COMBINATIONS OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS TO INCREASE CROP PRODUCTION

Abstract

The present invention provides formulations using combinations of protein alpha-amino acids, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, polyamines or sulfonic acids, to increase plant growth or improve agronomic quality. The present invention provides for use of the formulations as a foliar spray, soil additive, or plant-organ or seed treatment. The present invention provides applications of the formulation to plants, plant organs or seeds to enhance plant performance, especially with regard to promotion of germination, growth, yield or increased sugar content or total sugar production. The present invention describes methods, compositions and uses for different ratios of protein alpha-amino acids, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, polyamines, or sulfonic acids together optionally with or without essential nutrients including micronutrients and macronutrients, carbon source or surfactants to plants, plant organs or seeds to increase plant production or sugar production.

Claims

1. An aqueous composition comprising: a) one or more gamma amino acids selected from the group consisting of GABA, 4-aminovaleric acid and 5-aminovalenc acid; b) one or more sulfonic acids selected from the group consisting of taurine (Tau), methylsulfamic acid, sulfoacetic acid hypotaurme, formamidinesulfimc acid, hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid, allylsulfonate, sodium 3-mercapto-1-propanesulfonate, sodium 2,3-dimercaptopropanesulfonate monohydrate, 1-propanesulfonic acid, 3-hydroxypropane-1-sulfonic acid, 1,3-propanedisulfonic acid, 3-hydroxypropane-1-sulfonic acid and 3-amino-1-propanesulfonic acid; c) one or more macronutrients selected from the group consisting of calcium, sulfate, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium; and d) one or more micronutrients selected from the group consisting of boron, iron, manganese, molybdate, and zinc.

2. The aqueous composition of claim 1 comprising between about 10 to about 1000 ppm of a gamma amino acid, between about 0.01 to about 1000 ppm of a sulfonic acid, between about 1 to about 1000 ppm of potassium selected from the group of potassium sulfates, about 1 to about 200 ppm of magnesium, about 2 to about 200 ppm of manganese, about 2 to about 200 ppm of zinc sulfate, about 1 to about 100 ppm of boron and about 0.01 to about 20 ppm of molybdate.

3. Use of the aqueous composition of claim 1 as a foliar spray on a plant or a crop to increase growth, yield or sugar content of the plant or crop.

4. Use of the aqueous composition of claim 1 for seed treatment or priming to increase growth, yield or tolerance to biotic or abiotic stresses of a plant or a crop grown from the treated or primed seed.

5. Use of the aqueous composition of claim 1 for soil application or soil drench to increase growth, yield or tolerance to biotic or abiotic stresses of a plant or a crop.

6. A method of increasing growth, yield or sugar content of a plant or a crop comprising spraying the aqueous composition of claim 1 on leaves of the plant or the crop and growing the sprayed plant or crop.

7. A method of increasing growth, yield or tolerance to biotic or abiotic stresses of a plant or a crop comprising treating or priming seed with the aqueous composition of claim 1 and growing a plant or a crop from the treated or primed seed.

8. A method of increasing growth, yield or tolerance to biotic or abiotic stresses of a plant or a crop comprising applying the aqueous composition of claim 1 to soil and growing a plant or crop in the soil.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the aqueous composition is applied to the soil as a soil drench.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The present invention provides methods of developing a formulation for a fertilizer, fertilizer additive, or growth enhancer to increase plant growth or improve agronomic quality that comprises a mixture of molecules that contains at least one molecule from two of the following groups: protein alpha-amino acids, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, polyamines, or sulfonic acids. The present invention also provides for methods of developing the said formulation for a fertilizer, fertilizer additive, or growth enhancer with macronutrients, micronutrients, sugars, organic acids, protein hydrolysates, humic acid, fulvic acid or surfactants. The present invention provides for use of the formulations as a foliar spray, fertilizer additive, soil additive, root soak, drench, liquid chemical irrigation, soil injection, liquid chemical dripping, seed treatment or seed priming. The present invention provides applications of the formulation to plants, plant organs or seeds to enhance plant performance, especially with regard to promotion of germination, growth, yield or increased sugar content or total sugar production. The present invention describes methods, compositions and uses for different ratios of protein alpha-amino acids, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, polyamines, or sulfonic acids together optionally with or without essential nutrients including micronutrients and macronutrients, carbon (C) source or surfactants to plants, plant organs or seeds to increase plant production or sugar production.

