FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a composition and method for promoting plant root growth, and more specifically, a plant rooting composition based on freeze-dried coconut water.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In horticulture, plant propagation relates to the process of creating new plants from plant materials such as seeds (sexual propagation) and stem, root, or leave cuttings (asexual propagation). Plant propagation may include a rooting step to promote adventitious root growth. Plant rooting generally involves placing plant material (such as cuttings) under conditions which favour adventitious root growth.

[0003] Compositions for stimulating root growth are known. Many available rooting agents commonly rely on synthetically produced compounds that stimulate root growth.

[0004] There are also reported natural rooting agents based on ingredients. However, the efficacy of these natural rooting agents are based mainly on anecdotal observations.

[0005] It is desired to address one or more of the abovementioned issues, and/or to provide a plant rooting composition and/or a method for promoting plant growth, or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY

[0006] In a first aspect there is described a plant rooting composition comprises:

• freeze-dried coconut water comprising at least about 100 nM total auxin, at least about 100 nM total cytokinins, at least about 35 nM total gibberellins, at least about 50 nM abscisic acid, and salicylic acid; and

• a natural free-flow agent in a ratio of about 70:30 to about 95:5.

[0007] In a further aspect there is described a method for promoting rooting in a plant or plant material, the method comprising:

• administering to the plant or plant material an effective amount of a plant rooting composition comprising freeze-dried coconut water comprising at least about 100 nM total auxin, at least about 100 nM total cytokinins, at least about 35 nM total gibberellins, at least about 50 nM abscisic acid, and salicylic acid; and a natural free-flow agent in a ratio of about 70:30 to about 95:5; repeating the administration at an effective frequency; and maintaining the administration regime for an effective period of time.

[0008] In a further aspect there is described a method for propagating a plant material, the method comprising:

• preparing a soaking solution of a plant rooting composition comprising freeze- dried coconut water comprising at least about 100 nM total auxin, at least about 100 nM total cytokinins, at least about 35 nM total gibberellins, at least about 50 nM abscisic acid, and salicylic acid; and a natural free-flow agent in a ratio of about 70:30 to about 95:5;

• soaking at least part of the plant material in the soaking solution for an effective amount of time, and

• planting the plant material in a suitable growing media.

[0009] In a further aspect there is described a method for transplanting or repotting a plant or plant material, the method comprising:

• preparing a potting medium by mixing about 1 g to about 10 g of a plant rooting composition per kg of a plant growing medium or substrate, the plant rooting composition comprising freeze-dried young coconut water comprising at least about 100 nM total auxin, at least about 100 nM total cytokinins, at least about 35 nM total gibberellins, at least about 50 nM abscisic acid, and salicylic acid; and a natural free-flow agent in a ratio of about 70:30 to about 95:5, and

• planting at least part of the plant or plant material in the potting medium.

[0010] In a further aspect there is described a method for promoting rooting in a plant or plant material, the method may broadly comprise:

• administering to the plant or plant material an effective amount of a plant rooting composition comprising freeze-dried coconut water comprising at least about 100 nM total auxin, at least about 100 nM total cytokinins, at least about 35 nM total gibberellins, at least about 50 nM abscisic acid, and salicylic acid; and a natural free-flow agent in a ratio of about 70:30 to about 95:5;

• repeating the administration at an effective frequency; and

• maintaining the administration regime for an effective amount of time.

[0011] The following embodiments may relate to any of the above aspects.

[0012] In one embodiment the ratio of freeze-dried coconut water to natural free flow agent is about 75:25 to about 85:15. [0013] In one embodiment the ratio of freeze-dried coconut water to natural free flow agent is about 80:20.

[0014] In one embodiment the ratio of freeze-dried coconut water to natural free flow agent is about 82:18.

[0015] In one embodiment the natural free-flow agent comprises tapioca powder.

[0016] In one embodiment the plant rooting composition further comprises 1 % to about

10% by weight of willow bark extract.

[0017] In one embodiment the plant rooting composition further comprises 1 % to about 10% by weight of seaweed extract.

