Biostimulant composition and method of use

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition comprising (i) seaweed, (ii) oil, and (iii) at least two surfactants, having a pH in the range of about 3 to about 6. Optionally, the composition further comprises additives such as at least one agriculturally acceptable carrier and / or chelating agent and / or rheological aid. The present invention further relates to a method and use for seed treatment of plant biostimulant compositions for mitigating abiotic stress or for managing crop productivity.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to compositions, more specifically biostimulant compositions, that are generally useful for preventing or mitigating the effects of abiotic stress on plants and / or plant seeds and for managing crop productivity. [Background technology]

[0002] Plant biostimulants are products that enhance flowering, plant growth, fruit setting, crop productivity, and nutrient utilization efficiency (NUE), and can also improve resistance to various abiotic stressors.

[0003] In recent years, the agricultural sector has faced conflicting challenges: increasing productivity and resource efficiency to feed the growing global population, and reducing environmental impacts on ecosystems and human health. Indeed, fertilizers and pesticides play a crucial role in agriculture, becoming powerful tools for producers to increase yields and ensure consistent productivity throughout the season, both under optimal and suboptimal conditions. One promising and environmentally friendly innovation is the use of natural plant biostimulants (PBs). Seaweed extracts are considered one such biostimulant (Rouphael et al., Frontiers in Plant Science, February 2020, Volume 11, Article 40, doi: 10.3389 / fpls.2020.00040).

[0004] The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines food security as "a state in which all people have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and preferences for active and healthy lives at all times." Climate change has complex impacts on agriculture and food production. It directly affects food production through changes in agroecological conditions and by influencing income growth and distribution, and thus the demand for agricultural products (Schmidhuber et al., PNAS, 2007, vol. 104, no. 50, pages 19703-19708, www.pnas.org / cgi / doi / 10.1073 / pnas.0701976104).

[0005] Climate change and food security are two of the biggest challenges of the 21st century. The world population is projected to reach 9 billion by the end of 2050, and food demand is expected to increase by 85%. The agricultural sector is under significant threat from increasing droughts, heavy rainfall, temperature fluctuations, salinity, and pest damage to major crops (Ullah et al., Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2021, Volume 5, Article 618092, doi: 10.3389 / fsufs.2021.618092).

[0006] Reduced water use by plants due to drought, heat, cold, and salinity stress can have a direct impact on crop growth and productivity. Some plants have evolved to mitigate the effects of these stresses. However, prolonged exposure of crops / plants to any of these abiotic stressors related to water use can adversely affect growth, productivity, and yield.

[0007] The optimal solution to the presented problem is to increase plant productivity in agriculture to meet the growing global demand for food. For decades, the pesticide industry has developed synthetic pesticides such as fertilizers, insecticides, and fungicides. However, in recent years, synthetic pesticides have been increasingly banned from most markets worldwide, primarily due to resistance and toxicity, while the introduction of new compounds has not progressed at a sufficient pace.

[0008] Currently, seaweed extracts (SE) are widely used as plant biostimulants, which are defined as "substances or microorganisms applied to plants for the purpose of improving nutrient efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, and / or crop quality characteristics, regardless of nutrient content." Seaweed extracts account for more than 33% of the global biostimulant market. Furthermore, seaweed, or macroalgae, are estimated to consist of approximately 10,000 species, which are mainly classified into three categories based on their pigments: brown algae, red algae, and green algae. Brown algae such as Ascophyllum, Fucus vesiculosus, and Laminaria are the major group.

[0009] The biochemical composition of seaweed extracts is complex (polysaccharides, minerals, vitamins, oils, acids, antioxidants, pigments, hormones). Seaweed extracts can be applied to soil and plants as foliar sprays or seed treatments. Seaweed extracts may have a positive effect on soil water retention and restoration, as well as on the soil microbiome, potentially serving as a nutrient source and exhibiting hormonal effects (El Boukhari et al., Plants 2020, 9, 359; doi:10.3390 / plants9030359).

[0010] The direct correlation between increased seaweed extract concentration and increased activity of concentrated extracts is known. However, no method for obtaining stable and suitable products from seaweed extract-based pesticides has been mentioned in this art. Seed treatment needs to have good adhesion to seeds in order to a) reduce worker exposure and b) ensure that seeds can utilize the product at the appropriate developmental stage. Sedimentation of seaweed extract formulations is well known, and good storage stability is necessary to ensure that the product is suitable for use in commercial environments. Existing liquid extracts are unsuitable because they produce high dust-off when applied to seeds and the product becomes unstable during storage.

[0011] EP4041700A1 discloses a concentrated extract of Ascophyllum nodosum with a dry content of 18% to 36%, and its use as a biostimulant, either alone or in combination with other activators. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] Therefore, in this field, there is a strong need to provide stable formulations of effective, stable, and compatible seaweed extracts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] Outline of the invention This invention demonstrates that a unique system containing seaweed, oil, at least two surfactants, and a specific pH as active ingredients allows for the high-concentration dissolution of seaweed in water without any loss of its biostimulant effect. This discovery is extremely important because it enables the formation of effective, stable, and compatible seaweed-based compositions.

[0014] Specifically, and as actually shown in the experimental section of this specification, a seed treatment formulation can be used to achieve the above objective, comprising seaweed, more specifically Ascophyllum nodosum extract, with added oil, specifically rapeseed oil, and comprising at least two surfactants, more specifically a combination of a high molecular weight amphoteric surfactant and a polyol-based (preferably sorbitol-based) surfactant, and having a pH of 3 to 6, more specifically 4 to 5.

[0015] The present invention provides a composition also known as a plant biostimulant composition, which comprises the following components: (i) Typically, as an active ingredient, seaweed, (ii) oil, and (iii) at least two types of surfactants, Here, the composition has a pH in the range of about 3 to about 6.

[0016] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling crop productivity in a plant, comprising applying an effective amount of the plant biostimulant composition defined above to a plant, plant seeds, or plant growing medium.

[0017] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for preventing or mitigating the effects of abiotic stress in plants, comprising applying an effective amount of the plant biostimulant composition defined above to a plant, a plant seed, or a plant growing medium.

[0018] In another embodiment, the present invention provides seeds coated with the plant biostimulant composition defined above.

[0019] In another embodiment, the present invention provides the use of the compositions defined above for preventing or mitigating the effects of abiotic stress.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides the use of the compositions defined above for controlling crop productivity in plants.

[0021] Regarding other objectives and features, some will become clear and some will be pointed out later.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the evaluation of crop growth and enhancement related to APH-1036. (Vigor in corn) [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the evaluation of crop growth and enhancement related to APH-1036. (Vigor in corn) [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the evaluation of crop growth and enhancement related to APH-1036. (SPAD in corn) [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the evaluation of crop growth and enhancement related to APH-1036. (Biomass (fresh leaves) evaluation in corn) [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the yield index related to APH-1036. (Weight of 50 ear axes of corn (kg)) [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the evaluation of crop growth and enhancement related to APH-1036. (Biomass (fresh leaves) evaluation in soybean) [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the evaluation of crop growth and enhancement related to APH-1036. (Biomass (dry leaves) evaluation in soybean) [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the yield index related to APH-1036. (Evaluation of number of pods / plant in soybean) [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the yield index related to APH-1036. (Evaluation of weight of pods / plant (g) in soybean [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the health status of soil related to APH-1036. (Bioassay of soybean (three cotyledon leaves) - ATP content) [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the health status of soil related to APH-1036. (Bioassay of soybean - nodulation) [Figure 12]Figure 12 shows the dose-response for APH-1036. (Weight of unstressed dry sprouts in maize) [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows the salinity of APH-1036. (Post-emergence stress-root length measurement in wheat) [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows the reduction in irrigation for APH-1036. (Post-emergence stress-root length measurement in maize) [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows the salinity of APH-1036. (Post-emergence stress-root length measurement in maize) [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows the salinity of APH-1036. (Measured by post-emergence stress-fine root in maize) [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows the reduction in irrigation for APH-1036. (Post-emergence stress-root length measurement in maize) [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows the reduction in irrigation for APH-1036. (Post-emergence stress - fine root measurement in maize) [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows the reduction in irrigation for APH-1036. (Post-emergence stress - fine root measurement in wheat) [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows the dust-off results of wheat treated with 1 mg / kg of APH-1037 and 3 mL / kg of water. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows the dust-off results of corn treated with 1 mg / kg of APH-1037 and 3 mL / kg of water. [Figure 22] Figure 22 shows the dust-off results of soybeans treated with 1 mg / kg of APH-1037 and 3 mL / kg of water. [Figure 23] Figure 23 shows the dust-off results of corn treated with 1 mg / kg of APH-1037 and 3 mL / kg of water. [Figure 24] Figure 24 shows the dust-off results of soybeans treated with 1 mg / kg of APH-1037 and 3 mL / kg of water. [Figure 25]Figure 25 shows the dust-off results of soybeans treated with 2 mg / kg of APH-1037 and 2 mL / kg of water. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Detailed description of the invention This disclosure provides several agricultural compositions to convey the importance of a novel and progressive system that enables small, dispersed particles with good adhesion to seeds and minimal separation, resulting in good storage stability. Furthermore, several comparative examples are presented to demonstrate that the present invention is not obvious.

