n-hBGP AGRICULTURAL COMPOSITION

Abstract

In one arrangement a functional composition for delivery to the surface of a plant is provided. In one particular implementation, the functional composition is configured to regulate abiotic stressors encountered by a plant or other agricultural crop during its growth cycle. By way of non-limiting example, a functional agricultural composition is provided, where the functional agricultural composition comprises at least one osmolytic compound configured to be provided in a solution with water and applied directly to the surface of a plant or other agricultural crop.

Description

[0001] Title of the invention

[0002] n-hBGP AGRICULTURAL COMPOSITION

[0003] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0004] 001. The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U. S. Patent Application No. 63 / 739,018, filed December 26, 2024, and U. S. Application No.

[0005] 63 / 896,520, filed October 9, 2025, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0006] Background of the Invention

[0007] 002. It will be appreciated by those possessing an ordinary level of skill in the requisite art that the conditions for optimal crop performance depend on specific parameters. For example, optimal crop performance requires maintaining growth parameters such as ideal temperature, moisture levels (both soil and atmospheric), and essential soil nutrients. However, even with adequate soil amendments through fertilizer input, the interplay of suboptimal temperature and moisture conditions can lead to significant yield losses, sometimes culminating in total crop failure.

[0008] 003. Beyond the severity of extreme heat shocks and droughts on a climatic scale, sporadic variations in these parameters — daily, weekly, or throughout the growing season — further contribute to yield losses. Crops attempt to mitigate these growth setbacks (related to temperature and moisture) by initiating complex biological responses. These responses deplete growth resources, resulting in a metabolic tradeoff that comes at the expense of yield.

[0009] 004. The dynamic nature of plant responses to fluctuating microclimatic and environmental conditions poses significant challenges, both scientifically and in terms of securing food supplies. Due to the adaptive nature of how plants adjust to constantly changing conditions (plant feedback), it remains challenging to develop solutions that reliably target dynamic and multiple "abiotic stressors" as they change. " Abiotic stressors" refer to biophysical factors such as weather and climatic variables that impair crop growth, unlike biological agents such as pests, diseases, and soil microbial or nutritional conditions.005. Solutions to such abiotic stressors are incomplete at best. Prior art solutions can broadly be categorized into preventative / diagnostic and prescriptive treatments.

[0010] 006. Preventative approaches in prior art attempt to mitigate the potential impact of weather- or climate-induced crop losses or failures through early detection and warning systems for unfavorable weather conditions or patterns. In optimized forms, sensory weather data and predictive algorithms — based on statistical models or artificial intelligence — are used to forecast weather events. Using these predictions, preventative measures are deployed. However, it will be appreciated that accurate predictions of future threats, without proper diagnosis, can still result in yield losses.

[0011] 007. In contrast, prescriptive approaches focus on interventions that enable crops to thrive under osmotic stress by leveraging biological resilience, growth conditioning, or chemical inputs to alleviate stressful conditions. One approach involves exploiting genetic factors to enhance resistance to variable weather events. Such methods include traditional crop breeding, genetic engineering / modification, and, more recently, applications of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technologies. These approaches often target existing regulatory genes or genomic frameworks that mediate plants’ internal stress response mechanisms.

[0012] 008. Another approach focuses on irrigation or temperature control. Here, control or regulatory infrastructure is deployed directly to manage the stressors (temperature and moisture). For example, this may include irrigating a farm with water or installing thermal or cooling systems to restore air or soil temperatures to optimal ranges.

[0013] 009. However, the efficacy of such solutions remains elusive. Unlike biological stressors such as pests, diseases, and soil microbial imbalances, abiotic factors are unpredictable and ever-changing. This makes the development of adaptive crop breeds costly, time-intensive, and often insufficient for providing long-term protection.

[0014] 010. These challenges are particularly pronounced in cropping systems involving field crops, perennials, and tree crops, which are especially vulnerable to the uncertainties of climatic impacts. The resulting investment and economic repercussions further underscore the pressing need for innovative and practical solutions to address these complex agricultural problems.

[0015] 011. Consequently, the time and R& D costs associated with developing crop breeds to adapt to new growth conditions become impractical, prohibitive, or only providelimited protection. The problems outlined above affect different cropping systems in varying ways. For example, field crops — largely perennials and tree crops — suffer the most from uncertain climatic impacts, with significant investment and economic repercussions.