[0018] In one embodiment the freeze-dried coconut water is produced using coconuts aged up to about 9 months after endocarp formation.

[0019] In one embodiment the composition is reconstitutable in water to obtain a plant rooting solution.

[0020] In one embodiment the effective amount of the plant rooting composition is about 1 g to about 10 g per litre of water.

[0021] In one embodiment the effective frequency is daily, twice daily, weekly, twice weekly, thrice weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

[0022] In one embodiment the effective amount of time is at least one week.

[0023] In one embodiment the administration comprises foliar spraying, nutrient flushing, and/or soil drenching.

[0024] In one embodiment the soaking solution comprises about 1 g to about 10 g of the plant rooting composition per litre of water.

[0025] In one embodiment the effective amount of time is about one hour to about 24 hours.

[0026] In one embodiment the natural free-flow agent comprises tapioca.

[0027] In one embodiment the plant rooting composition further comprises one or more of:

1% to about 10% by weight of aloe vera powder, • 1 % to about 10% by weight of willow back extract, and

• 1% to about 10% by weight of seaweed extract.

[0028] The term “comprising” as used in this specification means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting statements in this specification which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprised” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0029] It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1 , 1 .1 , 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1 .5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7).

[0030] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0031] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a comparison of the growth of a plant cutting ( Monstera standleyana) treated with the plant rooting composition of the present disclosure and an untreated plant cutting.

[0034] Figure 2 shows root development and growth in plant cuttings ( Hoya carnosa) treated with a foliar spray of the plant rooting composition of a present disclosure and untreated plant cuttings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present disclosure provides a composition for promoting plant root growth based on ingredients containing naturally occurring phytohormones. Moreover, the ingredients may be freeze-dried to preserve the phytohormones and other beneficial components.

[0036] The composition of the present disclosure may broadly comprise freeze-dried coconut water having phytohormones including auxin, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid and salicylic acid; and a natural free-flow agent.

[0037] Compositions for promoting root growth are known. Many commercially available rooting agents are based on synthetically produced plant hormone precursors such as lndole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) that are converted into the auxin indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) which is implicated in plant developmental processes.

[0038] There are also many reported natural rooting agents based on ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, honey, aloe vera, cinnamon and willow tea. However, the efficacy of these natural rooting agents are based mainly on anecdotal observations.

[0039] Coconut water or liquid endosperm is well known for its nutritional and health benefits. Studies have shown that the chemical composition of coconut water includes many components that may be beneficial for plant growth such as sugars, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phytohormones. Due to its unique chemical composition, coconut water has been used in the plant tissue culture industry (see Yong, Jean W H et al. “The chemical composition and biological properties of coconut ( Cocos nucifera L.) water.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 14,12 5144-64. 9 Dec. 2009, doi:10.3390/molecules14125144).

[0040] Coconut palms are generally cultivated in wet tropical climates which may limit the access to fresh coconut water to be used as plant rooting agents in non-tropical regions. Using imported fresh coconuts may not be viable due to the relatively high cost and limited shelf-life compared to commercially available synthetic rooting agents. Further, bottled coconut water are typically pasteurised which denatures the temperature sensitive phytohormones and nutrients that are responsible for plant growth and development making less effective as a rooting agent.

[0041] The plant rooting composition of the present disclosure may promote root (including adventitious root) growth and development at an improved or comparable rate with respect to synthetic rooting agents or fresh coconut water. In some embodiments, the planting rooting composition may increase the rooting rate, root length and root numbers in plants administered with the plant rooting composition of the present disclosure.

[0042] According to the present disclosure, the composition may comprise freeze-dried or lyophilised coconut water. The freeze-drying or lyophilisation process removes the water content by sublimation which keeps the coconut water at a sufficiently low temperature to preserve temperature sensitive compounds including phytohormones and other nutrients. Freeze-drying also improves the storability and shelf life of the composition.

[0043] The plant rooting composition of the present disclosure may broadly comprise phytohormones including auxin, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, salicylic acid at suitably high concentrations and a natural free flow agent at a suitable ratio.

