Compositions and methods for improving agronomic traits of a plant

Abstract

Compositions and methods for improving one or more agronomic traits of a plant are provided, which include the use of one or more fatty acids, including fatty acid methyl esters and fatty acid ethyl esters, that kill or inhibit the growth of cells in the shoot apical meristem. Use of the composition between vegetative growth stage 1 (VI ) and vegetative growth stage 6 (V6) of the plant is described.

Description

COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING AGRONOMIC TRAITS OF A PLANTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit from U . S . Patent Application Serial No . 18 / 405 , 062 , filed January 5 , 2024 , the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety .BACKGROUND

[0002] There is a need for reproducible , cost-effective , and sustainable methods for improving plant agronomic traits . Climate change is reducing the amount of arable land around the world . At the same time, the world population is increasing . Petrochemical-based agriculture , that uses large amounts of fuel and organic pesticides to meet food demands , is not sustainable because of climate change . Plant-based fuels must replace petrochemical fuels to reduce global warming, but cultivation of oil seed crops compete with much needed food production . As a consequence , there is a growing demand for methods and new plant cultivars capable of improving agronomic traits such as yield, drought tolerance , disease resistance, and the like .

[0003] Plants possess a myriad of defense mechanisms against herbivores , pathogens , and pests . One such defense mechanism is the constitutive or inducible production of chemical compounds to deter infestation . This defensd strategy is called resistance or chemical resistance . Another defense mechanism involves regrowth strategies known as tolerance . One possible outcome is the phenomenon known as overcompensation wherein one or more agronomic traits, including seed production , are improved . If the apical meristem of the plant is removed, or the growth of the apicalmeristem is inhibited, plants may undergo endoreplication thereby increasing their fitness via the phenomenon of overcompensation . Endoreduplication is the replication of the genome without mitosis . For example, it has been demonstrated that the Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Columbia-4 employs endoreduplication following removal of the shoot apical meristem and that it overcompensates , i . e . , increases seed yield { Scholes & Paige ( 2014 ) Molecular Ecology 23 : 4862- 4870 ) . US 11 , 751 , 522 B2 describes a method of improving agronomic traits of plants , including yield, drought tolerance , and pest / pathogen resistance by clipping the plant' s shoot apical meristem at an advantageous time in the growth cycle of the plant . For example , this patent discloses that removal of the shoot apical meristem of soybean plants between vegetative stage 1 and 2 or vegetative stage 2 and 3 improves a number of agronomic traits including seed yield and vigor .

[0004] There is a need to improve plant agronomic traits . There is a need for more plant varieties that are capable of overcompensating ( increasing seed yield and associated traits ) when the apical meristem is removed, or the growth of the apical meristem is inhibited. There is a need for more plant varieties that exhibit improved overcompensation when the apical meristem is removed, or the growth of the apical meristem is inhibited . There is a need for methods of improving a plant ' s agronomic performance under environmental stress conditions . The present invention addresses these needs in the art .

[0005] There is a limited amount of high-quality arable land for cultivation of plants for food, fiber, and biofuels . There is a tremendous need to significantly increase crop yields while at the same time limit use of fertilizers and other agrochemicals (pesticides and herbicides ) that add to thecarbon footprint of agriculture . There is a need for sustainable methods for increasing crop plant yields that reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture . The present disclosure provides , inter alia , compositions , methods , and systems for sustainably improving the agronomic traits of crop plants .SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides a method of improving one or more agronomic traits of a plant by applying an effective amount of a chemical composition or chemical formulation comprising one or more fatty acids and / or esters thereof to the shoot apical meristem of the plant to remove or damage the shoot apical meristem .

[0007] In some aspects , the present invention provides a method of improving one or more agronomic traits of a plant, the method comprising the steps of : (a ) planting seeds , tubers, or seedlings of the plant , and (b) killing, removing, or inhibiting the growth of sufficient cells in the shoot apical meristem at an appropriate time in the plant growth cycle to induce overcompensation, with a chemical composition comprising one or more fatty acid methyl esters or one or more fatty acid ethyl esters, and ( c) growing the plant to maturity.

[0008] The present invention also provides a chemical composition for induction of plant overcompensation comprised of one or more fatty acid methyl esters and / or one or more fatty acid ethyl esters and one or more biodegradable surfactants .

[0009] Also provided is a method for the manufacture of a chemical composition for induction of plant overcompensation, the method comprising the steps of ( a ) preparing a solution of fatty acid methyl esters ( FAME ) and / or fatty acid ethylester (FAEE) , and (b) adding sufficient quantities of one or more surfactants to the FAME and / or FAEE solution such that when the composition is diluted in water, the final concentration of FAME and / or FAEE is between about 0.001M and about 10.0M and the FAME and / or FAEE is evenly distributed in water.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 provides an example of an increase in soybean seed production, seed harvested as grain, following the removal of apical dominance by spraying with a double pass of 0.1M methyl decanoate (199.0 ± 14.14 seeds / plant on average) at the V5 stage of growth compared to untreated controls (160.47 ± 5.33 seeds / plant on average) conducted in Pleasant Plains, Illinois. These results are similar to those from mechanical clipping (201.19 ± 18.61 seeds / plant on average) , with no statistical difference between sprayed and mechanically clipped plants (p>0.05) resulting in a 24% and 25.3% higher seed production, respectively, than the untreated control (F-3.33, 2,38 df, p=0.046) . Asterisks show significance differences at the 0.05 level.

[0011] FIG. 2 provides an example of an increase in soybean seed production following the removal of apical dominance by spraying with a double pass of 0.1M methyl decanoate (220.6 ± 21.96 seeds / plant on average) at the V3 stage of growth compared to untreated controls (147.88 ± 13.59 seeds / plant on average) conducted in Mt. Pulaski, Illinois. These results are similar to those from mechanical clipping (204.7 ± 26.16 seeds / plant on average) , with no statistical difference between sprayed and mechanically clipped plants (p>0.05) resulting in a 38.4% and 49.2% higher seed production, respectively, than the untreated control (F=2.74, 2,25 df, p=0.084) . Asterisks show significance differences at the 0.05level, + indicates a marginally significant difference at <0.10.

[0012] FIG. 3 provides an example of an increase in soybean seed production following the removal of apical dominance by spraying with a double pass of 0.1M methyl decanoate {97.85 ± 4.43 seeds / plant on average) at the V4-V6 stage of growth compared to untreated controls (79.81 ± 3.09 seeds / plant on average) conducted in Lowell, Indiana. These results are similar to those from mechanical clipping (94.27 ± 6.56 seeds / plant on average) , with no statistical difference between sprayed and mechanically clipped plants (p>0.05) resulting in a 22.6% and 18.1% higher seed production, respectively, than the untreated control (F=5.63, 2,247 df, p=0.005) . Asterisks show significance differences at the 0.05 level .

[0013] FIG. 4 shows data from experiments conducted with soybean varieties in maturity groups early-, mid-, and latestage grown in North Dakota, Illinois, and Alabama, respectively, in the 2024 growing season. Late-stage soybean varieties FZS1034 and FZS1035 were grown in Alabama. Midstage varieties FZS1036 and FZS1037 were grown in Illinois. Early stage varies FZS1038 and FZS1039 were grown in North Dakota. FZS1038, FZS1039, FZS1036, FZS1037, FZS1034 and FZS1035 are in maturity stage groups 0.5, 0.9, 3.2, 4.2, 5.5, and 4.9, respectively. Treated soybean plants ("Spray") were sprayed with a chemical formulation comprised of methyl esters of fatty acids and a surfactant referred to as herein as the "methyl esters of fatty acids formulation" or "methyl esters." The methyl esters of fatty acids formulation was about a 0.2M solution of methyl esters of the fatty acids lauric acid (C12:0) in the amount of about 40-55%, myristic acid (C14:0) in the amount of about 15-20%, capric acid (C10:0) in the amount of about 5-10%, caprylic acid (C8:0)in the amount of about 5-10% , palmitic acid (C16 : 0) in the amount of about 5-10% , stearic acid (C18 : 0 ) in the amount of 1-3% , oleic acid (C18 : l ) in the amount of 5-10% , and linoleic acid (C18 : 2 ) in the amount of <2 % , wherein the percent is expressed in terms of total methyl esters of fatty acids in the formulation . The surfactant in the chemical formulation was polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate . The quantity of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate in the chemical formulation was equal in weight to the total weight of the fatty acid methyl esters in the same volume of the chemical formulation . The plants sprayed with the chemical formulation between vegetative growth stage 3 and vegetative growth stage 4 produced significantly more bushels of seeds per acre compared to untreated control plants . Asterisks show significance differences at the 0 . 05 level .

[0014] FIG . 5 shows data from experiments conducted with late-stage maturity group soybean varieties FZS1034 and FZS1035 grown in Alabama in the 2024 growing season . Treated soybean plants were sprayed with either a chemical formulation comprised of either methyl decanoate or fatty acid methyl esters . The chemical formulation comprised of methyl decanoate contained a 0 . 4M solution of methyl decanoate and the surfactant polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate . The quantity of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate in the chemical formulation was equal in weight to the total weight of the methyl decanoate in the same volume of the chemical formulation . Treated soybean plants were sprayed with a chemical formulation comprised of methyl esters of fatty acids and a surfactant and this formulation is referred to herein as "the methyl esters of fatty acids formulation" or "methyl esters . " The methyl esters of fatty acids formulation was about a 0 . 2M solution of methyl esters of the fatty acids lauric acid (C12 : 0 ) in the amount of about40-55% , myristic acid (C14 : 0 ) in the amount of about 15-20% , capric acid (C10 : 0 ) in the amount of about 5-10% , caprylic acid (C8 : 0 ) in the amount of about 5-10% , palmitic acid (C16 : 0) in the amount of about 5-10% , stearic acid (C18 : 0 ) in the amount of 1-3% , oleic acid (C18 : l) in the amount of 5-10% , and linoleic acid (C18 : 2 ) in the amount of <2% , wherein the percent is expressed in terms of total methyl esters of fatty acids in the formulation . The surfactant in the chemical formulation was polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate . The quantity of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate in the chemical formulation was equal in weight to the total weight of the fatty acid methyl esters in the same volume of the chemical formulation . Soybean plants were sprayed with the methyl decanoate or methyl esters of fatty acids formulations between vegetative growth stage 3 and vegetative growth stage 44 . Both the methyl decanoate and fatty acid methyl ester formulations significantly increased the number of bushels of soybean seeds produced per acre compared to untreated controls ("CTRL") . Asterisks show significance differences at the 0 . 05 level .DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The following descriptions and examples illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure in detail . Although the present disclosure has been described in some details by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims .

[0016] Although various features of the disclosure can be described in the context of a single embodiment , the features can also be provided separately or in any suitable combination . Conversely, although the present disclosure canbe described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the present disclosure can also be implemented in a single embodiment . It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular aspects described herein and as such can vary . Those of skill in the art will recognize that there can be variations and modifications of the present disclosure , which can be encompassed within its scope .

[0017] It is intended that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this specification include every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein . Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specification will include every higher numerical limitation , as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein . Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range , as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein .

[0018] All terms are intended to be understood as they would be understood by a person skilled in the art . 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 the disclosure pertains .

[0019] In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise . It must be noted that , as used in the specification, the singular forms "a, " "an, " and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise .

[0020] In this application, the use of "or" means "and / or" unless stated otherwise . The terms "and / or" and "any combination thereof" and their grammatical equivalents as used herein, can be used interchangeably . These terms canconvey that any combination is specifically contemplated. Solely for illustrative purposes, the following phrases "A, B, and / or C" or "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" can mean A individually; B individually; C individually; A and B; B and C; A and C; and A, B, and C. The term "or" can be used conjunctively or disjunctively unless the context specifically refers to a disjunctive use.

[0021] As used in this specification and claim(s) , the words "comprising" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprise" and "comprises"), "having" (and any form of having, such as "have" and "has") , "including" (and any form of including, such as "includes" and "include") or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as "contains" and "contain") are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. It is contemplated that any aspect described herein can be implemented with respect to any method or composition herein, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the present disclosure can be used to achieve the methods described herein.

[0022] The term "about" or "approximately" means within an acceptable error range for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. For example, "about" can mean within 1 or more than 1 standard deviation, per the practice in the art. Alternatively, "about" can mean a range of up to 20%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% of a given value. In another example, the amount "about 10" includes 10 and any amounts from 9 to 11. In yet another example, the term "about" in relation to a reference numerical value can also include a range of values plus or minus 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% from that value. Alternatively, particularly with respect to biological systems or processes,the term "about" can mean within an order of magnitude, preferably within 5-fold, and more preferably within 2-fold, of a value. Where particular values are described in the application and claims, unless otherwise stated the term "about" meaning within an acceptable error range for the particular value should be assumed. The term "under suitable condition" or "under suitable reaction condition" refers to any environment that permits a desired reaction to take place.

