Seed coating composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seed coating composition containing a polymeric binder, a filler and a fibrous material. A seed coating composition can be formed by combining an aqueous composition premix containing a polymeric binder with a powder premix containing a filler and a fibrous material. The polymer binder preferably contains polyvinyl pyrrolidone, the filler preferably contains talc, and the fibrous material preferably contains cellulose fibers.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201780080947.X.

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 425,870, filed November 23, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a seed coating composition, a method of forming a seed coating composition and a method of coating a seed, and a coated seed. BACKGROUND

[0005] Plant seeds are often coated prior to sowing, in order to, for example, protect the seeds during handling and / or to improve handling properties. Seeds are often coated in order to provide useful substances (active ingredients) such as plant nutrients, growth stimulants and plant protection products to the seed and the germinating seedling. An important advantage of providing active ingredients in seed coatings is that it allows for an accurate and controlled release and dosing to each seedling.

[0006] Advantages of coating seeds can include increased size, increased chemical load capacity, abrasion resistance, smooth surface, low dust, high plantability and good durability. There is a need for seed coating compositions to provide improved the aforementioned properties and with reduced drying needs.

[0007] Typical seed coating methods include film coating, granulation and encrusting of seeds. SUMMARY

[0008] We have surprisingly found a seed coating composition which overcomes or significantly reduces at least one of the aforementioned problems.

[0009] Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention relates to a seed coating composition comprising a polymeric binder, a filler and a fibrous material.

[0010] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of forming a seed coating composition, comprising combining an aqueous composition premix comprising a polymeric binder with a powder premix comprising a filler and a fibrous material.

[0011] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method of coating a seed, comprising applying a seed coating composition comprising a polymeric binder, a filler and a fibrous material to a seed.

[0012] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a seed having a coating, the coating comprising a polymeric binder, a filler and a fibrous material.

[0013] In a fifth aspect, the present application relates to the use of cellulose fibers in a seed coating composition for reducing the drying time required when coating the composition onto seeds. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The seed coating composition according to the present application surprisingly enables to provide a wide range of desirable seed coating properties such as water permeability, good abrasion resistance, low dust emission, short drying time, good flowability and plantability, low clumping, good appearance and / or coverage, higher capacity for the addition of increasing amounts of desirable nutrients and seed and plant protection agents, and / or increased seed size in favor of plantability.

[0016] The term "seed" as used in the present application means especially a mature ovule of gymnosperms and angiosperms, which contains an embryonic bud surrounded by a protective covering. Especially, the term encompasses cereal grains. The protective covering can comprise a seed coat (testa). Some seeds comprise a fruit coat or layer surrounding the seed coat. Especially, in case this layer is closely attached to the seed, as in cereal grains, it is in some cases referred to as a carpel or a scapus. The term "seed coat" as used in the present application is meant to include the carpel or scapus. The term "seed" includes any material that can be planted in agriculture to produce a plant, including pelleted seeds, sexual seeds, plant seedlings, rhizomes, regenerable and plant-forming tissues, and tubers or bulbs.

[0017] The term "coating" as used in the present application means the application of a substance to the surface of a seed, for example a layer of a substance surrounding the seed. Coating includes film coating, pelleting and encrusting or combinations of these techniques, as known in the art. Pellets obtained by pelleting are also referred to as seed pellets. Encrusting is particularly preferred. The coating is preferably applied on substantially the entire surface of the seed, such as on 90% or more of the surface area of the seed, thereby forming a layer. However, the coating can be complete or partial, for example on 20% or more, or 50% or more of the surface area of the seed.

[0018] The term "seed coating composition" as used in the present application means a composition to be used for coating seeds.

[0019] The term "different location" as used in the present application means in different mixing vessels, preferably in different buildings or sites, 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 the other optional components, such as the biologically active ingredient, to form the seed coating composition at a different location.

[0020] The term "plant enhancer," as used herein, means any component that directly or indirectly benefits a plant or plant seed, for example, by exerting its effects on the plant, seed, or on organisms that harm the plant, such as fungi, pests, and insects. Plant enhancers include plant protection products, safety agents, growth promoters, growth regulators, nutrients, etc.

