Plant quality improver, method for using resin composition, method for improving quality of plant, plant, culture soil, method for enhancing soil, and composition

Abstract

Provided is a novel plant quality improver that exhibits excellent environmental characteristics due to the use of a biomass material and that improves the quality of plants. More specifically, provided is a plant quality improver for improving the quality of plants, containing a rosin-based resin (A).

Description

Plant quality improver, method of using resin composition, method for improving plant quality, plant, culture soil, method for improving soil, and composition

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant quality improver, a method of using a resin composition, a method for improving plant quality, a plant, culture soil, a method for improving soil, and a composition.

[0002] Conventionally, in the cultivation of agricultural crops, large amounts of chemical fertilizers have been used to promote the growth of agricultural crops and increase yields. In recent years, in order to address environmental problems associated with the heavy use of chemical fertilizers, the use of agents having a growth-promoting effect on agricultural crops (plant growth promoters) instead of chemical fertilizers has also been proposed (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Along with recent changes in the social situation regarding food, agricultural products are required not only to increase their yields, but also to improve safety and quality of agricultural products. On the other hand, even if fertilizers or plant growth promoters are used, in situations such as an imbalance of nutrient elements in soil, inappropriate cultivation environment and conditions, or decreased metabolism in plants, there is a problem that the quality of agricultural crops such as sugar content, taste (sweetness, pungency), starch value, and appearance is reduced. Promoting the growth and increasing the yield of agricultural crops does not necessarily lead to an improvement in the quality of agricultural products.

[0004] In addition, it has been confirmed that when a large amount of nitrogen fertilizer is applied in the cultivation of agricultural crops, high concentrations of nitrate ions are present in the agricultural crops. It has been pointed out that when nitrate ions are reduced to nitrous acid in the digestive tract, they may cause respiratory inhibition, and may be involved in the production of nitroso compounds, which are carcinogenic substances in the body. It has also been pointed out that accumulation of nitrate ions in plants makes plants more susceptible to diseases, which leads to reduced growth and decreased yield of agricultural crops. Therefore, reducing nitrate ion concentration is also required as part of improving the quality of agricultural crops.

[0005] To address the above problems, the use of nitrification inhibitors that suppress nitrification in soil (for example, Patent Document 3) and sugar content improvers (for example, Patent Document 4) has been proposed.

[0006] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-230114, International Publication No. 2012 / 169473, International Publication No. 2022 / 243521, International Publication No. 2009 / 054480

[0007] However, conventional plant quality improvers (chemicals used to enhance the quality of crops and other plants) have a problem in that they do not provide sufficient quality improvement, and there is still a need for new plant quality improvers.

[0008] Furthermore, while many conventional plant quality enhancers primarily use fossil resources such as petroleum as raw materials, in recent years, environmental issues such as global warming have become a major concern, and there is a growing demand for the use of plant-derived biomass materials to reduce environmental impact.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a novel plant quality enhancer that is environmentally friendly and improves plant quality through the use of biomass materials.

[0010] As a result of diligent research, the inventors have found that the above objective can be achieved by a plant quality enhancer containing rosin-based resin as an active ingredient.

[0011] This disclosure provides the following items:

[0012] (Item 1) A plant quality improver for improving the quality of plants, comprising a rosin-based resin (A).

[0013] (Item 2) The plant quality improver described in Item 1 above, wherein the above quality improvement is at least one selected from the group consisting of sugar content improvement, nitrate concentration reduction, and starch value improvement.

[0014] (Item 3) A method for using a resin composition to improve the quality of plants, wherein the resin composition is a resin composition containing a rosin-based resin (A), and the resin composition is applied to plants and / or soil in which the plants are grown.

[0015] (Item 4) A method of using the resin composition described in Item 3, wherein the above quality improvement is at least one selected from the group consisting of sugar content improvement, nitrate concentration reduction, and starch value improvement.

[0016] (Item 5) A method for improving the quality of plants, which involves applying a resin composition containing a rosin-based resin (A) to the soil in which the plants are cultivated.

[0017] (Item 6) The method according to Item 5, wherein the quality improvement is at least one selected from the group consisting of sugar content improvement, nitrate concentration reduction, and starch value improvement.

[0018] (Item 7) A plant whose quality is improved by the method described in item 5 or 6 above.

[0019] (Item 8) A growing medium comprising soil and a plant quality improver as described in item 1 or 2 above.

[0020] (Item 9) A method for improving soil to improve the quality of plants to be cultivated, wherein the soil is soil on which plants are cultivated, and the method for improving soil involves applying a resin composition containing a rosin-based resin (A) to the soil.

[0021] (Item 10) A composition comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, pesticides, biostimulants and soil conditioners, and a plant quality enhancer as described in item 1 or 2 above.

[0022] In this disclosure, the one or more of the above-described features may be provided in combinations other than those explicitly stated.

[0023] Throughout this disclosure, the ranges of numerical values ​​such as physical properties and content may be set as appropriate (for example, by selecting from the values ​​listed in each item below). Specifically, if the examples of numerical value α are A3, A2, and A1 (A3 > A2 > A1), the range of numerical value α may include, for example, A3 or less, A2 or less, less than A3, less than A2, A1 or more, A2 or more, greater than A1, greater than A2, A1 to A2 (A1 or more and A2 or less), A1 to A3, A2 to A3, A1 or more and less than A3, A1 or more and less than A2, A2 or more and less than A3, greater than A1 and less than A3, greater than A1 and less than A2, greater than A2 and less than A3, greater than A1 and A3 or less, greater than A1 and A2 or less, greater than A2 and A3 or less. In this disclosure, "~" is used to mean that the numerical values ​​listed before and after it are included as the lower and upper limits. The components and manufacturing methods of this disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0024] The components, conditions, numerical values, etc., are not particularly limited as long as the objective of the present invention is achieved.

[0025] "αβ amount (A / B)" means the amount of β (α) of A relative to 100α of B. α can be expressed as mass%, mole%, or parts by mass, for example. β amount can be expressed as content, amount used, for example. "Mass% content (A / B)" means the content (mass%) of A relative to 100 mass% of B.

[0026] "γ ratio (A / B)" refers to the γ ratio calculated using the formula "A ÷ B". Examples of γ ratios include mass ratios and molar ratios.

[0027] "Non-volatile content" refers to the total mass of components other than organic solvents and water.

[0028] "(meth)acrylic" means "acrylic and / or methacrylic". "(meth)acrylate" means "acrylate and / or methacrylate". "(meth)acryloyl" means "acryloyl and / or methacryloyl". "(meth)allyl" means "allyl and / or methallyl".

[0029] "Poly(meth)acrylate" refers to a compound having two or more (meth)acryloyl groups.

[0030] [Plant Quality Enhancer] This disclosure relates to a plant quality enhancer comprising a rosin-based resin (A) (hereinafter also referred to as component (A)) for improving the quality of plants.

[0031] In this disclosure, "plant quality enhancer" means an agent that improves the quality of a plant. In this disclosure, plant quality is not particularly limited, as long as it is any known quality of a plant. Examples of plant quality include internal plant components and the appearance of the plant.

[0032] The above-mentioned components within the plant include, for example, water, protein, lipids, sugars (sugar content, sweetness), starch (starch value), pungent components, amino acids, ash, sodium, potassium, calcium, nitrate ions (nitrate concentration), vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, fatty acids, cholesterol, and dietary fiber.

[0033] The appearance of the above-mentioned plants includes measurable aspects such as shape, color, fragrance, leatheriness, fleshiness, thickness, gloss, degree of flowering, and degree of damage; and difficult-to-measure aspects such as beauty, suppleness, freshness, fashionability, and balance.

[0034] In this disclosure, quality improvement means that the quality of the plant moves in a favorable direction compared to when the above-mentioned plant quality improver (or resin composition described later) is not used. The quality improvement achieved by the above-mentioned plant quality improver is not particularly limited. Examples of quality improvements achieved by the above-mentioned plant quality improver include improved nutritional value, improved taste, and reduction of harmful components.

[0035] In one embodiment, the quality improvement achieved by the above-mentioned plant quality improver is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of sugar content improvement, nitrate concentration reduction, and starch value improvement. In this disclosure, sugar content improvement means improvement of the sugar content of the plant, and nitrate concentration reduction means the reduction of nitrate ions (NOx) in the plant body. ３ － ) This means a reduction in concentration, and an increase in starch value means an increase in the starch value of the plant.

[0036] In addition, in the plant quality improvers disclosed herein, agents that have the effect of increasing sugar content are also referred to as sugar content improvers, agents that have the effect of reducing nitrate concentration are also referred to as nitrate concentration reducers, and agents that have the effect of increasing starch value are also referred to as starch value improvers. Since the above plant quality improvers have multiple quality-improving effects, they can be used as multiple agents depending on the circumstances in which they are used.

[0037] Furthermore, even if plant growth is promoted, the quality of the plant does not necessarily improve. For example, in the case of tubers, if the water content of the tuber increases due to the growing environment and nutritional status, even if large tubers are obtained, the starch content may be low. In the case of fruits, if the sugar content fluctuates due to sugar metabolism, even if the growth is good and large fruits are obtained, the sweetness may be inferior.

[0038] <Rosin-based resin (A)> Component (A) is not particularly limited as long as it is a rosin-based resin, and various known types can be used. Component (A) may be used alone or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0039] (A) Examples of components include natural rosin, refined rosin (hereinafter, natural rosin and refined rosin will be collectively referred to as unmodified rosin), hydrogenated rosin, disproportionated rosin, polymerized rosin, α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid modified rosin (hereinafter, unmodified rosin, hydrogenated rosin, disproportionated rosin, polymerized rosin, and α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid modified rosin will be collectively referred to as rosins), rosin esters, alkali metal salts of rosins, alkaline earth metal salts of rosins, rosin phenol resin, rosin polyol, diterpene resin acid, etc.

[0040] (Natural Rosin) The above natural rosin includes, for example, horsehair pine (Pinus massoniana), slash pine (Pinus elliottii), Yunnan pine (Pinus yunnanensis), Merkus pine (Pinus merkusi), Caribbean pine (Pinus caribae), tropical pine (Pinus tropicalis), poppy pine (Pinus kesiya), loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), camphor pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica), resinosa pine (Pinus resinosa), white pine (Pinus strobus), Aleppo pine (Pinus Examples include natural rosins derived from halepensis, etc. (gum rosin, tall oil rosin, wood rosin).

[0041] (Purified Rosin) The above-mentioned purified rosin can be obtained using various known methods. Specifically, purified rosin can be obtained using various known purification methods such as distillation, extraction, recrystallization, and adsorption. Distillation methods include, for example, distilling the above-mentioned natural rosin at a temperature of approximately 200 to 300°C and under reduced pressure of approximately 0.01 to 3 kPa. Extraction methods include, for example, making an alkaline aqueous solution of the above-mentioned natural rosin, extracting the insoluble unsaponifiable matter with various organic solvents, and then neutralizing the aqueous layer. Recrystallization methods include, for example, dissolving the above-mentioned natural rosin in an organic solvent as a good solvent, then distilling off the solvent to obtain a concentrated solution, and then adding an organic solvent as a poor solvent. Good solvents include, for example, aromatic hydrocarbon solvents such as benzene, toluene, and xylene; chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents such as chloroform; lower alcohols; ketones such as acetone; and acetic acid esters such as ethyl acetate. Poor solvents include, for example, n-hexane, n-heptane, cyclohexane, and isooctane. Adsorption methods include, for example, contacting a porous adsorbent with the above-mentioned natural rosin in a molten state or in a solution form dissolved in an organic solvent. Examples of porous adsorbents include activated carbon, metal oxides such as alumina, zirconia, silica, molecular sieves, zeolites, and porous clay with micropores.

[0042] In one embodiment, the purified rosin may be obtained by further subjecting the obtained purified rosin to each of the below-described disproportionation operation and below-described hydrogenation operation, either alone or in combination of two or more thereof.

[0043] (Disproportionated Rosin) The above disproportionated rosin can be obtained using various known means. Specifically, disproportionated rosin can be obtained, for example, by a method (disproportionation) of heating the above unmodified rosin in the presence of a disproportionation catalyst. As the disproportionation catalyst, various known substances can be used: supported catalysts such as palladium-carbon, rhodium-carbon and platinum-carbon; metal powders such as nickel and platinum; and iodides such as iodine and iron iodide. In one embodiment, the amount of the catalyst used is generally about 0.01 to 5 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the unmodified rosin, and preferably about 0.01 to 1 part by mass. In one embodiment, the reaction temperature is about 100 to 300°C, and preferably about 150 to 290°C.

[0044] In one embodiment, the disproportionated rosin may be obtained by further subjecting the obtained disproportionated rosin to each of the above purification operation, the disproportionation operation and the below-described hydrogenation operation, either alone or in combination of two or more thereof.

[0045] (Hydrogenated Rosin) The above hydrogenated rosin can be obtained by various known means. Specifically, hydrogenated rosin can be obtained, for example, by hydrogenating the above unmodified rosin using known hydrogenation conditions. Examples of hydrogenation conditions include heating the above unmodified rosin to about 100 to 300°C at a hydrogen pressure of about 2 to 20 MPa in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst. In one embodiment, the hydrogen pressure is preferably about 5 to 20 MPa. In one embodiment, the reaction temperature is preferably about 150 to 300°C. Various known hydrogenation catalysts can be used, such as supported catalysts and metal powders. Examples of supported catalysts include palladium-carbon, rhodium-carbon, ruthenium-carbon, and platinum-carbon. Examples of metal powders include nickel and platinum. In one embodiment, the metal powder is preferably a palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, and platinum-based catalyst. In one embodiment, by using these as metal powders, the hydrogenation rate of the unmodified rosin is increased and the hydrogenation time is shortened. In one embodiment, the amount of hydrogenation catalyst used is usually about 0.01 to 5 parts by mass, preferably about 0.01 to 2 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the unmodified rosin.

[0046] In one embodiment, the hydrogenation may be carried out with the unmodified rosin dissolved in a solvent, if necessary. The solvent used is not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the solvent is preferably one that is inert to the reaction and in which the raw materials and products are easily dissolved. Specifically, the solvent can be one or more of the following: cyclohexane, n-hexane, n-heptane, decalin, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, etc. In one embodiment, the amount of solvent used is usually such that the non-volatile content is 10% by mass or more relative to the unmodified rosin, and preferably such that the non-volatile content is about 10 to 70% by mass.

[0047] In one embodiment, the hydrogenated rosin may be obtained by further performing the purification, hydrogenation, and disproportionation operations on the obtained hydrogenated rosin, either individually or in combination of two or more.

[0048] In one embodiment, for the purpose of improving color tone, purified rosin, hydrogenated rosin and disproportionated rosin may be further subjected to dehydrogenation treatment. The dehydrogenation treatment is not particularly limited, and ordinary conditions may be employed. In one embodiment, the dehydrogenation treatment is carried out by reacting purified rosin, hydrogenated rosin or disproportionated rosin in a closed container in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst, at an initial hydrogen pressure of less than 10 kg / cm², preferably less than 5 kg / cm², and a reaction temperature in the range of about 100 to 300°C, preferably with a lower limit of 200°C and an upper limit of 280°C. In one embodiment, preferred examples of the dehydrogenation catalyst include palladium-based, rhodium-based and platinum-based catalysts, which are usually used by being supported on a carrier such as silica or carbon. In one embodiment, the amount of the catalyst used is generally 0.01 to 5% by mass relative to the purified rosin, hydrogenated rosin or disproportionated rosin, preferably with a lower limit of 0.05% by mass and an upper limit of 3% by mass.

[0049] (Polymerized Rosin) The polymerized rosin described above can be obtained by various known means. Specifically, polymerized rosin can be obtained, for example, by a method of reacting the above-mentioned unmodified rosin as a raw material in a solvent such as toluene or xylene containing a catalyst such as sulfuric acid, hydrogen fluoride, aluminum chloride or titanium tetrachloride, at a reaction temperature of about 40 to 160°C for about 1 to 5 hours.

[0050] Specific examples of the polymerized rosin described above include gum-based polymerized rosin obtained using gum rosin as a raw material (e.g., trade name "Polymerized Rosin CP-140", manufactured by Xinzhou (Wuping) Forest Chemical Co., Ltd.), tall oil-based polymerized rosin obtained using tall oil rosin (e.g., trade name "Sylvatac 140", manufactured by Arizona Chemical Company), wood-based polymerized rosin obtained using wood rosin (e.g., trade name "Dymerex", manufactured by Eastman Chemical Company), and the like.

[0051] In one embodiment, the polymerized rosin described above may be the obtained polymerized rosin that has been subjected to various treatments including the above-mentioned purification, hydrogenation, disproportionation, and α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid modification such as acrylation, maleation and fumaration described later. In addition, various treatments may be carried out alone or in combination of two or more thereof.

[0052] (α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid modified rosin) The above α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid modified rosin is obtained by adding an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid to the above unmodified rosin.

[0053] The above α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid is not particularly limited, and various known ones can be used. Specifically, examples of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, citraconic acid, muconic acid, maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride, citraconic anhydride, muconic anhydride, maleic acid half ester, fumaric acid half ester, itaconic acid half ester, and so on. In one embodiment, the above α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid is preferably acrylic acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, or fumaric acid. In one embodiment, the amount of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid used is usually about 1 to 20 parts by mass, preferably about 1 to 3 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the above unmodified rosin, from the viewpoint of excellent fluidity when melted and excellent moldability.