[0023] The term "isolated" refers to a state where it is partially, substantially, or completely free of the materials with which it is associated in nature. By partially or substantially free is meant at least 0.1%, at least 0.5%, at least 1%, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 99%, or 100% free of the materials with which it is associated in nature, inclusive of all values falling in between these percentages. Accordingly, as used herein, an "isolated fatty acid" refers to a fatty acid that has been partially, substantially, or completely separated from its biological source (e.g. , microbial organism, yeast, bacteria, etc. ) . The isolated fatty acid may or may not be combined in a formulation with other ingredients for application disclosed herein. An isolated fatty acid may or may not be purified (e.g., free from other environmental contaminants, microbial secretes, or deactivated organisms, etc.) , but it is separated from the source organisms.

[0024] The term "biodiesel" means a renewable, biodegradable fuel made from a variety of organic sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease. Biodiesel is a type of biofuel that may be used in diesel engines, either as a pure fuel (known as B100) or more commonly blended with petroleum diesel in various concentrations (e.g. , B20, B5,etc . , where the number indicates the percentage of biodiesel in the blend) . Biodiesel is produced through a chemical process called transesterification, which involves reacting the fats or oils with an alcohol (usually methanol or ethanol) and a catalyst to produce fatty acid methyl esters ( FAME) or fatty acid ethyl esters ( FAEE) and glycerin as a byproduct . Biodiesel is considered a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels because it reduces reliance on non-renewable resources and has a smaller carbon footprint .

[0025] The term "crude biodiesel" refers to biodiesel that has been produced through the transesterification process but has not yet undergone the final purification or refining steps . It contains impurities such as glycerin, unreacted methanol or ethanol , free fatty acids that have been saponified to form soap, and catalyst residue . Crude biodiesel is typically not suitable for use as a fuel without further processing to remove these contaminants . Once it undergoes refining, it becomes a purified biodiesel that meets specific standards ( e . g. , ASTM D6751 in the U . S . or EN 14214 in Europe ) , making it safe and efficient for use in diesel engines .

[0026] The term "oilseed crop" means plants that are grown solely for, in part for, production of oil for use as food, in the production of fuel , or industrial uses such as lubricants , coolants , or industrial manufacturing materials . Oilseed crops include, but are not limited to, soybean, rapeseed, canola , camelina, safflower, sunflower, corn, sesame, cotton, cress , castor, flax, cress , mustard, quinoa, chia , j atropha , cuphea , and amaranth .

[0027] The term "plant oil" or "vegetable oil" refers to oils derived from plant sources as opposed to animal and synthetic sources . These oils can be extracted from various parts of plants including seeds , fruits , leaves, and stems . Plant oilsconsist primarily of triglycerides which are esters derived from glycerol and three fatty acid groups . Plant oils are used for various purposes including cooking and industrial purposes such as manufacture of soaps, detergents , paints , and other products . Some plant oils such as soybean oil or j atropha oil can be converted into biodiesel .

[0028] The term "triglyceride" means a chemical compound having glycerol molecule bonded to three fatty acid chains . Glycerol is a three-carbon alcohol (C3H5(OH)3) . Each carbon in the glycerol molecule is bonded to a hydroxyl group ( -OH) . A fatty acid is a long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxyl group ( -COOH) at one end . The fatty acid chains may vary in length and may be either saturated (no double bonds between carbon atoms ) or unsaturated (one or more double bonds between carbon atoms ) . In a triglyceride , each of the three hydroxyl groups on the glycerol molecule forms an ester bond with the carboxyl group of a fatty acid, resulting in the release of three water molecules ( a dehydration reaction ) .

[0029] The term "soap" refers to a chemical compound that is a fatty acid salt which has a hydrophobic (water-repelling) hydrocarbon tail and a hydrophilic (water-attracting) carboxylate head . Soap may be formed in a chemical reaction known as saponification . This reaction occurs when free fatty acids are treated with a strong base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide ( KOH) .

[0030] The present invention is based, in part, on the discovery that fatty acids , including fatty methyl esters and fatty acid ethyl esters , when sprayed on or applied to a plant , selectively kill, remove, or damage a suf ficient number of the cells in the shoot apical meristem, which results in overcompensation and an improvement in one or more agronomical traits including, inter alia , yield ( seed numbers ) , plant resistance, nodulation, above and below ground biomass ,enhanced drought tolerance, higher photosynthetic rates and higher energy inputs and stress tolerance due to an increase in the number of cellular mitochondria . Advantageously, application of the fatty acids inhibits the growth or kills a significant number of cells in the shoot apical meristem, without significantly damaging growth of other parts ( e . g. , stems , leaves , or roots ) of the plant .

[0031] Accordingly, in one aspect , the present invention provides a method for improving one or more agronomic traits of a plant by applying an effective amount of a composition including one or more fatty acids, including fatty methyl esters and fatty acid ethyl esters , to the shoot apical meristem of the plant thereby killing, removing, damaging or inhibiting the growth of a sufficient number of cells of the shoot apical meristem. The method of this invention may be used to improve agronomic traits including, but not limited to, seed yield, tuber yield, fruit yield, seed pod yield, seed oil content , seed protein content , seed starch content , biomass yield, flower number, drought tolerance, salt tolerance, pest tolerance, pathogen tolerance, disease resistance, fiber yield, wood yield, terpene yield, inulin yield, and / or alkaloid yield.

[0032] In another aspect , the invention provides a method of improving one or more agronomic traits of a plant by (a ) planting seeds, tubers, or seedlings of the plant , (b) applying to the apical meristem of the plant , at an appropriate time in the growth cycle of the plant , an effective amount of a chemical composition comprising one or more fatty acid methyl esters and / or one or more fatty acid ethyl esters to induce overcompensation and improve one or more agronomic traits of the plant compared to an untreated control plant, and ( c) growing the plant exhibiting the oneor more improved agronomic traits to obtain one or more commercially relevant portions thereof .

[0033] The terms "capable of overcompensation" or "overcompensator" refers to a plant that exhibits one or more improved agronomic traits , including, but not limited to , increased yield, increased drought tolerance , increased disease resistance , or increased vigor, after inhibition of growth, killing of sufficient numbers of cells in, or removal of the plant ' s apical meristem.

[0034] The terms "incapable of overcompensation" or "undercompensator" refers to a plant that does not exhibit one or more improved agronomic traits, including, but not limited to, increased yield, increased drought tolerance , increased disease resistance , or increased vigor, after inhibition of growth or removal of the plant' s apical meristem.

[0035] As used herein, the term "yield" generally refers to a measurable portion or product of commercial value that is produced by the plant such as fruits or vegetables , nuts, seeds ( grains ) , wood ( e . g. , in the case of silviculture plants ) or even flowers ( e . g. , in the case of gardening plants , ornamentals ) . The plant products may in addition be further used and / or processed after harvesting . According to the present invention, "increased yield" of a plant, in particular of an agricultural, silvicultural and / or ornamental plant means that the yield of a product of the respective plant is increased by a measurable amount over the yield of the same product of the plant produced under the same conditions, but without removing the shoot apical meristem of the plant . Increased yield may be characterized, among others, by increased plant weight , increased plant height , increased above- and / or below-ground biomass such as higher fresh and / or dry weight, higher grain yield, moretillers , larger leaves, increased shoot growth, increased seed number, increased seed weight , increased seed protein content, increased seed oil content , increased starch content and / or increased pigment content . In some aspects , a plant exposed or contacted with the composition of the invention will exhibit an improvement in seed yield, tuber yield, fruit yield, pod yield, seed oil content, seed protein content , seed starch content, biomass, and / or flower number .

[0036] In certain aspects , improved or increased "yield" refers to one or more yield parameters selected from the group of biomass yield, dry biomass yield, aerial dry biomass yield, underground dry biomass yield, fresh-weight biomass yield, aerial fresh-weight biomass yield, underground fresh-weight biomass yield, and / or preferably enhanced yield of seeds ( either dry or fresh-weight , or both) . In one aspect , an increase in yield refers to increased yield, biomass yield and / or an increased seed yield . Biomass yield may be calculated on a per plant basis or in relation to a specific area {e. g. , biomass yield per acre / square meter / or the like ) .

[0037] The "harvestable yield" of a plant can depend on the specific plant / crop of interest as well as its intended application ( such as food production, feed production, processed food production, biofuel , biogas or alcohol production, or the li ke) of interest in each particular case . Thus , in one aspect, yield is calculated as harvest index ( expressed as a ratio of the weight of the respective harvestable parts divided by the total biomass ) , harvestable parts weight per area ( acre, square meter, or the like) ; and the like .

[0038] " Biomass yield" can refer to, e . g. , dry weight biomass yield and / or fresh-weight biomass yield . Biomass yield refers to the aerial or underground parts of a plant , depending on the specific circumstances ( test conditions , specific cropof interest, application of interest, and the like) . In one embodiment, biomass yield refers to the aerial and underground parts. Biomass yield may be calculated as freshweight, dry weight or a moisture adjusted basis.

[0039] " Seed yield" may be measured by one or more of the following parameters: number of seeds or number of filled seeds (per plant or per area (acre / square meter / or the like) ) ; seed filling rate (ratio between number of filled seeds and total number of seeds) ; number of flowers per plant; seed biomass or total seed weight (per plant or per area (acre / square meter / or the like) ; thousand kernel weight (TKW; extrapolated from the number of filled seeds counted and their total weight; an increase in TKW may be caused by an increased seed size, an increased seed weight, an increased embryo size, and / or an increased endosperm) . Seed yield may be determined on a dry weight or on a fresh weight basis, or typically on a moisture adjusted basis, e.g., at 15.5 percent moisture.

[0040] In some aspects, an increase in yield is conferred by an increase of the intrinsic yield capacity of a plant and can be, for example, manifested by improving the specific (intrinsic) seed yield (e.g., in terms of increased seed / grain size, increased ear number, increased seed number per ear, improvement of seed filling, improvement of seed composition, embryo and / or endosperm improvements, or the like) ; modification and improvement of inherent growth and development mechanisms of a plant (such as plant height, plant growth rate, pod number, pod position on the plant, number of internodes, incidence of pod shatter, efficiency of nodulation and nitrogen fixation, efficiency of carbon assimilation, improvement of seedling vigor / early vigor, enhanced efficiency of germination (under stressed or nonstressed conditions) , improvement in plant architecture, cell cycle modifications, photosynthesis modifications, varioussignaling pathway modifications, modification of transcriptional regulation, modification of translational regulation, modification of enzyme activities , and the like ) ; and / or the like .

[0041] In one aspect , an increase in yield is conferred by an improvement or increase of stress tolerance of a plant and can be for example manifested by improving or increasing a plant ' s tolerance against stress , particularly abiotic stress . In the present application, abiotic stress refers generally to abiotic environmental conditions a plant is typically confronted with, including conditions which are typically referred to as "abiotic stress" conditions including, but not limited to, drought (tolerance to drought may be achieved as a result of improved water use efficiency) , heat, low temperatures and cold conditions ( such as freezing and chilling conditions ) , salinity, osmotic stress , shade, high plant density, oxidative stress , and the like . In some aspects , a plant exposed or contacted with the composition of the invention will exhibit an improvement in drought tolerance, pest tolerance, and / or pathogen tolerance .

[0042] In another aspect , an improvement in agronomic traits refers to an increase in the nutrient use efficiency of a plant , e. g. , by improving the use efficiency of nutrients including, but not limited to , phosphorus , potassium, and nitrogen . For example, there is a need for plants that are capable of using nitrogen more efficiently so that less nitrogen is required for growth and therefore resulting in the improved level of yield under nitrogen deficiency conditions . Further, higher yields , including increased seed / grain number per plant or increased seed / grain number per acre / hectare, may be obtained with current or standard levels of nitrogen use .

[0043] Another indicator for the condition of the plant is the "plant vigor . " Plant vigor becomes manifest in several aspects such as the general visual appearance . Improved plant vigor can be characterized, among others, by improved vitality of the plant , improved plant growth, improved plant development , improved visual appearance, improved plant stand ( less plant verse / lodging) , improved emergence, enhanced root growth and / or more developed root system, enhanced nodulation , in particular rhizobial nodulation, bigger leaf blade , increased plant si ze, increased plant weight, increased plant height, increased tiller number, increased shoot growth, increased root growth ( extensive root system) , increased size of root mass ( extensive root system) , increased yield when grown on poor soils or unfavorable climate , enhanced photosynthetic activity, change of color ( e . g. , enhanced pigment content) , earlier flowering, earlier fruiting, earlier and improved germination, earlier (advanced) grain maturity, improved abiotic and / or biotic stress tolerance, less non-productive tillers, less dead basal leaves , less input needed ( such as fertili zers or water ) , greener leaves and increased green leaf area, complete maturation under shortened vegetation periods, less fertilizers needed, less seeds needed, easier harvesting, faster and more uniform ripening , longer shelf-life , longer panicles, delay of senescence, stronger and / or more productive tillers , better extractability of ingredients , improved quality of seeds ( for being seeded in the following seasons for seed production) , reduced production of ethylene and / or the inhibition of its reception by the plant , spindliness of leaves, and / or increased number of ears / m2.

