FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a plant growth regulating composition. In
particular, the present invention relates to a broad spectrum, synergistic plant
growth regulating composition formulated as a tablet comprising Gibberellic
acid, Homobrassinolides and Soy protein.
10 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Improving crop quality remains a big challenge for modern farmers since
consumers are increasingly interested in products with high organoleptic,
nutritional, and functional attributes. To achieve reasonable yields and highquality products, farmers use excessive amounts of chemical fertilizers and a
15 wide range of pesticides that can have adverse effect on agricultural ecosystems
leading to chemical contamination of soil, water supplies, and harvested
products. Thus, improving crop quality and yield without harming the
environment is much needed in current times but remains a big challenge.
CN114946850A discloses a plant growth regulator and preparation
20 method thereof, wherein said plant growth regulator comprises by weight, 0.4-1
part of mononitrated guaiacol sodium salt and 1.6-4 parts of arninoxian
butter. It thus discloses a soluble liquid formulation comprising compounds of
synthetic nature.
CN102273460B relates to a plant growth regulator and application
25 thereof. The plant growth regulator provided by the invention comprises
prohexadione calcium and uniconazole as active ingredients. However, the
invention uses active components that are synthetic in nature and discloses a
water dispersible granule formulation.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a plant growth regulating
3
composition that is convenient for end user and that comprises agents of nonsynthetic nature that are not harmful to the environment, show no phytotoxicity
and provide a significant measurable enhancement in plant growth and yields.
The present invention is aimed at achieving enhanced plant growth and
5 yield in various economically important agricultural crops without compromising
environmental safety. It is further aimed at providing a user-friendly formulation
comprising plant growth regulating composition of the present invention.
OBJECT(S) OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and synergistic
10 plant growth regulating composition.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a plant growth
regulating composition comprising gibberellic acid, Homobrassinolides and soy
protein.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a plant growth
15 regulating composition formulated as a tablet.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a plant growth
regulating composition for enhanced plant growth and yield without any
phytotoxicity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
20 In an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plant growth
regulating composition comprising: (a) Gibberellic acid having weight
concentration in the range of 10-40% w/w; (b) Homobrassinolide having weight
concentration in the range of 0.05-2% w/w; (c) Soy protein having weight
concentration in the range of 0.05-2.0% w/w; and (d) at least one agriculturally
25 acceptable excipient.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
It is noted that, unless otherwise stated, all percentages given in this
specification and appended claims refer to percentages by weight of the total
composition. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for
4
the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention only and is
not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The use of
examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms
discussed herein is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning
5 of the invention or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the invention is not limited
to various embodiments given in this specification. Unless otherwise defined, all
technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In
the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.
10 It must be noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms “a,”
“an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates
otherwise. The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the
invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances.
However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other
15 circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred
embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not
intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.
As used herein, the terms “comprising” “including,” “having,”
“containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended,
20 i.e., to mean including but not limited to.
As used herein, “plant” embraces plant crops (or just crops), ornamentals,
trees, grasses, annuals, perennials or any other commonly cultivated member of
the kingdom Plantae.
As used herein, the term “plant growth regulator” refers to simple
25 chemicals produced naturally by plants to regulate their growth and
development.
Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are chemicals which are used to modify
plant growth such as increasing branching, suppressing shoot growth, increasing
return bloom, removing excess fruit, or altering fruit maturity. Numerous factors
5
affect plant growth regulating performance including how well the chemical is
absorbed by the plant, tree vigour and age, dosage, timing, cultivar, and weather
conditions before, during and after application.
One such plant growth regulator is Gibberellic acid (also called gibberellin
5 A3, GA, and GA3) which is a hormone found in plants and fungi. Its chemical
formula is C19H22O6. When purified, it is a white to pale-yellow solid. GA was first
identified in Japan in 1926, as a metabolic by-product of the plant
pathogen Gibberella fujikuroi (thus the name), which afflicts
rice plants. Fujikuroi-infected plants develop bakanae ("foolish seedling"), which
10 causes them to rapidly elongate beyond their normal adult height. The plants
subsequently lodge due to lack of support and die. Gibberellins have several
effects on plant development. They can stimulate rapid stem and root growth,
induce mitotic division in the leaves of some plants, and increase seed
germination rates.