[0054] The above α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid-modified rosin can be obtained by various known means. Specifically, the α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid-modified rosin can be obtained, for example, by adding the above α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid to the above unmodified rosin melted under heating, and reacting it at a temperature of about 180 to 240°C for about 1 to 9 hours. In one embodiment, the above reaction may be carried out while blowing an inert gas such as nitrogen into a sealed reaction system. In one embodiment, the above reaction may be carried out using a known catalyst such as a Lewis acid such as zinc chloride, iron chloride, or tin chloride, or a Brønsted acid such as p-toluenesulfonic acid or methanesulfonic acid. In one embodiment, the amount of these catalysts used is usually about 0.01 to 10% by mass relative to the above unmodified rosin.

[0055] In one embodiment, the α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid modified rosin may be obtained by further subjecting the α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid modified rosin to the above-mentioned purification, hydrogenation, disproportionation, and other treatments. Furthermore, these treatments may be performed individually or in combination of two or more.

[0056] (Rosin esters) The above rosin esters are reaction products of the above rosins and alcohols. In this disclosure, reaction products of unmodified rosin, hydrogenated rosin, disproportionated rosin, polymerized rosin, and α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid-modified rosin with alcohols are referred to as unmodified rosin esters, hydrogenated rosin esters, disproportionated rosin esters, polymerized rosin esters, and α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid-modified rosin esters, respectively.

[0057] The above alcohol is not particularly limited and various known alcohols can be used. Examples of the above alcohols include monohydric alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, sec-butanol, tert-butyl alcohol, n-octyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, decyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, cyclohexanol, benzyl alcohol, borneol, etc.; ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, propylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, trimethylene glycol, etc. Examples include dihydric alcohols such as chlorohexanedimethanol, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, 4,4'-isopropylidenedicyclohexanol, and 4,8-bis(hydroxymethyl)tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]decane; trihydric alcohols such as glycerin, trimethylolethane, and trimethylolpropane; tetrahydric alcohols such as pentaerythritol, diglycerin, and di(trimethylolpropane); pentahydric alcohols such as triglycerin; and hexahydric alcohols such as dipentaerythritol. Note that glycidyl ethers or glycidol, which react with carboxylic acids to form esters, may also be used. The above alcohols may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0058] In one embodiment, the alcohol is preferably a trivalent to hexavalent alcohol, and more preferably glycerin, pentaerythritol, diglycerin, or dipentaerythritol.

[0059] The above rosin esters can be obtained by various known means. Specifically, the above rosin esters can be obtained, for example, by reacting the above rosin with the above alcohol at a temperature of about 150 to 300°C for about 1 to 24 hours. The amounts of the above rosin and alcohol used are not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the amounts of the above rosin and alcohol used are usually determined so that the OH group of the alcohol / COOH group of the rosin (equivalent ratio) is in the range of about 0.8 to 8, preferably about 1.1 to 1.3.

[0060] In one embodiment, in the method for producing the rosin esters described above, the esterification reaction may be carried out in the presence of a catalyst in order to shorten the reaction time. Examples of catalysts include acid catalysts such as p-toluenesulfonic acid, acetic acid, methanesulfonic acid, hypophosphorous acid, and sulfuric acid; metal hydroxides such as calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide; metal oxides such as calcium oxide and magnesium oxide; and metal salts such as iron chloride and calcium formate. One type of catalyst may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. Also, water is produced as a result of the esterification reaction. Therefore, the reaction can be carried out while removing the produced water from the system. In one embodiment, considering the color tone of the rosin esters obtained, it is preferable to carry out the reaction under an inert gas stream. In one embodiment, the reaction may be carried out under pressure if necessary.

[0061] In one embodiment, the method for producing the rosin esters described above may involve reacting the rosin with an organic solvent that is non-reactive to the alcohol. Examples of such organic solvents include hexane, cyclohexane, toluene, and xylene. When an organic solvent is used, the organic solvent or unreacted raw materials may be removed by vacuum distillation as needed.

[0062] In one embodiment, the method for producing the rosin esters may involve further treatment of the obtained rosin esters, such as purification, hydrogenation, disproportionation, and α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid modification. These treatments may be performed individually or in combination of two or more.

[0063] In one embodiment, the method for producing the hydrogenated rosin ester, the disproportionated rosin ester, the polymerized rosin ester, and the α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid modified rosin ester may be a method of performing hydrogenation, disproportionation, polymerization, and modification reactions with α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid on the reaction product of the unmodified rosin and the alcohol, respectively.

[0064] (Alkali metal salts of rosins) The alkali metal salts of the above rosins (hereinafter also simply referred to as alkali metal salts) are neutralization salts of rosins with metal compounds containing alkali metals (hereinafter also simply referred to as alkali metal compounds).

[0065] The above-mentioned rosins are not particularly limited as long as they are rosin-based resins having carboxyl groups. Examples of the above-mentioned rosins include the above-mentioned unmodified rosin, the above-mentioned hydrogenated rosin, the above-mentioned disproportionated rosin, the above-mentioned polymerized rosin, and the above-mentioned α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid-modified rosin.

[0066] The alkali metals included in the alkali metal salts described above are not particularly limited. Examples of alkali metals include lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and the like. Alkali metals may be used in combination.

[0067] In one embodiment, the alkali metal is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium and potassium.

[0068] The alkali metal compound described above is not particularly limited as long as it forms a salt with the rosins described above. Examples of the alkali metal compound include hydroxides, oxides, chlorides, nitrates, acetates, sulfates, carbonates, etc. of the alkali metal. The metal compounds described above may be used in combination.

[0069] In one embodiment, the alkali metal compound is preferably sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. In one embodiment, the alkali metal compound is preferably in the form of an aqueous solution.

[0070] The alkali metal salts mentioned above are obtained by reacting (neutralizing) the rosins mentioned above with the alkali metal compounds mentioned above.

[0071] Methods for reacting the above-mentioned rosins with the alkali metal compounds include, for example, a direct reaction method in the presence or absence of a solvent (direct method), and a salt exchange method in which a metal salt of a metal other than an alkali metal of the rosin is reacted with the alkali metal compound in the presence of a solvent (double decomposition method). The reaction temperature is not particularly limited. The reaction temperature is usually in the range from room temperature to the boiling point of the solvent. The reaction time varies depending on the reaction temperature. The reaction time is usually about 10 minutes to 24 hours. After the reaction is complete, the solvent may be removed by distillation.

[0072] Examples of the solvents mentioned above include water; alcohol-based solvents such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol; ether alcohol-based solvents such as diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and 2-methoxyethanol; aromatic hydrocarbon-based solvents such as toluene and xylene; ester-based solvents such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate; and ketone-based solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone and methyl isobutyl ketone. In one embodiment, the solvent is preferably water.

[0073] The reaction between the above rosins and the above alkali metal compounds is carried out such that the amount of alkali metal introduced to the COOH group of the rosins is usually 5 to 100 equivalents, preferably 10 to 100 equivalents.

[0074] (Alkaline earth metal salts of rosins) The above alkaline earth metal salts of rosins (hereinafter also simply referred to as alkaline earth metal salts) are neutralization salts of rosins with metal compounds containing alkaline earth metals (hereinafter also simply referred to as alkaline earth metal compounds).

[0075] The above-mentioned rosins are not particularly limited as long as they are rosin-based resins having carboxyl groups. Examples of the above-mentioned rosins include the above-mentioned unmodified rosin, the above-mentioned hydrogenated rosin, the above-mentioned disproportionated rosin, the above-mentioned polymerized rosin, and the above-mentioned α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid-modified rosin.

[0076] The alkaline earth metals included in the above alkaline earth metal salts are not particularly limited. Examples of alkaline earth metals include beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium. Alkaline earth metals may be used in combination.

[0077] In one embodiment, the alkaline earth metal is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of magnesium and calcium.

[0078] The above-mentioned alkaline earth metal compounds are not particularly limited as long as they produce salt with the above-mentioned rosins. Examples of the above-mentioned alkaline earth metal compounds include hydroxides, oxides, chlorides, nitrates, acetates, sulfates, carbonates, etc. of the above-mentioned alkaline earth metals. The above-mentioned alkaline earth metal compounds may be used in combination.

[0079] In one embodiment, the alkaline earth metal compound is preferably magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, calcium hydroxide, or calcium oxide.

[0080] The above alkaline earth metal salts are obtained by reacting (neutralizing) the above rosins with the above alkaline earth metal compounds.

[0081] Methods for reacting the above-mentioned rosins with the above-mentioned alkaline earth metal compounds include, for example, a direct reaction method in which the rosins and alkaline earth metal compounds are reacted directly in the presence or absence of an organic solvent (direct method); and a salt exchange method in which a metal salt of a rosin other than an alkaline earth metal is reacted with an alkaline earth metal compound in the presence of water and / or an organic solvent (double decomposition method). The reaction temperature is not particularly limited. In the direct method, the reaction temperature is usually around 150 to 270°C, and in the double decomposition method, it is usually in the range from room temperature to the boiling point of the solvent. The reaction time varies depending on the reaction temperature. The reaction time is usually around 10 minutes to 24 hours. After the reaction is complete, the solvent may be removed by distillation.

[0082] Examples of the above-mentioned organic solvents include aromatic hydrocarbon solvents such as toluene and xylene; ester solvents such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate; and ketone solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone and methyl isobutyl ketone.

[0083] In one embodiment, the reaction between the rosins and the alkaline earth metal compound is carried out such that the amount of alkaline earth metal introduced to the COOH groups of the rosins is typically 5 to 100 equivalents, preferably 10 to 100 equivalents.

[0084] (Rosinphenol resin) The above rosinphenol resin is obtained by reacting the above unmodified rosin with phenols.

[0085] The phenols mentioned above are not particularly limited, and various known phenols can be used. One type of phenol may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0086] Examples of the phenols mentioned above include phenols, naphthols, alkylphenols, and arylphenols.

[0087] Examples of the alkylphenols mentioned above include o-cresol, o-n-butylphenol, o-isobutylphenol, o-tert-butylphenol, o-pentylphenol, o-(cyclohexyl)phenol, o-octylphenol, o-nonylphenol, m-cresol, m-n-butylphenol, m-isobutylphenol, m-tert-butylphenol, m-pentylphenol, m-(cyclohexyl)phenol, m-octylphenol, m-nonylphenol, p-cresol, p-n-butylphenol, p-isobutylphenol, p-tert-butylphenol, p-pentylphenol, p-(cyclohexyl)phenol, p-octylphenol, and p-nonylphenol.

[0088] The phenols mentioned above are not particularly limited, and various known phenols can be used. Specifically, examples include cresol, butylphenol, octylphenol, nonylphenol and other alkylphenols, phenols, bisphenols, naphthols, etc. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0089] The method for producing the rosinphenol resin described above is not particularly limited. Specifically, the method for producing the rosinphenol resin can be, for example, a method of heating and reacting the unmodified rosin and phenols in the presence of an acid catalyst as needed. In one embodiment, the reaction temperature is usually around 180 to 350°C. In one embodiment, the reaction time is usually around 6 to 18 hours. In one embodiment, the amount of phenols used in the method for producing the rosinphenol resin is usually around 0.8 to 1.5 moles per mole of unmodified rosin.

[0090] The above-mentioned acid catalyst is not particularly limited. Specifically, examples of the acid catalyst include inorganic acid catalysts such as sulfuric acid, hydrogen chloride, and boron trifluoride, and organic acid catalysts such as p-toluenesulfonic acid and methanesulfonic acid. In one embodiment, the amount of acid catalyst used is approximately 0.01 to 1.0 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the unmodified rosin.

[0091] In one embodiment, the rosinphenol resin may be obtained by further reacting the resin obtained in the above reaction with an alcohol to esterify it. The alcohol used in this process is not particularly limited, and examples include those mentioned above in relation to the disclosure of rosin esters.

[0092] In one embodiment, component (a1) preferably includes at least one selected from the group consisting of rosin esters and rosinphenol resins, as it has excellent emulsifying properties for water-dispersible compositions and can impart high adhesive strength to water-based viscosity adhesive compositions. Similarly, it is more preferable to include at least one selected from the group consisting of polymerized rosin esters, α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid-modified rosin esters, and rosinphenol resins.

[0093] (Rosin polyol) Rosin polyol is a reaction product of a reaction component comprising the above-mentioned unmodified rosin, the above-mentioned hydrogenated rosin and / or the above-mentioned disproportionated rosin, and an epoxy resin.

[0094] The epoxy resins mentioned above are not particularly limited. Examples of epoxy resins include bisphenol-type epoxy resins, novolac-type epoxy resins, resorcinol-type epoxy resins, phenol aralkyl-type epoxy resins, naphthol aralkyl-type epoxy resins, aliphatic polyepoxy compounds, alicyclic epoxy compounds, glycidylamine-type epoxy compounds, glycidyl ester-type epoxy compounds, monoepoxy compounds, naphthalene-type epoxy compounds, biphenyl-type epoxy compounds, epoxidized polybutadiene, epoxidized styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, epoxy group-containing polyester resins, epoxy group-containing polyurethane resins, epoxy group-containing acrylic resins, stilbene-type epoxy compounds, triazine-type epoxy compounds, fluorene-type epoxy compounds, triphenolmethane-type epoxy compounds, alkyl-modified triphenolmethane-type epoxy compounds, dicyclopentadiene-type epoxy compounds, arylalkylene-type epoxy compounds, trihydroxybiphenyl triglycidyl ether, and 1,1,2,2-tetra(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethanetetraglycidyl ether.

[0095] Examples of the above-mentioned bisphenol-type epoxy resins include bisphenol A type epoxy resin, bisphenol E type epoxy resin, bisphenol F type epoxy resin, bisphenol S type epoxy resin, bisphenol AD ​​type epoxy resin, hydrogenated bisphenol A type epoxy resin, hydrogenated bisphenol F type epoxy resin, hydrogenated bisphenol AD ​​type epoxy resin, tetrabromobisphenol A type epoxy resin, 3,3',5,5'-tetramethyl-4,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl diglycidyl ether, 2,2-bis(4-(β-hydroxypropoxy)phenyl)propane diglycidyl ether, and the like.

[0096] Examples of the above-mentioned novolac-type epoxy resins include cresol novolac-type epoxy resin, phenol novolac-type epoxy resin, α-naphthol novolac-type epoxy resin, bisphenol A-type novolac-type epoxy resin, and brominated phenol novolac-type epoxy resin.

[0097] Examples of the above-mentioned aliphatic polyepoxy compounds include ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, propylene glycol diglycidyl ether, polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, polypropylene glycol diglycidyl ether, 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether, neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether, glycerol diglycidyl ether, glycerol triglycidyl ether, trimethylolpropane diglycidyl ether, trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether, diglycerol triglycidyl ether, sorbitol tetraglycidyl ether, and diglycidyl ether.

[0098] Examples of the above-mentioned alicyclic epoxy compounds include 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl-3',4'-epoxycyclohexanecarboxylate, 2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl-5,5-spiro-3,4-epoxy)cyclohexane-metha-dioxane, bis(3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl) adipate, bis(3,4-epoxy-6-methylcyclohexylmethyl) adipate, 3,4-epoxy-6-methylcyclohexyl-3',4'-epoxy-6'-methylcyclohexanecarboxylate, methylenebis(3,4-epoxycyclohexane), dicyclopentadiene diepoxide, ethylene glycol di(3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl) ether, ethylenebis(3,4-epoxycyclohexanecarboxylate), lactone-modified 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl-3',4'-epoxycyclohexanecarboxylate, and 2,2-bis(4-hydroxycyclohexyl)propanediglycidyl ether.

[0099] Examples of the glycidylamine-type epoxy compounds mentioned above include tetraglycidyldiaminodiphenylmethane, triglycidylparaaminophenol, triglycidylmethaminophenol, and tetraglycidylmetaxylylenediamine.

[0100] Examples of the glycidyl ester type epoxy compounds mentioned above include diglycidyl phthalate, diglycidyl hexahydrophthalate, diglycidyl tetrahydrophthalate, and triglycidyl trimellitate.

[0101] The above-mentioned reaction components may include alcohols in addition to the rosins and epoxy resins. Examples of such alcohols include the alcohols in the rosin esters. In one embodiment, the alcohols are preferably two or more selected from the group consisting of dihydric alcohols, trihydric alcohols, tetrahydric alcohols, and hexahydric alcohols.

[0102] The method for producing the rosin polyol described above is not particularly limited. Specifically, one method for producing the rosin polyol is to carry out a ring-opening addition reaction between the rosins and epoxy resin at 120 to 300°C under a nitrogen stream, with or without a catalyst.

[0103] Examples of the catalysts mentioned above include amine-based catalysts such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, tributylamine, benzyldimethylamine, pyridine, and 2-methylimidazole; quaternary ammonium salts such as benzyltrimethylammonium chloride; Lewis acids; boric acid esters; organometallic compounds; organometallic salts; trialkylphosphines; and triarylphosphines.

[0104] The above ring-opening addition reaction may use a solvent if necessary. The solvent is not particularly limited. Preferably, the solvent is inert to the reaction and readily dissolves the starting materials and products. Specifically, examples of solvents include aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene; aliphatic hydrocarbons such as n-hexane; and alicyclic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, and ethylcyclohexane.

