Seed coating composition

Abstract

The present application relates to a seed coating composition. Disclosed herein are one or more aqueous seed coating compositions, the compositions comprising: (i) a binder comprising a modified starch; and (ii) an active ingredient, the properties of the composition being at least equivalent to or superior to those of aqueous seed coating compositions containing synthetic polymers, and surprisingly superior to those of aqueous seed coating compositions containing unmodified starch. The binder comprising the modified starch is water-soluble, compatible with the active ingredient, and more cost-effective than the use of a synthetic polymer predominantly as the binder in an aqueous seed coating composition. In addition, the one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein provide excellent seed coating properties, including exhibiting good flowability, uniform coating application, and reduced dust removal.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application date of September 15, 2020, application number 202080068304.5, and name “Seed Coating Composition”. Technical Field

[0002] One or more aqueous seed coating compositions are disclosed herein, comprising: (i) a binder comprising a modified starch; and (ii) an active ingredient, the performance of the composition being at least equivalent to or better than an aqueous seed coating composition containing a synthetic polymer, and surprisingly better than an aqueous seed coating composition containing an unmodified starch. The binder comprising the modified starch is water-soluble, compatible with the active ingredient, and more cost-effective than using primarily synthetic polymers as binders in aqueous seed coating compositions. In addition, one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein provide excellent seed coating properties, including exhibiting good flowability, uniform coating application, and reduced dusting. Background Art

[0003] Farmers always seek to improve crop yield to solve the growing food demand.A method used to increase crop yield in the agricultural industry is seed treatment (seed coating), wherein seed is processed / coated with one or more active ingredients (including, for example, insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, nutrients, plant growth hormones and beneficial microorganisms) to protect seeds from disease, fungi and / or insect infringement after seed planting.In the seed coating process, active ingredient slurry is added on the surface of seed using seed coating adhesive.These seed coatings allow the one or more active ingredients to be delivered to seed or seedling during germination to provide healthy root groups for the outstanding emergence and thriving of planted crops, thereby causing higher crop yield.The important advantage of delivering the one or more active ingredients by seed coating is that seed coating allows the one or more active ingredients of accurate and controlled release dosage to be applied to each independent seedling.

[0004] Seed coating also protects seeds from damage during treatment, thereby improving seed treatment characteristics. For example, coated seeds are usually in contact with other objects and surfaces, and contact each other. This may cause the seed coating to be wiped off (dusted). Wiping off refers to the surface of the coated part transferred to non-seed objects (such as seed bags, seed containers and seed treatment equipment) from the coated seeds. Wiping off may cause active ingredients to be lost (dusted) in the form of dust. In the case of planted or sowed coated seeds by workers, wiping off in the form of dusting may produce health and safety issues. In addition, the seed coating that shows wiping off is often sticky, thereby increasing the risk of inaccurate planting and blocking seeding machine equipment. In addition, by minimizing wiping off (dusted) to the greatest extent, the coated seed product has an improved visual appearance.

[0005] The most widely used aqueous seed coating compositions in the agricultural industry contain natural or synthetic polymeric materials as binders, wherein polymer blends such as, for example, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, etc. are the most commonly used binders or coating materials. Seed coating compositions containing polymer-based materials as binders have limited biodegradability, thereby causing microplastic environmental pollution. Therefore, there remains a need for biodegradable, bio-based and biorenewable aqueous seed coating compositions that are cost-effective, better for the environment than widely used aqueous seed coating compositions containing synthetic polymers, and whose performance is at least equivalent to that of less environmentally friendly seed coating compositions containing synthetic polymer materials. Summary of the invention

[0006] Disclosed herein is one or more aqueous seed coating compositions comprising (i) a binder comprising a modified starch; and (ii) an active ingredient. Surprisingly, due to the use of the modified starch as a seed coating binder, the performance of one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein is superior to that of aqueous seed coating compositions containing non-modified starch. In addition, the performance of the modified starch is at least equivalent to that of traditional synthetic polymers and can be used in combination with or in place of synthetic polymers to provide an aqueous seed coating composition. In addition, disclosed herein is the use of the aqueous seed coating composition described herein for coating seeds. Also disclosed herein is a coated seed comprising one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein. Even disclosed herein is a method for coating one or more seeds, the method comprising (i) mixing a binder comprising a modified starch with an active ingredient to form an aqueous seed coating composition; and (ii) applying the composition to one or more seeds.

[0007] In one embodiment, the one or more aqueous seed coating compositions comprise a binder comprising one or more modified starches comprising any natural starch containing amylose, amylopectin, or any combination thereof (e.g., dent starch) that has been chemically, enzymatically, or physically modified. In some embodiments, the one or more modified starches contained in the one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein are selected from, for example, cross-linked starches; acetylated starches and similar esterified starches; ethylated starches (such as, for example, hydroxyethylated starches and hydroxypropylated starches); phosphatidyl starches; cationic, anionic, nonionic, and zwitterionic starches, dextrins and modified dextrins, and succinate and substituted succinate derivatives of starch. Procedures for modifying starches are well known and described, for example, in Modified Starches: Properties and Uses, Ed. Wurzburg, CRC Press, Inc., Florida (1986).

[0008] In another embodiment, one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein do not contain synthetic or traditional seed coating polymers. In other embodiments, one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein include a binder, which includes one or more modified starches and one or more synthetic seed coating polymers. In other embodiments, the one or more aqueous seed coating compositions contain less than the one or more modified starches. In other embodiments, the one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein also include additional additives, such as but not limited to additional binders, fillers, nutrients, wetting and dispersing additives (sometimes also referred to as pigment dispersants), solvents, plasticizers, emulsifiers, thickeners, colorants, defoamers, biocides, surfactants and / or pigments.

[0009] The aqueous seed coating compositions described herein can be prepared by blending the various ingredients together, or can be added separately during the seed coating process.

[0010] In another embodiment, one or more of the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein further comprises one or more active ingredients. In another embodiment, the one or more active ingredients are pesticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, bactericides, bacteriostats, insecticides, nematicides, anthelmintics, triazines, sulfonylureas, uracils, ureas, acetanilides, organic phosphonates, nitroamino oxime fungicides, azole imidazole fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, phenylpyrrole fungicides, phenylamide fungicides, formamide fungicides, triazole fungicides, sulfenamide fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, neonicotinoid insecticides, acylamide fungicides, chlorinated aromatic dichloroaniline fungicides, carbamate insecticides, organothiophosphate insecticides, perchlorinated organic insecticides, acaricides, propargyl sulfites, triazapentadiene acaricides, chlorinated aromatic acaricides, trichloroacarbamide sulfones, dinitrophenol acaricides, binacarb, adjuvants, surfactants, fertilizers, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the one or more active ingredients are biopesticides of plant or microbial origin or live beneficial microorganisms from the bacterial or fungal genus.

[0011] Another embodiment described herein is directed to one or more methods for preparing coated seeds, comprising providing one or more seeds; providing one or more aqueous seed coating compositions comprising a binder comprising one or more modified starches; and contacting the aqueous coating composition with the seeds to coat all or a portion of the seeds.

[0012] Also disclosed herein are compositions and methods related to seedling establishment to increase yields of crops, as well as agricultural and horticultural plants, shrubs, trees, grasses, etc. In one embodiment, the compositions and methods described herein relate to preventing the loss of agricultural compounds (such as pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, etc.) due to water runoff or drainage (wherein when lost due to water runoff or drainage, such agricultural compounds are unavailable to grasses and plants, etc.). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Two graphs are shown which illustrate the results of tests measuring dusting levels of corn seeds coated with seed compositions containing modified starches (OSA modified starches (Samples 3 and 10), PO modified starches (Samples 4 and 11), and cationic starch (Sample 9)) compared to corn seeds coated with seed compositions containing synthetic polymers (Samples 2 and 8) or unmodified starch (corn starch, Samples 5, 6, and 12) and untreated seeds (Samples 1 and 7). The seed coating composition also contained a blend of active ingredients. Figure 1AResults for one variety of corn seed (samples 1-6) are shown, and Figure 1B Results for another variety of corn seed (Samples 7-12) are shown. These two figures show that the modified starch provides a seed coating composition with dusting levels that are comparable to or lower than the levels provided by the synthetic polymers, and that the modified starch provides significantly lower levels of dusting than the unmodified starch.

[0014] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the flowability funnel used for testing in Example 2.

[0015] Figure 3 A graph is shown showing the results of flowability testing of corn seeds coated with aqueous seed coating compositions containing synthetic polymers (Sample 8) or modified starches such as Sample 9 (cationic modified starch), Sample 10 (OSA modified starch), and Sample 11 (PO modified starch). The flowability data for seeds coated with the coating composition containing the modified starch showed significantly better seed flowability than seeds coated with an aqueous seed coating composition containing unmodified corn starch (Sample 12). The seed coating composition also contained a blend of active ingredients.

