WO2019159200A1

WO2019159200A1 - Plant micronutrient composition for the management of productivity and disease resistance

Info

Publication number: WO2019159200A1
Application number: PCT/IN2019/050124
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rahul Raju KANUMURU
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-02-17
Filing date: 2019-02-16
Publication date: 2019-08-22
Anticipated expiration: 2020-08-17

Abstract

The present invention provides a plant micronutrient composition and a process for preparing thereof. The plant nutrient comprises one or more transition meal silicates, wherein metal to metal ratio along with silica is from about 1:0.001 to 0.001:1. The plant micronutrient composition is useful in the management of productivity and/or disease resistance.

Description

PLANT MICRONUTRIENT COMPOSITION FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF PRODUCTIVITY AND DISEASE RESISTANCE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The invention disclosed herein generally relates to plant nutrient compositions. Particularly, the present invention relates to a plant micronutrient composition useful in the management of productivity and disease resistance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

Plants need certain essential nutrients for normal functioning and growth. Nutrient levels outside the amount required for normal functioning and growth may cause overall crop growth and health to decline due to either a deficiency or a toxicity. Plant nutrients are divided into two categories: macronutrients and micronutrients.

Micronutrients are essential for plant growth and play an important role in balanced crop nutrition. They are as important to plant nutrition as primary and secondary macronutrients, though plants don't require as much of them. Millions of hectares of arable land worldwide, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, are deficient in plant available micronutrients and this can markedly affect human nutrition (Graham and Welch 2000). The major reason for the widespread occurrence of deficiency of micronutrients is the low availability of micronutrients to plant roots rather than their low concentration in soils. Low solubility of most micronutrient cations like copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) zinc (Zn), silver (Ag) in soils means that after addition to alkaline soil as the soluble form, the metal is rapidly sorbed or precipitated (Tiller et al. 1972; Lindsay and Norvell 1978). It is known that chelates markedly increase the availability of micronutrient cations in soil and aid their diffusion to plant roots (Lindsay and Norvell 1978; Elgawhary et al. l970a; Elgawhary et al. l970b). However, the high mobility of these compounds raised concerns regarding their potential use in industrial and household chemicals due to their ability to transport heavy metals in the environment (Sillanpaa 1997). Though these chelates have an excellent ability to retain micronutrient cations in soluble forms, the form in which the micronutrient exists in solution is, however, not readily available for uptake by plant roots may increase their concentrations in soils.

Thus, there is still a need in the art to develop a plant micronutrient composition useful in the management of productivity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a plant micronutrient composition comprising one or more transition metal silicates in an amount of 0.05 to 50%, wherein metal to metal ratio along with silica is from about 1 :0.001 to 0.001 : 1.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a plant micronutrient composition useful in the management of productivity.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a plant micronutrient composition useful in the management of disease resistance.

In yet another aspect the present invention relates to a process for preparing the plant micronutrient composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

Before the methods of the present disclosure are described in greater detail, it is to be understood that the methods are not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the methods will be limited only by the appended claims. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the methods. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the methods, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the methods.

Certain ranges are presented herein with numerical values being preceded by the term“about.” The term“about” is used herein to provide literal support for the exact number that it precedes, as well as a number that is near to or approximately the number that the term precedes. In determining whether a number is near to or approximately a specifically recited number, the near or approximating unrecited number may be a number which, in the context in which it is presented, provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited number.

The term“Pronos” as used herein in the entire specification means and relate to one or more pure transition metal silicates optionally in combination with other nutrients and excipients.

In an embodiment, the present invention discloses a plant micronutrient composition comprising one or more transition meal silicates, wherein metal to silica ratio is from about 1 :0.001 to 0.001 : 1, preferably from about 1 : 10 to 10: 1, most preferably 1 :5 to 5: 1.

In yet another embodiment, the transition metal silicate is selected form a group comprising copper silicate, silver silicate, manganese silicate, zinc silicate, zirconium silicate and a combination thereof. The particle size of the transition metal silicates in the nutrient composition is in the range of from about 1 micron to 500 microns.

