Agrochemical compositions and methods

Abstract

The disclosure relates to agrochemical compositions and methods. In particular, use of ethephon in corn.

Description

Agrochemical Compositions and MethodsCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent App. Ser. No. 63 / 608,013, filed December 8, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to methods and compositions of agrochemicals. In particular, to methods and compositions using ethephon, and more specifically, methods and compositions for reducing kernel pop in hybrid corn seed production.BACKGROUND

[0003] During production of hybrid seed, some corn female parents exhibit popped kernels that result in the loss of seed and growth of mold on the ear. In order to account for loss associated with kernel pop, up to 50% planned overproduction can be used to cover for the loss. Seeds susceptible to kernel pop are typically selected against, but occasionally production of kernel popping hybrids is required by production. Various solutions to this issue have been attempted. Over several years of production different tactics from fertilization, water restriction, and detasseling depth have been used as control tactics. However, these methods have come up short in stopping kernel pop from occurring. Accordingly, the inventors desire methods and compositions for reducing popped kernels.SUMMARY

[0004] Ethephon has been identified as a potential solution to kernel popping. Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosure include use of ethephon to reduce kernel pop, and composition contain ethephon.

[0005] Further embodiments of the disclosure include methods which involves (A) preparing a hybrid corn production field by (Al) planting a first inbred corn plant seed, (A2) planting a second inbred corn plant seed in a proximity to the first inbred corn plant seed, (B) growing the first inbred corn plant seed into a first inbred corn plant, (C) growing the second inbred corn plant seed into a second inbred corn plant, (D) detasseling the first inbred corn plant or preventing the first inbred corn plant from pollinating itself, thereby creating a designated female corn plant, (E) pollinating or allowing pollination of the first inbred com plant with pollen from the second inbred com plant, (F) applying an effective amount ofethephon to the first inbred designated female corn plant between growth stages R1 and R2, (G) harvesting a hybrid corn seed produced from the first inbred designated female corn plant in the hybrid corn production field, where the first inbred corn plant and said second inbred corn plant are different.

[0006] An additional embodiment of the disclosure includes a method of reducing kernel pop in hybrid corn seed production by applying an effective amount of ethephon to a corn plant between growth stages R1 and R2.

[0007] Further embodiments include a method of reducing kernel pop in hybrid corn seed production, by applying an effective amount of a plant growth regulator to a corn plant between growth stages R1 and R2 to reduce actively dividing cells in the edges of the endosperm.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 shows 6 panels illustrating kernel pop.

[0009] FIG. 2A shows an image of a corn kernel not subject to kernel pop.

[0010] FIG. 2B shows an image of a corn kernel subject to kernel pop.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Before certain embodiments are described in greater detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing certain embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0012] Described herein are several definitions. Such definitions are meant to encompass grammatical equivalents.

[0013] As used herein, the term “about” when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations. Such variations, however, are dependent on the specific component referred to and the context as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0014] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the statedrange. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure.

[0015] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure; representative illustrative methods, and materials are now described.

[0016] Each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order which is logically possible.

[0017] The term agrochemical active ingredient includes compounds or ingredients registered as being biologically active against an agricultural pest. In general, agrochemical active ingredients include compounds listed in The Pesticide Manual, 12th edition, 2001, British Crop Protection Council. Agrochemicals include, but are not limited to selective herbicides, fungicides, other insecticides, bactericides, insect growth regulators, plant growth regulators, nematicides, molluscicides or mixtures of several of these preparations.

[0018] The following examples are illustrative of the invention but are not intended to limit its scope. In the below examples, and throughout the specification, where not indicated % generally refer to w / w.

[0019] Popped kernel is a symptom where a seedcoat on the crown of the kernel breaks open giving the appearance of a partially popped popcorn kernel. The popped kernel is highly susceptible to fungus which can result in the loss of the entire plant or ear of corn. A schematic comparing kernel pop is shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] Kernel popping hybrids tend to have actively dividing cells in the edges of the endosperm, long after they should, which results in twice as many cells packed in the same confined space. It has been found that fields of small cells are not able to expand during grain fill, which puts pressure in the center of the kernel (water has no where to go). As a result, the cells in the middle of the kernel can only expand upwards. The pressure upwards leads to breakage through the pericarp at the weak carpelfusion point known as the stylar canal. It is believed that female genetics could be attributable to “over-division” trait.

