1-Amino-1-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid mixture and uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a 1-amino-1-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (ACC) mixture. The present invention further relates to a method for promoting or synchronizing sprouting in woody perennial plants by applying the ACC mixture of the present invention. The present invention further relates to a method for promoting plant growth in woody perennial plants by applying the ACC mixture of the present invention.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a 1-amino-1-cyclopropane carboxylic acid ("ACC") mixture. The present invention further relates to a method for promoting or synchronizing sprouting in woody perennial plants by applying the ACC mixture of the present invention. The present invention further relates to a method for promoting the growth of woody perennial plants by applying the ACC mixture of the present invention. [Background technology]

[0002] Woody perennial plants, such as deciduous fruit trees and grapevines, require low temperatures during the growing season to adequately obtain acceptable fruit yields. Specifically, plants develop dormant buds at the end of the growing season to increase the chances of surviving between growing seasons. This bud stage is known as dormancy. A certain amount of low temperature is required for dormancy to be broken and for woody perennial plants to resume growth. Effective low temperatures are based on both the duration of the low temperature and the temperature during the low temperature period. This is usually followed by an increase in temperature to break dormancy and result in synchronous flowering and fruit development. This dormancy breaking in woody perennial plants is known as bud break.

[0003] The most commercially successful bud dormancy breaking chemical is hydrogen cyanamide ("HC"). HC is the active ingredient in Dormex® (Dormex is a registered trademark of and sold by AlzChem AG, Germany). In addition to compensating for chilling deficiencies, HC has been used to initiate earlier and more synchronous bud break resulting in increased fruit set and yield. However, HC is highly toxic and has been shown to cause adverse human health effects through contact with skin and / or mucous membranes. See Schep et al., The adverse effects of hydrogen cyanamide on human health: an evaluation of inquiries to the New Zealand National Poisons Centre. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2009 47(1):58-60, and Update: hydrogen cyanamide-related illnesses-Italy, 2002-2004, MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep, 2005 Apr 29, 54(16), 405-408. Furthermore, high rates of HC have been associated with in-season phytotoxicity and repeated use may result in long-term reductions in grapevine health and yield.

[0004] 1-Amino-1-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid ("ACC") is synthesized in plants by ACC synthase and acts as a precursor for ethylene biosynthesis. Ethylene has been shown to be involved in several plant responses, including synchronization of flowering (pineapple), stress, fruit set, leaf abscission, and flowering. Because of its role as an ethylene precursor, ACC has been used in agriculture to induce ethylene response events.

[0005] Nitrogen-containing fertilizers are used to promote the growth of cultivated plant species. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers have also been shown to promote earlier budbreak and synchronized budbreak in apple, cherry, and grape. However, nitrogen-containing fertilizers are not as effective or consistent as hydrogen cyanamide in breaking bud dormancy. See Hawerroth FJ, et al.: Erger and calcium nitrate concentration for budbreak induction in apple trees, Acta Hort., 2010 Aug, 872(32), 239-244.

[0006] Thus, there is a need in the art for compositions that are capable of breaking bud dormancy as well as or better than hydrogen cyanamide without adversely affecting plant or animal health. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to an agricultural composition for breaking bud dormancy comprising a mixture of an effective amount of 1-amino-1-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid ("ACC") or a salt thereof and an effective amount of a nitrogen-containing fertilizer, wherein the ratio of ACC or its salt and the nitrogen-containing fertilizer is in a ratio of about 1:0.3 to about 1:3,000.

[0008] The present invention further relates to a method for promoting early sprouting or synchronizing sprouting and flowering in a woody perennial plant by applying a composition comprising an effective amount of ACC or a salt thereof and an effective amount of a nitrogen-containing fertilizer, wherein the ratio of ACC or a salt thereof and the nitrogen-containing fertilizer is in a ratio of about 1:0.3 to about 1:3,000.