In an embodiment, the present invention discloses plant micronutrient composition for management of productivity and disease resistance comprising one or more transition metal silicates of particle size in the range of 1 micron to 500 microns in an amount of 0.05 to 50% by weight of the composition, wherein metal to silica ratio ranges between 1 :0.001 to 0.001 : 1; preferably from about 1 :10 to 10: 1, most preferably 1 :5 to 5: 1 in combination with other plant nutrients and one or more acceptable excipients.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a plant nutrient composition comprising at least two transition metal silicates; wherein the transition metal silicate is selected form a group comprising copper silicate, silver silicate, manganese silicate, zinc silicate, zirconium silicate and a combination thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a plant nutrient composition comprising copper silicate and zinc silicate. The ratio of copper silicate to zinc silicate in the composition may be varied. In certain embodiments, the ratio is from about 0.3 to about 9. In a further embodiment, the ratio is from about 0.3 to about 7 or from about 0.3 to about 5 or from about 0.3 to about 3 or from about 0.3 to about 1. In certain embodiments, the ratio is 1.

The plant nutrient of the present invention may be combined with other nutrients. Non-limiting examples of other nutrients include carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, manganese, chlorine, boron, molybdenum, sodium, silicon, cobalt, nickel and aluminum. In a further embodiment, the other nutrients are selected from a group comprising fulvic acid, humic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, lignin and gluconic acid. In another embodiment, the plant nutrient composition of the present invention may further comprise one or more excipients. Non-limiting examples of excipients include, but not limited to, fillers, gelling agents, binding agents, lubricating agents, mold-releasing agents, disintegration rate control agents, surfactants, solubility control agents, anti-redeposition agents, coloring agents, fragrances, corrosion inhibitors, disinfectants, and pesticides. In certain embodiments, the excipient is selected from a group comprising bentonite, kaoline, gelatine, cellulose, natural or synthetic gums, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, alginate, dextran, acacia gum, karaya gum, locust bean gum, xanthum gum, tragacanth and the like, alkylated naphthalene sulfonic acid, alkylated naphthalene sulfonate, condensates of sulfonic acid and sodium salt blends.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a plant micronutrient composition for use in seed coating, root dip solution or suspension, foliar application, paints, detergents, cleaning solutions, and zeolites.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a plant micronutrient composition for use in increasing tolerance or resistance to stress. In another embodiment, the stress is biotic or abiotic stress. In yet another embodiment, the biotic stress tolerance characteristic includesdisease resistance, an insect resistance, tolerance to parasitic weeds, a nematode resistance, a pest resistance and any combination thereof. In yet another embodiment, the abiotic stress tolerance characteristic includes cold tolerance, high temperature tolerance, drought tolerance, flood tolerance, salt tolerance, ionic phytotoxicity tolerance, pH tolerance and any combination thereof.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a plant with increasing tolerance or resistance to stress by providing said plant micronutrient composition to the plant; optionally, along with other nutrients and excipients. In yet another embodiment the stress is biotic or abiotic stress. In yet another embodiment, the biotic stress tolerance characteristic include disease resistance, an insect resistance, tolerance to parasitic weeds, a nematode resistance, a pest resistance and any combination thereof.

In yet another embodiment, the abiotic stress tolerance characteristic is selected from a group consisting of cold tolerance, high temperature tolerance, drought tolerance, flood tolerance, salt tolerance, ionic phytotoxicity tolerance, pH tolerance and any combination thereof.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a plant with strong root system, enhanced stem height or high stem, plant vigor, vigorous growth, sturdiness, resistance or tolerance to disease agents such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, disease resistance or tolerance, resistance to pathogens, prevention of contaminants penetration to the scion, resistance to nutrient deficiencies, improved seed yield, enhanced germination, enhanced rooting potential, minimal sprout differentiation from callus, minimal side-shoots from the rootstock stem, enhanced rootstock stem thickness, maximal elongation of intemodes, robustness, straight stem, thickness and any combination thereof.

