USE OF A NON-IONIC SURFACTANT WHICH IS A POLYOL DERIVATIVE AS A PLANT GROWTH STIMULATING AGENT OR AS AN ADJUVANT

Abstract

Disclosed is at least one non-ionic surfactant, which is a polyol derivative, as an agent for stimulating plant growth, in particular for germination and/or root growth (including root architecture), as well as to its use as an adjuvant, the polyol derivative being a sugar derivative. The non-ionic surfactant is selected from sugar and fatty acid esters, alkylmonoglucosides, alkylpolylucosides, alkylmonoglucoside and fatty acid esters, alkylpolyglucoside and fatty acid esters, and N-alkylglucamides, in particular, sucrose esters, sorbitan esters, and glucose esters.

Claims

1. A plant growth stimulating agent comprising at least one polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant having activity on the seeds and/or the roots of a plant, said polyol derivative being a sugar derivative.

2. The plant growth stimulating agent according to claim 1, characterized in that said polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant stimulates or promotes the germination, the root growth, and/or the vertical anchoring of the roots of a plant.

3. The plant growth stimulating agent according to claim 1, wherein said polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant improves nutrient efficiency and/or the yield of seed or fruit plants.

4. An adjuvant for a phytosanitary product comprising at least one polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant, said polyol derivative being a sugar derivative.

5. The adjuvant for a phytosanitary product according to claim 4, wherein the adjuvant for a phytosanitary product makes it possible to promote the absorption of water and/or the retention of water in the leaves, the roots and/or the integuments; the spreading on the surface of plants, both aerial and underground parts, in order to increase the contact surface area; the penetration of molecules by the middle lamella and/or the contact time with the active or nutritive substances, and/or the limitation of the evaporation of water by the leaves.

6. The adjuvant for a phytosanitary product according to claim 4, wherein said polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant is used as a: penetration agent, and/or drift-limiting agent, and/or stickiness agent, and/or defoaming agent, and/or solubilizing agent, and/or pH modifying agent, and/or homogenizing agent, and/or foliar surface persistence agent, and/or agent enabling the content of phytosanitary product to be reduced.

7. The adjuvant for a phytosanitary product according to claim 4, wherein said polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant is biocompatible with microorganisms.

8. The plant growth stimulating agent according to claim 1, wherein the polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant is chosen from esters of sugar and fatty acid(s), alkylmonoglucosides, alkylpolyglucosides, esters of alkylmonoglucoside and fatty acid(s), esters of alkylpolyglucoside and fatty acid(s) and N-alkylglucamides.

9. The plant growth stimulating agent according to claim 1, wherein the polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant is chosen from sucrose esters, sorbitan esters, and glucose esters.

10. The plant growth stimulating agent according to claim 1, wherein the polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant is ethoxylated or is not ethoxylated.

11. The plant growth stimulating agent according to claim 1, wherein the polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant is chosen from sucrose stearate, sucrose palmitate, glucose stearate, sorbitan laurate, polyethoxylated sorbitan laurate, decylglucoside, N-lauroyl-N-methylglucamide and dioleate methylglucose.

12. The plant growth stimulating agent according to claim 1, wherein the polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant is sucrose stearate.

13. The plant growth stimulating agent according to claim 1, wherein the polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant is used in a composition in the form of a single-phase solution, or an emulsion.

14. The plant growth stimulating agent according to claim 13, wherein said polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant is used in a composition in the form of an aqueous single-phase solution.

15. The plant growth stimulating agent according to claim 13, wherein the polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant is used in a range from approximately 0.01% to approximately 80% by weight of polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant relative to the total weight of the composition.

16. The plant growth stimulating agent according to claim 13, wherein the polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant is used in a range from approximately 0.05% to approximately 30% by weight of polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant relative to the total weight of the composition.

17. A method for stimulating plant growth comprising applying an effective amount of the plant growth stimulating agent according to claim 1 in pre or post emergence, on the seed, the roots, the seedling, the plant, the fruit, the flowers, the leaves, the stems, and/or in the soil, and/or the growth medium, before or after sowing.

18. The method according to claim 17 wherein the plant being chosen from Dicotyledons and Monocotyledons and more particularly from the group comprising cereals and cereal products, plants with roots and tubers, sacchariferous plants, legumes, nut-bearing plants, oleiferous and oleaginous plants, vegetable crop plants, fruit crop plants, aromatic and spice plants, flower crop plants, and industrial crop plants for the production of a raw material for its transformation.

19. A method of stimulating the germination and/or the root growth and/or the vertical anchoring of the roots of a plant, comprising applying at least one sugar derivative non-ionic surfactant as described in claim 8.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the applying step is carried out after emergence or before emergence.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein the applying step is carried out by spraying, watering the plant, adding to a growth medium in hydroponics, immersing the seed and/or coating the seed.

Description

[0105] The present invention is illustrated in non-limiting manner by the following examples, as well as by FIGS. 1 to 31;

[0106] FIG. 1: Effect of sucrose stearate on the germination of soybeans: percentage of germinated beans treated or not treated (control) as a function of time (days).

[0107] FIG. 2: Effect of sucrose stearate on the germination of maize seeds: percentage of germinated seeds treated or not treated (control) as a function of time (days).

[0108] FIG. 3: Effect of sucrose stearate on the germination of parsley seeds: percentage of germinated seeds treated or not treated (control) as a function of time (days).

[0109] FIG. 4: Effect of sucrose stearate on the capacity of parsley seeds to absorb water. Percentage of water absorbed as a function of the sucrose stearate concentration compared with untreated seeds (control).

