Use of structural polypeptides in plant coatings

Abstract

The present application relates to the use of structural polypeptides such as silk-derived polypeptides (preferably spider web-derived polypeptides) for coating seeds, plants or plant parts, preferably for protection from pests. The present application further relates to methods for coating plants or plant seeds and to plants or plant seeds coated with structural polypeptides.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with application number 201980053757.8, filed on August 7, 2019, and with the invention name “Use of structured polypeptides in plant coatings”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the use of structural polypeptides in plant coating or plant seed coating. The present invention further relates to a method for coating plants or plant seeds. The present invention also relates to plants or plant seeds coated with structural polypeptides. Background Art

[0003] Agricultural plants, fruits, vegetables, fruit trees, ornamental plants, etc. are severely damaged by pests, especially winged insects (such as whiteflies, aphids and thrips). Many commercially valuable plants, including common crops, are susceptible to attack by plant pests including insects and nematodes, which leads to a significant reduction in crop yield and quality. For example, plant pests are a major factor in the loss of important agricultural crops worldwide. Insect pests are also a burden to vegetable and fruit growers, ornamental flower producers, and home gardeners.

[0004] Proposed methods for controlling such pests include, for example, chemical, biological, or physical control methods. Insect pests are primarily controlled through the intensive application of chemical pesticides, which work by inhibiting insect growth, hindering insect feeding or reproduction, or causing mortality. Biological pest control agents have also been widely and successfully applied to crops. While this can achieve good insect control, some chemicals sometimes also affect non-target beneficial insects, and some biological agents have a very narrow spectrum of activity. Furthermore, the continued use of certain chemical and biological control methods increases the chances that insect pests will develop resistance to these control measures. Furthermore, there are the following issues: many chemicals have harmful effects on humans and animals and therefore cannot be used frequently. Some biological and physical control methods are also very effective, but in current circumstances, they are not entirely satisfactory in terms of cost and versatility.

[0005] Furthermore, microbial infestation remains one of the most serious problems in agriculture. Because the difficulties associated with eliminating microorganisms such as fungi are well-recognized, a variety of agents have been tested to treat plant surfaces to prevent or reduce microbial infestation. However, many of these agents are unsafe for humans and animals.

[0006] Furthermore, current agricultural plants are exposed to numerous environmental hazards, such as acid rain, extensive heat, and / or ultraviolet radiation. These events result in reduced plant yield and quality.

[0007] It is also common practice to treat or coat plants and plant seeds with substances such as fertilizers or growth factors. However, these coatings often have the disadvantage of being inhomogeneous and uneven. Furthermore, these coatings are often unstable to environmental conditions and easily wash off in the rain.

[0008] Therefore, there is a strong need for highly versatile, non-toxic, and safe anti-pest and anti-microbial agents for humans and animals. Furthermore, there is a strong need for materials that are easy to apply and protect against environmental hazards. Furthermore, there is a strong need for coatings that stabilize, homogenize, and evenly adhere the active agents. Given the growing market for organic agriculture, there is a strong need for materials that are edible and therefore suitable for bio-cultivation.

[0009] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly discovered that structured polypeptides (e.g., silk polypeptides) are suitable for use in plant coatings. In particular, they have surprisingly discovered that by coating plants or plant seeds with structured polypeptides (e.g., silk polypeptides), pest or microbial infestation can be avoided or at least reduced. The mechanism by which the present invention delays / hinders pest or microbial infestation may be by using structured polypeptides to create a surface where pests or microorganisms are less likely to adhere, survive, reproduce, or colonize. Additionally, the inventors of the present invention have surprisingly discovered that by coating plants or plant seeds with structured polypeptides (e.g., silk polypeptides), the ecological impact of environmental hazards can be avoided or at least alleviated / mitigated. Furthermore, the inventors of the present invention have surprisingly discovered that coating with structured polypeptides (e.g., silk polypeptides) enables compounds / mixtures to be stably, homogeneously, and evenly attached or fixed to the surface of plants or plant seeds. The inventors of the present invention have also surprisingly discovered that coating with structured polypeptides (e.g., silk polypeptides) can protect the environment, users / farmers and / or animals from pesticides, mordants, mordants containing pesticides, seed / plant dressings, or seed / plant dressings containing pesticides. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a structured polypeptide in plant coating or plant seed coating.

[0011] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for coating plants or plant seeds, the method comprising the following steps:

[0012] (i) providing a formulation comprising the structured polypeptide; and

[0013] (ii) applying the formulation comprising the structural polypeptide to the surface of the plant or plant seed, thereby forming a coating on the plant or plant seed.

[0014] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to plants coated with a structured polypeptide.

[0015] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to plant seeds coated with a structural polypeptide.

[0016] In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to plants coated with a composition comprising a structured polypeptide.

[0017] In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to plant seeds coated with a composition comprising a structural polypeptide.

[0018] This summary does not necessarily describe all features of the present invention. Other embodiments will become apparent by reviewing the following detailed description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] definition

[0020] Before the present invention is described in detail below, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific methodology, protocols and reagents described herein, as they may vary. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims. Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0021] Preferably, the terms used herein are as in "A multilingual glossary of biotechnological terms: (IUPAC Recommendations)", Leuenberger, HGW, Nagel, B. and H. eds. (1995), Helvetica Chimica Acta, CH-4010 Basel, Switzerland.

[0022] Some documents are quoted in this specification in full. Whether above or below, each document (including all patents, patent applications, scientific publications, manufacturer specifications, instructions for use, GenBank accession number sequence submissions, etc.) quoted herein is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Anything herein should not be construed as admitting that the present invention is not entitled to be disclosed earlier than this type of disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

[0023] Hereinafter, the key elements of the present invention will be described. These key elements are listed together with specific embodiments, but it should be understood that they can be combined in any way and in any quantity to create other embodiments. The various described embodiments and preferred embodiments should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention to only the embodiments clearly described. This description should be understood to support and encompass embodiments that combine the embodiments clearly described with any number of disclosed and / or preferred key elements. In addition, unless the context indicates otherwise, it should be understood that the description of the present application discloses any arrangement and combination of all described key elements in the present application.

[0024] According to the present invention, the term "comprising" or variations such as "including" or "containing" means that the stated integer or group of integers is included but any other integer or group of integers is not excluded. According to the present invention, the term "consisting essentially of is included but any modifications or other integers that would materially affect or change the stated integer are excluded. According to the present invention, the term "consisting of" or variations such as "composed of" means that the stated integer or group of integers is included but any other integer or group of integers is excluded.

[0025] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0026] In the context of the present invention, the terms "polypeptide" and "protein" are used interchangeably. They refer to long peptide-linked amino acid chains, for example amino acid chains of at least 40 amino acids in length.

[0027] The term "structural polypeptide" as used herein refers to any polypeptide comprising repeating units / building blocks composed of amino acids. The structural polypeptide preferably has self-assembly capability. In particular, the structural polypeptide is capable of forming fibrillary protein complexes, such as hydrogels, in a formulation. The structural polypeptide can be selected from the group consisting of silk polypeptides, keratin, collagen and elastin, or variants or combinations thereof. The structural polypeptide is preferably a recombinant polypeptide. Particularly preferably, the structural polypeptide is a silk polypeptide, such as a spider silk polypeptide. Exemplary production methods for silk polypeptides useful in the present invention are described in WO 2006 / 008163 and WO 2011 / 120690.

[0028] The term "silk polypeptide" as used herein refers to a polypeptide that demonstrates a very unusual amino acid composition compared to other polypeptides. In particular, silk polypeptides have a large amount of hydrophobic amino acids, such as glycine or alanine. In addition, silk polypeptides particularly comprise highly repeated amino acid sequences or repeating units (repetitive units, modules) in their large core domains.

[0029] Based on DNA analysis, it was shown that all silk polypeptides are chains of repeating units, which further contain a limited set of unique short peptide motifs. The expressions "peptide motif" and "consensus sequence" are used interchangeably herein. In general, silk consensus sequences can be divided into four main categories: GPGXX, GGX, A x or (GA) n and spacers. These peptide motif categories in silk proteins have been assigned structural roles. For example, it has been proposed that the GPGXX motif is associated with a β-turn helix, likely providing elasticity. The GGX motif is known to be associated with a glycine-rich 31-helix. Both the GPGXX and GGX motifs are thought to be involved in the formation of an amorphous matrix connecting crystalline regions, thereby providing elasticity to the fiber. Alanine-rich motifs typically contain 6-9 residues and have been found to form crystalline β-folds. Spacers typically contain charged groups and divide iterated peptide motifs into clusters. Silk polypeptides can perform self-assembly. Preferably, the silk polypeptide is a spider silk polypeptide. More preferably, the silk polypeptide (e.g., a spider silk polypeptide) is a recombinant polypeptide.

[0030] The term "self-assembly" as used herein refers to a process in which a disordered system of pre-existing polypeptides forms an organized structure or pattern due to specific local interactions (such as van der Waals forces, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonds and / or salt bridges, etc.) between the polypeptides themselves without external guidance or triggering (although external factors may affect the speed and properties of self-assembly). This means in particular that when two or more disordered and / or unfolded polypeptides are brought into contact, they interact with each other and therefore form a three-dimensional structure. The change from a disordered system to an organized structure or pattern in the self-assembly process is characterized by the conversion from a fluid state to a colloid / gel-like and / or solid state and a corresponding increase in viscosity. The conversion from a fluid state to a colloid / gel-like state can be monitored, for example, by optical measurements or rheology. These techniques are well known to those skilled in the art. The conversion from a fluid state to a solid state can be monitored, for example, using optical methods.

[0031] The term "hydrogel" as used herein refers to a structure formed when the concentration of a structural polypeptide is high enough to establish a continuous network of fixed liquid components. The network is preferably formed by the self-assembly of the structural polypeptide that provides the basis of silk hydrogel. In particular, the hydrogel is a hydrophilic polymer network of the structural polypeptide. The network is stabilized by chemical and / or physical interactions between the structural polypeptides. The network is dispersed in the entire fixed aqueous phase. The hydrophilicity and stability of the hydrogel allow it to penetrate and absorb water (swelling) without dissolving, thereby maintaining its three-dimensional (3D) structure and function.

[0032] The term "compound" as used herein refers to any compound / mixture that can be used for the purposes of the present invention, such as a compound / mixture that can be applied to the surface of a plant or plant seed, a compound / mixture that can be added to a coating formulation, a compound / mixture that can be applied to a final coating, or a compound / mixture that can be fixed to a plant or plant seed by a coating. The compound / mixture can be selected from the group consisting of a mordant, a mordant containing a pesticide, a seed / plant dressing, a seed / plant dressing containing a pesticide, a seed / plant pickle, a seed / plant pickle containing a pesticide, a dye, an odorant, a sunscreen, a fertilizer, a pesticide, a hormone, a growth factor, and a nutrient. The terms "compound / mixture" or "additive" can be used interchangeably herein. In particular, the compound / mixture is an active agent. The active agent can be selected from the group consisting of a dye, an odorant, a sunscreen, a fertilizer, a pesticide, a hormone, a growth factor, and a nutrient. In a preferred embodiment, the compound / mixture (particularly the active agent) is a formulation of silk capsules (such as described in EP 1757276) and the compound / mixture (particularly the active agent). The compound / mixture (particularly the active agent) is contained in the silk capsule, for example, in the lumen / matrix of the silk capsule and / or attached to the silk capsule, for example, on the outer shell of the silk capsule.

[0033] The term "pesticide" as used herein refers to substances intended to control pests. Typically, pesticides are chemical or biological agents (e.g., viruses, bacteria, or fungi) that weaken, disable, kill, or otherwise deter pests. Target pests can include insects, plant pathogens, mollusks, nematodes (roundworms); and microorganisms that damage property, cause nuisances, or spread disease or serve as disease vectors. While pesticides have benefits, some also have disadvantages, such as potential toxicity to humans and other species. The term "pesticide" also includes all of the following: herbicides, insecticides (which may include insect growth regulators, termites, etc.), nematicides, molluscicides, piscicides, avicides, rodenticides, fungicides, insect repellents, animal repellents, antimicrobials, fungicides, disinfectants (antimicrobials), and sanitizers.