15 The most characteristic effects of GA on shoot growth are increased
inter-node extension, increased leaf-growth and enhanced apical dominance.
Many forms of dormancy are broken by GA. These include seed dormancy,
dormancy of potato tubers and dormancy of shoot internodes and buds. GA will
induce flowering of long-short-day plants kept permanently in short-day
20 photoperiods.
Homobrassinolide (HBR), a novel type of phytohormone (HBR) is known
to improve the growth, yield and quality parameters in many crop plants.
Soy protein basically serve as plant-derived bio stimulants which are
readily available in the markets. Traditionally, it is made from soybean meal that
25 has been dehulled and defatted. Soyprotein extract contains various amino acids
– Aspartic, Threonine, Serine, Glutamic acid, Proline, Glycine, Valine, Cystine,
Isoleucine, Methionine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Lysine, Histidine, Arginine, and
the percentage of each amino acid may vary in the mixture. Soy protein has a
bio-stimulating effect on the health of the crops.
6
Many types of formulations for delivery of plant growth enhancers are
known and commercially available. Each formulation has varied different
features. Tablet formulations are pre-measured dosage delivery systems. Tablet
formulations may be effervescent, which dissolve in water over a period of two
5 to ten minutes depending upon the type and size of the tablet. Most tablet
formulations are 100% water soluble with no associated dust pollution and less
environmental hazard.
These formulations also provide accurate dosage and easy, hassle- free
application. Further, at the time of field application, these can be directly put
10 into the tank and mixed well before spraying. The tablets also provide a longer
shelf- life and the physical and chemical properties of the active ingredients are
more likely to remain stable.
The present inventors have surprisingly found that the presently
disclosed plant growth regulator composition leads to a significant percent
15 increase in the growth yield of the crops, as visible in the quantitative
parameters like number of branches, average fruit weight, etc. without any
visible symptoms of phytotoxicity.
The present invention provides a plant growth regulating composition
comprising: (a) Gibberellic acid having weight concentration in the range of 10-
20 40% w/w; (b) Homobrassinolide having weight concentration in the range of
0.05-2% w/w; (c) Soy protein having weight concentration in the range of 0.05-
2% w/w; and (d) at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient.
Gibberellic acid was procured from a foreign commercial source: M/s
Zhejiang Qinjiang Biochemical Co. Ltd., Add: 598, Xishan Road, Xiashi, Haining
25 Zhejiang, China. Homobrassinolide was procured from: JIANGXI WINDEAL
BIOTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD, Nankang, Jiangxi, China. Soyprotein was procured
from Sales Office 1900 Crown Colony Drive, 3rd Floor, Quincy, Massachusetts,
USA.
In an embodiment, the at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient is
7
selected from the group consisting of at least a disintegrant, at least a binder, at
least a dispersing agent at least a filler, and combinations thereof. In a preferred
embodiment, the excipients comprise a combination of at least a disintegrant,
binder, dispensing agent, and filler.
5 In an embodiment, the disintegrant is selected from the group consisting
of sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, ammonium
sulfate, sodium carboxymethyl starch, urea, sodium chloride, anhydrous sodium
sulfate, calcium chloride, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment,
the disintegrant is sodium bicarbonate and citric acid.
10 In an embodiment, the dispersant is selected from the group consisting of
silica PPT, calcium lignosulfonate, sodium lignosulfonate, copolymers of acrylic
acid and maleic anhydride, naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensates,
acrylic acid homopolymer salts, and combinations thereof. In a preferred
embodiment, the dispersant is silica PPT.
15 In an embodiment, the filler is selected from the group consisting of
lactose anhydrous, bentonite, light calcium carbonate, diatomite, white carbon
black, talcum powder, activated clay, kaolin, attapulgite, argil, and combinations
thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the filler is lactose anhydrous.
In an embodiment, the binder is selected from the group consisting of
20 polyethylene glycol, gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxymethylcellulose,
starch, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment,
the filler is lactose anhydrous.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides a broad-spectrum
synergistic plant growth regulating composition comprising 10-40% w/w
25 gibberellic acid, 0.05-2% w/w homobrassinolide and 0.05-2% w/w soy protein,
10-55% w/w disintegrant, 0.01-2% w/w binder, 0.01-3% w/w dispersing agent,
and 15-45% w/w filler.
