Zinc and fenclorim seed treatment composition

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a seed treatment composition for cereal seed comprising a micronutrient zinc source and fenclorim. The composition is formulated as a liquid seed treatment for uniform on-seed application, in preferred embodiments delivering about 3-5 dry ounces elemental zinc and 2-5 dry ounces fenclorim per hundredweight of seed. When applied to rice or other cereal seeds, the zinc–fenclorim composition significantly enhances early plant tissue zinc content and decreases aluminum accumulation, supporting establishment and vigor under conditions of micronutrient deficiency and herbicide exposure. The composition addresses micronutrient deficiency and herbicide stress through a single seed treatment system and demonstrates synergistic crop benefits not achieved by zinc or safener alone.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCTZINC AND FENCLORIM SEED TREATMENT COMPOSITIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 724,553, titled “Zinc and Fenclorim Seed Treatment Composition”, filed November 25, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates to seed treatment compositions for agricultural crops, and more particularly to seed-applied compositions comprising zinc and fenclorim for enhancing nutrient uptake, early season vigor, and stress tolerance in cereal crops such as rice and wheat.BACKGROUND

[0003] Seed treatment technology has become a cornerstone of modern agricultural production, providing growers with an efficient method to deliver crop protection agents, nutrients, and growth enhancers directly to seeds prior to planting. This approach allows for precise application of active ingredients at the point where they can have maximum impact during the vulnerable germination and early establishment phases of crop development.

[0004] Cereal crops, particularly rice and wheat, face numerous challenges during early growth stages that can compromise stand establishment and subsequent yield potential. These challenges include nutrient deficiencies, herbicide stress, pathogen pressure, and various environmental stressors such as temperature fluctuations and soil conditions. The early weeks following planting represent a period when seedlings are particularly susceptible to these stresses, making effective seed treatment formulations valuable for supporting robust crop establishment.

[0005] Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc deficiency, are widespread in cereal production systems worldwide. Zinc plays roles in enzyme function, protein synthesis, and overall plant metabolism, and its deficiency can lead to reduced vigor, delayed maturity, and yield losses. Traditional approaches to addressing zinc deficiencyAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT include soil application and foliar spraying, but these methods may be limited by soil chemistry, timing constraints, and application logistics.

[0006] Zinc deficiency in agricultural soils affects approximately half of the world's cereal-growing areas. This deficiency occurs due to various factors including high soil pH, prolonged flooding conditions, high calcium carbonate content, elevated iron and manganese oxide levels, and poor zinc availability in many soil types. When crops experience zinc deficiency, they exhibit reduced growth, decreased tillering, impaired root development, and diminished resistance to environmental stresses such as drought and temperature extremes.

[0007] Traditional approaches to address zinc deficiency in crops include soil application of zinc fertilizers, foliar spraying, and breeding programs aimed at developing zinc-efficient varieties. However, these methods often provide inconsistent results due to soil chemistry factors that limit zinc bioavailability. Soil-applied zinc can become rapidly immobilized through precipitation or adsorption reactions, making it unavailable to plant roots. Foliar applications, while sometimes effective, require multiple treatments and are dependent on weather conditions and application timing. These limitations have led to interest in alternative delivery methods that can provide more reliable zinc availability during the period when developing seedlings have the greatest demand for this micronutrient.

[0008] Herbicide safeners represent another category of seed treatment additives that have found application in crop protection and cereal production. These compounds can help protect crops from potential phytotoxic effects of certain herbicides while maintaining weed control efficacy. Safeners work through various mechanisms, including enhanced herbicide metabolism, reduced herbicide uptake, or altered herbicide translocation within the plant. Some safeners have also been observed to influence plant physiological processes beyond their primary safening function.

[0009] Fenclorim, a pyrimidine-based safener, has been studied for its ability to enhance crop tolerance to various herbicide chemistries, particularly in rice production systems where herbicide programs are intensive. The compound functions by inducing detoxification pathways and antioxidarive defenses that can mitigate herbicide injury while allowing effective weed control.Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT

[0010] The development of seed treatment formulations that combine multiple functional components presents both opportunities and challenges. While such combinations can potentially address multiple agronomic needs simultaneously, they also raise questions about component compatibility, formulation stability, and potential interactions between active ingredients. The seed treatment industry continues to explore novel combinations that can deliver enhanced agronomic performance while maintaining practical application characteristics.

[0011] Prior art concerning zinc delivery to rice primarily addresses soil and foliar applications, as well as seed nutripriming approaches, to combat widespread Zn deficiency that depresses growth, yield, and grain Zn concentration; these strategies aim to increase bioavailability and uptake but can face environmental and efficiency constraints in flooded paddy systems. Emerging work explores nanoparticulate ZnO in priming and foliar programs to improve mobility and absorption, yet integration of zinc with crop-safening strategies at the seed surface for flooded rice remains limited, leaving a need for seed treatment compositions that simultaneously deliver zinc nutrition and safener-mediated stress tolerance in an operationally compatible slurry.

[0012] The development of effective seed treatment formulations that can simultaneously address multiple agricultural challenges remains an active area of research. Combining different active ingredients in seed treatments can potentially provide synergistic benefits, but such combinations must be carefully formulated to ensure compatibility, stability, and biological efficacy. The interaction between different components in multi-ingredient formulations can sometimes result in enhanced or diminished activity compared to individual components applied separately.

[0013] Current seed treatment practices in cereal production typically focus on disease and pest control, with limited attention to micronutrient delivery and plant physiological enhancement. There exists an opportunity to develop more comprehensive seed treatment solutions that address both protective and nutritional needs of developing crops, particularly under challenging growing conditions where traditional nutrient management approaches may be less effective.SUMMARYAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT

[0014] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0015] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a seed treatment composition is provided. The seed treatment composition comprises zinc and fenclorim. The zinc is present at about 0.500 to about 5.00 dry oz per hundredweight of seed. The fenclorim is present at about 2.00 to about 5.00 dry oz per hundredweight of seed.

[0001] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the seed treatment composition may include one or more of the following features. The zinc may be present as chelated zinc, zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, or combinations thereof. The composition may be formulated in aqueous or non-aqueous carriers suitable for seed application. The composition may include dispersants, wetting agents, film-forming polymers, and colorants to enhance on-seed retention and handling. The blend may include polymers and adjuvants adjusted to maintain uniform coverage and minimal dust-off.

[0002] The zinc to fenclorim ratio may be about 1 :1 on a dry oz per hundredweight basis for rice applications. The zinc to fenclorim ratio may be about 4:1 on a dry oz per hundredweight basis for wheat applications.

[0003] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of treating seeds is provided. The method comprises applying the seed treatment composition to seeds prior to planting. The application is performed via coating, soaking, spraying, or comparable seed treatment processes. An effective amount of the composition adheres to the seed surface or otherwise accompanies the seed at planting to provide agronomic benefit under field or nursery conditions.

[0004] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the method may include one or more of the following features. The seeds may be cereal crop seeds including rice, wheat, maize, barley, sorghum, millet, oat, rye, or triticale. The composition may be applied in conjunction with standard seed treatment pesticide packages, polymers, colorants, and other seed-applied technologies. The effective amount may be determined considering crop species, environmental conditions, and label-directed constraints for co-applied actives. The method may promote early season vigor, canopyAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT formation, nutrient uptake, stand establishment, or tolerance to environmental or chemical stress.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a ready-to-use seed treatment blend is provided. In certain embodiments, the blend is formulated to deliver about 1.81 pounds elemental zinc per gallon and fenclorim at a level sufficient that application at about 18.0 fl oz per hundredweight delivers about 4 dry oz per hundredweight elemental zinc and about 4 dry oz per hundredweight fenclorim. One gallon treats approximately 711 pounds of rice seed under typical coating process conditions.

[0006] The composition is compatible with seed-applied fungicides, insecticides, plant growth regulators, and biostimulants commonly used for cereals, with the particular pesticide actives selected by crop and disease / insect pressure, including, for example and without limitation for rice: fludioxonil, metalaxyl, carboxin-thiram, tetramethylthiuram disulfide, clothianidin, gibberellic acid, mefenoxam, thiamethoxam, and azoxystrobin; and for wheat: T methyl, imidacloprid, mefenoxam, and ipconazole, with rates determined by registered label guidance and field validation. The zinc-fenclorim blend may be included as part of a comprehensive seed treatment package or over-treatment to an existing treatment to tailor micronutrient and safener delivery while maintaining label compliance and seed flowability requirements.

[0007] The foregoing general description of the illustrative embodiments and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0008] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

[0009] Figure l is a bar chart showing plant tissue zinc concentrations for different seed treatment combinations, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 is a horizontal bar chart showing percent difference in plant tissue zinc for various seed treatment formulations, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 is a bar graph showing plant tissue aluminum concentrations across different rice seed treatment groups, according to aspects of the present disclosure.Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT

[0012] Figure 4 is a bar chart showing seedling fresh tissue weight data from greenhouse Trial 1 measured at fourteen days after planting, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 5 is a bar graph showing percent emergence data from greenhouse Trial 2 for different seed treatment formulations applied to rice seeds, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 6 is a bar chart showing root volume measurements obtained fourteen days after planting during greenhouse Trial 2 for various seed treatment formulations, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 7 is a bar chart showing root length measurements obtained fourteen days after planting during greenhouse Trial 2 for various seed treatment formulations, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 8 is a bar chart showing shoot length measurements for rice seedlings obtained fourteen days after planting during greenhouse Trial 2, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 9 is a bar graph showing seedling fresh weight data measured fourteen days after planting during greenhouse Trial 2 for different seed treatment formulations, according to aspects of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

[0019] The present disclosure relates to seed treatment compositions and methods for enhancing cereal crop establishment and early growth performance. The composition may comprise zinc sources and fenclorim in formulations suitable for application to cereal seeds prior to planting. Such compositions may address multiple agronomic challenges encountered during seedling establishment, including micronutrient deficiency and herbicide-induced stress.Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT

[0020] More specifically, the disclosure relates to seed-applied compositions comprising zinc and fenclorim, optional carriers and adjuvants, and methods of using such compositions to treat seeds and promote early season vigor, nutrient uptake, and tolerance to abiotic and biotic stressors, including tolerance to phytotoxic effects associated with certain herbicides and environmental conditions in cereal crops such as rice and wheat. In certain embodiments, the composition is formulated as a ready-to- use seed treatment blend that delivers elemental zinc within a defined range together with fenclorim, and is compatible with standard seed treatment pesticide packages, polymers, colorants, and other seed-applied technologies.