[0016] 012. Thus, what is needed in the art are reliable solutions to address the shifting and multifaceted impacts of "abiotic stressors" — non-biological factors such as weather and climate variables that impede crop growth.

[0017] Summary of the Invention

[0018] 013. In one arrangement, a functional composition, referred to herein as non-hormonal biostimulant growth promoters (n-hBGPs), for delivery to the surface of a plant is provided. In one particular implementation, the functional composition is configured to regulate abiotic stressors encountered by a plant or other agricultural crop during its growth cycle. By way of non-limiting example, a functional agricultural composition is provided, where the functional agricultural composition comprises at least one osmolytic compound configured to be provided in a solution with water and applied directly to the surface of a plant or other agricultural crop. In a further arrangement, the agricultural composition includes at least one antioxidant. In one or more arrangements, the ratio of osmolytic compound to antioxidant is 1:1. In an alternative configuration, the ratio of antioxidant to osmolytic compound is greater than 1:1. In a further arrangement, the ratio of osmolytic compound to antioxidant is less than 1:1.

[0019] 014. In yet a further arrangement, the provided agricultural composition further includes a co-enzyme.

[0020] 015. In yet a further arrangement, the provided agricultural composition further includes at least one amino acid.

[0021] 016. In still yet a further arrangement, the provided agricultural composition further includes a composition stabilizer.

[0022] 017. In still yet a further arrangement, the provided agricultural composition includes a thickener or extender.018. In yet a further arrangement, the provided agricultural composition is sufficient to function as a substrate for a beneficial soil and plant tissue microbes.

[0023] 019. In one or more implementations, the provided agricultural composition is sufficiently viscous so as to permit spraying with commercially available, or off-the shelf, spraying or irrigation technology.

[0024] 020. A method of providing an agricultural product with abiotic resistance to variable weather conditions is also provided. Such a method includes the steps of preparing an agricultural product comprising at least water and an osmolytic compound. The method further comprises the step of delivering, using an applicator, the agricultural product at least twice in a given month.

[0025] 021. In an alternative configuration, the method provided includes delivering, using an applicator, the agricultural product weekly after germination of the plant, until onset of flowering or fruiting of the plant.

[0026] Detailed Description

[0027] 022. By way of overview and introduction, the described agricultural compositions and associated methods of delivery and application are directed to improving the resistance of plants (in particular food crops) to variations in environmental conditions that could lead to less-than-optimal performance. By providing a readily obtainable and deployable functional agricultural composition, it becomes possible to address several long-standing and unfelt needs.

[0028] 023. First, the described composition is directed to a versatile and adaptable composition for specific agricultural applications.Concentration

[0029]

[0030] Figure 1 Dynamic formulation of composition with respect to crop growth condition. Graphical illustration (Note - NOT DRAWN TO SCALE).

[0031] For example, in Figure 1 where compound A denotes an osmolyte, compound B denote an antioxidant and compound C, amino acid, their relative ratios in the composition may vary with increasing intensity of stress up to their respective limiting concentration range hereby indicated by flatten horizontal line at the end of the curve (Figure 1). Similarly, in the case where the trade-off of the stressed crops terminates crop allocation to respective symbiotic microbes in roots, soils or within non-root plant tissue (such as endophytes), the component of agricultural composition that targets novel microbes as (exogenous) substrate, will vary within the range of its concentration limits depending on stress intensity in the microbial ecosystem. This approach allows for improved growth of the target agricultural crop while promoting soil health through microbial activity.

[0032] 024. Second, it will be appreciated that the damaging effect of osmotic stress differs depending on the duration and the magnitude or intensity of the conditions. Thus, the customizable configurable nature of the functional compound described allows for a compound that can be configured to provide optimal performance characteristics for the target agricultural crop and address different states of stress conditions when encountered.025. As a result, the described agricultural composition is directed to aiding in the production of improved crop yields during low stress states, mild stress states and advance stress states. Moreover, weather conditions that are short-lived may not damage crops, yet such conditions are sufficient to initiate a sequence of protective signaling that involves the use of plant resources.

[0033] 026. As a result, in one or more implementations, the presently described compositions and method of deploying the same, prevents unwarranted responses to even transient environmental conditions (metabolic inhibition) so that plant resources are more available for yield.

[0034] 027. It will be appreciated by those possessing an ordinary level of skill in the requisite art that temperature and soil moisture conditions aren’t fixed. In one arrangement, the deployment of the composition described herein is configured to promote growth and yield under optimal conditions like a fertilizer. However, at the onset of a heat shock or drought, the invention provides ready protection for crops. Thus, monitoring systems utilizing predictive or dynamic treatment solutions do not have to actively manage the deployment of the described compounds.

