Non-aqueous solution of plant-growth regulator(s) and polar and/or semi-polar organic solvent(s)
Inventors
Stoller, Jerry H. • Sheth, Ritesh
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12501896-B2
Publication Date
2025-12-23
Expiration Date
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.
Core Innovation
The disclosure describes a non-aqueous plant growth regulator solution comprising phytohormones including indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), kinetin, and gibberellic acid (GA3). The solution uses a solvent system based on polyethylene glycol, with water present only as a limited fraction, and polyethylene glycol and the limited amount of water are the only solvents present in the solution.
The problem addressed is storage stability of plant hormones in solution, with aqueous controls used for comparison and non-aqueous organic solvent formulations showing improved retention. The disclosure states experimental stability testing under EPA accelerated storage conditions and evaluates retention of kinetin, IBA, and GA3, indicating that limiting water and using the specified polyethylene glycol solvent system improves stability of the PGR actives over the testing period.
The disclosure further indicates preferred combinations and concentration ranges of kinetin, GA3, and IBA within a non-aqueous formulation. It also describes optional inclusions such as surfactants, preservatives, and uptake-assist minerals, and provides documented stability data across multiple formulations that include different organic solvent systems and water/mineral additives, including comparisons against aqueous control formulations.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides one independent claim, directed to a specific multi-hormone solution composition. The independent claim includes four inventive features: defined concentration ranges for IBA, kinetin, and GA3; a solvent comprising polyethylene glycol; water limited to less than 1 wt.%; and a solvent-limitation requirement that polyethylene glycol and the limited water are the only solvents present.
Multi-hormone concentrations in a non-aqueous solution
A solution comprising from about 0.005 to about 0.05 wt. % indole-3-butyric acid; from 0.009 to 0.15 wt. % kinetin; and from about 0.005 to about 0.11 wt. % gibberellic acid (GA3).
Polyethylene glycol solvent system
A solvent comprising polyethylene glycol.
Limited water amount
Less than 1 wt. % water.
Solvent limitation: polyethylene glycol and limited water only
Wherein said polyethylene glycol and said less than 1 wt. % water are the only solvents present in said solution.
Across the independent claim, the inventive scope is centered on a polyethylene-glycol-based, essentially non-aqueous formulation containing defined concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid, kinetin, and GA3, with water restricted to less than 1 wt.% and restricted as the only additional solvent.
Stated Advantages
Improved retention of kinetin, IBA, and GA3 stability in non-aqueous organic solvent formulations compared with aqueous controls.
At least 90% activity retention after 14 days of Accelerated Storage Stability Testing.
Documented Applications
Enhancement of crop, seed, and plant architecture, including effects such as branching and stem internode length, and root development.
Thicker leaves, photosynthetic capacity, and sugar production are described in connection with plant growth regulator use.
Fruit initiation, sizing, and retention are described.
Use for applying to roots, foliage, flowers, and fruits, and use in fertigation and drip irrigation are described.
Seeds and tubers pre-treatment is described.
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