Composition for promoting plant growth

Abstract

An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a composition capable of promoting the growth of plants.　One embodiment of the present invention is a composition for promoting plant growth that contains a biosurfactant and a soybean meal decomposition product.

Description

Composition for promoting plant growth

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a composition for promoting plant growth.

[0002] Various studies have been conducted to efficiently grow plants (vegetables, fruit trees, etc.) For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the use of at least one lipopeptide as a plant vitalizer for plant growth.

[0003] Special Publication No. 2020-504768

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not consider the combined use of lipopeptides and soybean meal hydrolysates. Furthermore, conventionally, when studying plant growth, early stages of plant growth, such as seedling growth, have been evaluated in most cases, and later stages of plant growth, such as final yield, have rarely been evaluated.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a composition capable of promoting plant growth.

[0006] An example aspect of this embodiment is described as follows.

[0007] [1] A plant growth-promoting composition containing a biosurfactant and a soybean meal hydrolysate. [2] The plant growth-promoting composition according to [1], wherein the biosurfactant is at least one biosurfactant selected from surfactin, rhamnolipid, sophorolipid, and salts thereof. [3] The plant growth-promoting composition according to [1] or [2], wherein the mass ratio of the biosurfactant to the soybean meal hydrolysate in the plant growth-promoting composition is 1:0.3 to 1:4000. [4] The plant growth-promoting composition according to any one of [1] to [3], which promotes the initial growth of plants when applied to plants. [5] The plant growth-promoting composition according to any one of [1] to [3], which increases the final yield of plants when applied to plants. This specification incorporates the disclosures of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-042999, from which the present application claims priority.

[0008] The plant growth promoting composition of the present disclosure is capable of promoting plant growth.

[0009] The present invention will be described in detail below. The plant growth-promoting composition according to this embodiment contains a biosurfactant and a soybean meal hydrolyzate. The plant growth-promoting composition can promote plant growth by applying it to a plant. The plant growth-promoting composition may be applied directly to the seeds, leaves, stems, roots, etc. of a plant, may be applied to the soil, or may be applied by adding it to water or the like given to a plant.

[0010] The plant growth-promoting composition may be a composition that promotes the initial growth of a plant, or a composition that increases the final yield of a plant. In a preferred embodiment, the plant growth-promoting composition is a composition that has both the effect of promoting the initial growth of a plant and the effect of increasing the final yield of a plant.

[0011] A state in which the initial growth of a plant is promoted usually means a state in which the growth of at least one of the above-ground parts and the underground parts, preferably both, is promoted. According to the studies of the present inventors, many conventional compositions for promoting plant growth have been confirmed to promote the growth of either the above-ground parts or the underground parts, and it has been desired to promote the growth of both the above-ground parts and the underground parts. The plant growth-promoting composition of this embodiment is preferable because it can promote the growth of both the above-ground parts and the underground parts.

[0012] A state in which the final yield of a plant is increased means a state in which the weight of any part of the plant to be harvested as a crop or the weight of the plant itself has increased. In a state in which the final yield of a plant is increased, for example, in the case of dent corn, the any part may refer to the weight of the entire above-ground part or only the weight of the pistil. For example, in the case of soybeans and wheat, it refers to only the grain. In a state in which the final yield of a plant is increased, it is preferable that the weight of the fruit, seeds, leaves, or stems of the plant to be harvested as a crop is increased.

[0013] <Plants> The plant to which the plant growth-promoting composition is applied is not particularly limited, but is preferably a crop plant, more preferably an edible plant. Examples of crop plants include corn (maize), wheat, barley, rye, oat, rice, soybean, canola (rapeseed), cotton, sunflower, sugar beet, potato, tobacco, broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, spinach, komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach), cauliflower, coconut, tomato, cucumber, eggplant, melon, pumpkin, okra, bell pepper, watermelon, carrot, radish, onion, leek, fruit trees, ornamental plants, turf, and pasture grass.

[0014] <Biosurfactant> The plant growth-promoting composition contains a biosurfactant. Examples of the biosurfactant include at least one biosurfactant selected from peptide-type biosurfactants and sugar-type biosurfactants. The plant growth-promoting composition may contain one type of biosurfactant alone, or two or more types of biosurfactants. Because the plant growth-promoting composition contains a biosurfactant, it can promote plant growth.