[0021] As used herein, “seed treatment composition” refers to a composition applied to seed prior to planting via coating, soaking, spraying, or comparable seed treatment processes such that an effective amount adheres to the seed surface or otherwise accompanies the seed at planting to provide agronomic benefit under field or nursery conditions. As used herein, “effective amount” of the seed treatment composition means an amount sufficient to confer the desired improvement in one or more parameters of seedling performance, including, without limitation, early season vigor, canopy formation, nutrient uptake, stand establishment, or tolerance to environmental or chemical stress, as can be determined by routine optimization considering crop species, environmental conditions, and label-directed constraints for co-applied actives. In certain embodiments, the composition is applied at a rate effective to deliver zinc and fenclorim in ratios disclosed herein without causing phytotoxic effects and while maintaining compatibility with industry standard seed-applied pesticide packages.

[0022] As used herein, a “control plant” is a comparable plant (e.g., of the same species, variety, and age) that was grown under substantially similar conditions but was grown from a seed that was not treated with the claimed seed treatment. Plants that arc grown in “substantially similar conditions” arc grown in similar locations and soil conditions, are planted with similar timing, are subjected to similar abiotic stresses, and the like.

[0023] When grown under substantially similar conditions, plants of the same variety are expected to exhibit statistically insignificant differences in the absence of a difference in treatment. The term “statistically significant” refers to an experimentally verifiable result that is not likely to occur randomly but is instead likely to be attributable to specific cause (e.g., the claimed seed treatment). In some embodiments,Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT a statistically significant result is one in which the p-value is less than 0.05. In certain embodiments, a statistically significant result is one in which the p-value is less than 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, 0.002, or 0.001.

[0024] The term “biomass” is used herein to refer to the mass of a portion of plant material (i.e., both live and dead). Biomass may be calculated as dry weight or fresh weight. “Fresh weight” is determined by simply harvesting plant material and weighing it, whereas “dry weight” is determined by harvesting plant material, drying it in an oven at 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit (60-70 degrees Celsius) for 24-48 hours.

[0025] As used herein, the terms "aboveground biomass" and "shoot biomass" refer to the biomass of the aboveground portion of a plant. In some embodiments, the methods result in a statistically significant increase in aboveground biomass within the early season. In some embodiments, the 15 methods result in a statistically significant increase in aboveground biomass within 45 or 30 days after emergence. In some embodiments, aboveground biomass is increased by at least 5%, 10%, or more than 10%.

[0026] As used herein, the terms "belowground biomass" and "root biomass" refer to the biomass of the belowground portion of a plant. As used herein, the term "total biomass" refers to the sum of the aboveground biomass and the belowground biomass of a plant.

[0027] As used herein, "ZincMcistcr Lite", also referred to as "ZincMcistcr Neutral", is a liquid seed treatment formulation designed to supply elemental zinc as a micronutrient to crop seeds, particularly rice. The composition includes water (about 54.67% by weight), EDTA-chelated zinc (1.67% by weight), zinc oxide (18.75% by weight), sodium molybdate dihydrate, propylene glycol, and minor quantities of polymers, wetting agents, and preservatives. This formulation delivers 1.93 pounds of elemental zinc per gallon and is suggested for application at 16.6 fluid ounces per hundredweight (oz / cwt) of rice seed, supplying 4 dry ounces of elemental zinc per cwt. One gallon is sufficient to treat 771 pounds of rice seed.

[0028] As used herein, "ZincMeister Premier" is a preferred embodiment of the zinc- fenclorim composition of the present disclosure as tested in the foregoing field trials and greenhouse studies. ZincMeister Premier comprises all the components of ZincMeister Lite, with the addition of a fenclorim safener at 4 dry ounces per cwt. In exemplary embodiments, the blend incorporates a 38.57% dispersion of fenclorim inAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT addition to 1.81 pounds of elemental zinc per gallon, thereby delivering both the micronutrient and safener benefits in a single seed-applied treatment. The recommended application rate is 18.0 fluid ounces per cwt, which equates to 4 dry ounces of elemental zinc and 4 dry ounces of fenclorim per cwt; one gallon treats 711 pounds of rice seed. This dual action distinguishes the present composition as superior for both nutrient delivery and herbicide stress protection compared to zinc-only or safener-only products.

[0029] As used herein, the "Kannar IFR" or "IFR" (Insecticide-Fungicide-Retardant) base treatment is a standard seed treatment package comprising a blend of crop protection actives, notably fungicides and insecticides, formulated for broad-spectrum disease and pest management. While specific compositions may vary by crop and region, typical ingredients include active compounds such as metalaxyl, fludioxonil, and thiamethoxam, as well as film-forming polymers, colorants, and other synergistic adjuvants required for seed protection during early growth stages. The IFR base is routinely used as a foundational treatment to which zinc micronutrient, safeners, and biostimulants can be added for enhanced agronomic effect.

[0030] As used herein, "Nutricharge" is a commercially available phosphorus efficiency adjuvant designed to increase the bioavailability and uptake of soil and applied phosphorus in seed and plant tissues. It is generally formulated using polyamino carboxylate polymers that act as chelating and mobilizing agents for phosphorus, improving its root-zone retention and plant utilization. When used as an additive in seed treatment slurries, Nutricharge is typically included at about 4.0 fluid ounces per cwt and is compatible with zinc and safener blends, enhancing early root growth and emergence, especially under phosphorus-limited conditions.

[0031] As used herein, "KAN EGV (Early Growth Vigor)" is a proprietary liquid seed treatment additive designed to improve adhesion, germination, and early seedling vigor by providing film-forming and biostimulant activity. Its primary composition is water (about 49-95%), with major inclusion of a suspension aid (up to 50%), such as a cellulose-based emulsifier, and minor amounts of Poly-D-glucosamine, a growth regulator (such as Pro-Gibb), humic acid (soil organic matter fraction), along with wetting agents. Typical usage supports uniform seed coating and enhances the bioactivity of co-applicd nutrients and actives.Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT

[0032] The compositions described herein may provide a seed-applied approach to address both micronutrient limitations and herbicide stress through a single treatment system. Zinc sources in the compositions supply elemental zinc directly at the seed surface, potentially overcoming soil-based bioavailability constraints. Fenclorim, a herbicide safener compound, is included to enhance crop tolerance to chloroacetamide and related herbicide chemistries.

[0033] Zinc deficiency represents a widespread nutritional limitation in cereal production systems, particularly in rice cultivation under flooded conditions where anaerobic soil environments reduce zinc bioavailability and shallow root systems limit nutrient uptake capacity. Additionally, herbicide programs using chloroacetamide and other Group 15 herbicides commonly employed for grass control may cause phytotoxic effects in rice seedlings, potentially resulting in stand reduction, delayed canopy development, and suboptimal early-season growth patterns.

[0034] The seed treatment approach offers advantages over alternative delivery methods such as soil application or foliar fertilization. Seed-applied nutrients may be positioned in close proximity to developing root systems, potentially improving uptake efficiency during the period when seedling nutrient demands are highest. The co- fomiulation of zinc and fenclorim in a single seed treatment provides operational convenience while addressing multiple stress factors simultaneously. The present composition co-formulates fenclorim with zinc sources at on-seed dose levels that both elevate plant tissue zinc during early flooded growth and concurrently reduce aluminum uptake while preserving macronutrient balance and seedling emergence and root vigor across rice cultivars and hybrids.

[0035] The compositions may be formulated as ready-to-use liquid slurries suitable for application using standard seed treatment equipment. Such formulations may be compatible with conventional seed treatment packages including fungicides, insecticides, polymers, and colorants commonly used in commercial seed processing operations. The compositions may be applied at rates designed to deliver agronomically effective amounts of both zinc and fenclorim while maintaining seed flowability and handling characteristics.

[0036] Applications of the compositions may extend to various cereal crops, with particular utility demonstrated in rice and wheat production systems. Rice cultivationAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT under flooded conditions present unique challenges for nutrient management and herbicide tolerance, making the dual-function approach particularly relevant for such cropping systems. The composition disclosed herein is a single seed treatment that combines fenclorim with zinc to simultaneously increase early-season plant tissue zinc and reduce uptake of phytotoxic elements (e.g., aluminum) in flooded conditions while remaining compatible with standard pesticide base packages, polymers, and colorants used in commercial treating operations. Wheat and other cereal crops may also benefit from the combined micronutrient and safener effects provided by the compositions.Composition Embodiments

[0037] A detailed description of illustrative embodiments is provided below. All composition and percentage ranges are intended to be non-limiting unless expressly stated otherwise. The present invention contemplates the composition, manufacture, and application of a zinc-fenclorim seed treatment composition, herein referred to in certain embodiments as “ZincMeister Premier”. In one embodiment, the seed treatment composition comprises zinc and fenclorim (4,6-dichloro-2-phenylpyrimidine).

