A METHOD AND MIXTURE FOR CONTROLLING THE GROWTH AND PREVENTING GROWTH DISTURBANCES OF PLANTS AS WELL AS A METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAID MIXTURE

Abstract: The invention relates to preventing growth disturbances and controlling the growth of plants. According to the invention, phytochrome or its structural components, as well as a substance donating electrons are dosed to the plants, or the functioning of the phytochrome is controlled by means of suitable IR-radiation. In this way, the correct annual rhythm of the plants is secured. A suitable electron donator is boron.

Description: A method and mixture for controlling the growth and preventing growth disturbances of plants as well as a method for producing the said mixture The invention relates to controlling the growth and preventing growth disturbances of plants, products used in the method, as well as producing the said products. Specifically the invention relates to preventing damages of trees, particularly coniferous trees, caused by atmospheric pollutants. The invention is suitable for being used particularly in such climate areas where the growth of plants follows an annual rhythm according to the seasons. Atmospheric pollutants are serious threat to the environment (see Hakkinen et al. 1981. Atmospheric pollutants a threat to health and environment. A text book o Helsinki University). Particularly the growth disturbances of trees caused by so called acid rains form a difficult problem. Presently, it is tried to reduce pollutant emissions but the reduction of the emissions is very slow. The continuous atmosperic pollution changing its quality will probably never be totally avoided. Because of that, also other means to prevent and repair damages have been tried. The most common of these are liming and suitable fertilizing of forests. Liming aims at improving the pH condition of the soil. On forest soils, however, liming does not bring nearly the same effect as on agricultural land. On forest soils, liming can even be detrimental. By means of fertilizing, particularly by means of suitable micronutrient fertilizing, it is possible to repair the nutrient balance of the soil, and in this way to remove reasons of certain growth disturbances. However, growth disturbances caused by atmospheric pollutants can hardly be prevented or repaired by means of liming or conventional fertilizing. Now it has been invented that growth disturbanced caused to plants particularly by atmospheric pollutants can be prevented by dosing phytochrome to the plants or by controlling the functioning of phytochrome by means of IR-radiation of a certain wavelength. A particularly good result is obtained if boron is simultaneously dosed. Phytochrome can be dosed for instance by means of spraying, injecting or by absorbtion through roots. Phytochrome is a water soluble chromoprotein having a molecular weight of 55 000 to 62 000. As a chromphoric group, it has phycosyanine linked to the protein section. It is previously- known that phytochrome has an important part in many vital funtions of a plant. The importance of the precursor synthesis of phytochrome and the presence of certain so called micronutrients is illustrated by the following scheme change of increasing light inactive ■frβθ nm ^ green active rest P660 + B,Cu,Zn,Mo F 730 photomorphos s blue green 730 nm change of decreasing light The assumed molecular structure (both in the active and in the passive form) is illustrated by the following formula: (blue gree ere occur (green ) Isolation of phytochrome has been described for instance in publication Chem. Biochem. Plant Pigm. , 2nd ed. 1976, 2, pages 356-357. Now it has been found out that phytochrome also has a very important part in the genetic depence of the plants to locally correctly timed annual rhythm. Particularly it has been observed that co-operation of phytochrome and boron is of prime importance in controlling the said annual rhythm. In spring, the first necessary step for starting growth is the activating of phytochrome. It starts formation of the hormones of the growth period which together with enzymes cause growth correlating with the air temperature development. In autumn, the last step in transferring to winter rest is again the deactivating of phytochrome. In respect of succesful changes it is important that in the change situation, meristematic cells have main nutrients and micronutrients available in right proportions. The wavelength distribution of the red and infrared radiation of the sun light falling upon earth varies according to the season at each latitude and at a certain height from the sea level. In spring, the radiation maximum moves towards longer wavelengths and in autumn again towards shorter ones. The activating and deactivating of phytochrome has been observed to be dependent on this variation: phytochrome is activated at a wavelength of about 730 nm and deactivated at a wavelength of about 640 nm. Besides, it has now been noticed that boron catalyzes the activating- deactivating reactions of photochrome. A boron atom is capable of donating two electrons to a phytochrome molecule so that phytochrome is activated. When deactivated, phytochrome again donates away these electrons. Apparently also copper, zinc and molybden affect these reactions. Figure 1 shows a so called H-clock based on research carried out earlier by the inventor (published for instance in All. Forstz. 