Protein compositions for plant treatment

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods of accelerating root growth in a plant, the method comprising applying to the plant root a composition comprising a) a mixture of proteins and polypeptides, and b) a surfactant, whereby root growth is accelerated as compared to an untreated plant. Also disclosed herein are methods of improving the foliar uptake of a biologically active compound by a plant, the method comprising applying to the plant foliage a composition comprising a) a mixture of proteins and polypeptides, and b) a surfactant, whereby root growth is accelerated as compared to an untreated plant.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method of improving the foliar uptake of a biologically active compound by a plant, the method comprising applying to the plant foliage a composition comprising a) a mixture of proteins and polypeptides, obtained from fermentation of yeast, and b) a surfactant, wherein the surfactant is non-ionic, anionic, an anionic/non-ionic surfactant blend or combinations thereof, whereby protein/surfactant composition enhances the efficacy of the biologically active compound. 
     
     
         21 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the biologically active compound is selected from the group consisting of pesticides, insecticide, nutrients, fertilizers, growth regulators, herbicides, fungicides, defoliants, anti-parasitics, anti-pathogenics and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the penetration of the biologically active compound into the plant, plant leaf, plant foliage or combination thereof is/are improved. 
     
     
         33 - 34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the translocation of the biologically active compound into the plant, or the sticking of the biologically active compound to exterior surface of the plant, is improved. 
     
     
         36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the exterior surface of the plant is selected from the group consisting of leaves, needles, and vegetation. 
     
     
         38 . A method of reducing plugging within an irrigation system, comprising a) dosing the irrigation system with an aqueous composition comprising a) a mixture of proteins and polypeptides, obtained from fermentation of yeast, and b) a surfactant, wherein the surfactant is non-ionic, anionic, an anionic/non-ionic surfactant blend, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , further comprising a biologically active compound selected from the group consisting of pesticides, insecticide, nutrients, fertilizers, growth regulators, herbicides, fungicides, defoliants, anti-parasitics, anti-pathogenics and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the dosing is performed continuously for between about 5 hours to 12 hours at a concentration of at least about 0.1 ppm. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the biofouling is provided with biofilms within the irrigation system. 
     
     
         42 . A method of improving the wetting of soil, growth media, or a combination thereof, the method comprising applying to the soil, growth media, or a combination thereof an aqueous composition, comprising a) a mixture of proteins and polypeptides, obtained from fermentation of yeast, and b) a surfactant, wherein the surfactant is non-ionic, anionic, an anionic/non-ionic surfactant blend, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         43 . The method of claim  46 , further comprising a biologically active compound selected from the group consisting of pesticides, insecticide, nutrients, fertilizers, growth regulators, herbicides, fungicides, defoliants, anti-parasitics, anti-pathogenics and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         44 . The method of claim  46 , wherein the composition is applied through a spray irrigation system, drip irrigation system or combination thereof.