Agricultural composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance of plants

Abstract

The present invention relates to an agricultural composition and method for improving osmotic stress tolerance in plants. The invention particularly relates to a composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance in plants which comprises of combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine. The present invention also relates to a method of preparation and application of the composition. The invention furthermore relates to a method for protecting plants against osmotic stress and improving plant health and yield by treating plants, a plant propagation material, locus or plant parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the composition.

Description

[0001] AGRICULTURAL COMPOSITION FOR IMPROVING OSMOTIC STRESS TOLERANCE OF PLANTS

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an agricultural composition and method for improving osmotic stress tolerance in plants. The invention particularly relates to a composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance in plants which comprises of combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine. The present invention also relates to a method of preparation and application of the composition. The invention furthermore relates to a method for protecting plants against osmotic stress and improving plant health and yield by treating plants, a plant propagation material, locus or plant parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the composition.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Meeting the growing demand for food within the ecological limits of our planet calls for continuous reflection on, and redesigning of, agricultural technologies and practices. Crop intensification together with appropriate nutrient management holds promise in increasing crop productivity with micronutrient enriched products.

[0006] One of such practices include use of chemical fertilisers, the discovery and use of which have been one of the key factors for increase in crop yield, agricultural productivity and food security. Use of chemical fertilisers, however, comes at an environmental cost, and fertilisers have also not been very economically effective production factor specifically, where application of fertilisers on poor soils of unbalanced compositions of nutrients has shown limited impact on yield increase. These products can cause serious damages on the environment as well as consumer's health as a consequence of their residues in soil, water and food products. Agronomic practices to apply existing mineral fertilisers, primarily containing N, P and K, at the right time, at the right place, in the right amount, and of the right composition can improve the use efficiency of fertilisers. However, the overall progress to reduce the negative side effects is inadequate for the desired transformation toward sustainable agriculture. In addition, agricultural compositions comprising fertilizers or nutrients known in the art suffers from many disadvantages or have issues in practical application such as random distribution of the nutrient on the target area, poor availability of the nutrients, wastage due to leaching which in turn results in an unfavourable environment of an ecosystem and degradation of soil health along with economical loss. Several fertilizers or nutrient compositions known in the art exist in forms, which either do not solubilize or do not disperse adequately and hence not available for ready uptake by the plant roots, resulting in their deficiency.

[0007] The conventional fertilizers also contain high levels of water soluble salts and excessive use of such fertilizers, also increases soil salinity. Excess of salts adversely affects soil structure and fertility and microorganisms resulting not only in poor or no yields, but also can display reduced root growth, and / or reduced leaf growth or count, and / or reduced stalk weight and / or strength, and / or reduced fruit size and / or weight and / or reduced nutritional value. Salinity also affects the growth and production of crops by reducing the water potential of the soil solution, thus decreasing the availability of water.

[0008] In addition to excessive use of chemical fertilizers, there are also several natural factors that results in soil salinity. Natural soil salinity occurs in hot arid and semiarid climates with < 1 cm of annual rainfall. Soils and lands that have shallow water tables can develop saline soils due to excessive water evaporation and the concentration of salts. Poor water quality and irrigation practices also contribute to the salinization of thousands of acres of farmland each year around the world. Salinity is therefore one of the major problems worldwide and affects the agricultural production severely. According to the FAO, the global area of salt- affected soils covers 424 million hectares of topsoil (0-30 cm) and 833 million hectares of subsoil (30-100 cm) (based on 73% of the land mapped so far) (FAO, 2021a) and is expected to affect the world more vigorously and extensively in coming years. It is expected to result in the loss of up to 50% fertile land by the middle of the 21st century (Manchanda and Garg, 2008). Various mitigation technologies are being proposed or implemented to restore salt- affected soils. These include the use of salt-tolerant genotypes, sub-surface drainage systems in waterlogged saline regions, agroforestry practices, micro -irrigation methods such as drip systems, land shaping techniques, climate-smart conservation agriculture, and the application of amendments like gypsum, biochar, and zeolites, as well as the introduction of beneficial microorganisms.

[0009] The development of stress tolerant plants has the potential to reduce or solve at least some of these problems. However, traditional plant breeding strategies to produce new lines of plants that exhibit tolerance to stresses has been slow. Lack of sufficient germplasm resources and incompatibility between distantly related plant species, present significant problems in conventional breeding. Conventional nutritional plant treatments are generally unable or incapable of providing plants with resistance to environmental stresses and are therefore limited to providing benefit to otherwise healthy or flourishing plants.

[0010] It is also known that the adaptation of plants to different stress conditions may be stimulated by chemical compounds to attempt to cancel out the negative effect on their development, for example, W02010018281A1 claims the use of menadione, a vitamin K derivative, to increase the tolerance of plants to the osmotic stress caused by salinity. In relation to the use of amino acids to improve the development conditions of plants, it is widely known that mixtures of this type of organic molecules from protein hydrolysate have been used in Europe since 1968 to fertilize the land, as pesticides, fungicides and growth regulators of the crops. There are also documents that relate to the exogenous application of amino acids to increase salt tolerance of plant for instance, El-Samad et al. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Vol. 5(24), pp. 5692-5699, 30 October, 2011 which relates to the use of non-cyclic amino acids such as phenylalanine or proline; Monitoring Role of Exogenous Amino Acids on the Proteinogenic and Ionic Responses of Lettuce Plants under Salinity Stress Conditions, Horticulturae 2023, 9(6), 626 which suggests the use of lysine and threonine or patent application document US2009054241A1, wherein a proline derivative is used, specifically hydroxyproline. Also, there are documents disclosing the role of nutrients such as elemental sulphur, silicon, selenium, zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium etc. in inducing stress tolerance in crops. The patent application W02020016730A1 also discloses composition of elemental sulphur and amino acid together for soil application in order to improve the availability of sulphur and other nutrient for plant uptake. The patent application document US20210040007 Al discloses liquid formulation having glutamic acid and nutrients for stress mitigation in plants.

[0011] However, in any of these cases the efficacy in relation to the osmotic stress tolerance is still limited. Additionally, many fertilizers and nutrient mixtures recognized in the field often incorporate various water soluble salts and chemical surfactants, such as lignin sulfonate and naphthalene sulfonate. High doses of such lignin sulphonate compounds have been found to cause adverse health effects in laboratory animals. Further, conventional chemical fertilizers and nutrient products comprising water soluble salts and chemical adjuvants have long-lasting environmental impacts and contribute to groundwater pollution, adversely affecting both mammalian and aquatic ecosystems. Many of these compounds are non- biodegradable, persisting in the soil for extended periods, and they also aggravate soil salinity.

[0012] Therefore, there is an urgent need for commercial agricultural practices to adopt new plant treatments that can help to improve osmotic stress tolerance in plants specifically saline stress or improve their ability to withstand and recover from environmental challenges.

[0013] The present inventors have surprisingly found that the composition comprising elemental Sulphur in combination with hydroxyproline and alanine can effectively improve the osmotic stress tolerance of the plant. Surprisingly, the plants treated with these compositions have a greater tolerance against said stress especially when it comes to high salinity conditions, which translates into an improvement of the quality of the harvest and increased yield of the same.

[0014] It was particularly observed that the composition in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules or liquid suspension as per the present invention, helps to improve the plant yield, improves soil health and balances uptake of all nutrients by the crops and exhibits significantly enhanced plant growth, quality, vitality, vigour, health and nutrient content of the crops even under high salinity conditions. Other objects and advantages of the present invention shall become apparent from the accompanying description.

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The invention relates to a composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance in plants which comprises of combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine.

[0017] The present invention particularly relates to a composition comprising combination of elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 95% by weight of the total composition, hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition, alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition and at least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of from 0.1 micron to 50 microns. The present invention also relates to a method of preparation and application of the composition comprising combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline, alanine and at least one agricultural excipient.

[0018] The invention furthermore relates to a method for protecting plants against osmotic stress and improving plant health and yield by treating plants, a plant propagation material, locus or plant parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the composition comprising combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline, alanine and at least one agricultural excipient.

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In describing the embodiment of the invention, specific terminology is chosen for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that such specific terms include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

[0021] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability.

[0022] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] As used herein, the terms “comprising” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances.

[0024] In any aspect or embodiment described herein below, the phrase comprising may be replaced by the phrases “consisting of’ or “consisting essentially of’ or “consisting substantially of’. In these aspects or embodiment, the composition described includes or comprises or consists of or consists essentially of or consists substantially of the specific components recited therein, to the exclusion of other ingredients or excipients not specifically recited therein.

[0025] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0026] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed considering the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0027] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0028] Also, it should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “1 to 10” is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10. Also, unless denoted otherwise, percentages of components in a composition are presented as weight percent.

[0029] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0030] The term “plant” or “crop” used in this invention are interchangeable and wherever the term “plant” has been used shall also mean vegetation of similar nature namely crops, trees, shrub, herb etc. The term ‘plant’ refers to all physical parts of a plant, including seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, foliage, and fruits. The term plant includes transgenic and non-transgenic plants. The term “locus” of a plant herein is intended to embrace the place on which the plants are growing, where the plant propagation materials of the plants are sown or where the plant propagation materials of the plants will be placed into the soil.

[0031] The term “plant propagation material” is understood to denote generative parts of a plant, such as seeds, vegetative material such as cuttings or tubers, roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes and parts of plants, germinated plants and young plants which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from the soil. These young plants may be protected before transplantation by a total or partial treatment by immersion.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the ranges for each component are kept wide based on the local soil requirements, soil type, prior fertilizer practice and also on the specific needs of the crop. Often, a particular formulation is chosen with specific ranges of components such as sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine, either at the higher or lower end of the spectrum to optimize yield. Frequently, a higher amount of component is taken depending on the growth stage of the crops at the time of product application. Therefore, the invention encompasses a range of constituents that extends beyond what is exemplified or described in the specifications.

[0033] “Osmotic stress”, as used herein, refers to physiologic dysfunction caused by a sudden change in the solute concentration around a cell, which are mostly the results of drought or salinity / salt stress and which causes a rapid change in the movement of water across its cell membrane.

[0034] “Salinity stress”, as used herein refers to a condition where excessive salts in soil solution cause inhibition of plant growth and plant death. Salinity tolerance in crops can be determined by analysing the yield decline in the presence of NaCl at various concentration. As used herein the term “drought stress” is used interchangeably with water stress. The term “drought stress” as used herein can be induced in plants under conditions where reduced water content in the soil, due to a salinity of the soil, shortage of rainfall or irrigation, which leads to impaired or reduced water absorption by the plant or photosynthetic organism.