[0105] (Diterpene resin acid) The above diterpene resin acid is a major component of the above natural rosin, the above purified rosin, the above hydrogenated rosin, and the above disproportionated rosin, and can be isolated from said rosin.

[0106] Examples of the above-mentioned diterpene resin acids include abietane-type diterpene resin acids, pimalan-type diterpene resin acids, and labdan-type diterpene resin acids.

[0107] Examples of the above abietane-type diterpene resin acids include abietic acid, neoabietic acid, paraslitric acid, levopimaric acid, dihydroabietic acid, dehydroabietic acid, and tetrahydroabietic acid. Examples of the above pimaran-type diterpene resin acids include pimaric acid, isopimaric acid, sandaracopimalic acid, dihydropimalic acid, dihydroisopimalic acid, tetrahydropimalic acid, and tetrahydroisopimalic acid. Examples of the above labdan-type diterpene resin acids include comunic acid, agatic acid, dihydroagatic acid, anti-daenic acid, anticoparic acid, lambertianic acid, acetylisocupric acid, acetylbricataloic acid, and imbricataloic acid.

[0108] In one embodiment, component (A) preferably includes at least one selected from the group consisting of natural rosin, hydrogenated rosin, disproportionated rosin, polymerized rosin, α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid modified rosin, rosin esters, and alkaline earth metal salts of rosins, in order to further improve the quality of the plants.

[0109] In one embodiment, component (A) may optionally include various known additives, provided that they do not impair the effects of the present disclosure. Examples of additives include dehydrating agents, weathering agents, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, heat stabilizers, and light stabilizers. These additives may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0110] Examples of the above-mentioned antioxidants include phenol sulfides, thiophosphites, phosphorus compounds, hindered phenols, and xanthones.

[0111] The content of the above additive is not particularly limited. Examples of the content of the above additive include 10 parts by mass, 9 parts by mass, 8 parts by mass, 7 parts by mass, 6 parts by mass, 5 parts by mass, 4 parts by mass, 3 parts by mass, 2 parts by mass, 1 part by mass, 0.9 parts by mass, 0.8 parts by mass, 0.7 parts by mass, 0.6 parts by mass, 0.5 parts by mass, 0.4 parts by mass, 0.3 parts by mass, 0.2 parts by mass, 0.1 parts by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of component (A). In one embodiment, the content of the above additive is preferably 0.1 to 10 parts by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 10 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of component (A).

[0112] (Physical properties of rosins (A)) The physical properties of component (A) are not particularly limited.

[0113] (Solvent) In one embodiment, the plant quality improving agent may further contain a solvent and be in the form of a dispersible composition such as a solution or emulsion. Examples of solvents include organic solvents and water.

[0114] Examples of the above-mentioned organic solvents include aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene; aliphatic hydrocarbons such as n-hexane; alicyclic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, and ethylcyclohexane; chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents such as chloroform; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and methyl isobutyl ketone; and esters such as ethyl acetate and butyl acetate.

[0115] In one embodiment, the solvent is preferably water, as it can further improve the quality of the plants and reduce the burden on the environment.

[0116] (Aqueous dispersion) In one embodiment, when the plant quality improver contains water as a solvent, the preferred form of the plant quality improver is an aqueous dispersion, as it can further improve plant quality, reduce environmental impact, and be efficiently sprayed onto plants and soil. Examples of aqueous dispersions include aqueous solutions and emulsions.

[0117] In one embodiment, the plant quality improving agent is preferably a composition (emulsion) containing component (A) and surfactant (B) (hereinafter also referred to as component (B)) in order to further improve the quality of plants and reduce the burden on the environment.

[0118] Component (B) is not particularly limited. Specifically, component (B) can be a high molecular weight surfactant, a low molecular weight anionic surfactant, a low molecular weight cationic surfactant, a low molecular weight nonionic surfactant, etc., obtained by polymerizing monomers. These may be used in combination.

[0119] Monomers used in the production of the above-mentioned high molecular weight surfactants include, for example, (meth)acrylic acid ester monomers such as methyl (meth)acrylate and ethyl (meth)acrylate; monocarboxylic acid vinyl monomers such as (meth)acrylic acid and crotonic acid; dicarboxylic acid vinyl monomers such as maleic acid and maleic anhydride; sulfonic acid vinyl monomers such as vinyl sulfonic acid and styrene sulfonic acid; and alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts, ammonium salts, and organic base salts of these various organic acids; (meth)acrylamide monomers such as (meth)acrylamide and N-methylol(meth)acrylamide; nitrile monomers such as (meth)acrylonitrile; vinyl ester monomers such as vinyl acetate; hydroxyl group-containing (meth)acrylic acid ester monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate and 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate; and other monomers such as methyl vinyl ether, glycidyl (meth)acrylate, urethane acrylate, α-olefins with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, and vinylpyrrolidone. These may be used in combination.

[0120] Polymerization methods include solution polymerization, suspension polymerization, emulsion polymerization using reactive surfactants other than high molecular weight surfactants (described later), and non-reactive surfactants other than high molecular weight surfactants.

[0121] The weight-average molecular weight of the high molecular weight surfactant obtained is not particularly limited. Preferably, the weight-average molecular weight of the high molecular weight surfactant is around 1,000 to 500,000. Here, the weight-average molecular weight is the polyethylene oxide equivalent value obtained by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

[0122] Reactive surfactants other than the high molecular weight surfactants mentioned above include, for example, those having hydrophilic groups such as sulfonic acid groups and carboxyl groups, and hydrophobic groups such as alkyl groups and phenyl groups, and having a carbon-carbon double bond in the molecule.

[0123] Examples of the low molecular weight anionic surfactants mentioned above include dialkyl sulfosuccinate salts, alkanesulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfosuccinate salts, polyoxyethylene styrylphenyl ether sulfosuccinate salts, naphthalene sulfonic acid formalin condensate, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate salts, polyoxyethylene dialkyl ether sulfate salts, polyoxyethylene trialkyl ether sulfate salts, and polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether sulfate salts.

[0124] Examples of the low molecular weight cationic surfactants mentioned above include tetraalkylammonium chloride, trialkylbenzylammonium chloride, alkylamine acetate, alkylamine hydrochloride, oxyethylene alkylamine, polyoxyethylene alkylamine, and alkylamine acetate.

[0125] Examples of the low molecular weight nonionic surfactants mentioned above include polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers, polyoxypolycyclic phenyl ethers, sorbitan higher fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan higher fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene higher fatty acid esters, glycerin higher fatty acid esters, and polyalkylene oxide block copolymers. Specifically, examples of low molecular weight nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene oleyl ether, polyoxyethylene stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene octylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene styrylphenyl ether, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan trioleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene monolaurate, polyoxyethylene monooleate, oleic acid monoglyceride, stearate monoglyceride, and polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene block copolymers.

[0126] Surfactants other than the high molecular weight surfactants mentioned above may be used in combination.

[0127] (Granular composition) In one embodiment, the form of the plant quality improver is preferably a granular composition, as it can further improve plant quality and be efficiently applied to plants and soil.

[0128] The above granular composition is a composition containing component (A).

[0129] In one embodiment, the granular composition may further contain a binder, provided that it does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0130] The above-mentioned binder is not particularly limited as long as it is a binder used in the granulation method, and various known binders can be used. The above-mentioned binder may be used alone or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0131] The above binders include, for example, bentonite, carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, dextrin, water-soluble starch, oxidized starch, sucrose, xanthan gum, guar gum, acacia gum, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 6,000 to 20,000, polyethylene oxide with an average molecular weight of 100,000 to 5,000,000, phospholipids (e.g., cephalin, lecithin, etc.), cellulose powder, polyaminocarboxylic acid chelate compounds, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethyleneimine, and maleic acid. Examples include copolymers of ionic acid and styrenes, (meth)acrylic acid copolymers, half-esters of polymers consisting of polyhydric alcohols and dicarboxylic acid anhydrides, water-soluble salts of polystyrene sulfonic acid, paraffin, terpenes, polyamide resins, poly(meth)acrylic acid salts, poly(meth)acrylamide, copolymers of (meth)acrylamide and (meth)acrylates copolymerizable with (meth)acrylamide, waxes, polyvinyl alkyl ethers, alkylphenol formalin condensates, synthetic resin emulsions, sodium alginate, and the like.

[0132] In one embodiment, the granular composition may further contain additives, provided that the effects of the present invention are not impaired. Examples of such additives include carriers such as solid carriers and liquid carriers, surfactants, binders, colorants, spreading agents, defrosting agents, antifreeze agents, anticaking agents, disintegrants, decomposition inhibitors, preservatives, and granulation improvers. One additive may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0133] Examples of the above-mentioned solid carriers include natural minerals such as quartz, clay, kaolinite, pyrophyllite, sericite, talc, bentonite, acid clay, attapulgite, zeolite, and diatomaceous earth; inorganic salts such as calcium carbonate, ammonium sulfate, sodium sulfate, and potassium chloride; organic solid carriers such as synthetic silicic acid, synthetic silicates, starch, cellulose, and plant powders (e.g., sawdust, coconut husk, corn cob, tobacco stalk, etc.); plastic carriers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinylidene chloride; urea, inorganic hollow bodies, plastic hollow bodies, and fumed silica (white carbon).

[0134] Examples of the liquid carriers mentioned above include water, the organic solvents mentioned above, lactones such as γ-butyrolactone, amides such as dimethylformamide, diethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, and N-alkylpyrrolidinone, nitriles such as acetonitrile, sulfur compounds such as dimethyl sulfoxide, and vegetable oils such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, cottonseed oil, and castor oil.

[0135] Examples of the thickening agents mentioned above include xanthan gum, guar gum, tung gum, carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxyvinyl polymer, acrylic polymer, starch derivatives, water-soluble polymers such as polysaccharides, high-purity bentonite, and inorganic fine powders such as fumed silica (white carbon).

[0136] Examples of the above-mentioned colorants include inorganic pigments such as iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and Prussian blue, as well as organic dyes such as alizarin dyes, azo dyes, and metal phthalocyanine dyes.

[0137] Examples of the above-mentioned antifreeze agents include ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, and so on.

[0138] Examples of auxiliary agents for preventing caking or promoting disintegration include polysaccharides such as starch, alginic acid, mannose, and galactose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, fumed silica (white carbon), ester gum, petroleum resin, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, metal stearate, cellulose powder, dextrin, copolymers of methacrylate esters, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyaminocarboxylic acid chelate compounds, sulfonated styrene-isobutylene-maleic anhydride copolymers, and starch-polyacrylonitrile graft copolymers.

[0139] Examples of the above-mentioned decomposition inhibitors include desiccants such as zeolite, quicklime, and magnesium oxide; antioxidants such as phenol compounds, amine compounds, sulfur compounds, and phosphoric acid compounds; and ultraviolet absorbers such as salicylic acid compounds and benzophenone compounds.

[0140] Examples of the above-mentioned preservatives include potassium sorbate and 1,2-benzothiazolin-3-one. Furthermore, if necessary, functional spreading agents, activity enhancers such as metabolic degradation inhibitors such as piperonyl butoxide, antifreezes such as propylene glycol, antioxidants such as BHT, UV absorbers, and other auxiliary agents may also be used.

[0141] The particle shape of the above-mentioned granular composition is not particularly limited. Examples of particle shapes of the above-mentioned granular composition include spherical, cylindrical, flake-shaped, corrugated, pellet-shaped, and the like.

[0142] The method for producing the above-mentioned granular composition is not particularly limited. Examples of methods for producing the above-mentioned granular composition include a method for granulating component (A), and, if necessary, the binder and the additive.

[0143] The method for granulating the above-mentioned granular composition is not particularly limited, and various known granulation methods can be employed.

[0144] The above-mentioned granulation method includes, for example, a step of mixing component (A) and, if necessary, the binder and the additive (mixing step 1); a step of mixing the mixture obtained in mixing step 1 with water and, if necessary, the additive (mixing step 2); a step of granulating the mixture obtained in mixing step 2 using a granulator (granulation step); and a step of drying the granules obtained in the granulation step (drying step).

[0145] In mixing steps 1 and 2 described above, various known mixers and kneaders can be used. Examples of mixers and kneaders include Nauta mixers, ribbon mixers, rotary mixers, V-type mixers, universal mixers, Reidige mixers, tumbler mixers, Henschel mixers, Banbury mixers, roll mixers, Brabender mixers, single-screw extruders, twin-screw extruders, kneaders, and the like.

[0146] The amount of water used in the mixing step 2 described above is not particularly limited, as long as it is sufficient to granulate the mixture obtained in mixing step 1. The amount of water used in the mixing step 2 is, for example, based on 100 parts by mass of the mixture, 50 parts by mass, 49 parts by mass, 48 ​​parts by mass, 47 parts by mass, 46 parts by mass, 45 parts by mass, 44 parts by mass, 43 parts by mass, 42 parts by mass, 41 parts by mass, 40 parts by mass, 39 parts by mass, 38 parts by mass, 37 parts by mass, 36 parts by mass, 35 parts by mass, 34 parts by mass, 33 parts by mass, 32 parts by mass, 31 parts by mass, 30 parts by mass, 29 parts by mass, 28 parts by mass, 27 parts by mass, 26 parts by mass, 25 parts by mass, 24 parts by mass, 23 parts by mass, 22 parts by mass, 21 parts by mass, Examples include 20 parts by mass, 19 parts by mass, 18 parts by mass, 17 parts by mass, 16 parts by mass, 15 parts by mass, 14 parts by mass, 13 parts by mass, 12 parts by mass, 11 parts by mass, and 10 parts by mass. The amount of water used in the mixing step 2 described above is preferably about 10 to 50 parts by mass, and more preferably about 10 to 30 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the mixture.

[0147] Furthermore, when the additive is mixed in the mixing step 2 described above, it is preferable that the additive be in liquid form because it is easy to granulate.

[0148] In the granulation process described above, various known granulators can be used. Examples of granulators include tumbling granulators, agitation granulators, compression granulators, extrusion granulators, crushing granulators, and fluidized bed granulators. Extrusion granulators and tumbling granulators are preferred because they facilitate granulation.

[0149] Furthermore, if a rolling granulator is used in the granulation process described above, the mixing step 2 may be omitted, and water and, if necessary, the additives may be mixed during granulation using the rolling granulator.

[0150] In the granulation process described above, the particle shape of the granulated material is not particularly limited and can be spherical, cylindrical, flake-shaped, corrugated, pellet-shaped, etc.

[0151] In the above drying process, various known dryers can be used. Examples of dryers include fluidized bed dryers, hot air dryers, and vacuum dryers. The drying conditions are not particularly limited. The drying temperature is usually 0 to 180°C, preferably 5 to 150°C, and more preferably 10 to 120°C. The drying time is usually 1 minute to 3 hours, preferably 5 minutes to 2 hours.

[0152] Furthermore, in the granulation method described above, the aqueous dispersion (aqueous solution, emulsion, etc.) may be prepared in advance and used.

[0153] In the granulation method described above, if the aqueous dispersion is used in the mixing step 1, the mixing step 2 may be omitted, and the granulation step may be carried out directly.

[0154] Furthermore, in the above granulation method, if a rolling granulator is used in the granulation step, the aqueous dispersion may be mixed during granulation by the rolling granulator, rather than being mixed in the mixing step 1.

[0155] (Additives) In one embodiment, the plant quality improver may further contain various additives, such as defoaming agents, viscosity modifiers, fillers, antioxidants, water-resistant agents, film-forming aids, preservatives, pH adjusters such as ammonia water or sodium bicarbonate, surfactants, anti-aging agents, ultraviolet absorbers, antioxidants, and light stabilizers, as long as they do not impair the effects of the present disclosure. These additives may be used in combination.

[0156] (Content of each component) The content of component (A) in the above plant quality improver is not particularly limited. Examples of the content of component (A) in the above plant quality improver include 100 parts by mass, 95 parts by mass, 90 parts by mass, 85 parts by mass, 80 parts by mass, 75 parts by mass, 70 parts by mass, 65 parts by mass, 60 parts by mass, 55 parts by mass, 50 parts by mass, 45 parts by mass, 40 parts by mass, 35 parts by mass, 30 parts by mass, 25 parts by mass, 20 parts by mass, 15 parts by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of the above plant quality improver. In one embodiment, the content of component (A) in the above plant quality improver is preferably about 15 to 100 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the above plant quality improver, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of the plant, more preferably about 55 to 100 parts by mass, and even more preferably about 80 to 100 parts by mass, from the viewpoint of similarly improving the quality of the plant.

[0157] When the above-mentioned plant quality improver contains the above-mentioned solvent, the content of component (A) in the above-mentioned plant quality improver is not particularly limited. For example, in terms of non-volatile content, the content of component (A) in the above-mentioned plant quality improver may be 90 parts by mass, 85 parts by mass, 80 parts by mass, 75 parts by mass, 70 parts by mass, 65 parts by mass, 60 parts by mass, 55 parts by mass, 50 parts by mass, 45 parts by mass, 40 parts by mass, 35 parts by mass, 30 parts by mass, 25 parts by mass, 20 parts by mass, 15 parts by mass, 10 parts by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of the above-mentioned plant quality improver. In one embodiment, when the plant quality improver contains the solvent, the content of component (A) in the plant quality improver is preferably about 10 to 100 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the plant quality improver, in terms of non-volatile content, from the viewpoint of further improving plant quality and reducing the burden on the environment, more preferably about 10 to 95 parts by mass, more preferably about 55 to 100 parts by mass, more preferably about 55 to 95 parts by mass, and more preferably about 80 to 100 parts by mass.

