Plant corolla regulator

Abstract

To provide a drug making it possible to simply regulate one or more selected from, for example, color tone, fragrance and shape related to a corolla of a plant body according to user's preference without using any special method, such as breeding and gene-recombination.SOLUTION: A corolla regulator for a plant body employs an organic acid and / or a salt thereof as an active ingredient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a corolla regulator for a plant, which comprises an organic acid and / or a salt thereof as an active ingredient. [Background technology]

[0002] Flowers and other plants have been cultivated since ancient times to enjoy the color and shape of the plant, or to enjoy the fragrance of the plant. Roses are particularly popular among ornamental plants. In addition to the white and reddish purple roses cultivated in medieval Europe, red and pale yellow pigments were added by roses introduced from China, and around 1900, yellow pigments were introduced to roses by crossbreeding with Rosa foetida. In recent years, roses with blue flowers have been added through genetic modification, and they are characterized by a rich variety of flower colors compared to other plants. However, there are not many known methods for changing the color of plant flowers other than by selective breeding and genetic modification. In addition to being decorative, many people also enjoy the fragrance of plants, and roses in particular have been developed with a variety of distinctively fragrant varieties. In recent years, the functionality of fragrance, such as refreshing and relaxing effects, has also been attracting attention (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2). However, as with color tone, there are not many known methods for changing the fragrance of plant flowers other than by selective breeding or genetic modification. In addition, rose corollas tend to be considered beautiful when they are high in the center, with tightly rolled petals that are evenly open, but just like with color and fragrance, there are no known ways to change the shape of a plant's flowers other than through selective breeding or genetic modification. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-265977 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2005-281288 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As mentioned above, there are few known methods other than selective breeding and genetic modification for changing the color, fragrance, shape, etc. of the corolla, which is the collection of petals in a plant. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a drug whose color, fragrance, shape, etc. can be adjusted to suit the user's preferences without using techniques such as breeding or genetic recombination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] As a result of intensive research to solve the above-mentioned problems, the inventors have discovered that application of an organic acid and / or a salt thereof to a plant changes the color, fragrance and shape, in particular, of the corolla of the plant, and have thus completed the present invention.

[0006] In detail, the present invention relates to the following items. 1. A corolla regulator for a plant body, which contains an organic acid and / or its salt as an active ingredient. 2. A corolla regulator for a plant body according to 1., characterized in that it regulates one or more properties selected from the color, fragrance and shape of the corolla. 3. A method for adjusting one or more selected from the color, fragrance and shape of the corolla of a plant body, which comprises applying to the plant body a composition containing an organic acid and / or a salt thereof as an active ingredient. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to adjust one or more of the color, fragrance and shape of the corolla of a plant body. Regarding the color tone of the corolla of a plant body, the use of the adjusting agent of the present invention can significantly increase the content of anthocyanin pigments, which have already been reported to have a relaxing effect and to contribute to health benefits when eaten, making it possible to obtain a corolla of a plant body with a deeper color tone. Furthermore, with regard to the fragrance of the corolla of a plant, since the content of aromatic components in the corolla of a plant can be significantly increased, it is possible to obtain a corolla of a plant with an enhanced fragrance. Furthermore, since the degree of perfection of the shape of the corolla of the plant body can be improved, the excellent effect of obtaining a corolla of the plant body with excellent appearance can be achieved. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is extremely useful for obtaining a plant having a corolla excellent in appearance and fragrance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a photograph of the corollas of mini roses using the test specimens of Examples 1, 2, and Comparative Example 1 in Confirmation Test 1 for the color tone adjustment effect of the corolla of a plant body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The present invention will be described in detail below. <Plant corolla regulator> The term "adjustment" in the case of the corolla regulator of a plant body of the present invention means adjusting the corolla of the plant body in the direction preferred by the user of the regulator. Specific items to be adjusted include color tone, fragrance, size, and three-dimensional shape, and the agent can be used as a corolla color regulator, corolla fragrance regulator, and corolla shape regulator.