[0034] The terms "mordant", "seed / plant dressing" and "seed / plant cure" are used interchangeably herein. In agriculture, forestry and horticulture, a mordant, seed / plant dressing or seed / plant cure refers to a chemical with which plants / seeds are treated (or "dressed"), for example, before planting or when they are young plants or seedlings. The mordant, seed / plant dressing or seed / plant cure may contain carrier materials and / or fillers. Typically a pesticide is included. The pesticide preferably comprises an herbicide, insecticide and / or fungicide. More preferably the pesticide comprises an insecticide and / or fungicide. Color may also be added to make the treated seed less attractive to birds when spilled and easier to see and clean up in the event of an accidental spill.

[0035] Seed / plant treatment, dressing, or pickling can be a more environmentally friendly way to use pesticides because very small amounts can be used. However, there are still many disadvantages for the environment, users / farmers, and / or animals (preferably farm animals, insects (such as bees), or worms). Disadvantages include harm to animals (preferably farm animals, insects (such as bees), or worms). Disadvantages also include skin irritation to users / farmers due to dust generation or the use of solvents that are harmful to users / farmers to dissolve the chemicals during the preparation process.

[0036] Agents such as pesticides, mordants, mordants containing pesticides, seed / plant dressings or seed / plant dressings containing pesticides are generally harmful to the environment or to the health of users / farmers and animals (e.g. farm animals, worms, insects, especially bees). In particular, when these agents are applied to seeds / plants in powder form without any coating, they can diffuse into the environment during or after application to the seeds / plants. Coatings with structural polypeptides fix / retain these harmful agents on the seeds / plants so that these harmful agents do not diffuse into the environment. This helps users / farmers stay healthy and helps animals (preferably farm animals, worms or insects (e.g. bees)) not be adversely affected by these agents.

[0037] In seed / plant treatment, dressing or curing, plants or plant seeds are treated (or "dressed") with pesticides. In this way, plants or seeds can be protected from fungal or insect pest diseases. In particular, the germination ability of the seeds can be improved and diseases that have already occurred in the embryo can be offset. Seed / plant treatment, dressing or curing can prevent plant viability loss, a decline in harvest quality, and in the worst case, a complete loss of harvest due to plant or seed damage. Seed / plant coating is a thicker form of seed / plant covering that can contain fertilizers, growth promoters, inert carriers, and polymer shells. Seed dressing / seed dressing is also used to refer to the process of removing husks, weed seeds, and straw from the seed raw material. Mordants, seed / plant dressings or seed / plant cures can be applied in three different states: (i) dry mordants, seed / plant dressings or seed / plant cures (problems: dust generation for the environment and users, increased wear and tear); (ii) liquid mordants, seed / plant dressings or seed / plant cures (problems: many active agents (e.g. pesticides) are only soluble in organic solvents, which can have an aggressive effect on seeds and impair germination ability; large amounts of solvent are required (which hinders dilution with water), which can cause problems for the environment and users); or (iii) water-based suspension mordants, seed / plant dressings or seed / plant cures (comprising finely divided active ingredients (e.g. pesticides) in the form of mostly crystals and slurried in water, a new technology for applying water-insoluble substances to seeds in liquid form).

[0038] The pesticide contained in the "mordant", "seed / plant dressing" and "seed / plant marinade" preferably includes herbicides, insecticides and / or fungicides, and more preferably includes insecticides and / or fungicides.

[0039] As used herein, the term "plant" refers to any multicellular eukaryotic life form that has the following characteristics: (i) photosynthetic nutrition (characteristic of all plants except certain parasitic plants and underground orchids), in which chemical energy is produced from water, minerals, and carbon dioxide with the help of pigments and solar radiation; (ii) growth that is essentially unrestricted to a local area; (iii) cells containing cellulose in their cell walls, thereby being somewhat rigid; (iv) lacking organs of movement, resulting in a more or less static existence; and (v) lacking a nervous system. The term "plant" also encompasses any plant that can be coated with structural polypeptides (e.g., silk polypeptides). The term "plant" also encompasses seedlings, growing plants, and mature plants. The coated plants herein preferably include roots and shoots. Buds can also be designated as the above-ground parts of a plant. The plant preferably further includes fruits and / or blossoms / petals. It should be understood that plants, particularly shoots / above-ground parts of plants, also include leaves / leaflets. The plant can be a seedling, a growing plant, or a mature plant. Preferably, the term "plant" encompasses any plant, such as a seedling, a growing plant or a mature plant, until the plant is harvested or the fruit or flowers of the plant are harvested.

[0040] The term "plant seed" as used herein refers to an embryonic plant enclosed in a protective shell. Seed formation is part of the reproductive process of spermatophytes. The term "plant seed" further encompasses any plant seed that can be coated with a structural polypeptide (e.g., a silk polypeptide).

[0041] The term "pest" as used herein refers to any living organism, whether animal, plant, microorganism (e.g., bacteria or fungi or virus), that is invasive or causes trouble to plants or plant seeds. This is a loose definition, as an organism may be a pest in one context and beneficial, domesticated, or acceptable in another. Pests often occur in high densities, making the damage they cause even more harmful. When animals cause damage to agriculture by feeding on plants or plant seeds, they are called pests of plants or plant seeds. Plants themselves can be considered pests as invasive species. As pests (in order of economic importance), the most important groups of animals are insects, mites, nematodes, and / or gastropods. Depending on the number of hosts that plant pests eat, they can be divided into monophagous, oligophagous, and polyphagous. Alternatively, they can be divided into feeding types: biting and chewing; piercing and sucking; or licking and chewing. Another approach is to classify them into major pests, occasional pests, and potential pests based on their population presence. Examples of pests include, but are not limited to, insects, mites, nematodes, slugs, snails, protozoa or other invertebrates, microorganisms (such as bacteria or fungi, viruses), other parasitic plants or parasitic plant parts.

[0042] As used herein, the term "pest infestation" refers to an attack by pests (e.g., insects, mites, nematodes, slugs, snails, protozoa or other invertebrates, microorganisms (e.g., bacteria or fungi, viruses), other parasitic plants or parasitic plant parts) of any life stage that injures, infects, or destroys any plant or plant seed. The term "pest infestation" also refers to the state of a plant or plant seed being invaded or overrun by one or more pests. It also refers to the presence of one or more pest species in an area or location of plants or plant seeds, where their numbers and effects are currently or potentially at intolerable levels. Alternatively, it refers to a sudden increase in the destructiveness or population of one or more pest species in a given area of ​​plants or plant seeds.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the pest infestation is an infestation by predators / natural enemies. In another preferred embodiment, the pest infestation is an infestation by microorganisms (ie, a microbial infestation).

[0044] The term "coating" as used herein refers to a covering applied to the plant or plant seed to be coated, especially the surface of the plant or plant seed. The coating itself can be a comprehensive coating that completely covers the plant or plant seed, or it can only cover a part of the plant or plant seed. The coating can be applied to (a part of) the above-ground parts of the root and / or bud / plant of the plant. The coating can also be applied to (a part of) the fruit and / or flower / petal of the plant. In a specific embodiment, the fruit and / or flower / petal are excluded from the coating. It should be clear that the plant (particularly the above-ground parts of the bud / plant of the plant) also includes leaves / leaf clusters. Therefore, the coating preferably also covers leaves / leaf clusters. The coating is preferably applied to, for example, seedlings, growing plants or mature plants before harvest.

[0045] Preferably, the coating is applied (only) to the plant's buds / aerial parts. The plant's buds / aerial parts may comprise a comprehensive coating that completely covers the plant's buds / aerial parts, or the coating may only cover a portion of the plant's buds / aerial parts. The plant may be a seedling, a growing plant, or a mature plant. In one embodiment, the coating covers at least 1% of the surface of the plant's buds / aerial parts, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90% or even 100%. In another embodiment, the coating covers at least 1% of the surface of the plant's seeds, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90% or even 100%. Preferably, the coating is uniform and / or homogeneous. The coating preferably has a thickness between 10 nm and 1 mm, more preferably between 50 nm and 0.5 μm. When the coating is applied by spraying with a crop duster, the surface refers to the surface that can be reached from the top.

[0046] The coating may be a film or a gel, particularly a hydrogel. The structured polypeptide to be coated may be in the form of an aerosol, liquid, gel, paste, semisolid or solid. Coating is preferably achieved by dip coating and / or spray coating.

[0047] The coating is preferably formed from a formulation comprising the structural polypeptide and a solvent. The formulation may be a solution, a suspension, a dispersion, or a powder. The formulation may also be a hydrogel. Preferably, the formulation is a solution or a hydrogel. The solution may be an aqueous solution or a buffered aqueous solution. The suspension may be an aqueous suspension or a buffered aqueous suspension. The dispersion may be an aqueous dispersion or a buffered aqueous dispersion. The solvent may be water (H2O), an aqueous buffer, or an organic solvent. The concentration of the structural polypeptide in the formulation (e.g., a solution or hydrogel) preferably ranges from 0.001% (w / w) to 30% (w / w). More preferably, the concentration of the structural polypeptide in the formulation (e.g., a solution or hydrogel) ranges from 0.01% (w / w) to 20% (w / w). Even more preferably, the concentration of the structural polypeptide in the formulation (e.g., a solution or hydrogel) ranges from 0.1% (w / w) to 10% (w / w). Most preferably, the concentration of the structural polypeptide in the formulation (eg, solution or hydrogel) ranges from 0.8% (w / w) to 5% (w / w) or from 1% (w / w) to 2% (w / w).

[0048] The plant coating or plant seed coating may comprise one layer or multiple layers, which may be identical or different from each other, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 layers. For example, these layers may comprise a structural polypeptide; or comprise a structural polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures. Thus, layers comprising a structural polypeptide may alternate with layers comprising a structural polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures. It is also possible that a layer which does not comprise a structural polypeptide but comprises one or more compounds / mixtures is covered by a layer comprising a structural polypeptide or by a layer comprising a structural polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures. The one or more compounds / mixtures may be selected from the group consisting of a mordant, a mordant comprising a pesticide, a seed / plant dressing, a seed / plant dressing comprising a pesticide, a seed / plant marinade, a seed / plant marinade comprising a pesticide, a dye, an odorant, a sunscreen, a fertilizer, a pesticide, a hormone, a growth factor and a nutrient.

[0049] As used herein, the term "environmental hazard" refers to a substance, condition or event that may threaten the surrounding natural environment (particularly when the plant or plant seed is part of that natural environment) or adversely affect the health of the plant and / or the quality of the plant seed, such as ultraviolet radiation, acid rain, high temperatures, dry periods and / or cold periods. As used herein, the term "environmental hazard" also encompasses any one or combination of toxic chemical, biological or physical agents in the environment that may affect the health of the exposed plant or plant seed, either due to human activities or natural processes. Preferably, the environmental hazard is selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet radiation, acid rain, high temperatures, dry periods and / or cold periods.

[0050] As used herein, the term "protecting the environment and / or users from pesticides, mordants, seed / plant dressings, or seed / plant curings" means that seed / plant dressings or seed / plant curings can be a more environmentally friendly way to use pesticides because the amounts used can be very small. However, there are still many disadvantages for the environment, users / farmers, and / or animals (preferably farm animals, insects (such as bees), or worms). Disadvantages include harm to animals (preferably farm animals, insects (such as bees), or worms). Disadvantages also include skin irritation to users / farmers due to dust generation or the use of solvents that are harmful to users / farmers to dissolve the chemicals during the preparation process.

[0051] The coating of the plant or plant seed with the structured polypeptide forms a layer on the pesticide, mordant, seed / plant dressing or seed / plant marinade; and / or the structured polypeptide coating is incorporated into the pesticide, mordant, seed / plant dressing or seed / plant marinade. In this way, the coating comprising the structured polypeptide protects the environment, the user / farmer and / or animals (preferably farm animals, insects (such as bees) or worms) from potentially harmful pesticides, mordants, seed / plant dressings or seed / plant marinade. In particular, the coating with the structured polypeptide fixes / retains these harmful agents on the seed / plant, thereby preventing these agents from spreading into the environment. This helps the user / farmer stay healthy and helps the animals (preferably farm animals, worms or insects (such as bees)) not be adversely affected by these agents.

[0052] The term "non-covalent bond" refers to a bond (interaction) that does not involve the sharing of electron pairs, but rather involves more diffuse variations such as electromagnetic interactions, ionic (electrostatic) interactions, hydrophobic interactions, and / or van der Waals interactions.