[0009] The present invention further relates to a method for promoting plant growth of a woody perennial plant by applying a composition comprising an effective amount of ACC or a salt thereof and an effective amount of a nitrogen-containing fertilizer, wherein the ratio of ACC or a salt thereof and the nitrogen-containing fertilizer is in a ratio of about 1:0.3 to about 1:3,000. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The ACC mixture of the present invention has been unexpectedly found to promote and synchronize sprouting (i.e., the start of growth) in woody perennial plants at a rate equal to or greater than that of the standard commercial sprouting agent, Dormex®. Furthermore, the ACC mixture of the present invention has been unexpectedly found to promote and synchronize sprouting (i.e., the start of growth) and promote plant growth in woody perennial plants at a rate greater than the sum of the effects of each active agent alone.

[0011] As used herein, the phrase "breaking bud dormancy" or "sprouting" refers to the initiation of growth from a bud that has continued a period of dormancy.

[0012] As used herein, the term "promote" means to initiate or enhance earlier.

[0013] As used herein, the term 1-amino-1-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid or ACC refers to the compound with the CAS number 22059-21-8, which has the following chemical structure: [ka] It means something like.

[0014] Salts that can be used in accordance with the present invention include, but are not limited to, hydrochloride, dihydrate hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, nitrate, sulfate, bisulfate, phosphate, acid phosphate, isonicotinate, acetate, lactate, potassium salt, salicylate, citrate, tartrate, pantothenate, bitartrate, ascorbate, succinate, mesylate, maleate, gentisinate, fumarate, tannate, sulfate, tosylate, esylate, gluconate, glucuronate, saccharate, formate, benzoate, glutamate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, and pamoate (i.e., 1,1'-methylene-bis-(2-hydroxy-3-naphthoate)).

[0015] As used herein, the term "nitrogenous fertilizer" means a fertilizer that contains nitrogen.

[0016] As used herein, the term "calcium ammonium nitrate fertilizer" refers to a fertilizer that contains calcium and nitrogen in the form of nitrate and ammonium.

[0017] "15-0-0 fertilizer" means a fertilizer containing about 15% nitrogen, including Erger® (Erger is a registered trademark of Valagro SPA, Italy, available from Helena Chemical Company, Collierville, Tennessee, USA) and all formulations described in PCT International Publication WO / 2001 / 037653A2 by Valagro SPA, Italy, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Erger® was used in combination with Activ Erger® (Valagro SPA, Italy), which provides an additional nitrogen source.

[0018] As used herein, the term "17-0-0 fertilizer" refers to a fertilizer containing approximately 17% nitrogen. CAN17® was used as the source of 17-0-0 fertilizer. CAN17 contains a total of 17% nitrogen as 4.6% ammonium nitrogen, 11.6% nitrate nitrogen, 1.3% urea nitrogen, and 8.8% calcium, derived from ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate. CAN17 is available from JR Simplot Company, Boise, ID, USA.

[0019] As used herein, the term "27-0-0 fertilizer" refers to a fertilizer containing about 27% nitrogen. CAN27 is one commercial source of 27-0-0 fertilizer. YaraBela CAN27 contains 27% nitrogen as 13.5% nitrate, 13.5% ammoniacal, 4% calcium, and 1% magnesium.

[0020] The present invention can be applied via spraying, drench, drip, painting, or rolling with a brush, wiping and chemigation techniques.

[0021] All numerical values ​​relating to amounts, ratios, weight percentages, and the like are defined herein as "about" or "approximately," plus or minus 10% of the respective particular value. For example, the phrase "at least 5.0% by weight" should be understood as "at least 4.5% to 5.5% by weight." Thus, amounts within 10% of the claimed value are encompassed within the scope of the claim.

[0022] As used herein, an "effective amount" refers to an amount of ACC or its salts and / or fertilizer that improves germination, germination synchronization, and / or increases live weight (fresh weight). The "effective amount" varies depending on factors such as the concentration of ACC or its salts and fertilizer, the species or variety of the plant being treated, the desired result, and the life stage of the plant. Thus, it is not always possible to specify an exact "effective amount."