[0021] Not much literature is available that documents the cause(s) of kernel pop. To date, the cause of kernel pop is generally considered unknown. Theories include: irregularrainfall, especially when hot and dry conditions are common; hybrids with short, loose husks; and damage from corn thrips (Frankliniella williamsi).

[0022] Without being bound by theory, it is believed that a contributor of kernel pop is female versus male epigenetics. Male epigenetics drive endosperm cell division in open pollenated crops. Female epigenetics restrict cell division: wanting to distribute resources to all kernels.

[0023] Ethephon,is a plant growth regulator used to promote fruit ripening, abscission, flower induction, and other responses. Ethephon is registered for use on a number of food, feed and nonfood crops, greenhouse nursery stock, and outdoor residential ornamental plants, but is used primarily on cotton. Ethephon's mode of action acts by liberating ethylene, which is then absorbed by the plant and interferes in the growth process.

[0024] The V stages of corn growth occur at specific intervals of time and mark the developmental progress of the corn plant before it transitions to the reproductive stages. The V stages begin with VI, which typically occurs within 2 to 3 weeks after planting when the first leaf emerges and unfolds. As the plant progresses through V2 and V3, additional leaves develop, and the stem and root system continue to grow. By V4 and V5, which occur around 3 to 4 weeks after planting, the plant exhibits more leaves and an increased height. During V6 and V7, approximately 4 to 5 weeks after planting, the corn plant experiences rapid growth, with more leaves, a well-developed stalk, and an expanding root system. The V8 stage, around 5 to 6 weeks after emergence, is characterized by the completion of leaf development, and the plant enters the final vegetative stage, V9. At this stage, which occurs around 7 to 9 weeks after planting, the corn plant focuses on accumulating energy reserves and preparing for the reproductive phase. Proper management practices during the V stages, including timely nutrition, adequate water supply, and effective weed control, are crucial to ensure optimal growth and maximize the corn plant's potential for a successful reproductive stage and yield.

[0025] Commercial hybrid seed production is both expensive and labor intensive. Single cross hybrids require planting of male and female parent lines in separate rows orblocks in isolated fields. The female parent must be treated to prevent unwanted pollen shed, and male plants need to be destroyed following pollination to prevent mixing of seeds. Hybrid seed production is a specialized process with increased cost relative to commodity corn production.

[0026] Furthermore, development of hybrid seeds, and traits therein, is expensive. Beyond cost of production, sale price of hybrid seeds tends to cover costs related to development of future technologies.

[0027] Development of hybrid seeds has, in general, two distinct breeding stages for female and male inbred plants. The first stage involves searching for plants with superior genetic or transgenic events, and the second stage involves integrating the trait into a commercial germplasm.

[0028] In development methods which involve transformation of a genome, various methods are known. In such methods, a transformation construct which confers a desirable trait is introduced into the genome. The construct usually contains a number of independent transformants (events). The events are evaluated based on 1) transgene express! on / efficacy of the trait, 2) molecular characterization of the trait, 3) segregation of the trait, 4) agronomics of the developed event, and 5) stability of the transgenic trait expression.

[0029] Backcrossing can be used to recover the genotype of an elite breed. In backcrossing, a plant containing the transgene are identified and crossed with an elite recurrent parent. Several generations can be used with commercial breeders to recover a genotype of an elite parent with an additional trait. During backcrossing the transgene is kept in a hemizygous state. As such, at the end of the backcrossing, the plants are self- or sib- pollenated to fix the transgene in a homozygous state. Backcrossing can be reduced with molecular assisted backcrossing (MABC). In MABC, molecular markers are used to identify plants which are most similar to the parent in each backcross.

[0030] Forward breeding, as used herein, refers to any breeding method which has the goal of developing a transgenic variety, inbred line, or hybrid that is genotypically different to the parents used to develop an improved genotype.

