Composition for use in reducing pod shatter

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a composition for physiologically inhibiting pod shattering and to a method using the composition.

Background to the Invention

The crop plants oilseed rape and canola (Brassica napus and Brassica rapa) are important sources of seed-derived oils in Europe, North America, Australasia and elsewhere, the oils being used extensively in the food industry and for biodiesel production. Oilseed rape is a recently domesticated plant and retains some of the traits of its wild ancestors which were useful as a wild plant but not as a commercial crop, including the splitting of the fruit (silique or "seed pod") when mature in order to effect seed dispersal.

In brassicas such as oilseed rape, two valves of a silique are fused to a central replum via a valve margin. This structure facilitates pod opening and the release of seeds. The splitting of the two valves of the silique results in shedding of the seeds and is called pod shattering. This process can occur before the crop is harvested and leads to average seed yield losses of 20-25 % and up to 70 , as well as a concomitant fall in oil content of the harvested seeds.

Pod shattering is also exhibited by other brassica crops such as mustard, radish and turnip rape and by legumes such as pea, bean, clover, soybean as well as some other seed crops, for example, linseed.

Anything which delays harvesting increases risk of shattering losses, i.e. ripening variation within crop, lodging, poor weather at harvesting or drought during crop growth. The first- formed pods are most susceptible to shattering. These pods will be the most mature and will shatter first. Some of the negative consequences of pod shattering in, for example, oilseed rape are that more of the seeds harvested will be low in oil content which will result in a reduced price being paid to the farmer for the seed. Furthermore, steps are routinely taken to accelerate and synchronise pod maturity by killing the crop by windrowing or with a desiccant (usually a herbicide), but this has the added problem of generating a seed sample with a higher than acceptable percentage of green seeds which negatively affects oil quality and can lead to rejection of the seed sample. Additionally, late herbicide (i.e. desiccant) applications to crops increase the risk of detectable herbicide residues in harvested seed grain, potentially leading to breaches of maximum residue limits.

Flowering and hence pod formation in oilseed rape and other pod-forming crops is not synchronised. The lower pods on the main stem of an oilseed rape plant ripen first and have the highest oil content. Delaying harvesting (direct or after windrowing) until all the pods are mature runs the risk of the early-formed pods, i.e. those pods having the highest oil content, shattering before or during harvesting, with loss of seed, resulting in reduced seed yield and oil content.

Apart from direct losses of income from reduced seed yield and reduced price paid for low oil content seeds, pod shattering also results in additional indirect costs to the grower. The shed seed results in self-sown ("volunteer") oilseed rape plants growing in the next year's crop, which creates further expense due to the need for increased herbicide use. Such self-sown oilseed rape plants cause losses due to competition with subsequent crop and cause problems for farmers using reduced-tillage strategies such as no-till, zone-till, and strip tillage. Additionally, the self-sown plants provide food and shelter for slugs, which become a greater problem in the following crop, requiring increased molluscicide usage and resulting in reduced seed yields.

Commercial products for reducing pod shattering include pod sticker and pod sealant agents. These commercial products work by physically preventing the valves from separating, either by gluing the valves together or by forming a lattice around the pods. For example, US 4,447,984 discloses pod sticker agents based on pine resin, with the active ingredients being pinolene products based on di-l-/?-menthene and US2013/0061520 teaches low-viscosity carboxymethyl cellulose for sealing pods. Other more recent products of these types include "Iskay" (Interagro UK; carboxylated styrene- butadiene co-polymer preparation), "Pod-Stik" (DeSangosse; latex polymer) and "Pod- Ceal" (Miller Chemical and Fertiliser Corporation, USA; cyclohexane polymers). However, pod sticker and pod sealant agents, which are contact in action, need to be applied when all the pods are near fully formed as their action is to coat the pods. This limits the application date of these products to within 6 weeks of harvest at the latest. It also means that high- volume spraying is necessary to reach all the pods, particularly in dense canopies. Side effects arise with commercial products incorporating pine resin, such as stickiness of the coating. The pod shattering reducing effect also wears off with time and can be dependent on weather conditions.

Other strategies used by growers to reduce pod shatter losses include physical and chemical desiccation. Physical desiccation entails windrowing or swathing, which involves cutting mature crop and allowing it to dry before harvesting the seed. Chemical desiccation involves spraying the crop just before maturity with contact herbicides such as diquat or the systemic herbicide glyphosate. Desiccation before maturity accelerates senescence but results in smaller seeds, lower oil content and possibly reduced oil quality as a result of excessive green seeds in the sample.

Pods need to be mature at harvest to achieve minimal green seed content. On the other hand, it is not appropriate to delay the harvest date because this could result in the crop being ready for harvest during poorer weather conditions which restricts the grower from harvesting the crop.

Considerable effort is being extended to develop shattering tolerant oilseed rape cultivars using conventional or genetic modification methodologies, but to date this has been without success.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a composition and method that seek to alleviate the aforementioned problems.

Statements of Invention

Thus according to a first aspect, the invention provides a composition for inhibiting pod shattering, the composition comprising a salt of phosphorous acid. When applied to the growing plant, the composition according to the invention physiologically inhibits the splitting of the two valves of the pod. As a result, there is less premature pod shattering and more seed remains on the plant for harvest, resulting in increased seed yield. Treatment of plants with the composition maximises the recovery of the first-formed seeds and hence maximises the oil content of the seeds. Furthermore, there is a wider window of application, so that the composition according to the invention can be applied before pods are formed, unlike pod stickers or sealants.

The salt of phosphorous acid is preferably selected from among potassium, ammonium, sodium, aluminium, calcium, copper, zinc and magnesium salt and mixtures thereof. However, the salt of phosphorous acid is not limited to these particular salts. Any agriculturally acceptable salts of phosphorous acid are included within the scope of the invention.

The salts of phosphorous acid are commonly referred to as phosphites, also known as phosphonates, for example potassium hydrogen phosphonate (KH2PO3), dipotassium phosphonate (K2HPO3), ammonium phosphite ((NH4)2HP03), (NH4)H2P03)), sodium phosphite (Na2HP03), aluminium phosphite (Al2(HP03)3), calcium phosphite (CaHP03), copper (I)phosphite (Οι¾¾Ρθ3), copper(II)phosphite (Cu¾IP03)2), zinc phosphite (ZnHP03), magnesium phosphite (MgHP03), or mixtures thereof.

Phosphite is known to induce resistance against crop pathogens which are caused by oomycetes. Oomycete diseases of oilseed rape include downy mildew, white rust and damping off. This effect is unrelated to the unexpected pod shatter reduction effect which is the subject of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises approximately 1 to 25 % w/v phosphonates, preferably 12 % w/v.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition comprises 12 % w/v potassium phosphonates. Preferably, the composition according to the invention is aqueous.