In yet another embodiment, the composition of the present invention may strengthen the plant's natural defenses against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Examples of bacterial pathogens include, without limitation, Burkholderia, Proteobacteria (Xanthomonas spp. and Pseudomonas spp.).

In yet another embodiment, examples of fungal pathogens include, without limitation, Ascomycetes, Fusarium spp. (causal agents of Fusarium wilt disease), Thielaviopsis spp. (causal agents of: canker rot, black root rot, Thielaviopsis root rot), Verticillium spp., Magnaporthe grisea (causal agent of rice blast), Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (causal agent of cottony rot), Basidiomycetes, Ustilago spp. (causal agents of smut), Rhizoctonia spp., Phakospora pachyrhizi (causal agent of soybean rust) and Puccinia spp. (causal agents of severe rusts of virtually all cereal grains and cultivated grasses).

In yet another embodiment, the composition of the present invention may be useful for preventing or controlling plant viral disease. The plant viral diseases include but not limited to mosaic disease of cucumbers, tobacco and tomatoes. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a plant micronutrient composition having application on crops including but not limited to maize, rice, tomato, cotton and brinjal.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a plant micronutrient composition for enhancing the yield of crops by 10% to 35%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing the plant nutrient composition. The process comprises:

(a) adding a solution of the metal salt(s) to a soluble alkali silicate solution to form a nutrient metal silicate complex;

(b) drying of the nutrient metal silicate complex; and

(c) pulverizing the metal silicate complex to obtain a plant nutrient composition.

In yet another embodiment, the plant nutrient composition of the present invention may be in the form selected from a group consisting of powder, granules, suspension, mixture, pellets and compressed blocks.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing the metal silicate of the plant nutrient composition comprising:

(a) adding a solution of the metal salt to a soluble alkali silicate solution to form a mixture;

(b) adjusting pH and / or temperature of the mixture;

(c) forming a precipitate comprising the transition metal silicate; and

(d) washing and drying the precipitate to obtain the metal silicate. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing the plant micronutrient composition comprising;

a) adding a solution of the metal salt(s) to a soluble alkali silicate solution to form a mixture;

b) optionally adjusting pH and / or temperature of the mixture to form a precipitate comprising the nutrient metal silicate complex;

c) drying of the nutrient metal silicate complex; and

d) pulverizing the metal silicate complex to obtain a plant nutrient composition.

The metal salt is selected from a group comprising transition metal chloride, transition metal nitrate, transition metal sulphate and transition metal acetate.

The skilled practitioner will recognize several parameters of the foregoing processes that may be varied advantageously in order to obtain a desirable outcome. These parameters include, for example, the methods and ratio of the components; the order of addition of said reaction components and solvents to the reaction mixture; the duration of reaction of said reaction components and solvents; and the temperature and rate of stirring, mixing or agitation of the reaction components and solvents during said reaction.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides methods of treating the plants affected by bacterial/fungal/viral diseases. The plants affected by bacterial/fungal/viral diseases are selected for example, but not limited to cucumbers, tobacco, tomatoes, maize, rice, tomato, cotton and brinjal etc.

In one preferred embodiment, such fungal disease is rice blast disease. Accordingly, the invention provides methods of treating the plants affected by blast diseases, which method comprises treating the affected plants by foliar spray with a composition comprising transition metal silicate(s) in effective amount of 0.05% to 50% by weight of the composition. As used herein‘method of treating the plants affected by blast disease’ means and includes methods of reducing the incidence of blast disease, method of reducing the severity of blast disease etc.

The bacterial/fungal/viral species include but not limited to Bacillus, E. Coli, Yeast, Paecilomyces etc.

