Methods and compositions for protecting plants and crops

Molecular iodine, or a composition or ionic iodine complex which contains, generates, or releases molecular iodine, is used alone or mixed with a carrier for use as a plant and crop protectant. Secondary active ingredients, fertilizers, nutrients, micronutrients, promoters, polyaspartates, biomass, surfactants, emulsifiers, oils, odorants, waxes, salts, preservatives, herbicides, fungicides, nematicides, insecticides, fumigants and iodides are optionally added to the carrier for additional plant benefit. The molecular iodine and the desired beneficial additive(s) is applied directly to plants and/or crops in order to protect the plants and/or crops from pests, such as fungi, nematodes, bacteria and insects, which are harmful to plants and/or crops.