[0044] The improvement or increase in one or more agronomic traits according to the present invention particularly means that the improvement of any one or several or all of theabove-mentioned agronomic traits are improved compared to a plant produced under the same conditions, but without removing the shoot apical meristem of the plant (i.e. , a plant that has not been contacted with a composition of the invention) . For example, yield and yield increase (in comparison to a wild-type, unmodified plant) may be measured in a number of ways known in the art.

[0045] In one aspect of the present invention, the agronomic trait, e.g.fyield (seed yield, tuber yield, fruit yield, etc. ) is improved or increased by at least about 5% to about 60% (or any range derivable therein) compared to untreated controls, In one aspect, the agronomic trait, e.g., yield (seed yield, tuber yield, fruit yield, etc. ) is improved or increased by least about 10% or 20% compared to untreated controls. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the agronomic trait, e.g. , yield (seed yield, tuber yield, fruit yield, etc.) is improved or increased by least about 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, or more than 100%, compared to untreated controls. By way of example, if untreated soybeans yielded 6200 bushels of seeds per 100 acres, and if soybeans that received the subject treatment yielded 8500 bushels of seeds per 100 acres under the same growing conditions, then the yield of soybeans would be said to have increased by ( (8500-6200) / 6200) *100=37% . In some aspects, per hectare yield may be increased by at least about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or more through the removal, or inhibition of growth of the plant apical meristem. In some aspects, bushels per acre yield may be increased by at least about 10% through the removal, or inhibition of growth of the plant apical meristem.In some aspects , bushels per acre yield may be increased by at least about 15% through the removal , or inhibition of growth of the plant apical meristem. In some aspects , bushels per acre yield may be increased by at least about 85% through the removal , or inhibition of growth of the plant apical meristem . In some aspects, bushels per acre yield may be increased by at least about 90% through the removal , or inhibition of growth of the plant apical meristem .

[0046] In some aspects , the improvement in the one or more agronomic traits in a plant contacted with the composition of this invention is comparable or better than the improvement in one or more agronomic traits of a plant subj ected to clipping to remove the apical meristem. The term "clipping" means removal or inhibition of the growth of the shoot apical meristem of a plant by any means of mechanical trimming . Mechanical trimming is accomplished by mowing, pruning by hand, or any other method of severing the apical meristem in whole, or in part , from the plant .

[0047] The term "plant" is to be understood as a plant of economic importance and / or cultivated plant . A plant is preferably selected from an agricultural, silvicultural and horticultural ( including ornamental ) plant . The term "plant" as used herein includes all parts of a plant such as germinating seeds , emerging seedlings , herbaceous vegetation as well as established woody plants including all belowground portions ( such as the roots ) and aboveground portions . Generally, the term "plant" also includes a plant that has been modified by breeding, mutagenesis or genetic engineering . Genetically modified plants are plants, which genetic material has been modified by the use of recombinant DNA techniques . The use of recombinant DNA techniques makes modifications possible that cannot readily be obtained bycross breeding under natural circumstances, mutations or natural recombination.

[0048] In some aspects, a plant of the invention includes, but is not limited to, cereals, for example wheat, rye, barley, triticale, oats or rice; beet, for example sugar beet or fodder beet; fruits, such as pomes, stone fruits or soft fruits, for example apples, pears, plums, peaches, almonds, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries or gooseberries; leguminous plants, such as lentils, peas, alfalfa or soybeans; oil plants, such as rape, mustard, olives, sunflowers, coconut, cocoa beans, castor oil plants, oil palms, ground nuts or soybeans; cucurbits, such as squashes, cucumber or melons; fiber plants, such as cotton, flax, hemp or jute; citrus fruit, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits or mandarins; vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cabbages, carrots, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, cucurbits or paprika; lauraceous plants, such as avocados, cinnamon or camphor; energy and raw material plants, such as corn, soybean, rape, sugar cane or oil palm; corn; tobacco; nuts; coffee; tea; bananas; vines (table grapes and grape juice grape vines) ; hop; turf; natural rubber plants or ornamental and forestry plants, such as flowers, shrubs, broad-leaved trees or evergreens, for example conifers; and on the plant propagation material, such as seeds, and the crop material of these plants. In some aspects, the plant is a leguminous plant, such as lentil, pea, peanut, chickpea, kidney bean, lupine, alfalfa or soybean. In other aspects, the plant is soybean, corn, canola, rice, potato, camelina, or sunflower.

[0049] The term "meristem" means a region of cells capable of division and growth in plants. Meristematic cells are typically small and nearly spherical. They have a dense cytoplasm and relatively few small vacuoles. Some of thesemeristematic cells maintain the meristem as a continuing source of new cells and may undergo cell division (mitosis) many times before differentiating into specific cells required for that region of the plant body .

[0050] As is conventional in the art , the "shoot apical meristem" is the region in the growing shoot containing meristematic cells . The shoot apical meristem contains multipotent stem cells and produces primordia that develop into all the above ground organs of a plant including the floral meristems . The plant hormone auxin is produced in the shoot apical meristem. Among the many roles of auxin in plant development, it inhibits the production of lateral branches .

[0051] The term "lateral meristems" means the meristem in the vascular and cork cambia . Lateral meristems are known as secondary meristems because they are responsible for secondary growth or increase in stem girth and thickness . The term "intercalary meristem" means the meristem at the internodes or stem regions between the places at which leaves attach .

[0052] In accordance with the present method, an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more fatty acids is applied to the shoot apical meristem of the plant . As used herein, the term "applying, " "applied, " "application, " or variations thereof , with reference to the composition means that the shoot apical meristem is contacted with the composition of the invention using any suitable means , e . g. , sprayed, drenched, or misted to accomplish removal or damage of the shoot apical meristem. Various applicators may be used to apply the composition of the invention to the shoot apical meristem including , e . g. , a hand-held aspirator-type sprayer or other commercial sprayer . Examples of commercial sprayers include the Hagie STS12, STS16 and STS20 models capable of carrying 1200, 1600 and 2000 gallons , respectively, of sprayproduct . Such commercial sprayers may need to be modified with spray arms to target the apical meristems from the upper side of the plants . In some aspects, the spray includes a pressurized nozzle, e . g.fa nozzle having a psi of about 40 .

[0053] To effect overcompensation and an improvement in one or more agronomic traits of a plant , some aspects provide for the killing or inhibition of the growth of sufficient numbers of cells in the shoot apical meristem at "an appropriate time in the growth cycle of the plant . " In some aspects , "an appropriate time in the growth cycle of the plant" refers to a period between vegetative growth stage 1 (V1 ) and vegetative growth stage 6 (V6) ; or a period between vegetative growth stage 1 (V1 ) and vegetative growth stage 2 (V2 ) ; or a period between V2 and vegetative growth stage 3 (V3 ) ; or a period between V3 and vegetative growth stage (V4 ) ; or a period between V4 and vegetative growth stage 5 (V5 ) ; or a period between V5 and vegetative growth stage 6 (V6) ; or a period between V4 and V6 ; or at V1 , V2 , V3 , V4 , V5 or V6 to induce overcompensation and improvement in one or more agronomic traits of the plant . In some aspects, removal of the shoot apical meristem results in minimal or no removal of adj acent V1 tissue if removing the apical meristem between V1 and V2 , or minimal or no removal of adj acent V2 tissue if removing the apical meristem between V2 and V3, or minimal or no removal of adj acent V3 tissue if removing the apical meristem between V3 and V4 , or minimal or no removal of adjacent V4 tissue if removing the apical meristem between V4 and V5, or minimal or no removal of adj acent V5 tissue if removing the apical meristem between V5 and V6. Shoot apical meristem removal in this invention is by chemical ( e . g. , application of one or more fatty acid compounds ) means .

[0054] Depending, in part , on genetics , a plant selection, plant variety, inbred plant , or hybrid plant may not expressovercompensation when cells in the apical meristem are killed or their growth inhibited . Thus , plants may be screened to identify those capable of expressing overcompensation, e . g.fby treatment of the shoot apical meristem with the chemical composition or chemical formulation of the invention or clipping and measuring one or more agronomic traits to determine whether there is an increase in the one or more agronomic traits in the treated plant as compared to a plant not treated with the composition or clipped. Furthermore, the optimal time in the plant growth cycle for removal, or inhibition of growth, of the apical meristem may be determined by treatment of the shoot apical meristem with the composition of the invention at V1 , V2 , V3, V4 , V5 and V6 stages of growth and determining the stage in which there is an increase in one or more agronomic traits as compared to a plant not treated with the composition .

[0055] Alternatively, or in addition to, screening of plants and / or growth stage may be conducted at the molecular level . Increasing chromosome number through endoreduplication and therefore gene copy number provides a means of increasing expression of vital genes or genetic pathways that promote rapid regrowth rates following removal, or inhibition of growth, of the apical meristem. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD1 ) feeds compounds into the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway for nucleotide biosynthesis , by the provision of ribose-5-phosphate , necessary for the significant increase in chromosome number via endoreduplication . The increase in DNA content then feeds back positively on pathways involved in metabolism ( e . g, , G6PD1 ) and chemical defense . Endoreduplication leads to increased gene copy number and therefore increased gene expression . Accordingly, gene expression of one or more genesof these pathways may be measured to assess appropriates plants and / or growth stages of use in this invention .

[0056] It is understood that a skilled person will be able to determine / identif y the V1 , V2 , V3 , V4 , V5 and V6 stages of a particular crop concerned . For example, V1 of determinate and indeterminate dry bean such as soybean is when the first fully developed trifoliolate at the third node appears, e. g. , at approximately 10-20 days after seeding; V2 is when the second trifoliolate ( count when leaf edges no longer touch) appears at approximately 19-25 days after seeding; V3 is when the third trifoliate appears after 25-32 days after seeding; V4 is when the fourth trifoliate appears after 40-47 days; V5 is when the fifth trifoliate appears after 47-54 days , and V6 is when the sixth trifoliate appears after 54- 61 days . Similar to dicots , V1 of a monocot such as corn is when the first round-tipped leaf on first collar appears, and nodal roots elongate . By V2 , the monocot may be 2 to 4 inches tall and rely on energy in the seed . V3 begins 2 to 4 weeks after VE (emergence) , and the plant switches from kernel reserves to photosynthesis and nodal roots begin to take over . Notably, in corn, a plant with 3 collars is considered V3, however, there may be 5 to 6 leaves showing on the plant . At the V4 stage, the fourth leaf collar is visible . At the V5-V6 stage, leaf collars are visible , the growing point is above the soil surface, the critical period of nitrogen uptake begins , and kernel row numbers are determined. Given that growth stages can overlap, a crop of plants is in a particular growth stage when 50% or more of the plants of the crop are in or beyond that stage . Moreover, if senescence of the lower leaves has occurred, leaf scars ( excluding those where the cotyledons were attached) are counted to determine the proper stage . Removal or inhibition of the growth of the apical meristem may occur within the 3-to-10-day window between stages V1 andV2, or V2 and V3, or V3 and V4, or V4 and V5, or V5 and V6. In addition, depending on the plant variety, geographic region, or agronomic conditions, the apical meristems of the plants may be removed early or later in plant growth.

[0057] It is understood that a skilled person will be able to determine / identif y the different growth stages of a particular crop concerned based upon conventional industry scales. Particular guidance for determining the growth stage of soybean (Glycine max L. ) is provided by Soybean Growth Stages, published by the University of Illinois in 1999 (see, e.g. , Najaf ikhan-Behbin, et al. (2019) Appl. Ecol. Environ. Res. 17 (2) : 2911-2929) and McWilliam, et al. (1999) Soybean Growth and Management Quick Guide, A-1174, North Dakota State University, Frago, ND. Guidance for determining the growth stages of camelina (Camelina sativa) may be found in Martinelli & Glasso (2011) Annals Appl. Biol. 158:87-94. Guidance for determining the growth stages of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. ) , cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) , corn (Zea mays L. ) , canola (Brassica napus L.) , sunflower (Melianthus annuus L. ) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) may be found in Meier (2001) Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemical (BBCH) Monograph. The BBCH scale was developed to describe the stages of growth and development of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants and uses a decimal code system, which is divided into principal and secondary growth stages. The BBCH scale is based on the cereal code system (Zadoks scale) developed by Zadoks et al. (1974) Weed Res. 14:415-421. Guidance for determining the growth stages of sorghum may be found at the Sorghum Checkoff Industry Organization ( sorghumcheckoff . com / our-farmers / grain-production / growth- and-development / ) . The BBHC has also been specifically adapted for Solanum species such as S. tuberosum. See Hack et al. (1993) Das Nachtrichtenblatt des DeutschenPflanzenschutzdientes 45(1) : 11-19. The BBCH scale for potato provides descriptions for true potato seed-grown and tuber- grown plants, wherein differences in the morphology of plants originating from the different plant materials in terms of types of branches and difference in below-ground growth and development are included. In some aspects, the description of potato plants and plant parts provided by Kacheyo et al. ( (2021) Annals of Applied Biology 178 (3) : 549-566) are used to identify the stage of growth when shoot apical meristems are removed, or shoot apical meristem growth is inhibited, to improve agronomic traits.

