Seed coating composition

Abstract

A novel seed coating composition. The coating comprises a wax emulsion, a polymeric binder, a fibrous material, and a filler having a bulk density of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL. In particular, the coating is selected from polyethylene or Fischer-Tropsch wax emulsions, polyvinyl-based binders, talc and cellulosic fibers. When applied to seed, the seed coating composition provides water permeability, good wear resistance, low dust emissions, short drying time, good flowability and plantability, low caking, good modification and / or coverage, higher ability to add a greater number of desired nutrients and seed and plant protectants, as well as the ability to coat seeds and plants. And / or increasing seed size to improve plantability. The use of the seed coating composition for coating a seed, a method of forming a coated seed using the composition, and the resulting coated seed are also provided.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a seed coating composition, to methods of forming a seed coating composition and coated seeds, and to coated seeds.

[0002] Plant seeds are commonly coated prior to sowing, for example, to protect the seeds from damage during handling and / or to improve handling properties. Seeds are typically coated to provide useful substances (active ingredients) to the seeds and seedlings at germination, such as phyto-nutrients, growth stimulants, and plant protection products. An important advantage of providing active ingredients in the seed coating is that it allows for precise and controlled release and dosing per seedling.

[0003] Advantages of coated seeds can include increased size, increased chemical loading capacity, abrasion resistance, smooth surface, low dust, high plantability, and good durability. Typical seed coating methods include film coating of seeds, pelleting, and encapsulation.

[0004] The present invention seeks to provide a seed coating composition that provides improved performance as described above and has reduced drying requirements.

[0005] Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to a seed coating composition comprising;

[0006] a wax emulsion;

[0007] a polymeric binder;

[0008] a filler selected from those having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL; and

[0009] a fibrous material.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a seed coating composition, the method comprising combining:

[0011] a dry or substantially dry composition premix comprising a filler and a fibrous material, wherein the filler is selected from fillers having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL; and

[0012] a liquid premix comprising a wax emulsion and a polymeric binder.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of coating seeds, the method comprising applying a seed coating composition comprising a wax emulsion, a polymeric binder, a filler, and a fibrous material, wherein the filler is selected from fillers having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seed having a coating, the coating comprising a wax emulsion, a polymer binder, a filler, and a fibrous material, wherein the filler is selected from fillers having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a seed coating composition comprising a wax emulsion, a polymer binder, a filler, and a fibrous material for reducing the drying time when the composition is coated onto seeds, wherein the filler is selected from fillers having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL.

[0016] The seed coating composition of the present invention surprisingly enables a wide range of desired seed coating properties, such as water permeability, good abrasion resistance, low dust emission, short drying time, good flowability and plantability, low caking, good dressing and / or covering properties, the ability to add higher amounts of desired nutrients and seed and plant protectants, and / or an increase in seed size to improve plantability.

[0017] As used herein, the terms "for example", "for instance", "such as", or "including" are intended to introduce examples that further clarify a more general subject. Unless otherwise stated, these examples are provided only to assist in understanding the applications shown in the present disclosure and are not meant to be limiting in any way.

[0018] As used in this application, the term "coating" means applying a material to the surface of a seed, for example as a layer of material surrounding the seed. Coating includes film coating, pelleting, and encapsulation or combinations of these techniques known in the art. Preferably, the coating is applied over substantially the entire surface of the seed, for example over 90% or more of the seed surface area, to form a layer. However, the coating can be complete or partial, for example 20% or more, or 50% or more of the seed surface area.

[0019] As used in this application, the term "seed coating composition" means a composition for coating seeds, which may be used in combination with other additives such as plant protection product formulations, diluents such as water, nutrients, and / or inoculants such as beneficial fungi or bacteria. Thus, the term includes both compositions with and without plant protection product formulations.

[0020] As used in this application, the term "plant enhancer" means any component that is directly or indirectly beneficial to a plant or plant seed, for example through a biological effect on the plant, seed, or organisms harmful to the plant such as fungi, pests, and insects. Plant enhancers include plant protection products, safeners, growth promoters, growth regulators, nutrients, etc.

[0021] As used herein, the term "different locations" means in different mixing vessels, preferably in different buildings or houses, more preferably at least 5 miles apart. Thus, in one embodiment, the aqueous composition premix and the powder premix as defined herein are prepared separately by mixing their respective individual components, then packaged, stored, and / or transported, and only thereafter combined with other optional components (such as bioactive ingredients) at different locations to form a seed coating composition.

[0022] As used herein, the term "dry or substantially dry" means a composition that is free or substantially free of liquid. This term means that, based on the total weight of the composition, preferably the composition contains less than 5 wt% liquid, more preferably less than 3 wt%, further preferably less than 2 wt%, even further preferably less than 1 wt%, and especially less than 0.5 wt%. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition can be free of any liquid.

[0023] The seed coating composition comprises a wax emulsion.

[0024] The wax emulsion can be selected from the group consisting of natural waxes, mineral waxes, and synthetic waxes or combinations thereof.

[0025] Preferably, the wax emulsion is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene wax, carnauba wax, paraffin wax, polypropylene wax, oxidized polyethylene wax, montan wax, microcrystalline wax, ozokerite, peat wax, Fischer Tropsch wax, amide wax, ethylene acrylic acid wax, polyolefin wax, ethylene bis-stearamide wax, beeswax, lanolin wax, sugarcane wax, palm wax, and vegetable wax.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the wax is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene wax, Fischer Tropsch wax, and carnauba wax.

[0027] Mixtures of two or more waxes can also be present in the seed coating composition of the present invention.

[0028] The wax emulsion can be an anionic wax, a nonionic wax, or a cationic wax. Most preferably, the wax can be anionic or nonionic. When the seed coating composition is combined with an anion-stabilized active ingredient, cationic waxes can cause flocculation problems.

[0029] The wax emulsion used herein suitably has a molecular weight (weight average) in the range of 1,000 to 40,000, preferably 5,000 to 20,000, more preferably 9,000 to 11,000, especially 9,500 to 10,500, and particularly 9,800 to 10,200.

[0030] The molecular weight (weight average) of the wax emulsions described herein can be determined by techniques well known in the art such as light scattering, size exclusion HPLC, or mass spectrometry, preferably by mass spectrometry.

[0031] The pH of the wax emulsion can be in the range of 5 to 10. More preferably, in the range of 6 to 9. Even more preferably, in the range of 7 to 9. Most preferably, in the range of 7.5 to 8.5.

[0032] The seed coating composition comprises a polymeric binder such that one or more polymeric binders are present in the seed coating composition of the present invention.

[0033] The at least one polymeric binder is preferably an organic polymeric binder, more preferably a synthetic polymeric binder.