[0023] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an agricultural composition for breaking bud dormancy, comprising a mixture of an effective amount of ACC or a salt thereof and an effective amount of a nitrogen-containing fertilizer, wherein the ratio of ACC or a salt thereof and the nitrogen-containing fertilizer is in a ratio of about 1:0.3 to about 1:3,000.

[0024] In one embodiment, the effective amount of ACC or a salt thereof is about 1 to about 10,000 ppm (parts per million), preferably about 100 to about 3,000 ppm, more preferably about 300 to about 1,000 ppm, and most preferably about 300 or about 1,000 ppm.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the nitrogen-containing fertilizer is a calcium ammonium nitrate fertilizer.

[0026] In a more preferred embodiment, the nitrogen-containing fertilizer is selected from the group consisting of a 15-0-0 fertilizer, a 17-0-0 fertilizer, and a 27-0-0 fertilizer.

[0027] In one embodiment, the effective amount of nitrogen-containing fertilizer is from about 1% to about 90%, preferably from about 3% to about 50%, more preferably from about 3% to about 30%, even more preferably from about 6% to about 30%, and most preferably about 6% or about 30%.

[0028] In another embodiment, the composition of the present invention further comprises a surfactant. Surfactants suitable for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, silicone surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

[0029] Nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, polysorbates such as polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, and polysorbate 80; sorbitan derivatives such as Tween® 80, Tween® 85 (Tween® is a registered trademark of Croda Americas, Inc. and Tween® 80 and 85 are available from Croda, Inc.); ethoxylated alcohols such as Brij® 98 (Brij® is a registered trademark of Uniqema Americas LLC and Brij® 98 is available from Croda Inc.); ethoxylated alkylphenols such as Igepol CA-630, Igepol, and Igepol CO-630 from Rhodia Inc.; ethoxylated fatty acids such as Myrj® 52 (Myrj® is a product of Atlas Powder and Myrj® 52 is available from Croda Inc.), silicone based surfactants such as Silwet L-77® (Silwet and Silwet L-77 are registered trademarks of Momentive Performance Chemicals and Silwet L-77® is available from Momentive Performance Chemicals), and block polymer surfactants such as Pluronic® P85, and Pluronic® P104 (Pluronic is a registered trademark of BASF Corporation and Pluronic® P85 and P104 are available from BASF Corporation), and mixtures thereof.

[0030] Anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, water-soluble salts of higher fatty acid monoglyceride monosulfates, such as the sodium salt of monosulfated monoglyceride of hydrogenated coconut oil fatty acid, higher alkyl sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, alkylaryl sulfonates, such as sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, monoalkyl phosphates, α-olefin sulfonates, higher fatty acid esters of 1,2-dihydroxypropanesulfonate, organic phosphate esters, such as mono- and di-alkylethoxy phosphates, and substantially saturated higher aliphatic acyl amides of lower aliphatic amino carboxylic acid compounds, such as those having 12 to 16 carbons in the fatty acid, alkyl or acyl group, and mixtures thereof.

[0031] Silicone surfactants include, but are not limited to, PEG-12 dimethicone disodium sulfosuccinate (trade name Mackanate DC-100, available from McIntyre Group, Ltd.), PEG-12 Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, PEG-8 Dimethicone, PEG-7 Dimethicone, PEG-7 Dimethicone Succinate (all available from SilTech, LLC), PEG-20 / PPG-6 Dimethicone, PEG-14 / PPG-4 Dimethicone, PEG-4 / PPG-12 Dimethicone, PEG-20 / PPG-20 Dimethicone (available from Evonik), Copolymer of Dimethylsiloxane and Methyl(Polyoxyethylene) Siloxane (available from Shin-Etsu Silicones), Copolymer of Dimethylsiloxane and Methyl(Polyoxyethylene) Siloxane and Methyl(Polyoxypropyl) Siloxane (available from Shin-Etsu Silicones), SILSOFT (Momentus Performance Materials), including, for example, PEG-8 trisiloxane, PEG-8 / PPG-26 dimethicone, PEG-20 / PPG-23 dimethicone, PEG-20 / PPG-15 dimethicone, PEG-23 / PPG-6 dimethicone, PEG-17 dimethicone, and PPG-12 dimethicone, and mixtures thereof.

