Non-aqueous solution of plant-growth regulator(s) and polar and/or semi-polar organic solvent(s)

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to non-aqueous solutions of plant growth regulator(s) and polar and/or semi-polar organic solvent(s), methods for making said non-aqueous solution, and methods for improving the growth and crop productivity of plants using said non-aqueous solution.

Claims

1. A solution comprising: a) from about 0.005 to about 0.05 wt. % indole-3-butyric acid; b) from 0.009 to 0.10 wt. % kinetin; c) from 0.003 to 0.1 wt. % gibberellic acid (GA.sub.3); d) a solvent comprising propylene glycol; e) 0.001 to 3.0 wt. % minerals; and f) less than 1 wt. % water; wherein said propylene glycol and said less than 1 wt. % water are the only solvents present in said solution.

2. The solution of claim 1 wherein the solution further comprises a surfactant.

3. The solution of claim 1 wherein the solution comprises less than 0.5 wt. % water.

4. The solution of claim 1 wherein said indole-3-butyric acid, said kinetin, and said gibberellic acid (GA.sub.3) retain at least 90% activity after 14 days.

5. A non-aqueous solution comprising: a) from 0.005 to 0.85 wt. % indole-3-butyric acid; b) from 0.003 to 0.3 wt. % kinetin; c) a solvent comprising propylene glycol; d) 0.001 to 3.0 wt. % minerals; and e) less than 5 wt. % water; wherein said propylene glycol and said less than 5 wt. % water are the only solvents present in said solution.

6. The non-aqueous solution of claim 5 further comprising a gibberellin.

7. The non-aqueous solution of claim 6 further comprising gibberellic acid (GA.sub.3).

8. The non-aqueous solution of claim 7 wherein the gibberellic acid (GA.sub.3) comprises from 0.003 to 0.1 wt. %.

9. The non-aqueous solution of claim 5 wherein the solution comprises less than 1 wt. % water.

10. The non-aqueous solution of claim 5 further comprising a preservative or surfactant.

11. The non-aqueous solution of claim 5 further comprising an antifoam.

12. The non-aqueous solution of claim 5 wherein the solution comprises less than 0.5 wt. % water.

13. The non-aqueous solution of claim 5 wherein said indole-3-butyric acid and said kinetin retain at least 90% activity after 14 days.

14. A composition comprising: a) from about 0.001 to about 10 wt. % indole-3-butyric acid; b) from 0.0015 to 0.15 wt. % kinetin; c) from 0.003 to 0.1 wt. % gibberellic acid (GA.sub.3); and d) a solvent comprising propylene glycol; e) 0.001 to 3.0 wt. % minerals; and f) less than 1 wt. % water; wherein said propylene glycol and said less than 1 wt. % water are the only solvents present in said solution.

15. The composition of claim 14 wherein the composition comprises less than 0.5 wt. % water.

16. The solution of claim 14 wherein said indole-3-butyric acid, said kinetin, and said gibberellic acid (GA.sub.3) retain at least 90% activity after 14 days.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(1) The non-aqueous solution of the present invention includes: 1) at least one plant growth regulator, also referred to herein as PGR, and 2) at least one polar organic solvent and/or at least one semi-polar organic solvents. Herein are also disclosed methods for making said non-aqueous solution and methods for improving the growth and crop productivity of plants using said non-aqueous solution. The present invention includes methods by which plant growth can be manipulated through the addition of said non-aqueous solution by application to plant tissue.

(2) As provided herein, it is understood that the term “non-aqueous” may include small amounts of water, preferably less than 5 wt. %, preferably less than 4 wt. %, preferably less than 3 wt. %, preferably less than 2 wt. %, preferably less than 1 wt. %, and preferably less than 0.5 wt. %. However, it is preferred that water is not intentionally added to the present non-aqueous solution.

(3) Plant Growth Regulators/Phytohormones

(4) While the plant growth regulators (PGRs) provided in the non-aqueous solution may be any effective plant hormones, the phytohormone is typically selected from ethylene, auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, jasmonates, salicylic acids, peptides, polyamines, nitric oxide, strigolactones, precursors, derivatives and mixtures thereof.