[0044] In one aspect, the plant rooting composition may comprise:

• freeze-dried coconut water comprising at least about 100 nM total auxin, at least about 100 nM total cytokinins, at least about 35 nM total gibberellins, at least about 50 nM abscisic acid, and salicylic acid; and

• a natural free-flow agent in a ratio of about 70:30 to about 95:5.

[0045] Auxin have roles in plant growth and development including promoting cell division, and shoot and root growth and development. The main auxin in coconut water is indole 3-acetic acid (IAA).

[0046] In some embodiments, the composition may comprise auxin in concentrations of at least about 110, 120, 130, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, or 200 nM, and suitable ranges may be selected from between any of these values.

[0047] In some embodiments, the auxin may be indole 3-acetic acid (IAA).

[0048] Cytokinins (CK) have roles in plant growth and development including cell division, controlling shoot meristems formation and activity, photosynthesis gene expression, leaf senescence, nutrient mobilisation and root growth. Cytokinins may stimulate cell division in leaf and shoot growth, as well as stimulating lateral growth of axillary buds. Coconut water may contain many types of cyctokinins, of which, kinetin and trans- zeatin derivatives are the most significant for plant growth and development.

[0049] In some embodiments, the composition may comprise total cytokinins in concentrations of at least about 110, 120, 130, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, or 200 nM, and suitable ranges may be selected from between any of these values. [0050] In some embodiments, the cyctokinins may selected from kinetin and/or trans- Zeatin. In other embodiments the cytokinins may be selected from kinetin and trans- zeatin derivatives including but not limited to N ⁶ -isopentenyladenine, dihydrozeatin, ortho-topolin, dihydrozeatin O-glucoside, trans- zeatin O-glucoside, trans- zeatin riboside, kinetin riboside and trans- zeatin riboside-5’-monophosphate.

[0051] Gibberellins may regulate various aspects of plant growth and development including seed germination, leaf expansion, flower development and epidermal cell elongation. Gibberellin 1 and gibberellin 3 are found in coconut water.

[0052] In some embodiments, the composition may comprise total gibberellins in concentrations of at least about 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90 or 100 nM, and suitable ranges may be selected from between any of these values.

[0053] In some embodiments, the gibberellins may comprise gibberellin 1 and gibberellin 3.

[0054] Abscisic acid may regulate root growth in the presence of environmental stress. Salicylic acid have roles in plant growth and development including mediating defence response against pathogens.

[0055] In some embodiments, the composition may comprise abscisic acid in concentrations of at least about 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, or 110 nM, and suitable ranges may be selected from between any of these values.

[0056] Free flow agents maintain the free-flow behaviour of powdered or granulated materials. The use of a free flow agent may improve the reconstitutability of the freeze-dried coconut water.

[0057] The composition may use a natural free flow agent, such as a starch based free flow agent including but not limited to tapioca, maize, corn, potato, wheat starch, or a combination thereof.

[0058] In some embodiments, the ratio of freeze-dried coconut powder to natural free flow agent may be about 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 82:18, 85:15, 87:13, 90:10, 92:8, or 95:5, and suitable ranges may be selected from between any of these values, (for example, about 70:30 to about 95:5, about 70:30 to about 90:10, about 70:30 to about 85:15, about 75:25 to about 95:5, 75:25 to about 90:10, about 75:25 to about 85:15, about 80:20 to about 95:5, about 80:20 to about 90:10, about 80:20 to about 85:15). [0059] In addition to phytohormones, coconut water may also comprise various vitamins and minerals that contribute to healthy plant development. In some embodiments, the freeze-dried coconut water may include vitamins and minerals including but not limited to iron, boron, copper, manganese, selenium, zinc, molybdenum, cobalt, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin C, and sulphur.

[0060] In some embodiments, the plant rooting composition may further comprise natural ingredients that may enhance the efficacy of the plant rooting composition including one or more of willow bark extract, and seaweed extract.

[0061] In some embodiments, the composition may comprise at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 % by weight of willow bark extract, and suitable ranges may be selected from between any of these values, (for example, about 2 to about 10, about 2 to about 8, 2 to about 5, about 2 to about 3, about 3 to about 10, about 3 to about 8, about 3 to about 6, about 4 to about 10, about 4 to about 8, about 4 to about 6, about 6 to about 10, about 6 to about 8 % by weight).