[0058] With regard to soybeans, the plants are photoperiod sensitive. Flowering depends on the length of daylight. Growers select varieties based on a maturity group classification. The definitions of early, mid, and late-stage soybean varieties are typically based on the maturity group (MG) classification system, which indicates how long it takes a soybean variety to reach maturity. The MG system ranges from MG 000 (very early) to MG 9 (very late) , with lower numbers suitable for northern regions and higher numbers for southern regions. Early-Stage Soybean Varieties are in Maturity Group: 000 - 1 (or sometimes 2, depending on the region) . Early-Stage Soybean Varieties are adapted for growth in the northern U.S. and Canada (North Dakota, Minnesota, and Manitoba) with a growing season of 90 to 120 days. Mid-Stage Soybean Varieties are in Maturity Group: 2 - 5. The geographic adaption of Mid-Stage Soybean Varieties is in the Midwest of the U.S. (Iowa, Illinois and Indiana) with a growing season of about 120 to 150 days. The Late-Stage Soybean Varieties are in Maturity Group 5-9. The geographic adaption of Late- Stage Soybean Varieties is in the southern U.S. (Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas) with a growing season of about 150 to 180 or more days. Soybean varieties exhibitingthe overcompensation trait, that is plants that can be clipped at early stages in the growth cycle of the plant to improve agronomic traits, have been found in each of the Early- , Mid- , and Late-Stage maturity groups .

[0059] Subsequent to treatment of the plant with the composition of this invention, the plant is grown for a sufficient amount of time to exhibit an improvement in one or more agronomic traits . In some aspects , the plant is grown to a stage when one or more commercially relevant portions of the plant are harvestable . The term "commercially relevant portion of the plant" refers to one or more portions of a plant that is obtained at some time during the plant growing cycle for direct or indirect consumption or in another application . The commercially relevant portion of a plant may be a plant part or one or more chemicals or processed portions of the plant . A commercially relevant portion of a plant may be any of one or more natural plant products such as oil , protein, carbohydrates , terpenes , or more . A commercially relevant portion of a plant includes, but is not limited to , one or more of seeds , oil , protein, fruit, tubers , leaves , fiber , flour, roots , and nuts .

[0060] Accordingly, the method of the invention further includes the step of harvesting one or more commercially relevant portions of the plant . The commercially relevant portion of the plant may be a plant part such as a tuber, seed, seed pod, fruit , leaf , stem, root , or one or more chemicals or processed portions of the plant . A commercially relevant portion of the plant may be any of one or more natural plant products such as starch, oil , protein, carbohydrates , fiber, terpenes, wood, or the like .

[0061] In one aspect , the invention provides a method of improving one or more agronomic traits of a plant by (a) applying an effective amount of a composition comprising oneor more fatty acids to the shoot apical meristem of the plant that kills or inhibits the growth of cells in the shoot apical meristem between (i) vegetative stage 1 and vegetative stage 2, (ii) vegetative stage 2 and vegetative stage 3, (iii) vegetative stage 3 and vegetative stage 4, (iv) vegetative stage 4 and vegetative stage 5, or (v) vegetative stage 5 and vegetative stage 6 of development, (b) allowing the plant to grow, and (c) harvesting one or more commercially relevant portions of the plant wherein the plant exhibits one or more improved agronomic traits compared to untreated control plants .

[0062] In some aspects of this invention, the compositions and / or methods herein include the use of one or more fatty acids (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 fatty acids) . In some aspects, the one or more fatty acids may have the structure of Formula I:X-C (0) -OR1(I) , wherein X is a linear or branched C4-C30-alkyl group optionally containing 1 to 6 carbon-carbon double bonds, and R1is H or Ci-Ce-alkyl. Representative examples of fatty acids of use in the compositions and / or methods for inhibiting the growth of the apical meristem include the following saturated fatty acids: caprylic acid (CH3(CH2)8COOH) , capric acid (CH3(CH2) 10COOH) , lauric acid (CH3(CH2) 12COOH) , myristic acid (CH3(CH2) 14COOH) , palmitic acid (CH3(CH2) 16COOH) , stearic acid (CH3 (CH2) 18COOH) , arahidic acid (CH3(CH2) 20COOH) , behenic acid (CH3(CH2) 22COOH) , lignoceric acid (CH3(CH2) 24COOH) , and cerotic acid (CH3(CH2) 26COOH) . Representative examples of fatty acids of use in the compositions and / or methods for inhibiting the growth of the apical meristem include the following unsaturated fatty acids: myristoleioc acid (CH3(CH2)3CH=CH(CH2)7COOH) , palmitoleic acid (CH3(CH2)5CH=CH (CH2) 7COOH) , sapienic acid(CH3(CH2)8CH=CH (CH2)4COOH) , oleic acid (CH3(CH2)7CH=CH (CH2) 7COOH) , vaccenic acid (CH3(CH2)5CH=CH (CH2) 9COOH) , and linoleic acid( (CH3(CH2)<1CH==CHCH2CH=CH (CH2)7COOH) . One or more methyl esters or ethyl esters of each of these fatty acids may be applied to a plant' s apical meristem to induce overcompensation and improve one or more agronomic traits .

[0063] In some aspects , the one or more fatty acids of the compositions and / or methods herein include methyl decanoate, 1-decanoic acid, and / or methyl nonanoate . In some aspects , the fatty acid is methyl decanoate . In some aspects , the fatty acid is 1-decanoic acid . In some aspects , the fatty acid is methyl nonanoate . In some aspects , the fatty acid is a combination of methyl decanoate and 1-decanoic acid . In some aspects, the fatty acid is a combination of methyl decanoate and methyl nonanoate . In some aspects , the fatty acid is a combination of 1-decanoic acid and methyl nonanoate .

[0064] In some aspects of this invention, the one or more fatty acids of the compositions and / or methods of the invention include a combination of lower alkyl esters of the C6to C12 fatty acids and C8to Ci2fatty acid alcohols in aqueous emulsions . In some aspects , the one or more fatty acids include a combination of methyl esters of Cg, C8, C10, and C12 fatty acids . In particular , the one or more fatty acids of a composition of the invention may include a combination of : a methyl ester of a C8fatty acid (methyl hexanoate) , a methyl ester of a C8fatty acid (methyl octanoate ) , a methyl ester of a C10 fatty acid (methyl decanoate ) , and a methyl ester of a C12 fatty acid (methyl laureate) . In some aspects , a composition of the invention may be composed of about 4 % methyl hexanoate ; about 56% methyl octanoate; about 38% methyl decanoate ; and about 2% methyl laureate, based on total amount of fatty acid of the composition .

[0065] In accordance with the methods and / or compositions of this invention, an effective amount of one or more fatty acids is used. The effective amount used may be dependent upon the plant and / or plant variety being treated, the formulation of the composition, the mode or rate of application, environmental conditions, and / or growth stage in which the composition is applied. In general, the concentration of the one or more fatty acids in a composition of this invention may be at least about 0.01 M (e.g. , 0.01, 0.015, 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.055, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0 M or more) . In some aspects, the one or more fatty acids in a composition of this invention may be at least about 0.025 M. In some aspects, the one or more fatty acids in the composition of this invention may be at least about 0.05 M. In some aspects, the one or more fatty acids in the composition of this invention may be at least about 0.1 M. In some aspects, the one or more fatty acids may be present in a composition at a concentration in the range of 0.025 M to 0.50 M (e.g., 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.055, 0.06, 0.065, 0.07, 0.075, 0.08, 0.085, 0.09, 0.095, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or 0.5 M) . In some aspects, the one or more fatty acids may be present in a composition at a concentration in the range of 0.025 M to 0.10 M.

[0066] In some aspects, the fatty acid component of a composition herein is in the range of about 20% to about 60% (e.g., about 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, or 60%) by weight of the composition. In some aspects, the fatty acid component of a composition herein is in the range of about 45% by weight of the composition. By way of illustration, the total quantity of the methyl hexanoate, methyl octanoate, methyl decanoate and methyl laureate in the composition may be about 3.72 lbs per gallon and each fatty acid is presentat about 4%, 56%, 38%, and 2%, respectively, of total fatty acids .

[0067] In addition to one or more fatty acids, the composition of this invention may also include one or more surfactants (e.g. , 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 surfactants) . As used herein, the term "surfactant" or "emulsifier" describes a chemical substance that acts as a stabilizer for emulsions, preventing liquids that are immiscible with one another from separating, typically by increasing the kinetic stability of the emulsion by, e.g., lowering the interfacial tension between the liquids. In some aspects, the surfactant is an inert component of the composition.

[0068] Surfactants typically have a lipophilic group and a hydrophilic group, and can be categorized as ionic (e.g., cationic, anionic or zwitterionic) or nonionic agents. In some aspects of this invention, the one or more surfactants are nonionic. In some aspects, the one or more nonionic surfactants include at least one fatty acid group, at least one polyethoxy group, or more than one ethoxy group, and at least one polyol (diol, triol or higher alcohol) , wherein the fatty acid and polyol may be combined in hydroxyl-fatty acid. In some aspects, the one or more surfactants are polyoxyethylene sorbitan monoesters, such as the laurates, palmitates, stearates, and oleates. The preferred average number of oxyethylene groups per molecule is about 20, although sorbitan monoesters containing from about 10 to about 30 oxyethylene groups per molecule are similarly useful. In some aspects, the one or more fatty acids include one or more polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters, polyoxyethylene alcohols, alkylarylpolyether alcohols, phthalic glycerol alkyl resins, ethoxylated imidazoline, decanoic acid, diglycol oleate, and mixtures thereof.

[0069] Representative examples of nonionic surfactants that are usable in the context of the present invention include, without limitation, polyoxyethlene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (sold under the tradename TWEEN® 20) , polyoxyethylene (4) sorbitan monolaurate (sold under the tradename TWEEN® 21) , polyoxyethylene (2) sorbitan monopalmiate (sold under the tradename TWEEN® 40) , polyoxyethlene (20) sorbitan monstearate (sold under the tradename TWEEN® 60) , polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (sold under the tradename TWEEN® 80) , ethoxylated imidazoline (ACL-429) , polyoxyethylene fatty glyceride (G 1288 or G 1300) (polyoxyethylene fatty glyceride) , and polyoxyethylene (12) dodecylophenol (Tergitoal 12-P-12) .

[0070] In some aspects, the invention provides a chemical composition for induction of plant overcompensation comprised of one or more fatty acid methyl esters and / or one or more fatty acid ethyl esters and one or more biodegradable surfactants. Biodegradable surfactants are surfactants that can break down naturally into non-toxic components through biological processes. There are many known biodegradable surfactants, often used in cleaning products, personal care, and other industrial applications. Non-ionic biodegradable surfactants include alkyl polyglucosides (APGs) which are derived from sugar and fat (e.g., decyl glucoside, coco glucoside, lauryl glucoside), sorbitan esters (e.g., sorbitan oleate) which is derived from sorbitol and fatty acids, polysorbates (e.g. , polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80) which is derived from sorbitan esters, and fatty alcohol ethoxylates which are biodegradable non-ionic surfactants derived from natural fatty alcohols (e.g. , ceteareth-20, steareth-10) . Biodegradable amphoteric surfactants include cocamidopropyl betaine which is derived from coconut oil and commonly used in shampoos and cleansers, sodium cocoamphoacetate which isa mild and biodegradable surfactant used in shampoos and baby care products , and lauryl betaine which is another biodegradable amphoteric surfactant . Other natural and biobased biodegradable surfactants include rhamnolipids which are produced by certain bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and used in bioremediation and industrial applications , sophorolipids which are produced by yeast such as Candida bombicola and used in personal care and cleaning products , saponins which are naturally occurring surfactants found in plants like soapwort , quillaj a, and yucca, and lecithin which is a natural phospholipid derived from soybeans or sunflower oil and used in cosmetics and food .

[0071] In some aspects, a composition herein comprises one or more surfactants and one or more fatty acids comprising ( i ) methyl decanoate, 1-decanoic acid, or methyl nonanoate; or ( ii ) a combination of methyl esters of C6, C8, C10, and C12 fatty acids . In some aspects, a composition consists of one or more surfactants and one or more fatty acids selected from the group of ( i ) methyl decanoate , l-decanoic acid, and methyl nonanoate ; and ( ii ) a combination of methyl esters of C6, C8, C10, and C12 fatty acids . According to this invention, "consists of" or "consisting of" is not meant to exclude a solvent ( e . g. , water or combination of inert solvents ) into which the fatty acid and optional surfactant are dissolved / suspended . In some aspects , a composition herein comprises or consists of one or more surfactants and methyl decanoate . In some aspects, a composition herein comprises or consists of one or more surfactants about 4% of the methyl ester of the Cg fatty acid; about 56% of the methyl ester of the C8fatty acid; about 38% of the methyl ester of the Cio fatty acid; and about 2% of the methyl ester of the C12 fatty acid, based on total fatty acid of the composition .