[0053] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly discovered that structural polypeptides (e.g., silk polypeptides) are suitable for plant coating. In particular, they have surprisingly discovered that by coating plants or plant seeds with structural polypeptides (e.g., silk polypeptides), pest or microbial infestation can be avoided or at least reduced. The mechanism by which the present invention delays / hinders pest or microbial infestation may be by creating a surface with structural polypeptides where pests or microorganisms are less likely to adhere, survive, reproduce, or colonize. In addition, the inventors of the present invention have surprisingly discovered that by coating plants or plant seeds with structural polypeptides (e.g., silk polypeptides), the ecological impact of environmental hazards can be prevented or at least alleviated / mitigated. In addition, the inventors of the present invention have surprisingly discovered that coating with structural polypeptides (e.g., silk polypeptides) enables compounds / mixtures to be stably, homogeneously, and evenly attached or fixed to the surface of plants or plant seeds. The inventors of the present invention have also surprisingly discovered that coating with structural polypeptides (e.g., silk polypeptides) can play a role in protecting the environment, users / farmers, and / or animals from pesticides, mordants, mordants containing pesticides, seed / plant dressings, or seed / plant dressings containing pesticides. The structural polypeptide (eg silk polypeptide) coating is also edible, thus allowing the application of the structural polypeptide (eg silk polypeptide) coating in organic agriculture / bioculture.

[0054] Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a structured polypeptide in coating plants or plant seeds.

[0055] The coating covering the plant or plant seed preferably has the form of a film or gel (particularly a hydrogel). The structural polypeptide used for the coating can be in the form of an aerosol, liquid, gel, paste, semi-solid or solid. The coating itself can be a comprehensive coating that completely covers the plant or plant seed, or it can only cover a portion of the plant or plant seed. The structural polypeptide can be used to coat the roots of the plant and / or the buds of the plant / the aboveground parts of the plant (a portion). The structural polypeptide can also be used to coat the fruits and / or flowers / petals of the plant (a portion). In a specific embodiment, the fruits and / or flowers / petals are excluded from the coating. It should be understood that plants (particularly the buds of the plant / the aboveground parts of the plant) also include leaves / leaf clusters. Therefore, the structural polypeptide is preferably also used to coat the leaves / leaf clusters of the plant. In the case of a seedling, the structural polypeptide is preferably used to coat the roots of the seedling and / or the buds of the seedling / the aboveground parts of the seedling. Preferably, the structural polypeptide is (only) used to coat the buds of the plant / the aboveground parts of the plant. In a preferred embodiment, the structural polypeptide is used to coat at least 1%, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90% or even 100% of the surface of the plant (especially the shoots of the plant / the aerial parts of the plant), for example at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100%, 7%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100%, 101%, 102%, 103%, 104%, 105%, 106%, 107%, 108%, 109%, 110%, 111%, 112%, 113%, 114%, 115%, 116%, 117%, 118%, 119%, 120%, 121%, 122%, 123%, 124%, 125%, 126%, 127%, 128%, 129%, 130%, 131%, 132%, 133%, 134%, 135 9%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%.In a preferred embodiment, the structural polypeptide is used to coat at least 1%, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90% or even 100% of the surface of a plant seed, for example at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100%, 101%, 102%, 103%, 104%, 105%, 106%, 107%, 108%, 109%, 111%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%.

[0056] Preferably, the coating is a homogeneous and / or uniform coating. The coating preferably has a thickness between 10 nm and 1 mm, more preferably a thickness between 50 nm and 0.5 μm. The plant may be a seedling, a growing plant or a mature plant.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, plant coating or plant seed coating is used to prevent pest infestation.

[0058] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly discovered that coating with structured polypeptides modifies the surface of plants and plant seeds in a manner that makes them no longer attractive to pests. Pests no longer colonize the coated plant or plant seed material. In particular, the coated plant or plant seed material no longer appears to be an attractive food source for pests.

[0059] The pest may be selected from the group consisting of insects, mites, nematodes, slugs, snails, protozoa or other invertebrates, microorganisms (e.g., bacteria or fungi, viruses), other parasitic plants, and parasitic plant parts. Preferably, the pest is a predator / natural enemy, such as an agricultural pest or an ornamental plant pest. More preferably, the predator / natural enemy is selected from the group consisting of insects, mites, nematodes, slugs, snails, and microorganisms. Even more preferably, the predator / natural enemy is selected from the group consisting of lice, slugs, aphids (Aphidoidea), spider mites (Tetranychidae), whiteflies (Aleyrodoidea), weevils (Curculionidae), snails (Gastropoda), (apple) codling moths (Cydia pomonella), boxwood moths (Cydalima perspectalis), Colorado beetles (Leptinotarsa ​​decemlineata), cuckoo leafhoppers (Graphocephala fennahi) and click beetles (Elateridae).

[0060] As mentioned above, the pests (particularly predators / natural enemies) are microorganisms or viruses. Preferably, the microorganisms are selected from the group consisting of bacteria and fungi. In this case, the plant coating or plant seed coating is used to prevent bacterial / microorganism infestation.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, plant coatings or plant seed coatings are used for protection from environmental hazards.

[0062] Environmental impacts such as wind, heavy rainfall and / or severe drought can negatively impact the health of plants or plant seeds, resulting in crop losses and reduced yields.

[0063] The inventors of the present invention surprisingly found that the structured polypeptide coating forms an additional layer on the plant or plant seed, thereby protecting the plant or plant seed from environmental substances and influences that have a negative impact on plant health and plant seed quality.

[0064] Preferably, the environmental hazard is selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet radiation, acid rain, high temperatures, dry periods, cold periods, and combinations thereof.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the coating of plants or plant seeds is used to protect the environment, users and / or animals, preferably farm animals, worms or insects (such as bees), from pesticides, mordants, mordants containing pesticides, seed / plant dressings, seed / plant dressings containing pesticides, seed / plant marinades or seed / plant marinades containing pesticides.

[0066] Plants or plant seeds coated with pesticides, mordants, mordants containing pesticides, seed / plant dressings, seed / plant dressings containing pesticides, seed / plant marinades or seed / plant marinades containing pesticides may have the disadvantage of causing skin irritation, eye burns, coughing and / or asthma. Pesticides are often harmful to the health of the user / farmer or animals.

[0067] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that a structured polypeptide coating forms one or more (additional) layers on plants or plant seeds coated with a pesticide, a mordant, a mordant containing a pesticide, a seed / plant dressing or a seed / plant dressing containing a pesticide, which protect the environment and / or the user from the pesticide, mordant, mordant containing a pesticide, seed / plant dressing or seed / plant dressing containing a pesticide. In other words, the pesticide, mordant, mordant containing a pesticide, seed / plant dressing or seed / plant dressing containing a pesticide forms a first layer on the plant or plant seed, and the structured polypeptide coating forms an additional second layer on the first layer, which protects the environment and / or the user from the components contained in the first layer.

[0068] This protection can also be achieved when the structural polypeptide and the pesticide, mordant, mordant containing a pesticide, seed / plant dressing, or seed / plant dressing containing a pesticide are part of a single layer / common layer covering / coating the plant or plant seed. In this case, the pesticide, mordant, mordant containing a pesticide, seed / plant dressing, or seed / plant dressing containing a pesticide is incorporated into or encapsulated within the structural polypeptide coating / layer.

[0069] Preferably, the mordant, seed / plant dressing or seed / plant cure comprises a fungicide, a herbicide and / or an insecticide. More preferably, the mordant, seed / plant dressing or seed / plant cure comprises a fungicide and / or an insecticide.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the plant or plant seed coating enables the fixation / attachment of one or more compounds / mixtures to the plant or plant seed.

[0071] The inventors of the present invention surprisingly found that a structured polypeptide coating enables the fixation / attachment of one or more compounds / mixtures to plant or plant seed material.

[0072] One or more compounds / mixtures are preferably attached to the plant or plant seed via the structural polypeptide coating. In particular, the structural polypeptide forms a non-covalent bond with the one or more compounds / mixtures. In other words, the one or more compounds / mixtures are non-covalently linked to the structural polypeptide. In another embodiment, the structural polypeptide forms a covalent bond with the one or more compounds / mixtures, for example, via tyrosine or cysteine. Particularly preferably, the one or more compounds / mixtures are attached / linked to the structural polypeptide via an ionic (electrostatic) bond (interaction) or via a hydrophobic bond (interaction).

[0073] The one or more compounds / mixtures can be selected from the group consisting of mordants, mordants containing pesticides, seed / plant dressings, seed / plant dressings containing pesticides, seed / plant marinades, seed / plant marinades containing pesticides, dyes, odorants, sunscreens, fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, growth factors, and nutrients. In particular, the one or more compounds / mixtures can be active agents. The active agent can be selected from the group consisting of dyes, odorants, sunscreens, fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, growth factors, and nutrients.

[0074] Preferably, the pesticide is selected from the group consisting of herbicides, insecticides (which may include insect growth regulators, termites, etc.), nematicides, molluscicides, piscicides, avicides, rodenticides, bactericides, insect repellents, animal repellents, antimicrobials, fungicides, disinfectants (antimicrobials) and disinfecting cleaners.

[0075] In the case of a mordant, seed / plant dressing, or seed / plant preserve as a compound / mixture, the plant or plant seed may comprise a first layer comprising the mordant, seed / plant dressing, or seed / plant preserve on the plant or plant seed, and a second layer comprising the structural polypeptide. The second layer is located on / coats the first layer, thereby enabling the mordant, seed / plant dressing, or seed / plant preserve to be fixed / attached to the plant or plant seed.

[0076] In addition to the structural polypeptide, the second layer may also contain a mordant, a seed / vegetable mix or a seed / vegetable marinade.

[0077] Alternatively, only a single layer / co-layer comprising the mordant, the seed / plant dressing or seed / plant marinade and the structured polypeptide is formed on the plant or plant seed.

[0078] Since the mordant, seed / plant dressing or seed / plant marinade is incorporated into and / or encapsulated in the structural polypeptide layer, the mordant, seed / plant dressing or seed / plant marinade is fixed / attached to the plant or plant seed.

[0079] The mordant, seed / plant dressing or seed / plant cure may contain pesticides such as fungicides, herbicides and / or insecticides.

[0080] Preferably, the plant is a crop plant, or the plant seed is a crop plant seed. Preferably, the crop plant is selected from the group consisting of fruit trees, cereals, legumes, sweet small-plant fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, oil-producing plants and commodity plants.

[0081] In particular, the plant or plant seed belongs to the family Poaceae, Rubiaceae, Crassulaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae or Musaceae.

[0082] The Poaceae family is a large and nearly universal family of monocotyledonous flowering plants, known as grasses. It includes cereal grasses, bamboos, and grasses of natural grasslands, as well as cultivated lawns and pastures. It is the most economically important plant family, providing staple foods from domesticated cereal crops (such as corn, wheat, rye, rice, oats, barley, hops, or millet), as well as feed, building materials (bamboo, thatch, straw), and fuel (ethanol). Blue fescue also belongs to this family.

[0083] Rubiaceae is a family of flowering plants, commonly known as the coffee, madder, or bedstraw family. It consists of terrestrial trees, shrubs, vines, or herbs that are recognizable by their solitary, opposite leaves with interpetiolar stipules.

[0084] The Crassulaceae family, also known as the stonecrop or orpine family, is a family of dicotyledonous plants with fleshy leaves. They are generally herbaceous, but some are semi-shrubs and rarely tree-like or aquatic. Echeveria belongs to this family.

[0085] The Fabaceae or Leguminosae family, commonly known as the legume, pea, or bean family, is a large and economically important family of flowering plants. It includes trees, shrubs, and perennial or annual herbs that are easily recognized by their fruits (legumes) and their regular compound leaves.

[0086] The Asteraceae family (compositae) (commonly called aster, daisy, composite, or sunflower family) is a very large and widespread family of flowering plants (Angiospermae). It is an economically important family, providing products such as cooking oils, lettuce, sunflower seeds, artichokes, sweeteners, coffee substitutes, and herbal teas.

[0087] The cultivated banana is a commercially important member of the Musaceae family, native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia.