[0036] The invention may be applied to a wide variety of plants, angiosperm and gymnosperm, including bushes, tress, decorative or recreational plants or crops, but are particularly useful for treating commercial and ornamental crops. Examples of plants that can be used with the present invention include, but are not limited to, Acacia, alfalfa, almond, aneth, apple, apricot, artichoke, arugula, asparagus, avocado, banana, barley, beans, beech, beet, Bermuda grass, bent grass, blackberry, blueberry, Blue grass, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, camelina, cannabis, canola, cantaloupe, carinata, carrot, cassava, cauliflower, celery, cherry, chicory, cilantro, citrus, clementine, coffee, corn, cotton, cucumber, duckweed, Douglas fir, eggplant, endive, escarole, eucalyptus, fennel, fescue, figs, forest trees, garlic, gourd, grape, grapefruit, honey dew, jicama, kiwifruit, lettuce, leeks, lemon, lime, Loblolly pine, maize, mango, melon, mushroom, nectarine, nut, oat, okra, onion, orange, an ornamental plant, palm, papaya, parsley, pea, peach, peanut, pear, pepper, persimmon, pine, pineapple, plantain, plum, pomegranate, poplar, potato, pumpkin, quince, radiata pine, radicchio, radish, rapeseed, raspberry, rice, rye, rye grass, seaweed, scallion, sorghum, Southern pine, soybean, spinach, squash, strawberry, sudangrass, sugar beet, sugarcane, sunflower, sweet potato, sweetgum, Swiss chard, switchgrass, tangerine, tea, tobacco, tomato, triticale, turf, turnip, a vine, watermelon, wheat, yams, and zucchini.

[0037] For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to particular embodiments of the invention and specific language will be used to describe the same. The materials, methods and examples are illustrative only and not limiting. Unless mentioned otherwise, the techniques employed or contemplated herein are standard methodologies well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific terms, while employed below, are used in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The practice of the present invention will employ, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques of botany, plant science, horticulture, and agriculture that are within the skill of the art.

[0038] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of using a foliar spray or application that comprises a mixture of molecules that contains at least one molecule from at least two of the following groups: protein alpha-amino acids, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, polyamines, or sulfonic acids to increase yield, biomass or sugar production. The present invention also provides for methods of the said foliar spray or application to contain macronutrients, micronutrients, sugars, organic acids, protein hydrolysates, humic acid, fulvic acid or surfactants.

[0039] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of using a soil or root drench that comprises a mixture of molecules that contains at least one molecule from at least two of the following groups: protein alpha-amino acids, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, polyamines, or sulfonic acids to increase yield, biomass or sugar production. The present invention also provides for methods of the said soil or root drench to also contain macronutrients, micronutrients, sugars, organic acids, protein hydrolysates, humic acid, fulvic acid or surfactants.

[0040] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of using a seed treatment or seed priming solution that comprises a mixture of molecules that contains at least one molecule from at least two of the following groups: protein alpha-amino acids, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, polyamines, or sulfonic acids to increase yield, biomass or sugar production. The present invention also provides for methods of the said seed treatment or seed priming solution to also contain macronutrients, micronutrients, sugars, organic acids, protein hydrolysates, humic acid, fulvic acid or surfactants.

[0041] Another embodiment of the present invention is the use of a mixture of molecules that contains at least one molecule from at least two of the following groups: protein alpha-amino acids, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, polyamines, or sulfonic acids, either with or without sugars, organic acids, macronutrients, micronutrients or surfactants, and that enhances plant tolerance to biotic or abiotic stresses, including oxidative stress, salt stress, drought, chilling, or high temperature.

[0042] Disclosed in the present invention is the use of a mixture of molecules that contains at least one molecule from at least two of the following groups: protein alpha-amino acids, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, polyamines, or sulfonic acids, either with or without macronutrients, micronutrients, sugars, organic acids, protein hydrolysates, humic acid, fulvic acid or surfactants to enhance sugar content, sugar accumulation or total sugar in an organ including leaves, roots, or fruit, or in the plant.

[0043] Also disclosed in the present invention is the method of developing a formulation for a fertilizer, fertilizer additive, or growth enhancer that comprises a mixture of molecules that contains at least one molecule from two of the following groups: protein alpha-amino acids, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, polyamines, or sulfonic acids and also contains a suitable preservative wherein the preservative is selected from the group of preservatives such as benzoic acid, acetic acid, salicylic acid, propionic acid, sorbic acid, citric acid, or their salts.

[0044] Further disclosed in the present invention is the method of developing a formulation for a fertilizer, fertilizer additive, or growth enhancer that comprises a mixture of molecules that contains at least one molecule from two of the following groups: protein alpha-amino acids, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, polyamines, or sulfonic acids wherein the fertilizer is solid or is a solution.