Unlike sticker and sealant agents, the effect of the composition according to the invention does not wear off with time as it is an internal, rather than external effect. As a result, the potential reduction in pod shattering is greater than with sticker and sealant agents.

Adjuvants which can be mixed with agrochemicals to increase their efficacy include spreaders (which reduce the surface tension to improve uptake of the agrochemical) such as organosilicones, fatty amine ethoxylates, alkylaryl ethoxylates and alcohol alkoxylates and stickers (which increase the period of rainfastness of the agrochemical) such as aapoe. Adjuvants work on the interaction between the leaf/pod surface (epidermis) and the agrochemical. The known pod sticker and sealant products also work on the outside of the pod, so adjuvants may interfere with the effectiveness of the sticker/sealant. Furthermore, the prescribed application date of pod stickers and sealants before desiccant application may result in the treatment preventing uptake of the desiccant into the plant. Unlike the known external products, the composition according to the invention can be mixed with adjuvants such as spreaders to increase efficacy.

The composition according to the invention reduces pod shattering in all crops which produce pods which dehisce. Dehiscence is the splitting at maturity along a natural line of weakness in a plant structure in order to release its contents. Plants which dehisce include oilseed rape (spring and winter varieties) and other brassica crops such as mustard, radish and turnip rape; linseed, and legumes such as field pea, lupin and field bean. Of these, oilseed rape is by far the most economically important crop.

Oilseed rape can be further segregated into double low varieties, high erucic acid rape (HEAR) varieties and high oleic, low linolenic fatty acid profile (HO, LL) varieties. Double low varieties are the most commonly grown in Ireland and typically have oil content of 43- 44%. Double low varieties are grown for the food market and have low erucic acid content, less than 2% of measured fatty acid and low glucosinolates with less than 35 mmol/kg in the meal. HEAR varieties are more specialised and are generally grown for specialist markets including bio-fuels and are regarded as non-food crops. HO, LL varieties are healthier for human consumption and have high stable oil for the food processing industry.

Another major field crop which can benefit is soybean which suffers from pod shattering in tropical climates or where cycles of drying and wetting occur. This phenomenon is expected to become more important as climate change takes hold. One of the major pathogens of soybean is Phytophthora sojae, an oomycete, which causes root and stem rot of soybean and increased resistance to this disease is expected to occur as a side-effect of applying the composition of the present invention to soybean crops.

Without being bound by theory, the applicants believe that the composition according to the invention works by preventing dehiscence of the two valves of the silique. Plants sprayed as early as first flower, i.e. before the pods form, produce pods which are much less susceptible to pod shattering.

A broad range of plants may be treated with the compositions described herein. In particular, Brassica, Glycine, Pisum, Raphanus, Sinapis, Gossypium and Vigna plants may be treated.

Preferred plants to which the composition according to the invention may be applied are crop plants in which it is desired to inhibit dehiscence.

Particularly preferred plants to which the composition according to the invention may be applied are members of the Brassicaceae, such as rapeseed, or a member of the Fabaceae, such as a soybean, pea, lentil or bean plant.

The Fabaceae encompass both grain legumes such as soybean (glycine), pea, chickpea, moth bean, broad bean, kidney bean, lima bean, lentil, cowpea, dry bean and peanut and forage legumes such as alfalfa, lucerne, birdsfoot trefoil, clover, stylosanthes species and sainfoin. Preferred crop plants are those of the Brassicaceae family, in particular Brassica species selected from Brassica napus, Brassica oleracea, Brassica campestris (Brassica rapa), Brassica juncea, Brassica nigra and Brassica carinata. The composition according to the invention is most appropriate for treatment of brassica crops grown for their seed, such as napus, nigra, juncea, carinata, as well as for production of brassica seed for propagation.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides a method for inhibiting pod shattering or increasing grain yield in a plant, the method comprising the application of a composition as described herein to a growing plant. Increasing grain yield should be understood to mean an increase in the yield of grain obtained from the treated plant compared with an untreated control plant.

By growing plant is meant a plant which is in a growth stage selected from among the vegetative stages of rosette stage, bud stage and the reproductive stages of flower, ripening and maturation, preferably from rosette stage to green pod stage.

The composition according to the invention is systemic in action thus a low-volume application is possible and can be applied from first open flower onward, before pods are produced, giving a much wider window of application. Many growers do not like to spray oilseed rape crops close to maturity because of the risk of physical disturbance of the crop such as damage to leaves and stems by machinery causing increased pod shattering. Also the large leaf canopy of crops close to maturity requires higher volume sprays.

The composition is typically applied to growing plants. Preferably, the composition is applied at one or more of the following three stages of growth according to the BBCH- scale (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemical Industry; Lancashire et al.,1991): Four leaf stage (BBCH-14), second internode stage (BBCH-32), and first flower opened stage (BBCH-60). However, application of the composition may occur at any other principal growth stage according to the BBCH scale, e.g. any of stages 10-19, 21-29, 31-39, 40-49, 51-59 and 60-69 Particularly preferably, the composition is applied at each of the four leaf stage (BBCH-14), second internode stage (BBCH-32) and first flower opened stage (BBCH-60). For soybean plants, the composition is preferably applied at each of the four leaf stage (BBCH-14), 3rd side shoot of first order visible stage (BBCH-24) and first flower opened stage (BBCH-60). For gossypium plants the composition is preferably applied at each of the four leaf stage (BBCH-14), 50% of plants meet between rows stage (BBCH- 35) and first flower opened stage (BBCH-60) and particularly preferably when the pods have attained their final size stage, preferably when 50 % of pods have attained their final size (BBCH-75).

Alternatively, or additionally, the composition is applied at a growth stage of green pod, when 50% of pods are ripe (BBCH-85). This can be done when farmers do not only want to use the composition prophylactically, but when conditions look to be conducive to pod shattering.

Preferred application techniques include foliar spray, soil drench and pre or in furrow seed treatment.

The compositions and methods of the present invention can be used to reduce pod shatter and seed loss, while maintaining at the same time an agronomically relevant threshability of the pods, enabling the pods to be opened along the dehiscence zone by applying physical force via the thresher.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides a composition for inhibiting pod shattering, the composition comprising a salt of phosphorous acid and a biostimulant selected from among seaweed products, amino acids, chitin, chitosan, humic acids and mixtures thereof.

By seaweed product is meant seaweed meal (crushed and dried fresh seaweed), powdered seaweed extract and liquid seaweed extract.

In a preferred embodiment, the biostimulant is a seaweed product which also functions as a non-phytotoxic spreader or a non-phytotoxic penetrant adjuvant, preferably a spreader and a penetrant adjuvant. Spreaders reduce the surface tension to improve uptake of agrochemicals.