[0072] In some aspects of the invention, a soybean plant may be sprayed with a chemical formulation comprising methyl esters of fatty acids and a surfactant. In some aspects of the invention the methyl ester is methyl cocoate, or methyl esters found in coconut oil. The methyl esters of fatty acids found in methyl cocoate include lauric acid (C12:0) in the amount of about 40-55%, myristic acid (C14:0) in the amount of about 15-20%, capric acid (C10:0) in the amount of about 5-10%, caprylic acid (C8:0) in the amount of about 5-10%, palmitic acid (C16:0) in the amount of about 5-10%, stearic acid (C18:0) in the amount of about 1-3%, oleic acid (C18:l) in the amount of about 5-10%, and linoleic acid (C18:2) in the amount of <2%, wherein the percent is expressed in terms of total methyl esters of fatty acids in the formulation. The methyl cocoate may be applied to the apical meristem of plants at a concentration of about 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5. , 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0M.

[0073] In some aspects, the methyl esters of fatty acids formulation may be a 0.2M solution of methyl esters of the fatty acids lauric acid (C12:0) in the amount of about 40- 55%, myristic acid (C14:0) in the amount of about 15-20%, capric acid (C10:0) in the amount of about 5-10%, caprylic acid (C8:0) in the amount of about 5-10%, palmitic acid (C16:0) in the amount of about 5-10%, stearic acid (C18:0) in the amount of 1-3%, oleic acid (C18:1) in the amount of 5-10%, and linoleic acid (C18:2) in the amount of <2%, wherein the percent is expressed in terms of total methyl esters of fatty acids in the formulation. In one aspect, a composition comprises or consists of methyl decanoate and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate.

[0074] In some aspects, more than one surfactant is included in the composition. In some aspects, each of the surfactants (e.g., two or more surfactants) is present at an equalconcentration by weight of the composition. In other aspects, the one or more surfactants are present at a 1:1 ratio (or 1:2 or 2:1) , by weight, with the one or more fatty acids of the composition.

[0075] In addition to one or more fatty acids, the composition of the invention may include one or more suitable fungicides, bactericides, and / or pesticides. The selection of the appropriate fungicide (s) , bactericide ( s ) , and / or pesticide (s) may be readily and empirically determined by methods well known to the skilled artisan and will vary depending on the plant species, geographic region, environmental factors, and other factors.

[0076] Suitable fungicides include, but are not limited to, Chlorothalonil, copper-based fungicides (such as Bordeaux mixture, copper hydroxide, copper sulfate), Mancozeb, Azoxystrobin, Pyraclostrobin, Bacillus subtilis, Trifloxystrobin, Tebuconazol, Propiconazole, Myclobutanil , Cyprodinil, Fenhexamid, thiophanate-methyl, Captan, and Dif enoconazole .

[0077] Suitable bactericides include, but are not limited to, copper-based bactericides (such as Bordeaux mixture, copper hydroxide, copper sulfate) , Streptomycin sulfate, Oxytetracycline (e.g. , sold under the tradename MYCOSHIELD®) , Bacillus subtilis , Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Pseudomonas fluorescens, hydrogen dioxide (hydrogen peroxide) , peroxyacetic acid (peracetic acid) , sodium hypochlorite (bleach, when properly diluted), and quaternary ammonium compounds .

[0078] Suitable pesticides include, but are not limited to, copper-based fungicides (e.g., copper sulfate, copper hydroxide), Bacillus thuringiensis (a biological control for various caterpillar pests), Spinosad (derived from the soil bacterium Saccharopolyspora spinosa and effective against arange of pests like caterpillars, thrips, and leafminers), neem oil (derived from the seeds of the neem tree and effective against various pests and fungi) , pyrethrin (derived from chrysanthemum flowers, effective against a broad range of insects) , insecticidal soaps (potassium salts of fatty acids and effective against soft-bodied pests like aphids and whiteflies, horticultural oils (highly refined petroleum oils or plant-based oils effective against a variety of pests and some diseases) , diatomaceous earth (composed of crushed diatom fossils, and effective against crawling insects, biological fungicides (microbial-based products like Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma spp., and Streptomyces spp. and effective against various fungal diseases .

[0079] When methyl decanoate is used for removing the apical meristem, it may be used at a concentration in the range of about 0.01 M and 10 M, of about 0.01 M and 1 M, of about 0.01 M and 0.6 M, or of about 0.1 M and 0.6 M. For the preparation of 0.05 M and 0.06M methyl decanoate, 9.3 g / L and 11.17 g / L, respectively, or 35.15 g / gallon and 42.25 g / gallon, respectively are prepared. One thousand grams of methyl decanoate is mixed with an equal weight of the surfactant polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate. The fatty acid is thoroughly mixed with the surfactant before any water is added. Water is slowly added until the mixture thickens or forms a gel. With continuous mixing, water is added to a volume of 28.45 gallons to form the 0.05 M methyl decanoate: polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate composition. With continuous mixing, water is added to a volume of 23.67 gallons to form the 0.06 M methyl decanoate: polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate composition.

[0080] The present disclosure provides, inter alia, compositions, methods, and systems for sustainable and eco-friendly increases in improved plant agronomic traits . The present disclosure provides methods for improving plant agronomic traits in a highly sustainable fashion . Biodiesel, or products made during the manufacture of biodiesel , are used to induce plant overcompensation . Fatty acid methyl esters ( FAMEs ) or fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs ) manufactured from plant oil are used to induce plant overcompensation . FAME or FAEE , made by transesterification or esterification, is used to induce plant overcompensation . Crude FAME or FAEE, prior to washing and preparation for use as biodiesel , is used to induce plant overcompensation . Soap made during the manufacture of biodiesel is used to induce overcompensation . Plant oil comprised of triglycerides, or partially purified or purified triglycerides , are used to induce plant overcompensation . Among the agronomic traits improved in the process of plant overcompensation is an increase in yield, including yield of plant oil . In addition to use as food and manufacture of biofuel, a portion of the plant oil , triglycerides , or soap produced during biodiesel manufacture , can be used to make FAME and FAEE to induce plant overcompensation and improved agronomic traits . Use of products made during the manufacture of biodiesel from plant and / or animal oils to induce plant overcompensation, and consequently, increased plant oil content, are very sustainable and eco-friendly processes .

[0081] In some aspects , a plant oil comprised of triglycerides may be used to induce overcompensation . To produce fatty acid methyl esters ( FAME) and fatty acid ethyl esters ( FAEE) from plant oils such as soybean, sunflower, rapeseed, corn , sesame, cotton, palm, amaranthus , safflower, and others , the process of transesterification may be employed . Oil may be extracted from the plant source . This may be done using mechanical pressing or solvent extraction .The extracted oils may be purified to remove impurities, water and free fatty acids which can. interfere with the transesterification reaction .

[0082] Biodiesel may be made from a wide range of feedstocks, and while plant-based oils are the most common, various nonplant materials can also be used to produce biodiesel . These non-plant materials primarily include animal fats , waste oils , and certain microorganisms . Rendered fat from cattle (beef tallow) or sheep (mutton tallow) is commonly used in biodiesel production . Tallow has a high content of saturated fatty acids , which makes the resulting biodiesel more stable but also increases its cold flow properties (making it more prone to gelling at low temperatures ) . Pig fat ( lard) is another animal fat used to produce biodiesel . It has a / composition similar to tallow, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids . Fat rendered from chicken, turkey, or other poultry can also be used for biodiesel production . It is typically more unsaturated than tallow and lard, giving it better cold flow properties but making it less stable . Oils derived from fish processing ( such as from sardines , salmon, or other fish species) can be used to produce biodiesel . Fish oils often contain a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can affect the oxidative stability of the biodiesel . Waste cooking oil collected from restaurants and food processing industries is a common nonplant feedstock for biodiesel production . It is often a mixture of various oils and fats that have been used in frying and cooking, leading to a mixture of degraded fats and free fatty acids . Yellow grease is a type of waste oil primarily made from used cooking oils and animal fats collected from restaurants and food processors . Yellow grease is often a mix of various sources and can be a low-cost feedstock for biodiesel . Brown grease is a lower-quality waste oilcollected from grease traps in restaurants and food service facilities . It typically contains a high level of Impurities , free fatty acids , and water, requiring significant pretreatment before it can be used in biodiesel production . Certain strains of microalgae can accumulate significant amounts of lipids (oils ) under specific conditions . These oils may be harvested and converted into biodiesel . Microalgae-based biodiesel has attracted attention due to the potential for high yields and the ability to grow in nonarable land or saline water . Some yeast and fungal species can produce oils under fermentation conditions . These microbial oils, often called "single-cell oils , " are rich in lipids and can be used to produce biodiesel . For example, the yeast species Cryptococcus curvatus and fungi like Mortierella may produce oils that are suitable for biodiesel production . Byproducts from the meat processing industry, such as fats and oils from rendering plants , may be used for biodiesel production . These fats are often from carcasses, offal , and other non-edible parts of animals . Fatty waste from the processing of meat , including grease and fat trimmed from meat products , can be collected, rendered, and used as a biodiesel feedstock . Fatty acid distillates are byproducts from the refining of edible oils and fats . These distillates, which are high in free fatty acids , can be used as feedstocks for biodiesel production . Extracted from sheep wool , lanolin (wool grease ) is a waxy substance that can be processed into biodiesel . It is less commonly used but is a potential nonplant feedstock . A byproduct of the wood pulp industry (particularly from pine trees ) , tall oil is a mixture of fatty acids , rosin acids , and other compounds . While it originates from trees , tall oil is considered a waste product of the pulping process , and its fatty acid content can be used for biodiesel production .

[0083] Non-plant feedstocks , especially waste oils and animal fats , often require significant pretreatment to remove impurities , water, and free fatty acids . For example , acid esterification may be needed to convert free fatty acids into biodiesel before base-catalyzed transesterification . However, this step can now be eliminated because there is a new use for the soap produced from free fatty acids in the starting material for biodiesel manufacture . The soap produced during transesterification can be used to induce plant overcompensation and improved the agronomic traits of a crop . The fatty acid profile of non-plant feedstocks affects the quality of the biodiesel produced . Animal fats tend to have more saturated fatty acids, which improve oxidative stability but worsen cold flow properties . Waste oils may have a mixture of fatty acids depending on their original source . Many non-plant feedstocks , such as waste oils and animal fats , are attractive for biodiesel production due to their low cost, availability, and potential for reducing waste . However, the availability of these materials can be limited by regional factors and competition from other industries .

[0084] The reagents needed for transesterification are alcohol (methanol or ethanol ) and a catalyst . The catalyst is usually sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide . The catalyst is mixed with the plant oil . The mixture is heated and stirred . The triglycerides in the oil react with the methanol or ethanol to form fatty acid esters ( FAME or FAEE) and glycerol . After the reaction the mixture is allowed to settle . Glycerol is denser, settles to the bottom of the reactor, and is removed . The upper layer containing FAME or FAEE is purified through washing and drying to remove any residual catalyst or alcohol . The final product of FAME or FAEE is tested to ensure it meets specific stand for use asan inducer of plant overcompensation , The purified FAME or FAEE is then used as an inducer to plant overcompensation . The purified FAME or FAEE may be mixed with one or more surfactants prior to use as an inducer of plant overcompensation .

[0085] Using enzymes for transesterification in the production of biodiesel from plant oils is an alternative method to the more common chemical catalysts . Enzymatic processes offer several advantages, including lower energy requirements , milder reaction conditions , and fewer side reactions . Plant oil is extracted from the plant source and filtered to remove any particulates and impurities . The oil is treated to remove gums , mainly phospholipids, and dried to reduce moisture content , which can negatively affect enzyme activity .

[0086] The most commonly used enzymes for FAME or FAEE production are lipases . Lipases can be sourced from various microbial origins , such as those from Candida an tarctica , Candida rugosa, or Rhizopus oryzae. These enzymes can be used in their free form or immobilized on a support to enhance stability and facilitate recovery and reuse .

[0087] The prepared plant oil is mixed with methanol or ethanol in the presence of lipase enzyme . The enzyme catalyzes the transesterification of triglycerides in the oil with the alcohol . Unlike chemical catalysis, enzymatic reactions do not require high temperatures and pressures . They typically occur at temperatures around 30°C to 50 °C . The process can take from several hours to a couple of days, depending on enzyme efficiency and reaction conditions . The molar ratio of alcohol to oil is crucial and usually higher than in chemical processes . The molar ratio of alcohol to oil is usually between about 3 : 1 to 6 : 1 and this is necessary to drive the reaction towards the formation of esters .

[0088] After the reaction is completed, the mixture may be allowed to settle . Glycerol is denser and settles to the bottom of reaction vessel . The glycerol is removed . The upper layer of FAME or FAEE is washed with water to remove residual methanol or ethanol , enzymes , and any soaps formed during the reaction . The washed FAME or FAEE is dried to remove any remaining moisture . The purif ied FAME or FAEE may then be used as an inducer to plant overcompensation . The purified FAME or FAEE may be mixed with one or more surfactants prior to use as an inducer of plant overcompensation .