[0035] 028. That is, if the environmental conditions encountered by the crops are within acceptable ranges for optimal growth, the described compositions can still be delivered on a pre-set schedule without detriment to the crops. This approach, and the formulations of the composition, allow for the minimization of the investment cost of predictive approaches that do not offer direct solutions (such as systems that merely alert the presence of adverse environmental conditions) and rely on some sort of manual follow up in order to intervene. Thus, the invention indirectly acts as an early safeguard for temperature and drought attacks on crops even where there are no early warning infrastructures.

[0036] 029. This approach does not suffer from the same drawbacks as other approaches in the art. For example, existing prescriptive treatment of drought and heat shocks are deployed through seed genetics, biostimulants or infrastructures such as precision irrigation or thermal radiation. While genetic interventions are a useful tool to design climate specific crops, genetic interventions are poorly suited for growth conditions that fluctuate frequently during the growing season. For example, when the condition of stress is short-lived, unpredictable, or revert back to a climate for which the cropwas not genetically bred to thrive, it reverses yield performance. This is one of the biggest challenges to genetically engineered plant breeds. This is primarily due to the fact that once genes are activated for a specific function, they cannot self-unstitch unless it is engineered so. Furthermore, some genes perform multiple functions. However, it is possible that the genetically engineered organism will then lose those additional roles when the organism is altered to target a specific performance goal.

[0037] 030. In contrast, by providing a customizable formulation, also referred to herein as non-hormonal biostimulant growth promoters (n-hBGPs), that does not impact optimal plant performance when delivered during optimal growing conditions, the drawbacks of genetic engineering seed crops can be avoided. Applying the described agricultural composition preserves plant genomic function and also protects crops during conditions of active stress as well as stressless conditions.

[0038] 031. Similar to genetic engineering approaches, biostimulants have been deployed to improve plant yields. However, biostimulants deployed for stress protection have typically been found to be only protective under the target stress. When applied to non-stressed crops, such biostimulants have a negative effect on yield. This is analogous to taking a medication while you are not sick and the drug activates natural immune responses. For such inventions to be effective, additional investment in stress diagnostics are essential. This makes it less suitable for conditions where multiple stressors could be acting in concert or acting at alternating modes, or infrequent, shortlived sporadic episodes.

[0039] 032. The described functional composition improves upon these approaches in that the described compositions can be deployed regardless of environmental conditions. This leads to simpler deployment management systems and more consistent usage. In particular, the described functional compositions can be applied as an agricultural input to field crops across all growth stages to promote rapid growth, protection against drought and heat shocks and sustain yields.

[0040] 033. Furthermore, the functional composition can be applied as a prophylactic treatment during intermittent periods of weather or climate induced stress. Such periods of stress can introduce diurnal, periodic and short-term changes in growth. To correct for this, the functional composition provides protection to the plant under conditions where there are multiple environmental constraints that impact crop growth.For example, the described composition can be dynamically deployed when multiple overlapping conditions, such as nitrogen deficiency, heat shock and drought are encountered.

[0041] 034. Climate shocks such as drought and heat waves that result in osmotic stress damage to crops occur over multi-stage biological processes. The damage or condition that the described composition is directed to depends on timing of damage.

[0042] 035. Crop protection is achieved by the combination of miscible solutes of similar or unequal particulate size that together in relative proportions are soluble in aqueous solution. The solution is applied at a concentration to growing crops in soil or other growth media. The application is ideally by foliar (on leaves) but can be both foliar and soil. Depending on the intensity of the crop stress, the invention works to regulate leaf tissue moisture loss, repair tissue damage, inhibit metabolic signal response, and osmoregulates cellular condition to maintain leaf photosynthesis and gas exchange without shutting down carbon fixation during the stress episode. This is achieved by the constituent composition acting independent or in synergy. Importantly, the functional composition can offer protection for wild, organic or genetically modified crop species.

[0043] 036. It will also be appreciated that the functional composition described can be applied as bio-additive to fertilizer blends to provide additional osmotic stress protection to soil amendments. The functional composition can be applied for rapid treatment of nitrogen deficiency across any stage of established crops in conventional systems, organic cropping systems and other cropping systems.