[0024] The methods provided herein generally involve applying the compositions to plants or seeds. Therefore, the methods and uses of the present invention are preferably non-therapeutic. The compositions provided herein can be applied as seed treatments or as soil treatments applied to plants, parts of plants, or areas surrounding seeds.

[0025] The agricultural compositions and methods described herein can be used in connection with any plant species and / or its seeds. These compositions and methods are typically used in connection with agriculturally important seeds. The seeds may be transgenic seeds capable of growing transgenic plants incorporating transgenic events that confer, for example, resistance to a particular herbicide or combination of herbicides, improved disease resistance, improved resistance to insects, drought, stress, and / or improved yield. The seeds may include breeding traits, for example, disease resistance breeding traits. In some cases, the seeds include at least one transgenic trait and at least one breeding trait.

[0026] These compositions and methods can be used to treat any suitable seed type, including but not limited to row crops and vegetables. For example, one or more plants or parts of plants, or seeds of one or more plants, including wheat, rye, barley, rice, rye wheat, oats, sorghum, sugarcane, sugar beet, sugar beet or fodder sugar; fruits (such as pome, apple, pear, plum, peach, almond, cherry, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry or gooseberry); legumes (such as lentils, peas, alfalfa or soybeans); oilseeds (such as rapeseed, canola, mustard, flax, olive, sunflower, coconut, cocoa bean, castor oil plant, oilseed, etc.). This includes corn, peanuts, or soybeans; cucurbits (pumpkins, cucumbers, or melons); fiber plants (cotton, flax, hemp, or jute); citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit, or mandarin oranges); vegetables (spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cabbage, carrots, onions, tomatoes, cucurbits, or bell peppers); laurel plants (avocados, cinnamon, or camphor); and energy and raw material plants (corn, soybeans, rapeseed, canola, oil palm, corn, tobacco, nuts, coffee, tea, bananas, grapes, hops, or grass).

[0027] The compositions and methods disclosed herein can also be applied to turfgrasses, ornamental herbs, and shrubs. These compositions are also suitable for nurseries, lawns and gardens, and floriculture, and offer benefits such as improved plant productivity, protection of health, and extension of vitality and lifespan.

[0028] This composition may be provided in the form of a concentrated liquid. Alternatively, this composition may be provided in a ready-to-use form. "Ready-to-use" means that the composition is provided in a form that does not require further dilution by the user and can be applied immediately.

[0029] For convenience, before further description of this disclosure, certain terms and examples used herein are described here. These definitions should be read in light of the remainder of this disclosure and understood by those skilled in the art. The terms used herein have meanings that are recognized and known to those skilled in the art. However, for convenience and completeness, certain terms and their meanings are set forth below.

[0030] As used herein, the terms "preferred" and "preferred" refer to features that are not essential to the present invention and may or may not be performed, but which may lead to further improvements.

[0031] As used herein, the terms “plant” or “crop” include references to the entire plant, plant organs (e.g., leaves, stems, twigs, roots, trunks, branches, buds, fruits, etc.), plant cells, or plant seeds. This term also includes plant crops such as fruits.

[0032] The methods, compounds, and compositions described herein can be used in the cultivation of any plant in their most broad embodiments, but in preferred embodiments they can be used in the cultivation of commercially important plants, which include, but are not limited to, cereals (such as maize, wheat, alfalfa, barley, rye, and oats), vegetables (such as pepper, tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and potatoes), fruits (such as apricots, bananas, grapes, bean pods, maize kernels, tomatoes, cucumbers, acorns, and almonds), and row crops (such as sunflowers, potatoes, canola, dried beans, snow peas, flax, safflower, buckwheat, cotton, maize, soybeans, rapeseed oil, and sugar beets).

[0033] As used herein, the term “reproductive material” of a plant or crop includes all reproductive parts of a plant or crop, including seeds, as well as asexual plant material that can be used to propagate plants, such as cuttings and tubers. This includes other parts of a plant, including seeds, tubers, spores, corms, bulbs, rhizomes, sprouts, suckers, stolons and shoots, as well as seedlings and saplings that are transplanted after germination or after sprouting from the soil.

[0034] As used herein, the term “seaweed” preferably refers to cold-water seaweed or brown algae (Phaeophyceae) belonging to the genus Ascophyllum of the family Fucusaceae. It should be understood that the term “seaweed” refers not only to unprocessed seaweed but also to processed seaweed such as seaweed extracts. Preferably, the term “seaweed” refers to seaweed extracts.

[0035] As used herein, the term “seaweed extract” preferably refers to an extract isolated from seaweed, which typically contains a broad range of active ingredients and is usually in the form of a soluble liquid, liquid concentrate, or water-soluble powder. More preferably, processing / extraction of seaweed can be carried out using any combination of solvents, acids, bases, enzymes, or mechanical means. Preferably, processing / extraction is carried out by contacting the seaweed with an aqueous solution containing an alkaline extractant. For the purposes of the present invention, the alkaline extractant is preferably a base, preferably an inorganic base selected from NaOH, KOH, Na2CO3, K2CO3, or any combination thereof. The concentration of the alkaline extractant is preferably in the range of 1% to 10% w / w, more specifically 2% to 5% w / w, based on the total weight of the aqueous solution. Preferably, the temperature of the extraction process is in the range of 20°C to 100°C, the extraction time is typically in the range of 30 minutes to 18 hours, and the preferred pressure is in the range of 1 to 6 Bar. If it is desirable to use only the extract in the composition of the present invention, a further step of separating / removing undissolved components may be carried out after the extraction process. The removal / separation step is preferably carried out by decantation, filtration, or centrifugation. Alternatively, a suspension containing both extractable and non-extractable components may be used. Thus, the term “seaweed extract” typically refers to a liquid or solid containing, or comprising, two or more, preferably five or more, more preferably ten or more, or even 50 or more compounds naturally present in seaweed, and in the case of a liquid, optionally including a solvent. The amount or content of “seaweed extract” as defined herein preferably refers to the amount of the dry substance of the “seaweed extract,” i.e., the amount based on the “seaweed extract” excluding the solvent.

[0036] As used herein, the term “liquid” preferably refers to a liquid at 25°C and 1 atmosphere.

[0037] Preferably, the method for producing the seaweed extract follows the procedure described in GB 664,989 A, in particular the procedure described in any of claims 1 to 5 of this document.

[0038] As used herein, the term “activator” preferably refers to an activator present in an algal extract obtained by various processes of algal extraction. The algal extract may contain, but is not limited to, one or more active compounds selected from polysaccharides such as laminarin and fucan; free sugars and conjugated sugars; polyphenols; mannitol; growth hormones; lipids; proteins; amino acids; vitamins; betaine; sterols; glucuronic acid and mineral salts.

[0039] Preferably, the seaweed extract contains alginic acid, fucoidin, and mannitol.