[0034] For example, the polymeric binder can be selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, polyurethanes, celluloses (including ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxymethylpropyl cellulose), polyvinylpyrrolidone, dextrin, maltodextrin, starch, polysaccharides, fats, oils, proteins, gum arabic, shellac, vinylidene chloride, vinylidene chloride copolymers, calcium lignosulfonate, polyacrylates, acrylic copolymers, polyethyl acrylate, zein, casein, gelatin, chitosan, amylopectin, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, acrylamide polymers, acrylamide copolymers, hydroxyethyl acrylate, methacrylamide polymers, poly(N-vinylacetamide), sodium alginate, polychloroprene, and syrup. These binders can be used alone, or in combination of two, or three or more. Preferred binders can be selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and polyacrylates, especially polyvinylpyrrolidone, vinyl acetate copolymers, and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0035] In one embodiment, the polymeric binder in the coating composition comprises polyvinylpyrrolidone and, based on the total weight of the polymeric binder present, suitably greater than 30% by weight, preferably greater than 50% by weight, is polyvinylpyrrolidone.

[0036] In one embodiment, the coating composition suitably comprises (i) 60 to 98% by weight, preferably 70 to 95% by weight, more preferably 80 to 92% by weight, particularly 87 to 91% by weight, and especially 88 to 90% by weight of polyvinylpyrrolidone, and (ii) 2 to 40% by weight, preferably 5 to 30% by weight, more preferably 8 to 20% by weight, particularly 9 to 13% by weight, and especially 10 to 12% by weight of a polymer binder other than polyvinylpyrrolidone; both based on the total weight of the polymer binder in the coating composition.

[0037] The polyvinylpyrrolidone used herein suitably has a molecular weight (weight average) in the range of 1,000 to 40,000, preferably 5,000 to 20,000, more preferably 9,000 to 11,000, particularly 9,500 to 10,500, and especially 9,800 to 10,200.

[0038] Any polymer binder other than polyvinylpyrrolidone can be selected from the other polymer binders described herein, and particularly from the group consisting of: vinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. Suitable vinyl acetate copolymers include vinyl acetate-Veova (or vinyl versatate) copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl acetate-(meth)acrylic acid / (meth)acrylate copolymers, and particularly vinyl acetate-Veova copolymers. Veova TM is a vinyl ester (vinyl versatate) containing various highly branched synthetic carboxylic acids and is sold by Momentive Speciality Chemicals Inc.

[0039] In one embodiment, the polymer binder in the coating composition comprises a mixture of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, and a vinyl acetate copolymer (preferably a vinyl acetate-Veova copolymer), consists essentially of a mixture of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, and a vinyl acetate copolymer (preferably a vinyl acetate-Veova copolymer), or consists of a mixture of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, and a vinyl acetate copolymer (preferably a vinyl acetate-Veova copolymer).

[0040] By weight, the ratio of the vinyl acetate copolymer (preferably a vinyl acetate-Veova copolymer) present in the coating composition to polyvinyl alcohol suitably ranges from 0.1 to 10.0:1, preferably 0.3 to 3.0:1, more preferably 0.6 to 2.0:1, particularly 1.0 to 1.2:1, and especially 1.05 to 1.15:1.

[0041] Polyvinyl alcohol suitably has a molecular weight (weight average) in the range of 2,000 to 100,000, preferably 25,000 to 60,000, more preferably 35,000 to 45,000, especially 38,000 to 41,000, and particularly 39,000 to 40,000.

[0042] Vinyl acetate copolymers, preferably vinyl acetate-Veova copolymers, suitably have a molecular weight (weight average) in the range of 2,000 to 100,000, preferably 20,000 to 70,000.

[0043] The molecular weight (weight average) of the polymeric binders described herein can be determined by techniques well known in the art such as light scattering, size exclusion HPLC, or mass spectrometry, preferably by mass spectrometry.

[0044] Based on the total weight of the composition, the amount of the polymeric binder in the seed coating composition is suitably in the range of 3 to 40% by weight, preferably 6 to 25% by weight, more preferably 8 to 12% by weight, especially 9.4 to 9.9% by weight, and particularly 9.6 to 9.7% by weight.

[0045] The seed coating composition contains a filler selected from those having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 mg / L. It is expected that using a filler with a low bulk density will provide advantages for the seed coating composition.

[0046] The bulk density of the filler can preferably be in the range of 0.10 to 0.70 mg / L, more preferably in the range of 0.15 to 0.60 mg / L, still more preferably in the range of 0.20 to 0.50 mg / L. Further preferably, the bulk density of the filler is in the range of 0.25 to 0.45 mg / L.

[0047] It should be understood that unless otherwise stated, the bulk densities described herein refer to loose bulk densities, and these are determined in accordance with the international standard ASTM D7481-18 (2018), "Standard Test Method for Determining the Loose and Tapped Bulk Densities of Powders Using a Cylinder".

[0048] The filler component of the seed coating composition can be any suitable organic or inorganic material. According to the definitions used herein, the filler component does not include any fibrous materials. Suitable organic filler materials are corn starch powder. Suitable inorganic filler materials include at least one selected from talc, mica, kaolin, diatomaceous earth, pumice, perlite, calcium carbonate, silica, silicate, barium sulfate, titanium dioxide, calcium silicate, and calcium sulfate, preferably talc and calcium silicate.

[0049] The filler component can comprise a mixture of two or more suitable fillers described herein, preferably a combination of two.

[0050] The filler preferably comprises talc and calcium silicate, consists essentially of talc and calcium silicate, or consists of talc and calcium silicate.

[0051] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the filler is selected from talc or calcium silicate, or a combination thereof, wherein the bulk density of the filler is in the range of 0.25 to 0.45 mg / L.

[0052] The filler is preferably in particulate form and can be, for example, irregularly shaped, spherical, approximately spherical, disc-shaped, flake-shaped, needle-shaped or rod-shaped. The filler is preferably in the form of flake-shaped or needle-shaped particles. The filler component is non-fibrous.

[0053] In one embodiment, the filler (preferably talc) suitably has a median particle size in the range of 0.1 to 50 μm, preferably 1 to 25 μm, more preferably 1.5 to 10 μm, particularly 2 to 8 μm, especially 3 to 5 μm, which is determined by X-ray sedimentation using a Sedigraph III Plus particle size analyzer.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, the filler (preferably calcium silicate) suitably has a median particle size in the range of 2 to 30 μm, preferably 4 to 20 μm, more preferably 6 to 18 μm, particularly 10 to 16 μm, and especially 12 to 14 μm, which is determined by X-ray sedimentation using a Sedigraph III Plus particle size analyzer.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the filler can comprise fillers of two different particle sizes. In particular, the combination can comprise fillers of the particle sizes of each embodiment as described herein.

[0056] The filler particles preferably have a diameter in the range of 10 - 40 nanometers, preferably 12 - 35 nanometers and more preferably 15 - 25 nanometers.

[0057] An individual particle suitably has an average aspect ratio d 1 :d 2 (where d 1 and d 2 are the length and width of the particle, respectively).

[0058] The average length of the particles by number is suitably in the range of 20 to 1,000 μm, preferably 50 to 500 μm, more preferably 200 to 400 μm, particularly 260 to 340 μm, and especially 280 to 320 μm. The average width of the particles by number is suitably in the range of 5 to 100 μm, preferably 10 to 50 μm, more preferably 20 to 40 μm, particularly 26 to 34 μm, and especially 28 to 32 μm.

[0059] The size of the particles can be determined by measuring the length and width of the particles selected from the photographic images obtained by using a transmission electron microscope. At least 1,000 particles can be measured to ensure a statistically accurate average value.

