SUPRAMOLECULAR STRUCTURES FOR AGRICULTURAL USE

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to agricultural compositions that provide micronutrients to plants, and methods of treating a plant to improve nutrient assimilation or vigor.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc are essential for plant development with very few plants needing cobalt, nickel, silicon, sodium, aluminum, and vanadium. Soils contain these elements as well as other nutrients that are needed for plant growth. Due to various reasons, nutrients can become unavailable and have minimal uptake causing reduction in nutrient assimilation. To overcome these challenges, various growing techniques have been employed from slow release fertilizers, acidifiers, different bio stimulants, various growth promoting agents, plant growth adjustment agents, or physiological activity promoting agents.

[0003] Even though these techniques overcome different and difficult situations there has been a growing concern on increasing nutrient use efficiency to minimize the potential to environmental pollution by over application.

[0004] Accordingly, improved compositions and methods are needed to increase nutrient assimilation while minimizing or avoiding negative environmental impact.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] In one aspect, the disclosure encompasses an agricultural composition including: a micronutrient source; a supramolecular host chemical or a supramolecular guest chemical configured to engage in host-guest chemistry with the micronutrient source; and a solvent. In one embodiment, the micronutrient source includes boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, or zinc; or a salt of boron, chlorine, iron, manganese, or molybdenum, or either copper or zinc; or a combination thereof (e.g., of any of the foregoing). In another embodiment, the micronutrient source includes a fertilizer that includes boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, or zinc; or a salt of boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, or zinc; or a salt thereof provided that the salt excludes the combination of copper sulfate and zinc sulfate; or a combination thereof.

[0006] In another aspect, the disclosure encompasses a method of preparing the agricultural composition of claim 1, which includes: forming a mixture of the solvent and the supramolecular host chemical or the supramolecular guest chemical; and adding the micronutrient source to form the composition.

[0007] In yet another aspect, the disclosure encompasses a method of treating a plant to improve nutrient assimilation or vigor, that includes applying an agricultural composition to the plant in an agriculturally effective amount, the composition including: a micronutrient source; a supramolecular host chemical or a supramolecular guest chemical configured to engage in hostguest chemistry with the micronutrient source; and a solvent. In one embodiment, the micronutrient source is selected to include boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, or zinc; or a salt of boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, or zinc provided that copper sulfate and zinc sulfate are not both selected; or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the composition is applied at a concentration of about 1.0 to about 1.5 mL of the composition per gallon of carrier fluid, or about 9.0 mL to about 20.0 mL of the composition per gallon of carrier fluid, or the composition is applied at a rate of about 1 ounce to about 3 ounces of the composition per acre of the plant or about 70 ounces to about 90 ounces of the composition per acre of the plant.

[0008] In another aspect, the disclosure encompasses a method of increasing the assimilation of one or more micronutrients in a plant, which includes applying an agriculturally effective amount of any of the agricultural compositions herein to the plant. In one embodiment, the agricultural composition further includes an additive that includes one or more adjuvants, water conditioning agents, buffering agents, defoamers, drift control agents, stickers, spreaders, tank cleaners, fertilizers, and bio stimulants.]

[0009] In a further aspect, the disclosure encompasses an agricultural formulation which includes a plurality of agricultural additives which includes: a biostimulant; a sugar; an acid; an iron source; and a surfactant; and a supramolecular host chemical or a supramolecular guest chemical configured to engage in host-guest chemistry with at least one of the agricultural additives. In a preferred embodiment, the sugar includes glucose or fructose; the biostimulant includes humic acid; the acid includes citric acid; the iron source includes an iron chelate; and the surfactant includes an ethoxylate.

[0010] In yet a further aspect, the disclosure encompasses a method of increasing the assimilation of one or more micronutrients in a plant, which includes: combining an agriculturally effective amount of the agricultural formulation herein and a micronutrient source to form an agricultural composition; and applying the agricultural combination to the plant to increase assimilation to the plant of at least one micronutrient in the micronutrient source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures.