[0044] 037. In another application, the functional composition can be used as a foliar or soil treatment in agricultural settings where crops are experiencing temperature, moisture, or nitrogen stress, either individually or in combination. Additionally, the invention can be applied as a soil microbial conditioner in cropping systems that rely on symbiotic relationships between crop roots and beneficial microbes, such as those found in legume crops.

[0045] 038. In one arrangement a functional composition for delivery to the surface of a plant is provided. The functional composition is configured to regulate abiotic stressors encountered by a plant or other agricultural crop during its growth cycle. By way of non-limiting example, a functional agricultural composition is provided, where thefunctional agricultural composition comprises at least one osmolytic compound configured to be provided in a solution with water and applied directly to the surface of a plant or other agricultural crop.

[0046] 039. In one arrangement, the osmolytic compound is selected from at least the following: Glycerol, Sorbitol, Proline, Trehalose, Sucrose, Mannitol, Betaines (e.g., Trimethylglycine), Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), Potassium salts (e.g., Potassium chloride, Potassium sulfate), Fructose. In one particular implementation, the osmolytic compound is a sugar alcohol. For example, the osmolytic compound is selected from sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, maltitol, isomalt, lactitol or hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (HSH).

[0047] 040. In a further arrangement, the agricultural composition includes at least one antioxidant. For example, the antioxidant is selected from one or more of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherols (vitamin E), beta-carotene, flavonoids (e.g., quercetin), glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, or polyphenols.

[0048] 041. In one or more arrangements, the ratio of osmolytic compound to antioxidant in the composition is 1:1. In an alternative configuration, the ratio of antioxidant to osmolytic compound is greater than 1:1. In a further arrangement, the ratio of osmolytic compound to antioxidant is less than 1:1. In another configuration, a functional agricultural composition is formulated to include at least one osmolytic compound and at least one antioxidant, with the osmolytic compound present in a minimum ratio of 2:1 relative to the antioxidant. This precise ratio ensures optimal efficacy in mitigating environmental stressors on crops, such as drought or extreme temperature fluctuations, by maintaining cellular integrity and combating oxidative damage.

[0049] 042. For example, the inventors have found that 1 -part osmotyle to either 1 to 6 parts antioxidant provides the improved performance of the agricultural composition described herein. By way of non-limiting example, a composition where the ratio of sorbitol to ascorbic is 1:5 provides improved performance to the plants to which it is applied. Alternatively, a composition that includes a ratio of 1 myoinositol to 2--3 ascorbic also provides improved performance.

[0050] 043. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the ratio of osmolyte: antioxidants result in similar performance improvements.044. In one particular implementation, the composition described herein further includes Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) or other cellulose ethers such as Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), Methyl Cellulose (MC), and Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC / Sodium CMC); natural and microbial polysaccharides such as Xanthan Gum, or natural plant-derived gums like Guar Gum and Chitosan.

[0051] 045. Lastly, it should be noted that concentration is defined by the amount of solute in a solvent. In practice, the concentration of the composition described herein applied to a crop may vary. This variability can result in different yield outcomes. This variation is partly due to residual cellular and intercellular volumes and fluids, as well as inter-and intra-species differences. Together, these factors interact with the absorbed composition and can alter the molecular kinetics of the composition at the reaction sites within the plant. This unpredictable biological variability highlights the need for flexibility and adaptability in the range of active ingredient ratios that form the described composition.

[0052] 046. In one particular arrangement, the composition described herein is customized based on the specific species being treated. However, in other arrangements, a base composition, with a predefined ratio of osmolytes to antioxidants, is provided. This base composition (such as a 1:1 ratio of osmolytes to antioxidants) is then adjusted to account for specific environmental and situational factors encountered during the application of the composition.

[0053] 047. In a further arrangement, the provided agricultural composition further includes a co-enzyme. Here, the co-enzyme serves to catalyze and support critical biochemical reactions within plants, thereby improving overall stress tolerance and metabolic efficiency. In one or more configurations, the co-enzyme is selected from coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), thiamin HCL, thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), biotin (vitamin B7), thiamine (vitamin B1), tetrahydrofolate (THF), coenzyme A (CoA), S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), or lipoamide.

[0054] 048. In a further arrangement, the provided agricultural composition further includes at least one amino acid. Here, the one amino acid provides building blocks for protein synthesis and supports plant growth and recovery during adverse conditions.049. In one arrangement, the amino acid is selected from one or more of alanine, arginine, argenine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, or valine.