In a preferred embodiment, gibberellic acid weight concentration is
20.97%w/w. In a preferred embodiment, homobrassinolide weight concentration
8
is 0.304%w/w. In a preferred embodiment, soy protein weight concentration is
1%w/w. In a preferred embodiment, disintegrant is sodium bicarbonate having
weight concentration of 35%w/w and citric acid having weight concentration of
15%w/w. In a preferred embodiment, dispersing agent is silica PPT having weight
5 concentration of 0.1%w/w. In a preferred embodiment, filler is anhydrous
lactose having weight concentration of 26.08%w/w. In a preferred embodiment,
binder is polyethylene glycol – 4000 having weight concentration of 0.2%w/w.
In an embodiment, the plant growth regulating composition of the present
invention enhances plant yield in tomato.
10 In an embodiment, the plant growth regulating composition of the
present invention enhances plant yield in rice.
In an embodiment, the plant growth regulating composition of the
present invention enhances plant yield in maize
In an embodiment, the plant growth regulating composition of the
15 present invention enhances plant yield in sugarcane.
In an embodiment, the plant growth regulating composition of the
present invention enhances plant yield in soyabean.
In an embodiment, the plant growth regulating composition of the
present invention enhances plant yield in grapes.
20 In an embodiment, the plant growth regulating composition of the
present invention enhances plant yield in cotton.
In an embodiment, the plant growth regulating composition of the
present invention enhances plant yield in brinjal.
In an embodiment, the plant growth regulating composition of the
25 present invention enhances plant yield in okra.
In a preferred embodiment, the plant growth regulating composition of
the present invention enhances the number of branches in tomato.
In another preferred embodiment, the plant growth regulating
composition of the present invention enhances average fruit weight in tomato.
9
EXAMPLES
The examples below are given solely for the purpose of illustration and
are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention, as many
variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the
5 invention.
Example 1(a) Composition of tablet formulation
Table no. 1 below shows the composition of the tablet formulation of the
present invention in a preferred embodiment:
Table 1: Preferred chemical composition of GA 2021T
S.no. Ingredient %w/w
1 Gibberellic Acid technical (Basis of 90.0%) 22.30%
2 Homobrassinolide (Basis of 95.0%) 0.32%
3 Soy protein 1.0%
4 Disintegrants (Sodium Bicarbonate) 35.00%
5 Disintegrants (Citric Acid) 15.00%
6 Binder (Polyethylene glycol -4000) 0.2%
7 Dispersing Agent (Silica PPT) 0.1%
8 Filler (Lactose Anhydrous) 26.08%
Total Quantity 100.00%
10
Table no. 2 below describes the preferred test parameters for the GA 20% tablet
composition:
Table 2: Preferred parameters of GA 2021T
15
10
S.no. Parameter Preferred parameter
1. Description It shall be in the form of tablets for application after
disintegration and dispersion in water. The formulation
shall be dry, of unbroken and free-flowing tablets, and
shall be free from visible extraneous matter.
2. A.I. Content Gibberellic Acid: 20% m/m
3. Uniformity The active content, measured separately in each tablet,
shall have a relative standard deviation (RSD) of not
more than (+10%, -5%).
4. pH range 4.0 -7.0
5. Tablet integrity No broken, soft, or sticky tablets should be present.
6. Disintegration
of tablets:
Maximum: … % of residue after specified disintegration
time
Example 1(b) Preparation of the tablet composition
The tablet formulation comprising the composition of the present
invention was prepared by adopting the following steps (Fig. 1).
5 Step-1: A pre-mix was prepared by mixing all the ingredients as per Table 1;
Step-2: The pre-mix was mixed in a ribbon blender and grinding was carried out
in a jet mill until a mean particle size of below 10 micron was obtained;
Step-3: After grinding, the material was homogenized by using a post mixing
blender;
10 Step -4: Tablets were prepared through compression process by using Rotatory
tablet press; and
Step- 5: Quality parameters were checked.
Example 2: Evaluation of Bioefficacy
To test the effectiveness of the tablet formulation, a representative
15 example of the presently claimed plant growth enhancement composition was
evaluated in the field against a commercially available gibberellic acid
formulation coded as GA 40% WSG.
11
The field evaluation was carried on Hinsona variety of tomato crop in
Nashik, Maharashtra during the Rabi season 2021-22. The trial was conducted in
a 100 sqm. field in a random block design in three replications at a temperature
of 30 ℃ at a relative humidity of 70%.