[0012] FIGS. 1A-1D show the crystal structures of a 20-20-20 fertilizer/water solution;

[0013] FIGS. 2A-2C show the encapsulation of supramolecular structures in a 20-20-20 fertilizer/water solution with the composition of Example 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIGS. 3A-3B show randomized crystals in a 20-20-20 fertilizer/water solution with the control composition of Example 1;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the increased dry biomass in sweet basil of Example 3, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the increased dry biomass in vincas of Example 3, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the increase in micronutrient assimilation in sweet basil of Example 3 treated with the composition of Example 1 compared to a control, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 7 a graph showing the increase in micronutrient assimilation in vincas of Example 3 treated with the composition of Example 1 compared to a control, according to aspects of the present disclosure; [0019] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the total dry biomass in com of Example 4 treated with different concentrations of nitrogen and different concentrations of the composition of Example 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the micronutrient percent change in corn of Example 4 compared to the control treated with different concentrations of nitrogen and different concentrations of the composition of Example 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 10 is a graph showing total zinc uptake in corn of Example 4 treated with different concentrations of nitrogen and different concentrations of the composition of Example 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a graph showing total manganese uptake in corn of Example 4 treated with different concentrations of nitrogen and different concentrations of the composition of Example 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 12 is a graph showing total iron uptake in corn of Example 4 treated with different concentrations of nitrogen and different concentrations of the composition of Example 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 13 is a graph showing total copper uptake in com of Example 4 treated with different concentrations of nitrogen and different concentrations of the composition of Example 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 14 is a graph showing total boron uptake in com of Example 4 treated with different concentrations of nitrogen and different concentrations of the composition of Example 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0026] FIG. 15 is a graph showing total aluminum uptake in com of Example 4 treated with different concentrations of nitrogen and different concentrations of the composition of Example 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] This disclosure provides compositions and methods for treating plants to accelerate vegetation and growth. The compositions include micronutrient source(s) with supramolecular structures that enhance assimilation of the soil micronutrients in plant systems. [0028] Two classes of nutrients are considered essential for plants: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Macronutrients are essential to plant health, growth, yield, and development and are required in larger doses. Micronutrients include boron (B), chlorine (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), as well as silicon (Si), vanadium (Va), sodium (Na), and aluminum (Al) in some cases as a beneficial element that helps in various forms. Micronutrients are essential for plant development and survival, but are required in lesser quantities than macronutrients.

[0029] Without being bound by theory, it is believed that each micronutrient has one or more advantages in plant growth, and at least one advantage of each of the micronutrients disclosed herein includes the following: Boron is beneficial in sugar transport, cell division, and amino acid production. Chlorine is used in turgor regulation, resisting diseases and photosynthesis. Copper is a component of enzymes and involved with photosynthesis. Iron is a component of enzymes, and part of chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthesis. Molybdenum is involved in nitrogen metabolism and for nitrogen fixation in legumes. Manganese, involved in chloroplast production, is a cofactor in many plant reactions and activates enzymes. Zinc, a component of many enzymes, is helpful for plant hormone balance and auxin activity. Nickel is a component of some plant enzymes, most notably urease. Cobalt is a component of several enzymes and increases the drought resistance of seeds; it is also helpful in nitrogen fixation. Silicon is helpful for alleviating biotic and abiotic stress. Vanadium helps with pepper plant growth and flowering, increases concentrations of amino acids, sugars and chlorophylls, and modifies nutrient concentrations. Sodium helps to aid in metabolism and synthesis of chlorophyll. Aluminum promotes nutrient uptake and alleviates iron and manganese toxicity in acidic conditions.

[0030] The compositions include a supramolecular host structure or guest structure mixture in an aqueous solvent, such as water, that promotes supramolecular structures and increased micronutrient assimilation in plants. The formation of supramolecular structures increases such micronutrient assimilation in plants. In various embodiments, the compositions include micronutrient supramolecular structures that increase nutrient assimilation and overall plant growth and vigor. [0031] The compositions can be applied by any suitable method, such as injection, drip, broadcast, banding, soil drench, foliarly, by fertigation, aerially, or other conventional methods, or any combination thereof. As further discussed below, the compositions increase nutrient assimilation, and overall plant growth and vigor. As used herein, “vigor” of a plant means plant weight (including tissue mass or root mass, or a combination thereof), plant height, plant canopy, visual appearance, or any combination of these factors. Thus, increased vigor refers to an increase in any of these factors by a measurable or visible amount when compared to the same plant that has not been treated with the compositions disclosed herein.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the compositions include (1) a micronutrient source; (2) a supramolecular host or guest chemical configured to engage in host-guest chemistry with the micronutrient source; and (3) a solvent, preferably an aqueous solvent. Such supramolecular structures or assemblies may take the form of, e.g., micelles, liposomes, nanostructures, or nanobubbles.