[0158] When the above-mentioned plant quality improver is an emulsion, the content of component (B) in the plant quality improver is not particularly limited. For example, in terms of non-volatile content, the content of component (B) in the plant quality improver can be 20 parts by mass, 19 parts by mass, 18 parts by mass, 17 parts by mass, 16 parts by mass, 15 parts by mass, 14 parts by mass, 13 parts by mass, 12 parts by mass, 11 parts by mass, 10 parts by mass, 9 parts by mass, 8 parts by mass, 7 parts by mass, 6 parts by mass, 5 parts by mass, 4 parts by mass, 3 parts by mass, 2 parts by mass, 1 part by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of component (A). In one embodiment, when the above-mentioned plant quality improver is an emulsion, the content of component (B) in the plant quality improver is preferably about 1 to 20 parts by mass, more preferably about 5 to 10 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of component (A), in terms of non-volatile content, from the viewpoint of excellent emulsification properties.

[0159] When the above-mentioned plant quality improver is the above-mentioned granular composition, the content of component (A) in the granular composition is not particularly limited. For example, in terms of non-volatile content, the content of component (A) in the granular composition may be 99 parts by mass, 98 parts by mass, 97 parts by mass, 96 parts by mass, 95 parts by mass, 94 parts by mass, 93 parts by mass, 92 parts by mass, 91 parts by mass, 90 parts by mass, 85 parts by mass, 80 parts by mass, 75 parts by mass, 70 parts by mass, 65 parts by mass, 60 parts by mass, 55 parts by mass, 50 parts by mass, 45 parts by mass, 40 parts by mass, 35 parts by mass, 30 parts by mass, 25 parts by mass, 20 parts by mass, 15 parts by mass, 10 parts by mass, 9 parts by mass, 8 parts by mass, 7 parts by mass, 6 parts by mass, 5 parts by mass, 4 parts by mass, 3 parts by mass, 2 parts by mass, 1 part by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of the granular composition. In one embodiment, the content of component (A) in the granular composition is preferably 1 to 99 parts by mass, more preferably 10 to 80 parts by mass, and even more preferably 20 to 60 parts by mass, based on non-volatile content, per 100 parts by mass of the granular composition.

[0160] When the above-mentioned plant quality improver is the above-mentioned granular composition, the content of the binder in the granular composition is not particularly limited. For example, in terms of non-volatile content, the content of the binder in the granular composition may be 99 parts by mass, 98 parts by mass, 97 parts by mass, 96 parts by mass, 95 parts by mass, 94 parts by mass, 93 parts by mass, 92 parts by mass, 91 parts by mass, 90 parts by mass, 85 parts by mass, 80 parts by mass, 75 parts by mass, 70 parts by mass, 65 parts by mass, 60 parts by mass, 55 parts by mass, 50 parts by mass, 45 parts by mass, 40 parts by mass, 35 parts by mass, 30 parts by mass, 25 parts by mass, 20 parts by mass, 15 parts by mass, 10 parts by mass, 9 parts by mass, 8 parts by mass, 7 parts by mass, 6 parts by mass, 5 parts by mass, 4 parts by mass, 3 parts by mass, 2 parts by mass, 1 part by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of the granular composition. In one embodiment, the content of the binder in the granular composition is preferably 1 to 90 parts by mass, more preferably 1 to 50 parts by mass, even more preferably 5 to 50 parts by mass, and even more preferably 10 to 40 parts by mass, based on non-volatile content, per 100 parts by mass of the granular composition.

[0161] (Physical properties of the plant quality improver) The physical properties of the plant quality improver are not particularly limited. In one embodiment, when the plant quality improver contains the solvent, the non-volatile content concentration of the plant quality improver is preferably in the range of 10 to 90% by mass, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of the plant.

[0162] When the above-mentioned plant quality improver is an emulsion, its physical properties are not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the non-volatile content concentration of the plant quality improver is usually 10 to 65% by mass, from the viewpoint of further improving plant quality. In one embodiment, the volume-average particle size of the plant quality improver is usually about 0.1 to 2 μm, from the viewpoint of further improving plant quality. The plant quality improver is uniformly dispersed mostly as particles of 1 μm or less. In one embodiment, the volume-average particle size of the plant quality improver is preferably 0.7 μm or less, from the viewpoint of storage stability. In one embodiment, the plant quality improver has a white to milky white appearance, a pH of about 2 to 10, and a viscosity of usually about 10 to 1000 mPa·s (25°C, non-volatile content concentration 50%).

[0163] When the above-mentioned plant quality improver is the above-mentioned granular composition, its physical properties are not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the particle size of the above-mentioned granular composition can be, for example, 50.0 mm, 45.0 mm, 40.0 mm, 35.0 mm, 30.0 mm, 25.0 mm, 20.0 mm, 15.0 mm, 10.0 mm, 9.5 mm, 9.0 mm, 8.5 mm, 8.0 mm, 7.5 mm, 7.0 mm, 6.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.1 mm, etc. In one embodiment, the particle size of the granular composition is preferably about 0.1 to 50.0 mm, more preferably about 0.1 to 10.0 mm, even more preferably about 0.1 to 5.0 mm, and even more preferably about 1.0 to 5.0 mm, from the viewpoint of ease of use of the granular composition.

[0164] (Uses of plant quality improvers) The uses of the above-mentioned plant quality improvers are not particularly limited. Examples of uses of plant quality improvers include application to the stems, leaves, flowers and / or roots of plants, and application to the soil in which plants are cultivated (hereinafter also simply referred to as cultivation soil).

[0165] Application of the above-mentioned plant quality improver to the stems, leaves, flowers, and / or roots of plants can be, for example, by spraying, scattering, and / or coating the stems, leaves, flowers, and / or roots, or by injecting it into the plant.

[0166] The soils used for cultivation described above are not particularly limited and various known types can be used. One type of soil may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0167] Examples of suitable soils for cultivation include Kanuma soil, Akadama soil, Hyuga soil, Kurotsuchi soil, Shirakawa sand, Kiryu sand, Yahagi sand, river sand, mountain sand, gravel, leaf mold, bark, cryptomoss, peat moss, lime, pumice, mountain moss, sphagnum moss, Ketotsuchi soil, volcanic ash, fumigation ash, perlite, vermiculite, zeolite, Osmanthus, Dream Ball, baked Akadama soil, clay ball, hydro ball, and commercially available mixed potting soils.

[0168] Furthermore, the soil used for cultivation may also be a mixture of magnesium lime, peat moss, fertilizer, pesticides, etc.

[0169] The application of the above-mentioned plant quality improvers to the cultivation soil can be, for example, by spraying, drenching, and / or mixing with the cultivation soil. The above-mentioned cultivation soil also includes "seedling soil" used to grow plant seedlings that will be transplanted to other soil.

[0170] The application of the above-mentioned plant quality improver to the stems, leaves, flowers, and / or roots, and to the cultivation soil, can be done, for example, by machine. The machine is not particularly limited and can be any known machine used for the mechanical application of pesticides or fertilizers.

[0171] Examples of the machines mentioned above include broadcasters, tractors, robots, helicopters, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (e.g., drones).

[0172] The above-mentioned plant quality enhancer, when in the form of an aqueous dispersion, is environmentally friendly because it does not use organic solvents, is easy to spray, and can be suitable for mechanical spraying because it suppresses clogging of the mechanical flow path.

[0173] When the above-mentioned plant quality improver is in the form of a granular composition, its granular form makes it easy to spray, and compared to a powder form, it can be suitable for mechanical spraying because it suppresses clogging of the mechanical flow path during mechanical application.

[0174] In recent years, precision agriculture (smart agriculture), which applies IoT technology to agriculture, has been spreading. In smart agriculture, spraying with robots, helicopters, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (e.g., drones) is more efficient and allows for wider distribution of the target material if it is in liquid form. Therefore, plant quality improvers in the form of aqueous dispersions are suitable for use in smart agriculture.

[0175] The timing of application of the above-mentioned plant quality improver to the cultivation soil can be, for example, at least one time selected from before sowing, at sowing, during seedling cultivation, at transplanting, and during top dressing.

[0176] In one embodiment, the use of the plant quality improver is preferably applied to the cultivation soil in order to further improve the quality of the plants, more preferably mixed with the cultivation soil in order to similarly improve the quality of the plants, and even more preferably mixed with the cultivation soil before sowing in order to similarly improve the quality of the plants.

[0177] In applying the above-mentioned plant quality improver to cultivation soil, the amount of the plant quality improver used is not particularly limited. Examples of the amount of the plant quality improver used, calculated on a non-volatile content basis, include 5 parts by mass, 4 parts by mass, 3 parts by mass, 2 parts by mass, 1 part by mass, 0.9 parts by mass, 0.8 parts by mass, 0.7 parts by mass, 0.6 parts by mass, 0.5 parts by mass, 0.4 parts by mass, 0.3 parts by mass, 0.2 parts by mass, 0.1 parts by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of cultivation soil. In one embodiment, in applying the above-mentioned plant quality improver to cultivation soil, the amount of the plant quality improver used, calculated on a non-volatile content basis, is preferably about 0.1 to 5 parts by mass, more preferably about 0.1 to 1 part by mass, and even more preferably about 0.4 to 1 part by mass, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of the plants.

[0178] When applying the above-mentioned plant quality improver to the cultivation soil, the amount of the plant quality improver used, for example, in terms of non-volatile content, per 10 ares (10 ares, i.e., 1,000 square meters) of cultivation soil, is 5,000 kg, 4,500 kg, 4,000 kg, 3,500 kg, 3,000 kg, 2,500 kg, 2,000 kg, 1,500 kg, 1,000 kg, 900 kg, 800 kg, and 700 kg. Examples include g, 600 kg, 500 kg, 400 kg, 300 kg, 200 kg, 100 kg, 90 kg, 80 kg, 70 kg, 60 kg, 50 kg, 40 kg, 30 kg, 20 kg, 19 kg, 18 kg, 17 kg, 16 kg, 15 kg, 14 kg, 13 kg, 12 kg, 11 kg, 10 kg, 9 kg, 8 kg, 7 kg, 6 kg, 5 kg, 4 kg, 3 kg, 2 kg, 1 kg, etc. In one embodiment, when applying the above plant quality improver to the cultivation soil, the amount of the above plant quality improver used is preferably about 1 to 5,000 kg per 10 ares of cultivation soil, in terms of non-volatile content, and more preferably about 4 to 1,000 kg, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of the plants.

[0179] The plants to which the above-mentioned plant quality improver is applied are not particularly limited. Examples of such plants include agricultural crops and ornamental plants.

[0180] Agricultural products include, for example, fruit vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants, bell peppers, shishito peppers, chili peppers, okra, strawberries, cucumbers, watermelons, melons, pumpkins, and peanuts; leafy and stem vegetables such as cabbage, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, spinach, lettuce, garland chrysanthemum, celery, chives, asparagus, udo, daikon radish sprouts, mitsuba, parsley, shiso, watercress, leeks, pickled mustard greens, and herbs; root vegetables such as daikon radish, radishes, carrots, turnips, onions, burdock, ginger, and garlic; Chinese vegetables such as bok choy; and citrus fruits such as Satsuma mandarins. Fruit trees such as mandarin oranges, apples, pears, grapes, peaches, persimmons, chestnuts, plums, cherries, loquats, pineapples, and bananas; grains such as rice, wheat, and corn; legumes such as soybeans, peas, and chickpeas; tubers such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and taro; industrial crops such as tobacco, tea, sugar beets, sugarcane, rushes, sesame, konjac, hops, cotton, hemp, olives, rubber, coffee, rapeseed, sunflowers, and mulberry; fragrances such as lavender, rosemary, thyme, sage, pepper, and ginger; leguminous grasses such as timothy, clover, and alfalfa; and other fodder crops.

[0181] Ornamental plants include, for example, grasses such as Korean grass and bentgrass; forest trees such as fir, spruce, pine, cypress, and Japanese cedar; flowering plants such as chrysanthemums, roses, carnations, lilies, lisianthus, perennial baby's breath, statice, and orchids; and garden trees such as ginkgo, cherry, and Japanese laurel.

[0182] In one embodiment, the target plants to which the above-mentioned plant quality improving agent is applied are preferably fruit vegetables, root vegetables, leafy and stem vegetables, tubers, legumes, grains, flowers, and industrial crops, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of the plants.

[0183] In one embodiment, the target plants to which the above-mentioned plant quality improving agent is applied are preferably fruit vegetables, root vegetables, leafy and stem vegetables, tubers, and industrial crops, from the standpoint of improving the sugar content of the plants.

[0184] In one embodiment, the target plants to which the above-mentioned plant quality improving agent is applied are preferably tubers and other edible plants, in order to improve the starch content of the plants.

[0185] In one embodiment, the target plants to which the above-mentioned plant quality improving agent is applied are preferably leafy and stem vegetables and root vegetables, in that the concentration of nitrate ions in the plant body is reduced.

[0186] (Method for producing the plant quality improver) The method for producing the above plant quality improver is not particularly limited. The above plant quality improver may use component (A) as is, or it may be obtained by mixing component (A) with the above solvent and additive as needed, and the method of mixing them is not particularly limited. The organic solvent used in the method for producing component (A) may be used as is as the solvent in the plant quality improver.

[0187] If the above-mentioned plant quality improver is an emulsion, the method for producing the above-mentioned plant quality improver is not particularly limited, as long as it involves emulsifying component (A) and, if necessary, the above-mentioned additive in water in the presence of component (B). The emulsification method is not particularly limited. Known emulsification methods such as high-pressure emulsification and phase inversion emulsification can be employed.

[0188] The above high-pressure emulsification method involves first making component (A) into a liquid state, then pre-mixing component (B) with water, micro-emulsifying it using a high-pressure emulsifier, and finally removing the solvent as necessary. The method for making component (A) into a liquid state may be by heating alone, by dissolving it in a solvent and then heating, or by mixing it with a non-volatile substance such as a plasticizer and then heating. Examples of solvents include organic solvents capable of dissolving component (A), such as toluene, xylene, methylcyclohexane, and ethyl acetate.

[0189] The above phase inversion emulsification method involves heating and melting component (A), then adding a surfactant and water while stirring to first form a W / O emulsion, and then inverting it to an O / W emulsion by adding water or changing the temperature.

[0190] (Formulation Forms of Plant Quality Enhancers) The formulation forms of the above-mentioned plant quality enhancers are not particularly limited. Examples of formulation forms include the emulsions and formulation forms commonly used as pesticides, specifically granules, fine granules, wettable powders, wettable granules, flowables, dry flowables, water-soluble powders, water-soluble granules, emulsions, EW powders, liquids, ME liquids, surf powders, pastes, aerosols, microcapsules, packs, etc.

[0191] The above-mentioned plant quality improver may contain necessary auxiliary agents depending on its formulation. Examples of such auxiliary agents include carriers such as solid carriers and liquid carriers, surfactants, dispersants, wetting agents, binders, thickeners, colorants, spreading agents, adsorbents, antifreeze agents, anticaking agents, disintegrants, and decomposition inhibitors. The plant quality improver may also use preservatives, plant fragments, etc., as additional components as needed. These auxiliary agents may be used in combination.

[0192] Examples of the above-mentioned solid carriers include natural minerals such as quartz, clay, kaolinite, pyrophyllite, sericite, talc, bentonite, acid clay, attapulgite, zeolite, and diatomaceous earth; inorganic salts such as calcium carbonate, ammonium sulfate, sodium sulfate, and potassium chloride; organic solid carriers such as synthetic silicic acid, synthetic silicates, starch, cellulose, and plant powders (e.g., sawdust, coconut husk, corn cob, tobacco stalk, etc.); plastic carriers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinylidene chloride; urea, inorganic hollow bodies, plastic hollow bodies, and fumed silica (white carbon).

[0193] Examples of the liquid carriers mentioned above include the aforementioned solvents, lactones such as γ-butyrolactone, amides such as dimethylformamide, diethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, and N-alkylpyrrolidinone, nitriles such as acetonitrile, sulfur compounds such as dimethyl sulfoxide, and vegetable oils such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, cottonseed oil, and castor oil.

[0194] The surfactants used as dispersants and wetting agents mentioned above include, for example, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene resin acid esters, polyoxyethylene fatty acid diesters, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene dialkylphenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether formalin condensate, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block copolymer, polystyrene polyoxyethylene block copolymer, alkyl polyoxyethylene polypropylene block copolymer ether, polyoxyethylene alkylamine, polyoxyethylene fatty acid amide, polyoxyethylene fatty acid bisphenyl ether, polyalkylene benzylphenyl ether, polyoxyalkylene styrylphenyl ether, acetylenediol, polyoxyalkylene-added acetylenediol, polyoxyethylene ether-type silicone, ester-type silicone, and fluorine. Nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene castor oil and hydrogenated polyoxyethylene castor oil, alkyl sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene styrylphenyl ether sulfates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonates, lignin sulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, naphthalene sulfonates, alkylnaphthalene sulfonates, salts of formalin condensates of naphthalene sulfonic acid, salts of formalin condensates of alkylnaphthalene sulfonic acid, fatty acid salts, polycarboxylates, polyacrylates, N-methyl fatty acid sarcosinates, resin salts, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphates, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether phosphates, and other anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants such as alkylamine salts such as laurylamine hydrochloride, stearylamine hydrochloride, oleylamine hydrochloride, stearylamine acetate, stearylaminopropylamine acetate, alkyltrimethylammonium chloride, and alkyldimethylbenzalkonium chloride.Examples include amphoteric surfactants such as amino acid-type or betaine-type surfactants.

