triglycerin, and tetraglycerin. The most preferred glycerin-based component is triglycerin.

[0015] The glycerin-based component is preferably present in an amount of 0.1 to 20 parts by mass, more preferably 0.2 to 15 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.3 to 12 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.4 to 8 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.5 to 8 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.7 to 8 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.7 to 7 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.8 to 6 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.8 to 5 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.8 to 4.5 parts by mass, and even more preferably 1.5 to 4.5 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0016] The pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment, by containing a glycerin-based component along with a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, exhibits an excellent male flower wilting effect and can suppress pollen dispersal. This effect cannot be obtained when triglycerin oleate, lecithin, sodium laurate, polysorbate, etc. are used instead of the glycerin-based component (tests 3-4, 15-16 of Example 5). Furthermore, the above effect cannot be obtained when the glycerin-based component is not included (tests 5-14, 17-21 of Example 5). Therefore, the excellent effect of the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment, achieved by combining a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms with a glycerin-based component, is unexpected and surprising. The reason why the first embodiment of the pollen dispersal inhibitor exhibits excellent pollen dispersal inhibitory effects due to the inclusion of propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms and a glycerin-based component is not clear, but it is presumed to be as follows. Chemicals sprayed on plants are generally used diluted in water to reduce the risk of phytotoxicity. However, conventional pollen dispersal inhibitors, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 7, cannot uniformly disperse the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms in a useful form in water, and it is thought that the effects of the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms may not be fully exerted when sprayed on target plants. In contrast, the first embodiment of the pollen dispersal inhibitor containing a glycerin-based component allows the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms to be uniformly dispersed in water by the glycerin-based component, and it is presumed that this allows it to fully exert its pollen dispersal inhibitory effect and male flower wilting effect.

[0017] <Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids with 2 to 12 carbon atoms> The pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment contains a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. The propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms is included in the pollen dispersal inhibitor as an active ingredient. Examples of fatty acid components constituting propylene glycol esters of fatty acids having 2 to 12 carbon atoms include saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched fatty acids, such as acetic acid, caprylic acid (C8), capric acid (C10), lauric acid (C12), and mixtures of two or more of these. Among these, at least one selected from the group consisting of caprylic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid is preferred, at least one selected from the group consisting of capric acid and lauric acid is more preferred, and capric acid is particularly preferred. Lauric acid is also preferred.

[0018] The propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms is preferably an ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms and propylene glycol, and more preferably an ester of a fatty acid having 8 to 12 carbon atoms and propylene glycol. In particular, the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol caprylate (C8), propylene glycol caprate (C10), and propylene glycol laurate (C12), more preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol caprate and propylene glycol laurate, and even more preferably contains propylene glycol caprate. It is also particularly preferable to contain propylene glycol laurate. Furthermore, the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol caprylic acid, propylene glycol capric acid, and propylene glycol laurate, more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol capric acid and propylene glycol laurate, and even more preferably propylene glycol capric acid. It is also particularly preferred to be propylene glycol laurate. The propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms may be a partial ester, a complete ester, or a mixture thereof, but it is preferable that it contains a partial ester (monoester). Furthermore, the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms may be a partial ester only, a complete ester only, or a mixture of a partial ester and a complete ester. In the case of a complete ester (diester), each of the two fatty acids having 2 to 12 carbon atoms esterified to one propylene glycol molecule may be the same or different.

[0019] The pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment, by containing a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms along with a glycerin-based component, can exhibit an excellent male flower wilting effect and / or pollen dispersal suppression effect. This effect cannot be obtained when glycerin fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, or various vegetable oils are used instead of the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms (Test 7 of the present example). Therefore, the excellent effect of the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment, achieved by combining a glycerin-based component with a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, is unexpected and surprising.

[0020] <Other ingredients> The pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment may contain, in addition to at least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol esters of fatty acids having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and glycerin and polyglycerin, other components such as alcohols, surfactants, and water, as long as they do not impair the effects of the first embodiment, or they may not contain these components. As auxiliary agents, for example, surfactants described in Patent Document 7, IPA (isopropanol), alcohols such as ethanol, etc. can be used as appropriate. For example, the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment may contain at least one auxiliary agent selected from surfactants and alcohols, or it may contain alcohol and surfactants as auxiliary agents.