[0062] In some embodiments, the composition may comprise at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 % by weight of seaweed extract, and suitable ranges may be selected from between any of these values, (for example, about 1 to about 10, about 2 to about 10, about 2 to about 8, 2 to about 5, about 2 to about 3, about 3 to about 10, about 3 to about 8, about 3 to about 6, about 4 to about 10, about 4 to about 8, about 4 to about 6, about 6 to about 10, about 6 to about 8 % by weight).

[0063] In some embodiments, the plant rooting composition may be reconstituted using water or other suitable liquid to obtain a plant rooting solution. In some embodiments, rain or distilled water is used to reconstitute the plant rooting composition.

[0064] In some embodiments, the freeze-dried coconut water is produced using coconut water obtained from coconuts aged up to about 9 months after endocarp formation.

[0065] The present disclosure may provide a method for promoting rooting in a plant or plant material, the method may broadly comprise:

• administering to the plant or plant material an effective amount of a plant rooting composition comprising freeze-dried coconut water comprising at least about 100 nM total auxin, at least about 100 nM total cytokinins, at least about 35 nM total gibberellins, at least about 50 nM abscisic acid, and salicylic acid; and a natural free-flow agent in a ratio of about 70:30 to about 95:5;

• repeating the administration at an effective frequency; and maintaining the administration regime for an effective amount of time.

[0066] The effective amount of plant rooting composition, effective frequency, effective period of administration may depend on the plant type (for example, softwood, semi hardwood, or hardwood).

[0067] In some embodiments, the plant rooting composition may be administered in a powder form. For example, the plant rooting composition may be added to and/or mixed with plant growing media, soil or other suitable plant growing substrates.

[0068] In some embodiments, the effective amount of a plant rooting composition may comprise about 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14 or 15 g per litre of water or other suitable liquid, and suitable ranges may be selected from between any of these values, (for example, about 1 to about 15, about 1 to about 13, about 1 to about 10, about 1 to about 7, about 2 to about 15, about 2 to about 12, about 2 to about 8, about 3 to about 15, about 3 to about 11 , about 3 to about 7, about 4 to about 15, about 4 to about 10, about 5 to about 15, about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 15, about 6 to about 12, about 6 to about 9, about 7 to about 15, about 7 to about 10 g per litre of water or other suitable liquid).

[0069] In some embodiments, the effective frequency of administration may comprise weekly, twice weekly, thrice weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

[0070] In some embodiments, the effective amount of administration time may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, 10, 11 , 12 weeks or more.

[0071] In some embodiments, the plant rooting composition may be administered indefinitely for maintaining plant health.

[0072] The plant rooting composition may be administered as a root drip, soil drench, foliar spray, nutrient flush and/or a soaking solution.

[0073] In some embodiments, the plant rooting composition may be administered in combination. The may be administered initially as a soaking solution when preparing the cutting for propagation, then administered as a foliar spray periodically. For example, the plant rooting composition may be use to soak a plant cutting for 4-12 hours, then may be used as a foliar spray applied daily, alternate days, twice weekly, weekly, or fortnightly.

[0074] In some embodiments, the plant rooting composition may be used to promote plant growth and/or maintain plant health. [0075] In some embodiments, the plant rooting composition may be used as a fertiliser replacement or as a plant tonic.

[0076] In some embodiments the plant rooting composition may be used in combination with fertilisers to further enhance growth and development. For example, a fertiliser may be applied fortnightly to monthly and the plant rooting composition may be applied as a soil drench and foliar spray once per week.

[0077] The plant rooting composition may be used as a nutrient solution in hydroponics growing systems. In some embodiments, the nutrient solution may comprise about 1 g to about 10 g of a plant rooting composition per litre of water, the plant rooting composition comprising freeze-dried young coconut water comprising at least about 100 nM total auxin, at least about 100 nM total cytokinins, at least about 35 nM total gibberellins, at least about 50 nM abscisic acid, and salicylic acid; and a natural free-flow agent in a ratio of about 70:30 to about 95:5.