[0195] Examples of the binders mentioned above include carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, dextrin, water-soluble starch, xanthan gum, guar gum, sucrose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, acacia gum, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 6,000 to 20,000, polyethylene oxide with an average molecular weight of 100,000 to 5,000,000, phospholipids (e.g., cephalin, lecithin, etc.), cellulose powder, dextrin, modified starch, polyaminocarboxylic acid chelate compounds, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, copolymers of maleic acid and styrenes, (meth)acrylic acid copolymers, half-esters of polymers consisting of polyhydric alcohols and dicarboxylic acid anhydrides, water-soluble salts of polystyrene sulfonic acid, paraffin, terpenes, polyamide resins, poly(meth)acrylates, poly(meth)acrylamide, copolymers of (meth)acrylamide and (meth)acrylates copolymerizable with (meth)acrylamide, polyoxyethylene, wax, polyvinyl alkyl ethers, alkylphenol formalin condensates, synthetic resin emulsions, and the like.

[0196] Examples of the thickening agents mentioned above include xanthan gum, guar gum, tung gum, carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxyvinyl polymer, acrylic polymer, starch derivatives, water-soluble polymers such as polysaccharides, high-purity bentonite, and inorganic fine powders such as fumed silica (white carbon).

[0197] Examples of the above-mentioned colorants include inorganic pigments such as iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and Prussian blue, as well as organic dyes such as alizarin dyes, azo dyes, and metal phthalocyanine dyes.

[0198] Examples of the above-mentioned antifreeze agents include ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, and so on.

[0199] Examples of auxiliary agents for preventing caking or promoting disintegration include polysaccharides such as starch, alginic acid, mannose, and galactose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, fumed silica (white carbon), ester gum, petroleum resin, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, metal stearate, cellulose powder, dextrin, copolymers of methacrylate esters, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyaminocarboxylic acid chelate compounds, sulfonated styrene-isobutylene-maleic anhydride copolymers, and starch-polyacrylonitrile graft copolymers.

[0200] Examples of the above-mentioned decomposition inhibitors include desiccants such as zeolite, quicklime, and magnesium oxide; antioxidants such as phenol compounds, amine compounds, sulfur compounds, and phosphoric acid compounds; and ultraviolet absorbers such as salicylic acid compounds and benzophenone compounds.

[0201] Examples of the above-mentioned preservatives include potassium sorbate and 1,2-benzothiazolin-3-one. Plant quality enhancers may also include, as needed, functional spreading agents, activity enhancers such as metabolic degradation inhibitors like piperonyl butoxide, antifreezes such as propylene glycol, antioxidants such as BHT, UV absorbers, and other auxiliary agents.

[0202] The above-mentioned plant quality improver may be used in combination with other known active compounds, pesticides (e.g., fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, acaricides, synergists, phytotoxicity reducers, plant growth regulators, etc.), fertilizers, biostimulants, soil conditioners, and other plant quality improvers.

[0203] In one embodiment, the use of the plant quality improver is preferably the application of the plant quality improver and at least one selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, pesticides, biostimulants, and soil conditioners to the soil, in order to further improve the quality of the plants. Similarly, more preferably the application of the plant quality improver and fertilizer to the soil is preferred, and even more preferably the application of the plant quality improver and nitrogenous fertilizer to the soil is preferred.

[0204] When the above-mentioned plant quality enhancer is used in combination with nitrogenous fertilizers, it can promote plant growth while suppressing the increase in nitrate ion concentration within the plant, compared to when the above-mentioned plant quality enhancer is not used.

[0205] [Method of Use of Resin Composition] This disclosure relates to a method of use of a resin composition for improving the quality of plants, wherein the resin composition is a resin composition comprising a rosin-based resin (A), and the resin composition is applied to plants and / or soil in which the plants are cultivated, and the method of use of the resin composition (hereinafter also simply referred to as the method of use) relates to this method of use.

[0206] The above method of use can improve the quality of plants, especially agricultural crops, by applying the above resin composition to plants and / or the soil in which the plants are grown.

[0207] In the above-described method of use, the quality improvement achieved by the resin composition is not particularly limited. In the above-described method of use, the quality improvement achieved by the resin composition is, for example, the quality improvement effect described above in relation to the disclosure of a plant quality improver.

[0208] In one embodiment, the quality improvement achieved by the resin composition in the above-described method of use is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of sugar content improvement, nitrate concentration reduction, and starch value improvement.

[0209] (Resin composition) The above resin composition is not particularly limited as long as it contains component (A).

[0210] In one embodiment, component (A) preferably includes at least one selected from the group consisting of natural rosin, hydrogenated rosin, disproportionated rosin, polymerized rosin, α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid modified rosin, rosin esters, and alkaline earth metal salts of rosins, in order to further improve the quality of the plants.

[0211] (Solvent) In one embodiment, the resin composition may further contain a solvent and be in the form of a dispersible composition such as a solution or emulsion. Examples of solvents include those described above in connection with the disclosure of plant quality improvers.

[0212] In one embodiment, the solvent is preferably water, as it can further improve the quality of the plants and reduce the burden on the environment.

[0213] (Aqueous dispersion) In one embodiment, when the resin composition contains water as a solvent, the form of the resin composition is preferably an aqueous dispersion, as it can further improve the quality of plants, reduce the burden on the environment, and be efficiently sprayed onto plants and soil. Examples of aqueous dispersions include aqueous solutions and emulsions.

[0214] In one embodiment, the resin composition is preferably a composition (emulsion) containing component (A) and component (B) from the standpoint of further improving the quality of plants and reducing the burden on the environment.

[0215] (Granular Composition) In one embodiment, the form of the resin composition is preferably the granular composition described above in relation to the disclosure of a plant quality improver, as it can further improve the quality of plants and be efficiently sprayed onto plants and soil.

[0216] (Additives) In one embodiment, the resin composition may further contain various additives, such as defoamers, viscosity modifiers, fillers, antioxidants, water-resistant agents, film-forming aids, preservatives, pH adjusters such as ammonia water or sodium bicarbonate, surfactants, anti-aging agents, ultraviolet absorbers, antioxidants, and light stabilizers, as long as they do not impair the effects of the present disclosure. These additives may be used in combination.

[0217] (Content of each component) The content of component (A) in the above resin composition is not particularly limited. Examples of the content of component (A) in the above resin composition include 100 parts by mass, 95 parts by mass, 90 parts by mass, 85 parts by mass, 80 parts by mass, 75 parts by mass, 70 parts by mass, 65 parts by mass, 60 parts by mass, 55 parts by mass, 50 parts by mass, 45 parts by mass, 40 parts by mass, 35 parts by mass, 30 parts by mass, 25 parts by mass, 20 parts by mass, 15 parts by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of the above resin composition. In one embodiment, the content of component (A) in the above resin composition is preferably about 15 to 100 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the above resin composition, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of the plant, more preferably about 55 to 100 parts by mass, and even more preferably about 80 to 100 parts by mass, from the same viewpoint.

[0218] When the above resin composition contains the above solvent, the content of component (A) in the above resin composition is not particularly limited. For example, in terms of non-volatile content, the content of component (A) in the above resin composition may be 90 parts by mass, 85 parts by mass, 80 parts by mass, 75 parts by mass, 70 parts by mass, 65 parts by mass, 60 parts by mass, 55 parts by mass, 50 parts by mass, 45 parts by mass, 40 parts by mass, 35 parts by mass, 30 parts by mass, 25 parts by mass, 20 parts by mass, 15 parts by mass, 10 parts by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of the above resin composition. In one embodiment, when the resin composition contains the solvent, the content of component (A) in the resin composition is preferably about 10 to 100 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the resin composition, in terms of non-volatile content, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of plants and reducing the burden on the environment, more preferably about 10 to 95 parts by mass, more preferably about 55 to 100 parts by mass, even more preferably about 55 to 95 parts by mass, and even more preferably about 80 to 100 parts by mass. Even more preferably about 80 to 95 parts by mass.

[0219] When the above resin composition is an emulsion, the content of component (B) in the resin composition is not particularly limited. For example, in terms of non-volatile content, the content of component (B) in the resin composition can be 20 parts by mass, 19 parts by mass, 18 parts by mass, 17 parts by mass, 16 parts by mass, 15 parts by mass, 14 parts by mass, 13 parts by mass, 12 parts by mass, 11 parts by mass, 10 parts by mass, 9 parts by mass, 8 parts by mass, 7 parts by mass, 6 parts by mass, 5 parts by mass, 4 parts by mass, 3 parts by mass, 2 parts by mass, 1 part by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of component (A). In one embodiment, when the above resin composition is an emulsion, the content of component (B) in the resin composition is preferably about 1 to 20 parts by mass, more preferably about 5 to 10 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of component (A), in terms of non-volatile content, from the viewpoint of excellent emulsifying properties.

[0220] When the above resin composition is the above granular composition, the content of component (A) in the above granular composition is not particularly limited. For example, in terms of non-volatile content, the content of component (A) in the above granular composition may be 99 parts by mass, 98 parts by mass, 97 parts by mass, 96 parts by mass, 95 parts by mass, 94 parts by mass, 93 parts by mass, 92 parts by mass, 91 parts by mass, 90 parts by mass, 85 parts by mass, 80 parts by mass, 75 parts by mass, 70 parts by mass, 65 parts by mass, 60 parts by mass, 55 parts by mass, 50 parts by mass, 45 parts by mass, 40 parts by mass, 35 parts by mass, 30 parts by mass, 25 parts by mass, 20 parts by mass, 15 parts by mass, 10 parts by mass, 9 parts by mass, 8 parts by mass, 7 parts by mass, 6 parts by mass, 5 parts by mass, 4 parts by mass, 3 parts by mass, 2 parts by mass, 1 part by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of the granular composition. In one embodiment, the content of component (A) in the granular composition is preferably 1 to 99 parts by mass, more preferably 10 to 80 parts by mass, and even more preferably 20 to 60 parts by mass, based on non-volatile content, per 100 parts by mass of the granular composition.

[0221] When the above resin composition is the above granular composition, the content of the binder in the granular composition is not particularly limited. For example, in terms of non-volatile content, the content of the binder in the granular composition may be 99 parts by mass, 98 parts by mass, 97 parts by mass, 96 parts by mass, 95 parts by mass, 94 parts by mass, 93 parts by mass, 92 parts by mass, 91 parts by mass, 90 parts by mass, 85 parts by mass, 80 parts by mass, 75 parts by mass, 70 parts by mass, 65 parts by mass, 60 parts by mass, 55 parts by mass, 50 parts by mass, 45 parts by mass, 40 parts by mass, 35 parts by mass, 30 parts by mass, 25 parts by mass, 20 parts by mass, 15 parts by mass, 10 parts by mass, 9 parts by mass, 8 parts by mass, 7 parts by mass, 6 parts by mass, 5 parts by mass, 4 parts by mass, 3 parts by mass, 2 parts by mass, 1 part by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of the granular composition. In one embodiment, the content of the binder in the granular composition is preferably 1 to 90 parts by mass, more preferably 1 to 50 parts by mass, even more preferably 5 to 50 parts by mass, and even more preferably 10 to 40 parts by mass, based on non-volatile content, per 100 parts by mass of the granular composition.

[0222] (Physical properties of the resin composition) The physical properties of the resin composition are not particularly limited. In one embodiment, when the plant resin composition contains the solvent, the non-volatile content concentration of the resin composition is preferably in the range of 10 to 90% by mass, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of the plant.

[0223] When the above resin composition is an emulsion, its physical properties are not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the non-volatile content of the resin composition is usually 10 to 65% by mass, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of the plants. In one embodiment, the volume-average particle size of the resin composition is usually about 0.1 to 2 μm, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of the plants. The resin composition is uniformly dispersed mostly as particles of 1 μm or less. In one embodiment, the volume-average particle size of the resin composition is preferably 0.7 μm or less, from the viewpoint of storage stability. In one embodiment, the resin composition has a white to milky white appearance, a pH of about 2 to 10, and a viscosity of usually about 10 to 1000 mPa·s (25°C, non-volatile content concentration 50%).

[0224] When the above resin composition is the above granular composition, its physical properties are not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the particle size of the above granular composition can be, for example, 50.0 mm, 45.0 mm, 40.0 mm, 35.0 mm, 30.0 mm, 25.0 mm, 20.0 mm, 15.0 mm, 10.0 mm, 9.5 mm, 9.0 mm, 8.5 mm, 8.0 mm, 7.5 mm, 7.0 mm, 6.5 mm, 6.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.1 mm, etc. In one embodiment, the particle size of the granular composition is preferably about 0.1 to 50.0 mm, more preferably about 0.1 to 10.0 mm, even more preferably about 0.1 to 5.0 mm, and even more preferably about 1.0 to 5.0 mm, from the viewpoint of ease of use of the granular composition.

[0225] (Method for producing the resin composition) The method for producing the above resin composition is not particularly limited. The above resin composition may be obtained by using component (A) as is, or by mixing component (A) with the solvent and additive as needed, and the method of mixing them is not particularly limited. The organic solvent used in the method for producing component (A) may be used as is as the solvent in the resin composition.

[0226] If the above resin composition is an emulsion, the method for producing the above resin composition is not particularly limited as long as it involves emulsifying component (A) and optionally the above additive in water in the presence of component (B). The emulsification method is not particularly limited. Known emulsification methods such as high-pressure emulsification and phase inversion emulsification can be employed.

[0227] If the above resin composition is the above granular composition, the method for producing the above resin composition is not particularly limited as long as it involves granulating component (A), and optionally the above binder and the above additive. The method for granulating the above granular composition is not particularly limited, and examples include the above-described method for granulating the granular composition.

[0228] (Formulation of the resin composition) The resin composition may use component (A) itself, but may also be formulated to be more convenient to use, as long as the effects of the present disclosure are not impaired. The formulation of the resin composition is not particularly limited. Examples of formulations include those described above in relation to the disclosure of plant quality improvers.

[0229] The above resin composition may contain necessary auxiliary agents depending on its formulation. Examples of such auxiliary agents include those described above in connection with the disclosure of plant quality enhancers.

[0230] (Method of using the resin composition) The above method of use involves applying the resin composition to plants and / or the soil in which the plants are cultivated. Specifically, the above method of use includes, for example, applying the resin composition to the stems, leaves, flowers and / or roots of plants, or applying the resin composition to the cultivation soil.

[0231] Methods for applying the above resin composition to the stems, leaves, flowers, and / or roots of a plant include, for example, spraying, scattering, and / or coating the stems, leaves, flowers, and / or roots, and injecting the resin composition into the plant.

[0232] The soils targeted in the above-mentioned cultivation soils are not particularly limited. Examples of soils include those mentioned above in connection with the disclosure of plant quality improvers.

[0233] Methods for applying the above resin composition to cultivation soil include, for example, spraying, drenching, and / or mixing with the cultivation soil. The above cultivation soil also includes "seedling soil" used to grow plant seedlings that will be transplanted to other soil.

[0234] Application of the above resin composition to the stems, leaves, flowers, and / or roots, and to the cultivation soil, can be done, for example, by machine. The machine is not particularly limited and can be any known machine used for the mechanical application of pesticides or fertilizers.

[0235] Examples of the machines mentioned above include broadcasters, tractors, robots, helicopters, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (e.g., drones).

[0236] When the above resin composition is in the form of an aqueous dispersion, it is environmentally friendly because it does not use solvents, and it is easy to spray. Furthermore, it can be suitable for mechanical spraying because it suppresses clogging of the mechanical flow path during mechanical spraying.

[0237] When the above-mentioned resin composition is in granular form, it is easy to spray due to its granular shape, and compared to a powder form, it can be suitable for mechanical spraying because it suppresses clogging of the mechanical flow path during mechanical spraying.

[0238] In recent years, precision agriculture (smart agriculture), which applies IoT technology to agriculture, has been spreading. In spraying using robots, helicopters, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (e.g., drones) used in smart agriculture, the target material can be sprayed more efficiently and over a wider area if it is in liquid form. Therefore, the above-mentioned resin composition, which is in the form of an aqueous dispersion, is suitable for use in smart agriculture.

[0239] The timing of applying the above resin composition to the cultivation soil can be, for example, at least one time selected from before sowing, at sowing, during seedling cultivation, at transplanting, and from top dressing.

[0240] In one embodiment, the method of use is preferably one in which the resin composition is applied to the cultivation soil, in order to further improve the quality of the plants; similarly, the method of use is more preferably one in which the resin composition is mixed with the cultivation soil; similarly, even more preferably one in which the resin composition is mixed with the cultivation soil before sowing.