[0021] (alcohol) The pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment may or may not contain alcohol. Preferably, the alcohol is at least one selected from the group consisting of alcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of ethanol and propanol, even more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of 1-propanol and 2-propanol, and even more preferably 2-propanol (isopropyl alcohol). Alcohol may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. The amount of alcohol is preferably 10 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Furthermore, if the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment contains alcohol, the amount of alcohol is preferably 0.1 to 10 parts by mass, more preferably 0.2 to 8 parts by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 5 parts by mass, even more preferably 1 to 3 parts by mass, and even more preferably 1 to 2 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0022] <Surfactants> The pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment may or may not contain a surfactant. In this specification and in the claims, propylene glycol esters of fatty acids having 2 to 12 carbon atoms are used as active ingredients and are not included in surfactants. Therefore, the term "surfactant" can be replaced with "surfactant other than propylene glycol esters of fatty acids having 2 to 12 carbon atoms." There are no particular restrictions on the type of surfactant used; conventionally known surfactants can be appropriately selected and used. Examples of surfactants include nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and anionic surfactants. Examples of nonionic surfactants include sorbitan fatty acid (C 8~18 ) Esters (specifically, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitol monolaurate, etc.), glycerin fatty acids (C 8~18 ) Esters (specifically, glycerol monostearate, glycerol monooleate, etc.), sucrose fatty acids (C 8~18 ) esters (specifically, sucrose stearate, sucrose palmitate, sucrose myristicate, sucrose oleate, sucrose laurate, sucrose behenic acid, etc.), polyglycerin fatty acids (C 8~18) esters (specifically, diglycerin monooleate, diglycerin monostearate, decaglycerin monolaurate, decaglycerin monooleate, fatty acid polyglycerides, etc.), organic acid monoglycerides (specifically, acetate monoglyceride, lactate monoglyceride, citrate monoglyceride, diacetyl tartaric acid monoglyceride, succinate monoglyceride, etc.), fatty acid alcohol polyglycol ethers, acetylene glycol, acetylene alcohol, oxyalkylene block polymer, polyoxyethylene (C) 8~18 )alkyl ethers (specifically, polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, etc.), polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ethers, polyoxyethylene styrylaryl ethers, polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters (specifically, polyoxyethylene glycol monolaurate, polyoxyethylene glycol monostearate, polyoxyethylene glycol monooleate, etc.), polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid (C 8~18 Examples include esters (specifically, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene monostearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, etc.), polyoxyethylene sorbitol fatty acid esters (specifically, polyoxyethylene sorbitan tetraoleate, etc.), polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid esters (specifically, polyoxyethylene glyceryl monostearate, polyoxyethylene glyceryl oleate, etc.), polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene castor oil, polyoxypropylene fatty acid esters, etc., and polyoxyethylene alkylamines (specifically, polyoxyethylene cocoamine, etc.). Examples of nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene alkyl ether type nonionic surfactants, polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester type nonionic surfactants, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester type nonionic surfactants, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil type nonionic surfactants, polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid ester type nonionic surfactants, polyglycerin fatty acid ester type nonionic surfactants, and the like. Among these, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene castor oil, glycerin fatty acid (C 8~18 ) ester, and polyglycerin fatty acid (C 8~18 ) ester are preferred, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene castor oil, and polyglycerin fatty acid (C 8~18 ) ester are more preferred, and polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylene castor oil, and diglycerin monooleate (for example, PEM DO-100V (trade name, manufactured by Riken Vitamin Co., Ltd.)) are even more preferred.

[0023] Examples of cationic surfactants include alkoxylated aliphatic amines, alkylamine salts (specifically, coconut amine acetate, stearylamine acetate, etc.), quaternary ammonium salts (specifically, lauryltrimethylammonium chloride, stearyltrimethylammonium chloride, etc.), and the like. In addition, examples of cationic surfactants include aliphatic amines, amine salts, and quaternary ammonium salts. Specifically, lauryldihydroxyethylamine, hexadecylamine, hexadecylhydroxyethylamine, laurylamine acetate, hexadecylpoly(15)hydroxyethylamine, lauryldimethylbenzalkonium chloride, oleyl dihydroxyethylmethylammonium chloride, lauryldihydroxyethylmethylammonium chloride, octadecyldimethylbenzalkonium, and the like can be mentioned.

[0024] Examples of anionic surfactants include fatty acid salts, benzoates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, dialkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfate esters, alkyl sulfates, alkyl diglycol ether sulfates, alcohol sulfate esters, alkyl sulfonates, lignin sulfonates, alkyl diphenyl ether disulfonates, polystyrene sulfonates, alkyl phosphate esters, alkylaryl phosphates, styrylaryl phosphates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene styrylaryl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene styrylaryl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphates, polyoxyethylene alkylaryl phosphates, polyoxyethylene styrylaryl ether phosphates, or salts thereof.

