Amaranthan Balasingham -- Agricultural Additive

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**Amaranathan BALASINGHAM**

**Agrizest**

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[**http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4789658a3600.html**](http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4789658a3600.html)  
***The Dominion Post* ( 11 December 2008 )**

**Boffin Proffers Silver Bullet for
Growers**  
by **Jon Morgan**

POTENT INSTRUMENT: 'Sure, it will
make me wealthy,' says Nathan Balasingham. 'But it will make
everyone else wealthy too. Why can't we all be wealthy?'

Nathan Balasingham's card reads:
"Growers want a silver bullet. There was none in the market.
So I invented Agrizest." Shy and retiring he is not.

He believes he has invented a
product that boosts the growth, yield, colour and flavour of
fruit crops - apples, kiwifruit, citrus and grapes have
benefited so far - and of pasture.

He goes further and claims that it
reduces pest, disease and environmental stress damage and
further still in claiming that it will reduce our
greenhouse-gas emissions.

It may sound like the fabled silver
bullet, but is it? Mr Balasingham has a Master of Horticulture
science degree, with first-class honours in biochemistry, from
Massey University and 36 years experience as a researcher and
in research and development management.

He says he has the trial results to
prove many of these claims.

He estimates Agrizest's immediate
value to the horticulture industry alone at $100 million in
improved orchard returns, and has asked the Government to
champion it in a public-private partnership.

His enthusiasm shines out of his
face as he explains his invention and answers questions. "Of
course you have scepticism," he says. "It's natural. But then
you should say: 'I'm going to find out'. Don't dismiss me
without doing that."

He urges doubters to test his
product for themselves, saying it is made of natural
ingredients that will not harm plants. It is seaweed-based
with extracts from coconut, aloe, palm oil, lecithin and soy
beans.

Growers who have tried Agrizest
report positive results. Some are enthusiastic, while others
are more cautious. In an industry where claims of wonder
drugs, fertilisers and soil treatments proliferate largely
unchallenged, they have learnt not to rush to try something
new.

But scientists say they have
concerns about the efficacy of Mr Balasingham's field trials
and doubt that Agrizest is the panacea he claims it to be,
though most would not speak on the record.

Mr Balasingham complains of
"standoffishness" and obstruction by industry bodies and
Crown-research institutes. He says this attitude is
frustrating and partly because of "patch protection" in a
competitive funding environment. "I've done all the work I
need to prove Agrizest works. They're a bad bunch."

Malaysian-born Mr Balasingham first
studied plants' responses to attack at Massey University in
the 1970s, but it wasn't till the plant genome was published
in 1996 that he was able to see the details of a defensive
system that triggered the release of essential oils.

The oils, or metabolites, determine
the colours in flowers, fruits, seeds and leaves and the
flavour and bouquet in flowers and fruit. They strengthen the
defence system against pest, disease and ultraviolet damage,
repair damaged cells and help the plants take up nutrients for
growth. They also harden cells, so fruit and vegetables are
crunchier.

In a search for a way to switch on
these oils, Mr Balasingham remembered the teachings of his
youth.

His family followed Ayurvada, a Sri
Lankan and South Indian culture that had at its heart a basic
rule that said don't put on your skin anything that you would
not put in your mouth.

"I started to see that the
molecules I needed were in the food they talked about -
different seaweeds and high- oil-content foods such as
coconut.

"I realised I could extract the
molecules out of commodity products I could easily lay my
hands on, and that wouldn't harm me."

The ingredients are commonly found
in the food industry, except one which is used as a cosmetic,
and are relatively cheap to buy in bulk overseas and to
import. He mixes them in vats in his Pukekohe factory in
different strengths. A lighter version is marketed as Nature's
Curator for home-garden use.

Agrizest works by tricking plants
into thinking they are under attack, he says. They respond by
releasing their essential oils. "The result is a plant
bursting with health."

Massey University professor of
molecular genetics Barry Scott says Mr Balasingham's claims
are plausible. "There are active components that may be
present in a concoction of chemicals from a natural product.
But let's see this written up somewhere so that it can be
appropriately peer reviewed and a conclusion drawn about its
effectiveness."

Mr Balasingham says Agrizest has
been tested in trials on apples, kiwifruit and grapes. The
results show a marked increase in tree and vine growth, a lift
in fruit production and an enhanced ability to resist pests. A
grape trial showed 10 per cent more flavour characteristics.

But he admits the trials have not
been published in science or trade journals, except in one
case in an insert at his own expense.

"I have done everything I can to
show that what I say can be substantiated," he says. This is
backed by packhouse data and grower testimony. "The quantum
change is so huge that you don't need statistical analysis. It
is too obvious."

His work on Agrizest has not been
peer reviewed, either.

"I am the inventor. I don't have
peers," he says. "If I had peers, they would have invented it
themselves."

