Abstract: Compositions for forming protective coatings can include a first group of compounds, where each compound of the first group is a fatty acid, fatty acid ester, or fatty acid salt having a carbon chain length of at least 14 carbons. The compositions can optionally include a second group of compounds selected from fatty acids, fatty acid esters, fatty acid salts, and combinations thereof, wherein each compound of the second group has a carbon chain length from 7 to 13 carbons. At least some of the compounds of the first group can function as emulsifiers, allowing the composition to be dissolved, suspended, or dispersed in a solvent. At least some of the compounds of the second group can function as welling agents in order to improve the surface wetting of items to be coated when solutions, suspensions, or colloids that include the compositions are applied to the items.

Abstract: Methods for improving the properties and productivity of plants are described. The methods include contacting the above-ground biomass of a plant with a composition that includes a monoglyceride. Applying the composition to the above-ground biomass can improve properties of the plant, including improved resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, and can provide post-harvest benefits (e.g., extended shelf-life) to plant products (e.g., fruits or vegetables) that have not been harvested from the plant.