[0045] Further disclosed in the present invention is the method of developing a fertilizer comprising a mixture of at least one molecule from the following groups: protein alpha-amino acids, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, polyamines, or sulfonic acids, wherein [0046] the protein alpha-amino acid can he chosen from the group: alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartate, cysteine, glutamate, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine and valine; [0047] the non-protein alpha-amino acid can be chosen from the group: ornithine, citrilline, homoserine, phosphoserine, homoarginine, arginosuccinic acid, S-adenosylmethionine, and homocysteine; [0048] the beta-amino acid can be chosen from the group: BABA, beta-aminovaleric acid, beta-alanine, beta-amnoisobutyric acid, beta-homoserine and aminolevulinic acid; [0049] the gamma-amino acid can be chosen from the group gamma-aminobutyric acid, 4-aminovaleric acid, and 5-aininovaleric acid; [0050] the methyl-amino acid can be chosen from the group N-methyl-glycine (sarcosine) and N,N-dimethylglycine; [0051] the polyamines can be chosen from the group putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, and spermine; [0052] the sulfonic acids can be chosen from the group methylsulfamic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, 2-amino ethanesulfonic acid (Tau), sulfoacetic acid, hypotaurine, formamidinesulfinic acid, hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid, allylsulfonate, sodium 3-mercapto-1-propanesulfonate, sodium 2,3-dimercaptopropanesulfonate monohydrate, 1-propanesulfonic acid, 3-hydroxypropane-1-sulfonic acid, 1,3-propanedisulfonic acid, 3-hydroxypropane-1-sulfonic acid and 3-amino-1-propanesulfonic acid; [0053] the organic acids can be chosen from the group formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, caproic acid, oxalic acid, lactic, citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, and fumaric acid or their salt form; [0054] the macronutrients can be chosen from the group: [0055] inorganic N-based fertilizer including but not limited to N-based fertilizers, such as urea, ammonium sulfate, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, urea, ammonium, nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, or ammonium phosphate sulfate; [0056] phosphorus (P) including but not limited to MAP, diammonium phosphate, single superphosphate [(Ca(H.sub.2PO.sub.4).sub.2.Math.H.sub.2O) and CaSO.sub.4 also called monocalcium phosphate], triple superphosphate [Ca((H.sub.2PO.sub.4).sub.2.Math.H.sub.2O) known as calcium dihydrogen phosphate and as monocalcium phosphate], ammonium phosphate sulfate or rock phosphate; [0057] potassium (K) including but not limited to potassium sulfate, potassium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, potassium chloride; [0058] sulfate (S) including but not limited to potassium sulfate, ammonium sulfate, calcium sulfate (gypsum), or sodium sulfate; [0059] calcium (Ca) including but not limited to monocalcium phosphate, +2 CaSO.sub.4 [gypsum]calcium nitrate, single superphosphate [(Ca(H.sub.2PO.sub.4).sub.2.Math.H.sub.2O) and CaSO.sub.4 also called monocalcium phosphate], or triple superphosphate [Ca(H.sub.2PO.sub.4).sub.2.Math.H.sub.2O) known as calcium dihydrogen phosphate and as monocalcium phosphate]; and [0060] magnesium (Mg) including but not limited to soluble sources and semi-soluble sources including magnesium chloride, magnesium nitrate, magnesium sulfate ((MgSO.sub.4.Math.7 H.sub.2O Epsom salt), kieserite (MgSO.sub.4.Math.H.sub.2O), kainite MgSO.sub.4.Math.KCl.Math.3H.sub.2O, langbeinite (MgSO.sub.4.Math.K.sub.2SO.sub.4), schoenite (K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Math.MgSO.sub.4.Math.6H.sub.2O), dolomite (MgCO.sub.3.Math.CaCO.sub.3), hydrated dolomite (MgO.Math.CaO/MgO.Math.Ca(OH).sub.2), magnesium oxide (MgO) or struvite (MgNH.sub.4PO.sub.46H.sub.2O; [0061] the micronutrients can be chosen from the following group, boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), chloride (Cl), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) or zinc (Zn); [0062] the sugars can be chosen from the group mannose, lactose, dextrose, erythrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, gulose, maltose, raffinose, ribose, ribulose, saccharose, stachyose, trehalose, xylose, xylulose, amylose, arabinose, fructose phosphate, adonitol, galactitol, glucitol, maltitol, mannitol, ribitol, sorbitol, or molasses; [0063] the organic acids can be chosen from the group formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, caproic acid, oxalic acid, lactic, citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, and fumaric acid or their salt form; [0064] the protein hydrolysates can be derived from bacterial, yeast, algal, fungal, plant or animal protein source; [0065] the humic substances can be humic acid or fulvic acid; and [0066] the surfactants for emulsifying or wetting can be ionic or nonionic they include but not limited to polysorbates, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate sodium dodecyl sulfate (sodium lauryl sulfate), lauryl dimethyl amine oxide, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, polyethylene glycol p-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenyl ether, polyethoxylated alcohols, polyoxyethylene sorbitan, octoxynol, N,N-dimethyldodecylamine-N-oxide, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, polyoxyl10lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene, monooctadecyl ether, sodium deoxycholate, sodium cholate, nonylphenol , ethoxylate, cyclodextrins or methylbenzethonium chloride. Surfactants and their uses are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art (85).

