N-PHENYL-N'-(PYRIDINYL-N-OXIDE)UREA PLANT REGULATORS

Abstract: N-phenyl-N'-(pyridinyl-N-oxide)ureas of formula (I), and their use as plant regulators.

Description: N-PHENYL-N , -(PYRIDINYL-N~OXIDE)UREA PLANT REGULATORS The present invention relates to N-phenyl-N'- (pyridinyl-N-oxide)ureas as plant regulators for agri¬ cultural crops such as wheat, corn, cotton, soybean and the like, to novel compositions thereof, and to a method for regulating growth and development of agricultural crops. Substantial research efforts have been devoted to finding new chemical compounds which exhibit cytokinin- like hormonal activity in agricultural crops. Such activity can beneficially affect the course of plant development in many ways. For example it can accelerate plant growth, modify plant growth or development in such a way as to increase yield, insure flowering or fruiting at a desired period in time, prevent or promote abscis¬ sion, i.e., the falling of fruit or flowers from plants, increase the weight of leaves or stalks, retard senes¬ cence of the plant, and/or exhibit various other pro¬ perties desirable in the growth and development of various plants. Compounds which perform such functions are commonly known as "plant regulators" and are here¬ inafter referred to by that term. Typical compounds which have exhibited plant regulator activity include 6-benzyladenine, kinetin, and 4-pyridylphenylurea. U.S. Patent 4,193,788 dis¬ closes the use of certain N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)ureas as plant regulators. Likewise U.S. Patents 4,279,639 and 4,308,054 disclose various other N-(2-and/or 6- substituted-4-pyridyl)-_•.'-(optionally substituted phenyl)ureas as plant regulators. While the foregoing patents describe only pyridyl- ureas in which the pyridyl group is attached at the 4-position, certain other pyridylureas in which the pyridyl group is attached at the 2- and 3-position also exhibit some cytokinin-like activity. See for example Bruce, M.I. and Zwar, J.A. "Cytokinin Activity of Some Substituted Ureas and Thioureas", Proc. Roy. Soc. OMP (London) 1966, pp. 245-265. The prior art does not teach or suggest the use of pyridinyl N-oxides as plant regulators. As used throughout the following description and claims the terms "halogen" and "halo" mean halogen atoms selected from bromine, chlorine, fluorine and iodine, preferably bromine, chlorine and fluorine. In accordance with the foregoing, the present invention comprises plant regulators of the formula in which: (a) the pyridinyl ring is attached at position 4; each- X group is independently selected from halogen,, alkyl of 1 or 2 carbon atoms, alkoxy of 1 or 2 carbon atoms, (C, 2 )alkoxycarbonyl, aminocar- bonyl (C j ^) alkylamino, di (C | _ 2 ) alkylamino, di (C, -) alkylamino-N-o ide, ( c ι _ 2 ^ a - " - k Yl tn --θ, (C, 2 )alkylsulfonyl, phenylthio or phenylsulfonyl in which the phenyl ring is unsubstituted or substituted with 1 to 5 halogen atoms; each Y group is independently selected from halogen, (C 1 _ 2 )~ alkyl or trihalomethyl; m is 0 or 1 when X is other than halogen and is 1 or 2 when X is halogen? and n is 0 or 1 ; or (b) the pyridinyl ring is attached at position 3; X is chloro, methoxy or an ( ace tyl) (methyl) amino group; Y is halogen; m is 0 or 1 ; and n is 0 or 1. Specific compounds of this invention and their physical constants are shown in Table 1 below. OMPI. The composition aspect of the present invention provides a composition containing a plant regulating amount of the compounds described herein in admixture with an agriculturally acceptable carrier, diluent, extender or adjuvant. In the composition aspect of this invention, the plant regulator compounds of this invention, like most agricultural chemicals, are generally not applied full strength, but are formulated with agriculturally accep¬ table carriers normally employed for facilitating the dispersion of active ingredients, various additives, and optionally with other active ingredients, recog¬ nizing that the formulation and mode of application of the active component may affect the activity of the material. The present compounds may be applied, for example, as powders or liquids, the choice of applica¬ tion varying with the plant species and environmental factors present at the particular locus of application. Thus, the compounds may be formulated as emulsifiable concentrates, as wettable powders, as flowable formula¬ tions, as solutions, as dispersions, as suspensions and the like. The plant regulators of this invention are suitably employed in a number of broad-leafed and grain crops, for example, soybean, lima bean, wheat, rice, corn, sorghum, and cotton, and turf grasses to name a few. In soybean, the compounds of the invention retard senescence and increase yields. In wheat, they -retard senescence and exert an antilodging effect. In cotton, the compounds of the invention improve leaf abcission. In turf grasses, the compounds retard growth rate. A typical formulation may vary widely in concen¬ tration of the active ingredient depending on the particular agent used, the additives and carriers used, other active ingredients, and the desired mode of application. With due consideration of these factors, the active ingredient of a typical formulation may, for OMP example, be suitably present at a concentration of from about 0.5% up to about 99.5% by weight of the formula¬ tion. Substantially inactive ingredients such as adjuvants, diluents, and carriers may comprise from about 99.5% by weight to as low as about 