Compound for inoculation of seeds in plantation and method of preparation and application.

Description

Descriptive report: Compound for seed inoculation at planting and method of preparation and application. Technical field

[01] The present invention relates to the field of agriculture and agricultural science, in particular to the formulation, preparation and application of a compound for the treatment and inoculation of seeds at planting, aiming at increasing crop productivity and quality. The compound aims to improve germination, growth and plant productivity by providing a favorable environment for the colonization and activity of beneficial microorganisms, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and plant growth promoters. The technical field also encompasses the development of innovative formulations that optimize the adhesion and distribution of the compounds to the seeds, facilitate the seeding process in seed drills, and provide the seeds with protection against unwanted pathogens and adverse environmental conditions. State of the art

[02] Seed inoculation is a well-established practice aimed at improving germination, growth, and plant productivity. This is generally done through the application of mixtures of beneficial bacteria that can aid in nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and plant growth promotion. However, commercially available seed inoculation compounds have several limitations, such as incompatibility with certain seed types, difficulty of application, and low effectiveness under field conditions. Petition 870230042504, dated 05 / 22 / 2023, page 9 / 20 2 / 10

[03] In this sense, several compounds and formulations for seed inoculation have been developed and patented over the years, addressing various limitations encountered in agricultural practice.

[04] For example, US patent 2010267554 describes a method for improving seed germination and vigor under water stress conditions. The formulation includes a water-absorbing polymer and a wetting agent, which help retain water on the surface of the seeds and improve its absorption.

[05] As a second example, document BR 10201715872-1 of 2017 describes a process for promoting plant growth through the inoculation of a bacterial mix with the addition of L-tryptophan in the formulation, which promotes the synthesis of indole acetic acid, aiming at promoting the growth and rooting of Rosa sp. cuttings.

[06] Document PI 8303076 of 1982 describes a process for inoculating agricultural seeds with beneficial microorganisms previously frozen at a temperature below -40°C, which are then applied to the seed along with a water-soluble binding coating, followed by drying the coated seed at a temperature below 45°C.

[07] Despite continuous progress in the development of compounds, formulations, and methods for seed inoculation, challenges and limitations remain. Some formulations may be incompatible with certain types of seeds or with other seed treatments, such as pesticides and fungicides, reducing their effectiveness. Most formulations include a harmful chemical element or polymer with a negative impact on the soil. The application and distribution of compounds to seeds can also be difficult. Petition 870230042504, dated 05 / 22 / 2023, p. 10 / 20 3 / 10 leading to uneven coverage and, consequently, reduced treatment effectiveness.

[08] The main problems currently faced by farmers when carrying out inoculation or co-inoculation are precisely the control of conditions for good bacterial performance, especially the control of the appropriate population of microorganisms and the correct nutrition for this purpose.

[09] Furthermore, many formulations do not offer adequate protection against unwanted pathogens without using harmful chemicals, which can lead to infections and reduced germination and plant growth. There is also a growing need for formulations that are environmentally sustainable and do not harm ecosystems and human health.

[10] It is also known that the use of nitrogen fertilizers is currently the fastest way to supply nitrogen to plants, so that this nutrient is quickly absorbed and assimilated, however, this practice has a very high cost. If this were the only way to supply the necessary nitrogen, the cultivation of soybeans, for example, would be practically unfeasible.

[11] Therefore, there is a continuous demand for innovative compounds and formulations for seed inoculation that address these challenges and limitations, offering improvements in application, adherence, protection against pathogens and effectiveness in field conditions, better conditions for rhizobacteria action, low production cost, in addition to being environmentally sustainable and safe.

[12] As additional information, it is technically known that plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) have Petition 870230042504, dated 05 / 22 / 2023, page 11 / 20 4 / 10 They have a great capacity to suppress soil pathogens, occur naturally in high populations, are nutritionally versatile, and have the ability to grow in a wide range of environmental conditions, in addition to producing a wide variety of antibiotics, siderophores, and plant growth hormones. Recently, these microorganisms have been identified as essential to the plant ecosystem in relation to the supply of growth elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and possibly iron. Summary of the invention

[13] In order to solve and / or mitigate the problems presented above, the inventor hereby submits a compound for seed inoculation at planting, which includes graphite, sodium chloride, wheat bran, sugar, cinnamon powder and a mixture of powdered bacteria. The formulation is designed to provide easy application, good adherence to seeds and a favorable environment for the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria, while at the same time being environmentally sustainable and safe.