[0060] The seed coating composition contains a fibrous material. The fibrous material can contain any suitable organic or inorganic fiber or fiber particle. The fibers can be natural and / or synthetic materials. Suitable fibers include plant fibers, wood fibers, and animal fibers.

[0061] Plant fibers are usually cellulose, usually combined with lignin. Suitable examples include cotton, bamboo, hemp, jute, flax, ramie, sisal, bagasse, and banana.

[0062] Wood fibers are different from plant fibers because they come from trees. Forms include groundwood pulp, lace bark pulp, thermomechanical pulp (TMP), and bleached or unbleached kraft pulp or sulfite pulp. Lignin is removed in the kraft and sulfite pulping processes.

[0063] Animal fibers are mainly protein-based. Examples include silk, spider silk, tendon, gut string, wool, sea silk, and hair such as cashmere, mohair, and angora, and furs such as sheepskin, rabbit skin, mink skin, fox skin, beaver skin, etc.

[0064] Individual fiber particles suitably have an average aspect ratio d1:d2 (where d1 and d2 are the length and width of the fiber, respectively) in the range of 3 to 50:1, preferably 5 to 25:1, more preferably 7 to 15:1, particularly 8 to 12:1, and especially 9 to 11:1. The average length of the fibers by number is suitably in the range of 20 to 1,000 μm, preferably 50 to 500 μm, more preferably 200 to 400 μm, particularly 260 to 340 μm, and especially 280 to 320 μm. The average width of the fibers by number is suitably in the range of 5 to 100 μm, preferably 10 to 50 μm, more preferably 20 to 40 μm, particularly 26 to 34 μm, and especially 28 to 32 μm.

[0065] The size of the fibrous particles can be determined by measuring the length and width of the fibers selected from the photographic images obtained by using a transmission electron microscope. At least 1,000 fibrous particles can be measured to ensure a statistically accurate average value.

[0066] The fibrous material used in the present invention preferably comprises cellulose fibers, consists essentially of cellulose fibers, or consists of cellulose fibers. The cellulose fibers can be natural fibers or artificial fibers (i.e., formed into pulp and then extruded), preferably natural fibers. The cellulose fibers can be in their natural chemical form or chemically modified, preferably non-chemically modified.

[0067] The cellulose fibers preferably comprise non-chemically modified and / or non-chemically derivatized cellulose, consist essentially of non-chemically modified and / or non-chemically derivatized cellulose, or consist of non-chemically modified and / or non-chemically derivatized cellulose. Preferably, at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 98% by weight, and especially at least 99% by weight of the cellulose fibers are unmodified and / or underivatized cellulose.

[0068] Cellulose should be understood to mean a material comprising an organic polysaccharide compound having a repeating monomer molecular formula (C 6 H 10 O 5 ) n in which each glucose monomer unit is linked to an adjacent monomer by a glycosidic β(1→4) bond.

[0069] The cellulose fibers can be homogeneous in that they consist only of one specific type of cellulose, for example all having the same molecular weight. In an alternative embodiment, the cellulose fibers can be heterogeneous in that they comprise a mixture, such as a mixture having different molecular weights.

[0070] Of course, cellulose preferably originates from natural sources (e.g., wood pulp cellulose, cotton-derived cellulose or bamboo-derived cellulose), and the cellulose fibers so derived will contain a variety of similar components depending on the source. The cellulose fibers preferably originate from wood pulp. Cellulose fibers derived from hardwood can be preferred.

[0071] The cellulose fibers used in the present invention can include cellulose containing 500 to 20,000, preferably 1,000 to 15,000, more preferably 2,000 to 10,000 monomer units.

[0072] Cellulose fibers can contain several known types of cellulose, such as alpha-cellulose (α-cellulose), beta-cellulose (β-cellulose), and gamma-cellulose (γ-cellulose).

[0073] In one embodiment, the cellulose fibers suitably contain a high alpha-cellulose content, preferably greater than 70 wt%, more preferably greater than 80 wt%, particularly greater than 90 wt%, and especially greater than 98 wt%.

[0074] The carboxyl content of the cellulose fibers can be less than 5 mol.%, preferably less than 1 mol.%.

[0075] The cellulose fibers can have a low ash content, preferably below 1 wt%, more preferably below 0.75 wt%, and particularly below 0.5 wt%.

[0076] The cellulose fibers preferably have a bulk density in the range of 20 to 200 g / L, more preferably 40 to 100 g / L, and particularly 60 to 80 g / L.

[0077] The fiber size (or any other non-spherical form) can be standardized or converted to the spherical diameter of the fiber. In the form of a particle size distribution, the fiber particles have a median volume particle size value. It should be understood that the median volume particle size refers to the equivalent spherical diameter corresponding to the point on the distribution that divides the total precisely into two equal halves. It is the point corresponding to 50% of the volume of all fiber particles, read on the cumulative distribution curve relating volume percentage to particle diameter, i.e., 50% is distributed above this value and 50% is distributed below this value. This value is referred to as the "D(v,0.5)" value and is suitably determined as described herein.

[0078] In addition, reference can also be made to the "D(v,0.9)" and "D(v,0.1)" values, which are the equivalent spherical diameters corresponding to 90% or 10% of the volume of all fiber particles, respectively, read on the cumulative distribution curve relating volume percentage to particle diameter, i.e., they are the values above which 10% or 90% of the distribution lies and below which 90% or 10% of the distribution lies, respectively.

[0079] The fiber size values for determining the D(v,0.5), D(v,0.1), and D(v,0.9) values are suitably measured by techniques based on dynamic light scattering analysis, preferably using a specific method as described herein.

[0080] It has been found that the median size and / or size distribution of fibres (preferably cellulose fibres) can be an important parameter in obtaining a seed coating composition with desired properties.

[0081] Fibre (preferably cellulose fibre) particles suitably have a D(v,0.5) value in the range of 10 to 120 μm, preferably 30 to 100 μm, more preferably 45 to 75 μm, particularly 55 to 65 μm, and especially 58 to 62 μm.

[0082] Fibre particles suitably have a D(v,0.9) value of less than 700 μm, preferably less than 500 μm, more preferably less than 400 μm, particularly less than 350 μm, and especially less than 300 μm.

[0083] Fibre particles suitably have a D(v,0.9) value of greater than 70 μm, more preferably greater than 150 μm, particularly greater than 230 μm, and especially in the range of 250 to 290 μm.

[0084] Fibre particles suitably have a D(v,0.1) value of less than 25 μm, more preferably less than 20 μm, particularly less than 18 μm, and especially less than 17 μm.

[0085] Fibre particles suitably have a D(v,0.1) value of greater than 5 μm, more preferably greater than 8 μm, particularly greater than 12 μm, and especially in the range of 14 to 16 μm.

[0086] The ratio of the D(v,0.9) value to the D(v,0.1) value represents the width of the particle size distribution and thus the degree of concentration of the distribution around the median particle size value. The ratio of the D(v,0.9) value to the D(v,0.1) value of the fibre particles is preferably in the range of 5 to 40:1, more preferably 10 to 30:1, particularly 15 to 25:1, and especially 17 to 20:1.