[0021] Seeds are plant seeds, such as seeds of crops or field crops, vegetable seeds, herbaceous plant seeds, wildflower seeds, ornamental plant seeds, grass seeds, tree seeds, or shrub seeds.

[0022] Preferably, the plant seeds are the seeds of crops. Seeds can come from monocotyledons or dicotyledons. Suitable seeds include those of the following plants: soybeans, cotton, corn, peanuts, wheat, barley, oats, rye, triticale, mustard, rapeseed (or canola), sunflower, sugar beet, safflower, millet, chicory, flax, rapeseed, buckwheat, tobacco, alfalfa, signal grass, clover, sorghum, chickpeas, kidney beans, peas, vetch, rice, sugarcane, silver mulberry, and flaxseed. Examples of suitable vegetable seeds include the seeds of the following vegetables: asparagus, chives, celery, leeks, garlic, beetroot, spinach, beets, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, curly cabbage, white cabbage, red cabbage, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, turnip, sow thistle, chicory, watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, baby cucumber, zucchini, parsley, fennel, peas, green beans, radishes, black ginseng, eggplant, sweet corn, popcorn, carrots, onions, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, pod beans, cucurbitaceous plants, shallots, cauliflower, Brassica, and Brussels sprouts.

[0023] Preferably, the plant seeds are selected from corn, soybeans, and rice, with corn being particularly preferred.

[0024] Preferably, the plant seeds are capable of germination. Optionally, the seeds may be dehulled (so-called shelled or hulled seeds). The seeds may be induced or uninitiated (treated to improve the germination rate, such as osmotic initiation, water initiation, or substrate initiation).

[0025] One or more polymeric binders are present in the seed coating composition of the present invention. The at least one polymeric binder is preferably an organic polymeric binder, more preferably a synthetic polymeric binder. The polymeric binder may be selected, for example, from polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, polyurethane, cellulose (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, polyacrylic acids, acrylic acid copolymers, polyvinyl acrylates, zein, casein, gelatin, chitosan, budding pachymonas, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, acrylamide polymers, acrylamide copolymers, polyhydroxyethyl acrylate, methacrylamide polymers, poly(N-vinylacetamide), sodium alginate, polychloroprene, and syrups. These binders may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Preferred adhesives can be selected from polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyacrylic acids, especially polyvinylpyrrolidone, vinyl acetate copolymers and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0026] In one embodiment, the polymer binder in the coating composition comprises polyvinylpyrrolidone, and preferably more than 30%, more than 50% by weight of the total weight of the polymer binder present is polyvinylpyrrolidone.

[0027] In one embodiment, the coating composition suitably comprises (i) 60 to 98%, preferably 70 to 95%, more preferably 80 to 92%, particularly 87 to 91% and especially 88 to 90% by weight of polyvinylpyrrolidone, and (ii) 2 to 40%, preferably 5 to 30%, more preferably 8 to 20%, particularly 9 to 13% and especially 10 to 12% by weight of a polymeric binder that is not polyvinylpyrrolidone; all based on the total weight of the polymeric binder in the coating composition.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Any polymeric adhesive that is not polyvinylpyrrolidone may be selected from other polymeric adhesives 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 tertiary carboxylic acid vinyl ester) copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl acetate-(meth)acrylate / (meth)acrylate copolymers, and particularly vinyl acetate-Veova copolymers. TM It is a vinyl ester (tertiary carboxylic acid vinyl ester) of synthetic carboxylic acids with various highly branched structures, and is marketed by MomentiveSpeciality Chemicals Inc.

[0030] In one embodiment, the polymer binder in the coating composition comprises a mixture of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, and vinyl acetate copolymer, preferably vinyl acetate-Veova copolymer, substantially consisting of, or consisting of, these.

[0031] The ratio of vinyl acetate copolymer, preferably vinyl acetate-Veova copolymer, to polyvinyl alcohol in the coating composition is suitably 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 by weight.