[14] One of the main benefits of this invention is the absence of harmful chemicals, such as synthetic pesticides and fungicides, which can cause damage to the environment and human health. By eliminating the use of these chemicals, the compound promotes soil health and biodiversity, reducing soil, water and air contamination. In addition, the absence of harmful chemicals also helps protect pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which play a crucial role in agricultural production.

[15] Another advantage of this formulation is the absence of polymers and the use of natural and biodegradable ingredients, such as wheat bran and cinnamon powder, which contribute to environmental sustainability and Petition 870230042504, dated 05 / 22 / 2023, page 12 / 20 5 / 10 reduce the ecological impact of the compost. Cinnamon powder, in particular, has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, offering natural protection to seeds and beneficial bacteria against unwanted pathogens without the need to resort to synthetic chemicals.

[16] The compound also features an optimized concentration of beneficial bacteria (4.0 x 10Λ7 CFU / g), which contributes to nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization and promotion of plant growth. This results in healthier and more productive plants, improving the efficiency of natural resource use and reducing dependence on synthetic chemical fertilizers.

[17] The concentration of graphite in the compound also helps in the release of seeds in the field, promoting lubrication and less friction in the seeders.

[18] In summary, the present invention provides a seed inoculation compound for planting that combines a number of benefits, including easy application, effective adherence to seeds, promotion of growth and activity of beneficial bacteria, natural protection against pathogens and, most importantly, the absence of harmful chemicals, thus contributing to sustainability and environmental safety in agricultural practice. Detailed description of the invention

[19] The present invention provides a “COMPOUND FOR SEED INOCULATION AT PLANTING AND METHOD OF PREPARATION AND APPLICATION” that aims to improve germination, growth and productivity of plants. Its formulation includes natural and biodegradable ingredients designed to work together with a mixture of powdered bacteria in order to achieve the desired benefits in the inoculation process. Petition 870230042504, dated 05 / 22 / 2023, page 13 / 20 6 / 10

[20] The compound is defined by: • Graphite: 60% • Sodium chloride: 4% • Wheat bran: 16% • Sugar: 19% • Cinnamon powder: 1% • Powdered bacteria mixture: sufficient quantity to achieve a concentration of 4.0 x 10Λ7 CFU / g in 1g of the final product.

[21] The 'powdered bacteria mixture' component applied in the formulation will preferably be a commercially available product, acquired by the compound manufacturer or produced by the same, without any distinction as to the method of obtaining it. The 'powdered bacteria mixture' component may contain one or more of the following bacteria: Bacillus amylolichefaciens; Bacillus licheniformis; Bacillus subtilis; Bacillus megaterium; Bacillus thuringiensis; and / or Bacillus pumilus. The 'powdered bacteria mixture' component will be administered in the compound formulation in such a way as to present, in the final product, preferably and approximately a concentration of 4.0 x 10⁷ CFU / g per gram of compound. The bacteria, regardless of the type chosen, are sporulated in the compound.

[22] As additional information, sporulation is a process by which some bacteria form spores, which are metabolically inactive cells that are highly resistant to adverse environmental conditions, such as heat, desiccation, ultraviolet radiation, and chemicals. Bacterial spores are able to survive for long periods in a dormant state until environmental conditions become favorable again, at which point they germinate and resume normal growth and metabolic activity. Petition 870230042504, dated 05 / 22 / 2023, page 14 / 20 7 / 10

[23] Therefore, in the context of the seed inoculation compound for planting described in the invention, the bacterial mixture contains sporulated bacteria. This means that the bacteria in the mixture are in the form of spores, which are added to the compound to ensure the viability and stability of the bacteria during storage, transport and application.

[24] The spore form ensures durability and stability, where the bacterial spores are highly resistant and can survive in adverse conditions, which ensures that the beneficial bacteria remain viable and effective throughout the storage and application process of the compound. It also provides protection against pathogens, where spore formation can also help protect beneficial bacteria from unwanted pathogens that may be present in the environment. In addition to promoting activation and germination at the appropriate time, when environmental conditions become favorable (for example, after planting the seeds and irrigating the soil), the spores germinate and the bacteria resume growth and metabolic activity, colonizing the plant roots and providing the desired benefits, such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization and promotion of plant growth.

