Method for optimizing seeds

Description

2 be generally understood by the specialist in the technical field of the invention. For a better assessment of the description of the invention, the following terms are explicitly explained. “A”, “the” and “the” in this document refer to both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly implies otherwise. For example, “a segment” means one or more than a segment. The terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “consist of”, “consisting of”, “provided with”, “contain”, “containing”, “encompass”, “encompassing”, “content”, “containing” are synonyms and are inclusive or open terms that indicate the presence of what follows, and that do not exclude or prevent the presence of other components, features, elements, members, steps, known from or described in the standard of technology. 15 Citing numerical intervals through the endpoints includes all integers, fractions and / or real numbers between the endpoints, including these endpoints. The term "protein hydrolysate" refers to a product that is obtained byto break down protein-rich material via hydrolysis, whereby larger molecules are converted into smaller ones. The term "animal protein hydrolysate" in the present invention refers to a protein hydrolysate derived from animal proteins, such as those derived from poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs, domestic animals, birds, fur animals, fish, insects, crustaceans and shellfish, or animal species such as deer or camels. The term "thermal hydrolysis" refers to a method of breaking down chemical compounds using heat. The term "enzymatic hydrolysis" refers to a process in which enzymes are used to break down chemical compounds, resulting in the formation of a hydrolysate. The term "peptides" in the present invention refers to the short chains of amino acids formed by the splitting of proteins during the hydrolysis process. BE2024 / 5940 3 The term "molecular mass" in the present invention refers to the mass of a molecule, expressed in Daltons (Da). The molecular mass of peptides ismeasured using techniques such as gel permeation chromatography (GPC) or mass spectrometry, preferably according to a standardised method such as ISO 10927:2018 for the determination of the molecular mass of polymers.5 The term "wt.%" or "weight percent" in the present invention refers to the weight percentage of a specific component relative to the total weight of the peptides in the protein hydrolysate. This percentage is calculated by dividing the mass of the relevant peptides by the total mass of all peptides10 and then multiplying by 100. The term "inoculum" in the present invention refers to a material containing bacteria that is used to inoculate a substrate (such as agricultural soil). This inoculum may comprise nitrogen-fixing bacteria15 which live in symbiosis with plant roots and promote nitrogen fixation. The term "seed treatment" in the present invention refers to bringing a protein hydrolysate into contact with the seed surface, for example byby means of a coating, or by the simultaneous contact of seeds and protein hydrolysate during the sowing process. In a first aspect, the invention concerns a method for optimizing seeds. Seed optimization refers to actions performed on the seeds or during the seed phase of the crops. In an implementation form, the invention concerns a method for optimizing seeds with a protein hydrolysate. In this case, the method involves the sequential, separate, or simultaneous application of a protein hydrolysate to the seeds. Here, the protein hydrolysate is applied to the soil prior to sowing the seeds, simultaneously with sowing the seeds, or after sowing the seeds. The simultaneous application may comprise a seed treatment, whereby the seeds are treated with the protein hydrolysate prior to sowing; or the simultaneous application may comprise the simultaneous application of the seeds and the protein hydrolysate to the soil. BE2024 / 5940 4 In an application form, the protein hydrolysate may be added to a fertilizeror a soil conditioner be applied to the soil prior to sowing the seeds. In this case, the hydrolysate may be applied to the soil up to a maximum of 30 days before sowing the seeds, preferably a maximum of 14 days. 5 The protein hydrolysate of the present invention may be of animal, microbial or plant origin. This origin may contribute to the biodegradability and environmental compatibility of the protein hydrolysate. These advantages make the hydrolysate particularly suitable for sustainable agricultural practices. 10 In a specific implementation form, the method comprises the sequential, separate or simultaneous application of the seeds and a protein hydrolysate to the soil, where the protein hydrolysate is an animal hydrolysate. Examples of animal protein hydrolysates are protein hydrolysates derived from poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs, pets, birds, fur-bearing animals, fish, insects, crustaceans and shellfish, or animal species such as deer or camels. The protein hydrolysate may also be derived from animal slaughter waste, such asoffal from poultry, pigs, cattle, fish, sheep, blood, offal, 20 skins, feathers, hooves, heads, or other waste material that is not suitable for human consumption. In a preferred form, the protein hydrolysate is derived from animal offal, such as blood, skins, offal, feathers, legs, and bones, preferably blood. 