His confidence in the value of
Agrizest to the world is unbounded. He ranks it alongside the
introduction of dwarf wheat varieties in the middle of the
last century, which became known as the green revolution, and
says it will lift New Zealand as a trading nation above its
low-cost South American rivals.

Despite feeling frustrated at a
negative reception by the science community, he has high hopes
that Agrizest's potential will be fulfilled.

He took his case to Agriculture
Minister David Carter this week, asking him to be bold and
initiate a private-public coalition among the agriculture and
horticulture industries to take up Agrizest nationwide. He
says Mr Carter gave him a good hearing, but made no promises.

Agrizest's environmental abilities,
if they can be proven, could be its biggest attraction.

Mr Balasingham says he has trials
under way that will show Agrizest- treated pasture allows more
efficient digestion in livestock, reduces methane emissions,
lifts food-to-energy conversion and strengthens immunity to
disease.

He has identified a group of
essential oils enhanced by Agrizest that signal root systems
to "ooze out" substrates to encourage proliferation of
microflora. These microflora fix nitrogen and supply it to
plants.

By converting nitrogen and other
fertilisers to plant-available form and preventing leaching,
farmers will be able to cut fertiliser use.

He is patenting his invention
overseas and his vision is to sell the world rights - except
for New Zealand - to a multinational company.

This would give New Zealand a head
start, while the company developed the international market.

With a $300 billion potential world
market - based on using four sprays a year on 1.5 billion
hectares of managed cropland - he thinks he will get a high
price for his invention.

At the same time, New Zealand
should not miss out, if it takes up Agrizest.

"Sure, it will make me wealthy," he
says with a grin. "But it will make everyone else wealthy too.
Why can't we all be wealthy?"

How does it work in the orchard?

APPLES: Hamilton grower Paul
Christey's orchard was used for trials over the past three
years and showed a 15 per cent increase in tree growth,
particularly among young trees, a five-fold lift in apple
production, a 50 to 86 per cent reduction in
leaf-curling-midge damage, 82 per cent less mite damage and a
marked improvement in colour intensity and fruit size.

He says he cannot understand the
science, but is pleased with the result. "It makes the trees
do all the things we want them to do. Rather than chucking on
nitrogen for growth or potassium for lots of fruit, it seems
to stimulate the different pathways within the plant so it
gets all those critical process working better." The saving in
miticide use was worth it alone.

After cautiously using Agrizest at
first, he is now spraying it across "a big chunk" of his
orchard, including export crops. The feedback from overseas
buyers has been positive about the apples' colour, density and
sugar content.

"I wouldn't say it is a panacea for
all things evil in the pipfruit industry, but it is a useful
tool, and cheap enough," he says.

Pipfruit New Zealand chairman Ian
Palmer is also trying Agrizest, but says it is too early to
talk about results. He has talked to growers who have used it,
however. "It sounds almost too good to be true, but it does
work a bit. There are results, so that is encouraging."

Greytown grower Jamie Burns sprayed
a row of 90 trees with Agrizest, missing out 10. "There's a
huge difference between the two areas. The general tree health
looks amazing."

She then used it over all the
orchard. "We were sceptical at first. There's a lot of snake
oil in this industry. But it's surprisingly good, especially
against mites, and it's cost-effective and eco-friendly, too."
She believes Agrizest will take off, once word spreads.

KIWIFRUIT: A Te Puke green and gold
kiwifruit grower, Rob Bayly, has used Agrizest for three
years. He says it has lifted undersized green fruit, improved
his pack-out numbers and halved instances of a core disorder
in gold kiwifruit. He finds it particularly useful in helping
stressed vines. However, he questions Mr Balasingham's claims
of a $4000-a-hectare lift in orchard-gate returns, saying that
in his experience the rise and fall of returns can be caused
by a variety of unspecified factors. He would like to see
independent and thorough trials.

"But it has its uses," he says.
"When you have something that is lacking, that's when it works
best."

Tauranga kiwifruit grower Peter
Hope says Agrizest saved one gold orchard he was managing.
"The vines were very yellow and the leaves were small. We were
advised to use Agrizest. Five days later, the plants were nice
and green and the orchard was looking really good." He
believes Agrizest is responsible for him receiving his first
bonus for early fruit in four years.

GRAPES: Mike Lane, of Clive River
Vineyard, Hawke's Bay, who grows chardonnay and pinot-noir
grapes for Montana, has noticed an improvement in his vine
growth. The leaves are shinier and bigger and the grape yields
and ripeness are marginally improved. "We're talking about 3
to 4 per cent riper, which is significant, because a 0.1 per
cent increase in brix [sugar content] can be worth $5 a
tonne."

CITRUS: Gisborne grapefruit,
orange, tangelo and mandarin grower Guy Cumming says Agrizest
does everything claimed about it. Old grapefruit trees that
once produced juicing fruit now have supermarket- quality
fresh fruit. His fruit grow with more vigour, their skins are
cleaner, they taste better and they have improved colour. "The
transformation has been quite remarkable. I'm scared not to
use it now," he says.