5 The efficacy of the formulation was evaluated by counting the no. of
branches, flowers and fruits from 10 tagged plants of each plot after 25 days of
1
st and 2nd application and yield was recorded at picking time from 10 plants of
each plot.
Percent Increase: Per-cent increase of quantitative parameters was
10 calculated based on no. of number of flowers and fruits.
Formula is as given below.
T – C
Percent Increase = …………. × 100
C
15 Where C = No. of branches/ fruits/flowers in control plot
T = No. of Branches/Fruits/Flowers in treated plot
The results obtained are presented in tabular form in tables below.
Table 3: Bio efficacy of various mixtures of Gibberellic acid tablet on Tomato
20 (Number of Branches/10 Plants)
Treatments gm (a.i./ha) Tablet/Ha
25 DA1A
(Number of
Branches/ 10
Plants
%
Increase
Untreated 17
GA-2021 T 4 + 0.06 + 0.01 20 Tablet 21 23.53
GA-2021 T 5 + 0.075 + 0.025 25 Tablet 22.5 32.35
GA-2021 T 6 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 23 35.29
GA-2024 T 4 + 0.06 + 0.08 20 Tablet 20 17.65
12
Treatments gm (a.i./ha) Tablet/Ha
25 DA1A
(Number of
Branches/ 10
Plants
%
Increase
GA-2024 T 5 + 0.075 + 0.1 25 Tablet 22 29.41
GA-2024 T 6 + 0.09 + 0.12 30 Tablet 22 29.41
GA-2044 T 4 + 0.08 + 0.08 20 Tablet 19 11.76
GA-2044 T 5 + 0.1 + 0.1 25 Tablet 20 17.65
GA-2044 T 6 + 0.12 + 0.12 30 Tablet 22 29.41
GA-1731 T 3.5 + 0.06 + 0.02 20 Tablet 18 5.88
GA-1731 T 4.38 + 0.075 + 0.025 25 Tablet 20 17.65
GA-1731 T 5.25 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 21 23.53
GA-2231 T 4.5 + 0.06 + 0.02 20 Tablet 22 29.41
GA-2231 T 5.62 + 0.075 + 0.025 25 Tablet 22.5 32.35
GA-2231 T 6.75 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 22.75 33.82
GA 40 % WSG 5 12.50 gm 19 11.76
Soy Protein 0.4%
L 0.4 100 ml 21 23.53
Homo
Brassinolides 0.04
% L 0.08 200 ml 20 17.65
Note:
GA-2021 T---- Gibberellic acid 20% + Homo Brassinolides 0.3% + Soy Protein 0.1%
Tablet
5 GA-2024 T---- Gibberellic acid 20% + Homo Brassinolides 0.3% + Soy Protein 0.4%
Tablet
GA-2044 T---- Gibberellic acid 20% + Homo Brassinolides 0.4% + Soy Protein 0.4%
Tablet
13
GA-1731 T---- Gibberellic acid 17.5% + Homo Brassinolides 0.3% + Soy Protein
0.1% Tablet
GA-2231 T---- Gibberellic acid 22.5% + Homo Brassinolides 0.3% + Soy Protein
0.1% Tablet
5 GA 40 WSG --- Gibberellic acid 40% WSG
As seen in Table 3, treatment with gibberellic acid alone at 5 g a.i./ha
results in about 11.76% increase in branching. Soy protein alone at 0.4 g a.i./ha
results in about 23.5% increase in branching. Treatment with brassinolides alone
at 0.08 g a.i./ha results in about 7.65% increase in branching. However,
10 unexpectedly and surprisingly, advantageously, the combination of gibberellic
acid + soy protein + brassinolides at concentration of 5 + 0.075 + 0.025wt%
respectively results in about 32.35% increase in branching. It can be appreciated
that soy protein when used at about 5.3-fold less concentration and
brassinolides when used at about 3.2-fold less concentration, synergistically
15 enhances the activity of gibberellic acid.