[0040] As used herein, the term “biostimulant” preferably refers to any substance or microorganism applied to a plant for the purpose of improving its nutritional efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, and / or crop quality characteristics, regardless of its nutrient content.

[0041] As used herein, the term “active ingredient” preferably refers to a portion of a substance or compound that produces a chemical or biological effect, such as a biostimulant, including algal extracts.

[0042] As used herein, the term “alleviation of abiotic stress” preferably means one or more of the following: (i) increased plant vitality, (ii) increased root growth and development, (iii) increased bud growth and development, (iv) increased plant growth rate, (v) increased photosynthetic rate and capacity, or (vi) increased yield.

[0043] As used herein, the term "crop productivity" is a measure of agricultural output produced in relation to a given input, preferably a measure of agricultural output (such as crops) produced in relation to a given input (such as seeds), such as an index of multiple outputs divided by an index of multiple inputs (for example, the values ​​of all agricultural outputs divided by the values ​​of all agricultural inputs).

[0044] Methods for identifying and measuring signs of abiotic stress in plants are known to those skilled in the art and include visual assessment of plant vitality (such as a decrease in the number or size of the plant or parts thereof, a decrease in seed germination or emergence, or a decrease in seedling growth rate or vitality); gravimetric assessment of biomass yield (such as the fresh or dry weight of buds or roots); assessment of plant parts using optical scanners (such as scanning of leaves or root systems, or measurement of leaf area or root length using algorithms); physiological or biochemical assessment (such as cell membrane stability or relative leaf water content); and photosynthetic assessment of plant stress levels using reflectance or spectroscopic methods (such as measurement of photosynthetic efficiency, linear electron flow, non-photochemical quenching, and relative chlorophyll levels).

[0045] As used herein, the term "fertilizer" is preferably selected from, but not limited to, organic and inorganic fertilizers including urea, NPK, nitrogen-based fertilizers, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, nickel, cobalt, boron, and their salts and derivatives.

[0046] As used herein, the term “micronutrients” is preferably selected from, but not limited to, iron, manganese, boron, molybdenum, zinc, chlorine, sodium, cobalt, silicon, nickel, aluminum, vanadium, selenium, and their salts and derivatives.

[0047] As used herein, the term “derivative” preferably refers to a compound derived from a similar compound by a chemical reaction. More preferably, the term “derivative” refers to a salt, solvate, alkyl ester, acyl ester, or alkyl ether, where alkyl and acyl preferably contain 1 to 24 carbon atoms and are preferably aliphatic. Even more preferably, the term “derivative” refers to salts and solvates.

[0048] As used herein, the term “adhesive” preferably refers to a material used to attach seaweed to seeds. Typically, the adhesive is an oil; more preferably, a seed oil.

[0049] As used herein, the term “composition” preferably includes a mixture of seaweed and other components (such as additional biostimulants), in addition to oil and at least two surfactants. In some embodiments, the composition may include at least one additional pesticide. In some embodiments, the composition may include one or more additional co-formulants.

[0050] As used herein, the term “agriculturally acceptable carrier” preferably refers to a solvent known and acceptable in the art for forming agricultural or horticultural compositions. Examples of solvents include, but are not limited to, propylene glycol and isopropanol.

[0051] As used herein, the term “solvent” preferably refers to any substance that is normally a liquid and can dissolve one or more substances to form a solution. Preferably, it does not include water.

[0052] As used herein, the term “additive” preferably refers to any substance that is not an active ingredient in itself but is added to a composition. Examples of additives include, but are not limited to, auxiliaries, surfactants, antifreezes, defoamers, and preservatives.

[0053] As used herein, the term “excipient” preferably refers to any chemical substance that does not possess biostimulant activity, such as a surfactant, solvent, or auxiliary agent. One or more excipients may be added to any composition disclosed herein.

[0054] As used herein, the term “surfactant” preferably refers to a surfactant, such as a detergent, which, when added to a liquid, reduces surface tension, thereby increasing the spreadability and wettability of the liquid. Typically, surfactants are amphiphilic organic compounds, meaning that the molecule contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups. Typically, surfactants contain both water-soluble and water-insoluble components. Preferably, surfactants can function as emulsifiers, wetting agents, detergents, foaming agents, or dispersants.

[0055] As used herein, the terms “dispersant” or “dispersing agent” preferably refer to any substance, typically a surfactant, that is added to a suspension of solid or liquid particles in a liquid to improve particle separation and prevent particle sedimentation or aggregation. Preferably, the dispersant or dispersing agent refers to a polymeric amphoteric dispersant. Preferred examples include alkoxylated diethylethanolamine, polymethacrylic acid, and one or more esters of an acrylate skeleton having polyoxyethylene chains.

[0056] As used herein, the term "amphoteric" preferably refers to a substance that has the ability to act as an acid or a base, typically within a pH range of 1 to 12.

[0057] As used herein, the term “polymeric amphoteric dispersant” preferably refers to an alkoxylated diethylethanolamine ester polymer. Preferably, it refers to polyoxyethylene(12)diethylethanolamine monotrimate (Atlox® 4915).

[0058] As used herein, the term "alkoxylation" preferably refers to products produced by the addition of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and / or butylene oxide, such as fatty acids, through an alkoxylation process.

[0059] As used herein, the term "ester" preferably means an alkanoic acid, preferably an aliphatic C 1-6 Alkano acids, more preferably acetic acid, have an alkyl group hydrogen at the carboxyl group, preferably an aliphatic C6. 1-6 This refers to molecules substituted with alkyl groups, more preferably ethyl groups. Other examples of esters include ethyl propanoate, propyl methaneate, propyl ethaneate, and methyl butanoate. Glycerides are fatty acid esters of glycerol.

[0060] As used herein, the term “emulsifier” preferably refers to any chemical substance that is a surfactant that promotes the formation of an emulsion. Preferably, the emulsifier is a sorbitol-based surfactant. A preferred example of a sorbitol-based surfactant is polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate.

[0061] As used herein, the term "alkyl" is preferably C unless expressly specified. 1-28 Aliphatic hydrocarbon group, more preferably C 1-18 Aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, for example, C 1-6 Regarding aliphatic hydrocarbon groups.

[0062] As used herein, the term “polyol-based” preferably refers to polyol ethers and esters. Polyols are preferably selected from diols, triols, tetraols, pentaols, hexaols, heptaols, and octaols, more preferably from pentaols and hexaols, each preferably containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms. Preferred examples of polyols are sugar alcohols, preferably selected from ethylene glycol, glycerol, erythritol, treitol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, galactitol, fusitol, isitol, inositol, boremitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, maltotriitol, and maltotetraitol. Sugars are preferably monosaccharides or disaccharides, more preferably monosaccharides. Sugar alcohols can be obtained from sugars by hydrogenation. Polyol ethers and esters can be obtained by etherification with alkoxanols (such as polyethylene glycol or monoalkylated polyethylene glycol) or alkanols (such as aliphatic alkanols having 1 to 28 carbon atoms, preferably 6 to 18), or by esterification with alkoxanolic acids (such as carboxylic acids having polyethylene glycol or monoalkylated polyethylene glycol residues) or alkanolic acids (e.g., aliphatic alkanolic acids having 1 to 28 carbon atoms, preferably 6 to 18). It is understood that, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more hydroxyl groups of the polyol may be esterified or etherified.

[0063] As used herein, the term “sorbitol-based” preferably refers to sorbitol ethers and esters, which are preferably as defined above with respect to the term “polyol-based.”

[0064] As used herein, "dispersant" or "dispersing agent" and "emulsifier" preferably refer to different compounds.

[0065] As used herein, the term “defoaming agent” preferably refers to foam inhibitors for aqueous and non-aqueous systems. Preferably, silicone-based defoaming agents, typically polydimethylsiloxanes.

[0066] As used herein, the term "silicone-based" preferably refers to a molecule having one or more silicon atoms, for example, a molecule made of a silicon material.