[0087] The width of the distribution can also be represented by the difference between the D(v,0.9) and D(v,0.1) values. The difference between the D(v,0.9) and D(v,0.1) values of the fibre particles is suitably in the range of 50 to 600 μm, preferably 120 to 400 μm, more preferably 180 to 330 μm, particularly 220 to 290 μm, and especially 240 to 270 μm.

[0088] The weight average molecular weight of the fibre (preferably cellulose fibre) particles is preferably in the range of 1,000 to 10,000,000, more preferably 50,000 to 5,000,000, and especially 100,000 to 2,000,000.

[0089] Suitable cellulose fibers are commercially available, for example, they can be obtained from Creafill Fibers Corp., Chestertown, Maryland, USA, under the Createch trademark, or from GmbH under the Arbocel trademark.

[0090] The seed coating composition may also include other components as needed. These other components may be selected from components including the following:

[0091] Diluents, absorbents or carriers, such as carbon black; talc; diatomaceous earth; kaolin; aluminum stearate, calcium stearate or magnesium stearate; sodium tripolyphosphate; sodium tetraborate; sodium sulfate; sodium silicate, aluminum silicate and mixed sodium-aluminum silicates; and sodium benzoate,

[0092] Wetting agents, such as alcohol ethoxylates and alcohol ethoxylate / propoxylate wetting agents;

[0093] Dispersants, such as sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensates and acrylic copolymers, such as comb copolymers having capped polyethylene glycol side chains on a polyacrylic acid backbone;

[0094] Emulsifiers, such as alcohol ethoxylates, ABA block copolymers or castor oil ethoxylates;

[0095] Defoamers, such as polysiloxane defoamers, typically in an amount of 0.005% to 10% by weight of the formulation;

[0096] Viscosity improvers, such as commercially available water-soluble or miscible gums, such as xanthan gum, and / or cellulose, such as carboxy-methyl, ethyl or propyl cellulose; and / or

[0097] Preservatives and / or antimicrobial agents, such as organic acids, or their esters or salts, such as ascorbic acids (e.g., ascorbyl palmitate), sorbic acids (e.g., potassium sorbate), benzoic acids (e.g., benzoic acid and methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate), propionic acids (e.g., sodium propionate), phenols (e.g., sodium 2-phenylphenolate); 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one; or formaldehyde itself or paraformaldehyde; or inorganic materials, such as sulfurous acid and its salts, typically in an amount of 0.01% to 1% by weight of the formulation.

[0098] The seed coating composition of the present invention may further comprise surfactants, such as wetting agents, dispersants, and / or emulsifiers. The surfactants may assist in mixing / emulsifying / dispersing the pigment particles in the premix and the seed coating composition. Suitable surfactants include ionic and non-ionic products and include solutions of organically modified polyacrylates, polyacrylates, sodium polyacrylate, polyurethanes, phosphate esters, star polymers, and / or modified polyethers.

[0099] The seed coating composition of the present invention may comprise additional components, such as one or more selected from the group consisting of solvents, thickeners, defoamers, preservatives, and slip additives.

[0100] Suitable thickeners include agar, carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, chitin, fucoidan, ghatti gum, gum arabic, karaya gum, laminarin, locust bean gum, pectin, alginate, guar gum, xanthan gum, diutan gum, and tragacanth gum, bentonite, HEUR (hydrophobically modified ethoxylated polyurethane) thickeners, HASE (hydrophobically modified, alkali-swellable emulsion thickeners), and polyacrylates. Gums are generally preferred because of their low cost, ready availability, and excellent ability to enhance the physical properties of the resulting coating film.

[0101] Examples of suitable defoamers include polyethylene glycol, glycerol, mineral oil defoamers, silicone defoamers, and non-silicone defoamers (such as polyethers, polyacrylates), dimethylpolysiloxane (silicone oil), aralkyl-modified polysiloxanes, and polyether silicone copolymer containing vapor-deposited silica. In some embodiments of the seed coating composition, the defoamer may be present in an amount of at least 1 ppm by weight, or 0.1 to 0.3% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed coating composition.

[0102] The seed coating composition may additionally comprise one or more solvents other than water. The solvents may be selected from the group consisting of alcohols and hydrocarbons. Mixtures of solvents may also be used. Preferred solvents are liquids at 20 °C and 1 atm. Examples of suitable solvents include alcohols and their esters and ethers, especially ethylene glycol and propylene glycol and their esters and ethers, e.g., having C 1 -C 6Esters and ethers of alkyl groups and / or aromatic groups such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, benzyl and phenyl ethers, including monoethers and dialkyl ethers, and esters of these ethers such as acetates, and ethylene glycol esters and propylene glycol esters, for example esters of fatty acids; polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol and their esters, especially esters with fatty acids; butyl cellosolve, butyl carbitol, polyethylene glycol; N-methylpyrrolidone, glycerol, alkyl alcohols having up to 10 carbon atoms such as ethanol, propanol and butanol. Other examples of solvents include dipropylene glycol methyl ether and propylene glycol methyl ether. An important solvent is ethylene glycol. Further examples include tetrapropylene and synthetic ester oils such as lactate esters, especially ethyl lactate and benzoate esters, for example isopropyl benzoate or 2-ethylhexyl benzoate. Aromatic hydrocarbons such as xylene, aliphatic and paraffinic solvents and vegetable oils can also be used as solvents. Aromatic solvents are less preferred.

[0103] The seed coating composition may also contain components having a plasticizing effect such as surfactants or antifreeze agents. Common surfactants include amphiphilic organic compounds, usually containing branched, straight-chain or aromatic hydrocarbons, fluorocarbons or siloxane chains as tails and hydrophilic groups. Some types of surfactants include nonionic, anionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants, and silicone and fluorosurfactants. Some examples of surfactants include polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene ethers and esters, especially their alkyl, aryl and alkylaryl ethers, and sulfate, phosphate and sulfonic acid compounds of these ethers, glucoside (alkyl) ethers, glycerol esters such as alkyl and fatty acid esters, sorbitan (alkyl) esters, acetylenic compounds, coconut amide compounds, block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Further examples of surfactants include alkylamine salts and alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, for example betaine-type surfactants, amino acid-type surfactants; and polyhydric alcohols, fatty acid esters, especially C 12 -C 18 esters of fatty acids, for example esters with polyglycerol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, sorbitan and sucrose, polyhydric alcohol alkyl ethers, fatty acid alkanolamides, and propoxylated and ethoxylated compounds such as fatty alcohol ethoxylates, polyethoxylated tallow amines and alkylphenol ethoxylates. Some examples of anionic surfactants include carboxylic acids, copolymers of carboxylic acids, sulfates, sulfonic acid compounds and phosphates, for example lignosulfonates and (linear) alkylaryl sulfonates.

[0104] Antifreeze agents include, for example: ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol and glycerol, and the preferred diols are ethylene glycol and propylene glycol.

[0105] The seed coating composition of the present invention may also contain one or more optional pigments, which serve to provide an aesthetic effect when the coating is on the seed or to identify which seeds have been treated. The pigments are preferably inorganic materials and may be, for example, effect pigments and / or colored pigments known in the art.