[0032] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for promoting or synchronizing sprouting and flowering in a woody perennial plant, preferably in a grapevine, comprising applying a composition comprising an effective amount of ACC or a salt thereof and an effective amount of a nitrogen-containing fertilizer, wherein the ratio of ACC or a salt thereof and the nitrogen-containing fertilizer is in a ratio of about 1:0.3 to about 1:3,000.

[0033] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for promoting plant growth in a woody perennial plant, preferably in a grapevine, comprising applying a composition comprising an effective amount of ACC or a salt thereof and an effective amount of a nitrogen-containing fertilizer, wherein the ratio of ACC or a salt thereof and the nitrogen-containing fertilizer is in a ratio of about 1:0.3 to about 1:3,000.

[0034] In the method of the present invention, the ACC or a salt thereof and the nitrogen-containing fertilizer can be applied sequentially or simultaneously.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to an agricultural composition for breaking bud dormancy comprising ACC or a salt thereof, and 15-0-0 fertilizer in a ratio of about 1:10 to about 1:1,000, more preferably about 1:60 to about 1:200.

[0036] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to an agricultural composition for breaking bud dormancy comprising ACC or a salt thereof and 17-0-0 fertilizer in a ratio of about 1:100 to about 1:3,000, more preferably about 1:300 to about 1:1000.

[0037] By woody perennial plants is meant plants having stems that do not die when they return to the ground from which they grew, including, but not limited to, grape vines, kiwifruit trees, stone fruit trees, including, but not limited to, peach trees, nectarine trees, apricot trees, cherry trees, apple trees, pear trees, blueberry bushes, and raspberry and blackberry bushes.

[0038] In one embodiment, woody perennial plants do not include grape vines.

[0039] These exemplary embodiments are in no way limiting and are set forth merely to illustrate certain aspects of the present invention.

[0040] The following examples are offered by way of illustration only, and not by way of limitation. EXAMPLES

[0041] Example 1. Efficacy of ACC mixtures on apples (Malus) method To evaluate the ability of the mixtures of the present invention to promote and synchronize germination, the mixtures were applied to field-grown rootstocks of the genus Malus (apple) and examined for germination (initiation of growth) and subsequent shoot development. ACC, Dormex (50% HC), 15-0-0 (Erger®), and 17-0-0 fertilizers (CAN17), and mixtures thereof, were applied individually or sequentially (simultaneous application) to the shoots of potted apple rootstocks pruned to a height of 25 cm. The plants were evaluated for germination 28 days after treatment. The results of these evaluations are shown in Tables 1-5 below.

[0042] To determine whether a combination provided unexpected results, the observed combination efficacy ("OCE") was divided by the expected combination efficacy ("ECE"), where expected ECE is calculated according to the Abbott method described below. ECE = A+B-(AB / 100)

[0043] In the above formula, ECE is the expected combination efficacy, where A and B are the rate of sprouts relative to the control, the number of sprouts per plant relative to the control, the shoot length relative to the control, or the shoot weight relative to the control, imparted by a single active ingredient. If the ratio of the mixture's OCE to the mixture's ECE is greater than 1, there is a greater than expected interaction in the mixture. (Gisi, Synergistic Interaction of Fungicides in Mixtures, The American Phytopathological Society, 86:11, 1273-1279,1996).

[0044] [Table 1]

[0045] As shown in Table 1 above, an application of 1% HC was the benchmark for bud breaking, with 50% of the apples breaking dormancy by day 12. However, a mixture of 1000 ppm ACC and 30% 17-0-0 fertilizer reached bud breaking at the same time. Control plants took 14 days to reach 50% bud breaking. This data indicates that mixtures of ACC and certain nitrogen-containing fertilizers have the same bud breaking activity as the industry standard HC.