DAIRY: Opunake farmer Mike Walsh
sees Agrizest as a useful tool as he moves gradually towards
farming organically. He sprayed a couple of paddocks in June.
"Man alive, did I see some results," he exclaims. Growth was
up to 30kg of dry matter a day, compared with 10kg to 15kg
normally. "The grass just took off. Everything grew, clovers
and all. And the cows ate it all, right down and evenly across
the paddock - even the urine and dung patches." The cows had
been dried off, so a milk- production comparison was not done.

![](balasingham.jpg)

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**US2007287631**   

**Agricultural Additive**

2007-12-13   
Classification:    - international: 
A01N25/00; A01N25/30; A01N65/00; A01P21/00; C05F7/00;
C05F11/00; A01N25/00; A01N25/30; A01N65/00; A01P21/00;
C05F7/00; C05F11/00 - European:  C05F11/00; A01N57/12;
A01N65/00   
Also published as:  WO2006054907  (A1) // 
NO20073067  (A) // KR20070084206  (A) // 
JP2008520562  (T)  //   EP1811836 
(A1)

**Abstract** --  The
composition includes extracts from fast-growing plants
(including seaweeds) mixed with phospholipids and a
surfactant, presented at an acidic pH. It is sprayed on crop
plants as a weak watery suspension to benefit plant growth and
plant immunity/defense mechanisms indirectly. The level of
natural defenses against pests and disease organisms is raised
by included plant elicitors, effectors and stimulants. The
ecological balance of soil bacteria is affected beneficially,
contributing to the holistic effect. An arthropod knock-down
effect is believed to be mediated through stimulation of
commensal bacteria found on the epidermis of plants and of
animals.

U.S. Current Class:  
504/118; 424/195.17; 424/727; 424/757   
U.S. Class at Publication:  504/118; 424/195.17; 424/727;
424/757   
Intern'l Class:  A01N 25/00 20060101 A01N025/00; A01N
25/30 20060101 A01N025/30; A01N 65/00 20060101 A01N065/00;
A01P 21/00 20060101 A01P021/00; C05F 11/00 20060101
C05F011/00; C05F 7/00 20060101 C05F007/00

**Description**

**FIELD**

[0001] This invention relates to
agricultural and/or horticultural additives of natural and
sustainable origin, having an intended effect of promoting
plant growth and of reducing the extent of parasitism such as
by insects.

**BACKGROUND**

[0002] In many agricultural sites,
such as where intensive or relatively monocultural crops or
livestock, or a combination, are raised, the farmer has a
constant battle to suppress parasites such as insects, mites,
fungi and microbes which attempt to consume his production
before it can be marketed. Often, the preferred response to a
particular problem has been a relatively specific "knockout"
treatment such as use of an insecticide, vermicide, fungicide
or similar; in accordance with the "magic bullet" since the
time of Ehrlich with pharmacological therapeutics of synthetic
or natural origins, and as exemplified with penicillin or a
vaccine. Some of these have side effects of varying degrees of
significance as well. Many agricultural problems arise from a
desire to farm a single species all at the same phase of the
life cycle, so that any pests that arrive can multiply rapidly
if unchecked. Another problem is the desire of the market for
totally unblemished products.

[0003] There is growing interest in
alternative strategies for pest control, particularly in
plants; strategies that have a primary effect on the plant
tissues rather than on the infectious agents. They might have
a primary effect on soil micro-organism balances. This is
often a less target-specific form of pest control. Holistic
approaches have not enjoyed the same acceptance as "magic
bullet" type products of directed research for various
reasons. The holistic theme of the present invention is
supported by current horticulture-related research, for
example: a Department of Multitrophic Interactions has been
started in the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (KNAW) at
Maarssen. Their interests include interactions between plants,
above-ground and below-ground herbivores, pathogens and their
natural enemies. The British Society for Plant Pathology
presidential address for 2003 was on "Survival, surfaces and
susceptibility--the sensory biology of pathogens" (J A Lucas)
which begins by stating that the study of plant disease caused
by pathogenic micro-organisms is a science of interactions:
pathogen vs host, and the influence of the environment on both
partners as well as on the interaction itself.

[0004] Example interaction means
that are activated or increased when the host plant is under
attack and experiencing stress and is activating cell repair
include: [0005] a) secretion of volatile substances\* some
having antimicrobial and anti-herbivore activity; also items
selected from the range of: elicitors, receptors, effector
molecules, activators, gene silencers and other activity
modifiers, cofactors and substrates, one action of which is to
activate defense mechanisms in neighbouring host plants,
\*Knudsen J T et al (1993) Phytochemistry 33253-280 "Floral
scents--a checklist of volatile compounds isolated by
head-space techniques" and others report over 1000 low
molecular weight volatile substances reported to be emitted
from plants. extra-floral nectaries (such as on cotton) to
attract parasitoids with specifically utilizable sugars.