[0106] Examples of suitable effect pigments include pearlescent pigments of different particle sizes. Effect pigments with a particle size of 60 μm or less or a particle size of 15 μm or less can be used. The particle size of the effect pigment is preferably not more than 200 μm, more preferably not more than 100 μm. Generally, the particle size of the effect pigment is 1 μm or more. Another effect pigment can be aluminum. Effect pigments can be used to produce an attractive decorative appearance on the seeds.

[0107] Examples of colored pigments include 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) and Pigment White 6 (CAS No.: 98084-96-9). The particle size of the colored pigment is preferably not more than 100 μm, more preferably not more than 50 μm. Generally, the particle size of the colored pigment is 25 μm or more.

[0108] Dyes such as anthraquinone, triphenylmethane, phthalocyanine, their derivatives and diazonium salts can be used as supplements or alternatives to colored pigments.

[0109] Based on the total weight of the composition, the amount of pigment (if present) in the seed coating composition is suitably in the range of 0.1 to 15% by weight, preferably 1.0 to 8.0% by weight, more preferably 2.0 to 5.0% by weight, especially 2.5 to 3.5% by weight, and particularly 2.8 to 3.2% by weight.

[0110] The seed coating composition further comprises flakes of a translucent polymer film on an inert carrier (a carrier that has no detectable harmful consequences in the amounts present, especially to the seeds or the growing plants), to provide seeds with a light-reflective appearance, as described in WO 03 / 003812. Preferably, the translucent polymer film includes reflective particles.

[0111] In some embodiments of the seed coating composition, biocides may be included, for example as preservatives, to extend the shelf life of the seed coating composition before it is applied to the seeds, for example when stored. Examples of suitable biocides include MIT (2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; CAS No.: 2682-20-4), BIT (1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one; CAS No.: 2632-33-5), CIT (5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one), bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol) and / or combinations thereof.

[0112] The seed coating composition may comprise one or more bioactive ingredients (including plant boosters, especially plant protection products (also known as PPPs)). Suitable examples of active ingredients, especially plant boosters, are fungicides, bactericides, insecticides, nematicides, molluscicides, biopreparations, acaricides / miticides, pest control agents and biocides. Other possible active ingredients include disinfectants, microorganisms, rodent killers, weed killers / herbicides, attracting agents, (bird) repellents, plant growth regulators (such as gibberellic acid, auxin or cytokinin), nutrients (such as potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, iron chelate), plant hormones, minerals, plant extracts, germination promoters, pheromones, biopreparations, etc.

[0113] Of course, the application rate of the active ingredient depends to a large extent on the type of active ingredient and the type of seeds used. However, generally the amount of one or more active ingredients is in the range of 0.001 - 200 g per kilogram of seeds. A person skilled in the art is able to determine the appropriate amount of the active ingredient based on the type of active ingredient and the type of seeds used. It is common practice for a person skilled in the art to use and follow the recommendations of the active ingredient suppliers (such as BASF, Bayer, Syngenta, DuPont, etc.), for example by using the technical data sheets and / or following the recommendations.

[0114] Typical fungicides include captan (N-(trichloromethyl)thio-4-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboximide), thiram (tetramethylthioperoxydicarbonic diamide) (under the name Proseed TM(commercially available), metalaxyl (N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N-(methoxyacetyl)-d,l-alanine methyl ester), fludioxonil (4-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile; and a blend with mefenoxam as Maxim TM XL (commercially available), difenoconazole (as Dividend TM 3FS (commercially available), iprodione (as Rovral TM (commercially available), prothioconazole (as Rancona, commercially available from Arista, formerly Agriphar or Chemtura), mefenoxam (as Apron TM XL (commercially available), tebuconazole, carboxin, thiabendazole, azoxystrobin, prochloraz, prothioconazole (as Redigo, commercially available from Bayer), fluxapyroxad (as Vibrance, commercially available from Syngenta), cymoxanil (1-(2-cyano-2-methoxyiminoacetyl)-3-ethylurea), fludioxonil, metalaxyl, a mixture of cymoxanil and fludioxonil (as Wakil, commercially available from Syngenta) and oxadixyl (N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2-methoxy-N-(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)acetamide). The amount of fungicide contained in the seed coating composition is 0.0001 - 10% of the total weight of the coated seeds.

[0115] Typical bactericides include streptomycin, penicillin, tetracyclines, ampicillin, and oxolinic acid.

[0116] Typical insecticides include pyrethroids, organophosphates, carboxamoyloximes, pyrazoles, amidines, halogenated hydrocarbons, neonicotinoids, and carbamates and their derivatives. Particularly suitable types of insecticides include organophosphates, phenylpyrazoles, and pyrethroids. Preferred insecticides are those known as terbufos, chlorpyrifos, fipronil, phosmet, tefluthrin, carbofuran, imidacloprid, and butathiofos. Commercially available insecticides include imidacloprid (as Gaucho TM (commercially available) and clothianidin (available as Poncho TM (commercially available from Bayer), thiamethoxam (available as Cruiser TM (commercially available from Syngenta), thiacloprid (available as Sonido from Bayer), cypermethrin (available as Langis TM (commercially available from Chemtura), methiocarb (available as Mesurol from Bayer), fipronil (available as Regent TMCommercially available from BASF), chlorantraniliprole (also known as Rynaxypyr, (5-bromo-N-[4-chloro-2-methyl-6-(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl]-2-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide), as Coragen TM , commercially available from DuPont) and cyantraniliprole (also known as Cyazypyr, (3-bromo-1-(3-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-4'-cyano-2'-methyl-6'-(methylcarbamoyl)-pyrazole-5-carboxanilide).

[0117] Commercially available nematicides include abamectin (as Avicta TM , commercially available from Syngenta), thiodicarb (as Aeris TM , commercially available from Bayer).

[0118] Typical molluscicides include metaldehyde (as Meta TM , commercially available from Lonza) or niclosamide (as Bayluscide TM , commercially available from Bayer), cyantraniliprole (Cyazypir) and chlorantraniliprole (Rynaxypir) (available from DuPont).

[0119] Examples of suitable biological agents include bacilli, Trichoderma, Rhizobium (for nitrogen fixation), etc., which have been identified as seed treatment materials for protecting plants and / or enhancing their health and / or productivity.

[0120] These lists are not exhaustive, new active ingredients are constantly being developed and can be incorporated into seed coating compositions.

[0121] Nutrients can be used as a supplement or alternative to agrochemical active substances. In such formulations, the nutrients are usually in dry form.

[0122] The nutrients can preferably be solid-phase nutrients. In the present invention, solid nutrients should be understood to mean substances with a melting point above 20 °C (at standard pressure). Solid nutrients will also include insoluble nutrient components, i.e., those with a solubility in water such that a significant solid content remains in the concentrate after addition.

[0123] Nutrients refer to chemical elements and compounds that are desirable or necessary for promoting or improving plant growth. Suitable nutrients are usually described as macronutrients or micronutrients. Nutrients applicable to the concentrates of the present invention are all nutrient compounds.

[0124] Micronutrients generally refer to trace metals or microelements, which are usually applied at relatively low dosages. Suitable micronutrients include microelements selected from zinc, boron, chlorine, copper, iron, molybdenum, and manganese. Micronutrients can be in soluble form or included as insoluble solids, and can be salts or chelates.