[0046] The mixture of ACC and 17-0-0 fertilizer produced unexpected synergistic effects on several parameters. Specifically, a mixture of 1000 ppm ACC and 30% 17-0-0 fertilizer produced an OCE:ECE ratio of 3. Thus, application of the mixture of the present invention produces an unexpected enhancement of dormancy breaking similar to commercial applications.

[0047] [Table 2]

[0048] [Table 3]

[0049] At harvest (28 days after planting), the number of sprouted buds per plant and per centimeter of shoot was evaluated. As shown in Tables 2 and 3 above, application of 1% HC was the standard for sprouting, and apples averaged 8.13 buds per plant and 0.325 nodes per centimeter of shoot. However, a mixture of 1000 ppm ACC and 6% Erger caused an unexpected number of sproutings per plant and per centimeter of shoot than 1% HC. Thus, application of the mixture of the present invention results in an unexpected promotion of dormancy breaking similar to that of the commercial standard Dormex.

[0050] [Table 4]

[0051] [Table 5]

[0052] At harvest (28 days after planting), fresh weight and fresh weight per shoot were evaluated. As shown in Tables 4 and 5 above, with a 1% HC application as the fresh weight benchmark, apple rootstocks averaged 7.99 grams with shoots, which equated to 0.98 grams of fresh weight per shoot with shoots. Both 300 ppm and 1000 ppm ACC and 30% 17-0-0 fertilizer mixtures produced greater fresh weight per shoot than 1% HC. Additionally, the 1000 ppm ACC and fertilizer mixtures produced greater fresh weight than expected, and the 300 ppm and 1000 ppm ACC and 30% 17-0-0 fertilizer mixtures produced greater fresh weight per shoot than expected. This data demonstrates that ACC and specific nitrogen-containing fertilizer mixtures are superior to the industry-leading HC in improving fresh weight. Additionally, application of the mixtures of the present invention provides unexpected acceleration of dormancy breaking similar to or better than commercial applications.

[0053] Example 2. Efficacy of ACC mixtures on cherry blossoms (Prunus) method To evaluate the ability of the mixtures of the present invention to promote and synchronize bud break, these mixtures were applied to Prunus (stone fruit) plants in a greenhouse and examined for bud break (start of growth) and subsequent shoot development. ACC, Dormex (50% HC), 15-0-0 (Erger®), and 17-0-0 fertilizer (CAN17), and their mixtures, were applied individually or sequentially (simultaneous application) to the shoots of the Prunus plants. 28 days after treatment, the plants were evaluated for bud break. The results of these evaluations are shown in Tables 6 and 7 below.

[0054] [Table 6]

[0055] As shown in Table 6 above, application of 1% HC was the benchmark for bud breaking, and by 7 days the cherry trees had reached 50% bud breaking. However, 30% 17-0-0 fertilizer and a mixture of 1000 ppm ACC and fertilizer caused early bud breaking by 5 days. Additionally, a mixture of 300 ppm ACC and 30% 17-0-0 fertilizer caused the plants to reach 50% bud breaking by 7 days. The control plants took 14 days to reach 50% bud breaking. This data demonstrates that a mixture of ACC and nitrogen-containing fertilizer works as well in bud breaking as the industry standard HC.

[0056] [Table 7]

[0057] At harvest (28 days after planting), the fresh weight of the new growth was evaluated. As shown in Table 7 above, with a 1% HC application as the fresh weight benchmark, the cherry trees averaged 4.76 grams fresh weight with the new growth combined. The ACC and fertilizer mixture resulted in greater fresh weights than the 1% HC. This data demonstrates that mixtures of ACC and specific nitrogen-containing fertilizers work just as well at improving fresh weight as the industry leading HC.