[0088] Also preferably, the plant is an ornamental plant, or the plant seed is an ornamental plant seed. Preferably, the ornamental plant is selected from the group consisting of foliage plants, flowering plants, and carnivorous plants. Further preferably, the plant is an economic plant, or the plant seed is an ornamental plant seed, for harvesting.

[0089] Plant coating using the structural polypeptide is preferably performed during the plant's cultivation period. It is also preferred that plant coating using the structural polypeptide be performed during the plant's flowering and / or harvesting period. Plant seeds are preferably coated with the structural polypeptide during storage and / or prior to sowing. Coating using the structural polypeptide does not impair the growth and / or viability of the plant or the germination ability of the plant seeds. Furthermore, the coating is edible.

[0090] In a more preferred embodiment, the structured polypeptide is contained in a composition. The composition is preferably a film or gel (particularly a hydrogel) or a powder. The composition is part of a coating. In other words, the coating comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the composition. Preferably, the composition further comprises one or more compounds / mixtures. The one or more compounds / mixtures can be selected from the group consisting of mordants, mordants containing pesticides, seed / plant dressings, seed / plant dressings containing pesticides, seed / plant marinades, seed / plant marinades containing pesticides, dyes, odorants, sunscreens, fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, growth factors, and nutrients. In particular, the one or more compounds / mixtures can be active agents. The active agent can be selected from the group consisting of mordants, mordants containing pesticides, seed / plant dressings, seed / plant dressings containing pesticides, seed / plant marinades, seed / plant marinades containing pesticides, dyes, odorants, sunscreens, fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, growth factors, and nutrients. Preferably, the pesticide is selected from the group consisting of herbicides, insecticides (which may include insect growth regulators, termites, etc.), nematicides, molluscicides, piscicides, avicides, rodenticides, bactericides, insect repellents, animal repellents, antimicrobials, fungicides, disinfectants (antimicrobials) and disinfecting cleaners.

[0091] The coating (comprising a structural polypeptide, a composition comprising a structural polypeptide, or a composition comprising a structural polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures) is formed from a formulation. The formulation for coating plants or plant seeds can be a solution, a suspension, a dispersion, or a powder. The formulation for coating plants or plant seeds can also be a hydrogel. Preferably, the formulation for coating plants or plant seeds is a solution or a hydrogel. The solution can be an aqueous solution or a buffered aqueous solution. The suspension can be an aqueous suspension or a buffered aqueous suspension. The dispersion can be an aqueous dispersion or a buffered aqueous dispersion. The formulation can comprise a solvent. The solvent can be water (H2O), an aqueous buffer, or an organic solvent. Since pesticides are generally insoluble in water, organic solvents (e.g., 1,2-propylene glycol) are used when formulating them into mordants, seed / plant dressings, or seed / plant marinades. The formulation comprises a structural polypeptide, or comprises a structural polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures.The concentration of the structural polypeptide in the formulation (e.g., solution or hydrogel) is preferably in the range of 0.001% (w / w) to 30% (w / w), for example, 0.001% (w / w), 0.01% (w / w), 0.1% (w / w), 0.2% (w / w), 0.3% (w / w), 0.4% (w / w), 0.5% (w / w), 0.6% (w / w), 0.7% (w / w), 0.8% (w / w), 0.9% (w / w), 1.0% (w / w), 1.1% (w / w), 1.2% (w / w), 1.3% (w / w). w / w), 1.4% (w / w), 1.5% (w / w), 1.6% (w / w), 1.7% (w / w), 1.8% (w / w), 1.9% (w / w), 2.0% (w / w), 2.1% (w / w), 2.2% (w / w), 2.3% (w / w), 2.4% (w / w), 2.5% (w / w), 2.6% (w / w), 2.7% (w / w), 2.8% (w / w), 2.9% (w / w), 3.0% (w / w), 3.1% (w / w), 3.2% (w / w), 3.3 % (w / w), 3.4% (w / w), 3.5% (w / w), 3.6% (w / w), 3.7% (w / w), 3.8% (w / w), 3.9% (w / w), 4.0% (w / w), 4.1% (w / w), 4.2% (w / w), 4. 3% (w / w), 4.4% (w / w), 4.5% (w / w), 4.6% (w / w), 4.7% (w / w), 4.8% (w / w), 4.9% (w / w), 5% (w / w), 6% (w / w), 7% (w / w), 8% (w / w) %, 9% (w / w), 10% (w / w), 11% (w / w), 12% (w / w), 13% (w / w), 14% (w / w), 15% (w / w), 16% (w / w), 17% (w / w), 18% (w / w), 19% (w / w), 20% (w / w), 21% (w / w), 22% (w / w), 23% (w / w), 24% (w / w), 25% (w / w), 26% (w / w), 27% (w / w), 28% (w / w), 29% (w / w) or 30% (w / w). More preferably, the concentration of the structural polypeptide in the formulation (e.g., solution or hydrogel) ranges from 0.01% (w / w) to 20% (w / w). Even more preferably, the concentration of the structural polypeptide in the formulation (e.g., solution or hydrogel) ranges from 0.1% (w / w) to 10% (w / w). Most preferably, the concentration of the structural polypeptide in the formulation (e.g., solution or hydrogel) ranges from 0.8% (w / w) to 5% (w / w) or from 1% (w / w) to 2% (w / w).The concentration of the compound(s) / mixture(s) in the formulation (e.g., solution or hydrogel) is preferably in the range of 0.1 mg / ml to 500 g / l, for example 0.1 mg / ml, 0.2 mg / ml, 0.3 mg / ml, 0.4 mg / ml, 0.5 mg / ml, 0.6 mg / ml, 0.7 mg / ml, 0.8 mg / ml, 0.9 mg / ml, 1.0 mg / ml, 1.1 mg / ml, 1.2 mg / ml, 1.3 mg / ml, 1.4 mg / ml, 1.5 mg / ml, 1.6 mg / ml, 1.7 mg / ml, 1.8 mg / ml. g / ml, 1.9mg / ml, 2.0mg / ml, 2.1mg / ml, 2.2mg / ml, 2.3mg / ml, 2.4mg / ml, 2.5mg / ml, 2.6mg / ml, 2.7mg / ml, 2.8mg / ml, 2.9mg / ml, 3 .0mg / ml, 3.1mg / ml, 3.2mg / ml, 3.3mg / ml, 3.4mg / ml, 3.5mg / ml, 3.6mg / ml, 3.7mg / ml, 3.8mg / ml, 3.9mg / ml, 4.0mg / ml, 4.1mg / ml , 4.2mg / ml, 4.3mg / ml, 4.4mg / ml, 4.5mg / ml, 4.6mg / ml, 4.7mg / ml, 4.8mg / ml, 4.9mg / ml, 5mg / ml, 6mg / ml, 7mg / ml, 8mg / ml, 9mg / ml, 10mg / ml, 11mg / ml, 12mg / ml, 13mg / ml, 14mg / ml, 15mg / ml, 16mg / ml, 17mg / ml, 18mg / ml, 19mg / ml, 20mg / ml, 21mg / ml, 22mg / ml , 23mg / ml, 24mg / ml, 25mg / ml, 26mg / ml, 27mg / ml, 28mg / ml, 29mg / ml, 30mg / ml, 40mg / ml, 50mg / ml, 60mg / ml, 70mg / ml, 80mg / ml, 90mg / ml, 100mg / ml, 200mg / ml, 300mg / ml, 400mg / ml or 500mg / ml, or 1g / l, 10g / l, 50g / l, 100g / l, 200g / l, 300g / l, 400g / l or 500g / l.

[0092] The final coating on the plant or plant seed is preferably in the form of a film (when a solution containing the structural polypeptide is applied to the plant or plant seed) or a hydrogel (when a hydrogel is applied to the plant or plant seed). The final coating on the plant or plant seed may also be in the form of a powder layer (when a powder is applied to the plant or plant seed).

[0093] The structural polypeptide is preferably a self-assembling polypeptide. The self-assembling polypeptide has the potential to self-assemble into a fibril structure (ie, a fibril complex of the structural polypeptide).

[0094] Preferably, the (self-assembling) structural polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of silk polypeptides, keratin, collagen and elastin. In particular, the (self-assembling) structural polypeptide is a recombinant polypeptide, such as a recombinant silk polypeptide, keratin, collagen or elastin.

[0095] More preferably, the (self-assembling) structural polypeptide is a silk polypeptide, such as a recombinant silk polypeptide. The (recombinant) silk polypeptide may be a spider silk polypeptide, such as a flagelliform silk polypeptide, a minor ampullate silk polypeptide, or a major ampullate silk polypeptide (such as a dragline silk polypeptide) of an orb-web spider. Preferably, the silk polypeptide is a spider silk polypeptide, more preferably a recombinant spider silk polypeptide.

[0096] (Alternatively or additionally) more preferably, the silk polypeptide is a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence comprising or consisting of multiple copies of at least 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% or 90% of a repeating unit. Even more preferably, the silk polypeptide is a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence comprising or consisting of multiple copies of at least 95% of a repeating unit. The repeating units may be the same or different.

[0097] (Alternatively or additionally) further more preferably, the silk polypeptide comprises at least two identical repeating units. For example, the silk polypeptide may comprise 2 to 100 repeating units, for example 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100 repeating units.

[0098] (Alternatively or additionally) still more preferably, the silk polypeptide consists of 40 to 3000 amino acids. Even more preferably, the silk polypeptide consists of 40 to 1500 amino acids or 200 to 1200 amino acids. Most preferably, the silk polypeptide consists of 250 to 600 amino acids.

[0099] Even more preferably, the silk polypeptide comprises at least two identical repeating units. In one embodiment, the repeating units are independently selected from the group consisting of module C (SEQ ID NO: 1) or a variant thereof and module C Cys (The module may also be referred to as module C C ) (SEQ ID NO: 2). Module C Cys (SEQ ID NO: 2) is a variant of module C (SEQ ID NO: 1). In this module, the amino acid S (Ser) at position 25 is replaced by the amino acid C (Cys).

[0100] A module C variant differs from a reference module C in that it is derived from up to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 amino acid changes (i.e. substitutions, additions, insertions, deletions, N-terminal truncations and / or C-terminal truncations) in the amino acid sequence. Alternatively or additionally, such a module variant may be characterized by a certain degree of sequence identity with the reference module from which it is derived. Thus, module C variants have at least 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or even 99.9% sequence identity to the respective reference module C. Preferably, the sequence identity is over a continuous stretch of at least 5, 10, 15, 18, 20, 24, 27, 28, 30, 34 or more amino acids of the respective reference module C, preferably over the entire length of the respective reference module C.

[0101] The sequence identity may be at least 80% over the full length of the respective reference module C, may be at least 85% over the full length, may be at least 90% over the full length, may be at least 95% over the full length, may be at least 98% over the full length, or may be at least 99% over the full length. Alternatively, the sequence identity may be at least 80% over a continuous stretch of at least 5, 10, 15, 18, 20, 24, 28 or 30 amino acids of the respective reference module C, may be at least 85% over a continuous stretch of at least 5, 10, 15, 18, 20, 24, 28 or 30 amino acids, may be at least 90% over a continuous stretch of at least 5, 10, 15, 18, 20, 24, 28 or 30 amino acids, may be at least 95% over a continuous stretch of at least 5, 10, 15, 18, 20, 24, 28 or 30 amino acids, may be at least 98% over a continuous stretch of at least 5, 10, 15, 18, 20, 24, 28 or 30 amino acids, or may be at least 99% over a continuous stretch of at least 5, 10, 15, 18, 20, 24, 28 or 30 amino acids.

[0102] Fragment (or deletion) variants of module C preferably have a deletion of up to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 amino acids at their N-terminus and / or their C-terminus. The deletion may also be internal.

[0103] In addition, module C variants or fragments are considered module C variants or fragments in the context of the present invention only if the modifications made relative to the amino acid sequence underlying the variant or fragment do not negatively affect the ability of the silk polypeptide to coat plants or plant seeds. One skilled in the art can readily assess whether a silk polypeptide comprising a module C variant or fragment is still capable of coating plants or plant seeds. In this regard, reference is made to the examples contained in the experimental section of this patent application.

[0104] C Cys Variants may also be encompassed in the present invention. Cys variants, the same interpretations / definitions as given for module C variants (see above) apply.