[0110] FIG. 5: Effect of sucrose stearate on the root growth of parsley: on the left the percentage of roots of a size comprised between 100 and 120 mm and between 120 and 140 mm is measured in comparison to that of the untreated plants (control), on the right the average diameter of the taproot is measured in comparison to that of the untreated plants (control), at the bottom the average weight of the taproot is measured in comparison to that of the untreated plants (control).

[0111] FIG. 6: Effect of sucrose stearate on the capacity of parsley roots to absorb water. Two days after watering, the roots are taken, weighed then placed at 42 C. After 30 min, 1 h 30, 2 h, 4 h and 48 h, the weight of the roots is noted and the amount of water retained is calculated as a percentage of the initial weight.

[0112] FIG. 7: Effect of sucrose stearate on the spreading of an aqueous solution on a leaf: the number and the size of the drops on the upper surface of the leaf are compared after spraying with water (control) or a solution comprising 0.75% sucrose stearate.

[0113] FIG. 8: Effect of sucrose stearate on the evaporation of water at the surface of the leaves. The weight of the leaf is noted prior to the treatment, 1 min after, then every 5 min. The percentage of water retained is calculated relative to the initial weight on leaves treated with 3% sucrose stearate or water (control).

[0114] FIG. 9: Effect of sucrose stearate on the calcium content of the leaves. After seven days treatment with a solution of water (control) or of 3% sucrose stearate, the leaves are harvested and analyzed to determine their calcium content.

[0115] FIG. 10: Effect of sucrose stearate on the protein content of parsley. After 23 days treatment with a solution of water (control) or of 0.75% sucrose stearate the leaves are cut and an analysis of the amount of protein is carried out.

[0116] FIG. 11: Effect of sucrose stearate on the root growth of maize seeds: comparison of untreated seeds (control) with treated seeds after two days.

[0117] FIG. 12: Effect of sucrose stearate on the vertical anchoring of the roots of parsley seeds (assays in fields): comparison of untreated seeds (control) with treated seeds after twelve weeks.

[0118] FIG. 13: Effect of sucrose stearate (treated batch) and of sorbitane laurate (batch Sub4) on the germination of maize seeds: percentage of treated germinated seeds (treated batch and Sub4) or untreated (control) after one and two days.

[0119] FIG. 14: Effect of sucrose stearate (treated batch) and of sucrose palmitate (batch Sub1) on the germination of maize seeds: percentage of treated germinated seeds (treated batch and Sub1) or untreated (control) after one and two days.

[0120] FIG. 15: Effect of sucrose stearate (treated batch) and of glucose stearate (batch Sub7) on the germination of maize seeds: percentage of treated germinated seeds (treated batch and Sub7) or untreated (control) after one and two days.

[0121] FIG. 16: Effect of sucrose stearate (treated batch) and of polyethoxylated sorbitan laurate (batch Sub2) on the germination of maize seeds: percentage of treated germinated seeds (treated batch and Sub2) or untreated (control) after one and two days.

[0122] FIG. 17: Effect of sucrose stearate (treated batch) and of decyl glucoside (batch Sub3) on the germination of maize seeds: percentage of treated germinated seeds (treated batch and Sub3) or untreated (control) after one and two days.

[0123] FIG. 18: Effect of sucrose stearate (treated batch) and of N-lauroyl-N-mthyl-glucamide (batch Sub6) on the germination of maize seeds: percentage of treated germinated seeds (treated batch and Sub6) or untreated (control) after one and two days.

[0124] FIG. 19: Effect of sucrose stearate (treated batch) and of methylglucose dioleate (batch Sub5) on the germination of maize seeds: percentage of treated germinated seeds (treated batch and Sub5) or untreated (control) after one and two days.

[0125] FIG. 20: Effect of sucrose stearate on the penetration of a colored aqueous solution: comparison of the steps prior to treatment, when the treatment is deposited, after 2 h of application and after wiping.

[0126] FIG. 21: Effect of sucrose stearate on the limitation of drift: comparison of the size of the droplets further to spraying with an aqueous solution comprising sucrose stearate (treated batch) and an aqueous solution not comprising any (control batch), as a function of different increasing pressures applied (a, b and c).

[0127] FIG. 22: Effect of sucrose stearate on the stickiness of a solution to a leaf: comparison of untreated leaves (control batch) with treated leaves before and after spraying of the solution, then after washing.

[0128] FIG. 23: Effect of sucrose stearate on foaming: comparison of a control solution with a solution treated prior to stirring, immediately after stirring, and 1 h after stirring.

[0129] FIG. 24: Effect of sucrose stearate on solubilization: comparison of a control solution with a treated solution.

[0130] FIG. 25: Effect of sucrose stearate on modification of the pH: pH as a function of the concentration of a solution according to the invention comprising 2.5% sucrose stearate.

[0131] FIG. 26: Effect of sucrose stearate on homogenization: comparison of a control mixture with a mixture comprising sucrose stearate (treated batch). On the left: after a stay in the oven (45 C.) for 24 h, on the right: after centrifugation for 20 minutes at 4000 rpm.

[0132] FIG. 27: Effect of sucrose stearate on persistence: comparison of the coloration of the rinse water obtained after 1, 2, 3 and 4 rinses for a control solution and for a solution comprising sucrose stearate (treated).

[0133] FIG. 28: Effect of sucrose stearate on persistence: measurement of the rinse water coloration at 630 nm (OD) as a function of the number of rinses for the control batch and for the treated batch.