1974), illustrating the annual progress of the growth of a coniferous tree in a snow and ground frost climate. The months of the year 1 to 12 have been shown on the periphery of the clock. Besides, the openings of three locks 21 to 23 and the closings of three locks 24 to 26 have been shown on the periphery. The openings of the locks 21 to 23 are: 21. The limit of the day length 22. Thermal limit of the trunk 23. Thermal sum limit of the air The closings of the locks 24 to 26 are: 24. Formation of new growth buds 25. Preparation for dormancy. Old needles fall. So called semi-products are stored. Water is removed from cells. The thermal limit of the trunk finishes the step. 26. Abscisine acid closes the third lock and stops protein synthesis. Phytochrome prevents photosynthesis. In the figure, the sun controlling the annual rhythm is shown in the middle. Hormone and enzyme variations are shown on a separate circle from where the orders transmitted by them have been led to the actual growth circle. Partial growth occurences most important to cell formation have been shown as separate auxiliary circles. A circle illustrating the ground frost and the growth stages of roots is farthest out. In respect of the reproduction circuit and the development of seedlings things are in many ways different as in respect of the growth procedure of big trees (over 5 m) . The clock shows for instance how the trees in Finland have been adjusted to utilize the great amount of radiation and the long day in spring. Also the autumn is efficiently utilized. The locks show that the trees are well equipped to survive even in difficult environmental conditions. By means of the H-clock it is easier to understand the vital functions of trees. In addition, the following reference numbers have been used in the figure: 101. Ph tochrome 102. Abscisine acid 103. Ground frost 104. Gibberellines 105. Auxins 106. Cytokines 107. Enzymes 108. Photosynthesis 109. Water intake 110. Nutrient intake 111. Height growth 112. Thickness growth 113. Achieved energy utilization advantage 114. Root growth This invention is based on the fact that it has now been observed that at point A of the H-clock, the change of red 725-730 nm activates phytochrome and at point B, twilight 660 nm deactivates it. The correct timing of the annual rhythm is vital to plants (see Silva Fennica 1986 vol. 20 No. 1 pp. 9 to 22). A too early start or too late finishing of the growth subjects plants particularly to frost. A too late start or too early finishing of the growth again may make the growth period too short for survival. The importance of various environmental factors to the genotype of forest trees has been previously analyzed, see Huikari, Comm. Inst. For. Fenn. 64. 1. 1967 and for instance Comm. Inst. For. Fenn. 116. 1983. Atmospheric pollutants, particularly sulphur and its compounds destroy phytochrome so that the control of annual rhythm is disturbed which again subjects the plant to various destructive factors. So damages caused in this way can be prevented by dosing phytochrome or its structural components to plants. Structural components in this connection mean mainly the portion remaining unchanged in the phytochrome molecule formula presented above and not surrounded by a broken line. The control of the annual rhythm can be secured by emphasizing the transfer of the IR-wavelength maximum in the light received by plants in spring above 730 nm and in autumn below 640 nm. In this way, also the growth period can be lengthened in case other conditions allow it. The method based on the use of radiation can in practice be applied only in greenhouse conditions. The activating or deactivating of phytochrome can also be effected by spraying on the leaves solution which contains suitable filtering pigment. By means of the pigment, the wavelength distribution is changed into a desired one. Naturally the above means can be used also together. In addition, the functioning of phytochrome can be secured by dosing to the plants substances protecting phytochrome, substances or components activating its functioning or increasing its formation. Substances protecting phytochrome are in particular potassium and also magnesium which strengthen cell walls. As outside protective agents, different fixing agents and wax substances can be used. Phytochrome is obtained for instance by extracting it from crushed plant leaves. Particularly rich in phytochrome are young etiolated leaves. According to the invention, many kinds of preparations containing phytochrome can be produced, depending on the dosage form used and the object in each case. Among the preparations, nutrient mixtures for park trees, nutrient lime mixtures for forests, annual rhythm nutrient mixtures for perennials, substrate mixtures and injection nutrient mixtures are particularly to be mentioned. One nutrient lime mixture, its production and use will below be described in detail. Example 1. Nutrient lime mixture Ash 1 200 g H 2 0 200 g Urea phosphate solution. containing 40 % of urea phosphate dissolved in water 700 g Granular lime 1 700 g MgO 400 g K20 400 g Phytochrome solution, containing 0,2 % of phytochrome dissolved in water 400 g Boron is added to the mixture 0,1 % of the mixture, or according to need other micronutrients, such as copper, zink and molybden. They are added most suitably mixed in phytochrome solution and they are most suitably obtained from ash. The substances are mixed in the above order into a granular mixture. Wood ash or peat ash gives the preparation a natural micronutrient composition formed in vegetation. The potassiu " lye of ash gives potassium in great amounts and raises the pH which makes a prolonged neutralizing effect of lime possible without shock effects. Granular lime is corroded strongly by the acid urea phosphate and microcavities are formed in it and part of the ash is located in these microcavities. in this way, a preparation of long duration and retarded effect is obtained Instead of urea phosphate, also some other acid nitrogen and/or phosphor compound can be used. Urea phosphate gives a sufficiently small nitrogen and phosphor addition, and simultaneously neutralizes a too high pH. Phosphor remains in the product at the most 3 % of the total amount of the mixture, calculated as 2°5- A preferable pH, in respect of the stability of the phytochrome, is about 7,4 to 7,8. The heat required for drying the granules is obtained from the exothermal