[0016] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Two graphs are shown showing the suitability of corn seeds coated with aqueous seed coating compositions containing modified starches such as Sample 9 (cationic modified starch), Samples 3 and 10 (OSA modified starch), and Samples 4 and 11 (PO modified starch). Samples 1 and 7 are uncoated seeds. Samples 2 and 8 show suitability data for seeds coated with synthetic polymers. The seed coating composition also contains a blend of active ingredients. Figure 4A Results for one variety of corn seed (samples 1-6) are shown, and Figure 4B Results are shown for another variety of corn seed (samples 7-12). The figures show that all samples provided similar percentages of separation. The modified starch provided a seed coating composition with a seed suitability comparable to that provided by the synthetic polymer and the modified starch.

[0017] Figure 5A graph is shown showing the results of tests measuring the dusting level of soybean seeds coated with a seed coating composition containing a synthetic polymer (Sample 13) compared to soybean seeds coated with aqueous seed coating compositions containing modified starches such as Sample 14 (OSA modified starch), Sample 15 (PO modified starch) and Sample 16 (blend of OSA modified starch and PO modified starch) and soybean seeds coated with a seed coating composition containing a blend of OSA modified starch and PO modified starch and a plasticizer (Sample 17). The seed coating composition also contained a blend of active ingredients. The graph shows that the modified starch provides the seed coating composition with an amount of dusting that is at least equivalent to that provided by the synthetic polymer.

[0018] Figure 6 A graph is shown showing the suitability of soybean seeds coated with a seed coating composition containing a synthetic polymer (Sample 13), an OSA modified starch (Sample 14), a PO modified starch (Sample 15), a blend of OSA modified starch and PO modified starch (Sample 16), and a blend of OSA modified starch and PO modified starch and a plasticizer (Sample 17). The seed coating composition also contained a blend of active ingredients. The graph shows that the modified starch provides a seed coating composition with a suitability (% separation) equivalent to that provided by the synthetic polymer.

[0019] Figure 7 Shown is a graph showing the results of dusting level testing of corn seeds coated with aqueous seed compositions containing modified starch and plasticizer (Samples 18-22) versus a synthetic polymer (Sample 23).The seed coating composition also contains a blend of active ingredients.

[0020] Figure 8 A graph is shown showing the suitability of corn seeds coated with an aqueous seed coating composition containing a modified starch and a plasticizer (Samples 18-22) or a synthetic polymer (Sample 23) compared to uncoated corn seeds (Sample 24). The seed coating composition also contains a blend of active ingredients. The graph shows that certain embodiments of the modified starch and plasticizer provide the seed coating composition with better suitability (% separation) than that provided by the synthetic polymer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Many specific details are set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments of the present invention. However, unless otherwise noted or implied from the context, these details are intended to be exemplary and should not be considered to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. In addition, features described in conjunction with individual or specific embodiments should not be understood as unsuitable for use in conjunction with other embodiments disclosed herein, unless such exclusivity is explicitly stated or implied from the context.

[0022] All terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limited in any way or scope. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "a kind of" and "the" used in this specification and the appended claims may include plural forms. In addition, all units, prefixes and symbols can be expressed in the form accepted by their SI. The numerical ranges listed in this specification include numbers within the limited range. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects are presented in range format. It should be understood that the description of the range format is only for convenience and simplicity, and should not be interpreted as an unchangeable limitation to the scope of the invention. Therefore, the description of the range should be considered to specifically disclose all possible sub-ranges and single numerical values ​​within the range (for example, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4 and 5).

[0023] In order to make it easier to understand the present invention, some terms are first defined. 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 to which the embodiments of the present invention belong. Many methods and materials similar to, modified or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice the embodiments without excessive experimentation. When describing and claiming the embodiments, the following terms will be used according to the definitions listed below.

[0024] The term "seed" as used in this application means, in particular, the mature ovule of gymnosperms and angiosperms, which contains an embryo surrounded by a protective cover. The protective cover may include a seed coating (exotetra). Some seeds include a pericarp or fruit coating around the seed coating. Specifically, when this layer is closely attached to the seed, as in a cereal kernel, it is referred to as a caryopsis or achene in some cases.

[0025] Indeed, the term "seed" includes, but is not limited to, anything that can be agriculturally planted to produce a plant, including pelleted seeds, true seeds, plantlets, rhizomes, regenerable and vegetative tissues, and tubers or bulbs.

[0026] The term "coating" as used in this application means that a material is applied to the surface of a seed, for example as a layer of material around the seed. Coating includes film coating, pelleting and encrustation or a combination of these techniques. The pellets obtained by pelleting are also referred to as seed pellets. The coating is preferably applied to substantially the entire surface of the seed, such as 90% or more of the surface area of ​​the seed to form a layer. However, the coating can be complete or partial, for example 20% or more, or 50% or more of the surface area of ​​the seed.

[0027] The term "seed coating composition" as used in this application means an aqueous composition for coating seeds.

[0028] The term "pre-blend" as used in this application means an aqueous composition that is formed prior to adding the other components of the aqueous seed coating composition, ie in the form of a stable emulsion and / or dispersion. The pre-blend is preferably formed at a different location than the aqueous seed coating composition.

[0029] The term "active" as used in this application means any component that is directly or indirectly beneficial to plants or plant seeds, for example, by biological action on plants, seeds or organisms harmful to plants (such as fungi, pests and insects). Plant enhancers include plant protection products, safeners, growth promoters, growth regulators, etc.

[0030] The term "hydrophobic and / or water-insoluble" as used in this application is intended to describe materials that are primarily non-polar and exhibit limited solubility or insolubility in water. However, such materials may be suspended in water as molecules or particles.

[0031] The term "alkoxy" means -OR radical or group, wherein R is an alkyl group as defined above, such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy or 2-propoxy, n-butoxy, isobutoxy or tert-butoxy, etc. In certain embodiments, preferred alkoxy groups of the present invention have 1 to 6 carbon atoms. In other embodiments, preferred alkoxy groups of the present invention have three or more carbon atoms, preferably 4 to 6 carbon atoms. Alkoxy groups may be optionally substituted when effective valence permits. Examples of substituted alkoxy groups include trifluoromethoxy, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl and alkoxyalkyl groups, such as methoxymethyl, methoxyethyl, polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene and similar groups. Unless otherwise specified as "unsubstituted", the chemical moieties mentioned herein should be understood to include substituted variations.

[0032] The term "alkyl" means a saturated straight or branched hydrocarbon chain having, for example, 1 to 20 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the alkyl group includes a "C1 to C6 alkyl" group (alternatively referred to as a "low alkyl" group), which includes a methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, n-pentyl, tert-pentyl, neopentyl, isopentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, hexyl, n-hexyl, tert-hexyl, neohexyl, isohexyl, sec-hexyl, etc. In certain embodiments, the preferred alkyl groups of the present invention have 1 to 6 carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, the preferred alkyl groups of the present invention have three or more carbon atoms, preferably 4 to 6 carbon atoms. The alkyl group may be optionally substituted when the effective valence permits. Unless otherwise specified as "unsubstituted", the chemical moieties mentioned herein should be understood to include substituted variations.

[0033] The term "combination" refers to a mixture of two or more compounds (or other referenced components). The combination may include, but is not limited to, a combination of one or more compounds of formula (I) or their physiologically acceptable salts, derivatives, diastereomers or enantiomers, or one or more additional sweeteners.

[0034] As used herein, the terms "free of", "none", "substantially free of" or "substantially free of" refer to compositions, mixtures or ingredients that do not contain a particular compound or have not yet added a particular compound or a compound containing a particular compound. If a particular compound is present by contamination and / or in minimal amounts in a composition, mixture or ingredient, the amount of the compound should be less than about 3% by weight. More preferably, the amount of the compound is less than 2% by weight, less than 1% by weight, and most preferably, the amount of the compound is less than 0.5% by weight or 0.0% by weight.

[0035] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term "substituted" means a group that may be substituted by one or more independent substituents, examples of which include, but are not limited to, halo, alkyl, alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxy, alkoxy, cycloalkyloxy, heterocyclooxy, oxy, alkanoyl, alkylcarbonyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, alkanoyloxy, cyano, azido, amino, alkylamino, -S(0)2OH, arylamino, aralkylamino, cycloalkylamino, heterocycloamino, mono- and di-substituted amino (wherein the two substituents on the amino group are selected from alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkanoylamino, aroylamino, arylalkanoylamino, substituted alkanoylamino, substituted arylamino, substituted Arylalkanoylamino, thiol, alkylthio, arylthio, aralkylthio, cycloalkylthio, heterocyclic thio, alkylthiocarbonyl, arylthiocarbonyl, aralkylthiocarbonyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, aralkylsulfonyl, oxo, sulfonamido (e.g., -SO2NH2), substituted sulfonamido, nitro, carboxyl, carbamoyl (e.g., -CONH2), substituted carbamoyl (e.g., -CONHalkyl, -CONHRyl, -CONHRalkyl, or an example in which there are two substituents on nitrogen selected from alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl), alkoxycarbonyl, aryl, substituted aryl, guanidinyl, and heterocyclic groups such as indolyl, imidazolyl, furanyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, and the like.

[0036] As used herein, the terms "weight percent," "weight %," "percent by weight," "% by weight," and variations thereof refer to the concentration of a substance, i.e., the weight of the substance divided by the total weight of the composition and multiplied by 100. It should be understood that, as used herein, "percent," "%," and the like are intended to be synonymous with "weight percent," "weight %," and the like.