25 In an execution form, the protein hydrolysate is derived from animal blood. In an execution form, the protein hydrolysate is derived from poultry offal, such as blood, skins, offal, feathers, legs, and / or bones of chickens, ducks, or turkeys. 30 In an execution form, the protein hydrolysate is derived from poultry blood. In a formulation, the seeds are optimized with protein hydrolysate in an amount between 0.01 and 100 µL per seed, preferably between 0.1 and 10035 µL per seed, even more preferably between 0.1 and 75 µL per seed, more preferably between 0.1 and 50 µL per seed, even more preferably between 0.1 and 25 µL per seed, even more preferably between 0.1 and 20 µL per seed, and most preferably between 0.1 BE2024 / 5940 5and 10µL per seed. Preferably, the protein hydrolysate has a dry matter content between 10 and 20 wt.%, preferably between 12 and 18 wt.%. In a formulation, the seeds are optimized with protein hydrolysate in an amount between 0.01 and 15 g dry matter per seed, preferably between 0.015 and 10 g dry matter per seed, even more preferably between 0.01 and 1 g dry matter per seed, even more preferably between 0.1 and 1 g dry matter per seed, even more preferably between 0.1 and 0.5 g dry matter per seed. When sowing plants, farmers can treat seeds with the protein hydrolysate. The use of this protein hydrolysate in the process ensures that the seeds get an optimal start, which results in stronger root growth and better resistance to stress in the early growth phase. It has been shown that the protein hydrolysate stimulates the early formation of nitrogen root nodules, which is beneficial for effective nitrogen fixation during the growing season, and which further results in increased above-ground plant mass. Seed coating is a specific method.of seed treatment in which a visible, often thicker layer is applied around the seed. The protein hydrolysate can also be combined with liquid fertilizers and applied directly around the seeds during sowing. In this way, the protein hydrolysate provides a combination of immediately available nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium, along with other benefits for the young plants. This approach ensures that the seedlings have sufficient nutrients and protection from the start, maximizing growth opportunities, especially in soils where nutrient availability is limited. The protein hydrolysate can also be used to improve soil quality prior to sowing. By adding the protein hydrolysate to the soil, the seeds sown later get an optimal start, resulting in stronger root growth and better resistance to stress in the early growth phase. It has been shown that the protein hydrolysate the early formation of nitrogen root nodulesstimulates, which is beneficial for effective nitrogen fixation during the growing season, and which further results in increased above-ground plant mass. 35 In one execution form, the method comprises the step of treating the seeds with the protein hydrolysate. The seed treatment may include a seed coating, a BE2024 / 5940 6 immersion of the seeds, a mist treatment, a slurry treatment, or a vacuum filtration. In one execution form, the seeds are coated with the protein hydrolysate. When coating seeds, the protein hydrolysate or a solution thereof with a binder can be used to apply to the seed. The hydrolysate can be added to the seeds in a drum mixer. While the seeds rotate, a thin layer of liquid is applied evenly, optionally in combination with powders such as clay or minerals, which adhere to the liquid. 10 In a specific form, the seeds are treated with the protein hydrolysate by means of immersion. In immersion, the seeds are immersed in the protein hydrolysate for a specified period. After immersion, the seeds aredried before they are sown. 15 In one application form, the seeds are treated with the protein hydrolysate by means of a mist treatment. In a mist treatment, seeds are treated by misting them with the protein hydrolysate or a solution thereof. The seeds are placed in a rotating drum or a special machine, while a fine mist of the liquid is sprayed over the seeds. This ensures an even treatment20 without the seeds getting wet. In a single application form, the seeds are treated with the protein hydrolysate by means of a slurry treatment. In a slurry treatment, the seeds are dipped into a thick liquid suspension (slurry) or passed through it containing the protein hydrolysate or a solution thereof. This method provides good adhesion and ensures that the seed is well covered. After application of the slurry, the seeds can be dried to ensure that they are easier to handle and do not clump together. 30 In a single application form, the seeds are treated with the protein hydrolysate by means ofvacuum infiltration. During vacuum infiltration, the seeds are placed in the protein hydrolysate or a solution thereof, and subsequently the air is removed from the seeds using a vacuum pump. This allows the protein hydrolysate or a solution thereof to penetrate deep into the seed tissues, which is particularly beneficial for seeds with a hard shell. After the vacuum, the pressure is normalized again, whereby the protein hydrolysate or a solution thereof is effectively drawn into the seed. BE2024 / 5940 7 In one form of execution, the method comprises the separate, sequential or simultaneous application of the protein hydrolysate and the seeds to the soil, whereby an inoculum-enclosing bacterium is also applied separately, sequentially or simultaneously with the sowing of seeds on or in the soil. In this case, the protein hydrolysate is applied to the soil prior to the sowing of the seeds, simultaneously with the sowing of the seeds or after the sowing of the seeds, and an inoculum-enclosing bacterium can also be applied to the soil prior to the sowing of the seeds,simultaneously with the sowing of the seeds or after the sowing of the seeds. The inoculum may contain bacteria as in the forms described above. 