[0010] <Organic acids and / or their salts> The active ingredient of the plant corolla regulator of the present invention is an organic acid and / or a salt thereof. The organic acid in the present invention includes carboxylic acids having a carboxyl group (-CO2H group) and sulfonic acids having a sulfo group (-SO3H group), and among them, carboxylic acids are preferred. Examples of carboxylic acids include saturated carboxylic acids such as formic acid and acetic acid, unsaturated carboxylic acids such as oleic acid, hydroxycarboxylic acids such as malic acid and citric acid, aromatic carboxylic acids such as benzoic acid, and dicarboxylic acids such as oxalic acid and succinic acid. Among them, organic acids having 1 to 10 carbon atoms are preferred, and examples thereof include saturated fatty acids such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, enanthic acid, caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, and capric acid, dicarboxylic acids such as oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, fumaric acid, and maleic acid, hydroxycarboxylic acids such as lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid, and aromatic carboxylic acids such as benzoic acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, and salicylic acid. Among these organic acids, saturated carboxylic acids having 1 to 5 carbon atoms are suitable as the active ingredient of the plant corolla regulator of the present invention. In addition, when acetic acid is used as an active ingredient of the plant corolla regulator of the present invention, it includes pure acetic acid, as well as brewed vinegar and synthetic vinegar, which are vinegars. These are commercially available, and for example, grain vinegar, extra-concentrated vinegar, high-concentration brewed vinegar, powdered vinegar (a mixture of acetic acid and dextrin, etc.), etc. can be used. Fruit vinegars such as wine vinegar and apple vinegar can also be used. Examples of organic acid salts include sodium salts, potassium salts, calcium salts, magnesium salts, ammonium salts, ethanolamine salts, triethanolamine salts, etc., and when an organic acid salt is used as an active ingredient of the plant corolla regulator of the present invention, sodium salts, triethanolamine salts, ammonium salts, and potassium salts are preferred. These salts may be added as a single substance to the plant corolla regulator, but the organic acid and the corresponding neutralizing agent may be added separately to form a salt during preparation of the formulation. For example, the organic acid and sodium hydroxide as a neutralizing agent may be added separately to form a sodium salt. As the neutralizing agent, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, etc. are preferred. The corolla regulator for a plant body of the present invention may contain the above organic acid and / or a salt thereof, and may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0011] The plant corolla regulator of the present invention can contain an organic acid and / or a salt thereof as an active ingredient in an amount of preferably 0.01% by weight or more, more preferably 0.05% by weight or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by weight or more, based on the total amount of the plant corolla regulator. Also, if too much organic acid and / or a salt thereof is used, some users may be bothered by the organic acid odor, so the content is preferably 10% by weight or less, more preferably 5% by weight or less, and even more preferably 3% by weight or less. The corolla regulator for a plant body of the present invention can be applied to the plant body as it is, but a formulation containing a specific active ingredient can also be diluted with water at the time of use and applied to the plant body. In this case, the content of the organic acid and / or its salt as the active ingredient in the formulation diluted with water can be adjusted to preferably 0.01% by weight or more, more preferably 0.05% by weight or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by weight or more.

[0012] The plant corolla regulator of the present invention can be used in various formulations. Examples of formulations include oil solutions, emulsions, wettable powders, flowables (suspensions in water, emulsions in water, etc.), microcapsules, powders, granules, tablets, liquids, sprays, aerosols, etc. Among these, spray formulations such as sprays and aerosols, and dispersions in which liquids are filled in containers with watering can heads, are suitable formulations that can make the most of the performance of the corolla regulator for plant bodies of the present invention. To prepare sprays and aerosols, aerosol cans or drug bottles equipped with a spraying device that supplies spray particles with a specified spray pattern can be used. The corolla regulator for a plant body of the present invention is not limited to a liquid formulation, and may also be used as a solid formulation such as a dust formulation, granules, or fine particles, so long as it exerts the effects of the present invention. One example of a method for producing the above-mentioned formulation is to prepare a solution (Solution A) by dissolving an organic acid and / or its salt in a solvent, optionally using a surfactant, and then mixing and stirring this Solution A with an appropriate amount of water to prepare a formulation, which can be used as a corolla regulator for a plant body that does not need to be diluted when used. As the water, tap water, ion-exchanged water, distilled water, filtered water, sterilized water, groundwater, etc. can be used.