[0037] These methods and compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the components and ingredients described herein, as well as other ingredients. As used herein, "consisting essentially of" means that these methods and compositions may include additional steps, components, or ingredients, but only if the additional steps, components, or ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed methods and compositions.

[0038] Modified starch

[0039] Due to its high molecular weight polymeric component, starch usually has good thickening properties. For applications (such as adhesives, sugar coatings and food coatings) that usually utilize high starch (i.e. solid) content, common practice is to use modified starch. The modification process produces a starch product with a changed physical or chemical property, and the examples of these changed physical or chemical properties include but are not limited to water dispersibility, lower or higher viscosity, shear resistance, freeze / thaw stability, anionic or cationic charge, storage viscosity stability and hydrophobic or lipophilic properties. Modified starch can also be converted by chemical, enzyme or physical means to reduce the molecular weight of starch molecules and show reduced viscosity. Similarly, modified starch can also be converted into water dispersibility or water-soluble state by other chemical, enzyme, heat and physical means, which means that the final product will not need boiling to form a dispersed paste. These processes are generally referred to as pregelatinization, and common processes include but are not limited to extrusion, drum drying or spray drying of slurries. Modified starch can also be gelatinized and provided as a ready-to-use liquid solution or dispersion, or modified by a dextrinization process, wherein they can be referred to as dextrins. Dextrin as a group represents various modification levels, resulting in different levels of solubility, molecular weight, viscosity, color and solution stability. Different dextrin classifications include white dextrins (low conversion, low solubility and poor solution stability) and yellow dextrins (high conversion, very high solubility and high solution stability).

[0040] In some embodiments, modified starch is provided in powder form. In other embodiments, modified starch is provided in liquid form. When modified starch is provided as a part of aqueous coating or in liquid form, they need to have high solution stability. Solution stable materials do not have significant precipitation, gelation, viscosity increase or composition or texture changes during long-term storage. Storage on ready-to-use liquid is usually measured in months, and solution stable materials will have stability of at least several months. In one embodiment, aqueous coated starch binder will be stable for 6-12 months. Modifications that promote solution stability are necessary for most starches provided as ready-to-use liquids, and these modifications include esters, ethers and other branched modifications. Some basic starches such as waxy or pure amylopectin also improve solution stability. In the case of dextrin, only yellow dextrin can provide the solubility and solution stability required for ready-to-use liquids, because if without additional chemical derivatization, white dextrin will not be able to provide enough stability. Similarly, unmodified starch lacks water solubility and solution stability.

[0041] All starches and flours (hereinafter referred to as "starch") may be suitable for use as the base starch herein, and may be derived from any natural source. As used herein, native starch is a starch found in nature. In addition, suitable starch is derived from the starch of plants obtained by standard breeding techniques (including cross breeding, translocation, inversion, conversion or any other gene or chromosome engineering method to include its variant form). In addition, the starch derived from plants grown by artificial mutations and the variant forms of the above-mentioned genus composition that can be produced by known standard mutation breeding methods are also suitable for use as the base starch herein.

[0042] Typical sources of basic starch are grains, tubers, roots, beans and fruits. Natural sources can be corn, peas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, barley, wheat, rice, sago, amaranth, cassava, arrowroot, canna, sorghum, and waxy or high-amylose varieties thereof. As used herein, the term "waxy" is intended to include starches or flours containing at least about 95% by weight of amylopectin, and the term "high-amylose" is intended to include starches or flours containing at least about 30% by weight of amylose.

[0043] Modified starch is defined as a natural starch containing amylose, amylopectin or a combination of both (dent starch) modified using chemical, enzymatic or physical modification. Examples of modified starches using chemical, enzymatic or physical modification come from, but are not limited to, the following categories: oxidized starch (using any oxidizing agent to add carbonyl or carboxyl groups to starch), phosphate starch (monophosphate anionic starch or diphosphate cross-linked starch), other cross-linked starches (adipate starch, epichlorohydrin starch), esterified starch (acetylated starch, succinate such as OSA octenyl succinate starch with or without aluminum salts), etherified starch (ethylated starch, propylated starch, carboxymethyl starch or cationic starch), and combinations such as cationic and anionic (amphoteric) starch or cross-linked propylated starch. Starch can also be hydrolyzed by acid, enzyme or oxidant to reduce molecular weight, and can also have different basic chemical properties or structures from the source material (waxy, 100% amylopectin, natural anionic phosphate, etc.). Starches can also be dextrinized (dry-baked under acidic conditions) or pregelatinized (warm or cold water dispersible).

[0044] Some examples of modified starches are acid hydrolyzed 2-hydroxypropyl ether, dextrinized octenyl hydrogen succinate, adipate acetate, 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether chloride. In some embodiments, the modified starch is not a cationic modified starch.

[0045] The most common conversion methods used in the starch industry include acid hydrolysis, oxidation, thermal conversion, and enzymatic conversion. In addition to enzymatic conversion, granular starch is used in a modification process to facilitate recovery. The recovery process typically involves suspending the final starch product in water, neutralizing the pH, then filtering out the starch product and washing the product with water. Such processes typically remove salts and charged particles, including smaller molecular weight byproducts formed during the conversion.

[0046] Modifying and converting starch using aqueous methods utilizing the above recovery methods is well known and described in, for example, publications such as "Starch: Chemistry and Technology," edited by Roy L. Whistler et al., 2nd edition, Chapter X; Starch Derivatives: Production and Uses, MW Rutenberg et al., Academic Press, Inc. 1984.

[0047] Compared with synthetic binders, modified starch components are renewable sources and are excellent for the environment. Due to the addition of more and more "active ingredients" on seeds, more polymer blends must be added to the seed coating mixture. At present, in the seed coating industry, synthetic polymer binders are used to coat insecticides, fungicides, nutrients and other active ingredients. The modified starch contained in the aqueous seed coating composition described herein provides a coating with a smooth and uniform coverage of the "active ingredient" without being sticky. After planting the coated seeds, the modified starch also provides a food source to the beneficial microorganisms coated on the seed surface to accelerate the colonization of the microorganisms on the root. Therefore, starch can provide a dual role as a coating material and a food source for beneficial microorganisms.

[0048] Seed coating composition

[0049] Some embodiments relate to an aqueous seed coating composition comprising: a binder comprising a modified starch; and an active ingredient. In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein comprises a binder comprising a modified starch, an active ingredient, and one or more additional components selected from the group consisting of a second binder, a filler, a nutrient, a wetting and dispersing additive or a pigment dispersant, a solvent, a plasticizer, an emulsifier, a thickener, a colorant or pigment, a defoamer, a biocide, a surfactant, mica, titanium dioxide, or any combination thereof.

[0050] Binder

[0051] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprise an aqueous seed coating binder comprising one or more modified starches. In another embodiment, the modified starch in the aqueous seed coating binder comprises from about 2 wt % to about 70 wt % solid starch. In other embodiments, the modified starch in the aqueous seed coating binder comprises from about 10 wt % to about 50 wt % solid starch.

[0052] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein comprises about 1 weight % to about 99 weight % of a binder based on the weight of the seed coating composition, or about 1 weight % to about 90 weight %, 1 weight % to about 80 weight %, 1 weight % to about 70 weight %, 1 weight % to about 60 weight %, 1 weight % to about 50 weight %, 1 weight % to about 40 weight %, 1 weight % to about 30 weight %, 1 weight % to about 20 weight %, or 1 weight % to about 10 weight % of a binder based on the weight of the seed coating composition. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein comprises about 1 weight % to about 50 weight %, or about 1 weight % to about 40 weight %, or about 1 weight to about 30 weight % of a binder based on the weight of the seed coating composition. In other embodiments, the seed coating composition described herein comprises about 3 weight % to about 15 weight % of a binder based on the weight of the seed coating composition. In other embodiments, the seed coating compositions described herein comprise from about 4 weight % up to about 10 weight % of a binder based on the weight of the seed coating composition. In other embodiments, the seed coating compositions described herein comprise from about 6 weight % up to about 8 weight % of a binder based on the weight of the seed coating composition.

[0053] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein comprises one or more modified starches as a binder in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 99 wt % based on the weight of the seed coating composition, or about 1 wt % to about 90 wt %, 1 wt % to about 80 wt %, 1 wt % to about 70 wt %, 1 wt % to about 60 wt %, 1 wt % to about 50 wt %, 1 wt % to about 40 wt %, 1 wt % to about 30 wt %, 1 wt % to about 20 wt %, or 1 wt % to about 10 wt % based on the weight of the seed coating composition. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein comprises one or more modified starches as a binder in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 40 wt %, or about 1 wt to about 30 wt % based on the weight of the seed coating composition. In other embodiments, the seed coating composition described herein comprises one or more modified starches as a binder in an amount of about 3 wt % to about 15 wt % based on the weight of the seed coating composition. In other embodiments, the seed coating compositions described herein comprise from about 4 weight percent up to about 10 weight percent of one or more modified starches as a binder, based on the weight of the seed coating composition. In other embodiments, the seed coating compositions described herein comprise from about 6 weight percent up to about 8 weight percent of one or more modified starches as a binder, based on the weight of the seed coating composition.