The effective amounts as used herein refer to an amount ranging from 0.5 gm to 500gm/liter.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treating the grape plant against powdery mildew and anthracnose disease and against the pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in grapes, which method comprises treating the affected plant by foliar spray with a composition comprising transition metal silicate(s) in effective amount of 0.05% to 50% by weight of the composition.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides method of improving the absorption of the nutrients in the plants as well as crop productivity, which method comprises giving the plants foliar spray with a composition comprising transition metal silicate(s) in effective amount of 0.05 to 50% by weight.

The effective amounts as used herein again refer to an amount ranging from 0.5 gm to 500gm/liter that depends on the a different stages of the plant such as vegetative and flowering stage etc.

In a further embodiment, the present invention provides use of the composition comprising a transition metal silicate(s) in effective amount of 0.05 to 50% by weight, for controlling the blast disease in plants such as rice etc. In a further embodiment, the present invention provides use of the composition comprising a combination of two or more transition metal silicates in effective amounts, for controlling the blast disease in plants such as rice etc.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides use of the composition comprising a combination of two or more transition metal silicates in effective amounts, for controlling powdery mildew on leaves of grape plant.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides use of the composition comprising a combination of two or more transition metal silicates in effective amounts, for controlling the anthracnose caused by the fungus, Eisinoe ampelina on leaves of grape plant and diseases caused by the pathogens Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides use of the composition comprising a combination of two or more transition metal silicates in effective amounts, for improving the absorption of the nutrients in the plants as well as crop productivity.

The composition of the two or more transition metal silicates is safe and no presence of phytotoxic effects such as chlorosis, tip burning, necrosis on leaves and berries, epinasty and russeting on berries was observed after each spray on to the plants.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skilled in the art to which the subject matter herein belongs. As used in the specification, unless specified to the contrary, the following terms have the meaning indicated in order to facilitate the understanding of the present invention. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" encompass plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the term "comprise" or“comprises” or "comprising" is generally used in the sense of include, that is to say permitting the presence of one or more features or components.

The invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended invention.

The following example(s) illustrate the invention without limiting the scope thereof. It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but embraces all such forms thereof as come within the scope of the disclosure.

EXAMPLE 1

Zinc sulphate (560 g) and copper sulphate (510 g) were mixed in water (4500 g) and stirred well to dissolve completely. Potassium silicate (4500 g) was added to the resultant solution and mixed well for 2 h with 100 rpm in a reactor to form a complex of nutrient metal silicate. The complex was dried at 100 °C and pulverized the complete mixture to get fine powder. The finished product sprayed directly as foliar with spreading agent (surfactant) and stickers as nutrient spreading across the leaf of different crops like maize, rice, tomato, cotton and brinjal. The applied nutrient absorbed by leaves 10 times more than the farmer practice. Simultaneously final yields were improved by 15-20 % than farmer practice. Application of transition metal silicates on Maize leaves

EXAMPLE 2:

Evaluation of the transition metal silicate composition on blast disease of rice

A field experiment was conducted on rice crop using composition of the present invention optionally with fungicide. The field trial was laid in randomized block design with 8 treatments and four replications. Two doses (0.75 g/L and 1.5 g/L) were compared with fungicide (Trycyclazole @ 2 g/l). Foliar spray was done twice as curative application. The first spray was done at 42 days after planting and second spray was done at 15 days later. The fungal disease, blast symptom was recorded at 4^th, 8^th and 12^th days after the application of doses. The study showed that the composition of the present invention is effective in management of the blast severity in rice, which was comparable with that of recommended fungicide (Tricyclazole). EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS:

Experimental methodology:

Farmer’s field was identified for experiment in the area where natural occurrence of disease is endemic in nature. All the recommended agronomical practices for production are followed commonly for all the treatments.

Two sprays of mentioned treatments are carried out at 15 days interval starting from 50 days after transplanting at respective doses.