[0033] In several embodiments, the compositions of micronutrients with supramolecular structures enhance assimilation of the soil micronutrients in plant systems. The essential micronutrients are boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, and combinations thereof. Some plants also benefit from cobalt, nickel, silicon, sodium, aluminum, vanadium, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the compositions include a supramolecular host structure mixture in water that promotes supramolecular structures and increased micronutrient assimilation. Advantageously, the formulation of supramolecular structures increases micronutrient assimilation in plants.

[0034] In several embodiments, the micronutrient source includes a fertilizer. As used herein, a “fertilizer” is any natural or synthetic substance that is applied to soil or plants to improve growth and productivity. Fertilizers provide nutrients to plants. The fertilizer that can be utilized can be any chemical moiety, natural or synthetic, that serves as a source of macronutrients and/or micronutrients for the plant under consideration.

[0035] In some embodiments, the micronutrient source includes one or more of boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, cobalt, nickel, silicon, sodium, aluminum, or vanadium, or a salt thereof. For example, the micronutrient source may include copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, cobalt sulfate, zinc sulfate, magnesium sulfate, or ferrous sulfate, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the micronutrient source includes one or more of boron, chlorine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, cobalt, nickel, silicon, sodium, aluminum, vanadium, and either zinc or copper (but not both), or a salt thereof (z.e., of any of the foregoing). In another embodiment, zinc and copper may be included with one or more of the foregoing micronutrients in the micronutrient source, provided that either zinc sulfate or copper sulfate is not present if the other salt is present. In yet a further embodiment, any salt of the above micronutrient sources may be included except not a sulfate salt of any micronutrient. The micronutrient source, or source of one or more micronutrients, is present in the composition but in an amount less than about 50 percent by weight of the composition. Depending on various factors including micronutrients present in local soil, type of crop, etc., various amounts of micronutrient source may be present in the composition disclosed herein, such as from about 0.01 percent to about 30 percent by weight, from about 0.1 to about 20 percent by weight, or from about 0.5 to 10 percent by weight, or from 1 to 5 percent by weight. In one embodiment where the micronutrient source includes copper sulfate and zinc sulfate, the amount of copper sulfate and zinc sulfate combined is from about 2 to 20 weight percent or 25 to 30 weight percent, of the composition.

[0036] Depending on the application method being used, a grower can dilute the micronutrient fertilizer source by air (e.g., by spraying) or water before application. The inventive blend will be mixed in the micronutrient source before dilution occurs to form the supramolecular structure. Micronutrients are typically applied by various methods to an agricultural growing system with common methods being injected, drip, fertigation, foliar, broadcast, banded, aerial, and other various forms of application in agriculture systems.

[0037] In selecting suitable supramolecular host or guest chemical(s), (1) the host chemical generally has more than one binding site, (2) the geometric structure and electronic properties of the host chemical and the guest chemical typically complement each other when at least one host chemical and at least one guest chemical is present, and (3) the host chemical and the guest chemical generally have a high structural organization, z.e., a repeatable pattern often caused by host and guest compounds aligning and having repeating units or structures. In some embodiments, the supramolecular host chemical or supramolecular guest chemical is provided in a mixture with a solvent. A preferred solvent includes an aqueous solvent, such as water. Host chemicals may include nanostructures of various elements and compounds, which may have a charge, may have magnetic properties, or both. Suitable supramolecular host chemicals include cavitands, cryptands, rotaxanes, catenanes, or any combination thereof.