[0054] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprise from about 1 wt % up to about 99 wt % unmodified starch based on the weight of the binder, or from about 1 wt % up to about 90 wt %, 1 wt % up to about 80 wt %, 1 wt % up to about 70 wt %, 1 wt % up to about 60 wt %, 1 wt % up to about 50 wt %, 1 wt % up to about 40 wt %, 1 wt % up to about 30 wt %, 1 wt % up to about 20 wt %, or 1 wt % up to about 10 wt % unmodified starch based on the weight of the binder. In preferred embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprise from about 1 wt % up to about 40 wt %, or from about 1 wt % up to about 30 wt % unmodified starch based on the weight of the binder. In some embodiments, the seed coating compositions described herein comprise up to about 90%, up to about 80%, up to about 70%, up to about 60%, up to about 50%, up to about 40%, up to about 30%, up to about 20%, or up to about 10% unmodified starch based on the weight of the binder.

[0055] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprise from about 1 wt% up to about 99 wt%, or from about 1 wt% up to about 95 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 90 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 80 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 70 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 60 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 50 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 40 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 30 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 99 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 20 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 10 wt% of the synthetic polymer based on the weight of the binder. In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprise up to 95 wt% of the synthetic polymer based on the weight of the binder.

[0056] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprise from about 1 wt% up to about 99 wt%, or from about 1 wt% up to about 95 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 90 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 80 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 70 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 60 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 50 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 40 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 30 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 99 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 20 wt%, from about 1 wt% up to about 10 wt% enzyme-converted starch based on the weight of the binder. In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprise up to 99 wt% enzyme-converted starch based on the weight of the binder.

[0057] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein is present in an amount of about 294.0 g / 45.36 kg to about 887.4 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 443.7 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 473.3 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 502.8 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 532.4 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 562.0 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 591.6 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, or about 621.2 g / 45.36 kg of seeds. The amount of 1% 1% 1% 2% 2% 1 ...In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein is present in an amount of about 2.84 g / 45.36 kg to 284 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 5.68 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 14.2 g / 45.36 kg to 284 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 28.4 g / 45.36 kg to 99.4 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 42.6 g / 45.36 kg to 95.2 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 56.8 g / 45.36 kg to 85.2 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 56.8g / 45.36kg-71g / 45.36kg seeds, or about 5.68g / 45.36kg seeds, about 14.2g / 45.36kg seeds, about 21.3g / 45.36kg seeds, about 28.4g / 45.36kg seeds, about 42.6g / 45.36kg seeds, about 56.8g / 45.36kg seeds, about 71g / 45.36kg seeds, about 85.2g / 45.36kg seeds, about 99.4g / 45.36kg seeds, about 113g / 45.36kg seeds , about 127.8 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 142 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 170.4 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 198.8 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 227.2 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, about 255.6 / 45.36 kg of seeds, or about 284 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, or about 5.68 g / 45.36 kg of seeds or more, about 14.2 g / 45.36 kg of seeds or more, about 21.3 g / 45.36 kg of seeds or more, about 28.4 g / 45.3 The amount of the composition may be applied to the seed at a rate of about 6 kg of seed or more, about 42.6 g / 45.36 kg of seed or more, about 56.8 g / 46.36 kg of seed or more, about 71 g / 46.36 kg of seed or more, about 85.2 g / 45.36 kg of seed or more, about 99.4 g / 45.36 kg of seed or more, about 113 g / 45.36 kg of seed or more, about 127.8 g / 45.36 kg of seed or more, or about 142 g / 45.36 kg of seed or more, or about 284 g / 45.36 kg of seed or more.

[0058] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein do not contain unmodified starch. In other embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprise (i) a binder comprising a modified starch, a synthetic polymer, an enzyme-converted starch (including, for example, maltodextrin, a polysaccharide mixture, or a combination thereof), an unmodified starch, or a combination thereof; and (ii) an active ingredient. In other embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprise (i) a binder comprising a modified starch, a synthetic polymer, an enzyme-converted starch (including, for example, maltodextrin, a polysaccharide mixture, or a combination thereof), or a combination thereof; and (ii) an active ingredient. In other embodiments, the binder contained in the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprises up to 95% by weight of a synthetic polymer, based on the weight of the binder. In other embodiments, the binder contained in the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprises up to 99% by weight of an enzyme-converted starch, based on the weight of the binder. In further embodiments, the binder contained in the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprises up to 40 wt % unmodified starch based on the weight of the binder.In some embodiments, one or more binders used to prepare the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein may be in liquid or powder form.

[0059] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein are free of polymeric binders, such as, for example, synthetic polymeric binders.

[0060] Polymeric binders for use in seed coating compositions are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, for example, water-soluble polymers such as, for example, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyurethane, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium alginate, polyurethane, polyacrylate, casein, gelatin, pullulan, polyacrylamide, polyethylene oxide, and poly(N-vinylacetamide).

[0061] Waxes such as, for example, carnauba wax, paraffin wax, polyethylene wax, beeswax and polypropylene wax can be used as a binder or as an additional flow additive. In addition, ethylene vinyl acetate can be suitably used as a binder.

[0062] Dispersing Additives

[0063] In another embodiment, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein further comprises a wetting and dispersing additive (also sometimes referred to as a pigment dispersant). Suitable wetting and dispersing additives include, but are not limited to, for example, ionic and nonionic products, and include solutions of organically modified polyacrylates, polyacrylates, sodium polyacrylates, polyurethanes, phosphates, star polymers, modified polyethers, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein comprises about 1 wt % to 20 wt % or more of a wetting and dispersing additive, based on the gross weight of the seed coating composition.

[0064] Plasticizers

[0065] In any embodiment, the one or more aqueous seed coating compositions comprise a plasticizer, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, low DE (dextrose equivalent) corn syrup, or other plasticizers used in the seed coating field, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprise about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % of a plasticizer, or about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % of a plasticizer, or about 1 wt % to about 5 wt % of a plasticizer, or about 5 wt % to about 20 wt % of a plasticizer, or about 5 wt % to about 10 wt % of a plasticizer, based on the total weight of the binder comprising the modified starch.

[0066] Solvents

[0067] In another embodiment, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein comprises about 1 wt % to about 5 wt % solvent based on the total weight of the seed coating composition. Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, for example, alcohols, butanediol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerol, ester alcohol-12 ((3-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-pentyl)-2-methylpropionic acid ester), and combinations thereof.

[0068] Thickener

[0069] In another embodiment, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein comprises a thickener of about 0.05 wt % to about 2 wt % based on the total weight of the seed coating composition. Suitable thickeners include, but are not limited to, agar, carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, chitin, fucoidan, gum ghatti, gum arabic, gum karaya, algin, locust bean gum, pectin, alginates, guar gum, xanthan gum, tragacanth, bentonite clay, HEUR (hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane) thickener, HASE (hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion) thickener, polyacrylate, and their combination. In some embodiments, the thickener is a gum.

[0070] Colorants

[0071] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein comprises about 1 wt % to about 50 wt % of a colorant based on the total weight of the seed coating composition. Suitable colorants include, but are not limited to, for example, dyes or pigment colorants. Suitable dyes include, but are not limited to, for example, anthraquinones, triphenylmethanes, phthalocyanines, and their derivatives, diazonium salts, and combinations thereof. The colorant may contain pigments such as, for example, Pigment Red 112 (CAS No. 6535-46-2), Pigment Red 2 (CAS No. 6041-94-7), Pigment Red 48:2 (CAS No. 7023-61-2), Pigment Blue 15:3 (CAS No. 147-14-8), Pigment Green 36 (CAS No. 14302-13-7), Pigment Green 7 (CAS No. 1328-53-6), Pigment Yellow 74 (CAS No.: 6358-31-2), Pigment Orange 5 (CAS No.: 3468-63-1), Pigment Violet 23 (CAS No.: 6358-30-1), Pigment Black 7 (CAS No. 97793-37-8), Pigment White 6 (CAS No. 98084-96-9), and combinations thereof.

[0072] Defoaming agent

[0073] In other embodiments, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein comprises about 0.05 wt % to about 0.3 wt % of a defoamer based on the total weight of the seed coating composition. Suitable defoamers include, but are not limited to, for example, polyethylene glycol, glycerol, mineral oil defoamers, silicone defoamers, and non-silicone defoamers (such as polyethers, polyacrylates), dimethylpolysiloxanes (silicone oils), aryl alcohol-modified polysiloxanes, polyether siloxane copolymers containing fumed silica, and combinations thereof.

[0074] Effect Pigments

[0075] In other embodiments, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein comprises effect pigments. Suitable effect pigments include, but are not limited to, for example, pearlescent pigments, aluminum, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the effect pigment has a particle size of 15 μm or less, or a particle size of 60 μm or less. In other embodiments, the particle size of the effect pigment is no more than 200 μm or no more than 100 μm. In other embodiments, the particle size of the effect pigment is 1 μm or greater. All effect pigments are generally used to produce an aesthetically pleasing appearance on seeds.