[0025] Among these, it is preferable that the surfactant includes a nonionic surfactant, and more preferably that it consists solely of a nonionic surfactant. Furthermore, the surfactant may more preferably include at least one selected from polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil and polyoxyethylene castor oil, a glycerin fatty acid ester, and / or a polyglycerin fatty acid ester; it may more preferably include at least one selected from polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil and polyoxyethylene castor oil and / or a polyglycerin fatty acid ester; it may more preferably include at least one selected from polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil and polyoxyethylene castor oil and / or diglycerin monooleate; it may more preferably include polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil and diglycerin monooleate, or polyoxyethylene castor oil and diglycerin monooleate; and it may more preferably include polyoxyethylene castor oil and diglycerin monooleate. There are no particular restrictions on the number of moles of ethylene oxide added to polyoxyethylene castor oil or polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil. For example, 10 to 60 moles may be added per mole of castor oil or hydrogenated castor oil, 20 to 50 moles may be added, 30 to 50 moles may be added, 35 to 45 moles may be added, or 42 moles may be added. As a surfactant, one type of surfactant may be used alone, or two or more types of surfactants may be used in combination. The amount of surfactant is preferably 10 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Furthermore, if the pollen dispersion inhibitor of the first embodiment contains a surfactant, the amount of surfactant is preferably 0.1 to 10 parts by mass, more preferably 0.2 to 8 parts by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 5 parts by mass, even more preferably 1 to 3 parts by mass, and even more preferably 1 to 2 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. When using a combination of at least one selected from polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil and polyoxyethylene castor oil (preferably polyoxyethylene castor oil) and a polyglycerin fatty acid ester such as diglycerin monooleate, the amount of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil and / or polyoxyethylene castor oil is preferably 0.1 to 5 parts by mass, more preferably 0.2 to 4 parts by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 3 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.5 to 3 parts by mass, and even more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. The polyglycerin fatty acid ester (such as diglycerin monooleate) is preferably added in an amount of 0.1 to 5 parts by mass, more preferably 0.2 to 4 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.2 to 3 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.2 to 2 parts by mass, and even more preferably 0.3 to 1.0 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. In addition, the polyglycerin fatty acid ester (such as diglycerin monooleate) is also preferably added in an amount of 0.01 to 5 parts by mass or 0.05 to 5 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0026] (Total amount of auxiliary agents) The total amount of auxiliary agents, or the total amount of alcohol and surfactant, is preferably 20 parts by mass or less, more preferably 15 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 10 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 8 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 5 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 3 parts by mass or less, based on 100 parts by mass of propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Furthermore, the total amount of auxiliary agents is preferably 0.1 to 20 parts by mass, more preferably 0.2 to 15 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.5 to 10 parts by mass, even more preferably 1 to 8 parts by mass, even more preferably 1 to 5 parts by mass, and even more preferably 1 to 3 parts by mass.

[0027] (water) The pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment may contain water. If the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment contains water, dilution is not required at the time of use, or the amount of diluting water used at the time of use can be reduced. If water is included, it is preferable to include water such that the concentration of propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms in the pollen dispersal inhibitor is diluted by 2 to 1,000 times, preferably 10 to 800 times, more preferably 20 to 500 times, even more preferably 30 to 400 times, even more preferably 40 to 400 times, even more preferably 50 to 400 times, even more preferably 50 to 350 times, even more preferably 80 to 200 times, and most preferably 100 times. When applied to target plants, the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment contains water, which dilutes the propylene glycol ester of the fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, thereby reducing the risk of phytotoxicity. The pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment may further contain ingredients other than those mentioned above, as long as they do not impair its effect.

[0028] The pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment can be applied to target plants, etc., either as is or diluted with water, preferably to a concentration of propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms in the pollen dispersal inhibitor by 2 to 1000 times, more preferably 10 to 800 times, even more preferably 20 to 500 times, even more preferably 30 to 400 times, even more preferably 40 to 400 times, even more preferably 50 to 400 times, even more preferably 50 to 350 times, even more preferably 80 to 200 times, and most preferably 100 times. Dilution with water may be, for example, 100 to 300 times. The pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment can effectively kill male flowers even at low concentrations and when sprayed, and therefore can prevent pollen dispersal.

[0029] <Target Plants> The plants to which the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment is applied are not particularly limited as long as they are plants that have the potential to disperse pollen. Among these, trees such as Japanese cedar and cypress, grasses (weeds), ragweed, and weeds such as rapeseed that grow on riverbanks are preferred, Japanese cedar, cypress, grasses, and ragweed are more preferred, Japanese cedar and cypress are even more preferred, and Japanese cedar is particularly preferred. Furthermore, the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment can kill the male flowers of Japanese cedar and cypress, thereby suppressing pollen dispersal. Both Japanese cedar and cypress belong to the Cupressaceae family. Furthermore, the pollen targeted for dispersion suppression by the pollen dispersion suppressant of the first embodiment is preferably pollen from plants selected from the group consisting of trees such as Japanese cedar and cypress, grasses (weeds, such as ryegrass and ragweed), ragweed, and rapeseed; more preferably pollen from plants selected from Japanese cedar, cypress, grasses, and ragweed; even more preferably pollen from Japanese cedar or cypress; and particularly preferably pollen from Japanese cedar. The pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment may be applied to the target plant by immersion, coating, or spraying, but spraying is preferred. When spraying on the target plant, it can be sprayed using a sprayer or the like, a person may spray it directly on the target plant using a sprayer or the like, or it may be sprayed on the target plant from the air or from above the target plant using a helicopter or drone. The pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment has a very high effect in killing male flowers when sprayed on target plants, and can significantly suppress pollen dispersal. The first embodiment of the pollen dispersal inhibitor is preferably a cedar pollen dispersal inhibitor that suppresses the dispersal of cedar pollen by killing the male flowers of the cedar tree.