[0013] Examples of liquid carriers used in formulation include alcohols (methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, butanol, hexanol, benzyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, etc.), ethers (diethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, etc.), esters (ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, isopropyl myristate, ethyl lactate, etc.), ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, etc.), aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbons (xylene, toluene, alkylnaphthalene, phenylketone, phenylmethyl ether ... silylethane, kerosene, diesel, hexane, cyclohexane, etc.), halogenated hydrocarbons (chlorobenzene, dichloromethane, dichloroethane, trichloroethane, etc.), nitriles (acetonitrile, isobutyronitrile, etc.), sulfoxides (dimethyl sulfoxide, etc.), heterocyclic solvents (sulfolane, γ-butyrolactone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-octyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone), acid amides (N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, etc.), alkylidene carbonates (propylene carbonate, etc.), vegetable oils (soybean oil, cottonseed oil, etc.), vegetable essential oils (orange oil, hyssop oil, peppermint oil, lemon oil, etc.), and water.

[0014] The surfactant used in the formulation can include nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants. Examples of nonionic surfactants include polyoxyalkylene allyl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene allyl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene styryl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether formaldehyde condensate, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block polymer, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block polymer alkyl phenyl ether, sorbitan fatty acid ester (e.g., sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan laurate), polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, glycerin fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyethylene glycol fatty acid ether, etc. Examples of the anionic surfactant include sodium, calcium, or ammonium salts of alkyl sulfate, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether sulfate, polyoxyethylene benzyl (or styryl) phenyl ether sulfate, or polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block polymer sulfate; sodium, calcium, ammonium, or alkanolamine salts of alkyl sulfonate, dialkyl sulfosuccinate, alkyl benzene sulfonate (e.g., calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, etc.), mono- or di-alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensate, lignin sulfonate, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether sulfonate, or polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfosuccinate; and sodium or calcium salts of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphate, polyoxyethylene, mono- or di-alkyl phenyl ether phosphate, polyoxyethylene benzyl (or styryl) phenyl ether phosphate, or polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block polymer phosphate.Examples of cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium salts, alkylamine salts, alkylpyridinium salts, alkyl oxides, etc. Examples of amphoteric surfactants include alkylbetaines, amine oxides, etc. Surfactants are also used as spreading agents.

[0015] Examples of propellants used in making aerosols include butane gas, fluorocarbon gas, alternative fluorocarbons (HFO, HFC, etc.), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), dimethyl ether, and carbon dioxide gas. Examples of solid carriers include clays (kaolin, diatomaceous earth, bentonite, clay, acid clay, etc.), synthetic hydrous silicon oxide, talc, zeolite, ceramics, other inorganic minerals (sericite, quartz, sulfur, activated carbon, calcium carbonate, hydrated silica, etc.), and porous bodies.

[0016] The plant corolla regulator of the present invention may contain antifoaming agents, preservatives, antioxidants, thickeners, etc., if necessary, during preparation. Examples of the defoaming agent include silicone-based defoaming agents and fluorine-based defoaming agents. Examples of preservatives include organic nitrogen-sulfur complexes, organic bromine compounds, isothiazoline compounds, benzyl alcohol mono(poly)hemiformal, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, potassium sorbate, and sodium dehydroacetate. Antioxidants include, for example, tetrakis[methylene-3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate]methane, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate, and vitamin E, mixed tocopherols, α-tocopherol, ethoxyquin, and ascorbic acid. Examples of thickeners include polyvinylpyrrolidone, xanthan gum, polyvinyl alcohol, guar gum, and carboxyvinyl polymers.