Table 4: Bio efficacy of various mixtures of Gibberellic acid tablet on Tomato
(Number of Flowers /10 Plants)
Treatments & Doses
After 1st
Application
After
2
ndApplication
Treatments gm (a.i./ha) Tablet/Ha
No. of
flowers
%
Increase
No. of
flowers
%
Increase
Untreated 24 27
GA-2021 T 4 + 0.06 + 0.01 20 Tablet 28 16.67 32 18.52
GA-2021 T 5 + 0.075 + 0.025 25 Tablet 34 41.67 36 33.33
GA-2021 T 6 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 35 45.83 37 37.04
GA-2024 T 4 + 0.06 + 0.08 20 Tablet 27 12.50 29 7.41
GA-2024 T 5 + 0.075 + 0.1 25 Tablet 29 20.83 31 14.81
GA-2024 T 6 + 0.09 + 0.12 30 Tablet 29 20.83 33 22.22
GA-2044 T 4 + 0.08 + 0.08 20 Tablet 25 4.17 31 14.81
14
Treatments & Doses
After 1st
Application
After
2
ndApplication
Treatments gm (a.i./ha) Tablet/Ha
No. of
flowers
%
Increase
No. of
flowers
%
Increase
GA-2044 T 5 + 0.1 + 0.1 25 Tablet 26 8.33 32 18.52
GA-2044 T 6 + 0.12 + 0.12 30 Tablet 25 4.17 32 18.52
GA-1731 T 3.5 + 0.06 + 0.02 20 Tablet 24 0.00 28 3.70
GA-1731 T
4.38 + 0.075 +
0.025 25 Tablet 27 12.50 28 3.70
GA-1731 T 5.25 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 27 12.50 29 7.41
GA-2231 T 4.5 + 0.06 + 0.02 20 Tablet 25 4.17 32 18.52
GA-2231 T
5.62 + 0.075 +
0.025 25 Tablet 26 8.33 33 22.22
GA-2231 T 6.75 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 28 16.67 33 22.22
GA 40 % WSG 5 12.50 gm 25 4.17 31 14.81
Soy Protein
0.4% L 0.4 100 ml 27 12.50 29 7.41
Homo
Brassinolides
0.04 % L 0.08 200 ml 25 4.17 32 18.52
As seen in Table 4, treatment with gibberellic acid alone at 5 g a.i./ha
results in about 14.81% increase in flowering. Soy protein alone at 0.4 g a.i./ha
results in about 7.4% increase in flowering. Treatment with brassinolides alone at
0.08 g a.i./ha results in about 18.5% increase in flowering. However,
5 unexpectedly and surprisingly, advantageously, the combination of gibberellic
acid + soy protein + brassinolides at concentration of 5 + 0.075 + 0.025wt%
respectively results in about 33.33% increase in branching. It can be appreciated
that soy protein when used at about 5.3-fold less concentration and
brassinolides when used at about 3.2-fold less concentration, synergistically
15
enhances the activity of gibberellic acid.
Table 5: Bio efficacy of various mixtures of Gibberellic acid tablet on Tomato
(Average Fruit weight /10 fruits/treatments)
Treatments & Doses 1st Picking 2nd Picking
Treatments gm (a.i./ha) Tablet/Ha
Fruit
weight
(gm)
%
Increase
Fruit
weight
(gm)
%
Increase
Untreated 50 65
GA-2021 T 4 + 0.06 + 0.01 20 Tablet 54 8.00 75 15.38
GA-2021 T 5 + 0.075 + 0.025 25 Tablet 58 16.00 78 20.00
GA-2021 T 6 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 59 18.00 79 21.54
GA-2024 T 4 + 0.06 + 0.08 20 Tablet 53 6.00 66 1.54
GA-2024 T 5 + 0.075 + 0.1 25 Tablet 54 8.00 68 4.62
GA-2024 T 6 + 0.09 + 0.12 30 Tablet 54 8.00 70 7.69
GA-2044 T 4 + 0.08 + 0.08 20 Tablet 53 6.00 69 6.15
GA-2044 T 5 + 0.1 + 0.1 25 Tablet 55 10.00 70 7.69
GA-2044 T 6 + 0.12 + 0.12 30 Tablet 57 14.00 72 10.77
GA-1731 T 3.5 + 0.06 + 0.02 20 Tablet 55 10.00 68 4.62
GA-1731 T
4.38 + 0.075 +
0.025 25 Tablet 57 14.00 72 10.77
GA-1731 T 5.25 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 57 14.00 74 13.85
GA-2231 T 4.5 + 0.06 + 0.02 20 Tablet 53 6.00 69 6.15
GA-2231 T
5.62 + 0.075 +
0.025 25 Tablet 54 8.00 75 15.38
GA-2231 T 6.75 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 54 8.00 77 18.46
GA 40 %
WSG 5 12.50 gm 53 6.00 69 6.15
16
Treatments & Doses 1st Picking 2nd Picking
