Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing plant growth provide for foliar application of a substance which enhances the accumulation of formyltetrahydropteroyl polyglutamate (C.sub.1 -THF) in a treated plant. Treatment with substances that contribute to the structure of C.sub.1 -THF increase the rate and quantity of carbon fixation by the plant. Thereafter, plant growth is further improved either by exposure of the plant to elevated oxygen, illumination and heat or by foliar input of single carbon fragment sources. Optimal results are obtained by combined treatment with a substance that can serve as a sink for C.sub.1 fragments produced in the leaf.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating plants which comprise application of an oxidant that induces NADPH:cytochrome P450 reductase and application of a reductant that induces cytochrome P450 monooxygenase. The present invention also provides methods for increasing cytochrome P450 in plants and for enhancing the growth of plants. The present invention also provides compositions and systems useful in the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating plants, and for enhancing the growth of plants. The methods include applying an alkyl glucoside compound to the plant. The present invention also includes compositions useful in these methods.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing plant growth provide for foliar application of a substance which enhances the accumulation of formylterahydropteroyl polyglutamate (C.sub.1 -THF) in a treated plant. Treatment with substance that contribute to the structure of (C.sub.1 -THF) increase the rate and quantity of carbon fixation by the plant. Thereafter, plant growth is further improved either by exposure of the plant to elevated oxygen, illumination and heat or by foliar input of single carbon fragment sources. Opitmal results are obtained by combined treatment with a substance that can serve as a sink for C.sub.1 fragments produced in the leaf.

Abstract: Plant growth stimulants containing compounds which increase intracellular carbon dioxide as the main active component and optionally supplemented with specific nutrients have been found to enhance productivity of plants. Exemplary compounds include lower alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol, and amino acids, such as glycine, glutamate, and aspartate. Such growth stimulation appears to result, in part, from inhibition of stress induced photorespiration according to a previously unrecognized photosynthetic pathway. Exposure of the plants to sunlight or other sufficient illumination following treatment with the compositions results in enhanced fixation of carbon dioxide and turgor. Stimulant compositions may comprise from 5% to 50% by volume aqueous solutions of methanol or 0.1% to 10% by weight amino acids and are preferably applied by foliar spraying of plants and plant shoots.