γ-aminobutyric acid-containing composition

Abstract

According to the present invention, GABA can be used in fields other than food.　The present invention provides a plant growth-promoting composition containing GABA. By applying the GABA-containing composition according to the present invention to plants, a plant growth-promoting effect can be expected.

Description

γ-aminobutyric acid-containing composition

[0001] The present invention relates to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-containing compositions, and in particular to GABA-containing compositions for promoting plant growth.

[0002] In recent years, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA, 4-aminobutyric acid) has attracted attention as an amino acid that is widely distributed in nature and does not impair the flavor of foods when added to them. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter found in large quantities in the mammalian central nervous system. It is known to suppress the excessive secretion of excitatory neurotransmitters, calm nerve excitement, and exert relaxation and anti-stress effects. It is also known to have a wide range of physiological activities, including hypotensive and cholesterol-lowering effects, and suppression of immune system decline. Because GABA is found in vegetables, grains, and the human body, it is easy to add to foods, and GABA-containing chocolate and numerous supplements are commercially available.

[0003] Therefore, the present inventors have conducted extensive research into whether GABA can be used in areas other than food, and have found that it also has various effects on plants.

[0004] Therefore, according to a main aspect of the present invention, the following inventions are provided: (Item 1) A plant growth promoting composition containing GABA. (Item 2a) A plant growth promoting composition according to the above items, which is a composition for promoting the reproductive growth of a plant. (Item 2b) A plant growth promoting composition according to any one of the above items, which is for promoting the reproductive growth of a plant. (Item 2c) A plant growth promoting composition according to any one of the above items, which is for controlling the rate of reproductive growth of a plant. (Item 3a) A plant growth promoting composition according to any one of the above items, which is an aqueous solution containing about 0.2 μM or more of GABA. (Item 3b) A plant growth promoting composition according to any one of the above items, which is an aqueous solution containing about 1 mM or more of GABA. (Item 4a) A plant growth promoting composition according to any one of the above items, which is an aqueous solution containing about 0.2 μM or more and about 5 M or less of GABA. (Item 4b) The plant growth promoting composition according to any one of the above items, which is an aqueous solution containing about 1 mM or more and about 5 M or less GABA. (Item 4c) The plant growth promoting composition according to any one of the above items, which is an aqueous solution containing about 50 μM GABA. (Item 5) The plant growth promoting composition according to any one of the above items, which comprises a salt, an amino acid, or a combination thereof. (Item 6) The plant growth promoting composition according to any one of the above items, wherein the amino acid comprises alanine, proline, aspartic acid, arginine, or glycine, or a combination thereof. (Item 7) The plant growth promoting composition according to any one of the above items, which comprises about 0.01 mM or more alanine. (Item 8) The plant growth promoting composition according to any one of the above items, which comprises a GABA:alanine ratio of about 1000:about 1 to about 1:about 1000. (Item 8a) The plant growth promoting composition according to any one of the above items, which contains a nitrogen fertilizer, a phosphate fertilizer, a potassium fertilizer, or a combination thereof. (Item 9) The plant growth promoting composition according to any one of the above items, which is a concentrate containing the GABA, and which is diluted and applied to a plant. (Item 10) The plant growth promoting composition according to any one of the above items, which concentrate contains about 25% to about 50% by mass of GABA.(Item 11) The plant growth-promoting composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the concentrate solution further comprises about 25% by weight to about 50% by weight of water, about 5% by weight to about 10% by weight of salt, less than about 5% by weight of alanine, and less than about 5% by weight of an amino acid other than alanine. (Item 12) The plant growth-promoting composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the plant comprises a plant of the family Solanaceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Rosaceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Convolvulaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Liliaceae, Araceae, Convolvulaceae, Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, Musaceae, Vitaceae, Ebenaceae, Actinidiaceae, Bromeliaceae, Violaceae, or Orchidaceae. (Item 13) The plant growth-promoting composition according to any one of the above items, wherein the reproductive growth of the plant includes maturation from the juvenile stage, flower bud formation, flowering, fruit set, fruit enlargement, coloration, or a combination thereof. (Item 14a) The plant growth-promoting composition according to any one of the above items, which is used for growing a plant under conditions of about 10°C to about 50°C. (Item 14b) The plant growth-promoting composition according to any one of the above items, which is used for growing a plant under conditions of about 38°C to about 50°C. (Item 15) The plant growth-promoting composition according to any one of the above items, which achieves the plant growth promotion by improving the expression level of a gibberellin receptor gene. (Item A1a) A method for promoting plant growth, which comprises the step of applying the plant growth-promoting composition according to any one of the above items to a plant. (Item A1b) A method for controlling plant growth, which comprises the step of applying the plant growth-promoting composition according to any one of the above items to a plant. (Item A2) The method according to any one of the above items, wherein the step of applying the plant growth-promoting composition to the plant is carried out when the plant is in the reproductive growth stage or maturity stage. (Item A3a) The method according to any one of the above items, further comprising a step of growing the plant under conditions of about 10°C to about 50°C. (Item A3b) The method according to any one of the above items, further comprising a step of growing the plant under conditions of about 38°C to about 50°C. (Item A4) The method according to any one of the above items, wherein the plant growth promotion is achieved by improving the expression level of a gibberellin receptor gene. (Item B1) A composition for increasing amino acids in plants, comprising GABA.(Item B2a) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, which is an aqueous solution containing about 0.2 μM or more of GABA. (Item B2b) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, which is an aqueous solution containing about 1 mM or more of GABA. (Item B3a) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, which is an aqueous solution containing about 0.2 μM or more and about 5 M or less of GABA. (Item B3b) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, which is an aqueous solution containing about 1 mM or more and about 5 M or less of GABA. (Item B3c) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, which is an aqueous solution containing about 50 μM of GABA. (Item B4) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, which comprises a salt, an amino acid, or a combination thereof. (Item B5) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the amino acid comprises alanine, proline, aspartic acid, arginine, or glycine, or a combination thereof. (Item B6) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, comprising about 0.01 mM or more alanine. (Item B7) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, comprising a GABA:alanine ratio of about 1000:about 1 to about 1:about 1000. (Item B7a) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, comprising a nitrogen fertilizer, a phosphate fertilizer, a potassium fertilizer, or a combination thereof. (Item B8) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the GABA-containing concentrate is diluted and applied to a plant. (Item B9) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the concentrate contains about 25% to about 50% GABA by weight. (Item B10) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the concentrate further comprises about 25% to about 50% water by weight, about 5% to about 10% salt by weight, less than about 5% alanine by weight, and less than about 5% amino acids other than alanine by weight. (Item B11) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the plant includes a plant of the Solanaceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Rosaceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Convolvulaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Liliaceae, Araceae, Convolvulaceae, Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, Musaceae, Vitaceae, Ebenaceae, Actinidiaceae, Bromeliaceae, Violaceae, or Orchidaceae family.(Item B12a) The composition according to any one of the above items, which is used for growing a plant under conditions of about 10°C to about 50°C. (Item B12b) The composition according to any one of the above items, which is used for growing a plant under conditions of about 38°C to about 50°C. (Item C1) A composition for improving plant tolerance to physical and / or mechanical stimuli, comprising GABA. (Item C2a) The composition according to any one of the above items, which is an aqueous solution containing about 0.2 μM or more of GABA. (Item C2b) The composition according to any one of the above items, which is an aqueous solution containing about 1 mM or more of GABA. (Item C3a) The composition according to any one of the above items, which is an aqueous solution containing about 0.2 μM or more and about 5 M or less of GABA. (Item C3b) The composition according to any one of the above items, which is an aqueous solution containing about 1 mM or more and about 5 M or less of GABA. (Item C3c) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, which is an aqueous solution containing about 50 μM GABA. (Item C4) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, which comprises a salt, an amino acid, or a combination thereof. (Item C5) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the amino acid comprises alanine, proline, aspartic acid, arginine, or glycine, or a combination thereof. (Item C6) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, which comprises about 0.01 mM or more of alanine. (Item C7) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, which comprises a GABA:alanine ratio of about 1000:about 1 to about 1:about 1000. (Item C7a) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, which comprises a nitrogen fertilizer, a phosphate fertilizer, a potassium fertilizer, or a combination thereof. (Item C8) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, which is a stock solution containing GABA, which is diluted and applied to a plant. (Item C9) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the original solution contains about 25% to about 50% by weight of GABA. (Item C10) The composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the original solution further contains about 25% to about 50% by weight of water, about 5% to about 10% by weight of salt, less than about 5% by weight of alanine, and less than about 5% by weight of amino acids other than alanine.(Item C11) The composition according to any one of the above items, wherein the plant comprises a plant of the Solanaceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Rosaceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Convolvulaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Liliaceae, Araceae, Convolvulaceae, Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, Musaceae, Vitaceae, Ebenaceae, Actinidiaceae, Bromeliaceae, Violaceae, and Orchidaceae. (Item C12a) The composition according to any one of the above items, which is used to grow a plant under conditions of about 10°C to about 50°C. (Item C12b) The composition according to any one of the above items, which is used to grow a plant under conditions of about 38°C to about 50°C. (Item D1) A storage and / or transport product containing GABA, comprising: a container for storing and / or transporting GABA; and about 25% to about 50% by weight of GABA.

[0005] It is contemplated that one or more of the above features may be provided in combinations other than those explicitly stated, and further embodiments and advantages of the present disclosure will be recognized by those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description, if necessary.

[0006] Note that features and significant actions and effects of the present disclosure other than those described above will become clear to those skilled in the art by referring to the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the drawings.