[0134] FIG. 29: Solubility of sucrose stearate in water (Batch A) or in oil (Batch B) after centrifugation for 5 min at 4000 rpm.

[0135] FIG. 30: Effect of sucrose stearate on the reduction in the concentration of phytosanitary products on wheat: comparison at the start of coming into ear of a batch without sucrose stearate (control) with a batch comprising it (treated).

[0136] FIG. 31: Effect of sucrose stearate on the reduction in the concentration of phytosanitary products on maize: comparison at the stage of 12-14 leaves of a batch without sucrose stearate (control) with a batch comprising it (treated).

MATERIAL USED

[0137] The origin of the different products used in the examples below is summarized in the following table 1:

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Material Supplier Sucrose stearate SISTERNA Sorbitan laurate ESCUDER Sucrose palmitate SISTERNA Glucose stearate EVONIK Polyethoxylated sorbitan laurate ESCUDER Decyl glucoside ESCUDER N-lauroyl-N-methyl glucamide CLARIANT Methylglucose dioleate LUBRIZOL Maize seeds SYNGENTA Barley seeds ARVALIS Parsley seeds VILMORIN Soybeans SYNGENTA

[0138] Unless specified otherwise, percentages are given by weight.

Example 1: Use of a Sugar Ester as a Germination Stimulating Substance for Soybeans

[0139] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0140] The treatment of the soybeans consists of immersing them 1 h in a solution comprising water alone (control batch) or in a solution composed of 99.25% water and 0.75% sucrose stearate (treated batch). The beans are next dried in a heating tunnel at 45 C. for one hour. Four batch repetitions of 15 beans are deposited on Petri dishes containing a medium composed of 2% Agar Agar and 98% water.

[0141] The Petri dishes are kept at ambient temperature and in darkness. Each day the number of germinated beans (having a radicle) is counted.

[0142] The results are presented in FIG. 1. After 1 day 4 times more germinated seeds are observed for the treated batch compared with the control batch. The application of sucrose stearate by immersion of the soybeans increases the germination kinetics on average by 25%.

Example 2: Use of a Sugar Ester as a Germination Stimulating Substance for Maize Seeds

[0143] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0144] The treatment of the maize seeds consists of immersing them 1 h in a solution comprising water alone (control batch) or in a solution composed of 99.25% water and 0.75% sucrose stearate (treated batch). The seeds are next dried in a heating tunnel at 45 C. for one hour. Four batch repetitions of 16 seeds are deposited on Petri dishes containing a medium composed of 2% Agar Agar and 98% water.

[0145] The Petri dishes are kept at ambient temperature and in darkness. Each day the number of seeds that have germinated (having a radicle) is counted.

[0146] The results are presented in FIG. 2.

[0147] After 2 days 10 times more germinated seeds are observed for the treated batch compared with the control batch. The application of sucrose stearate by immersion of the maize seeds increases the germination kinetics on average by 30%.

Example 3: Use of a Sugar Ester as a Germination Stimulating Substance for Parsley Seeds

[0148] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0149] The treatment of the parsley seeds consists of immersing them 1 h in a solution comprising water alone (control batch) or in a solution composed of 99.25% water and 0.75% sucrose stearate (treated batch). The seeds are next dried in a heating tunnel at 45 C. for one hour. Two batch repetitions of 48 seeds are deposited on Petri dishes containing a medium composed of 2% Agar Agar and 98% water.

[0150] The Petri dishes are kept at ambient temperature and in darkness. Each day the number of seeds that have germinated (having a radicle) is counted.

[0151] The results are presented in FIG. 3.

[0152] Between 4 days and 6 days 2 times more germinated seeds are observed for the treated batch compared with the control batch. The application of sucrose stearate by immersion of the parsley seeds increases the germination kinetics on average by 10%.

Example 4: Effect of a Sugar Ester on the Capacity of the Seeds to Absorb Water

[0153] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0154] The treatment of parsley seeds consists of immersing 1 g of parsley seeds in: [0155] 25 milliliters of a solution comprising water alone (control batch), [0156] 25 milliliters of a solution composed of 99% water and 1% sucrose stearate (treated batch 1%). [0157] 25 milliliters of a solution composed of 98% water and 2% sucrose stearate (treated batch 2%). [0158] 25 milliliters of a solution composed of 97% water and 3% sucrose stearate (treated batch 3%).

[0159] After 1 hour of immersion, the solution is filtered on cloth, the seeds are collected and placed on absorbent paper for 1 min and then weighed.

[0160] The amount of water absorbed by the seeds is calculated as a percentage relative to the initial dry weight.

[0161] The results are presented in FIG. 4.

[0162] The amount of water absorbed increases linearly with the amount of sucrose stearate applied in the treatment (1 and 3%) with variations in water content ranging from +30% to +70%. The use of sucrose stearate facilitates the absorption of water by the seed.

Example 5: Effect of a Sugar Ester on Root Growth (Assays in Fields)

[0163] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0164] In order to test the effect of the invention in conditions of crops in fields, the flat-leaf parsley variety NOVAS (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum) is used.

[0165] The treatment consists of immersion for 1 h of the NOVAS parsley seeds: [0166] in water (control batch) [0167] in a solution comprising 97.5% water and 2.5% sucrose stearate (treated batch).

[0168] The seeds are next dried in a heating tunnel at 45 C. for 1 h.

[0169] The seeds are mechanically sown (seeder) on strips of four rows each one beside the other to limit as much as possible the variations in soil quality, insulation and temperature. 12 weeks after sowing, 25 parsley plants were taken in order to measure several parameters of the roots: their weight, their length, and their diameter.

[0170] The results are presented in FIG. 5.