[0006] Some of these interaction
means are relevant to ecologies below ground level.

[0007] Depending on the
characteristics and nature of the elicitor of the defense
(immune) system), the primary response mechanism induces one
of three immune systems: [0008] a) Systemic acquired
resistance (SAR) which is induced by limited infection with a
pathogen. Salicylic acid is the main signalling hormone and it
is associated with expression of genes and release of disease
preventing proteins. [0009] b) Induced systemic resistance
(ISR) is activated by non-disease causing micro-organisms.
Jasmonic acid and ethylene are examples of signalling hormones
involved. This system does not involve disease-preventing
proteins. Environmental factors also induce this system.
[0010] c) Induced systemic resistance against chewing and
biting insects is also dependent on jasmonic acid and
ethylene, but requires increased levels of these regulators
rather than an initial sensitivity to them as in (b).
Induction of the synthesis of the insect attractants is a
multistep biochemical chain involving jasmonic acid.

[0011] Plant extract treatments
based partially or totally on seaweed extracts are well-known
but appear to work after the added matter has been reduced to
more or less elemental components, and these appear to work as
fertilisers in the usual sense of upgrading an inorganic
elemental limit to growth.

[0012] Other known plant or crop
treatments used as preventatives rather than as "magic bullet"
cures include growth promotants such as auxins (particularly
cytokinins to promote root growth). Some bioremediation
treatments include a cocktail of useful micro-organisms such
as nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This would also have considerable
advantages for those who wish to avoid close contact with the
agrichemical industry. At this time, the over-use of
agrichemicals (along with other environmental pollutants) is
suspected of contributing to statistically raised morbidity
and mortality in the human population--such as in relation to
depressed sperm counts and raised incidences of various types
of cancer.

**PRIOR ART**

[0013] Acadian Agritech of Nova
Scotia, Canada in a document entitled "Application Benefits"
as downloaded on 1 Sep. 2005 from
http//www.acadianagritech.com/plant/n\_mode.html, describe
attributes of a biodegradable liquid that is understood to be
an extract of seaweed origin (as is the present application)
having a generally beneficial and preventative effect on
plants by inducing a mild localized and systemic acquired
resistance response in foliage and a change in the
micro-organisms in the rhizosphere, of benefit to the plant
directly (such as through the change in ecology) and
indirectly (through release of digestive breakdown products
from pathogenic fungi, that induces a systemic acquired
resistance). The presence or function of further active
ingredients of the types named in the present invention is not
stated. The present invention includes a capacity to "knock
down" existing insects at the time of application, so having
some curative properties as well as a generally beneficial and
preventative effect on plants.

[0014] Kulenkampff, in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,093,124 describes a biodegradable pesticidal composition
for curing damage from arthropod or fungal pests. The
composition includes predominantly an alkali metal soap and a
second component for amelioration of the inherent
phytotoxicity of the soap, namely either lecithin
(phosphatidyl choline), a seaweed extract, or a mixture of
both. The mixture is applied at about preferably 0.25% by
weight of active ingredients in water. Concentrations (as
sprayed) are surfactant X 10, seaweed X 1.6, lecithin X 45 The
application rate is given only as "to runoff". At col 3, line
61, it is said that the fungicidal properties of the soap of
the composition will deteriorate at lower concentrations.
Although this composition appears at first sight similar to
that of the present invention, the present invention is not an
alkali metal-soap (it is acidified to about pH 3.8 with citric
acid), is used at one tenth the minimum concentration of
Kulenkampff, and is used mainly as a preventative for
stimulating the plant's own defenses, while Kulankampff's
invention is used as a treatment.

**OBJECT**

[0015] It is an object of this
invention to provide a plant treatment; an holistic,
preventative, bioremediation product, or at least to provide
the public with a useful choice.

**STATEMENT OF INVENTION**

[0016] In a first broad aspect the
invention provides a composition of the organic, bionutrient
type for the holistic prevention of plant diseases and
parasitism and general improvement of plant structures,
wherein the composition includes four major components:

an extract made from a selected
quickly growing plant or seaweed,

a phospholipid (as an extract of
plant origin),

an organic amine surfactant, and

an organic acid of a type found in
plants,

[0017] the composition being
applied to plants by spraying at a low concentration in an
aqueous suspension, and the composition being capable when in
use of improving at least one of: resistance of the sprayed
plants to pathogens and parasites, the number of arthropods
present on the plants, the growth rate of the plants, and the
balance of soil micro-organisms so that it is more favourable
to plant growth.

[0018] Preferably the relative
proportions (as dry weight) of the ingredients are in the
range of--extract: about 65%, phospholipid: about 1-5%,
surfactant: about 15-30%, and organic acid: in an amount
capable of rendering the pH of the composition to be applied
in a range from pH=about 3.0 to pH=about 4.5.

[0019] In one option the
composition is supplied in a dry form: convenient for storage
or transport.

[0020] Alternatively the
composition is supplied in a relatively concentrated aqueous
suspension.