[0105] Even more preferably, the silk polypeptide comprises at least one non-repeat (NR) unit. The non-repeat (NR) unit may be included at the N-terminus and / or the C-terminus. In one embodiment, the NR unit is selected from the group consisting of NR3 (SEQ ID NO: 3) or a variant thereof and NR4 (SEQ ID NO: 4) or a variant thereof. The NR3 (SEQ ID NO: 3) unit is based on the amino acid sequence of ADF-3 from the spider Araneus diadematus; while the NR4 (SEQ ID NO: 4) unit is based on the amino acid sequence of ADF-4 from the spider Araneus diadematus (WO 2006 / 008163).

[0106] With regard to the NR3 or NR4 unit variants, the same explanations / definitions as given for the module C variants (see above) apply.

[0107] In addition, only when the modification carried out relative to the amino acid sequence as the basis of the variant or fragment does not have a negative impact on the ability of the silk polypeptide to coat plants or plant seeds, the NR3 or NR4 unit variant or fragment is considered as the NR3 or NR4 unit variant or fragment in the context of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily assess whether the silk polypeptide comprising the NR3 or NR4 unit variant or fragment is still able to coat plants or plant seeds. In this regard, reference is made to the examples included in the experimental section of this patent application.

[0108] Preferably, the silk polypeptide is selected from (C) m 、(C Cys ) m 、(C) m C Cys 、(C) m NR z NR z (C) m and NRz (C) m NR z 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 4, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95 or 96; z is an integer from 1 to 3, i.e., 1, 2 or 3; and NR represents a non-repeating unit.

[0109] More preferably, the silk polypeptide is selected from C 16 NR4, C 32 NR4, C8, C 16 、C 32 、C 48 、C8C Cys 、C 16 C Cys 、C 32 C Cys 、C 48 C Cys 、C Cys C8, C Cys C 16 、C Cys C 32 and C Cys C 48 The group composed of.

[0110] The plant coating or plant seed coating may comprise one layer or multiple layers that are identical or different from one another. For example, the layers may comprise a structural polypeptide; or a structural polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures. Thus, layers comprising a structural polypeptide may alternate with layers comprising a structural polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures. It is also possible that a layer that does not comprise a structural polypeptide but comprises one or more compounds / mixtures is covered by a layer comprising a structural polypeptide or by a layer comprising a structural polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures. The one or more compounds / mixtures may be selected from the group consisting of a mordant, a mordant comprising a pesticide, a seed / plant dressing, a seed / plant dressing comprising a pesticide, a seed / plant marinade, a seed / plant marinade comprising a pesticide, a dye, an odorant, a sunscreen, a fertilizer, a pesticide, a hormone, a growth factor, and a nutrient.

[0111] As stated above, the first aspect of the invention may alternatively be phrased as follows: In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method of using a structured polypeptide for coating plants or plant seeds.

[0112] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for coating plants or plant seeds (with a structured polypeptide), said method comprising the steps of:

[0113] (i) providing a formulation comprising the structured polypeptide; and

[0114] (ii) applying the formulation comprising the structural polypeptide to the surface of the plant or plant seed, thereby forming a coating (comprising the structural polypeptide) on the plant or plant seed.

[0115] The formulation can be a solution, suspension, dispersion, or powder. The formulation can also be a hydrogel. Preferably, the formulation is a solution or a hydrogel. The solution can be an aqueous solution or a buffered aqueous solution. The suspension can be an aqueous suspension or a buffered aqueous suspension. The dispersion can be an aqueous dispersion or a buffered aqueous dispersion. The formulation preferably includes a solvent. The solvent can be water (H2O), an aqueous buffer, or an organic solvent. Because pesticides are generally insoluble in water, organic solvents (e.g., 1,2-propylene glycol) are used when formulating them into mordants, seed / plant dressings, or seed / plant marinades. Preferably, the concentration of the structural polypeptide in the formulation (e.g., solution or hydrogel) is in the range of 0.001% (w / w) to 30% (w / w), for example, 0.001% (w / w), 0.01% (w / w), 0.1% (w / w), 0.2% (w / w), 0.3% (w / w), 0.4% (w / w), 0.5% (w / w), 0.6% (w / w), 0.7% (w / w), 0.8% (w / w), 0.9% (w / w), 1.0% (w / w), 1.1% (w / w), 1.2% (w / w), 1.3% (w / w), 1.4% (w / w), 1.6% (w / w), 1.7% (w / w), 1.9% (w / w), 2.0% (w / w), 2.1% (w / w), 2.2% (w / w), 2.3% (w / w), 2.4% (w / w), 2.5% (w / w), 2.6% (w / w), 2.7% (w / w), 2.8% (w / w), 2.9% (w / w), 3.0% (w / w), 3.1% (w / w), 3.2% (w / w), 3.3% (w / w), 3.4% (w / w), 3.5% (w / w), 3.6% (w / w), 3.7% (w / w), 3.8% (w / w), 3.9% (w / w), 4. % (w / w), 1.4% (w / w), 1.5% (w / w), 1.6% (w / w), 1.7% (w / w), 1.8% (w / w), 1.9% (w / w), 2.0% (w / w), 2.1% (w / w), 2.2% (w / w), 2. 3% (w / w), 2.4% (w / w), 2.5% (w / w), 2.6% (w / w), 2.7% (w / w), 2.8% (w / w), 2.9% (w / w), 3.0% (w / w), 3.1% (w / w), 3.2% (w / w), 3. 3% (w / w), 3.4% (w / w), 3.5% (w / w), 3.6% (w / w), 3.7% (w / w), 3.8% (w / w), 3.9% (w / w), 4.0% (w / w), 4.1% (w / w), 4.2% (w / w), 4 .3% (w / w), 4.4% (w / w), 4.5% (w / w), 4.6% (w / w), 4.7% (w / w), 4.8% (w / w), 4.9% (w / w), 5% (w / w), 6% (w / w), 7% (w / w), 8% (w / w ), 9% (w / w), 10% (w / w), 11% (w / w), 12% (w / w), 13% (w / w), 14% (w / w), 15% (w / w), 16% (w / w), 17% (w / w), 18% (w / w), 19% (w / w) , 20% (w / w), 21% (w / w), 22% (w / w), 23% (w / w), 24% (w / w), 25% (w / w), 26% (w / w), 27% (w / w), 28% (w / w), 29% (w / w) or 30% (w / w).More preferably, the concentration of the structural polypeptide in the formulation (e.g., solution or hydrogel) ranges from 0.01% (w / w) to 20% (w / w). Even more preferably, the concentration of the structural polypeptide in the formulation (e.g., solution or hydrogel) ranges from 0.1% (w / w) to 10% (w / w). Most preferably, the concentration of the structural polypeptide in the formulation (e.g., solution or hydrogel) ranges from 0.8% (w / w) to 5% (w / w) or from 1% (w / w) to 2% (w / w).The concentration of the compound(s) / mixture(s) in the formulation (e.g., solution or hydrogel) is preferably in the range of 0.1 mg / ml to 500 g / l, for example 0.1 mg / ml, 0.2 mg / ml, 0.3 mg / ml, 0.4 mg / ml, 0.5 mg / ml, 0.6 mg / ml, 0.7 mg / ml, 0.8 mg / ml, 0.9 mg / ml, 1.0 mg / ml, 1.1 mg / ml, 1.2 mg / ml, 1.3 mg / ml, 1.4 mg / ml, 1.5 mg / ml, 1.6 mg / ml, 1.7 mg / ml, 1.8 mg / ml. g / ml, 1.9mg / ml, 2.0mg / ml, 2.1mg / ml, 2.2mg / ml, 2.3mg / ml, 2.4mg / ml, 2.5mg / ml, 2.6mg / ml, 2.7mg / ml, 2.8mg / ml, 2.9mg / ml, 3 .0mg / ml, 3.1mg / ml, 3.2mg / ml, 3.3mg / ml, 3.4mg / ml, 3.5mg / ml, 3.6mg / ml, 3.7mg / ml, 3.8mg / ml, 3.9mg / ml, 4.0mg / ml, 4.1mg / ml , 4.2mg / ml, 4.3mg / ml, 4.4mg / ml, 4.5mg / ml, 4.6mg / ml, 4.7mg / ml, 4.8mg / ml, 4.9mg / ml, 5mg / ml, 6mg / ml, 7mg / ml, 8mg / ml, 9mg / ml, 10mg / ml, 11mg / ml, 12mg / ml, 13mg / ml, 14mg / ml, 15mg / ml, 16mg / ml, 17mg / ml, 18mg / ml, 19mg / ml, 20mg / ml, 21mg / ml, 22mg / ml , 23mg / ml, 24mg / ml, 25mg / ml, 26mg / ml, 27mg / ml, 28mg / ml, 29mg / ml, 30mg / ml, 40mg / ml, 50mg / ml, 60mg / ml, 70mg / ml, 80mg / ml, 90mg / ml, 100mg / ml, 200mg / ml, 300mg / ml, 400mg / ml or 500mg / ml, or 1g / l, 10g / l, 50g / l, 100g / l, 200g / l, 300g / l, 400g / l or 500g / l.

[0116] The coating itself may be a full coating that completely covers the plant or plant seed, or it may cover only a portion of the plant or plant seed. Preferably, the coating covers at least 1%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90% or even 100% of the plant or plant seed, for example at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100%, 101%, 102%, 103%, 104%, 105%, 106%, 107%, %, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%.

[0117] The coating can be applied to (a part of) the roots of the plant and / or the buds / aerial parts of the plant. The coating can also be applied to (a part of) the fruits and / or flowers / petals of the plant. In a specific embodiment, the fruits and / or flowers / petals are excluded from the coating. It should be understood that plants (particularly the buds / aerial parts of the plant) also include leaves / leaf clusters. Therefore, the coating preferably also covers the leaves / leaf clusters. Preferably, the coating is applied (only) to the buds / aerial parts of the plant. More preferably, the coating is applied (only) to the roots of the plant and / or the buds / aerial parts of the plant.

[0118] Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the method for coating plants or plant seeds comprises the following steps:

[0119] (i) providing a formulation comprising the structured polypeptide; and

[0120] (ii) applying the preparation comprising the structural polypeptide to the surface of the plant roots and / or plant shoots / aerial parts of the plant, thereby forming a coating on the plant roots and / or plant shoots / aerial parts of the plant.

[0121] The roots of the plants and / or the shoots of the plants / the aerial parts of the plants may comprise a comprehensive coating that completely covers the roots of the plants and / or the shoots of the plants / the aerial parts of the plants, or may comprise a coating that only covers a portion of the roots of the plants and / or the shoots of the plants / the aerial parts of the plants. In the case where the plants are seedlings, for example, the roots of the seedlings and / or the shoots of the seedlings / the aerial parts of the seedlings may comprise a comprehensive coating that completely covers the roots of the seedlings and / or the shoots of the seedlings / the aerial parts of the seedlings, or may comprise a coating that only covers a portion of the roots of the seedlings and / or the shoots of the seedlings / the aerial parts of the seedlings.

[0122] Preferably, the coating covers at least 1%, more preferably at least 30%, even more preferably at least 50%, most preferably at least 90% or even 100% of the surface of the roots and / or shoots of the plant / aerial parts of the plant, for example at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39% of the surface of the roots and / or shoots of the plant / aerial parts of the plant. , 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70 %, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%.

[0123] Preferably, the coating covers at least 1%, more preferably at least 30%, even more preferably at least 50%, most preferably at least 90% or even 100% of the surface of the plant seed, for example at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43% of the surface of the plant seed. , 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%.

[0124] The plants may be seedlings, growing plants or mature plants. Thus, it is preferred that the coating is applied before harvest.

[0125] The preparation containing the structural polypeptide is preferably applied to the surface of plants (especially plant shoots / aerial parts of plants) or plant seeds by dipping and / or spraying.

[0126] For example, dip coating can be performed as follows: (i) immersing plants (particularly plant shoots / aerial parts of plants) or plant seeds into a container containing a formulation containing a structural polypeptide and a solvent; (ii) incubating the plants (particularly plant shoots / aerial parts of plants) or plant seeds with the formulation containing the structural polypeptide and a solvent in a tank for, for example, 0.1 seconds to 10 minutes; (iii) removing the plants (particularly plant shoots / aerial parts of plants) or plant seeds coated with the structural polypeptide from the formulation. The plants (particularly plant shoots / aerial parts of plants) or plant seeds coated with the structural polypeptide can be further dried, for example, at ambient temperature, room temperature, or elevated temperatures.