[0171] 12 weeks after sowing, it is found that, in the treated plants: [0172] 74% of the roots have a length of more than 10 cm compared with 37% for the control; [0173] the diameter of the taproot of the treated plants is on average 30% greater than the control; [0174] the weight of the taproot of the treated plants is on average 70% greater than the control.

[0175] The application of sucrose stearate on the seeds enables better root growth on the field-grown parsley plants.

Example 6: Effect of a Sugar Ester on the Capacity of the Roots to Absorb Water

[0176] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0177] Parsley plants in pots are grown in a climate-controlled chamber in the following conditions: 23 C. and a photoperiod of 16 h/8 h. A parsley pot comprises between 20 and 25 parsley plants. The treatment of the parsley plants consists of watering the pots with: [0178] 700 ml water (control batch) [0179] 700 ml of a solution comprising 99.99% and 0.01% sucrose stearate (batch treated with 0.05%) [0180] 700 ml of a solution comprising 99.95% and 0.05% sucrose stearate (batch treated with 0.05%) [0181] 700 ml of a solution comprising 99.85% and 0.15% sucrose stearate (batch treated with 0.15%)

[0182] Two days after watering, the roots are taken, weighed then placed at 42 C. After 30 min, 1 h 30, 2 h, 4 h and 48 h, the weight of the roots is noted and the amount of water retained is calculated as a percentage of the initial weight.

[0183] The results are presented in FIG. 6.

[0184] The amount of water absorbed increases linearly with the amount of sucrose stearate applied during the treatment (0.05 and 0.15%).

[0185] The application of sucrose stearate by watering facilitates the absorption of the water by the roots. This may be explained by the root growth and in particular the modification of the root architecture.

Example 7: Effect of a Sugar Ester on the Spreading of an Aqueous Solution on a Leaf

[0186] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0187] Strawberry plants in pots are grown in a climate-controlled chamber in the following conditions: 23 C. and a photoperiod of 16 h/8 h.

[0188] The application of the invention is made by spraying on the leaves: [0189] water (control batch) [0190] a solution composed of 99.25% water and 0.75% sucrose stearate (treated batch)

[0191] The effect of sucrose stearate is observed by the number and the size of the drops on the upper surface of the leaf.

[0192] The results are presented in FIG. 7.

[0193] With application of sucrose stearate by spraying, the solution is distributed evenly over the leaf, the spreading of the drops being optimized. Furthermore, much greater passage of the solution onto the lower face was observed, compared with the control batch.

[0194] When sprayed, the sucrose stearate increases the contact surface area and thus enables phytosanitary treatments to be optimized.

Example 8: Effect of a Sugar Ester on the Evaporation of Water at the Surface of the Leaves

[0195] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate of which a solution is applied by spraying onto detached leaves of Buddleja davidii disposed flat on a support. The treatment consists of spraying onto the detached leaves: [0196] 14 grams of water (control batch) [0197] 14 grams of a solution composed of 97% water and 3% sucrose stearate (treated batch).

[0198] The leaves are then kept vertical for 6 seconds.

[0199] The weight of the leaf is noted prior to the treatment, 1 min after, then every 5 min. The percentage of water retained is calculated relative to the initial weight.

[0200] The results are presented in FIG. 8.

[0201] The amount of water retained by the treated leaves is 3 to 8 times greater than the water retained by the control leaves.

[0202] The application of sucrose stearate by spraying limits the evaporation of an aqueous solution on the leaves and thus increases the contact time. The invention thus has a moistening effect by promoting the maintenance of the moisture level on the surface of the leaf.

Example 9: Effect of a Sugar Ester on a Calcium Content of the Leaves (Penetration Improvement)

[0203] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0204] Parsley plants in pots are grown in a climate-controlled chamber in the following conditions: 23 C. and a photoperiod of 16 h/8 h.

[0205] The application of the invention is made by watering into the containers (180 ml) every three days and spraying onto the leaves twice daily for seven days: [0206] water (control batch) [0207] a solution composed of 97% water and 3% sucrose stearate (treated batch)

[0208] After seven days of treatment, the leaves are harvested and analyzed to determine their calcium content.

[0209] The results are presented in FIG. 9.

[0210] The treatment with the invention enables a reduction of 17% in the level of calcium in the leaves.

[0211] The application by spraying and watering of sucrose stearate reduces the amount of foliar calcium, which is key element in the rigidity of the middle lamella, so increasing the permeability of the middle lamella. Therefore, the application of a sugar ester according to the invention enables better penetration of the products applied to the plant.

Example 10: Effect of a Sugar Ester on the Protein Content of Parsley (Improvement in the Nutrient Efficiency)

[0212] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0213] Parsley plants in pots are grown in a climate-controlled chamber in the following conditions: 23 C. and a photoperiod of 16 h/8 h. The treatment of the parsley plants consists of watering the pots every three days with: [0214] 40 ml water (control batch) [0215] 40 ml of a solution composed of 99.25% water and 0.75% sucrose stearate (treated batch).

[0216] Each batch consists of four pots. After 23 days of treatment the leaves are cut and an analysis of the amount of protein is carried out.

[0217] The results are presented in FIG. 10.

[0218] The batch treated with sucrose stearate enables an increase of 56% in the protein amount compared with the control batch.

[0219] The use of sucrose stearate in the watering water enables greater synthesis of protein, thus showing better nitrogen uptake.