Treatments gm (a.i./ha) Tablet/Ha
Fruit
weight
(gm)
%
Increase
Fruit
weight
(gm)
%
Increase
Soy Protein
0.4% L 0.4 100 ml 53 6.00 69 6.15
Homo
Brassinolides
0.04 % L 0.08 200 ml 55 10.00 68 4.62
As seen in Table 5, treatment with gibberellic acid alone at 5 g a.i./ha
results in about 6.15% increase in fruit weight. Soy protein alone at 0.4 g a.i./ha
results in about 6.15% increase in fruit weight. Treatment with brassinolides
5 alone at 0.08 g a.i./ha results in about 4.62% increase in fruit weight. However,
unexpectedly and surprisingly, advantageously, the combination of gibberellic
acid + soy protein + brassinolides at concentration of 5 + 0.075 + 0.025wt%
respectively results in about 20% increase in fruit weight. It can be appreciated
that soy protein when used at about 5.3-fold less concentration and
10 brassinolides when used at about 3.2-fold less concentration, synergistically
enhances the activity of gibberellic acid.
Table 6a-b: Bio efficacy of various mixtures of Gibberellic acid tablet on Tomato
(Average number of Fruits /10 fruits/treatments)
Table 6a
15
Treatments & Doses
No. of fruits/10
Plants (1st
Picking)
No. of
fruits/10
Plants (2nd
Picking)
17
Untreated 32
%
Increase 30
%
Increase
GA-2021 T 4 + 0.06 + 0.01 20 Tablet 37 15.63 30.8 2.67
GA-2021 T 5 + 0.075 + 0.025 25 Tablet 39 21.88 34.7 15.67
GA-2021 T 6 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 39 21.88 34.9 16.33
GA-2024 T 4 + 0.06 + 0.08 20 Tablet 33 3.13 31.5 5.00
GA-2024 T 5 + 0.075 + 0.1 25 Tablet 34 6.25 31.8 6.00
GA-2024 T 6 + 0.09 + 0.12 30 Tablet 35.5 10.94 31.7 5.67
GA-2044 T 4 + 0.08 + 0.08 20 Tablet 33 3.13 32 6.67
GA-2044 T 5 + 0.1 + 0.1 25 Tablet 34 6.25 32.7 9.00
GA-2044 T 6 + 0.12 + 0.12 30 Tablet 34.3 7.19 32.8 9.33
GA-1731 T 3.5 + 0.06 + 0.02 20 Tablet 33.5 4.69 32.2 7.33
GA-1731 T
4.38 + 0.075 +
0.025 25 Tablet 34.7 8.44 33 10.00
GA-1731 T 5.25 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 35.5 10.94 33.7 12.33
GA-2231 T 4.5 + 0.06 + 0.02 20 Tablet 36.6 14.38 34 13.33
GA-2231 T
5.62 + 0.075 +
0.025 25 Tablet 37 15.63 34.5 15.00
GA-2231 T 6.75 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 37 15.63 34.7 15.67
GA 40 % WSG 5 12.50 gm 33.5 4.69 32.2 7.33
Soy Protein
0.4% L 0.4 100 ml 33 3.13 31.5 5.00
Homo
Brassinolides
0.04 % L 0.08 200 ml 34.3 7.19 32.8 9.33
Table 6b
18
Treatments & Doses
No. of fruits/10 Plants
(3rd Picking)
Untreated 35 % Increase
GA-2024 T 4 + 0.06 + 0.08 20 Tablet 36 2.86
GA-2024 T 5 + 0.075 + 0.1 25 Tablet 36.6 4.57
GA-2024 T 6 + 0.09 + 0.12 30 Tablet 36.8 5.14
GA-2044 T 4 + 0.08 + 0.08 20 Tablet 37.5 7.14
GA-2044 T 5 + 0.1 + 0.1 25 Tablet 36.8 5.14
GA-2044 T 6 + 0.12 + 0.12 30 Tablet 37.8 8.00
GA-1731 T 3.5 + 0.06 + 0.02 20 Tablet 35.5 1.43
GA-1731 T
4.38 + 0.075 +
0.025 25 Tablet 37.6 7.43
GA-1731 T 5.25 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 37.8 8.00
GA-2231 T 4.5 + 0.06 + 0.02 20 Tablet 35 0.00
GA-2231 T
5.62 + 0.075 +
0.025 25 Tablet 35.5 1.43
GA-2231 T 6.75 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 35.7 2.00
GA 40 %
WSG 5 12.50 gm 35.4 1.14
Soy Protein
0.4% L 0.4 100 ml 36 2.86
Homo
Brassinolides
0.04 % L 0.08 200 ml 37.8 8.00
As seen in Table 6a-b, treatment with gibberellic acid alone at 5 g a.i./ha
results in about 1.14% increase in number of fruits. Soy protein alone at 0.4 g
a.i./ha results in about 2.86% increase in number of fruits. Treatment with
brassinolides alone at 0.08 g a.i./ha results in about 8% increase in number of