[0021] In a first related aspect
the extract included in the composition provides at least one
functional material selected from the range of [growth
stimulants, organic elicitors and effectors, and functional
nutrients] so that in combination with the remaining
components of the composition the extract is capable of
stimulating growth, of stimulating systemic acquired
resistance, of stimulating induced systemic resistance, of
stimulating commensal micro-organisms, and of stimulating soil
micro-organisms.

[0022] Preferably the extract is
obtained from a fast-growing seaweed, and more preferably the
seaweed is of the species Ascophyllum nodosum, or optionally,
kelps.

[0023] In a second related aspect
the phospholipid is a lecithin of soy bean origin although
mixtures, such as phospholipid mixtures including linoleic
acid, are acceptable: the phospholipid serving to enhance cell
membrane restoration, so that in combination with the
remaining components of the composition the composition
enhances resistance to pathogenic fungi.

[0024] In a third related aspect
the surfactant is a coconut oil diethanolamine condensate and
the surfactant assists in absorbtion of the composition over
sprayed plant leaf surfaces.

[0025] Preferably the pH of the
mixture (as found in a dilute solution) is lowered to from
typically about over 8 down to about 3.8 by the addition of a
sufficient amount of citric acid or an equivalent
plant-compatible organic acid.

[0026] In a second broad aspect,
the composition provides means for reducing an arthropod
parasite burden on farmed organisms (including plants and
animals), the composition having an effect of encouraging the
production of arthropod-adverse or arthrocidal compounds
(including without limitation the type known as phytoalexins
or other anti-biosis type compounds) by micro-organisms
present on or near the farmed organisms, so that the farmed
organisms exhibit additional growth at least some of which is
a response to the reduced parasite burden.

[0027] In a third broad aspect, the
invention provides a method for applying a composition as
previously described in this section for control of insect
damage in plants of the cabbage family, wherein the method
includes the steps of preparing an about 0.1% suspension (or
more) of active ingredients in water and applying the
suspension to the plants by spraying at a rate of about 0.5
litre to 1 litre per hectare at weekly intervals while the
plants are small, and then at fortnightly intervals.

[0028] In a fourth broad aspect a
reduction of molluscs adverse to plants (slugs and snails) has
been noted but this may be a consequence of reduced algal
growth, itself known to result from application of the
composition.

**PREFERRED EMBODIMENT**

[0029] The description of the
invention to be provided herein is given purely by way of
example and is not to be taken in any way as limiting the
scope or extent of the invention.

[0030] Throughout this
specification, unless the text requires otherwise, the word
"comprise" and variations such as "comprising" or "comprises"
will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer
or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of
any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0031] The inventor has largely
based his invention on providing one or more exogenous
substances that mimic the inducers (elicitors) of the defense
(immune) systems of plants and thereby anticipate or amplify
the natural response of the farmed crop.

[0032] It appears to the inventor
that there are benefits from applying treatments that "help
the plants to help themselves" such as by promoting the
plant's own biosynthesis and distribution of phytoalexins.

[0033] It should be noted that
total eradication of a particular pathogen is not a goal
although that may be possible using the right agrochemical
cures. Reduction of the pathogen burden to a low level is a
goal.

**EXAMPLE 1**

[0034] This invention relates to an
ecosystem in which farmed organisms (plants) are farmed. A
composition for bioremediation is provided, causing the
promotion of plant growth and a reduction of insect burden. A
preferred composition in overview includes:

an extract from tissues of a
fast-growing plant or seaweed (or as detailed below)

a phospholipid, preferably
lecithin,

and a surfactant. Preferably the
surfactant is a coconut palm-derived amine.

[0035] Water is added to bring the
composition as sold to be a dilute or a strong solution;
otherwise the composition may be made on a dry basis for later
mixing with water.

[0036] A preferred rate of
application is usually a 0.1% solution of dry active matter in
water.

[0037] The currently preferred
seaweed extract (sold as "Acadian Seaplants Seaweed Extract",
Acadian Seaplants Limited, Nova Scotia, Canada) is already
sold by that company for use as a plant fertiliser, and the
company summarises a number of field trials showing a positive
effect of application onto a variety of commercial crops. The
field trial summaries do not point out what component is/are
supplemented if if there is another mechanism involved, but
the company's web site suggests that short-chain
carbohydrates, unusual amino acids (betaines), over 60
chelated micro- and macro-nutrients, and other compounds, have
some plant biostimulant effect and discourage sap-suckling
insect attack.
(http://www.acadianseaplants.com/technicalproducts.html,
available on Nov. 12, 2004). The preferred raw material is the
seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum. The additives described in this
invention are novel and in combination the mixture provides
effects including at least some synergistic effect beyond
their known effects if used separately. To the inventor's
knowledge this company is the only one producing a soluble
powder of good quality (as specified herein); other seaweed
companies produce pulp or liquid. Other sources of seaweed
extract may be suitable.