[0055] 050. In one arrangement, the provided agricultural composition comprises thiamin HCL or thiamine pyrophosphate and glycine. In another arrangement, the provided agricultural composition further includes arginine. In a further arrangement the amount of argenine is twice the amount of glycine.

[0056] 051. In a further arrangement, the provided agricultural composition further includes a composition stabilizer. The use of a stabilizing agent helps maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the active ingredients over time, particularly under variable storage and application conditions.

[0057] 052. For example, the composition stabilizer can include EDTA, DTPA, EDDHA, citric acid, phosphoric acid, ammonium sulfate, ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, tocopherols, benzotriazoles, hindered amine light stabilizers, silica, kaolin clay, ethoxylated alcohols, sodium lauryl sulfate, glycerol, sorbitol, benzoates, sorbates, isothiazolinones, polyvinyl alcohol, xanthan gum, silicone oils, polydimethylsiloxanes.

[0058] 053. In yet a further arrangement, the provided agricultural composition includes a thickener or extender. The use of a thickener or extender improves the physical properties of the formulation, such as viscosity, aiding in ease of application and ensuring even coverage across treated surfaces. For example, the agricultural composition includes at least one of xanthan gum, carrageenan, guar gum, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, pectin, methylcellulose, silica, bentonite clay, kaolin clay, agar, starch derivatives, polyacrylamide.

[0059] 054. Thus, in one or more implementations, a functional agricultural composition is provided herein the composition includes at least one osmolytic compound. In further arrangements, a composition including an osmolytic compound is further provided with at least one antioxidant; additionally, such a composition can also include, together with the previously recited compounds, a co-enzyme. The composition described can further include, together with the previously recited compounds, at least one amino acid. The composition described can further include, together with the previouslyrecited compounds, a composition stabilizer. The composition described can further include, together with the previously recited compounds, a thickener or extender. The composition described can further include, together with the previously recited compounds, sufficient properties or physical characteristics.

[0060] 055. The composition described, can further include, together with the previously recited compounds, one or more of the following: complexing agent, a peptide, a carbohydrate source, a mineral, a vitamin, a pH indicator, a humectant, a surfactant, a defoamer, an antifoaming agent, a penetrating agent, a thickener, a stabilizer, or a mixture thereof. In the composition described, the complexing agent is selected from the group consisting of organic acids, Inorganic acids, natural amino acids, synthetic amino acids, and mixtures thereof, present in an amount of 5% to 80% of the functional agricultural composition. In yet a further implementation, the functional agricultural composition includes one or more organic acids that are selected from the group consisting of an amino acid, a carbohydrate acid, a carboxylic acid, Citric acid, malic acid, Maleic acid, itaconic acid, polymaleic acid, polyaspartic acid, fumaric acid, malonic acid, tartaric acid, oxalic acid, phthalic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, acrylic acid, ascorbic acid, gluconic acid, glacial acetic acid, vinegar, propionic acid, formic acid, butyric acid, butanoic acid, fulvic acid, humic acid, folic acid, EDTA, Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), DTPA (Diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic Acid), EDTA salts, Hydroxy ethylidine Phosphonic acid (HEDP), Adenosine monophosphate (AMP), amino-tris(methylenephosphonic acid), lignosulfonic acid, glucoheptanioc acid, gluconic acid, glutaric acid, glucaric acid, glucoronic, glucuronic acid, ribonic acid, mannoric acid, arabonic acid, galactonic acid, mannuronic acid, erythronic acid, threnic acid, xylonic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0061] 056. Furthermore, it should be noted that the optimal concentration ranges for humectants and osmolytic compounds can vary. For example, under specific formulations and environmental conditions, sugar alcohols such as sorbitol (for example D-Sorbitol) are beneficial for osmotic balance at lower concentrations. In one arrangement, the concentration of a specific compound in the composition, such as a sugar alcohol, is below 1%. In another arrangement, the concentration of a given compound, including active ingredients like sugar alcohols, amino acids, co-enzymes, or other components described herein, ranges between 0.1% and 1%.057. It will be appreciated that the weight ratio between any two components in the functional agricultural composition of the present invention is 1:30-30:1. In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio between one active component (such as an osmolytic compound) to a second (such as a co-enzyme or antioxidant), or is 1:20-20:1, and the weight ratio is further preferably 1:10-10:1, to achieve a better effect. In some specific embodiment, the active components A and B may be at any specific ratios of 30:1, 29:1, 28:1, 27:1, 26:1, 25:1, 24:1, 23:1, 22:1, 21:1, 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 1:26, 1:27, 1:28, 1:29, and 1:30, or the ratio may be selected from a range delimited by any two ratios above.