[0089] The production of biofuel from plant oil via transesterification is a well-established process . The process begins with vegetable oil or any triglyceride- containing feedstock ( e . g. , soybean oil , rapeseed oil , or waste cooking oil ) . These oils consist mainly of triglycerides , which are esters formed from glycerol and three fatty acid chains . A catalyst , typically sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH) , is added to the reaction . These catalysts facilitate the breakdown of the triglycerides . Methanol or ethanol is added to the oil . The most common combination is methanol with sodium hydroxide as a catalyst . The transesterification reaction converts the triglycerides in the oil into methyl esters (which is the biofuel , also called biodiesel ) and glycerol . The reaction typically occurs at elevated temperatures (around 60 °C) and with stirring .

[0090] After the reaction is complete, the mixture is allowed to settle . The biodiesel (methyl esters ) is less dense and forms the top layer, while glycerol , being denser, settles at the bottom of the reaction vessel . These two layers are then separated . The biodiesel is purified by washing with water to remove any residual catalyst, alcohol , or impurities .

[0091] Base catalysts are the most commonly used in the transesterif ication process for biodiesel production because they are more efficient and work well with low free fatty acid ( FFA) oils . The most commonly used bases include potassium hydroxide (KOH ) KOH is a strong base , often used when methanol is the alcohol of choice . It is soluble in methanol and promotes the transesterification reaction by generating methoxide ions (CH3O-) . Potassium hydroxide also reacts with free fatty acids in the oil to produce soap . The soap can be used as an inducer of overcompensation . Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is another strong base commonly used as a catalyst . Similar to potassium hydroxide , sodium hydroxide generates sodium methoxide when dissolved in methanol , which drives the transesterification reaction . Like KOH, NaOH reacts with free fatty acids to form soap, which can interfere with the separation of biodiesel and glycerol . Sodium methoxide (NaOCH3) can be used directly as a catalyst . It is often preferred for its high activity and efficiency in catalyzing the transesterification reaction . Sodium methoxide eliminates the need for a separate base ( such as NaOH) to generate methoxide ions , simplifying the process .

[0092] Acid catalysts are typically used when the feedstock has a high free fatty acid ( FFA) content , which can cause problems with soap formation in base-catalyzed reactions . Acid catalysts promote esterification of FFAs into biodiesel , as well as the transesterification of triglycerides . Common acids include sulfuric acid (H2SO4) . H2SO4is a strong acid commonly used as a catalyst in the esterification of free fatty acids to prevent soap formation and to convert FFAs into biodiesel . It is particularly effective for oils with high FFA content , such as waste cooking oils or animal fats . Sulfuric acid is less efficient for the transesterificationof triglycerides compared to base catalysts but is crucial for pretreatment of high-FFA feedstocks . Hydrochloric acid (HC1) is another strong acid used in similar applications as sulfuric acid . It can be used in the esterification process to reduce FFA content before base-catalyzed transesterification . Phosphoric acid ( H3PO4) is occasionally used as a catalyst in some biodiesel production processes , though it is less common than sulfuric acid . It may be used in pretreatment steps or specific process variations .

[0093] When dealing with feedstocks that have both high triglycerides and high FFAs ( such as waste oils or animal fats ) , a two-step process is often used . First, there is an acid-catalyzed esterification . This step reduces the FFA content by converting FFAs to biodiesel using an acid catalyst like sulfuric acid . The second step is base-catalyzed transesterification . Once the FFA content is lowered, a base catalyst like sodium or potassium hydroxide is used for the transesterification of the remaining triglycerides into biodiesel .

[0094] Since soap can now be used to induce plant overcompensation, there is no need to for a two-step process . The soap formed when the free fatty acid content in the oil is high, can be recovered for use in a process of inducing plant overcompensation to improve plant agronomic traits .

[0095] During the transesterification process, a side reaction may occur where the catalyst ( e . g. , sodium hydroxide) reacts with free fatty acids present in the oil to produce soap . This reaction is called saponification . The amount of soap formed depends on the quality of the feedstock (particularly the level of free fatty acids in the oil ) . The amount of soap produced is typically much less than the amount of biofuel produced, especially when high-quality oil with low free fatty acid content is used. If the feedstock hashigh free fatty acid content, the soap formation can be significant and become a problematic byproduct . While the exact amount of soap varies , in well-optimized processes, soap might constitute less than 1-3% of the total biodiesel yield . In cases of poor-quality feedstock, this percentage can be 5% or greater .

[0096] The soap is usually removed during the washing process of the biodiesel . Water washing helps to extract the soap from the biodiesel phase into the aqueous phase . The soap can be recovered and processed into crude soap for use in industrial applications . In some cases , the soap byproduct can be further refined and used in the manufacture of soaps and detergents . I f the soap is not to be used, it must be properly treated as waste . Disposal in water bodies is avoided to prevent environmental contamination, so proper waste management protocols must be followed.

[0097] In the soap, fatty acids are converted to their potassium salts or sodium salts as follows :Fatty Acid + KOH -» Potassium Soap ( Fatty Acid Salt) + Water Oleic Acid + KOH -» Potassium Oleate + WaterThis results in the formation of potassium salts of the fatty acids , which have a hydrophobic tail (the R group) and a hydrophilic head (the COO- group) . These structures enable the soap to act as a surfactant , with the hydrophobic tail interacting with oils and grease , and the hydrophilic head interacting with water . The double bonds in the unsaturated fatty acids like oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids can make the soap softer and more prone to oxidation compared to soap made from more saturated fatty acids like palmitic and stearic acids .

[0098] Esterification is a chemical reaction used in biodiesel production to convert free fatty acids (FFAs) into esters (biodiesel) in the presence of an alcohol ( typicallymethanol or ethanol) and an acid catalyst . This process is particularly important when dealing with feedstocks that have a high free fatty acid ( FFA) content, such as waste vegetable oils , animal fats , or other low-quality oils , because FFAs can interfere with the more commonly used base-catalyzed transesterification process by producing soap .

[0099] The steps in the esterification process for manufacture of biodiesel include feedstock selection . Esterification is typically used when the feedstock contains a significant amount of free fatty acids , which are problematic for base-catalyzed transesterification . Examples of high-FFA feedstocks include waste cooking oil , animal fats , and some types of non-edible oils . The esterification reaction converts FFAs into esters (biodiesel) and water using an alcohol and an acid catalyst . The general chemical reaction can be written as :R-COOH ( Free Fatty Acid) + ROH (Alcohol) -> R-COOR ( Ester) + H2O (Water) wherein,R-COOH is the free fatty acid,ROH is the alcohol, typically methanol (CH3OH) or ethanol (C2HSOH) ,R-COOR is the ester (biodiesel ) , andH20 is water, a byproduct of the reaction .

[0100] Strong acid catalysts like sulfuric acid (H2SO4) are commonly used in the esterification process because they are effective at catalyzing the reaction between FFAs and alcohol . Other acids such as hydrochloric acid (HC1 ) or phosphoric acid (H3PO4) can also be used, but sulfuric acid is the most common . The acid catalyst is typically used in small amounts ( e . g. , 0 . 5-5% by weight of the oil ) to facilitate the reaction . Esterification typically occurs atelevated temperatures, often in the range of 50-70 °C ( 122- 158 ° F) . The reaction temperature should be below the boiling point of the alcohol to prevent excessive evaporation . Continuous stirring or mixing is required to ensure that the alcohol, oil, and acid catalyst are well-distributed throughout the reaction mixture . In some cases , the reaction is carried out under reflux conditions to prevent the loss of alcohol vapor and to drive the reaction to completion . The reaction time can vary, typically ranging from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the concentration of FFAs , the amount of catalyst , temperature, and the efficiency of mixing . Water is produced as a byproduct during esterification . If the water is not removed, it can shift the equilibrium of the reaction and reduce the conversion of FFAs to biodiesel . Therefore, methods such as vacuum distillation, azeotropic distillation, or the use of water-absorbing agents ( e . g . , molecular sieves ) may be employed to remove water from the reaction mixture and drive the reaction forward . After the esterification reaction is complete, the reaction mixture typically contains biodiesel ( esters ) , water, unreacted alcohol , and residual catalyst . The biodiesel phase is separated from the aqueous phase (containing water, catalyst , and other impurities) . The biodiesel may be washed with water to remove any remaining catalyst and other impurities . Careful washing is necessary to avoid emulsification and ensure the purity of the final biodiesel product . Any remaining acid catalyst in the biodiesel phase may need to be neutralized, often using a base such as sodium bicarbonate or a weak alkali , to prevent corrosion in engines or equipment . The biodiesel may undergo a drying step to remove any remaining moisture, ensuring that it meets biodiesel quality standards . In some cases, a distillation step is added to purify the biodiesel further, especially if high-quality fuel is .required .

[0101] After the esterification step, the free fatty acids in the feedstock are largely converted to biodiesel, which allows for the subsequent base-catalyzed transesterification of the remaining triglycerides in the oil . This two-step process is common for high-FFA feedstocks . The present invention eliminates the cost of the esterification process . The soap produced when biofuel is manufactured with oil containing a high free fatty acid content can be recovered and used to induce plant overcompensation .

[0102] The chemical compositions of oils from different plant sources varies , thereby influencing the fatty acid composition of the FAME or FAEE formulated for use as an inducer of plant overcompensation . The typical fatty acid composition of certain plant oils is shown in Table 1 .TABLE 1

[0103] The total concentration of the fatty acid ethyl esters or total fatty acid methyl esters in a chemical composition for plant overcompensation induction is about 0.001M, 0.005M, 0.01M, 0.05M, 0.1M, 0.15, 0.2M, 0.25M, 0.3M, 0.4M, 0.5M, 0.6M, 0.7M. 0.8M, 0.9M, 1.0M, 2.0M, 3.0M, 4. OM, 5.0M, 6.0M, 7.0M, 8.0M, 9. OM, 10.0M or more.

[0104] The total concentration of potassium or sodium salt of fatty acids in a biodiesel waste soap in a chemical composition for plant overcompensation induction is about 0.01M, 0.1 M, 0.2M, 0.3M, 0.4M, 0.5M, 0.6M, 0.7M. 0.8M, 0.9M, 1.0M, 2.0M, 3.0M, 4.0M, 5.0M, 6.0M, 7.0M, 8.0M, 9.0M, 10.0M or more.

[0105] The total concentration of plant oil in a chemical composition for plant overcompensation induction is about 0.01M, 0.1 M, 0.2M, 0.3M, 0.4M, 0.5M, 0.6M, 0.7M. 0.8M, 0.9M, 1.0M, 2.0M, 3.0M, 4.0M, 5.0M, 6.0M, 7.0M, 8.0M, 9.0M, 10.0M or more .

[0106] The fatty acid ethyl ester and fatty acid methyl ester chemical overcompensation inducer for removal, or inhibition of growth, of the shoot apical meristem may also include a surfactant. Particularly preferred surfactants for inclusion in a chemical composition for removal, or inhibition of growth, of the shoot apical meristem include, but are not limited to, Tween® 20 (polyoxethlene (20) sorbitan monolaurate) , Tween® 21 (polyoxethylene (4) sorbitan monolaurate, Tween® 40 (polyoxyethylene (2) sorbitan monopalmiate) , Tween® 60 (polyoxyethlene (20) sorbitan monostearate) , Tween® 80 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate), ACL-429 (ethoxylated imidazoline) , G 1288 (polyoxyethylene fatty glyceride) , G 1300 (polyoxyethylene fatty glyceride) , and Tergitol 12-P-12 (polyoyethylene (12)dodecylophenol ) . The total concentration of one or more surfactant in a composition for plant overcompensation induction is about 0.01M, 0.1 M, 0.2M, 0.3M, 0.4M, 0.5M, 0.6M, 0.7M. 0.8M, 0.9M, 1.0M, 2.0M, 3.0M, 4.0M, 5.0M, 6.0M, 7.0M, 8.0M, 9.0M, 10.0M or more. The total concentration of one or more surfactants in a composition for plant overcompensation induction can be about equal to the total concentration of fatty acid methyl esters or fatty acid ethyl esters in the same composition.

[0107] The fatty acid ethyl ester and fatty acid methyl ester chemical compositions for removal, or inhibition of growth, of the shoot apical meristem of the plant may contain one or more suitable growth promoting substances including, but not limited to, herbicides, bactericides, pesticides, nutrients, micronutrients, plant extracts, or enzymes. The fatty acid ethyl ester and fatty acid methyl ester chemical compositions for removal, or inhibition of growth, of the shoot apical meristem of the plant may contain one or more suitable herbicides. Suitable herbicides include, but are not limited to, glyphosate, glufosinate, dicamba, 2,4-D, sulfentrazone, imazethapyr, pendimethalin, atrazine, mesotrione, S- metolachlor, acetochlor, nicosulfuron, and foramsulfuyron .