When applied to the growing plant, the composition according to the invention physiologically inhibits the splitting of the two valves of the pod. As a result, there is less premature pod shattering and more seed remains on the plant for harvest, resulting in increased seed yield. Treatment of plants with the composition maximises the recovery of the first-formed seeds and hence maximises the oil content of the seeds. Furthermore, there is a wider window of application, so that the composition according to the invention can be applied before pods are formed, unlike pod stickers or sealants.

Preferably, the biostimulant is seaweed extract. By seaweed extract is meant seaweed which has been converted into liquid form. Seaweed has a complex algal plant structure. The extract may be in the form of a solution, colloid or suspension. Preferably, the extract is obtained by a cell disruption technique which releases the minerals and bioactive substances from the seaweed. These techniques include hydrolysis such as alkaline hydrolysis, aqueous hydrolysis, acidic hydrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis, mechanical milling, cell bursting, cryo-crushing and ultrasonics. Preferably, the seaweed extract is produced by hydrolysis.

In alkaline hydrolysis seaweed material (fresh, chopped or in dry milled powder form) is placed into an extraction vessel with water and an alkaline salt such as potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide and heated with agitation, using steam injection, under pressure to break down the cell wall structure of the seaweed. The mixture is preferably heated at a temperature of from 90 - 140 °C, preferably 110 °C.

The seaweed extract arising from alkaline hydrolysis is a dark brown/black liquid having a pH in the range of from 8.5 to 10. This pH range can be adjusted to neutral and lower values by adding citric or phosphoric acid. At high concentrations the product is viscous. Lowering the pH can tend to increase the viscosity. Preferably, the liquid seaweed extract contains 9 % to 50 % solids. Alternatively, it may be concentrated to a soluble powder containing 90 % - 95 % solids.

Aqueous hydrolysis is also known as neutral hydrolysis and is carried out in water, preferably under reflux, at neutral pH without the addition of any chemicals to produce a light brown liquid having a neutral pH value. Pressure differential cell burst involves the rupturing of the cell structure through the sudden reduction in pressure of the seaweed, typically at room temperature. Once removed from the fibrous material, the extract is a low viscosity green coloured liquid. To help maintain the green colour and prevent browning stabilising agents are typically added to maintain stability of the liquid. The liquid product typically contains 3 % - 5 % solids and the pH is typically in the 4.0 to 6.0 range. If required, the liquid product is preferably concentrated to produce an extract containing up to 30 % solids.

Cryo-crushing uses a very low temperature (e.g. -60 °C) to freeze chopped fresh seaweed before it is milled to obtain very small particles (e.g. less than 50 micron). At this size the cell wall is physically smashed and the 'cream' fraction is separated from the fibrous material to give a green extract with a pH in the neutral range and a solids level of about 16 %.

Ultrasonic radiation uses a combination of micronisation (particle size reduction to 200 micron or above) and cell disruption using ultrasonics to rupture the cell walls. The liquid/cream is separated from the fibrous material and is preferably concentrated to 6 % to 14 % solids.

In an alternative embodiment, the biostimulant is seaweed meal in the form of a suspension of milled seaweed.

Alternatively, or additionally, the biostimulant is selected from among amino acids, chitin, chitosan, humic acids and mixtures thereof. Preferred amino acids includ glycine, alanine, arginine, proline, glutamic, and aspartic acids.

Preferably, the pH of the biostimulant is in the range of from 6 to 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the biostimulant is an alkaline seaweed extract with a pH in the range of from 8.50 to 10.00.

Preferably, the biostimulant is soluble in water. Preferably, the seaweed extract is obtained from fresh seaweed.

Preferably, the seaweed extract contains up to 25 % organic matter, particularly preferably the seaweed extract contains organic matter in the range of from 18 to 22 %. Preferably, the organic matter is selected from polysaccharides (sulphated and non-sulphated) such as alginic acid, laminarin, fucoidan and ascophyllan, oligosaccharides derived therefrom, oligosaccharides based on component monosaccharides selected from among fucose, glucose, xylose, lyxose, ribose, arabinose, uronic acid, mannose, galactose, erythrose and threose and polyols such as mannitol.

The seaweed extract preferably contains one or more growth substances selected from among cytokinins, chemicals with cytokinin-like activity, auxins, chemicals with auxin-like activity, betaines, gibberellins, chemicals with gibberellin-like activity, polyphenols including tannins and phlorotannins and amino acids.

Preferably, the density of the seaweed extract is about 1 kg/1, particularly preferably, the density of the seaweed extract is in the range of from 1.10 to 1.25 kg/1. For example, the typical density of 24 % w/v extract is 1.114 to 1.125 kg/1 and the typical density of 50 % w/v extract is 1.235 to 1.245 kg/1.

The seaweed extract is preferably obtained by extraction of Saragassum, Durvillea, Ecklonia, Macrocystis, Ulva, Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus vesiculosus, Fucus serratus or Laminaria (e.g. Laminaria digitata or Laminaria hyperborea).

The seaweed extract is particularly preferably obtained by aqueous alkaline extraction of Ascophyllum nodosum.

The harvested seaweed is preferably washed with water to remove excess sand and is optionally chopped into smaller particles.

Advantageously, the seaweed is chopped prior to soaking, preferably into pieces of maximum dimension not exceeding 30 mm, particularly preferably into pieces of maximum dimension in the range of from 5 mm to 20 mm, especially 10 mm to 12 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the seaweed extract is obtained by soaking the seaweed for a time period in the range of 5 minutes to 60 minutes, particularly preferably in the range of 10 minutes to 45 minutes, e.g. approximately 20 minutes.

Advantageously, the extraction step, e.g. alkaline extraction step, is carried out at a temperature in the range of 90 °C to 140 °C, particularly preferably at a temperature of 110 °C.

The extraction step is preferably carried out at a pressure of at least 3 bar, particularly preferably at a pressure in the range of 3 bar to 6 bar, e.g. approximately 4 bar.

The extraction step is preferably carried out for a time period of at least 4 hours, particularly preferably in the range of 4 hours to 10 hours.

If alkaline extraction is used, the alkaline extraction step is preferably carried out with potassium carbonate (K2CO3).

The composition preferably comprises the extract of one or more of the following seaweeds: Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus vesiculosus, Fucus serratus, Laminaria digitata, Saragassum, Durvillea, Ecklonia, Macrocystis, Ulva, and Laminaria hyperborea.

Advantageously, the composition contains approximately 1 to 70 % Ascophyllum nodosum extract.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition comprises 33 % w/v Ascophyllum nodosum extract.