[0017] <About the corolla adjustment effect> As will be described in detail in the Examples below, the corolla regulator of a plant body of the present invention is particularly effective in regulating one or more selected from the color tone, fragrance and shape of the corolla of a plant body. By applying the corolla regulator of the present invention to a plant, the content of anthocyanin pigments in the petals can be significantly increased. By utilizing this effect, the user can modulate the original color tone of the corolla of the plant to a deeper color tone as desired. By applying the corolla regulator of the present invention to a plant, the content of aromatic components in the corolla of the plant can be significantly increased. By utilizing this effect, the user can modulate the original aroma of the corolla of the plant to a deeper aromatic note that is in the user's preferred direction. Furthermore, by applying the corolla regulator of the present invention to a plant, the degree of perfection of the shape of the corolla of the plant can be improved, making it possible to obtain a corolla of the plant with excellent appearance.

[0018] <About the plant> In the present invention, a plant body means a plant having roots and stems and leaves, and the roots are usually located underground (or underwater in some cases) and support the above-ground parts; it does not include cut branches or cut flowers that have no roots. The plant body in the present invention is not limited as long as the corolla can be adjusted. Specific examples include plants having corollas that are ornamental, such as roses, lilies, carnations, dahlias, moth orchids, chrysanthemums, lisianthus, cyclamen, statice, cymbidiums, gerberas, dendrobiums, tulips, pelargoniums, petunias, and cattleyas. The corolla regulator of the present invention is not limited to the part of the plant body to which it is applied, as long as it can be applied to the plant body, but from the viewpoint of good absorption efficiency, it is preferably applied to the stems and leaves or roots of the plant, and is preferably applied to the roots by stem and leaf treatment or irrigation treatment, and is particularly preferably applied to the surface of the plant leaves. The application time may be appropriately selected depending on the growth condition of the plant body, and it is particularly preferable to apply it before flowering. The application frequency is once every 1 to 10 days, preferably once every 1 to 7 days, and more preferably once every 1 to 4 days. The application means is not particularly limited. The amount of the corolla regulator applied to the plant body of the present invention is preferably 0.005 g / week or more and 10 g / week or less, preferably 0.01 g / week or more and 7 g / week or less, more preferably 0.02 g / week or more and 5 g / week or less, regardless of the frequency of application. In particular, for plants with an aboveground part of 10 to 60 cm, the amount of the corolla regulator applied to the plant body is preferably 0.02 g / week or more and 7 g / week or less, more preferably 0.05 g / week or more and 5 g / week or less, more preferably 0.1 g / week or more and 3 g / week or less. In particular, when applying acetic acid and / or its salts to roses, in the early growth stage before the new shoots emerge and the five leaves appear, it is preferable to apply the acetic acid and / or its salts at a cumulative treatment amount per rose plant of 0.02 g / week to 1 g / week, preferably 0.05 g / week to 0.5 g / week. After the early growth stage after the five leaves appear, it is preferable to apply the acetic acid and / or its salts at a cumulative treatment amount per rose plant of 0.05 g / week to 7 g / week, preferably 0.1 g / week to 5 g / week.

[0019] In addition, depending on the purpose, for example, bactericides, antifungals, insecticides and mites, repellents, fragrances, essential oils, etc. may be used in combination. For example, fungicides such as bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, hexaconazole, imazalil, myclobutanil, simeconazole, tetraconazole, thiabendazole, penthiopyrad, and mancozeb; antifungal agents such as benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, chlorhexidine gluconate, hinokitiol, phenoxyethanol, and isopropylmethylphenol; pyrethrum extract, natural pyrethrins, prallethrin, imiprothrin, phthalthrin, allethrin, bifenthrin, resmethrin, fenothrin, cyphenothrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, etofenprox, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, bifenthrin, fenvalerate, fenpropathrin, empenthrin, silafluofen, transfluthrin, metofluthrin, profluthrin, Pyrethroid compounds such as torin, carbamate compounds such as carbaryl, propoxur, methomyl, and thiodicarb, oxadiazole compounds such as methoxadiazone, phenylpyrazole compounds such as fipronil, sulfonamide compounds such as amidoflumet, neonicotinoid compounds such as dinotefuran and imidacloprid, pyrrole compounds such as chlorfenapyr, insecticides and acaricides such as fenitrothion, diazinon, malathion, pyridaphenthion, prothiophos, phoxim, chlorpyrifos, and organophosphorus compounds such as dichlorvos; and repellents such as DEET, di-n-butyl succinate, hydroxyanisole, rotenone, ethyl-butylacetylaminopropionate, icaridin (picaridin), and 3-(Nn-butyl-N-acetyl)aminopropionic acid ethyl ester. As the fragrance and essential oil, one or a combination of two or more types appropriately selected from the group consisting of natural fragrances, synthetic fragrances, natural extracts, etc. can be used depending on the application. EXAMPLES