[0030] <Applicable period> The application period for the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment can be any time after the differentiation of male flower buds when applied to Japanese cedar, for example. It can be applied over a relatively long period from July, when male flowers are formed, to January of the following year, thereby effectively reducing or preventing pollen dispersal in the following spring. Among these, the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment is preferably applied from June to December, and more preferably from July to November. Furthermore, the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment can also exert its full effect when applied from August to November or from September to November. Generally, cedar flower bud differentiation begins around June to July, and male flowers are gradually formed over time, with mature pollen being produced in the male flowers around November. The formulation described in Patent Document 7 shows a certain degree of suppression of male flower formation when sprayed on cedar trees from June to mid-July, immediately after flower bud differentiation. However, after early August, the killing effect becomes almost negligible even when sprayed (Test 1 of the present example). In other words, the formulation described in Patent Document 7 has a killing effect on male flowers immediately after differentiation, but its effect decreases as the male flowers grow. Furthermore, the period from late June to early July, during which this formulation is effective, coincides with Japan's rainy season, meaning it must be applied in between rainfall, which presents practical problems. Furthermore, it is difficult to accurately determine the timing of flower bud differentiation, and there is a possibility that the spraying may be done too early, before the new shoots have fully developed. In this case, there is a concern that phytotoxicity may occur (for example, the new shoots wither or the tips of the new shoots turn brown). In contrast, the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment exhibits a high killing effect even when applied from early August onward (Test 1 of the present example). Therefore, it is possible to apply it while avoiding the rainy season, and there are no strict restrictions on the timing of application. Furthermore, since the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment is effective even when applied from the mid to late stages of male flower growth, it is not necessarily required to apply it in the early stages of flower bud differentiation, and there is no need to accurately determine the timing of flower bud differentiation. Therefore, problems of phytotoxicity are less likely to occur. When the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment is applied to cypress trees, it can be applied at any stage after the differentiation of the male flower buds of the cypress trees, and can be applied over a relatively long period from July, when the male flowers are formed, to February of the following year, thereby effectively reducing or preventing pollen dispersal in the following spring. Among these, the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment is preferably applied from August to December, and more preferably from September to November. Furthermore, the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment can also exert its full effect when applied from June to August or from December to February of the following year. When applied to target plants other than Japanese cedar and cypress, it can be applied, for example, during the flowering period of the target plant (preferably 1 month before to 1 month after flowering, more preferably 0.5 months before to 0.5 months after flowering). For example, when applied to grasses (weeds), it can be applied after heading, or 1 month before to 1 month after heading, preferably at the time of heading to 1 month after heading, more preferably at the time of heading to 0.5 months after heading. When applied to ragweed, it can be applied during the flowering period of ragweed (preferably 1 month before to 1 month after flowering, more preferably 0.5 months before to 0.5 months after flowering). The pollen dispersal inhibitor of the first embodiment can be manufactured, for example, by the method of the second embodiment described below.

[0031] <<Manufacturing method for pollen dispersal inhibitor>> A second aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a pollen dispersal inhibitor, comprising the step of mixing a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms with at least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin. In the second embodiment of the manufacturing method, in the mixing step described above, a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms is mixed with a glycerin-based component. In this mixing step, these components may be mixed with at least one auxiliary agent selected from surfactants and alcohols. Furthermore, water may be added and mixed with the above components before, during, or after mixing. The manufacturing method of the second embodiment may further include a step of diluting the mixture obtained by the mixing step with water. The dilution ratio of the pollen dispersal inhibitor or the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms when diluting with water is as described above. The pollen dispersal inhibitor, propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, glycerin-based components, surfactants, alcohols, and other components can be the same as those disclosed in the first embodiment.

[0032] <<How to suppress pollen scattering>> A third aspect of the present invention is a method for suppressing pollen dispersal, comprising the step of applying the above-described pollen dispersal suppressant to a target plant. Pollen dispersal inhibitors, target plants, and other aspects can be the same as those disclosed in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the third embodiment of the method, it is preferable to apply the pollen dispersal inhibitor to the target plants during the application period described above.

[0033] Methods for applying the pollen dispersal inhibitor to target plants include spraying, coating, and immersion. Among these, spraying is particularly preferred because it is simple and can be applied over a wide area. The pollen dispersal inhibitor may be sprayed over the entire above-ground part of the target plant, or sprayed over the area containing pollen or male flowers, but considering convenience and cost, it is preferable to spray it over the entire above-ground part of the target plant. Spraying methods include sprayers, and the agent may be sprayed directly by a person using a sprayer, or it may be sprayed from the air or from above the target plant using a helicopter or drone. The pollen dispersal inhibitor used in the third embodiment has a very high effect of killing male flowers even when sprayed on the target plant, and can significantly suppress pollen dispersal. When applying a pollen dispersal inhibitor to target plants, it is preferable to dilute the pollen dispersal inhibitor or the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms with water to the above-mentioned dilution ratio before use.

[0034] <> A fourth aspect of the present invention is an agent for killing male flowers, comprising a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and at least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin. The components contained in this agent are the same as those in the first aspect. That is, the agent of the fourth aspect can be the same as that of the first aspect, except that the pollen dispersal inhibitor is replaced with an agent for killing male flowers. For the male flowers, cedar or cypress male flowers are preferred, with cedar male flowers being particularly preferred. The first or fourth embodiment may be a composition comprising a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and at least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin. The components and other aspects of this composition are the same as those of the first or fourth embodiment.