[0015] The plant growth-promoting composition contains a biosurfactant, and thus can promote plant growth. Although the reason for this is unclear, this effect was not observed when a synthetic surfactant was used, and was an effect unique to the biosurfactant.

[0016] In the plant growth-promoting composition, it is preferable to use a biosurfactant that is not derived from Wickerhamomyces anomalus yeast, from the viewpoints of odor and food hygiene.

[0017] Examples of peptide biosurfactants include lipopeptide biosurfactants. Lipopeptide biosurfactants have peptides containing a hydrophobic group and a hydrophilic portion, exhibit surface activity, and are produced by microorganisms. Examples of lipopeptide biosurfactants include surfactin, arthrofactin, iturin, fengycin, serawettin, lykesin, viscosin, and salts thereof.

[0018] The peptide biosurfactant is preferably at least one peptide biosurfactant selected from surfactin and salts thereof. Surfactin and surfactin salts can be represented by the following general formula (1). One type of surfactin or surfactin salt may be used, or two or more types may be used.

[0019] [In formula (1), X represents an amino acid residue selected from leucine, isoleucine, and valine, R represents an alkyl group having 9 to 18 carbon atoms, and M ＋ are each independently a hydrogen ion (H + ), an alkali metal ion, an ammonium ion, or a pyridinium ion.

[0020] In addition, M ＋ When CO is a hydrogen ion, ２ ‐ (M ＋ ) is a hydroxyl group (COOH group). ＋ is a hydrogen ion, it is surfactin, and at least one of M ＋ is an alkali metal ion, an ammonium ion or a pyridinium ion, it means a salt of surfactin. The general formula of surfactin is shown in the following general formula (1').

[0021] [In formula (1′), X and R have the same meanings as in formula (1)]

[0022] X is an amino acid residue selected from leucine, isoleucine and valine, and may be either an L-amino acid residue or a D-amino acid residue, with an L-amino acid residue being preferred.

[0023] R is an alkyl group having 9 to 18 carbon atoms, and is a linear or branched monovalent saturated hydrocarbon group having at least 9 but no more than 18 carbon atoms. Examples of the alkyl group having 9 to 18 carbon atoms include an n-nonyl group, a 6-methyloctyl group, a 7-methyloctyl group, an n-decyl group, an 8-methylnonyl group, an n-undecyl group, a 9-methyldecyl group, an n-dodecyl group, a 10-methylundecyl group, an n-tridecyl group, an 11-methyldodecyl group, an n-tetradecyl group, an n-pentadecyl group, an n-hexadecyl group, an n-heptadecyl group, and an n-octadecyl group, with the 10-methylundecyl group being preferred.

[0024] M ＋ are each independently a hydrogen ion (H + ), alkali metal ions, ammonium ions, or pyridinium ions. The alkali metal ions are not particularly limited, but include lithium ions, sodium ions, and potassium ions. The ammonium ions are not particularly limited, but include, for example, N(R １ ) ４ + Examples of the ammonium ion include those represented by the formula: R １ each independently represents hydrogen or an organic group. As an ammonium ion, R １A preferred embodiment of the quaternary ammonium ion is one in which all of the above are organic groups. Examples of the organic group include an alkyl group, an aralkyl group, and an aryl group. Specifically, examples of the alkyl group include alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, and t-butyl. Examples of the aralkyl group include aralkyl groups having 7 to 12 carbon atoms, such as benzyl, methylbenzyl, and phenylethyl. Examples of the aryl group include aryl groups having 6 to 15 carbon atoms, such as phenyl, toluyl, and xylyl. Examples of the ammonium ion include a tetramethylammonium ion and a tetraethylammonium ion. The pyridinium ion is not particularly limited. In the pyridinium ion, a hydrogen atom bonded to a carbon atom constituting a pyridine ring may be substituted with an organic group. In addition, examples of the pyridinium ion include those in which a nitrogen atom constituting a pyridine ring is substituted with an organic group. ＋ The bond to may be, for example, hydrogen or an organic group. The organic group contained in the pyridinium ion is R １ The organic groups mentioned in the explanation of 1. above can be used appropriately.