[0007] According to the present invention, by applying a GABA-containing composition to plants, a plant growth promoting effect can be expected. Furthermore, this allows GABA to be used as a fertilizer, which has a lower risk of ecological disruption and is highly useful compared to conventional fertilizers such as chemically synthesized fertilizers and hormone preparations.

[0008] Figure 1 is a graph showing the flowering-promoting effect on roses, comparing a water-sprayed area (control 1), a sprayed area with a mixture of amino acids, polysaccharides, and fulvic acid (control 2), a GABA solution, and a GABA+Ala solution, in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a graph and photograph showing the leaf growth-promoting effect on broccoli, comparing a water-sprayed area (control) and a GABA solution, in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a graph showing the flowering-promoting effect on cherry tomatoes, comparing an aqueous solution-sprayed area, an ammonium nitrate solution-sprayed area, a glutamic acid solution-sprayed area, and a GABA+Ala solution-sprayed area, in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a graph showing the fruiting-promoting effect on cherry tomatoes, comparing an aqueous solution-sprayed area, an ammonium nitrate solution-sprayed area, a glutamic acid solution-sprayed area, and a GABA+Ala solution-sprayed area, in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a graph showing the reproductive growth promoting effect in cherry tomatoes, comparing the water spray area, the 100 mM GABA + 1 mM Ala solution spray area, the 10 mM GABA + 0.1 mM Ala solution spray area, and the 1 mM GABA + 0.01 mM Ala solution spray area in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a graph showing the effect of suppressing the decrease in the number of flowers caused by typhoons, comparing the water spray area (control area) and the GABA + Ala solution spray area in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a graph showing the amino acid content promoting effect in fruit (strawberry) compared the water spray area (control area) and the GABA + Ala solution spray area in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a graph showing the amino acid content promoting effect in fruit (tomato) compared the water spray area (control area) and the GABA + Ala solution spray area in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a graph showing the change in umami in fruit (tomatoes) sprayed with water (control) compared with that sprayed with GABA + Ala solution in one embodiment of the present invention. (I): Water spray; -: GABA + Ala solution spray. Figure 10 is a graph showing the effect of mixing GABA and Ala on improving the bolting induction rate in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is a graph showing the optimal concentration of GABA for inducing accelerated flowering in one embodiment of the present invention.Figure 12 is a graph showing the effect of GABA on gibberellin receptor gene expression in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a graph showing the effect of GABA in inducing accelerated flowering under high temperature conditions in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is a graph showing the effect of a combination of GABA and fertilizer components on increasing fresh weight in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is a graph showing the effect of a combination of GABA and fertilizer components on increasing root elongation in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] The present disclosure will now be described, illustrating the best mode thereof. Throughout this specification, singular expressions should be understood to include the plural concept unless otherwise specified. Therefore, singular articles (e.g., "a," "an," "the," etc. in English) should be understood to include the plural concept unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms used in this specification should be understood to be used in the sense commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. Therefore, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the case of conflict, the present specification (including definitions) will control.

[0010] The following provides definitions of terms particularly used in this specification and / or explains basic technical content as appropriate.

[0011] As used herein, "about" means ±10% of the preceding numerical value.

[0012] As used herein, "plant growth" refers to the development and enlargement of plant cells, tissues, organs, etc., and includes vegetative growth and reproductive growth in plants.

[0013] As used herein, "reproductive growth" refers to growth related to reproduction in plants, such as budding, flowering, and fruiting.

[0014] As used herein, "vegetative growth" refers to the growth of only vegetative organs such as plant stems, leaves, and roots.

[0015] As used herein, "plant resistance to physical and / or mechanical stimuli" refers to the strength or ability of a plant to prevent fruit dropping, leaf and flower dropping, branch breakage, etc., in response to physical and / or mechanical stimuli such as rain, wind, and typhoons.

[0016] As used herein, "high temperature conditions" refers to temperatures between 28°C and 50°C.

[0017] (Preferred Embodiments) Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. The embodiments provided below are provided for a better understanding of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the following description. Therefore, it is clear that those skilled in the art can make appropriate modifications within the scope of the present disclosure in light of the description herein. In addition, the following embodiments of the present disclosure can be used alone or in combination.

[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, a plant growth promoting composition comprising GABA is provided.

[0019] γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid widely distributed in nature, such as in vegetables and grains. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the origin of GABA is not particularly limited as long as it is suitable for use in foods and beverages. For example, GABA may be prepared from a fermented product obtained by adding glutamic acid decarboxylase or a microorganism containing said enzyme, such as lactic acid bacteria or Bacillus subtilis, to a raw material containing glutamic acid. GABA-containing products and commercially available GABA may also be used in the method of the present invention, provided that the effects of the method are not impaired.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the GABA-containing composition of the present invention can be used as a composition for promoting the reproductive growth of plants. Plant growth can be divided into vegetative growth and reproductive growth. Specifically, vegetative growth refers to the growth of mainly vegetative organs such as stems, leaves, and roots, while reproductive growth refers to growth related to reproduction, such as budding, flowering, and fruiting. Typically, plants transition from a vegetative growth phase to a reproductive growth phase. It is known that the balance between vegetative growth and reproductive growth affects the growth condition and yield. Generally, promoting reproductive growth promotes the growth of flowers and fruits, leading to increased fruit yields and higher quality fruits.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, plant reproductive growth can include maturation from the juvenile stage, flower bud formation, flowering, fruiting, fruit enlargement, coloration, or a combination thereof. Therefore, by spraying the plant growth-promoting composition of the present invention on a plant, it is possible to accelerate flowering, increase the number of fruits, and accelerate bud formation. In one embodiment, the concentration of the plant growth-promoting composition required to achieve these effects can be appropriately determined depending on the type and size of the plant, the time of spraying, the type of soil, and nutritional conditions. For example, the concentration of the plant growth-promoting composition may be about 0.1 μM or more, about 0.2 μM or more, about 0.5 μM or more, about 1 μM or more, about 0.01 mM or more, about 0.02 mM or more, about 0.03 mM or more, about 0.04 mM or more, about 0.05 mM or more, or about 0.1 μM or more. M or more, about 0.06 mM or more, about 0.07 mM or more, about 0.08 mM or more, about 0.09 mM or more, about 0.1 mM or more, about 0.2 mM or more, about 0.3 mM or more, about 0.4 mM or more, about 0.5 mM or more, about 0.6 mM or more, about 0.7 mM or more, about 0.8 mM or more, about 0.9 mM or more, about 1 mM or more, about 5 mM or more, about 7 mM or more, about 10 mM or more, about 20 mM or more, about 30 mM or more, It can be about 40 mM or more, about 50 mM or more, about 60 mM or more, about 70 mM or more, about 80 mM or more, about 90 mM or more, about 100 mM or more, about 200 mM or more, about 300 mM or more, about 400 mM or more, about 500 mM or more, about 600 mM or more, about 700 mM or more, about 800 mM or more, about 900 mM or more, about 1000 mM or more, about 2 M or more, about 3 M or more, about 4 M or more, etc., About 5M or less, about 4M or less, about 3M or less, about 2M or less, about 1000mM or less, about 500mM or less, about 100mM or less, about 10mM or less, about 1mM or less, about 0.9mM or less, about 0.8mM or less, The aqueous solution may contain GABA at a concentration of about 0.7mM or less, about 0.6mM or less, about 0.5mM or less, about 0.4mM or less, about 0.3mM or less, about 0.2mM or less, about 0.1mM or less, etc.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plant growth-promoting composition of the present invention may contain any ingredient other than GABA that does not substantially impair the effectiveness of the plant growth-promoting composition of the present invention, such as salts, amino acids, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the plant growth-promoting composition of the present invention may contain ingredients known as fertilizer ingredients, such as nitrogen fertilizers, phosphate fertilizers, potassium fertilizers, or combinations thereof. Nitrogen fertilizers include urea, nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium chloride, and lime nitrogen. Potassium fertilizers include potassium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium humate, potassium silicate, crude potassium salt, processed bittern potassium, coated potassium, liquid potassium silicate, fused potassium silicate, by-product potassium, and mixed potassium. Phosphate fertilizers include superphosphate, triple superphosphate, magnesium phosphate, fused phosphate, calcined phosphate, humic acid phosphate, fused silicic acid phosphate, slag phosphate, processed slag phosphate, coated phosphate, liquid phosphate, fused sludge ash, silicic acid phosphate, processed phosphate, by-product phosphate, and mixed phosphate. In one embodiment, the amino acids that can be contained in the plant growth-promoting composition of the present invention are not particularly limited, and can include, for example, protein-constituting amino acids such as isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, histidine, tyrosine, cysteine, aspartic acid, asparagine, serine, glutamic acid, glutamine, proline, glycine, alanine, arginine, or combinations thereof; hydroxyproline, an amino acid produced by modification after protein synthesis; and non-protein-constituting amino acids (free amino acids) such as ornithine and citrulline, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the plant growth-promoting composition of the present invention contains alanine, proline, aspartic acid, arginine, or glycine, or combinations thereof. More preferably, the plant growth-promoting composition of the present invention contains alanine.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plant growth promoting composition of the present invention can contain alanine in any amount or ratio. For example, the plant growth promoting composition of the present invention can contain GABA:alanine in a ratio of about 1000:about 1 to about 1:about 1000. In one embodiment, the plant growth promoting composition of the present invention can contain alanine at about 0.01 mM or more. In another embodiment, the plant growth promoting composition of the present invention can contain GABA at about 1 mM or more and alanine at about 0.01 mM or more.