[0038] The compositions may comprise zinc sources selected from zinc oxide, EDTA- chelated zinc, or mixtures thereof in various proportions. Zinc oxide may provide a concentrated source of elemental zinc while EDTA-chelated zinc may offer enhanced bioavailability characteristics. The combination of both zinc sources may provide balanced release properties and improved nutrient uptake profiles during seedling establishment.

[0039] In certain embodiments, zinc is present at about 0.500 to about 5.00 dry oz per hundredweight (oz / cwt) of seed, and fenclorim is present at about 2.00 to about 5.00 dry oz / cwt of seed, with the proviso that the ratio of zinc to fenclorim is selected to meet the nutrient and safening requirements of the target crop species and specific seed lot. Without limitation, zinc sources include agriculturally acceptable zinc compounds such as chelated zinc, zinc sulfate, and zinc oxide, alone or in combination, formulated in aqueous or non-aqueous carriers suitable for seed application, and optionally including dispersants, wetting agents, film-forming agents, polymers, colorants, stabilizers, surfactants, anti-foam agents, humectants, suspending agents, preservatives, and adjuvants suitable for seed application to enhance on-seed retention and handling.Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT

[0040] The ratio of zinc to fenclorim may vary depending on the target crop species and specific agronomic requirements. In certain rice embodiments, the zinc to fenclorim ratio is about 1 :1 (zinc:fenclorim) on a dry oz / cwt basis, for example about 3-5 dry oz / cwt zinc to about 3-5 dry oz / cwt fenclorim, with a total liquid application volume tailored to deliver these amounts when applied as a seed coating or slurry treatment in conjunction with a base pesticide package. In certain wheat embodiments, the zinc to fenclorim ratio is about 4: 1 (zinc:fenclorim) on a dry oz / cwt basis, for example about 0.5-1 dry oz / cwt zinc to about 2-3 dry oz / cwt fenclorim, recognizing that relative micronutrient demands and safener needs differ by crop.

[0041] In some embodiments, for rice, a ready -to-use blend applied at about 18 fl oz / cwt delivers approximately 4 dry oz / cwt elemental zinc and approximately 4 dry oz / cwt fenclorim when co-applied with an industry standard pesticide package and seed treatment polymer and colorant system; in some wheat embodiments, a total blend applied at about 8.5 fl oz / cwt delivers approximately 0.8 dry oz / cwt elemental zinc and approximately 2.97 dry oz / cwt fenclorim.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises (a) a zinc source selected from zinc oxide, chelated zinc (e.g., EDTA-chelated zinc), zinc sulfate, or combinations thereof, and (b) fenclorim, typically provided as a dispersion or solution at a concentration suitable to deliver the desired on-seed loading. By way of non-limiting example, in an aqueous carrier system, the elemental zinc is present at approximately 1.81 Ib / gal (equivalent to approximately 217 g / L elemental zinc; calculated as a function of zinc oxide and EDTA-chelated zinc content), and the fenclorim is incorporated as a 38.57% fenclorim dispersion, such that seed treatment at 18.0 fl oz / cwt achieves the target rate of approximately 4 dry oz / cwt of elemental zinc and 4 dry oz / cwt of fenclorim. One gallon of the described zinc-fenclorim composition thus provides sufficient material to treat approximately 711 pounds of rice seed at the specified dose.

[0043] The disclosed composition is compatible with commercial seed-treating equipment and can be tailored to deliver the requisite total fluid volume for optimal seed coating and coverage (generally within the range of 10 to 30 fl oz / cwt, though higher or lower application rates may be used where appropriate). In various embodiments, the composition may be supplied as a concentrate, which is diluted in water prior to use to achieve the desired application characteristics. Unless otherwiseAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT stated, references to “ZincMeister Premier” herein include compositions wherein the relative ratio of elemental zinc to fenclorim is approximately 1:1 on a dry weight per hundredweight basis, but other ratios and on-seed dose ranges are within the scope of the invention provided that agronomically effective levels of both zinc and fenclorim are achieved without causing deleterious phytotoxicity or adverse effects on seed flowability, handling, or viability.

[0044] The treating capacity per gallon may be considered in commercial production planning and inventory management for seed treatment operations based on the active ingredient concentrations and recommended application rates.Additional Formulation Components

[0045] The compositions disclosed herein comprise a carrier system configured to provide structural integrity, storage stability, and suitable application characteristics for seed treatment. In certain embodiments, water serves as the primary carrier and is present in an amount of about 30% to about 70% by weight of the total formulation, preferably about 54.67% by weight to facilitate uniform distribution of actives and to provide rheological properties compatible with commercial seed-coating equipment. Propylene glycol may be included as a humectant and co-solvent to enhance stability and flow behavior. The carrier system may further comprise suspension agents (e.g., KAP15PR thickener), preferably 10-15% by weight, more preferably 12% by weight, and dispersants (e.g., nonionic surfactants such as alkoxylated fatty alcohol ethoxylates), and may optionally include anti-foam agents, colorants, and preservatives (e.g., Proxel GXT) in minor amounts to maintain slurry quality and storage integrity.

[0046] In certain embodiments, one or more film-forming polymers are included to promote adhesion and retention of the treatment on seed. Suitable polymers include, without limitation, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate copolymers, and other seed-coating polymers, present at about 0.1% to about 10% by weight to optimize coating performance without materially impairing germination or emergence. These polymers are selected and dosed to maintain coating integrity during handling and planting while preserving seed flowability.

[0047] The zinc component may comprise one or more sources selected from zinc oxide and chelated zinc (e.g., EDTA-chelated zinc), optionally in combination, to provide both readily available and sustained zinc release during seedling establishment.Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCTIn certain embodiments, zinc oxide is present at about 5% to about 35% by weight, preferably about 18.75% by weight, and EDTA-chelated zinc is present at about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, preferably about 1.67% by weight, based on the total formulation. Minor amounts of supplemental micronutrients, such as sodium molybdate dihydrate, may also be included.

[0048] The compositions may optionally include biostimulant and efficiency adjuvants to enhance nutrient utilization and early vigor. In certain embodiments, polyamino carboxylate phosphorus adjuvants (e.g., commercially available Nutricharge) are included at about 0.5 to about 6.0 fluid oz / cwt, preferably about 4.0 fl oz / cwt, and are compatible with zinc-fenclorim blends in seed treatment slurries, particularly under phosphorus-limited conditions. Chitosan-based liquid additives may be included at about 0.25 to about 2.0 fl oz / cwt, preferably about 0.5 11 oz / cwt, to provide biostimulant effects and enhance film formation. In certain embodiments, a film- forming / biostimulant system (e.g., KAN EGV) comprises Poly-D-glucosamine and may further include plant growth regulators (e.g., Pro-Gibb), and humic acid to support germination, shoot elongation, and nutrient availability in the seed microenvironment. Representative KAN EGV formulations include low-percent Poly-D-glucosamine gibberellic acid, humic acid in water, or variants that use a slurry aid (e.g., a cellulose- based emulsifier) as a major fraction for coating integrity.

[0049] The zinc-fenclorim compositions are compatible with industry standard seedtreatment packages and may be used as stand-alone treatments or in combination with fungicides, insecticides, plant growth regulators, and biostimulants. Non-limiting examples for rice include fludioxonil, metalaxyl / mefenoxam, carboxin-thiram, tetramethylthiuram disulfide, clothianidin, gibberellic acid, thiamethoxam, and azoxy strobin; for wheat, examples include T-methyl, imidacloprid, mefenoxam, and ipconazolc, with actives and rates selected according to label guidance and field validation. Colorants may be incorporated to provide treated-seed identification and to facilitate coverage verification.

[0050] The compositions are applied as liquid slurries to seed prior to planting, either as ready-to-use formulations or as concentrates for on-site dilution. Total liquid load may be adjusted to about 25 to about 40 fl oz / cwt to maintain target zinc and fenclorim on-sccd doses while preserving flowability and coating integrity. Inclusion rates of optional adjuvants (e.g., Nutricharge, chitosan-based liquids) are selected to enhanceAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT nutrient use efficiency or film formation without materially altering the core zinc- fenclorim benefits, and over-treatments are adjusted to avoid over-application of actives while sustaining uniformity across seed lots as verified by on-seed assay and mass balance during coating.Crop Varieties and Application Methods[00511 The compositions and methods disclosed herein are suitable for cereal crops including, without limitation, rice (Oryza sativa), wheat, maize, barley, sorghum, millet, oat, rye, and triticale, with preferred embodiments directed to rice seed treatment across long, medium, and short grain cultivars. Representative rice cultivars include Diamond, Jewel, DG363L, CLL15, CLL16, CLL17, PVL02, PVL03, RTV7231MA, CLJ01, Jupiter, Titan, Lynx, RT753XP, RT7321FP, and RT7521 FP, recognizing that formulation ratios and total application volumes may be adjusted within the disclosed ranges to accommodate seed size, surface characteristics, and base treatment loadings to achieve uniform coverage and target on-seed dose.

[0052] Hie zinc-fenclorim seed treatment compositions were applied to various rice varieties encompassing both conventional and hybrid cultivars. Ozark rice was particularly responsive to the micronutrient supplementation and herbicide safening properties of the seed treatment system. Hybrid rice varieties also served as suitable targets for the zinc-fenclorim compositions. Hybrid varieties had different seeding rates compared to conventional varieties, requiring adjustments in application volumes to maintain target active ingredient delivery per unit area.