[0076] In additional embodiments, titanium dioxide is used as an effect pigment to improve the gloss of the coated seeds. In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein include effect titanium dioxide. In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein include about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % titanium dioxide based on the total weight of the seed coating composition, or about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %, or preferably about wt %, 5 wt % to about 10 wt % titanium dioxide based on the total weight of the seed coating composition.

[0077] Emulsifier

[0078] In other embodiments, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein comprises an emulsifier. Emulsifiers suitable for aqueous seed coating compositions include, for example, the polysorbate family, which includes Tween 80, diethylene glycol laurate, olein, 2-amino-2-methyl alcohol-1,3-propylene glycol stearate, stearyl glutamic acid, and triethanolamine stearate. Other emulsifiers are also commonly used in the field of preparing agricultural formulations and compositions.

[0079] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprise an emulsifier in the range of about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % based on the total weight of the seed coating composition, or about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %, or preferably about wt %, 5 wt % to about 10 wt % emulsifier based on the total weight of the seed coating composition.

[0080] Biocides

[0081] In additional embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprise a biocide.Biocides are often included in aqueous seed coating compositions to extend the shelf life of the seed coating composition prior to application to seeds, such as when stored.

[0082] Active ingredients

[0083] In one embodiment, the one or more active ingredients contained in the aqueous seed coating composition described herein are selected from pesticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, bactericides, bacteriostats, insecticides, nematicides, anthelmintics, triazines, sulfonylureas, uracils, ureas, acetanilides, organic phosphonates, amino oxime fungicides, azole imidazole fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, phenylpyrrole fungicides, phenylamide fungicides, formyl fungicides, Amine fungicides, triazole fungicides, sulfenamide fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, neonicotinoid insecticides, acylamide fungicides, chlorinated aromatic dichloroaniline fungicides, carbamate insecticides, organothiophosphate insecticides, perchlorinated organic insecticides, acaricides, propargyl sulfite, triazapentadiene acaricides, chlorinated aromatic acaricides, trichlorocarbamide sulfone, dinitrophenol acaricides, miticides, adjuvants, surfactants and fertilizers. In addition, the one or more active ingredients may be any biological pesticide from a plant or microbial source and / or a living beneficial microorganism from a bacterial or fungal genus, and any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the one or more active ingredients contained in the aqueous seed coating composition described herein are selected from pesticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, biopesticides, biological preparations containing bacteria or fungi, bactericides, antibacterial agents, insecticides, nematicides, anthelmintics, or any combination thereof.

[0084] In some embodiments, the one or more active ingredients may further include adjuvants, surfactants, fertilizers, or any combination thereof.

[0085] Coated seeds

[0086] Some embodiments relate to one or more seeds coated with one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein. In other embodiments, the one or more seeds are agricultural seeds, vegetable seeds, herb seeds, wildflower seeds, ornamental plant seeds, grass seeds, tree seeds, shrub seeds, or any combination thereof.

[0087] In another embodiment, the plant seed is an agricultural seed. The seed can be a class of monocotyledonous plants or a class of dicotyledonous plants. Suitable seeds include, but are not limited to, for example, soybean, cotton, corn, peanut, maize, wheat, barley, oats, triticale, mustard, sunflower, beet, safflower, millet, chicory, flax, rapeseed, buckwheat, tobacco, alfalfa, brachiaria, cloves, sorghum, chickpea, beans, peas, vetch, rice, sugarcane, linseed, and seeds of combinations thereof. Examples of suitable vegetable seeds include, but are not limited to, agaric, chives, celery, leeks, garlic, beetroot, spinach, beets, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, savoy cabbage, cabbage, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Chinese cabbage, turnips, escarole, endive, watermelon, melon, cucumber, gherkin, zucchini, parsley, fennel, peas, beans, radishes, allium, eggplant, corn, carrots, onions, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, gourds, shallots, broccoli, rapeseed, Brussels sprouts, and combinations thereof.

[0088] Preferably, the plant seeds are capable of germination. Optionally, the seeds may be without shells (so-called shelled seeds or dehulled seeds). The seeds may be germinated or ungerminated (have been treated to increase germination rate, e.g., osmotic germination, water absorption germination, substrate germination).

[0089] Coating method

[0090] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein is applied to the seed in a single application step. In another embodiment, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein is applied in multiple application steps.

[0091] Some embodiments relate to a method for coating seeds, the method comprising: (i) mixing a binder comprising a modified starch with an active ingredient to form a seed coating composition; and (ii) applying the composition to one or more seeds.

[0092] Seeds may be coated with one or more aqueous seed coating compositions as described herein by applying the composition directly to the seed. In some embodiments, the seed may be overtreated with one or more active ingredients. In another embodiment, the seed may be indirectly treated, for example, by treating the environment or habitat to which the seed is exposed. Conventional treatment methods may be used to treat the environment or habitat, including dipping, spraying, fumigation, chemical irrigation, atomization, spreading, brushing, vibration or injection.

[0093] In some embodiments, the active ingredient, colorant, and binder comprising modified starch may be added separately to the seed coating equipment using a sprayer or a spinning disk apparatus to apply a uniform coating of the composition to the seed or seeds.

[0094] The subject matter contemplated by the present disclosure is set forth in the following numbered embodiments:

[0095] 1. An aqueous seed coating composition, comprising: a binder comprising a modified starch; and an active ingredient; and

[0096] Optionally, wherein the modified starch comprises amylose, amylopectin or any combination thereof.

[0097] 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the modified starch is selected from cereals, tubers, roots, legumes, fruits, or any combination thereof; and

[0098] Optionally, wherein the modified starch is selected from corn, pea, potato, sweet potato, banana, barley, wheat, rice, sago, amaranth, cassava, arrowroot, canna or sorghum, waxy or high amylose varieties thereof, or any combination thereof.

[0099] 3. The composition of any of the preceding claims, wherein the modified starch is etherified, oxidized, methylated, ethylated, propylated, alkoxylated, carboxymethylated, cationic, esterified, acylated, succinate, propylated and phosphate cross-linked, dextrinized, or any combination thereof;

[0100] Optionally, wherein the modified starch has been hydrolyzed by acid, enzyme, oxidant and / or physical means to reduce the molecular weight;

[0101] Optionally, wherein the modified starch is acid hydrolyzed 2-hydroxypropyl ether, dextrinized octenyl hydrogen succinate, adipate acetate, 2-hydroxy; and

[0102] Optionally, wherein the modified starch is waxy, 100% amylopectin, natural anionic phosphate, pregelatinized, or any combination thereof.

[0103] 4. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the active ingredient is (i) a pesticide, a plant growth regulator, a crop desiccant, a fungicide, a biopesticide, a biological agent containing bacteria or fungi, a bactericide, a bacteriostatic agent, an insecticide, a nematicide, an anthelmintic, or any combination thereof; or

[0104] (ii) insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, bactericides, bacteriostats, insecticides, anthelmintics, triazines, sulfonylureas, uracils, ureas, and organic phosphonates, amino oxime fungicides, azole imidazole fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, phenylpyrrole fungicides, phenylamide fungicides, formamide fungicides, triazole fungicides, sulfenamide fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, neonicotinoid insecticides, acyl fungicides, Aminicides, chlorinated aromatic dichloroaniline fungicides, carbamate insecticides, organothiophosphate insecticides, perchlorinated organic insecticides, acaricides, propargyl sulfites, triazapentadiene acaricides, chlorinated aromatic acaricides, trichloroacarbamide sulfones, dinitrophenol acaricides, binacarb, adjuvants, surfactants, fertilizers, biopesticides from plant or microbial sources or live beneficial microorganisms from the genus bacteria or fungi, or any combination thereof.

[0105] 5. The composition of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a second binder, a filler, a nutrient, a wetting and dispersing additive or a pigment dispersant, a solvent, a plasticizer, an emulsifier, a thickener, a colorant or pigment, a defoamer, a biocide, a surfactant, mica, titanium dioxide, or any combination thereof; and

[0106] Optionally, the binder further comprises a synthetic polymer, an enzyme-converted starch, or a combination thereof.

[0107] 6. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the binder comprises up to 95% by weight of the synthetic polymer, based on the weight of the binder;

[0108] Optionally, wherein the composition comprises up to 99 wt % of enzyme-converted starch based on the weight of the binder; and

[0109] Optionally, wherein the composition is free of unmodified starch.

[0110] 7. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the binder further comprises up to 40 wt% of unmodified starch, based on the weight of the binder.

[0111] 8. Use of a composition according to any one of the preceding claims for coating seeds.

[0112] 9. A coated seed comprising the composition according to any preceding embodiment.

[0113] 10. A coated seed comprising a seed according to any of the preceding embodiments

[0114] The composition described;

[0115] The seeds are agricultural seeds, vegetable seeds, herb seeds, wildflower seeds, ornamental plant seeds, grass seeds, tree seeds, shrub seeds, or any combination thereof;

[0116] Optionally, wherein the seed is selected from soybean, cotton, corn, peanut, maize, wheat, barley, oats, triticale, mustard, sunflower, sugar beet, safflower, millet, chicory, flax, rapeseed, buckwheat, tobacco, alfalfa, brachiaria, clove, sorghum, chickpea, beans, peas, vetch, rice, sugarcane, linseed, and any combination thereof; and

[0117] Optionally, the vegetable seeds are selected from the group consisting of asparagus, chives, celery, leeks, garlic, beetroot, spinach, beets, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, savoy cabbage, cabbage, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Chinese cabbage, turnips, escarole, endive, watermelon, melon, cucumber, zucchini, parsley, fennel, peas, beans, radishes, allium, eggplant, corn, carrots, onions, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, gourds, shallots, broccoli, rapeseed, Brussels sprouts, and any combination thereof.