0.5% by weight of the formulation. Surface active agents, if employed in the formulation, may be present at various concen¬ trations, suitably in the range of 1 to 30% by weight. Provided below is a general description of exemplary types of formulations which may be employed for disper¬ sion of the plant regulators of the present invention. Emulsifiable concentrates (EC's) are homogeneous liquid compositions, usually containing the active ingredient dissolved in a liquid carrier. Commonly used liquid carriers include xylene, heavy aromatic naphthas, isophorone, and other nonvolatile or slightly volatile organic solvents. For application, these concentrates are dispersed in water, or other liquid vehicle, forming an emulsion, and are normally applied as a spray to the area to be treated. The concentration of the essential active ingredient in EC's may vary according to the manner in which the composition is to be applied, but, in general, is in the range of 0.5 to 95%, fre¬ quently 10 to 80%, by weight of active ingredient, with the remaining 99.5% to 5% being surfactant and liquid carrier. The following are specific examples of emulsifiable concentrate formulations suitable for use in the present invention: Component: % by 1 Wt . Active ingredient 53 , . 0 1 Blend of alkylnaphthalenesulfonate and polyoxyethylene ethers 6 , . 00 Epoxidized soybean oil 1 , . 00 Xylene 39 , . 99 Total 1 00 . 00 Active ingredient Component: % by Wt. Blend of alkylnaphthalenesulfonate and polyoxyethylene ethers 4.00 Xylene 86.00 Total 100.00 Wettable powders, also useful formulations for plant regulators, are in the form of finely divided particles which disperse readily in water or other liquid vehicles. The wettable powder is ultimately applied to the plant as a dry dust or a dispersion in water or other liquid. Typical carriers for wettable powders include fuller's earth, kaolin clays, silicas, and other highly absorbent or adsorbent inorganic diluents. The concentration of active ingredient in wettable powders is dependent upon physical properties of the active ingredient and the absorbency charac¬ teristics of the carrier. Liquids and low melting solids (mp < 100 β C) are suitably formulated in the concentration range of 5 to 50% by weight, usually from 10 to 30%; high melting solids (mp > 100 β C) s being formulated in the range of 5 to 95% by weight, usually 50 to 85%. An agriculturally acceptable carrier or diluent, frequently including a small amount of a surfactant to facilitate wetting dispersion and sus¬ pension, accounts for the balance of the formulation. The following are specific examples of wettable powder formulations suitable for use in the present invention: Component: % by Wt. Active ingredient 40.00 Sodium ligninsulfonate 20.00 Attapulgite clay 40.00 Total 100.00 Active ingredient 90.00 Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate 0.10 Synthetic fine silica 9.90 Total 100.00 Component: % by Wt. Active ingredient 20.00 Sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate 4.00 Sodium ligninsulfonate 4.00 Low viscosity methyl cellulose 3.00 Attapulgite clay 69.00 Total 100.00 Active ingredient 25.00 Base: 75.00 96% hydrated aluminum magnesium silicate 2% powdered sodium lignosulfonate 2% powdered anionic sodium alkyl¬ naphthalenesulfonate Total 100.00 Flowable formulations are similar to EC's, except that the active ingredient is suspended in a liquid carrier, generally water. Flowables, like EC's, may include a small amount of a surfactant, and contain active ingredient in the range of 0.5 to 95%, frequently from 10 to 50%, by weight of the composition. For application, flowables may be diluted in water or other liquid vehicle, and are normally applied as a spray to the area to be treated. The following are specific examples of flowable formulations suitable for use in the present invention: Component: % by 1 fft. Active ingredient 46 , .00 Colloidal magnesium aluminum silicate 0 , . 40 Sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate 2 , . 00 Paraformaldehyde 0 , . 1 0 Water 41 , .42 Propylene glycol 7 .50 Acetylinic alcohols 2 . 50 Xanthan gum 0 . 08 Total 1 00 . 00 Active ingredient 45 . 00 Water 48 . 50 _^f j i _. ' Component: % by Wt. Purified smectite clay 2.00 Xanthan gum ° »50 Sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate 1.00 Acetylinic alcohols 3.00 Total 100.00 Typical wetting, dispersing or emulsifying agents used in agricultural formulations include, but are not limited to, the alkyl and alkylaryl sulfonates and sulfates and their sodium salts; alkylaryl polyether alcohols; sulfated higher alcohols; polyethylene oxides; sulfonated animal and vegetable oils; sulfonated petro¬ leum oils; fatty acid esters of polyhydric alcohols and the ethylene oxide addition products of such esters; and the addition product of long-chain mercaptans and ethylene oxide. Many other types of useful surface- active agents are available in commerce. The surface- active agent, when used, normally comprises from 1 to 15% by weight of the composition. Other useful formulations include simple solutions or suspensions of the active ingredient in a relatively non-volatile solvent such as water, corn oil, kerosene, propylene glycol, or other suitable solvents. This type of formulation is particularly useful for ultra low volume application. The following illustrate specific suspensions which are suitable for use in the present invention: Oil Suspension: % by Wt. Active ingredient 25.00 polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate 5.00 Highly aliphatic hydrocarbon oil 70.00 Total 100.00 Aqueous Suspension: Active ingredient 40.00 Polyacrylic acid thickener 0.30 Dodecylphenol polyethylene glycol ether 0.50 OM Disodiu phosphate 1.00 Monosodium phosphate 0.50 Polyvinyl alcohol 1.00 Water 56.70 Total 100.00 The concentration of the compound in use dilution is normally in the range of about 2% to about 0.1%. Many variations of spraying and dusting compositions in the art may be used by substituting or adding a compound of this invention into compositions known or apparent to the art. The compositions may be formulated and applied with other suitable active ingredients, including nema- ticides, insecticides, acaricides, fungicides, other plant regulators, herbicides, fertilizers, etc. In applying the foregoing chemicals, an effective growth regulating amount of the active ingredient must be applied. While the application rate will vary widely depending on the choice of compound, the formulation and mode of application, the plant species being treated and the planting density, a suitable use rate may be in the range of 0.01 to 10 kg/hectare, preferably 0.05 to about 5 kg/hectare. The compounds of this invention may be prepared by heating an aminopyridine and a substituted phenyl isocyanate in a solvent such as 2-butanone, toluene, or methylene chloride to produce the corresponding N-pyri- dinylurea. The N-pyridinylurea is then treated with a suitable oxidizing agent, for example metachloroperoxy- benzoic acid (MCPBA) in a solvent such as ethanol or ethyl acetate to produce the corresponding (pyridinyl- N-oxide)urea. The following examples illustrate preparation of the compounds of this invention. EXAMPLE 1 Synthesis of N-Phenyl-N'-(3-pyridinyl-N-oxide)urea Under a dry nitrogen atmosphere a mixture of 2.13 g (0.01 mole) of N-phenyl-N'-(3-pyridinyl)urea and 1.9 g (0.011 mole) of m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid in 40 ml of ethanol was stirred at room temperature. The product precipitated and was filtered from the reaction mixture. - The filter cake was washed with a small amount of ethanol and dried to yield 2.26 g of N-phenyl-N'-(3- pyridinyl-N-oxide)urea (m.p. >220'C). Analysis calc'd for C^H^N- j O^C 62.87; H 4.84; N 18.33; Found:C 63.15; H 4.71; N 18.55. - NMR (trifluoroacetic acid): 7.43(s,5H); 7.77-8.63 (m,3H); 9.63 (bt,1H). EXAMPLE 2 Synthesis of N-Phenyl-N'-(4-pyridinyl-N-oxide)urea In a manner similar to Example 1, 1.0 g (0.0047 -mole) of N-phenyl-N'-4-pyridinylurea and 1.09 g (0.0054 mole) of m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid in 100 ml of ethyl acetate produced 0.87 g of N-phenyl-N'-(4-pyridinyl-N- oxide)urea (m.p. 235 * C dec). Analysis calc'd for c ι 2 H 11 N 3°2 :C 62 * 87 ' H - 84 ? N 18.33 ; Found:C 62.98; H 5.05; N 17.78. NMR (dimethylsulfoxide-dg, trifluoroacetic acid): 7.00-7.70 (m,7H) ; 7.98-8.10(d,3H). EXAMPLE 3 Synthesis of N'-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl-N-oxide)-N- phenylurea In a manner similar to Example 1, 3.3 g (0.013 mole) of N'-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N-phenylurea and 3.0 g (0.014 mole) of m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid in 50 ml of ethanol produced 1.8 g of N'-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl-N- oxide)-N-phenylurea (m.p. 183 β C dec). Analysis calc'd for C 12 H 1Q C1 3 0 2 :C 54.66; H 3.82; N 15.94; Found:C 55.11; H 4.11; N 16.14. NMR (dimethylsulfoxide-d 6 ): 7.00-7.80(m,6H) ; 7.93-7.98(d,1H); 8.27-8.38(d,1H); 8.97(s,1H); 9.35(s,1H). Compound Numbers 1-22, 24, 25, 27 and 28 of Table I were prepared by the foregoing methods. The examples set forth below illustrate other methods of preparation of compounds of the invention. EXAMPLE 4 Synthesis of N'-(2,6-dichloro-4-pyridinyl-N-oxide)- N-(3-fluorophenyl)urea Step A Methyl 2,6-dichloroisonicotinate N-oxide A stirred mixture of 15.3 g (0.073 mole) of methyl 2,6-dichloroisonicotinate in 180 ml of trifluoroacetic acid was heated at 90 β C. During a six hour period 34 ml of 30% hydrogen peroxide was added to the hot reaction mixture in four to five ml aliquots. After complete addition the reaction mixture was stirred at 90 β C for two hours. The solvent was distilled from the mixture under reduced pressure to leave a solid. The solid was triturated with water then filtered. The filter cake was recrystallized from acetone to yield 8.75 g of methyl 2,6-dichloroisonicotinate N-oxide. Step B 2,6-Dichloro-4-pyridinecarboxylic acid Hydrazide 1-Oxide To a cold stirred mixture of 8.75 g (0.039 mole) of methyl 2,6-dichloronicotinate N-oxide in 50 ml of methanol was added dropwise 2.0 g (0.063 mole) of hydrazine in 14 ml of methanol. After complete addition the mixture was stirred for one hour then placed in a freezer for approximately 18 hours. The solvent was then removed by distillation under reduced pressure to leave a solid. The solid was stirred in isopropanol then filtered. The filter cake was added to 75 ml of refluxing ethanol and the resulting mixture filtered hot to yield 4.3 g of 2,6-dichloro-4-pyridinecarboxylic acid hydrazide 1-oxide as a solid. Step C 2,6-Dichloro-4-pyridinecarbonyl Azide 1-Oxide To a stirred 0°C mixture of 2.0 g (0.009 mole) of 2,6-dichloro-4-pyridinecarboxylic acid hydrazide 1-oxide and 0.78 g (0.011 mole) of sodium nitrite in 7 ml of diethyl ether and 13 ml of water was added 12 ml of 1N hydrochloric acid. After complete addition the mixture was stirred for 45 minutes at which time the mixture was extracted with three 100 ml portions of diethyl ether. The extracts were combined, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure to leave 2.2 g of 2,6-dichloro-4-pyridinecarbonyl azide 1-oxide as a solid. Step D N'-(2,6-Dichloro-4-pyridinyl-N-oxide)- N-(3-fluorophenyl)urea To a stirred mixture of 0.5 g (0.0021 mole) of 2,6-dichloro-4-pyridinecarbonyl azide 1-oxide in 15 ml of toluene was added 0.77 g (0.0069 mole) of 3-fluoro- aniline. After complete addition the mixture was stirred at room temperature for two days, then at 95°C for approximately 22 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent removed by evaporation under reduced pressure to leave a residue. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure to yield 0.2 g of N'-(2,6-dichloro-4-pyridinyl-N-oxide)-N-(3-fluoro- phenyl)urea as a solid (mp 253-255 β C dec). Compound 23 of Table 1. Analysis calc'd for C 12 H 8 N 3 0 2 C1 2 F:C 45.59; H 2.55; N 13.29; Found :C 45.76; H 2.58; N 12.55. NMR (trifluoroacetic acid): 6.90-7.50 (m,4H); 8.17 (s,2H). EXAMPLE 5 Synthesis of N- ( 3-Fluorophenyl ) -N' -( 2-methyl- 4-Pyridinyl-N-oxide ) urea Step A 4-Amino-2-methylpyridine N-oxide Hydrogenation of 6.02 g (0.39 mole) of 2-methyl- 4-nitropyridine N-oxide in the presence of 0.26 g of 10% palladium on carbon in 6 ml of glacial acetic acid and 150 ml of absolute ethanol produced a residue. The OM residue was dissolved in 50 ml of water. The aqueous solution was neutralized with sodium bicarbonate then diluted with a saturated aqueous sodium chloride solu¬ tion until a volume of 250 ml was obtained. The resul¬ tant solution was extracted with 200 ml of methylene chloride in a continuous extraction apparatus for approximately 18 hours. The aqueous phase was eva¬ porated to dryness under reduced pressure to leave an orange solid. The solid was subjected to column chro- matography on silica gel, eluted first with methanol: chloroform (20:80), then with methanol:chloroform (25:75)., to give an oily solid. The oily solid was stirred in 100 ml of acetone and the resultant mixture placed in a refrigerator for three days. The mixture was filtered and the filter cake rinsed with fresh acetone to yield 2.0 g of 4-amino-2-methylpyridine N-oxide. Step B N-(3-Fluorophenyl)-N'-(2-methyl- 4-pyridinyl-N-oxide)urea A mixture of 0.53 g (0.043 mole) of 4-amino-2- methylpyridine N-oxide and 0.6 ml (0.53 mole) of 3- fluorophenylisocyanate in 25 ml of pyridine was stirred at room temperature for two weeks. The solvent was evaporated from the mixture under reduced pressure to leave a solid. The solid was triturated with 100 ml of ethyl acetate, then the mixture was filtered. The filter cake was rinsed with ethyl acetate, and dried under reduced pressure at 40°C. The dry solid was dissolved in 50 ml of absolute methanol and the solution heated and stirred with decolorizing carbon. The mixture was filtered while hot through a pad of celite, yielding an orange filtrate. The filtrate was evapo¬ rated under reduced pressure to a volume of about two milliliters. Diethyl ether was added until a preci¬ pitate formed. The solvents were removed by evaporation under reduced pressure to leave a solid residue. The solid residue was purified by recrystallization from a mixture of 50 ml of water and 2 to 3 ml of ethanol to yield 0.14 g of N-(3-fluorophenyl)-N'-(2-methyl-4- pyridinyl-N-oxide)urea (mp >250 β C), Compound 26 of Table I. NMR (dimethylsulfoxide -dg): 2.37(s,3H); 6.70-7.60 (m, 6H) ; 8.12-8.23 (d,1H); 9.20(bs,2H). EXAMPLE 6 Synthesis of N'-(2-carboxamido-4-pyridinyl-N-oxide)- N-phenylurea A stirred solution of 1.0 g (0.036 mole) of N'-(2- carbomethoxy-4-pyridinyl-N-oxide)-N-phenylurea (Compound 28) in 250 ml of absolute methanol was cooled to 0 a C. Anhydrous ammonia gas was bubbled into the solution for approximately 30 minutes at which time the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stir for approximately 18 hours. The solvent was evaporated from the mixture under reduced pressure to leave a solid. The solid was purified by recrystallization from ethanol to yield 0.57 g of N'-(2-carboxamido-4-pyri- dinyl-N-oxide)-N-phenylurea (mp 241-243"C dec). Compound 29 of Table I. NMR (trifluoroacetic acid): 7.37(bs,5H); 8.03-8.22 (dd,1H); 8.53-8.67(d,1H); 8.95-9.00(d,1H). EXAMPLE 7 N'-[2-(Dimethy1amino-N-oxide)-4-pyridinyl-N-oxide3- N-phenylurea Step A N'-(2-DimethyIamino-4-pyridinyl-N-oxide)- N-phenylurea A solution of 2.1 g (0.080 mole) of N'-(2-chloro- 4-pyridinyl-N-oxide)-N-phenylurea (Compound 7) and 20 ml of a 40% aqueous dimethylamine solution in 20 ml of dimethylsulfoxide was stirred at room temperature for two days. The reaction mixture was placed in a freezer for several hours then filtered. The filter cake was washed with water then dried at 50 β C under reduced 0..: ' ?