[0067] In one embodiment, the plant, plant organ or seed is treated with a solution having at least one protein alpha-amino acid in the range of about 0.005 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, in combination with at least one compound in the range of 0.005 ppm to about 50,000 ppm from the following group: non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, polyamines, or sulfonic acids either with or without macronutrients, micronutrients, sugars, organic acids, humic substances or surfactant. Most preferably, the protein alpha-amino acid is arginine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine or methionine.

[0068] In another embodiment, the plant, plant organ or seed is treated with a solution having at least one non-protein alpha-amino acid in the range of about 0.005 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, in combination with at least one compound in the range of 0.005 ppm to about 50,000 ppm from the following group: protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, polyamines, or sulfonic acids either with or without macronutrients, micronutrients, sugars, organic acids, humic substances or surfactant. Most preferably, the non-protein alpha-amino acid is ornithine, citrilime, homoserine, or phosphoserine.

[0069] In another embodiment, the plant, plant organ or seed is treated with a solution having at least one beta-amino acid in the range of about 0.005 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, in combination with at least one compound in the range of 0.005 ppm to about 50,000 ppm from the following group: protein alpha-amino acids, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, polyamines, sulfonic acids or organic acid either with or without macronutrients, micronutrients or surfactant. Most preferably, the beta-amino acid is beta-aminobutyric acid, beta-alanine or beta-homoserine.

[0070] In another embodiment, the plant, plant organ or seed is treated with a solution having at least one gamma-amino acid in the range of about 0.005 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, in combination with at least one compound in the range of 0.005 ppm to about 50,000 ppm from the following group: protein alpha-amino acids, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, polyamines, or sulfonic acids either with or without macronutrients, micronutrients, sugars, organic acids, humic substances or surfactant. Most preferably, the gamma-amino acid is gamma-aminobutyric acid, 4-aminovaleric acid, or 5-aminovaleric acid.

[0071] In another embodiment, the plant, plant organ or seed is treated with a solution having at least one methyl-amino acid in the range of about 0.005 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, in combination with at least one compound in the range of 0.005 ppm to about 50,000 ppm from the following group: protein alpha-amino adds, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, polyamines, or sulfonic acids either with or without macronutrients, micronutrients, sugars, organic acids, humic substances or surfactant. Most preferably, the methyl-amino acid is N-methyl-glycine or N,N-dimethylglycine.

[0072] In another embodiment, the plant, plant organ or seed is treated with a solution having at least one polyamine in the range of about 0.005 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, in combination with at least one compound in the range of 0.005 ppm to about 50,000 ppm from the following group: protein alpha-amino adds, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, or sulfonic acids either with or without macronutrients, micronutrients, sugars, organic acids, humic substances or surfactant. Most preferably, the polyamine is putrescine or cadaverine.

[0073] In another embodiment, the plant, plant organ or seed is treated with a solution having at least one sulfonic acid in the range of about 0.005 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, in combination with at least one compound in the range of 0.005 ppm to about 50,000 ppm from the following group: protein alpha-amino acids, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, or polyamines either with or without macronutrients, micronutrients, sugars, organic acids, humic substances or surfactant. Most preferably, the sulfonic acid is 2-amino ethanesulfonic acid (Tau), methylsulfamic acidsulfoacetic acid, or hypotaurine.

[0074] In another embodiment, the plant, plant organ or seed is treated with a solution having at least one organic acid in the range of about 0.005 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, in combination with at least one compound in the range of 0.005 ppm to about 50,000 ppm from the following group: protein alpha-amino acids, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, or sulfonic acids either with or without macronutrients, micronutrients, sugars, humic substances or surfactant. Most preferably, the organic acid is acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, or fumaric acid.