[0108] The fatty acid ethyl ester and fatty acid methyl ester chemical compositions for removal, or inhibition of growth, of the shoot apical meristem of the plant may contain one or more suitable fungicides. Suitable fungicides include, but are not limited to, Chlorothalonil, copper-based fungicides (such as Bordeaux mixture, copper hydroxide, copper sulfate) , Mancozeb, Azoxystrobin, Pyraclostrobin, Bacillus subtilis , Trif loxystrobin, Tebuconazol, Propiconazole, Myclobutanil, Cyprodinil, Fenhexamid, thiophanate-methyl, Captan, Dif enoconazole . The selection of the appropriate fungicide or fungicides, and the appropriate concentration of thefungicide or fungicides , can be readily and empirically determined by methods well known to the skilled artisan and will vary depending on the plant species , geographic region, environmental factors , and other factors .

[0109] The fatty acid ethyl ester and fatty acid methyl ester chemical compositions for removal , or inhibition of growth, of the shoot apical meristem of the plant may contain one or more suitable bactericides . Suitable bactericides include, but are not limited to copper-based bactericides ( such as Bordeaux mixture , copper hydroxide, copper sulfate ) , Streptomycin sulfate, Oxytetracycline ( e . g. , Mycoshield, Firewall ) , Ba cil lus subtilis , Bacillus amyloliquefaciens , Pseudomonas fl uorescens , hydrogen dioxide (hydrogen peroxide) , peroxyacetic acid (peracetic acid) , sodium hypochlorite (bleach, when properly diluted) , and quaternary ammonium compounds . The selection of the appropriate bactericide or bactericides, and the appropriate concentration of the bactericide or bactericides , can be readily and empirically determined by methods well known to the skilled artisan and will vary depending on the plant species , geographic region, environmental factors, and other factors .

[0110] The fatty acid ethyl ester and fatty acid methyl ester chemical compositions for removal , or inhibition of growth, of the shoot apical meristem of the plant may contain one or more pesticides approved for use on organically grown plants . Suitable pesticides include , but are not limited to, copperbased fungicides ( e . g. , copper sulfate, copper hydroxide) , Bacillus thuringiensis (a biological control for various caterpillar pests ) , Spinosad (derived from the soil bacterium Saccharopolyspora spinosa and effective against a range of pests like caterpillars , thrips , and leaf miners) , neem oil ( derived from the seeds of the neem tree and effective againstvarious pests and fungi) , pyrethrin (derived from chrysanthemum flowers, effective against a broad range of insects) , insecticidal soaps (potassium salts of fatty acids and effective against soft-bodied pests like aphids and whiteflies, horticultural oils (highly refined petroleum oils or plant-based oils effective against a variety of pests and some diseases) , diatomaceous earth (composed of crushed diatom fossils, and effective against crawling insects, , biological fungicides (microbial-based products like Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma spp. , and Streptomyces spp . and effective against various fungal diseases.

[0111] When a composition comprising the fatty acid ethyl ester and fatty acid methyl ester compositions is used for clipping of the apical meristem, the total concentration fatty acid ethyl esters or fatty acid methyl esters are between about 0.01 and 10M, between about 0.01 and 1 M, between about 0.01 and .6M, or between about 0.1 and 0.6M.

[0112] Soaps produced during biodiesel manufacture, particularly from vegetable oils, consist of fatty acids that are a byproduct of the transesterification process. The type and concentration of fatty acids in the soap depend on the source oil used. Soybean oil typically contains Linoleic Acid (C18:2) : -50-54%, Oleic Acid (C18:l) : -20-25%, Palmitic Acid (C16:0) : -10-12%, Stearic Acid (C18:0) : -3-5%, and Linolenic Acid (C18:3) : -7-10%. Corn oil typically contains Linoleic Acid (C18:2) : -55-60%, Oleic Acid (C18:l) : -25-30%, Palmitic Acid (C16:0) : -10-12%, Stearic Acid (C18:0) : -2-4%, and Linolenic Acid (C18:3) : -1-2%. Canola oil typically contains Oleic Acid (C18:l) : -55-65%, Linoleic Acid (C18:2) : -20-25%, Alpha-Linolenic Acid (C18:3) : -8-12%, Palmitic Acid (C16:0) : -3-4%, and Stearic Acid (C18:0) : -1-2%. Sunflower oil typically contains Linoleic Acid (C18 : 2) : -60-70%, Oleic Acid (C18:l) : -20-25%, Palmitic Acid (C16:0) : -5-7%, and StearicAcid (C18:0) : -2-3%. Camelina oil typically contains Linoleic Acid (C18:2) : "15-25%, Oleic Acid (C18:l) : "15-25%, Alpha- Linolenic Acid (C18:3) : "30-40%, Eicosenoic Acid (C20:l) : "15-20%, Palmitic Acid (C16:0) : -5-7%, and Stearic Acid (C18 : 0) : "1-2%. Linoleic Acid (C18:2) is dominant in corn, soybean, and sunflower oil. Oleic Acid (C18:l) is the major component in canola oil and also found in significant amounts in soybean, corn, and sunflower oil. Palm oil contains significant amounts of C16 fatty acids: Palmitic acid (C16:0) , along with C18 fatty acids like Oleic acid (C18:l) and Stearic acid (C18:0) . Alpha-linolenic Acid (C18:3) is more prevalent in canola and camelina oils. Camelina oil is distinct for its higher concentrations of eicosenoic acid (C20:l) and alpha-linolenic Acid. C22 (Erucic Acid) . Biodiesel made from high erucic acid rapeseed oil (HEAR) contains erucic acid (C22:l) which is a long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid. The concentrations can vary depending on the exact variety of the plant oil, geographical origin, and processing methods, but these are the typical ranges .

[0113] When soap is produced during biodiesel manufacture from soybean oil using methanol and potassium hydroxide (KOH) , the fatty acids in the soap are typically present as their potassium salts, also known as potassium soaps. The general process involves the transesterification of triglycerides in the soybean oil to produce biodiesel (methyl esters) and glycerol. Any free fatty acids in the oil react with the KOH to form soap. The fatty acid structure in soap can be represented as:R-COO- K+wherein R is the hydrocarbon chain of the fatty acid, which may be saturated or unsaturated and the hydrocarbon chain has12 or more carbons such as C12, C14, C16, C18, C20, C22, or more .

[0114] COO" is the carboxylate group that is deprotonated and associated with the potassium ion (K+) .

[0115] In some aspects, each specific fatty acid has a different hydrocarbon chain (R group) .

[0116] Soaps made during the biodiesel production process from waste kitchen oil or grease can have a varied fatty acid profile, depending on the type of oils and fats that have been used in cooking. However, a general profile can be outlined based on the common types of oils and fats typically found in kitchen waste, such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and mixtures of both. The fatty acids typically found in soaps derived from used kitchen oil or grease include palmitic cid (C16:0) at a concentration of about 15-30%. Palmitic acid is found in both vegetable oils (like palm oil) and animal fats. It is commonly present due to its high content in cooking oils such as palm oil and lard, which are frequently used in deep frying and general cooking. Oleic acid (C18:l) is found in a concentration of about 30-45%. Oleic acid is present in many vegetable oils, including olive oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil. Used cooking oil often has a high oleic acid content due to the use of these oils in various cooking processes. Linoleic acid (C18:2) : is present at a concentration of about 10-25%. Linoleic acid is commonly found in oils like soybean oil, corn oil, and sunflower oil. The amount of linoleic acid will depend on the types of vegetable oils used for cooking. Stearic Acid (C18:0) is present at a concentration of about 5-15%. Stearic acid is found in both vegetable oils and animal fats, particularly in beef tallow, lard, and butter, which can be present in waste kitchen grease. Myristic acid (C14:0) is present at a concentration of about 1-5%. Mystric acid s typically foundin animal fats, coconut oil, and palm kernel oil. It's more prominent in waste grease derived from animal products. Linolenic acid (C18:3) is present at a concentration of about 1-3%. Linolenic acid is found in smaller quantities, usually from vegetable oils like soybean or canola oil. This concentration may vary significantly based on the original oil composition. Lauric acid (C12:0) is present at a concentration of about 1-10%. Lauric acid is present in coconut oil and palm kernel oil, which may be part of the kitchen oil mixture. It's more common in soaps made from waste oil with high coconut oil content . Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, particularly Lauric acid (C12:0) and Myristic acid (C14:0), with lesser amounts of C16 and C18 fatty acids.

[0117] Trace amounts of other fatty acids, such as capric acid (C10:0) , palmitoleic acid (C16:l) , and others, might be present in very small quantities, depending on the oils and fats originally used in the kitchen. Oleic acid is usually the most dominant fatty acid in soaps derived from waste kitchen oil, due to its prevalence in common cooking oils. Palmitic acid and stearic acid are often present in significant amounts, especially if animal fats like lard or tallow were used. The fatty acid profile can vary widely due to the mix of vegetable and animal fats in the waste grease. The exact composition will depend heavily on the type of cooking done (e.g., frying with vegetable oils vs. cooking with animal fats) and the mixture of oils and fats in the waste .

[0118] Biodiesel made from animal products, such as tallow, lard, poultry fat, and fish oil, consists of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) derived from the triglycerides present in these fats. The fatty acid chain lengths in biodiesel from animal products typically range from 14 to 20 carbon atoms, withvariations depending on the specific type of animal fat used . Common fatty acid chain lengths in biodiesel from animal products include myristic acid (C14 ) present in smaller amounts in many animal fats, especially in poultry fat and fish oil . Myristic acid contributes to the biodiesel profile, but it is usually found in lower concentrations compared to other fatty acids . Palmitic acid (C16 ) is abundant in many animal fats, including beef tallow, pork lard, and poultry fat . Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid and is one of the maj or components of biodiesel from animal sources . It contributes to the stability of the biodiesel but can negatively affect cold flow properties . Stearic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid (C18 : 0 ) is common in beef tallow, pork lard, and other animal fats . It is a saturated fatty acid. Oleic Acid (C18 : 1 ) is monounsaturated fatty acid found in significant amounts in almost all animal fats, especially in pork lard and poultry fat . Linoleic acid (C18 : 2 ) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid present in smaller amounts in animal fats , especially in poultry fat and some fish oils . C18 fatty acids are predominant in biodiesel from animal fats , with oleic acid being the most common unsaturated fatty acid, and stearic acid contributing to the saturated fraction . Linoleic acid is less abundant but still present in some animal-derived biodiesel . Arachidic acid and eicosenoic acid (C20) are present in some animal fats and fish oils , but typically in small quantities . C20 fatty acids contribute to the long-chain fraction of the biodiesel, but they are generally found in lower concentrations compared to C16 and C18 fatty acids . Capric acid and lauric acid ( C12 ) are mediumchain fatty acids are more common in certain types of fish oils and are present in trace amounts in some animal fats . Behenic acid and docosenoic Acid (C22 ) are occasionally found in trace amounts in some animal fats and fish oils , but theyare not major components of biodiesel from most animal products. Typical fatty acid profiles in common animal fats used for biodiesel include beef tallow which is dominated by saturated fatty acids like Palmitic acid (C16:0) and Stearic acid (C18:0) , along with monounsaturated Oleic acid (C18:l) . Tallow-based biodiesel tends to be more stable but has poorer cold flow properties due to the higher content of saturated fats. Pork lard contains a high proportion of Oleic acid (C18:l) , along with Palmitic acid (C16:0) and Stearic acid (C18 : 0) . Lard-based biodiesel has a good balance of stability and cold flow properties, thanks to the relatively high amount of monounsaturated fats. Poultry fat is rich in Oleic acid (C18:l) and Palmitic acid (C16:0) , with moderate amounts of Linoleic acid (C18:2) . Poultry fat-based biodiesel has a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids compared to tallow, making it more suitable for colder climates. Fish oils typically contain a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids like Linoleic acid (C18:2) and longer-chain fatty acids like Eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5) and Docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6) . Fish oil-based biodiesel has unique properties but can be less stable due to the high degree of unsaturation.

[0119] The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of the claims .EXAMPLE 1 : Field Trial with Methyl Decanoate

[0120] Field trial 1 was conducted in Pleasant Plains, Illinois. A single soybean variety was used in the field trial (FZS1011) . The soybean variety was planted in 20 plots. Each plot was composed of 8 rows of plants spaced 30 inches apart and was 50 feet long by 20 feet wide. Soybeans were treated with 0,10 M methyl decanoate spray. An undiluted surfactant, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, was added in equalweight to the fatty ester . Additional spray was applied by completion of a second pass with 0. 10 M methyl decanoate spray . The second pass was completed immediately after the initial treatment of each row to saturate the apical meristem.

[0121] Soybean plants were sprayed using an individual chemical spray backpack . The plants were sprayed with approximately 2 . 5 gallons / 1000 sq feet of 0 . 1 M ( or an equivalent of 110 gallons / acre) with the double pass . Soybean plants were sprayed with methyl decanoate at the V5 growth stage .