[0078] The present disclosure may also provide a method for propagating a plant material, the method may broadly comprise:

• preparing a soaking solution of a plant rooting composition comprising freeze- dried coconut water comprising at least about 100 nM total auxin, at least about 100 nM total cytokinins, at least about 35 nM total gibberellins, at least about 50 nM abscisic acid, and salicylic acid; and a natural free-flow agent in a ratio of about 70:30 to about 95:5;

• soaking at least part of the plant material in the soaking solution for an effective amount of time, and

• planting the plant material in a suitable growing media.

[0079] In some embodiments, the plant material may comprise seeds, spores, or plant cuttings including but not limited to roots, stems and leaves.

[0080] In some embodiments, the soaking solution may comprise about 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14 or 15 g of the plant rooting composition per litre of water or other suitable liquid, and suitable ranges may be selected from between any of these values, (for example, about 1 to about 15, about 1 to about 13, about 1 to about 10, about 1 to about 7, about 2 to about 15, about 2 to about 12, about 2 to about 8, about 3 to about 15, about 3 to about 11 , about 3 to about 7, about 4 to about 15, about 4 to about 10, about 5 to about 15, about 5 to about 10, about 6 to about 15, about 6 to about 12, about 6 to about 9, about 7 to about 15, about 7 to about 10 g per litre of water or other suitable liquid). [0081] In some embodiments, the effective amount of soaking time may comprise 1 , 2, 3, 4, 8, 10 or 12 hours, and suitable ranges may be selected from between any of these values, (for example, about 1 to about 12, about 1 to about 10, about 1 to about 8, about 2 to about 12, about 2 to about 10, about 2 to about 8, about 3 to about 12, about 3 to about 10, about 3 to about 8 hours). For example, a plant cutting may be soaked in soaking solution of the plant rooting composition, for 6 hours once per week.

[0082] The present disclosure may also provide a method for transplanting or potting a plant or plant material, the method may broadly comprise:

• preparing a potting medium by mixing about 1 g to about 50 g of a plant rooting composition per kg of a plant growing medium or substrate, the plant rooting composition comprising freeze-dried young coconut water comprising at least about 100 nM total auxin, at least about 100 nM total cytokinins, at least about 35 nM total gibberellins, at least about 50 nM abscisic acid, and salicylic acid; and a natural free-flow agent in a ratio of about 70:30 to about 95:5, and

• planting at least part of the plant or plant material in the potting medium.

[0083] In some embodiments, about 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, or 50 g of the plant rooting composition is added per kg of plant growing medium or substrate.

[0084] In some embodiments, the plant growing medium may comprise soil or soilless media. For example, the media or substrate may include but are not limited to a light expanded clay aggregate (LECA) substrate, New Zealand sphagnum moss, peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite.

[0085] It will be understood that the plant rooting composition used in the described methods may comprise one or more additional ingredients as described in elsewhere in the specification.

Examples

Example 1 - Effectiveness as a soaking solution

[0086] The purpose of this trial was to test the effectiveness of a soaking solution of the plant rooting composition in promoting plant development in plant cuttings.

[0087] Two plant cuttings were obtained from the same plant ( Monstera standleyana). Cutting A was treated with the plant rooting composition and cutting B was maintained in water (control). [0088] The cuttings were kept in a controlled environment using a humidity box with 18/6 lighting (on for 18 hours; off for 6 hours), a temperature of 22 ^° C at 80% humidity for the duration of the trial.

[0089] Both cuttings were propagated in water for 3 weeks before the start of the trial. The water is replaced weekly.

[0090] At the start of the trial, the cuttings were transferred to a light expanded clay aggregate (LECA) substrate. For cutting A, the water was replaced with a soaking solution of the plant rooting composition, prepared by dissolving 5g of the composition (comprising 82% freeze-dried coconut water and 18% free flow agent) in 500ml_ of water, for 6 hours once per week. Cutting B is left to grow in water. Both cuttings were replaced with fresh water weekly.