[0075] The spray or seed treatment solutions may contain additional components selected from the group of ammonium sulphate, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate, potassium sulfate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium chloride, magnesium sulphate, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, monocalcium phosphate, calcium nitrate, monocalcium phosphate, or calcium dihydrogen phosphate and trace elements, wherein the trace elements are selected from the group of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B and Mo.

[0076] The pH of the fertilizer can be between 4.5 and 8.5. preferably between 5.5 and 7.5 and most preferably between 6.0 and 7.0.

[0077] Seed priming techniques (86) are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For review see (86, 87) and references therein.

DESCRIPTION Of THE PRACTICE OF THE INVENTION

[0078] In the practice of the present invention a solution comprising a mixture of at least one molecule from two or more of the following groups of molecules: protein alpha-amino acids, non-protein alpha-amino acids, beta-amino acids, gamma-amino acids, methyl-amino acids, polyamines, or sulfonic acids, with or without the addition of sugars, organic acids, macronutrients and micronutrients is applied directly to seeds or to the roots, stems, or foliage of the plant. The application stimulates growth and productivity such as increased yields, organ growth or sugar production.

[0079] Solutions prepared according to the present invention may be applied to plants by any one of a number of means including but not limited to seed soak, seed priming, foliar spray, spray on plant organs, liquid chemical injection, soil injection, liquid chemical dripping, root or soil drench or a fertilizer additive. The preferred use is as a liquid but the formulation can be used as a dry powder or granules. For the aqueous formulation, application rates of the invention are generally 0.5 to 100 gal per acre, in particular 2 to 50 gal per acre, or preferably 10 to 20 gal per acre. For the active ingredients (chemical compounds minus water), application rates are generally 0.1 to 2,000 g per acre, in particular 1 to 1,000 g per acre, or preferably 0.5 to 500 g per acre.

[0080] All patents, patent applications, and references cited in this disclosure are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are set forth in the Bibliography. The above disclosure generally describes the present invention. A more complete understanding can be obtained by reference to the following specific examples, which are provided for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Protein Alpha-Amino Acid and One Non-Protein Alpha-Amino Acid

[0081] Make an aqueous solution with 25 ppm isoleucine, 75 ppm citrulline, 10 ppm zinc sulfate, 10 ppm manganese sulfate, 5 ppm boric acid, and 1 ppm sodium molybdate, pH 7.0. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 2

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Protein Alpha-Amino Acid and One Beta-Amino Acid

[0082] Make an aqueous solution with 100 ppm isoleucine, 30 ppm BABA, 100 ppm potassium sulfate, 20 ppm zinc sulfate, 20 ppm manganese sulfate, 10 ppm boric acid, and 1 ppm sodium molybdate, pH 6.7. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 3

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Protein Alpha-Amino Acid and One Gamma-Amino Acid

[0083] Make an aqueous solution with 130 ppm isoleucine, 100 ppm GABA, 50 ppm potassium sulfate, 50 ppm magnesium chloride, 10 ppm zinc sulfate, 10 ppm manganese sulfate, 10 ppm boric acid, and 1 ppm sodium molybdate, pH 6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 4

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Protein Alpha-Amino Acid and One Methyl-Amino Acid

[0084] Make an aqueous solution with 100 ppm leucine, 150 ppm N-methyl-glycine, 150 ppm sodium succinate, 50 ppm calcium succinate, 50 ppm magnesium chloride, and 5 ppm boric acid, pH6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 5

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Protein Alpha-Amino Acid and One Polyamide

[0085] Make an aqueous solution with 100 ppm isoleucine, 25 ppm putrescine, 500 ppm potassium acetate, 150 ppm potassium sulfate, 50 ppm magnesium chloride, 20 ppm zinc sulfate, 20 ppm manganese sulfate, 10 ppm boric acid, and 1 ppm sodium molybdate, pH 6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 6

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Protein Alpha-Amino Acid and One Sulfonic Acid

[0086] Make an aqueous solution with 80 ppm isoleucine, 5 ppm Tau, 250 ppm sodium acetate, 25 ppm magnesium chloride, 20 ppm zinc sulfate, 20 ppm manganese sulfate, 10 ppm boric acid, 1 ppm sodium molybdate, pH 6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 7

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Non-Protein Alpha-Amino Acid and One Beta-Amino Acid

[0087] Make an aqueous solution with 250 ppm citrulline, 50 ppm BABA, 100 ppm potassium sulfate, 20 ppm zinc sulfate, 20 ppm manganese sulfate, 10 ppm boric acid, and 1 ppm sodium molybdate, pH 6.7. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 8