[0035] Osmotic stress such as saline stress or water stress recognized or identified by comparing a change in plant phenotypes described in more detail below between plants which have been exposed to saline / water stress conditions and plants which have not been exposed to the saline / water stress conditions. Osmotic stress in a plant or photosynthetic organism may be indicated by a change in one or more of but not limited to the following plant phenotypes, which can serve as indicators of the salinity or water stress in plants: (1) germination percentage, (2) seedling establishment rate, (3) number of healthy leaves, (4) plant length, (5) plant weight, (6) leaf area, (7) leaf colour, (8) number or weight of seeds or fruits, (9) quality of harvests, (10) flower setting rate or fruit setting rate, (11) chlorophyll content (12) plant vigor.

[0036] A mixture or combination is defined as a blend of two or more substances that are not chemically united to each other. A homogeneous mixture is defined as one whose composition is uniform throughout the mixture. It is the type of mixture where the composition is constant throughout or the components that make up the mixture are distributed uniformly.

[0037] Granules refers mainly to solid granules. The granules refer mainly to water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules, extruded granules or spheronised granules.

[0038] As described herein, “WG” or “WDG” refer to water dispersible granules and are defined as a formulation which disperses or dissolves rapidly when added to water to give a fine particle suspension. Water-dispersible granules are formulated as small, easily measured granules (an agglomeration of fine particles) by blending and agglomerating ground active ingredients together with surfactants and other formulation excipients which disperses into finer / primary particles upon addition to water. The water-dispersible granules are obtained by spray drying or by extrusion process.

[0039] As described herein the term “GR” refers to “water disintegrable granules” and are defined as a granular composition comprising agglomerated granules or particles which upon contact with sufficient water or soil moisture disintegrate or break into individual particles releasing the actives instantaneously and also over a longer period which may extend throughout the crop cycle.

[0040] “Quick release” or “instant release” or “instantaneous dispersion” can be used interchangeably and is applicable to granules which rapidly disperse to release the constituents present therein.

[0041] A ‘liquid suspension’ encompasses, “aqueous suspension” or aqueous dispersion” or “suspension concentrate (SC)” composition. The suspension is defined as composition wherein solid particles are dispersed or suspended in a liquid. The liquid as a vehicle can be water and / or a water miscible solvent. The water miscible solvent is environmentally safe.

[0042] The term ‘Elemental Sulphur’ used in the composition refers to elemental sulphur (S°). The term includes allotropes of elemental sulfur such as plastic (amorphous) sulfur, monoclinic sulfur, rhombic sulfur composed of S8 molecules, and other ring molecules such as S7 and S12. The term also comprises sulphur produced through processing and refining of petrochemicals. The term also comprises ‘biosulfur’. The term also comprises elemental Sulphur produced through microbial processes.

[0043] Further, the active dosage of active in a composition applied in the field experiment is of elemental active. The particle size of the composition is defined as the particle of size of the composition in the form of water dispersible granules or water disintegrable granule or liquid suspension as a whole comprising elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline, alanine and excipient. DIO is used to indicate particle size distribution and represent 10% of the total particles to be smaller than the determined size. D50 is the corresponding particle size when the cumulative percentage reaches 50%. D50 is also called the median particle diameter or median particle size and represent an average 50% of the total particles to be smaller than the determined size. D90 is used to indicate particle size distribution and represent 90% of the total particles to be smaller than the determined size. D90 is also the corresponding particle size when the cumulative percentage reaches 90%.

[0044] The invention relates to a composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance in plants which comprises of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline, alanine and at least one agricultural excipient.

[0045] According to an embodiment, elemental sulphur content is in the range of 1% to 95% by weight of the total composition; hydroxyproline is in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition and alanine is in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0046] More particularly, the present composition comprises of particles in the size range of 0.1-50 microns.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the elemental sulphur is present in the concentration range of 1% w / w to 95% w / w of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the elemental sulphur is present in the concentration range of 1% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 1% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 1% w / w to 75% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 1% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 1% w / w to 65% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 1% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 1% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 5% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 5% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 10% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, elemental sulphur is present in the range of 20% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition.

[0048] According to an embodiment, hydroxyproline is present in a concentration range of from 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, hydroxyproline is present in a concentration range of from 0.01% to 10% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, hydroxyproline is present in a concentration range of from 0.01% to 5% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, hydroxyproline is present in a concentration range of from 0.05% to 10% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, hydroxyproline is present in a concentration range of from 0.05% to 10% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, hydroxyproline is present preferably in a concentration range of from 0.05% to 5% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, hydroxyproline is present more preferably in a concentration range of from 0.03% to 5% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, hydroxyproline is L-hydroxyproline or D- hydroxyproline or mixture thereof. In a further embodiment, hydroxyproline is L- hydroxyproline.

[0049] According to an embodiment, alanine is present in a concentration range of from 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, alanine is present in a concentration range of from 0.01% to 10% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, alanine is present in a concentration range of from 0.01% to 5% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, alanine is present in a concentration range of from 0.05% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, alanine is present in a concentration range of from 0.05% to 10% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, alanine is present preferably in a concentration range of from 0.05% to 5% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, alanine is present more preferably in a concentration range of from 0.06% to 1% by weight of the total composition.

[0050] According to an embodiment, alanine is L- alanine or D- alanine or mixture thereof. In a further embodiment, alanine is L-alanine.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises hydroxyproline and alanine in weight ratio of 20:1 to 1:20. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises hydroxyproline and alanine in weight ratio of 10:1 to 1:10. According to an embodiment, the composition preferably comprises hydroxyproline and alanine in weight ratio of 5:1 to 1:5. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises hydroxyproline and alanine in weight ratio of 4:1 to 1:4. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises hydroxyproline and alanine in weight ratio of 3:1 to 1:3. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises hydroxyproline and alanine in weight ratio of 2:1 to 1:2. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises hydroxyproline and alanine in weight ratio of 1:1. According to an embodiment, the composition is in the form of a solid or a liquid or a gel. The solid composition is in the form of one of water dispersible granules, broadcast granules, extruded granules, wettable powders or water disintegrable granules.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the solid composition is in the form of water dispersible granules or water disintegrable granules.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the liquid composition is in the form of liquid suspension.

[0054] According to an embodiment the invention relates to a composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance of a plant, said composition comprising of: a) Elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 95% by weight of the total composition; b) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d) At least one agrochemical excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns.

[0055] According to an embodiment the invention relates to a composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance of a plant, said composition comprising of: a) Elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 95% by weight of the total composition; b) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d) At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition

[0056] Wherein the composition is in the form of a water dispersible granules or a water disintegrable granules or a liquid suspension and comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns.

[0057] The inventor of the present invention has surprisingly found that the composition comprising elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 95% by weight of the total composition, hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition and alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition demonstrated synergistic effect compared to the activity of the individual components and combinations of two components at a time in terms of greater tolerance against osmotic stress especially when it comes to high salinity conditions, which translates into an improvement of the quality of the harvest and increased yield of the same.

[0058] In addition to the synergistic effect, the composition of the present invention in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules or liquid suspension, helps to improve the plant yield, improves soil health and balances uptake of all nutrients by the crops and exhibits significantly enhanced plant growth, quality, vitality, vigour, health and nutritive value of the crops even under high salinity conditions.

[0059] The inventor of the present invention surprisingly found that when the composition comprises elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules or liquid suspension with the particles of the composition in the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns, it also enhances the stability of the formulation along with absorption of sulphur by the crops on application via soil or foliar route thereby resulting in strengthening and fortification of crops and thereby preventing pest and disease occurrence. The specific particle size range of the composition increases the surface area of elemental sulphur and thereby enables the product to cover wider surface area thus enabling the bio-effectiveness at substantially lower dosage. It was further surprisingly noted by the inventor that the present composition also addresses the unavailability of nutrients from the highly saline soil caused due to the long-term application of NPK and other water soluble fertilizers and also reduces the amount of NPK fertilizers required.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the composition is in the form of water dispersible granules or water disintegrable granules.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules comprises: a) Elemental sulphur in the range of 5% to 95% by the weight of the total composition; b) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d) At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition wherein the composition comprises of particles in the size range of 0.1-30 microns.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the composition in the form of water disintegrable granules comprises: a) Elemental sulphur in the range of 5% to 95% by the weight of the total composition; b) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d) At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition wherein the composition comprises of particles in the size range of 0.1-50 microns.

[0063] According to a further embodiment, the composition is in the form of liquid suspension preferably in the form of an aqueous suspension.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the composition in the form of liquid suspension comprises: a) Elemental sulphur in the range of 5% to 55% by the weight of the total composition; b) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d) At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition wherein the composition comprises of particles in the size range of 0.1-30 microns.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 40 microns. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 20 microns. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 15 microns. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 10 microns. According to an embodiment, the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 5 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 20 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 15 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 10 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 5 microns.

[0066] According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 50 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 40 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 30 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 25 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 20 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises particles having diameter distribution of D90 of about 10 microns.

[0067] According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention in the form of water dispersible granules or liquid suspension comprises particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 15 microns and D90 of 30 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention in the form of water dispersible granules or liquid suspension comprises particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 10 microns and D90 of 20 microns. According to another embodiment, the composition of the present invention in the form of water dispersible granules or liquid suspension comprises particles having diameter distribution of D50 of about 5 microns and D90 of 10 microns.

[0068] The inventor of the present invention surprisingly observed that the present composition when formulated at a specific particle size of 0.1 micron to 50 microns, more specifically at a particle size of 0.1 micron to 30 microns and in particular 0.1 micron to 10 microns made the nutrients specifically sulphur and other nutrient present in the soil readily available for uptake by the plants and increase the overall yield even under high salinity condition of soil. Thus, the particle size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns of the composition was found to be important not only in terms of ease of application of the composition in the field but also in terms of efficacy.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the water dispersible granules of the composition are in the size range of 0.05 mm to 4 mm. According to a still further embodiment, the water dispersible granules of the composition are preferably in the size range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm. According to a still further embodiment, the water dispersible granules of the composition are more preferably in the size range of 0.05 mm to 2 mm.

[0070] According to a further embodiment, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules have at least one dimension in a size range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm. According to a further embodiment, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules have at least one dimension in a size range of 0.05 mm to 2 mm.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the composition in the form of water disintegrable granular form has granules in the size range of 0.1 mm to 6mm. According to a further embodiment, the composition in the form of water disintegrable granules may have at least one dimension in a size range of 0.1 mm to 6 mm. According to an embodiment, the composition further comprises one or more agriculturally acceptable excipient (agricultural excipient).