[0024] In one embodiment, the compositions of the present invention may also contain one or more other agriculturally or genetically acceptable ingredients, examples of which include water, nutrient substances, plant health or growth promoting substances, vegetable oils, metabolic stimulants, emulsifiers, thickeners, suspending agents, dispersing agents, carriers or excipients, solubilizers, wetting agents, binders, and essential oils.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition of the present invention can be applied or sprayed to plants by a method conventional in the art, such as soil or foliar spraying. In one embodiment, the composition of the present invention can also be applied or sprayed to roots, stems, seeds, grains, tubers, flowers, fruits, etc. as needed. Examples of application methods include spraying with a conventional sprayer and direct spraying onto the soil or plants.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition of the present invention can be diluted appropriately before application or spraying depending on the type, part, spraying means, spraying time, amount, mixture, etc. of the plant to which it is applied or sprayed. For example, the composition of the present invention can be a lactic acid bacteria fermentation broth used in producing GABA, or a solution obtained by filtering the lactic acid bacteria fermentation broth. In another embodiment, the composition of the present invention can be used by diluting such a fermentation broth or filtrate as necessary.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition of the present invention may comprise a solvent in which the composition of the present invention can be dispersed or dissolved, such solvent being preferably water.

[0028] The lactic acid bacteria fermentation liquid (raw liquid) used to produce GABA can contain at least about 10% by mass or more, about 15% by mass or more, about 20% by mass or more, about 25% by mass or more, about 30% by mass or more, about 35% by mass or more, about 40% by mass or more, about 45% by mass or more, or about 50% by mass or more of GABA, and preferably contains about 25% to about 50% by mass of GABA.

[0029] In one embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria fermentation liquor (stock solution) used to produce GABA can contain, in addition to GABA, a suitable solvent (preferably water), any salts, and amino acids. In one embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria fermentation liquor (stock solution) can contain at least about 10% by mass or more, about 15% by mass or more, about 20% by mass or more, about 25% by mass or more, about 30% by mass or more, about 35% by mass or more, about 40% by mass or more, about 45% by mass or more, or about 50% by mass or more of water, and preferably contains about 30% to about 50% by mass of water.

[0030] In one embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria fermentation liquid (raw liquid) used in producing GABA can contain at least about 1% by mass or more, about 2% by mass or more, about 3% by mass or more, about 4% by mass or more, about 5% by mass or more, about 6% by mass or more, about 7% by mass or more, about 8% by mass or more, about 9% by mass or more, or about 10% by mass or more of salt, and preferably contains about 5% to about 10% by mass of salt.

[0031] In one embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria fermentation liquid (raw liquid) used to produce GABA can contain less than about 1% by mass, less than about 2% by mass, less than about 3% by mass, less than about 4% by mass, or less than about 5% by mass of alanine, and preferably less than about 5% by mass of alanine.

[0032] In one embodiment, the lactic acid bacteria fermentation liquid (raw liquid) used to produce GABA can contain less than about 1% by mass, less than about 2% by mass, less than about 3% by mass, less than about 4% by mass, or less than about 5% by mass of amino acids other than alanine, and preferably less than about 5% by mass of amino acids other than alanine.

[0033] In one embodiment, the plant to which the plant growth-promoting composition of the present invention is applied is not particularly limited, and can be applied to all plants, such as various monocotyledons, dicotyledons, gymnosperms, and trees. Examples of dicotyledons include, but are not limited to, tubers, legumes, and Solanaceae. Examples of monocotyledons include Poales, Zingiberales, and Arecaceae. Examples of gymnosperms include cedar, cypress, pine, and spruce. According to one aspect, from the perspective of breeding, plants to which the plant growth-promoting composition of the present invention is applied include plants of the Solanaceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Rosaceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Convolvulaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Liliaceae, Araceae, Convolvulaceae, Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, Musaceae, Vitaceae, Ebacaceae, Actinidiaceae, Bromeliaceae, Violaceae, and Orchidaceae.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plant growth-promoting composition of the present invention can achieve plant growth promotion by increasing the expression level of gibberellin receptor genes such as GID1a and GID1c. In one embodiment, the plant growth-promoting composition of the present invention can exert a plant growth-promoting effect even when a plant is grown under a predetermined temperature condition, particularly under a high-temperature condition. The lower limit of the temperature condition can be, for example, about 10°C or higher, about 11°C or higher, about 12°C or higher, about 13°C or higher, about 14°C or higher, about 15°C or higher, about 16°C or higher, about 17°C or higher, about 18°C ​​or higher, about 19°C or higher, about 20°C or higher, about 21°C or higher, about 22°C or higher, about 23°C or higher, about 24°C or higher, about 25°C or higher, about 26°C or higher, about 27°C or higher, about 28°C or higher, or about 29°C or higher. The temperature may be above about 30°C, above about 31°C, above about 32°C, above about 33°C, above about 34°C, above about 35°C, above about 36°C, above about 37°C, above about 38°C, above about 39°C, above about 40°C, above about 41°C, above about 42°C, above about 43°C, above about 44°C, above about 45°C, above about 46°C, above about 47°C, above about 48°C, or above about 49°C. The upper limit of the temperature condition is, for example, about 50°C or less, about 49°C or less, about 48°C or less, about 47°C or less, about 46°C or less, about 45°C or less, about 44°C or less, about 43°C or less, about 42°C or less, about 41°C or less, about 40°C or less, about 39°C or less, about 38°C or less, about 37°C or less, about 36°C or less, about 35°C or less, about 34°C or less, about 33°C or less, about 32°C or less, about 31°C or less. The temperature may be below about 30°C, below about 29°C, below about 28°C, below about 27°C, below about 26°C, below about 25°C, below about 24°C, below about 23°C, below about 22°C, below about 21°C, below about 20°C, below about 19°C, below about 18°C, below about 17°C, below about 16°C, below about 15°C, below about 14°C, below about 13°C, below about 12°C, or below about 11°C. The temperature condition may be within a range of any two values ​​selected from the above lower and upper limits. Regarding plant growth under high temperature conditions in particular, gibberellin, which is involved in plant elongation growth, promotion of germination, and breaking dormancy, causes phytotoxicity when sprayed on plants under high temperature conditions. Therefore, the plant growth-promoting effect of the plant growth-promoting composition of the present invention under high temperature conditions is extremely surprising.Therefore, the plant growth-promoting composition of the present invention can exert a plant growth-promoting effect even when plants are grown under high temperature conditions, and can be used to grow plants under temperature conditions of, for example, about 28°C to about 50°C, preferably about 28°C to about 45°C, more preferably about 28°C to about 40°C, even more preferably about 30°C to about 45°C, and even more preferably about 30°C to about 40°C.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plant growth-promoting composition of the present invention can be produced by fermenting glutamic acid derived from a plant such as sugarcane as a starting material with lactic acid bacteria (e.g., K-3 strain) or Bacillus subtilis to produce a high-concentration GABA fermentation liquid.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for promoting plant growth, comprising the step of applying the plant growth-promoting composition of the present invention to a plant. In one embodiment, the plant growth-promoting composition of the present invention is applied to the plant at the reproductive growth stage or maturity stage, thereby promoting the reproductive growth of the plant.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of stimulating reproductive growth in a plant, comprising the step of applying to the plant the plant growth promoting composition of the present invention.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for promoting maturation in a plant, comprising the step of applying the plant growth promoting composition of the present invention to the plant.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for increasing flowering or promoting the initiation of flowering in a plant, comprising the step of applying to the plant the plant growth promoting composition of the present invention.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for improving fruit set or promoting the initiation of fruit set in a plant, comprising the step of applying to the plant the plant growth promoting composition of the present invention.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composition for increasing the amino acid content of a plant, comprising GABA, which may optionally have the characteristics of the plant growth promoting composition described elsewhere herein.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composition for improving plant tolerance to physical and / or mechanical stimuli, comprising GABA, which may optionally have the features of the plant growth promoting compositions described elsewhere herein.

[0043] The plant tolerance improving composition of the present invention can improve the plant tolerance of a wide range of plants to prevent fruit drop, leaf drop, flower drop, branch breakage, etc. The plant tolerance improving composition of the present invention can effectively prevent fruit drop in plants, and when applied to cultivated plants for agricultural and horticultural use, can significantly increase the yield of fruits and the like.

[0044] Furthermore, the plant resistance improving composition of the present invention contains GABA as an active ingredient, and because it uses such a safe and reliable amino acid, it can be used as a safe and reliable flowering promoter or fruit abscission inhibitor, unlike pesticides.

[0045] As used herein, "or" is used when "at least one or more" of the items listed in the text can be employed. The same applies to "alternative." When "within the range of" two values ​​is specified herein, the range includes the two values ​​themselves. References cited herein, such as scientific literature, patents, patent applications, etc., are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each were specifically set forth.

[0046] The present disclosure has been described above by showing preferred embodiments for ease of understanding. The present disclosure will be described below based on examples. However, the above description and the following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or examples specifically described herein, but is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0047] (Example 1: Preparation of GABA spray solution) The method for preparing the GABA-containing composition (spray solution) used in the following examples will be described. (1) Method for preparing GABA solution Commercially available GABA (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was dissolved in water to appropriately prepare an aqueous solution of a predetermined concentration. (2) Aqueous solution containing GABA and Ala used in the GABA examples A solution containing 5 M GABA and 0.05 M alanine (Ala) produced by lactic acid bacteria fermentation (manufactured by Pharma Foods Co., Ltd.) was diluted with water, or Ala (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was added to GABA to appropriately prepare an aqueous solution of a predetermined concentration.