5 fruits. However, unexpectedly and surprisingly, advantageously, the
19
combination of gibberellic acid + soy protein + brassinolides at concentration of
5 + 0.075 + 0.025wt% respectively results in about 11.4% increase in fruit
weight. It can be appreciated that soy protein when used at about 5.3-fold less
concentration and brassinolides when used at about 3.2-fold less concentration,
5 synergistically enhances the activity of gibberellic acid.
Example 3: Evaluation of Phytotoxicity
Visual observations were recorded at 3, 7 and 10 days after application.
The parameters observed were leaf injury on tip/surface, necrosis, vein clearing,
epinasty, hyponasty and wilting. For the rating on phytotoxicity the core Scale of
10 0 – 10 was followed for leaf injury on tips/surface.
Table 7: Phytotoxicity symptoms Scoring and rating for leaf injury on tip/surface
Leaf injury on tips/surface Rating
0% 0
1-10% 1
11-20% 2
21-30% 3
31-40% 4
41-50% 5
51-60% 6
61-70% 7
71-80% 8
81-90% 9
91-100% 10
20
Table 8a-b: Results of phytotoxicity studies conducted in Tomato crop
Table 8a
S.no. Treatment details Dose (gm) a.i. /ha
Dose
(gm)/ha
1
DAA
3
DAA
5
DAA
1 Untreated 0 0 0
2 GA-2021 T 4 + 0.06 + 0.01 20 Tablet 0 0 0
3 GA-2021 T 5 + 0.075 + 0.025 25 Tablet 0 0 0
4 GA-2021 T 6 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 0 0 0
5 GA-2024 T 4 + 0.06 + 0.08 20 Tablet 0 0 0
6 GA-2024 T 5 + 0.075 + 0.1 25 Tablet 0 0 0
7 GA-2024 T 6 + 0.09 + 0.12 30 Tablet 0 0 0
8 GA-2044 T 4 + 0.08 + 0.08 20 Tablet 0 0 0
9 GA-2044 T 5 + 0.1 + 0.1 25 Tablet 0 0 0
10 GA-2044 T 6 + 0.12 + 0.12 30 Tablet 0 0 0
11 GA-1731 T 3.5 + 0.06 + 0.02 20 Tablet 0 0 0
12 GA-1731 T
4.38 + 0.075 +
0.025 25 Tablet 0 0 0
13 GA-1731 T 5.25 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 0 0 0
14 GA-2231 T 4.5 + 0.06 + 0.02 20 Tablet 0 0 0
15 GA-2231 T
5.62 + 0.075 +
0.025 25 Tablet 0 0 0
16 GA-2231 T 6.75 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 0 0 0
17 GA 40 % WSG 5 12.50 gm 0 0 0
18 Soy Protein 0.4% L 0.4 100 ml 0 0 0
19
Homo
Brassinolides 0.04
% L 0.08 200 ml 0 0 0
21
Table 8b
S.no. Treatment details Dose (gm) a.i. /ha
Dose
(gm)/ha
7
DAA
10
DAA
15
DAA
1 Untreated 0 0 0
2 GA-2021 T 4 + 0.06 + 0.01 20 Tablet 0 0 0
3 GA-2021 T 5 + 0.075 + 0.025 25 Tablet 0 0 0
4 GA-2021 T 6 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 0 0 0
5 GA-2024 T 4 + 0.06 + 0.08 20 Tablet 0 0 0
6 GA-2024 T 5 + 0.075 + 0.1 25 Tablet 0 0 0
7 GA-2024 T 6 + 0.09 + 0.12 30 Tablet 0 0 0
8 GA-2044 T 4 + 0.08 + 0.08 20 Tablet 0 0 0
9 GA-2044 T 5 + 0.1 + 0.1 25 Tablet 0 0 0
10 GA-2044 T 6 + 0.12 + 0.12 30 Tablet 0 0 0
11 GA-1731 T 3.5 + 0.06 + 0.02 20 Tablet 0 0 0
12 GA-1731 T
4.38 + 0.075 +
0.025 25 Tablet 0 0 0
13 GA-1731 T 5.25 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 0 0 0
14 GA-2231 T 4.5 + 0.06 + 0.02 20 Tablet 0 0 0
15 GA-2231 T
5.62 + 0.075 +
0.025 25 Tablet 0 0 0
16 GA-2231 T 6.75 + 0.09 + 0.03 30 Tablet 0 0 0
17 GA 40 % WSG 5 12.50 gm 0 0 0
18 Soy Protein 0.4% L 0.4 100 ml 0 0 0
19
Homo
Brassinolides 0.04
% L 0.08 200 ml 0 0 0
As seen in Table 8a-b, there is no phytotoxicity associated with treatment
of any of the ingredients to the plants, suggesting that the said composition is
completely safe to use.
22
The present invention provides a novel and synergistic combination of
gibberellic acid, brassinolides and soy protein, which significantly enhances the
economic value of crops. While the present specification illustrates various