Example 11: Effect of a Sugar Ester on Root Growth

[0220] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0221] The treatment of the maize seeds consists of immersing them 1 h in a solution comprising water alone (control batch) or in a solution composed of 97.5% water and 2.5% sucrose stearate (treated batch). The seeds are next dried in a heating tunnel at 45 C. for one hour. Four batch repetitions of 16 seeds are deposited on Petri dishes containing a medium composed of 2% Agar Agar and 98% water.

[0222] The Petri dishes are kept at ambient temperature and in darkness.

[0223] The results are presented in FIG. 11.

[0224] After two days, rootlet presence is observed (fuzz around the radicle) on the germinated treated seeds whereas on the control seeds the rootlets are not yet present.

Example 12: Effect of a Sugar Ester on the Vertical Anchoring of the Root (Assays in Fields)

[0225] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0226] In order to test the effect of the invention in conditions of crops in the field, the flat-leaf parsley variety NOVAS is used.

[0227] The treatment consists of immersion for 1 h of the NOVAS parsley seeds: [0228] in water (control batch) [0229] in a solution comprising 97.5% water and 2.5% sucrose stearate (treated batch).

[0230] The seeds are next dried in a heating tunnel at 45 C. for 1 h.

[0231] The seeds are mechanically sown (seeder) on strips of four rows each one beside the other to limit as much as possible the variations in soil quality, insulation and temperature.

[0232] 12 weeks after sowing, 25 parsley plants were harvested in order to observe root morphology.

[0233] The results are presented in FIG. 12.

[0234] The results show that the treatment of the parsley seeds with sucrose stearate leads to root elongation, coupled with vertical anchorage of the roots.

Example 13: Use of Sorbitan Laurate as a Germination Stimulating Substance for Maize Seeds

[0235] Sorbitan laurate (Sub4) was used in comparison with treatment using water alone (control), or with sucrose stearate (treated).

[0236] The treatment of the maize seeds consists of immersing them 1 h in a solution comprising water alone (control batch) or in a solution composed of 98.25% water and 0.75% of a polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant (treated batch, Sub4). The seeds are next dried in a heating tunnel at 45 C. for one hour. Two batch repetitions of 16 seeds are deposited on Petri dishes containing a medium composed of 2% Agar Agar and 98% water.

[0237] The Petri dishes are kept at ambient temperature and in darkness. Each day the number of seeds that have germinated (having a radicle) is counted.

[0238] The results after one day and two days (D1 and D2 respectively) are presented in FIG. 13.

[0239] The results show that the treatment of the maize seeds with sorbitan laurate leads to an increase in the germination rate relative to the control, with a germination rate of 31% at D1 and 78% at D2.

Example 14: Use of Sucrose Palmitate as a Germination Stimulating Substance for Maize Seeds

[0240] Sucrose palmitate (Sub1) was used in comparison with treatment using water alone (control), or with sucrose stearate (treated).

[0241] The treatment of the maize seeds consists of immersing them 1 h in a solution comprising water alone (control batch) or in a solution composed of 98.25% water and 0.75% of a polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant (treated batch, Sub1). The seeds are next dried in a heating tunnel at 45 C. for one hour. Two batch repetitions of 16 seeds are deposited on Petri dishes containing a medium composed of 2% Agar Agar and 98% water.

[0242] The Petri dishes are kept at ambient temperature and in darkness. Each day the number of seeds that have germinated (having a radicle) is counted.

[0243] The results after one day and two days (D1 and D2 respectively) are presented in FIG. 14.

[0244] The results show that the treatment of the maize seeds with sucrose palmitate leads to an increase in the germination rate relative to the control, with a germination rate of 28% at D1 and 78% at D2.

Example 15: Use of Glucose Stearate as a Germination Stimulating Substance for Maize Seeds

[0245] Glucose stearate (Sub7) was used in comparison with treatment using water alone (control), or with sucrose stearate (treated).

[0246] The treatment of the maize seeds consists of immersing them 1 h in a solution comprising water alone (control batch) or in a solution composed of 98.25% water and 0.75% of a polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant (treated batch, Sub7). The seeds are next dried in a heating tunnel at 45 C. for one hour. Two batch repetitions of 16 seeds are deposited on Petri dishes containing a medium composed of 2% Agar Agar and 98% water. The Petri dishes are kept at ambient temperature and in darkness. Each day the number of seeds that have germinated (having a radicle) is counted.

[0247] The results after one day and two days (D1 and D2 respectively) are presented in FIG. 15.

[0248] The results show that the treatment of the maize seeds with glucose stearate leads to an increase in the germination rate relative to the control, with a germination rate of 34% at D1 and 78% at D2.

Example 16: Use of Polyethoxylated Sorbitan Laurate as a Germination Stimulating Substance for Maize Seeds

[0249] Polyethoxylated sorbitan laurate (Sub4), this also being called polysorbate 20, was used in comparison with treatment using water alone (control), or with sucrose stearate (treated).

[0250] The treatment of the maize seeds consists of immersing them 1 h in a solution comprising water alone (control batch) or in a solution composed of 98.25% water and 0.75% of a polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant (treated batch, Sub2). The seeds are next dried in a heating tunnel at 45 C. for one hour. Two batch repetitions of 16 seeds are deposited on Petri dishes containing a medium composed of 2% Agar Agar and 98% water.

[0251] The Petri dishes are kept at ambient temperature and in darkness. Each day the number of seeds that have germinated (having a radicle) is counted.

[0252] The results after one day and two days (D1 and D2 respectively) are presented in FIG. 16.

[0253] The results show that the treatment of the maize seeds with polyethoxylated sorbitan laurate (polysorbate 20) leads to an increase in the germination rate relative to the control, with a germination rate of 25% at D1 and 78% at D2.