[0020] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the examples, unless otherwise specified, all parts are by weight.

[0021] <Confirmation test 1 for color adjustment effect of plant corolla> (1) Test specimen Example 1 A corolla regulator for plants was prepared using 0.125 parts by weight of acetic acid, 0.08 parts by weight of a spreading agent (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate) and ion-exchanged water, with the total amount being 100 parts by weight. Example 2 A corolla regulator for plants was prepared using 0.10 parts by weight of acetic acid, 0.08 parts by weight of a spreading agent (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate) and ion-exchanged water, with the total amount being 100 parts by weight. Comparative Example 1 A comparative agent was prepared using 0.08 parts by weight of a spreading agent (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate) and ion-exchanged water, with the total amount being 100 parts by weight.

[0022] (2) Test method The test plants used were mini roses (flower color: pink) with above-ground parts of about 15 to 30 cm, grown in polypots (No. 4: diameter 12 cm x height 10 cm) (test period: August to October). Test specimens (Examples 1 and 2, Comparative Example 1) were sprayed on the test plants for two weeks, three times in total, on the first day, one week later, and two weeks later, with a hand sprayer at 80 to 240 mL each time until the entire test plants were sufficiently wet. Spraying was performed before flowering, and the liquid was not sprayed directly onto the buds or flowers. The color intensity of the flowers that bloomed about one month after the initial spraying was evaluated by 10 panelists on a 5-point scale, with the color of the flowers in Comparative Example 1 being the evaluation standard (evaluation: 3 points). In this evaluation test, a rating of 4 points or more was determined to indicate that the flower color had become darker by using the corolla regulator of the plant body of the present invention. It has been confirmed by a separate test that the wetting agent in the test sample does not affect the flower color of the plant. [Flower color evaluation criteria] 5 points: Darker than Comparative Example 1 4 points: Flower color slightly darker than Comparative Example 1 3 points: Flower color of Comparative Example 1 2 points: Flower color slightly lighter than Comparative Example 1 1 point: Lighter flower color than Comparative Example 1 The evaluation scores of each panelist and the average evaluation score are shown in Table 1, together with the composition of the test samples. Photographs of the corollas of mini roses using the test specimens of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1 are shown in FIG. When each color tone is shown in the Pantone color sample book (SOLID CHIPS / coated: product name), Example 1 corresponds to 236U, Example 2 corresponds to 250U, and Comparative Example 1 corresponds to 671U.

[0023] [Table 1]

[0024] (3) Results As shown in Table 1, it was clear that the corolla regulators of the plant bodies of Examples 1 and 2, which contain acetic acid as an active ingredient of the present invention, darkened the flower color compared to Comparative Example 1, which did not contain any active ingredient. It was also confirmed that there were differences in the "degree of perfection," an index that expresses the beauty of the appearance of a corolla, which is evaluated from the viewpoints of petal shape, number of petals, etc. This "degree of perfection" is an index that is evaluated as being higher the more evenly the petals open, the more petals there are, and the higher the central part of the corolla is raised (the thickness of the corolla). A confirmation test was conducted to confirm the "completeness" of this corolla.