[0031] One additional challenge with the production of hybrid seeds is that, in corn, parental lines suffering from inbreeding depression can result in lower yields of the seed line. As a results, larger areas need to be used in order to generate required quantities of seed.

[0032] Accordingly, aspects of the disclosure include methods and systems for hybrid corn seed production. Hybrid seed production can include planting a hybrid corn seed production field with seeds of a first parent corn plant and a second parent corn plant. Inpreferred embodiments, the first parent corn plant and second parent corn plant are different inbred corn strains.

[0033] The planted seeds can be germinated, or allowed to germinate, into plants. The second corn parent plant can then be used, or allowed, to pollenate the first parent corn plants in the production field. After pollination, a hybrid corn seed produced on the first parent corn plant in the production field can be harvested.

[0034] The ratio of female to male plants in production can be from 10: 1, 6: 1, 5: 1, 4: 1, 3: 1, 2: 1, 1.5: 1, and 1 : 1, or ranges in between, for example, 10: 1 to 1 : 1, 6: 1 to 1 :1, 5: 1 to 1 : 1, etc.

[0035] In some embodiments, male plants include a cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) trait. CMS is a maternally inherited sterility trait that suppresses production of viable pollen. However, fertility can be restored under the control of nuclear gene(s). Three categories of CMS in corn include: CMS-C (Charrua), CMS-T (Texas), and CMS-S (USDA). The genetic defect in CMS strains is due to the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).

[0036] Normally, tassels from female parents are removed before anthesis (pollen shed) so the female parent will be fertilized with pollen only from the inbred male parent. It is possible for one row of male plants to fertilize every 4-6 rows of female parents. Unfortunately, CMS does not function well in all genotypes. Furthermore, CMS has been associated with reduced agronomic performance and susceptibility to certain diseases.

[0037] Detasseling is an important step in the production of hybrid seeds. As indicated, detasselling refers to the removal of tassels from female parents before shedding and / or silk emergence. This forces cross-pollination between male parents and female parents in the rows of the hybrid production field. For detasseling female plants, mechanical or hand detasseling techniques can be used. However, non-mechanical or non-hand methods can be used which can reduce labor costs.

[0038] The detasselling period can last 1-5 weeks. However, the detasseling period can be extended in fields which have delayed and non-uniform germination, variation in soil fertility, waterlogging in early stages, significant pre-flowering water stress, heavy insect infestation resulting in plant stunting, and high incidence of foliar diseases. In practice, there are only a few days in which a tassel can be removed to prevent self pollination, or pollination of neighbors.

[0039] Produced seeds can be tested for genetic purity. One method for testing genetic purity is a “grow out” test. In a grow out test, a sample of seeds from a seed lot of the produced seeds is planted in a greenhouse, winter-nursery, and / or summer season. Theplanted seeds are evaluated based on plant development in comparison to a varietal description. Alternative methods for testing genetic purity involve laboratory techniques such as analyzing seeds for a molecular marker.

[0040] In general, methods of hybrid corn seed production can include the following steps. One step can include preparation of a hybrid corn production field. Preparing a hybrid corn production field can include planting a field with a first inbred corn plant seed and a second inbred corn plant seed. The seeds can be planted in such proximity that pollen from at least one plant can reach the other plant. It is not specifically necessary for the plants to be within pollination distance of each other. For example, it is possible to harvest pollen from one inbred corn plant and hand or mechanically assist application of the harvested pollen to the second inbred corn plant.

[0041] As previously discussed, there is preferably less plants planted to produce pollen than plants which are pollenated. This is because one pollinator can pollenate multiple plants.

[0042] Steps can further include growing the first inbred corn plant seed into a first inbred corn plant and growing the second inbred corn plant seed into a second inbred corn plant.

[0043] Once grown, it is possible to detassel the first inbred corn plant or prevent the first inbred corn plant from pollinating itself, thereby creating a designated female corn plant. The designated female plant can be pollinated with pollen from the second inbred corn plant. After pollination, the first inbred com plant can be allowed to grow, and the seed from the first inbred corn plant harvested.

