Compositions comprising a phosphonic compound, and acids as methods for plant growth and regulatory effects

• US 20050124494A1
• Filed: 12/08/2003
• Published: 06/09/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/08/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Agquam LLC
• Original Assignee: Agquam LLC
• Inventors: Parrish, Scott K.
• Granted Patent: US 8,034,744 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 504/116.100
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 2300/00 Combinations or mixtures of active ingredients covered by classes A01N27/00 - A01N65/48 with other active or formulation relevant ingredients, e.g. specific carrier materials or surfactants, covered by classes A01N25/00 - A01N65/48
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 57/20 containing acyclic or cycloaliphatic radicals
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 59/00 Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing elements or inorganic compounds
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 59/26 Phosphorus; Compounds thereof

Abstract

It has been shown that the formulation of phosphonic compound (ethephon) with sulfuric acid increases the efficacy and efficiency of ethephon and the speed of the effect of the ethephon. It was theorized that the effect that is shown by the mixture of ethephon and sulfuric acid could be achieved using another acid. The effect was demonstrated using muratic acid. All acids that reduce the pH of the spray carrier are claimed in this patent as synergist for phosphonic acid compounds such as ethephon.

Claims

1. A composition formed by mixing (a) an acid with (b) phosphonic compounds. Acids in group (a) include, but are not limited to:

hydrochloric, muratic, nitric, phosphoric, phosphorous, poly phosphoric, perchloric, citric and acetic acids. Phosphonic compounds in group (b) are selected from but not limited by the group consisting of (2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid and salts of (2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid.

2. A method for increasing the efficiency and efficacy of a phosphonic compounds (b) in controlling vegetation, the method comprising the step of applying to the vegetation a composition formed by mixing acids (a) a phosphonic compounds (b) and applying mixture to target plant foliage.

3. The method of claim 2 where the defoliation efficiency of the compound is increased.

4. The method of claim 2 where the plant growth regulator efficiency of the compound is increased.

5. The method of claim 2 where the growth inhibition efficiency of the compound is increased.

6. The method of claim 2 where the vegetation is cotton and the boll opening efficiency of the compound is increased.

7. The method of claim 2 where the vegetation is cotton and the defoliation efficiency of the compound is increased.

8. The method of claim 2 where the plant height stunting efficiency of the compound is increased.

9. The method of claim 2 where 2% volume to volume of the acid is applied with phosphonic compounds to the target plant which includes:

apples, barley, blackberries, bromeliads, cantaloupes, cherries, coffee, cotton, cranberries, cucumbers, figs, filberts, grapes, guava, lemons, Macadamia nuts, ornamentals, peppers, pineapples, rye, squash, tangerines, tangerine hybrids, tobacco, tomatoes, walnuts, wheat, rape, corn, flax, maize, oranges, peaches, rubber, and sugarcane.