[0118] 11. A method for coating one or more seeds, the method comprising:

[0119] (i) mixing a binder comprising a modified starch with an active ingredient to form an aqueous seed coating composition; and

[0120] (ii) applying the composition to one or more seeds; and

[0121] Optionally, wherein the modified starch comprises amylose, amylopectin or any combination thereof.

[0122] 12. The method according to claim 11,

[0123] wherein the modified starch is derived from cereals, tubers, roots, legumes, fruits, or any combination thereof; and

[0124] Optionally, wherein the modified starch is from corn, pea, potato, sweet potato, banana, barley, wheat, rice, sago, amaranth, cassava, arrowroot, canna, sorghum, waxy or high amylose varieties thereof, or any combination thereof.

[0125] 13. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the modified starch has been modified by one or more of the following: oxidation, addition of phosphates, cross-linking, esterification, etherification, dextrinization, or any combination thereof; and

[0126] Optionally, wherein the modified starch has been hydrolyzed by acid, enzyme and / or oxidant to reduce

[0127] Molecular weight;

[0128] Optionally, wherein the modified starch is waxy, 100% amylopectin, natural anionic phosphate, pregelatinized (warm or cold water dispersible), or any combination thereof; and

[0129] Optionally, the modified starch is acid hydrolyzed 2-hydroxypropyl ether, dextrinized octenyl hydrogen succinate, adipate acetate, 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether chloride, yellow dextrin, or any combination thereof.

[0130] 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the seed coating composition further comprises one or

[0131] A plurality of active ingredients, wherein the active ingredient is (i) a pesticide, a plant growth regulator, a crop desiccant, a fungicide, a biopesticide, a biological agent containing bacteria or fungi, a bactericide, a bacteriostatic agent, an insecticide, a nematicide, an anthelmintic, or any combination thereof; or

[0132] (ii) insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, bactericides, bacteriostats, insecticides, anthelmintics, triazines, sulfonylureas, uracils, ureas, and organic phosphonates, amino oxime fungicides, azole imidazole fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, phenylpyrrole fungicides, phenylamide fungicides, formamide fungicides, triazole fungicides, sulfenamide fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, neonicotinoid insecticides, acyl fungicides, amine fungicides, chlorinated aromatic dichloroaniline fungicides, carbamate insecticides, organothiophosphate insecticides, perchlorinated organic insecticides, acaricides, propargyl sulfites, triazapentadiene acaricides, chlorinated aromatic acaricides, trichloroacarbamide sulfones, dinitrophenol acaricides, binacarb, adjuvants, surfactants, fertilizers, biopesticides from plant or microbial sources or live beneficial microorganisms from the genus bacteria or fungi, or any combination thereof;

[0133] Optionally, wherein the seed coating composition further comprises a binder, a filler, a nutrient, a wetting and dispersing additive or a pigment dispersant, a solvent, a thickener, a colorant or a pigment, a defoamer, a biocide, a surfactant, mica, titanium dioxide, or any combination thereof; and

[0134] Optionally, the binder further comprises a synthetic polymer, an enzyme-converted starch, or a combination thereof.

[0135] 15. The composition of claim 14, wherein the binder comprises up to 95% by weight of the synthetic polymer, based on the weight of the binder;

[0136] Optionally, wherein the composition comprises up to 99% by weight of enzyme-converted starch based on the weight of the binder;

[0137] Optionally, wherein the composition does not contain unmodified starch; and

[0138] Optionally, the binder further comprises up to 40 wt % of unmodified starch based on the weight of the binder.

[0139] Example

[0140] Embodiments of the present invention are further defined in the following non-limiting examples. It should be understood that although these examples illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention, they are only given by way of example. Through the above discussion and these examples, those skilled in the art can determine the basic characteristics of the present invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present invention to make them suitable for various purposes and conditions. Therefore, in addition to those shown and described herein, various modifications of the embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the previous description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0141] Example 1: Corn seed coating

[0142] equipment : Exemplary seed coating compositions were applied to seeds using either clear plastic bags or a continuous batch processing system (Gustafson CBT-200, Bayer CropScience).

[0143] For the flowability test, a metal galvanized funnel was used. For the dusting test, a Heubach Dustmete (Heubach, Salzburg, Germany) was used, and for the seed suitability, a John Deere vacuum seeder was used.

[0144] Material and chemical properties Commercially available active ingredient blends commonly used in seed coating compositions (hereinafter referred to as "active ingredient blend I") are listed in Table 1. The active blend I described in Table 1 was used in the seed coating compositions described in Examples 1 and 2.

[0145]

[0146] Seeds used to prepare the coated seeds of Table 2 : XL-corn seeds (round variety) (Beck's Hybrids, Atlanta, Indiana).

[0147] Seeds used to prepare the coated seeds of Table 3: Corn seed, variety S-2338 (Ingredion Inc., Westchester, IL).

[0148] Colorants : Red 40 (Chromatech, Inc., Canton, MI).

[0149] Mica : F80-51 SW iron red (Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany).

[0150] Coating materials : Commercially available Precise 1006 synthetic polymer binder (saxagliptin hydrochloride / dapagliflozin propylene glycol polymer) (Bayer Crop Science, Research Triangle Park, NC). Commercially available starches: liquid cationic starch, pullulan, 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether chloride; liquid modified starch, dextrinized octenyl hydrogen succinate (octenyl succinate (OSA) modified starch); liquid modified starch, pullulan, acid hydrolyzed 2-hydroxypropyl ether (hydroxypropyl (PO) modified starch); and waxy pullulan (unmodified starch); corn starch (unmodified starch) (Ingredion Inc., Westchester, IL). The above starches and modified starches are present in the seed coating composition in the range of 1 weight percent to 50 weight percent of the coating material or in the range of 30 weight percent to 40 weight percent of the coating material.

[0151] Method for preparing the coated seeds of Table 2 : Prepare active ingredient blend I shown in Table 1. Then mix 50.6 g / 45.36 kg seeds of active ingredient blend I with 7.9 g / 45.36 kg seeds of A seed coating composition was prepared by combining Red 40, 383.5 g / 45.36 kg of water for seed, and 148 g / 45.36 kg of the coating materials listed above for seed. Xl-corn seeds were coated with the seed coating composition by adding the seeds and the seed coating composition to a clear plastic bag and blowing the clear plastic bag with air and shaking for 50 seconds. After 50 seconds, 1.0 g of dry mica powder was added to the bag, which was then shaken for another 10 seconds to provide uniformly coated dry seeds.

[0152] Seeds were treated in 0.45 kg batches, with five batches of seeds coated. Five 0.45 kg seed batches were combined, and a sample number was assigned to the combined 2.25 kg batches. For each 0.45 kg seed bag, 5.9 g of the seed coating composition as described above was used to coat the seeds. The seed coating composition for each combined batch is listed in Table 2.

[0153]

[0154] Method for preparing coated seeds of Table 3: Prepare active ingredient blend I shown in Table 1. Then mix 50.6 g / 45.36 kg seeds of active ingredient blend I with 7.9 g / 45.36 kg seeds of Red 40, 383.5 g / 45.36 kg of water per seed, and 148 g / 45.36 kg of each of the coating materials listed above were combined to prepare each seed coating composition. S-2338 corn seeds were then coated with the seed coating compositions listed in Table 3 via a continuous batch processing system. For each 135 kg seed batch, 1756 g of the seed coating composition was used to coat the seeds.

[0155]

[0156]

[0157] To evaluate the delivery efficiency of the coating composition, the coated seed samples prepared in Table 3 were analyzed for the presence of active ingredients (insecticides and fungicides in Active Ingredient Blend I). The results are shown in Table 4.

[0158]

[0159] The data show that seeds coated with commercial synthetic binders and seeds coated with both modified starch and unmodified starch provide uniform coverage of active ingredients for treated seeds, while effectively delivering active ingredients to the seed surface (see Table 4). The recovery percentage (91%-103%) of total active ingredients on coated seeds shows that modified starch and unmodified starch coatings (samples 9-12) on seed samples provide uniform coverage and effective delivery of active ingredient blends at least equivalent to or better than coatings (sample 8) containing commercial synthetic polymer binders. When compared with seed coatings (sample 12) containing unmodified starch, seed coatings (samples 9-11) containing modified starch contain comparable or higher amounts of total active ingredients. Surprisingly, some seed coatings (e.g., samples 9 and 10) in seed coatings containing modified starch provide complete recovery of applied active ingredient blends.

[0160] With regard to the recovery of the individual active ingredient components of active ingredient blend I, seed coatings containing modified or unmodified starch (Samples 9-12) produced equivalent or higher amounts of individual active ingredients than seed coatings containing a commercial synthetic polymer binder (Sample 8). Surprisingly, most of the modified starches provided a greater amount of at least one active ingredient (e.g., clothianidin).