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Non-Protein Alpha-Amino Acid and One Gamma-Amino Acid

[0088] Make an aqueous solution with 125 ppm ornithine, 200 ppm GABA, 50 ppm potassium sulfate, 50 ppm magnesium chloride, 10 ppm zinc sulfate, 10 ppm manganese sulfate, 10 ppm boric acid, 1 ppm sodium molybdate, pH 6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 9

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Non-Protein Alpha-Amino Acid and One Methyl-Amino Acid

[0089] Make an aqueous solution with 250 ppm citrulline, 150 ppm N-methyl-glycine, 150 ppm sodium succinate, 50 ppm calcium succinate, 50 ppm magnesium chloride, and 5 ppm boric acid, pH6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 10

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Non-Protein Alpha-Amino Acid and One Polyamide

[0090] Make an aqueous solution with 25 ppm homoserine, 25 ppm putrescine, 500 ppm potassium acetate, 150 ppm potassium sulfate, 50 ppm magnesium chloride, 20 ppm zinc sulfate, 20 ppm manganese sulfate, 10 ppm boric acid, and 1 ppm sodium molybdate, pH 6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 11

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Non-Protein Alpha-Amino Acid and One Sulfonic Acid

[0091] Make an aqueous solution with 100 ppm citrulline, 15 ppm Tau, 250 ppm sodium acetate, 25 ppm magnesium chloride, 20 ppm zinc sulfate, 20 ppm manganese sulfate, 10 ppm boric acid, and 1 ppm sodium molybdate, pH 6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 12

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Beta-Amino Acid and One Gamma-Amino Acid

[0092] Make an aqueous solution with 50 ppm BABA, 100 ppm GABA, 150 potassium sulfate, 25 ppm magnesium chloride, 10 ppm manganese sulfate, 5 ppm boric acid, and 1 ppm sodium molybdate, pH 6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 13

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Beta-Amino Acid and One Methyl-Amino Acid

[0093] Make an aqueous solution with 10 ppm BABA, 150 ppm N-methyl-glycine, 150 ppm sodium succinate, 50 ppm calcium succinate, 50 ppm magnesium chloride, and 5 ppm boric acid, pH6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 14

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Beta-Amino Acid and One Polyamide

[0094] Make an aqueous solution with 50 ppm beta-homoserine, 100 ppm cadaverine, 100 ppm sodium acetate, pH 6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 15

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Beta-Amino Acid and One Sulfonic Acid

[0095] Make an aqueous solution with 10 ppm BABA, 150 ppm Tau, 50 ppm sodium acetate, 25 ppm magnesium chloride, 20 ppm zinc sulfate, 20 ppm manganese sulfate, 5 ppm boric acid, and 1 ppm sodium molybdate, pH 6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 16

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least Gamma-Amino Acid and one Methyl-Amino Acid

[0096] Make an aqueous solution with 100 ppm 5-aminovaleric acid, 150 ppm N-methyl-glycine, 50 ppm potassium citrate, and 10 ppm boric acid, pH6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 17

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Gamma-Amino Acid and One Polyamide

[0097] Make an aqueous solution with 200 ppm GABA, 50 ppm putrescine, 900 ppm potassium acetate, 100 ppm potassium sulfate, 50 ppm magnesium chloride, 20 ppm zinc sulfate, 20 ppm manganese sulfate, 10 ppm boric acid, 1 ppm sodium molybdate, pH 6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 18

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Gamma-Amino Acid and One Sulfonic Acid

[0098] Make an aqueous solution with 10-500 ppm GABA, 0.1-250 ppm Tau, and 600 ppm magnesium sulfate, pH 6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 19

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Gamma-Amino Acid, One Sulfonic Acid, Macronutrients and Micronutrients

[0099] Make an aqueous solution with 10-500 ppm GABA, 0.1-250 ppm Tau, 100 ppm potassium sulfate, 50 ppm magnesium chloride, 20 ppm manganese sulfate, 20 ppm zinc sulfate, 10 ppm boric acid, and I ppm sodium molybdate, pH 6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre.

EXAMPLE 20

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Gamma-Amino Acid, One Sulfonic Acid, One Organic Acid, Macronutrients and Micronutrients

[0100] Make an aqueous solution with 10-500 ppm GABA, 0.1-250 ppm Tau, 900 ppm potassium acetate, 100 ppm potassium sulfate, 50 ppm magnesium chloride, 20 ppm manganese sulfate, 20 ppm zinc sulfate, 10 ppm boric acid, and 1 ppm sodium molybdate, pH 6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre.

