Compositions and methods for controlling plant and flower moisture transpiration rates

摘要

The present invention relates to compositions for controlling plant and flower moisture transpiration and thereby extending the period of time in which cut flowers can be displayed before senescence produces a flower which has exceeded its aesthetic value. The compositions of the present invention comprise:;a) from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight, of a homopolymer or copolymer comprising monomers having the formula: ;wherein each R¹ is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, phenyl, substituted phenyl, benzyl, substituted benzyl, carbocyclic, heterocyclic, and mixtures thereof; R² is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, phenyl, substituted phenyl, benzyl, substituted benzyl, carbocyclic, heterocyclic, and mixtures thereof; X is hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, —(CH₂)_mCH₂OH, —(CH₂)_mCOR, —(CH₂)_mCH₂OCOR′, wherein R is —OR′, —N(R′)₂, —(CH₂)_nN(R″)₂, and mixtures thereof; each R′ is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₂-C₈ hydroxyalkyl, —(CH₂)_nN(R″)₂, and mixtures thereof; wherein R″ is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, and mixtures thereof; the index m is from 0 to 6, the index n is from 2 to 6;;b) from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, of a surfactant; and;c) the balance carriers and adjunct ingredients.