[0161] Even though the unmodified starch provided excellent coverage and percent recovery of the total active ingredient, the data generated indicated that seeds coated with a seed coating composition containing the unmodified starch provided poor dusting and flow properties. Dust removal Analysis Dust shedding measurements were performed to determine the amount of dust that was shed from the coated seeds when subjected to treatment. The seed coating dusting of each coated seed batch prepared in Example 1 was analyzed using a HeubachDustmeter. For each seed batch, a 100 g sample of coated seeds was added to the drum of the Heubach Dustmeter. Dry air was passed through the drum at 20 liters / minute while rotating at 30 RPM for 2 minutes. The dust was collected on filter paper and weighed; the dust shedding measurements were quantified by the weight difference. Seed counts were performed to determine the average grams of dust per 100,000 seeds. Two replicates were run for each sample, and the results were averaged for plotting. The results are shown in Figure 1A-1B It is desirable to have coated seed varieties that produce the lowest amount of dust possible.

[0162] As shown in the results for two types of corn seeds Figure 1A-1B As shown, uncoated corn seeds (Samples 1 and 7) produced the lowest amount of dust. Corn seeds coated with a seed coating composition containing a synthetic polymer (Samples 2 and 8) produced a greater amount of dust than uncoated corn seeds (Samples 1 and 7), while seed coating compositions containing unmodified starch (Samples 5-6 and 12) produced the greatest amount of dust.

[0163] Corn seeds coated with seed coating compositions containing modified starches (Samples 3, 4, and 9-11) produced lower dusting than corn seeds coated with seed coating compositions containing unmodified starches (Samples 5-6 and 12). Corn seeds coated with seed compositions containing modified starches (OSA modified starches (Samples 3 and 10), PO modified starches (Samples 4 and 11), and cationic starch (Sample 9)) surprisingly produced comparable or lower amounts of dust than corn seeds coated with seed compositions containing synthetic polymers (Samples 2 and 8).

[0164] Suitability test. The suitability equipment provides a simulation of a planter device, which determines the number of times a single seed is successfully picked up and fed into a seed tube compared to delivering multiple seeds to the seed tube or not delivering seeds to the seed tube. The suitability equipment measures separation, leakage and miss percentages. The seeds were pre-conditioned at 25±0.6°C and 74%-75% relative humidity, and the planter tests were performed using the same temperature and humidity. A Precision Planting planter eSet with a John Deere vacuum planting head was used. The planter was set to a setting with a seed / acre count of 35,000, a speed of 4.1mph and a vacuum rate of 18.1psi. The vacuum planting unit simulates planting in the field and uses air pressure to attach the seeds to the tray. The machine records information such as leakage, multiple seed depositions and losses / acre. Approximately 1000 grams of seed (the amount to fill the hopper) was used for each test. The suitability results of the coated corn seeds are shown in Figure 4A-4B It is desirable to have the highest possible percentage of separation or delivery of a single seed. Seeds coated with a seed coating composition containing a starch binder showed comparable or slightly better % separation than seeds coated with a seed coating composition containing a synthetic polymer binder.

[0165] Liquidity test. Flowability relates to the ability of individual seeds to flow or slide past each other as particles in a population of seeds. The flowability of coated corn seeds was measured using a metal funnel. Ten replicates of each sample were measured. 2.7 kg of each sample was passed through the funnel and the length of time elapsed before all seeds had passed through the funnel was recorded. A schematic diagram of the flowability funnel is shown in Figure 2 Talc powder was added to each sample at a ratio of 56.8 g / 45.36 kg seed for flowability measurement. Seeds were processed in 4.5 kg batches to perform flowability tests and the results are shown in Table 5. The shorter the elapsed time, the better the flowability.

[0166]

[0167] Figure 3 A graph of the average elapsed time obtained as a result of the mobility data is shown. Figure 3 As shown in the results, the results show that the seeds coated with the composition containing modified starch (i.e., samples 9, 10 and 11) have an average flowability time comparable to the seeds coated with the composition containing synthetic polymer (sample 8). The results also show that the seeds coated with the composition containing modified starch (i.e., samples 9, 10 and 11) have significantly better flowability (e.g., provide a shorter average flowability time) than the seeds coated with the composition containing unmodified starch (sample 12).

[0168] Example 2: Soybean Seed Coating

[0169] Commercially available active ingredient blends commonly used in seed coating compositions (hereinafter referred to as "active ingredient blend II") are listed in Table 6. Active ingredient blend II described in Table 6 was used in the soybean seed coating composition described in this example.

[0170]

[0171] Seeds used to prepare the coated seeds of Table 7 :Soybean seeds, AG27X0 (Montsanto).

[0172] Colorants : Red 40 (Chromatech, Inc., Canton, MI).

[0173] Coating materials : Commercially available Precise 1006 synthetic polymer binder (saxagliptin hydrochloride / dapagliflozin propylene glycol polymer) (Bayer Crop Science, Research Triangle Park, NC). Commercially available starches: liquid cationic starch, pullulan, 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether chloride; liquid modified starch, dextrinized octenyl hydrogen succinate (octenyl succinate (OSA) modified starch), octenyl hydrogen succinate (octenyl succinate (OSA) modified starch); liquid modified starch, pullulan and acid hydrolyzed 2-hydroxypropyl ether (hydroxypropyl (PO) modified starch); low DE corn syrup (Ingredion, Westchester, IL).

[0174] Method for preparing the coated seeds of Table 7 Active ingredient blend II shown in Table 6 was prepared by mixing the active ingredients together. Subsequently, 72.8 g / 45.36 kg of seeds of active ingredient blend II were mixed with 7.9 g / 45.36 kg of seeds of The seed coating composition was prepared by combining Red 40, 29.6 g / 45.36 kg of water and 90.7 g / 45.36 kg of the above listed coating materials. A Hege 11 seed coater (Wintersteiger Inc.) was used to coat each 2.25 kg seed batch as shown in Table 7. For each 2.25 kg seed batch, 30 g of the seed coating composition was used for seed coating.

[0175]

[0176] Dust removal and plantability of coated soybean seedsThe analysis to evaluate dusting and plantability of coated soybean seeds was performed using the methods described in Example 1. Figure 5 The results of the dust shedding analysis are presented in Figure 6 The results of the plantability tests are presented in Figure 5 As shown, all coated seed samples provided extremely low levels (≤ 0.06 g / 100,000 seeds) of dust compared to coated soybean seeds. Figure 6 It was shown that all coated soybean seed samples provided similar plantability levels (% segregation).

[0177] Example 3: Seed Coating with Plasticizer

[0178] Commercially available active ingredient blends commonly used in seed coating compositions are listed in Table 8 (hereinafter referred to as "active ingredient blend III"). It is believed that the active ingredient blend III provides a large amount of active ingredient delivery to the seed compared to active ingredient blends I and II. Active ingredient blend III provides active ingredient delivery in an amount of about 1100 μg / seed, and high levels of clothianidin are delivered in an amount of about 710 μg / seed, but the level of clothianidin delivered can be adjusted to between 600 μg / seed-1250 μg / seed.

[0179]

[0180] Seeds used to prepare the coated seeds of Table 8 : Corn seed, variety S-2338 (Ingredion Inc., Westchester, IL).

[0181] Colorants : Red 40 (Chromatech, Inc., Canton, MI).

[0182] Coating materials : Commercially available Precise 1006 synthetic polymer binder (saxagliptin hydrochloride / dapagliflozin propylene glycol polymer) (Bayer Crop Science, Research Triangle Park, NC). Commercially available starches: liquid cationic starch, pullulan, 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether chloride; liquid modified starch, dextrinized octenyl hydrogen succinate (octenyl succinate (OSA) modified starch), octenyl hydrogen succinate (octenyl succinate (OSA) modified starch); liquid modified starch, pullulan and acid hydrolyzed 2-hydroxypropyl ether (hydroxypropyl (PO) modified starch).

[0183] Plasticizer:Glycerin (Rita, Crystal Lake, IL); titanium oxide (Brenntag, Plainfield, IL); low DE corn syrup (Ingredion, Westchester, IL); and sorbitol (Ingredion, Westchester, IL).

[0184] Emulsifier : Tween 80 (Croda, Inc., Edison, NJ).

[0185] pigment : Titanium dioxide (Brenntag, Plainfield, IL, USA).

[0186] Method for preparing the coated seeds of Table 9 Active ingredient blend III shown in Table 8 was prepared by weighing the components and mixing them thoroughly to form a high active ingredient corn seed coating slurry. 353.4 g / 45.36 kg seed of active ingredient blend III was then mixed with 7.9 g / 45.36 kg seed of Red 40, 68 g / 45.36 kg seed of water and 148 g / 45.36 kg seed of each of the coating materials listed above were combined to prepare each seed coating composition.

[0187] Corn seeds were treated using a Hege 11 seed coater (Wintersteiger Inc, Ankeny, Iowa, USA). For each 2.25 kg seed batch, 30 g of the seed coating composition described above was used to coat the seeds. The processor was run for 45 seconds.