10 The bacteria are preferably nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and even more preferably symbiotic or associative nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria can be chosen from: Rhizobium spp., Bradyrhizobium spp., Sinorhizobium spp., Mesorhizobium spp., Azorhizobium spp. 15 Frankiaspp. (actinorhiza), Allorhizobium spp., Neorhizobium spp., preferably chosen fromRhizobiumleguminosarum,Rhizobiumphaseoli,Rhizobiumtrifolii,Rhizobiumetli,Rhizobiumgalegae,Bradyrhizobiumjaponicum,Bradyrhizobiumelkanii,Bradyrhizobiumliaoningense,Bradyrhizobiumyuanmingense,Sinorhizobiummeliloti, Sinorhizobiumfredii,Sinorhizobiumsaheli,Mesorhizobiumloti,Mesorhizobiumciceri,20 Mesorhizobiummediterraneum,Azorhizobiumcaulinodans,Azorhizobium doebereinerae,Frankiaalni,Frankiacasuarinae,Frankiadiscariae,Frankiacoriariae, Allorhizobiumundicola,Neorhizobiumgalegae.The associative nitrogen-fixing bacteria can be selected from: Azospirillumspp., Herbaspirillumspp., Gluconacetobacterspp., Azoarcusspp., Burkholderiaspp., Enterobacterspp., Klebsiellaspp., Pseudomonasspp., preferably selected from Azospirillumbrasilense, Azospirillumlipoferum, Azospirillumamazonense, Azospirillum halopraeferens, Herbaspirillumseropedicae, Herbaspirillumfrisingense, Herbaspirillum30 rubrisubalbicans, Gluconacetobacterdiazotrophicus, Gluconacetobacterjohannae, Azoarcusindigens, Azoarcuscommunis, Azoarcusolearius, Burkholderiavietnamiensis, Burkholderiakururiensis, Burkholderiatropica, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter asburiae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Pseudomonas fluorescens.35 In a preferred form, an inoculum-enclosing symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria is used in the method. Virtually all symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria BE2024 / 5940 8 work with plants that form nitrogen root nodules. The root nodulesare formed under the influence of nitrogen-fixing bacteria from, among others, the genera Rhizobium spp., Bradyrhizobium spp., Sinorhizobium spp., Mesorhizobium spp., Azorhizobium spp., Frankias pp. (Actinorhiza), Allorhizobium spp., and Neorhizobium spp., which live in these nodules in mutualistic symbiosis with the plant; the bacteria receive sugar from the plant. With the help of nitrogenase, they fix nitrogen (N2) from the air into ammonia (NH3) for these plants. The ammonia formed is further converted by other species of free-living soil bacteria, via so-called nitrification, into the nitrogen compound nitrate, which the plant, dissolved in soil moisture, can absorb through its roots. The nitrogen-fixing bacteria derive their energy from glucose that the plant assimilates during photosynthesis. In one implementation form, the method comprises the step of sequentially, separately, or simultaneously administering an inoculum-encompassing symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria selected from Rhizobium spp., Bradyrhizobium spp., Sinorhizobium spp.,Mesorhizobium spp., Azorhizobium spp. Frankias pp. (actinorhiza), Allorhizobium spp., Neorhizobium spp., preferably chosen from Rhizobium spp., Bradyrhizobium spp., or a combination thereof, and most preferably Bradyrhizobium spp..20 In another or further form of execution, the method comprises the step of sequentially, separately or simultaneously administering an inoculum-encompassing symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria chosen from Rhizobium leguminosarum, Rhizobium phaseoli, Rhizobium trifolii, Rhizobium etli, Rhizobium galegae,25 Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bradyrhizobium iaumelkanii, Bradyrhizobium liaoningense, Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense, or a combination thereof. In another or further form of execution, the procedure comprises the step of sequentially, separately or simultaneously administering an inoculum-enclosing30 symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria selected from Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bradyrhizobium Åmelkanii, Bradyrhizobium liaoningense, Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense, or a combination thereof. In a preferred form, the protein becomes hydrolysate, if an inoculum-enclosing35symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria is administered simultaneously, in an amount of maximum 0.3 µL / seed, preferably even maximum 0.2 µL / seed BE2024 / 5940 9 administered. Preferably, the protein hydrolysate has a dry matter content between 10 and 20 wt.%, preferably between 12 and 18 wt.