reactions occuring in the mixing. The phytochrome solution or phytochrome component solution is preferably added last so that is will not disintegrate. The mixture is used as general spreading 500 to 2 000 kg/ha. To a single tree, 5 to 20 kg of the mixture is given, and to young seedlings 50 to 100 g and in addition about 3 g per each cm of growth height. The mixture can also be made into a water solution. When watering to soil, a 0,2 to 0,5 % water solution is used. For spraying leaves, a 0,5 to 0,7 % solution is used. Such an amount of the solution is given that the soil or correspondingly the foliage get wet. As an injection solution, a 0,05 % solution made in pure water can be used. The solution is sprayed into a liquid flow rising from the earth. In the above, all percentages are weight percentages. Figures 2a, 2b and 2c show differences in the structural changes of a normal needle, an eskimosis-growth disturbance needle and a needle injured by atmospheric pollutants or acid rain. The needles have been shown in cross section taken across a stomatal area. Eskimosis caused by lack of boron and the capability of phytochrome to function have an important physiological connection. A boron atom is able by means of a positive electron to fill the electron-hole pair formed by the disturbance caused by a photon. The following reference numbers have been used in Figures 2a to 2c 201. Protective wax 202. Cuticule 203. Epidermis 204. Stomata 205. Photosynthetic tissue 206. Vascular tissue In Figure 2a all these are normal. In Figure 2b, protective wax, cuticule, epidermis, stomata and photosynthetic tissue are normal, whereas vascular tissue is not formed. The injury is of internal origin. In Figure 2c, protective wax is corroded, cuticule is injured and epidermal pectins do not function. Stomata is injured and photosynthetic tissue functions with injuries. Vascular tissue functions but the pigment system has been injured. Injury is of external origin. The resistance of protective wax against atmospheric pollutants is improved by means of the product according to the invention. Boron and potassium secure the functioning o phytochrome and eliminate eskimosis. Figure 3 shows graphically test results which prove the efficienty of the product according to the invention. The tests have been carried out at Muhos forest reserach statio of the Forest Research Institute. The vertical scale shows the heigth of the seedling (cm). The test was carried out by growing 12 pine seedlings in each pot and by measuring the growth averages after about 1 month. The results obtained from various pots are shown as columns A to H. The upper section of each column shows the average of the growth observed and the total height of the column shows the average of the total height of the plant. A-D was a control group which was watered by means of distilled water (100 ml every second day) . E-F pots were watered by means of a solution containing the product according to the invention (100 ml every second day; 10 ml of nutrient/990 ml of water). G-H pots were sprayed by means of a solution similar to the ones used for pots E-F (100 ml every second day) . The test results show that in pots E-F the growth was on an average clearly greater than in pots A-D. Also in pots G-H the growth was better than in pots A-D, even though the results were not as good as in pots E-F.

Claims: Claims 1. A method for controlling the growth and preventing growth disturbances of plants, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that phytochrome or its structural components is dosed to the plants, or the activating of phytochrome of the plants is intensified at the beginning of the growth period in spring by emphasizing the transfer of the wavelength maximum of the IR-radiation received by the plants over 730 nm, or by intensifying the deactivating of phytochrome in autumn by emphasizing the transfer of the wavelength maximum of the IR-radiation received by the plants below 640 nm. 2. A method according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r ¬ i z d in that phytochrome is dosed to the plants. 3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, c h a r a c t - e r i z e d in that in addition, a substance protecting phytochrome, a substance activating the functioning of phytochrome or a substance increasing the formation of phytochrome is dosed to the plants. 4. A method according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r - i z e d in that potassium or magnesium is dosed as a substance protecting phytochrome. 5. A method according to claim 3 or 4, c h a r a c t ¬ e r i z e d in that boron, copper, zink or molybden is dosed as a substance activating the functioning of phytochrome. 6. A method according to claim 5, c h a r a c t e r ¬ i z e d in that boron is dosed. 7. A mixture suitable for being used for controlling the growth and preventing growth disturbances of plants, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that it contains phytochrome or its structural components, as well as a substance donating electrons to a phytochrome molecule when phytochrome is activated. 8. A mixture according to claim 7 r c h a r a c t e r - i z e d in that the substance donating electrons is boron. 9. A mixture suitable to be used for controlling the growth and preventing growth disturbances of plants, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that it contains potassium. urea phosphate and ash. 10. A method for producing a preparation suitable for being used for controlling the growth and preventing growth of plants, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that phytochrome or its structural components are mixed with a suitable carrier agent or with substances commonly given to plants.

Inventors: HUIKARI OLAVI, HUIKARI, OLAVI
Applicants: BIOFUTURA OY LTD, BIOFUTURA OY LTD.
Application year: 1987
Main classification: A01G7
IPC codes: A01G7, A01N35, A01N43, A01N65, C05D1, C05F11