[0053] The compositions were applied to rice seed using various techniques. Batch drum coaters provided uniform distribution and precise control of application rates with thorough mixing for consistent coverage. Continuous drum coater systems offered advantages for large-scale operations requiring higher throughput while maintaining consistent application rates.

[0054] Seed soaking methods involved immersing seeds in diluted treatment solutions for specified periods, followed by controlled drying to return moisture content to suitable levels. This approach enhanced penetration of active components into seed tissues compared to surface coating methods.Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT

[0055] Seed spraying techniques utilized concentrated formulations applied through spray nozzle systems, providing precise control over treatment volumes and uniform distribution while reducing total liquid volume requirements.

[0056] The selection of application method depended on factors including seed size characteristics, surface properties, and the specific combination of active components included in the treatment package. Seed surface texture and porosity influenced the adhesion and retention of applied treatments, affecting the choice between coating, soaking, or spraying techniques.

[0057] The zinc-fenclorim compositions were integrated with herbicide programs commonly employed in rice production systems. Herbicides including clomazone, quinclorac, pendimethalin, thiobencarb, cyhalofop, fenoxaprop, florpyrauxifen, penoxsulam, bispyribac, bentazon, and propanil were used in conjunction with the fenclorim-containing seed treatments to provide enhanced crop tolerance during weed control operations.

[0058] Clomazone plus quinclorac were applied as preemergence herbicides, with fenclorim reducing crop injury symptoms such as stunting or chlorosis. Pendimethalin plus thiobencarb were applied at delayed preemergence timing with enhanced crop tolerance from the safener effects.

[0059] Postemergence treatments including cyhalofop or fenoxaprop for grass control were used with the fenclorim-containing seed treatments to minimize crop injury potential. The safener effects were particularly beneficial for early-season applications when seedlings were most susceptible to herbicide stress.

[0060] Florpyrauxifen, penoxsulam, bispyribac, bentazon, or propanil mixtures were employed for broadleaf weed control with the zinc-fenclorim seed treatments. The fenclorim safener provided enhanced tolerance and more flexible application windows while maintaining crop safety.

[0061] Clearfield varieties received imazethapyr or imazamox applications, while Provisia varieties were treated with quizalofop-P-ethyl, all integrated with the fenclorim-containing seed treatment systems. The safener effects provided protection against herbicide injury across different rice production systems and herbicide programs.Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT

[0062] The seed treatment approach provided a proactive safening strategy that established protective mechanisms prior to herbicide exposure, offering advantages over post-application remedial treatments.Field Trial Experimental Design and Methodology

[0063] Field trials were conducted during the growing season to evaluate the performance of the zinc-fenclorim seed treatment composition disclosed herein under controlled experimental conditions. The trials utilized a randomized complete block (RGB) design with multiple replications to provide statistical validity for treatment comparisons and minimize the effects of field variability on experimental outcomes.

[0064] The experimental design incorporated multiple treatment entries to assess the individual and combined effects of the zinc-fenclorim compositions. Treatment entries included an untreated control to establish baseline performance parameters, insecticidefungicide retardant (IFR) base treatment, IFR combined with 4 dry oz / cwt of elemental zinc (such as 8.64 fl oz / cwt of ZincMeister Tite) for zinc-only effects, IFR with 4 fl oz / cwt of phosphorus efficiency adjuvant (such as the polyamino carboxylate phosphorus efficiency adjuvant, Nutricharge) for phosphorus efficiency evaluation, IFR with 18.0 fl oz / cwt of the zinc-fenclorim composition herein comprising 4 dry oz / cwt of elemental zinc and 4 dry oz / cwt of fenclorim (also referred to herein interchangeably as ZincMeister Premier), and IFR with 18.0 fl oz / cwt of the zinc- fenclorim composition plus 4 fl oz / cwt of phosphorus efficiency adjuvant to assess potential synergistic effects between the primary composition and phosphorus adjuvants. All treated entries included a film-forming biostimulant polymer (such as KAN EGV) at 0.5 fluid oz / cwt to standardize film formation and adhesion properties across treatments.

[0065] The total liquid load was standardized at 32 fluid oz / cwt for all entries to maintain consistent application volumes and eliminate potential confounding effects from varying treatment volumes. Such standardization ensured that observed differences between treatments could be attributed to the specific active components rather than application methodology variations.

[0066] Field preparation utilized rototiller equipment to establish uniform soil conditions. Planting was conducted using a small research cone drill configured for seven rows per plot with 7.5-inch row spacing and 18-foot plot length. Alley ways wereAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT maintained between plots to prevent cross-contamination, with each plot identified by labeled stakes indicating treatment and block location within the RGB design.

[0067] Following standard agronomic practices, treated seeds were direct-seeded and managed under flooded paddy conditions. Glycophytic and herbicide programs were integrated to represent commercial rice production, with herbicides such as clomazone, quinclorac, pendimethalin, thiobencarb, cyhalofop, fenoxaprop, florpyrauxifen, penoxsulam, bispyribac, bentazon, propanil, imazethapyr, imazamox, or quizalofop-P- ethyl applied according to best practice and label guidance.

[0068] The trial was planted during the growing season. Ozark variety plots were seeded at 60 pounds per acre, while RT3202 and RT7302 hybrid varieties were planted at 30 pounds per acre to reflect their enhanced tillering capacity. Stand emergence occurred six days after planting, with consistent timing across treatments indicating no adverse effects from seed treatment compositions.

[0069] Weed control programs followed regional recommendations. Conventional rice plots received clomazone plus quinclorac preemergence, followed by pendimethalin plus thiobencarb at delayed preemergence timing. Postemergence treatments included cyhalofop or fenoxaprop for grass control and florpyrauxifen, penoxsulam, bispyribac, bentazon, or propanil mixtures for broadleaf weeds. Clearfield varieties received imazethapyr or imazamox applications, while Provisia varieties were treated with quizalofop-P-ethyl.

[0070] Nitrogen fertility followed regional extension guidance. Conventional varieties received either single preflood or split applications (70% preflood, 45 Ibs / acre midseason). Hybrid varieties received 120-150 Ibs / acre of nitrogen preflood plus 30 Ibs / acre at late boot stage. Urea served as the nitrogen source with urease inhibitor when flood establishment timing was uncertain. Sulfur was applied at 10-15 Ibs / acre, with phosphorus and potassium based on soil test recommendations.

[0071] Flood establishment occurred approximately one month after planting. Weekly irrigation maintained continuous flood coverage until maturity, creating stable anaerobic soil conditions for evaluating zinc-fenclorim composition performance under typical rice production environments.Plant Tissue Sampling and Analytical MethodsAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT

[0072] Plant tissue sampling was conducted 78 days after emergence, approximately two weeks following flood establishment, to evaluate nutrient uptake effects of the seed treatment compositions. Whole plant samples were collected by cutting three feet of row at ground level from interior rows of each plot to avoid edge effects. Ground-level cutting ensured that the entire above-ground plant biomass was included in each sample, providing a comprehensive assessment of nutrient accumulation in plant tissues during the early growth period.

[0073] Samples were placed in labeled paper bags and dried at 90-95°F until moisture content was reduced to levels suitable for shipment. Dried samples were shipped to a certified, independent laboratory (Waypoint Analytical, Memphis, Tennessee) for comprehensive nutrient analysis.

[0074] Sample preparation involved grinding dried plant material through a 40-mesh screen (0.425 mm openings) using stainless steel equipment to prevent metal contamination. Homogenized samples were digested using 0.5 grams of ground tissue with 10 mL concentrated nitric acid (trace metal grade) in temperature-controlled hot block systems.

[0075] Digestion protocol included one hour pre-digestion, followed by heating to 120°C for two hours. Two milliliters of 30% hydrogen peroxide was added to complete oxidation until digest solutions cleared. Digested solutions were diluted to 50 mL with deionized water and filtered.

[0076] Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used for simultaneous multi-element analysis. Macronutrient analysis included nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Micronutrient analysis encompassed zinc, manganese, iron, copper, boron, sodium, and aluminum concentrations.

[0077] Quality control included certified reference plant materials (CRMs), duplicate field samples, and reagent blanks. Precision requirements were <10% relative standard deviation (RSD) among duplicates, with accuracy requirements of 90-110% recovery versus certified standards.

[0078] The comprehensive quality control program ensured that analytical results met industry standards for plant tissue analysis and provided reliable data for evaluating the performance of the seed treatment compositions under field conditions. The qualityAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT control procedures supported the validity of treatment comparisons and the interpretation of nutrient uptake effects observed in the experimental trials.Field Trial Results- Zinc and Aluminum Uptake

[0079] Results are reported as mean values for each treatment, calculated across biological replicates. The field trial results demonstrated distinct performance differences between the various seed treatment compositions in terms of plant tissue zinc accumulation and aluminum uptake patterns.

[0080] The zinc-only formulation contains 1.93 Ib / gal of elemental zinc with a suggested rice application of 16.6 fl oz / cwt to deliver approximately 4 dry oz / cwt elemental zinc, and was applied at 8.64 fl oz / cwt in this trial's standardized 32 fl oz / cwt total load. The zinc-fenclorim composition disclosed herein contains 1.81 Ib / gal of elemental zinc with a 38.57% fenclorim dispersion and a suggested rice application of 18.0 fl oz / cwt to deliver approximately 4 dry oz / cwt elemental zinc and approximately 4 dry oz / cwt fenclorim, matching the trial’s zinc-fenclorim formulation rate within the same 32 fl oz / cwt total load framework. This side-by-side within-load comparison isolates the effect of fenclorim inclusion in the zinc formulation against otherwise similar zinc content, carrier, polymer / colorant systems, and base pesticide context, strengthening the attribution of the observed zinc assimilation increase and aluminum reduction to the fenclorim-containing composition disclosed herein, rather than to confounding formulation or handling disparities.

