The present invention relates to a composition comprising methyl jasmonate and a polysiloxane polyether for increasing the content of glucosinolates in adult plants of the genus Brassica, for example, broccoli. By means of foliar application of the composition on adult plants having a developed cuticle, a significant increase is achieved in the concentrations of glucosinolates (mainly glucoraphanin and neoglucobrassicin), in the floret of the plants, without degrading the organoleptic properties thereof.

The present invention relates to a foliar fertilizer composition comprising at least one fertilizer and one or more of sun-blocking compounds chosen from the group of kaolin, bentonite, calcium carbonate and organic compounds that block UV radiation. Preferably, the sun-blocking compound is an organic compound that blocks UV radiation, and may be selected from the group of benzophenone type compounds, benzimidazole type compounds, hydroxybenzoyl benzoate type compounds, benzotriazol type compounds, cinnamido type compounds, flavonoids, antioxidants or lignosulfonates.

The present invention relates to a foliar fertilizer composition comprising at least one fertilizer and one or more of sun-blocking compounds chosen from the group of kaolin, bentonite, calcium carbonate and organic compounds that block UV radiation. Preferably, the sun-blocking compound is an organic compound that blocks UV radiation, and may be selected from the group of benzophenone type compounds, benzimidazole type compounds, hydroxybenzoyl benzoate type compounds, benzotriazol type compounds, cinnamido type compounds, flavonoids, antioxidants or lignosulfonates.

A fungicidal composition comprising a mixture of components (A) and (B), wherein components (A) and (B) are as defined in claim 1, and use of the compositions in agriculture or horticulture for controlling or preventing infestation of plants by phytopathogenic microorganisms, preferably fungi.

A technique for inducing tolerance to environmental stress in a plant is provided. Tolerance to environmental stress in a plant is induced by applying to the plant an abscisic acid-like substance, such as abscisic acid and agonists thereof, in combination with a nitrogen-containing compound, such as amino acids and amino acid derivatives.

Methods of controlling the maturation of plants and/or plant products (e.g. fruit, vegetable, ornamentals, etc.) by manipulating Alternative Oxidase (AOX) activity. An increase in activity hastens the maturation process while a decrease in activity slows or stops maturation.

Methods of controlling the maturation of plants and/or plant products (e.g. fruit, vegetable, ornamentals, etc.) by manipulating Alternative Oxidase (AOX) activity. An increase in activity hastens the maturation process while a decrease in activity slows or stops maturation.

Methods of controlling the maturation of plants and/or plant products (e.g. fruit, vegetable, ornamentals, etc.) by manipulating Alternative Oxidase (AOX) activity. An increase in activity hastens the maturation process while a decrease in activity slows or stops maturation.

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe diapocarotenoid plant growth regulators represented by formula (I): R-A-R (I) or a precursor, salt, solvate, stereoisomer or polymorph thereof; wherein R is a monovalent carbonyl moiety selected from the group consisting of aldehydes, ethers, diethers, carboxylic acids, alcohols, and ester carboxylates and A is a bivalent polyene represented by the bivalent moiety —(CR.sub.a═CR.sub.b).sub.x—, wherein x is the number of double bonds in polyene moiety A, and R.sub.a and R.sub.b are, independently, hydrogen, a hydrocarbon, or an alkoxy group, and composition of the diapocarotenoid plant growth regulators in an agronomically acceptable carrier. Methods of regulating plant growth including promoting root development, increasing nutrient uptake, enhancing resistance to abiotic stress factors, invigorating plant growth, increasing plant yield, and increasing plant biomass by applying at least one diapocarotenoid plant growth regulator to a seed, plant propagation material, plant or plant growth medium are also described.

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe diapocarotenoid plant growth regulators represented by formula (I): R-A-R (I) or a precursor, salt, solvate, stereoisomer or polymorph thereof; wherein R is a monovalent carbonyl moiety selected from the group consisting of aldehydes, ethers, diethers, carboxylic acids, alcohols, and ester carboxylates and A is a bivalent polyene represented by the bivalent moiety —(CR.sub.a═CR.sub.b).sub.x—, wherein x is the number of double bonds in polyene moiety A, and R.sub.a and R.sub.b are, independently, hydrogen, a hydrocarbon, or an alkoxy group, and composition of the diapocarotenoid plant growth regulators in an agronomically acceptable carrier. Methods of regulating plant growth including promoting root development, increasing nutrient uptake, enhancing resistance to abiotic stress factors, invigorating plant growth, increasing plant yield, and increasing plant biomass by applying at least one diapocarotenoid plant growth regulator to a seed, plant propagation material, plant or plant growth medium are also described.