[0058] Furthermore, the mixture of ACC and 17-0-0 fertilizer provided unexpected combined effects on several parameters. Specifically, 300 ppm and 1000 ppm ACC and 30% 17-0-0 fertilizer provided fresh weight per plant with OCE:ECE ratios of 2.53 and 11.80. Thus, application of the mixture of the present invention provides unexpected promotion of dormancy breaking similar to or better than commercial application.

[0059] Example 3. Further effectiveness of ACC mixture on cherry blossoms method To evaluate the ability of the mixtures of the present invention to promote and synchronize bud break, the mixtures were applied to Prunus (stone fruit) plants in a greenhouse and examined for bud break (initiation of growth) and subsequent shoot development. ACC, Dormex (50% HC), and 17-0-0 fertilizer (CAN17), and mixtures thereof, were each applied individually or sequentially (simultaneous application) to the shoots of the cherry plants. The plants were evaluated for bud break 4-21 days after treatment. The results of these evaluations are shown below in Tables 8-10.

[0060] [Table 8]

[0061] As shown in Table 8 above, application of 1% HC was the benchmark for bud breaking, with 50% of the apples breaking dormancy by 9 days. However, the mixtures of 100 ppm ACC and 30% 17-0-0 fertilizer, and the mixtures of 300 ppm ACC and 10% 17-0-0 fertilizer reached bud breaking at the same time. Furthermore, the mixtures of 100 ppm ACC and 30% 17-0-0 fertilizer, 300 ppm ACC and 30% 17-0-0 fertilizer, and the mixtures of 600 ppm ACC and 3%, 10%, or 30% 17-0-0 fertilizer reached 50% bud breaking sooner than 1% HC at 8 days. The earliest bud breaking was reached by 300 ppm ACC and 10% 17-0-0 fertilizer, which reached 50% bud breaking at 7 days. Control plants took 10 days to reach 50% emergence. This data demonstrates that mixtures of ACC and specific nitrogen-containing fertilizers are as effective or better at synchronizing emergence than the industry standard HC.

[0062] Mixtures of ACC and 17-0-0 fertilizer provided unexpected synergistic effects on several parameters. Specifically, mixtures of 100 ppm ACC and 30% 17-0-0 fertilizer, mixtures of 300 ppm ACC and 3% or 10% 17-0-0 fertilizer, and mixtures of 600 ppm ACC and 3% 17-0-0 fertilizer resulted in OCE:ECE ratios of 1.5 to 2.0. Thus, application of the mixtures of the present invention results in an unexpected promotion of synchronization of dormancy breaking.

[0063] [Table 9]

[0064] As shown in Table 9 above, application of 1% HC was the standard for bud break, and 6 days after 0% bud break, 100% of the apples broke dormancy. However, the mixture of 100 ppm ACC and 10% 17-0-0 fertilizer, and the mixture of 300 ppm ACC and 10% 17-0-0 fertilizer reached 0-100% bud break at the same time. Furthermore, the mixture of 300 ppm ACC and 3% 17-0-0 fertilizer, the mixture of 600 ppm ACC and 30% 17-0-0 fertilizer, the mixture of 100 ppm ACC and 30% 17-0-0 fertilizer, and the mixture of 300 ppm ACC and 30% 17-0-0 fertilizer reached 0-100% bud break in 4-5 days, faster than 1% HC. The control plants took 10 days to reach 0-100% bud break. The data demonstrates that mixtures of ACC with certain nitrogen-containing fertilizers are as effective or better than the industry standard HC in inducing 0-100% emergence.

[0065] Mixtures of ACC and 17-0-0 fertilizer provided unexpected synergistic effects on several parameters. Specifically, all mixtures except 600 ppm ACC and 3% 17-0-0 fertilizer produced OCE:ECE ratios between 2.0 and 10.0. Thus, application of the mixtures of the present invention results in an unexpected promotion of synchronized dormancy breaking.