[0072] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises one or more organic excipients.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the agriculturally acceptable excipient is selected from one or more of surfactants including organic surfactants, emulsifiers, wetting agents and dispersing agents, fillers or carriers or diluents, disintegrating agent, spreading agents, colorants, anticaking agents, binders, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents, pigments, stabilizers, antifoaming agents or defoamers, penetrants, structuring agents, humectants, sticking agents, anti-freezing agent or freeze point depressants, chelating or complexing or sequestering agents, preservatives or bactericides or anti-fungal agents or biocides or anti-microbial agents or antioxidants and mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize additional agriculturally acceptable excipients without departing from the scope of the present invention. The agriculturally acceptable excipients are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the composition in the form of granules comprises at least one excipient selected from surfactant including organic surfactants, emulsifiers, wetting agents, dispersing agents, binders or fillers or carriers or diluent, disintegrating agent, buffer or pH adjuster or neutralizing agent, antifoaming agent, anti-settling agents, anticaking agent, penetrating agent, sticking agent, tackifier, pigments, colorants, stabilizers, water soluble inerts, and mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize additional agriculturally acceptable excipients without departing from the scope of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the liquid suspension composition comprises at least one excipient selected from surfactants including organic surfactants, structuring agent, humectants, solvents, water miscible solvents, spreading agent, suspending agents or suspension aid or anti-settling, penetrating agent, sticking agents, drift reducing agents, preservatives, stabilizers, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents, antifreezing agent or freeze point depressants, antifoaming agents. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize additional agriculturally acceptable excipients without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0075] The excipient is present in the concentration range of from 5% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. The excipient is present in the concentration range of from 10% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. The excipient is present in the concentration range of from 10% w / w to 80% w / w of the total composition. The excipient is present in the concentration range of from 10% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition. The excipient is present in the concentration range of from 10% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition. The excipient is present in the concentration range of from 10% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the surfactants that are used in the composition of the present invention include one or more of emulsifiers, wetting agents, and dispersing agents. According to an embodiment, the surfactants that are used in the composition include one or more of anionic, non-ionic, and polymeric surfactants.

[0077] The anionic surfactants include one or more of, but not limited to a salt of Fatty Acid, a Polycarboxylate, Alkyl Ether Sulfates, an Alkyl Sulfate, an Alkylarylsulfate, an Alkylaryl Sulfonate, an Aryl Sulfonate, a Lignin Sulfonate, an Alkyl Diphenyl Ether Disulfonate, a Polystyrene Sulfonate, a Salt of Alkylphosphoric Acid Ester, an Alkylaryl Phosphate, a Styrylaryl Phosphate, a Salt Of Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ether Sulfuric Acid Ester, Alpha Olefin Sulfonate Sodium Salt, Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate or Its Salts, Sodium Lauroyl sarcosinate, Sulfosuccinates, Polyacrylates, Alkyl Ether Phosphate, a Salt of Polyoxyethylene alkylaryl Phosphoric Acid Ester, Sulfosuccinates -Mono and other Diesters, Phosphate Esters, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate-Isopropyl and Butyl Derivatives; Alkyl Aryl Ether Phosphates, a salt of Polyoxyethylene Aryl Ether Phosphoric Acid Ester, Mono-Alkyl Sulphosuccinates, Aromatic Hydrocarbon Sulphonates, Ammonium Laurylsulphate, Soap, Soap Substitute, Sodium Alkyl Sulfate, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, Sodium Dodecyl benzenesulfonate, Sodium Laurate, Sodium Laurethsulfate, Sodium Nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, Alkyl Carboxylates, Sodium Stearate, Alpha Olefin Sulphonates, Naphthalene Sulfonate Salts, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Fatty Acid salts, Naphthalene Sulfonate Condensates- Sodium salt, Fatty Alcohol Sulphates, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Condensates- Sodium Salt, A Naphthalene Sulfonic Acid Condensed with Formaldehyde or a Salt of Alkyl naphthalene Sulfonic Acid condensed with Formaldehyde or salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anionic surfactants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0078] The non-ionic surfactants or polymeric surfactants include one or more of but not limited to Polyol Esters, Polyol Fatty Acid Esters, Ethoxylated and Propoxylated Fatty Alcohols, EO and PO Block Copolymers, Di, Tri-Block Copolymers, Polysorbates, Alkyl Polysaccharides, Polyoxyethylene Glycol, Sorbitan Derivatives, Fatty Acid Esters of Sorbitan (Spans) and Their Ethoxylated Derivatives (Tweens), Cocamide Monoethanolamine (MEA), Decyl, Narrow- Range Ethoxylate, Oleyl Alcohol, PEG- 10, Polysorbate, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan, Sorbitanmonolaurate, Sorbitanmonostearate, Sorbitantristearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Castor Oil Ethoxylate, Polyglycol Ethers, Polyadducts of Ethylene Oxide and Propylene Oxide, Polyoxy Ethylene Sorbitan, Fatty Acid Polyglyceride, Polyoxyethylene Alkyl Ether, Polyoxyethylenealkylaryl Ether, a Polyoxyethylenestyrylaryl Ether, a Polyoxyethylene Glycol Alkyl Ether, Alcohol Ethoxylates- C6 to C16 / 18 Alcohols, Linear and Branched, Alcohol Alkoxylates- Various Hydrophobes and EO / PO Contents and Ratios, a Polyoxyethylene Hydrogenated Castor Oil, salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different non-ionic surfactants or polymeric surfactants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the dispersing agents which are used in the composition include, but not limited to non-ionic dispersants selected from one or more of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether, ethoxylated fatty acids, aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates-? alkyl ethoxylates, EO-PO block and graft copolymers. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different non-ionic dispersants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the dispersing agents which are used in the composition include, but not limited to anionic dispersants selected from one or more of sulfated fatty alcohol glycol ethers, tristyrylphenolethoxylate phosphate esters; lignin sulphonates, phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and ammonium salts of lignosulfonic acid, lignin derivatives, alkylarylsulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, mixture of sodium salt of naphthalene sulphonic acid urea formaldehyde condensate and sodium salt of phenol sulphonic formaldehyde condensate, polycarboxylates, sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates, sodium salts of sulfonated naphthalene, sodium naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensates, condensation products of aryl sulphonic acids and formaldehyde, polyaromatic sulfonates, sodium alkyl aryl sulfonates. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anionic dispersants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the dispersing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the dispersing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the dispersing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0083] According to an embodiment the wetting agents used in the composition include, but are not limited to one or more of phenol naphthalene sulphonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, naphthalene sulphonate sodium salt, dibutylnaphthalene- sulfonic acid, alkylarylsulfonates, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, polyoxyethoxylated fatty alcohols, alkane sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether sulphates and alkyl sulfosuccinic monoesters, salts, derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different wetting agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the spreading agents which are used in the composition include but are not limited to one or more of copolymer of maleic acid with a styrene compound, a (meth)acrylic acid copolymer, aliphatic alcohols, vegetable oils such as cottonseed or inorganic oils, petroleum distillates, trisiloxanes and modified trisiloxanes, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different spreading agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the spreading agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the pigments and colorants are selected from but not limited to synthetic chemicals obtained from various manufacturers. The pigments and colorants can be water soluble or water insoluble, in the form of lakes. Dyes can be solvent dyes, acid dyes or basic dyes. Examples of such products include, but not limited, Unisperse Red 3855, Pigmosol Agro Red 3785, pigment 15. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known pigments and colorants without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the pigments and colorants are present in the range of 0.01% to 5% by weight of the total composition.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the composition is organic composition devoid of any harmful chemical adjuvants. According to an embodiment, the organic composition comprises excipients that are of natural origin or are certifiable as organic.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the composition comprises organic surfactants. According to an embodiment, the term ‘organic surfactant’ refers to surfactants that are of natural origin or are certifiable as organic.

[0092] According to a further embodiment, the organic surfactant which are used in the composition include, but are not limited to one or more of gum Arabic, gumkaraya, gum ghatti (gum dhawada), larch gum, collagen, Albizia gum, Abelmoschus gum, Bhara gum, Cashew gum, Cordio gum, Grewia gum, Hakea gum, Khaya gum, Katira gum, Kondagogu gum, Leucaena, seed gum, Malva nut gum, Mucuna gum, Moringa gum, Neem gum, Sesbanic gum, Horse-chestnut, Oat, Sugarbeet (leaves), Quinoa, Chickpea, Saffron crocus, Soybean, Licorice, Ivy, Alfalfa, Chinese ginseng, American ginseng, Green pea, Milkwort, Primula, Quillaja bark (LATAM), Soapwort, Sarsaparilla, Fenugreek, or Yucca as an extract or powdered form thereof. According to an embodiment dispersing agent comprises fulvic acid. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known organic surfactants without departing from the scope of the present invention. The organic surfactants are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0093] According to a further embodiment, the composition can comprise natural diluents. According to a further embodiment, natural diluents which are used in the composition include, but are not limited to one or more of water soluble substances. For example, natural diluents comprise water soluble minerals or salts such as sulphates of sodium or potassium, or sodium chloride, or potassium chloride.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the binding agents or binders which are used in the composition include, but are not limited to one or more of lactose, water soluble cellulose derivatives, starch, dextrins, bentonite, carbohydrates such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, clays such as kaolin clay, attapulgite clay their derivatives and combinations thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different binding agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The binding agents are organic in nature or certifiable as organic and are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the binder is present in the range of 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total composition. 1 According to an embodiment, the carriers which are used in the composition include, but are not limited to one or more of solid carriers or fillers or diluents. According to another embodiment, the carriers include mineral carriers, plant carriers, water-soluble carriers. The solid carriers include bentonite, clay, dolomite, kaolin, diatomaceous silicas, talc, natural silicates, starch, modified starch (Pineflow, available from Matsutani Chemical industry Co., Ltd.), plant carriers such as cellulose, starch, sucrose, Lactose, maltodextrin and dextrin. Water insoluble carriers include, but not limited to clays, microcrystalline cellulose, volcanic ash, diatomaceous earth, soap stone, starch. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different carriers without departing from the scope of the present invention. The carriers are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 95% by weight of the composition. According to a further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 80% by weight of the composition. According to a further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 70% by weight of the composition. According to a further embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the composition.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the disintegrating agents which are used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of inorganic water soluble salts e.g. sodium chloride; water soluble organic compounds such as agar, hydroxypropyl starch, carboxymethyl starch ether, tragacanth, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, metal stearates, a cellulose powder, dextrin, methacrylate copolymer, Polyplasdone® XL-10 (crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone), poly(vinylpyrrolidone). However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known disintegrating agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the disintegrating agent is present in the range of 0.5% to 15% by weight of the total composition.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the anticaking agents which are used in composition include, but are not limited to one or more of silica, Perlite, Mica, Talc, soapstone, clays, ester gum, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different anti-caking agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The anti-caking agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the anticaking agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the antifoaming agents or defoamers which are used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of silica, silicone dioxide, vegetable oils, petroleum oils, paraffin oil, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known antifoaming agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The antifoaming agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the anti-foaming agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the anti-foaming agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the sticking agents which are used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of mineral oils, vegetable oils, petroleum oil, silicone oils, emulsifiers, fish oil or fatty acid soaps or emulsified vegetable oil, cellulose derivatives, natural polymers like xanthan gum. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known sticking agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the sticking agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the preservatives which are used in the composition include but not limited to, one or more of bactericides, anti-fungal agents, biocides, anti-microbial agents, and antioxidant. Non-limiting examples of preservatives include one or more of potassium Sorbate, potassium Benzoate, sodium benzoate, paraben, salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known preservatives without departing from the scope of the present invention. The preservatives are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the preservative is present in the range of 0.01% to 2% by weight of the total composition.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the structuring agents which are used in the composition include, but not limited to one or more of thickeners, viscosity modifiers, tackifiers, suspension aids, rheological modifiers or antisettling agents. The structuring agents comprises one or more of xanthan gum, metal silicates, methylcellulose, polysaccharide, alkaline earth metal silicate, bentonite, attapulgite, kaolin or polyvinyl alcohol. The structuring agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known structuring agents without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0107] Preferred structuring agents include one or more of xanthan gum, aluminum silicate, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, polysaccharide, alkaline earth metal silicate, clays, gelatin, and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the composition. According to an embodiment, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% by weight of the composition. According to an embodiment, the structuring agent is present in 0.01% to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the antifreezing agents or freezing point depressants used in the liquid suspension composition include, but are not limited to one or more of polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, glycol ethers, glycol monoethers, carbohydrates such as fructose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, xylose, arabinose, trehalose, raffinose or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different antifreezing agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The antifreezing agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the anti-freezing agents or freezing point depressants is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the chelating or complexing or sequestering agents which are used in the liquid suspension composition include, but not limited to one or more of alpha-hydroxy acids, such as citric acid; fulvic acid, cyclodextrin, humic acid. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other chelating or complexing or sequestering agents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The chelating or complexing or sequestering agents are commercially manufactured and available through various companies. According to an embodiment, the chelating agents is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the penetrant which is used in the liquid suspension composition include, but not limited to one or more of alcohol, glycol, etc. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize different penetrants without departing from the scope of the present invention. The penetrants are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the penetrant is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the humectant which are used in the composition include, but are not limited to one or more of propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and the like. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other conventionally known humectants without departing from the scope of the present invention. The humectants are commercially manufactured and available through various companies.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the humectant is present in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the composition optionally include at least one further active ingredient. According to an embodiment, the optional active ingredient include one or more of pesticidal active ingredients, fertilizers, micronutrients, macronutrients, biostimulants, organic acids or mixtures thereof. According to further embodiment, the pesticidal active is one or more of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, miticides, acaricides, nematicides, pheromones, algicides, antifeedants, avicides, bactericides, bird repellents, biopesticides, insect repellents, ovicides, rodenticides, etc. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to utilize other active ingredients without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0117] According to further embodiment, the further active ingredient is present in the concentration range of 0.01% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiment, the active ingredient is present in the concentration range of 0.01% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiment, the active ingredient is present in the concentration range of 0.01% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition.