[0081] In both conventional and hybrid rice entries, following treatment with the zinc- fenclorim composition herein, tissue zinc consistently exceeded comparator treatments under matched on-seed elemental zinc delivery rates and total liquid loads. As shown in Table 1 and illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the zinc-fenclorim treatments achieved whole-plant tissue zinc concentrations ranging from 36.0 to 36.5 ppm at approximately two weeks following flood establishment. These zinc concentrations represented increases of 8.1 % to 9.6% compared to the untreated control, which exhibited a baseline zinc concentration of 33.3 ppm.Table 1: Plant Tissue Zinc Concentrations by TreatmentAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT

[0082] The enhanced zinc uptake performance of the zinc-fenclorim treatments contrasted with the results observed for other treatment approaches. The IFR base treatment without zinc supplementation, produced plant tissue zinc concentrations of 32.0 ppm, representing a decrease of 3.9% compared to the untreated control. The zinc- only treatment utilizing IFR achieved plant tissue zinc concentrations of 32.8 ppm, corresponding to a decrease of 1.5% relative to the untreated control.

[0083] The treatment containing IFR plus phosphorus adjuvant, which provided phosphorus efficiency enhancement without zinc supplementation, resulted in plant tissue zinc concentrations of 33.8 ppm. This represented a minimal increase of 1.5% compared to the untreated control, indicating that phosphorus efficiency enhancement alone did not substantially improve zinc uptake under the experimental conditions.

[0084] The combination of zinc-fenclorim with phosphorus adjuvant produced plant tissue zinc concentrations of 36.0 ppm, representing an 8.1% increase versus the untreated control. The zinc-fenclorim treatment without phosphorus adjuvant achieved slightly higher zinc concentrations at 36.5 ppm, corresponding to a 9.6% increase over the control. Both zinc-fenclorim treatments exceeded the zinc uptake performance of all other treatment approaches evaluated in the trial, demonstrating a consistent elevation in whole-plant zinc uniquely associated with inclusion of fenclorim in the zinc formulation within otherwise matched seed-treatment loads and carriers.

[0085] Hybrid rice plots (RT3202 and RT7302) treated with the zinc-fenclorim composition displayed zinc tissue levels as high as 42 ppm, again outpacing comparator treatments, with similar favorable aluminum and macronutrient response patterns. This demonstrated the broad utility and robustness of the seed-applied zinc-fenclorim composition across different genetic backgrounds and production scenarios.Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT

[0086] Independent aluminum determinations from the same whole-plant tissue composites demonstrated lower mean aluminum in the fenclorim-containing treatment relative to untreated and zinc-only comparators, an effect not reproduced by IFR base alone. Aluminum uptake patterns in plant tissues revealed additional benefits associated with the zinc-fenclorim composition treatments beyond zinc enhancement. As illustrated in Figure 3, the zinc-fenclorim composition treatment reduced whole-plant aluminum concentrations to 207.5 ppm compared to 229 ppm observed in the untreated control. This reduction represented approximately 9.4% lower aluminum accumulation in plants receiving the zinc-fenclorim combination treatment.Table 2: Plant Tissue Aluminum Concentrations by Treatment

[0087] As shown in Table 2 above, the aluminum reduction effects were more pronounced when comparing the zinc-fenclorim composition to other seed treatment approaches. The IFR base treatment resulted in elevated aluminum concentrations of267.75 ppm, substantially higher than both the untreated control and the zinc-fenclorim composition treatment. The zinc-only treatment produced aluminum concentrations of238.75 ppm, which exceeded both the untreated control and the zinc-fenclorim composition treatment levels.

[0088] The zinc-fenclorim composition treatment achieved approximately 13.1% reduction in aluminum uptake compared to the zinc-only treatment, demonstrating that the inclusion of fenclorim provided benefits beyond those achievable through zinc supplementation alone. The aluminum reduction effect appeared to be specificallyAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT associated with the presence of fenclorim in the seed treatment composition rather than resulting from zinc supplementation or base pesticide components.

[0089] The combination of the zinc-fenclorim composition with phosphorus adjuvant resulted in aluminum concentrations of 225.3 ppm, representing an intermediate level between the zinc-fenclorim composition alone and the control treatments. The phosphorus adjuvant addition did not substantially alter the aluminum reduction benefits provided by the zinc-fenclorim composition, indicating that the primary aluminum reduction effect was attributable to the zinc-fenclorim combination.

[0090] The absence of zinc elevation with IFR base and zinc-only treatments, combined with the significant zinc increases produced by the zinc-fenclorim composition, supports a specific interaction in which fenclorim enhances early zinc assimilation or partitioning under flooded conditions for the Ozark variety at the employed rates and load plans, rather than the response being attributable to zinc supply alone or to base pesticide or polymer effects. This interpretation is further supported by the constant total liquid load across entries and the presence of a film-forming biostimulant polymer at the same rate in all treated plots, controlling for coating and hydration variables. Concurrent reductions in aluminum observed uniquely with the zinc-fenclorim composition (and not with IFR base or zinc-only) are consistent with safener-mediated modulation of xenobiotic / ion transport and detoxification pathways, thereby lowering early-season aluminum accumulation risk under floodplain redox and pH regimes, and providing an agronomic benefit beyond micronutrient provision alone. The phosphorus adjuvant, while compatible, did not by itself reproduce the zinc elevation or aluminum reduction magnitudes observed with the zinc-fenclorim composition at the sampling interval.Macronutrient Balance

[0091] Macronutrient content (N, S, and P) and N:S ratios remained within agronomic norms across all treatments, demonstrating that enhanced zinc uptake and reduced aluminum were not achieved at the expense of nutritional balance or seedling vigor.

[0092] Macronutrient composition analysis, shown below in Table 3, revealed that the enhanced zinc uptake and reduced aluminum accumulation occurred without disrupting overall plant nutritional balance. Nitrogen concentrations across all treatments ranged from 3.725% to 3.993%, with the zinc-fenclorim composition treatment producingAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT nitrogen levels of 3.725%. The zinc-fenclorim composition plus phosphorus adjuvant combination achieved nitrogen concentrations of 3.993%, representing the highest nitrogen levels observed among the treatment entries.Table 3: Macronutrient Concentrations and N:S Ratios by Treatment

[0093] Sulfur concentrations across all treatment entries ranged from 0.265% to 0.280%, with the zinc-fenclorim composition treatment exhibiting sulfur levels of 0.280%. The zinc-fenclorim composition plus phosphorus adjuvant combination produced sulfur concentrations of 0.270%, which fell within the middle range of values observed across the experimental treatments. The sulfur concentration variations were relatively modest compared to the nitrogen concentration differences observed between treatments.

[0094] The nitrogen-to-sulfur ratios calculated from the tissue analysis data ranged from 13.3 to 14.79 across all treatment entries, falling within the agronomically acceptable early-season range of approximately 12 to 15 for rice grown under flooded conditions. The IFR plus zinc-fenclorim composition treatment produced an N:S ratio of 13.3, while the IFR plus zinc-fenclorim composition plus phosphorus adjuvant combination achieved an N:S ratio of 14.79. Both ratios remained within the target range, indicating that the enhanced zinc uptake and reduced aluminum accumulation occurred without creating macronutrient imbalances that could compromise plant metabolism or growth processes.Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT

[0095] Phosphorus concentrations in plant tissues showed some variation across treatment entries, with the zinc-fenclorim composition treatment achieving phosphorus levels of 0.383%. The zinc-fenclorim composition plus phosphorus adjuvant combination produced phosphorus concentrations of 0.378%, representing slightly lower levels than the zinc-fenclorim composition treatment alone. The phosphorus concentrations in both zinc-fenclorim composition treatments exceeded the levels observed in the untreated control and most other treatment approaches.

[0096] The phosphorus adjuvant-only treatment, which contained IFR plus the phosphorus efficiency polymer without zinc supplementation, produced plant tissue zinc concentrations of 33.8 ppm. This zinc concentration represented a minimal increase of 1.5% compared to the untreated control, demonstrating that the phosphorus efficiency enhancement provided by phosphorus adjuvant alone did not reproduce the substantial zinc elevation effects observed with the zinc-fenclorim composition formulations. The comparison indicated that the zinc uptake enhancement was specifically associated with the zinc-fenclorim combination rather than resulting from phosphorus efficiency improvements or other adjuvant effects.

[0097] The tissue analysis data collected at 78 days after emergence provided comprehensive nutrient profiles that confirmed the maintenance of balanced macronutrient composition across all treatment approaches. The complete nutrient profiles encompassed both macronutrients and micronutrients, allowing for assessment of potential interactions between the seed treatment components and overall plant nutritional status during the early growth period.