[0067] As used herein, the term “chelating agent” preferably refers to a compound that binds to a metal ion. Preferably, the term “chelating agent” refers to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid, and / or n-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA).

[0068] As used herein, the terms “rheological aid” or “rheological modifier” preferably refer to substances that alter the rheological properties of a material. These are typically added to formulations to increase viscosity and control the properties and characteristics of the final product in a desired manner. Preferably, the terms “rheological aid” or “rheological modifier” refer to polysaccharides, such as those derived from natural sources like trees, plants, and algae. Common examples include xanthan gum, carrageenan, guar gum, and alginates, and their agriculturally acceptable salts.

[0069] As used herein, “agriculturally acceptable salts” can be formed, for example, by protonation of an atom having a protonation-protonic lone pair of electrons, such as an amino group, with an inorganic or organic acid, or as a salt of a carboxylic acid group with a cation. Examples of base addition salts include, for example: alkali metal salts such as sodium or potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium or magnesium salts; zinc salts; ammonium salts; aliphatic amine salts such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, dicyclohexylamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, procaine salt, meglumine salt, ethylenediamine salt, or choline salt; aralkylamine salts such as N,N-dibenzylethylenediamine salt, benzathine salt, benetamine salt; heterocyclic aromatic amine salts such as pyridine salt, picoline salt, quinoline salt, or isoquinoline salt; quaternary ammonium salts such as tetramethylammonium salt, tetraethylammonium salt, benzyltrimethylammonium salt, benzyltriethylammonium salt, benzyltributylammonium salt, methyltrioctylammonium salt, or tetrabutylammonium salt; and basic amino acid salts such as arginine salt, lysine salt, or histidine salt.Examples of acid addition salts include, for example, mineral salts such as hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, sulfate, nitrate, phosphate (e.g., phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, or dihydrogen phosphate), carbonate, bicarbonate, or perchlorate; acetate, propionate, butyrate, pentanoate, hexanoate, heptanoate, octanoate, cyclopentanepropionate, decanoate, undecanoate, oleate, stearate, lactate, maleate, oxalate, fumarate, tartrate, malate, citrate, and succinate. Organic acid salts such as glycolate, nicotinate, benzoate, salicylate, ascorbate, or pamoate (embonate); sulfonates such as methanesulfonate (mesylate), ethanesulfonate (esylate), 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate (isethionate), benzenesulfonate (besilate), p-toluenesulfonate (tosilate), 2-naphthalenesulfonate (napsylate), 3-phenylsulfonate, or camphorsulfonate; and acidic amino acid salts such as aspartate or glutamate.

[0070] As used herein, the term “polysaccharide” preferably refers to a long chain of carbohydrate molecules (e.g., two or more monosaccharide units, preferably ten or more, more preferably twenty or more, even more preferably forty or more, preferably 1000 or less, and more preferably 500 or less). A “polysaccharide” optionally contains sulfate groups, e.g., one, two, or three sulfate groups. Common examples include pentasaccharide repeating units in which the molar ratio of glucose, mannose, and glucuronic acid is 2:2:1, and galactopyranose disaccharides, each containing 0, 1, 2, or 3 sulfate groups, and agriculturally acceptable salts thereof.

[0071] As used herein, the term “fatty acid” preferably refers to a carboxylic acid having a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic chain. Most naturally occurring fatty acids have an unbranched chain consisting of an even number of carbon atoms (including the carbon atoms of the carboxyl group) from 4 to 28. Preferably, 10 to 20. More preferably, 16 to 19.

[0072] As used herein, the term “vegetable oil” preferably refers to the group of oils derived from seeds, nuts, grains, and fruits. Vegetable oils typically contain mixtures of triacylglycerols, such as fatty acid triglycerides.

[0073] As used herein, the terms “oil” and “fat” are interchangeable and preferably refer to any fatty acid triglycerides and / or mixtures thereof. More preferably, the term “oil” refers to fatty acid triglycerides that are liquid at 25°C and 1 atm, and the term “fat” refers to fatty acid triglycerides that are solid at 25°C and 1 atm.

[0074] As used herein, the term “seed oil” preferably refers to oil obtained from the seeds (endosperm) of certain plants, rather than from the fruit (pericarp). Most vegetable oils are typically seed oils. Examples include sunflower oil, corn oil, rapeseed oil, and sesame oil.

[0075] As used herein in relation to a composition, the term “stable” preferably means that the composition is both physically and chemically stable.

[0076] As used herein, the term “chemically stable” preferably means that no significant degradation of the active ingredients is observed even after storage in sealed packaging at a temperature of 54°C in a sealed container for at least two weeks. In this context, the term “significant” preferably means that less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 5% by weight, more preferably less than 2% by weight, and even more preferably less than 1% by weight of each component is degraded.

[0077] As used herein, the term “physically stable” preferably means that no significant sedimentation is observed after storage at a temperature of 54°C for at least two weeks in sealed packaging. Stability can be evaluated according to the test protocols established by the International Council on Pesticide Analysis (CIPAC). Stability can be evaluated under normal storage conditions after storage at room temperature for two years. Stability can also be evaluated under accelerated storage conditions after storage at 54°C for two weeks, or at 40°C for eight weeks, or at 35°C for twelve weeks, or at room temperature for three months, or after storage at 0°C for two weeks.

[0078] As used herein, the term "BBCH" refers to the Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt, und Chemische Industrie, and is an abbreviation used to refer to the BBCH scale, a system for representing the seasonal growth stages of plants in agriculture. It represents the three organizations that developed this scale. The BBCH scale provides a standardized method for describing the growth and development throughout the life cycle of various crops. It consists of numerical codes that represent specific growth stages or biophenological events of plants. Each code corresponds to a specific developmental stage such as budding, flowering, fruiting, and senescence. The BBCH scale is widely used in agricultural research, crop management, and biophenological observation. This allows researchers, agronomists, and farmers to exchange and compare information on growth stages in different crops and regions, making it easier to determine the appropriate timing for various agricultural activities such as irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting.

[0079] As used herein, the term "SPAD" is an abbreviation for Soil Plant Analysis Development, a portable device that measures the relative chlorophyll concentration of leaves, which is an indicator of plant health and nutritional status. A SPAD meter works by shining light of specific wavelengths onto the leaf surface and measuring the transmitted or reflected light. Because chlorophyll absorbs light most efficiently in the red and blue regions of the spectrum, the SPAD meter measures the amount of light absorbed by the leaf at these wavelengths. Based on light absorption, the meter displays a numerical value, commonly referred to as the SPAD value. The SPAD value obtained from this meter can be used to estimate the chlorophyll content of the leaf and indirectly assess the plant's nutritional status. Since chlorophyll production depends on sufficient nitrogen supply, it is particularly useful for monitoring crop nitrogen levels. Measuring SPAD values ​​at different locations in the field and at different growth stages allows for informed decisions regarding fertilization, nitrogen management, and the overall health of the crop.

[0080] As used herein, the term "DAP" refers to the number of days after application.

[0081] As used herein, the term “mixture” refers to, but is not limited to, any combination of physical forms, such as blends, solutions, and alloys.

[0082] As used herein, the term “combination” usually refers to a group of pesticides applied at the same time or concurrently.

[0083] In this specification, the term “simultaneous” as used in relation to the application of pesticides usually means that the pesticides are applied as a mixture, for example, a tank mix. In the case of simultaneous application, the combination may be a mixture of pesticides mixed before application, or separate containers each containing a pesticide.

[0084] In this specification, the term “simultaneous” as used in relation to the application of biostimulants usually means that at least one benefit of combining biostimulants is achieved when individual biostimulants are applied separately from other biostimulants or premixtures, simultaneously, or in sufficiently close proximity, such that, for example, when two active ingredients are applied simultaneously, additive, or more additive, or synergistic activity is achieved compared to the activity of either active ingredient alone at the same dose.

[0085] As used herein, the term "tank mix" typically means that one or more components of the composition of the present invention are mixed in a spray tank during or before spray application.