Example 17: Use of Decyl Glucoside as a Germination Stimulating Substance for Maize Seeds

[0254] Decyl glucoside (Sub3) was used in comparison with treatment using water alone (control), or with sucrose stearate (treated).

[0255] The treatment of the maize seeds consists of immersing them 1 h in a solution comprising water alone (control batch) or in a solution composed of 98.25% water and 0.75% of a polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant (treated batch, Sub3). The seeds are next dried in a heating tunnel at 45 C. for one hour. Two batch repetitions of 16 seeds are deposited on Petri dishes containing a medium composed of 2% Agar Agar and 98% water.

[0256] The results after one day and two days (D1 and D2 respectively) are presented in FIG. 17.

[0257] The results show that the treatment of the maize seeds with decyl glucoside leads to an increase in the germination rate relative to the control, with a germination rate of 19% at D1 and 84% at D2.

Example 18: Use of N-Lauroyl-N-Methyl Glucamide as a Germination Stimulating Substance for Maize Seeds

[0258] N-lauroyl-N-methyl glucamide (Sub6) was used in comparison with treatment using water alone (control), or with sucrose stearate (treated).

[0259] The treatment of the maize seeds consists of immersing them 1 h in a solution comprising water alone (control batch) or in a solution composed of 98.25% water and 0.75% of a polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant (treated batch, Sub6). The seeds are next dried in a heating tunnel at 45 C. for one hour. Two batch repetitions of 16 seeds are deposited on Petri dishes containing a medium composed of 2% Agar Agar and 98% water.

[0260] The results after one day and two days (D1 and D2 respectively) are presented in FIG. 18.

[0261] The results show that the treatment of the maize seeds with N-lauroyl-N-methyl glucamide leads to an increase in the germination rate relative to the control, with a germination rate of 28% at D1 and 65% at D2.

Example 19: Use of Methylglucose Dioleate as a Germination Stimulating Substance for Maize Seeds

[0262] Methylglucose dioleate (Sub5) was used in comparison with treatment using water alone (control), or with sucrose stearate (treated).

[0263] The treatment of the maize seeds consists of immersing them 1 h in a solution comprising water alone (control batch) or in a solution composed of 98.25% water and 0.75% of a polyol derivative non-ionic surfactant (treated batch, Sub5). The seeds are next dried in a heating tunnel at 45 C. for one hour. Two batch repetitions of 16 seeds are deposited on Petri dishes containing a medium composed of 2% Agar Agar and 98% water.

[0264] The Petri dishes are kept at ambient temperature and in darkness. Each day the number of seeds that have germinated (having a radicle) is counted.

[0265] The results after one day and two days (D1 and D2 respectively) are presented in FIG. 19.

[0266] The results show that the treatment of the maize seeds with methylglucose dioleate leads to an increase in the germination rate relative to the control, with a germination rate of 18% at D1 and 65% at D2.

Example 20: Improvement in Yield (Barley)

[0267] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0268] Assays in a climate controlled chamber (temperature 22 C./20 C., photoperiod 16 h/8 h, 25,000 lux) were carried out on winter barley (Sobell variety, Arvalis). The barley was sowed in containers of 1 meter by 1 meter. At the commencement of tillering, the barley was treated by spraying with: [0269] Control batch: 3 I/ha water [0270] Treated batch: 3 I/ha of a solution composed of 97% water and 3% sucrose stearate.

[0271] The plants were then watered every 2 weeks with the same amount of water for both control batch and treated batch.

[0272] The yields were then calculated as the ratio of the weight of harvested seeds to the sowed area. This ratio is expressed in q/ha. The results are presented in Table 2 below:

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Control batch Trated batch Yield (q/ha) 54.2 67.9

[0273] The use of sugar ester according to the invention enables the yield to be increased by 25%.

Example 21: Effect of a Sugar Ester on Penetration of the Mixture

[0274] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0275] Rape, a plant known for having a thick cuticle, was chosen in order to test the effectiveness of the invention as a penetrating agent.

[0276] A colorant in aqueous solution was deposited on a rape leaf, then left for 2 h and then wiped. Two solutions were tested: [0277] Control: water alone [0278] Treated: a solution comprising 97.5% water and 2.5% sucrose stearate.

[0279] Photographs were taken at each step and are presented in FIG. 20.

[0280] The results show that the use of sugar ester according to the invention enables the colorant to color the leaf and thus to penetrate through the cuticle. Water alone did not enable the colorant to cross the physical barrier represented by the rape cuticle.

[0281] The use of sugar ester according to the invention makes it possible to increase the capacity of an aqueous solution to penetrate the cuticle, thus showing that it can be used as a penetration agent.

Example 22: Effect of a Sugar Ester on Drift Limitation

[0282] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0283] To measure the effect of the sugar ester according to the invention on the formation of drops after spraying, two solutions were sprayed with a nozzle of conventional slot type: [0284] a solution composed of 95% water and 5% titanium dioxide (control batch) [0285] a solution composed of 92.5% water, 5% titanium dioxide and 2.5% sucrose stearate (treated batch).

[0286] Increasing pressures (2, 4 and 8 bars) were used in order to test different conditions (FIG. 21: a, b and c respectively). The greater the pressure the more numerous and fine were the drops.

[0287] It is found that, under the 3 conditions tested, the use of sugar ester according to the invention enables an increase the size of the drops. The use sugar ester according to the invention thus makes it possible limit drift by promoting the increase in the size of the drops or droplets.