[0035] <<Manufacturing method for chemicals that kill male flowers>> A fifth aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a chemical agent for killing male flowers, comprising the step of mixing a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms with at least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin. The fifth embodiment of the manufacturing method involves mixing a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms with a glycerin-based component in the mixing step described above. In this mixing step, these components may be mixed with at least one auxiliary agent selected from surfactants and alcohols. Furthermore, water may be added and mixed with the above components before, during, or after mixing. The manufacturing method of the fifth embodiment may further include a step of diluting the mixture obtained by the mixing step with water. The dilution ratio of the drug or the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms when diluting with water is as described above. The chemicals used to kill the male flowers, propylene glycol esters of fatty acids having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, glycerin-based components, surfactants, alcohols, male flowers, and other materials can be the same as those disclosed in the first or fourth embodiment.

[0036] <<How to kill male flowers>> A sixth aspect of the present invention is a method for killing male flowers, comprising the step of applying the above-described agent for killing male flowers to a target plant. The target plant, male flowers, and other features can be the same as those disclosed in the first and fourth embodiments. Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment of the method, it is preferable to apply the agent for killing male flowers to the target plant at the application time described above.

[0037] Methods for applying a chemical agent to kill male flowers to a target plant include spraying, coating, and immersion. Among these, spraying is particularly preferred because it is simple and can be applied over a wide area. The chemical agent for killing male flowers may be sprayed over the entire above-ground part of the target plant, or sprayed over the area containing pollen or male flowers, but considering convenience and cost, it is preferable to spray it over the entire above-ground part of the target plant. Spraying methods include sprayers, and the agent may be sprayed directly by a person using a sprayer, or it may be sprayed from the air or from above the target plant using a helicopter or drone. The chemical agent for killing male flowers used in the sixth embodiment can kill male flowers even when sprayed onto the target plant. When applying a chemical agent to kill male flowers to a target plant, it is preferable to dilute the chemical agent or the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid with 2 to 12 carbon atoms with water to the above-mentioned dilution ratio before use.

[0038] <<Use in the manufacture of pollen dispersal inhibitors or chemicals for killing male flowers>> A seventh aspect of the present invention relates to the use of at least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin in the manufacture of a pollen dispersal inhibitor or an agent for killing male flowers. The glycerin-based component is preferably used together with a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. The glycerin-based component may also be used together with a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms and an auxiliary agent. The pollen dispersal inhibitor, the agent for killing male flowers, the glycerin-based component, the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, the auxiliary agent, and other aspects can be the same as those disclosed in other aspects. [Examples]

[0039] The following are some test examples relating to the present invention, but these are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0040] <<Test 0: Immersion Test (Reference Test)>> In order to compare the pollen dispersal inhibitor according to the present invention with the formulation described in Patent Document 7 (JP 2012-92174 A, Patent No. 5866607), we first confirmed through testing that when male cedar flowers were immersed in either the pollen dispersal inhibitor according to the present invention or the formulation described in Patent Document 7, both could kill the male flowers. The formulations used are as follows. (Example 1) A pollen dispersal inhibitor was prepared by mixing propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C10), CA-42, isopropyl alcohol, DO-100, and triglycerin in a mass ratio of 93:1.0:1.5:0.5:4.0 (units are in grams). CA-42 is a polyoxyethylene castor oil, ethylene oxide 42 molar adduct (manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.). DO-100 is diglycerin monooleate (DO-100V, manufactured by Riken Vitamin Co., Ltd.). Propylene glycol fatty acid esters (C10) are monoesters. (Comparative Example 1) A pollen dispersal inhibitor was prepared by mixing propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C10), CA-42, isopropyl alcohol, and DO-100 in a mass ratio of 93:1.0:1.5:0.5 (in g), similar to the composition of test number 22 of Example 2 in Patent Document 7 (Patent No. 5866607). The pollen dispersal inhibitors obtained in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were diluted with water to 100 or 300 times their original concentration, and cedar branches with approximately 30 male flowers attached were immersed in these spray solutions. After 5 days, the number of withered male flowers was counted, and the mortality rate was determined. The mortality rates are as follows. The above tests were conducted on July 10th, August 10th, September 10th, October 10th, or November 10th. Mortality rate (%) = Number of dead male flowers / Number of male flowers tested × 100 The results are shown in Table 1.

[0041] [Table 1]

[0042] In Test 0, when immersing cedar branches with male flowers attached, both agents showed a high male flower-killing effect. The effect of the formulation of the present invention (Example 1 above) in the immersion test was found to be equivalent to or better than the formulation disclosed in the example of Patent No. 586660 (Comparative Example 1 above). Therefore, it was determined that the formulation of Comparative Example 1 could be used as a comparative agent, and it was used in the following tests.

[0043] <<Test 1: Spraying Test>> The formulations from Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were diluted with water to a predetermined concentration, and the resulting spray solutions were sprayed onto cedar branches with approximately 30 male flowers each from a distance of about 30 cm. After 5 days, the number of withered male flowers was counted, and the mortality rate was determined. The mortality rates are as follows. The above tests were conducted on July 10th, August 10th, September 10th, October 10th, or November 10th. Mortality rate (%) = Number of dead male flowers / Number of male flowers tested × 100 The results are shown in Table 2.