[0086] As used herein, the term “effective,” when used in relation to the amount of a combination, mixture, or composition, preferably means the amount of a combination, mixture, or composition that achieves a beneficial level of biological stimulation when applied to a location for controlling and / or preventing pests.

[0087] As used herein, the term “amount” typically refers to the weight of the component in the composition relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0088] As used herein, the term “effective dose” typically refers to the amount of an active ingredient commercially recommended for use in controlling and / or preventing pests. The commercially recommended dose of each active ingredient is often specified as the application rate of a commercially available formulation and is indicated on the label accompanying the formulation. The commercially recommended application rate of a commercially available formulation may vary depending on factors such as plant species and type of biostimulant.

[0089] As used herein, the term "ha" refers to a hectare.

[0090] As used herein, the terms "a" or "an" include both singular and plural forms unless otherwise specified. Therefore, in this application, the terms "a," "an," or "at least one" are used interchangeably. For example, the term "a seaweed" is used interchangeably with the term "one or more seaweeds," and the term "an oil" is used interchangeably with the term "one or more oils."

[0091] Throughout this application, descriptions of various embodiments are written using the term “including”. This term is understood to also include the terms “essentially consisting of” and / or “consisting of”.

[0092] In this specification, the term "approximately" specifically includes a range of ±10% from the stated values ​​within the range. Furthermore, in this specification, the endpoints of all ranges exhibiting the same component or characteristic include the endpoints, which can be combined independently, and include all intermediate points and ranges.

[0093] Where a parameter range is given, it is understood that all integers and one-tenths within that range are also provided by the present invention as if expressly described herein. For example, "0.1% to 70%" includes 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, etc., up to 70%.

[0094] All publications, patents, and patent applications referenced herein are incorporated herein by reference in whole to the same extent as when individual publications, patents, or patent applications are specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated herein by reference.

[0095] The following embodiments illustrate preferred practices of the subject matter of the Invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter of the Invention. Other embodiments included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art by examining this specification and the embodiments, also constitute part of the Invention. This specification, including the embodiments, is intended to be illustrative only and without limiting the scope and spirit of the Invention.

[0096] The following describes aspects and embodiments of the present invention.

[0097] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising (i) seaweed, (ii) oil, and (iii) at least two surfactants, wherein the composition has a pH in the range of about 3 to about 6.

[0098] The present invention also provides compositions in which seaweed is an active ingredient, preferably in which seaweed is the sole active ingredient in the composition.

[0099] The present invention also provides compositions that are stable.

[0100] The present invention also provides a composition that is a plant biostimulant composition.

[0101] Preferably, the seaweed contained in the composition of the present invention is brown algae.

[0102] Preferably, the algae are members of the class Phaeophyceae.

[0103] More preferably, the member of the class Phaeophyceae is Ascophyllum nodosum.

[0104] The present invention also provides a composition in which seaweed is an extract obtained from said algae.

[0105] The present invention also provides compositions in which the extract is in the form of soluble seaweed extract powder (SSEP) or liquid seaweed extract (LSX).

[0106] More preferably, the amount of the seaweed extract is about 1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0107] The present invention also provides a composition in which the amount of the seaweed extract is about 5% to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0108] The present invention also provides compositions in which the oil is a triglyceride fatty acid ester such as vegetable oil or seed oil; or a monoester derived from vegetables or seeds; or a mixture thereof.

[0109] The present invention also provides compositions in which the triglyceride fatty acid ester is a vegetable oil such as soybean oil, olive oil, almond oil, canola oil, omega-9 canola oil, castor oil, coconut oil, corn oil, palm oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, or tuni oil; a seed oil such as rapeseed oil, sunflower seed oil, cottonseed oil, or linseed oil; or a mixture thereof.

[0110] The present invention also provides a case in which the triglyceride fatty acid ester is a seed oil.

[0111] More preferably, the seed oil is rapeseed oil.

[0112] More preferably, the amount of oil is about 1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the composition. The present invention also provides a composition in which the amount of oil is about 5% to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0113] The present invention also provides a composition comprising a mixture of two surfactants, each independently selected from the group consisting of dispersants and emulsifiers. The dispersant is preferably selected from alkoxylated diethylethanolamine, and the emulsifier is preferably selected from polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate.

[0114] More preferably, one of the surfactants is a polymeric amphoteric surfactant, and the other is a polyol-based (preferably sorbitol-based) surfactant. It is understood that polymeric amphoteric surfactants and polyol-based surfactants are different compounds.

[0115] The amphoteric polymeric surfactant is preferably selected from esters (particularly trimelates) of alkoxylated di(C1-C4 alkyl) diethanolamine, such as trimelates of alkoxylated diethylethanolamine including polyoxyethylene(12) diethylethanolamine monotrimelate (e.g., alkoxylated diethylethanolamine monotrimelate). An example of such an amphoteric polymeric surfactant is available under the trade name AtIox® 4915.

[0116] As for the polymeric amphoteric surfactant, alkoxylated diethylethanolamine is most preferred, polyoxyethylene(12)diethylethanolamine monotrimate is more preferred, and AtIox(trademark) 4915 is even more preferred.

[0117] The polyol-based surfactant preferably has a structure in which the polyol is polyoxyalkylated (e.g., by reaction with an alkylene oxide such as ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide) and then acylated (e.g., by reaction with a fatty acid, fatty acid anhydride, fatty acid ester, or fatty acid chloride). The polyol is preferably selected from diols, triols, tetraols, pentaols, hexaols, heptaols, and octaols, more preferably selected from pentaols and hexaols, each preferably containing 2 to 30 carbon atoms (preferably 3 to 20, more preferably 4 to 8, e.g., 5, 6, or 7). Preferred examples of polyols are sugar alcohols, preferably selected from ethylene glycol, glycerol, erythritol, treitol, arabitol, xylitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, galactitol, fusitol, isitol, inositol, boremitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, maltotriitol, and maltotetraol. The sugar is preferably a monosaccharide or disaccharide, and more preferably a monosaccharide. The sugar alcohol can be obtained from the sugar by hydrogenation. The polyol is preferably sorbitol.

[0118] The polyol-based surfactant preferably contains about 5 to 500 alkylene oxide groups per molecule, more preferably 5 to 100, even more preferably 10 to 100, even more preferably 10 to 80, and even more preferably 20 to 60, for example, 30 to 50 alkylene oxide groups.

[0119] The acyl group is preferably a fatty acid residue having 6 to 28 carbon atoms, preferably 6 to 18 carbon atoms. It should be understood that, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more hydroxyl groups in the polyol (preferably at least half of the hydroxyl groups, more preferably at least all but one hydroxyl group, and even more preferably all hydroxyl groups) may be polyoxyalkylated and / or acylated.

[0120] Preferably, the polyol-based surfactant is polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate, more preferably polyoxyethylene (40) sorbitol hexaoleate, and even more preferably Atlas® G-1086.

[0121] Preferably, the amount of the polymeric amphoteric dispersant is about 1% to about 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, and the amount of the polyol-based (preferably sorbitol-based) surfactant is about 1% to about 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0122] The present invention also provides a composition in which the amount of the polymeric amphoteric dispersant is about 5% to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition; and the amount of the polyol-based (preferably sorbitol-based) surfactant is about 5% to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0123] The present invention also provides a composition in which the pH of the (biostimulant) composition is obtained by adding an acid.

[0124] The present invention also provides compositions in which the acid is selected from citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, carbonic acid, ascorbic acid, sorbic acid, L-ornithine, L-proline, L-tryptophan, beta-alanine, D / L-alanine, L-carnitine, L-cysteine, L-arginine, L-glutamic acid, gallic acid, orthosilicic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0125] The present invention also provides compositions having a pH in the range of about 4 to about 5.

[0126] The present invention also provides a plant biostimulant composition further comprising a co-compounding agent.

[0127] The present invention also provides compositions in which the co-compounding agent is selected from defoaming agents, preservatives, antifreezes, dispersants, solvents, emulsifiers, carriers, auxiliaries, rheological aids, chelating agents, and mixtures thereof.

[0128] The present invention also provides a biostimulant composition further comprising additional active ingredients.