ϊ- pressure to yield 1.63 g of N'-(2-dimethylamino-4- pyridinyl-N-oxide)-N-phenylurea (mp 208-209 * C dec). Compound 30 of Table I. NMR (dimethylsulfoxide-d 6 ) : 2.95(s,6H); 6.90-7.60 (m,7H); 7.93-8.05(d,1H); 8.90(bs,1H); 9.10(bs,lH). Step B N'-[2-(Dimethylamino-N-oxide)-4-pyridinyl- N-oxide]-N-phenylurea Under a dry nitrogen atmosphere a mixture of 0.51 g (0.019 mole) of N'-(2-dimethylamino-4-pyridinyl- N-oxide)-N-phenylurea and 0.78 g (0.0038 mole) of m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid in 35 ml of methanol was stirred at room temperature. The product precipitated and was filtered from the reaction mixture. The filter cake was washed with a small amount of cold methanol and dried to yield 0.37 g of N'-[2-(dimethylamino-N-oxide)- 4-pyridinyl-N-oxide]-N-phenylurea (mp 186-185 * C dec). Compound 31 of Table I. Analysis calc'd for C58.32; H5.59; N19.43; Found: C57.75; H5.25; N 19.15. NMR (trifluoroacetic acid): 4.23(s,3H); 7.37(bs,5H); 7.72-7.88(dd,1H); 8.60-8.73 (d,1H); 9.03-9.08(d,1H). EXAMPLE 8 Synthesis of N'-(2-Methylsulfonyl-4-pyridinyl-N-oxide)- N-phenylurea Step A N'-(2-Methylthio-4-pyridinyl-N-oxide)- N-phenylurea Under a dry nitrogen atmosphere a solution of 2.0 g (0.0076 mole) of N'-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl-N-oxide)-N- phenylurea (Compound 7) and 0.8 g (0.0114 mole) of sodium methylthiolate in 35 ml of dimethylsulfoxide was stirred at room temperature for approximately 19 hours. The reaction mixture was poured into 200 ml of water to form a precipitate. The solid was collected by filtra¬ tion, rinsed with water, and dried. The solid was purified by column chromatography on silica gel, eluted with methanol:methylene chloride (10:90) to yield 1.7 g of N'-(2-methylthio-4-pyridinyl-N-oxide)-N-phenylurea as a solid (mp 223.5-224.5 β C dec). Compound 32 of Table I. NMR (trifluoroacetic acid): 2.70(s,3H); 7.40-7.70 (m,6H); 8.13-8.18(d,1H); 8.33-8.47(dr,lH) Step B N'-(2-methylsulfonyl-4-pyridinyl-N-oxide)- N-phenylurea A stirred solution of 1.0 g (0.0036 mole) of N'-(2-methylthio-4-pyridinyl-N-oxide)-N-phenylurea in 150 ml of methanol:ethyl acetate (1:1) was heated at 50 β C. To the warm solution was added 1.8 g (0.0091 mole) of m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid. After complete addition the mixture was stirred at 50 * C for three hours. The solvent was removed from the reaction mixture by evaporation under reduced pressure to leave a solid. The solid was purified by recrystallization from aqueous acetone to yield 0.63 g of N'-(2-methylsulfonyl- 4-pyridinyl-N-oxide)-N-phenylurea (mp 232-234 β C dec). Compound 33 of Table I. NMR (trifluoroacetic acid): 3.70(s,3H); 7.47(s,5H); 8.33-8.53(dd,1H); 8.68- 8.73(d,lH); 8.73-8.83 (d,1H). The compounds of this invention were tested for growth regulator activity as described below. Antisenescence Test For each test five leaves were excised from wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum cv. Prodax) which had been grown in a growth chamber for eight days. The leaves were weighed and placed in vials containing a 10~ to 10 -9 molar aqueous or aqueous acetone solution of the test compound. The vials containing the wheat leaves were incubated in the dark at 30°C for four days. There was a visible difference between the control (containing only water) and the treated leaves. The latter were \VI? " still green whereas the control leaves were yellowed, indicating that they contained little chlorophyll. To measure chlorophyll content, the incubated leaves were extracted with two 5 ml portions of (1) ~ dimethylsulfoxide or (2) hot (65'C) methanol. The absorbence (measured at 652 nm) of the resulting chloro¬ phyll-containing extract was recorded. The following formula was used to determine the micrograms of chloro¬ phyll per gram of fresh weight: (a) Samples extracted with dimethylsulfoxide: A 652 X 278 = μg chlorophyll/g fresh weight fresh weight (b) Samples extracted with methanol: A 652 X 299 = μg chlorophyll/g fresh weight fresh weight The average value of (μg) chlorophyll/(g) fresh weight was then calculated using three replicates of each concentration. In the tests the chlorophyll content per gram fresh weight was determined at the beginning of the test (zero value) and at the end of the test, using an untreated aqueous solution of the excised leaves as a control. The relationship of the chlorophyll content at the beginning and end of the test was then calculated for the treated and untreated tests. That value, reported as "% of zero value" in Table 2, confirm that these compounds substantially retard loss of chloro¬ phyll. Some of the compounds were similarly tested on excised soybean leaves. The results of these tests are shown in Table 2A. Protein Determination: The purpose of this test was to compare the protein content of treated vs. untreated wheat leaves. The wheat leaves were treated as described in the preceding test and were then incubated for five or six days. Following the incubation period the leaves were removed from the test solution, ground in distilled water, and centrifuged. Soluble proteins were precipitated from the supernatant using trichloroacetic acid, redis- solved in 0.1M sodium hydroxide, then assayed by the method of Lowry et al., J. Biol. Chem. , Vol. 193, 265-75 (1951) to ascertain the amount (μg) of protein per g of fresh weight. As shown in Table 3 the test compounds maintained a protein level several times that of the untreated control. - Survey of Plant Responses Compounds 1 , 3, 6, and 7 were sprayed at rates of 0.5, 2 and 8 kg/ha on plants approximately fourteen days after planting. The plants utilized were peanut, soybean, cotton, tomato and lima bean. Fourteen days - after spraying, morphological changes indicative of plant regulator activity were recorded. Compounds 1 and 6 exhibited apical inhibition in soybean. Compound 7 exhibited apical inhibition and axillary stimulation in soybean and lima bean and apical inhibition in cotton. - Soybean Antisenescence Evaluation Soybean plants (Variety Williams) maintained in a growth chamber were sprayed with test chemicals at rates corresponding to 0.0625 to 2.0 kg/hectare. The test chemicals were sprayed as 1:4 acetone:water solutions containing 0.10% (V/V) sorbitan raonolaurate as an emulsifier and stabilizer, 5 replicates each test. The test chemicals