[0038] Cavitands are container- shaped molecules that can engage in host-guest chemistry with guest molecules of a complementary shape and size. Examples of cavitands include cyclodextrins, calixarenes, pillarrenes, and cucurbiturils. Calixarenes are cyclic oligomers, which may be obtained by condensation reactions between para-t-butyl phenol and formaldehyde.

[0039] Cryptands are molecular entities including a cyclic or polycyclic assembly of binding sites that contain three or more binding sites held together by covalent bonds, and that define a molecular cavity in such a way as to bind guest ions. An example of a cryptand is N[CH ₂ CH2OCH2CH2OCH ₂ CH2]3N or l,10-diaza-4,7,13,16,21,24- hexaoxabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane. Cryptands form complexes with many cations, including NH ₄ ⁺ , lanthanoids, alkali metals, and alkaline earth metals.

[0040] Rotaxanes are supramolecular structures in which a cyclic molecule is threaded onto an “axle” molecule and end-capped by bulky groups at the terminal of the “axle” molecule. Another way to describe rotaxanes are molecules in which a ring encloses another rod-like molecule having end-groups too large to pass through the ring opening. The rod-like molecule is held in position without covalent bonding.

[0041] Catenanes are species in which two ring molecules are interlocked with each other, each ring passes through the center of the other ring. The two cyclic compounds are not covalently linked to one another, but cannot be separated unless covalent bond breakage occurs.

[0042] Suitable supramolecular guest chemicals include cyanuric acid, water, and melamine, and are preferably selected from cyanuric acid or melamine, or a combination thereof. Another category of guest chemical includes nanostructures of various elements and compounds, which may have a charge, may have magnetic properties, or both.

[0043] The supramolecular host chemical or the supramolecular guest chemical is present in the composition in any suitable amount but is generally present in the composition in an amount of about 1 percent to about 90 percent by weight of the composition. In certain embodiments, the supramolecular host chemical or supramolecular guest chemical, or host and guest chemical combination, is present in an amount of about 50 percent to about 85 percent by weight of the composition, for example, 60 percent to about 80 percent by weight of the composition. In one embodiment, the supramolecular host or guest chemical coupled with solvent is present in an amount of about 20 up to 74 weight percent of the composition or from over 80 to about 90 weight percent of the composition.

[0044] Any solvent may be used, including for example water or any alcohol. Typically, an aqueous solvent is used, and water is used as a preferred aqueous solvent. The solvent is typically present in an amount that is at least sufficient to partially and preferably substantially dissolve any solid components in the composition. Water (or other polar solvent) is present in any suitable amount but is generally present in the composition in an amount of about 0.5 percent to about 80 percent by weight of the composition. In certain embodiments, water is present in an amount of about 5 percent to about 75 percent by weight of the composition, for example, 50 percent to about 70 percent by weight of the composition. In various embodiments, the solvent partially dissolves one more components of the composition. In some embodiments, the solvent is selected to at least substantially dissolve (e.g., dissolve at least 90%, preferably at least about 95%, and more preferably at least about 99% or 99.9%, of all the components) or completely dissolve all of the components of the composition.

[0045] Any common agriculture additive(s) can be used in the composition depending on the intended application(s). Common examples include one or more adjuvants, water condition agents, buffering agents, defoamers, drift control agents, stickers, spreaders, tank cleaners, fertilizer, and biostimulants. Suitable amounts may be determined by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the guidance herein regarding the micronutrient source, the host/guest chemistry, and the solvent, along with the type of crop and growing and environmental conditions.