[0125] Macronutrients typically refer to those containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and include fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate and water regulators. Suitable macronutrients include fertilizers and other compounds containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and water regulators.

[0126] Suitable fertilizers include inorganic fertilizers that provide nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, or sulfur. The fertilizers can be included in the dilution preparation at relatively low concentrations or as more concentrated solutions (which can include solid fertilizers as well as solutions at very high concentrations).

[0127] The inclusion of nutrients is expected to depend on the specific nutrient, and micronutrients are usually included at lower concentrations, while macronutrients are usually included at higher concentrations.

[0128] Biostimulants can enhance metabolic or physiological processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, nucleic acid uptake, ion uptake, nutrient delivery, or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of biostimulants include seaweed extracts (e.g., ascophyllum nodosum), humic acids (e.g., potassium humate), fulvic acids, inositol, glycine, and combinations thereof.

[0129] The wax emulsion is suitably present in the seed coating composition at a concentration of 0.5 to 25% by weight, preferably 2 to 18% by weight, more preferably 5 to 15% by weight, especially 8 to 12% by weight.

[0130] A particular advantage of the present invention is that the resulting seed coating composition can have a lower level of polymer binder compared to existing seed coating compositions. Generally, existing seed coatings include polymer binders especially based on polyethylene or polyacrylate chemistry.

[0131] The seed coating composition can contain a polymer binder in an amount of 0.5 - 20 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably in the range of 1 to 10% by weight. More preferably in the range of 2 to 8% by weight.

[0132] In the seed coating composition, based on the total weight of the composition, the amount of the filler is suitably in the range of 20 to 90% by weight, preferably 35 to 80% by weight, more preferably 45 to 70% by weight, especially 51 to 63% by weight, particularly 55 to 59% by weight.

[0133] If present, the amount of the fibrous material in the seed coating composition is suitably in the range of from 4 to 40% by weight, preferably from 8 to 25% by weight, more preferably from 11.0 to 18.0% by weight, especially from 13.0 to 15.5% by weight, particularly from 14.0 to 14.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0134] By weight, the ratio of the filler particles (preferably talc) present in the seed coating composition to the fibrous material (if present) is suitably in the range of from 0.2 to 30.0:1, preferably from 0.5 to 15.0:1, more preferably from 2.0 to 8.0:1, especially from 3.0 to 5.0:1, and particularly from 3.5 to 4.5:1.

[0135] In an alternative method or embodiment, the composition can be prepared by a "one-pot" method in which all components are added.

[0136] In an alternative method or embodiment, a powder formulation or dry premix and an aqueous or liquid premix are formed separately and then mixed together to form the seed coating composition of the invention.

[0137] The dry premix and the aqueous premix can be formed at a location different from the location where the seed coating composition is formed and are preferably kept separate until the seed coating composition is applied to the seeds to form coated seeds.

[0138] The seed coating composition is suitably formed by combining the dry premix and the aqueous premix and any other optional components, such as bioactive ingredients; and is applied to the seeds either simultaneously or shortly thereafter, e.g., within 5 hours, preferably within 30 minutes. Depending on the type of seeds, the seed coating composition, the desired accumulation level and other variables, the seed coating process can range from a few seconds (e.g., 15 seconds) to a few hours (e.g., up to 8 hours). During the seed coating process, the dry premix, the aqueous premix and other components are preferably added to the seeds simultaneously for at least part of the time.

[0139] The dry premix is suitably a substantially anhydrous free-flowing solid material that comprises the filler and fibrous material as defined herein, consists essentially of the filler and fibrous material as defined herein, or consists of the filler and fibrous material as defined herein.

[0140] The aqueous premix preferably comprises a wax emulsion and a polymer binder as defined herein. The aqueous premix can also comprise a pigment as defined herein and any other optional components of the seed coating composition as defined herein. The aqueous premix can also contain one or more of the bioactive materials described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, when the dry premix and the aqueous premix are mixed together to form the seed coating composition of the invention, one or more bioactive materials can be added separately.

[0141] The aqueous composition premix suitably comprises (i) 10 to 70% by weight, preferably 20 to 60% by weight, more preferably 25 to 55% by weight, and especially 35 to 45% by weight of a wax emulsion, based on the total weight of the composition; (ii) 1 to 20% by weight, preferably 4 to 16% by weight, more preferably 6 to 14% by weight, and especially 8 to 12% by weight of a wax emulsion, based on the total weight of the composition; (iii) 0 to 40% by weight, preferably 2 to 25% by weight, more preferably 5 to 15% by weight, especially 9 to 12% by weight, and especially 10 to 11% by weight of a pigment, based on the total weight of the composition; and / or (iv) 20 to 75% by weight, preferably 35 to 70% by weight, more preferably 45 to 65% by weight, especially 50 to 60% by weight, and especially 54 to 57% by weight of water, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0142] The dry premix comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of: (i) 30 to 99% by weight, preferably 50 to 95% by weight, more preferably 70 to 90% by weight, especially 75 to 85% by weight, and especially 72 to 82% by weight of a filler, based on the total weight of the composition; and / or (ii) 1 to 50% by weight, preferably 5 to 35% by weight, more preferably 10 to 30% by weight, especially 15 to 25% by weight, and especially 16 to 20% by weight of fibrous particles, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0143] In one embodiment, the seed coating composition according to the invention is formed by combining or mixing together components comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of: (i) the aqueous premix as defined herein, and (ii) the dry premix as defined herein (suitably in a ratio by weight in the range of 0.05 to 3.0:1, preferably 0.10 to 1.0:1, more preferably 0.25 to 0.60:1, especially 0.35 to 0.45:1, and especially 0.40:1), and optionally (iii) one or more bioactive ingredients as defined herein.

[0144] As used herein, the term "seed" particularly refers to the mature ovules of gymnosperms and angiosperms, which contain an embryo surrounded by a protective covering. In particular, the term encompasses field crop seeds, vegetable seeds, and cereal kernels. The protective covering may include the seed coat (testa). Some seeds include a pericarp or fruit coat around the seed coat. As used herein, the term "seed coat" is intended to include caryopses or achenes. The term "seed" includes anything that can be planted in agriculture to produce a plant, including pelleted seeds, true seeds, plant seedlings, rootstocks, renewable and plant-forming tissues, and tubers or bulbs.

[0145] The seeds are plant seeds, such as seeds of agricultural crops or field crops, vegetable seeds, herb seeds, wildflower seeds, ornamental seeds, grass seeds, tree seeds, or shrub seeds.

[0146] Preferably, the plant seeds are agricultural crops or field crops. The seeds can be of monocotyledonous or dicotyledonous order. Suitable seeds include seeds of soybean, cotton, corn, peanut, maize, wheat, barley, oats, rye, mustard, rapeseed (or canola), sunflower, sugar beet, safflower, millet, chicory, flax, rapeseed, buckwheat, tobacco, hemp seeds, alfalfa, brachiaria decumbens, clover, sorghum, chickpea, kidney bean, pea, vetch, rice, sugarcane, guayule, and linseed. Examples of suitable vegetable seeds include asparagus, chive, celery, leek, garlic, beetroot, spinach, beet, kale, cauliflower, broccolini, savoy cabbage, white cabbage, red cabbage, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, turnip, endive, chicory, watermelon, melon, cucumber, gherkin, zucchini, parsley, fennel, pea, bean, radish, salsify, eggplant, sweet corn, popcorn, carrot, onion, tomato, pepper, lettuce, snap bean, gourd, shallot, broccoli, mustard plants, and brussels sprouts.

