Complexes of haloalkyl-phosphonic acids with amide(s) - useful as plant growth regulators, esp. for cotton

摘要

Plant-treating agents for pre-harvest treatment of crop plants (esp. cotton) comprises mixts. of N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) and a 2-haloethylphosphoric acid (I), pref. in an aq. medium. Complexes of formula (II): (where R is lower alkylene; X is halogen; R1-R3 are H, phenyl, naphthyl, lower alkyl-phenyl or 1-24C alkyl opt. substd. by OH or halogen, and R1 and also be 2-6C alkenyl, and R2 + R3 can complete a 3-5C heterocyclic ring) and polymers of (II) where R1=vinyl and R2+R3 complete a ring, and neutralised prods. of these cpds., are also claimed. Agents of type (A) accelerate ripening and opening of cotton bolls and simultaneously defoliate the plants, thus facilitating harvesting and giving increased yields of high-quality fibre. Cpds. (II) are ethylene-releasing agents useful as plant growth regulators.