[0066] [Table 10]

[0067] At harvest (28 days after planting), the fresh weight of the new growth was evaluated. As shown in Table 10 above, with a 1% HC application as the fresh weight benchmark, the cherry trees averaged 1.64 grams fresh weight with the new growth combined. The ACC and fertilizer mixture resulted in greater fresh weights than the 1% HC. This data demonstrates that mixtures of ACC and specific nitrogen-containing fertilizers work similarly to industry-leading HCs in improving fresh weight.

[0068] Additionally, mixtures of ACC and 17-0-0 fertilizer provided unexpected combinatorial effects on several parameters. Specifically, all mixtures except 300 ppm ACC and 3% 17-0-0 fertilizer produced fresh weight per plant with OCE:ECE ratios ranging from 1.55 to 9.13. Thus, application of the mixtures of the present invention provides unexpected promotion of dormancy breaking similar to or better than commercial applications.

[0069] Example 4. Further effectiveness of ACC mixture on cherry blossoms method To evaluate the ability of the mixtures of the present invention to promote and synchronize bud break, the mixtures were applied to Prunus (stone fruit) plants in a greenhouse and examined for bud break (initiation of growth) and subsequent shoot development. ACC, Dormex (50% HC), and 15-0-0 fertilizer (CAN15), and their mixtures, were each applied individually or sequentially (simultaneous application) to the shoots of the cherry plants. The plants were evaluated for bud break 4-21 days after treatment. The results of these evaluations are shown below in Tables 11-13.

[0070] [Table 11]

[0071] As shown in Table 11 above, application of 1% HC was the benchmark for bud breaking, with 50% of the apples breaking dormancy by 9 days. However, mixtures of 100 ppm ACC and 10% 15-0-0 fertilizer, 300 ppm ACC and 10% 15-0-0 fertilizer, and 600 ppm ACC and 3% 15-0-0 fertilizer reached bud breaking at the same time. Furthermore, mixtures of 100 ppm ACC and 6% or 10% 15-0-0 fertilizer, 300 ppm ACC and 3% or 6% 15-0-0 fertilizer, and 600 ppm ACC and 6% or 10% 15-0-0 fertilizer reached 50% bud breaking sooner than 1% HC, at 7 to 8 days. Control plants took 11 days to reach 50% bud breaking. The data demonstrates that mixtures of ACC and specific nitrogen-containing fertilizers are as effective or better at synchronizing seed emergence than the industry standard HC.

[0072] The mixture of ACC and 15-0-0 fertilizer provided unexpected synergistic effects on several parameters. Specifically, a mixture of 300 ppm ACC and 3% 15-0-0 fertilizer produced an OCE:ECE ratio of 1.3. Thus, application of the mixture of the present invention unexpectedly facilitates synchronization of dormancy breaking.

[0073] [Table 12]

[0074] As shown in Table 12 above, application of 1% HC was the benchmark for bud breaking, and 6 days after 0% bud breaking, 100% of the apples broke dormancy. However, mixtures of 100 ppm ACC and 6% or 10% 15-0-0 fertilizer, mixtures of 300 ppm ACC and 10% 15-0-0 fertilizer, and mixtures of 600 ppm ACC and 6% or 100% 15-0-0 fertilizer reached 0-100% bud breaking in 4-5 days, faster than 1% HC. Control plants took 10 days to reach 0-100% bud breaking. This data demonstrates that mixtures of ACC and selected nitrogen-containing fertilizers are as effective or better at inducing 0-100% bud breaking than the industry standard HC.

[0075] Mixtures of ACC and 15-0-0 fertilizer provided unexpected synergistic effects on several parameters. Specifically, mixtures of 100 ppm ACC and 10% 15-0-0 fertilizer, 300 ppm ACC and 3% 15-0-0 fertilizer, and 600 ppm ACC and 10% 15-0-0 fertilizer provided OCE:ECE ratios of 2.0. Thus, application of the mixtures of the present invention unexpectedly facilitates synchronization of dormancy breaking.