[0091] Apical growth on the cuttings were observed and measured (where growth is observed) and described below. Figure 1 is a comparison of the development of cutting A (treated with the plant rooting composition) and cutting B (control) over 75 days:

• Day 1 - both cuttings growing equally, with new apical growth developing.

• Day 25 o Cutting A - new apical growth observed (3 mm of new leaf height) o Cutting B - no notable growth.

• Day 64 o Cutting A - new root growth (45mm and 7mm) and foliar growth observed (30 mm increase). o Cutting B - no notable growth.

• Day 75 o Cutting A - root growth (50mm and 65mm) and new leaf has developed. o Cutting B - new foliar growth is developing (3mm high).

[0092] The results show that the plant rooting composition of the present disclosure promotes plant development. In particular, the composition speeds up root and foliar growth.

Example 2 - Effectiveness as a foliar spray for stimulating root development [0093] The purpose of this trial is to test the effectiveness of the plant rooting composition as a foliar spray to stimulate faster and increased growth in fresh cuttings.

[0094] Four plant cuttings were obtained from the same plant ( Hoya carnosa). Two cuttings were soaked in a solution of the plant rooting composition when the cuttings were first removed from the mother plant. The plant rooting composition is then applied as a foliar spray twice a week. The two remaining cuttings were sprayed with water (control).

[0095] The cuttings were kept in a controlled environment using a humidity box with 18/6 lighting (on for 18 hours; off for 6 hours), a temperature of 22 ^° C at 80% humidity for the duration of the trial. The cuttings were kept on a medium of New Zealand sphagnum moss.

[0096] Five grams of the plant rooting composition (comprising 82% freeze-dried coconut water and 18% free flow agent) is dissolved in 500mL of water. Two cuttings (B and D) were allowed to soak in the solution of the plant rooting composition for 6 hours before being placed on in the sphagnum moss. Two control cutting (A and C) were soaked in water for 6 hours before being placed on in the sphagnum moss.

[0097] Cuttings B and D were then treated with the plant rooting composition (1g per 500ml_) applied as a foliar spray twice a week for the duration of the two week trial. Cuttings A and C were sprayed with water twice a week for the duration of the two week trial.

[0098] Shown in Table 1 is the number of roots and total root length for each of cuttings A to D after two weeks. Figure 2 shows root development and growth in cuttings A to D at the start (Day 1) and end (Day 14) of the two week trial.

Table 1 : Number of roots and total root length after two weeks. [0099] The trial indicates that the plant rooting composition of the present disclosure is effective as a rooting hormone. Cuttings treated with the present disclosure shows a total root mass increase of up to 176%.

Example 3 - Effectiveness in improving growth rate of plants

[0100] The purpose of this trial was to test the effectiveness of the plant rooting composition for encouraging faster growth in plants.

[0101] The trial compared two Capsicum annum plants: Plant B treated with a fertiliser and the plant rooting composition of the present disclosure, and Plant A (control) treated using only fertiliser.

[0102] The plants were obtained from seedlings of a similar size and from the same root stock at the beginning of the trial. The plants were kept in a greenhouse with natural lighting.

[0103] Both plants were given fertiliser once every two weeks. The fertiliser used was Burnet’s Tom-a-rite Liquid Fertiliser at 7mL per litre. The fertiliser was applied as a soil drench once every two weeks and foliar spray once a month.

[0104] In addition to the fertiliser, Plant B was also treated with 5g per litre of the plant rooting composition (comprising 82% freeze-dried coconut water and 18% free flow agent) once per week. The plant rooting composition was applied as a soil drench and foliar spray with each application. Water was used as control for Plant A.

[0105] The difference in growth between Plant A and Plant B was observed and measured after three, five and eight weeks. Shown in Table 2 are the height of Plants A and B over the 8 week period of the trial.

Table 2: Height of untreated and treated over eight weeks

[0106] Based on the results above, a 3% difference in height was observed between Plant A and B after three weeks, 10% after five weeks, and 17% after eight weeks. The results show that the plant rooting composition of the present disclosure improves the growth rate in plants.