[0118] According to an embodiment, the composition is devoid of fertilizers that primarily comprise urea, ammonium sulphate or other conventional nitrogen fertilizers.

[0119] The composition of the present invention containing the organic excipients, is safe for environment, humans and animals. Consequently, the composition eliminates the residual effects and toxicity problem posed by the use of the conventional chemical adjuvants and surfactants. Further, the inventor found that the composition of the present invention which excludes conventional synthetic surfactants and dispersing agents such as lignin or naphthalene sulfonates, demonstrated remarkable dispersibility, suspensibility, and stability under accelerated storage conditions, even in the absence of these surfactants.

[0120] It has been surprisingly found that this composition possesses significantly enhanced physical properties, including dispersibility, suspensibility, wettability, viscosity, pourability, flowability, and spontaneous dispersion. These improvements facilitate easier handling and minimize material loss during packaging and field application, ultimately leading to superior efficacy in practical use.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the composition exhibits good dispersibility. Dispersibility is defined as the ability of the granules to disperse on addition to water. The granules is tested for dispersibility as per the CIPAC Handbook, "MT 174 Test for Dispersibility”. A known amount of granule sample is added to a defined volume of water and mixed by stirring to form a suspension. After standing for a short period, the top nine-tenths are drawn off and the remaining tenth dried and determined gravimetrically. The method is virtually a shortened test of suspensibility and is appropriate for establishing the ease with which a granule disperses uniformly in water.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the composition has a dispersibility of at least 50%. According to an embodiment, the composition has a dispersibility of at least 60%. According to an embodiment, the composition has a dispersibility of at least 70%. According to an embodiment, the composition has a dispersibility of at least 80%. According to an embodiment, the composition has a dispersibility of at least 90%. According to an embodiment, the composition has a dispersibility of at least 95%. According to an embodiment, the composition has a dispersibility of at least 99%.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention demonstrates superior dispersibility under accelerated storage condition (ATS) i.e. after storage at 45°C for 6 weeks. According to an embodiment, the composition demonstrates a dispersibility of more than 40% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the composition demonstrates a dispersibility of more than 60% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the composition demonstrates a dispersibility of more than 50% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the composition demonstrates a dispersibility of more than 70% under ATS.

[0124] According to an embodiment, the composition exhibits good suspensibility. Suspensibility is defined as state of the formulation wherein the actives remain suspended in a liquid medium. The composition having good suspensibility tend to remain uniformly suspended for the period of application and does not tend to cake or settle at the base of the container in which the formulation is stored. According to an embodiment, the compositions have a suspensibility of at least 40%. According to an embodiment, the compositions have a suspensibility of at least 50%. According to an embodiment, the compositions have a suspensibility of at least 60%. According to an embodiment, the compositions have a suspensibility of at least 70%. According to an embodiment, the compositions have a suspensibility of at least 80%. According to an embodiment, the compositions have a suspensibility of at least 90%. According to an embodiment, the compositions have a suspensibility of at least 95%. According to an embodiment, the compositions have a suspensibility of at least 99%.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention demonstrates superior suspensibility under accelerated storage condition (ATS) i.e. after storage at 45°C for 6 weeks. According to an embodiment, the composition demonstrates a suspensibility of more than 40% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the composition demonstrates a suspensibility of more than 60% under ATS. According to an embodiment, the composition demonstrates a suspensibility of more than 70% under ATS.

[0126] According to an embodiment, the granules exhibit superior wet sieve retention values. The lower the wet sieve retention value better is the product for application as it will prevent nozzle choking. The Samples can be tested for wet sieve retention as per the CIPAC Handbook, "MT 185 Wet Sieve Test”. A sample of the formulation is dispersed in water and the suspension formed is transferred to the sieve and washed. The amount of the material retained on the sieve is determined by drying and weighing.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the granules have a wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve of less than 10%. According to an embodiment, the granules have a wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve of less than 5%. According to an embodiment, the granules have a wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve of less than 2%. According to an embodiment, the granules have a wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve of less than 1%. According to an embodiment, the granules have a wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve of less than 0.5%.

[0128] Attrition resistance determines the resistance of a granular material to wear. The granular composition of the present invention has good attrition resistance. The Samples can be tested for attrition as per the CIPAC Handbook specified test, "MT 178.2 - Attrition resistance of granules”. According to an embodiment, the attrition resistance of the granular composition of the present invention is at least 50%. According to an embodiment, the attrition resistance of the granular composition of the present invention is at least 60%. According to an embodiment, the attrition resistance of the granular composition of the present invention is at least 70%. According to an embodiment, the attrition resistance of the granular composition of the present invention is at least 80%. According to an embodiment, the attrition resistance of the granular composition of the present invention is at least 90%.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the composition in the form of liquid suspension is not highly concentrated and is easily pourable. The viscosity of a fluid is a measure of its resistance to gradual deformation by shear stress or tensile stress. In simple words, viscosity is resistance of fluid to flow or measure of fluid friction. These viscosity ranges can be measured using suitable viscosity measuring equipment. The viscosity should be low enough to ensure good pouring and dispersing properties, yet high enough so that the suspension has sufficient stability. According to an embodiment, the composition can have a viscosity at 25° C of less than 3000cps. According to an embodiment, the composition can have a viscosity at 25° C. of about 300 cps to about 2000 cps. According to an embodiment, the composition can have a viscosity at 25° C. of about 300 cps to about 800 cps. According to an embodiment, the composition can have a viscosity at 25° C. of about 360 cps to about 1000 cps. According to an embodiment, the pourability of the liquid suspension is determined as per CIPAC MT- 148 by allowing the suspension to stand for 24 hrs and the amount remaining in the container after a standardized pouring procedure is determined. The container is rinsed and the amount then remaining is determined and the maximum residue in percent is calculated. According to an embodiment, the maximum rinsed residue is less than 15%. According to an embodiment, the maximum rinsed residue is less than 10%. According to an embodiment, the maximum rinsed residue is less than 5%. According to an embodiment, the rinsed residue is less than 2.5%.

[0130] According to an embodiment, the spontaneity of dispersion is measured as per CIPAC MT 160. It involves preparing 250 ml of a mixture of formulation and water, mixed with only one inversion of the measuring cylinder. After standing under defined conditions the top nine-tenths is removed, and the remaining tenth assayed chemically, gravimetrically or by solvent extraction. The spontaneity of dispersion is readily calculated. According to an embodiment, the liquid suspension composition has a spontaneity of dispersion of 30%. According to an embodiment, the composition has a spontaneity of dispersion of 60%. According to an embodiment, the composition has a spontaneity of dispersion of 80%. According to an embodiment, the composition has a spontaneity of dispersion of 95%.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the composition of the present invention demonstrates superior stability towards heat, light, temperature and caking. According to an embodiment, the stability exhibited by the composition is at least 3 years. According to a further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the composition is at least 2 years. According to a further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the composition is at least 1 year. According to a further embodiment, the stability exhibited by the composition is at least 6 months.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules has hardness of less than 4 Newtons. According to further embodiment, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules hardness of less than 3 Newtons. According to further embodiment, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules has hardness of less than 2 Newtons. According to further embodiment, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules preferably has hardness of less than 1 Newtons.

[0133] More preferably, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a nil hardness. The reference to nil hardness is indicative of the fact that the hardness of the granules cannot be measured by the hardness measuring apparatus. The hardness exhibited by the granules can be estimated by hardness testers such as the ones provided by Vinsyst Portable Table Hardness Tester VTHT series.

[0134] According to an embodiment, the invention furthermore relate to the process of preparation of the composition comprising of: e) Elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 95% by weight of the total composition; f) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; g) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and h) At least one agrochemical excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns.

[0135] According to an embodiment, the invention furthermore relate to the process of preparation of the composition comprising of: a) Elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 95% by weight of the total composition; b) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d) At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition

[0136] Wherein the composition is in the form of a water dispersible granules or a water disintegrable granules or a liquid suspension and comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns.