were applied at one of the following stages of development. Stage Definition R4 - Full Pod Stage: Pod is 3/4 inch long at one of the four uppermost nodes on the main stem with a fully developed leaf. R5 - Beginning Seed Stage: Seed is 1/8 inch long in a pod at one of the four upper¬ most nodes on the main steam with a fully developed leaf. R6 - Full Seed Stage: Pod contains a green seed that fills the pod cavity at one of the four uppermost nodes on the main stem with a fully developed leaf. The treated soybean plants were then returned to a growth chamber. At various times after treatment the leaves and pods of the plants were visually in¬ spected for senescence, and rated on a scale of 0 to 5 as follows: Rating Leaf Senescence Pod Senescence 0 Leaves abscised Pods abscised or shattered Yellow, less than 25% Pod less than 25% green leaves green more than 75% yellow or brown 25-50% green, Pods 25-50% green, 50-75% yellow leaves 50-75% yellow or brown 50-75% green, Pods 50-75% green, 25-50% yellow leaves 25-50% yellow or brown 4 75-99% green leaves, Pods 75-99% green, less than 25% less than 25% yellow 5 100% green leaves Pods 100% green Each replicate of each rate/stage combination was given both leaf and pod senescence ratings. The ratings for the five replicates for each combination are averaged to produce mean leaf and pod senescence ratings. The results, set forth in Table 4, illustrate the marked antisenescense activity of the compounds when applied at the R4, R5 and R6 stages. Soybean Yield Assessment The soybean plants used in the senescence evalua¬ tion described above were held in the growth chamber until they reached full maturity. The plants were then *gJ -_ OM - 19 - examined to determine the number of pods, number of seeds, total seed weight, and weight per 100 seeds. The raw data was subjected to statistical analysis using Duncan's Multiple Range Test to determine if treatment with the test chemicals had caused significant yield changes as compared with untreated controls. The results, set forth in Table 4A, clearly show that, regardless of the stage at which they were applied, the test chemicals caused substantial increases in weight per seed, in total seed weight per plant, or both. Antilodging Test Antilodging is the ability of a crop to remain upright in wind and rain allowing harvesting machinery to collect the crop. To this end stunting and stem thickening are desirable traits. In these tests. Compound 7 was applied postemergence at 0.5, 2.0 and 8.0 kg/ha at the 0, 2nd and 3rd node stages. Twenty-four hours before treatment the tillers were cut off at soil level. After treatment, the plants were placed in the greenhouse and watered daily until full senescence. The stem height of each plant was measured in millimeters from the soil level to the bottom of the head. Stem strength was measured by holding a finger just under the seed head, lightly touching the plant stem. The plant was bent away from the finger approximately 45 * then released. The force and speed at which the stem re¬ turned to the original position was noted on a scale of 1 to 5. A rating of 1 meant the plant moved only sightly, if at all; a rating of 5 meant the plant returned quickly to the original position with some spring in its return. The antilodging exhibited by Compound 7 was pro¬ nounced in wheat at the 3rd node growth stage at appli¬ cation rates of 2.0 and 8.0 kg/ha. OMPI Turf Reduction Test Table 5 presents turf reduction data for Com¬ pound 7.- Turf reduction, or the retardation of grass growth, is a desirable quality since it would mean the number of lawn cuttings could be reduced per season. The test was carried out by spraying bluegrass (a mixture of Adelphi, Baron, Fylking, and Glade), which had been trimmed to 1" above the pot rim, with 5 ml of the appropriate test solution. The test solutions were prepared as follows: Stock Solution = 72.0 mg Compound 7 in 50 ml acetone Test rate 10% aqueous desired Acetone Stock Water Tween-20® (kg/ha) ml sol'n (ml) (ml) (ml) 2.0 —— 25.0 25.0 0.5 1.0 12.5 12.5 25.0 0.5 0.5 18.75 6.25 25.0 0.5 0.25 21.87 3.13 25.0 0.5 Half of the treated pots were treated again after one week to provide data for a two treatment test. Forty-one days after initial treatment the grass growth average was measured by placing a measuring stick on the pot edge and measuring to a midpoint between the tallest and the shortest blades of grass for each of the five replicates and the control. One inch (2.5 cm) was then subtracted to give the average growth. After the 41 day test was read the grass in each pot was trimmed to one inch above the edge. Seventy-one days after initial treatment each pot was re-evaluated in the manner described above. As shown in Table 5, Compound 7 provided the best control of grass growth after 41 days at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 kg/ha in both the one and two application tests. OM Cotton Defoliation Test This test was conducted by spraying 20 week old cotton plants (Stoneville 213, 1 plant per 6" pot) with 5 ml of test solution prepared as follows: Stock solution = 36.5 mg Compound 7 in 10 ml acetone Tween-20/water = 1.25 ml 20% Tween-20 in water and 98.75 ml water Test rate desired Acetone Tween-20/Water Stock Sol'n (kg/ha) ml (ml) (ml) 0.25 4.37 20.00 0.63 0.50 3.75 20.00 1.25 1.0 2.5 20.00 2.50 2.0 — 20.00 5.00 Compound 7 proved to be an effective defoliant at the 2.0 and 1.0 kg/ha rate after two weeks. OMPI Table 1 Cpd. Pyridinyl Melting Point NO. Position Xm Yn & NMR 1 3 H H See Example 1 2 3 