Ripening pineapple fruit in the field is treated with effective amounts of an aqueous solution of a nonionic surfactant to inhibit infection of the pineapple fruit by disease-causing microorganisms. Microbial spoilage is reduced, and thus the quality of pineapple fruit for the fresh market is improved. Additionally, disease blemishes in pineapple fruits for canning are reduced, resulting in increased pineapple solids recovery.
A new method of eradicating an existing infection of powdery mildew on plants using a wax ester emulsion is provided wherein the wax ester emulsion is comprised of wax esters, which are derived from esterification of monoethylenic acids and monoethylenic alcohols having between 18 and 24 carbons, and surfactant at a concentration of between 1% v/v and 10% v/v of the total wax ester component.
A new method of preventing and eradicating Sphaerotheca pannossa (powdery mildew) infections on rose plants using a wax ester emulsion is provided wherein the wax esters emulsion is comprised of wax esters, which are derived from esterification of monoethylenic acids and monoethylenic alcohols having between 18 and 24 carbons, and a surfactant at a concentration of between 1% v/v and 7%v/v of the total wax ester component.
The invention described here concerns the unique utility of fatty acids and their derivatives to eradicate existing fungal and bacterial infections in plants. Also, described herein are combination treatments whereby fatty acids are used to enhance or augment the activity of fungicides, bactericides, and biological control agents.
A pre-mix composition is disclosed for use in treating a plant growth medium to promote improved wetting and re-wetting thereof comprising a mixture of coconut coir pith and a horticulturally acceptable surfactant. A process for treating a plant growth medium utilizing such pre-mix composition is also disclosed as well as the treated plant growth medium.
Methods and compositions for the control of nematodes are disclosed. Specifically, fatty acid ester compounds have been found to advantageously control nematodes at concentrations which are non-phytotoxic. The fatty acid ester compounds can be used in conjunction with other nematicidal agents such as free fatty acids, fatty acid salts, avermectins, ivermectin, and milbemycin.