**Manufacturing Method, with
Details of Our Understanding of the Purpose(S) of Various
Components.**

[0038] (Please note: Any attempts
provided herein as "theory" by way of explanation of the
observed results have been provided in good faith. Should it
later be realised that a different explanation is more
appropriate than the one offered, such a change must not be
taken as invalidating the patent).

[0039] 1. The base material is a
water soluble extract powder of any plants that grow fast
(>0.5 m/day) in length e.g. seaplants (seaweed) such as
Ascophyllum nodosum. Desert or arid plants that have potential
to survive harsh conditions and grow fast when conditions
allow, such as Yucca spp are an alternative. A desired amount
of this material is placed in a mixing vessel capable of
holding a further 35% (approximately) of dry or relatively dry
material. All measures are given herein as weights.

[0040] Alternatively, the invention
may use liquid concentrated extracts obtained from similar
type fast-growing plants including those plants that grow
quickly in a desert after sporadic rain, or a mixture of land
and sea origin plants.

**Theory:**

[0041] This composition is made
using plant extracts that are intended to correct areas of
imbalance in any overtaxed eco-system. Benefits derived from
this component appear at least in part to be that commensal
micro-organisms existing in contact with the farmed organisms
(animals or plants) are capable of being provoked or
stimulated or otherwise caused to produce insecticidal
compounds by the application of a composition according to the
invention. Although the family of toxins produced by Bacillus
thuringiensis (Bt) organisms may not one be of those involved
they comprise an illustrative microbially and field-produced
group of insecticides. Other benefits of the composition are
that it is a crop-supporting plant extract, added as a
cofactor and nutrient (and perhaps with further functions) to
sustain the increased activities of the eco-system. Other
plant extracts may be included to counter any possible side
effects from the actions of the two main extracts.

[0042] Bio-availability enhancers
are also added to expedite the transfer of the benefits of the
formulation to the cellular components of the live ecosystem
including the soil ecosystem. For example, these extracts may
contain high level of enzymes or analogous substances and/or
release substances which we call "the elicitors" from the
fungal and bacterial cell walls. The elicitors diffuse through
the animal and plant cells and may be or act like hormones
(with the help of the coconut or other palm-derived amines,
and the phospholipids). Elicitors then bind to specific
receptors on the plant cell membranes and induce metabolism
(phospholipids from lecithin, and nutrients from seaweed such
as kelp may provide substrates) of (for example) phytoalexins
On the other hand the extracts may act on the mechanisms
involved in expression of genes. The composition also works by
inducing microbial systems to release compounds that may have
antibiosis-type effects.

2. Add about 1%-5% of plant extract
with a high phospholipids content to the contents of the
mixing vessel. Lecithin (phosphatidyl choline) is a good
source of phospholipids and one preferred commercial source of
lecithin is soybean.

**Theory: Benefits Derived from
this Component--**

[0043] The phospholipids appear to
enhance cell repair and increase the fungicidal effect of the
mixture. Many forms of this material also contain an
antioxidant--omega 3 linolenic acid. The material acts as an
emulsifier of the plant oils in the mixture. Free linolenic
acid may act to increase suppleness of the cell wall.

[0044] Choline, a closely related
phospholipid, may help transport elicitors, nutrients and
phytoalexins in and out of cells and may also be used.

[0045] The materials may serve as
natural preservatives and be substrates for production by the
treated plants of phytoalexins.

3. Add about 15% to 30% palm
derived surfactants to the contents of the mixing vessel.

[0046] Coconut or palm-based,
amine-rich products are preferred, such as coconut oil
diethanolamine condensate or particularly the compound
cocamide diethanolamine (CAS 68603-42-9), supplied as a
viscous yellow liquid that is a non-ionic surfactant for use
in part as a wetting agent. (Note: this is not a soap (an
alkali metal salt with high pH).

**Theory: Benefits Derived from
this Component--**

[0047] The component aids cells of
the treated plants to absorb nutrients and other beneficial
compounds. The amine in the palm-derived extract appears to
act like other amine hormones that bind to receptors at the
cell surface (largely cells within the microbial flora of the
soil) and act through second messengers. Synthesis of the
second messengers inside the cell is stimulated by binding of
the hormone at the cell periphery. Accumulation of the second
messenger evokes metabolic changes inside the cell. (See
"BIOCHEMISTRY" Christopher K Mathews, K. E. Van Holde, et al.
Benjamin Cummings Publishing Company 1999). One might question
this theory by asking whether the same effects are seen in a
sterile environment, where the composition could supply
micro-nutrients and trace elements (at the usual rate of
application) to the plants under treatment. The resulting
composition has been found to be not significantly effective
in a sterile environment. Its actions and benefits are derived
from its stimulating action on microbial and other living
components (such as higher plants) of the ecosystem. The
product may influence production of phytoalexins. The product
may influence production of lignin for healing of damaged
plant tissues.

