Patent ID: 11399538

Abstract:
The present invention uses compound 3-OH-β-apo-13-carotenone (zaxinone) as a negative regulator of the plant hormone strigolactones (SLs). The compound 3-OH-β-apo-13-carotenone is a positive growth regulator which triggers the formation of crown roots and promotes growth in size and number of roots and shoots. Disclosed herein is a method of using 3-OH-β-apo-13-carotenone as a growth-promoting compound for cereal, grain and vegetable crops. The 3-OH-β-apo-13-carotenone compounds is also a negative regulator of strigolactone biosynthesis and release. Disclosed herein is a method of combating root parasitic weeds affecting cereal, grain and vegetable crops. Application of 3-OH-β-apo-13-carotenone to plant growth media down-regulates strigolactone production in cereal, grain and vegetable crops preventing root parasitic weed infestation of the crops by inhibiting germination of parasitic weed seeds.