[0048] Example 2: Flowering promotion effect on roses In this example, roses were used as test plants, and the effect of using a GABA-containing spray solution to increase the number of flowers per plant was examined.

[0049] The materials and conditions used in this example are as follows: 1. Test plant: Rose (variety: True Bloom Red Captain)

[0050] 2. Preparation of Spray Solutions The following mixed solutions of amino acids, polysaccharides, and fulvic acid (1-2), GABA solution (synthetic GABA aqueous solution) (1-3), and GABA + Ala solution (GABA fermentation solution) (1-4) were prepared. The proportions of the components in each spray solution were adjusted so that the nitrogen content was equal.

[0051] Spray solution 1-2: A mixed solution of amino acids, polysaccharides, and fulvic acid was prepared by diluting the mixed solution of amino acids, polysaccharides, and fulvic acid with water so that the nitrogen content was 11 mg / kg. The main component percentages and nutrient content percentages of the mixed solution of amino acids, polysaccharides, and fulvic acid are shown below.

[0052] 3. Test soil and materials A 28L 510 type 51.6 x 34 x 26H (cm) deep pot (manufactured by Aika Co., Ltd.) was used as the planter, and 20L of "Kagome Light Vegetable Soil" (registered trademark) (manufactured by Kagome Co., Ltd.) was used as the culture soil, and 5L of stones (manufactured by Natural Applied Science Co., Ltd.) for putting in the bottom of home gardening pots were used.

[0053] 4. Procedure (1) The test plants were divided into three spray plots: a water spray plot (control plot 1), a spray plot with a mixture of amino acids, polysaccharides, and fulvic acid (control plot 2), a GABA solution spray plot, and a GABA + Ala solution spray plot. Three test rose plants were planted in each spray plot. No additional fertilization was performed after planting. (2) After planting, flowers were removed from each rose plant before application of the spray solution to ensure the same initial number of flower buds and flowers. Watering was performed once daily. (3) Soil drench with the spray solution began two weeks after planting and continued once a week until completion. Approximately 1 L of the spray solution was applied per three plants per soil drench. (4) The number of flowers was recorded in all test plots every Monday through Friday, and the survey was conducted over a four-week period from mid-August to mid-September.

[0054] 5. Results The relationship between the number of days sprayed and the number of flowers was examined using a two-way analysis of variance. The change in the number of flowers was significantly faster in the GABA solution and GABA + Ala solution sprayed plots than in the water (control plot 1) and the amino acid, polysaccharide, and fulvic acid mixed solution sprayed plots (control plot 2) (p<0.05) (Figure 1).

[0055] Furthermore, the frequency of flowering over a 4-week period in the GABA + Ala solution-sprayed area and the GABA solution-sprayed area was confirmed using a chi-squared test. The GABA + Ala solution-sprayed area had a higher frequency of flowering (p<0.05) (Figure 1).

[0056] From the above results, it was confirmed that soil irrigation with a GABA solution or a GABA + Ala solution has a flowering-promoting effect. Furthermore, the GABA + Ala solution exhibited superior flowering-promoting effects compared to commercially available fertilizer (Hyponex's "Stress Blocker") and a GABA solution. Therefore, it was suggested that soil irrigation with a GABA + Ala solution has the effect of shifting the growth of the test plants toward reproductive growth. It was confirmed that soil irrigation with a GABA + Ala solution has a flowering-promoting effect compared to soil irrigation with a GABA-only solution.

[0057] Example 3 Growth-Promoting Effect on Broccoli In this example, broccoli was used as a test plant, and the leaf growth effect when a spray solution containing GABA+Ala was irrigated to the soil was examined.

[0058] The materials and conditions used in this example are shown below.

[0059] 1. Test plant: Broccoli

[0060] 2. Preparation of spray solution A GABA+Ala solution was prepared as in Example 1.

[0061] 3. Procedure: The plants were divided into two spraying areas: a water spraying area (control area) and a GABA solution spraying area. Broccoli seeds (the test plant) were sown and cultivated in each spraying area. Cultivation took place in Miyazaki Prefecture (maximum temperature: 29°C, minimum temperature: 21°C). The materials were sprayed once a week starting on August 5th, and leaf area per image was calculated using photographs taken on August 29th. Leaf area was analyzed and calculated using ImageJ Fiji (ImageJ-win64) software. Specifically, Image → Color → Split Channels was selected. Then, using the green image, Image → Adjust → Threshold was used to binarize the leaves and other areas. Finally, the binarized image was used to calculate the percentage of leaves per image by selecting Analyze → Analyze Particles.

[0062] 4. Results When water was sprayed (control), the percentage of leaves in the image was approximately 20%, whereas when the GABA solution was sprayed, the percentage of leaves in the image was approximately 80%, a four-fold increase compared to the control (Figure 2). This confirms that the GABA solution has the effect of promoting leaf growth.

[0063] Example 4: Effect of promoting flowering and increasing fruit set on cherry tomatoes In this example, cherry tomatoes were used as test plants, and the effect of promoting flowering and increasing fruit set was examined when a GABA-containing spray solution was used.

[0064] The materials and conditions used in this example are shown below.

[0065] 1. Test plant: Cherry tomato (variety name: Junama) (manufactured by Suntory)

[0066] 2. Preparation of Spray Solution Water, an ammonium nitrate solution (100 mg / L), a glutamic acid solution (100 mg / L), and the GABA+Ala solution of the present invention (1 mM GABA+0.01 mM Ala) were used as spray solutions.

[0067] 3. Test soil and materials 27 L of Golden Granular Potting Soil (manufactured by Iris Ohyama), a potting soil for flowers and vegetables, was used as the potting soil.

[0068] 4. Procedure (1) The plot was divided into four spraying areas: a water spraying area (control area), an ammonium nitrate solution spraying area, a glutamic acid solution spraying area, and a GABA + Ala solution spraying area, and cherry tomatoes were grown in each spraying area.

[0069] (2) The test plants were grown in single-stem, vertically guided planters. Three plants were planted per planter of test soil. Planting took place on June 8, 2022. No additional fertilization was performed after planting. Watering was carried out at the same rate to avoid differences between test sections. Watering was carried out at 1.5 to 4 L per day per 1-culture planter, depending on the weather and the growth stage of the plants.

[0070] (3) Test plots were set up, including a water solution spray plot, an ammonium nitrate solution spray plot, a glutamic acid solution spray plot, and a GABA+Ala spray plot, and tomatoes were grown in each test plot.

[0071] (4) Soil drench with each fertilizer began on the day of planting. Fertilizer was applied once a week for a total of four times until June 29th. Soil drench was performed using a watering can, with approximately 300 ml of fertilizer solution per plant being applied to the base of each plant.

[0072] (5) The number of flowers and fruit set were recorded. Harvesting was carried out in all test plots every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and the harvest date, harvest yield, and number of harvested fruits were recorded for each plant and each cluster. Harvesting began on May 2, 2022, and the final harvest date was July 1, 2022.

[0073] (6) June 10, 2022, the second day after the start of spraying, was used as the reference date, and the number of flowers and fruits on the 23rd day, three weeks later, were compared for each spray solution.

[0074] 5. Results The number of flowers that bloomed on July 10th was examined using Student's t-test for each spraying area. Compared to the control area where water was sprayed, a significant increase in the number of flowers was observed when the glutamic acid solution and the GABA + Ala solution were sprayed. In particular, the average number of flowers that bloomed with the GABA + Ala solution was 12, demonstrating a remarkable flowering-promoting effect compared to the other solutions (Figure 3).

[0075] Similarly, Student's t-test was used to examine fruit set across the application intervals of each material. Compared to the control water application, only the GABA + Ala solution significantly increased fruit set. In particular, when comparing the glutamic acid solution with the GABA + Ala solution, the average number of fruits set was 11, which was approximately double the number set by glutamic acid, which showed the second highest fruit-setting promotion effect. The fruit-setting promotion effect was so remarkable that a statistically significant difference was observed compared to the other solutions (Figure 4).

[0076] Example 5: Effect of accelerating harvesting of cherry tomatoes The effect of a GABA+Ala solution on accelerating harvesting of cherry tomatoes was investigated below. 1. Test plant: Cherry tomato (variety: Ecosweet) (manufactured by Aisan Seed Co., Ltd.)

[0077] 2. Test soil and materials 27 L of Uma Tomato Bag soil (organic soil, manufactured by Kawai Fertilizer Co., Ltd.) was used as the culture soil.

[0078] 3. Procedure: A water spray area (control area) and the following spray solutions were used: 100 mM GABA + 1 mM Ala solution (GABA fermentation solution), 10 mM GABA + 0.1 mM Ala solution (GABA + Ala solution), and 1 mM GABA + 0.01 mM Ala solution (GABA solution). Cherry tomatoes were grown in each spray area.

[0079] Test plants were grown in single-stem, vertically trained soil bags. Two plants were planted per test soil bag. After growth, the tops were pinched off, leaving only one leaf directly above the sixth inflorescence, and the second to sixth inflorescences were the subjects of the study. Topping was performed on April 27, 2022. To minimize influences other than those caused by the sprayed materials, the first inflorescence was pinched off to five flowers, and the second to sixth inflorescences were pinched off to ten flowers. No additional fertilization was performed after planting. Lateral buds were removed as soon as they were confirmed, and leaf pinching was performed on the same day and at the same level to avoid differences between the test sections described below. Irrigation was performed at the same level to avoid differences between the test sections. Irrigation was performed at 1.5 to 4 L per day per soil bag, depending on the weather and the plant's growth stage.