[0044] [Table 2]

[0045] The results of the spraying test in Experiment 1 showed that the formulation of Example 1 exhibited a high killing effect equivalent to that of the immersion test. Furthermore, the formulation of Example 1 had a high killing effect whether it was sprayed in the early stages of male flower formation or in the mid-to-late stages of male flower formation. In contrast, the formulation of Comparative Example 1 showed a high killing effect when sprayed on male flowers in the early stages of male flower formation at the beginning of July, but its effect decreased from mid-August, and there was almost no killing effect from September onward. Considering that both the formulation of Comparative Example 1 and the formulation of Example 1 had the effect of killing male flowers in the immersion test (reference test) of Test 0, the remarkable difference in effect observed in the spray test was an unexpected and surprising result.

[0046] <<Test 2: Effects of various glycerin-based components>> Next, we examined the effect of using various types of glycerin instead of the triglycerin used in Example 1 on the browning of male flowers. A base material was prepared by adding CA-42, isopropyl alcohol, and DO-100 to propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C10) in a mass ratio of 93:1:1.5:0.5. A formulation was then created by adding various glycerin compounds (mass ratio) listed in Table 3 to 96% of this base material. An aqueous solution of this formulation, diluted 300 times with water, was sprayed onto male flowers from a distance of approximately 30 cm to observe its wilting effect. The experiment was conducted on October 1st, and the results were investigated three days later. The test method was the same as in Test 1. Male flowers were collected from cedar trees and used in the experiment immediately after collection. The mortality rate (%) of male flowers was calculated using the following formula. Mortality rate (%) = Number of browned male flowers / Number of male flowers tested × 100 The results are shown in Table 3.

[0047] [Table 3]

[0048] The results of Test 2 showed that all formulations containing various glycerin-based components exhibited a high wilting effect when sprayed. In particular, formulations containing triglycerin showed a high rate of male flower wilting when sprayed, so triglycerin was used in the following tests.

[0049] <<Test 3: Effect of the amount of triglycerin added to the substrate on the wilting (browning) of male flowers>> In Experiment 3, we tested how the amount of triglycerin relative to the substrate affects the browning of male flowers. Using the base material described in Test 2 (propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C10), CA-42, isopropyl alcohol, and DO-100 (93:1:1.5:0.5)), triglycerin was added to 96 parts of the base material in amounts of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, or 10.0 (mass ratio). After heating, melting, and mixing, the mixture was diluted with water to a ratio of 300 times, and the solution was sprayed onto cedar male flowers to determine the mortality rate. The test method was the same as in Test 1. On October 12, branches with male flowers were obtained from cedar trees, and the solution diluted to the specified concentration was sprayed onto the male flowers from a distance of about 30 cm. Three days after spraying, the number of browned male flowers was investigated, and the mortality rate (%) of the male flowers was calculated using the following formula. Mortality rate (%) = Number of browned male flowers / Number of male flowers tested × 100 The results are shown in Table 4.

[0050] [Table 4]

[0051] The results of Test 3 showed that the formulation without added triglycerin (corresponding to the formulation in Comparative Example 1) did not show any browning of male flowers. In contrast, the formulations with added triglycerin all exhibited superior male flower browning effects when sprayed compared to the formulations without added triglycerin. Furthermore, it was found that the effect was particularly high when the amount of added triglycerin was in the range of 2.0 to 4.0 parts by mass relative to 93 parts by mass of propylene glycol fatty acid ester.

[0052] <<Test 4: Aerial Spraying Test>> When spraying formulations on cedar trees, not only short-range spraying with sprayers is possible, but also aerial spraying from above the trees using helicopters or drones. Therefore, in Test 4, the effects of the formulations of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were evaluated when sprayed from a certain distance from the male flowers of the cedar tree. In typical pesticide application, the distance from the plant to the spray nozzle is approximately 20 cm to 1 m. However, in aerial spraying, it is expected to be approximately 3 m to 15 m. Therefore, in the spraying test of Experiment 4, the distance from the spray nozzle to the male cedar flowers was set to 20 cm or 3 m. The formulations from Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were diluted with water to a predetermined concentration, and the resulting spray solutions were sprayed onto cedar branches with approximately 30 male flowers each from the distance described above. After 5 days, the number of browned male flowers was counted, and the mortality rate was determined. The mortality rates are as follows. The above tests were conducted in mid-August, mid-September, mid-October, or early November. Mortality rate (%) = Number of browned male flowers / Number of male flowers tested × 100 The results are shown in Tables 5 and 6.

[0053] [Table 5]

[0054] [Table 6]

[0055] The results of Test 4 showed that when sprayed at a distance of 30 cm from the cedar branches, the formulation of Comparative Example 1 showed a moderate killing effect on cedar branches collected in mid-August, but its effect significantly decreased from September onward. In contrast, the formulation of Example 1 showed an extremely high killing effect even when using cedar branches collected in early November. Furthermore, when sprayed at a distance of 3m from cedar branches, the formulation of Comparative Example 1 showed no wilting effect whatsoever. In contrast, the formulation of Example 1 exhibited a high male flower wilting effect even when sprayed from a distance of 3m, demonstrating its extremely high practicality. When applying the pollen dispersal inhibitor of the present invention to target plants such as Japanese cedar, it is expected that aerial spraying using helicopters or the like will be necessary because Japanese cedar forests grow over a wide area. Since the formulation of the present invention showed effectiveness even when sprayed from a distance, it has been demonstrated that it is a practical pollen dispersal inhibitor that can be used for aerial spraying by helicopter.