%. In one form, the seeds that are optimized are seeds derived from plants or crops that can have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria5. Preferably selected from Actinohiza plants and legumes. Actinohiza plants are a group of angiosperms characterized by their ability to form a symbiotic relationship with the nitrogen-fixing bacterium Frankia. Leguminous plants include plants from the families Coriariaceae,10 Datiscaceae, Betulaceae, Casuarinaceae, Myricaceae, Elaeagnaceae, Rhamnaceae, Rosaceae. Legumes include plants from the families Fabaceae,15Winged flower family (Polygalaceae), Quillajaceae tree family (Quillajaceae), Surianaceae. In one form, the seeds being optimized are seeds of plants or crops that form nitrogen root nodules. Preferably, the seeds being optimized are seeds of plants or crops chosen from the legume family (Fabaceae), Coriaria family (Coriariaceae), Datiscaceae, Birch family (Betulaceae), Casuarinaceae, Bog myrtle family (Myricaceae), Sea buckthorn family (Elaeagnaceae), Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae), and Rose family (Rosaceae). Specifically, plants or crops can be chosen from the genera: Coriaria, Datisca, Alnus, Allocasuarina, Casuarina, Ceuthostoma, Gymnostoma, Comptonia, Myrica, Elaeagnus, Hippophae, Shepherdia, Adolphia, Colletia, Discaria, Kentrothamnus, Retanilla,Talguenea,Trevoa,Ochetophila,Ceanothus,Cercocarpus,Chamaebatia,30 Cowania,Dryas,Purshia,Caesalpinia,Cercis,Detarium,Dialium,Duparquetia, Faboideae,Polygala,Dakotanthus,Quillaja,Suriana.,preferably Coriaria,Datisca,Alnus,Allocasuarina,Casuarina,Ceuthostoma,Gymnostoma,Comptonia,Myrica,Elaeagnus,Hippophae,Shepherdia,Colletia,Discaria,Ceanothus,Cercocarpus,Cowania,Purshia,Caesalpinia,Cercis,Detarium,Dialium,Duparquetia,Abrus,35 Acmispon,Acosmium,Adenocarpus,Adenodolichos,Adesmia,Aenictophyton,Aeschynomene,Afgekia,Aganope,Airyantha,Aldina,Alexa,Alhagi,Alistilus,Almaleea, Alysicarpus, Amburana, Amicia, Ammodendron, Ammopiptanthus, Ammothamnus, BE2024 / 5940 10 Amphiodon, Amorpha, Amphicarpaea, Amphimus, Amphithalea, Anagyris, Anthopetitia, Aotus, Aphyllodium, Apios, Apoplanesia, Apurimacia, Arachis, Argyrocytisus, Argyrolobium, Arthroclianthus, Aspalathus, Astragalus, Ateleia, Austrocallerya, Austrodolichos, Austrosteenisia, Baphia, Baphiastrum, Baphiopsis, 5 Baptisia, Barbieria, Behaimia, Bionia, Bituminaria, Bobgunnia, Bocoa, Bolusafra, Bolusanthus, Bolusia, Bossiaea, Bowdichia, Bowringia, Brongniartia, Brya, Bryaspis,Burkilliodendron,Butea,Cadia,Cajanus,Calia,Calicotome,Callerya,Callistachys, Calobota,Calophaca,Calopogonium,Calpurnia,Camoensia,Camptosema, Campylotropis,Canavalia,Candolleodendron,Caragana,Carmichaelia,Carrissoa,10 Cascaronia,Castanospermum,Centrolobium,Centrosema,Chadsia,Chaetocalyx, Chamaecytisus,Chapmannia,Chesneya,Chorizema,Christia,Cicer,Cladrastis, Clathrotropis,Cleobulia,Clianthus,Clitoria,Clitoriopsis,Cochlianthus,Cochliasanthus, Codariocalyx,Collaea,Cologania,Colutea,Condylostylis,Cordyla,Coronilla,Coursetia, Craibia,Cranocarpus,Craspedolobium,Cratylia,Cristonia,Crotalaria,Cruddasia,Cullen,15 Cyamopsis,Cyathostegia,Cyclocarpa,Cyclolobium,Cyclopia,Cymbosema, Cytisophyllum,Cytisopsis,Cytisus,Dahlstedtia,Dalbergia,Dalbergiella,Dalea, Dalhousiea,Daprainia,Daviesia,Decorsea,Dendrolobium,Derris,Dermatophyllum, Desmodiastrum,Desmodium,Dewevrea,Dichilus,Dicraeopetalum,Dillwynia,Dioclea, Diphyllarium,Diphysa,Diplotropis,Dipogon,Dipteryx,Discolobium,Disynstemon,20Dolichopsis, Dolichos, Dorycnium, Droogmansia, Dumasia, Dunbaria, Dussia, Dysolobium, Ebenus, Echinospartum, Eleiotis, Eminia, Endosamara, Eremosparton, Erichsenia, Erinacea, Eriosema, Errazurizia, Erythrina, Etaballia, Euchilopsis, Euchlora, Euchresta, Eutaxia, Eversmannia, Exostyles, Eysenhardtia, Ezoloba, Fairchildia, Fiebrigiella, Fissicalyx, Flemingia, Fordia, Galactia, Galega, Gastrolobium, Geissaspis, 25 Genista, Genistidium, Geoffroea, Gliricidia, Glycine, Glycyrrhiza, Gompholobium, Gonocytisus, Goodia, Grazielodendron, Guianodendron, Gueldenstaedtia, Halimodendron, Hammatolobium, Haplormosia, Hardenbergia, Harleyodendron, Harpalyce, Hebestigma, Hedysarum, Helicotropis, Herpyza, Hesperolaburnum, Hippocrepis, Hoita, Holocalyx, Hosackia, Hovea, Huangtcia, Humularia, Hymenocarpos, 30 Hymenolobium, Hypocalyptus, Indigastrum, Indigofera, Inocarpus, Isotropis, Jacksonia, Kanburia, Kennedyia, Kotschya, Kummerowia, Lablab, Laburnocytisus, Laburnum, Lackeya, Ladeania, Lamprolobium, Lathyrus, Latrobea, Lebeckia, Lecointea,Lembotropis,Lennea,Lens,Leobordea,Leptoderris,Leptodesmia,Leptolobium, Leptosema,Leptospron,Lespedeza,Lessertia,Leucomphalos,Limadendron,Liparia,35 Listia,Lonchocarpus,Lotononis,Lotus,Luetzelburgia,Lupinus,Luzonia,Maackia, Machaerium,Macropsychanthus,Macroptilium,Macrotyloma,Maraniona, Margaritolobium,Marina,Mastersia,Mecopus,Medicago,Melilotus,Melliniella, BE2024 / 5940 11 Melolobium,Microcharis,Mildbraediodendron,Millettia,Mirbelia,Monopteryx,Mucuna, Muellera,Muelleranthus,Mundulea,Myrocarpus,Myrospermum,Mysanthus,Nanhaia, Neocollettia,Neoharmsia,Neonotonia,Neorautanenia,Neorudolphia,Nephrodesmus, Nesphostylis,Nissolia,Nogra,Oberholzeria,Olneya,Onobrychis,Ononis,Ophrestia, Orbexilum,Oreophysa,Ormocarpopsis,Ormocarpum,Ormosia,Orphanodendron,5 Ornithopus,Oryxis,Ostryocarpus,Otholobium,Otoptera,Ottleya,Oxylobium, Oxyrhynchus,Oxytropis,Pachyrhizus,Padbruggea,Panurea,Paracalyx,Paragoodia, Paramachaerium,Parochetus,Parryella,Pearsonia,Pediomelum,Pedleya,Periandra,Pericopsis, Petaladenium, Peteria, Petteria, Phaseolus, Phylacium, Phyllodium, Phyllota, Phylloxylon, Physostigma, Pickeringia, Pictetia, Piptanthus, Piscidia, Pisum,10 