Inhibiting ethylene generation in plants - by application of 2-pyrrolidone or N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone

摘要

Ethylene generation by a plant is inhibited by contacting the plant with a compsn comprising (A) 2-pyrrolidone or N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and (B) an inert carrier. The pyrrolidone cpd (a) delays the spoilage of picked fruit and vegetables and the withering of cut ornamentals, (b) delays ripening in both growing and harvested crops, (c) delays loosening and abscission of fruit, nuts and other crops, (d) promotes resistance to stunting and malformation of foliage in growing crops, (e) increases size and wt of fruit and vegetables prior to ripening by extending the growing time, (f) minimises sucker formation, (g) interrupts crop ripening after harvest during transporation to market, (h) prevents tuber sprouting until planting, (i) inhibits latex flow in rubber trees during inclement seasons, thereby lengthening tree life, (j) retards seed germination and breaking of dormancy, (k) promotes cell and root elongation and leaf expansion, and (l) prevents under development of commercial crops and sex reversal in plants. The cpd. is applied at 0.05-100, pref. 0.8-15 kg/ha of soil area, or at 0.001-0.2 g per plant.