[0062] 058. The composition of the present invention may be prepared into a deployable formulation with the active ingredients and a delivery aid or adjuvant. For example, the functional agricultural composition is combined with water or another solution for spraying onto plant surfaces. Here, the ratio between the functional agricultural composition and the delivery aid (such as water) is 1-90 wt % of the functional agricultural composition active components and 10-99 wt % of a delivery aid and or the adjuvant.

[0063] 059. The composition may specifically also comprise an adjuvant, such as one or more of a carrier, a solvent, a dispersant, a wetting agent, a binder, a thickener, an adhesive, a surfactant, a fertilizer and the like. A commonly used adjuvant may be blended during application. The suitable adjuvant or aid may be a solid or liquid that is generally a material commonly used in the preparation of formulations, for example, a natural or regenerated mineral substance, a solvent, a dispersing agent, a wetting agent, an adhesive, a thickener, or a binder. The composition of the present invention may be applied by administering the composition of the present invention to the above ground parts of plants, in particular to the leaves or leaf surface thereof.

[0064] 060. By integrating these supplementary components, the agricultural composition is designed to deliver a multi-faceted approach to plant health and resilience, catering to a wide range of environmental and agronomic challenges.

[0065] 061. It will be apparent that the described composition has particular advantage for perennial crops. Perennial crops, including all tree crops, are the most vulnerable toclimate shocks. It will be appreciated that seasonal replacement of genotypes is impractical, and crops require years to begin fruiting. As a result, climatic conditions, that are different from what the breeds were targeted result in declined performance. Here, the described agricultural composition offers continuous protection across sensitive growth cycles year after year and can be applied on case-by-case growth condition. For example, a composition comprising a sugar alcohol and an antioxidant can be applied to a tree crop in a prophylactic manner, thus ensuring protection against variations in the growing climate and avoiding the need to rely on replacement genotypes, which would take years.

[0066] 062. As shown in the below table, the described composition when applied to plants grown in difficult environmental conditions demonstrate improved yields relative to those plants that remain untreated.

[0067] Table 1: Summary yield data from two genetic varieties of French / string beans Drought

[0068] composition

[0069] untreated treated % yield gain

[0070] Means no. pod / crop

[0071] for combined

[0072] varieties 5.4±2.07 10.1 ±2.57 87%

[0073] Mean leaf area for

[0074] combined varieties 32.9±8.95 43.6±3.3 32.5%

[0075] " Well irrigated

[0076] composition

[0077] untreated treated % yield gain

[0078] Means no. pod / crop

[0079] for combined

[0080] varieties 14.8±2.11 18.2±3.07 23%

[0081] Mean leaf area for

[0082] combined varieties 54.3±19.6 60.0±13.6 10.5%

[0083] Field trials were conducted during the dry season without natural rains.

[0084] 'Crops subjected to 3 days of drought.“Crops receive daily irrigation. Even without drought, product provide yield benefit.

[0085] Table 2

[0086] Drought- estimated total yield (fresh harvested bean weight)

[0087] untreated composition

[0088] Variety (kg / ha) treated (kg / ha) % yield gain Kingfisher 16,036 28,620 78.5%

[0089] Star 13,660 25,648 87.8%

[0090] 063. As shown in Table 3 below, the application of n-hBGP in fields subjected to a 50% water deficit led to increased yields for both wheat and barley compared to control plots. Here, water deficit was deliberately imposed in combination with n-hBGP, and outcomes were compared to those from fully irrigated fields to assess the impact of the product.

[0091] Table 3

[0092]

[0093] WHEAT

[0094] ♦ Standard irrigated: 1926.05 kg / h

[0095] * 50% water rfefteit * -hBGP: 2012.75 (4.5% gain)

[0096] BARLEY

[0097] # Standard irrigated: 10 3.36 kg / ha(

[0098] « 50% water deficit * ~h8GP: 2068.28 kg / ha (9 tegas

[0099] 064. By way of non-limiting example, the timing of flowering or fruiting in many perennial crop species is signaled by specific mean range in temperature and or relative humidity (amount of moisture in air). Where the expected weather conditions deviate in a particular season from the typically encountered conditions, either due to higher temperatures, or a lack of precipitation, the functional composition can be applied to the tree crop to mask the signal, functioning as a temporal conditioner, and thereby preventing flowering of the tree crop.065. Furthermore, the inventors have found that despite the differences between 03 and 04 photosynthetic pathways, the functional agricultural composition works well with different crop groups. However, the inventors find improved benefits when one or more forms of the functional composition are applied to plants that undergo 03 photosynthesis by reason that they are more vulnerable to heat and drought stress. The functional agricultural composition offers additional protection and yield boost for crops that may have either engineered or evolve biological capacity to cope with stress.