[0241] In the method of applying the above resin composition to the cultivation soil, the amount of the resin composition used is not particularly limited. Examples of the amount of the resin composition used, calculated on a non-volatile content basis, include 5 parts by mass, 4 parts by mass, 3 parts by mass, 2 parts by mass, 1 part by mass, 0.9 parts by mass, 0.8 parts by mass, 0.7 parts by mass, 0.6 parts by mass, 0.5 parts by mass, 0.4 parts by mass, 0.3 parts by mass, 0.2 parts by mass, 0.1 parts by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of cultivation soil. In one embodiment, in the method of applying the above resin composition to the cultivation soil, the amount of the resin composition used, calculated on a non-volatile content basis, is preferably about 0.1 to 5 parts by mass, more preferably about 0.1 to 1 part by mass, and even more preferably about 0.4 to 1 part by mass, per 100 parts by mass of cultivation soil, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of the plants.

[0242] In the method of applying the above resin composition to the cultivation soil, the amount of the above resin composition used is, for example, in terms of non-volatile content, 5,000 kg, 4,500 kg, 4,000 kg, 3,500 kg, 3,000 kg, 2,500 kg, 2,000 kg, 1,500 kg, 1,000 kg, 900 kg, 800, 700 per 10 ares (10 ares, i.e., 1,000 square meters) of cultivation soil. Examples include 1 kg, 600 kg, 500 kg, 400 kg, 300 kg, 200 kg, 100 kg, 90 kg, 80 kg, 70 kg, 60 kg, 50 kg, 40 kg, 30 kg, 20 kg, 19 kg, 18 kg, 17 kg, 16 kg, 15 kg, 14 kg, 13 kg, 12 kg, 11 kg, 10 kg, 9 kg, 8 kg, 7 kg, 6 kg, 5 kg, 4 kg, 3 kg, 2 kg, 1 kg, etc. In one embodiment, in a method of applying the above resin composition to the above cultivation soil, the amount of the above resin composition used is preferably about 1 to 5,000 kg per 10a of cultivation soil, in terms of non-volatile content, and more preferably about 4 to 1,000 kg, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of the plants.

[0243] In the above-described method of use, the target plants to which the resin composition is applied are not particularly limited. Examples of such plants include those mentioned above in connection with the disclosure of plant quality improvers.

[0244] In one embodiment, the target plants to which the resin composition is applied are preferably fruit vegetables, root vegetables, leafy and stem vegetables, potatoes, beans, grains, flowers, and industrial crops, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of the plants.

[0245] In one embodiment, the target plants to which the resin composition is applied are preferably fruit vegetables, root vegetables, leafy and stem vegetables, tubers, and industrial crops, from the viewpoint of improving the sugar content of the plants.

[0246] In one embodiment, the target plants to which the above resin composition is applied are preferably tubers and other vegetables, from the viewpoint of improving the starch content of the plants.

[0247] In one embodiment, the target plants to which the resin composition is applied are preferably leafy vegetables and root vegetables, as this reduces the concentration of nitrate ions within the plant.

[0248] In one embodiment, the above method of use may involve mixing or using in combination with other known active compounds, pesticides (e.g., fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, acaricides, synergists, phytotoxicity reducers, plant growth regulators), fertilizers, biostimulants, soil conditioners, plant quality improvers other than the above-mentioned plant quality improvers, etc.

[0249] In one embodiment, the above method of use is preferably applied to the soil in combination with the resin composition and at least one selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, pesticides, biostimulants, and soil conditioners (hereinafter also referred to as agricultural products) in order to further improve the quality of the plants. Similarly, more preferably, the above method of use is applied to the soil in combination with the resin composition and fertilizer, and even more preferably, the above method of use is applied to the soil in combination with a nitrogenous fertilizer.

[0250] In the above-described method of use, when nitrogenous fertilizer is used in combination, it is possible to promote plant growth while suppressing the increase in nitrate ion concentration within the plant compared to when the above-described resin composition is not used.

[0251] In the above-described method of use, the method of using the resin composition and agricultural product in combination is not particularly limited. Examples of methods of using the resin composition and agricultural product in combination include applying the resin composition and agricultural product separately to the soil; applying them to the soil simultaneously; mixing them to form a mixture and applying the mixture. Examples of methods of applying them separately to the soil include applying the resin composition to the soil first, and then applying the agricultural product to the soil; or applying the agricultural product to the soil first, and then applying the resin composition to the soil.

[0252] In the above-described method of use, a method of using the above-described resin composition and agricultural products in combination is, for example, a method of manufacturing the composition described later and applying that composition to the soil.

[0253] The fertilizer used in combination with the above-described method of use is not particularly limited. Examples of such fertilizers include those described later in connection with the disclosure of compositions described later.

[0254] The biostimulants used in combination with the above-described method of use are not particularly limited. Examples of such biostimulants include those described later in connection with the disclosure of compositions described later.

[0255] The pesticides used in combination with the above-described method of use are not particularly limited. Examples of such pesticides include those described later in connection with the disclosure of compositions described later.

[0256] The soil conditioner used in combination with the above-described method of use is not particularly limited. Examples of such soil conditioners include those described later in connection with the disclosure of compositions described later.

[0257] [Method for improving plant quality] This disclosure relates to a method for improving plant quality, which involves applying a resin composition containing a rosin-based resin (A) to the soil in which the plant is cultivated (hereinafter also simply referred to as a quality improvement method).

[0258] The above quality improvement method involves cultivating plants in soil containing the above resin composition, thereby yielding plants of improved quality.

[0259] In the above-described quality improvement method, the quality improvement that acts on plants is not particularly limited. In the above-described quality improvement method, the quality improvement that acts on plants is, for example, the quality improvement effect described above in relation to the disclosure of a plant quality improver.

[0260] In one embodiment, the quality improvement that acts on the plant in the above quality improvement method is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of sugar content improvement, nitrate concentration reduction, and starch value improvement.

[0261] In one embodiment, the quality improvement method preferably involves applying the resin composition to the soil in which the plants are cultivated, thereby reducing the nitrate concentration within the plants.

[0262] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned quality improvement method is preferably a method for improving the sugar content of plants by applying the resin composition to the soil in which the plants are cultivated.

[0263] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned quality improvement method is preferably a method for improving the starch content of plants by applying the resin composition to the soil in which the plants are cultivated.

[0264] The soil used in the above-described quality improvement method is not particularly limited. Examples of such soil include the soil described above in connection with the disclosure of plant quality improvers.

[0265] The plants used in the above-described quality improvement method are not particularly limited. Examples of such plants include those mentioned above in connection with the disclosure of plant quality improvers.

[0266] In the above-described method for improving quality, the method of applying the resin composition to the soil is not particularly limited. Examples of such application methods include the application to the soil described above in connection with the disclosure of the method of use.

[0267] In one embodiment, a preferred method for applying the resin composition to the soil is to mix the resin composition with the soil, as this method yields plants of improved quality. Similarly, a more preferred method is to mix the resin composition with the soil before sowing.

[0268] In the above-described quality improvement method, the amount of the resin composition used is not particularly limited. The amount of the resin composition used is, for example, the amount of the resin composition used as described above in relation to the disclosure of the method of use.

[0269] In one embodiment, the above-described quality improvement method may involve mixing or using in combination the above-described resin composition with other known active compounds, pesticides (e.g., fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, acaricides, synergists, phytotoxicity reducers, plant growth regulators), fertilizers, biostimulants, soil conditioners, plant quality improvers other than the above-described resin composition, etc.

[0270] In one embodiment, the above quality improvement method preferably involves applying the resin composition and an agricultural product to the soil in combination, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of the plant; more preferably, from the same viewpoint, the resin composition and a fertilizer are applied to the soil in combination; and even more preferably, the resin composition and a nitrogenous fertilizer are applied to the soil in combination.

[0271] In the above-described method for improving quality, the method of using the above-described resin composition and agricultural product in combination is, for example, the one described above in relation to the method of using the above-described resin composition and agricultural product in combination.

[0272] Examples of fertilizers, biostimulants, pesticides, and soil conditioners used in combination in the above-described quality improvement method include the fertilizers, biostimulants, pesticides, and soil conditioners described later in connection with the disclosure of compositions described later.

[0273] [Plants] This disclosure relates to plants whose quality is improved by the above-described quality improvement method.

[0274] The above-mentioned plants were cultivated in soil treated with the above-mentioned resin composition, resulting in improved quality.

[0275] In one embodiment, the plants are preferably selected from fruit vegetables, root vegetables, leafy and stem vegetables, tubers, legumes, grains, flowers, and industrial crops, as their quality is further improved by the above-described quality improvement method.

[0276] In one embodiment, the plants are preferably selected from fruit vegetables, root vegetables, leafy and stem vegetables, tubers, and industrial crops, as the sugar content is further improved by the quality improvement method described above.

[0277] In one embodiment, the plant is preferably a tuber, as its starch content is further improved by the above-described quality improvement method.

[0278] In one embodiment, the plants are preferably leafy vegetables and root vegetables, as the nitrate ion concentration within the plant body is further reduced by the above-described quality improvement method.

[0279] [Cultivation Soil] This disclosure relates to soil and cultivation soil containing the above-mentioned plant quality improver.

[0280] Because the above-mentioned potting soil contains the above-mentioned plant quality improver, cultivating plants using this potting soil may improve the quality of the plants.

[0281] The soil in the above-mentioned culture medium is not particularly limited. Examples of such soil include those described above in connection with the disclosure of the use of plant quality improvers.

[0282] The content of the plant quality improver in the above-mentioned culture medium is not particularly limited. Examples of the content of the plant quality improver in the above-mentioned culture medium, calculated on a non-volatile content basis, include 5 parts by mass, 4 parts by mass, 3 parts by mass, 2 parts by mass, 1 part by mass, 0.9 parts by mass, 0.8 parts by mass, 0.7 parts by mass, 0.6 parts by mass, 0.5 parts by mass, 0.4 parts by mass, 0.3 parts by mass, 0.2 parts by mass, 0.1 parts by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of soil. In one embodiment, the content of the plant quality improver in the above-mentioned culture medium is preferably about 0.1 to 5 parts by mass, more preferably about 0.1 to 1 part by mass, and even more preferably about 0.4 to 1 part by mass, on a non-volatile content basis, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of the cultivated plants.

[0283] The content of the above-mentioned plant quality improver in the above-mentioned potting soil is, for example, in terms of non-volatile content, 5,000 kg, 4,500 kg, 4,000 kg, 3,500 kg, 3,000 kg, 2,500 kg, 2,000 kg, 1,500 kg, 1,000 kg, 900 kg, 800, 700 kg, and 600 kg per 10 ares (10 ares, i.e., 1,000 square meters) of soil. Examples include 500 kg, 400 kg, 300 kg, 200 kg, 100 kg, 90 kg, 80 kg, 70 kg, 60 kg, 50 kg, 40 kg, 30 kg, 20 kg, 19 kg, 18 kg, 17 kg, 16 kg, 15 kg, 14 kg, 13 kg, 12 kg, 11 kg, 10 kg, 9 kg, 8 kg, 7 kg, 6 kg, 5 kg, 4 kg, 3 kg, 2 kg, 1 kg, etc. In one embodiment, the content of the plant quality improver in the culture soil is preferably about 1 to 5,000 kg per 10 ares of soil, in terms of non-volatile content, and more preferably about 4 to 1,000 kg, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of the cultivated plants.

[0284] The above-mentioned culture medium is obtained by applying the above-mentioned plant quality improver to the soil. The method of applying the above-mentioned plant quality improver to the soil is not particularly limited. The above-mentioned application method may be, for example, by spraying, drenching, and / or mixing the above-mentioned plant quality improver into the soil.

[0285] In one embodiment, the culture medium is preferably used to improve the quality of the plants being cultivated.

[0286] [Soil Improvement Method] This disclosure relates to a soil improvement method (hereinafter also referred to as the soil improvement method) for improving the quality of cultivated plants. The soil is soil used for cultivating plants. In the soil improvement method, the above resin composition is applied to the soil.

[0287] Since the above soil improvement method involves applying the above resin composition to the soil, the quality of plants may be improved when plants are grown using the improved soil.

[0288] The soils described above are not particularly limited. They may be used in combination. Examples of the soils described above include those mentioned above in connection with the disclosure of culture media.

[0289] The method of applying the above resin composition to the soil is not particularly limited. Examples of application methods include spraying, drenching, and / or mixing the above resin composition into the soil.

[0290] In applying the above resin composition to soil, the amount of the resin composition used is not particularly limited. Examples of the amount of the resin composition used, calculated on a non-volatile content basis, include 5 parts by mass, 4 parts by mass, 3 parts by mass, 2 parts by mass, 1 part by mass, 0.9 parts by mass, 0.8 parts by mass, 0.7 parts by mass, 0.6 parts by mass, 0.5 parts by mass, 0.4 parts by mass, 0.3 parts by mass, 0.2 parts by mass, 0.1 parts by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of soil. In one embodiment, the amount of the resin composition used, calculated on a non-volatile content basis, is preferably about 0.1 to 5 parts by mass, more preferably about 0.1 to 1 part by mass, and even more preferably about 0.4 to 1 part by mass, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of the cultivated plants.

[0291] When applying the above resin composition to soil, the amount of the resin composition used, in terms of non-volatile content, per 10 ares of soil, can be 5,000 kg, 4,500 kg, 4,000 kg, 3,500 kg, 3,000 kg, 2,500 kg, 2,000 kg, 1,500 kg, 1,000 kg, 900 kg, 800, 700 kg, 600 kg, 500 kg, 400 kg, 300 kg, 200 kg, 100 kg, 90 kg, 80 kg, 70 kg, 60 kg, 50 kg, 40 kg, 30 kg, 20 kg, 19 kg, 18 kg, 17 kg, 16 kg, 15 kg, 14 kg, 13 kg, 12 kg, 11 kg, 10 kg, 9 kg, 8 kg, 7 kg, 6 kg, 5 kg, 4 kg, 3 kg, 2 kg, 1 kg, etc. In one embodiment, the amount of the resin composition used is preferably about 1 to 5,000 kg per 10 ares of soil, and more preferably about 4 to 1,000 kg, in terms of non-volatile content, from the viewpoint of further improving the quality of the cultivated plants.

[0292] [Composition] This disclosure relates to a composition comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, pesticides, biostimulants and soil conditioners, and the above-mentioned plant quality improver.

[0293] <Fertilizer> The above fertilizer is not particularly limited, and various known types can be used. One type of fertilizer may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0294] Examples of the above-mentioned fertilizers include nitrogenous fertilizers, phosphate fertilizers, potassium fertilizers, organic fertilizers, compound fertilizers (chemical fertilizers), calcareous fertilizers, silicate fertilizers, magnesium fertilizers, manganese fertilizers, boron fertilizers, trace element compound fertilizers, and sludge fertilizers.

[0295] Examples of the nitrogenous fertilizers mentioned above include urea, ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, ammonium humic acid, isobutyraldehyde condensed urea, formaldehyde condensed urea, acetaldehyde condensed urea, oxamide, calcium cyanamide, glycolurea, and methylolurea polymerized fertilizer.

[0296] Examples of the above-mentioned phosphate fertilizers include superphosphate, double superphosphate, magnesium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, double-calcined phosphate, double-calcined magnesium phosphate, humic acid phosphate fertilizer, fused phosphate fertilizer, and calcined phosphate fertilizer.

[0297] Examples of the potassium fertilizers mentioned above include potassium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium nitrate, potassium silicate, and potassium humic acid.

[0298] In one embodiment, the fertilizer further includes a coating that covers the fertilizer, and the coating may be a coated fertilizer containing a resin. The coating contains a resin as the material that forms the coating (coating material).

[0299] The resin used for the coating material described above is not particularly limited, and various known resins can be used. One type of resin may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0300] Examples of the resin used in the above-mentioned coating material include thermoplastic resins and thermosetting resins.

[0301] The thermosetting resin mentioned above is not particularly limited, and various known resins can be used. Examples of thermosetting resins include epoxy resins, phenolic resins, unsaturated polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, alkyd resins, drying oils, and the like.

[0302] The thermoplastic resin mentioned above is not particularly limited, and various known resins can be used. Examples of such thermoplastic resins include polyolefin resins, polyamide resins, polyester resins, polyurethane resins, styrene resins, vinylidene chloride polymers, diene polymers, waxes, petroleum resins, natural resins, oils and fats and their modified products.

[0303] In one embodiment, the resin preferably includes a biodegradable resin. The inclusion of a biodegradable resin in the fertilizer composition suppresses the retention of the coating material in the environment, thus making it an environmentally friendly fertilizer.

[0304] The above-mentioned biodegradable resin is not particularly limited, and various known types can be used. One type of biodegradable resin may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0305] Examples of the above-mentioned biodegradable resins include polybutylene succinate, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, polybutylene succinate adipate, polybutylene succinate terephthalate, polyethylene succinate, polyethylene terephthalate succinate, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoate, starch polyester, cellulose acetate, starch, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose, lignin, chitin, chitosan, and the like.

[0306] In one embodiment, the coating material may optionally include a filler, provided that it does not impair the effects of the present disclosure.

[0307] The above-mentioned fillers are not particularly limited, and various known fillers can be used. One type of filler may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0308] The above-mentioned fillers include, for example, those described later in relation to carriers in additives of the composition. Fillers may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0309] In one embodiment, the coated fertilizer may be coated with multiple layers of film. In this case, each film may be formed from a film material having the same composition, or from a film material having different compositions.

[0310] <Pesticides> The above-mentioned pesticides are not particularly limited, and various known pesticides may be used. One type of pesticide may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0311] Examples of the above-mentioned pesticides include fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, acaricides, synergists, phytotoxicity reducers, and plant growth regulators.