[0025] Two M present in general formula (1) ＋ may be the same or different. ＋ For example, some M ＋ are hydrogen ions, and some M ＋ In one preferred embodiment, M is an alkali metal ion. The alkali metal ion is not particularly limited, but represents a lithium ion, a sodium ion, a potassium ion, etc. In addition, two M present in the general formula (1) ＋ However, if there are two or more types of ions, when focusing on one molecule (salt), two M ＋ may be the same type of ion. ＋ When there are two types of ions, the ratio (molar ratio) of a certain ion A to a certain ion B is, for example, 1:10 to 10:1, preferably 1:5 to 5:1, and more preferably 1:3 to 3:1. ＋ Some of these are hydrogen ions, and some are sodium ions (Na＋ ) is one of the preferred embodiments.

[0026] Peptide biosurfactants such as surfactin or a salt of surfactin can be obtained by culturing a microorganism, for example, a strain belonging to Bacillus subtilis, and isolating it from the culture medium according to a known method. A purified product may be used, or an unpurified product, for example, the culture medium, may be used as is. Furthermore, those obtained by chemical synthesis methods can also be used in the same way as long as the molecular structure is the same. Commercially available products can also be used.

[0027] Examples of the sugar-type biosurfactant include rhamnolipid, sophorolipid, mannosylerythritol lipid, cellobiose lipid, trehalose lipid, succinoyltrehalose lipid, glucose lipid, polyol lipid, oligosaccharide fatty acid ester, and salts thereof.

[0028] The sugar-type biosurfactant is preferably at least one sugar-type biosurfactant selected from rhamnolipids, sophorolipids, and salts thereof.

[0029] The glyco-type biosurfactant can be obtained according to a known method, and commercially available products can also be used.

[0030] As the biosurfactant, at least one kind of biosurfactant selected from surfactin, rhamnolipid, sophorolipid, and salts thereof is preferred, and as the biosurfactant, at least one kind of biosurfactant selected from surfactin and salts thereof is particularly preferred.

[0031] <Soybean meal hydrolyzate> The plant growth-promoting composition contains a soybean meal hydrolyzate. The soybean meal hydrolyzate can be obtained, for example, by subjecting soybean meal to a Bacillus fermentation treatment using a Bacillus bacterium.

[0032] <Additives> The plant growth-promoting composition may contain, as necessary, components other than the biosurfactant and soybean meal hydrolyzate. The plant growth-promoting composition may contain one or more additives. Examples of additives include thickeners, dispersants, humectants, colorants, antifoaming agents, UV protectants, antifreeze agents, preservatives, biological control agents or biocides, emulsifiers, sequestrants, plasticizers, phospholipids, flow agents, coalescing agents, waxes, preservatives, fillers (e.g., clay, talc, glass fiber, cellulose, micronized wood, etc.) and / or elements necessary for plant growth (e.g., one or more selected from the group consisting of Mo, Co, B, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, S, Mg, Ca, N, P, and K), but are not limited thereto.

[0033] <Plant Growth-Promoting Composition> The plant growth-promoting composition contains a biosurfactant and a soybean meal decomposition product as described above.

[0034] The mass ratio of the biosurfactant to the soybean meal hydrolysate in the plant growth-promoting composition is preferably 1:0.3 to 1:4000, more preferably 1:0.3 to 1:2000, more preferably 1:0.3 to 1:1000, more preferably 1:0.3 to 1:500, more preferably 1:0.4 to 1:260, more preferably 1:0.4 to 1:200, even more preferably 1:0.4 to 1:150, and particularly preferably 1:0.5 to 1:110.

[0035] The plant growth-promoting composition contains a biosurfactant and a soybean meal hydrolyzate, and may also contain an additive. A seed composition can be obtained by coating plant seeds with the plant growth-promoting composition. The components of the seed composition may be present on the surface of the seeds, or may be present inside the seeds after penetration into the seeds, or may be present partially on the surface of the seeds and partially inside the seeds.