[0080] Foliar spraying of fertilizer began one month after planting. Foliar spraying of fertilizer was carried out a total of nine times, approximately once a week, until one month had passed since top pinching. Foliar spraying was carried out using a sprayer, and the spray solution was applied to each leaf individually at a distance of 20-30 cm from the sprayer nozzle so that the spray solution was evenly applied to the underside of the leaf. Approximately 50 ml of fertilizer solution was used per plant per foliar spray.

[0081] The number of cherry tomatoes harvested and the harvest date were recorded. Harvesting was carried out in all test plots every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and the harvest date, harvest yield, and number of harvested fruits were recorded for each plant and each cluster. Harvesting began on May 2, 2022, and the final harvest date was July 1, 2022.

[0082] Results In Figure 5, the horizontal axis represents the number of days for application, and the vertical axis represents the average (%) of the cumulative daily yield for the test plots, assuming the total yield for each plant to be 100%.

[0083] When the significant difference in the relationship between the number of days and cumulative yield was examined using a two-way analysis of variance, the cumulative yield increased significantly faster in the GABA + Ala solution sprayed area than in the control area sprayed with water (p < 0.05) (Figure 5).

[0084] These test results confirmed that the foliar spray of the GABA + Ala solution increased the harvest rate compared to the water spray. Furthermore, because the number of flowers was consistent, a significant difference in total harvest was observed between the test sections (ANOVA). This suggests that foliar spray of the GABA + Ala solution promotes the reproductive growth of the test plants.

[0085] (Example 6: Effect of reducing mechanical stress and / or flooding stress) In this example, Laurentia was used as the test plant, and the effect of using a GABA-containing spray solution on reducing mechanical stress and / or flooding stress on the plant was examined.

[0086] The materials and conditions used in this example are shown below.

[0087] 1. Test plant: Laurentia (variety: Fizz and Pop Deep Pink)

[0088] 2. Preparation of spray solution Water and a 1 mM GABA+0.01 mM Ala solution (1 mM GABA+0.01 mM) were used as the spray solution.

[0089] 3. Test soil and materials A 6L Queen Planter 450 type 450 x 208 x 170 (mm) was used as the planter, and 20L of Kagome (registered trademark) Light Vegetable Soil (registered trademark) (manufactured by Kagome Co., Ltd.) was used as the culture soil.

[0090] 4. Procedure (1) Each planter was filled with 6 L of culture soil and 0.5 L of stones (manufactured by Shizen Oyo Kagaku Co., Ltd.) to place at the bottom of the pot, and three test plants were planted. No additional fertilization was performed after planting. Watering was performed once a day at the same amount to avoid differences between test sections.

[0091] (2) A water sprayed area (control area) and an area sprayed with 1 mM GABA + 0.01 mM Ala solution were set up, and three test plants were grown in each test area.

[0092] (3) Soil drench with the spray solution began four weeks before the typhoon passed. Soil drench with the spray solution was carried out approximately once a week until the end of the survey, with approximately 1 L of spray solution used per three plants per soil drench.

[0093] (4) The number of flowers was recorded one week before the typhoon passed, and the number of flowers was recorded in all test plots every Monday through Friday for two weeks.

[0094] 5. Results Figure 6 shows the change in the number of flowers per plant before and after the typhoon when water and a GABA + Ala solution were sprayed. A two-way analysis of variance was used to examine the significance of the relationship between the number of days and the number of flowers. The number of flowers was significantly higher in the GABA + Ala solution sprayed area than in the water sprayed area (control area) (p < 0.05) (Figure 6).

[0095] In the test plots where the GABA + Ala solution was drenched in the soil four weeks prior to the typhoon, the decrease in flower number due to the typhoon was suppressed compared to the plots where water was sprayed. In other words, soil drenching with the GABA + Ala solution reduced the impact of the typhoon on the test plants.

[0096] Example 7: Amino acid enhancing effect in strawberries In this example, strawberries were used as test plants, and changes in amino acid content in the fruit when a 1 mM GABA+0.01 mM Ala solution was used were examined.

[0097] The materials and conditions used in this example are shown below.

[0098] 1. Test plant: strawberry (variety: Yotsuboshi) (manufactured by Organic Nico)

[0099] 2. Preparation of Spray Solution Water and a 100 mM GABA+1 mM Ala solution (GABA+Ala solution) were used as the spray solution.

[0100] 3. Test soil and materials The culture medium used was a 1:1 mixture of solar-sterilized soil (fine-grained ordinary clay-accumulated reddish-yellow soil) collected from the production fields of Organic Nico Co., Ltd. and culture medium specifically for sowing (manufactured by Yamato Fertilizer Co., Ltd., electrical conductivity (EC): 0.46 mS / cm (at the time of manufacture), pH 5.0 to pH 6.0 (at the time of manufacture), N element content: 150 mg / L (calculated value), P element content: 300 mg / L (calculated value), K element content: 200 mg / L (calculated value)).

[0101] 4. Procedure (1) The soil pots used for elevated cultivation had three holes per pot, with a capacity of 3 L per hole.

[0102] (2) Before the start of the test, strawberry plants used for production purposes at Organic Nico Co., Ltd. were sprayed once with a 300-fold diluted Sun Crystal (registered trademark) emulsion as a measure against spider mites.

[0103] (3) After the test began, management work included removing flowers and fruits that had not yet reached a saleable size, removing diseased leaves and fruits, removing yellowed leaves, and removing fruit stalk branches that had already been harvested.

[0104] (4) The amount of water irrigation was about 500 to 750 mL / plant on sunny days and about 250 mL / plant on cloudy days. No watering was performed on rainy days.

[0105] (5) A water sprayed area (control area) and a 100 mM GABA + 1 mM Ala solution sprayed area were set up, and 70 strawberry plants were grown in each test area.

[0106] (6) Foliar spraying of each spray solution began on February 16, 2022, the day after spraying Sun Crystal Emulsion on February 15, 2022. Thereafter, spraying was carried out once a week on Wednesdays between 10:00 and 12:00, for a total of 15 times until May 25, 2022. Approximately 1.5 to 2.0 L (20 to 30 mL / plant) of each spray solution was sprayed in each test area per spray.

[0107] (8) After spraying, all test plots were harvested every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

[0108] (9) On May 27, 2022, five strawberries harvested from the water spray area (control area) and the 100 mM GABA + 1 mM Ala solution spray area were selected and frozen at -80 ° C.

[0109] (10) Strawberries were ground in a mill, and the amino acid content was measured. Methanol, chloroform, MQ (MeOH / Chloroform / MQ = 1:1:0.4 (molar ratio)), and 2-isopropylmalic acid (internal standard solution) were added to the ground strawberries, mixed in a vortex mixer, and centrifuged at 15,000 rpm for 5 minutes. The supernatant was collected, filtered, and subjected to LC-MS analysis.

[0110] (11) LC-MS measurements were performed under the following conditions: Standards: amino acid standard solution, asparagine standard solution, tryptophan, glutamine Detection: SIM method, positive ion mode Eluent A: acetonitrile / formic acid = 100 / 0.3 Eluent B: acetonitrile / 100 mM ammonium formate = 20 / 80 Column: Intrada Amino Acid, 100 x 3 mm Temperature: 37°C Flow rate: 0.5 mL / min Gradient: 20% B (0-4.8 min), 20-100% B (4.8-16.8 min), 100% B (16.8-19.2 min), 20% B (19.2-25 min)

[0111] 5. Results Compared to water sprays (control), spraying the GABA + Ala solution resulted in a significant increase in various amino acids (phenylalanine (Phe), tryptophan (Trp), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), methionine (Met), threonine (Thr), lysine (Lys), tyrosine (Tyr), Pro (proline), alanine (Ala), glutamine (Gln), asparagine (Asn), glutamic acid (Glu), aspartic acid (Asp), serine (Ser), arginine (Arg), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)) in the harvested fruit (strawberry) (Figure 7).

[0112] Therefore, the GABA+Ala solution can increase the amino acid content of the plant fruit (strawberry), and has the effect of promoting the reproductive growth of the plant.

[0113] Example 8: Amino acid enhancing effect in cherry tomatoes In this example, cherry tomatoes were used as test plants, and changes in the amino acid content and umami taste in the fruit when a GABA-containing spray solution was used were examined.

[0114] The materials and conditions used in this example are as follows: 1. Test plant: Cherry tomato (variety: Ecosweet) (manufactured by Aisan Seed Co., Ltd.)

[0115] 2. Preparation of spray solution Water and a 100 mM GABA+1 mM Ala solution (GABA+Ala solution) were used as spray solutions.

[0116] 3. Test soil and materials The culture soil used was Uma Tomato Bag Culture Soil 27 L (organic culture soil, Kawai Fertilizer Co., Ltd.).

[0117] 4. Procedure (1) Test plants were grown in single-stem, vertically trained soil bags. Two plants were planted per test soil bag. After growth, the tops of the plants were pinched off, leaving only one leaf directly above the sixth inflorescence, and the second to sixth inflorescences were used for the study. Topping was performed on April 27, 2022. To minimize influences other than those caused by the sprayed materials, the first inflorescence was pinched off to five flowers, and the second to sixth inflorescences were pinched off to ten flowers. No additional fertilization was performed after planting. Lateral buds were removed as soon as they were confirmed, and leaf pinching was performed at the same level on the same day to avoid differences between the test sections described below. Irrigation was performed at the same level to avoid differences between the test sections. Irrigation was performed at 1.5 to 4 L per day per soil bag, depending on the weather and the plant's growth stage.