[0025] <Confirmation test of the effect of adjusting the shape of the corolla of a plant> (1) Test specimen The test samples (Example 1, Comparative Example 1) from the above "Confirmation Test 1 for Effect of Adjusting Color Tone of Corolla of Plant Body" were used. (2) Test method for confirming the effect of regulating the shape of the corolla of a plant The test plants used were roses (variety: Marchen Konigin) with above-ground parts of approximately 30 to 50 cm grown (test period: September to October) in No. 10 pots (diameter 30 cm x height 30 cm, volume 11 liters). The test specimens (Example 1, Comparative Example 1) were sprayed on the test plants for one month from the early stage of growth, 2 to 3 times per week, using a hand sprayer to sufficiently wet the entire test plant, at 80 to 300 mL per spray. Spraying was started before the buds formed, and the liquid was sprayed so as not to come into direct contact with the buds or flowers. The shape of the corolla that bloomed about one month after the initial spraying was evaluated for "corolla height," "number of petals," and "circularity of the corolla" according to the evaluation method described below. Corolla height: The height of the corolla was measured laterally from the base of the petals to the highest point of the corolla. Number of petals: The number of all petals forming the corolla was counted. Circularity of corolla: The circularity of the corolla when viewed from directly above was calculated using the following formula. [Calculation formula]: Circularity = 4π × (area) ÷ (perimeter) 2 Both the "area" and "perimeter" of the corolla were quantified using the image analysis software ImageJ.

[0026] (3) Results The average evaluation results for "corolla height," "number of petals," and "circularity of the corolla," using three corollas of roses treated with each test sample, are summarized in the following Table 2. In the "circularity of the corolla" according to the above evaluation method, 1.0 is the highest evaluation for a corolla, meaning a perfect circle. [Table 2]

[0027] As shown in Table 2, it was revealed that the corolla of the plant treated with the corolla regulator of Example 1 containing acetic acid as an active ingredient of the present invention was about 10% higher in "corolla height" and about 20% higher in "number of petals" than the plant treated with Comparative Example 1 containing no active ingredient. Furthermore, the "circularity of the corolla" of the plant treated with the corolla regulator of Example 1 containing acetic acid as an active ingredient of the present invention was 0.96, which is almost a perfect circle, whereas the "circularity of the corolla" of the plant treated with Comparative Example 1 containing no active ingredient was 0.81, which was confirmed to be an irregular shape. These results demonstrate that the corolla regulator of the present invention exerts a high shape-regulating effect in all of "corolla height," "number of petals," and "circularity of the corolla" compared to plants not treated with the corolla regulator of the present invention, thereby enhancing the perfection of the corolla shape.

[0028] <Confirmation test 2 for color adjustment effect of plant corolla> (1) Test specimen The test samples (Examples 1 and 2, Comparative Example 1) from the above-mentioned "Confirmation Test 1 for Effect of Adjusting Color Tone of Corolla of Plant Body" were used. (2) Pigment content test of the plant corolla The test plants were mini roses (flower color: pink) with above-ground parts of about 15 to 30 cm, grown in polypots (No. 4: diameter 12 cm x height 10 cm) (test period: August to October). Test specimens (Examples 1 and 2, Comparative Example 1) were sprayed with a hand sprayer at 80 to 240 mL each time, three times in total, on the first day, one week later, and two weeks later, until the entire test plant was sufficiently wet. Spraying was performed before flowering, and the liquid was not sprayed directly onto the buds or flowers. Using the corollas that had bloomed approximately one month after the initial spraying, the anthocyanin content in the corollas was measured according to the following procedure. 0.1 g of petals crushed using liquid nitrogen and 5 mL of 50% acetic acid solution were placed in a glass bottle and left to stand in a refrigerator (2°C) for 48 hours, and then filtered using a filter (0.45 μm). The anthocyanin content in 0.1 g of petals was calculated using the following analytical conditions. [Analysis conditions] Measurement equipment: High-performance liquid chromatography analyzer (Shimadzu Corporation) Column: Inertsil ODS-2 (4.6 x 150 mm) (GL Sciences) Oven temperature: 35℃ Flow rate: 0. 8mL / min Mobile phase: (A) 1.5% phosphoric acid aqueous solution, (B) phosphoric acid (1.5% by weight) + acetic acid (20% by weight) + acetonitrile (25% by weight) + water (adjusted so that the total is 100% by weight) Gradient conditions: The mobile phase ratio was changed from "(A) 80 vol.% + (B) 20 vol.%" to "(A) 15 vol.% + (B) 85 vol.%" over 20 minutes, and then "(A) 15 vol.% + (B) 85 vol.%" was maintained for 10 minutes. Sample injection volume: 20 μL The test was performed three times, and the average values ​​are summarized in Table 3.