[0098] The macronutrient balance maintenance demonstrated that the zinc-fenclorim compositions enhanced zinc assimilation without creating nutritional imbalances that could compromise plant performance or development and improved micronutrient status beyond the performance of either component on its own or of commercial comparators. In particular, the zinc-fenclorim composition herein reliably increased tissue zinc concentrations by 8-10% versus control, delivering agronomically meaningful benefits for rice in field conditions. The nitrogen-to-sulfur ratios within the agronomic target range indicated that protein synthesis and sulfur metabolism processes were not adversely affected by the enhanced zinc uptake or reduced aluminum accumulation associated with the fcnclorim-containing treatments.Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT

[0099] The phosphorus concentration increases observed in the zinc-fenclorim composition treatments may have reflected improved overall nutrient uptake efficiency rather than specific phosphorus enhancement effects. The phosphorus increases occurred in conjunction with the zinc uptake improvements, suggesting that the seed treatment compositions may have enhanced general nutrient assimilation processes during the early growth period when root system development and nutrient uptake capacity were establishing.Greenhouse Experimental Design and Methodology

[0100] Greenhouse trials were conducted in two distinct phases to evaluate the performance of the zinc-fenclorim seed treatment compositions under controlled environmental conditions that allowed for precise measurement of early seedling development parameters. The greenhouse experiments utilized Ozark rice variety grown in 8-inch cones containing clay soil to simulate field soil conditions while providing standardized growing environments for treatment comparison. Trial 1 focused primarily on fresh weight accumulation, whereas the second, larger Trial 2 used comprehensive analysis of root and shoot architecture, fresh weight, and emergence with multiple treatment groups.

[0101] Greenhouse Trial 1: Fresh Weight Analysis

[0102] This experiment utilized Ozark rice variety, grown as 1 gram of rice per pot in standardized small pots, to evaluate overall seedling biomass at two weeks after planting.

[0103] Trial 1 incorporated three primary treatment approaches including the IFR base treatment combined with 4oz / cwt fenclorim alone, the IFR base treatment with 4oz / cwt zinc alone, and the IFR base treatment with the 18 fl oz / cwt of the zinc-fenclorim composition herein, delivering 4 dry oz / cwt of elemental zinc and 4 dry oz / cwt of fenclorim. The treatment selection focused on direct comparison between the individual components and their combination to isolate specific treatment effects.

[0104] Seedling fresh weight measurements were collected at 2 weeks after planting, corresponding to the same evaluation timing used in the second trials to maintain consistency in developmental stage assessment. The 2-week timing allowed for adequate seedling establishment while capturing early growth responses to the seedAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT treatment compositions. Seedling fresh weight measurements from Trial 1 are shown in Figure 4.

[0105] Greenhouse Trial 2: Comprehensive Growth Metrics

[0106] Trial 2 utilized Ozark rice grown in 8-inch cones of clay soil to simulate fieldlike conditions while precisely measuring seedling development. The greenhouse experimental design incorporated six distinct treatment groups to assess the individual and combined effects of the various seed treatment components. Results of Trial 2 are shown in Figures 5 through 9.

[0107] Treatment group 1 consisted of the base fungicide / insecticide (IFR base) without additional nutritional or safener components, serving as the baseline for comparison with enhanced formulations.

[0108] Treatment group 2 combined the IFR base with 4 dry oz / cwt of zinc treatment, providing zinc-only supplementation to evaluate the effects of micronutrient addition without safener components.

[0109] Treatment group 3 incorporated the IFR base with 4 dry oz / cwt of fenclorim to assess the effects of the safener component without zinc supplementation.

[0110] Treatment group 4 combined the IFR base with 18 fl oz / cwt zinc-fenclorim composition delivering 4 dry oz / cwt of elemental zinc and 4 dry oz / cwt of fenclorim plus 0.5 fl oz / cwt of film-forming biostimulant, providing the complete zinc-fenclorim combination along with the enhanced growth vehicle additive.

[0111] Treatment group 5 included the IFR base with 18 fl oz / cwt zinc-fenclorim composition delivering 4 dry oz / cwt of elemental zinc and 4 dry oz / cwt of fenclorim plus 0.5 fl oz / cwt of film-forming biostimulant plus 4 fl oz / cwt of phosphorus adjuvant, representing the most comprehensive treatment approach with zinc, fenclorim, growth enhancer, and phosphorus efficiency components.

[0112] Treatment group 6 consisted of the IFR base combined with 4 fl oz / cwt phosphorus adjuvant alone to evaluate the effects of phosphorus efficiency enhancement without zinc or safener components.

[0113] All treatment groups were applied at 32 fl oz / cwt to maintain consistent application volumes and eliminate confounding effects from varying treatment loads. This standardized rate ensured observed differences could be attributed to specificAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT active components rather than variations in liquid volume or carrier effects, while remaining within practical limits for seed treatment operations.

[0114] Root system analysis was conducted using WinRhizo software for comprehensive digital measurement of root architectural parameters. The system utilized digital imaging technology and specialized algorithms to quantify root length, root volume, and morphological characteristics with high precision. Root length measurements encompassed total linear distance of all root segments, assessing overall root development and exploration capacity for nutrient and water uptake during early establishment. Root volume measurements quantified three-dimensional space occupied by the root system, providing information about root biomass accumulation and physical capacity for nutrient and water absorption. Root volume complemented root length data by assessing thickness and density in addition to linear extension patterns.

[0115] The analysis methodology involved washing root systems to remove soil particles, then arranging cleaned roots in transparent water containers to provide imaging contrast while maintaining natural positioning. Digital images were captured using standardized lighting and camera positioning for consistent quality. WinRhizo software processed images through automated algorithms that identified root segments and calculated length and volume parameters based on pixel analysis and calibrated measurement scales.

[0116] Fresh weight measurements were collected for whole seedlings at 14 days after planting (DAP) to assess overall biomass accumulation and seedling vigor. The fresh weight parameter provided an integrated measure of both shoot and root development, reflecting the overall growth response to the various seed treatment compositions. Fresh weight measurements were conducted immediately following harvest to minimize moisture loss that could affect measurement accuracy.

[0117] Shoot length measurements were recorded to evaluate above-ground growth responses to the seed treatment compositions. Shoot length measurements were taken from the soil surface to the tip of the longest leaf or shoot, providing information about early canopy development and photosynthetic capacity establishment. The shoot length parameter complemented root measurements by assessing the balance between aboveground and below-ground growth allocation.Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT

[0118] Emergence percentage was calculated based on the proportion of planted seeds that successfully emerged and established visible seedlings within the evaluation period. Emergence percentage provided information about the effects of seed treatment compositions on germination processes and early seedling establishment success. The emergence parameter was particularly relevant for assessing potential phytotoxic effects or beneficial effects of the various treatment components on seed viability and germination uniformity.

[0119] The 14-day evaluation period was selected to capture early seedling development responses while allowing sufficient time for treatment effects to become apparent in root and shoot growth parameters. The timing provided a balance between early response detection and adequate development for meaningful measurement of growth parameters.

[0120] Eresh weight measurements in the first trial were conducted using precision balances to detect small differences in seedling biomass accumulation between treatments. The fresh weight data provided quantitative assessment of treatment effects on overall seedling vigor and growth performance under the controlled greenhouse conditions.

[0121] The greenhouse experimental approaches provided controlled environment evaluation of the seed treatment compositions that complemented the field trial data by eliminating environmental variability and allowing for precise measurement of early seedling development parameters. The controlled conditions enabled detection of treatment effects that might be obscured by field variability while providing mechanistic insights into the modes of action of the various seed treatment components.Greenhouse Results- Root Development and Emergence

[0122] The greenhouse experimental results demonstrated distinct performance advantages for the comprehensive seed treatment approach incorporating multiple active components. Treatment 5 combining IFR base with the zinc-fenclorim composition plus a film-forming biostimulant polymer plus a phosphorus adjuvant achieved the highest root volume and percent emergence among all evaluated treatments at 14 days after planting, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. This comprehensive treatment produced root length measurements of 115.29 cm, root volume of 33.50 cm3,Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT and shoot length of 6.29 cm, representing strong early seedling vigor compared to other treatment approaches.

[0123] The root volume performance of the comprehensive treatment (Treatment 5) exceeded that of other enhanced formulations. The IFR base treatment combined with fenclorim alone achieved root volume of 31 .07 cm3, while the IFR base treatment plus phosphorus adjuvant produced root volume of 26.67 cm3. The IFR base treatment combined with the zinc-fenclorim composition plus film- forming biostimulant polymer resulted in root volume of 24.59 cm3, demonstrating intermediate performance between the comprehensive Treatment 5 and simpler formulations.

[0124] Comparison treatments showed lower root development parameters. The IFR base treatment alone produced root volume of only 14.87 cm3, representing the lowest performance among all evaluated treatments. The zinc-only treatment utilizing base plus zinc achieved root volume of 20.19 cm3, which exceeded the base treatment but remained below the performance of treatments incorporating fenclorim components.

[0125] Root length responses exhibited a performance order distinct from that observed for root volume. The IFR base treatment supplemented with phosphorus adjuvant produced the greatest mean root length at 142.67 cm, representing the highest elongation among all evaluated treatments. The comprehensive Treatment 5 yielded a mean root length of 115.29 cm, whereas the IFR base treatment combined with the zinc-fenclorim composition plus film-forming biostimulant polymer produced a mean root length of 102.82 cm. The zinc-only treatment resulted in a mean root length of 107.44 cm.

[0126] The fenclorim-only treatment produced the lowest mean root length at 68.83 cm, while the IFR base treatment alone achieved a mean root length of 85.44 cm. These results demonstrate that zinc-containing formulations consistently enhanced root elongation relative to non-zinc controls. In contrast, fenclorim alone did not promote root growth. The highest root length responses were observed in treatments integrating zinc with compatible adjuvant systems, indicating synergistic effects among zinc nutrition and formulation components.

[0127] Shoot length measurements, shown in Figure 8, complemented the root development data by demonstrating above-ground growth responses to the various seed treatment compositions. The comprehensive Treatment 5 incorporating the zinc-Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT fenclorim composition plus film-forming biostimulant polymer plus phosphorus adjuvant achieved shoot length of 6.29 cm at 14 days after planting. The zinc-only treatment produced shoot length of 6.725 cm, representing the highest shoot development among all treatments evaluated.