[0118] (2) A water sprayed area (control area) and a 100 mM GABA + 1 mM Ala solution sprayed area (control area) were set up, and 10 tomato plants were grown in each test area.

[0119] (3) Foliar spraying of each spray solution began one month after planting (April 11, 2022). Foliar spraying was carried out using a sprayer, with the spray solution evenly applied to all leaves at a distance of 20 to 30 cm from the sprayer nozzle. Approximately 50 ml of each spray solution was used per plant per foliar spray.

[0120] (4) After spraying, all test plots were harvested every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

[0121] (5) The fruits harvested on May 30, 2022 were subjected to taste analysis using the taste analysis device TS-5000Z (Incent Sensor Technology Co., Ltd.).

[0122] (6) Fruits harvested on June 1, 2022, were frozen and stored at -80°C and used for amino acid measurements. Seven cherry tomatoes were randomly selected and crushed in a mill. 10% sulfosalicylic acid was added and mixed with a vortex to precipitate proteins. The mixture was centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 10 minutes, and the supernatant was collected, filtered, and subjected to LC-MS measurement.

[0123] (7) LC-MS measurements were performed under the following conditions: Standards: amino acid standard solution, asparagine standard solution, tryptophan, glutamine Detection: SIM method, positive ion mode Eluent A: acetonitrile / formic acid = 100 / 0.3 Eluent B: acetonitrile / 100 mM ammonium formate = 20 / 80 Column: Intrada Amino Acid, 100 x 3 mm Temperature: 37°C Flow rate: 0.5 mL / min Gradient: 20% B (0-4.8 min), 20-100% B (4.8-16.8 min), 100% B (16.8-19.2 min), 20% B (19.2-25 min)

[0124] 5-1. Results (Changes in Amino Acid Content) Compared to water spray (control), when the GABA + Ala solution was sprayed, increases in various amino acids (phenylalanine (Phe), tryptophan (Trp), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), methionine (Met), threonine (Thr), lysine (Lys), tyrosine (Tyr), Pro (proline), alanine (Ala), glutamine (Gln), asparagine (Asn), glutamic acid (Glu), aspartic acid (Asp), serine (Ser), arginine (Arg), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)) were observed in the harvested fruit (tomatoes). In particular, the increase in glutamic acid (Glu) was significant (Figure 8).

[0125] Therefore, the GABA+Ala solution can increase the amino acid content of the plant fruit (tomato), and has the effect of promoting the reproductive growth of the plant.

[0126] 5-2. Results (Changes in umami) Compared to the control group sprayed with water, the umami taste increased when the GABA + Ala solution was sprayed (Figure 9). This was thought to be mainly due to a significant increase in the content of glutamic acid, one of the amino acids.

[0127] Example 9: Antibacterial effect of GABA In this example, the antibacterial effect of GABA was investigated.

[0128] Method: <Culture Medium Preparation> 23.5 g of standard agar medium (granules) (Nissui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) was added to 1 L of distilled water and dissolved by heating. After high-pressure steam sterilization at 121°C for 15 minutes, the mixture was maintained at approximately 50°C. <Sample Solution Preparation> GABA solutions were prepared using sterile saline to achieve concentrations of 50% (w / w), 25% (w / w), and 12.5% ​​(w / w). This was further diluted 1:10 with sterile saline to prepare the sample solution. <General Viable Bacteria Test> 1.0 mL of the sample solution was dispensed into a Petri dish. Approximately 15 mL of agar medium was poured into the Petri dish and immediately mixed to ensure the sample and medium were thoroughly mixed. The above procedure was repeated for five Petri dishes.

[0129] For control, 1.0 mL of the sterilized saline solution used to prepare the sample solution was dispensed into a Petri dish. Approximately 15 mL of agar medium was poured into the Petri dish, and the sample and medium were immediately mixed thoroughly to ensure complete solidification of the agar medium. After culturing for 24 hours at 35±1°C, the number of colonies on each Petri dish was counted. The average number of colonies on each Petri dish was calculated, and any fractional part was rounded off. The number of measured colonies was calculated using the following formula: Formula: Number of colonies x 10 = Number of bacteria (cells) / 1 g of sample

[0130] However, when the number of bacteria is 0, it is set to 10 bacteria / g or less due to the detection limit, and when the number of bacteria is 3000 bacteria or more, it is impossible to judge visually, so it is set to 3000 bacteria / g or more.

[0131] The results are shown in the table below. By setting the GABA solution in the range of 25 g / 100 g to 50 g / 100 g, general viable bacteria could be significantly suppressed.

[0132] Example 10: Boulting induction rate by GABA In this example, the bolting induction rate was measured to evaluate the reproductive growth promoting effect of GABA and Ala.

[0133] The materials and conditions used in this example are shown below.

[0134] 1. Test plant: Arabidopsis thaliana

[0135] 2. Preparation of Culture Medium A culture medium was prepared by mixing a GABA solution and an alanine solution with Murashige-Skoog (MS) medium and diluting the mixture to the concentrations shown in the table below.

[0136] 3. Twenty Arabidopsis seeds were seeded in a 93 mm diameter plastic dish containing the culture medium, and cultured. 20 days after seeding, the number of individuals showing bolting was counted, and the bolting rate for each sample and the control was calculated.

[0137] 4. The bolting induction rate of each sample 20 days after sowing was calculated using the following formula: Bolting induction rate (%) = (bolting rate (%) of each sample) - (bolting rate (%) of control)

[0138] Furthermore, Colby's formula was used to evaluate whether mixing GABA and Ala would produce a synergistic effect on the bolting induction rate. If the actual measured value was greater than the theoretical value calculated by the following Colby's formula, it was determined that a synergistic effect existed. Colby's formula: Theoretical value = A + B - (A x B) / 100 A: bolting induction rate of GABA (%) B: bolting induction rate of Ala (%)

[0139] When Arabidopsis thaliana was grown for 20 days in a medium containing a 1000:1 mixture of GABA and Ala, the bolting induction rate was confirmed to be 14.9%, exceeding the theoretical value of 7.4% (Figure 10). On the other hand, when Arabidopsis thaliana was grown for 20 days in a medium containing a 1:1000 mixture of GABA and Ala, the bolting induction rate was confirmed to be 10.0%, exceeding the theoretical value of 7.4% (Figure 10). These results demonstrate that the combination of GABA and Ala can improve the bolting induction rate compared to the use of either compound alone.

[0140] Example 11: Optimal concentration of GABA for inducing promotion of flowering In this example, the number of days from vernalization treatment to flowering was measured in order to evaluate the optimal concentration for the reproductive growth-promoting effect of GABA.

[0141] The materials and conditions used in this example are shown below.

[0142] 1. Test plant: Arabidopsis thaliana

[0143] 2. Preparation of Spray Solution Distilled water, a GABA solution, and a gibberellin solution (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) were used as the spray solution.

[0144] 3. Procedure On June 8, 2023, rockwool (TACO BLOCK 23 / 28) was immersed in tap water and washed several times. The water was drained from the washed rockwool tray, and a single seed was sown in the center of the rockwool using a toothpick. Then, approximately 1 cm of Hoagland's solution (Sigma) was added, wrapped in aluminum foil, and vernalization treatment was carried out for one day in a 4°C low-temperature room (dark). After vernalization treatment, the tray was transferred to a light-growth shelf (23°C, light / dark cycle: 16 hours / 8 hours, intensity 10,000 x L) and grown for 13 days, adding Hoagland's solution as needed.

[0145] 4. After vernalization and growing for 13 days, the plants were replanted in 7.5 cm pots (with approximately 200 ml of potting soil) on June 22, 2023.

[0146] The following test plots were set up: a water spray plot (control, distilled water), a 0.2 μM GABA solution, a 1 μM GABA solution, a 10 μM GABA solution, a 50 μM GABA solution, a 200 μM GABA solution, a 1000 μM GABA solution spray plot, and a 50 μM gibberellin solution spray plot (positive control), and eight Arabidopsis plants were grown in each test plot.

[0147] Soil application of the materials began on June 23, 2023. The materials were applied once a week until all individuals flowered. Soil application was carried out using a Pipetman P5000, with 3 ml of the solution being applied to an area within a 1 cm radius of the base of the plant.

[0148] The flowering dates of Arabidopsis were recorded. Flowering began on July 4, 2023, and all flowering was completed by July 10, 2023.

[0149] Results In FIG. 11, the horizontal axis represents the name of the test plot, the vertical axis represents the average number of days from vernalization treatment to flowering for each test plot, and the error bars represent the standard error.

[0150] The flowering date for each test section was examined using Student's t-test. Compared to the control section, the sections sprayed with GABA solutions at all concentrations from 0.2 μM to 1000 μM and with 50 μM gibberellin solution showed a shortening effect on the number of days to flowering. In particular, the sections sprayed with 10 μM, 50 μM, and 200 μM GABA solutions showed a significant improvement in flowering promotion compared to the control section. Furthermore, the 50 μM GABA solution showed a flowering-promoting effect compared to other GABA concentrations, and was equivalent to that of gibberellin solution.

[0151] Example 12: Effect of GABA on gibberellin receptor gene expression In this example, changes in gene expression of gibberellin receptors (GID1a, GID1c) were examined to confirm the effect of GABA on gibberellins that induce reproductive growth.

[0152] The materials and conditions used in this example are shown below.