[0137] According to further embodiment, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules is made by various techniques such as spray drying, fluidized bed granulation, extrusion, freeze drying, spheronization etc.

[0138] The invention also relates to a process for preparing the composition in the form of water dispersible granules, the process comprising: i) milling a mixture of: a) Elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 95% by weight of the total composition; b) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d) At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition in water to obtain a slurry or wet mix, wherein the particles are in the size range of 0.1 to 30 microns and ii) drying the slurry or wet mix in a spray dryer, fluid bed dryer, or any suitable granulating equipment to obtain water dispersible granules.

[0139] The water dispersible granules are further sieved to remove the undersized and oversized granules and obtain the desired size. According to another embodiment, the composition in the form of water dispersible granules is also made by dry milling a mixture of: i) Elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 95% by weight of the total composition; ii) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; iii) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and iv) At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition in an air mill or a jet mill to obtain a homogeneous mixture with fine particle size. Water is added to the dry powder and the mixture is blended to obtain a dough or paste or wet mix, which is then extruded through an extruder to obtain the granules comprising particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns. The water dispersible granules are further sieved to remove the undersized and oversized granules and obtain the desired size.

[0140] According to another embodiment, the invention further relates to the process for preparing the water disintegrable granules which involves milling a blend comprising of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline, alanine and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient to obtain slurry or a wet mix, wherein the particles are in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. The wet mix obtained is then dried, for instance in a spray dryer, fluid bed dryer or any suitable granulating equipment, followed by sieving to remove the undersized and oversized granules to obtain a dried mix. Water is added to the dried mix and blended to obtain a dough or paste, which is then extruded through an extruder to obtain the extruded granules in a size range of 0.05 mm to 6 mm. Alternatively, the wet mix or dried mix obtained, is agglomerated in an agglomerator to obtain spheronised granular or a water disintegrable granular composition in a size range of 0.05 mm to 6 mm. The disintegrable granules have elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition, hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition, alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0141] The agglomerator includes various equipments such as a disc pelletizer or pan granulator, pin agglomerator, spheronizer, or combinations thereof.

[0142] According to an embodiment, the invention further relates to the process for preparing the water disintegrable granules which involves milling a blend comprising an effective amounts of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline, alanine and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient to obtain a dry mix, wherein the particles are in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. Water or moisture is introduced to form a dough which is then extruded to form water disintegrable granules of 0.05 mm to 6 mm.

[0143] According to an embodiment, the process of preparing the aqueous suspension composition involves: i) the homogenization of mixture of: a) Elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 95% by weight of the total composition; b) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d) At least one agricultural excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition to obtain a suspension; and wet milling the obtained suspension to provide composition with a particle size in the range of 0.1 to 30 microns.

[0144] The process of preparing the aqueous suspension, involves homogenization of one or more of excipients by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. Elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine are added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for about 5 to 10 min. until the total mixture becomes homogeneous. Subsequently, the suspension obtained is passed through the wet mill to obtain a desired particle size in the range of 0.1 to 30 microns. If required, one or more of excipients such as structuring agent or optionally biocide or preservatives are added to the obtained suspension, under continuous homogenization. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to modify or alter or change the process or process parameters to obtain suspension concentrate composition without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0145] According to an embodiment, the invention further relates to the use of the composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance of a plant or as a crop strengthener composition, crop fortification composition, a nutrient composition, a soil conditioner composition and a yield enhancer composition.

[0146] The invention furthermore relates to a method for protecting plants against osmotic stress and improving plant health and yield by treating plants, a plant propagation material, locus or plant parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the composition comprising of elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 95% by weight of the total composition, hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition, alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0147] According to an embodiment, the invention also relates to the method of application of the composition of the present invention to the soil, seed or the foliage of the plant or to the crop. The composition is applied as a foliar spray or to the soil, seed treatment, in-furrow application, through broadcasting or through drip or trickle irrigation.

[0148] The composition may be sprayed directly to the plant, such as its foliage or applied to the plant propagation material, before it is sown or planted, or to the locus thereof. Methods of applying to the soil include any suitable method, which ensures that the composition penetrates the soil, for example nursery tray application, in furrow application, soil drenching, soil injection, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, broad casting etc. The composition is also applied in the form of a foliar spray. Thus, the compositions of the invention is used in all possible ways of application, as per the convenience of the user.

[0149] The rates of application or the dosage of the composition depends on the type of use, the type of crops, or the specific active ingredients in the composition but is such that the crop nutrition active ingredient, is in an effective amount to provide the desired action (such as crop nutrition, crop yield).

[0150] According to an embodiment the composition is applied at least 1 to 5 times in a life cycle of the crops.

[0151] It has been surprisingly observed that the composition comprising elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 95% by weight of the total composition, Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition and Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition demonstrated synergistic effect compared to the activity of the individual components and combinations of two components at a time in terms of greater tolerance against osmotic stress especially high salinity soil conditions, which in turn resulted into an improvement of the quality of the harvest and increased yield of the same.

[0152] In addition to the synergistic effect, the composition of the present invention in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules or liquid suspension comprising elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine with the particles of the composition in the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns, not only enhances the stability of the formulation but also addresses the unavailability of nutrients from the highly saline soil which in turn resulted in significant improvement in the plant yield, plant growth, quality, vitality, vigour, health and nutritive value of the crops even at substantially lower dosage.

[0153] Thus, it was also observed that the present composition comprising a combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine in specific proportions when formulated along with the selected particle size distribution, allows the composition to address the challenges faced while practical application and also overcomes the issues related to distribution and availability of the nutrients under high salinity condition. The composition of the invention provided a greater and balanced uptake of the nutrients, leading to healthier plants or crops, and increases the overall crop yield as well as the quality of the produce at a reduced dosage of application under saline stress condition.

[0154] A. PREPARATION EXAMPLES:

[0155] The following examples illustrate the basic methodology and versatility of the composition of the invention. It should be noted that this invention is not limited to these exemplifications. The form of the composition, excipients and the concentrations of actives and excipients can be replaced by any other forms, excipients and concentrations as covered in the present invention.

[0156] EXAMPLE 1: Sulphur 5% + Hydroxyproline 20% + Alanine 20% WDG

[0157] 5.2 Parts of elemental sulphur powder was blended with 20.55 parts of hydroxyproline, 20.55 parts of alanine and 10 parts of sodium citrate, 10 parts of gum ghatti, 2 parts of fulvic acid and balance clay in 120 parts of water and milled to average particle size below 5 microns. The milled slurry was spray dried / fluid bed dried to obtain product having granule size below 1 mm.

[0158] The composition had a dispersibility of 85%, suspensibility of 80%, wetting out time of 3 sec, wet sieve retention 0.05%, heat stability dispersibility of 82% and heat stability suspensibility of 76%. EXAMPLE 2: Sulphur 15% + Hydroxyproline 20% + Alanine 10% WDG

[0159] 16 Parts of elemental sulphur powder was blended with 20.55 parts of hydroxyproline, 10.2 parts of alanine, 12 parts of gum ghatti, 2 parts of fulvic acid, 12 parts of sodium citrate and balance clay in 110 parts of water and milled to average particle size below 5 microns. The milled slurry was spray dried / fluid bed dried to obtain product having granule size below 2mm.

[0160] The composition had a dispersibility of 65%, suspensibility of 60%, wetting out time of 10 sec, wet sieve retention 0.08%, heat stability dispersibility of 61% and heat stability suspensibility was 58%,

[0161] EXAMPLE 3: Sulphur 55% + Hydroxyproline 0.03% + Alanine 0.5% WDG

[0162] 57 Parts of elemental sulphur powder was blended with 0.042 parts of hydroxyproline, 0.53 parts of alanine, 14 parts of gum arabic, 2 parts of fulvic acid 2 parts of sodium citrate and balance clay in 120 parts of water and milled to average particle size below 4 microns the milled slurry was spray dried / fluid bed dried to obtain product having granule size below 1 mm.

[0163] The composition had a dispersibility of 78%, suspensibility of 72%, wetting out time of 3 sec, wet sieve retention 0.02%, heat stability dispersibility of 76% and heat stability suspensibility was 70%

[0164] EXAMPLE 4: Sulphur 80% + Hydroxyproline 0.6% + Alanine 0.6% WDG

[0165] 81 Parts of elemental sulphur powder was blended with 0.63 parts of hydroxyproline, 0.63 parts of alanine and 10 parts of gum arabia, 1 part of fulvic acid, 4 parts of sodium citrate and balance clay in 100 parts of water and milled to average particle size of 6 microns. The milled slurry was spray dried / fluid bed dried to obtain product having granule size below 1.5 mm.

[0166] The composition had a dispersibility of 71%, suspensibility of 65%, wetting out time of 2 sec, wet sieve retention 0.04%, heat stability dispersibility of 68% and heat stability suspensibility was 62%. EXAMPLE 5: Sulphur 90% + Hydroxyproline 1% + Alanine 0.05% WDG

[0167] 92.5 Parts of elemental sulphur powder was blended with 1.2 parts of Hydroxyproline, 0.052 parts of alanine and 4 parts of gum Arabic, 0.5 parts of fulvic acid, 1 parts of sodium citrate and balance clay in 110 parts of water and milled to average particle size below 12 microns. The milled slurry was spray dried / fluid bed dried to obtain product having granule size below 2.5 mm.

[0168] The composition had a heat stability dispersibility of 63% suspensibility of 55%, wetting out time of 5 sec, wet sieve retention 0.09%, heat stability dispersibility of 59% and heat stability suspensibility was 50%.

[0169] EXAMPLE 6: Sulphur 10 % + Hydroxyproline 0.01%+ Alanine 20% DG

[0170] 10.55 Parts of elemental sulphur powder was blended with 0.012 parts of hydroxyproline, 20.55 parts of alanine, 1 parts of silica, 3 parts of sodium citrate, 59.95 parts of perlite in a Ribbon blender to obtain homogeneous powder.

[0171] The mixture was jet milled to obtain powder having average particle size below 10 microns, the mixture was then mixed with balance maltodextrin solution and water to prepare dough and extruded through any suitable equipment to obtain granules in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm and further dried to obtain moisture below 2%.

[0172] The composition had the particle size of about 20 microns (D90) and about 10 microns (D50) and granule size of 1 mm to 5 mm. The composition had an attrition resistance 99.7%.