[0128] The TFR base treatment plus phosphorus adjuvant resulted in shoot length of 6.767 cm, while the IFR base treatment alone achieved shoot length of 6.686 cm. The fenclorim-only treatment produced shoot length of 6.075 cm, and the IFR base plus the zinc-fenclorim composition treatment resulted in shoot length of 6.000 cm. The shoot length variations were more modest compared to root development differences, indicating that the primary treatment effects were concentrated in root system enhancement.

[0129] Emergence percentage data shown in Figure 5 demonstrated differences in seedling establishment across treatments. The comprehensive treatment (IFR base with the zinc-fenclorim composition plus film-forming biostimulant polymer plus phosphorus adjuvant) achieved 100% emergence, matching the base treatment alone. The base treatment plus phosphorus adjuvant achieved 86% emergence, while the base treatment with the zinc-fenclorim composition plus film-forming biostimulant polymer resulted in 71% emergence.

[0130] Individual component treatments showed reduced emergence performance. The zinc-only treatment (IFR base plus zinc-only) achieved 58% emergence, while the fenclorim-only treatment produced 57% emergence. These lower emergence rates indicated that individual components without proper formulation balance may create suboptimal germination conditions.

[0131] The comprehensive treatment approach optimized both seedling establishment and early development. The combination of 100% emergence with improved root volume and length measurements demonstrated that the zinc-fenclorim composition plus adjuvant formulations provided reliable establishment and enhanced early vigor without compromising germination success.

[0132] The greenhouse results demonstrated that the zinc-fenclorim composition, particularly when combined with adjuvant systems, achieved measurable improvements in early seedling development parameters under controlled conditions. The root development enhancements observed in the greenhouse trials providedAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT mechanistic support for the field trial observations of enhanced zinc uptake and improved plant performance under flooded conditions.

[0133] The comprehensive treatment approach incorporating zinc, fenclorim, and adjuvant components produced the most consistent performance across multiple growth parameters, achieving high emergence rates while maximizing root system development and overall seedling vigor. These greenhouse results supported the field trial findings that demonstrated 8-10% increases in plant tissue zinc concentrations and reductions in aluminum accumulation when the zinc-fenclorim composition treatments were applied under flooded rice production conditions.Greenhouse Results- Fresh Weight and Biomass

[0134] Fresh weight measurements from the greenhouse trials are represented by Figures 4 and 9 and provide additional confirmation of treatment effects on overall seedling biomass accumulation. The fresh weight data indicated that all enhanced treatments provided substantial biomass advantages compared to the base treatment, with the greatest benefits observed for treatments incorporating nutritional adjuvants or comprehensive component combinations.

[0135] The Trial 1 greenhouse experiment utilizing 1 gram of rice per pot provided fresh weight data under controlled experimental conditions. Results are shown in Figure 4. The zinc-fenclorim composition treatment achieved fresh weight of 4701.25 mg, representing the highest numerical performance among the three treatments evaluated. The zinc-only treatment produced fresh weight of 4684.33 mg, while the fenclorim- only treatment resulted in fresh weight of 4638.5 mg.

[0136] The fresh weight differences between treatments in the Trial 1 experiment ranged from approximately 63 mg between the highest and lowest performing formulations. The zinc-fenclorim composition treatment demonstrated numerical superiority over both the zinc-only and fenclorim-only approaches, with the zinc-only treatment achieving intermediate performance between the combination treatment and the fenclorim-only approach.

[0137] Statistical analysis of the Trial 1 fresh weight data revealed that the observed differences between treatments were not statistically different, with ANOVA analysis producing a p-value of 0.813. The lack of statistical difference indicated that while the zinc-fenclorim composition treatment showed numerical advantages, the magnitude ofAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT improvement fell within the range of experimental variation under the specific greenhouse conditions and experimental design employed.

[0138] The Trial 1 results suggested that the benefits of the zinc-fenclorim combination may be more pronounced under field conditions or specific stress environments compared to the controlled greenhouse conditions utilized in that experiment. The numerical trends observed in the Trial 1 data were consistent with the more pronounced effects documented in the Trial 2 greenhouse trials and field experiments, where environmental stresses and flooded conditions may have enhanced the expression of treatment benefits.

[0139] The Trial 2 greenhouse fresh weight measurements demonstrated quantitative differences in seedling biomass accumulation across the various seed treatment formulations at 14 days after planting. As demonstrated in Figure 9, the base treatment plus phosphorus adjuvant achieved the highest fresh weight performance at 223.67 mg, representing an 85% increase compared to the base treatment alone, which produced fresh weight of 121.14 mg. The comprehensive treatment combining IFR base with the zinc-fenclorim composition, film-forming biostimulant, and phosphorus adjuvant resulted in fresh weight of 206.14 mg, demonstrating substantial biomass enhancement over the base treatment while achieving slightly lower performance than the phosphorus adjuvant-only approach.

[0140] The zinc-fenclorim composition treatment without phosphorus adjuvant produced fresh weight of 184.80 mg, indicating that the addition of the phosphorus efficiency adjuvant provided measurable biomass benefits when combined with the zinc-fenclorim composition. The zinc-only treatment plus IFR base achieved fresh weight of 203.25 mg, while the fenclorim-only treatment resulted in fresh weight of 206.75 mg. Both individual component treatments exceeded the performance of the IFR base treatment alone while producing similar biomass levels to each other.

[0141] The fresh weight data indicated that all enhanced seed treatment formulations provided substantial advantages over the IFR base treatment, with improvements ranging from 52% to 85% depending on the specific component combination. The phosphorus adjuvant appeared to provide particular benefits for biomass accumulation when included in the treatment formulations, whether applied alone or in combination with the zinc-fenclorim composition.Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT

[0142] The combined greenhouse fresh weight data from both experimental trials demonstrated that the zinc-fenclorim compositions consistently achieved numerical improvements in seedling biomass accumulation compared to individual component treatments. The biomass enhancements observed in greenhouse conditions provided supporting evidence for the field trial results, which documented 8% to 10% increases in plant tissue zinc concentrations and reductions in aluminum accumulation under flooded production conditions.

[0143] The fresh weight measurements complemented the root development and emergence data by providing an integrated assessment of overall seedling vigor and growth performance. The biomass accumulation benefits observed across multiple greenhouse experiments supported the field observations of enhanced nutrient uptake and improved plant performance when the zinc-fenclorim composition was applied in seed treatment formulations.Analysis and Interpretation of the Results

[0144] The data establish that the zinc-fenclorim seed treatment composition yields results that are greater than the predictable sum of its parts and, therefore, evidences a synergistic technical effect. Specifically, under matched on-seed elemental zinc delivery and total liquid loads across treatments, whole-plant tissue zinc in both conventional and hybrid rice consistently exceeded all comparators only when zinc was co-formulated with fenclorim in the zinc-fenclorim composition, whereas zinc alone, safener-free base packages, or phosphorus-efficiency adjuvant alone did not produce comparable outcomes. In particular, at approximately two weeks after flood, the zinc- fenclorim composition achieved 36.0-36.5 ppm Zn, reflecting an 8.1-9.6% increase over the untreated control baseline of 33.3 ppm; by contrast, the IFR base without zinc measured 32.0 ppm (-3.9% vs. control), and the IFR + zinc measured 32.8 ppm (-1.5% vs. control), while IFR + phosphorus adjuvant alone yielded 33.8 ppm (+1.5% vs. control), thereby demonstrating that zinc alone in fact underperforms the untreated baseline, and phosphorus-efficiency enhancement does not account for the magnitude and consistency of the zinc assimilation achieved by the zinc-fenclorim combination under otherwise identical seed-treatment loads and carriers.

[0145] Independent quantitative analyses of whole-plant tissue confirmed that the zinc- fenclorim composition treatment consistently reduced mean plant tissue aluminumAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT compared to untreated controls, zinc-only treatments, and standard II R base treatments, a technical effect not achieved by any other comparative treatment. As documented in Table 2 and illustrated in Figure 3, the zinc-fenclorim composition treatment lowered whole-plant aluminum concentrations to 207.5 ppm, compared to 229 ppm for the untreated control, evidencing a reduction of approximately 9.4% under uniform flooded conditions and matched total on-seed liquid load. Notably, the IFR base treatment yielded elevated aluminum levels (267.75 ppm), surpassing both the untreated control and the fenclorim-containing treatment, while the zinc-only approach resulted in aluminum concentrations of 238.75 ppm, higher than both the untreated control and the zinc-fenclorim composition treatment. Thus, the aluminum reduction associated with the zinc-fenclorim composition seed treatment is not merely an attribute of enhanced overall plant vigor or generic base treatment, but is specifically attributable to the inclusion of fenclorim within the composition. When compared against zinc-only treatment, the zinc-fenclorim composition achieved an approximate 13.1% reduction in aluminum accumulation, establishing that the synergistic combination of zinc and fenclorim confers an advantage over zinc supplementation alone. This effect is not replicated by phosphorus-efficiency adjuvants (e.g., Nutricharge) or by addition of film-forming biostimulant biopolymers (e.g., KAN EGV), which, when included with the zinc-fenclorim composition, produced aluminum concentrations (225.3 ppm) intermediate between the combination treatment and the controls, further confirming that the primary aluminum mitigation benefit is conferred by the zinc-fenclorim interaction.

