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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . 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,
 wherein the protein mixture comprises heat shock proteins, and wherein the mixture of proteins is obtained from aerobic fermentation of yeast, and where in the fermentation process further comprises subjecting the fermentation mixture to additional heat stress following the fermentation process;   whereby protein/surfactant composition enhances the efficacy of the biologically active compound.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , 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. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the penetration of the biologically active compound into the plant, plant leaf, plant foliage or combination thereof is/are improved. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , 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. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the exterior surface of the plant is selected from the group consisting of leaves, needles, and vegetation. 
     
     
         6 . 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;
 wherein the protein mixture comprises heat shock proteins, and wherein the mixture of proteins is obtained from aerobic fermentation of yeast, and where in the fermentation process further comprises subjecting the fermentation mixture to additional heat stress following the fermentation process.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , 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. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the composition is applied through a spray irrigation system, drip irrigation system or combination thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the yeast is selected from the group consisting of  Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyeromyces maxianus, Kluyeromyces lactus, Candida utilis  (Torula yeast),  Zygosaccharomyces, Pichia  and  Hansanula.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the yeast is selected from the group consisting of  Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyeromyces maxianus, Kluyeromyces lactus, Candida utilis  (Torula yeast),  Zygosaccharomyces, Pichia  and  Hansanula.