[0122] The overall experimental was designed to distribute untreated control plots and mechanically clipped plants at the same growth stage with the methyl decanoate treated variety across the test field . The results of this analysis demonstrated that plants treated with methyl decanoate increased seed yield compared to untreated control plants ( FIG . 1 ) .EXAMPLE 2 : Field Trial with Methyl Decanoate

[0123] Field trial 2 was conducted in Mt Pulaski, Illinois and planted with soybean variety FZS1012 . Soybean plants were treated with a spray containing 0 . 10 M methyl decanoate and polyethylene sorbitan monolaurate . Soybean plants were sprayed using individual chemical backpack spray units . The soybean plants were treated with methyl decanoate at or between the growth stages of V3 and V4.

[0124] The test field was subdivided into plots with the dimensions of five rows by 10 feet . Two plots were designated for each soybean variety for spray treatment and distributed geographically across the full test field . Untreated control plots and mechanically clipped plants at the same growth stage were adj acent to the test plot areas . The results of this analysis demonstrated that plants treated with methyldecanoate increased seed yield compared to untreated control plants (FIG. 2) .EXAMPLE 3 : Field Trial with Methyl Decanoate

[0125] Field trial 3 was conducted in Lowell, Indiana and a single soybean variety was tested (FZS1041) . Soybean plants were treated with a double pass of methyl decanoate at a concentration of 0.10 M. The methyl decanoate spray contained an undiluted surfactant, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, that was added in equal weight to the fatty ester .

[0126] Soybean plants were treated the methyl decanoate spray using a backpack spray unit. Soybeans were sprayed in between growth stages V4-V6. The test plots were 21 rows by 50 feet. The results of this analysis demonstrated that plants treated with methyl decanoate increased seed yield compared to untreated control plants (FIG. 3) .EXAMPLE 4 : Field Trial with Methyl Decanoate

[0127] Soybean varieties in maturity groups early-, mid-, and late-stage were grown in North Dakota, Illinois, and Alabama, respectively, in the 2024 growing season. Late-stage soybean varieties FZS1034 and FZS1035 were grown in Alabama. Mid-stage varieties FZS1036 and FZS1037 were grown in Illinois. Early stage varies FZS1038 and FZS1039 were grown in North Dakota. FZS1038, FZS1039, FZS1036, FZS1037, FZS1034 and FZS1035 are in maturity stage groups 0.5, 0.9, 3.2, 4.2, 5.5, and 4.9, respectively. Treated soybean plants were sprayed with a chemical formulation comprised of methyl esters of fatty acids and a surfactant and this formulation is referred to herein as "the methyl esters of fatty acids formulation" or "methyl esters." The methyl esters of fatty acids formulation was about a 0.2M solution of methyl estersof the fatty acids lauric acid (C12:0) in the amount of about 40-55%, myristic acid (C14 :0) in the amount of about 15-20%, capric acid (C10:0) in the amount of about 5-10%, caprylic acid (C8:0) in the amount of about 5-10%, palmitic acid (C16:0) in the amount of about 5-10%, stearic acid (C18:0) in the amount of 1-3%, oleic acid (C18:l) in the amount of 5-10%, and linoleic acid (C18: 2) in the amount of <2%, wherein the percent is expressed in terms of total methyl esters of fatty acids in the formulation. The surfactant in the chemical formulation was polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate. The quantity of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate in the chemical formulation was equal in weight to the total weight of the fatty acid methyl esters in the same volume of the chemical formulation.

[0128] The soybean varieties were each planted in eight row plots, with 30 inch spacing and 27 to 40 ft rows. The methyl esters applied twice to the plants using a 5-gallon backpack sprayer. The second pass was completed immediately after the initial treatment of each row to saturate the apical meristem. The soybean plants of each variety were sprayed with the fatty ester between vegetative stage V3 and vegetative growth stage V4. Following treatment, the soybean plants were grown to maturity and the bushels of seeds produced by control and treated plants determined.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 4, soybean varieties sprayed with 0.2 M the methyl ester formulation between vegetative growth stage 3 and 4 produced significantly more bushels of seeds per acre (P <0.05) than untreated controls. Regardless of maturity class, the soybean varieties exhibited the trait of overcompensation. Asterisks show significance differences at the 0.05 level.EXAMPLE 5 : Field Trial with Methyl Decanoate and Methyl Cocoate

[0130] Late-stage maturity group soybean varieties FZS1034 and FZS1035 grown in Alabama in the 2024 growing season. Treated soybean plants were sprayed with either a chemical formulation comprised of methyl decanoate or a chemical formulation comprised of methyl esters of fatty acids. The chemical formulation comprised of methyl decanoate contained a 0.4M solution of methyl decanoate and the surfactant polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate. The quantity of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate in the chemical formulation was equal in weight to the total weight of the methyl decanoate in the same volume of the chemical formulation. Treated soybean plants were sprayed with a chemical formulation comprised of methyl esters of fatty acids and a surfactant and this formulation is referred to herein as "the methyl esters of fatty acids formulation" or "methyl esters." The methyl esters of fatty acids formulation was about a 0.2M solution of methyl esters of the fatty acids lauric acid (C12:0) in the amount of about 40-55%, myristic acid (C14:0) in the amount of about 15-20%, capric acid (C10:0) in the amount of about 5-10%, caprylic acid (C8:0) in the amount of about 5-10%, palmitic acid (C16:0) in the amount of about 5-10%, stearic acid (C18:0) in the amount of 1-3%, oleic acid (C18:l) in the amount of 5-10%, and linoleic acid (C18:2) in the amount of <2%, wherein the percent is expressed in terms of total methyl esters of fatty acids in the formulation. The surfactant in the chemical formulation was polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate. The quantity of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate in the chemical formulation was equal in weight to the total weight of the fatty acid methyl esters in the same volume of the chemical formulation .

[0131] The soybean varieties were each planted in 8 row plots of plants spaced 30 inches apart and were 40 feet long by 25 feet wide . Methyl decanoate was applied 4 times to the plants using a 5-gallon backpack sprayer . The methyl ester formulation was applied twice to the plants using a 5-gallon backpack sprayer . The additional application of active ingredient was applied immediately after completion of the previous application . The soybean plants of each variety were sprayed with each formulation between vegetative stage 3 and vegetative growth stage 4 . Following treatment , the soybean plants were grown to maturity and the bushels of seeds produced per acre by control and treated plants determined .

[0132] As shown in FIG . 5, soybean varieties FZS1034 and FZS1035 sprayed with either methyl decanoate or the methyl esters of fatty acids formulation between vegetative growth stage 3 and vegetative growth stage 4 produced significantly more bushels of seeds per acre (P<0 . 05 ) compared to untreated controls . Asterisks show significance differences at the 0 . 05 level .EXAMPLE 6 : Induction of Overcompensation with Fatty Acid Methyl Esters Made from Soybean Oil

[0133] The soybean variety FZS1034 was planted in Illinois with variety planted on June 3 , 2024 , with a seeding population of 140 , 000 seeds per acre . Ten rows of plants were selected measuring 12 feet wide by 30 feet in length . Spray application of the chemical solutions of interest were made using a Petratools HD4000 backpack sprayer outfitted with a single black nozzle operating at maximum pressure .

[0134] A solution of fatty acid methyl esters prepared by transesterification of soybean oil was obtained . This solution of fatty acid methyl esters is referred to as Soybean Methyl Ester or SME . The estimated concentration of totalfatty acid methyl esters in the SME was between 2.4 and 3.4 M. A 10L solution of between about 0.24M and about 0.34M SME was prepared by diluting 1 L of between about 2.4M and about 3.4M with 750 ml of Polysorbate 20 using an immersion blender. This mixture was diluted to a final concentration of between about 0.24M and about 0.34M with water to form SME Solution1. The SME Solutions 2, SME Solution 3 and SME Solution 4 were prepared by further dilution of SME Solution 1 to prepare fatty acid methyl acid concentrations of between about 0.12M and 0.17, between about 0.07M and 0.09M, and between 0.035M and 0.045M, respectively.

[0135] Using a baseline estimated walking speed of 2 miles per hour and a spray rate of 0.5 gallons per minute, it was estimated that each pass should take upwards of 8.2 sec per plant and apply a volume of about 0.26 L per plant per pass. It was also estimated that the 0.26 L could be reasonably be used to prime and charge the backpack sprayer. The total number of soybean plants treated with SME Solutions 1, 2, and 3 were 200-250 for each treatment. Solution 4 was sprayed on two rows resulting in 400-500 total plants being treated. Spray application of SME Solutions 1-4 were completed on July2, 2024, when the soybean plants were between vegetative growth stage 4 and vegetative growth stage 5.

[0136] Plants were collected on August 13, 2024, from the experimental plot. 30 plants were selected at random from each row treated with Solutions 1, 2, 3, and untreated control plants. 60 plants were selected at random from two rows treated with Solution 4. Collected plants were brought back to the lab for analysis. For each group of plants treated with Solutions 1, 2, 3, and 4, the collected plants were evaluated for biological response, if any, from the treatment by counting the number of pods produced per plant, and the number of secondary branches produced per plant. Table 2contains the results from the experiment. Treatment of plants with Solution 1 (between about 0.24M and about 0.34M SME) , Solution 2 (between about 0.12M and 0.17M SME) , Solution 3 (between about 0.07M and 0.09M SME) , and Solution 4 (between about 0.035M and 0.045M) resulted in significant increases in branching per plant and pod number per plant compared to controls .TABLE 2

Claims

What is claimed is :1 . A method of improving one or more agronomic traits of a plant comprising applying an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more fatty acids, and / or esters thereof, to the shoot apical meristem of the plant to improve one or more agronomic traits of the plant as compared to an untreated control plant.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is applied to the shoot apical meristem between vegetative growth stage 1 (V1) and vegetative growth stage 6 (V6) of plant .

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more fatty acids have the structure of Formula I:X-C(O) -OR1(I) , wherein X is a linear or branched C4-C30-alkyl group optionally containing 1 to 6 carbon-carbon double bonds, and R1is H or Ci-Ce-alkyl group.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more fatty acids is selected from the group consisting of methyl decanoate, 1-decanoic acid, and methyl nonanoate.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more fatty acids is a combination of methyl esters of C6, C8, C10, and C12 fatty acids.

6. A method of improving one or more agronomic traits of a plant, the method comprising the steps of:(a) planting seeds, tubers, or seedlings of the plant,(b) applying to the apical meristem of the plant , at an appropriate time in the growth cycle of the plant , an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more fatty acid methyl esters and / or one or more fatty acid ethyl esters to induce overcompensation and improve one or more agronomic traits of the plant compared to an untreated control plant, and(c) growing the plant exhibiting the one or more improved agronomic traits to obtain one or more commercially relevant portions thereof .7 . The method of claim 6, wherein the composition is applied to the shoot apical meristem of the plant at between ( i ) vegetative growth stage 1 and vegetative growth stage 2 ; or ( ii ) vegetative growth stage 2 and vegetative growth stage 3 , or ( iii ) vegetative growth stage 3 and vegetative growth stage 4 ; or (iv) vegetative growth stage 4 and vegetative growth stage 5 ; or (v) between vegetative growth stage 5 and vegetative growth 6.8 . The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more fatty acid methyl esters and / or one or more fatty acid ethyl esters in the composition for induction of plant overcompensation are produced through transesterification of oil .9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the oil is from plants .10 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the plant is selected from the group consisting of soybean, corn, sunflower, rape , coconut , canola, sesame , and cotton .11 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the one or more fatty acid methyl esters and / or one or more fatty acid ethyl estersare present in the composition at a concentration of between about 0.001 M and about 10.0 M.

12. The method of claim 1 or 6, wherein the composition further comprises one or more surfactants.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more surfactants are selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters, polyoxyethylene alcohols, alkylarylpolyether alcohols, phthalic glycerol alkyl resins, ethoxylated imidazoline, decanoic acid, diglycol oleate, and mixtures thereof.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more surfactants are present at a 1:1 ratio, by weight, with the one or more fatty acids of the composition.

15. The method of claim 1 or 6, wherein the one or more agronomic traits is selected from the group consisting of seed yield, tuber yield, fruit yield, pod yield, seed oil content, seed protein content, seed starch content, biomass, flower number, drought tolerance, pest tolerance, and pathogen tolerance .

16. The method of claim 1 or 6, further comprising harvesting one or more commercially relevant portions of the plant .

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the commercially relevant portion of the plant is selected from the group consisting of seeds, tubers, fruit, pods, oil, protein, starch, leaves, fiber, terpenes, and wood.18 . The method of claim 1 or 6, wherein the plant is selected from the group consisting of soybean , corn , canola, rice, potato, camelina, and sunflower .

19. A chemical composition for induction of plant overcompensation comprising one or more fatty acid methyl esters and / or one or more fatty acid ethyl esters and one or more biodegradable surfactants .20 . A method for the manufacture of a chemical composition for induction of plant overcompensation, the method comprising the steps of( a ) preparing a solution of fatty acid methyl esters ( FAME) and / or fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) , and(b) adding sufficient quantities of one or more surfactants to the FAME and / or FAEE solution such that when the composition is diluted in water, the final concentration of FAME and / or FAEE is between about 0 . 001 M and about 10 . 0 M and the FAME and / or FAEE is evenly distributed in water .

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