[0127] For example, spray coating can be carried out as follows: (i) transferring the formulation comprising the structural polypeptide and the solvent to a spray tank, a spray device or a sprayer; and (ii) spreading the formulation comprising the structural polypeptide and the solvent onto plants (particularly plant buds / aerial parts of plants) or plant seeds. The plants (particularly plant buds / aerial parts of plants) or plant seeds coated with the structural polypeptide on their surfaces can be further dried, for example, at ambient temperature, room temperature or elevated temperature.

[0128] In a preferred embodiment, the formulation comprising the structured polypeptide may be sprayed / applied to the plants / crops with the aid of a crop duster.

[0129] The temperature range is preferably between 0°C and 40°C, more preferably between 10°C and 40°C, even more preferably between 20°C and 35°C, most preferably between 20°C and 25°C, such as 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C or 40°C.

[0130] Preferably, the formulation further comprises one or more compounds / mixtures. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the method for coating plants or plant seeds comprises the following steps:

[0131] (i) providing a formulation comprising a structured polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures; and

[0132] (ii) applying a formulation comprising the structural polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures to the surface of a plant or plant seed, thereby forming a coating on the plant or plant seed.

[0133] Preferably, one or more compounds / mixtures are applied to the (final) coating. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the method for coating plants or plant seeds comprises the following steps:

[0134] (i) providing a formulation comprising a structured polypeptide;

[0135] (ii) applying a formulation comprising the structural polypeptide to the surface of a plant or plant seed, thereby forming a coating on the plant or plant seed; and

[0136] (iii) applying one or more compounds / mixtures onto the coating formed in step (ii).

[0137] More preferably, the one or more compounds / mixtures are part of the formulation provided in step (i) and are applied to the (final) coating after step (ii). Thus, in a more preferred embodiment, the method for coating plants or plant seeds comprises the following steps:

[0138] (i) providing a formulation comprising a structured polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures;

[0139] (ii) applying a formulation comprising the structural polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures to the surface of a plant or plant seed, thereby forming a coating on the plant or plant seed; and

[0140] (iii) applying one or more compounds / mixtures onto the coating formed in step (ii).

[0141] The compound(s) / mixture(s) are / are applied to the (final) coating, preferably before the coating is dried / before it has dried. The compound(s) / mixture(s) may be applied to the coating as follows: the compound(s) / mixture(s) may be sprinkled onto the (wet, damp or not yet dried) coating; a solution comprising the compound(s) / mixture(s) may be cast onto the coating; a solution comprising the compound(s) / mixture(s) may be sprayed onto the coating; a solution, dispersion or solid comprising the compound(s) / mixture(s) may be applied to the plant prior to coating; or the coating may be immersed in a solution comprising the compound(s) / mixture(s).

[0142] It is also preferred that one or more compounds / mixtures are applied to the surface of the plant or plant seed before coating with the structural polypeptide, for example before step (i) or after step (i) / before step (ii). In this case, the formulation comprising the structural polypeptide is applied to the surface of the plant or plant seed that (already) comprises / is coated with one or more compounds / mixtures.

[0143] It is further preferred that, before coating with the structural polypeptide, for example, before step (i) or after step (i) / before step (ii), one or more compounds / mixtures are applied to the surface of the plant or plant seed, and further preferably (subsequently) a formulation comprising the structural polypeptide and the one or more compounds / mixtures is applied to the surface of the plant or plant seed. In this case, the formulation comprising the structural polypeptide and the one or more compounds / mixtures is applied to the surface of the plant or plant seed that (already) comprises / is coated with the one or more compounds / mixtures.

[0144] The one or more compounds / mixtures can be selected from the group consisting of mordants, mordants containing pesticides, seed / plant dressings, seed / plant dressings containing pesticides, seed / plant marinades, seed / plant marinades containing pesticides, dyes, odorants, sunscreens, fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, growth factors, and nutrients. In particular, the one or more compounds / mixtures are active agents. The active agent can be selected from the group consisting of dyes, odorants, sunscreens, fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, growth factors, and nutrients. Preferably, the pesticide is selected from the group consisting of herbicides, insecticides (which may include insect growth regulators, termites, etc.), nematicides, molluscicides, piscicides, avicides, rodenticides, bactericides, insect repellents, animal repellents, antimicrobials, fungicides, disinfectants (antimicrobials), and disinfecting cleaners.

[0145] Particularly preferably, the preparation further comprises a mordant, a seed / plant dressing or a seed / plant marinade as a compound / mixture. Therefore, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the method for coating plants or plant seeds comprises the following steps:

[0146] (i) providing a preparation comprising a structured polypeptide and a mordant, a seed / plant dressing or a seed / plant marinade; and

[0147] (ii) applying a formulation comprising the structured polypeptide and a mordant, a seed / plant dressing or a seed / plant marinade to the surface of the plant or plant seed, thereby forming a coating on the plant or plant seed.

[0148] Particularly preferably, a preparation comprising a mordant, a seed / plant dressing or a seed / plant marinade as a compound / mixture is first applied before adding the preparation comprising the structural polypeptide. Therefore, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the method for coating plants or plant seeds comprises the following steps:

[0149] (i) providing a preparation comprising a mordant, a seed / plant dressing or a seed / plant marinade;

[0150] (ii) applying a formulation comprising a mordant, a seed / plant dressing or a seed / plant cure to the surface of the plant or plant seed, thereby forming a coating on the plant or plant seed; and

[0151] (iii) applying a formulation comprising the structured polypeptide onto the coating formed in step (ii).

[0152] Particularly preferably, before adding the formulation comprising the structural polypeptide and the mordant, the seed / plant dressing or the seed / plant marinade, a formulation comprising the mordant, the seed / plant dressing or the seed / plant marinade as a compound / mixture is first applied. Therefore, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the method for coating plants or plant seeds comprises the following steps:

[0153] (i) providing a preparation comprising a mordant, a seed / plant dressing or a seed / plant marinade;

[0154] (ii) applying a formulation comprising a mordant, a seed / plant dressing or a seed / plant cure to the surface of the plant or plant seed, thereby forming a coating on the plant or plant seed; and

[0155] (iii) applying a formulation comprising the structured polypeptide and a mordant, a seed / plant dressing or a seed / plant pickle onto the coating formed in step (ii).

[0156] Preferably, the mordant, seed / plant dressing, or seed / plant preserve comprises a pesticide. More preferably, the mordant, seed / plant dressing, or seed / plant preserve comprises a fungicide, herbicide, and / or insecticide. Even more preferably, the mordant, seed / plant dressing, or seed / plant preserve comprises a fungicide and / or insecticide.

[0157] The formulation can be a solution, suspension, dispersion, or powder. When the formulation comprises a structural polypeptide, the formulation is preferably a solution, suspension, or dispersion. When the formulation does not comprise a structural polypeptide but comprises a mordant, a seed / plant dressing, or a seed / plant marinade, the formulation is preferably a solution, suspension, dispersion, or powder.

[0158] As the formulation, a dry mordant, seed / plant mix or seed / plant preserve; a liquid mordant, seed / plant mix or seed / plant preserve; or an aqueous suspension mordant, seed / plant mix or seed / plant preserve may be used.

[0159] Applying the above formulations to the seeds / plants fixes the mordant, seed / plant dressing or seed / plant cure to the plants / seeds, thereby preventing the mordant, seed / plant dressing or seed / plant cure from being dispersed into the environment. This helps the user / farmer to stay healthy and helps animals, preferably farm animals, worms or insects (such as bees), not to be adversely affected by these agents.

[0160] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of drying the coating of the plant or plant seed. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the method for coating a plant or plant seed comprises the following steps:

[0161] (i) providing a formulation comprising a structured polypeptide;

[0162] (ii) applying a formulation comprising the structural polypeptide to the surface of a plant or plant seed, thereby forming a coating on the plant or plant seed; and

[0163] (iii) Drying the coating.

[0164] In a more preferred embodiment, the method for coating plants or plant seeds comprises the following steps:

[0165] (i) providing a formulation comprising a structured polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures;

[0166] (ii) applying a formulation comprising the structural polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures to the surface of a plant or plant seed, thereby forming a coating on the plant or plant seed; and

[0167] (iii) Drying the coating.

[0168] In a more preferred embodiment, the method for coating plants or plant seeds comprises the following steps:

[0169] (i) providing a formulation comprising a structured polypeptide;

[0170] (ii) applying a formulation comprising the structural polypeptide to the surface of a plant or plant seed, thereby forming a coating on the plant or plant seed;

[0171] (iii) applying one or more compounds / mixtures to the coating formed in step (ii); and

[0172] (iv) drying the coating obtained in step (iii).

[0173] In an even more preferred embodiment, the method for coating plants or plant seeds comprises the following steps:

[0174] (i) providing a formulation comprising a structured polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures;

[0175] (ii) applying a formulation comprising the structural polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures to the surface of a plant or plant seed, thereby forming a coating on the plant or plant seed;

[0176] (iii) applying one or more compounds / mixtures to the coating formed in step (ii); and

[0177] (iv) drying the coating obtained in step (iii).

[0178] Likewise, embodiments encompassing application of one or more compounds / mixtures prior to coating of the structural polypeptide also preferably involve drying after coating of the structural polypeptide.

[0179] The coating can be dried in ambient air (passive), or drying can be supported by increasing the temperature or by applying an air flow (active). Drying can be carried out at ambient temperature, room temperature or an elevated temperature, for example, between 0°C and 40°C, preferably between 10°C and 40°C, even more preferably between 20°C and 35°C, most preferably between 20°C and 25°C, for example, 0°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, 8°C, 9°C, 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, 28°C, 29°C, 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C or 40°C. Drying can be carried out for a time range of 1 s to 180 min, preferably 10 s to 60 min, for example 1 s, 10 s, 20 s, 30 s, 40 s, 50 s, 60 s or 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, 4 min, 5 min, 6 min, 7 min, 8 min, 9 min, 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, 40 min, 50 min, 60 min, 70 min, 80 min, 90 min, 100 min, 110 min, 120 min, 130 min, 140 min, 150 min, 160 min, 170 min, 180 min.

[0180] The final coating on plants (particularly plant shoots / aerial parts of plants) or plant seeds is preferably in the form of a film (when a solution comprising the structural polypeptide is applied to the plants or plant seeds) or a hydrogel (when a hydrogel is applied to the plants or plant seeds).

[0181] Plant coating using structural polypeptides is preferably performed during the cultivation of the plant. It is also preferred that plant coating using structural polypeptides be performed during the flowering and / or harvesting time of the plant. Plant seeds are preferably coated with structural polypeptides during storage and / or before sowing. Coating using structural polypeptides does not impair the growth and / or viability of the plant or the germination ability of the plant seeds. In addition, the coating is edible. Bioengineered silk does not cause a physiological response from the immune system and does not produce side effects (Lin "The future of medical implants: Bioengineeredsilk for better biocompatibility", Medical Plastics News (MPN), Juni 2018).

[0182] Preferably, the coating is a homogeneous and / or uniform coating. The coating preferably has a thickness between 10 nm and 1 mm, more preferably a thickness between 50 nm and 0.5 μm.

[0183] The structural polypeptide is preferably a self-assembling polypeptide. Preferably, the (self-assembling) structural polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of silk polypeptides, keratin, collagen and elastin. In particular, the (self-assembling) structural polypeptide is a recombinant polypeptide, such as a recombinant silk polypeptide, keratin, collagen or elastin.

[0184] The silk polypeptide preferably comprises at least two identical repeating units.

[0185] In a preferred embodiment, the repeating units are independently selected from the group consisting of module C (SEQ ID NO: 1) or a variant thereof and module C Cys (The module may also be referred to as module C C ) (SEQ ID NO: 2). Module C Cys (SEQ ID NO: 2) is a variant of module C (SEQ ID NO: 1).

[0186] In a more preferred embodiment, the silk polypeptide comprises at least one non-repeating (NR) unit. The non-repeating (NR) unit may be contained at the N-terminus and / or the C-terminus. In one embodiment, the NR unit is selected from the group consisting of NR3 (SEQ ID NO: 3) or a variant thereof and NR4 (SEQ ID NO: 4) or a variant thereof.