[0173] EXAMPLE 7: Sulphur 45 % + Hydroxyproline 20%+ Alanine 0.01% DG

[0174] 47 Parts of elemental sulphur powder was blended with 20.55parts of hydroxyproline, 0.012 parts of alanine, 7 parts of bentonite, 5 parts of sodium citrate and 16 parts of perlite in a Ribbon blender to obtain homogeneous powder. The mixture was jet milled to obtain powder having average particle size below 10 microns. The mixture was then mixed with Maltodextrin solution and water to prepare dough and extruded through any suitable equipment to obtain granules in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm and further dried to obtain moisture below 2%. The composition had the particle size of about 15 microns (D90) and about 10 microns (D50) and granule size of 2 mm to 6 mm. The composition had an attrition resistance 90.5%.

[0175] EXAMPLE 8: Sulphur 75 % + Hydroxyproline 0.5%+ Alanine 0.06% DG

[0176] 77 Parts of elemental sulphur powder was blended with 0.6 parts of hydroxyproline, 0. 07 parts of alanine, 7 parts of bentonite, 1 parts of silica, 1 parts of talc, 4 parts of sodium citrate and 5 parts of perlite in a Ribbon blender to obtain homogeneous powder. The mixture was jet milled to obtain powder having average particle size below 15 microns. The mixture was then mixed with com starch solution and water to prepare dough and extruded through any suitable equipment to obtain granules in the range of 1 mm to 4 mm and further dried to obtain moisture below 2%.

[0177] The composition had the particle size of about 35 microns (D90) and about 15 microns (D50) and granule size of 1 mm to 4 mm. The composition had an attrition resistance 89.1%.

[0178] EXAMPLE 9: Sulphur 95 % + Hydroxyproline 0.07%+ Alanine 0.08% DG

[0179] 97.4 Parts of elemental sulphur powder was blended with 0.072 parts of hydroxyproline, 0.082 parts of alanine, 1 parts of bentonite, 1 parts of gum Arabic, 0.446 parts of sodium citrate in a Ribbon blender to obtain homogeneous powder. The mixture was jet milled to obtain powder having average particle size below 35 microns. The mixture was then mixed with water to prepare dough and extruded through any suitable equipment to obtain granules in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm and further dried to obtain moisture below 2%.

[0180] The composition had the particle size of about 45 microns (D90) and about 35 microns (D50) and granule size of 1 mm to 5 mm. The composition had an attrition resistance 94.7%.

[0181] EXAMPLE 10: Sulphur 30% + Hydroxyproline 0.1 % + Alanine 0.5% SC

[0182] 10 Parts of fulvic acid and 60 parts of glycerol were added to 350 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. 320 Parts of elemental sulphur powder, 1.1 parts of hydroxyproline and 5.1 parts of alanine was further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 25 parts of sodium benzoate, 10 parts of sodium carbonate, 5 parts of gum arabic and 5 parts of bentonite was added under continuous homogenization to obtain liquid suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then, 1.5 parts of xanthan gum and balance water was added under continuous homogenization to obtain the liquid suspension.

[0183] The composition had a particle size of DIO 1.8-micron, D50 3.4 micron and D90 5.5 -micron, viscosity of 510 cps and Suspensibility of 80%. Pourability rinsed residue was found to be 0.62%. Spontaneity of dispersion 78%, wet sieve retention on75 micron 0.08%.

[0184] EXAMPLE 11: Sulphur 50% + Hydroxyproline 1 % + Alanine 0.01% SC

[0185] 10 Parts of gum arabic and 5 parts of fulvic acid and 55 parts of glycerol were added to 300 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. 505 Parts of elemental sulphur powder, 11 parts of hydroxyproline and 0.011 parts of alanine was further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 30 parts of sodium benzoate, 10 parts of sodium carbonate, 10 parts of bentonite was added under continuous homogenization to obtain liquid suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then, 1.2 parts of xanthan gum, balance water was added under continuous homogenization to obtain the liquid suspension.

[0186] The composition had a particle size of D10 1.9 micron, D50 5.5 micron and D90 10.6 micron, viscosity of 780cps and Suspensibility of 70%. Pourability rinsed residue was found to be 0.82%. Spontaneity of dispersion 65%, wet sieve retention on75 micron 0.09%. EXAMPLE 12: Sulphur 1% + Hydroxyproline 2 % + Alanine 2% SC

[0187] 7 Parts of fulvic acid and 12 parts of gum arbic and 60 parts of glycerol were added to 300 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel provided with stirring facilities. 10.1 Parts of elemental sulphur powder, 22 parts of hydroxyproline and 22 parts of alanine was further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 25 parts of sodium benzoate, 25 parts of sodium carbonate, 20 parts of silica was added under continuous homogenization to obtain liquid suspension. Subsequently, the suspension obtained was passed through the wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then, 1.2 parts of xanthan gum, balance water was added under continuous homogenization to obtain the liquid suspension.

[0188] The composition had a particle size of D10 3.1 micron, D50 7.3 micron and D90 15.2 micron, viscosity of 780cps and Suspensibility of 70%. Pourability rinsed residue was found to be 0.82%. Spontaneity of dispersion 65%, wet sieve retention on75 micron 0.09%.

[0189] B. FIELD STUDY:

[0190] The following are some abbreviations that have been used in the field study data.

[0191] • WG / WDG: Water dispersible granule

[0192] • SC: Aqueous suspension

[0193] • DG: Water disintegrable Granules

[0194] • S: Elemental Suphur

[0195] • Hyp: Hydroxyproline

[0196] • Ala: Alanine

[0197] • SPH: Soyprotein hydrolysate

[0198] • FPH: Fish protein hydrolysate

[0199] • WPH: Whey Protein hydrolysate

[0200] • p.s.: Particle size of the composition

[0201] • *: Expected effect (increase in yield) calculated by Colby’s method • UTC: Untreated control

[0202] • DAA: Days after application

[0203] • DAS: Days after sowing

[0204] • g / ha: Grams per hectare

[0205] • g.a.h.: gram active ingredient per hectare

[0206] • Qtl / ha: Quintal per hectare

[0207] • T / Ha: Tons per hectare

[0208] The percentage increase in yield over UTC was calculated using the following formula:

[0209] Increase (%) = [(Crop yield in treated plot - Crop yield in control plot) / Crop yield in control plot] X 100

[0210] “Synergy” is as defined by Colby S. R. in an article entitled “ Calculation of the synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations '' published in Weeds, 1967, 15, p. 20-22. The action expected for a given combination of two active components can be calculated as follows:

[0211] E = X + Y + Z - (XY+YZ + XZ) / 100+ (XYZ / 10000)

[0212] Where,

[0213] E= Expected % effect by mixture of two products X, Y and Z in a defined dose.

[0214] X= Observed % effect by product A

[0215] Y= Observed % effect by product B

[0216] Z= Observed % effect by product C

[0217] The synergy factor (SF) is calculated by Abbott’s formula (Eq. (2) (Abbott, 1925). SF= Observed effect / Expected effect

[0218] Where, SF >1 for Synergistic reaction; SF<1 for antagonistic reaction; SF=1 for additive reaction.

[0219] When the percentage of yield effect observed for the combination is greater than the expected percentage, synergistic effect of the combination can be inferred. When the percentage of yield effect observed for the combination is equal to the expected percentage, merely an additive effect may be inferred and wherein the percentage of yield effect observed for the combination is lower than the expected percentage, an antagonistic effect of the combinations can be inferred.

[0220] Experiment 1: To study the synergistic effect of combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine on growth and yield in Tomato.

[0221] The field trial was carried out to study the effect of the composition of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine at different concentrations in WDG form on growth and yield in tomato crop cultivated in saline soil. The trial was carried out by Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. The tomato in trial field was raised following good agricultural practice.

[0222] Details of experiment a) Trial Location Khambhat, Anand District, Gujarat b) Crop Tomato (Namdhari) c) Experiment season Rabi 2023-2024 d) Trial Design Randomized Block Design e) Replications Four f) Treatments Nine g) Plot size 8m x 5m = 40 sq.m h) Date of Application 10.11.2023 i) Method of application Drip irrigation j) Date of transplanting 10.11.2023 k) Date of Pickings 24.01.2024, 01.02.2024, 01.03.2024

[0223] The observations on plant height was taken at 60 days after application from 10 randomly selected plants per treatment per replication and mean value was calculated. The observations on yield were recorded at the time of harvesting and mean data is presented in Table 1.

[0224] Table 1:

[0225] *Expected percentage increase in yield

[0226] It can be observed from Table 1 that Treatments T1 and T2 with compositions of Elemental Sulphur 80%+ Hydroxyproline 1.34% + Alanine 1.78% WDG and Elemental Sulphur 45%+ Hydroxyproline 0.75%+ Alanine 1% WDG, were highly effective and demonstrated increased yield of tomato as compared to the two-way combination treatments (T3, T4 and T5), and individual treatments of the actives (T6, T7 and T8). It can be seen that the treatments T1 to T8 were applied at same active dosage i.e. 9600 g / ha of elemental sulphur, 160.80 g / ha of hydroxyproline and around 213.33 g / ha of alanine. The expected percentage increase in yield calculated using Colby’s formula for was 44.83% whereas the observed percentage increase in yield for Treatment T1 and T2 were 68.75% and 70.83% respectively. Thus, the synergy factor for treatments T1 and T2 are 1.53 and 1.58 respectively which indicates synergistic effect.

[0227] It can be appreciated from the observed results that plant height in Tomato crop were also higher in treatments T1 and T2 as compared to the two-way combination treatments and individual treatments of the actives. It was also observed that the leaves of tomato plot treated with treatments T1 and T2 were greener as compared to Treatments T3-T8 and the untreated plot where yellow leaves were observed.

[0228] Thus, the combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine in WDG form as per embodiment of the present invention is synergistic and provides higher crop yield and improved growth parameters as compared to the application of individual actives and two way combinations when applied at the same dosage. The surprising synergistic result of treatments T1 and T2 is attributed to the composition comprising elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine as per the embodiments of the invention, where all three constituents are present in a single composition at a specific concentration.

[0229] Experiment 2: To study the synergistic effect of combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine on growth and yield in wheat.

[0230] The field trial was carried out to study the effect of the composition of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine at different concentrations in DG form on growth and yield in wheat crop cultivated in saline soil. The trial was carried out by Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. The wheat crops in trial field was raised following good agricultural practice.

[0231] Details of experiment a) Trial Location Vadodara, Gujarat b) Crop Wheat c) Experiment season Kharif 2023 d) Trial Design Randomized Block Design e) Replications Four f) Treatments Nine g) Plot size 8m x 5m = 40 sq.m h) Date of Application 20.10.2023 i) Method of application In furrow at the time of sowing j) Date of seed sowing 20.10.2023 k) Date of harvesting 03.04.2024

[0232] The observations on number of tillers were taken at 76 days after application from 10 randomly selected plants per treatment per replication and mean value was calculated. The observations on yield were recorded at the time of harvesting and mean data is presented in Table 2.