Two sprays of mentioned treatments are carried out at 15 days interval starting from 50 days after transplanting at respective doses. TREATMENT DETAILS:

Tl - Silicates of Cu and Zn: 1.5 g/lit

T2 - Silicates of Cu and Zn: 0.75 g/lit

T3- Silicates of Cu and Zn + NPK: 1.5 g/lit

T4 - Tri cy cl ozole (fungicide): 1.05 g/lit

T5 - Control

OBSERVATION RECORDED:

1. Total & disease(blast) affected leaves per plant

2. Disease incidence % of leaves per plant

3. Disease intensity per leaves

OBSERVATION METHODOLOGY:

Three plants from each plot were selected and tagged to for blast disease severity. Three leaves from each selected plant were observed for number of blast spores present on it to find blast disease intensity at 4 times viz. 1 day before spray, 4^th, 8^th and 12*¹¹ day after 2^nd spray with various treatments Tl to T5. Whereas, 10 plants per plot were selected randomly and tagged for observation and number of blast affected leaves against total number of leaves was recorded from each plant and mean of all taken to draw out per cent disease incidence of blast at 4 times viz. 1 day before spray, 4^th, 8^th and 12*¹¹ day after 2^nd spray. The results are provided below in tables 1 to 6.

TABLE 1: BLAST DISEASE INTENSITY PER PLANT

TABLE 2: PERCENT DISEASE INCIDENCE OF BLAST ON LEAVES

EXAMPLE 3:

Evaluation of the curative measure of the composition of the present invention on blast disease of rice

A field trial was conducted during late Rabi 2016 on rice crop. The soil of experimental site was clay in nature. The field trial was laid in randomized block design with 8 treatments and four replications. The location selected was hot spot for blast disease and generally in these are the farmers have less awareness about pesticides usage. The uniform schedule of fertilizers was applied to all the plots by farmer.

TABLE 3: TREATMENT DETAILS

LAYOUT OF THE EXPERIMENT:

Three plants from each plot were selected and tagged to for disease severity. Three leaves from each selected plant were observed for number of blast spores present on it to find blast disease intensity at 4 times viz. 1 day before spray, 4^th, 8^th and 12^th day after 2^nd spray.

Ten plants per plot were selected randomly and tagged for observation. The number of blast affected leaves against total number of leaves was recorded from each plant and mean of all taken to draw out per cent disease incidence of blast. Even single blast occurrence is counted as blast affected leaf. Data was collected at 4 times viz. 1 day before spray, 4^th, 8^th and 12^th day after 2^nd spray. TABLE 4: BLAST DISEASE INTENSITY OF LEAVES PER PLANT

TABLE 5: DISEASE INCIDENCE % OF LEAVES PER PLANT

TABLE 6: TOTAL LEAVES AND BLAST DISEASE AFFECTED LEAVES PER PLANT

As is evident from tables 1 to 6, the intensity of the disease on day 12 of the treatment with the composition of the invention Tl and T2, the intensity of blast disease and the per cent disease incidence are substantially reduced when compared to the other treatment groups T3 to T4 and with control.

EXAMPLE 4:

TABLE 7: ABSORPTION STUDIES OF COPPER SILICATE AND ZINC SILICATE WITH OTHER NUTRIENTS

The above example explains the improving of nutrient availability to plant as well as crop productivity at different stages like, Vegetative and flowering stage. In Vegetative stage we can take 15 % of metal silicate and remaining 85 % will be other nutrients especially Magnesium combination. The second stage flowering stage we can formulate 30 % of metal silicate combination with boron and other nutrients with surfactant and dispersant to improve the productivity. EXAMPLE 5

TABLE 8: SUMMARY OF PERCENTAGE OF KILLING OF DIFFERENT MICROBES BY 1%, 3% & 5% OF VARIOUS PRONOS

The pronos used in the above table are explained herein below:

Pronos 2, 4, 5 and 7 is showing highest antimicrobial activity of 98-100% which is closer to the silver silicate and silver nitrate (positive control)

Observation:

Bacillus:

Pronos 2, 4, 5, and 6 with 1% concentration has antimicrobial activity of 99%. They have higher activity than silver silicate and Silver nitrate (positive control) which gave activity of 86 % and 95% respectively. All 9Pronos shows antimicrobial activity of 99% with 5% concentration.