Plagiocarpus, Platycelyphium, Platycyamus, Platylobium, Platymiscium, Platypodium, Platysepalum, Podalyria, Podocytisus, Podolobium, Poecilanthe, Poiretia, Poitea, Polhillia, Polhillides, Pongamiopsis, Pseudarthria, Pseudeminia, Pseudoeriosema, Pseudovigna, Psophocarpus, Psoralea, Psorothamnus, Pterocarpus, Pterodon, Ptycholobium, Ptychosema, Pueraria, Pultenaea, Pullenia, Pycnospora, Pyranthus,15 Rafnia, Ramirezella, Ramorinoa, Retama, Rhodopis, Rhynchosia, Rhynchotropis, Riedeliella, Robinia, Robynsiophyton, Rothia, Rupertia, Sakoanala, Salweenia, Sarcodum, Sartoria, Schefflerodendron, Scorpiourus, Sellocharis, Sesbania, Shuteria, Sigmoidala, Sigmoidotropicis, Sinodolichos, Smirnowia, Smithia, Soemmeringia, Sophora, Spartium, Spathionema, Spatholobus, Sphaerolobium, Sphaerophysa,20 Sphenostylis, Sphinctospermum, Spirotropis, Spongiocarpella, Stauracanthus,Staminodianthus,Steinbachiella,Stirtonanthus,Stonesiella,Streblorrhiza, Strongylodon,Strophostyles,Stylosanthes,Styphnolobium,Swainsona,Swartzia, Sweetia,Sylvichadsia,Syrmatium,Tabaroa,Tadehagi,Taralea,Taverniera, Templetonia,Tephrosia,Teramnus,Teyleria,Thermopsis,Thinicola,Tipuana,25 Trifidacanthus,Trifolium,Trigonella,Tripodion,Trischidium,Uleanthus,Ulex,Uraria, Uribea,Urodon,Vandasina,Vatairea,Vataireopsis,Vatovaea,Vavilovia,Vermifrux, Verdesmum,Vicia,Vigna,Viminaria,Virgilia,Vuralia,Wajira,Weberbauerella, Whitfordiodendron,Wiborgia,Wiborgiella,Wisteria,Wisteriopsis,Xanthocercis, Xiphotheca,Zollernia,Zornia,Zygocarpum.30 Ineenvoorkeursvormzijndezadendiegeoptimaliseerdwordenzadenvanplantenof gewassenuitdevlinderbloemenfamilie(Fabaceae),enmeerspecifiekdeonderfamilie vandeFaboideae,omvattendedegeneravan:Abrus,Acmispon,Acosmium, Adenocarpus,Adenodolichos,Adesmia,Aenictophyton,Aeschynomene,Afgekia,35 Aganope,Airyantha,Aldina,Alexa,Alhagi,Alistilus,Almaleea,Alysicarpus,Amburana,Amicia, Ammodendron, Ammopiptanthus, Ammothamnus, Amphiodon, Amorpha, Amphicarpaea, Amphimus, Amphithalea, Anagyris, Anarthrophyllum, Ancistrotropis, BE2024 / 5 Anthylocalyx, Antheroporum, Anthyllis, Anthopetitia, Aotus, Aphyllodium, Apios, Apoplanesia, Apurimacia, Arachis, Argyrocytisus, Argyrolobium, Arthroclianthus, Aspalathus, Astragalus, Ateleia, Austrocallerya, Austrodolichos, Austrosteenisia, Baphia, Baphiastrum, Baphiopsis, Baptisia, Barbieria, Behaimia, Bionia, Bituminous, Bobgunnia, Bocoa, Bolusafra, Bolusanthus, Bolusia, Bossiaea, Bowdichia, Bowringia, Brongniartia, 5 Brya, Bryaspis, Burkilliodendron, Butea, Cadia, Cajanus, Calia, Calicotome, Callerya, Callistachys, Calobota, Calophaca, Calopogonium, Calpurnia, Camoensis, Camptosema, Campylotropis, Canavalia, Candolleodendron, Caragana, Carmichaelia, Carrissoa, Cascaronia, Chestnutspermum, Centrolobium, Centrosema, Chadsia, Chaetocalyx, Chamaecytisus,Chapmannia,Chesneia,Chorizema,Christia,Cycer,Cladrastis,1Clathrotropis, Cleobulia, Clianthus, Clitoria, Clitoriopsis, Cochlianthus, Cochliasanthus, Codariocalyx, Collaea, Cologania, Colutea, Condylostylis, Cordyla, Coronilla, Coursetia, Craibia, Cranocarpus, Craspedolobium, Cratylia, Cristonia, Crotalaria, Cruddasia, Cullen, Cyamopsis, Cyathostegia, Cyclocarpa, Cyclolobium, Cyclopia, Cymbosema, Cytisophyllum, Cytisopsis, Cytisus, Dahlstedtia, Dalbergia, Dalbergiella, Dalea, 15 Dalhousiea, Daprainia, Daviesia, Decorsea, Dendrolobium, Derris, Dermatophyllum, Desmodiastrum, Desmodium, Dewevrea, Dichylus, Dicraeopetalum, Dillwynia, Dioclea, Diphyllarium, Diphysa, Diplotropis, Dipogon, Dipteryx, Discolobium, Disynstemon, Dolichopsis, Dolichos, Dorycnium, Droogmansia, Dumasia, Dunbaria, Dussia, Dysolobium, Ebenus, Echinospartum, Eleiotis, Eminia, Endosamara, Eremosparton, 20 Erichsenia, Erinacea, Eriosema, Errazurizia, Erythrina, Etaballia, Euchilopsis, Euchlora, Euchresta, Eutaxia, Eversmannia, Exostyles, Eysenhardtia, Ezoloba, Fairchildia, Fiebrigiella, Fissicalyx, Flemingia, Fordia, Galactia, Galega, Gastrolobium, Geissaspis,Genista,Genistidium,Geoffroea,Gliricidia,Glycine,Glycyrrhiza,Gompholobium, Gonocytisus,Goodia,Grazielodendron,Guianodendron,Gueldenstaedtia,25 Halimodendron,Hammatolobium,Haplormosia,Hardenbergia,Harleyodendron, Harpalyce,Hebestigma,Hedysarum,Helicotropis,Herpyza,Hesperolaburnum, Hippocrepis,Hoita,Holocalyx,Hosackia,Hovea,Huangtcia,Humularia,Hymenocarpos, Hymenolobium,Hypocalyptus,Indigastrum,Indigofera,Inocarpus,Isotropis,Jacksonia, Kanburia,Kennedia,Kotschya,Kummerowia,Lablab,Laburnocytisus,Laburnum,30 Lackeya,Ladeania,Lamprolobium,Lathyrus,Latrobea,Lebeckia,Lecointea, Lembotropis,Lennea,Lens,Leobordea,Leptoderris,Leptodesmia,Leptolobium, Leptosema,Leptospron,Lespedeza,Lessertia,Leucomphalos,Limadendron,Liparia, Listia,Lonchocarpus,Lotononis,Lotus,Luetzelburgia,Lupinus,Luzonia,Maackia, Machaerium,Macropsychanthus,Macroptilium,Macrotyloma,Maraniona,35 Margaritolobium,Marina,Mastersia,Mecopus,Medicago,Melilotus,Melliniella,Melolobium, Microcharis, Mildbraediodendron, Millettia, Mirbelia, Monopteryx, Mucuna, Muellera, Muelleranthus, Mundulea, Myrocarpus, Myrospermum, Mysanthus, Nanhaia, BE2024 / 5940 13 Neocollettia, Neoharmsia, Neonotonia, Neorautanenia, Neorudolphia, Nephrodesmus, Nesphostylis, Nissolia, Nogra, Oberholzeria, Olneya, Onobrychis, Ononis, Ophrestia, Orbexilum, Oreophysa, Ormocarpopsis, Ormocarpum, Ormosia, Orphanodendron, Ornithopus, Oryxis, Ostryocarpus, Otholobium, Otoptera, Ottleya, Oxylobium, Oxyrhynchus, Oxytropis, Pachyrhizus, Padbruggea, Panurea, Paracalyx, Paragoodia, 5 