Abstract: ?-Ketol unsaturated fatty acid derivatives represented by the following formula (1), ?-ketol unsaturated fatty acid amide derivatives represented by the following formula (6), and plant growth regulators containing, as the active ingredient, at least one of these derivatives: wherein R1 represents linear C1-5 alkyl; R2 represents hydrogen, etc.; R3 represents hydrogen, etc.; R4 represents hydrogen, etc.; R5 represents hydrogen, etc.; n is an integer from 3 to 15; and the carbon atoms at the A- and B-positions may be in either (R)- or (S)-configuration; and wherein R7 represents C1-17 alkyl, etc; R8 represents hydrogen, etc.; R9 represents ?-ketolalkylene; and R10 represents specific divalent linear hydrocarbyl.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to determine nov 1 means of activating plants: more particularly, means of controlling plant growth, such as means of promoting growth, means of controlling dormancy, means of imparting tolerance against stress for plants (dryness, high or low temperatures, osmotic pressure, etc.), and means of preventing aging. The present inventors have found that the above object can be achieved by providing plant activators containing, as an active ingredient, C4-C24, ketol fatty acids, in particular, 9-hydroxy-10-oxo-12 (Z),15(Z)-octadecadienoic acid.

Abstract: ?-Ketol unsaturated fatty acid derivatives represented by the following formula (1), ?-ketol unsaturated fatty acid amide derivatives represented by the following formula (6), and plant growth regulators containing, as the active ingredient, at least one of these derivatives: wherein R1 represents linear C1-5 alkyl; R represents hydrogen, etc.; R3 represents hydrogen, etc.; R4 represents hydrogen, etc.; R5 represents hydrogen, etc.; n is an integer from 3 to 15; and the carbon atoms at the A- and B-positions may be in either (R)- or (S)-configuration; and wherein R7 represents C1-17 alkyl, etc; R8 represents hydrogen, etc.; R9 represents ?-ketolalkylene; and R10 represents specific divalent linear hydrocarbyl.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to determine novel means of activating plants; more particularly, means or controlling plant growth, such as means of promoting growth, means of controlling dormancy, means of imparting tolerance against stress for plants (dryness, high or low temperatures, osmotic pressure, etc.), and means of preventing aging. The present inventors have found that the above object can be achieved by providing plant activators containing, as an active ingredient, C4-C24 ketol fatty acids, in particular, 9-hydroxy-10-oxo-12(Z),15(Z)-octadecadienoic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides a lactone derivative of formula (I) which exhibits excellent rooting activity, and a plant growth regulator containing the derivative as an active ingredient.

Abstract: &agr;-Ketol unsaturated fatty acid derivatives represented by the following formula (1), &agr;-ketol unsaturated fatty acid amide derivatives represented by the following formula (6), and plant growth regulators containing, as the active ingredient, at least one of these derivatives: 1

Abstract: An external skin treatment composition is described that comprises a “unicellularized” plant. This composition exhibits superior stability of the effective plant ingredients, superior moisture retention, and superior elimination of specific free radicals, and it offers sustained release of the effective plant ingredients. Methods are disclosed to unicellularize plants with, for example, an enzyme.

Abstract: A natural flavor or fragrance can be easily and effectively produced by using a “unicellularized plant”, obtained by unicellularizing, without destroying, the cells of a plant usable as a starting material for a natural flavor or fragrance, as a material for the natural flavor or fragrance and further applying an enzymatic treatment or chemical treatment or continuously heating the same, to thereby remarkably shorten the aging period for producing the natural flavor or fragrance, or by homogenizing a plant usable as the starting material quickly after harvesting to thereby promote the aging.

Abstract: An agent for inducing flower bud formation in plants comprising an unsaturated fatty acid having an oxo group and a hydroxy group, a hydroperoxy group, or an oxo group, a hydroxy group, and a hydroperoxy group; a method for preparing said agent for inducing flower bud formation; and, a method for inducing flower bud formation using said agent for inducing flower bud formation are provided.

Abstract: An agent for inducing flower bud formation in plants comprising an unsaturated fatty acid having an oxo group and a hydroxy group, a hydroperoxy group, or an oxo group, a hydroxy group, and a hydroperoxy group; a method for preparing said agent for inducing flower bud formation; and, a method for inducing flower bud formation using said agent for inducing flower bud formation are provided.

Abstract: An indole derivative having the formula (I) or (II) and root formation inducing agents wherein these indole derivatives are an effective ingredient: ##STR1## wherein, R does not exist or represents a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkylene group.

Abstract: An improved process for the organ cultivation of a Mishima-saiko root is provided. In the cultivation of a Mishima-saiko root, by carrying out the cultivation while regulating the saccharide concentration to be less than 2%, until the adventitious roots have spread out, and optionally adding an additional saccharide, the productivity of saiko-saponin can be enhanced.