E.coli:

Pronos 4, 7, with 1% concentration has antimicrobial activity (99%) and they are comparable with Silver nitrate and silver silicate (positive control). Pronos 3 has no activity.

Excluding Pronos number 3 remaining Pronos has antimicrobial activity of 99%with higher percentage (3% gave 92 -99% & 5% gave 99% concentration).

Yeast:

Pronos 2 and7 with 1% concentration has antimicrobial activity of 100% and they are comparable with Silver nitrate and silver silicate (positive control)

Pronos 2, 5, 7, 8 & 9 has antimicrobial activity with 3% and 5% pronos

Pronos 3 has no activity

Paecilomyces:

Pronos (1-9 numbers) with 1% concentration has no antimicrobial activity.

Pronos 4 & 7 with 3% concentration has activity (92-95%)

Pronos 2,4 with 5% concentration has 98% activity EXAMPLE 6:

In vitro study of Pronos against powdery mildew and anthracnose disease in grapes.

The experiment was conducted at the plant pathology laboratory in Hyderabad. The spore germination of powdery mildew was checked on water agar slides incubated at 26°C while for anthracnose ' poison food tech.' was used.

Table 8 (a): Details of treatments for in vitro study

EXAMPLE 6.1: Bio-efficacy of Pronos against powdery mildew and anthracnose disease in grapes.

6.1.1: Powdery mildew

The experiment was conducted in vineyard of Tas-A-Ganesh variety (10 ft x 6 ft) grown on Bower system of training at Tasgaon, Sangli between October 2016 and March 2017. The experiment was laid out in RED with four replications. Two plants per replication per treatment were used for experiment. Standard check fungicides, Myclobutanil 10 % WP were purchased from local market. Sprays of these fungicides were given whenever the weather conditions were favorable for development of powdery mildew. Based on the favorable weather conditions five sprays were given for powdery mildew management, wherein, l^ST two sprays were taken as prophylactic sprays. Water volume used for spray was calculated based on requirement of 1000 L/ha at full canopy. Knapsack sprayer was used for spray.

Table 8(b): Details of treatments for field trial*

Table8(c):Datfofpruning, harvesting and sprays for powdery mildew

6.1.2: Anthracnose

A separate experiment was conducted in vineyard of Thompson Seedless variety. The experiment was laid out in RED with four replications. Two plants per replication per treatment were used for experiment. Thiophenate methyl 70% WP were purchased from local market and used as standard checks. Sprays of these fungicides were given whenever the weather conditions were favorable for development of anthracnose disease. Based on the favorable weather conditions four sprays were given for anthracnose disease management, wherein, First spray was taken as prophylactic. Water volume used for spray was calculated based on requirement of 1000 L/ha at full canopy. Knapsack sprayer was used for spray.

Table 8 (d): Details of treatments for field trial

Table 8(e): Dates of pruning and fungicide sprays for anthracnose

6.1.3: Foliar infection

a) For powdery mildew:

Powdery mildew incidence on leaves was recorded visually adopting the 0-4 scale, where 0 means no disease present and 4 means more than 75 per cent leaf area infected. The ratings on ten leaves were recorded on randomly selected canes. Ten such canes per vine were observed, thus 100 disease observations were recorded per replicate. Four replications for each treatment were considered. Only actively growing powdery mildew lesions were considered for recording ratings. b) For anthracnose:

Anthracnose incidence on leaves was recorded visually adopting the 0-4 scale, on described for powdery mildew.

6.1.4: Bunch infection

During the fruiting season, powdery mildew ratings are recorded separately on bunches. Powdery mildew incidence on bunches was recorded adopting 0-4 scale, where 0 means no disease present and 4 means more than 75 per cent bunch area infected. The ratings on twenty randomly selected bunches per replicate were recorded. During all the observations only active powdery mildew growth were considered for recording ratings. 6.2: Phytotoxicity

Phytotoxicity observations were recorded from the powdery mildew trial conducted at the research farm. Grapevines were sprayed with different doses of Pronos.