[0036] The method for producing the plant growth-promoting composition is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method for preparing a liquid plant growth-promoting composition by dissolving or dispersing the components constituting the plant growth-promoting composition, i.e., the biosurfactant and soybean meal hydrolyzate, and any additives used, in water, etc. Examples of liquids such as water that can be used to prepare the liquid plant growth-promoting composition include water, organic solvents, and mixed solvents of water and organic solvents, with water being a preferred embodiment.

[0037] When water is used in preparing a plant growth-promoting composition for coating plant seeds, the amount of water can be adjusted depending on the water absorbency of the target seeds. For example, in the case of seeds with low water absorbency (e.g., corn, soybean, wheat, etc.), the amount of water can be adjusted so that 8 L to 10 L of the plant growth-promoting composition is used per ton of seeds, thereby preparing a plant growth-promoting composition for coating seeds with low water absorbency. For example, in the case of seeds with medium water absorbency (e.g., barley, rice, oilseed rape, oats, etc.), the amount of water can be adjusted so that 10 L to 12 L of the plant growth-promoting composition is used per ton of seeds, thereby preparing a plant growth-promoting composition for coating seeds with medium water absorbency. For example, in the case of seeds with high water absorbency (e.g., sugar beet, spinach, etc.), the amount of water can be adjusted so that 12 L to 150 L of the plant growth-promoting composition is used per ton of seeds, thereby preparing a plant growth-promoting composition for coating seeds with high water absorbency. The plant growth-promoting composition prepared in this manner can be used to coat target seeds. The seeds coated with the plant growth-promoting composition can then be used as a seed composition by drying the water as needed. When water is used to prepare the plant growth-promoting composition, the concentrations of the biosurfactant and soybean meal hydrolyzate contained in the plant growth-promoting composition are not limited. For example, the amount of biosurfactant contained in the plant growth-promoting composition to coat plant seeds is usually 0.3 × 10 relative to 100% by mass of the target seeds. －４ ~5.5 x 10 －３ % by weight, in one embodiment 0.35×10－４ ~2 x 10 －３ % by weight, in one embodiment 0.4×10 －４ ~8.0 x 10 －４ % by weight, in one embodiment 4.5×10 －４ ~6.0 x 10 －４ For example, the amount of soybean meal decomposition product contained in the plant growth-promoting composition for coating plant seeds is usually adjusted to 0.3 × 10% by mass based on 100% by mass of the target seeds. －４ ~3 x 10 －２ % by weight, in one embodiment 1×10 －４ ~2.6 x 10 －２ % by weight, in one embodiment 5×10 －４ ~1.3 × 10 －２ % by weight, in one embodiment 2×10 －３ ~8 x 10 －３ % by weight, in one embodiment 4×10 －３ ~6 x 10 －３ The amounts of the biosurfactant and the soybean meal hydrolyzate are preferably adjusted to the mass ratio of the biosurfactant to the soybean meal hydrolyzate as described above.

[0038] When water is used in preparing a plant growth-promoting composition for foliar spray, the plant growth-promoting composition for foliar spray can be prepared by diluting the plant growth-promoting composition for coating plant seeds with water at a concentration of 10 to 4,000 times.When water is used in preparing a plant growth-promoting composition for spraying soil or sown seeds, the plant growth-promoting composition for application to soil or a plant growth-promoting composition for spraying sown seeds can be prepared by diluting the plant growth-promoting composition for coating plant seeds with water at a concentration of 10 to 4,000 times.

[0039] The present embodiment will be described below with reference to examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0040] In the present examples, "SF" refers to Surfactin Na (product name: Kaneka Surfactin, manufactured by Kaneka), and "soybean meal hydrolysate" refers to a peptide material produced by subjecting soybean meal to Bacillus fermentation treatment in accordance with APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Jan. 1994, pp. 243-247.

[0041] Experimental Example 1 As shown below, a plant growth-promoting composition was prepared, seeds were coated with the composition, and corn was then grown under normal conditions.

