Basf Corporation

Richard R Evans

John R Evans

Thomas J Holt

Wade W Stewart

Wallace W Stewart

Dave King

Lisa P Evans

Anita Harrell

David M Saravitz

Concurrent or sequential application of an auxin transport inhibitor and a defoliating agent synergistically improve defoliation of crop plants and minimize crop plant regrowth. Preferably, the auxin transport inhibitor is a semicarbazone compound. The defoliating agent may be an ethylene response or ethylene-type response agent such as a phosphonic acid derivative. Most preferably, the semicarbazone compound is diflufenzopyr and the phosphonic acid derivative is ethephon (i.e., ethephon (2-chloroethyl) phosphonic acid).

Methods and compositions to defoliate crop plants and minimize plant regrowth following defoliation

Late season termination of reproductive plant growth of a plant having an indeterminate growth pattern is achieved by the application of a semicarbazone plant growth regulator to a locus of a growing plant at a time following peak bloom of the plant. The semicarbazone is applied as an active ingredient in an amount sufficient to terminate continued reproductive growth of the plant without substantially affecting mature reproductive growth existing on the plant at the time of application. Most preferably, the semicarbazone is diflufenzopyr.

Use of a semicarbazone plant growth regulator for early termination of crop plants

Applying an effective amount of an acylcyclohexanedione plant growth regulator to a growing pre-harvest alfalfa plant improves the overall stature and overall nutritive value of alfalfa at harvest.

Acylcyclohexanedione plant growth regulator for control of overall

The invention relates to the control of fireblight (Erwinia amylovora) in plants by application of acylcyclohexadiones to plants susceptible to fireblight to reduce or prevent the infestation and disease caused by Erwinia amylovora. Specific compounds suitable for use in practicing the invention include prohexadione calcium and trinexapac ethyl. Included in the invention are compounds from the formula: ##STR1## and compounds of the formula ##STR2## and the metal or ammonium salts thereof.

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Greenville, MS, United States of America

Richard R Evans