[0100] 066. In one or more implementations, the functional agricultural composition can be combined with other agricultural nutritional or irrigation programs. The functional composition may be mixed with soluble organic or inorganic fertilizers, e.g. Miracle Grow or Urea. In one or more implementations, the functional agricultural composition can be deployed to any given soil type. Furthermore, the functional composition described can be in some configurations designed to not alter the original soil pH when it is deployed.

[0101] 067. Likewise, in one or more implementations, the provided agricultural composition is configured to be a sufficient substrate for one or more types of microorganisms. For example, the composition described has physical characteristics that allow it to function as a substrate for one or more of Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Bradyrhizobium, Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Ectomycorrhizal fungi, Bacillus, Actinobacteria, Trichoderma, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, Azospirillum, Bacillus thuringiensis, or Streptomyces as well as endophytes and saprophytes. In one arrangement, the endophytes and saprophytes are discovered, engineered, constructed or otherwise novel fungi, bacteria, or other microorganism. In one or more implementations, the provided agricultural composition is sufficiently viscous to permit spraying with commercially available, off-the shelf, spraying or irrigation technology.

[0102] 068. It will be appreciated that the functional agricultural composition can be applied as an agricultural input to field crops across all growth stages to promote rapid growth, protection against drought and heat shocks and sustain yields. Furthermore, the described functional agricultural composition can be applied as a prophylactic treatment during intermittent periods weather / climate induced due to diurnal or periodic and short-term changes in growth impacting stress conditions. The describedfunctional agricultural composition can be applied as bio-additive to fertilizer blends to provide additional osmotic stress protection to soil amendments.

[0103] 069. In a further implementation, the inventors have found that the functional compositions described herein can function as a crop growth promoter, referred to herein as n-hBGP, which can be utilized to support the management of crop adaptation and production in dryer and warmer environments. For instance, trials of a n-hBGP prototype on wheat and barley under water deficit in a desert climate were conducted at the Southern Arizona Experimental Station, Tucson, AZ, USA are provided in more detail in Appendix A, which forms and is a part of this application, and its contents are herein incorporated by reference as if presented in its entirety. From the trial results shown in Table 3, wheat and barley treated with n-hBGP under 50% water deficit throughout the growing season gained additional yield over fully irrigated control fields at 4.5% in wheat and 9.1% in barley.

[0104] 070. For example, and in no way limiting on the scope of the subject matter described herein, the following composition of n-hBGP was used in the studies provided in Table 3:

[0105] • 1 part Vitamin 1

[0106] • 2 part natural polymer

[0107] • 3 Part Sugar

[0108] • 1 part Starch

[0109] • 5 part Vitamin 2

[0110] • 20 parts Amino Acid 1

[0111] • 40 parts Amino Acid 2

[0112] •

[0113] 071. For example, and in no way limiting the composition can include: (a) a water-soluble micronutrient active; (b) a hydrophilic viscosity-modifying polymer; (c) a humectant polyol having plasticizing properties; (d) a polysaccharide excipient functioning as a filler, binder, and / or disintegrant; (e) an antioxidant acidulant; (f) a neutral amino acid excipient; and (g) a basic amino acid excipient. In arrangement, the components (a) through (g) are present in a relative parts ratio of about 1 : 2 : 3 : 1 : 5 : 20 : 40, respectively. When normalized to 100% by weight, wherein: (a) is present at about 1.0-1.8 wt%, (b) at about 2.0-3.5 wt%, (c) at about 3.0-5.0 wt%, (d) at about1.0-1.8 wt%, (e) at about 5.0-8.5 wt%, (f) at about 20-35 wt%, and (g) at about 45-65 wt%.

[0114] 072. It will be appreciated that various methods and processes are envisioned for increasing the yield of crops suffering shock or stress due to changing climatic conditions using the compositions described herein. For example, a method is provided for providing an agricultural crop with abiotic resistance to variable weather conditions, wherein the method includes the steps of preparing an agricultural product comprising at least water and an osmolytic compound. The method further comprises the step of delivering, using an applicator, the agricultural product at least twice a given month.