Table 8(f): Treatment details for phytotoxicity observations

Sprayed vines were critically observed for presence of phytotoxic effects such as chlorosis, tip burning, necrosis on leaves and berries, epinasty and russeting on berries up to ten days after each spray. Observations were recorded at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 & 10 days after each application in the form of visual ratings in 0-10 scale as detailed below.

6.3: Marketable yield

The yield data was recorded from the powdery mj Jdew trial. The marketable yield from the four replications of each of the treatments and the control was harvested and expressed in Kg grapes/vine.

6.4: Statistical analysis

The POI data was transformed by using arcsine transformation for leaves and bunches and analyzed statistically following Randomized Block Design (RBD) using Statistical Analysis System (SAS software 9.3). The yiel data was analysed without transformation. Means were compared using Least Significant Difference (LSD) Test.

6.5 Results:

6.5.1: In vitro study of Pronos against spore germination of Erysiphe necator.

Table 9:

Table 10: In vitro study of Pronos against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides:

6.6: Powdery mildew control on leaves and bunches by Pronos:

First disease observation on leaves in experimental plot was recorded on 28^th December 2016, when 76 days had passed after fruit pruning and two preventive sprays for powdery mildew were already given. Pronos (curative), Pronos (prophylactic) @ 1.5 g/L water treatment recorded a significantly lower per cent Disease Index (PDI) of powdery mildew on leaves (7.5, 7.63 and 8.18 respectively) than the untreated control (25.25) on leaves in last observation recorded on 27.01.2017.

Table 11: Bio-efficacy of Pronos in control of powdery mildew on leaves of grapes after fruit pruning.

*= Figures in parenthesis indicate arcsine transformed averages 6.7: Effect on marketable yield

Harvestable yield of grapes in case of Pronos (curative), Pronos (Prophylactic) @ 1.5 g/L, water was significantly higher yield(l3.10,12.65 kg/vine and 12.77 kg/vine respectively) than untreated control (5.25 kg/vine). However, it was on par with all Pronos treatments including standard check fungicide myclobutanil 10 % WP (11.41 kg/vine).

Table 12: Marketable yield in vines treated with Pronos against powdery niildew of grapes

6.8: Anthracnose control on leaves by Pronos

First disease observation on leaves in experimental plot was recorded on l3th July 2017, when 60 days had passed after foundation pruning. One preventive spray for anthracnose was already given. Pronos @ 1.5 g/L waterrecorded a significantly lower PDI (17.85 and 17.34 respectively) of anthracnose on leaves than the untreated control (32.24) and it was on par with standard check fungicide thiophenate methyl 70% WP (19.42) during the last observation (Table 13). Trend was similar during second observation also.

Table 13: Bio-efficacy of Pro nos in control of anthracnose on leaves of grapes after foundation pruning.

*= Figures in parenthesis indicate arcsine transformed average

6.9: Phytotoxicity:

A separate trial was conducted for phytotoxicity on grapes plants. Two sprays were given as per the details given below. The observations were recorded on phytotoxicity on leaves and bunches of grapes such as leaf chlorosis, tip burning; necrosis, epinasty and russeting after each spray. No phytotoxicity symptoms were developed on leaves and bunches up to 10 days of spray in any treatment, indicating that Pronos is not phytotoxic to grapes up to the dose of l.5g/L as shown in Table 14: Table 14: Evaluation of the phytotoxicity of Pronos on grape leaves and bunches

Table 15:

Table 16:

Conclusion:

• Pronos (curative), Pronos (prophylactic) @ 1.5 g/L water as foliar spray showed effective control of powdery mildew on leaves and recorded more marketable yield than untreated control after fruit pruning.

• Pronos @.1.5 g/L water spray showed effective control of anthracnose on leaves than untreated control and did not show any phytotoxicity symptoms on leaves and bunches.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments will be apparent to those in the art. The scope of the invention should therefore be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

We Claim;

1. Plant micronutrient composition for management of productivity and/or disease resistance comprising one or more transition metal silicates of particle size in the range of 1 micron to 500 microns in an amount of 0.05 to 50% by weight of the composition, wherein metal to silica ratio ranges between 1 :0.001 to 0.001 : 1; in combination with other plant nutrients and one or more acceptable excipients.