[0153] 1. Test plant: Arabidopsis thaliana

[0154] 2. Preparation of spray solution Distilled water alone was used for the water spray group, which was the control group, and a GABA solution was used for the GABA spray group. Primers used in PCR UBQ-F: 5'-CTGCGACTCAGGGAATCTTCTAA-3' (SEQ ID NO: 1) UBQ-R: 5'-TTGTGCCATTGAATTGAACCC-3' (SEQ ID NO: 2) GID1a-F: 5'-AAACGCTAAAGCTTGTGGAAGAA-3' (SEQ ID NO: 3) GID1a-R: 5'-CCTTTCCAAGTCTCTAAAACGCCT-3' (SEQ ID NO: 4) GID1c-F: 5'-TTCTGTGAGGTCTTGGTTGCGC-3' (SEQ ID NO: 5) GID1c-R: 5'-TGCCGATAACCGAAGTGGTCTCTCTC-3' (SEQ ID NO: 6)

[0155] 4. Procedure: On July 12, 2023, rockwool (TACO BLOCK 23 / 28) was immersed in tap water and rinsed several times with water changes. The water from the washed rockwool tray was drained, and a single seed was planted in the center of the rockwool using a toothpick. Then, approximately 1 cm of Hoagland's solution (Sigma) was added, wrapped in aluminum foil, and vernalization was carried out for one day in a 4°C low-temperature room (dark). After vernalization, the tray was transferred to a light-growth shelf (23°C, light / dark cycle: 16 hours / 8 hours, intensity 10,000 x L) and grown for 21 days, adding Hoagland's solution as needed.

[0156] Sampling was carried out 24 hours after the spraying of the solution, and at each time, a water spraying group (control group) and a 50 μM GABA solution spraying group were set up. Nine Arabidopsis plants were grown in each test group.

[0157] Soil spraying of the materials began on August 3, 2023. The materials were sprayed onto the soil using a Pipetman P5000, and 3 ml of the solution was applied once to each plant within a 1 cm radius of the base of the plant.

[0158] Sampling was carried out 24 hours after treatment. Three Arabidopsis plants were randomly selected from each of the nine plants, and one leaf was sampled from each plant. This sampling process was repeated five times, and each test sample was counted. The samples were then frozen and stored at -80°C.

[0159] RNA was isolated from frozen material using the NucleoSpin RNA Plant and Fungi Kit (TaKaRa) according to the manufacturer's instructions and PrimeScript TM cDNA was synthesized using a 1st strand cDNA Synthesis Kit (TaKaRa).

[0160] The target genes were PCR housekeeping genes, and UBQ was used as a normalization control. The target genes were the gibberellin receptors GID1a and GID1c, and the enzyme used was TB Green Premix Ex Taq II (TaKaRa). The thermal profile was 95°C for 30 seconds for one cycle, followed by 95°C for 5 seconds and 60°C for 30 seconds for 40 cycles. Dissociation curve analysis was performed at 95°C for 15 seconds, 60°C for 30 seconds, and 95°C for 15 seconds.

[0161] The gene expression levels were evaluated by quantifying the relative expression levels of GID1a and GID1c mRNA to that of UBQ mRNA using real-time PCR as the ΔΔCT value. The expression levels of the samples were expressed as relative values ​​when the expression level in the absence of sample was set to 1.

[0162] Results FIG. 12 shows the expression levels of the indicated genes in the water-sprayed area and the 50 μM GABA solution-sprayed area 24 hours after spraying the materials, and is shown as the mean ± standard deviation of five values.

[0163] The gene expression levels of each material were examined using Student's t-test. 24 hours after application, a significant increase in gene expression of GID1a and GID1c was observed when 50 μM GABA solution was applied compared to the control water application. These results demonstrate that GABA increases gene expression of GID1a and GID1c.

[0164] Example 13: Effect of GABA on promoting flowering under high temperature conditions In this example, the number of days from vernalization treatment to flowering was measured to demonstrate the effect of GABA on promoting reproductive growth under high temperature conditions.

[0165] The materials and conditions used in this example are shown below.

[0166] 1. Test plant: Arabidopsis thaliana

[0167] 2. Preparation of Spray Solution Distilled water, a GABA solution, and a gibberellin solution (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) were used as the spray solution.

[0168] 3. Procedure: On October 12, 2023, rockwool (TACO BLOCK 23 / 28) was immersed in tap water and washed several times. The water was drained from the washed rockwool tray, and a single seed was sown in the center of the rockwool using a toothpick. Then, approximately 1 cm of Hoagland's solution (Sigma) was added, wrapped in aluminum foil, and vernalization was performed for one day in a 4°C low-temperature room (dark). After vernalization, the tray was transferred to a light-growth shelf (23°C, light / dark cycle: 16 hours / 8 hours, intensity 10,000 x L) and grown for 13 days, adding Hoagland's solution as needed.

[0169] 4. After 13 days of growth after vernalization, the plants were replanted in 7.5 cm pots (with approximately 200 ml of potting soil) on October 26, 2023, and then transferred to normal conditions (23°C, 16-hour / 8-hour light / dark cycle, 10,000 x l) and high-temperature conditions (35°C, 16-hour / 8-hour light / dark cycle, 10,000 x l), and grown twice a week in 8 pots with 150 mL of DW.

[0170] The test groups were set up as follows: a normal condition water spray group (control group), a high temperature condition water spray group, a high temperature condition 50 μM GABA solution spray group, and a high temperature condition 50 μM gibberellin solution spray group (positive control), and eight Arabidopsis plants were grown in each test group.

[0171] Soil application of the materials began on October 27, 2023. The materials were applied once a week. Soil application was carried out using a Pipetman P5000, with 3 ml of solution applied to an area within a 1 cm radius of the base of the plant.

[0172] The flowering dates of Arabidopsis were recorded. Flowering began on November 6, 2023, and all flowering was completed on November 12, 2023.

[0173] Results In FIG. 13, the horizontal axis represents the name of the test plot, the vertical axis represents the average number of days to flowering from vernalization treatment for each test plot, and the error bars represent the average value ± standard error.

[0174] The flowering date was examined using Student's t-test for each spraying interval. Under high temperature conditions, the 50 μM GABA solution sprayed area showed a significant promotion of flowering date compared to water spraying. On the other hand, when 50 μM gibberellin solution was sprayed under high temperature conditions, all individuals failed to flower and died. From these results, gibberellin showed phytotoxicity under high temperature conditions, with all individuals dying. On the other hand, the GABA solution sprayed area showed promotion of flowering even under high temperature conditions, demonstrating that GABA solution exhibits reproductive growth-promoting effects even under high temperature conditions.

[0175] Example 14: Effect of GABA and fertilizer components on increasing fresh weight In this example, the fresh weight of the above-ground parts was evaluated in order to evaluate the synergistic effect of GABA and fertilizer components.

[0176] The materials and conditions used in this example are shown below.

[0177] 1. Test plant: Arabidopsis thaliana

[0178] 2. Preparation of spray solution As a spray solution, distilled water, GABA solution, urea (FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), ammonium nitrate (FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), potassium sulfate (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) were mixed and diluted to the concentrations shown in Table 5 below to prepare spray solutions.

[0179] 3. Procedure: On April 17, 2024, rockwool (TACO BLOCK 23 / 28) was soaked in tap water and washed several times. After draining the water from the washed rockwool tray, a single seed was planted in the center of the rockwool using a toothpick. Then, approximately 1 cm of Hoagland's solution (Sigma) was poured into the tray, which was then wrapped in aluminum foil. The tray was then vernalized for one day in a 4°C low-temperature room (dark). After vernalization, the tray was transferred to a light-growth shelf (23°C, 16-hour / 8-hour light / dark cycle, 10,000xL intensity) and grown for 13 days, adding Hoagland's solution as needed.

[0180] 4. After vernalization, the plants were grown for 13 days and then transplanted into 7.5 cm pots (with approximately 200 ml of potting soil) on May 1, 2024.

[0181] The following test areas were set up: a control area (distilled water), a urea fertilizer sprayed area, a nitrate fertilizer sprayed area, a phosphate fertilizer sprayed area, a potassium fertilizer sprayed area, a GABA solution sprayed area, a urea + GABA solution sprayed area, a nitrate + GABA solution sprayed area, a phosphate fertilizer + GABA solution sprayed area, and a potassium fertilizer + GABA solution sprayed area, and eight Arabidopsis plants were grown in each test area.

[0182] Soil application of the materials began on May 2, 2024. The materials were applied once a week for a total of three times until all plants flowered. Soil application was carried out using a Pipetman P5000, with 3 ml of the solution being applied to an area within a 1 cm radius of the base of the plant.

[0183] The fresh weight of the aboveground parts was calculated by cutting off the roots and measuring their weight on May 23, 2024. Furthermore, to calculate the theoretical value when each material was mixed, the increase / decrease rate of fresh weight due to the application of each material was calculated in comparison with the control area.

[0184] 5. The rate of increase or decrease in fresh weight due to the application of each material was calculated using the following formula: Rate of increase in fresh weight due to the application of each material (%) = (average fresh weight of each sample) / (average fresh weight of the control group) - 1

[0185] Furthermore, Colby's formula was used to evaluate whether a synergistic effect on the rate of increase or decrease in fresh weight could be obtained by mixing the GABA solution with the fertilizer components of each material. If the actual measured value was greater than the theoretical value calculated by the following Colby's formula, it was determined that a synergistic effect existed. Colby's formula: Theoretical value = A + B - (A x B) / 100 A: Rate of increase or decrease in fresh weight due to the GABA solution (%) B: Rate of increase or decrease in fresh weight due to the fertilizer components of each material (%)

[0186] When Arabidopsis thaliana was grown for 35 days with a mixture of GABA solution and urea fertilizer, nitrate fertilizer, and potassium fertilizer, the increase / decrease in fresh weight was 42%, 58%, and 45%, respectively, exceeding the theoretical values ​​of 30%, 32%, and 43%, respectively. These results indicate that combining GABA solution with urea fertilizer, nitrate fertilizer, and potassium fertilizer can increase the fresh weight of the aboveground parts more than when each fertilizer is used alone (Figure 14).