[0046] The order of addition of the components of the composition can be important to obtain stable supramolecular structures or assemblies in the final mixture. The order of addition is typically: (1) a solvent, (2) any optional additive or additives, and (3) a supramolecular host chemical or a supramolecular guest chemical. Once these two or three components are fully mixed, the supramolecular structure can be formed by mixing with a micronutrient source of choice, serially or sequentially. For example, the micronutrient source may provide an essential micronutrient (e.g., boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, or zinc, and in some systems cobalt or nickel, or one or more salts thereof, or a combination of the foregoing). The micronutrient source may also provide a further beneficial nutrient (e.g., silicon, sodium, aluminum, or vanadium, or one or more salts thereof, or a combination of the foregoing). In many situations, however, such further beneficial nutrients are not needed in the micronutrient source where the soil may already contain sufficient amounts of one or more of such beneficial nutrients. [0047] The compositions described above are typically applied in an agriculturally effective amount to each plant (e.g., the soil, roots, stems, or leaves of the plant, or a combination thereof). The amount or concentration of the present compositions to be applied can vary depending on conditions (e.g., application technique, wind speed, soil, humidity, pH, temperature, growing season, amount of daily light, amount of nitrogen to be applied, etc.), the concentration and type of components as described herein, as well as the type of plant to which each composition is applied. In some embodiments, an “agriculturally effective amount” means from about 0.001 ppm to about 300 ppm of the composition per gram of media (e.g., soil or soilless media) in which the plant is placed. In various embodiments, the rate of application is determined by the amount of currently available micronutrients (if any) and any amounts specifically required for the intended plant. In some embodiments, the composition is applied at a concentration of about 1 to 30 mL of the composition per gallon of the carrier fluid, for example about 1.0 to about 1.5 mL of the composition per gallon, about 2.0 mL to about 8.0 mL of the composition per gallon, or about 9.0 mL to about 20.0 mL of the composition per gallon. In various embodiments, the composition is applied at a concentration at a rate of about 1 to 100 ounces of the composition per acre of the crop to be treated, for example, about 1 ounce to about 3 ounces of the composition per acre, about 4 ounces to about 65 ounces per acre, or about 70 ounces to about 90 ounces of the composition per acre.

[0048] The term “about,” as used herein, should generally be understood to refer to both numbers in a range of numerals even if it appears only before the first number in a range (unless not permitted, in which case the presence of the word about should be ignored). Moreover, all numerical ranges herein should be understood to include each whole integer and tenth of an integer within the range.

[0049] The following examples are illustrative of the compositions and methods discussed above and are not intended to be limiting.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Preparation of Ready-to-Use Formulations

[0050] A Ready-to-Use (RTU) formulation was prepared using the components and quantities listed in Table 1 below. The order of addition of the components can be important to obtain stable supramolecular structures in the final mixture. The order was as follows: humic acid, SymMAX™ supramolecular host or guest mixture with water, glucose, citric acid, iron chelate, surfactant, and SymMAX™ supramolecular host or guest mixture with water. These RTU formulations may be then be combined with micronutrients according to the disclosure herein to form the compositions also disclosed herein.

TABLE 1: RTU FORMULATION COMPONENTS AND AMOUNTS

¹ Commercially available as BorreGRO® HA-1 powder from LignoTech AGRO

² Glucose - anhydrous lab grade from Aldon Corporation

³ Citric Acid - anhydrous food grade from Harcros Chemicals, Inc.

⁴ Iron monosodium EDTA from Greenway Biotech, Inc.

⁵ Commercially available as Novel® TDA-9 from Sasol Performance Chemicals

⁶ Commercially available from Shotwell Hydrogenics, LLC or BPS Shotwell. [0051] A control RTU formulation was also prepared using the ingredients and quantities shown in Table 2 below, but SymMAX™ supramolecular host water mixture was replaced with distilled water.

TABLE 2: CONTROL RTU FORMULATION COMPONENTS AND AMOUNTS

¹ Commercially available as BorreGRO® HA-1 powder from LignoTech AGRO

² Glucose - anhydrous lab grade from Aldon Corporation

³ Citric Acid - anhydrous food grade from Harcros Chemicals, Inc.

⁴ Iron monosodium EDTA from Greenway Biotech, Inc.

⁵ Commercially available as Novel® TDA-9 from Sasol Performance Chemicals

Example 2: Supramolecular Structures

[0052] To understand the composition’s response to fertilizer at a molecular level, a 20-20-20 fertilizer (20% nitrogen, 20% phosphorous, and 20% potassium) was mixed with water, and either the formulation of Example 1 (hereinafter “Composition”) or the control formulation of Example 1 (hereinafter “Control Composition”). The 20-20-20 fertilizer was prepared by dissolving 38% w/w fertilizer with 62% w/w water.