(5) The auxin is preferably selected from the group consisting of the natural auxins, synthetic auxins, auxin metabolites, auxin precursors, auxin derivatives and mixtures thereof. The preferred auxin is a natural auxin, most preferably indole-3-acetic acid. The presently preferred synthetic auxin is indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Other exemplary synthetic auxins which may be employed in the present invention include indole 3-propionic acid, indole-3-butyric acid, phenylacetic acid, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, 4-chloroindole-3-acetic acid, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy acetic acid, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy acetic acid, 2,3,6-trichlorobenzoic acid, 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoic acid, 4-amino-3,4,5-trichloropicolinic acid and mixtures thereof.

(6) The cytokinin is preferably selected from one or more of the following: zeatin, various forms of zeatin, N6-benzyl adenine, N6-(delta-2-isopentyl) adenine, 1,3-diphenyl urea, thidiazuron, CPPU (forchlorfenuron), kinetin or other chemical formulations with cytokinin activity. The preferred cytokinin is kinetin.

(7) The gibberellin is preferably selected from one or more of the following: GAi, GA2, GA.sub.3, GA4, GA5, GA6, GA7, GA.sub.8, GA9, GA10, GA11, GA,2, GA,.sub.3, GA,.sub.4, GA,.sub.5, GA.sub.16, GA.sub.17, GA,.sub.8, GA.sub.19, GA.sub.20, GA.sub.2i, GA.sub.22, GA.sub.23, GA.sub.24, GA.sub.25, GA.sub.26, GA.sub.27, GA.sub.28, GA.sub.29, GA.sub.30, GA.sub.31, GA.sub.32, GA.sub.33, GA.sub.34, GA.sub.35, GA.sub.36, GA.sub.37, GA.sub.38, GA.sub.39, GA.sub.40, GA.sub.41, GA.sub.42, GA.sub.43, GA.sub.44, GA.sub.45, GA.sub.45, GA.sub.47, GA48, GA.sub.49, GA.sub.50, GA.sub.51, GA.sub.52, GA.sub.53, GA.sub.54, GA.sub.55, GA.sub.56, GA.sub.57, GA.sub.58, GA.sub.59, GA.sub.60, GA.sub.61, GA.sub.62, GA.sub.63, GA.sub.64, GA.sub.65, GA.sub.66, GA.sub.67, GA.sub.68, GA.sub.69, GA.sub.70, GA71, GA.sub.72, GA.sub.73, GA.sub.74, GA.sub.75, GA.sub.76, GA.sub.77, GA.sub.78, GA.sub.79, GA.sub.80, GA.sub.8i, GA.sub.82, GA.sub.83, GA.sub.8, GA.sub.85, GA.sub.86, GA.sub.87, GA.sub.88, GA.sub.89, GA.sub.9o, GA.sub.9i, GA.sub.92, GA.sub.93, GA.sub.94, GA.sub.95, GA.sub.96, GA.sub.97, GA.sub.98, GA{circumflex over ( )}, GA100, GA101, GA).sub.02, GAio.sub.3, GA104, GA105, GA106, GAio.sub.7, GAios, GAi.sub.09, GAno, GAm, GAn.sub.2, GA113, GA|i.sub.4, GA115, GA116, GAi i7, GAi is, GAn.sub.9, GAno, GAi.sub.2i, GAi.sub.22, GAi.sub.23, GAi.sub.24, GAi.sub.25, and/or GAi26. The preferred gibberellin is the gibberellic acid, GA.sub.3.

(8) The auxins, preferably indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), are present in the non-aqueous solution in an amount such that the auxin is between about 0.001 to 10 wt. %, preferably between about 0.005 to about 5 wt. %, preferably between 0.005 to about 2 wt. %, preferably between 0.005 to about 1 wt. %, preferably between 0.005 to about 0.5 wt. %, preferably between 0.005 to about 0.85 wt. %, and preferably between about 0.005 to about 0.05 wt. % of the non-aqueous solution.

(9) The gibberellin, preferably gibberellic acid (GA.sub.3), are present in the non-aqueous solution in an amount such that the gibberellin is between about 0.001 to 20 wt. %, preferably between about 0.001 to 15 wt. %, preferably between about 0.001 to 7.5 wt. %, preferably between about 0.005 to about 5 wt. %, preferably between about 0.005 to about 1 wt. %, preferably between about 0.005 to about 0.11 wt. %, preferably between about 0.005 to about 0.07 wt. %, and preferably between about 0.005 to about 0.05 wt. % of the non-aqueous solution.