concentrations across which enhanced results are seen, in particular, the
5 combination of gibberellic acid + soy protein + brassinolides at concentration of 5
+ 0.075 + 0.025wt% respectively shows the best results in terms of enhancement
of number of fruits, fruit weight, number of flowers, and branching. There is a
clear and significant enhancement in each of the aforementioned characteristics,
which is not anticipated or expected. The resulting enhancement is also
10 achieved by using lesser quantities of gibberellic acid + soy protein +
brassinolides, which is a significant cost saving and also reduces agricultural runoff.

We claim:
1. A plant growth regulator composition comprising:
a) gibberellic acid having weight concentration in the range of 10-
40% w/w;
5 b) homobrassinolides having weight concentration in the range of
0.05-2% w/w;
c) soy protein having weight concentration in the range of 0.05-
2.0% w/w; and
d) at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient.
10 2. The plant growth regulator composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein
said composition is formulated as a tablet.
3. The plant growth regulator composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein
said at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient is selected from the
group consisting of at least a disintegrant, at least a binder, at least a
15 dispersant, at least a filler, and combinations thereof.
4. The plant growth regulator composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein
said disintegrant is selected from the group consisting of sodium
bicarbonate, citric acid, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, ammonium
sulfate, sodium carboxymethyl starch, urea, sodium chloride, anhydrous
20 sodium sulfate, calcium chloride, and combinations thereof.
5. The plant growth regulator composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein
said binder is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol,
gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxymethylcellulose, starch, polyvinyl
alcohol, and combinations thereof
25 6. The plant growth regulator composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein
said dispersant is selected from the group consisting of silica PPT,
calcium lignosulfonate, sodium lignosulfonate, copolymers of acrylic acid
and maleic anhydride, naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde
condensates, acrylic acid homopolymer salts, and combinations thereof.
24
7. The plant growth regulator composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein
said filler is selected from the group consisting of lactose anhydrous,
bentonite, light calcium carbonate, diatomite, white carbon black,
talcum powder, activated clay, kaolin, attapulgite, argil, and
5 combinations thereof.
8. The plant growth regulating composition as claimed in claim 1,
comprising 10-40% w/w gibberellic acid, 0.05-2% w/w homobrassinolide
and 0.05-2% w/w soy protein, 10-55% w/w disintegrant, 0.01-2% w/w
filler, 0.01-3% w/w dispersing agent, and 15-45% w/w filler.
10 9. A method for preparing a plant growth regulating composition as
claimed in claim 8, said method comprising:
1. mixing to obtain a granular pre-mix was prepared by taking all the
raw materials, wherein the mean particle size of granules is ≤ 10µm;
2. homogenizing the pre-mix; and
15 preparing tablets of the homogenized pre-mix by compression process.