[0042] A coating solution (plant growth-promoting composition) containing SF, soybean meal hydrolyzate, and a thickener (polyvinyl alcohol (Poval)) in water was prepared. A seed composition was prepared by coating 100 g of corn seeds (variety: Snowdent Otoha) with 800 μL of the coating solution using a coating device (manufactured by SATEC). The coating solution was prepared so that SF was 0.5 g to 100 g per ton of seeds and soybean meal hydrolyzate was 50 g to 250 g per ton of seeds.

[0043] 9 cm pots were filled with culture soil, and one seed composition (coated corn seed) was sown per pot. After sowing, the seeds were kept in a closed greenhouse set at 24°C / 14 hours during the day and 18°C / 10 hours at night, and the growth status was investigated 21 days after sowing. The investigation was carried out by measuring the dry weight of the aboveground and underground parts. The test was repeated 12 times, and the average value was calculated.

[0044] Table 1 shows the results of measuring the total dry weight, which is the sum of the dry weight of the above-ground parts and the dry weight of the root parts, in Experimental Example 1. In Table 1, corn seeds that had not been subjected to the above-mentioned coating treatment were used for the seeds in which the amount of SF and the hydrolyzed soybean meal used was 0 g / MT-seed. In Table 1, the total dry weight, which is the sum of the dry weight of the above-ground parts and the dry weight of the root parts, is shown as a relative value (%) when the total dry weight, which is the sum of the dry weight of the above-ground parts and the dry weight of the root parts of corn seeds in which the amount of SF and the hydrolyzed soybean meal used was 0 g / MT-seed, is set to 100.

[0045]

[0046] Table 1 shows that the plant growth-promoting composition of the present disclosure has an excellent growth-promoting effect.

[0047] [Experimental Example 2] As shown below, a plant growth-promoting composition was prepared, seeds were coated with the composition, and corn was then grown under salt stress conditions.

[0048] A coating solution (plant growth-promoting composition) containing SF, soybean meal hydrolyzate, and a thickener (polyvinyl alcohol (Poval)) in water was prepared. A seed composition was prepared by coating 100 g of corn seeds (variety: Snowdent Otoha) with 800 μL of the coating solution using a coating device (manufactured by SATEC). The coating solution was prepared so that SF was 0.5 g to 100 g per ton of seeds and soybean meal hydrolyzate was 50 g to 250 g per ton of seeds.

[0049] After filling 7.5 cm pots with culture soil, the bottoms were allowed to absorb a sodium chloride solution, and one seed composition (coated corn seeds) was sown per pot. After sowing, the plants were kept in a closed greenhouse set at 24°C / 14 hours during the day and 18°C / 10 hours at night, and the growth status was investigated 21 days after sowing. The investigation was carried out by measuring the dry weight of the aboveground and underground parts. The test was repeated 12 times, and the average value was calculated.

[0050] Table 2 shows the results of measuring the total dry weight, which is the sum of the dry weight of the above-ground parts and the dry weight of the underground parts, in Experimental Example 2. In Table 2, corn seeds that had not been subjected to the above-mentioned coating treatment were used for the seeds in which the amount of SF and the hydrolyzed soybean meal used was 0 g / MT-seed. In Table 2, the total dry weight, which is the sum of the dry weight of the above-ground parts and the dry weight of the underground parts, is shown as a relative value (%) when the total dry weight, which is the sum of the dry weight of the above-ground parts and the dry weight of the underground parts of corn seeds in which the amount of SF and the hydrolyzed soybean meal used was 0 g / MT-seed, is set to 100.

[0051]

[0052] Table 2 shows that the plant growth-promoting composition of the present disclosure has an excellent growth-promoting effect even under salt stress conditions.

[0053] [Experimental Example 3] As shown below, a plant growth-promoting composition was prepared, seeds were coated with the composition, and soybeans were then cultivated in a field.

[0054] A coating solution (plant growth-promoting composition) containing SF, soybean meal hydrolyzate, a thickener (polyvinyl alcohol (Poval)), an antifreeze agent, and a preservative in water was prepared. A seed composition was prepared by coating 2 kg of soybean seeds (variety: Fukuyutaka) with 16 ml of the coating solution using a coating device (manufactured by SATEC). The coating solution was prepared so that SF was 0.5 g per ton of seeds and the soybean meal hydrolyzate was 50 g per ton of seeds.