[0032] 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, particularly 38,000 to 41,000, and especially 39,000 to 40,000.

[0033] The vinyl acetate copolymer, preferably a vinyl acetate-Veova copolymer, suitably has a molecular weight (weight average) in the range of 2,000 to 100,000, preferably 20,000 to 70,000.

[0034] The molecular weight (weight average) of the polymer adhesives described herein can be determined using techniques well known in the art, such as light scattering, size exclusion HPLC, or mass spectrometry, with mass spectrometry being preferred.

[0035] The amount of polymer binder in the seed coating composition is suitably 3 to 40% by weight of the total composition, preferably 6 to 25%, more preferably 8 to 12%, particularly 9.4 to 9.9%, and especially 9.6 to 9.7% by weight.

[0036] The filler component of the seed coating composition can be any suitable organic or inorganic material. As defined herein, the filler component does not include any fibrous material. Suitable organic filler material is corn starch powder. Suitable inorganic filler materials include at least one selected from the following: talc, mica, kaolin, diatomaceous earth, pumice, perlite, calcium carbonate, silica, silicates, barium sulfate, titanium dioxide, and calcium sulfate, preferably talc.

[0037] The filler preferably comprises, is substantially composed of, or is composed of talc and / or corn starch powder, and more preferably talc.

[0038] The filler is preferably in granular form and may be, for example, irregularly shaped, spherical, near-spherical, disc-shaped, plate-shaped, or rod-shaped. The filler is preferably flat granular. The filler component is non-fibrous.

[0039] The filler, preferably talc, suitably has a median particle size of 0.1 to 50 μm, more preferably 3 to 25 μm, more preferably 8 to 18 μm, particularly 11 to 14 μm and especially 12 to 13 μm, as determined by X-ray sedimentation using a Sedigraph III Plus particle size analyzer.

[0040] The filler, preferably talc, is suitably in the seed coating composition in an amount of 20 to 90%, preferably 35 to 80%, more preferably 45 to 70%, particularly 51 to 63%, and especially 55 to 59% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0041] Fiber materials can contain any suitable organic or inorganic fibers or fiber particles. Fibers can be natural and / or synthetic substances. Suitable fibers include plant fibers, wood fibers, and animal fibers.

[0042] Plant fibers are typically cellulose, often combined with lignin. Suitable examples include cotton, bamboo, jute, flax, ramie, sisal, bagasse, and banana.

[0043] Wood fiber, unlike plant fiber, originates from trees. Forms include groundwood pulp, flowering bark pulp, thermomechanical pulp (TMP), and bleached or unbleached kraft or sulfite pulp. Lignin is removed during the pulping process of kraft and sulfite types.

[0044] Animal fibers are mostly protein-based. Examples include silk, spider silk, tendon, gut, wool, sea silk, and hair such as cashmere, mohair, and angora, as well as animal hides such as sheepskin, rabbit, mink, fox, beaver, etc.

[0045] Individual fiber particles suitably have an average aspect ratio d 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. 1： d2 (where d1 and d2 are the fiber length and width, respectively). The fiber number-average length is suitably 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 fiber number-average width is suitably 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.

[0046] The size of the fiber particles can be determined by measuring the length and width of the fibers, which are selected from photographs obtained using a transmission electron microscope. At least 1,000 fiber particles can be measured to ensure a statistically accurate average.

[0047] The fibrous material used in this invention preferably comprises, is substantially composed of, or is composed of cellulose fibers. Cellulose fibers can be natural fibers or prepared fibers (i.e., formed pulp that is then extruded), with natural fibers being preferred. Cellulose fibers can be in their natural chemical form or chemically modified, preferably unmodified.

[0048] Cellulose fibers preferably comprise, are substantially unmodified and / or underivatively derived cellulose, are substantially composed of, or are composed of. Preferably, at least 95%, more preferably at least 98%, and particularly at least 99% by weight of the cellulose fibers are unmodified and / or underivatively derived cellulose.