[0115] 073. In an alternative configuration, the method provided includes delivering, using an applicator, the agricultural product weekly after germination of the plant, until onset of flowering or fruiting of the plant. It will be appreciated that in other implementations, the method described includes delivery twice a month. Likewise, where the crop is a month-long short rotation vegetable, the method described includes application of a customized composition weekly after germination, until onset of flowering or fruiting. For perennials, described method can include the monthly application of a suitably tailored composition. Those possessing an ordinary level of skill in the requisite art will appreciate that the foregoing methods supply a balance between cost and benefit depending on the scale of agriculture and investment target.

[0116] 074. In one or more implementations, a method is provided for applying the agricultural composition provided. Here, the method includes identifying at least one growing condition selected from: nitrogen quantities; temperature and moisture. Wherein the method includes automatically deploying the agricultural composition to at least one agricultural crop when at least one growing condition is outside of predetermined range.

[0117] 075. It should be appreciated that the deployment of the functional agricultural compound can take place at any time of the growing season. Furthermore, with specific reference to nitrogen deficiency, the presently described functional agricultural composition can be used across any stage of established crops in conventional systems, organic cropping systems and other cropping systems.076. The inclusion of various references herein is not to be construed as any admission by the Applicants that the references constitute prior art. Applicants expressly reserve their right to challenge any allegations of unpatentability of inventions disclosed herein over the references included herein.

[0118] 077. Having illustrated and described the principles of the present invention, it should be apparent to persons skilled in the art that the invention can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles.

[0119] 078. Although the materials and methods of this invention have been described in terms of various embodiments and illustrative examples, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations can be applied to the materials and methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is1. A functional agricultural composition comprising at least one osmolytic compound and at least one antioxidant.

2. A functional agricultural composition of claim 1, wherein the osmolytic compound is present in at least a 1:2 ratio with the antioxidant.

3. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a co-enzyme.

4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the co-enzyme is selected from coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), biotin (vitamin B7), thiamine (vitamin B1 ), tetrahydrofolate (THF), coenzyme A (CoA), S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), or lipoamide5. The composition of claim 3, further comprising at least one amino acid.

6. The composition of claim 3, wherein the amino acid is selected from of alanine, arginine, argenine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, or valine.

7. The composition of claim 4, further comprising a composition stabilizer.

8. The composition of claim 5, the composition further comprising at least one thickener or extender composition.

9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the composition is sufficient to function as a substrate for one or more beneficial microorganisms.

10. The composition of claim 1, further comprising water.

11. A composition, comprising:(a) a water-soluble micronutrient;(b) a polymer;(c) a plasticizing agent;(d) a polysaccharide;(e) an antioxidant;(f) a first amino; and(g) a second amino acid;wherein components (a) through (g) are present in a relative parts ratio of about 1 : 2 : 3 : 1 : 5 : 20 : 40, respectively.

12. The composition of claim 1, normalized to 100% by weight, wherein:(a) is present at about 1.0–1.8 wt%,(b) at about 2.0–3.5 wt%,(c) at about 3.0–5.0 wt%,(d) at about 1.0–1.8 wt%,(e) at about 5.0–8.5 wt%,(f) at about 20–35 wt%, and(g) at about 45–65 wt%.

13. The composition of claim 11, wherein the first and second amino acids are selected from: alanine, arginine, argenine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, or valine.

14. The composition of claim 11, wherein the parts ratio tolerance is ±10% per component.

15. The composition of claim 11, wherein the weight ratio of (g):(f) is at least about 1.5:1.

16. The composition of claim 11, wherein the combined amino acid fraction ((f) + (g)) is at least about 65 wt% of the composition.

17. The composition of claim 11, wherein the antioxidant acidulant (e) provides stabilization of the micronutrient (a) against oxidative degradation under ambient storage for at least 6 months.

18. The composition of claim 11, further comprising water.

19. A method for increasing the yield of an agricultural crop, the method comprising:a. identifying a plant in need of enhanced nutrient uptake and growth when compared to non-treated plants; andb. providing a composition that comprises at least one osmolytic compound to the leaves of a plant, wherein the plant absorbs the composition and the plants have at least one of increased growth, increased grain size, increased grain yield, increased yield, increased panicles, or an increase in the number of seedlings per plant when compared to the plants in similar environmental conditions that did not receive the composition.

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