[0055] Two seeds were sown in the field with a 60 cm furrow spacing and a 15 cm plant spacing, and after germination, the seeds were thinned to one seed. Surveys were conducted 24 and 106 days after sowing. 24 days after sowing, the stem diameter, dry weight of the aboveground part, and dry weight of the underground part were measured. 106 days after sowing, the stem diameter, number of branches, number of branch nodes, total number of nodes, total number of pods, and total number of seeds were measured.

[0056] Table 3 shows the measurement results 24 days after sowing in Experimental Example 3, and Table 4 shows the measurement results 106 days after sowing in Experimental Example 3. In Tables 3 and 4, soybean seeds that had not been subjected to the above-mentioned coating treatment were used as controls. In Tables 3 and 4, the actual measured values ​​and the measurement results of the control are shown as relative values ​​(%), with the control measurement result being set at 100.

[0057]

[0058]

[0059] From Table 3, it was confirmed that the plant growth-promoting composition of the present disclosure had an effect of promoting the initial growth of soybeans. Furthermore, from Table 4, it was confirmed that the plant growth-promoting composition of the present disclosure had an effect of increasing the final yield of soybeans.

[0060] [Experimental Example 4] As shown below, a plant growth-promoting composition was prepared, seeds were coated with the composition, and wheat was then cultivated in a field.

[0061] A coating solution (plant growth-promoting composition) containing SF, soybean meal hydrolyzate, a thickener (polyvinyl alcohol (Poval)), an antifreeze agent, and a preservative in water was prepared. A seed composition was prepared by coating 2 kg of wheat seeds (variety: Satonosora) with 16 ml of the coating solution using a coating device (manufactured by SATEC). The coating solution was prepared so that SF was 0.5 g per ton of seeds and the soybean meal hydrolyzate was 50 g per ton of seeds.

[0062] Two seeds were sown in the field with a row spacing of 25 cm and a plant spacing of 5 cm, and after germination, the seeds were thinned to one seed. Surveys were conducted 85 and 196 days after sowing. On the 85th day after sowing, plant height, number of stems, dry weight of above-ground parts, and dry weight of below-ground parts were measured. On the 196th day after sowing, the number of effective panicles and grain weight were measured.

[0063] Table 5 shows the measurement results 85 days after sowing in Experimental Example 4, and Table 6 shows the measurement results 196 days after sowing in Experimental Example 4. In Tables 5 and 6, wheat seeds that had not been subjected to the above-mentioned coating treatment were used as controls. In Tables 5 and 6, the actual measured values ​​and the measurement results of the control are shown as relative values ​​(%), with the control measurement result set at 100.

[0064]

[0065]

[0066] Table 5 shows that the plant growth-promoting composition of the present disclosure has an effect of promoting the initial growth of wheat. Table 6 shows that the plant growth-promoting composition of the present disclosure has an effect of increasing the final yield of wheat.

[0067] The upper and / or lower limits of the numerical ranges described herein can be arbitrarily combined to define a preferred range. For example, the upper and lower limits of the numerical ranges can be arbitrarily combined to define a preferred range, the upper limits of the numerical ranges can be arbitrarily combined to define a preferred range, and the lower limits of the numerical ranges can be arbitrarily combined to define a preferred range. Furthermore, in this application, numerical ranges expressed using the symbol "to" include the numerical values ​​written before and after the symbol "to" as the upper and lower limits, respectively.

[0068] Although the present embodiment has been described in detail above, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and any design changes that do not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure are also included in the present disclosure. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A plant growth promoting composition containing a biosurfactant and a soybean meal decomposition product.

2. The plant growth-promoting composition according to claim 1, wherein the biosurfactant is at least one biosurfactant selected from surfactin, rhamnolipid, sophorolipid, and salts thereof.

3. The plant growth-promoting composition according to claim 1, wherein the mass ratio of the biosurfactant to the soybean meal hydrolyzate in the plant growth-promoting composition is 1:0.3 to 1:4000.

4. The plant growth-promoting composition according to claim 1, which promotes the initial growth of plants when applied to plants.

5. The plant growth promoting composition according to claim 1, which, when applied to a plant, increases the final yield of the plant.

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