2. The plant micronutrient composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transition metal silicate is selected from a group comprising copper silicate, silver silicate, manganese silicate, zinc silicate, zirconium silicate and combination thereof.

3. The plant micronutrient composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises two transition metal silicates selected form a group comprising copper silicate, silver silicate, manganese silicate, zinc silicate or zirconium silicate in the ratio of 0.3 to 9.0.

4. The plant micronutrient composition as claimed in claim 3, wherein the metal to silica ratio is 1 :0.001 to 0.001 : 1, preferably in the ratio 1 : 10 to 10: 1, more preferably 1 :5 to 5: 1.

5. The plant micronutrient composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nutrients include but is not limited to carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, manganese, chlorine, boron, molybdenum, sodium, silicon, cobalt, nickel and aluminum, fulvic acid, humic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, lignin and gluconic acid.

6. The process for preparing the plant micronutrient composition as claimed in claim 3 comprising;

a) adding a solution of the metal salt(s) to a soluble alkali silicate solution to form a mixture; b) optionally adjusting pH and / or temperature of the mixture to form a precipitate comprising the nutrient metal silicate complex;

c) drying of the nutrient metal silicate complex; and

7. The process as claimed in claim 6, wherein the metal salt is selected from a group comprising transition metal chloride, transition metal nitrate, transition metal sulphate and transition metal acetate and/or combination thereof.

8. The process as claimed in claim 6, wherein other nutrients and/or excipients are added to the mixture of step (a) or are added after drying of the nutrient metal silicate complex.

9. The process as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nutrients include but is not limited to carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, manganese, chlorine, boron, molybdenum, sodium, silicon, cobalt, nickel and aluminum, fulvic acid, humic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, lignin and gluconic acid.

10. The plant micronutrient composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the particle size of the transition metal silicate is in the range of 1 micron to 500 microns.

11. Plant micronutrient composition for management of productivity and/or disease resistance comprising silicates of copper and zinc of particle size of 1 micron to 500 microns in the ratio 0.3 to 9.0, wherein the metal to silica ratio ranges between 1 :0.001 to 0.001 : 1; preferably in the ratio 1 : 10 to 10: 1, more preferably 1 :5 to 5: 1, in combination with other plant nutrients and one or more acceptable excipients.

12. The plant micronutrient composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10 wherein the composition is in the form selected from a group consisting of powder, granules, suspension, mixture, pellets and compressed blocks.

13. The method for producing a plant with increasing tolerance to disease agents or resistance to biotic and abiotic stress comprises providing the plant micronutrient composition in effective amount of 0.05 to 50% by weight of the composition as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 1 to 12.

14. The method for producing a plant as claimed in claim 13, wherein the biotic stress tolerance is selected from a group comprising a disease resistance, an insect resistance, tolerance to parasitic weeds, a nematode resistance, a pest resistance and any combination thereof.

15. The method for producing a plant as claimed in claim 13, wherein the abiotic stress tolerance is selected from a group consisting of cold tolerance, high temperature tolerance, drought tolerance, flood tolerance, salt tolerance, ionic phytotoxicity tolerance, pH tolerance and any combination thereof.

16. The method of improving the absorption of the nutrients in the plant as well as increasing the yield of crops comprising providing the plant micronutrient composition in effective amount of 0.05 to 50% by weight of the composition as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 1 to 12.

17. The plant micronutrient composition as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 1 to 12 for use in seed coating, root dip solution or suspension, foliar application, paints, detergents, cleaning solutions, and zeolites.

18. The plant micronutrient composition as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 1 to 12 for use in increasing the tolerance to disease agents or resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, improving the absorption of the nutrients in plants as well as for improving crop productivity.