(10) The cytokinin, preferably kinetin, are present in the non-aqueous solution in an amount such that the cytokinin is between about 0.003 to 0.3 wt. %, preferably between 0.009 to 0.15 wt. %, preferably between about 0.0015 to 0.15 wt. %, and most preferably between about 0.01 to 0.05 wt. % of the non-aqueous solution.

(11) As provided in International Publication WO 2012068473, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plant growth regulator are included as a PGR mixture of two plant hormones—cytokinin and gibberellin. When used together, the ratio of the plant growth regulators, cytokinin and gibberellin, preferably ranges from 1:10 to 1:300 and more preferably from 1:20 to 1:40. A ratio of approximately 1:30 is most preferable. Nonetheless, to obtain the best results, the absolute amount of the cytokinins and gibberellins must vary proportionally to the volume/weight of the treated plants and their fruit.

(12) Additionally, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plant growth regulator may include a PGR mixture of the following two phytohormones: cytokinin and auxin. When used together, the ratio of the plant growth regulators, cytokinin and auxin, preferably ranges from 1:10 to 1:300 and more preferably from 1:20 to 1:40. A ratio of approximately 1:30 is most preferable. Nonetheless, to obtain the best results, the absolute amount of the cytokinins and gibberellins must vary proportionally to the volume/weight of the treated plants and their fruit.

(13) Additionally, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plant growth regulator may include a PGR mixture of three plant hormones—cytokinin, gibberellin, and auxin. In a preferred mixture, the cytokinin is kinetin, the gibberellin is GA3, and the auxin is IBA. When used together, the amount of kinetin is preferably 4-6 times, and more preferably 2-3 times more than the amount of gibberellic acid and the amount of IBA is preferably 1-1.5 times more than the amount of gibberellic acid. The non-aqueous solution may preferably include: a) 0.2-0.005 wt. %, more preferably 0.10-0.009 wt. % kinetin; b) 0.1-0.003 wt. %, more preferably 0.05-0.005 wt. % GA3; and c) 0.1-0.003 wt. %, more preferably 0.05-0.005 wt. % IBA.

Polar and Semi-Polar Organic Solvent

(14) A wide variety of polar and semi-polar organic solvents may be used, including the polar and semi-polar organic solvents ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol, ethyl lactate, 3-hydroxybutyrate (ethyl and propyl esters), glycols, glycerols, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, propylene carbonate and combinations thereof. Most preferably, propylene glycol is used as the organic solvent in the non-aqueous solution of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the polar and semi-polar organic solvent is a single or combination of “non-volatile, polar or semi-polar organic solvents”, herein defined to exclude those volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with a vapor pressure less than 0.1 mm Hg at 20° C.

Additional Ingredients Includes/Excluded

(15) A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the addition of surfactants, antifoams, and/or preservatives known to those of skill in the art. The surfactant may include, but are not limited to, the group consisting of carboxylates, sulfonates, natural oils, alkylamides, arylamides, alkylphenols, arylphenols, ethoxylated alcohols, polyethylene, carboxylic esters, polyalkylglycol esters, anhydrosorbitols, glycol esters, carboxylic amides, monoalkanolamine, polethylene fatty acid amides, polysorbates, cyclodextrins, sugar based, silicone based, polyalkylated alcohols, and alkylaryl ethoxylates. In a preferred embodiment, the non-aqueous solution consists of only the plant growth regulator(s), optional mineral(s), surfactant, and the polar and semi-polar organic solvent(s) and any impurities inherent therein.

(16) In an alternate preferred embodiment, the non-aqueous solution only includes one solvent, that is, the polar and semi-polar organic solvent. As previously indicated this non-aqueous solution may include small amounts of water, preferably less than 5 wt. %, more preferably less than 1 wt. %, and most preferably less than 0.5 wt. %. Most preferably, the non-aqueous solution only includes one solvent, that is, the polar and semi-polar organic solvent with no intentional addition of water. As previously indicated, the non-aqueous solution may further include a minerals selected from the group consisting of the alkaline earth metals, transition metals, boron and mixtures thereof. Such minerals preferably are selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, iron, cobalt, molybdenum and mixtures thereof. When included, the minerals may be present in the range from about 0.001 to about 10.0 wt. %, preferably from about 0.001 to about 3.0 wt. %. The non-aqueous solution optionally, but preferably, includes one or more minerals that assist in the uptake of the plant growth regulator(s) by plant tissues and/or compliment the utilization of the plant hormones by the plant tissues. Preferred minerals include zinc, nitrogen, potassium, calcium and boron, with nitrogen, potassium, calcium and/or boron. In a preferred embodiment, the metals include, but are not limited to, metal chlorides, metal sulfates, sodium or potassium salts of, and chelated metals. Specific examples include, but are not limited to metal chlorides, metal sulfates, EDTA chelated metals, and other suitable metal compounds.