[0029] [Table 3]

[0030] As shown in Table 3, it was revealed that the anthocyanin content of the corollas of the plants treated with the corolla regulators of the plants of Examples 1 and 2 containing acetic acid as an active ingredient of the present invention was dramatically improved compared to the plant treated in Comparative Example 1 containing no active ingredient. In particular, it was confirmed that the anthocyanin content of the corollas of the plants treated with the corolla regulator of the plant of Example 1 was increased to about twice that of Comparative Example 1. It was also revealed that the dramatic increase in the amount of anthocyanins in the petals was so great that it was visible as a darker change in flower color. From these test results, it became clear that the corolla regulator of the plant of the present invention has a function as an anthocyanin enhancer in the corolla.

[0031] <Test 1 to confirm the fragrance adjustment effect of the corolla of the plant> (1) Test specimen The test samples (Example 1, Comparative Example 1) from the above "Confirmation Test 1 for Effect of Adjusting Color Tone of Corolla of Plant Body" were used. (2) Test method for confirming the fragrance-modifying effect of the corolla of a plant The test plants used were roses (variety: Fragrant Hill) with above-ground parts of approximately 30 to 50 cm grown (test period: March to April) in No. 10 pots (diameter 30 cm x height 30 cm, volume 11 liters). Test specimens (Example 1, Comparative Example 1) were sprayed on the test plants for two weeks, three times in total, on the first day, one week later, and two weeks later, with a hand sprayer at 80 to 300 mL each time until the entire test plants were sufficiently wet. Spraying was started before the formation of buds in the early growth stage, and the liquid was sprayed so as not to come into direct contact with the buds or flowers. The fragrance of the corollas that had bloomed about one month after the initial spraying was evaluated for the fragrance of the corollas of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. 22 panelists (of which 5 were odor judges) evaluated the fragrance intensity, tea-like fragrance intensity, fruity fragrance intensity, and fragrance quality of each corolla using an absolute evaluation on a 5-point scale as shown below. The evaluation criteria were set with reference to the evaluation method used to indicate the degree of pleasantness or unpleasantness of an odor (9-point pleasantness / unpleasantness indication method). Tea aroma and fruity aroma are two of the seven types of rose aromas. [Fragrance Intensity Evaluation Criteria] 5 points: Strong 4 points: Somewhat strong 3 points: Neither strong nor weak 2 points: slightly weak 1 point: Weak [Fragrance quality evaluation criteria] 5 points: Good 4 points: Fairly good 3 points: Neither good nor bad 2 points: Somewhat bad 1 point: Bad The average scores of the evaluations by each panelist are summarized in Table 4. It has been confirmed by a separate test that the wetting agent in the above test sample does not affect the fragrance of the corolla of the plant body.

[0032] [Table 4]

[0033] (3) Results As shown in Table 4, the corolla of the plant treated with the corolla regulator of Example 1 containing acetic acid as an active ingredient of the present invention was evaluated as having a stronger fragrance than the plant treated in Comparative Example 1 containing no active ingredient. The fragrance quality was also evaluated as good. In terms of specific fragrance types, the fragrance intensity of tea-based and fruity-based fragrances was stronger in Example 1 than in Comparative Example 1.