[0187] Example 15: Effect of GABA and fertilizer components on root elongation In this example, the length of the main root was evaluated to evaluate the synergistic effect of GABA and fertilizer components.

[0188] The materials and conditions used in this example are shown below.

[0189] 1. Test plant: Arabidopsis thaliana

[0190] 2. Preparation of Culture Medium As the culture medium, a GABA solution, a GABA solution, urea (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), ammonium nitrate (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), potassium sulfate (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) were mixed with Murashige-Skoog (MS) medium, and diluted to the concentrations shown in Table 6 to prepare culture media.

[0191] 3. Procedure On May 27, 2024, seeds were washed with 70% ethanol in a 1.5 mL tube, and the supernatant was removed. The seeds were then washed with 1.5% sodium hypochlorite + 0.01% Tween 20 solution for 10 minutes with shaking, followed by three washes with distilled water. After washing, the seeds were stored in a small amount of water, wrapped in aluminum foil, and vernalized for one day in a darkened, low-temperature room at 4°C. After vernalization, 10 Arabidopsis seeds were sown in culture medium in microplate-type dishes and cultured for 14 days in an artificial climate chamber (23°C, light / dark cycle: 16 hours / 8 hours, intensity 10,000 x L).

[0192] Root length was calculated by measuring the length of the taproot using ImageJ on June 11, 2024. Error bars represent standard error.

[0193] Root length was examined using Student's t-test for each application area. When GABA solution was combined with each fertilizer component alone, no significant changes were observed compared to the control area. However, when GABA solution was mixed with urea, phosphate, and potassium fertilizer, and when GABA solution was mixed with nitrate, phosphate, and potassium fertilizer, significant increases in taproot length were observed (Figure 15). These results demonstrate that combining GABA solution with urea fertilizer, phosphate fertilizer, and potassium fertilizer, or nitrate fertilizer, phosphate fertilizer, and potassium fertilizer, significantly improved root establishment compared to when each fertilizer was used alone.

[0194] (Note) As described above, the present disclosure has been illustrated using preferred embodiments thereof, but it is understood that the scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted solely by the claims. It is understood that the patents, patent applications, and other documents cited in this specification are incorporated by reference into this specification in their entirety as if the contents themselves were specifically set forth herein. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-108491, filed on June 30, 2023, with the Japan Patent Office, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if they constitute the contents of this application.

[0195] The present invention is useful in the fields of horticulture and plant breeding because the use of GABA makes it possible to control the flowering time and harvest time without destroying the ecosystem.

Claims

1. A composition for promoting plant growth comprising GABA.

2. The plant growth promoting composition according to claim 1, which is a composition for promoting the reproductive growth of a plant.

3. The plant growth promoting composition according to claim 1, which is an aqueous solution containing about 0.2 μM or more of GABA.

4. The plant growth promoting composition according to claim 1, which is an aqueous solution containing GABA at about 0.2 μM or more and about 5 M or less.

5. The plant growth promoting composition according to claim 1, which is an aqueous solution containing approximately 50 μM GABA.

6. The plant growth promoting composition of claim 1, comprising a salt, an amino acid, or a combination thereof.

7. The plant growth promoting composition of claim 6, wherein the amino acid comprises alanine, proline, aspartic acid, arginine, or glycine, or a combination thereof.

8. The plant growth promoting composition of claim 1, comprising at least about 0.01 mM alanine.

9. The plant growth promoting composition of claim 1, comprising a GABA:alanine ratio of about 1000:about 1 to about 1:about 1000.

10. The plant growth promoting composition of claim 1, comprising a nitrogen fertilizer, a phosphate fertilizer, a potassium fertilizer, or a combination thereof.

11. The plant growth promoting composition according to claim 1, which is a concentrate containing GABA, and which is diluted and then administered to the plant.

12. The plant growth promoting composition according to claim 11, wherein the concentrate contains about 25% to about 50% by weight of GABA.

13. The plant growth promoting composition of claim 12, wherein the concentrate further comprises about 25% to about 50% by weight of water, about 5% to about 10% by weight of salt, less than about 5% by weight of alanine, and less than about 5% by weight of amino acids other than alanine.

14. The plant growth promoting composition according to claim 1, wherein the plant comprises a plant of the family Solanaceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Rosaceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Convolvulaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Liliaceae, Araceae, Convolvulaceae, Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, Musaceae, Vitaceae, Ebenaceae, Actinidiaceae, Bromeliaceae, Violaceae, and Orchidaceae.

15. The plant growth promoting composition according to claim 2, wherein the reproductive growth of the plant includes maturation from a juvenile stage, flower bud formation, flowering, fruiting, fruit enlargement, coloring, or a combination thereof.

16. The plant growth promoting composition according to claim 1, which is used for growing a plant under conditions of about 10°C to about 50°C.

17. The plant growth promoting composition according to claim 1, which is used for growing a plant under conditions of about 28°C to about 50°C.

18. The plant growth promoting composition according to claim 1, which achieves the plant growth promotion by improving the expression level of a gibberellin receptor gene.

19. A method for promoting plant growth, comprising the step of applying the plant growth promoting composition according to claim 1 to a plant.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of applying the plant growth promoting composition to a plant occurs when the plant is in a reproductive or maturation stage.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising growing the plant under conditions of about 10°C to about 50°C.

22. The method of claim 19, further comprising growing the plant under conditions of about 28°C to about 50°C.

23. The method according to claim 19, wherein the plant growth promotion is achieved by increasing the expression level of a gibberellin receptor gene.

24. A composition for increasing plant amino acids, including GABA.

25. The composition of claim 24, which is an aqueous solution containing about 0.2 μM or more of GABA.

26. The composition of claim 24, which is an aqueous solution containing about 0.2 μM or more and about 5 M or less GABA.

27. The composition of claim 24, which is an aqueous solution containing about 50 μM GABA.

28. The composition of claim 24, comprising a salt, an amino acid, or a combination thereof.

29. The composition of claim 28, wherein the amino acids include alanine, proline, aspartic acid, arginine, or glycine, or a combination thereof.

30. The composition of claim 24, comprising about 0.01 mM or more alanine.

31. The composition of claim 24, comprising a ratio of GABA:alanine of about 1000:about 1 to about 1:about 1000.

32. The composition of claim 24, comprising a nitrogen fertilizer, a phosphate fertilizer, a potassium fertilizer, or a combination thereof.

33. The composition according to claim 24, which is a concentrate containing the GABA, the concentrate being diluted and administered to the plant.

34. The composition of claim 33, wherein the concentrate comprises about 25% to about 50% GABA by weight.

35. The composition of claim 34, wherein the source solution further comprises about 25% to about 50% water by weight, about 5% to about 10% salt by weight, less than about 5% alanine by weight, and less than about 5% amino acids other than alanine by weight.

36. The composition of claim 24, wherein the plant comprises a plant of the family Solanaceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Rosaceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Convolvulaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Liliaceae, Araceae, Convolvulaceae, Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, Musaceae, Vitaceae, Ebenaceae, Actinidiaceae, Bromeliaceae, Violaceae, or Orchidaceae.

37. The composition according to claim 24, which is used for growing a plant under conditions of about 10°C to about 50°C.

38. The composition according to claim 24, which is used for growing a plant under conditions of about 28°C to about 50°C.

39. A composition for improving plant resistance to physical and / or mechanical stimuli comprising GABA.

40. The composition of claim 39, which is an aqueous solution containing about 0.2 μM or more of GABA.

41. The composition of claim 39, which is an aqueous solution containing about 0.2 μM or more and about 5 M or less GABA.

42. The composition of claim 39, which is an aqueous solution containing about 50 μM GABA.

43. The composition of claim 39, comprising a salt, an amino acid, or a combination thereof.

44. The composition of claim 43, wherein the amino acids include alanine, proline, aspartic acid, arginine, or glycine, or a combination thereof.

45. The composition of claim 39 comprising about 0.01 mM or more alanine.

46. ​​The composition of claim 39, comprising a ratio of GABA:alanine of about 1000:about 1 to about 1:about 1000.

47. The composition of claim 39, comprising a nitrogen fertilizer, a phosphate fertilizer, a potassium fertilizer, or a combination thereof.

48. The composition according to claim 39, which is a concentrate containing the GABA, the concentrate being diluted and administered to the plant.

49. The composition of claim 48, wherein the concentrate comprises about 25% to about 50% GABA by weight.

50. The composition of claim 49, wherein the source solution further comprises about 25% to about 50% water by weight, about 5% to about 10% salt by weight, less than about 5% alanine by weight, and less than about 5% amino acids other than alanine by weight.

51. The composition of claim 39, wherein the plant comprises a plant of the family Solanaceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Rosaceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Convolvulaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Liliaceae, Araceae, Convolvulaceae, Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, Musaceae, Vitaceae, Ebenaceae, Actinidiaceae, Bromeliaceae, Violaceae, or Orchidaceae.

52. The composition according to claim 39, which is used for growing a plant under conditions of about 10°C to about 50°C.

53. The composition according to claim 39, which is used for growing a plant under conditions of about 28°C to about 50°C.

54. A storage and / or transport product containing GABA, the product comprising: a container for storing and / or transporting the GABA; and about 25% to about 50% by weight of GABA.