[0129] The present invention also provides compositions in which additional active ingredients are selected from pesticides, biostimulants, and mixtures thereof.

[0130] The present invention also provides compositions in which the pesticide is selected from herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, nematicides, acaricides, and mixtures thereof.

[0131] The present invention also provides compositions in which the biostimulant is selected from amino acids, amino acid betaine, microorganisms, inorganic fertilizers such as nitrogen fertilizers and phosphorus fertilizers, organic fertilizers such as amino acids and fulvic acid and humic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0132] The present invention also provides a (plant biostimulant) composition comprising: (i) Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract, (ii) seed oil; (iii) A mixture of two surfactants independently selected from the group consisting of dispersants and emulsifiers, and (iv) water; Here, the composition has a pH in the range of about 3 to about 6, and the pH is obtained by adding an acid and / or a salt thereof.

[0133] More preferably, the composition comprises (or is obtained by mixing) the following components: (i) Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract in the form of soluble seaweed extract powder (SSEP) or liquid seaweed extract (LSX), (ii) Rapeseed oil, (iii) A mixture of two types of surfactants (wherein one of the surfactants is a polymeric amphoteric surfactant and the other is a polyol-based (preferably sorbitol-based) surfactant), and (iv) water, and (v) Citric acid and / or its salts.

[0134] The present invention also provides compositions comprising (or obtained by mixing) the following components: (i) Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract in the form of soluble seaweed extract powder (SSEP) or liquid seaweed extract (LSX) (in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the composition), (ii) Rapeseed oil (in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the composition) (iii) A mixture of two types of surfactants, wherein one of the surfactants is a polymeric amphoteric surfactant in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, and the other is a polyol-based (preferably sorbitol-based) surfactant in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. (iv) water, and (v) Citric acid and / or its salts.

[0135] The present invention also provides compositions comprising (or obtained by mixing) the following components: (i) Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract in the form of soluble seaweed extract powder (SSEP) or liquid seaweed extract (LSX) (in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the composition), (ii) Rapeseed oil (in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the composition) (iii) A mixture of two types of surfactants, wherein one of the surfactants is a polymeric amphoteric surfactant in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, and the other is a polyol-based (preferably sorbitol-based) surfactant in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. (iv) water, and (v) L-carnitine and / or its salts.

[0136] The present invention also provides compositions comprising (or obtained by mixing) the following components: (i) Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract in the form of soluble seaweed extract powder (SSEP) or liquid seaweed extract (LSX) (in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the composition), (ii) Rapeseed oil (in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the composition) (iii) A mixture of two types of surfactants, wherein one of the surfactants is a polymeric amphoteric surfactant in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, and the other is a polyol-based (preferably sorbitol-based) surfactant in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. (iv) Chelating agents (v) water, and (vi) Citric acid or L-carnitine and / or its salts.

[0137] The present invention also provides compositions comprising (or obtained by mixing) the following components: (i) Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract in the form of soluble seaweed extract powder (SSEP) or liquid seaweed extract (LSX) (in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the composition), (ii) Rapeseed oil (in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the composition) (iii) A mixture of two types of surfactants, wherein one of the surfactants is a polymeric amphoteric surfactant in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, and the other is a polyol-based (preferably sorbitol-based) surfactant in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. (iv) Rheological additives (v) Chelating agents (vi) water, and (vii) Citric acid or L-carnitine and / or its salts.

[0138] Preferred exemplary compositions of the present invention include, or comprise, powdered seaweed extract, propylene glycol, rapeseed oil, an antifoaming agent (preferably OR-10®), a preservative (preferably Proxel® GXL), a high molecular weight amphoteric surfactant (preferably Atlox® 4915), a polyol-based (preferably sorbitol-based) surfactant (preferably Atlas® G-1086), water, one or both of l-carnitine HCl and citric acid, and optionally one or both of leozane and EDTA.

[0139] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for controlling crop productivity in a plant, comprising applying an effective amount of the above composition to a plant, plant seeds, or plant growing medium.

[0140] In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for preventing or mitigating the effects of abiotic stress in plants, comprising applying an effective amount of the composition described herein to a plant, a plant seed, or a plant growing medium.

[0141] Relief of abiotic stress preferably includes one or more of the following: (i) Improvement of plant vitality, (ii) Improvement of root growth and development, (iii) Improvement of bud growth and development, (iv) Improvement of plant growth rate, (v) Improvement of photosynthetic rate and capacity, or (vi) Increased yield.

[0142] This method preferably involves applying an effective amount of the above-described composition to the seeds of a plant.

[0143] More preferably, the method includes applying the composition at a rate of about 0.1 L to about 8 L per ton of seeds. Even more preferably, the composition is applied at a rate of about 0.5 L to about 4 L per ton of seeds.

[0144] The present invention also provides seeds coated with the above composition.

[0145] In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides coated seeds obtained by applying the above composition to seeds and drying them as necessary.

[0146] The coating is preferably in the form of a seed treatment solution.

[0147] The aforementioned seeds may be any suitable seed type, including but not limited to crops, fruits, and vegetables.

[0148] In another embodiment, the present invention provides the use of the above-mentioned compositions to prevent or mitigate the effects of abiotic stress or to manage crop productivity in plants.

[0149] The present invention also provides the use of the above-mentioned compositions for preventing or mitigating the effects of abiotic stress.

[0150] The present invention also provides the use of the above-mentioned composition for controlling crop productivity in plants.

[0151] Each aspect and / or embodiment disclosed herein is considered applicable to each of the other disclosed embodiments. Therefore, any combination of the various elements described herein falls within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, elements described in the embodiments of compositions can be used in the embodiments of combinations, mixtures, methods, uses, packaging, and processes described herein, and vice versa.

[0152] The present invention will be better understood by referring to the following embodiments, but those skilled in the art will readily understand that the specific experiments detailed therein are merely illustrative of the invention, which will be described in more detail in the subsequent claims. The present invention is illustrated by, but is not limited to, the following embodiments.

[0153] Examples The following examples illustrate the present invention. These examples are provided to illustrate the present invention and do not limit its scope. The seaweed extract (powder) was obtained from Acadian® Plant health - Acadian® Soluble Seaweed Extract Powder. Other materials were obtained as follows: [Table 1] [Examples]

[0154] SSEP-based composition containing L-carnitine HCl - APH-1036 [Table 2]

[0155] Propylene glycol, Atlox® 4915, Atlas® G-1086, OR-10®, and Proxel® GXL were added to water and mixed with low shear until homogeneous (approximately 30 minutes). L-carnitine HCl was added over approximately 5 minutes while continuing low shear mixing of the batch. Acadian® soluble seaweed extract powder was slowly added, and mixing of the batch was continued over approximately 30 minutes. Finally, rapeseed oil was added and mixed with high shear for at least 5 minutes. The pH of the composition in Example 1 was approximately 4. All three compositions described above showed good storage stability. [Examples]

[0156] SSEP-based composition containing citric acid - APH-1037 [Table 3]

[0157] Propylene glycol, citric acid, Atlox® 4915, Atlas® G-1086, OR-10®, and Proxel® GXL were added to water and mixed with low shear until homogeneous (approximately 30 minutes). Acadian® soluble seaweed extract powder was then slowly added and the batch mixing was continued for approximately 30 minutes. Finally, rapeseed oil was added and mixed with high shear for at least 5 minutes. The pH of the composition in Example 2 was approximately 4. All three compositions described above showed good storage stability. [Examples]

[0158] SSEP-based composition containing rheological additives and chelating agents [Table 4]

[0159] Add 80% of the propylene glycol, citric acid, Atlox® 4915, Atlas® G-1086, EDTA, OR-10®, and Proxel® GXL to 90% of the water and mix at low shear until the solution is homogeneous (about 30 minutes). Continue mixing the batch for about 30 minutes while slowly adding the Acadian® soluble seaweed extract powder. Next, add the rapeseed oil and mix at high shear for at least 5 minutes. Add the remaining 20% ​​propylene glycol and Atlox® 4915 to the Rheozan® mixture. Add the remaining 10% water to the Rheozan® / propylene glycol mixture and mix at low shear until a homogeneous gel is formed. Add this gel to the remaining formulation and mix at high shear for up to 5 minutes to homogenize. This composition is expected to exhibit good storage stability.