Paramachaerium, Parochetus, Parryella, Pearsonia, Pediomelum, Pedleya, Periandra, Pericopsis, Petaladenium, Peteria, Petteria, Phaseolus, Phylacium, Phyllodium, Phyllota, Phylloxylon, Physostigma, Pickeringia, Pictetia, Piptanthus, Piscidia, Pisum, Plagiocarpus, Platycelyphium, Platycyamus, Platylobium, Platymiscium, Platypodium, Platysepalum, Podalyria, Podocytisus, Podolobium, Poecilanthe, Poiretia, Poitea, 10 Polhillia, Polhillides, Pongamiopsis, Pseudarthria, Pseudeminia, Pseudoeriosema,Pseudovigna,Psophocarpus,Psoralea,Psorothamnus,Pterocarpus,Pterodon, Ptycholobium,Ptychosema,Pueraria,Pultenaea,Pullenia,Pycnospora,Pyranthus, Rafnia,Ramirezella,Ramorinoa,Retama,Rhodopis,Rhynchosia,Rhynchotropis, Riedeliella,Robinia,Robynsiophyton,Rothia,Rupertia,Sakoanala,Salweenia,15 Sarcodum,Sartoria,Schefflerodendron,Scorpiurus,Sellocharis,Sesbania,Shuteria, Sigmoidala,Sigmoidotropis,Sinodolichos,Smirnowia,Smithia,Soemmeringia, Sophora,Spartium,Spathionema,Spatholobus,Sphaerolobium,Sphaerophysa, Sphenostylis,Sphinctospermum,Spirotropis,Spongiocarpella,Stauracanthus, Staminodianthus,Steinbachiella,Stirtonanthus,Stonesiella,Streblorrhiza,20 Strongylodon,Strophostyles,Stylosanthes,Styphnolobium,Swainsona,Swartzia, Sweetia,Sylvichadsia,Syrmatium,Tabaroa,Tadehagi,Taralea,Taverniera, Templetonia,Tephrosia,Teramnus,Teyleria,Thermopsis,Thinicola,Tipuana, Trifidacanthus,Trifolium,Trigonella,Tripodion,Trischidium,Uleanthus,Ulex,Uraria,Uribea,Urodon,Vandasina,Vatairea,Vataireopsis,Vatovaea,Vavilovia,Vermifrux,25 Verdesmum,Vicia,Vigna,Viminaria,Virgilia,Vuralia,Wajira,Weberbauerella, Whitfordiodendron,Wiborgia,Wiborgiella,Wisteria,Wisteriopsis,Xanthocercis, Xiphotheca,Zollernia,Zornia,Zygocarpum. Ineenuitvoeringsvormzijndezadendiegeoptimaliseerdwordenzadenvanplantenof30 gewassenuithetgeneraGlycine,zoalsGlycinealbicans,Glycineaphyonotos,Glycine arenaria,Glycineargyrea,Glycinecanescens,Glycineclandestina,Glycinecurvata, Glycinecyrtoloba,Glycinedolichocarpa,Glycinefalcata,Glycinegracei,Glycine hirticaulis,Glycinehirticaulissubsp.leptosa,Glycinekoidzumii,Glycinelactovirens, Glycinelatifolia,Glycinelatrobeana,Glycinemicrophylla,Glycinemontis-douglas,35 Glycineperatosa,Glycinepescadrensis,Glycinepindanica,Glycinepullenii,Glycine remota,Glycinerubiginosa,Glycinestenophita,Glycinesyndetika,Glycinetabacina, Glycinetomentella,Glycinemax,Glycinesoja. BE2024 / 5940 14 Ineenuitvoeringsvormzijndezadensojazaden(Glycinemax).The bacteria present in the inoculum can vary depending on the seeds that need to be optimized. Each plant has specific symbionts that work best for their root environments and nutritional requirements. For example, soybeans, such as Glycinemax, form a symbiosis with Bradyrhizobium japonicum, while peas (Pisum sativum) thrive better with Rhizobium leguminosarum. For alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Sinorhizobium melilot is the most suitable. Blackcurrants (Alnus spp.) have a unique symbiosis, in which Frankia ni helps in the formation of nitrogen root nodules.10 In one formulation form, the protein hydrolysate contains peptides with a lower molecular mass. In one formulation form, the protein hydrolysate contains at least 90 wt.% peptides with a molecular mass of maximum 500 Daltons. The inventors found that this low molecular mass fraction ensures improved nutrient uptake by the plants, particularly nitrogen, which contributes to accelerated and improved plant growth. The low molecular mass fraction of the peptides in the protein hydrolysate ensures theeffectiveness of seed optimization. This distribution optimizes the symbiotic interactions of the plant with beneficial microorganisms, such as symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which are important for nitrogen fixation in some plants, such as legumes. By improving these interactions, the resistance of plants to diseases and pests is strengthened, resulting in healthier, more robust plants. In addition to increased nutrient uptake and improved symbiotic interactions, the treatment offers a biological and environmentally friendly solution that aligns with sustainable agricultural practices. This can lead to a reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers, which both reduces the ecological footprint of agricultural practices and lowers economic costs for farmers. The described hydrolysate is not only effective in increasing plant growth and the formation of root nodules, but also in promoting the overall health of the plant. This is achieved through a synergistic interaction between the 35Rhizobium bacteria and the biostimulant, resulting in improved nitrogen fixation and overall growth conditions. These improved growth conditions contribute to higher yields and quality of the crops, which is of great importance to the agricultural sector. In a formulation form, at least 80 wt.% of the peptides in the protein hydrolysate have a molecular mass of at most 500 Daltons. Preferably, the protein hydrolysate contains at least 85 wt.% peptides, more preferably at least 90 wt.% peptides, even more preferably at least 95 wt.%, and even more preferably at least 98 wt.%, with a molecular mass of at most 500 Daltons. In another or further formulation, between 80 and 99 wt.% of the peptides has a molecular mass of most 500 Daltons. Preferably, the protein hydrolysate comprises between 85 and 99 wt.% of peptides, more preferably between 90 and 99 wt.% of peptides, even more preferably between 95 and 99 wt.%, with a molecular mass of maximum 500 Daltons. 15 In a formulation, maximum 10 wt.% of the peptides has a molecular massmass of at least 500 Daltons. Preferably, the protein hydrolysate comprises a maximum of 9 wt.