[0187] In an even more preferred embodiment, the silk polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of (C) m 、(C Cys ) m 、(C) m C Cys 、(C) m NR z NR z (C) m and NR z (C) m NR z41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 4, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95 or 96; z is an integer from 1 to 3, i.e., 1, 2 or 3; and NR represents a non-repeating unit.

[0188] In a most preferred embodiment, the silk polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of C 16 NR4, C 32 NR4, C8, C 16 、C 32 、C 48 、C8C Cys 、C 16 C Cys 、C 32 C Cys 、C 48 C Cys 、C Cys C8, C Cys C 16 、C Cys C 32 and C Cys C 48 The group composed of.

[0189] As for other embodiments of the structural polypeptide, in particular preferred embodiments, see the first aspect of the present invention.

[0190] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to plants coated with a structured polypeptide. The coating is preferably in the form of a film or a gel, in particular a hydrogel.

[0191] The plant coated with the structured polypeptide is preferably obtainable by / obtained from the method according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0192] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to plant seeds coated with a structured polypeptide. The coating is preferably in the form of a film or a gel, in particular a hydrogel.

[0193] The plant seeds coated with the structured polypeptide are preferably obtainable by / obtained from the method according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0194] The plant coating or plant seed coating may comprise one layer or multiple layers that are identical or different from one another. For example, the layers may comprise a structural polypeptide; or a structural polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures. Thus, layers comprising a structural polypeptide may alternate with layers comprising a structural polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures. It is also possible that a layer that does not comprise a structural polypeptide but comprises one or more compounds / mixtures is covered by a layer comprising a structural polypeptide or by a layer comprising a structural polypeptide and one or more compounds / mixtures. The one or more compounds / mixtures may be selected from the group consisting of a mordant, a mordant comprising a pesticide, a seed / plant dressing, a seed / plant dressing comprising a pesticide, a seed / plant marinade, a seed / plant marinade comprising a pesticide, a dye, an odorant, a sunscreen, a fertilizer, a pesticide, a hormone, a growth factor, and a nutrient.

[0195] In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to plants coated with a composition comprising a structured polypeptide. The coating comprising or consisting of the composition is preferably a film or gel, in particular a hydrogel. Preferably, the composition further comprises one or more compounds / mixtures. More preferably, the one or more compounds / mixtures are selected from the group consisting of mordants, mordants comprising pesticides, seed / plant dressings, seed / plant dressings comprising pesticides, seed / plant marinades, seed / plant marinades comprising pesticides, dyes, odorants, sunscreens, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, hormones, growth factors, and nutrients. Even more preferably, the pesticide is selected from the group consisting of herbicides, insecticides (which may include insect growth regulators, termites, etc.), nematicides, molluscicides, piscicides, avicides, rodenticides, fungicides, insect repellents, animal repellents, antimicrobials, fungicides, disinfectants (antimicrobials), and disinfecting detergents.

[0196] The plant coated with the composition comprising the structured polypeptide is preferably obtainable by / from the method according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0197] In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to plant seeds coated with a composition comprising a structural polypeptide.

[0198] The coating comprising or consisting of the composition is preferably a film or a gel, in particular a hydrogel. Preferably, the composition further comprises one or more compounds / mixtures. More preferably, the one or more compounds / mixtures are selected from the group consisting of mordants, mordants containing pesticides, seed / plant dressings, seed / plant dressings containing pesticides, seed / plant marinades, seed / plant marinades containing pesticides, dyes, odorants, sunscreens, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, hormones, growth factors, and nutrients. Even more preferably, the pesticide is selected from the group consisting of herbicides, insecticides (which may include insect growth regulators, termites, etc.), nematicides, molluscicides, piscicides, avicides, rodenticides, fungicides, insect repellents, animal repellents, antimicrobials, fungicides, disinfectants (antimicrobials), and disinfecting detergents.

[0199] The plant seeds coated with the composition comprising the structured polypeptide are preferably obtainable by / obtained from the method according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0200] According to the third to sixth aspects of the present invention, the coating itself may be a full coating that completely covers the plant or plant seed, or it may cover only a portion of the plant or plant seed. Thus, in one embodiment, the coating covers at least 1%, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90% or even 100% of the plant or plant seed, for example at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100%, 101%, 102%, 1 %, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%.

[0201] The coating may also cover (only) the shoots / aerial parts of the plant. Thus, in one embodiment, the coating covers at least 1%, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90% or even 100% of the shoots / aerial parts of the plant, for example at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100%, 100%, 101%, 102%, 103%, 104%, 105 0%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%.

[0202] Preferably, the coating is a homogeneous and / or uniform coating. The coating preferably has a thickness between 10 nm and 1 mm, more preferably a thickness between 50 nm and 0.5 μm. The plant may be a seedling, a growing plant or a mature plant.

[0203] Preferably, the plant is a crop plant, or the plant seed is a crop plant seed. Preferably, the crop plant is selected from the group consisting of fruit trees, cereals, legumes, small sweet fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, oil-producing plants and commercial plants.

[0204] In particular, the plant or plant seed belongs to the family Poaceae, Rubiaceae, Crassulaceae, Leguminosae, Asteraceae or Musaceae.

[0205] Also preferably, the plant is an ornamental plant, or the plant seed is an ornamental plant seed.Preferably, the ornamental plant is selected from the group consisting of foliage plants, flowering plants and carnivorous plants.

[0206] For further embodiments and preferred embodiments, eg with regard to structural polypeptides, see the first aspect of the invention.

[0207] Various modifications and variations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the claimed invention should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts and are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0208] The following drawings are merely illustrative of the present invention and should not be construed in any way as limiting the scope of the present invention as indicated by the appended claims.

[0209] Figure 1 : The aerial parts of test plants (wheat, blue fescue, bamboo, coffee and stone lotus) were coated with silk hydrogel or silk solution (protein concentration was 1%-2%) by dip coating or spray coating. Depending on the test plant, the control plants were sprayed or dipped with water. The viability of stone lotus was monitored for 5 days. After 5 days (wheat), 16 days (coffee, wheat) and 1 month (blue fescue and bamboo), the coated plants were compared with control plants sprayed or dipped with water. No difference in viability was detected between the control plants and the coated test plants. No difference was detected between the spray coating and dip coating. In addition, no difference was detected between the silk hydrogel and the silk solution. Figure 1 A shows the results at the beginning of the test and 16 days later ( Figure 1 B), Wheat spray-coated with silk hydrogel (left) compared to a control (right). Figure 1 C shows the difference between the beginning of the test and one month later ( Figure 1 D), Blue fescue coated with silk solution (right) compared to control (left). Figure 1 E shows the difference between the beginning of the test and one month later ( Figure 1 F), Bamboo dip-coated with silk solution (center) and bamboo spray-coated with silk solution (right) compared to control (left). Figure 1 G shows the difference between the initial and 16-day period ( Figure 1 H), Coffee spray-coated with silk hydrogel (left) compared to a control (right). Figure 1 I shows the results at the beginning of the test and one month later ( Figure 1 J), Echeveria dip-coated with silk solution (center) and Echeveria spray-coated with silk solution (right) compared to control (left).

[0210] Figure 2: Lettuce leaves were dipped and coated with a silk solution with a protein concentration of 1.2% at room temperature and dried for 1 hour. As a control, one leaf was immersed in water. Lettuce leaves were harvested from one plant. Three slugs were collected from the same plant (framed in a square and numbered 1, 2, and 3). Lettuce leaves were placed on plastic wrap and moistened with water (right: lettuce leaves coated with silk solution; left: control leaves). Three slugs were placed in the middle of two lettuce leaves ( Figure 2 A). Figure 2 B shows the infestation of lettuce leaves by three slugs after 14 hours (right: lettuce leaves coated with silk solution; left: control leaves). All three slugs (enclosed in squares and numbered 1, 2, 3) infested the control leaves. No infestation was observed on the lettuce leaves treated with silk solution.

[0211] Example

[0212] The following examples are given for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the above invention in any way.

[0213] Example 1: C 16 Preparation of silk hydrogel

[0214] a)C 16 Protein preparation:

[0215] C was prepared as described in WO 2006 / 008163 16 protein.

[0216] b)C 16 Preparation of aqueous protein solution:

[0217] To prepare the protein solution, silk protein was dissolved in 6M GdmSCN and 50mM Tris / HCl (pH 8.0). To remove GdmSCN, a volume of less than 500 mL of the protein solution was dialyzed against 5mM Tris / HCl, pH 8.0, using a Spectra / Por dialysis membrane with a MWCO of 6000-8000. Following dialysis, the protein solution was filtered by cross-flow filtration (VIVAFLOW 200, Hydrosat, 10 kDa) to further remove GdmSCN and concentrate the protein in the solution.

[0218] When the volume of protein solution was >500 mL, a cross-flow device with SARTOCON Slice Cassettes (Sartorius AG, ) (Filter material: Hydrosat with a cut-off of 10 kDa) GdmSCN was removed without dialysis and the protein solution was concentrated.

[0219] The C was determined by measuring the absorbance at 276 nm using a UV / Vis spectrometer (Beckman Coulter). 16 Protein concentration. C 16 The final protein concentration of the protein solution was between 1% and 2% (w / w), corresponding to the coating method described below.

[0220] c)C 16 Preparation of hydrogel

[0221] To prepare C 16 For hydrogel preparation, silk protein was dissolved in 6M GdmSCN and 50mM Tris / HCl (pH 8.0). To remove GdmSCN, a volume of less than 500 mL of the protein solution was dialyzed against 5mM Tris / HCl, pH 8.0, using a Spectra / Por dialysis membrane with a MWCO of 6000-8000. Following dialysis, the protein solution was filtered by cross-flow filtration (VIVAFLOW 200, Hydrosat, 10 kDa) to further remove GdmSCN and concentrate the protein in the solution.

[0222] In C 16 For hydrogel volumes > 500 mL, a cross-flow device with SARTOCON Slice Cassettes (Sartorius AG, ) (Filter material: Hydrosat with a cut-off value of 10 kDa) to remove GdmSCN and concentrate the protein solution.

[0223] The C was determined by measuring the absorbance at 276 nm using a UV / Vis spectrometer (Beckman Coulter). 16 Protein concentration. C 16 The final protein concentration of the protein solution was between 1% and 2% (w / w), corresponding to the coating method described below.

[0224] To obtain C 16 For hydrogels, store the protein solution at room temperature for ≥5 days or at 40°C for ≥16 h for gelation.

[0225] Example 2: Coating of plants

[0226] a) Spray coating

[0227] The following plants were used for coating experiments (Gramineae: wheat, bamboo; Rubiaceae: coffee; Crassulaceae: Echeveria)

[0228] At a temperature of 20°C-25°C, by using a spray device ( 00355+00352, Hartwig Spray (Flasche ELLIPS 50ml Nr.00041, Hartwig GmbH) GmbH), the protein concentration was 1%-2% C 16 The hydrogel or C16 solution was applied to different plant surfaces (wheat, bamboo, coffee, echeveria). 16 Hydrogels are used for spray coating of wheat and coffee. 16 The solution was used for spray coating of bamboo and echeveria. After a drying time of 10 to 30 minutes, a homogeneous coating was visible on all plants. Spray coating has proven to be a suitable method for homogeneous coating of plants with silk hydrogels and silk solutions.

[0229] b) Dip coating

[0230] The following plants were used for coating experiments (Poaceae: blue fescue, bamboo; Crassulaceae: Echeveria; Leguminosae: pea)

[0231] A glass beaker was filled with C 16 Solution or C 16 Immerse the entire aerial part of blue fescue, bamboo and Echeveria plants in a water bath at a temperature of 20-25°C. 16 The entire aerial part of the pea plant is immersed in a solution of 20-25°C. 16 After a drying time of 10 to 30 minutes, a homogeneous coating was visible on all plants. Dip coating proved to be a suitable method for homogeneous coating of plants with silk solutions and silk hydrogels.

[0232] Example 3: Biocompatibility Test

[0233] To determine the biocompatibility of silk coatings on plants, the following plants were coated (Gramineae: wheat, blue fescue, bamboo; Rubiaceae: coffee; Crassulaceae: Echeveria). Thus, according to Example 2, the entire aerial parts of the test plants were coated with silk hydrogels and silk solutions at a protein concentration of 1%-2% by dip coating or spray coating. Depending on the test plant, control plants were sprayed or dipped with water.

[0234] The viability of the plants was monitored for at least 5 days. After 5 days (wheat), 16 days (coffee, wheat) and 1 month (blue fescue and bamboo), the coated plants were compared to the control plants. No difference in viability was detected between the control plants and the silk-coated test plants. No difference was detected between the spray-coated and dip-coated plants ( Figure 1 ). In addition, no difference was detected between the coating of plants with silk hydrogel and silk solution. It can be shown that coating plants with silk hydrogel and silk solution does not affect the viability of plants.

[0235] Example 4: Protection of silk-coated plants from pest infestation

[0236] In order to demonstrate the protection of silk-coated plants against insect infestation, two representative agricultural pests were selected: slugs and lice.

[0237] a) Protection of silk-coated plants against slug infestation:

[0238] According to Example 2, lettuce leaves were dip-coated with a silk solution having a protein concentration of 1.2% and dried for 1 hour at room temperature. As a control, one leaf was immersed in water. Lettuce leaves were harvested from one plant. Three slugs were collected from the same plant. The lettuce leaves were placed on plastic wrap, which was moistened with water. Three slugs were placed between two lettuce leaves. After 14 hours, the infestation of the lettuce leaves by the three slugs was determined. All three slugs infested the control leaves. No infestation of the lettuce leaves coated with silk was observed ( Figure 2 ).

[0239] b) Protection of plants from lice by impregnation:

[0240] According to Example 2, pea plants were dip-coated with a silk hydrogel having a protein concentration of 1.0% for 1 minute at room temperature. Control plants were treated with water, corresponding to the coated plants. After drying overnight, the pea plants were stored in a sealed container with pea lice. The plants were monitored for lice infestation for 6 days. Over the 6-day period, the control plants had a significantly higher lice infestation than the silk-coated plants (see Table 1). Table 1 shows the physical protection of pea plants from lice infestation by dip-coating (comparison of the number of lice on the silk-coated plants and the control plants relative to the infestation time).

[0241] Table 1: Physical protection of pea plants from lice infestation by dip coating

[0242]

[0243] c) Protection of plants from lice by spray coating:

[0244] According to Example 2, pea plants were coated with a silk solution having a protein concentration of 1.2% by spray coating at room temperature. Control plants were treated with water, corresponding to the coated plants. After a drying time of 4 h, the pea plants were stored in sealed containers with pea lice. The infestation of the plants by lice was monitored for 5 days. Over a period of 5 days, the control plants had a significantly higher infestation of lice than the silk-coated plants (see Table 2). It could be shown that lice preferred the uncoated control plants and avoided the silk-coated plants. Table 2 shows the physical protection of pea plants from infestation by lice by spray coating (comparison of the number and behavior of lice on the silk-coated plants and the control plants relative to the infestation time).

[0245] Table 2: Physical protection of pea plants from lice infestation by spray coating

[0246]

[0247] Both methods (i.e., dip coating and spray coating) are suitable for coating plants with silk to prevent lice infestation. Both formulations (i.e., silk hydrogel and silk solution) are suitable for coating plants with silk to prevent lice infestation. Preferably, spray coating with silk solution should be used. In particular, by coating plants with silk, initial lice infestation in the first few hours can be greatly reduced. In addition, lice cannot find sucking points on silk-coated plants and move up and down. 1-5 days after lice infestation, plants coated with silk showed better viability compared to control plants.

[0248] These experiments provide an exemplary demonstration that silk coatings can protect plants from insect pests, a finding that is generally applicable to common insect pests.

[0249] Example 5: Immobilization of agro-chemical analogs on plants

[0250] In order to demonstrate the fixation of agrochemical analogs on plants, an exemplary pigment was selected: indigo carmine. This pigment has the same water solubility (10 g / l) as standard pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Silk hydrogels and silk solutions with a protein concentration of 1% to 2% were used for spray coating and dip coating of plants to fix agrochemical analogs. The silk hydrogel or silk solution was mixed with the pigment indigo carmine at a concentration of (5 mg / mL). As a control, indigo carmine was mixed with deionized water at a concentration of 5 mg / mL (indigo carmine aqueous solution). Silk hydrogel and silk solution coating solutions were manufactured according to Example 2.

[0251] Dip coating

[0252] For dip coating, leaves of different plant species were completely immersed in a silk coating solution (1.1% silk protein) containing indigo carmine (5 mg / mL) and a control aqueous indigo carmine solution at room temperature. After drying for 30 to 180 minutes, water was applied using a watering can to simulate rain. It was demonstrated that the leaves coated with the silk solution containing indigo carmine were more uniformly coated than those coated with the control aqueous indigo carmine solution. Less pigment was washed off the leaves by simulated rain when coated with the silk solution containing indigo carmine compared to leaves coated with the control aqueous indigo carmine solution.

[0253] Spray coating

[0254] For spray coating, silk solutions (1.0%) and silk hydrogels (2.0%) containing indigo carmine (5 mg / mL each) and a control indigo carmine aqueous solution were sprayed onto different plants at room temperature. Silk hydrogel (2%) was used for spray coating of banana plants. Silk solution (1.0%) was used for spray coating of plants. After drying for 10 to 180 minutes, water was applied using a watering can to simulate rain. For both silk hydrogel solution (2.0%) and silk solution (1.0%), it was demonstrated that the coating of plants with silk hydrogels and silk solutions containing indigo carmine was more stable and homogeneous than that of plants coated with the control indigo carmine aqueous solution. Less pigment was washed off the plants by simulated rain in plants coated with silk hydrogels and silk solutions containing indigo carmine than in leaves coated with the control indigo carmine aqueous solution.

[0255] Exemplary experiments with the pigment indigo carmine have shown that small organic molecules can be fixed to plants using silk hydrogels and silk solutions. Both methods (i.e., dip coating and spray coating) are suitable for fixing small organic molecules to plants. Preferably, spray coating should be used. In particular, a more homogeneous coating of plants with organic molecules can be achieved by applying silk compared to conventional methods of applying small molecules to plants, and by using silk as a fixative, less pigment is washed off the plants by simulated rain.

Claims

1. Use of recombinant spider silk polypeptide in plant coating, wherein: The spider silk polypeptide comprises at least two identical repeating units, the repeating units being independently selected from module C having an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1 or module C having an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO:

2. Cys , and among them, The plant coating is used to protect from environmental hazards, or The plant coating is used to protect the environment from pesticides or mordants; and The plant dressing is applied before harvest.

2. The use according to claim 1, wherein The environmental hazard is selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet radiation, acid rain, high temperature, dry period, cold period and combinations thereof.

3. The use according to claim 1, wherein The pesticide is a herbicide, a fungicide or an insecticide.

4. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The plant coating allows for the fixation of one or more compounds / mixtures on the plant.

5. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The plants are crop plants.

6. The use according to claim 5, wherein The crop plants are selected from the group consisting of fruit trees, cereals, small sweet fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices and oil-producing plants.

7. The use according to claim 5, wherein The crops are beans.

8. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The plants are ornamental plants.

9. The use according to claim 8, wherein The decorative plants are selected from the group consisting of foliage plants, flowering plants and carnivorous plants.

10. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The coating does not impair the growth and / or viability of the plant.

11. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The recombinant spider silk polypeptide is contained in a composition.

12. The use according to claim 11, wherein The composition may also comprise one or more compounds / mixtures.

13. The use according to claim 4, wherein The one or more compounds / mixtures are selected from the group consisting of pesticides, mordants, dyes, sunscreens, fertilizers, hormones, growth factors and nutrients.

14. The use according to claim 4, wherein The one or more compounds / mixtures are selected from odorous substances.

15. The use according to claim 13, wherein The pesticide is a herbicide, a fungicide or an insecticide.

16. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The recombinant spider silk polypeptide comprises at least one non-repeating (NR) unit.

17. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The recombinant spider silk polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of: (C) m 、(C Cys ) m 、(C) m C Cys 、(C) m NR z NR z (C) m and NR z (C) m NR z , wherein m is an integer from 8 to 96; z is an integer from 1 to 3; and NR represents a non-repeating unit.

18. The use according to claim 17, wherein The recombinant spider silk polypeptide is selected from C 16 NR4, C 32 NR4, C8, C 16 、C 32 、C 48 、C8C Cys 、C 16 C Cys 、C 32 C Cys 、C 48 C Cys 、C Cys C8, C Cys C 16 、C Cys C 32 and C Cys C 48 The group composed of.

19. A method for coating plants, comprising the steps of: (i) providing a formulation comprising a recombinant spider silk polypeptide; and (ii) applying the formulation comprising the recombinant spider silk polypeptide to the surface of a plant, thereby forming a coating on the plant, in, The spider silk polypeptide comprises at least two identical repeating units, the repeating units being independently selected from module C having an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1 or module C having an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO:

2. Cys ,and wherein the plant coating is used to protect from environmental hazards, or The plant coating is used to protect the environment from pesticides or mordants; and The plant dressing is applied before harvest.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The environmental hazard is selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet radiation, acid rain, high temperature, dry period, cold period and combinations thereof.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein The pesticide is a herbicide, a fungicide or an insecticide.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: The coating covers at least 30% of the surface of the shoots of the plant.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: The coating covers at least 50% of the surface of the shoots of the plant.

24. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: The coating covers at least 90% of the surface of the shoots of the plant.

25. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: The coating is achieved by spray coating and / or dip coating.

26. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein The formulation is selected from the group consisting of powders, (hydro) gels, solutions, suspensions and dispersions.

27. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: The formulation comprises a solvent.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein The solvent is selected from the group consisting of water (H2O), aqueous buffers and organic solvents.

29. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: The formulation comprises the recombinant spider silk polypeptide at a concentration between 0.001% (w / w) and 30% (w / w).

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein The formulation comprises the recombinant spider silk polypeptide at a concentration between 0.01% (w / w) and 20% (w / w).

31. The method according to claim 29, wherein The formulation comprises the recombinant spider silk polypeptide at a concentration between 0.1% (w / w) and 10% (w / w).

32. The method of claim 29, wherein: The formulation contains the recombinant spider silk polypeptide at a concentration between 0.8% (w / w) and 5% (w / w).

33. The method of claim 29, wherein: The formulation comprises the recombinant spider silk polypeptide at a concentration between 1% (w / w) and 2% (w / w).

34. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein The formulation provided in step (i) further comprises one or more compounds / mixtures.

35. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein The method further comprises the step of applying one or more compounds / mixtures to the coating.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein: The one or more compounds / mixtures are selected from the group consisting of pesticides, mordants, dyes, sunscreens, fertilizers, hormones, growth factors and nutrients.

37. The method of claim 34, wherein: The one or more compounds / mixtures are selected from odorous substances.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein: The pesticide is a herbicide, a fungicide or an insecticide.

39. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein The method further comprises the step of drying the coating of the plant.

40. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein The recombinant spider silk polypeptide comprises at least one non-repeating (NR) unit.

41. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein The recombinant spider silk polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of: (C) m 、(C Cys ) m 、(C) m C Cys 、(C) m NR z NR z (C) m NR z (C) m NR z 、(AQ) m and (AQ) m NR Z , wherein m is an integer from 8 to 96; z is an integer from 1 to 3; and NR represents a non-repeating unit.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein The recombinant spider silk polypeptide is selected from C 16 NR4, C 32 NR4, C8, C 16 、C 32 、C 48 、C8C Cys 、C 16 C Cys 、C 32 C Cys 、C 48 C Cys 、C Cys C8, C Cys C 16 、C Cys C 32 and C Cys C 48 The group composed of.

43. A method for protecting plants from environmental hazards or protecting the environment from pesticides or mordants applied to plants, the method comprising forming a coating on the plant using the method of any one of claims 19 to 42.

44. Use of a recombinant spider silk polypeptide for protecting plants from environmental hazards or protecting the environment from damage by pesticides or mordants applied to plants, wherein: The spider silk polypeptide comprises at least two identical repeating units, the repeating units being independently selected from module C having an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1 or module C having an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO:

2. Cys , and among them The plants are coated with the recombinant spider silk polypeptide, and the coating is applied before harvest.

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