[0160] The storage stability of the compositions of Examples 1 and 2 is shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0161] Table 1: Storage stability data of the composition of Example 1 [Table 5]

[0162] Table 2: Storage stability data of the composition of Example 2 [Table 6]

[0163] It has been established that stable, fluid liquid formulations can be obtained by using specific surfactant systems under specific pH conditions. pH adjustment for stability is a new technique for seaweed extracts.

[0164] Surprisingly, it was discovered that not only specific surfactant combinations (e.g., Atlox® 4915 + Atlas® G-1086) but also specific pH ranges are important for the stability, fluidity, and ease of maintenance of the composition. The use of Atlox® 4915 as a dispersant for Ascophyllum nodosum was not known prior to this invention.

[0165] Furthermore, the inventors were surprised to discover that pH could be maintained using various acids, such as citric acid and L-carnitine.

[0166] This study, which uses a dispersant system and pH adjustment to achieve small, dispersed particles with minimal separation and excellent storage stability, is being published for the first time. Dust data for various adhesives are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

[0167] Table 3: Dust data for wheat from Atlox® SemSera, Adsee® ST-4, rapeseed oil and glycerol, and liquid seaweed concentrate (LSX). [Table 7]

[0168] Table 4: Dust data of rapeseed oil against wheat, without seaweed concentrate, Agrimer® 30, Agrimer® VA 6, Sokalan® K 90 P. Table 4: Dust data for Agrimer (商標) 30. Agrimer (商標)VA 6, Sokalan® K 90 P, and Rapeseed Oil with no seaweed concentrate on wheat [Table 8]

[0169] 500g of seeds were treated with the prescribed application rate and dried in a paper bag for at least 48 hours. A Heubach dust meter was used to test 100g of seeds at a time under the following conditions: airflow: 20 L / min, rotation speed: 30 rpm, time: 120 seconds. The weight of the filter disc before and after treatment was measured to calculate the amount of dust collected.

[0170] The inventors have shown that rapeseed oil acts as an excellent adhesive for the compositions of the present invention. Rapeseed oil exhibits excellent adhesion to seeds and good storage stability. It has been shown that using rapeseed oil as an adhesive reduces dust-off compared to other adhesive technologies. Surprisingly, it was discovered that emulsification of rapeseed oil is achieved by high-shear mixing. The dispersant and emulsifier system yields a well-dispersed formulation with small particle size, exhibiting minimal separation and good storage stability.

[0171] Prior to the present invention, the use of rapeseed oil as a binder for seaweed extracts was not known.

[0172] Biological experiments of the composition of Example 1 (APH-1036) are shown in Figures 1-9.

[0173] These experiments were conducted as field trials under the following conditions: The objective was to evaluate the benefits of applying APH-1036 as a seed treatment agent to corn and soybeans under field conditions in Spain and Canada in 2022.

[0174] crops: Independent CROs in the EU and Canada conducted trials on corn and soybeans. The study used a randomized, fully block design (6 replicates per treatment). stress: Artificial stress applied during the season – aiming for a 40-50% reduction in water compared to standard irrigation recommendations. evaluation: Crop emergence and number of plants, crop growth and enhancement (vitality, leaves and roots), chlorophyll content indicator - SPAD, pod setting and number (soybeans), and ear weight.

[0175] Evaluation details and quality characteristics: Crop vitality: (0-10 scale) 0 = A plant lacking vitality (no leaves). 1 = Compared to the most vigorous plant (vitality 10 (most vigorous plant)), the plant's vitality is 10%. 2-4 represents an intermediate proportion between 20-40%. 5 = Compared to the most vigorous plant (vitality 10 (most vigorous plant)), the plant's vitality is 50%. 6-9 represents an intermediate percentage between 60-90%. 10 = Full vitality (standard leaf vitality of a crop under normal conditions, the most vigorous plant). [Table 9]

[0176] result: Regarding the evaluation of crop growth and enhancement by APH-1036 (vitality in maize), Figure 1 shows that seed treatment with APH-1036 increased the vitality of stressed maize seeds. In Spain, stressed maize seeds showed increased vitality compared to stressed controls, and surprisingly, even higher vitality than unstressed control maize seeds.

[0177] Regarding the enhancement of maize growth and strengthening (vitality in maize) by APH-1036, Figure 2 shows that seed treatment with APH1036 increased the vitality of stressed maize seeds. At 32 days post-application, stressed Canadian maize seeds showed a greater increase than stressed control seeds, and surprisingly, even higher vitality than unstressed control maize seeds.

[0178] Regarding the evaluation of crop growth and enhancement of APH-1036-SPAD in maize, Figure 3 shows that seed treatment with APH 1036 increased SPAD in stressed maize seeds, indicating that at 46 days post-application, Canadian stressed maize seeds showed an increase compared to stressed control seeds.

[0179] Regarding the evaluation of crop growth and enhancement with APH-1036 (maize biomass (foliar fresh) evaluation), Figure 4 shows that seed treatment with APH 1036 increased the weight (in grams) of fresh biomass when applied as a foliar spray to stressed maize seeds. This indicates that 41 days after application, the stressed maize seeds in Canada showed an increase compared to the stressed control seeds.

[0180] Regarding the yield indicator for APH-1036, the weight of 50 ears of maize (kg), Figure 5 shows that seed treatment with APH1036 increased the weight of 50 ears of stressed maize seeds. This indicates that even 101 days after application, the stressed maize seeds in Canada showed a higher yield than the stressed control seeds.

[0181] Regarding the evaluation of crop growth and enhancement using APH-1036 (evaluation of soybean biomass (foliar fresh)), Figure 6 shows that seed treatment with APH1036 increased the biomass weight (in grams) of fresh roots when stressed soybean seeds were foliar sprayed. This indicates that in Spain, stressed soybean seeds showed a greater increase than stressed controls.

[0182] Regarding the evaluation of crop growth and enhancement using APH-1036 (evaluation of soybean biomass (foliar dry)), Figure 7 shows that seed treatment with APH1036 increased the biomass weight (in grams) of the dry roots when stressed soybean seeds were foliar sprayed. This indicates that stressed soybean seeds showed a greater increase than stressed controls in Spain. This indicates an increase in yield after treatment.

[0183] Regarding the evaluation of soybean pod count / plant, a yield indicator for APH-1036, Figure 8 shows that seed treatment with APH-1036 increased the number of pods per plant in stressed soybean seeds. This indicates that in Canada, 104 days after application, stressed soybean seeds showed a greater increase than stressed control seeds. It also exhibits good dose-response activity, indicating an increase in yield after treatment.

[0184] Regarding the evaluation of soybean pod weight (g), a yield indicator for APH-1036, Figure 9 shows that, in Canada, seed treatment with APH 1036 increased the pod weight (grams) of stressed soybean seeds compared to stressed control seeds 104 days after application. This indicates an increase in yield after treatment.

[0185] Biological experiments of the composition of Example 1 (APH-1036) are shown in Figures 10 and 11. These experiments were conducted as bioassays under the following conditions. Growing medium: Field soil. Replication: 4 biological replicates per treatment group. For the first 7 days, it was carried out in a controlled environmental chamber maintained at 20 / 25 °C day / night, 16 / 8 h photoperiod, 70% humidity, and PAR 400 μmol m -2 s -1 After 7 days, the plants were transferred to a greenhouse maintained at 25 / 20 °C, 16 / 8 h photoperiod (light period / dark period). ATP evaluation time: 2 weeks after sowing. Root nodule formation evaluation time: 6 weeks after sowing.