%, more preferably a maximum of 8 wt.%, even more preferably a maximum of 7 wt.%, even more preferably a maximum of 6 wt.%, even more preferably a maximum of 5 wt.% peptides with a molecular mass of at least 500 Daltons. 20 In another or further formulation, between 0.1 and 10 wt.% of the peptides has a molecular mass of between 500 and 1000 Daltons. Preferably, the protein hydrolysate comprises between 1 and 9 wt.%, more preferably between 1 and 8 wt.%, even more preferably between 1 and 7 wt.%, even more preferably between 1 and 6 wt.%, 25 even more preferably between 1 and 5 wt.% peptides with a molecular mass of situated between 500 and 1000 Daltons. These higher molecular mass peptides can play a supporting role in maintaining the bioactivity of the treatment, enabling the plant to remain able to efficiently absorb nutrients over a longer period.30 In a formulation form, between 30 and 60 wt.% of the peptide has a molecular mass situated between 204 and 300 Daltons, preferably between 35 and 55 wt.%, or even between 40 and 50 wt.%. 35In a preferred form, at least 90 wt.% of the peptides in the protein hydrolysate have a molecular mass of at most 500 Daltons, and between 35 and 55 wt.% of the peptides have a molecular mass between 204 and 300 Daltons. BE2024 / 5940 16 In a formulation, at least 70 wt.% of the peptides have a molecular mass of at most 400 Daltons. Preferably, the protein hydrolysate contains at least 75 wt.% peptides, more preferably at least 80 wt.% peptides, even more preferably at least 85 wt.%, and even more preferably at least 90 wt.%, with a molecular mass of at most 400 Daltons. In another or further formulation, between 70 and 99 wt.% of the peptides have a molecular mass of most 400 Daltons. Preferably, the protein hydrolysate comprises between 75 and 99 wt.% of peptides, more preferably between 80 and 99 wt.% of peptides, and even more preferably between 80 and 95 wt.%, with a molecular mass of maximum 400 Daltons. In another or further formulation, at least 90 wt.% of the peptides have a molecular mass of most 500 Daltons, and at least 80 wt.% of the 15peptides have a molecular mass of most 400 Daltons. In a formulation form, between 5 and 50 wt.% of the peptide has a molecular mass of most 204 Daltons, preferably between 10 and 40 wt.%, even more preferably between 10 and 30 wt.%, even more preferably between 10 and 25 wt.%, and even more preferably between 15 and 25 wt.%. In a formulation form, between 5 and 40 wt.% of the peptide has a molecular mass between 300 and 400 Daltons, preferably between 10 and 30 wt.%, even more preferably between 10 and 25 wt.%, and even more preferably between 15 and 25 wt.%. In a preferred form, between 1 and 15 wt.% of the peptides have a molecular mass between 400 and 500 Dalton, preferably between 1 and 10 wt.%. 30 In a preferred form, at least 90 wt.% of the peptides in the protein hydrolysate have a molecular mass of most 500 Daltons and has - between 10 and 30 wt.% of the peptides a molecular mass of most 204 Dalton, preferably between 15 and 25 wt.%; - between 35 and 55 wt.% of the peptides a molecular mass situated 35 between 204 and 300 Dalton, preferably between 40 and 50 wt.%;-between 10 and 30 wt.% of the peptide and molecular mass located between 300 and 400 Daltons, preferably between 15 and 25 wt.%; and BE2024 / 5940 17 -between 1 and 15 wt.% of the peptide and molecular mass located between 400 and 500 Daltons, preferably between 1 and 10 wt.%. This specific molecular mass distribution of peptides contributes to an improved symbiotic interaction with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which can lead to an increased formation of root nodules. This effect can further improve the efficiency of nitrogen fixation, which optimizes the overall growth conditions of the plant. Such an improvement in symbiosis can result in a reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers, which contributes to more sustainable agricultural practices. In another aspect, the invention concerns a method for producing a protein hydrolysate for optimizing seeds. The protein hydrolysate can be obtained by means of enzymatic, thermal, or acid hydrolysis. The term "thermal hydrolysis" refers to a method of breaking down chemical compounds using heat.The term "enzymatic hydrolysis" refers to a process in which enzymes are used to break down chemical compounds, resulting in the formation of a hydrolysate. In one execution form, the method comprises the steps of: a. providing a protein-rich material and water; b. thermally hydrolyzing the protein-rich material, whereby a protein hydrolysate is obtained. In one execution form, the obtained protein hydrolysate is treated with peroxides. This can deodorize the protein hydrolysate. The protein-rich material can be, for example, slaughterhouse waste. This waste can consist of feathers, organs, bones, blood, hooves, and other parts of the animal that are not intended for human consumption. In a further form, the protein hydrolysate of protein-rich material can be further treated to increase the concentration of certain beneficial components, or to remove unwanted components. For example, the protein hydrolysate can be filtered to remove solid particles, or it can be centrifuged BE2024 / 5940 18to separate heavier components. It can also be treated with enzymes to further promote the breakdown of