The salt of phosphorous acid is preferably selected from among potassium, ammonium, sodium, aluminium, calcium, copper, zinc and magnesium salt and mixtures thereof. However, the salt of phosphorous acid is not limited to these particular salts. Any agriculturally acceptable salts of phosphorous acid are included within the scope of the invention.

The salts of phosphorous acid are commonly referred to as phosphites, also known as phosphonates, for example potassium hydrogen phosphonate (KH2PO3), dipotassium phosphonate (K2HPO3), ammonium phosphite ((NH4)2HP03), (NH4)H2P03)), sodium phosphite (NaH2P03), aluminium phosphite (Al2(HP03)3), calcium phosphite (CaHP03), copper (I)phosphite (Cu½2P03), copper(II)phosphite (Cu¾IP03), zinc phosphite (ZnHP03), magnesium phosphite (MgHP03), or mixtures thereof.

Phosphite is known to induce resistance against crop pathogens which are caused by oomycetes. Oomycete diseases of oilseed rape include downy mildew, white rust and damping off. This effect is unrelated to the unexpected pod shatter reduction effect which is the subject of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises approximately 1 to 25 % w/v phosphonates.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition comprises 12 % w/v potassium phosphonates.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition according to the invention is aqueous.

Unlike sticker and sealant agents, the effect of the composition according to the invention does not wear off with time as it is an internal, rather than external effect. As a result, the potential reduction in pod shattering is greater than with sticker and sealant agents.

The composition according to the invention reduces pod shattering in all crops which produce pods which dehisce. Dehiscence is the splitting at maturity along a natural line of weakness in a plant structure in order to release its contents. Plants which dehisce include oilseed rape (spring and winter varieties) and other brassica crops such as mustard, radish and turnip rape; linseed and legumes such as field pea, lupin and field bean. Of these, oilseed rape is by far the most economically important crop.

Oilseed rape can be further segregated into double low varieties, high erucic acid rape (HEAR) varieties and high oleic, low linolenic fatty acid profile (HO, LL) varieties. Double low varieties are the most commonly grown in Ireland and typically have oil content of 43-44 %. Double low varieties are grown for the food market and have low erucic acid content, less than 2 % of measured fatty acid and low glucosinolates with less than 35 mmol/kg in the meal. HEAR varieties are more specialised and are generally grown for specialist markets including bio-fuels and are regarded as non-food crops. HO, LL varieties are healthier for human consumption and have high stable oil for the food processing industry.

Another major field crop which can benefit from treatment with the composition according to the invention is soybean which suffers from pod shattering in tropical climates or where cycles of drying and wetting occur. This phenomenon is expected to become more important as climate change takes hold. One of the major pathogens of soybean is Phytophthora sojae, an oomycete, which causes root and stem rot of soybean and increased resistance to this disease is expected to occur as a side-effect of applying the composition of the present invention to soybean crops.

Without being bound by theory, the applicants believe that the composition according to the invention works by preventing dehiscence of the two valves of the silique. Plants sprayed as early as first flower, i.e. before the pods form, produce pods which are much less susceptible to pod shattering.

A broad range of plants may be treated with the compositions described herein; in particular, Brassica, Glycine, Pisum, Raphanus, Sinapis, Gossypium and Vigna plants may be treated.

Preferred plants to which the composition according to the invention may be applied are crop plants in which it is desired to inhibit dehiscence

Particularly preferred plants to which the composition according to the invention may be applied are members of the Brassicaceae, such as rapeseed, or a member of the Fabaceae, such as a soybean, pea, lentil or bean plant.

The Fabaceae encompass both grain legumes such as soybean (Glycine), pea, chickpea, moth bean, broad bean, kidney bean, lima bean, lentil, cowpea, dry bean and peanut and forage legumes such as alfalfa, lucerne, birdsfoot trefoil, clover, stylosanthes species and sainfoin. Preferred crop plants are those of the Brassicaceae family, in particular Brassica species selected from Brassica napus, Brassica oleracea, Brassica campestris (Brassica rapa), Brassica juncea, Brassica nigra and Brassica carinata.

The composition according to the invention is most appropriate for treatment of brassica crops grown for their seed, such as napus, nigra, juncea, carinata, as well as for production of brassica seed for propagation.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides a method for inhibiting pod shattering, the method comprising the application of a composition as described herein to a growing plant.

By growing plant is meant a plant which is in a growth stage selected from among the vegetative stages of rosette stage, bud stage and the reproductive stages of flower, ripening and maturation, preferably from rosette stage to green pod stage.

The composition according to the invention is systemic in action thus a low-volume application is possible and can be applied from first open flower onward, before pods are produced, giving a much wider window of application. Many growers do not like to spray oilseed rape crops close to maturity because of the risk of physical disturbance of the crop such as damage to leaves and stems by machinery causing increased pod shattering. Also the large leaf canopy of crops close to maturity requires higher volume sprays.

The composition is applied to growing plants. Preferably, the composition is applied at one or more of the following three stages of growth according to the BBCH- scale (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemical Industry; Lancashire et al.,1991): trifoliate leaf on 4 node unfurled four leaf stage (BBCH-14), second internode stage (BBCH-32), and first flower opened stage (BBCH-60). However, application of the composition may occur at any other principal growth stage according to the BBCH scale, e.g. any of stages 10- 19, 21-29, 31-39, 40-49, 51-59 and 60-69. Particularly preferably, the composition is applied at each of the four leaf stage (BBCH-14), second internode stage (BBCH-32) and first flower opened stage (BBCH-60). For soybean plants, the composition is preferably applied at each of the four leaf stage (BBCH-14), 3rd side shoot of first order visible stage (BBCH-24) and first flower opened stage (BBCH-60). For gossypium plants the composition is preferably applied at each of the four leaf stage (BBCH- 14), 50% of plants meet between rows stage (BBCH-35) and first flower opened stage (BBCH-60), particularly preferably when the pods have attained their final size stage, preferably when 50 % of pods have attained their final size (BBCH-75).

Alternatively, or additionally, the composition is applied at a growth stage of green pod, when 50 % of pods are ripe (BCCH-85). This can be done when farmers do not only want to use the composition prophylactically, but when conditions look to be conducive to pod shattering.

Preferred application techniques include foliar spray, soil drench and pre- or in-furrow seed treatment.

The compositions and methods of the present invention can be used to reduce pod shatter and seed scattering, while maintaining at the same time an agronomically relevant threshability of the pods, enabling the pods to be opened along the dehiscence zone by applying physical force via the thresher.