[25] The 'graphite' component of the compound will be in powder or shavings, in various granulations, but preferably very fine (around 75 microns). The 'graphite' component in powder or shavings may be natural or synthetic, preferably the latter due to its high carbon concentration. Qualitative definition:

[26] Qualitatively, the above formulation presents: Petition 870230042504, dated 05 / 22 / 2023, page 15 / 20 8 / 10 • Graphite acts as a slip and adhesion agent, facilitating the application of the compound and improving its adhesion to the seeds, in addition to assisting in the release of seeds by planting machines; • Sodium chloride acts as a natural preservative and regulator of osmotic activity in the compound, promoting the viability of beneficial bacteria, as well as stabilizing the formulation by reducing moisture; • Wheat bran as a carrier for bacteria, to provide essential nutrients for the bacteria and also to aid in the adhesion of the compound to the seeds; • Sugar serves as an energy source for beneficial bacteria and also aids in the adhesion of the compound to the seeds; • Cinnamon powder, due to its natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties, offers protection to seeds, plants, and beneficial bacteria against unwanted pathogens and in the control of nematodes, in addition to helping stimulate plant rooting (according to more recent studies of its application); • A blend of powdered bacteria that includes nitrogen-fixing, phosphate-solubilizing, and plant growth-promoting bacteria, which contribute to improved germination, growth, and productivity of plants.

[27] The seed inoculation compound is prepared by mixing the components in their respective proportions. The powdered bacteria mixture is added last, ensuring a homogeneous distribution of bacteria throughout the product, which will be analyzed to identify the preferred concentration of forming units. Petition 870230042504, dated 05 / 22 / 2023, page 16 / 20 9 / 10 of the colonies (CFU / g) per gram of product as defined previously. Application method:

[28] The seed inoculation compound should be applied directly to the seeds before planting, ensuring uniform coverage of the entire seed surface. The amount of compound to be applied may vary depending on the type of seed and field conditions, but generally a sufficient amount should be used to completely cover the seeds without clumping. Its best application is after loading the seed drill, where the farmer should manually incorporate the product into the seeds in the machine's seed box itself, ensuring that the compound is evenly distributed among the seeds. Optionally, the compound may be applied to the seeds using a dedicated seed treatment machine.

[29] With the compound already incorporated into the seeds, the farmer simply needs to proceed with planting according to his usual method.

[30] If sowing is not carried out immediately after application of the compound, the seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place until planting time to ensure the viability of beneficial bacteria and the effectiveness of the treatment. Conclusion:

[31] The present invention, therefore, provides a compound for seed inoculation at planting with an innovative formulation, which combines graphite, sodium chloride, wheat bran, sugar, cinnamon powder and a mixture of powdered bacteria in specific proportions, offering Petition 870230042504, dated 05 / 22 / 2023, page 17 / 20 10 / 10 advantages such as easy application, good adhesion to seeds, and a favorable environment for the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria, thus improving germination, growth and productivity of plants, in addition to assisting seed unloading by planting machines. All this in a natural formulation, free of harmful chemicals or polymers.

[32] The compound defined here acts as an element for inoculation and co-inoculation that enhances the application of the selected bacteria to the seeds, resulting in greater efficiency when compared with current inoculation processes and products.

Claims

1 - A "COMPOST FOR SEED INOCULATION AT PLANTING" with natural and biodegradable ingredients, characterized by comprising: a) graphite; b) sodium chloride; c) wheat bran; d) sugar; e) cinnamon powder; and f) a mixture of spore-forming bacteria. 2 - The "COMPOST FOR SEED INOCULATION AT PLANTING", according to claim 1, characterized by the mixture of spore-forming bacteria comprising nitrogen-fixing, phosphate-solubilizing, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. 3 - The "COMPOST FOR SEED INOCULATION AT PLANTING", according to claim 2, characterized by the mixture of spore-forming bacteria comprising one or more of the following bacteria: Bacillus amylolichefaciens; Bacillus licheniformis; Bacillus subtilis; Bacillus megaterium; Bacillus thuringiensis; and / or Bacillus pumilus. 4 - The "COMPOST FOR SEED INOCULATION AT PLANTING", according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the mixture of spore-forming bacteria being administered in such a way as to achieve a preferred or approximate concentration of 4.0 x 10Λ7 CFU / g of spore-forming bacteria per gram of the final product. 5 - The “COMPOST FOR SEED INOCULATION AT PLANTING”, according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the components being present in the following percentage proportions by weight: a) graphite: 60%; b) sodium chloride: 4%; c) wheat bran: 16%; d) sugar: 19%; e) cinnamon powder: 1%. 6 - A "METHOD OF PREPARATION AND APPLICATION" of the seed inoculation compound for planting as defined in claim 1, characterized by comprising the steps of: a) mixing graphite, sodium chloride, wheat bran, sugar and cinnamon powder in the specified percentage proportions by weight; b) adding the mixture of sporulated bacteria to the mixture of components; c) homogenizing the resulting mixture to obtain the final compound; d) with the seeds already in the seed box of a seeder, applying the compound to the seeds so as to coat them completely.