[0034] <Confirmation test 2 of the fragrance adjustment effect of the corolla of the plant body> (1) Test specimen The test samples (Example 1, Comparative Example 1) from the above "Confirmation Test 1 for Effect of Adjusting Color Tone of Corolla of Plant Body" were used. (2) Test method for confirming the fragrance-modifying effect of the corolla of a plant The test plants used were roses (varieties: Fragrant Hill, Queen Elizabeth, Nicole, and Double Delight) with above-ground parts of about 30 to 50 cm grown in No. 10 pots (test period: March to April). [Method of capturing aroma components] Test samples (Example 1, Comparative Example 1) were sprayed on the test plants for two weeks, three times in total, on the first day, one week later, and two weeks later, with a hand sprayer at 80 to 300 mL each time until the entire test plant was sufficiently wet. Spraying was started before the formation of buds in the early growth stage, and the liquid was sprayed without directly contacting the buds or flowers. Aroma collection was carried out about one month after the start of spraying. The scent of the corolla that bloomed about one month after the first spray was collected by covering the flower with a bag (polyvinyl fluoride, capacity: 2 liters) and placing a collector (GL Science, MonoTrap RCC18) inside. Collection was carried out for 5 hours (7:30-12:30). [Method of extracting aroma components] Dichloromethane and the above-mentioned collector that had trapped the aroma components were placed in a vial (MT Extract Cup with Vial, manufactured by GL Sciences) and subjected to ultrasonic treatment for 15 minutes. The aroma components were then measured under the following analytical conditions. [Analysis conditions] Measurement equipment: Gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (Shimadzu Corporation) Column: DB-WAX (Agilent Technologies) Column temperature: 40℃(5min)→4℃ / min→250℃(5min) Carrier gas: Helium, 120kPa Injection temperature: 250℃, Splitless 0.5min Detection: MS Scan (m / z: 40-350) Sample injection volume: 1.0 μL

[0035] (3) Results The aroma components of the rose flowers treated with the test sample of Example 1 were compared with the aroma components of the rose flowers treated with the test sample of Comparative Example 1, and the extent to which the aroma components that had changed were increased is summarized in Table 5 below. [Table 5]

[0036] As shown in Table 5, it was confirmed that the corolla of the plant treated with the corolla conditioner of Example 1 containing acetic acid as an active ingredient of the present invention had significantly improved aroma components of dimethoxytoluene, hydro-β-ionone, and phenethyl alcohol compared to the plant treated with Comparative Example 1 containing no active ingredient. In particular, it was revealed that the aroma component dimethoxytoluene of Queen Elizabeth increased dramatically to 8.8 times that of Comparative Example 1, and the aroma component phenethyl alcohol of Fragrant Hill increased dramatically to 11.8 times. Although the aroma components differ depending on the variety, it was revealed that the main aroma components of each variety increased. [Industrial Applicability]

[0037] The corolla regulator of the present invention can significantly increase the content of anthocyanin pigments, which have been reported to contribute to a relaxing effect and, when consumed, to health benefits, resulting in a corolla of a plant with a deeper color tone. In addition, the content of aromatic components in the corolla of the plant can be significantly increased, resulting in a corolla of a plant with a stronger fragrance. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is extremely useful in that it makes it possible to obtain a plant having a corolla excellent in appearance and fragrance. Furthermore, since the degree of perfection of the shape of the corolla of the plant body can be improved, the excellent effect of being able to obtain a corolla of the plant body with excellent appearance can be achieved.

Claims

1. A corolla color regulator that contains acetic acid as an active ingredient (excluding black vinegar) and deepens the flower color by increasing the anthocyanin content in the corolla of a plant body (excluding plant activators containing edible acid, red koji extract, and chitosan, excluding compositions containing methyl-α-naphthyl acetate, sodium phenolate, acetic acid, and potassium phosphate, and excluding crop nutritional supplements containing vinegar mixed with fructose-containing sugars).

2. A method for adjusting the color tone of a corolla of a plant body by increasing the anthocyanin content in the corolla to deepen the flower color, the method comprising applying to the plant body a composition containing acetic acid as an active ingredient (excluding plant activators containing edible acid, red koji extract, and chitosan, excluding compositions containing methyl-α-naphthyl acetate, sodium phenolate, acetic acid, and potassium phosphate, and excluding crop nutritional supplements containing vinegar combined with fructose-containing sugars) (excluding a method for cultivating a plant to which black vinegar is applied).

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