The present invention relates to a novel type of compounds which modulate the activity of
Abscisic Acid (ABA) receptors in plants. More particularly, such novel compounds are acting as ABA antagonists, which specifically and potently block activation of
clade III ABA receptors including but not only PYL1, while another
subfamily of compounds has agonistic
mode of action promoting activation of the
receptor and the ABA signaling pathway. These compounds are, therefore, applicable in different fields of modulating target
plant seed
germination, modulating target
plant growth, modulating tolerance to drought and
abiotic stress, modulating fruit
ripening, or modulating
immunity of a target
plant. More particularly, said compounds can be used to stimulate the
germination of plant seeds, either under conditions favorable for the growth of
crop plants, or unfavorable for the survival of weeds. The compounds can also be used to enhance
plant growth under growing conditions where water is not a
limiting factor on
plant growth. The selectivity of the compounds for
clade III ABA receptors will prevent unwanted effects from blocking other ABA
receptor subtypes (for example in
clade II and clade I groups) present in the plants of interest. The present invention also provides corresponding
agrochemical compositions comprising such novel compounds.