[0048] 4. Add a compatible acid,
such as citric acid or an equivalent, in order to stabilise
the mixture by acidification. The preferred original seaweed
extract typically has a pH of about 8-10. The final pH is
preferably about 3.8. If water is not to be added to the
mixture at this time the correct amount of citric acid to add
in dry form--crystals or powder--is preferably determined by
extrapolation from a trial on a small quantity.

5. Water may or may not be added to
the mixed materials,--depending on the concentration of raw
material required: shipping, storage or packing factors, and
the form in which the mixture is to be used.

**Results**

[0049] Various trials shall be
described. [0050] 1. Marigolds. This experiment was not a
commercially useful trial. Instead, it showed some mechanisms
by which the invention (called "Agrizest") operates.
Observation, after treatment: slow yellowing of the lower
leaves and subsequent fall of the mature leaves. Explanation:
The plant's innate hormones, including jasmonic acid, abscisic
acid and ethylene have been produced in excess, accelerating
the plant's senescence, through the Induced Systemic Response.
Observation: at the apex of the plant the "witch's broom"
syndrome, also seen when high doses of growth hormone are
applied, indicates that the innate growth system of the plant
has been over-stimulated. [0051] 2. Cabbages A trial in
Australia of the "Italy" variety gave the following results:
Control (no treatment) cabbage leaves at the time of
harvesting were eaten back to skeletal components by
insects--and hearts were infrequently harvestable. With two
sprays in the first week and one spray 2 weeks later, the
amount of damage was less: hearts were infrequent, most outer
leaves had been eaten, and a third group, sprayed twice in the
first week and every 2 weeks thereafter until harvest very
little damage to the outer leaves and consistently good
hearts. Photographs are striking but incompatible with
reproduction in patent specifications. (Similar results
observed on cauliflowers). [0052] 3. Fennel. Stimulation of
growth and greater consistency of plant size in fennel
seedlings three days after one treatment with "Agrizest" is
demonstrated, as compared to other organic nutrient mixtures.
[0053] 4. Grapes. (a Viogier and Pinot Noir varieties
vineyard) [0054] a) Vine infested with blister mite. Every
second row was treated with "Agrizest" and every other row was
treated with a control treatment of sulphur, fish nutrient and
seaweed sprays. Total leaf spots due to blister mite damage
(Viognier variety) control: total spots 79 on 21 damaged
leaves out of 50 randomly sampled leaves (average 3.8 spots
per damaged leaf, leaf size 274.5 "Agrizest" treated plants:
total spots 44 on 15 damaged leaves out of 50 (average 2.9
spots per damaged leaf, leaf size 311.5--a 44% reduction in
spots. [0055] b) Enhancement of growth. Treatment resulted in
larger and greener leaves than for the control plants. Leaf
width index: (Viognier variety) control: 7.0, "Agrizest" 7.6,
an 8.6% increase. (Pinot Noir variety) control: 8.9,
"Agrizest" 9.1, a 2.2% increase. [0056] c) Sugar content of
crop. The Brix level of sugars in the grapes was control:
19.8, 20.0, "Agrizest" 21.2. 20.7, a 7.1% 3.5% increase.
[0057] 5. Cycad plants having insects on young leaves. [0058]
a) One day after spraying the plant was free of insects and
appeared to be invigorated by a change in gene expression
within the cycad as a result of treatment. [0059] b) An adult
scale infestation was treated with "Agrizest" weekly. The
treated leaves were relatively free of crawler and juvenile
scale, but an untreated (shaded from spray) leaf had a high
level of infestation. [0060] 6. Courgette and cucumber plants.
Older leaves had been destroyed by powdery mildew infection.
Younger leaves that had been treated weekly with "Agrizest"
were able to resist infection. The plants continued to flower
and healthy courgettes were harvested. [0061] 7. Geranium
plants. Attacks by caterpillar, slugs and snails were halted
after weekly spraying with "Agrizest". The plants appeared to
be invigorated and were greener. Reduced presence of slugs and
snails has been noticed in gardens where "Agrizest" has been
sprayed.

**EXAMPLE 2**

[0062] Knock-down effects in
general. When treating insects on "row crops" with the usual
application rate of about 0.5 l/ha of a 0.1% solution of the
composition, an initial "knock down" of insects within a few
minutes is noted. Observations indicate that several different
mechanisms are involved. For example in the cabbages trial
referred to previously, it was noted that the white fly larvae
on the cabbage leaves soon fell off and were moving about, the
same at the end of the day, and in three days time they were
gone. It appeared that the leaf had become unpalatable. Such
observations could not easily be explained by a physical
effect of the composition on the insects (such as by the soap
of the prior-art Kulenkampff: U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,124). The
early phase is presumed to be an early metabolic response
(comprising production of toxins) by commensal micro-organisms
on the epidermal surfaces of the plant leaves. Later, further
micro-organisms in the soil may also contribute. In a second
phase (covering the three-day period), the plant vigour
changes and this phase appears to involve the production of
effective amounts of phytotoxins. The second phase has an
onset of 1-2 days for seedlings and about 2-3 weeks for mature
plants (such as grapes or tree crops). Users are advised to
re-spray the composition at intervals of about 7-14 days for
seedlings, and 14-21 days for mature plants.

