Patent ID: 7795180
Filing Date: 2010-09-14
Classification: A01N,C05F

Abstract:
1. A method to control fruit maturing processes by inducing the synthesis of ethylene and polyamine, the method comprising the steps of: (a) applying a formulation to the leaves of fruiting plants; (b) wherein the formulation contains a component selected from the group consisting of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid, a salt of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid, an ester of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid, an amide of 2-hydroxy -4-methylthiobutanoic acid and an ether of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid, wherein the 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid has a structure according to the formula CH3-S—CH2-CH 2CH(OR1)—COR2; (c) wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl moieties and aryl moieties; (d) R2 is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl moieties, amides of alkyl moieties, esters of alkyl moieties and aryl moieties; and (e) wherein the hydroxyl moiety is an OX moiety and X is selected from the group consisting of monovalent cations, and polyvalent cations.