Example 23: Effect of a Sugar Ester on the Stickiness of a Solution on the Leaf

[0288] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0289] A solution is applied by spraying on detached leaves of Buddleja davidii disposed flat on a support. The treatment consists of spraying onto the detached leaves: [0290] 14 grams of a solution composed of 97% water and 3% titanium dioxide (control batch) [0291] 14 grams of a solution composed of 94.5% water, 3% titanium dioxide and 2.5% sucrose stearate (treated batch).

[0292] The leaves were next left at ambient temperature until the sprayed solutions had completely evaporated.

[0293] 14 grams of water are next sprayed onto the leaves held vertical to simulate rain. The titanium residues on the leaf are next observed.

[0294] The results are presented in FIG. 22.

[0295] In the control batch, the titanium dioxide is practically imperceptible after washing. In contrast, in the treated batch the titanium dioxide is still clearly visible, even though slight reduction in the coloration after washing may be observed.

[0296] The results show that the use of the sugar ester according to the invention makes it possible to limit the washing off of phytosanitary products.

Example 24: Effect of a Sugar Ester on the Formation of Foam on Preparing the Mixture

[0297] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0298] In order to measure the effect of the use of a sugar ester according to the invention on the formation of foam when mixing, two solutions were prepared: [0299] control batch: a solution composed of 99% water and 1% foaming agent (Cocamidopropyl betaine). [0300] treated batch: a solution composed of 98% water and 1% foaming agent (Cocamidopropyl betaine) and 1% sucrose stearate.

[0301] The two solutions were next stirred in equivalent manner, the photographs being taken before, immediately after stirring and 1 h after stirring. The results are presented in FIG. 23.

[0302] The results show that the use of a sugar ester according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the volume of foam obtained immediately after stirring by 30%. The invention makes it possible to mitigate the formation of foam on preparing phytosanitary mixtures.

Example 25: Effect of a Sugar Ester on Homogenization of the Mixture

[0303] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0304] In order to test the effect of the use of a sugar ester according to the invention on the homogenization of the mixture, a mixture of two solutions of identical (aqueous) solubility but of different densities (1 and 1.7 g/cm.sup.3) was carried out. Two assays were carried out: [0305] Control: solution composed of 98% water and 2% glycerin colored blue [0306] Treated: solution composed of 97% water, 1% sucrose stearate and 2% glycerin colored blue.

[0307] The mixtures were next stirred in equivalent manner. Photographs are taken after stirring.

[0308] The results are presented in FIG. 24.

[0309] The use of a sugar ester according to the invention enables better homogenization of the mixture.

Example 26: Effect of a Sugar Ester on pH Modification of the Mixture

[0310] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0311] In order to measure the effect of the use of a sugar ester according to the invention on pH, a solution at pH 9.4 was prepared, and a solution composed of 97.5% water and 2.5% sucrose stearate was also prepared.

[0312] The solution comprising sucrose stearate (solution according to the invention) was added to the solution at pH 9.4 at different concentrations: 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 5% et 10%. The pH was measured after each addition of the invention.

[0313] The results are presented in FIG. 25.

[0314] It was possible to measure that as of addition of 0.5% of the solution comprising sucrose stearate, the pH drops from 9.4 to 6.33. By increasing the concentration of the solution comprising sucrose stearate, the pH then stabilizes at 5.25.

[0315] The use of a sugar ester according to the invention thus enables acidification of the mixture as of 0.5%.

Example 27: Effect of a Sugar Ester on Solubilization of the Mixture

[0316] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0317] Two mixtures were prepared: [0318] control batch: mixture comprising 95% water and 5% sunflower oil [0319] treated batch: mixture comprising 5% sunflower oil and 95% of a solution composed of 97.5% water and 2.5% sucrose stearate.

[0320] The two mixtures were made at ambient temperature with fast stirring.

[0321] The stability of the mixtures is noted in two ways: [0322] After passage through an oven (45 C.) for 24 h, [0323] After centrifugation for 20 min at 4000 rpm (revolutions per minute).

[0324] The results are presented in FIG. 26.

[0325] In the two tests carried out it is observed that the control batch presents two phases whereas the treated batch presents only one phase, including after centrifugation.

[0326] The use of a sugar ester according to the invention thus makes it possible to increase the solubilization of a substance that is immiscible with the mixture.

Example 28: Effect of a Sugar Ester on Persistence of the Mixture at the Foliar Surface

[0327] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0328] The effect of the invention on the persistence of the mixture was evaluated after spraying a solution colored blue on detached leaves of Buddleja davidii.

[0329] Two assays were carried out: [0330] Control: solution composed of 99.9% water and 0.1% colorant [0331] Treated: solution composed of 98.9% water, 0.1% colorant and 1% sucrose stearate.

[0332] After spraying, the leaves are left at ambient temperature until the sprayed solution has evaporated.

[0333] Next, several operations of rinsing the leaves with water are carried out. The rinse water is collected after each rinse and photographs are taken to observe and compare the coloration of the rinse waters. An absorbance measurement at 630 nm is also carried out by spectrophotometry.

[0334] The results are presented in FIG. 27.

[0335] The results show that, on the control batch the persistence of the mixture disappears at the 2.sup.nd rinse, whereas on the treated batch the mixture is still present even after the 4.sup.th rinse.

[0336] The absorbance measurements confirm the observations made above (FIG. 28). On the control batch, the washing off of the product at the surface is very great; this is observed on the value of the optical density (OD) which is much higher in the treated batch. This is confirmed by the measurement made on the other 3 rinses for which the OD of the control is low (less product present on the surface of the leaf) while product remains on the control batch.

[0337] The use of a sugar ester according to the invention thus enables better persistence of the mixture on the foliar surface.