EXAMPLE 21

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least Polyamide and one Sulfonic Acid

[0101] Make an aqueous solution with 10 ppm putrescine, 150 ppm Tau, 100 ppm sodium acetate, 100 ppm potassium sulfate, 50 ppm magnesium chloride, 20 ppm manganese sulfate, 10 ppm boric acid, and 1 ppm sodium molybdate, pH 6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 22

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Beta-Amino Acid, One Gamma-Amino Acid and One Methyl Amino Acid

[0102] Make an aqueous solution with 25 ppm BABA, 125 ppm GABA, 100 ppm N-methyl-glycine, 100 ppm sodium acetate, 100 ppm potassium sulfate, 50 ppm magnesium chloride, manganese sulfate, 10 ppm boric acid, 1 ppm sodium molybdate, pH 6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 23

Development of a Formulation for use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Beta-Amino Acid, One Gamma-Amino Acid, One Methyl Amino Acid, and One Sulfonic Acid

[0103] Make an aqueous solution with 25 ppm BABA, 125 ppm GABA, 100 ppm N-methyl-glycine, and 50 ppm Tau, 100 ppm potassium succinate, 100 ppm potassium sulfate, 50 ppm magnesium chloride, manganese sulfate, 10 ppm boric acid, 1 ppm sodium molybdate, and pH 6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 24

Development of a Formulation for the use as a Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, or Soil Drench that Contains at Least One Gamma-Amino Acid and One Polyamine

[0104] Make an aqueous solution with 250 ppm GABA, 50 ppm putrescine, 900 ppm potassium acetate, 100 ppm potassium sulfate, 50 ppm magnesium chloride, 20 ppm manganese sulfate, 20 ppm zinc sulfate, 10 ppm boric acid, and 1 ppm sodium molybdate, pH 6.8. Apply the formulation as a spray or drench at a rate of 10 gal/acre or alternatively, incubate seeds in the solution for 2-8 hours, let the seeds dry, and then plant them.

EXAMPLE 25

Increased Brix Levels in Alfalfa Treated with a Foliar Spray Containing a Gamma Amino Acid and a Polyamine

[0105] Alfalfa plants (150-day old) were sprayed with one of two formulations at a rate of 10 gal/acre. One formulation was the same as described in Example 24 (Treatment 1), and a second formulation was the same formulation as described in Example 24 but without putrescine (Treatment 2). Two days after treatment, the above-ground portions were harvested. The above-ground portions of untreated alfalfa (control group) were harvested at the same time. Liquid extracts were collected from the above-ground portions of the plants. °Brix values were determined from the liquid extracts using a refractometer. Nine (9) samples for each of the three conditions were evaluated. Results are shown in Table 2.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Brix values of the above-ground portion of alfalfa plants °Brix No Treatment Treatment 1 Treatment 2 n 9 9 9 Mean 9.21 9.88 8.09 SD 0.66 0.76 0.93

[0106] Planned comparison, one-tailed t-tests were performed on the °Brix values. The results showed that alfalfa treated with the formulation containing both a gamma amino acid and a polyamine (Treatment 1) had 7% higher °Brix than untreated alfalfa (Control) (t(16)=1.99, p=0.032), and 22% higher °Brix than alfalfa treated with the formulation containing a gamma amino acid but no polyamine (Treatment 2) (t(16)=4.45, p<0.001).

EXAMPLE 26

Increased Root Weight of Swiss Chard Seedlings After Seed Priming with a Solution Containing a Gamma Amino Acid and a Sulfonic Acid

[0107] Swiss chard seeds were primed for 8 hours with one of three solutions. One solution was the formulation described in Example 18, wherein GABA was 130 ppm and Tau was 160 ppm (Treatment 1). Another solution was the formulation described in Example 18, wherein GABA was 130 ppm and Tau was 0 ppm (Treatment 2). A third solution was water (Control). Before treatment, all seeds were rinsed with water for 0.5 hr. The seeds were then incubated for 2 hours in one of the three solutions. Following the priming, the seeds were dried for two days and then planted in soil. Plants were maintained in a grow room at 21-22° C. with 60-70% relative humidity, under cool white fluorescent lights with a 16-hr daylight. After 40 days, the plants were harvested and the roots were weighed. Table 3 shows the results.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Root weight (g) of Swiss chard seedlings Root weight (g) Control Treatment 1 Treatment 2 n 12 12 12 Mean 0.077 0.166 0.094 SD 0.042 0.121 0.084

[0108] Planned comparison one-tailed, t-tests were performed on the root weights (g) of the Swiss chard seedlings. The results showed that the seedlings whose seeds had been primed with both the gamma amino acid and sulfonic acid plus magnesium sulfate had more than twice the root mass as the control plants, t(22) =2.405, p=0.012, and 77% more root mass than the seedlings whose seeds had been primed only with the gamma amino acid plus magnesium sulfate, t(22) =1.69, p=0.05.