[0063] Livestock. At this time use
of the knock-down aspect of the invention is less well
developed and tested. The composition may be sprayed onto
farmed animals (including birds) whereupon the effects that
soon follow suggest that again commensal bacteria or other
micro-organisms present on the epidermis and in the hair, far,
scales or feathers are stimulated to produce some insecticidal
substances that adversely affect parasitic arthropods present
upon or about the farmed animals. These parasites include
(without limitation) fleas, mites, ticks, keds, lice, and
flies, and their larvae. Although the invention may not
provide the dramatic results usually expected of a synthetic
insecticide applied in an adequate concentration (or one
including natural components such as pyrethroids) it does tilt
the balance of the ecology of the animal's insect burden and
has met the requirements for materials for use in organic
fanning. Interestingly this example includes no plant or soil
life forms and the nature of the composition may be altered
from that given in relation to example 1.

**Variations**

[0064] The invention may be
extended to the provision of specific micro-organisms found to
be compatible with applications of mixtures according to the
invention, mixed with the invention or supplied separately for
co-application. The mixture may be presented in a less acidic
form if living material is included.

[0065] The invention can be used on
the surroundings of animals such as barns (holding straw and
fertiliser) and in parts of fields such as around drinking
troughs or sleeping areas.

[0066] Fertilisers, micronutrients
and trace elements may be added to the mixture as indicated,
as long as they are compatible.

**INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY AND
ADVANTAGES**

[0067] This includes notes relating
to Industrial Applications. [0068] 1. Use 1:1000 dilution or,
if required, a more concentrated form for crop and stock
applications. (Most other nutrient and natural pesticide
products are applied as a 1% solution). Rate: 0.5 litres per
hectare for row crops, 1 litre per hectare for established
plants (such as grapes, tree crops, etc). [0069] 2. Repeat
every 7-21 days. [0070] 3. The diluted spray has a knock down
effect on insect pests. (but not if used in vitro--in the
absence of a living ecosystem) [0071] 4. Has fungicidal effect
on plants and stock [0072] 5. Appears to build immunity to
pests and disease. [0073] 6. Appears to reduce physical damage
on crops and stock from insect, disease and environmental
stresses. [0074] 7. Acts as a growth stimulant. [0075] 8.
Reduced odour in the barns and other stock holding
environments. [0076] 9. Speeds up healing of damaged plant
tissue. [0077] 10. Has synergistic growth promoting effect
when 1% fish nutrient is added to the diluted spray mix and
applied to crops. [0078] 11. Toxicological tests show that the
product when used as recommended has no adverse toxicological
effect on marine life or animals and is benign in the
environment. [0079] 12. The composition, being based on
plants, minerals and extracts, all derived from sustainably
harvested renewable resources, comprises a "Certified Organic
Input" product to support intensive farming without voiding
the organic status of the produce. The product has a broad
seasonal relevant application time, and no "with-holding
periods" are involved. It is a sustainably produced product.
[0080] 13. The resulting composition comprises an organic
nutrient that invigorates the ecosystem and enables production
of clean and healthy crops and stock in intensive farming;
also sustains intensive farm (including horticultural)
production. [0081] 14. The resulting composition boosts the
natural synergistic system that cleans, nourishes, protects
and recycles materials to sustain an invigorated eco-system.
[0082] 15. The resulting composition acts as a tonic that
boosts immune, health, healing and digestive systems in crops
and stock. [0083] 16. The resulting composition does not work
like conventional pesticides or medicines which are usually
single-purpose treatments although they may have deleterious
side-effects. [0084] 17. Because the composition works through
a system rather than on a single target it delivers a range of
benefits in intensive farming. By working on the biological
system as a whole rather than on "targets" the composition
provides treatments that are environmentally benign, generally
applicable (rather than specific to a particular disease) and
non toxic. [0085] 18. The composition simulates the combined
benefits of an insecticide, fungicide, growth regulator and
fertiliser when applied within the ecosystem. [0086] 19. The
composition is not effective in a sterile environment. Its
actions and benefits are mainly derived from its stimulating
action on microbial and other living components of the
ecosystem. [0087] 20. The composition, when applied to plants
or stock, also has an immediate reducing effect on the insect
population (indirect knock down properties). Plants and
animals appear to resist disease infection. They overcome
environmental stress. The overall result is clean and healthy
crops and stock.

[0088] Finally, it will be
understood that the scope of this invention as described
and/or illustrated herein is not limited to the specified
embodiments. Those of skill will appreciate that various
modifications, additions, known equivalents, and substitutions
are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of
the invention as set forth in the following claims.

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