[0056] <<Test 5: Effects of using additives other than glycerin-based components>> Next, we tested whether male flower wilting effects could be observed when the composition of the auxiliary agents contained in the agents of Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 was changed (numbers 1-2 in Table 8), or when additives other than glycerin-based components were used in combination with the fatty acid propylene glycol (numbers 3-21 in Table 8). Each test agent listed in Table 8 below was prepared, and a 100-fold diluted solution of the test agent was sprayed onto cedar male flowers. The samples were kept in an air-conditioned greenhouse, and after 3 days, the number of wilted male flowers was counted to determine the wilting rate. The evaluation was conducted from mid-September to early October, and the above diluted solution was sprayed onto cedar male flowers from a distance of about 30 cm to determine the wilting rate of the cedar male flowers. Mortality rate (%) = (Number of dead male flowers / Number of test male flowers) x 100 The effectiveness of each drug was evaluated according to the criteria in Table 7.

[0057] [Table 7] The results are shown in Table 8. The percentages in Table 8 represent mass percentages.

[0058] [Table 8] JPEG2026055809000010.jpg91170 The abbreviations in Table 8 mean the following:

[0059] [Table 9] In Table 8, a triglycerol oleate esterification rate of 40% means that, when 100% represents the case where all triglycerol molecules are bonded to fatty acids and 0% represents the case where no fatty acids are bonded, 40% of the -OH groups of triglycerol are replaced by oleates.

[0060] The results of Test 5 showed that when additives other than glycerin-based components were combined with propylene glycol esters of fatty acids with 2 to 12 carbon atoms, they did not kill the male flowers of Japanese cedar (comparison of test reagent No. 2 with test reagents No. 3 to 21). Therefore, the effect of propylene glycol esters of fatty acids with 2 to 12 carbon atoms is not simply enhanced by combining them with surfactants, and the enhancement of the Japanese cedar male flower-killing effect of propylene glycol esters of fatty acids with 2 to 12 carbon atoms by glycerin-based components was an unexpected and surprising result.

[0061] <<Test 6: Effect of Triglycerin Alone>> Next, considering the possibility that triglycerin acts as an active ingredient, we investigated the effect of triglycerin alone on killing cedar male flowers. The test agents listed in Table 10 below were prepared, and the mortality rate was determined using the same method as in Test 5 to evaluate the effectiveness of each agent. The test was conducted in mid-September, and the diluted solutions were sprayed from a distance of approximately 30 cm onto cedar branches collected from cedar trees, and the mortality rate of cedar male flowers was determined. The results are shown in Table 10.

[0062] [Table 10]

[0063] The results of Test 6 showed that triglycerin alone did not have the effect of killing cedar male flowers, but it was found that it exerted the effect of killing male flowers when used in combination with propylene glycol ester, a fatty acid with 2 to 12 carbon atoms, which is the active ingredient.

[0064] <<Test 7: Effects of active ingredients other than propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C10)>> Next, we investigated whether changing the length of the fatty acid in propylene glycol fatty acid ester would produce a similar effect. We also examined the effects of using glycerin fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, and vegetable oil instead of propylene glycol fatty acid ester. Each test compound listed in Table 11 was prepared by mixing 93% by mass of each compound with 4% by mass of triglycerin and 3% by mass of the auxiliary agent K. This mixture was diluted 100-fold with water and sprayed onto cedar male flowers from a distance of approximately 3m. The flowers were then kept in a greenhouse, and after 3 days, the number of dead male flowers was counted. The mortality rate was calculated as (number of dead male flowers / number of test male flowers) × 100. The evaluation was conducted in late September. Mortality rate (%) = (Number of dead male flowers / Number of test male flowers) x 100 The effectiveness of each drug was evaluated according to the criteria in Table 11. Auxiliary agent K = 1-propyl alcohol / CA-42 / DO-100 = 1.5 / 1.0 / 0.5 (mass ratio). The results are shown in Table 12.

[0065] [Table 11]

[0066] [Table 12]

[0067] The results of Test 7 showed that propylene glycol ester (C12), which is a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid with 2 to 12 carbon atoms, exhibits a high effect in killing cedar male flowers, similar to propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C10). On the other hand, when glycerin fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, or vegetable oil were used instead of propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid with 2 to 12 carbon atoms, it was found that they did not have the effect of killing cedar male flowers, even when combined with triglycerin.