[0044] In general, the first inbred corn plant and the second inbred corn plant are different.

[0045] In order to maintain purity, it may be desirable to destroy male plants either before or after seed production.

[0046] The term “locus” as used herein means fields in or on which plants are growing, or where seeds of cultivated plants are sown, or where seed will be placed into the soil. It includes soil, seeds, and seedlings, as well as established vegetation.

[0047] The term “plants” refers to any physical parts of a plant, including seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, foliage, and fruits.

[0048] The term “plant propagation material” is understood to denote generative parts of the plant, such as seeds, which can be used for the multiplication of the latter, and vegetative material, such as cuttings or tubers, for example potatoes. There can be mentionedfor example seeds (in the strict sense), roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes and parts of plants. Germinated plants and young plants which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from the soil, may also be mentioned. These young plants can be protected before transplantation by a total or partial treatment by immersion. Preferably “plant propagation material” is understood to denote seeds.

[0049] The term “agrochemically effective” or equivalent terms generally refer to approved rates of application of an agrochemical. In general, an agrochemically effective amount is an amount which elicits a desired response, for example, an amount which improves yield while avoiding undesirable levels phytotoxicity. An agrochemically effective amount is generally determined by the specific agrochemical and target (crop and effect).

[0050] The rates of application of agrochemicals may vary within wide limits and depend on the nature of the soil, the method of application (pre-emergence; post-emergence; application to the seed furrow; no tillage application etc.), the crop plant, the weed(s) to be controlled, the prevailing climatic conditions, and other factors governed by the method of application, the time of application and the target crop.

[0051] Agrochemical compositions of the disclosure can have a sole active ingredient or can be admixed with one or more additional active ingredients. An additional active ingredient may, in some cases, result in unexpected synergistic activities.

[0052] The compositions of the disclosure may be employed in any conventional form, for example in the form of a twin pack, an emulsion concentrate (EC), a suspension concentrate (SC), a suspo-emulsion (SE), a capsule suspension (CS), a water dispersible granule (WG), an emulsifiable granule (EG), an emulsion, water in oil (EO), an emulsion, oil in water (EW), a micro-emulsion (ME), an oil dispersion (OD), an oil miscible flowable (OF), an oil miscible liquid (OL), a soluble concentrate (SL), an ultra-low volume suspension (SU), an ultra-low volume liquid (UL), a technical concentrate (TK), a dispersible concentrate (DC), a wettable powder (WP) or any technically feasible formulation in combination with agriculturally acceptable adjuvants. In general, such compositions are concentrates and diluted prior to use, however, composition can be provided in ready -to-use form (i.e., no dilution required).

[0053] In general, the concentrate compositions include from 0.01 to 90% by weight of active agent, from 0 to 20% agriculturally acceptable surfactant and 10 to 99.99% solid or liquid formulation inerts and adjuvant(s). Concentrated forms of compositions generally contain in between about 2 and 80%, preferably between about 5 and 70% by weight of active agent.

[0054] Application forms of compositions can, for example, contain from 0.001 to 20% by weight, or preferably from 0.002 to 5% by weight of active agent.

[0055] Specific embodiments of the disclosure include the following:

[0056] Embodiment 1. a method, comprising:(A) preparing a hybrid corn production field comprising:(Al) planting a first inbred corn plant seed;(A2) planting a second inbred corn plant seed in a proximity to the first inbred corn plant seed;(B) growing the first inbred corn plant seed into a first inbred corn plant;(C) growing the second inbred corn plant seed into a second inbred corn plant;(D) detasseling the first inbred corn plant or preventing the first inbred corn plant from pollinating itself, thereby creating a designated female corn plant;(E) pollinating or allowing pollination of the first inbred corn plant with pollen from the second inbred corn plant;(F) applying an effective amount of ethephon to the first inbred designated female corn plant between growth stages R1 and R2; and(G) harvesting a hybrid corn seed produced from the first inbred designated female corn plant in the hybrid corn production field; and wherein said first inbred corn plant and said second inbred corn plant are different.