(17) The non-aqueous solution may be combined with a nitrogen-containing fertilizer, such as a liquid nitrogen fertilizer comprising approximately one-half urea and one-half ammonium nitrate. Such a liquid nitrogen fertilizer has a nitrogen content of about 28 to 32 percent. Preferably, the liquid nitrogen fertilizer is blended with the non-aqueous solution containing the plant growth regulator(s) and other minerals, if any, just prior to application, such that only a single field application of the solution/fertilizer is needed, thereby reducing labor and equipment costs that would otherwise be required due to a later nitrogen-only field application.

Method of Making

(18) The non-aqueous solution is generally produced by dissolving at least one plant growth regulator in at least one polar and semi-polar organic solvent and either mixing at room temperature or at a temperature up to the boiling point of the polar and semi-polar organic solvent, more preferably below 120° C. and most preferably below 100° C. It is believed that heating the hormones in the polar and/or semi-polar organic solvent up to 120° C. will not significantly degrade the plant growth regulators.

Application to Plants

(19) In a preferred embodiment, the non-aqueous solution is combined with water prior to application to the plant (e.g. within a few hours of application to the plant) to provide a water-diluted composition. The amount of water added to the non-aqueous solution depends on the required concentration of the active ingredients needed to regulate plant growth as known to those of skill in the art.

(20) In a more preferred embodiment of the methods of the present invention, a water-diluted composition of the non-aqueous solution of the plant growth regulator is applied to the roots, foliage, flowers or fruits of a plant after planting. While application to the roots or tubers prior to planting or by soil application after planting, may produce the best results in some circumstances, in others, application to the foliage may be preferred. The specific crop and the desired result must be taken into account when selecting an application method. The non-aqueous solution and/or water-diluted composition including the non-aqueous solution may be applied using conventional irrigation or spray equipment.

(21) The method preferably includes the application of the non-aqueous solution of plant growth regulators, such as a cytokinin, to the foliage and/or flowers of plants at or about the time of the beginning of plant flowering (e.g., during meiosis and when pollen is about to enter dehiscence). The non-aqueous solution may be applied to the soil in any appropriate fashion, such as, for example, in an opened furrow near the plant roots, which furrow may subsequently be closed. It may also be applied with various forms of irrigation, such as overhead or drip tape, or furrow irrigation, among others. Application of agricultural chemicals may be accomplished in any of several ways well known to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to, foliar applications, soil applications, irrigation applications, etc. In a preferred method of the invention, the non-aqueous solution is readied and applied to the roots of growing plants, or via the soil in which the plants are growing, through drip irrigation. Other fertigation-type application methods that may be employed include, but are not limited to, broadcasting (e.g. conventional irrigation) and other types of placement application (e.g. side dressing; microjets, etc.). Broadcast application is an acceptable method, if sufficient irrigation is permitted to wash the non-aqueous solution from the foliage and above-ground tissues of the plants and into the soil/roots.

(22) The present invention includes seeds, seed pieces, dry fertilizer, talc, gypsum or tubers for producing plants having dispersed on the surface thereof a phytohormone, e.g., an auxin or other PGR, in an amount effective to alter plant architecture as explained above, but in an amount insufficient to negatively affect growth of the plant tissues. When applied as a non-aqueous solution, the non-aqueous solution containing the plant growth regulator, e.g., an auxin or another PGR, may be sprayed on seeds or tubers using conventional spray equipment. Alternatively, the seeds, fertilizer, talc, gypsum or tubers may be immersed in a non-aqueous solution of the plant growth regulator. Seeds, fertilizers, talc, gypsum or tubers may be treated prior to planting by spraying with or by immersion in such non-aqueous solutions.