[0312] <Biostimulant> The biostimulant mentioned above is not particularly limited, and various known biostimulants may be used. One biostimulant may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0313] In this disclosure, biostimulants (biological stimulants, plant vitality enhancers) refer to substances containing any group of substances or microorganisms that, when applied to a plant or its root system, stimulate a series of processes that occur naturally within the crop, thereby improving nutrient absorption, increasing fertilization efficiency, conferring stress tolerance, and improving quality, but do not exhibit direct effects against pests and diseases, and therefore are not classified as any insecticide or fungicide.

[0314] Applying the above-mentioned biostimulants to plants is said to increase nutrient absorption and utilization, promote growth, and improve crop yield and quality. These biostimulants act on plant physiology through pathways different from those of nutrients to improve crop vitality, yield, quality, and post-harvest shelf life.

[0315] Examples of the biostimulants mentioned above include humic substances, organic acid materials (humic acid, fulvic acid), seaweed and seaweed extracts, polysaccharides, amino acids, peptide materials, minerals, vitamins, microbial materials (Trichoderma, mycorrhizal fungi, yeast, Bacillus subtilis, rhizobia, etc.), functional components derived from plants and animals, microbial metabolites, and microbial activating materials.

[0316] <Soil Conditioner> The above soil conditioner is not particularly limited, and various known types can be used. One type of soil conditioner may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0317] Examples of the soil conditioners mentioned above include bark compost, peat moss, leaf mold, rice husk compost, cow manure compost, chicken manure compost, pig manure compost, magnesium lime, slaked lime, vermiculite, zeolite, and perlite.

[0318] In one embodiment, the composition preferably includes the fertilizer, wherein the fertilizer is a nitrogenous fertilizer, and the quality improvement achieved by the plant quality improver includes a reduction in nitrate concentration. When such a composition is used in plant cultivation, it is possible to promote plant growth while suppressing an increase in nitrate ion concentration within the plant.

[0319] (Additives) In one embodiment, the composition may optionally include additives, provided that they do not impair the effects of the present disclosure. The additives may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0320] Examples of the above-mentioned additives include solvents, binders, carriers, surfactants, molasses, animal oils, vegetable oils, hydrogenated oils, fatty acids, fatty acid metal salts, paraffin, waxes, glycerin, and the like.

[0321] Examples of the above binders include carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, pullulan, acrylic polymers, polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, agar, gum arabic, gum arabic powder, xanthan gum, tragacanth gum, guar gum, gellan gum, locust bean gum, partially pregelatinized starch, macrogol, starch, soluble starch, dextrin, tragacanth gum, β-glucan, pectin, casein, soy protein, hydroxyethylcellulose, acetylcellulose, lignin sulfonic acid, alginic acid, carboxymethyl starch, hydroxyethyl starch, polyvinyl methyl ether, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, shellac, rosin, tall oil, ester gum, polyvinyl acetate, polylactic acid, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyurea, polyamide, coumarone resin, biodegradable resin, and the like.

[0322] Examples of the above-mentioned carriers include talc, mica, calcium carbonate, sulfur, clay, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, perlite, zeolite, sericite, kaolin, pumice, silica, vermiculite, calcium carbonate, activated clay, bentonite, rice hulls, sawdust, soybean flour, corn stalks, dried plant materials such as plant fibers, pulp floc, white carbon, and activated carbon.

[0323] (Content of each component of the composition) The content of the plant quality improver in the above composition is not particularly limited. Examples of the content of the plant quality improver in the above composition, calculated on a non-volatile basis, include 100 parts by mass, 95 parts by mass, 90 parts by mass, 85 parts by mass, 80 parts by mass, 75 parts by mass, 70 parts by mass, 65 parts by mass, 60 parts by mass, 55 parts by mass, 50 parts by mass, 45 parts by mass, 40 parts by mass, 35 parts by mass, 30 parts by mass, 25 parts by mass, 20 parts by mass, 19 parts by mass, 18 parts by mass, 17 parts by mass, 16 parts by mass, 15 parts by mass, 14 parts by mass, 13 parts by mass, 12 parts by mass, 11 parts by mass, 10 parts by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of the above composition.

[0324] The amount of the fertilizer in the above composition is not particularly limited. For example, in terms of non-volatile content, the amount of the fertilizer in the above composition may be 90 parts by mass, 85 parts by mass, 80 parts by mass, 75 parts by mass, 70 parts by mass, 65 parts by mass, 60 parts by mass, 55 parts by mass, 50 parts by mass, 45 parts by mass, 40 parts by mass, 35 parts by mass, 30 parts by mass, 25 parts by mass, 20 parts by mass, 19 parts by mass, 18 parts by mass, 17 parts by mass, 16 parts by mass, 15 parts by mass, 14 parts by mass, 13 parts by mass, 12 parts by mass, 11 parts by mass, 10 parts by mass, 9 parts by mass, 8 parts by mass, 7 parts by mass, 6 parts by mass, 5 parts by mass, 4 parts by mass, 3 parts by mass, 2 parts by mass, 1 part by mass, 0 parts by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of the above composition.

[0325] The amount of the pesticide in the above composition is not particularly limited. For example, in terms of non-volatile content, the amount of the pesticide in the above composition may be 90 parts by mass, 85 parts by mass, 80 parts by mass, 75 parts by mass, 70 parts by mass, 65 parts by mass, 60 parts by mass, 55 parts by mass, 50 parts by mass, 45 parts by mass, 40 parts by mass, 35 parts by mass, 30 parts by mass, 25 parts by mass, 20 parts by mass, 19 parts by mass, 18 parts by mass, 17 parts by mass, 16 parts by mass, 15 parts by mass, 14 parts by mass, 13 parts by mass, 12 parts by mass, 11 parts by mass, 10 parts by mass, 9 parts by mass, 8 parts by mass, 7 parts by mass, 6 parts by mass, 5 parts by mass, 4 parts by mass, 3 parts by mass, 2 parts by mass, 1 part by mass, 0 parts by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of the above composition.

[0326] The content of the biostimulant in the above composition is not particularly limited. For example, in terms of non-volatile content, the biostimulant content in the above composition may be 90 parts by mass, 85 parts by mass, 80 parts by mass, 75 parts by mass, 70 parts by mass, 65 parts by mass, 60 parts by mass, 55 parts by mass, 50 parts by mass, 45 parts by mass, 40 parts by mass, 35 parts by mass, 30 parts by mass, 25 parts by mass, 20 parts by mass, 19 parts by mass, 18 parts by mass, 17 parts by mass, 16 parts by mass, 15 parts by mass, 14 parts by mass, 13 parts by mass, 12 parts by mass, 11 parts by mass, 10 parts by mass, 9 parts by mass, 8 parts by mass, 7 parts by mass, 6 parts by mass, 5 parts by mass, 4 parts by mass, 3 parts by mass, 2 parts by mass, 1 part by mass, 0 parts by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of the above composition.

[0327] The content of the soil conditioner in the above composition is not particularly limited. Examples of the content of the soil conditioner in the above composition, calculated on a non-volatile basis, include 90 parts by mass, 85 parts by mass, 80 parts by mass, 75 parts by mass, 70 parts by mass, 65 parts by mass, 60 parts by mass, 55 parts by mass, 50 parts by mass, 45 parts by mass, 40 parts by mass, 35 parts by mass, 30 parts by mass, 25 parts by mass, 20 parts by mass, 19 parts by mass, 18 parts by mass, 17 parts by mass, 16 parts by mass, 15 parts by mass, 14 parts by mass, 13 parts by mass, 12 parts by mass, 11 parts by mass, 10 parts by mass, 9 parts by mass, 8 parts by mass, 7 parts by mass, 6 parts by mass, 5 parts by mass, 4 parts by mass, 3 parts by mass, 2 parts by mass, 1 part by mass, 0 parts by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of the above composition.

[0328] The amount of the additive in the above composition is not particularly limited. Examples of the amount of the additive in the above composition, calculated on a non-volatile basis, include 50 parts by mass, 45 parts by mass, 40 parts by mass, 35 parts by mass, 30 parts by mass, 25 parts by mass, 20 parts by mass, 19 parts by mass, 18 parts by mass, 17 parts by mass, 16 parts by mass, 15 parts by mass, 14 parts by mass, 13 parts by mass, 12 parts by mass, 11 parts by mass, 10 parts by mass, 9 parts by mass, 8 parts by mass, 7 parts by mass, 6 parts by mass, 5 parts by mass, 4 parts by mass, 3 parts by mass, 2 parts by mass, 1 part by mass, 0.9 parts by mass, 0.8 parts by mass, 0.7 parts by mass, 0.6 parts by mass, 0.5 parts by mass, 0.4 parts by mass, 0.3 parts by mass, 0.2 parts by mass, 0.1 parts by mass, 0 parts by mass, etc., per 100 parts by mass of the above composition. In one embodiment, the content of the additive is preferably about 0 to 50 parts by mass, more preferably about 0.1 to 50 parts by mass, even more preferably about 0.1 to 50 parts by mass, and even more preferably about 0.1 to 30 parts by mass, based on non-volatile content, per 100 parts by mass of the composition.

[0329] (Uses and properties of the composition) The properties of the above composition are not particularly limited.

[0330] The uses of the above composition are not particularly limited. Examples of uses of the above composition include those described above in connection with the disclosure of uses for plant quality improvers. In that case, the plant quality improver is replaced with the above composition.

[0331] (Method for Manufacturing the Composition) The method for manufacturing the above composition is not particularly limited. Examples of methods for manufacturing the above composition include mixing at least one selected from the group consisting of the above plant quality improver, the above fertilizer, the above pesticide, the above biostimulant, and the above soil conditioner, and the above additive as needed. The mixing method is not particularly limited. The solvent contained in the above plant quality improver may be used as a solvent in the composition as is.

[0332] [Other Embodiments] This disclosure relates to the use of a resin composition containing a rosin-based resin (A) as a plant quality enhancer.

[0333] This disclosure relates to the use of a resin composition containing a rosin-based resin (A) as a sugar content enhancer.

[0334] This disclosure relates to the use of a resin composition containing a rosin-based resin (A) as a nitric acid concentration reducing agent.

[0335] This disclosure relates to the use of a rosin-based resin (A) as a starch value improver in resin compositions.

[0336] In each of these embodiments, the resin composition, the amount of resin composition used, the method of using the resin composition, etc., are the same as described above.

[0337] This disclosure provides the following items:

[0338] (Item A1) Use of a resin composition as a plant quality improver to improve the quality of plants, wherein the resin composition is a resin composition containing a rosin-based resin (A). (Item A2) Use of the resin composition according to Item A1, wherein the quality improvement is at least one selected from the group consisting of sugar content improvement, nitrate concentration reduction, and starch value improvement. (Item A3) Use of the resin composition according to Item A1 or A2, wherein the resin composition is used as a nitrate concentration reducing agent. (Item A4) Use of the resin composition according to any one of Items A1 to A3, wherein the resin composition is used as a sugar content improver. (Item A5) Use of the resin composition according to any one of Items A1 to A4, wherein the resin composition is used as a starch value improver. (Item A6) Use of the resin composition described in any one of Items A1 to A5 above, wherein the rosin-based resin (A) contains at least one selected from the group consisting of natural rosin, hydrogenated rosin, disproportionated rosin, polymerized rosin, α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid modified rosin, rosin esters, and alkaline earth metal salts of rosins. (Item A7) Use of the resin composition described in any one of Items A1 to A6 above, wherein the rosin-based resin (A) contains one or more of natural rosin and rosin esters. (Item A8) Use of the resin composition described in any one of Items A1 to A7 above, wherein the rosin-based resin (A) contains natural rosin. (Item A9) Use of the resin composition described in any one of Items A1 to A8 above, wherein the rosin-based resin (A) contains rosin esters. (Item A10) Use of the resin composition described in any one of Items A1 to A9 above, wherein the form of the resin composition is an aqueous dispersion. (Item A11) Use of the resin composition described in any one of Items A1 to A10, wherein the form of the resin composition is an emulsion. (Item A12) Use of the resin composition described in any one of Items A1 to A11, wherein the form of the resin composition is a granular composition. (Item A13) Use of the resin composition described in any one of Items A1 to A12, wherein the use of the plant quality improver includes application to the stems, leaves, flowers and / or roots of plants.(Item A14) Use of the resin composition described in any one of Items A1 to A13 above, wherein the use of the plant quality improver includes application to the soil in which the plants are grown. (Item A15) Use of the resin composition described in any one of Items A1 to A14 above, wherein the use of the plant quality improver includes mixing into the soil in which the plants are grown before sowing. (Item A16) Use of the resin composition described in any one of Items A1 to A15 above, wherein the plant is selected from fruit vegetables, root vegetables, leafy and stem vegetables, potatoes, beans, grains, flowers, and industrial crops. (Item A17) Use of the resin composition described in any one of Items A1 to A16 above, wherein the plant is selected from fruit vegetables, root vegetables, leafy and stem vegetables, potatoes, and industrial crops. (Item A18) Use of the resin composition described in any one of Items A1 to A17, wherein the amount of the plant quality improver used when applying the plant quality improver to the soil in which plants are cultivated is 0.1 to 5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the soil in which plants are cultivated, in terms of non-volatile content. (Item A19) Use of the resin composition described in any one of Items A1 to A18, wherein the amount of the plant quality improver used when applying the plant quality improver to the soil in which plants are cultivated is 4 to 1,000 kg per 10 ares of the soil in which plants are cultivated, in terms of non-volatile content. (Item A20) Use of the resin composition described in any one of Items A1 to A19, wherein the use of the plant quality improver includes the application of the plant quality improver to the soil along with at least one selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, pesticides, biostimulants and soil conditioners. (Item A21) Use of the resin composition described in any one of Items A1 to A20, wherein the use of the plant quality improver includes the application of the plant quality improver and nitrogenous fertilizer to the soil. (Item A22) A method of using a resin composition to improve the quality of plants, wherein the resin composition is a resin composition containing a rosin-based resin (A), and the resin composition is applied to plants and / or soil in which the plants are cultivated. (Item A23) A method of using the resin composition described in Item A22, wherein the quality improvement is at least one selected from the group consisting of sugar content improvement, nitrate concentration reduction, and starch content improvement. (Item A24) A method of using the resin composition described in Item A22 or A23, wherein the quality improvement is sugar content improvement.(Item A25) The method of using the resin composition described in item A22 or A23, wherein the above quality improvement is a reduction in nitric acid concentration. (Item A26) The method of using the resin composition described in item A22 or A23, wherein the above quality improvement is an increase in starch value. (Item A27) The method of using the resin composition described in any one of items A22 to A26, wherein the rosin-based resin (A) comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of natural rosin, hydrogenated rosin, disproportionated rosin, polymerized rosin, α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid modified rosin, rosin esters, and alkaline earth metal salts of rosins. (Item A28) The method of using the resin composition described in any one of items A22 to A27, wherein the rosin-based resin (A) comprises one or more of natural rosin and rosin esters. (Item A29) The method of using the resin composition described in any one of items A22 to A28, wherein the rosin-based resin (A) comprises natural rosin. (Item A30) A method of using the resin composition according to any one of Items A22 to A29, wherein the rosin-based resin (A) contains rosin esters. (Item A31) A method of using the resin composition according to any one of Items A22 to A30, wherein the form of the resin composition is an aqueous dispersion. (Item A32) A method of using the resin composition according to any one of Items A22 to A31, wherein the form of the resin composition is an emulsion. (Item A33) A method of using the resin composition according to any one of Items A22 to A32, wherein the form of the resin composition is a granular composition. (Item A34) A method of using the resin composition according to any one of Items A22 to A33, wherein the plant is selected from fruit vegetables, root vegetables, leafy and stem vegetables, potatoes, beans, grains, flowers, and industrial crops. (Item A35) A method of using the resin composition described in any one of Items A22 to A34, wherein the plant is selected from fruit vegetables, root vegetables, leafy and stem vegetables, tubers, and industrial crops. (Item A36) A method of using the resin composition described in any one of Items A22 to A35, wherein the resin composition is applied to the stems, leaves, flowers, and / or roots of the plant. (Item A37) A method of using the resin composition described in any one of Items A22 to A36, wherein the resin composition is mixed into the soil in which the plant is cultivated before sowing.(Item A38) A method for using the resin composition according to any one of Items A22 to A37, wherein the amount of the resin composition used in a method for applying the resin composition to soil in which plants are cultivated is 0.1 to 5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of soil in which plants are cultivated, in terms of non-volatile content. (Item A39) A method for using the resin composition according to any one of Items A22 to A38, wherein the amount of the resin composition used in a method for applying the resin composition to soil in which plants are cultivated is 4 to 1,000 kg per 10 a of soil in which plants are cultivated, in terms of non-volatile content. (Item A40) A method for using the resin composition according to any one of Items A22 to A39, wherein the resin composition is used in combination with at least one selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, pesticides, biostimulants and soil conditioners, and applied to plants and / or soil in which plants are cultivated. (Item A41) A method of using the resin composition described above, applied to soil in which plants are cultivated, by using the resin composition described above in combination with at least one selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, pesticides, biostimulants and soil conditioners. (Item A42) A method of using the resin composition described above, applied to soil in which plants are cultivated, by using the resin composition described above in combination with a nitrogenous fertilizer. (Item A43) A method for improving the quality of plants, comprising applying a resin composition containing a rosin-based resin (A) described in any one of the items A1 to A21 to soil in which plants are cultivated. (Item A44) A method for improving the quality of plants as described in item A43, comprising applying the resin composition described above to soil in which plants are cultivated, thereby reducing the nitrate concentration in the plant body. (Item A45) A method for improving the quality of plants as described in item A43 or A44 above, wherein the resin composition is applied to the soil in which the plants are cultivated, and the sugar content of the plants is improved. (Item A46) A method for improving the quality of plants as described in any one of items A43 to A45 above, wherein the resin composition is applied to the soil in which the plants are cultivated, and the starch content of the plants is improved. (Item A47) The method according to any one of items A43 to A46 above, wherein the resin composition is mixed with the soil before sowing.(Item A48) The method according to any one of items A43 to A47, wherein the plant is selected from fruit vegetables, root vegetables, leafy and stem vegetables, tubers, beans, grains, flowers, and industrial crops. (Item A49) The method according to any one of items A43 to A48, wherein the plant is selected from fruit vegetables, root vegetables, leafy and stem vegetables, tubers, and industrial crops. (Item A50) The method according to any one of items A43 to A49, wherein the amount of the resin composition used is 0.1 to 5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of soil, on a non-volatile content basis. (Item A51) The method according to any one of items A43 to A50, wherein the amount of the resin composition used is 4 to 1,000 kg per 10 a of soil, on a non-volatile content basis. (Item A52) The method according to any one of Items A43 to A51, wherein the above-mentioned soil is subjected to the above-mentioned resin composition and at least one selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, pesticides, biostimulants and soil conditioners. (Item A53) The method according to any one of Items A43 to A52, wherein the above-mentioned soil is subjected to the above-mentioned resin composition and nitrogenous fertilizer. (Item A54) A plant whose quality is improved by the method according to any one of Items A43 to A53. (Item A55) The plant according to Item A54, wherein the plant is selected from fruit vegetables, root vegetables, leafy and stem vegetables, potatoes, beans, grains, flowers and industrial crops. (Item A56) The plant according to Item A54 or A55, wherein the plant is selected from fruit vegetables, root vegetables, leafy and stem vegetables, potatoes and industrial crops. (Item A57) A growing medium comprising soil and a plant quality improver described in any one of the above items A1 to A21. (Item A58) The growing medium described in item A57, wherein the content of the plant quality improver in the growing medium is 0.1 to 5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of soil, in terms of non-volatile content. (Item A59) The growing medium described in item A57 or A58, wherein the purpose of the growing medium is to improve the quality of the plants being cultivated.