[0057] Embodiment 2. The method of Embodiment 1, wherein the first inbred designated female corn plant is susceptible to kernel pop.

[0058] Embodiment 3. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, wherein the proximity of the second inbred corn plant seed to the first inbred corn plant seed allows the second inbred corn plant from the growing (C) to pollinate the first inbred corn plant from the growing (B).

[0059] Embodiment 4. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, wherein the second inbred corn plant is removed from the field after pollination of the first inbred corn plant.

[0060] Embodiment 5. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, wherein the first inbred corn plant seed and the second inbred corn seed are planted in a ratio of at least one of 6: 1, 5: 1, 4:1, 3:1, 2: 1, and 1.5: 1, or ranges in between.

[0061] Embodiment 6. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, wherein the applying is by broadcast applicating.

[0062] Embodiment 7. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, wherein the effective amount of ethephon is less than 0.5 Ib / A.

[0063] Embodiment 8. The method any one of the proceeding Embodiments, wherein less than 2 Ib / A of ethephon is applied per year.

[0064] Embodiment 9. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, wherein the effective amount of ethephon is at least 0.25 Ib / A of ethephon.

[0065] Embodiment 10. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, wherein the effective amount of ethephon is from 0.25 Ib / A to 0.5 Ib / A of ethephon.

[0066] Embodiment 11. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, wherein the ethephon is diluted from a soluble liquid formulation.

[0067] Embodiment 12. The method of Embodiment 11, wherein the ethephon is about 10-50% w / w of the soluble liquid formulation, preferably about 10-30% w / w or 15- 25% w / w, or most preferably about 20% w / w.

[0068] Embodiment 13. The method of Embodiment 11 or 12, wherein the ethephon is configured to be present in an amount of about 2 lb per gallon.

[0069] Embodiment 14. The method of any one of Embodiments 11-13, wherein the soluble liquid formulation is applied at a rate of 1-2 pt / A.

[0070] Embodiment 15. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, wherein the hybrid corn plant is susceptible to kernel pop.

[0071] Embodiment 16. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, reviewing historical data to determine a risk of kernel pop.

[0072] Embodiment 17. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, wherein the locus of the hybrid corn is treated with a rapid growth herbicide, for example, a phenoxy herbicide like 2,4-D, dicamba, or clopyralid.

[0073] Embodiment 18. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, further comprising harvesting the hybrid corn plant.

[0074] Embodiment 19. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, further comprising planting or selling for planting the seeds from the harvested hybrid corn.

[0075] Embodiment 20. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, further comprising sowing a hybrid corn plant seed.

[0076] Embodiment 21. A method, comprising: applying an effective amount of ethephon to a corn plant after pollination of the com plant, wherein kernel pop is reduced by at least 5% compared to untreated, reduced by at least 10% compared to untreated, reduced by at least 20% compared to untreated, reduced by at least 30% compared to untreated,reduced by at least 40% compared to untreated, reduced by at least 50% compared to untreated, reduced by at least 60% compared to untreated, reduced by at least 70% compared to untreated, or reduced by at least 80% compared to untreated.

[0077] Embodiment 22. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, wherein kernel pop is reduced up to 80% compared to untreated, reduced up to 70% compared to untreated, reduced up to 60% compared to untreated, reduced up to 50% compared to untreated, reduced up to 40% compared to untreated, reduced up to 30% compared to untreated, reduced up to 20% compared to untreated, or reduced up to 10% compared to untreated.

[0078] Embodiment 23. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, wherein the applying is 5 to 15 days after pollination, preferably 6 to 10 days after pollination, or most preferably 9 to 10 days after pollination.

[0079] Embodiment 24. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, wherein the saleable percentage of seed is improved by at least about 5%, preferably at least about 10%.

[0080] Embodiment 25. The method of any one of the proceeding Embodiments, wherein the 80k yield is improved by at least 5% compared to untreated, improved by at least 10% compared to untreated, improved by at least 20% compared to untreated, improved by at least 30% compared to untreated, improved by at least 40% compared to untreated, improved by at least 50% compared to untreated, improved by at least 60% compared to untreated, improved by at least 70% compared to untreated, improved by at least 80% compared to untreated, improved by at least 90% compared to untreated, or improved by at least 100% compared to untreated.