In this specification, when the compositions comprise a salt of phosphorous acid and a biostimulant, the ratio of biostimulant: salt of phosphorous acid is typically 6: 1 to 1:3 (w/w). In one embodiment, the ratio of biostimulant: salt of phosphorous acid is typically 4: 1 to 1 : 1 (w/w) . In one embodiment, the ratio of biostimulant: salt of phosphorous acid is typically 3: 1 to 1:1 (w/w). In one embodiment, the ratio of biostimulant: salt of phosphorous acid is typically 1.5: 1 to 2.5: 1 (w/w). In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises 20-45% biostimulant (w/v). In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises 25-40% biostimulant (w/v). In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises 30-36% biostimulant (w/v). In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises 32-34% biostimulant (w/v). In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises 20-45% biostimulant (w/v).

In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises 2-30% salt of phosphorous acid (w/v). In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises 5-25% salt of phosphorous acid (w/v). In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises 10- 20% salt of phosphorous acid (w/v). In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises 15-20% salt of phosphorous acid (w/v). In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises 16-18% salt of phosphorous acid (w/v).

In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises 2-30% salt of phosphorous acid (w/v) and 20-45% biostimulant (w/v). In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises 15-20% salt of phosphorous acid (w/v) and 30-55% biostimulant (w/v).

In one embodiment, the biostimulant is an alkaline hydrolysate of seaweed. In one embodiment, the biostimulant is an alkaline hydrolysate of brown seaweed. In one embodiment, the biostimulant is an alkaline hydrolysate of ascophyllum nodosum brown seaweed.

In one embodiment, the salt of phosphorous acid is potassium phosphite. In one embodiment, the salt of phosphorous acid is FOSITEK K™.

In one embodiment, the composition is applied at a dosage of 0.1 to 10L composition per hectare. In one embodiment, the composition is applied at a dosage of 0.1 to 2L composition per hectare. In one embodiment, the composition is applied at a dosage of 0.2 to 2L composition per hectare. In one embodiment, the composition is applied at a dosage of 0.3 to 1.6L composition per hectare. In one embodiment, the composition is diluted in water prior to application, at a rate of 1L composition to 100 to 1000L water. In one embodiment, the composition is diluted in water prior to application, at a rate of 1L composition to 500 to 700L water. In one embodiment, the composition is diluted in water prior to application, at a rate of 1L composition to 550 to 650L water.

Brief Description of the Figures

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show one embodiment of the composition in accordance with the invention in which: -

Figure 1 is a graph showing the effect of a prior art composition on oilseed rape oil content (% dry weight);

Figure 2 is a graph showing the effect of a preferred composition according to the invention on oilseed rape seed yield;

Figure 3 is a graph showing the effect of a preferred composition according to the invention on oilseed rape oil content (% dry weight);

Figure 4 is a graph showing the effect of different concentrations of a preferred composition according to the invention on oilseed rape yield (0 % moisture content);

Figure 5 is a graph showing the effect of different concentrations of a preferred composition according to the invention on oil content (% dry weight);

Figure 6 is a graph showing the effect of a preferred composition according to the invention on Random Impact Test (RIT) and Visual Shattering Score (VSS);

Figure 7 is a graph showing the effect of a preferred composition according to the invention on Peak Force, Fracture Energy and Seed Damage; and

Figure 8 is a graph showing the effect of different concentrations of a preferred

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composition according to the invention on seed damage (%) and shed seed (seeds/m ). Detailed Description of the Invention Example 1

Preparation of preferred composition

Phosphorous (phosphonic) acid is neutralised in aqueous solution with potassium hydroxide to produce potassium hydrogen phosphonate (KH2PO3) and dipotassium phosphonate (K2HPO3). This composition is commonly referred to as potassium phosphite. Both salts are produced when phosphorous acid is neutralised in aqueous solution with potassium hydroxide according to the reactions:

H3PO3 + KOH = KH2PO3 + H20 and

KH2PO3 + KOH = K2HPO3 + H20

An aqueous solution containing 8.4 kg of potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate is added slowly with stirring to an aqueous solution containing 8.2 kg of phosphonic acid in a jacketed reaction vessel with constant cooling to produce a solution (30 litres) containing a mixture of approximately 8 kg of potassium hydrogen phosphonate an 7 kg of dipotassium phosphonate, i.e. containing approximately 50 % w/v dipotassium phosphonate.

Example 2

Treatment of spring oil seed rape

The solution according to Example 1 is used in a field trial is located near Grenfell, NSW,

Australia at a site characterised by Brown Clay Loamy soil with pH 5.1.

The field trial is constructed using a completely randomised design, 6 replicates per

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treatment with each plot measuring 100 - 150 m size, with 12.5 cm row spacing, with seeds (Goldcrop Delight seed variety) sown to a depth of 2.5 cm and a seeding rate of 4.0 kg/ha.The solution according to Example 1 is applied by spraying onto foliage at the following growth stages: Four leaf stage (BBCH-14), second internode (BBCH-32) and when the first flower opens (BBCH-60), at a rate of 1.5 litres per hectare in 600 litres of water. Control plots are sprayed with water.

The crops also receive standard fertiliser applications, pesticidal and fungicidal treatments. The crop is chemically desiccated before maturation (approximately 14 days before harvest) by applying a foliar spray of systemic herbicide glyphosate. At maturation, the plots are harvested directly with a combine harvester.

Foliar application with potassium phosphonate significantly increases grain yield when compared to the control.

Example 3

Effect of Ascophyllum nodosum extract on oilseed rape content

An aqueous alkaline extract of Ascophyllum nodosum was prepared using hand harvested Ascophyllum nodosum as follows:

The harvested Ascophyllum nodosum was fed into a hopper washed with seawater to remove any silt or sand. The washed seaweed was pulverised by a hammer mill and subsequently fed into heated rotary driers. The temperature applied to the seaweed was regulated to achieve sufficient evaporation of the surface and embedded water and to ensure the temperature of the seaweed reached 75 C. After 30 minutes in the rotary drier, the milled seaweed reached a moisture content of 12-14 % and was removed via suction lines to a fine milling plant where it was broken down further to seaweed meal.

750 kg of this Ascophyllum nodosum meal was placed into an extraction vessel with 6000 litres water and 150 kg potassium carbonate and heated at 110 °C with constant stirring for three hours. The mixture was then allowed cool to 50 °C and undissolved solids were separated out using a decanter and separator. The liquid extract was then concentrated to 50 % w/v by evaporation at 80 °C and - 0.5 bar vacuum.

The extract had the following characteristics:

Appearance: Dark brown/black liquid

Odour: Marine

Density: 1.235 - 1.245 kg/1

Dissolved Solids: 500 g/1

pH: 8.50 - 9.50

Solubility in water: 100 % soluble in water

Organic Matter: 8 - 22 %

The extract contained the following carbohydrates:

8-12 % Alginic Acid

1- 4 % Laminarin

2- 5 % Mannitol

2-5 % Other sugars

Figure 1 shows the effect of an aqueous composition which is an aqueous extract of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum on oilseed rape oil content (%). Three different plots of oilseed rape were analysed. The first plot (control plot) was not treated with the composition. Instead water was used. The second plot was treated with an application rate of 0.375 litres of extract diluted in 600 litres of water (0.25 % v/v)/hectare at three stages of growth: Four leaf stage (BBCH-14), second internode (BBCH-32) and when the first flower opened (BBCH-60). The third plot was treated with an application rate of 0.75 litres diluted in 600 litres of water (0.25 % v/v)/hectare at the same three stages of growth as the second plot.