[0053] Three (3) solutions were prepared: (1) a 20-20-20 fertilizer/water solution; (2) a 20-20-20 fertilizer/water solution with 1% w/w of the Composition; and (3) a 20-20-20 fertilizer/water solution with 1% w/w of the Control Composition.

[0054] Microscopic slides were prepped by cleaning with soap and water, drying, then using an acetone solution and a Kimwipe to assure a clean slide was used with minimal contamination. Additionally, after cleaning the slide, a grade 1 filter paper was wrapped around the microscopic slide. Five (5) mL of solution was added by pipette to the top of the slide and allowed to dry over 12 hours.

[0055] All images were at lOx zoom level using an OMAX compound LED microscope with USB digital camera with zoom of about 50x for a combined zoom level of 500x magnification.

[0056] Figures 1A-1D show the crystal structures of the 20-20-20 fertilizer/water solution. Figures 2A-2C identify the uniform encapsulation of supramolecular structures in the solution of 20-20-20 fertilizer/water with the Composition. Figures 3 A and 3B, the images of the solution of 20-20-20 fertilizer/water with the Control Composition, show randomized crystals.

Example 3: Effect of Composition and Fertilizer on Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) and Catharanthus roseus (periwinkle/vincas)

[0057] Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) and Catharanthus roseus (periwinkle/vincas) were purchased from a local nursery and grown at a temperature of 75 °F, in a controlled light environment for 14 days. Sweet basil comprised of 3-4 plants per pot and were thinned to two homogenous plants per pot. Treatments included: 1) a control with fertilizer/water alone; 2) a fertilizer/water mix with the Composition; and 3) a fertilizer/water mix with the Control Composition. Plant heights, node counts, and wet and dry weights were recorded. Nutrient analysis was done by A&L laboratories in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

[0058] The fertilizer/water solutions were prepared by mixing 0.167% w/w 20-20-20 fertilizer with water (z.e., 1 gram of fertilizer with 599 grams of water). The Composition and the Control Composition were added to the fertilizer/water solutions at a 5% ratio relative to the added nitrogen in the fertilizer/water solution. In this example, 0.01 grams was added to the fertilizer/water solution as identified in Table 3.

TABLE 3: TREATMENT SOLUTIONS [0059] Solutions were applied at trial initiation and 3 days later at 30 mL of solution at each application to 3-inch pots using the original pots from the nursery. Watering was added as needed 3 days after the final treatment application. Four replications of basil and three replications of vincas were used for proof of concept of the composition blend. Dry weight for basil roots could not be separated by plant and were recorded by pot. Nutrient assimilation was evaluated by A&L Laboratories, including homogenized composite samples for each treatment.

[0060] The results showed positive nutrient assimilation as well as an increase in biomass for the plants treated with the Composition compared to the control and the Control Composition.

TABLE 4: SWEET BASIL RESULTS WITH CONTROL

TABLE 5: SWEET BASIL RESULTS WITH COMPOSITION

TABLE 6: SWEET BASIL RESULTS WITH CONTROL COMPOSITION

TABLE 7: SWEET BASIL RESULTS OF ALL TREATMENTS

[0061] Figure 4 illustrates the results of Table 7, showing that treatment with the Composition increases the biomass of sweet basil more than the control or the Control Composition.

TABLE 8: VINCAS RESULTS WITH CONTROL

TABLE 9: VINCAS RESULTS WITH COMPOSITION

TABLE 10: VINCAS RESULTS WITH CONTROL COMPOSITION

TABLE 11: VINCAS RESULTS OF ALL TREATMENTS

[0062] Figure 5 illustrates the results of Table 11, showing that treatment with the Composition increases biomass of vincas more than the control or Control Composition.