[0188]

[0189] Dust removal and plantability of corn seeds with plasticizers The analysis to evaluate the dusting and plantability characteristics of the coated corn seeds was performed as described in Example 1, except that a temperature of 30 ± 0.6°C and a relative humidity of 78%-79% were used. These parameters were chosen to simulate the worst case for field plantability. It should be noted that farmers typically use talc / graphite lubricants, but they were not used in this example. Figure 7 The results of the dust shedding analysis are presented in Figure 8 The results of the plantability tests are presented in .

[0190] like Figure 7As shown, Sample 18 (OSA modified starch) and Sample 23 (synthetic polymer) gave similar results. All other samples provided relatively high levels of dusting, although all other samples (Samples 19-22) provided dusting levels that are considered acceptable within industry standards (e.g., European Seed Trade Association (ESTA)), which stipulates that the standard acceptable limit for dusting is ≤ 0.75 g / 100,000 seeds. Figure 8 As shown and as can be expected, the uncoated seeds (Sample 24) showed the highest degree of % separation (≥99%). All samples except the uncoated sample (Sample 24) showed relatively low % separation (≤99% of the acceptable value) compared to the uncoated seeds. The reason for the low % separation in these samples is because these samples were tested under extreme environmental conditions approaching high temperature (30°C ± 0.6°C) and high humidity (78%-79%) in the worst case, and no talc / graphite lubricant was used. Surprisingly, compared to the uncoated seeds, the % separation was relatively low (≤99% of the acceptable value). Figure 8 Sample 23 (having a seed coating containing a synthetic polymer) provided the lowest (93.5%) % separation compared to all other coated samples in the.

[0191] It should be understood that the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the appended claims. Other embodiments, advantages and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following claims or the accompanying drawings are represented in their specific form or in a manner for performing the disclosed functions, or the methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results may be used alone or in any combination of such features as appropriate, thereby realizing the invention in its various different forms.

Claims

1. An aqueous seed coating composition, comprising: a binder comprising modified starch; and an active ingredient; and Optionally, wherein the modified starch comprises amylose, amylopectin or any combination thereof.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the modified starch is derived from a grain, a tuber, a root, a legume, a fruit, or any combination thereof; and Optionally, wherein the modified starch is from corn, pea, potato, sweet potato, banana, barley, wheat, rice, sago, amaranth, cassava, arrowroot, canna or sorghum, waxy or high amylose varieties thereof, or any combination thereof.

3. The composition of any of the preceding claims, wherein the modified starch is etherified, oxidized, methylated, ethylated, propylated, alkoxylated, carboxymethylated, cationic, esterified, acylated, succinate, propylated and phosphate cross-linked, dextrinized, or any combination thereof; Optionally, wherein the modified starch has been hydrolyzed by acid, enzyme, oxidant and / or physical means to reduce the molecular weight; Optionally, wherein the modified starch is acid hydrolyzed 2-hydroxypropyl ether, dextrinized octenyl hydrogen succinate, adipic acid acetate, 2-hydroxy; and Optionally, wherein the modified starch is waxy, 100% amylopectin, natural anionic phosphate, pregelatinized, or any combination thereof.

4. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the active ingredient is (i) a pesticide, a plant growth regulator, a crop desiccant, a fungicide, a biopesticide, a biological agent containing bacteria or fungi, a bactericide, a bacteriostatic agent, an insecticide, a nematicide, an insect repellent, or any combination thereof; or (ii) insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, bactericides, bacteriostats, insecticides, anthelmintics, triazines, sulfonylureas, uracils, ureas, and organic phosphonates, amino oxime fungicides, azole imidazole fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, phenylpyrrole fungicides, phenylamide fungicides, formamide fungicides, triazole fungicides, sulfenamide fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, neonicotinoid insecticides, acyl fungicides, Aminicides, chlorinated aromatic dichloroaniline fungicides, carbamate insecticides, organothiophosphate insecticides, perchlorinated organic insecticides, acaricides, propargyl sulfites, triazapentadiene acaricides, chlorinated aromatic acaricides, trichloroacarbamide sulfones, dinitrophenol acaricides, binacarb, adjuvants, surfactants, fertilizers, biopesticides from plant or microbial sources or live beneficial microorganisms from the genus bacteria or fungi, or any combination thereof.

5. The composition of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a second binder, a filler, a nutrient, a wetting and dispersing additive or a pigment dispersant, a solvent, a plasticizer, an emulsifier, a thickener, a colorant or pigment, a defoamer, a biocide, a surfactant, mica, titanium dioxide, or any combination thereof; and Optionally, the binder further comprises a synthetic polymer, an enzyme-converted starch, or a combination thereof.

6. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the binder comprises up to 95% by weight of a synthetic polymer, based on the weight of the binder; Optionally, wherein the composition comprises up to 99% by weight of enzyme-converted starch based on the weight of the binder; and Optionally, wherein the composition is free of unmodified starch.

7. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the binder further comprises up to 40 wt% of unmodified starch, based on the weight of the binder.

8. Use of a composition according to any one of the preceding claims for coating seeds.

9. A coated seed comprising a composition according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. The coated seed of claim 10, wherein the seed is an agricultural seed, a vegetable seed, an herb seed, a wildflower seed, an ornamental plant seed, a grass seed, a tree seed, a shrub seed, or any combination thereof; Optionally, wherein the seed is selected from soybean, cotton, corn, peanut, maize, wheat, barley, oats, triticale, mustard, sunflower, sugar beet, safflower, millet, chicory, flax, rapeseed, buckwheat, tobacco, alfalfa, brachiaria, clove, sorghum, chickpea, beans, peas, vetch, rice, sugarcane, linseed, and any combination thereof; and Optionally, the vegetable seeds are selected from the group consisting of asparagus, chives, celery, leeks, garlic, beetroot, spinach, beets, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, savoy cabbage, cabbage, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, Chinese cabbage, turnips, escarole, endive, watermelon, melon, cucumber, zucchini, parsley, fennel, peas, beans, radishes, allium, eggplant, corn, carrots, onions, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, gourds, shallots, broccoli, rapeseed, Brussels sprouts, and any combination thereof.

11. A method for coating one or more seeds, the method comprising: (i) mixing a binder comprising a modified starch with an active ingredient to form an aqueous seed coating composition; as well as (ii) applying the composition to one or more seeds; and Optionally, wherein the modified starch comprises amylose, amylopectin or any combination thereof.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the modified starch is derived from a grain, tuber, root, legume, fruit, or any combination thereof; Optionally, the modified starch is from corn, pea, potato, sweet potato, banana, barley, wheat, rice, sago, amaranth, cassava, arrowroot, canna, sorghum, waxy or high amylose varieties thereof, or any combination thereof.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the modified starch has been modified by one or more of the following: oxidation, addition of phosphates, cross-linking, esterification, etherification, dextrinization, or any combination thereof; and Optionally, wherein the modified starch has been hydrolyzed by acid, enzyme and / or oxidizing agent to reduce the molecular weight; Optionally, wherein the modified starch is waxy, 100% amylopectin, natural anionic phosphate, pregelatinized (warm or cold water dispersible), or any combination thereof; and Optionally, the modified starch is acid hydrolyzed 2-hydroxypropyl ether, dextrinized octenyl hydrogen succinate, adipate acetate, 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether chloride, yellow dextrin, or any combination thereof.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the seed coating composition further comprises one or more active ingredients, wherein the active ingredient is (i) a pesticide, a plant growth regulator, a crop desiccant, a fungicide, a biopesticide, a biological agent containing bacteria or fungi, a bactericide, a bacteriostatic agent, an insecticide, a nematicide, an insect repellent, or any combination thereof; or (ii) insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, bactericides, bacteriostats, insecticides, anthelmintics, triazines, sulfonylureas, uracils, ureas, and organic phosphonates, amino oxime fungicides, azole imidazole fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, phenylpyrrole fungicides, phenylamide fungicides, formamide fungicides, triazole fungicides, sulfenamide fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, neonicotinoid insecticides, acyl fungicides, amine fungicides, chlorinated aromatic dichloroaniline fungicides, carbamate insecticides, organothiophosphate insecticides, perchlorinated organic insecticides, acaricides, propargyl sulfites, triazapentadiene acaricides, chlorinated aromatic acaricides, trichloroacarbamide sulfones, dinitrophenol acaricides, binacarb, adjuvants, surfactants, fertilizers, biopesticides from plant or microbial sources or live beneficial microorganisms from the genus bacteria or fungi, or any combination thereof; Optionally, wherein the seed coating composition further comprises a binder, a filler, a nutrient, a wetting and dispersing additive or a pigment dispersant, a solvent, a plasticizer, a thickener, a colorant or a pigment, a defoamer, a biocide, a surfactant, mica, titanium dioxide, or any combination thereof; and Optionally, the binder further comprises a synthetic polymer, an enzyme-converted starch, or a combination thereof.

15. The composition of claim 14, wherein the binder comprises up to 95% by weight of a synthetic polymer based on the weight of the binder; Optionally, wherein the composition comprises up to 99% by weight of enzyme-converted starch based on the weight of the binder; Optionally, wherein the composition is free of unmodified starch; and Optionally, the binder further comprises up to 40 wt % of unmodified starch based on the weight of the binder.

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