[0339] The plant quality improver provided in this disclosure can improve the quality of plants, especially agricultural crops, when applied to plants during cultivation. Furthermore, because the plant quality improver provided in this disclosure uses rosin-based resin, which is a biomass material, the environmental impact is reduced.

[0340] The present invention will be specifically described below through examples and comparative examples. However, the above description and the following examples are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention is limited only to the claims. Unless otherwise specified, "parts" and "%" in the examples are based on mass.

[0341] [Production of plant quality improver] Example 1 A reaction apparatus equipped with a thermometer, stirrer, nitrogen inlet tube, and vacuum device was charged with 500 parts of Chinese gum rosin and 60 parts of glycerin. The temperature was raised to 270°C under a nitrogen atmosphere and reacted at the same temperature for 12 hours. Then, the pressure was reduced to 8 kPa and the reaction was continued for 2 hours to obtain rosin glycerin ester (A1) (hereinafter referred to as component (A1)).

[0342] Example 2 A reaction vessel equipped with a stirrer, reflux condenser with water divider, and thermometer was charged with 1,000 parts of Chinese gum rosin, and the mixture was heated to 180°C under a nitrogen atmosphere while stirring until melted. Then, 267 parts of fumaric acid were added, and the mixture was heated to 230°C while stirring, and maintained at the temperature for 1 hour to obtain fumaric acid-modified rosin (A2) (hereinafter referred to as component (A2)).

[0343] Example 3 A reaction apparatus equipped with a thermometer, stirrer, nitrogen inlet pipe, and vacuum device was charged with 700 parts of Chinese gum rosin, 700 parts of xylene, and 17.5 parts of zinc chloride as a catalyst, and the polymerization reaction was carried out at 140°C for 7 hours under a nitrogen atmosphere. After filtering off the catalyst from the reaction product, xylene was distilled off under conditions of a liquid temperature of less than 200°C and a vacuum of 1300 Pa. Then, rosin decomposition products and unreacted gum rosin were further distilled off under conditions of a liquid temperature of 200 to 275°C and a vacuum of 400 Pa to obtain polymerized rosin (A3) (hereinafter referred to as component (A3)).

[0344] Example 4: 1000 parts of Chinese gum rosin and 2 parts of 5% palladium carbon (50% water content) as a hydrogenation catalyst were charged into a 3-liter autoclave. After removing oxygen from the system, the system was pressurized with hydrogen to 100 kg / cm², and the temperature was raised to 260°C under stirring. The hydrogenation reaction was carried out at the same temperature for 3 hours to obtain unrefined hydrogenated rosin.

[0345] Next, the unrefined hydrogenated rosin was distilled under reduced pressure of 3 mmHg under a nitrogen seal, and the main distillate distilled at 195-250°C was used as refined hydrogenated rosin. 200 parts of the obtained refined hydrogenated rosin and 0.1 parts of 5% palladium carbon (50% water content) were charged into a 1-liter shaking autoclave, and after removing oxygen from the system by purging with nitrogen, the system was heated to 250°C, and a dehydrogenation reaction was carried out at the same temperature for 3 hours to obtain hydrogenated rosin (A4) (hereinafter referred to as component (A4)).

[0346] Example 5 A reaction apparatus equipped with a thermometer, stirrer, nitrogen inlet tube, and vacuum device was used to add 1000 parts of Chinese gum rosin and 0.3 parts of 5% palladium carbon (50% water content) as a disproportionation catalyst. The mixture was stirred at 280°C for 4 hours under a nitrogen seal to carry out a disproportionation reaction and obtain unrefined disproportionated rosin. Next, the unrefined disproportionated rosin was distilled under reduced pressure of 3 mmHg under a nitrogen seal, and the main distillate distilled at 195-250°C was used as refined disproportionated rosin. 200 parts of the obtained refined disproportionated rosin and 0.6 parts of 5% palladium carbon (50% water content) were charged into a 1-liter shaking autoclave. After removing oxygen from the system, the system was pressurized with hydrogen to 0.5 kg / cm² and heated to 275°C. A dehydrogenation reaction was carried out at the same temperature for 3 hours to obtain disproportionated rosin (A5) (hereinafter referred to as component (A5)).

[0347] Example 6: Chinese-made gum rosin (A6) (hereinafter referred to as component (A6)) was used as is as a plant quality improver.

[0348] Example 7 A commercially available magnesium rosin salt (A7) (manufactured by Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd., product name "KM-1600") (hereinafter referred to as component (A7)) was used as is as a plant quality improver.

[0349] <Experiment 1> Powdered component (A1) was added to the soil where the seedlings were to be planted, at a ratio of 0.5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of soil, and mixed until uniform. Thirteen cabbage seedlings were planted in the soil, and the cabbage was cultivated according to conventional methods and harvested 120 days after planting.

[0350] (Extraction of components contained in cabbage) After harvesting the cabbage, the two outer leaves were removed, and the third outer leaf was crushed using a crush mill (manufactured by Iwatani Corporation, product name "Iwatani Crush Mill Piano Black IFM-CR22G"). The crushed cabbage was filtered to remove solid components and obtain cabbage extract.

[0351] (Measurement of sugar content) The Brix sugar content of the obtained cabbage extract was measured using a refractometer (manufactured by Atago Co., Ltd., product name "Digital Refractometer PR-201α"). The measurement results are shown in Table 1, which is the average of the measured values ​​of five cabbage extracts randomly selected from thirteen cabbage extracts.

[0352] (Measurement of nitrate ion concentration) The nitrate ion concentration (ppm) of the obtained cabbage extract was measured using a nitrate ion analyzer (manufactured by Horiba, Ltd., product name "Compact Nitrate Ion Meter LAQUA twin-NO3-11C"). The measurement results are shown in Table 2, which is the average of the measured values ​​of five cabbage extracts randomly selected from thirteen cabbage extracts.

[0353] Similarly, cabbage was cultivated using components (A2) to (A7), and the sugar content and nitrate ion concentration of the cabbage extract were measured. Furthermore, cabbage was cultivated in the same manner without using rosin-based resin, and the sugar content and nitrate ion concentration of the cabbage extract were measured. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2. Note that in Experiment 1, the sugar content and nitrate ion concentration were measured for cabbages of similar growth stage (weight and size).

[0354] <Experiment 2> Powdered component (A1) was added to the soil where the seed potatoes were to be planted, at a ratio of 0.5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of soil, and mixed until uniform. Thirteen sprouted seed potatoes were planted in the soil, and potatoes were cultivated according to conventional methods and harvested 100 days after planting.

[0355] (Measurement of sugar content) Harvested potatoes were crushed using a crush mill (manufactured by Iwatani Corporation, product name "Iwatani Crush Mill Piano Black IFM-CR22G"). The crushed potatoes were filtered through a filter cloth to remove solids, and potato extract was collected. The Brix sugar content of the collected potato extract was evaluated using a refractometer (manufactured by Atago Co., Ltd., product name "Digital Refractometer PR-201α"). The measurement results are shown in Table 1, which is the average of the measured values ​​of potato extracts from 5 randomly selected potato plants out of 13 potato plants.

[0356] (Measurement of starch content) The specific gravity (= "weight in air" / ("weight in air" - "weight in water")) of the harvested potatoes was measured from the water weight and air weight using conventional methods, and the starch content (= ("specific gravity" - 1.05) × 214.5 + 7.5) was calculated from the measured specific gravity. The measurement results are shown in Table 3, which are the average values ​​of the calculated values ​​from 5 potatoes randomly selected from 13 potato plants.

[0357] Similarly, potatoes were cultivated using components (A2) to (A7), and the sugar content of the potato extract and the starch value of the potatoes were measured. Potatoes were also cultivated in the same manner without using rosin-based resin, and the sugar content of the potato extract and the starch value of the potatoes were measured. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 3.

[0358] <Experiment 3> Powdered component (A1) was added to commercially available potting soil (Hyponex potting soil for flowers and vegetables) at a ratio of 0.5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of soil, and mixed until uniform. Golden beet seeds were sown in the potting soil, and four golden beet plants were cultivated according to the usual method and harvested 70 days after transplanting.

[0359] (Extraction of components contained in golden beets) After harvesting the golden beets, 10g was measured from the center of the root and crushed using an Iwatani Crush Millser Piano Black IFM-CR22G (manufactured by Iwatani Corporation). After crushing, the solid components were removed by filtration to obtain beet extract.

[0360] (Measurement of Sugar Content) The Brix sugar content of the collected beet extract was evaluated using a refractometer (manufactured by Atago Co., Ltd., product name "Digital Refractometer PR-201α"). The measurement results, the average values ​​of the measurements of golden beet extract from four cultivated plants, are shown in Table 1. In addition, golden beets were cultivated in the same manner without using rosin-based resin, and the sugar content of the beet extract was measured. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0361] <Experiment 4> Powdered component (A1) was added to the soil in which the seedlings were planted at a ratio of 0.5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of soil, and mixed until uniform. Thirty sugar beet seedlings were planted in the soil, and the sugar beets were cultivated according to conventional methods and harvested 150 days after planting.

[0362] (Extraction of components contained in sugar beets) After harvesting the sugar beets, 100g was measured from the center of the root portion and crushed using an Iwatani Crush Millser (product name "Iwatani Crush Millser Piano Black IFM-CR22G") manufactured by Iwatani Corporation. After crushing, the solid components were removed by filtration to obtain sugar beet extract.

[0363] (Measurement of sugar content) The Brix sugar content of the collected sugar beet extract was evaluated using a sugar meter (manufactured by Atago Co., Ltd., product name "Digital Sugar Meter PR-201α"). The measurement results are shown in Table 1, which is the average of the measured values ​​of sugar beet extract from three plants randomly selected from 30 sugar beet plants. In addition, sugar beets were cultivated in the same manner without using rosin-based resin, and the sugar content of the sugar beet extract was measured. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0364] <Experiment 5> Powdered component (A1) was added to the soil where the seedlings were to be planted, at a ratio of 0.5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of soil, and mixed until uniform. Eight broccoli seedlings were planted in the soil, and the broccoli was cultivated according to conventional methods and harvested 65 days after planting.

[0365] (Extraction of components contained in broccoli) After harvesting the broccoli, 10g of the florets was measured and 10g of distilled water was added and crushed using an Iwatani Crush Millser Piano Black IFM-CR22G (manufactured by Iwatani Corporation). After crushing, the solids were removed by filtration to obtain broccoli extract.

[0366] (Measurement of nitrate ion concentration) The nitrate ion concentration (ppm) of the obtained broccoli extract was measured using a nitrate ion analyzer (manufactured by Horiba, Ltd., product name "Compact Nitrate Ion Meter LAQUA twin-NO3-11C"). The measurement results are shown in Table 2, which is the average of the measured values ​​of broccoli extracts from 3 randomly selected broccoli plants from among 8 broccoli plants.

[0367] Similarly, broccoli was cultivated using component (A6), and the nitrate ion concentration of the extract was measured. Broccoli was also cultivated in the same manner without using rosin-based resin, and the nitrate ion concentration of the broccoli extract was measured. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0368] <Experiment 6> Powdered component (A1) was added to the soil in which seedlings were planted at a ratio of 0.5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of soil, and mixed until uniform. 22 lettuce seedlings were planted in the soil, and the lettuce was cultivated according to conventional methods and harvested 60 days after planting.

[0369] (Extraction of components contained in lettuce) After harvesting the lettuce, two outer leaves were removed, 10g of the third outer leaf was measured, and 20g of distilled water was added and crushed using an Iwatani Crush Millser Piano Black IFM-CR22G (manufactured by Iwatani Corporation). After crushing, the solid components were removed by filtration to obtain lettuce extract.

[0370] (Measurement of nitrate ion concentration) The nitrate ion concentration (ppm) of the obtained lettuce extract was measured using a nitrate ion analyzer (manufactured by Horiba, Ltd., product name "Compact Nitrate Ion Meter LAQUA twin-NO3-11C"). The measurement results are shown in Table 2, which is the average of the measured values ​​of three lettuce extracts randomly selected from 22 lettuce extracts.

[0371] Similarly, lettuce was cultivated using component (A6), and the nitrate ion concentration of the lettuce extract was measured. Furthermore, lettuce was cultivated in the same manner without using rosin-based resin, and the nitrate ion concentration of the lettuce extract was measured. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0372] <Experiment 7> Powdered component (A1) was added to the soil in which seedlings were planted at a ratio of 0.5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of soil, and mixed until uniform. Radish seedlings were planted in the soil, and radishes were cultivated according to conventional methods and harvested 120 days after planting.

[0373] (Extraction of components contained in radish leaves) After harvesting the radish, 10g of the leaves were measured out and 10g of distilled water was added and crushed using an Iwatani Crush Millser Piano Black IFM-CR22G (manufactured by Iwatani Corporation). After crushing, the solid components were removed by filtration to obtain radish leaf extract.

[0374] (Measurement of nitrate ion concentration) The nitrate ion concentration (ppm) of the obtained radish leaf extract was measured using a nitrate ion analyzer (manufactured by Horiba, Ltd., product name "Compact Nitrate Ion Meter LAQUA twin-NO3-11C"). The measurement results are shown in Table 2, which is the average of the measured values ​​of the leaf extracts from three radish plants randomly selected from ten radish plants.

[0375] Similarly, radishes were cultivated using components (A2), (A3), and (A6), and the nitrate ion concentration of the radish leaf extract was measured. In addition, radishes were cultivated in the same manner without using rosin-based resin, and the nitrate ion concentration of the radish leaf extract was measured. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0376]

[0377]

[0378]

Claims

1. A plant quality improver for enhancing the quality of plants, containing a rosin-based resin (A).

2. The plant quality improver according to claim 1, wherein the quality improvement is at least one selected from the group consisting of sugar content improvement, nitrate concentration reduction, and starch content improvement.

3. A method for using a resin composition to improve the quality of plants, wherein the resin composition is a resin composition containing a rosin-based resin (A), and the resin composition is applied to plants and / or soil in which the plants are cultivated.

4. The method of using the resin composition according to claim 3, wherein the quality improvement is at least one selected from the group consisting of sugar content improvement, nitrate concentration reduction, and starch value improvement.

5. A method for improving plant quality, comprising applying a resin composition containing rosin-based resin (A) to the soil in which the plants are cultivated.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the quality improvement is at least one selected from the group consisting of sugar content improvement, nitrate concentration reduction, and starch value improvement.

7. A plant whose quality is improved by the method described in claim 5 or 6.

8. A growing medium comprising soil and the plant quality improving agent described in claim 1 or 2.

9. A method for improving soil to improve the quality of plants to be cultivated, wherein the soil is soil on which plants are cultivated, and the method for improving soil involves applying a resin composition containing a rosin-based resin (A) to the soil.

10. A composition comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, pesticides, biostimulants, and soil conditioners, and a plant quality enhancer according to claim 1 or 2.

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