TABLE 12: SWEET BASIL SHOOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN CONTROL

TABLE 13: SWEET BASIL SHOOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN COMPOSITION

TABLE 14: SWEET BASIL SHOOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN CONTROL COMPOSITION

TABLE 15: SWEET BASIL ROOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN CONTROL

TABLE 16: SWEET BASIL ROOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN COMPOSITION

TABLE 17: SWEET BASIL ROOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN CONTROL COMPOSITION

TABLE 18: SWEET BASIL SHOOT AND ROOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN CONTROL

TABLE 19: SWEET BASIL SHOOT AND ROOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN COMPOSITION TABLE 20: SWEET BASIL SHOOT AND ROOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN CONTROL COMPOSITION

[0063] Figure 6 illustrates the percent change in micronutrient assimilation for the Composition and the Control Composition compared to the control for sweet basil. As can be seen, the uptake for the Composition compared to the control was a little more than 1%, while that for the Control Composition was more than -18%.

TABLE 21: VINCAS SHOOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN CONTROL TABLE 22: VINCAS SHOOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN COMPOSITION

TABLE 23: VINCAS SHOOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN CONTROL COMPOSITION

TABLE 24: VINCAS ROOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN CONTROL

TABLE 25: VINCAS ROOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN COMPOSITION

TABLE 26: VINCAS ROOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN CONTROL COMPOSITION

TABLE 27: VINCAS SHOOT AND ROOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN CONTROL

TABLE 28: VINCAS SHOOT AND ROOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN COMPOSITION

TABLE 29: VINCAS SHOOT AND ROOT NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN CONTROL COMPOSITION [0064] Figure 7 illustrates the percent change in micronutrient assimilation for the Composition and the Control Composition compared to the control for vincas. As can be seen, the uptake for the Composition compared to the control was more than 10%, while that for the Control Composition was about -7%. The uptake noted in, e.g., Tables 12-29, is measured in mg/treatment.

Example 4: Effect of Composition and Fertilizer on Zea mays (com)

[0065] This example was designed to identify intended application rates of the Composition based on the amount of nitrogen to be applied. This was done by varying the rates of 20-10-20 Peters Professional® General purpose fertilizer at 0, 50, 100, and 200 ppm of nitrogen at application with five rates of the Composition at 0, 20, 50, 100, and 200 ppm based on grams of soilless media used in the cones for the trial. The soilless media composition was respectively 75/25 (w/w %) of Kolorscape All Purpose Sand and Premier Tech Horticulture Pro-Mix LP15. Zero ppm of fertilizer is utilized as the baseline to understand the level of micronutrients available in the soilless media and to better understand nutrient competition and assimilation.

[0066]

TABLE 30: NUTRIENT CONCENTRATIONS IN 20-10-20 FERTILIZER TABLE 31: MILLIGRAMS OF NUTRIENTS ADDED BASED ON PPM OF NITROGEN

[0067] The 20-10-20 fertilizer was dissolved with water at 16.65% w/w fertilizer and 83.35% w/w water to promote homogeneity in the fertilizer. The study was carried out for 16 days with treatments being applied at emergence on day 4 and on day 12.

[0068] Data was analyzed for nutrient assimilation and dry biomass for roots and shoots. Nine (9) replications for each treatment were evaluated for dry biomass. Samples were grouped by 3 for nutrient analysis completed by A&L laboratories in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

[0069] Data shown is total dry biomass (Figure 8), percent change in micronutrient assimilation compared to control (Figure 9), total zinc uptake (Figure 10), total manganese uptake (Figure 11), total iron uptake (Figure 12), total copper uptake (Figure 13), total boron uptake (Figure 14), and total aluminum uptake (Figure 15). All values in parentheses represent the percent difference comparing the assimilation of nutrients after the baseline control is subtracted. TABLE 32: DRY SHOOT AND ROOT BIOMASS AT 0 PPM NITROGEN

TABLE 33: DRY SHOOT AND ROOT BIOMASS AT 50 PPM NITROGEN

TABLE 34: DRY SHOOT AND ROOT BIOMASS AT 100 PPM NITROGEN

TABLE 35: DRY SHOOT AND ROOT BIOMASS AT 200 PPM NITROGEN [0070] Figure 8 is a graph of the results of Tables 32-35. In most instances, the addition of the Composition with fertilizer resulted in an increase in biomass when compared to the fertilizer without the Composition.

