Harold Eugene Garrett

US Patent:

47494026, Jun 7, 1988

Filed:

Feb 21, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/581871

Inventors:

Harold E. Garrett - Columbia MO
Gene S. Cox - Columbia MO
Robert K. Dixon - St. Paul MO

Assignee:

The Curators of the University of Missouri - Columbia MO

International Classification:

C05C 900
C05C 1100
C05C 1300

US Classification:

71 28

Abstract:

A method for enhancing the development of mycorrhizae in the root system of a plant. A quantity of a nutrient mixture is applied to the outside surfaces of the foliage of a plant rooted in a growth medium containing propagules of a fungus capable of mycorrhizal infection of the roots, the nutrient mixture containing a source of nitrogen and a source of at least one other element selected from among potassium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, boron, manganese, molybdenum, copper, and iron, in an aqueous vehicle. Such application is repeated at intervals over a period of time during which the supply of nutrients by fertilization is provided predominantly through such foliar application. The sugar content of the roots is thus increased by comparison to that obtained by application of the nutrient mixture to the growth medium during the aforesaid period in quantities sufficient to provide a fertilization nutrient supply at the surface of the roots equivalent to the supply effected by such repetitive applications to the foliage. The development of the mycorrhizae in the root system is thereby enhanced. The disclosure is further directed to novel compositions useful in foliar fertilization of plants and methods for the application of nutrient systems containing plant growth regulators to plant foliage.