As shown in Figure 1, treatment with the extract alone did not significantly improve the oilseed rape oil content. In data generated during 2012 (not shown) an increase in oil content of 5.8 % using the extract was observed compared to the control.

Example 4

Effect of a preferred composition according to the invention on oilseed rape yield and rape oil content

An aqueous solution containing 33 % w/v of the seaweed extract described above in Example 3 (Ascophyllum nodosum) and 12 % w/v potassium phosphonates was applied at an application rate of 1. 5 litres diluted in 600 litres of water/hectare to crops at the three stages of growth: Four leaf stage (BBCH-14), second internode (BBCH-32) and when the first flower opened (BBCH-60).

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the yield of seeds per square metre was increased by 57 % in plots treated as described above compared to untreated control plots and the oil content increased from 43.5 % to 45.4 %.

Additionally, average seed weight in the treated plots showed a 9 % increase compared to untreated controls. This suggests that the effect was due to reduced seed loss as a result of reduced pod shattering - the first-formed pods have the largest seeds and are the first to shatter, reducing seed number and mean seed weight.

Example 5

Cantilever bending tests to quantify pod shattering characteristics

The composition described above in Example 4 was applied at an application rate of 1. 5 litres diluted in 600 litres of water/hectare to crops at three stages of growth: Four leaf stage (BBCH-14), second internode stage (BBCH-32) and when the first flower opened stage (BBCH-60). In other plots, aqueous solutions of 33 % w/v seaweed extract {Ascophyllum nodosum) without phosphite were applied at an application rate of 0. 375 litres diluted in 600 litres of water/hectare and 0.75 litres diluted in 600 litres of water/hectare to crops at the same three stages of growth. The results are shown in Table 1.

The higher the force required to initiate opening, propagate cracking, the greater the shattering resistance, which is desirable. The higher the force required to open mature pods, the more damage will occur to the seeds during threshing, which is undesirable.

The results of Cantilever bending tests (performed according to the teaching of Kadkol et al., 1984) are shown in Table 1 below: One fully mature pod from the middle region of the main stem of each of ten replicate plants from each treatment was adjusted to approx. 8% moisture content. The response to loading of each pod was measured using a Universal Testing Instrument. Each pod was clamped at the junction between the pedicel and the siliqua and a metal wedge, mounted on the load cell of the instrument, was moved downwards at a point halfway along the length of the siliqua at a constant speed of 50 mm/min. The response of the siliqua to increasing force was recorded to produce a force-displacement response (FDR). Two deviations in the table were observed; the first represented the force to initiate pod opening while the second (the peak force in the FDR represented the force to propagate pod cracking, while the area under the FDR curve represented the energy to open mature pods.

Table 1: Effect of a preferred composition according to the invention and seaweed extract on pod shattering

Example 6

Effects of a preferred composition according to the invention and seaweed extract on oilseed rape yield

The composition described above in Example 4 was applied at an application rate of 1.5 litres diluted in 600 litres of water/hectare to crops at three stages of growth: Four leaf stage (BBCH-14), second internode (BBCH-32) and when the first flower opened (BBCH-60). In other plots, aqueous solutions of 33 % w/v seaweed extract (Ascophyllum nodosum) without phosphite were applied at an application rate of 0. 375 litres diluted in 600 litres of water/hectare and 0.75 litres diluted in 600 litres of water/hectare to crops at the same three stages of growth. The results are shown in Table 2. Seed yield was increased without affecting pod shattering. The composition of Example 4 increased seed yield as a result of reduced pod shattering.

Table 2: Effect on pod shattering

Treatment with the composition of Example 4 reduced pod shattering. The smaller effect of the extract of Example 3 was not significant.

In commercial fields, oilseed rape crops are desiccated before maturity, resulting in smaller seeds and lower oil content. The composition of Example 4 would further increase yields by delaying harvesting to maturity. It is not normally desirable to delay harvesting until the crop is mature because ripe pods are very susceptible to shattering and late in the season poorer weather exacerbates shattering. However, crops sprayed with the composition according to the invention would be shattering resistant so that harvesting could be delayed until the pods are ripe, thus maximising seed yield and oil content and quality without risk of pod shattering and seed loss. Example 7

Further comparisons

Plots were treated with various different dosages of composition of Example 4 (0.375, 0.75, 1.5 and 2.25 litres diluted in 600 litres of water/hectare) and the effects were compared to untreated controls (dosage 0). The results are seen in Figures 4 to 8. As shown by the results below, the optimum composition dosage was found to be 0.375 litres diluted in 600 litres of water/hectare. However, as shown by the graph in Figure 4, crops treated with 0.75, 1.5 and 2.25 litres diluted in 600 litres of water/hectare also yielded more seeds than the untreated controls. These high yielding treatments also exhibited greatest resistance to pod shattering in the laboratory and in the field as can be seen from the graphs in Figures 6 and 7. The Random Impact Test (RIT) shown in Figure 6 (left columns) is a laboratory measure of resistance to pod shattering and is given in time (seconds) taken for 50 % of pods to split. A sample of 20 intact mature fully ripe pods were harvested from each replicate plot (6-12 replicates per treatment), the pods were collected at random from the main stem of the raceme and adjusted to a common moisture content of 15 %. Each of the twenty pods were placed in a plastic lidded container (20 cm diameter x 14 cm height) with 30 x 8 mm diameter steel balls. The container was placed on a reciprocal shaker, shaking in a horizontal plane at 300 ppm. At intervals of 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 s, the number of opened pods in the container was counted and the percentage of open pods ( , y-axis) was plotted against time (s, x-axis). The time (s) taken for 50 % of the pods to open was recorded as the RIT score. As can be seen from Figure 6, treatment with 0.375 litres diluted in 600 litres of water/hectare gave the highest RIT measurement.

Visual Shattering Score (VSS) is also shown in Figure 6 (right columns). This field measure of resistance to pod shattering indicates the percentage of pods on primary stem which had split in the field. For each replicate, a total of 100 plants were scored at random and the percentage split pods on the main raceme was recorded. As can be seen from the graph in Figure 6, treatment with 0.375 litres diluted in 600 litres of water/hectare gave the lowest VSS measurement.