6-C1 H 244-246 β C (dec) (DMSO-d..): 6.90-7.60(m,6H) 7.63-7.80(d,1H) 8.83-8.87(d,lH) 8.97(bs,1H) 9.13(bs,1H) 6-OCH. H 215-216 β C (dec.) ( DMSO-d fi ): 3.93(s,3H) 6.90-7.60(m,7H) 7.59-7.60(d,1H) 8.82(bs,2H) 2-C1 H 194-197 β C (dec.) ( DMSO-d fi ) : 6.90-7.70(m,6H) 8.10-8.23(d,2H) 8.58(bs,1H) 9.55(bs,1H) 6 4 H H See Example 2 7 4 2-C1 H See Example 3 Table 1 (Continued) Cpd. Pyridinyl Melting Point No. Position Xm Yn & NMR 8 4 2-C1 3-F 204 * C (dec.) (DMSO-d fi ): * 6.60-7.60(m,5H) 7.87-7.92(d,3H) 8.20-8.32(d,1H) 9.28-9.45(bs,2H) 9 4 2-C1 3-C1 212-213 β C (dec.) 10 4 2-NH(CH 3 ) H 243-246 β C (dec) (trifluoroacetic acid-d) 3.13(s,3H) 6.70-6.87(dd,lH) 7.42(bs,5H) 7.52-7.57(d,1H) 7.85-7.98(d,1H) 11 2-NH(C 4 H 9 ) H 186.5-189 β C (dec.) ( DMSO-d f .): 0.90-1.T0(m,3H) 1.2-1.7(m,4H) 1-3.3(m,2H) 6.53-6.70(dd,lH) 6.98-7.07(d,1H) 6.9-7.6(m,7H) 7.88-8.00(d,1H) 12 H 3-F 247-250 β C (dec) ( DMSO-d c ) : 6.70-7.60(m,6H); 7.85-8.00(m,1H); 8.64(bs,1H); 9.17(bs,2H); 13 H 3-F 248-249°C (dec) (DMSO-d..) : 6.70-7.60(m,6H) 8.10-8.22(d,2H) 9.17(bs,1H); 9.37(bs,1H); - 24 - Table 1 (Continued) Cpd. Pyridinyl Melting Point No. Position X Yn & NMR 14 4 H 3-C1 253-255 β C (dec) *( DMSO-d,.): 7.20-7.80(m,6H) 8.05-8.18(d,2H). 15 2-Br H 171-173 β C (dec) (trifluoroacetic acid-d): 7.40(s,5H); 7.90-8.07(dd,1H); 8.45-8.50(d,1H); 8.53-8.67(d,1H). 16 2-C1 2-C1 208.5 # C (dec.) (DMSO-d,): 7.00-7.80(m,4H); 7.92-7.97(d,1H); 8.00-8.17(dd,1H); 8.37-8.25(d,lH); 8.52(bs,1H); 9.97(bs,1H). 17 2-C1 4-C1 217 β C (dec.) (DMSO-d fi ): 7.20-7.60(m,5H) 7.90-7.95(d,1H); 8.23-8.37(d,1H); 9.15(bs,1H); 9.37(bs,lH). 18 2-C1 2-F 191-192 β C (dec) (trifluoroacetic acid-d) 7.10-7.80(m,4H); 7.83-8.00(dd,1H) 8.33-8.38(d,1H); 8.53-8.67(d,1H). Table 1 (Continued) Cpd. Pyridinyl Melting Point No. Position Xm Yn & NMR 19 4 2-C1 4-F 187-188'C (dec) (DMSO-d,): 7.00-7.50(m,5H) 7.90-7.95(d,lH) 8.23-8.35(d,lH) 9.02(bs,1H); 9.33(bs,1H). 20 2-C1 2-CH. 183-183.5 β C (dec.) (trifluoroacetic acid-d): 2.35(s,3H); 7.37(s,4H); 7.85-8.03(dd,1H); 8.37-8.42(d,1H); 8.48-8.62(d,1H). 21 2-C1 3-CH. 185-186 β C (dec) (trifluoroacetic acid-d) 2.42(s,3H); 7.00-7.30(bm,4H); 7.87-8.05(dd,lH); 8.38-8.43(d,1H); 8.55-8.68(d,1H). 22 2-C1 3-CF- 191-191.5'C (dec.) (trifluoroacetic acid-d) 7.60-7.80(m,4H); 7.87-8.05(dd,1H). 23 4 2,6-Cl 3-F See Example 4 24 4 2-CH, H 193-198 * C (dec.) (DMSO-d β ) : 2.38(s,3H); 6.90-7.70(m,7H); 8.15-8.27(d,1H); 8.92(bs,1H); 9.20(bs,1H). - 26 - Table 1 (Continued) Cpd. Pyridinyl Melting Point No._ Position Xm Yn & NMR 25 4 3-CH 3 H 236.5-240 * C (dec) **(DMSO-d,): (trifluoroacetic * acid-d): 2.38(s); 7.50(bs); 8.65-8.80(d); 9.12(s); 9.78(s). 26 4 2-CH 3 3-F See Example 5 27 •4 2-OCH, H 213.5-214.5 β C (dec) (trifluoroacetic acid-d): 4.33(s,3H); 7.20-7.40(dd) and 7.43(bs,6H); 7.98-8.03(d,1H); 8.13-8.27(d,lH). 28 2-COOCH. H 213.5-214.5 β C (dec.) (trifluoroacetic acid-d): 4.30(s,3H); 7.40(bs,5H); 8.23-8.41(dd,1H); 8.57-8.70(d,lH); 8.83-8.88(d,lH). 29 4 2-CONH 2 H See Example 6 30 4 2-N(CH 3 ) 2 H See Example 7, Step A 31 4 0 H See Example 7, i * Step B 2-N(CH 3 ) 2 32 4 2-SCH 3 H See Example 8, Step A 33 4 2-S0 2 CH 3 H See Example 8, Step B OM Table 1 (Continued) Cpd, Pyridinyl Melting Point No. Position Xm Yn & NMR 34 2-S(CgH 5 ) H 220-221 β C (dec) (trifluoroacetic acid-d) 7.20-7.60(m,7H); 7.62(s,5H) ; 8.23-8.35(d,1H). 35 2-S0 2 (CgH 5 ) H 232 Φ C (dec.) (trifluoroacetic acid-d) 7.50(S,5H); 7.70-8.20(m,5H); 8.27-8.43(dd,lH); 8.50-8.62(d,1H); 8.80-8.85(d,1H). 36 2-S(CgF 5 ) H 240-242°C (dec.) (trifluoroacetic acid-d); 7.30-7.50(m,6H); 7.83-7.88(d,1H); 8.45-8.57(d,1H). * Urea protons not visible in NMR spectrum due to poor solubility in solvent. ** Unable to assign protons due to poor spectrum. OMPI WIPO TABLE 2 Wheat Leaf Antisenescence r (Chlorophyll) Test % of Zero Value at Stated Concentration Cpd. No. Ctrl ιo- 5 I£- 7 uf 9 1 20 52 22 28 1 10 44 16 - 2 20 32 15 16 3 20 38 21 21 4 14 41 18 17 5 10 29 15 13 6 8 81 12 6 6 20 63 31 18 6 10 77 21 - 7 8 79 53 12 7 15 74 65 28 7 20 59 60 23 7 10 87 81 14 7 10 63 73 - 8 10 78 73 41 9 10 87 48 - 19 12 14 58 13 8 13 14 76 66 20 14 16 85 23 - 15 14 76 38 - 16 14 83 63 - 17 14 48 16 _ TABLE 2 (Continued) Wheat Leaf Antisenescence - (Chlorophyll) Test % of Zero Value at Stated Concentration 18 18 66 36 19 18 59 32 20 10 81 44 21 10 54 34 2 10 52 15 3 10 - 55 24 4 16 78 40 20 5 10 41 8 - 6 12 78 64 18 7 10 56 27 8 10 61 19 9 12 70 30 0 21 68 26 1 21 61 14 2 7 75 14 3 7 69 12 4 14 52 29 5 14 50 20 6 7 33 13 OMPI TABLE 2A Soybean Antisenescence Test % of Zero Value at Stated Concentration Cpd. No. Ctrl LO- 5 ϋf 7 1_T 9 1 19 58 - 33 33 6 21 58 52 24 7 21 59 64 22 7 19 50 59 23 7 25 57 61 47 7 10 54 51 15* 7 41 65 74 44 TABLE 3 . Protein Test μg Protein/g Fresh Weight at Stated Concentration Cpd. No. Ctrl JLO "4 10- 5 ι°r 6 Uf 7 IT 8 .to -9 1 7 27 24 24 14 19 6 6 38 36 11 7 14 53 64 47 47 19 12 7 6 38 40 17 *8 day test - UZE OME TABLE 3A Protein Test % of Zero Time - ug Protein/g Fresh Wt, at Stated Concentration Cpd. No. Ctrl J_0 - j_0 ,-6 w Λ -7 12. 8 27 158 100 91 9 27 95 50 26 10 27 105 69 35 1 1 27 67 68 54 13 24 68 64 49 14 27 81 74 76 16 24 90 75 41 19 27 82 58 52 24 24 68 56 28 30 27 60 68 36 Soybean Senesence Evaluation Cpd. Rate Plant Growth Antisenescence at Days Post Trtmt No. (kg/ha) Stage 3 20 28 35 42 L P L P L P L P 7 Control R4 3.3 5.0 2.5 2.5 1.0 1 .0 0.3 1 .0 0.0625 4.3 5.0 3.5 3.0 2.0 1.8 1.0 1.0 0.25 4.0 5.0 3.3 3.5 1.8 1.8 0.8 1.0 1.0 4.8 5.0 4.0 4.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.3 Control R5 3.3 5.0 2.5 2.5 1 .0 1.0 0.3 1.0 0.0625 4.0 5.0 3.8 3.8 2.3 1.8 1.0 1.0 0.25 4.0 5.0 4.0 4.0 2.3 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 5.0 5.0 4.