Disclosed is method for converting a beta-lactam antibiotic into a masked beta-lactam antibiotic to permit it to cross the waxy cuticle of a plant and then subsequently unmasking the beta-lactam and converting it into an active beta-lactam antibiotic in the plant phloem. The method permits the use of beta-lactam antibiotics to be used to treat a variety of plant bacterial infections that was not previously possible because the native beta-lactam antibiotics cannot cross the waxy cuticle of plants. In one embodiment the disclosure finds special use in the treatment of bacterial infection of citrus plants with Huanglongbing disease.

Disclosed herein are mutual prodrugs of cromoglicic acid and topical antiseptics, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, keratin softeners, vasoconstrictors, retinoids and retinoid-like drugs and their compositions thereof, and methods for, e.g., treating disorders, and conditions by administration of the compositions. Topical and oral compositions of mutual prodrugs of cromoglicic acid, and derivatives and analogs of cromoglicic acid are also provided.