Peak force and fracture energy parameters for crops of the treated and untreated plots are shown in Figure 7. These parameters are associated with increased shattering tolerance of the crops. The results shown in Figure 7 were obtained from microfracture tests performed according to the method of Child et al., 2003: One fully mature pod from the middle region of the main stem of each of ten replicate plants from each treatment was adjusted to approx. 8 % moisture content. A 1 mm length was cut from the middle of each pod, which was firmly bonded to the base of the Universal Test Instrument, using microtranslation stages. An L- shaped projection on the Instrument was raised (1 mm/min) under the section to determine the point at which the section broke (peak force), recorded as a sudden drop in force; the area under the FDR represented the fracture energy.

The percentage of seeds damaged is also shown in Figure 7 for each of 0.375, 0.75, 1.5 and 2.25 litres diluted in 600 litres of water/hectare. This percentage reflects the extra energy required to rupture the pods of plants from the field treated with the composition of Example 2.

In crops treated with 0.375 litres diluted in 600 litres of water/hectare, the concentration giving the highest seed yield, there was also highest Peak Force, highest Fracture Energy and highest % seeds damaged. This can be seen from Figure 7.

To summarise, the composition of Example 4 produced very high increases of 30-57 % in oilseed rape largely as a result of reduced pod shatter.

Example 8

Effect of a preferred composition according to the invention on soybean grain yield

Step 1 : Preparation of Ascophyllum nodosum extract

Ascophyllum nodosum meal (750 kg) and potassium carbonate (150 kg) are added to 6000 litres of water and heated at 110 °C with constant stirring for three hours. The mixture is then allowed cool to 50 °C and undissolved solids are separated out using a decanter and separator. The resulting pH of the extract is 8.5. The liquid extract is then concentrated to 50

% w/v by evaporation at 80 °C and - 0.5 bar vacuum.

Step 2: Preparation of potassium dihvdrogen phosphonate

Phosphorous acid is neutralised in aqueous solution with potassium hydroxide to produce potassium hydrogen phosphonate (KH2PO3) and dipotassium phosphonate (K2HPO3). This composition is commonly referred to as potassium phosphite. Both salts are produced when phosphorous acid is neutralised in aqueous solution with potassium hydroxide according to the following reactions: H3PO3 + KOH = KH2PO3 + H20 and

KH2PO3 + KOH = K2HPO3 + H20

In aqueous solution containing 7.4 kg of potassium hydroxide is added slowly with stirring to an aqueous solution containing 8.2 kg of phosphorous acid in a jacketed reaction vessel with constant cooling to produce a solution (30 litres) containing a mixture of approximately 8 kg of potassium hydrogen phosphonate and 7 kg of dipotassium phosphonate, i.e. containing approximately 50 % w/v dipotassium phosphonate.

Step 3: Preparation of the Ascophyllum nodosum extract plus potassium phosphite composition

6.66 litres of the Ascophyllum nodosum extract prepared in step 1 and 3.33 litres of the potassium phosphite (phosphonate) aqueous solution (50 % w/v) prepared in step 2 are mixed to produce a 10 litre liquid composition containing alkaline 33 % w/v Ascophyllum nodosum extract and 17 % w/v potassium phosphonates.

Treatment of soybean

The field trial is located near Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil, at a site characterised by red-latosol soil.

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The foliage of soybean is sown in plots of 200 m size, with 60 cm row spacing, with seeds sown to a depth of 2.5 cm and a sowing rate of 70 kg seeds/ha. The crop is sprayed at the following BBCH growth stages: four leaf stage (BBCH-14), 4 ^th side of shoot of 1 ^st order visible soybean (BBCH-24) and when the first flower opens (BBCH-60).

The control plot is sprayed with water and cultivated according to standard farmers' practice. 1.5 litres of the composition described above is diluted in 600 litres of water

(0.25% v/v) and the test plot is sprayed at a rate of 1.5 litres per hectare with the diluted composition.

The crops also receive standard fertiliser applications, pesticidal and fungicidal treatments. 14 days before harvesting the crop is desiccated using the contact herbicide paraquat (0.25 kg active ingredient/ha).

Treatment with the composition according to the invention significantly increases grain yield when compared to the control.

Treatment of spring oilseed rape

The field trial is located near Waterford, Ireland at a site characterised by shallow, free draining mudstone shale rock conditions. The soil has a pH of 6.5 - 6.8.

The field trial is constructed using a completely randomised design, 6 replicates per treatment

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with each plot measuring 160 - 360 m size, with 12.5 cm row spacing, with seeds (Goldcrop

Delight seed variety) sown to a depth of 2.5 cm and a seeding rate of 4.0 kg/ha.

Each replicate is sprayed at the following BBCH growth stages: Four leaf stage (BBCH-14), second internode (BBCH-32) and when the first flower opens (BBCH-60).

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The foliage of oilseed rape sown in plots of 200 m size, with 180 mm row spacing, with seeds sown to a depth of 2.5 cm and a seeding rate of 3.0 kg/ha is sprayed at the following growth stages: Four leaf stage (BBCH-14), second internode (BBCH-32) and when the first flower opens (BBCH-60).

The control plots are sprayed with water in addition to treatment according to farmers' practice. 1.5 litres of the composition described above is diluted in 600 litres of water (0.25% v/v) and the test plot is sprayed at a rate of 1.5 litres per hectare with the diluted composition. The crops also receive standard fertiliser applications, pesticidal and fungicidal treatments. At maturation, the plots are harvested directly with a combine harvester.

Treatment with the composition according to the invention significantly increases grain yield when compared to the control.

Example 9

Effect of a second preferred composition according to the invention on soybean grain yield Preparation of composition

Chitosan is produced by deacetylation of chitin using sodium hydroxide in excess as a reagent and water as a solvent. Low molecular weight chitosan oligosaccharides are obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of high molecular weight chitosan polymer. These processes are known and will not be described further.

A phosphite containing product containing approximately 50 % w/v of potassium phosphonates is obtained as in Example 6.

The low molecular weight chitosan oligosaccharides and phosphite containing product are mixed to produce a composition containing 0.025 % w/v of low molecular weight chitosan oligosaccharides and 17 % w/v phosphonate.

Treatment of spring oil seed rape The trial is located near Waterford, Ireland at a site characterised by shallow, free draining mudstone shale rock conditions. The soil has a pH of 6.5 - 6.8.

The field trial is constructed using a completely randomised design, 6 replicates per treatment

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with each plot measuring 100 - 140 m size, with 12.5 cm row spacing, with seeds (Goldcrop Delight seed variety) sown to a depth of 2.5 cm and a seeding rate of 4.0 kg/ha. Each replicate is sprayed at the following BBCH growth stages: Four leaf stage (BBCH-14), second internode (BBCH-32) and when the first flower opens (BBCH-60). The control plots (x 9) are sprayed with water in addition to treatment according to farmers' practice. 1.5 litres of the composition described above is diluted in 600 litres of water (0.25% v/v) and the test plot is sprayed at a rate of 1.5 litres per hectare with the diluted composition.

