Abstract: Mepiquat chloride is formed from the reaction between N-methylpiperidine and chloromethane in an anhydrous liquid solvent selected from the group consisting of acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, tetrahydrofuran, isopropanol, acetonitrile, N,N-dimethylformamide and methylene chloride in the absence of sodium hydroxide. Mepiquat chloride precipitates as a solid of high purity and is recovered under a substantially moisture-free atmosphere.The solid mepiquat chloride can be sealed into a water soluble pouch or into a water soluble encapsulated solid form (e.g., granule, pellet, or briquette) for convenient handling. The pouch contains powdered mepiquat chloride or the encapsulated solid is merely introduced directly into a spray tank or reservoir for application with low human exposure and no containers in contact with the mepiquat chloride that require disposal.Mepiquat chloride is used as a component of a system for growing a number of commodity plants including cotton.

Abstract: Microcapsules are prepared by encapsulating a core material with a capsule shell wall containing glutamldehyde crosslinked gelatin and at least one water soluble plasticizer that reduces the permeability of the Crosslinked gelatin. Optionally, the capsule shell wall also contains a feeding deterrent that dissuades accidental ingestion of the microcapsule. Upon exposing the microcapsules to water, the plasticizer is removed malting the shell wall permeable whereby the encapsulated core material is released. Materials such as insecticides, herbicides, plant growth regulating agents, and fungicides may be encapsulated and released at a controlled location, time and rate.