[0068] <<Test 8: Effects of Propylene Glycol Fatty Acid Ester (C10) or Propylene Glycol Fatty Acid Ester (C12)>> Next, we investigated the relationship between the wilting effect on cedar male flowers and the growth period of male flowers when propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C10) or propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C12) was used as the active ingredient. Both propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C10) and propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C12) were monoesters. The following preparations were used: Formulation 1: Propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C10) / Propyl alcohol / CA-42 / DO-100 / Triglycerin = 94 / 1.5 / 1.0 / 0.1 / 3.0 (mass ratio) Formulation 2: Propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C12) / Propyl alcohol / CA-42 / DO-100 / Triglycerin = 94 / 1.5 / 1.0 / 0.1 / 3.0 (mass ratio) Formulation 1 or Formulation 2 was diluted 100 times with water and sprayed onto cedar male flowers from a distance of 3m. The flowers were then kept in a greenhouse, and after 3 days, the number of dead male flowers was counted. The mortality rate was calculated as (number of dead male flowers / number of tested male flowers) × 100. Evaluations were performed at each stage as described in Table 13. Mortality rate (%)=(Number of dead male flowers) / Number of test male flowers)×100 The results are shown in Table 13.

[0069] [Table 13] *1 The pesticide caused significant damage to new shoots (such as wilting and browning of the shoot tips). The results of Experiment 8 showed that both propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C10), which is a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid with 10 carbon atoms, and propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C12), which is a propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid with 12 carbon atoms, could kill cedar male flowers when sprayed from late June to mid-October in combination with triglycerin. The period from late June to early July coincides with Japan's rainy season, so application must be done in between rainfalls. However, propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C10) and propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C12) can still effectively kill cedar male flowers even when sprayed from mid-July onwards, making it possible to spray them while avoiding the rainy season. Furthermore, it was found that propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C10) still exhibits excellent effectiveness in killing cedar male flowers even when sprayed on them in mid-November. On the other hand, it has been found that propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C12) is less likely to cause phytotoxicity problems even when applied early. It can be seen that the earlier the chemical is applied, the more reliably it tends to kill the male flowers, but caution is needed regarding phytotoxicity problems when applying early. However, propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C12) is less likely to cause phytotoxicity problems when applied. Therefore, even if it is applied to cedar male flowers early (for example, in the early stages of flower bud differentiation), it can exhibit a high cedar male flower killing effect while avoiding phytotoxicity problems. This is advantageous from the standpoint of plant safety, and is also a great advantage when it can be applied during periods without rain even during the rainy season, when used in countries without a rainy season, or when used in countries where the rainy season does not fall in June.

[0070] <Test 9: Field Test> Finally, the effect of spraying the pesticide on cedar trees in the field was investigated. A formulation was prepared by mixing propylene glycol fatty acid ester (C12) (93 parts by mass) with 1-propyl alcohol / CA-42 / DO-100 / triglycerin = 1.5 / 1.0 / 0.5 / 4.0 parts by mass. This diluted solution, diluted 100 times with water, was sprayed onto the cedar trees in the field from a distance of 50 cm to 100 cm using a small electric sprayer. The spraying was carried out on October 17th, and the condition of the male flowers was observed on November 7th. As a result, the death of the male flowers was confirmed (indicated by the black circles in Figure 1). [Industrial applicability]

[0071] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pollen dispersal inhibitor that can suppress pollen dispersal even when sprayed. Therefore, the present invention is extremely useful in industry.

Claims

1. Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and At least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin. A pollen dispersal suppressant that contains [this ingredient].

2. The pollen dispersal inhibitor according to claim 1, wherein the polyglycerin comprises polyglycerin formed by the polymerization of 2 to 12 glycerin molecules.

3. The pollen dispersal inhibitor according to claim 1, wherein the glycerin-based component comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, diglycerin, triglycerin, tetraglycerin, and decaglycerin.

4. The pollen dispersal inhibitor according to claim 1, wherein the glycerin-based component is triglycerin.

5. The pollen dispersal inhibitor according to claim 1, wherein the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol caprylate, propylene glycol caprate, and propylene glycol laurate.

6. The pollen dispersal inhibitor according to claim 1, wherein the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms comprises propylene glycol capric acid ester.

7. The pollen dispersal suppressant according to claim 1, wherein the propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms comprises propylene glycol laurate ester.

8. The pollen dispersal inhibitor according to claim 1, comprising the glycerin-based component in an amount of 0.1 to 20 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms.

9. The pollen dispersal inhibitor according to claim 1, comprising the glycerin-based component in an amount of 0.4 to 8 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms.

10. The pollen dispersal inhibitor according to claim 1, comprising the glycerin-based component in an amount of 0.8 to 4.5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of propylene glycol ester of a fatty acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms.

11. The pollen dispersal inhibitor according to claim 1, wherein the pollen is cedar or cypress pollen.

12. A method for suppressing pollen dispersal, comprising the step of applying a pollen dispersal suppressant according to any one of claims 1 to 11 to a target plant.

13. Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, At least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin, A method for producing a pollen dispersal inhibitor according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the step of mixing the following:

14. Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and At least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin. A chemical that contains ingredients used to kill male flowers.

15. A method for killing male flowers, comprising the step of applying the chemical agent described in claim 14 to a target plant.

16. Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, At least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin, A method for producing a chemical agent for killing male flowers according to claim 14, comprising the step of mixing the following:

17. Use of at least one glycerin-based component selected from the group consisting of glycerin and polyglycerin in the manufacture of a pollen dispersal inhibitor or a chemical agent for killing male flowers.

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