TABLE 36: NUTRIENT UPTAKE (mg) AT 0 PPM NITROGEN

TABLE 37: NUTRIENT UPTAKE (mg) AT 50 PPM NITROGEN

TABLE 38: NUTRIENT UPTAKE (mg) AT 100 PPM NITROGEN

TABLE 39: NUTRIENT UPTAKE (mg) AT 200 PPM NITROGEN

TABLE 40: NUTRIENT UPTAKE DIFFERENCE COMPARED TO CONTROL AT 0 PPM N

[0071] Figure 9 illustrates the results of Table 40. In most instances, the addition of the Composition with fertilizer resulted in an increase in biomass when compared to the fertilizer without the Composition. The nutrient uptake for Tables 36-40 is mg/plant set, where a set is used in these Tables to mean 3 plants. When a plant absorbs nutrients, there is often competition as to which nutrients are absorbed. This can cause a negative % difference for one or more micro- or macro-nutrients when multiple nutrients are applied concurrently and/or present in the soil in meaningful amounts. This effect can be minimized by applying fewer types of nutrients at one time. Moreover, for each fertilizer N ppm concentration set, even with multiple micronutrients data is provided herein that showed positive percentage differences and demonstrated that reduced amounts of micronutrients can be present in the fertilizer being applied but having the effective of a much larger percentage of that micronutrient since more will be assimilated into the plant due to the stability and uptake boost of the presently disclosed compositions. When a data point for a nutrient in a given amount has a percent difference of 100% (or greater) when mixed with the inventive composition, this means one can use 1 lb. of fertilizer with that nutrient and it will have the same effect on the plant as if 2 lbs. had been used, thereby reducing the cost by half and minimizing any environmental effects of greater fertilizer usage at the same time. These percentages are calculated as follows: [0072]

TABLE 41: TOTAL ZINC UPTAKE (mg/3 plants)

[0073] Figure 10 illustrates the results of Table 41. Generally, the addition of fertilizer showed less uptake by the plants without the Composition. With the Composition, there was an improvement in nutrient uptake, making the fertilizer more available to the plant.

TABLE 42: TOTAL MANGANESE UPTAKE (mg/3 plants)

[0074] Figure 11 illustrates the results of Table 42. Generally, the addition of fertilizer showed less uptake by the plants without the Composition. With the Composition, there was an improvement in nutrient uptake, making the fertilizer more available to the plant.

TABLE 43: TOTAL IRON UPTAKE (mg/3 plants)

[0075] Figure 12 illustrates the results of Table 43. Generally, the addition of fertilizer showed less uptake by the plants without the Composition. With the Composition, there was an improvement in nutrient uptake, making the fertilizer more available to the plant.

TABLE 44: TOTAL COPPER UPTAKE (mg/3 plants)

[0076] Figure 13 illustrates the results of Table 44. Generally, the addition of fertilizer showed less uptake by the plants without the Composition. With the Composition, there was an improvement in nutrient uptake, making the fertilizer more available to the plant.

TABLE 45: TOTAL BORON UPTAKE (mg/3 plants)

[0077] Figure 14 illustrates the results of Table 45. Generally, the addition of fertilizer showed less uptake by the plants without the Composition. With the Composition, there was an improvement in nutrient uptake, making the fertilizer more available to the plant.

TABLE 46: TOTAL ALUMINUM UPTAKE (mg/3 plants)

[0078] Figure 15 illustrates the results of Table 46. Generally, the addition of fertilizer showed less uptake by the plants without the Composition. With the Composition, there was an improvement in nutrient uptake, making the fertilizer more available to the plant.

[0079] In one embodiment, an exemplary composition is provided below in Table 47:

TABLE 47: EXEMPLARY COMPOSITION In this embodiment, the supramolecular guest/host chemical coupled with solvent is present in an amount of about 74 to 80 weight percent of the composition, a micronutrient source includes copper sulfate in an amount of about 2.5 to 3 weight percent of the composition, and zinc sulfate in an amount of about 18 to 22 weight percent of the composition, and an agricultural additive including sulfuric acid is present in an amount of about 0.75 to 1.5 weight percent. The agricultural composition can be provided at a concentration of 2 to 8 mL per gallon of fertilizer, for example, or to plants in an amount of 4 to 65 ounces per acre.

[0080] Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims.