A safflower seed coating agent and seed treatment method

Abstract

This invention discloses a safflower seed coating agent and a method for treating safflower seeds. The seed coating agent includes active ingredients: a growth regulator, a fungicide, and an insecticide. The growth regulator includes humic acid fertilizer and gibberellin. The fungicide includes triadimefon, difenoconazole, mancozeb, and thiophanate-methyl. The insecticide includes abamectin. The mass percentage of each component in the seed coating agent is as follows: humic acid fertilizer 0.1-0.4%, gibberellin 0.06-0.12%, triadimefon 0.7-1.3%, difenoconazole 0.07-0.13%, mancozeb 1-2%, thiophanate-methyl 1.6-2.6%, abamectin 0.07-0.13%, with the remainder being water. After the seed coating agent of the present invention is used to treat the seeds, it can kill pathogens carried by safflower seeds, significantly improve the vigor and disease resistance of safflower seeds, increase the germination rate, reduce pests and diseases during the growth period of safflower, and increase the yield of safflower and seeds.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of seed treatment technology, specifically to a safflower seed coating agent and a seed treatment method. Background Technology

[0002] Safflower is a commonly used bulk medicinal herb in my country. Safflower is the dried flower of *Carthamus tinctorius* L., a plant in the Asteraceae family. It appears reddish-yellow or red, with a slender corolla tube divided into five narrow lobes at the apex, each approximately 5-8 mm in length. The plant has five stamens, with tightly connected anthers forming a tubular structure, which are yellowish-white in color. The stigma is long and cylindrical, slightly forked at the apex, soft in texture, and emits a faint fragrance with a slightly bitter taste. Safflower is harvested in summer when it turns from yellow to red and is dried in the shade or directly in the sun. Its main effects include activating blood circulation, regulating menstruation, dispelling blood stasis, and relieving pain. It is used to treat irregular menstruation, menstrual cramps, postpartum lochia, lumps, chest pain, abdominal pain caused by blood stasis, stabbing pain on the side of the chest, injuries from falls and blows, as well as sores and swelling.

[0003] With increasing public awareness of safety and rising demand for food safety, national policies and regulations regarding pesticide residues in medicinal herbs are becoming more stringent. Therefore, the safe production of safflower is crucial for the sustainable development of the safflower industry chain and local specialty industries. Research indicates that safflower diseases and pests mainly include rust, root rot, wilt, black spot, anthracnose, and the safflower aphid. Research on these diseases and pests primarily focuses on agricultural control, chemical control, and biological control. Currently, chemical control is the most widely used method. However, chemical control methods lead to pesticide residues in medicinal herbs and pollute the environment. Therefore, alternative green control technologies and products are urgently needed.

[0004] Seeds can be infected with pathogenic fungi during production, harvesting, processing and transportation. Killing pathogens and improving seed resistance before planting can reduce the occurrence of diseases in the field. Therefore, the development or screening of efficient, low-toxicity, simple, convenient and long-lasting seed coating agents is of great significance for the green production of medicinal materials and can make up for the lack of research on seed treatment and coating of medicinal plants. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the above-mentioned problems by providing a safflower seed coating agent and a seed treatment method.

[0006] To achieve its objective, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0007] The first aspect of the present invention provides a safflower seed coating agent, comprising an active ingredient growth regulator, a fungicide, and an insecticide. The growth regulator includes humic acid fertilizer and gibberellin. The fungicide includes triadimefon, difenoconazole, mancozeb, and thiophanate-methyl. The insecticide includes abamectin. The effective ingredient mass percentages of each component in the seed coating agent are as follows: humic acid fertilizer 0.1-0.4%, gibberellin 0.06-0.12%, triadimefon 0.7-1.3%, difenoconazole 0.07-0.13%, mancozeb 1-2%, thiophanate-methyl 1.6-2.6%, abamectin 0.07-0.13%, with the balance being water.

[0008] Preferably, the safflower seed coating agent contains the following components in the form of: 0.1-0.3% humic acid fertilizer, 0.08-0.10% gibberellin, 0.9-1.1% triadimefon, 0.085-0.115% propiconazole, 1.3-1.9% mancozeb, 1.8-2.4% thiophanate-methyl, 0.085-0.115% abamectin, with the remainder being water.

[0009] Preferably, in the safflower seed coating agent, the effective ingredient mass percentages of each component in the seed coating agent are as follows: 0.15-0.25% humic acid fertilizer, 0.085-0.095% gibberellin, 0.95-1.05% triadimefon, 0.09-0.11% propiconazole, 1.5-1.7% mancozeb, 2.0-2.2% thiophanate-methyl, 0.09-0.11% abamectin, with the balance being water;

[0010] The preferred percentage of active ingredients in the seed coating agent is as follows: 0.2% humic acid fertilizer, 0.09% gibberellin, 1% triadimefon, 0.1% propiconazole, 1.6% mancozeb, 2.1% thiophanate-methyl, 0.108% abamectin, with the remainder being water.

[0011] Preferably, the safflower seed coating agent further includes a seed coating agent adjuvant, which is selected from one or more of thickeners, film-forming agents, wetting and dispersing agents, colorants, preservatives, and defoamers.

[0012] Preferably, the safflower seed coating agent further includes the following additives in weight percentage: 0-2% thickener, 0-10% film-forming agent, 0-8% wetting and dispersing agent, 0-10% colorant, 0-1% preservative, and 0-1% defoamer.

[0013] Preferably, the safflower seed coating agent comprises the following adjuvants in the indicated mass percentages:

[0014] 0.1-0.5% thickener, 0.05-2% film-forming agent, 1-5% wetting and dispersing agent.

[0015] Preferably, the safflower seed coating agent comprises the following adjuvants in the indicated mass percentages:

[0016] 0.2-0.4% thickener, 0.05-0.15% film-forming agent, 2-4% wetting and dispersing agent; preferably 0.3% thickener, 0.1% film-forming agent, and 3% wetting and dispersing agent;

[0017] The thickener is selected from one or more of xanthan gum, gum arabic, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium acrylate, sodium alginate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, sodium polyacrylate, or magnesium aluminum silicate.

[0018] The film-forming agent is selected from one or more of gum arabic, animal glue, pectin, xanthan gum, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium alginate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, or sodium polyacrylate.

[0019] The wetting and dispersing agent is selected from one or more of the following: bentonite, fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, alkylphenol polyoxyethylene ether, polyoxyethylene fatty acid, alkyl aryl polyethylene glycol ether, alkyl sulfonate, aryl sulfonate, fatty acid polyethylene glycol, dodecylbenzene sulfonate, polyoxyethylene phenol formaldehyde condensate, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene ether block copolymer, naphthalene or alkylnaphthalene formaldehyde condensate sulfonate, fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether sulfonate, alkylphenol polyoxyethylene ether sulfonate, lignin and its derivative sulfonates, fatty acid ethane adduct phosphate, alkylphenol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate or alkylphenol polyoxyethylene ether formaldehyde condensate sulfate.

[0020] The colorant is selected from one or more of basic rose red, water-based rose red, acid red, Fluorescein red 5B, Red-8110, Red-131 or FGR-131;

[0021] The defoamer is selected from one or more of the following: organosilicone compounds, C8-10 fatty alcohols, C10-20 saturated fatty acids and their esters.

[0022] The preservative is selected from one or more of benzoic acid, benzaldehyde, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, sorbic acid, sodium salicylate, 2-hydroxybiphenyl, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, or 1,2-benzothiazolin-3-one.

[0023] The second aspect of the present invention provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned safflower seed coating agent, comprising the following steps: weighing each component according to the specified amount, adding it to water, and stirring evenly to obtain the product.

[0024] The third aspect of the present invention provides a method for coating safflower seeds with a seed coating agent, comprising the following steps: taking the above-mentioned safflower seed coating agent, mixing safflower seeds at a ratio of 1:30 to 40 by weight of the agent and drying the seeds to complete the coating.

[0025] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for pre-sowing treatment of safflower seeds, comprising the following steps: [The method involves treating safflower seeds with the aforementioned safflower seed coating agent.]

[0026] (1) Dry heat treatment: Dry safflower seeds at 40-50℃ for 1-2 hours;

[0027] (2) Take the safflower seeds after dry heat treatment and coat them with a seed coating agent.

[0028] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0029] Compared to other safflower seed coating agents, the seed coating agent of this invention can kill pathogens carried by safflower seeds after treatment, significantly improve seed vigor and disease resistance, increase germination rate, reduce pests and diseases during the growth period of safflower, and increase the yield of safflower medicinal materials and seeds. Using the seed coating agent of this invention to treat safflower seeds prevents pests and diseases from the source of planting, enhances plant resistance, reduces harmful organisms, and results in a high germination rate, significantly improving the quality and yield of medicinal materials. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 The results of different seed coating agent formulations on seed germination potential

[0031] Figure 2 The results show the effect of different seed coating agent formulations on seed germination rate.

[0032] Figure 3 The results show the effect of different seed dressing formulations on germination rate.

[0033] Figure 4 The results show the effect of different seed dressing formulations on plant height.

[0034] Figure 5 The results show the effect of different seed dressing formulations on plant stem diameter.

[0035] Figure 6 The results show the effect of different seed dressing formulations on the number of flowering heads per plant.

[0036] Figure 7 This is the result of the effect of different coating agent formulations on the total yield.

[0037] Figure 8 This is the result of how different coating agent formulations affect the incidence of diseases.

[0038] Figure 9 Results of the effect of different seed dressing formulations on pest incidence.

[0039] Figure 10 The results show the effect of different seed coating agent formulations on the content of hydroxysaffron yellow pigment A.

[0040] Figure 11 The results show the effect of different coating agent formulations on kaempferol content. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present invention will be further described below with reference to embodiments, but these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0042] Unless otherwise specified, the experimental methods described in the following examples are conventional methods.

[0043] Example 1: Screening Study of Safflower Seed Coating Agents

[0044] 1. Instruments and Materials

[0045] The main reagents used in this experiment are shown in Table 1.

[0046] Table 1. Pharmaceutical List

[0047]

[0048] 2 Experimental Methods

[0049] Based on existing reports of seed-borne and soil-borne fungi causing diseases in safflower, and the pathogenic fungi detected in previous studies, fungicides relevant to the control of pathogenic fungi were selected. Since seed dressing agents consist not only of fungicides but also growth regulators and insecticides, growth regulators with good seed treatment effects and insecticides with good control of safflower seedling pests were selected. The combination of fungicides and growth regulators showed better results; therefore, the optimal three concentrations of each fungicide and growth regulator were selected and applied using L93. 4 Orthogonal methods were used to determine the optimal concentration ratio of fungicides and the optimal ratio of growth regulators. Finally, the compounded fungicides, compounded growth regulators, and insecticides were combined to form a seed coating formulation.

[0050] 2.1 Investigation of pathogenic fungi of safflower

[0051] By investigating literature on safflower-related diseases, the pathogenic fungi causing safflower diseases were identified, and corresponding fungicides were selected based on the pathogenic fungi.

[0052] 2.2 Growth regulator compound

[0053] Three concentrations of each of the two growth regulators were selected for seed soaking treatment, with distilled water treatment serving as the control group. Plump safflower seeds were selected and disinfected in a 1% NaClO solution for 15 minutes. After disinfection, the seeds were removed, rinsed 3-5 times with purified water, and the surface moisture was absorbed with filter paper. The seeds were then soaked in a treatment solution with a volume of 3 times the seed volume in the dark for 12 hours. Each treatment was repeated 4 times, with 25 seeds per repeat. After soaking, the seeds were removed and germination experiments were conducted in petri dishes with filter paper arranged on them to observe the germination status.

[0054] Germination rate = (Number of germinated seeds per dish / Total number of seeds per dish) × 100%

[0055] 2.3 Compound formulation of bactericides

[0056] Three concentrations of each of the four fungicides were selected for orthogonal experiments to treat seeds. Each treatment had four replicates, with 10 seeds per replicate. Plump safflower seeds were selected, soaked in the designed fungicide treatment group for 12 hours, and then taken out. The seed surface was rinsed with sterile water 2-3 times and then placed in PDA medium. The seeds were cultured under 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness to observe the antibacterial effect under different treatments.

[0057] Antibacterial inhibition rate = (Bacterial carriage rate of control group - Bacterial carriage rate of treatment group) / Bacterial carriage rate of treatment group × 100%

[0058] 3 Results and Analysis

[0059] 3.1 Analysis of the survey results of safflower pathogenic fungi

[0060] Table 2. Survey of Pathogenic Fungi

[0061] Red rust Red-flowered rust fungus Seeds, soil Red flower root rot Fusarium oxysporum Seeds, soil Red flower black spot disease Alternaria fungi Seeds, soil Anthracnose Surrounding small clusters of shell Seeds, soil Fusarium wilt disease Specialized type of *Scutellaria baicalensis* Seeds, soil Red foliage gray spot disease Red-flowered Cercospora Seeds, soil

[0062] 3.2 Analysis of the results of compounding growth regulators

[0063] Since this compound only has two growth regulators and three concentrations, the L9(34) orthogonal experimental table was selected for comprehensive consideration. The orthogonal factor level table is shown in Table 3-5.

[0064] Table 3. Salicylic acid + potassium dihydrogen phosphate growth regulator compound table

[0065]

[0066]

[0067] Table 4. Compound formulation of humic acid water-soluble fertilizer + gibberellin growth regulator

[0068] 1 0.5 mg / mL 0.01 mg / mL - - 2 1.0 mg / mL 0.05 mg / mL - - 3 1.5 mg / mL 0.10 mg / mL - -

[0069] Table 52,4-Table of Brassinolide + Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate Growth Regulator Compounds

[0070] 1 1.0 μL / mL 1.0 mg / mL - - 2 1.5 μL / mL 1.5 mg / mL - - 3 2.0 μL / mL 2.0 mg / mL - -

[0071] 3.2.1 Screening Results of Salicylic Acid + Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate Growth Regulators

[0072] Table 6 shows that k represents a specific level of a factor. The range R values ​​of the two influencing factors are in the order of salicylic acid > potassium dihydrogen phosphate, indicating that salicylic acid has the greatest impact on seed germination, followed by potassium dihydrogen phosphate. The k3 value is the largest for both salicylic acid and potassium dihydrogen phosphate. However, analysis of variance on germination rate reveals that both salicylic acid and potassium dihydrogen phosphate have a significant impact on seed germination rate. Therefore, the optimal K3 value should be selected for both salicylic acid and potassium dihydrogen phosphate. In conclusion, the optimal ratio for germination rate is: salicylic acid concentration of 0.15 mg / mL and potassium dihydrogen phosphate concentration of 2.0 mg / mL.

[0073] Table 6. Results of the orthogonal experiment using salicylic acid and potassium dihydrogen phosphate as growth regulators.

[0074]

[0075]

[0076] Table 7. Variance Table for Screening of Salicylic Acid + Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate Growth Regulator Ratios

[0077] A 38.222 2.000 19.111 14.957 0.014 * B 20.222 2.000 10.111 7.913 0.041 * error 5.111 4.000 1.278

[0078] Note: * indicates a significant difference at the 0.05 level, ** indicates a highly significant difference at the 0.01 level, and the same applies to the following table.

[0079] 3.2.2 Verification test of salicylic acid + potassium dihydrogen phosphate

[0080] Four portions of safflower seeds, 25 seeds in each portion, were taken. A compound growth regulator was prepared with salicylic acid at a concentration of 0.15 mg / mL and potassium dihydrogen phosphate at a concentration of 2.0 mg / mL. A germination experiment was carried out according to the method in "3.2.2", with the germination rate as the indicator. The experimental results showed that the average germination rate was 82%, which was higher than that of the experimental group and the blank group, proving that the germination effect was good and the method was feasible.

[0081] 3.2.3 Screening Results of Humic Acid Water-Soluble Fertilizer + Gibberellin Growth Regulator

[0082] Table 8 shows that k represents a specific level of a factor. The range R values ​​of the two influencing factors are in the order of gibberellin > humic acid water-soluble fertilizer, indicating that gibberellin has the greatest impact on seed germination, followed by humic acid water-soluble fertilizer. Among the humic acid water-soluble fertilizer factors, k2 is the largest, and among the gibberellin factors, k3 is the largest. Analysis of variance on germination rate reveals that humic acid water-soluble fertilizer has a significant impact on seed germination rate, while gibberellin has a highly significant impact. Therefore, the optimal K value should be selected for humic acid water-soluble fertilizer, and the optimal K value should be selected for gibberellin. In summary, the optimal ratio for germination rate is: humic acid water-soluble fertilizer concentration of 1.0 mg / mL and gibberellin concentration of 0.1 mg / mL.

[0083] Table 8. Results of the Screening Experiment for the Proportion of Humic Acid Water-Soluble Fertilizer + Gibberellin Growth Regulator

[0084]

[0085]

[0086] Table 9. Variance Table for Screening of Humic Acid Water-Soluble Fertilizer + Gibberellin Growth Regulator Ratios

[0087] A 10.889 2.000 5.444 7.000 0.049 * B 104.222 2.000 52.111 67.000 0.001 ** error 3.111 4.000 0.778

[0088] 3.2.4 Verification Experiment of Humic Acid Water-Soluble Fertilizer + Gibberellin

[0089] Four portions of safflower seeds, 25 seeds in each portion, were prepared with a compound growth regulator containing 1.0 mg / mL of humic acid water-soluble fertilizer and 0.1 mg / mL of gibberellin. A germination experiment was conducted according to method “2.2”, with germination rate as the indicator. The average germination rate was 88%, which was higher than that of the experimental group and the control group, proving that the germination effect was good and the method was feasible.

[0090] 3.2.5 Screening Results of 2,4-Brassinolide + Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate Growth Regulators

[0091] Table 10 shows that k represents a specific level of a factor. The range R values ​​of the two influencing factors are in the order of 2,4-brassinolide > potassium dihydrogen phosphate, indicating that 2,4-brassinolide has the greatest impact on seed germination, followed by potassium dihydrogen phosphate. The k² value is largest for both 2,4-brassinolide and potassium dihydrogen phosphate. However, analysis of variance on germination rate reveals that both 2,4-brassinolide and potassium dihydrogen phosphate have significant effects on seed germination rate. Therefore, the optimal K² value should be selected for both 2,4-brassinolide and potassium dihydrogen phosphate. In summary, the optimal ratio for germination rate is: 2,4-brassinolide concentration of 1.5 μL / mL and potassium dihydrogen phosphate concentration of 1.5 mg / mL.

[0092] Table 10. Results of the Screening Experiment for the Ratio of 2,4-Brassinolide + Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate Growth Regulator

[0093]

[0094]

[0095] Table 11,4-Brassinolide + Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate Growth Regulator Ratio Screening Variance Table

[0096] A 89.556 2.000 44.778 18.318 0.010 * B 36.222 2.000 18.111 7.409 0.045 * error 9.778 4.000 2.444

[0097] 3.2.6 2,4-Brassinolide + Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate Test

[0098] Four portions of safflower seeds, 25 seeds in each portion, were prepared as a compound growth regulator with a 2,4-brassinolide concentration of 1.5 μL / mL and a potassium dihydrogen phosphate concentration of 1.5 mg / mL. A germination experiment was conducted according to method "2.2", with germination rate as the indicator. The average germination rate was 85%, which was higher than that of the experimental group and the control group, proving that the germination effect was good and the method was feasible.

[0099] 3.3 Analysis of the results of compounding bactericides

[0100] This orthogonal compounding of fungicides selected four fungicides, each with three concentrations. Therefore, L9(3) was chosen for this experiment. 4 The orthogonal experimental table and the orthogonal factor level table are shown in Table 12-13.

[0101] Table 12 Factors and Levels of Compound Bactericide No. 1

[0102] 1 5μL / mL 1μL / mL 10mg / mL 20mg / mL 2 10 μL / mL 2μL / mL 20mg / mL 30mg / mL 3 15 μL / mL 3μL / mL 30mg / mL 40mg / mL

[0103] Table 13 Factors and Levels of Compound Bactericide No. 2

[0104]

[0105]

[0106] 3.3.1 Orthogonal Analysis of Compound Fungicide 1

[0107] According to L9(3) 4 An orthogonal array was used to design the experiment, with the inhibition rate of Alternaria spp. and the seed germination rate as the evaluation indicators. A comprehensive score was then calculated to select the optimal concentration ratio. The comprehensive score (%) = (Alternaria spp. inhibition rate / highest value within the group × 50%) + germination rate / highest value within the group × 50%) × 100%. Table 14 shows that k represents a certain level of a factor. The range R of the four influencing factors is in the order A > B > C > D, indicating that triadimefon has the greatest impact on seed germination and inhibition, followed by difenoconazole, mancozeb, and thiophanate-methyl. Among the triadimefon factors, k1 has the highest value, indicating that the optimal concentration of triadimefon is 5 μL / mL. Among the difenoconazole factors, k1 has the highest value, indicating that the optimal concentration of difenoconazole is 1 μL / mL. Among the mancozeb factors, k2 has the highest value, indicating that the optimal concentration of mancozeb is 20 mg / mL. Among the thiophanate-methyl factors, k2 has the highest value, indicating that the optimal concentration of thiophanate-methyl is 30 mg / mL. Therefore, the formulation of compound fungicide 1 is: triadimefon 5 μL / mL, difenoconazole 1 μL / mL, mancozeb 20 mg / mL, and thiophanate-methyl 30 mg / mL.

[0108] Table 14 Orthogonal Experiment Table for Compound Formulation of Fungicide No. 1

[0109]

[0110] 3.3.2 Validation Test of Compound Fungicide No. 1

[0111] Four portions of safflower seeds, 100 seeds per portion, were prepared with a compound fungicide consisting of 5 μL / mL triadimefon, 1 μL / mL difenoconazole, 20 mg / mL mancozeb, and 30 mg / mL thiophanate-methyl. Germination experiments were conducted according to method “3.2.3”, with germination rate and Alternaria inhibition rate as indicators. The results showed an average inhibition rate of 100% and an average germination rate of 83%, which were higher than the experimental group, demonstrating that Alternaria had good inhibition rate and germination effect, and that the method was feasible.

[0112] 3.3.3 Orthogonal Analysis of Compound Fungicides

[0113] According to L9(3) 4An orthogonal array was used to design the experiment, with the inhibition rate of Alternaria spp. and the seed germination rate as the evaluation indicators. A comprehensive score was calculated to select the optimal concentration ratio. The comprehensive score (%) = (Alternaria spp. inhibition rate / highest value in the group × 50%) + germination rate / highest value in the group × 50%) × 100%. Table 15 shows that k is a level of a certain factor. The range R of the four influencing factors is in the order of D > B > A > C, indicating that chlorothalonil has the greatest impact on seed germination and inhibition, followed by methyl parathion, triadimefon, and difenoconazole. Among the triadimefon factors, k1 has the highest value, indicating that the optimal concentration of triadimefon is 5 μL / mL. Among the methyl thiophanate-methyl and hymexazol factors, k3 has the highest value, indicating that the optimal concentration of methyl thiophanate-methyl and hymexazol is 1.25 μL / mL. Among the difenoconazole factors, k1 has the highest value, indicating that the optimal concentration of difenoconazole is 2 mg / mL. Among the chlorothalonil factors, k1 has the highest value, indicating that the optimal concentration of chlorothalonil is 40 mg / mL. Therefore, the formula for compound fungicide 2 is: triadimefon 5 μL / mL, methyl thiophanate-methyl and hymexazol 1.25 μL / mL, difenoconazole 2 mg / mL, and chlorothalonil 40 mg / mL.

[0114] Table 15 Orthogonal Experiment Table for Compound Formulation of Fungicide No. 2

[0115]

[0116] 3.3.4 Validation Test of Compound Fungicide No. 2

[0117] Four portions of safflower seeds, 100 seeds per portion, were prepared with a compound fungicide consisting of 5 μL / mL triadimefon, 1.25 μL / mL methyl parathion·hymexazol, 2 mg / mL difenoconazole, and 40 mg / mL chlorothalonil. Germination experiments were conducted according to method “3.2.3”, with germination rate and Alternaria inhibition rate as indicators. The results showed an average inhibition rate of 100% and an average germination rate of 80%, which were higher than the experimental group, proving that Alternaria had good inhibition rate and germination effect, and that the method was feasible.

[0118] Analysis of the results of combining four coating agent formulations

[0119] The seed dressing agent is mainly composed of the following components: growth regulators, fungicides, insecticides, and some other trace components and adjuvants. Therefore, this experiment selected three compound growth regulators, two compound fungicides and a fungicide seed dressing agent, and three insecticides to combine and match to form nine seed dressing agent formulations. Among them, compound fungicide 1 consists of triadimefon, propiconazole, mancozeb, and thiophanate-methyl; compound fungicide 2 consists of triadimefon, methyl thiophanate-methyl·hymexazol, difenoconazole, and chlorothalonil; fungicide 3 is a Bacillus seed dressing agent, as detailed in Table 16.

[0120] Table 16 Coating Formulas

[0121] Seed dressing agent No. 1 Salicylic acid + potassium dihydrogen phosphate Fungicide No. 3 Avermectin Seed dressing agent No. 2 2,4-Brassinolide + Potassium dihydrogen phosphate Compound bactericide 1 Imidacloprid Seed dressing agent No. 3 Humic acid water-soluble fertilizer + gibberellin Compound bactericide 2 Fipronil Seed dressing agent No. 4 Salicylic acid + potassium dihydrogen phosphate Compound bactericide 1 Fipronil Seed dressing agent No. 5 2,4-Brassinolide + Potassium dihydrogen phosphate Compound bactericide 2 Avermectin Seed dressing agent No. 6 Humic acid water-soluble fertilizer + gibberellin Fungicide No. 3 Imidacloprid Seed dressing agent No. 7 Salicylic acid + potassium dihydrogen phosphate Compound bactericide 2 Imidacloprid Seed dressing agent No. 8 2,4-Brassinolide + Potassium dihydrogen phosphate Fungicide No. 3 Fipronil Seed dressing agent No. 9 Humic acid water-soluble fertilizer + gibberellin Compound bactericide 1 Avermectin

[0122] This embodiment, through a survey of safflower diseases and pathogenic fungi, identified common seed-borne and soil-borne pathogenic fungi causing safflower diseases, including: *Safflower stalk rust fungus*, *Fusarium oxysporum*, *Alternaria*, *Perifolium*, *Fusarium oxysporum* safflower transformant, and *Cercospora safflower*. Based on the existing pathogenic fungi, relevant fungicides, growth regulators, and insecticides were selected. An orthogonal method was used to screen the optimal concentration ratios of compound growth regulators and compound fungicides. The optimal combined concentrations of growth regulators salicylic acid and potassium dihydrogen phosphate were 0.15 mg / mL and 2.0 mg / mL, respectively; the optimal combined concentrations of humic acid water-soluble fertilizer and gibberellin were 1.0 mg / mL and 0.1 mg / mL, respectively; and the optimal combined concentrations of 2,4-brassinolide and potassium dihydrogen phosphate were 1.5 μL / mL and 1.5 mg / mL, respectively. Compound fungicide No. 1 consists of triadimefon 5 μL / mL, difenoconazole 1 μL / mL, mancozeb 20 mg / mL, and thiophanate-methyl 30 mg / mL; Compound fungicide No. 2 consists of triadimefon 5 μL / mL, methyl thiophanate-methyl·hymexazol 1.25 μL / mL, difenoconazole 2 mg / mL, and chlorothalonil 40 mg / mL. Three compound growth regulators, two compound fungicides, a fungicide seed dressing agent, and three insecticides were combined to form nine seed coating agent formulations (see Table 17; the formulations of each coating agent are expressed as the mass percentage of each component's active ingredient in the seed coating agent). Each seed coating agent contains the following adjuvants in the following mass percentages: 0.3% xanthan gum (thickening agent), 0.1% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (film-forming agent), and 3% bentonite (wetting and dispersing agent).

[0123] Seed dressing agents are widely used on food crops but less so on medicinal plants. This experiment, through an investigation of seed-borne and soil-borne diseases of safflower, found that many pathogenic fungi can be transmitted through seeds and soil. Therefore, the selected fungicides included both systemic and non-systemic agents; systemic agents, which can be absorbed by plants, have a longer-lasting effect. Combining multiple fungicides with plant growth regulators yields better results. Therefore, orthogonal experiments were used to screen for the optimal concentration ratio of fungicides and growth regulators, which can improve efficacy and reduce waste.

[0124] Table 17 Coating Formulations

[0125]

[0126] Example 2: Study on the biological effects of safflower

[0127] 1. Instruments and Materials

[0128] A 1260 high-performance liquid chromatograph (Agilent Technologies, USA); ultrasonic cleaner; TD5A benchtop low-speed centrifuge; constant temperature water bath; evaporating dish; C18 column (5μm); 0.22μm needle filter; hydroxysafflower yellow A reference standard; kaempferol reference standard; methanol; acetonitrile; the nine experimental seed coating agent formulations in section "3.2.4", the positive control seed coating agent (safflower seed coating agent formulations reported in other patent applications), was prepared by mixing 3.48% thiamethoxam, 0.45% metalaxyl, 0.58% fludioxonil, 3% thiamethoxam, 3% agricultural emulsion 700, 0.3% xanthan gum, 0.2% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, 4% ethylene glycol with 84.99% purified water (all amounts of each component are mass percentages), the negative control was a blank control without seed coating agent, and the seed materials were 3 portions of safflower seeds from Xinjiang and 1 portion from Yunnan.

[0129] 2. Experimental Location

[0130] The experiment was conducted in the southern area of ​​the cultivation experimental field of the Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The Institute of Medicinal Plant Development is located in Malianwa Subdistrict, Haidian District, Beijing, at 40.034021°E, 116.27316°N, with an average annual temperature of 21°C and hot, rainy summers. The soil in the experimental field was sandy loam with a pH of 6.0-7.5, moderate to high fertility, and good aeration.

[0131] 3 Experimental Methods

[0132] Seed coating: Nine seed coating agents prepared in Example 1 were used to coat safflower seeds at a ratio of 1:36 (the coating method was to add the seed coating agent to the seeds according to the specified amount, mix the seeds, and then dry the seeds). The positive control group was coated according to the dosage specified in the instructions. Uncoated safflower seeds served as the negative control. Germination experiments were conducted 1 day after coating.

[0133] 3.1 Effects of different seed coating formulations on seed viability

[0134] Coated safflower seeds from both the experimental and control groups were evenly placed on PDA plates, with 25 seeds per dish and 3 replicates per treatment. The seeds were cultured in a constant temperature incubator at 25–28℃ under alternating light and dark conditions for 12 hours, and germination was observed daily.

[0135] 3.2 Effects of different seed dressing formulations on safflower growth

[0136] The experiment was conducted from March to August 2023, using a single-factor randomized block design. Before the experiment, base fertilizer was applied and the land was tilled. The experimental plot was divided into 11 beds, each with an area of ​​10 square meters. Each bed was divided into 3 rows with a spacing of 40 cm between each row and a plant spacing of 20 cm. The planting holes were 2-4 cm deep, with 2 safflower coated seeds placed in each hole. Topdressing was applied once during the weeding period and once during the growing season. Other cultivation management followed the high-yield cultivation method for safflower. The growth of safflower and the control of diseases and pests were recorded and observed as the safflower grew.

[0137] 3.3 Impact of Safflower Quality

[0138] 3.3.1 Method for determining the content of hydroxysaffron yellow pigment A

[0139] Hydroxysaffron Yellow A was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (General Rule 0512). Chromatographic conditions and system suitability test: Octadecylsilane-bonded silica gel was used as the stationary phase; methanol-acetonitrile-0.7% phosphoric acid solution (26:2:72) was used as the mobile phase; the detection wavelength was 403 nm. The theoretical plate number, calculated based on the hydroxysaffron Yellow A peak, should not be less than 3000. Preparation of the reference solution: Accurately weigh an appropriate amount of hydroxysaffron Yellow A reference standard, add 25% methanol to prepare a solution containing 0.13 mg per mL. Preparation of the test solution: Accurately weigh approximately 0.4 g of the powder (passed through a No. 3 sieve), place it in a stoppered conical flask, accurately add 50 mL of 25% methanol, weigh, sonicate (300 W, 50 kHz) for 40 minutes, cool, weigh again, replenish the lost weight with 25% methanol, shake well, filter, and collect the filtrate. The assay involves precisely pipetting 10 μl each of the reference solution and the test solution into a liquid chromatograph and measuring the results.

[0140] 3.3.2 Method for determining kaempferol content

[0141] Kaempferol was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (General Rule 0512). Chromatographic conditions and system suitability tests were performed using octadecylsilane-bonded silica gel as the stationary phase; methanol-0.4% phosphoric acid solution (52:48) as the mobile phase; and the detection wavelength was 367 nm. The theoretical plate number, calculated based on the kaempferol peak, should be no less than 3000. Preparation of the reference solution: Accurately weigh an appropriate amount of kaempferol reference standard and add methanol to prepare a solution containing 9 μg per mL. Preparation of the test solution: Accurately weigh approximately 0.5 g of the powder (passed through a No. 3 sieve), place it in a stoppered conical flask, accurately add 25 mL of methanol, weigh, heat under reflux for 30 minutes, cool, weigh again, replenish the lost weight with methanol, shake well, filter, accurately measure 15 mL of the filtrate, place it in a flat-bottomed flask, add 5 mL of hydrochloric acid solution (15→37), shake well, heat in a water bath for hydrolysis for 30 minutes, cool immediately, transfer to a 25 mL volumetric flask, dilute to the mark with methanol, shake well, filter, and collect the filtrate. Assay: Accurately inject 10 μl each of the reference solution and the test solution into the liquid chromatograph, and determine the result.

[0142] 4 Results and Analysis

[0143] 4.1 Analysis of the effects of different seed coating agent formulations on seed viability

[0144] This experiment observed the effects of different seed coating formulations on seed viability by analyzing seed germination potential and germination rate. The top three seed coating formulations with the best results were analyzed to facilitate the determination of the optimal formulation. Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be seen that the top three seed coating agent formulations with the best impact on germination potential were Seed Coating Agent No. 3, Seed Coating Agent No. 2, and Seed Coating Agent No. 9. Furthermore, the effects of these three formulations on germination potential were all higher than those of the negative control group, indicating that these three formulations can shorten seed dormancy, improve seed activity, and promote rapid germination. However, the variance results showed that different seed coating agent formulations had no significant effect on germination potential, indicating that different formulations had little impact on germination potential. Similarly, the top three seed coating agent formulations with the best impact on germination rate were Seed Coating Agent No. 3, Seed Coating Agent No. 6, and Seed Coating Agent No. 7. It was found that there was no significant difference in germination rate between these three formulations and the negative control group, indicating good seed activity and a longer dormancy period. However, the variance results (Table 18) showed that different seed coating agents had no significant effect on germination rate, indicating that different formulations had little impact on germination potential.

[0145] Table 18. Effects of different seed dressing formulations on the viability of safflower seeds (Analysis of variance)

[0146]

[0147] 4.2 Analysis of the effects of different seed dressing formulations on safflower growth

[0148] This experiment observed the effects of different seed coating agents on the growth of safflower by using indicators such as seed germination rate, plant height, stem diameter, number of flowering heads, total seed yield, and incidence of plant diseases and pests. The top three seed coating agents with the best effects were selected for observation, and the optimal seed coating agent formula was determined based on the results.

[0149] Depend on Figure 3 As shown in Table 19, the top three seed coating agent formulations with the greatest impact on germination rate were Seed Coating Agent No. 3, Seed Coating Agent No. 8, and Seed Coating Agent No. 9. Furthermore, the effects of all three seed coating agent formulations on germination rate were higher than those of the negative control group. The variance results showed that there were significant differences in the effects of different seed coating agents on germination rate. Seed Coating Agent No. 3 showed a significant difference from the negative control group, indicating that the growth regulator in Seed Coating Agent No. 3 had the best effect on seed germination.

[0150] Depend on Figure 4 As shown in Table 19, there was no significant difference in the effect of different seed coating agent formulations on plant height. The three seed coating agent formulations with the greatest impact on plant height were Seed Coating Agent No. 4, Seed Coating Agent No. 5, and Positive Control Seed Coating Agent. Furthermore, the effects of these three seed coating agent formulations on plant height were all higher than those of the negative control group. The variance results showed that there was no significant difference in the effect of different seed coating agents on plant height, indicating that different seed coating agent formulations had little effect on the plant height of safflower.

[0151] Depend on Figure 5 As shown in Table 19, there was no significant difference in the effect of different seed dressing agent formulations on stem diameter. The three seed dressing agent formulations with the greatest impact on stem diameter were Seed Dressing Agent No. 9, Positive Seed Dressing Agent, and Seed Dressing Agent No. 1. Furthermore, the effects of the three seed dressing agent formulations on germination rate were all higher than those of the negative control group. The variance results showed that there was no significant difference in plant height among the different seed dressing agents, indicating that the different seed dressing agent formulations had little effect on the stem diameter of safflower.

[0152] Depend on Figure 6 As shown in Table 19, there was no significant difference in the effect of different seed dressing agent formulations on the number of flower heads. The three seed dressing agent formulations with the greatest impact on the number of flower heads were Seed Dressing Agent No. 9, Seed Dressing Agent No. 1, and Seed Dressing Agent No. 2. Moreover, the effect of the three seed dressing agent formulations on the number of flower heads was higher than that of the negative control group. The variance results showed that there was no significant difference in plant height among different seed dressing agents, indicating that different seed dressing agent formulations had little effect on the number of flower heads.

[0153] Depend on Figure 7As shown in Table 19, among the top three seed coating agent formulations that have a greater impact on total yield, only Seed Coating Agent No. 9 and Seed Coating Agent No. 1 are higher than the control group. The variance results show that for the seed yield index, there are extremely significant differences in the effects of different seed coating agents on seed yield, and Seed Coating Agent No. 9 is significantly different from the negative control group, indicating that Seed Coating Agent No. 9 can increase seed yield.

[0154] Depend on Figure 8 As shown in Table 19, the top three seed dressing formulations with the greatest impact on the incidence of plant diseases are Seed Dressing Agent No. 7, Seed Dressing Agent No. 6, and Seed Dressing Agent No. 9. Furthermore, the impact of these three seed dressing formulations on the incidence of plant diseases is lower than that of the negative control group. The variance results show that there are highly significant differences in the impact of different seed dressing agents on the incidence of plant diseases. Seed Dressing Agent No. 7, Seed Dressing Agent No. 6, and Seed Dressing Agent No. 9 all show highly significant differences compared to the negative control group, indicating that the fungicides in Seed Dressing Agent No. 7, Seed Dressing Agent No. 6, and Seed Dressing Agent No. 9 have a better control effect on safflower diseases.

[0155] Depend on Figure 9 As shown in Table 19, the top three seed dressing formulations with the greatest impact on the incidence of plant pests were Seed Dressing Agent No. 2, Seed Dressing Agent No. 6, and Seed Dressing Agent No. 9. Furthermore, the impact of these three seed dressing formulations on the incidence of plant pests was lower than that of the negative control group. The variance results showed that the effects of different seed dressing agents on the incidence of plant pests were highly significant. Seed Dressing Agent No. 2, Seed Dressing Agent No. 6, and Seed Dressing Agent No. 9 all showed highly significant differences compared to the negative control group, indicating that the insecticides in Seed Dressing Agent No. 2, Seed Dressing Agent No. 6, and Seed Dressing Agent No. 9 were effective in controlling safflower pests.

[0156] Table 19. Analysis of variance on the effect of different seed dressing formulations on safflower growth.

[0157]

[0158] 4.3 Analysis of the effect of different seed coating agent formulations on safflower content

[0159] 4.3.1 Hydroxysafflower yellow pigment A

[0160] This experiment used the hydroxysafflower yellow A content in safflower as an indicator, and selected the top three seed coating agent formulations with the best influence for observation, so as to determine the optimal seed coating agent formulation in the final results. Figure 10 As shown in Table 20, the top three seed coating agents with the best effect on hydroxysaffron A are seed coating agent No. 3, seed coating agent No. 2, and positive seed coating agent. However, the variance results show that there is no significant difference in the content of hydroxysaffron yellow pigment among different seed coating agent formulations, indicating that different seed coating agents have little effect on the content of hydroxysaffron yellow pigment.

[0161] Table 20. Analysis of variance on the effect of different seed coating agent formulations on hydroxysaffron yellow A

[0162]

[0163] 4.3.2 Results of Kaempferol Content Determination

[0164] This experiment used kaempferol content in safflower as an indicator to observe the top three seed coating formulations with the best effects, facilitating the determination of the optimal seed coating formulation in the final results. Figure 11 As shown in Table 21, the top three seed coating agents with the best effect on kaempferol were seed coating agent No. 1, seed coating agent No. 9, and seed coating agent No. 3. Furthermore, the effects of the three seed coating agent formulations on the content of hydroxysaffron A were higher than those of the negative control group. The variance results showed that there was no significant difference in the content of hydroxysaffron A among the different seed coating agent formulations, indicating that the different seed coating agent formulations had little effect on the content of kaempferol.

[0165] Table 21. Analysis of variance on the effect of different seed coating agent formulations on kaempferol content.

[0166]

[0167] 4.4 Three key coating agents compared

[0168] Prior to this study, existing technical literature was consulted, and a previously reported safflower seed coating agent was designed when setting the seed coating agent formulation. Seed coating agent No. 7 in Table 16 was designed based on the safflower seed coating agent reported in the literature (Study on the biological effects of safflower seed coating, Chen Jun et al., Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, August 2023, Vol. 28, No. 8), while the positive control seed coating agent was a commercially available safflower seed coating agent. This section focuses on comparing and analyzing the experimental results of these three seed coating agents.

[0169] 4.4.1 Comparison of Three Coating Agent Formulas

[0170] Calculate the actual effective ingredient content (expressed as mass percentage) of each component in Seed Coating Agent No. 9 and Seed Coating Agent No. 7. The formulations of the three seed coating agents are shown in Table 22 (the formulations of the three seed coating agents in Table 22 are all expressed as the mass percentage of the effective ingredient of each component in the seed coating agent):

[0171] Table 22

[0172]

[0173] 4.4.2 Effects of Three Seed Coating Agents on Safflower

[0174] The results are shown in Table 23-25:

[0175] Table 23

[0176] Seed dressing agent No. 7 36.00±1.38C 86.22±1.55a 48.00±1.15a Seed dressing agent No. 9 55.11±1.97A 86.00±1.01a 50.67±2.40a Positive control 43.11±0.78B 76.00±1.54b 31.33±5.33b Blank control 42.66±1.71B 84.89±3.63a 44.00±0.58a

[0177] Table 24

[0178]

[0179] Table 25

[0180]

[0181] Tables 23-25 ​​show that, based on the effects of different seed coating agents on seed activity, seed coating agent No. 9 showed a highly significant difference in germination potential compared to the other three treatments, indicating that seed coating agent No. 9 had the best effect. Regarding germination rate, seed coating agent No. 9 showed a significant difference compared to the positive control group. Although there was no significant difference between seed coating agent No. 9 and seed coating agent No. 7 and the blank control, the mean value shows that the germination rate of seed coating agent No. 9 was also relatively good. Regarding seedling emergence rate, seed coating agent No. 9 showed a significant difference compared to the positive control group. Although there was no significant difference between seed coating agent No. 9 and seed coating agent No. 7 and the blank control, the mean value shows that the germination rate of seed coating agent No. 9 was the highest among the four treatments.

[0182] The effects of different seed dressing agents on safflower growth (Table 24) revealed that, in terms of plant height, the treatment with seed dressing agent 9 showed no significant difference compared to the treatment with seed dressing agent 7 and the blank control, but a significant difference compared to the positive control. Plants with seed dressing agent 9 were shorter than the positive control, and this shorter plant height helps resist lodging. Regarding stem diameter, the treatment with seed dressing agent 9 showed a significant difference compared to other treatments, with thicker rhizomes and shorter plants, which contributes to plant resistance to stress. The treatment with seed dressing agent 9 showed a highly significant difference compared to the other three treatments. Combined with the results of plant height and stem diameter, it was found that seed dressing agent 9 increased plant resistance to stress and increased the number of flowers; a higher number of flowers resulted in higher yield. Finally, the treatment with seed dressing agent 9 showed a significant difference in seed yield compared to the other three treatments, significantly higher than the other three. Combined with the results of plant height, stem diameter, and number of flowers, it is clear that the treatment with seed dressing agent 9 was more effective. The study on the effects of different treatments on safflower quality found that the seed coating agent did not produce a significant difference in safflower quality, which also indicates that the seed coating agent has no effect on the quality of safflower.

[0183] The study of the effects of different seed dressing agents on the control of diseases and pests of safflower (Table 25) revealed that the incidence of black spot disease after seed dressing treatment was significantly different from that of the blank control, with seed dressing agent No. 9 increasing the incidence by 12.46% compared to the control group. The incidence of viral diseases after seed dressing treatment was significantly different from that of the blank control, with seed dressing agent No. 9 increasing the incidence by 19.19% compared to the control group. The incidence of aphids after seed dressing treatment was significantly different from that of the blank control, with seed dressing agent No. 9 increasing the incidence by 83.10% compared to the control group.

[0184] Based on the results in the table above, the purpose of seed coating agents is to improve seed activity, protect plant growth in the field, and increase the yield of medicinal seeds and medicinal materials. The comprehensive survey results show that the seed yield and the number of flowering heads were highest under the treatment with seed coating agent No. 9.

[0185] 5 Analysis

[0186] This study investigated the effects of different seed coating agent formulations on safflower, focusing on three aspects: seed viability, plant growth, and safflower quality. The results showed that different seed coating agents had no significant effect on safflower seeds, indicating that different formulations had little impact on seed viability. Different formulations significantly affected safflower plant emergence rate, total yield, and pest and disease incidence, but had no significant effect on plant height, stem diameter, or number of flowers. This suggests that the seed coating agent formulations can improve safflower plant emergence rate, increase yield, and reduce pest and disease incidence, while having little effect on plant height, stem diameter, and number of flowers. Different formulations had no significant effect on safflower content, indicating that the seed coating agents had little impact on changes in the chemical composition of safflower. Through comprehensive analysis of biological effects, the most effective seed coating agent formulation was Seed Coating Agent No. 9.

[0187] Seed coating agents, with their advantages of high efficiency, low pollution, and ease of operation, have been widely used by farmers. Pre-sowing seed coating prevents seedling diseases and pests in medicinal plants and increases crop yield. Seed coating during storage maintains seed viability and prevents infection by pathogens during storage and transportation. This experiment, through field planting of coated seeds, found that the seed surface should be coated with seed coating agent as much as possible, but not excessively, otherwise it will affect the germination of safflower seeds. Field observations showed that seed coating agents improve seed emergence rate, mainly by shortening the seed dormancy period, allowing seeds to germinate faster in the soil, and avoiding prolonged germination and damage from adverse environmental factors. Seed coating agents provide strong protection during the seedling stage, but gradually become less effective as the plant grows. This experiment also determined the content of harvested safflower and found that different seed coating agents had little effect on the safflower content. However, the contents of hydroxysafflower yellow A and kaempferol met the pharmacopoeia standards, thus verifying that the seed coating agent formula used in the experiment did not have an adverse effect on the quality of safflower.

[0188] The control of diseases and pests in medicinal plants is a crucial part of field management. Field control primarily relies on chemical pesticides. While chemical pesticides offer advantages such as rapid effectiveness and ease of use, they are prone to causing phytotoxicity, pesticide residues, environmental pollution, and harm to human health. The agricultural philosophy emphasizes green and pollution-free pest control, which clearly contradicts the principles of green pest control. Utilizing seed coating technology to control plant diseases and pests and promote the growth of medicinal herbs is a new technology in the field of Chinese medicinal herb cultivation. Seed coating agents, with their advantages of high efficiency, low pollution, and ease of use, have been widely adopted by farmers. The low-toxicity, systemic safflower seed coating agent selected in this study will not cause pesticide pollution to the medicinal herbs or the environment; it is a pollution-free pesticide product that meets the requirements for standardized production of Chinese medicinal herbs. Seed coating before sowing prevents the occurrence of diseases and pests in the seedling stage of medicinal plants and increases crop yield. Seed coating during storage can maintain seed viability and prevent infection by pathogens during storage and transportation.

[0189] Different seed coating agents have a significant impact on germination rate, pest and disease incidence, and yield when planted in the field. Seed coating agent No. 9 ranks among the top three in terms of impact on most indicators. In addition, seed coating agent No. 9 has a significantly better yield than other seed coating agent formulations. The comprehensive evaluation and analysis shows that seed coating agent No. 9 has the best effect.

[0190] In summary, this invention has developed a safflower seed coating agent formula. The No. 9 seed coating agent formula is not only different from other existing safflower seed coating agents, but also contains growth regulators, resulting in better performance.

[0191] Example 3: Effects of different treatments on safflower seeds

[0192] Using Seed Dressing Agent No. 9 as the experimental reagent, the effects of different seed treatments on germination rate were analyzed.

[0193] 1 Experimental Methods

[0194] The effects of two treatment methods, namely, warm water treatment + seed coating agent and dry heat treatment + seed coating agent, on seed germination rate were compared.

[0195] The warm water treatment + seed coating treatment group: After soaking the seeds in warm water and drying them, the seeds were coated with seed coating agent No. 9 according to the aforementioned coating method. Four groups of experiments were set up to compare the effects of different temperatures and soaking times of the warm water treatment on the seeds: soaking in warm water at 45℃ for 15 min, soaking in warm water at 45℃ for 30 min, soaking in warm water at 50℃ for 15 min, and soaking in warm water at 50℃ for 30 min.

[0196] Dry heat treatment + seed coating treatment group: Safflower seeds were first dried, and then seed coating agent No. 9 was used to coat the seeds according to the aforementioned coating method. Four groups of experiments were set up to compare the effects of different drying temperatures and times on the seeds: 40℃ for 1 hour, 40℃ for 2 hours, 50℃ for 1 hour, and 50℃ for 2 hours.

[0197] After the seeds are treated, they are sown, and the germination rate is counted seven days after sowing.

[0198] 2 Experimental Results

[0199] The experimental results are shown in Table 26.

[0200] Table 26 Effects of different seed treatments on germination rate

[0201] Warm water at 45℃ for 15 minutes 16.00±3.06CD Warm water 45℃ for 30 minutes 14.67±1.76CD Warm water at 50℃ for 15 minutes 6.67±2.91D Warm water at 50℃ for 30 minutes 18.67±5.81CD Dry at 40℃ for 1 hour 61.33±9.96AB Dry at 40℃ for 2 hours 64.67±16.74A Dry at 50℃ for 1 hour 60.00±9.17AB Dry at 50℃ for 2 hours 68.67±7.42A Blank control 38.00±5.29C

[0202] The results showed that there were highly significant differences between the drying treatment and the warm water treatment. Generally, there was no significant difference between the drying treatment and the blank control, but a highly significant difference was found between the drying treatment at 40℃ for 2 hours and the blank control. Generally, there was no significant difference between the warm water treatment and the blank control, but a highly significant difference was found between the blank control and the warm water treatment at 50℃ for 15 minutes. The overall results indicate that the drying treatment is safer and has a better germination rate than the warm water treatment, and the effect of drying at 40℃ for 2 hours is significantly higher than that of the blank control group and the warm water treatment group. Compared with existing reports that warm water treatment can improve the germination rate of safflower seeds, this invention provides a new safflower seed treatment method based on our self-developed seed coating agent No. 9. Before sowing, the safflower seeds are first subjected to dry heat treatment and then coated, which significantly improves the germination rate compared to existing safflower seed sowing treatment methods.

Claims

1. A safflower seed coating agent, characterized in that, The seed coating agent comprises active ingredients including growth regulators, fungicides, and insecticides, as well as thickener xanthan gum, film-forming agent sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and wetting and dispersing agent bentonite. The growth regulators include humic acid fertilizer and gibberellin; the fungicides include triadimefon, propiconazole, mancozeb, and thiophanate-methyl; and the insecticides include abamectin. The mass percentage of each component in the seed coating agent is as follows: humic acid fertilizer 0.1-0.3%, gibberellin 0.08-0.10%, triadimefon 0.9-1.1%, propiconazole 0.085-0.115%, mancozeb 1.3-1.9%, thiophanate-methyl 1.8-2.4%, abamectin 0.085-0.115%, xanthan gum 0.1-0.5%, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 0.05-2%, bentonite 1-5%, and the balance being water.

2. The safflower seed coating agent according to claim 1, characterized in that: The effective ingredient mass percentages of each component in the seed coating agent are as follows: 0.1-0.3% humic acid fertilizer, 0.08-0.10% gibberellin, 0.9-1.1% triadimefon, 0.085-0.115% propiconazole, 1.3-1.9% mancozeb, 1.8-2.4% thiophanate-methyl, 0.085-0.115% abamectin, 0.2-0.4% xanthan gum, 0.05-0.15% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, 2-4% bentonite, and the balance being water.

3. The safflower seed coating agent according to claim 2, characterized in that: The effective ingredient mass percentages of each component in the seed coating agent are as follows: 0.15-0.25% humic acid fertilizer, 0.085-0.095% gibberellin, 0.95-1.05% triadimefon, 0.09-0.11% propiconazole, 1.5-1.7% mancozeb, 2.0-2.2% thiophanate-methyl, 0.09-0.11% abamectin, 0.2-0.4% xanthan gum, 0.05-0.15% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, 2-4% bentonite, and the balance being water.

4. The method for preparing the safflower seed coating agent according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The process includes the following steps: weigh each component according to the specified amount, add it to water, and stir until homogeneous.

5. A method for coating safflower seeds with a seed coating agent, characterized in that, The process includes the following steps: taking the safflower seed coating agent according to any one of claims 1 to 3, mixing safflower seeds at a ratio of 1:30 to 40 by weight of the agent and drying the seeds to complete the coating.

6. A method for pre-treatment of safflower seeds before sowing, characterized in that, Treating safflower seeds with the safflower seed coating agent according to any one of claims 1 to 3 includes the following steps: (1) Dry heat treatment: Dry safflower seeds at 40~50℃ for 1~2 hours; (2) Take the safflower seeds after dry heat treatment and coat them with a seed coating agent.

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