[0233] Table 2: *Expected percentage increase in yield

[0234] It can be observed from Table 2 that Treatments T1 and T2 with DG compositions of “Elemental Sulphur 70% + Hydroxyproline 0.21% + Alanine 0.17%” and “Elemental Sulphur 90% +Hydroxyproline 0.27% + Alanine 0.22%” respectively, were highly effective and demonstrated increased yield of wheat as compared to the two-way combination treatments (T3, T4 and T5), and individual treatments of the actives (T6, T7 and T8). It can be seen that the treatments T1 to T8 were applied at approximately same active dosage i.e. 9450 g / ha of elemental sulphur, 28.35 g / ha of hydroxyproline and 23.10 g / ha of alanine. The expected percentage increase in yield calculated using Colby’s formula was 36.20% whereas the observed percentage increase in yield for Treatments T1 and T2 were 61.44% and 63.43% respectively. Thus, the synergy factor for treatments T1 and T2 are 1.7 and 1.75 respectively, indicating synergistic effect.

[0235] It can be appreciated from the observed results that the number of tillers were also higher in treatments T1 and T2 as compared to the two-way combination treatments and individual treatments of the actives. It was also observed that other plant growth parameters such as plant height, greenness of the leaves of wheat crops for treatments T1 and T2 were superior as compared to the Treatments T2-T7 and the untreated plot where yellow leaves, stunted plant growth was observed.

[0236] Thus, the combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine as per embodiment of the present invention is synergistic and provides higher crop yield and improved growth parameters as compared to the application of individual actives and two way combinations when applied at the same dosage. The surprising synergistic result of treatments T1 and T2 is attributed to the composition comprising elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine as per the embodiments of the invention, where all three constituents are present in a single composition at a specific concentration.

[0237] Experiment 3: To study the synergistic effect of combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine on the growth and yield in Corn.

[0238] The field trial was carried out to study the effect of the composition of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine at different concentrations in the form of aqueous suspension (SC) form on growth and yield in corn crop cultivated in saline soil. The trial was carried out by Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments including untreated control, replicated four times. The corn crops in trial field was raised following good agricultural practice.

[0239] Details of experiment a) Trial Location Anand, Gujarat b) Crop Corn c) Experiment season Kharif 2023 d) Trial Design Randomized Block Design e) Replications Four f) Treatments Nine g) Plot size 8m x 5m = 40 sq.m h) Date of Application 20.07.2023 i) Method of application Soil application (in furrow) j) Date of transplanting 20.07.2023 k) Date of harvesting 03.11.2023

[0240] The observations on plant growth parameters such as greenness, plant height, no. of pods, no. of root nodules, plant vigor were recorded at 76 DAAfrom 10 randomly selected plants per treatment per replication and mean value was calculated. The observations on yield were recorded at the time of harvesting and mean data is presented in Table 3.

[0241] Table 3:

[0242]

[0243] *Expected percentage increase in yield

[0244] From the data presented in the Table 3, it can be seen that the treatments T1 and T2 with the compositions as per the embodiments of the present invention comprising combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine demonstrated higher yield along with improved growth parameters such as greenness, plant height, number of pods, number of root nodules, plant vigor etc. as compared to stand alone application of actives and two way combinations when applied at the same dosage.

[0245] It can be observed from Table 3 that Treatments T1 and T2 with an aqueous suspension compositions of “Elemental Sulphur 22.5%+ Hydroxyproline 0.09%+ Alanine 0.06%” and “Elemental Sulphur 15%+Hydroxyproline 0.06%+ Alanine 0.04%” respectively, were highly effective and demonstrated increased yield of corn as compared to the two-way combination treatments (T3, T4 and T5), and individual treatments of the actives (T6, T7 and T8). It can be seen that the treatments T1 to T7 were applied at same active dosage i.e. 6000gm / ha of elemental sulphur, 24 g / ha of hydroxyproline and 16 g / ha of alanine. The expected % increase in yield calculated using Colby’s formula was 26.06% whereas the observed % increase in yield for Treatments T1 and T2 were 45.45% and 43.64% respectively. Thus, the synergy factor for treatments T1 and T2 are 1.74 and 1.67 respectively, indicating synergistic effect. Thus, the combination of elemental Sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine in an aqueous suspension form as per embodiment of the present invention, is synergistic and provides higher crop yield and improved growth parameters as compared to the application of individual actives and two way combinations when applied at the same dosage.

[0246] The surprising synergistic result observed with the composition of the present invention are attributed to the compositions comprising homogenous mixture of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine, as per the embodiments of the invention, where all three constituents are present in a single composition at a specific concentration.

[0247] Experiment 4: To evaluate effectiveness of the combination of elemental Sulphur, Hydroxyproline and Alanine vis-a-vis combination of sulphur and protein hydrolysates (mixture of amino acids) on Tomato cultivated under saline (15 g / L) and non-saline (0 g / L) growth conditions.

[0248] The pot trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of composition of present invention in saline and non-saline soil vis-a-vis combination of sulphur and protein hydrolysates (mixture of amino acids). Tomato plants were transplanted in plastic pots of 20 kg filled with a standardized soil mixture. The soil used in the experiment was a loamy mix, with an initial pH of 6.8. In the non-saline group, no additional salt was added, and plants were irrigated with non-saline water. For saline group, salinity was adjusted using sodium chloride (NaCl) at 15 g / L per plant. Plants were cultivated in a controlled greenhouse environment, with a temperature of 31 °C during the day and 22°C at night, 75% relative humidity, and 14 h of light per day along with standard growing practice. The composition of the present invention and comparative samples were applied as a foliar spray to the treated plants at 30 days of crops after transplanting as per calibration. The water volume used for foliar application was equivalent to 200L / acre. Irrigation was applied every three days, using 500 ml of water per pot, ensuring that the saline treatments received water with the specified salt concentration to maintain consistent levels. Non-saline treatments were irrigated with distilled water.

[0249] Table 4:

[0250]

[0251]

[0252] Table 4A

[0253] The data presented in the Tables 4 and 4A indicate that treatments T1 to T3 and T8 to T10 with the compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention comprising combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine in WDG form under non-saline as well as high salinity condition exhibited superior yield and enhanced growth parameters such as greenness, plant height, stem girth, leaf count, branch count, and fruit number compared to treatments T4 to T6 and T11 to T13. The treatments T4 to T6 and T11 to T13 consist of a composition as described in W02020016730A1 comprising combination of elemental sulfur and protein hydrolysate such as soy protein hydrolysate, fish protein hydrolysate, and whey protein hydrolysate, which includes various amino acids.

[0254] Under non-saline conditions treatments T1-T3 with the compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention, demonstrated yield increases over untreated control of 60.45%, 54.48% and 47.03% respectively. Further, treatments T8 to T10 with the same compositions as per the embodiment of the present invention tested under saline conditions (with 15g / L of NaCl applied per plant), showed yield increases over untreated control of 54.37%, 48.61% and 40.41% respectively. Conversely, treatments T4 to T6, which include elemental sulfur and protein hydrolysate as per W02020016730A1, yielded increases of only 24.73%, 36.45%, and 34.94% under non-saline condition.. Further, the treatments Ti l to T13 with the same compositions of elemental sulfur and protein hydrolysate under saline conditions, resulted in significant yield reductions of 11.40%, 21.95% and 15.13% respectively.

[0255] This analysis highlights that while prior art compositions faced considerable yield declines under salinity stress, the formulations of the present invention exhibited enhanced tolerance to saline conditions.

[0256] Experiment 5: To evaluate the effectiveness of combination of elemental Sulphur, Hydroxyproline and Alanine vis-a-vis combination of elemental Sulphur with other amino acid combinations under saline (15 g / L) and non-saline (0 g / L) growth conditions for Brinjal.

[0257] The pot trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of composition of present invention comprising combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline, and alanine vis-a-vis compositions that include elemental sulphur combined with different amino acids, in saline and non-saline condition. Brinjal crops were transplanted in plastic pots of 20 kg filled with a standardized soil mixture. The soil used in the experiment was a loamy mix, with an initial pH of 6.8. In the non-saline group, no additional salt was added, and plants were irrigated with non-saline water. For saline group, salinity was adjusted using sodium chloride (NaCl) at 15 g / L per plant. Plants were cultivated in a controlled greenhouse environment, with a temperature of 25 °C during the day and 18 °C at night, 60% relative humidity, and 14 h of light per day. The composition of the present invention and comparative samples were applied as soil application. Irrigation was applied every three days, using 500 ml of water per pot, ensuring that the saline treatments received water with the specified salt concentration to maintain consistent levels. Non-saline treatments were irrigated with distilled water.

[0258] Table 5:

[0259] The data presented in the Table 5 illustrates the effectiveness of the compositions as per the present invention, which includes combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline, and alanine (treatments T1 and T10) under non-saline as well as high salinity condition as compared to compositions that include elemental sulphur combined with different amino acids, where one or both amino acids differ from hydroxyproline and alanine.

[0260] From the data in Table 5, it is evident that under non-saline conditions, treatment Tl, with the composition as per the embodiment of the present invention demonstrated yield increases of 64.10% over untreated control. Further, treatment T10, with the same composition under saline conditions (with 15g / L of NaCl applied per plant), resulted in a yield increase of 62.59% over the untreated control. In contrast, treatments T2 to T8, which incorporated elemental sulphur with different amino acid combinations, yielded increases ranging from 27% to 53% under non-saline conditions and treatments Ti l to T17, using same compositions under saline conditions, resulted in significant yield reductions in the range of 12% to 35%.

[0261] This evaluation underscores that while formulations with alternative amino acid combinations suffered notable yield losses under salinity stress, the compositions of the present invention, comprising hydroxyproline and alanine alongside elemental sulphur, demonstrated superior resilience to saline conditions.

[0262] Experiment 6: To evaluate the effect of particle size of the composition on Cowpea cultivated under saline soil.

[0263] The pot trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of particle size of the composition on the growth and yield of the cowpea cultivated under saline condition. Cowpea seeds were sown in plastic pots of 20 kg filled with a standardized soil mixture. The soil used in the experiment was a saline. Plants were cultivated in a controlled greenhouse environment, with a temperature of 25 °C during the day and 18°C at night, 60% relative humidity, and 14 h of light per day. The composition of the present invention and comparative samples were applied as soil application after sowing. Irrigation was applied every three days, using 500 ml of water per pot, ensuring that the saline treatments received water with the specified salt concentration to maintain consistent levels.

[0264] The observations on greenness, plant height and no. of pods were taken at 76 days after application from 10 randomly selected plants per treatment per replication and mean value was calculated. The plant vigor observations were taken at 76 days after application at 0-200% rating scale where UTC (untreated control) should be always 100%. Chlorophyll content in 10 randomly selected leaves per treatment per replication was determined and mean value was calculated. The observations on yield were recorded at the time of harvesting and mean data is presented in Table 6.