[0186] result: Regarding the soil health of APH-1036 (biological assay of soybean (with 3 true leaves) for ATP content), Figure 10 shows that seed treatment with APH-1036 increased soil ATP and the microbial biomass in the soil. Regarding the soil health of APH-1036 (biological assay of soybean (with 3 true leaves) for root nodule formation), Figure 11 shows that root nodules increased at the 6th week when soybean reached the flowering stage. Seed treatment with APH-1036 increased the root nodules of plants, indicating an increase in nitrogen fixation in APH-1036-treated plants.

[0187] The biological experiments of the composition of Example 2 (APH-1037) are shown in Figures 12 to 20. These experiments were carried out as biological assays under the following conditions. Medium: Field soil. Replication: 6 cell packs per treatment group, 1 maize (36 seeds) per cell, and 3 wheat (108 seeds) per cell. <000^776>The controlled environmental chamber was maintained at 25 / 20 °C day / night, 16 / 8 h photoperiod, 70% humidity, and PAR 400 μmol m -2 s -1 Salinity stress: On the 7th day after sowing, 200 mM NaCl was irrigated to the stress group. Reduction of irrigation stress: On the 7th day after sowing, irrigation to the stress group was stopped. Evaluation time: 2 weeks after sowing.

[0188] result: Figure 12 clearly shows that APH-1037 (unstressed) exhibits a good dose-response to dry sprout weight in maize. Under unstressed conditions, APH-1037 increased sprout growth. This indicates that the treated seeds have improved resource availability and sprout growth (absorption or photosynthesis) is promoted.

[0189] Regarding salinity stress (post-emergence stress in wheat) and root length measurement for APH-1037, Figure 13 shows that APH-1037 increased root growth under salinity stress conditions in wheat seeds. Under stress conditions, bud growth is often the first to be affected, and the root:bud ratio increases.

[0190] Regarding the relationship between irrigation reduction (post-emergence stress on maize) and root length measurement for APH-1037, Figure 14 shows that APH-1037 promoted root growth in maize seeds treated with it under irrigation reduction conditions. Under stress conditions, bud growth is often the first to be affected, and the root:bud ratio increases.

[0191] Regarding salinity (post-emergence stress in maize) and root length measurements related to APH-1037, Figure 15 shows that APH-1037 further increased the root:bud ratio beyond the natural response of maize seedlings (promoting root growth without reducing bud growth). The increased root:bud ratio increases the exploreable volume of soil, thereby increasing the availability and absorption of water and minerals, which leads to improved bud growth over time, especially under high salinity conditions.

[0192] Regarding salinity (post-emergence stress in maize) and fine root measurements for APH-1037, Figure 16 shows that APH-1037 further promoted fine root growth of maize seeds under high soil salinity conditions.

[0193] Regarding irrigation reduction (post-emergence stress in maize) and root length measurement with respect to APH-1037, Figure 17 shows that APH-1037 further increased the root-to-bud ratio beyond the natural response of maize seedlings (promoting root growth without reducing bud growth). The increased root-to-bud ratio increases the exploreable volume of soil, thereby improving the availability and absorption of water and minerals, which leads to improved shoot growth over time, even under irrigation reduction conditions.

[0194] Regarding the relationship between reduced irrigation (post-emergence stress in maize) and fine root measurements for APH-1037, Figure 18 shows that under reduced irrigation conditions, APH-1037 further promoted the growth of fine roots in maize seeds.

[0195] Regarding irrigation reduction (post-emergence stress in wheat) and root length measurement with respect to APH-1037, Figure 19 shows that APH-1037 further increased the root-to-bud ratio beyond the natural response of maize seedlings (promoting root growth without reducing bud growth). The increased root-to-bud ratio increases the exploreable volume of soil, thereby improving the availability and absorption of water and minerals, which leads to improved bud growth over time, even under irrigation reduction conditions.

[0196] Regarding irrigation reduction (post-emergence stress in wheat) and fine root measurement for APH-1037, Figure 20 shows that APH-1037 further increased fine root growth of wheat seeds under irrigation reduction conditions.

[0197] The dust-off results for the composition of Example 1 (APH-1036) are shown in Figures 21 and 23. These experiments were conducted under the following conditions: A Heubach dust meter was used to test 100g of seeds at a time under the following conditions: airflow: 20 L / min, rotation speed: 30 rpm, time: 120 seconds. The weight of the filter disc was measured before and after treatment, and the amount of dust collected was calculated.

[0198] result: Figure 21 shows the dust-off results for wheat treated with 1 mg / kg of APH-1037 and 3 mL / kg of water. It demonstrates that when wheat seeds (Skyfall) were treated with APH-1036, dust-off was significantly lower compared to untreated seeds.

[0199] Figure 22 shows the dust-off results for corn treated with 1 mg / kg of APH-1037 and 3 mL / kg of water, indicating that when corn seeds (Lovely) were treated with APH-1036, dust-off was significantly lower compared to untreated seeds.

[0200] Figure 22 shows the dust-off results for soybeans treated with 1 mg / kg of APH-1037 and 3 mL / kg of water. It demonstrates that when soybean seeds (conventional) were treated with APH-1036, the dust-off was significantly lower compared to untreated seeds.

[0201] The dust-off results for the composition of Example 2 (APH-1037) are shown in Figures 24 and 26. These experiments were conducted as bioassays under the following conditions: A Heubach dust meter was used to test 100g of seeds at a time under the following conditions: airflow: 20 L / min, rotation speed: 30 rpm, time: 120 seconds. The weight of the filter disc was measured before and after treatment, and the amount of dust collected was calculated.

[0202] result: Figure 24 shows the dust-off results for corn treated with 1 mg / kg of APH-1037 and 3 mL / kg of water, indicating that dust-off is significantly lower when corn seeds (Lovely) are treated with APH-1037 compared to untreated seeds.

[0203] Figure 25 shows the dust-off results for soybeans treated with 1 mg / kg of APH-1037 and 3 mL / kg of water. It demonstrates that when soybean seeds (conventional) were treated with APH-1037, dust-off was significantly lower compared to untreated seeds.

[0204] Figure 26 shows the dust-off results for soybeans treated with 2 mg / kg of APH-1037 and 2 mL / kg of water. It demonstrates that when soybean seeds (conventional) were treated with APH-1037, the dust-off was significantly lower compared to untreated seeds.

Claims

1. (i) seaweed, (ii) oil, and (iii) at least two surfactants, A composition comprising, The composition has a pH in the range of about 3 to about 6.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the seaweed is a brown algae.

3. The composition according to claim 2, wherein the brown algae is a member of the class Phaeophyceae.

4. The composition according to claim 3, wherein the member of the brown algae class is Ascophyllum nodosum.

5. The aforementioned seaweed is seaweed or seaweed extract, preferably seaweed extract. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the amount of the seaweed extract is about 1% by weight to about 20% by weight, based on the dry substance of the seaweed extract, relative to the total weight of the composition.

6. The composition according to claim 5, wherein the oil is rapeseed oil.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the amount of the oil is about 1% by weight to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one of the surfactants is a polymeric amphoteric surfactant, and the other is a polyol-based surfactant, preferably a sorbitol-based surfactant.

9. The composition according to claim 8, wherein the amount of the polymeric amphoteric surfactant is about 5% to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition, and the amount of the polyol-based surfactant is about 5% to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

10. The following ingredients: (i) Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract in the form of soluble seaweed extract powder (SSEP) or liquid seaweed extract (LSX), (ii) Rapeseed oil, (iii) A mixture of two surfactants, one of which is a high molecular weight amphoteric surfactant and the other is a polyol-based surfactant such as a sorbitol-based surfactant. (iv) water, and (v) citric acid and / or its salts, A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising:

11. A method for controlling crop productivity in a plant, comprising applying an effective amount of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10 to a plant, plant seeds, or plant growing medium.

12. A method for preventing or mitigating the effects of abiotic stress in a plant, comprising applying an effective amount of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10 to a plant, a plant seed, or a plant growing medium.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the composition is applied in a proportion of about 0.1 L to about 8 L per ton of seeds.

14. Coated seeds obtained by applying the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10 to seeds and drying them as necessary.

15. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10 for managing crop productivity and / or preventing or mitigating the effects of abiotic stress in plants.

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