(23) The preferred method of applying PGRs may be along with a boron-containing solution. Boron will stabilize the auxin in plant tissues to which such solutions are applied. The application of a metal or metalloid, preferably boron, together with the PGR extends the effective life of the PGR, thus permitting longer times between repeat applications. Additionally, boron has been reported to have insecticidal, fungicidal and bacteriocidal activities. Accordingly, it is believed that application of PGRs, together with boron, will improve the effect of the PGR in suppressing insect and pathogen infestation in plants.

(24) Preferably, but optionally, a low concentration of potassium is also applied together with the plant growth regulator to enhance the effects of the plant hormone. Potassium, if applied with the cytokinin, is preferably applied at very low concentrations between about ¼ lb. to about 2 lbs. per acre, more preferably between about ½ lb. to about 1½ lbs. per acre, and most preferably about 1 lb. per acre.

(25) While the methods of the present invention may be used with substantially all plants, they are particularly useful when applied to crop plants, e.g., dry beans, soy beans, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, corn, cotton, canola, wheat and the like.

(26) In a first step of applying the non-aqueous solution to the plants, the plant hormone is readied for application to the plants to be treated. The plant hormone is preferably applied to the plants in a non-aqueous solution. Therefore, readying the plant hormone may include one or more of the following activities: diluting the non-aqueous solution of the plant hormone with sufficient amounts of solvent to create the desired concentration of plant hormone, adding low concentrations of minerals and/or other fertilizers to the diluted solution to enhance the effects of the applied plant hormone, loading the non-aqueous solution of the plant hormone (with or without minerals and/or fertilizers) into a sprayer or tank for subsequent application to the plants to be treated, calibrating the sprayer or dosing applicator to meter the desired amount of the solution of the plant hormone to the plants to be treated and transporting the solution of the plant hormone (with or without minerals and/or fertilizers) the location of the plants to be treated.

(27) As provided in International Publication No. WO 2005/021715, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference, auxin level may be manipulated within a desired range by application of a plant growth regulator or phytohormone, e.g., cytokinin or gibberellic acid.

(28) International Publication No. WO 2012135366 and US Publication No. US20120295788, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference, teach exogenous application to the plant canopy (i.e. leaves and flowers) of the plant growth regulator/phytohormone cytokinin. Additionally, the application of low concentrations of potassium along with the cytokinin has been found to substantially increase the effect of the cytokinin.

EXAMPLES

(29) Tables 2-4 and 6-8 shows Stability Studies for kinetin, IBA, and GA3 in the products identified in further detail below. The EPA Guidelines on Stability that issued on Nov. 16, 2012 to the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) relating to “Accelerated Storage Stability and Corrosion Characteristics Study Protocol” were followed. As provided in the EPA Guidelines, accelerated storage stability can be used to fulfill EPA data requirements. OPP has determined that this study, conducted for 14 days at an elevated temperature (54° C.), provides adequate data in certain circumstances to allow EPA to make a regulatory finding regarding the stability of the product and the effect of the formulation on the product packaging.

(30) The products evaluated in the Accelerated Storage Stability Testing include the Active Ingredients is supplied in Tables 1 and 5 below. Table 5 lists the active ingredient in a non-aqueous solution of propylene glycol as the solvent, which contains less than 0.5 wt. % water, in accordance with the present invention. The stability data compares the non-aqueous solution of the plant hormones in accordance with the present invention (referred to in this Example as “Organic”). Specifically, the non-aqueous solutions were formulated with propylene glycol as the solvent instead of water with less than 0.5% water in the solution. Propylene glycol is an acceptable solvent since it is considered a low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) in some areas. A low VOC is defined in this invention as a compound with a vapor pressure less than 0.1 mm Hg at 20° C. The vapor pressure of propylene glycol is 0.08 mm Hg at 20° C. As can be seen in the Tables, the plant hormones retained their stability the best in the Organic, i.e. non-aqueous solutions, formulated with propylene glycol as the solvent in accordance with the present invention. Tables 2 and 6 show the stability of Kinetin in the various compositions at 0, 7 and 14 days. Tables 3 and 7 show the stability of IBA in the various compositions at 0, 7 and 14 days. Tables 4 and 8 show the stability of GA3 in the various compositions at 0, 7, and 14 days.