[0265] Table 6:

[0266] The data presented in Table 6 illustrates that the treatments with the compositions comprising elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine as per the embodiment of the present invention with particles of the composition in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns i.e. T1 and T2 resulted in significant improvement in chlorophyll content and yield as compared to the same compositions having particles in the size range beyond 0.1 to 50 microns i.e. T3 and T4. For instance, treatment T1 with the composition comprising Elemental Sulphur 75% + Hydroxyproline 5% + Alanine 5% WDG with particles in the size range of 0.1-30 microns as per the embodiment of the present invention demonstrated yield increase of around 68.70% over control.

[0267] In contrast, treatments T3 and T4 with the same compositions having the particle size beyond 0.1-50 microns showed yield increase of only 31.78% and 11.08% respectively. Similarly, treatments T1 and T2 with the composition of the present invention also demonstrated superior growth parameters such as greenness, plant height, no. of pods, plant vigor, chlorophyll content etc. as compared to treatments T3 and T4. The results are all the more surprising as the treatments T1 to T4 comprising combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine with different particle size ranges were applied at almost the same dosage of actives to the soil i.e. at a dosage of about 0.75 g / plant of sulphur, 0.05 g / plant of hydroxyproline and about 0.05 g / plant of alanine.

[0268] Thus, it can be seen that the superior results are observed when the particles of the composition are in the range of 0.1-50 microns. Experiment 7: To evaluate the effect of different types of composition on Tomato cultivated under saline soil.

[0269] The pot trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of different types of compositions of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine on Tomato cultivated under saline soil. Tomato plants were transplanted in plastic pots of 20 kg filled with a standardized soil mixture. The soil used in the experiment was a saline. Plants were cultivated in a controlled greenhouse environment, with a temperature of 25°C during the day and 18 °C at night, 60% relative humidity, and 14 h of light per day. The composition of the present invention and comparative samples were applied to the soil by in furrow application. Irrigation was applied every three days, using 500 ml of water per pot, ensuring that the saline treatments received water with the specified salt concentration to maintain consistent levels.

[0270] Table 7:

[0271] It can be seen from the data presented in Table 7 that treatments with the compositions of the present invention i.e. T1 to T4 comprising elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine in the form of a water dispersible granule, water disintegrable granules and an aqueous suspension illustrated significant increase in plant height and yield in tomato crop as compared to other treatments i.e. T5 and T6 with the composition in WP and pellet form. In particular, upon comparing T1 with that of T5 which were applied at almost same dosage of sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine, it can be observed that the treatment T1 with Elemental Sulphur 80% + Hydroxyproline 0.06%+ Alanine 0.16% in DG form as per the embodiment of the present invention showed enhanced yield of around 56.59% while treatment T5 with composition in pellet form showed a yield increase of around 23.12% over untreated control. Further, it can be seen that treatment T2 with Elemental Sulphur 65%+ Hydroxyproline 0.05%+ Alanine 0.13% SC as per the embodiment of the present invention demonstrated 50.99% enhancement in yield over untreated control. Whereas, treatment T6 with Elemental Sulphur 65%+ Hydroxyproline 0.05%+ Alanine 0.13% WP showed percentage yield increase over untreated control of only 13.09%. Thus, unexpected increase in yield was on account of the combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine in WDG, SC and DG form was not observed with composition in WP and pellet form. The same trend was observed in case of plant growth parameters.

[0272] In addition, treatments T3 and T4 with an aqueous suspension and water dispersible granular formulation as per the embodiment of the present invention comprising a combination of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine illustrated a yield increase of 37.97% and 43.62% respectively over untreated control which is higher than that in treatments T5 and T6 with WP and pellet form. The yield increase was more surprising since the treatments T3 and T4 were applied at lower dosage of actives as compared to that in treatments T5 and T6. The similar improvement was also observed in case of plant growth parameters.

[0273] Further, the inventor of the present invention also tested the granular and aqueous suspension composition of the present invention on other crops like Okra, Chilli, Rice, etc. It was observed that the composition of the present invention demonstrated enhanced crop yield and crop characteristics like straw weight, greenness of crop, plant height, fruit weight, chlorophyll content, improved photosynthesis and also added to the nutritional value of the crop even under stressed condition.

[0274] The superior effect of the present composition is on account of elements being a homogeneous mixture of elemental sulphur, hydroxyproline and alanine in granular and aqueous suspension form and in specific particle size of 0.1-50 microns. Further, the various advantageous properties associated with the compositions according to the invention, include but are not limited to improved stability of the composition without the use of chemical adjuvants such as lignin sulphonate and naphthalene sulfonate, improved toxicological and / or ecotoxicological behavior, improved crop characteristics including crop yields, crop qualities and characteristics and other advantages familiar to a person skilled in the art.

[0275] It has been observed that the composition of the present invention demonstrates enhanced, efficacious and superior behaviour in the fields. Through the composition of the present invention, the number of applications or the amount of chemical fertilizers, nutrients or pesticides are minimized. Moreover, the present composition exhibits a surprisingly higher field efficacy at reduced dosages of application of the composition as compared to prior known compositions. The composition is highly stable and safe for the user as well as the environment and do not show any phytotoxicity. This novel composition helps to improve plant yield, balanced uptake of all nutrients, reduce yellowing of leaves and improved plant physiological parameters providing a nutritionally rich crop.

[0276] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations is effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred.

Claims

Claims:I claim:

1. A composition for improving osmotic stress tolerance of a plant, said composition comprising of: a) Elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 95% by weight of the total composition; b) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d) At least one agrochemical excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns.

2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of a solid or a liquid or a gel.

3. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the solid composition is in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules or spheronized granules.

4. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the liquid composition is in the form of liquid suspension.

5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein elemental sulphur is in the range of 20% to 90% by weight of the total composition.

6. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein hydroxyproline is in the range of 0.01% to 5% by weight of the total composition.

7. The composition as claimed in claim 1 , wherein alanine is in the range of 0.01 % to 5% by weight of the total composition.

8. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ratio of hydroxyproline to alanine is 20:1 to 1:20 and preferably 5:1 to 1:5.

9. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the water dispersible granules are in a size range of from 0.05 mm to 4 mm and comprise particles in a size range of 0.1 to 30 microns.

10. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the water dispersible granular composition comprises of particles having an average diameter distribution (D50) of less than 10 microns.

11. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the composition in the form of water dispersible granular composition comprises of particles having an average diameter distribution (D50) of less than 5 microns.

12. The composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the water disintegrable granules are in a size range of from 0.05 mm to 6 mm and comprises particles in a size range of 0.1 to 50 microns.

13. The composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the liquid suspension composition comprises: a) Elemental sulphur in the range of 5% to 50% by the weight of the total composition; b) Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 10% by weight of the total composition; c) Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 10% by weight of the total composition; andd) At least one agrochemical excipient in the range of 10% to 90% by weight of the total composition wherein the composition comprises of particles in the size range of 0.1-30 microns.

14. The composition as claimed in claim 13, wherein the composition in the form of liquid suspension comprises of particles having an average diameter distribution (D50) of less than 10 microns.

15. The composition as claimed in claim 13, wherein the composition in the form of liquid suspension comprises of particles having an average diameter distribution (D50) of less than 5 micron.

16. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the excipients are selected from one or more of surfactants, emulsifiers, wetting agents, dispersing agents, fillers, carriers, diluents, spreading agents, colorants, anticaking agents, binders, buffers, pH adjusters, neutralizing agents, pigments, stabilizers, antifoaming agents, defoamers, penetrants, structuring agents, humectants, sticking agents, anti-freezing agent, freeze point depressants, chelating, complexing or sequestering agents, preservatives or bactericides, anti-fungal agents or biocides, anti-microbial agents and antioxidants.

17. The composition as claimed in claim 13, wherein the excipient comprises surfactants, structuring agent, humectants, spreading agent, suspending agents or suspension aid or anti- settling, penetrating agent, sticking agents, drift reducing agents, preservatives, stabilizers, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents, antifreezing agent or freeze point depressants, antifoaming agents.

18. The composition as claimed in claim 17, wherein the structuring agent is selected from one or more of thickeners, suspending agents or suspension aid agents, viscosity modifiers or rheology modifiers, tackifiers, anti-settling agents.

19. The composition as claimed in claim 16; wherein the excipients are organic excipients.

20. The composition as claimed in claim 16 or 19, wherein the excipients are selected from one or more of surfactants, emulsifiers, wetting agents and dispersing agents.

21. The composition as claimed in claim 20, wherein the surfactants are selected from gum ghatti, gum Arabic, gumkaraya, gum ghatti (gum dhawada), larch gum, collagen, Albizia gum, Abelmoschus gum, Bhara gum, Cashew gum, Cordio gum, Grewia gum, Hakea gum, Khaya gum, Katira gum, Kondagogu gum, Leucaena, seed gum, Malva nut gum, Mucuna gum, Moringa gum, Neem gum, Sesbanic gum.

22. A process for preparation of composition in the form of water dispersible granules as claimed in claims 3, wherein the process comprises: i. milling a blend of a. Elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 95% by weight of the total composition; b. Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c. Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d. at least one agrochemical excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by the weight of the total composition to obtain a slurry or wet mix; ii. drying the slurry or wet mix to obtain the water dispersible granules; wherein the composition comprises of particles in the size range of 0.1-30 microns.

23. A process for preparation of composition in the form of liquid suspension as claimed in claims 4, wherein the process comprises:i. milling a blend of a. Elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 95% by weight of the total composition; b. Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c. Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d. at least one agrochemical excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by the weight of the total composition wherein the composition comprises of particles in the size range of 0.1-30 microns.

24. A process for preparation of composition in the form of water disintegrable granules as claimed in claim 3, wherein the process comprises: i. milling a blend comprising: a. Elemental sulphur in the range of 1% to 95% by weight of the total composition; b. Hydroxyproline in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; c. Alanine in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and d. at least one agrochemical excipient in the range of 5% to 90% by the weight of the total composition to obtain a slurry or wet mix ii. drying the wet mix obtained, in a spray dryer, fluid bed dryer or any suitable granulating equipment, followed by sieving to remove the undersized and oversized granules to obtain a dried mix; iii. blending the dried mix to obtain a dough or paste, which is then extruded through an extruder to obtain the water disintegrable granules; wherein the composition comprises of particles in the size range of 0.1-50 microns.

25. The process as claimed in claim 24, wherein the wet mix of step (ii) or the dried mix of step (iii) is agglomerated in an agglomerator to obtain spheronised granular or a water disintegrable granular composition.

26. A composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is at least one of a fertilizer composition, a crop strengthener composition, a soil conditioner composition and a yield enhancer composition.

27. A method for protecting plants against osmotic stress and improving plant health and yield; wherein the method comprises treating at least one of a plant, a plant propagation material, locus or plant parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the composition as claimed in any of the preceding claims.