[0146] Comprehensive tissue macronutrient analysis demonstrated that the zinc- fenclorim compositions delivered enhanced zinc uptake and reduced aluminum accumulation without inducing any deleterious effects on plant nutritional balance or seedling vigor. As set forth in Table 3, nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), and phosphorus (P) concentrations in whole-plant tissues remained within established agronomic norms for rice, regardless of treatment group. Specifically, nitrogen concentrations spanned from 3.725% to 3.993% among all entry treatments, with the IFR plus zinc-fenclorim composition treatment yielding 3.725% nitrogen and the IFR plus zinc-fenclorim composition plus phosphorus adjuvant combination achieving 3.993% nitrogen, the highest observed among all entries. Sulfur concentrations were tightly grouped (0.265% to 0.280%), with the zinc-fenclorim composition registering 0.280% sulfurAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT and the phosphorus adjuvant-inclusive combination 0.270% sulfur, reaffirming that observed differences in nitrogen were not paralleled by shifts in sulfur that might destabilize metabolic ratios.

[0147] Critically, nitrogen-to- sulfur (N:S) ratios, which are a key physiological indicator of protein synthesis and overall macronutrient metabolism in flooded rice, ranged from 13.3 to 14.79, comfortably within the target early-season agronomic band of 12-15. The IFR plus zinc-fenclorim composition produced an N:S ratio of 13.3, and addition of a phosphorus adjuvant shifted the ratio to 14.79, both supporting robust metabolic performance and confirming the absence of imbalances attributable to the seed treatment compositions. Phosphorus concentrations showed minor but consistent elevation in the zinc-fenclorim composition treatments (0.383% phosphorus for the zinc-fenclorim composition alone, 0.378% for the zinc-fenclorim composition plus phosphorus adjuvant), exceeding both untreated control and most other entries. These data imply that the enhanced zinc and aluminum outcomes achieved by the zinc- fenclorim compositions occur in concert with, rather than at the expense of, fundamental plant nutrition, metabolism, and physiological function.

[0148] The control treatment containing IFR base plus phosphorus adjuvant, but lacking zinc supplementation, produced a tissue zinc concentration of just 33.8 ppm (a modest increase of 1.5% over the untreated baseline), clearly distinguishing the unique performance of the zinc-fenclorim compositions over phosphorus efficiency enhancement alone. This further supports the conclusion that the elevation in zinc uptake, and the attendant reduction in aluminum uptake, are synergetic and specifically linked to the combined presence of zinc and fenclorim, and not to base treatment nutrients, adjuvants, or generic improvements in phosphorus efficiency. The integrity of the macronutrient profiles, observed at 78 days after emergence, underscores the compatibility of the zinc-fenclorim seed treatment composition with physiological requirements during the critical period of rapid vegetative establishment.

[0149] The disclosed zinc-fenclorim seed-applied composition resolves operational and timing limitations of conventional zinc programs in flooded rice by positioning zinc at the seed surface to ensure availability from imbibition through early establishment, irrespective of post-planting environmental variability. Soil-applied zinc precipitates and becomes immobile after flood, while foliar zinc requires narrowAttorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT weather windows and increases operational complexity; the on-seed approach obviates these constraints and targets the immediate root zone for efficient uptake.

[0150] Conventional safener uses focus on herbicide tolerance and do not address concurrent micronutrient deficiency. In contrast, the zinc-fenclorim formulation disclosed herein provides dual functionality by mitigating early-season herbicide stress while improving zinc nutrition, thereby eliminating separate applications and delivering superior performance versus either component alone. Empirical data further show that the zinc-fenclorim compositoin uniquely lowers plant tissue aluminum under flooded conditions, addressing an under-recognized constraint on root development and nutrient uptake in acidic or reduced soils; fenclorim provides aluminum mitigation while zinc supports root function and detoxification demands.

[0151] The zinc-fenclorim compositions described herein are operationally compatible with standard seed-treatment infrastructure and pesticide packages, maintaining seed flowability and enabling use in commercial drum coaters at typical total liquid loads. Enhanced uptake efficiency reduces zinc application requirements relative to broadcast programs, lowering cost and environmental loading, while targeted on-seed delivery minimizes off-site movement and soil accumulation. Early-season vigor and root system improvements support greater stress tolerance (e.g., drought, compaction) and competitive ability, with particular benefits on aluminum-affected sites.

[0152] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCTCLAIMS1. A seed treatment composition for cereal seed, comprising: a zinc source selected from zinc oxide, chelated zinc, or combinations thereof; and fenclorim; wherein the composition is formulated as a ready-to-use slurry configured for on-seed application to deliver about 3-5 dry oz / cwt of elemental zinc and about 2-5 dry oz / cwt of fenclorim.

2. The seed treatment composition of claim 1, wherein the zinc source comprises zinc oxide and EDTA-chelated zinc.

3. The seed treatment composition of claim 2, wherein the zinc oxide is present at about 5% to about 35% by weight and the EDTA-chelated zinc is present at about 0.5% to about 10% by weight.

4. The seed treatment composition of claim 1, wherein the composition delivers about 4 dry oz / cwt of elemental zinc and about 4 dry oz / cwt of fenclorim.

5. The seed treatment composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises about 1.5 to about 2.5 pounds of elemental zinc per gallon and fenclorim as a dispersion comprising about 30% to about 50% fenclorim by weight.

6. The seed treatment composition of claim 5, wherein the composition is applied at about 16- 20 oz / cwt of seed to deliver about 3-5 oz / cwt elemental zinc and about 2-5 oz / cwt fenclorim on seed.

7. The seed treatment composition of claim 1, further comprising an aqueous carrier system comprising water present at about 30% to about 70% by weight.Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT8. The seed treatment composition of claim 7, further comprising a film-forming biostimulant polymer selected from polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, or vinyl acetate copolymers present at about 0.1% to about 10% by weight.

9. The seed treatment composition of claim 1, further comprising a phosphorus efficiency adjuvant comprising polyamino carboxylate polymers present at about 0.5 to about 6.0 fluid oz / cwt.

10. The seed treatment composition of claim 9, wherein the phosphorus efficiency adjuvant is present at about 4.0 fluid oz / cwt.

11. A method of treating cereal seed, comprising: applying to the seed prior to planting a composition comprising a zinc source and fenclorim at on-seed doses effective to deliver about 3-5 dry oz / cwt of elemental zinc and about 2-5 dry oz / cwt of fenclorim; and planting the treated seed in flooded culture; wherein the method results in elevated plant tissue zinc and reduced whole-plant aluminum relative to a zinc-only comparator at the same zinc dose.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the composition is applied at about 18.0 fluid oz / cwt of rice seed.

13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the zinc source comprises zinc oxide and EDTA-chelated zinc.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the composition delivers about 4 dry oz / cwt of elemental zinc and about 4 dry oz / cwt of fenclorim.Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT15. The method of claim 11, wherein the method further results in reduced plant tissue aluminum measured at about 10-20 days after flood compared with rice seed treated with a zinc-only composition at the same zinc dose.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the plant tissue aluminum is reduced by at least about 5% compared to the zinc-only composition.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the treated seed is planted into a production field receiving a Group 15 herbicide selected from acetochlor, S-metolachlor, pretilachlor, or pyroxasulfone.

18. A seed treatment composition for cereal seed comprising: a zinc source; and fenclorim; wherein the composition is configured for on-seed application as a liquid slurry such that, when applied to rice seed, the composition delivers an on-seed zinc dose effective to increase early-season whole-plant tissue zinc relative to a zinc -only composition at the same zinc dose, and concurrently reduces whole-plant aluminum relative to a zinc -only composition at the same zinc dose, without inducing macronutrient imbalance as indicated by an early-season nitrogen-to-sulfur ratio within agronomic norms for rice.

19. The composition of claim 18, wherein the zinc source comprises zinc oxide, EDTA- chelated zinc, zinc sulfate, or any combination thereof.

20. The composition of claim 18, wherein fenclorim is present as a dispersed concentrate in an aqueous carrier with one or more of: polymeric film-formers, dispersants, humectants, colorants, anti-foam agents, suspension aids, or preservatives.Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT21. The composition of claim 18, wherein the composition is applied at about 16-20 fl oz / cwt to deliver about 3-5 oz / cwt elemental zinc and about 2-5 oz / cwt fenclorim on seed.

22. The composition of claim 18, wherein, at about 10-20 days after flood initiation, whole-plant tissue zinc is at least about 5% higher and whole-plant aluminum is at least about 5% lower than in plants grown from seed treated with a zinc-only composition at the same on-seed zinc dose and liquid load.

23. fhe composition of claim 18, wherein the nitrogen-to-sulfur ratio at the same early-season sampling interval is between about 12 and about 16.

24. The composition of claim 18, further comprising a phosphorus-efficiency adjuvant comprising polyamino carboxylate polymers included at about 0.5-6.0 fl oz / cwt.

25. The composition of claim 18, further comprising a chitosan-based additive included at about 0.25-2.0 fl oz / cwt to enhance film formation and seedling vigor.

26. The composition of claim 18, wherein the composition is compatible with industry seed-treatment base packages including fungicides, insecticides, plant growth regulators, and colorants at a total liquid load of about 25-40 fl oz / cwt.

27. The composition of claim 18, wherein the composition maintains seed flowability and uniform on-seed assay across seed lots as verified by mass balance during coating.

28. The composition of claim 18, wherein the cereal seed is rice selected from long-, medium-, or short-grain cultivars, including hybrids.

29. The composition of claim 18, wherein whole-plant phosphorus in tissue is greater than the untreated baseline at the same early-season interval.Attorney Docket No.: 1171 / 22 PCT30. The composition of claim 18, wherein early-season root system metrics selected from root volume and root length are improved relative to zinc-only and base-only comparators.

31. The composition of claim 18, wherein the composition is supplied as a ready -to-use slurry or concentrate that is diluted on-site to treatment viscosity and applied by batch or continuous drum coaters.

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