(31) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Kinetin IBA GA.sub.3 EPA EPA EPA EPA EPA EPA Label Label Label Label Label Label Label (max) (min) Label (max) (min) Label (max) (min) #1 0.090% 0.099% 0.081% 0.050% 0.0550% 0.0450% 0.050% 0.0550% 0.0450% #2 0.009% 0.010% 0.008% 0.005% 0.0055% 0.0045% 0.005% 0.0055% 0.0045% #3 0.15% 0.165% 0.135% 0.85% 0.9350% 0.7650% #4 (Aq) 0.09% 0.045% 0.03% #5 (Aq) 0.09% 0.050% 0.05%

(32) The product's provided in Table 1 correspond to the following labels indicated below: #1—Plant Growth Regulators 10× #2—Plant Growth Regulators 1× #3—Plant Growth Regulator #4—Competitors (3 yr. old) #5—Plant Growth Regulator 1× (Aqueous)

(33) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Kinetin Stability data 0 days 7 days 14 days #1 100.0% 98.0% 96.9% #2 100.0% 109.1% 100.0% #3 100.0% 102.9% 100.7% #4 14.2% 17.2% 16.2% #5 100.0% 83.2% 68.9%

(34) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 IBA Stability data 0 days 7 days 14 days #1 100.0% 91.7% 89.6% #2 100.0% 98.0% 98.0% #3 100.0% 98.7% 100.0% #4 73.1% 64.9% 61.6% #5 100.0% 94.0% 89.4%

(35) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 GA3 Stability data 0 days 7 days 14 days #1 100.0% 92.3% 88.7% #2 100.0% 95.9% 95.9% #4 0.3% 1.3% 1.3% #5 100.0% 0.0% 0.0%

(36) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Solvent Kinetin IBA GA.sub.3 (Polar/Semi-Polar) Mineral #6 0.095 0.047 0.11 Polyethylene Glycol 200 None #7 0.095 0.047 0.07 Polyethylene Glycol 400 None #8 0.090 0.05 0.05 Isopropanol None #9 0.100 0 0 Ethyl Lactate/Glycerol None #10 0 0 7.5 Propylene Glycol None #11 0 0 15 Propylene Glycol None #12 0 0 20 Propylene Glycol None #13 0.085 0.04 0.065 Propylene Glycol 1.2% MnCl.sub.2 #14 0.09 0.04 0.07 Propylene Glycol 5% BMZ #15 0.085 0.04 0.055 Propylene Glycol 2.5% BMZ *BMZ = Stoller Mixrite BMZ: 0.9% B, 0.5% Mo, 4.5% Mn, 10.0% Zn

(37) TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Kinetin Stability Data 0 days 7 days 14 days #6 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% #7 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% #8 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% #9 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% #13 100.0% 96.1% 87.6% #14 100.0% 100.2% 98.6% #15 100.0% 95.9% 85.5%

(38) TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 IBA Stability Data 0 days 7 days 14 days #6 100.0% 99.6% 96.6% #7 100.0% 98.5% 95.5% #8 100.0% 97.2% 95.0% #9 100.0% 103.6% 103.6% #13 100.0% 51.0% 0.0% #14 100.0% 97.4% 93.0% #15 100.0% 63.2% 52.4%

(39) TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 GA.sub.3 Stability Data 0 days 7 days 14 days #6 100.0% 100.2% 97.2% #7 100.0% 98.9% 99.3% #8 100.0% 100.5% 101.1% #9 100.0% 98.3% 91.7% #10 100.0% 98.9% 101.3% #11 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% #12 100.0% 100.6% 99.9% #13 100.0% 95.4% 95.5% #14 100.0% 92.9% 83.3% #15 100.0% 100.0% 90.9%

(40) The present non-aqueous solution of plant growth regulators (PGRs), such as auxins and gibberellins, in a polar or semi-polar organic solvent have been shown to have increased stability compared to aqueous-based compositions. The increased stability makes the non-aqueous solution more effective in improving the growth and productivity of plants by altering plant architecture as explained above. Significantly, these improvements have been achieved without the use of environmentally hazardous chemicals. The methods to the present invention achieve these improvements by applying naturally occurring or synthetic plant hormones to adjust the phytohormone levels and ratios within the plant tissues to produce the desired results.

(41) Although the present invention has been disclosed in terms of a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that numerous additional modifications and variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.