[0076] [Table 13]

[0077] At harvest (28 days after planting), the fresh weight of the new growth was evaluated. As shown in Table 13 above, with a 1% HC application as the fresh weight benchmark, the cherry trees averaged 3.15 grams fresh weight with the new growth combined. The ACC and fertilizer mixture resulted in greater fresh weights than the 1% HC. This data demonstrates that mixtures of ACC and specific nitrogen-containing fertilizers work similarly to the industry-leading HC in improving fresh weight.

[0078] Additionally, mixtures of ACC and 15-0-0 fertilizer provided unexpected combinatorial effects on several parameters. Specifically, all mixtures except 600 ppm ACC and 3% 15-0-0 fertilizer produced fresh weights per plant with OCE:ECE ratios ranging from 1.14 to 273.75. Thus, application of the mixtures of the present invention provides unexpected promotion of dormancy breaking similar to or better than commercial applications.

Claims

1. An agricultural composition for breaking bud dormancy in a woody perennial plant, comprising a mixture of an effective amount of 1-amino-1-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (ACC) or a salt thereof and a nitrogen-containing fertilizer, wherein the ratio of ACC to the nitrogen-containing fertilizer is in a concentration ratio of 1:0.3 to 1:3,000.

2. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the nitrogen-containing fertilizer is a calcium ammonium nitrate fertilizer.

3. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the nitrogen-containing fertilizer is selected from the group consisting of a 15-0-0 fertilizer, a 17-0-0 fertilizer, and a 27-0-0 fertilizer.

4. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the nitrogen-containing fertilizer is a 15-0-0 fertilizer, and the ratio of ACC and 15-0-0 fertilizer is in a concentration ratio of 1:10 to 1:1,000.

5. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the nitrogen-containing fertilizer is a 15-0-0 fertilizer, and the ratio of ACC and 15-0-0 fertilizer is in a concentration ratio of 1:60 to 1:2,000.

6. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the nitrogen-containing fertilizer is a 17-0-0 fertilizer, and the ratio of ACC and 17-0-0 fertilizer is in a concentration ratio of 1:100 to 1:3,000.

7. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the nitrogen-containing fertilizer is 17-0-0 fertilizer, and the ratio of ACC and 17-0-0 fertilizer is in a concentration ratio of 1:300 to 1:1000.

8. A method for promoting sprouting of a woody perennial plant, comprising applying an effective amount of 1-amino-1-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (ACC) or a salt thereof, and an effective amount of a nitrogen-containing fertilizer, wherein the ratio of ACC to the nitrogen-containing fertilizer is a concentration ratio of 1:0.3 to 1:3,000.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the woody perennial plant is a Prunus or Malus tree.

10. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the ACC or a salt thereof and the nitrogen-containing fertilizer are applied sequentially or simultaneously.

11. A method for synchronizing germination in a woody perennial plant, comprising applying an effective amount of ACC and an effective amount of a nitrogen-containing fertilizer, wherein the ratio of ACC and nitrogen-containing fertilizer is a concentration ratio of 1:0.3 to 1:3,000.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the woody perennial plant is a grape vine.

13. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the woody perennial plant is a Prunus or Malus tree.

14. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the ACC or a salt thereof and the nitrogen-containing fertilizer are applied sequentially or simultaneously.

15. A method for treating a plant disease comprising applying an effective amount of 1-amino-1-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (ACC) or a salt thereof as an active ingredient and a nitrogen-containing fertilizer. A method for promoting plant growth of a woody perennial plant, comprising the steps of: a) administering ACC and a nitrogen-containing fertilizer at a concentration ratio of 1:0.3 to 1:3,000; and b) administering nitrogen-containing fertilizer at a concentration ratio of 1:0.3 to 1:3,000. The nitrogen-containing fertilizer is selected from the group consisting of a 15-0-0 fertilizer, a 17-0-0 fertilizer, and a 27-0-0 fertilizer; method.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the plant growth is shoot growth of the plant.

17. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the woody perennial plant is a Prunus or Malus tree.

18. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the ACC or a salt thereof and the nitrogen-containing fertilizer are applied sequentially or simultaneously.

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