[0081] Embodiment 26. Use of ethephon to reduce kernel pop.

[0082] Embodiment 27. A method of reducing kernel pop in hybrid corn seed production, comprising: applying an effective amount of ethephon to a corn plant between growth stages R1 and R2.

[0083] Embodiment 28. A method of reducing kernel pop in hybrid corn seed production, comprising: applying an effective amount of a plant growth regulator to a corn plant between growth stages R1 and R2 to reduce actively dividing cells in the edges of the endosperm.Example 1

[0084] A greenhouse study was successfully prepared to replicate kernel pop. The study successfully demonstrated the ability of ethephon to reduce kernel pop, as well as looked at the cellular mechanism of kernel pop.

[0085] In the experiments, Ethephon 2SL was used. Ethephon 2SL is a commercially available product containing 21.7% w / w ethephon as the only active ingredient. Further treatments with Defol® 5 were studied. Defol® 5 is a defoliant / desiccant with fire retardant. Defol® 5 contains sodium chlorate (42.3% w / w) as the only active ingredient. The treatments were applied as described in the below table, along with the results for kernel pop damage.- DAP - days after pollination- Levels not connected by same letter are significantly different

[0086] Further results from the experiment related to # of kernel pop, saleable%, and 80K yield are provided in the below table.

[0087] The results from the experiments indicate treatments with ethephon could start as early as day 5 or day 8 after pollination. However, treatments after day 14 might not work as being too late. The results also showed that ethephon provides an improvement in Saleable % seed as well as 80k Yield when compared to Defol® treatments.

[0088] Without being bound by theory, it is theorized that over-proliferation (z.e. too much cell division) of endosperm cells, likely starts at day 8 or 10, and is a possible cause of kernel pops. At day 15, around when the kernels pop, it was found that fields of small cells are not able to expand during grain fill, which puts pressure in the center of the kernel (water has no where to go).

[0089] This is supported by images taken from an electronic microscope. FIG. 2A shows the image of a kernel not subject to kernel pop and FIG. 2B shows the image of a popped kernel. As seen comparing the two images, there is a higher density of cells in the popped kernel versus the regular kernel.EXAMPLE 2

[0090] An experiment was designed to evaluate kernel pop frequency when applying ethephon and provide data on timing of application to reduce kernel pop. The experiment looked to the feasibility and measurable benefit of ethephon and the potential to reduce kernel pop.

[0091] In the experiment, 20 ft plots were prepared and inbred (hybrid) seeds sown.Four replications and two rows / plots were used. Treatments were applied as described in the below table.

[0092] Although only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims. References - all incorporated by reference in their entirety

[0093] Zhang Y, Wang Y, Ye D, Wang W, Qiu X, Duan L, Li Z, Zhang M. Ethephon Improved Stalk Strength of Maize (Zea Mays L.) Mainly through Altering Internode Morphological Traits to Modulate Mechanical Properties under Field Conditions. Agronomy. 2019; 9(4): 186. doi.org / 10.3390 / agronomy 9040186

[0094] Shipeng Xie, Guanmin Huang, Yingru Liu, Yuling Guo, Chuanxi Peng, Zhaohu Li, Yuyi Zhou, Liusheng Duan, Sensitivity of maize genotypes to ethephon across different climatic zones, Environmental and Experimental Botany, Volume 215, 2023, ISSN 0098-8472,doi.org / 10.1016 / j.envexpbot.2023.105487. (www.sciencedirect.com / science / article / pii / S 0098847223002824)