Example 29: Impact of a Sugar Ester on Microorganisms (Biocompatibility)

[0338] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0339] In order to evaluate any impact of the sugar esters used according to the invention on microorganisms, the fungicide effect was searched for by an antibiogram type method.

[0340] The method consists of: [0341] spreading a solution contaminated with the mold Aspergillus niger on the surface of a Petri dish containing glucose gel growth medium with chloramphenicol. [0342] arrange 4 sterile antibiogram disks of 6 mm diameter per Petri dish. [0343] inoculate with 3 drops (0.071 g) of solution to test or control solution per disk.

[0344] The dishes are next placed in the incubator at 25 C. for 5 days.

[0345] Measurement of the inhibitory diameter is carried out every day.

[0346] The solutions tested are: [0347] Treated 0.1%: a solution composed of 99.9% water and 0.1% sucrose stearate [0348] Treated 1%: a solution composed of 99% water and 1% sucrose stearate [0349] Treated 3%: a solution composed of 97% water and 3% sucrose stearate [0350] Treated 10%: a solution composed of 90% water and 10% sucrose stearate [0351] Control: an agricultural fungicide (Epoxiconazole)

[0352] The results are presented in Table 3.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Inhibitory diameter in mm Sample D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 TREATED 0 0 0 0 0 0.1% TREATED 0 0 0 0 0 1% TREATED 0 0 0 0 0 3% TREATED 0 0 0 0 0 10% CONTROL 0 32 30 30 29

[0353] The results show that, compared with a fungicide product used as a positive control, sugar ester presents no fungicide effect whatever the concentrations tested.

Example 30: Solubility of a Sugar Ester

[0354] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0355] To define the solubility of a sugar ester according to the invention, 3% sucrose stearate was mixed with water (Batch A) or with sunflower oil (Batch B). After mixing, the two solutions were centrifuged 5 min at 4000 rpm. A photograph was taken after centrifugation and is presented in FIG. 29.

[0356] After centrifugation, only one phase is still observed, whether it be mixed with water or with oil, showing the stability of the solution.

[0357] The results show that the sugar ester according to the invention is miscible with water and also with oil.

Example 31: Effect of a Sugar Ester on the Reduction of Phytosanitary Products on Wheat

[0358] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0359] Assays in a climate-controlled chamber were carried out on soft winter wheat (GARCIA variety, Arvalis). The wheat was sowed in containers of 1 meter by 1 meter. At the last leaf spread stage the wheat was treated with two fungicides commercialized under the names Priaxor and Reimer Pro. Priaxor comprises two active ingredients: fluxapyroxad (belonging to the SDHI family) and pyraclostrobin (belonging to the strobilurin family) and Reimer Pro comprises the active ingredient metconazole (belonging to the triazole family). Two assays were carried out: [0360] Control: 100% of the recommended dose for use, that is to say 0.6 L/ha Priaxor+0.6 L/ha of Reimer Pro. [0361] Treated: 25% of the recommended dose for use, that is to say 0.15 L/ha de Priaxor+0.15 L/ha of Reimer Pro, in addition to 3 L/ha sucrose stearate.

[0362] The containers were then taken out of the climate-controlled chamber and disposed near a field having more than 50% of wheat plants diseased with Septoria leaf spot. After 1 day, the containers were placed back in the climate-controlled chamber under controlled conditions.

[0363] The photographs are taken at the start of coming into ear and are presented in FIG. 30.

[0364] It is found that the number of diseased plants is substantially greater in the control batch compared with the treated batch, with 80% of the plants diseased with Septoria leaf spot for the control as compared with 20% for the treated batch, this being the case despite a reduction in 25% of phytosanitary products.

[0365] The use of a sugar ester according to the invention thus makes it possible to obtain greater effectiveness with lower concentrations of phytosanitary products. This function according to the invention thus enables the farmer to reduce the amount of phytosanitary products used in terms of concentration and/or frequency.

Example 32: Effect of a Sugar Ester on the Reduction of Phytosanitary Products on Maize

[0366] The sugar ester used is sucrose stearate.

[0367] Assays in a climate-controlled chamber were carried out on maize (P7043, Pioneer). The maize was sowed in containers of 1 meter by 1 meter. At the stage of 8-10 leaves, the maize plants were treated with two fungicides commercialized under the names Amistar and Cicero. Amistar comprises the active ingredient: azoxystrobin (belonging to the strobilurin family), and Cicero comprises two active ingredients: chlorothalonil (belonging to the chloronitrile family), and flutriafol (belonging to the triazole family). Two assays were carried out: [0368] Control: 100% of the recommended dose for use, that is to say 1 L/ha Amistar+2.5 I/ha of Cicero [0369] Treated: 25% of the recommended dose for use, that is to say 0.25 L/ha de Amistar+0.6 L/ha of Cicero, in addition to 3 L/ha sucrose stearate.

[0370] The containers were then taken out of the climate-controlled chamber and disposed near a field having more than 50% of maize plants diseased with Helminthosphaeria. After 1 day, the containers were placed back in the climate-controlled chamber under controlled conditions.

[0371] The photographs of control and treated batches were taken at the 12-14 leaf stage and are presented in FIG. 31.

[0372] It is found in the control batch that 70% of the plants presented Helminthosphaeria spots, whereas for the treated batch less than 10% presented Helminthosphaeria spots, this being the case despite a reduction in 25% of phytosanitary products.

[0373] The use of a sugar ester according to the invention thus makes it possible to obtain greater effectiveness with lower concentrations of phytosanitary products. This function according to the invention thus enables the farmer to reduce the amount of phytosanitary products used in terms of concentration and/or frequency.