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

• US 8,034,744 B2
• Filed: 12/08/2003
• Issued: 10/11/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/08/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Agquam LLC
• Original Assignee: Agquam LLC
• Inventors: Parrish, Scott K
• Primary Examiner(s): PAK, JOHN D
• Application Number:
  US10/728,419
• Publication Number:
  US 20050124494A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,864 Days
• Field of Search: 504/123, 504/127, 504/142, 504/163, 504/165, 504/171, 504/175, 504/182, 504/187, 504/188, 504/208, 504/320
• US Class Current: 504/165
• 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 method for increasing the efficiency and efficacy of phosphonic compounds in controlling cotton plant defoliation and boll opening, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) preparing a concentrate composition consisting essentially of a mixture of

(i) 1% to 40% phosphoric acid;

(ii) 10% to 20% of one or more phosphonic compounds, wherein said phosphonic compound is selected from the group consisting of 2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid and salts of (2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid; and

(iii) one or more surface active agent selected from the group consisting of calcium lignin sulfonate, polyoxyethyleneoctylphenol ether, naphthalene sulfonic acids, naphthalene sulfonic acid salts, fatty alcohol sulfates, substituted benzenesulfonic acids, and substituted benzenesulfonic acid salts;

wherein the phosphoric acid is present in sufficient amount to buffer a diluted application solution of said concentrate composition to a pH between 2 and 4;

(b) mixing said concentrate composition of step (a) with water to form an application solution, wherein the application solution has a buffered pH between 2 and 4; and

(c) applying said application solution formed in step (b) to a cotton plant in an amount effective to increase the efficiency and efficacy of the one or more phosphonic compounds in controlling cotton plant defoliation and boll opening.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the boll opening efficiency of the compound is increased.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the defoliation efficiency of the compound is increased.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the rate of application is 3 to 30 gallons per acre.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the application solution formed in step (b) further includes one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of a wetting agent, an emulsifier, a solvent and a surface active agent.