[0147] Preferably, the plant seeds are selected from the group consisting of corn, soybean, and rice, particularly corn.

[0148] Preferably, the plant seeds are capable of germinating. Optionally, the outer shell of the seeds can be removed (so-called husked seeds or de-hulled seeds).

[0149] Coatings include film coatings, pelleting, and encapsulation or combinations of these techniques known in the art. It is contemplated that the present invention is applicable to all such coating types, preferably encapsulation.

[0150] The seed coating composition of the present invention can be applied to the seeds in a conventional manner.

[0151] Seeds may or may not be primed (already processed to improve germination rate, such as osmotic priming, hydropriming, matrix priming).

[0152] In one embodiment, no artificial layer, such as a primer coat containing an adhesive such as a polymer, is provided to the seeds before applying the seed coating composition of the present invention. Thus, the seed coating composition is preferably applied directly on the natural outer surface of the seeds. However, the seed surface may have been surface treated before applying the seed coating composition.

[0153] Preferably, the seed coating composition is applied in the form of a liquid composition and / or an emulsion and / or a dispersion and / or a latex composition, and then cured (including curing and / or drying) to form a seed coating. The term "liquid coating composition" as used in this application is intended to include coating compositions in the form of a suspension, an emulsion and / or a dispersion, preferably a dispersion.

[0154] Conventional coating methods can be used to coat seeds. A variety of coaters are available to those skilled in the art. Some well-known techniques include using drum coaters, fluidized bed technology, rotary coaters (with and without integrated drying), and spouted beds. Suitably, the seed coating composition is applied to the seeds by a rotary coater, a rotary drying coater, a pan coater, or a continuous processor.

[0155] In the case of seed encapsulation, the amount of water in the seed coating composition is suitably less than 30% by weight, preferably less than 25% by weight, more preferably less than 20% by weight, especially 14.0 to 17.0% by weight, and particularly 15.0 to 16.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0156] In an alternative embodiment of seed film coating, the amount of water in the seed coating composition is suitably 20% to 80% by weight, preferably 30% to 70% by weight, more preferably 40% to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0157] Typically, the amount of the seed coating composition applied to the seeds can be from 10 to 1,000 grams dry weight per kilogram of seeds, such as 30 to 650 grams dry weight per kilogram of seeds, 100 to 400 grams dry weight per kilogram of seeds, or 150 to 250 grams dry weight per kilogram of seeds.

[0158] The seed coating composition can be applied, for example, by coating, film coating, spraying, impregnating or brushing the seed coating composition onto the seeds. Optionally, it is applied at a temperature of 2 to 50 °C, for example 5 to 35 °C, more usually 15 to 30 °C, for example room temperature, such as 18 to 25 °C. Preferably, the seed coating composition is applied to the seeds by coating. The seed coating can be suitably applied by spraying a liquid aqueous composition premix onto the seeds while also applying a powder premix, usually when the seeds are moving within a coating apparatus. Preferably, the method comprises applying the seed coating composition to form a coating layer.

[0159] The seed coating composition is suitably applied to the seeds such that, by weight, the ratio of the dry coating layer to the seeds is suitably in the range of 0.001 to 20:1, preferably 0.05 to 10:1, more preferably 0.01 to 1.0:1, especially 0.05 to 0.5:1, and particularly 0.1 to 0.2:1.

[0160] Seed coating generally involves forming a firmly adhering moisture-permeable coating on the seed surface. The method generally comprises applying a liquid seed coating composition to the seeds prior to planting.

[0161] An additional film coating layer can optionally be applied over the coating (preferably the coating) layer of the present invention to provide additional benefits, including but not limited to modification, coverage, active substances, nutrients, and improved processing properties, such as faster drying, seed flow, durability, etc.

[0162] A particular advantage of the present invention can be that the film and the resulting seed coating composition can be free or substantially free of microplastics and / or microplastic particles.

[0163] As used herein, the terms "microplastics" and "microplastic particles" particularly refer to materials composed of solid polymer-containing particles, to which additives or other substances can be added, and in which more than 1% w / w of the particles have a size of 1 nm to 5 mm, or for fibers a length of 3 nm to 15 mm and a length-to-diameter ratio greater than 3. The polymers do not include those that occur naturally and are non-chemical.

[0164] The seed coating composition as defined herein can exhibit desired properties, including good abrasion resistance, freeze-thaw resistance, good decorative appearance, good coating durability, and faster coating curing time.

[0165] In particular, the seed coating composition can provide the ability to cumulatively coat or coat the seeds in a smaller size, thereby providing a greater thickness with less coating composition. This can allow the use of lower levels of polymer binder for the seed coating.

[0166] All features described herein can be combined in any combination with any of the above aspects. Example

[0167] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the following description. It should be understood that all tests and physical properties listed are determined at atmospheric pressure and room temperature (i.e., 25 °C), unless otherwise specified herein or unless otherwise specified in the test methods and procedures referred to.

[0168] Several liquid binder formulations were prepared according to Table 1. All formulations were prepared on a high-speed disperser equipped with a Cowles blade.

[0169] Table 1. Composition of liquid blends

[0170]

[0171]

[0172] All values are expressed in weight %.

[0173] Powder formulations were blended according to Table 2. All powder formulations were mixed in a ribbon blender until a homogeneous blend was obtained.

[0174] Table 2. Composition of powder blends

[0175]

[0176] Test methods

[0177] The following test methods were used to determine the performance of the coated seed targets.

[0178] Wet abrasion

[0179] Due to the large amounts of binder and powder applied to the seeds, wet abrasion of the coating occurs during the application of the seed coating. If the coating does not have sufficient strength and durability while still wet, the coating will become uneven or deposit on the inner walls of the seed treater due to the force of the seeds shedding the coating. This results in unacceptable coated seeds in terms of seed performance and appearance.

[0180] The wet abrasion fraction was evaluated after seed coating and drying to quantitatively measure the abrasion of the coating during the application of the coating. The wet abrasion of the seeds was rated from 0 (high abrasion resistance / high-quality seeds) to 5 (low abrasion resistance / low-quality seeds).

[0181] Dry flowability

[0182] In seed treatment facilities and during sowing by farmers, the flow of treated / coated seeds is important. The lower the friction between seeds, the higher the efficiency at each stage. Typically, adding PPP and traditional film coatings to seeds significantly slows down the flow of seeds, which is not a desired characteristic. It can be improved by incorporating a flow agent or lubricant into the film coating formulation. Flow agents are usually wax-based additives that reduce friction and improve the appearance of seeds.