proteins into peptides and amino acids, or it can be treated with acids or bases to regulate the pH. In a further execution form, an enzymatic hydrolysis or a chemical hydrolysis, preferably an enzymatic hydrolysis, is also performed on the protein-rich material. The enzymatic hydrolysis of protein-rich material can be performed using various types of enzymes, such as pepsin, trypsin, pancreatin, keratinase, and papain, whereby the choice of enzyme may depend on the specific type of protein-rich material used. This combination of enzymatic and thermal hydrolysis can result in a higher yield of low-molecular-weight peptides. In one aspect, the invention concerns a method for increasing the nitrogen uptake in seeds and / or plants or crops. This can be done through implementation forms as described above. In one implementation form, the seeds of the plants orcrops, when sown, treated with a protein hydrolysate as described above, preferably the seeds are coated with the protein hydrolysate. 20 In this method an inoculum-enclosing symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria can also be sown with the seeds. In another or further aspect the invention concerns a method for increasing the growth rate in plants or crops. In another or further aspect the 25 invention concerns a method for increasing the number of root nodules in plants or crops. In another or further aspect the invention concerns a method for increasing the number of pods in plants or crops. In what follows, the invention is described by means of non-limiting examples which 30 illustrate the invention, and which are not intended or should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention. EXAMPLES 35 Example 1 In this experiment it was investigated whether the seed treatment (A) with a protein hydrolysate according to a form of the invention has an influence on the growth of BE2024 / 5940 19soybeans (variety: Acardia) in comparison with an untreated control (C). For this study, an oligotrophic mineral substrate was used, in which replicate pots were set up, each with three soybean plants. The protein hydrolysate was obtained from chicken blood by clotting, boiling, and centrifuging the chicken blood, so that serum was obtained. Subsequently, the serum was subjected to thermal and enzymatic hydrolysis. The seed treatment consisted of dipping each seed in 1 µL of protein hydrolysate with a dry matter content of 15 wt.%, while the control received no treatment at all. All seeds were subsequently planted in the same type10 substrate to uniform the growing conditions. In addition, the plants were inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum, a bacterium known for its symbiotic relationship with soybeans and its ability to fix nitrogen. Plant height15 The seed treatment led to an increase in the shoot growth rate of 20%. This is also shown in Figure 1, in which the plant height in cm is plotted.function of the number of days after emergence of the seedlings. Root length and mass 20 The seed treatment led to an increase in root mass. This is also shown in figures 2A and 2B, in which the root length and mass (g dry matter) for the control and seed treatment is shown. Number of pods 25 The seed treatment led to an increase in the number of pods on the plants. This is also shown in figure 3, in which the number of pods for the control and seed treatment is shown. Also, the dry weight of the pods was higher in the plants that had undergone a seed treatment. 30 Number of root nodules The seed treatment led to an increase in the number of root nodules by 66%. This is also shown in figure 4A, in which the number of nodules for the control and seed treatment is shown. Figures 4B and 4C show the pods of the control groups after the seed treatment, respectively. Also, the dry weight of the pods was 35 higher in the plants that had undergone a seed treatment. Example 2 BE2024 / 5940 20 The experiment from example 1 was repeated but with four different test set-ups:untreated (C), seed treatment (A), Bradyrhizobium japonicuminoculum (R) and a seed treatment in combination with a Bradyrhizobium japonicuminoculum (A+R). Plant height5 The seed treatment in combination with inoculum led to a significant increase in the growth rate of the shoots compared to the control (already from four weeks of post-sowing) but also compared to Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculum alone (especially from 9 weeks of post-sowing). This is also shown in Figure 5, in which the plant height in cm is plotted as a function of the number of weeks of post-sowing.10 Number of root nodules The seed treatment in combination with Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculum led to an increase in the number of root nodules compared to Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculum alone. This is also shown in Figure 6, in which the number of 15 nodules for Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculum alone and the seed treatment in combination with Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculum is shown. As well as the dry weight of the nodules being higher in the plants that undergo seed treatment. had. 20 Number of podsThe seed treatment in combination with Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculum also led to an increase in the number of pods compared to Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculum alone. This is also shown in