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method, comprising:(A) preparing a hybrid corn production field comprising:(Al) planting a first inbred corn plant seed;(A2) planting a second inbred corn plant seed in a proximity to the first inbred corn plant seed;(B) growing the first inbred corn plant seed into a first inbred corn plant;(C) growing the second inbred corn plant seed into a second inbred corn plant;(D) detasseling the first inbred corn plant or preventing the first inbred corn plant from pollinating itself, thereby creating a designated female corn plant;(E) pollinating or allowing pollination of the first inbred corn plant with pollen from the second inbred corn plant;(F) applying an effective amount of ethephon to the first inbred designated female corn plant between growth stages R1 and R2; and(G) harvesting a hybrid corn seed produced from the first inbred designated female corn plant in the hybrid corn production field; and wherein said first inbred corn plant and said second inbred corn plant are different.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first inbred designated female corn plant is susceptible to kernel pop.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the proximity of the second inbred corn plant seed to the first inbred corn plant seed allows the second inbred corn plant from the growing (C) to pollinate the first inbred corn plant from the growing (B).

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second inbred corn plant is removed from the field after pollination of the first inbred corn plant.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first inbred corn plant seed and the second inbred corn seed are planted in a ratio of at least one of 6:1, 5: 1, 4: 1, 3: 1, 2: 1, and 1.5: 1, or ranges in between.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the applying is by broadcast applicating.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the effective amount of ethephon is less than 0.5 Ib / A.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein less than 2 Ib / A of ethephon is applied per year.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the effective amount of ethephon is at least 0.25 Ib / A of ethephon.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the effective amount of ethephon is from 0.25 Ib / A to 0.5 Ib / A of ethephon.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the ethephon is diluted from a soluble liquid formulation.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the ethephon is about 10-50% w / w of the soluble liquid formulation, preferably about 10-30% w / w or 15-25% w / w, or most preferably about 20% w / w.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the ethephon is configured to be present in an amount of about 2 lb per gallon.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the soluble liquid formulation is applied at a rate of 1-2 pt / A.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the hybrid corn plant is susceptible to kernel pop.

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising reviewing historical data to determine a risk of kernel pop.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the locus of the hybrid corn is treated with a rapid growth herbicide.

18. The method of claim 1, further comprising: cultivating a hybrid corn plant from the hybrid corn seed or harvesting the hybrid corn plant.

19. The method of claim 1, further comprising planting or selling for planting the seeds from the harvested hybrid corn.

20. The method of claim 1, further comprising sowing the hybrid corn plant seed.

21. A method, comprising: applying an effective amount of ethephon to a corn plant after pollination of the corn plant, wherein kernel pop is reduced by at least 5% compared to untreated, reduced by at least 10% compared to untreated, reduced by at least 20% compared to untreated, reduced by at least 30% compared to untreated, reduced by at least 40% compared to untreated, reduced by at least 50% compared to untreated, reduced by at least 60% compared to untreated, reduced by at least 70% compared to untreated, or reduced by at least 80% compared to untreated.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein kernel pop is reduced up to 80% compared to untreated, reduced up to 70% compared to untreated, reduced up to 60% compared to untreated, reduced up to 50% compared to untreated, reduced up to 40% compared to untreated, reduced up to 30% compared to untreated, reduced up to 20% compared to untreated, or reduced up to 10% compared to untreated.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the applying is 5 to 15 days after pollination, preferably 6 to 10 days after pollination, or most preferably 9 to 10 days after pollination.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein the saleable percentage of seed is improved by at least about 5%, preferably at least about 10%.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein the 80k yield is improved by at least 5% compared to untreated, improved by at least 10% compared to untreated, improved by at least 20% compared to untreated, improved by at least 30% compared to untreated, improved by at least 40% compared to untreated, improved by at least 50% compared to untreated, improved by at least 60% compared to untreated, improved by at least 70% compared to untreated, improvedby at least 80% compared to untreated, improved by at least 90% compared to untreated, or improved by at least 100% compared to untreated.

26. Use of ethephon to reduce kernel pop.

27. A method of reducing kernel pop in hybrid corn seed production, comprising: applying an effective amount of ethephon to a com plant between growth stages R1 and R2.

28. A method of reducing kernel pop in hybrid corn seed production, comprising: applying an effective amount of a plant growth regulator to a corn plant between growth stages R1 and R2 to reduce actively dividing cells in the edges of the endosperm.

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