[0183] To test the dry flowability of treated seeds, 1 kg of seeds was placed in a funnel equipped with a 35 mm diameter stopper. The stopper was opened while starting a timer. The dry flowability of the seeds was measured based on the time it took for all the seeds to flow through the funnel. The measurement was taken 24 hours after treatment and repeated three times. The results were normalized relative to untreated seeds (untreated control or UTC) and reported as % UTC.

[0184] Seed coating weight

[0185] The coating weight of treated seeds was obtained by comparing the thousand seed weights (TSW) of different samples. 1000 seeds were counted and weighed to obtain the TSW in g / 1000 seeds.

[0186] The sample coating weight was calculated as (TSW sample / TSW raw seeds) * 1000 to obtain the coating weight in g coating / 1 kg seeds.

[0187] Dust-off and dry abrasion

[0188] Dust data for maize seeds treated with film coating or encapsulation were obtained by following industry standards. 100 g of seeds were subjected to the Heubach test for 2 minutes, repeated twice, and the results were averaged for the total dust-off per 100 kg of seeds.

[0189] After a 10-minute abrasion test in a PharmaTest PTF20E abrasion test drum rotating at 25 rpm, the abrasion of maize seeds was visually observed.

[0190] The abrasion score is a visual quantification of the quality of seeds after this abrasion test simulating industrial treatment conditions.

[0191] The abrasion score ranges from 0 (high abrasion resistance / high-quality seeds) to 5 (low abrasion resistance / low-quality seeds). The test was conducted 3 days after drying to determine the dry abrasion fraction.

[0192] Results show the dust (in g / 100,000 seeds) of different film coating formulations tested on maize, and the abrasion score (0: high abrasion resistance; 5: low abrasion resistance) determined after a 10-minute abrasion test.

[0193] These results show that the new composition can well reduce the dust and abrasion values of maize.

[0194] Particle size

[0195] The following test method was used; the particle size values for determining the D(v,0.5), D(v,0.1), and D(v,0.9) values of the fibrous materials herein were determined by dynamic light scattering analysis using a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 with a Hydro 2000SM attachment operating in water and set at 2,100 rpm.

[0196] The refractive index of the material was set at 1.53 and the absorbance at 0.1. 12,000 snapshots were taken within 12 seconds to obtain data. The average of three runs was used to determine the final particle size. From the obtained particle size values, the D(v,0.5), D(v,0.1), and D(v,0.9) values were easily determined.

[0197] Formation

[0198] Seed coatings were prepared in an intermittent rotary seed coater. First, the following plant protection product (PPP) cocktail was provided: 8% Syngenta Vibrance Cinco, 39% Syngenta Cruiser 5FS, 3% red colorant, 34% binder (from Table 1), and 16% water, such that 14 g of the PPP cocktail / kg of seeds and 4.22 g of binder / kg of seeds were applied.

[0199] After applying the combination of the binder and powder to the seeds, the total coating (g coating / kg of seeds) as shown in Table 3 was obtained.

[0200] A reference with only a film coating was prepared by using only the PPP cocktail and using DISCO AG Clear L-650 as the binder, such that 4.22 g of L-650 / kg of seeds was applied. After applying the PPPS, binder, and powder, the seeds were dried in warm air for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.

[0201] Table 3. Composition of seed coatings

[0202]

[0203] All values are expressed in weight %.

[0204] Results

[0205] The total coating weight increase after 24 hours of curing of the prepared seeds was evaluated, and the results are shown in Table 4.

[0206] The theoretical coating weight was calculated by coating weight (g / kg seeds) = (% solids in the binder) * (g of binder applied) + (g of powder applied).

[0207] Almost all seed samples achieved a coating weight similar to the theoretical value. This indicates that most of the binder and powder were applied to the seeds.

[0208] Table 4. Coating weight analysis of treated seeds

[0209]

[0210]

[0211] The dust-off (g / 100 kg seeds), abrasion resistance, and dry flowability of the coated seeds were tested, and the results are shown in Table 5.

[0212] Many coatings had better abrasion resistance than the film-coated control and raw seeds. The coatings of the present invention showed good abrasion resistance in a wide coating weight range of 50 - 200 g / kg seeds.

[0213] The dust-off of most seed coatings was similar to or slightly higher than that of L-650. As the coating weight increased, the dust-off also increased. Introducing more water into the binder increased the dust-off of the coating due to the lower amount of binder in the formulation.

[0214] All coatings had a flowability similar to that of the film-coated reference, indicating that the coatings maintained good flowability in various formulations and coating weights.

[0215] Table 5. Dust-off, abrasion resistance, and flowability of seed coatings.

[0216]

[0217] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above embodiments, which are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible.

Claims

1. A seed coating composition, the seed coating composition comprising; A wax emulsion; A polymer binder; A filler selected from fillers having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL; and A fibrous material.

2. The seed coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the wax emulsion is selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene wax, carnauba wax, paraffin wax, polypropylene wax, oxidized polyethylene wax, lignite wax, microcrystalline wax, ozokerite, peat wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, amide wax, ethylene acrylic wax, polyolefin wax, ethylene bis-stearamide wax, beeswax, lanolin wax, sugarcane wax, palm wax, and vegetable wax.

3. The seed coating composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the wax emulsion has a molecular weight (weight average) in the range of 1,000 to 40,000.

4. The seed coating composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer binder is selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and polyacrylate, especially polyvinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl acetate copolymer, and polyvinyl alcohol.

5. The seed coating composition according to claim 4, wherein the polymer binder in the coating composition comprises polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and greater than 30% by weight is polyvinyl pyrrolidone based on the total weight of the polymer binder present.

6. The seed coating composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of the polymer binder in the seed coating composition is in the range of 3 to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

7. The seed coating composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filler is an inorganic filler material selected from the group consisting of: talc, mica, kaolin, diatomaceous earth, pumice, perlite, calcium carbonate, silica, silicate, barium sulfate, titanium dioxide, calcium silicate, and calcium sulfate.

8. The seed coating composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filler is selected from talc or calcium silicate.

9. The seed coating composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filler is in particulate form, and the particles have a diameter in the range of 10 - 40 nanometers.

10. The seed coating composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fibrous material comprises cellulose fibers.

11. The seed coating composition according to claim 10, wherein the cellulose fibers comprise cellulose having monomer units in the range of 500 to 20,000.

12. The seed coating composition according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the cellulose fibers comprise a high α-cellulose content of greater than 70% by weight.

13. The seed coating composition according to claims 10 to 12, wherein the cellulose fibers have a D(v,0.5) value in the range of 10 to 120 μm.

14. A method of forming a seed coating composition, the method comprising combining: A dry or substantially dry composition premix comprising a filler and a fibrous material, wherein the filler is selected from fillers having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL; and A liquid premix comprising a wax emulsion and a polymeric binder.

15. A method of coating seeds, the method comprising applying a seed coating composition comprising a wax emulsion, a polymeric binder, a filler and a fibrous material, wherein the filler is selected from fillers having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL.

16. A seed having a coating, the coating comprising a wax emulsion, a polymeric binder, a filler and a fibrous material, wherein the filler is selected from fillers having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL.

17. Use of a seed coating composition comprising a wax emulsion, a polymeric binder, a filler and a fibrous material for reducing the drying time when the composition is coated onto seeds, wherein the filler is selected from fillers having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL.

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