Abstract: A new method of preventing and eradicating Sphaerotheca pannossa (powdery mildew) infections on rose plants using a wax ester emulsion is provided wherein the wax esters emulsion is comprised of wax esters, which are derived from esterification of monoethylenic acids and monoethylenic alcohols having between 18 and 24 carbons, and a surfactant at a concentration of between 1% v/v and 7%v/v of the total wax ester component.

Abstract: A new method of eradicating an existing infection of powdery mildew on plants using a wax ester emulsion is provided wherein the wax ester emulsion is comprised of wax esters, which are derived from esterification of monoethylenic acids and monoethylenic alcohols having between 18 and 24 carbons, and surfactant at a concentration of between 1% v/v and 10% v/v of the total wax ester component.

Abstract: A new fruit thinning agent comprising wax esters derived from esterification of monoethylenic acids and monoethylenic alcohols having between 18 and 24 carbons and a surfactant, or a combination of surfactants, said wax esters and surfactant at a concentration of between 1% v/v and 7% v/v of the total wax ester emulsion. Further, the invention provides a method of inhibiting fruit set for a fruit producing plant wherein the method comprises spraying an aqueous emulsion of a wax ester, or a mixture of wax esters, onto a fruit producing plant between the time of first bloom and the date of maximum fruit set, said emulsion in an amount to decrease fruit set by at least 10%.