EXAMPLE 27

Increased Primary Root Length of Sugar Beet Seedlings After Seed Priming with a Solution Containing a Gamma Amino Acid and a Sulfonic Acid

[0109] Sugar beet seeds were primed for 8 hours with one of two solutions. One solution was the formulation described in Example 18, wherein GABA was 35 ppm and Tau was 40 ppm (Treatment). The other solution was water (Control). Before treatment, all seeds were rinsed with water. The seeds were then incubated for 2 hours in one of the two solutions. Following the priming, the seeds were dried for two days and placed on damp germination paper, which was then rolled up and sealed in plastic bags. The bags were maintained in a growth chamber at 25° C., under cool white fluorescent lights with a 16-hr daylight. After 7 days, the seedlings were photographed and the roots were digitized to determine root length. Table 4 shows the results.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Root length (cm) of sugar beet seedlings Root length (cm) Control Treatment n 100 100 Mean 6.55 7.49 SD 3.25 1.91

[0110] The results of a t-test showed that the sugar beet seedlings in the Treatment condition (seeds treated with formulation containing GABA, Tau, and magnesium sulfate) had 14% longer primary roots than seedlings in the Control condition (seeds treated with water) (t(198)=2.49, p=0.01).

EXAMPLE 28

Increased Brix Levels in Corn Treated with a Foliar Spray Containing a Gamma-Amino Acid, a Sulfonic Acid, Macronutrients and Micronutrients

[0111] Corn plants (110-day old) were sprayed at a rate of 10 gal/acre with the formulation described in Example 19, wherein GABA was 250 ppm and Tau was 1 ppm. Two days after treatment, the leaves of the plants were harvested. The leaves of untreated corn plants (control group) were harvested at the same time. Liquid extracts were collected from the leaves of the plants. °Brix values were determined from the liquid extracts using a refractometer. Eighteen (18) samples for each condition were evaluated. Results are shown in Table 5.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Brix values of corn leaves °Brix No Treatment Treatment n 18 18 Mean 10.07 11.36 SD 1.12 1.90

[0112] A planned comparison, one-tailed t-test was performed on the °Brix values. The results showed that the leaves of corn treated with a formulation containing a gamma-amino acid, a sulfonic acid, macronutrients and micronutrients had 13% higher °Brix than the leaves of untreated corn (control), t(27)=−2.47, p=0.02.

EXAMPLE 29

Increased Brix Levels in Triticale Treated with a Foliar Spray Containing a Gamma-Amino Acid, a Sulfonic Acid, Macro-Nutrients and Micro-Nutrients

[0113] Triticale plants (150-day old) were sprayed at a rate of 10 gal/acre with one of three formulations. The first formulation (Treatment 1) was the same as described in Example 20, wherein GABA was 250 ppm and Tau was 1 ppm. The second formulation (Treatment 2) was the same as the first formulation minus Tau. The third formulation (Treatment 3) was the same as the first formulation minus GABA. Two days after treatment, the above-ground portions of the plants were harvested. The above-ground portions of untreated triticale plants (Control) were harvested at the same time. Liquid extracts were collected from the leaves of the plants. °Brix values were determined from the liquid extracts using a refractometer. Five (5) samples for each condition were evaluated. Table 6 shows the results.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Brix values in triticale leaves °Brix Control Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3 n 5 5 5 5 Mean 10.4 12.0 11.6 10.9 SD 0.51 0.74 0.55 0.39

[0114] The highest °Brix levels in triticale leaves were obtained with Treatment 1, i.e., a formulation containing a gamma-amino acid, a sulfonic acid, macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients. Planned comparison t-tests were performed on the °Brix values. The results showed triticale leaves sprayed with Treatment 1 had 15% higher °Brix than the leaves of untreated triticale plants (Control) (t(8)=3.96, p=0.004), 10% higher °Brix than leaves sprayed with Treatment 3 (t(8)=2.99, p=0.02), and 4% higher °Brix than leaves sprayed with Treatment 2 (t(8)=1.07, p=0.32).

[0115] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0116] Embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

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