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.3 1.0 TABLE 4 (Continued) Cpd. Rate Plant Growth Antisene:scence at Days Post Trtmt No. (kg/ha) Stage 3 20 28 35 42 L P L P L P L P Control R6 3.35.0 2.52.5 1.0 1.0 0.31.0 0.0625 4.35.0 4.04.0 2.32.0 1.31.0 0.25 4.05.0 4.03.8 2.82.0 1.31.0 1.0 4.85.0 4.03.8 2.52.0 1.51.5 34 41 49 56 8 Control R4 4.04.4 3.43.6 2.0 1.8 1.8 1.0 0.0625 4.04.8 3.03.4 2.2 1.6 2.21.0 0.25 3.84.4 3.63.6 2.62.0 3.01.0 1.0 4.24.8 3.83.8 2.82.0 2.61.0 20 28 35 42 Control R5 3.84.6 2.03.0 1.41.4 0.41.0 0.0625 4.04.8 3.03.2 2.21.8 1.0 1.0- 0.25 4.44.8 3.03.6 2.02.0 1.61.0 1.0 4.84.8 3.83.6 2.82.6 2.61.0 22 29 36 10 Control R4 3.85.0 3.04.4 1.21.2 0.125 3.8 5.0 3.44.4 2.0 1.6 0.5 4.25.0 3.24.6 1.61.6 2.0 4.05.0 2.84.0 1.61.4 21 28 36 56 Control R5 4.44.8 3.24.0 2.43.4 0.81.0 0.125 4.4 5.0 3.65.0 3.23.8 1.21.0 0.5 4.45.0 3.64.8 2.83.6 1.01.0 2.0 5.05.0 4.04.8 3.03.8 1.01.0 TABLE 4 (Continued) Cpd. Rate Plant Growth Antisenescence at Days Post Trtmt No. (kg/ha) Stage 34 41 49 56 L P L P L P L P 13 Control R4 4.24.8 2.42.8 1.2 1.2 0.8 1.0 0.0625 4.24.8 2.23.4 2.4 2.0 1.2 1.0 0.25 4.25.0 2.63.0 2.02.0 1.2 1.0 1.0 4.45.0 2.83.4 2.6 2.0 1.6 1.0 20 27 35 45 Control R5 4.24.8 2.23.4 2.02.0 0.8 1.0 0.0625 4.04.8 2.03.2 1.8 1.8 0.8 1.0 0.25 4.4 5.0 2.43.8 2.22.0 0.8 1.0 1.0 4.6 5.0 3.24.0 2.82.0 1.6 1.0 21 28 35 43 5 Control R4 4.25.0 4.24.8 3.24.2 2.22.8 0.125 4.65.0 4.65.0 3.64.2 3.03.4 0.5 4.85.0 5.05.0 4.45.0 3.64.0 2.0 4.65.0 4.85.0 4.65.0 3.84.0 21 28 36 42 Control R5 4.65.0 3.44.4 3.23.4 0.8 1.0 0.125 4.45.0 4.04.8 3.6 4.2 1.4 1.2 0.5 5.0 5.0 4.0 5.0 4.44.8 3.02.2 2.0 4.8 5.0 4.05.0 4.0 4.6 3.0 2.8 -φJΕE OMPL TABLE 4A • . Soybean Utility Test (Var. Williams) Harvest Cpd. Rate Plant Growth No. of No. of 100 Seed Tbtal Seed No. (kg/ha) Stage Pods Seeds wt (gm) wt (gm) 7 Control R4 124.3 286.3 17.2 49.7 0.0625 118.3 299.5 20.4 61.6 0.25 110.3 265.0 20.5 54.8 1.0 105.5 252.3 20.9 53.5 Control R5 124.3 286.3 17.2 49.7 0.0625 125.8 299.8 19.6 59.5 0.25 116.0 285.3 20.2 57.4 1.0 122.8 303.3 18.2 57.5 Control R6 124.3 286.3 17.2 49.7 0.0625 131.8 306.8 19.3 59.5 0.25 113.5 276.5 20.2 56.1 1.0 114.8 285.3 20.1 57.5 8 Control R4 86.8 213.6 22.7 47.2 0.0625 93.2 215.0 24.3 51.4 0.25 89.2 199.4 23.8 46.1 1.0 92.8 204.4 23.3 46.0 Control R5 75.6 192.8 19.0 37.4 0.0625 89.0 215.0 21.2 44.3 0.25 81.4 184.2 22.9 41.9 1.0 88.6 193.6 24.3 45.3 - 35 - TABLE 4A Soybean Utility Test (Var. Williams) Harvest C_3d. Rate Plant Growth No. of No. of 100 Seed Total Seed No. (kg/ha) Stage Pods Seeds wt (gm) wt (gm) 10 Control R4 63.2 155.0 19.4 30.1 0.1255 67.6 174.8 19.2 33.5 0.5 60.4 148.4 20.1 29.9 2.0 57.6 145.6 19.9 28.6 13 Control R4 102.8 254.4 19.4 48.7 0.0625 93.0 226.0 21.9 48.6 0.25 84.0 209.8 21.1 44.6 1.0 91.6 225.4 21.3 47.4 Control R5 84.8 209.6 21.0 43.4 0.0625 89.8 219.2 21.6 46.8 0.25 90.0 222.4 20.8 46.1 1.0 80.2 184.2 22.1 40.3 OMPI TABLE 5 Turf Reduction Test of Compound 7 (Bluegrass) Rate Number Of Grass Height (cm) b (kg/ha) Treatments 41-Daysi 71-Days Control 1 18.5 17.6 0.25 16.3 15.5 0.5 15.4 14.9 1.0 14.2 16.5 2.0 13.0 14.9 Control 2 16.4 16.5 0.25 16.6 17.4 0.5 13.8 15.4 1.0 13.1 13.9 2.0 11.8 14.6 a. One treatment: Mature bluegrass was cut to 1" above pot rim then sprayed with appropriate solution. Two treatments: After one week half of the one treatment pots were resprayed with the corresponding solution. b. Average of 5 replicates. OMF

Claims: Claims: 1. A compound of the formula in which: (a) the pyridinyl ring is attached at position 4; each X group is independently selected from halogen, alkyl of 1 or 2 carbon atoms, alkoxy of 1 or 2 carbon atoms, (C, 2 )alkoxycarbonyl, aminocar- bonyl, (C. .)alkylamino, di(C j _ 2 )alkylamino, di (C, 2 - alfcyla ino-N-oxide, (C j _ 2 )alkylthio, (C, 2 )alkylsulfonyl, phenylthio or phenylsulfonyl in which the phenyl ring is unsubstituted or substitued with 1 to 5 halogen atoms; each Y group is independently selected from halogen, (C- 2 )- alkyl or trihalomethyl; m is 0 or 1 when X is other than halogen and is 1 or 2 when X is halogen; and n is 0 or 1 ; or (b) the pyridinyl ring is attached at position 3; X is chloro, methoxy or an (acetyl) (methyl)amino group; Y is halogen; m is 0 or 1 ; and n is 0 or 1. 2. A plant growth regulator composition comprising a plant regulating amount of the compound of claim 1 in admixture with an agriculturally acceptable carrier or extender. 3. A method for retarding senescence in wheat or soybean plants which comprises applying to the plant a plant regulating amount of the compound of claim 1. 4. A method for increasing yields in soybeans which comprises applying to soybean plants a plant regulating amount of the compound of claim 1. -^j2.__ CMPL 5. A method for improving the antilodging pro¬ perties of wheat which comprises applying to wheat plants a plant regulating amount of the compound of claim 1. 6. A method for reducing the growth rate of turf grasses which comprises applying to such grasses a plant regulating amount of a compound of claim 1. 7. A method for improving leaf abscision of cotton for harvesting which comprises applying to cotton plants a defoliating amount of the compound of claim 1. OM

Inventors: GREEN CHRISTINE MARY, HENRIE ROBERT NEIL II, STICKER ROBERT EARL, GREEN, CHRISTINE, MARY, HENRIE, ROBERT, NEIL, II, STICKER, ROBERT, EARL
Applicants: FMC CORP, FMC CORPORATION
Application year: 1984
Main classification: C07D213
IPC codes: A01N47, C07D213