The crops also receive standard fertiliser applications, pesticidal and fungicidal treatments. At maturation, the plots are harvested directly with a combine harvester.

Treatment with the composition according to the invention significantly increases grain yield when compared to the control.

Example 10

Comparative treatment of spring oil seed rape

Treatment 1 consists of a foliar application of the composition of Example 8. Treatment 2 consists of a foliar application of the composition of Example 8, step 2 only.

The field trial is located near Grenfell, NSW, Australia at a site characterised by Brown

Clay Loamy soil with pH 5.1. The field trial is constructed using a completely randomised

9

design, 6 replicates per treatment with each plot measuring 100 - 150 m size, with 12.5 cm row spacing, withseeds (Goldcrop Delight seed variety) sown to a depth of 2.5 cm and a seeding rate of 4.0 kg/ha.

Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 are applied by spraying onto foliage at the following growth stages: Four leaf stage (BBCH-14), second internode (BBCH-32) and when the first floweropens (BBCH-60).

The test plots are sprayed at a rate of 1.5 litres per hectare with the Treatment 1 or Treatment 2 in 600 litres of water. Control plots are sprayed with water. The crops also receive standard fertiliser applications, pesticidal and fungicidal treatments. The crop is chemically desiccated before maturation (14-21 days before harvest) by applying a foliar spray of systemic herbicide glyphosate. At maturation, the plots are harvested directly with a combine harvester.

Foliar application of Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 (potassium phosphite) significantly increases grain yield when compared to the control.

Example 11

Comparative treatment of winter oilseed rape

Treatment 1 consists of a foliar application of the composition of Example 8. Treatment 2 consists of a seed treatment application of the composition of Example 3. The field trial is located near Waterford, Ireland at a site characterized by shallow, free draining mudstone shale rock conditions. The soil has a pH of 6.5 - 6.8. The field trial is constructed using a completely

9

randomised design, 6 replicates per treatment with each plot measuring 100 - 140 size, with 12.5 cm row spacing, with seeds (Flash seed variety) sown to a depth of 2.5 cm and a seeding rate of 4.0 kg/ha. The hybrid variety Flash is chosen to ensure that seeds used are of uniform shape, size, colour and weight.

Treatment 1 is sprayed at the following BBCH growth stages: Four leaf stage (BBCH-14), second internode (BBCH-32) and when the first flower opens (BBCH-60).

Treatment 2 is applied to winter oilseed rape seed prior to sowing using slurry sufficient for 500 g of seed for each treatment. Uniform coverage to the seed is accomplished in a re-sealable plastic bag. Seeds are allowed to soak in the composition for 24 hours at room temperature

(24 °C). Control seeds are soaked in distilled water for 24 hours.

Seed treatment with the composition according to the invention significantly increases grain yield when compared to the control.

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The plots are of 200 m size, with seeds sown to a depth of 2.5 cm and a seeding rate of 3.0 kg/ha with 180 mm spacing.

The control plots (x 9) are sprayed with water in addition to treatment according to farmers' practice. 1.5 litres of the composition described above is diluted in 600 litres of water (0.25% v/v) and the test plot is sprayed at a rate of 1.5 litres per hectare with the diluted composition.

The crops also receive standard fertiliser applications, pesticidal and fungicidal treatments. The crop is chemically desiccated before maturation (14 days before harvest) by applying a foliar spray of systemic herbicide glyphosate. At maturation, the plots are harvested directly with a combine harvester. Treatment with the composition according to the invention significantly increases grain yield when compared to the contro

One aspect of the invention is described in the following statements:

A composition for reducing pod shattering, the composition comprising a salt of phosphorous acid and a biostimulant selected from among seaweed extract, amino acids, chitin, chitosan, humic acids and mixtures thereof.

The composition for reducing pod shattering as described in statement 1, wherein the biostimulant is seaweed extract, preferably wherein the seaweed extract is an extract of Ascophyllum nodosum.

The composition for reducing pod shattering as described in statement 1 or 2, wherein the salt of phosphorous acid is selected from among potassium, ammonium, sodium, aluminium, calcium, copper, zinc and magnesium salt and mixtures thereof.

A method for reducing pod shattering comprising the application of the composition as defined in any one of statements 1 to 3 to a plant, wherein the composition is applied at one or more stages of growth according to the BBCH-scale.

The method for reducing pod shattering as described in statement 4, wherein the composition is applied to the plant at one or more of the four leaf stage (BBCH-14), second internode stage (BBCH-32) and first flower opened stage (BBCH-60).

The method for reducing pod shattering as described in statement 4 or 5, wherein the composition is applied to the plant at each of the four leaf stage (BBCH-14), second internode stage (BBCH-32) and first flower opened stage (BBCH-60).

The method for reducing pod shattering as described in any one of statements 4 to 6, wherein the composition is applied to the plant at a green pod growth stage, preferably when 50 % of pods are ripe (BBCH-85).

The method for reducing pod shattering as described in any one of statements 4 to 7, wherein the composition is applied to a brassica plant.

The method for reducing pod shattering as described in statement 8, wherein the composition is applied to oilseed rape.

The method for reducing pod shattering as described in statement 8, wherein the composition is applied to a gossypium plant.

The method for reducing pod shattering as described in statement 10, wherein the composition is applied to the gossypium plant at one or more of the four leaf stage (BBCH-14), 50% of plants meet between rows stage (BBCH-35) and first flower opened stage (BBCH-60).

The method for reducing pod shattering as described in statement 10 or 11, wherein the composition is applied to the gossypium plant when the pods have attained their final size stage, preferably when 50 % of pods have attained their final size (BBCH-75).

The method for reducing pod shattering as described in any one of statements 4 to 7, wherein the composition is applied to a soybean plant.

The method for reducing pod shattering as described in any one of statements 4 to 13, wherein the composition is applied by spraying onto foliage.

The method for reducing pod shattering as described in any one of statements 4 to 14, wherein the plant is also treated with one or more applications selected from among fertiliser applications, pesticidal treatments and fungicidal treatments.

The method for reducing pod shattering as described in any one of statements 4 to 15, wherein the plant is chemically desiccated before maturation, preferably by applying a foliar spray of systemic herbicide, e.g. glyphosate.

Use of a composition comprising a salt of phosphorous acid and a biostimulant selected from among seaweed extract, amino acids, chitin, chitosan, humic acids and mixtures thereof for reducing pod shattering.

A method for reducing pod shattering substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details as herein described, which are given by way of example only, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.