[0049] Cellulose should be understood as a substance containing substances with the formula (C6H) 10 O5) n Organic polysaccharide compounds with repeating monomers, wherein each glucose monomer unit is linked to an adjacent monomer via a glycosidic β(1→4) bond.

[0050] Cellulose fibers can be homogeneous because they consist of only one specific type of cellulose, for example, all having the same molecular weight. In an alternative embodiment, cellulose fibers can be heterogeneous because they comprise mixtures, such as mixtures with different molecular weights.

[0051] Of course, cellulose is preferably derived from natural sources (e.g., wood pulp cellulose, cotton-derived cellulose, or bamboo-derived cellulose), and thus the resulting cellulose fibers will contain several similar components depending on the source. Cellulose fibers are preferably derived from wood pulp. Cellulose fibers derived from hardwoods may be preferred.

[0052] The cellulose fibers used in this invention may contain cellulose, comprising 500 to 20,000, preferably 1,000 to 15,000, more preferably 2,000 to 10,000 monomer units.

[0053] Cellulose fibers can contain several known types of cellulose, such as alpha-cellulose, beta-cellulose, and gamma-cellulose.

[0054] In one embodiment, the cellulose fibers suitably contain a high α-cellulose content, preferably greater than 70%, more preferably greater than 80%, particularly greater than 90%, and especially greater than 98% by weight.

[0055] The carboxyl content of cellulose fibers can be less than 5 mol%, preferably less than 1 mol%.

[0056] Cellulose fibers can have a low ash content, preferably less than 1%, more preferably less than 0.75%, and especially less than 0.5% by weight.

[0057] Cellulose fibers preferably have a bulk density of 20 to 200 g / l, more preferably 40 to 100 g / l, and particularly 60 to 80 g / l.

[0058] Fiber particle size (or any other non-spherical form) can be normalized or converted into the spherical diameter of the fiber. In terms of the form of particle size distribution, fiber particles have a median volumetric particle diameter value. It should be understood that the median volumetric particle diameter refers to the equivalent spherical diameter, corresponding to a point on the distribution that precisely divides the distribution population into two equal halves. This point corresponds to 50% of the total volume of all fiber particles, read on a cumulative distribution curve relating volume percentage to particle diameter; that is, 50% of the distribution is above this value and 50% is below it. This value is called the "D(v,0.5)" value and is appropriately determined as described herein.

[0059] Additionally, the values ​​“D(v,0.9)” and “D(v,0.1)” can be mentioned, and these values ​​are equivalent spherical diameters corresponding to 90% or 10% of the total volume of all fiber particles, respectively, read from the cumulative distribution curve involving volume percentage versus particle diameter, i.e., they are the points where 10% or 90% are distributed above this value and 90% or 10% are distributed below this value, respectively.

[0060] The fiber particle size values ​​used to determine the D(v,0.5), D(v,0.1), and D(v,0.9) values ​​are suitably measured by a technique based on dynamic light scattering analysis, preferably by the specific method described herein.

[0061] It has been found that the median size and / or scale distribution of fibers, preferably cellulose fibers, can be an important parameter for obtaining seed coating compositions with desired properties.

[0062] The fibers, preferably cellulose fiber particles, suitably have a D(v,0.5) value 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.

[0063] The fiber 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.

[0064] Suitably, the fiber particles have a D(v,0.9) value greater than 70 μm, more preferably greater than 150 μm, particularly greater than 230 μm, and especially 250 to 290 μm.

[0065] The fiber 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.

[0066] Suitably, the fiber particles have a D(v,0.1) value greater than 5 μm, more preferably greater than 8 μm, particularly greater than 12 μm, and especially 14 to 16 μm.

[0067] The ratio of D(v,0.9) to D(v,0.1) represents the width of the particle size distribution, and therefore how the distribution is defined around the median particle size value. For fibrous particles, the ratio of D(v,0.9) to D(v,0.1) is preferably 5 to 40:1, more preferably 10 to 30:1, particularly 15 to 25:1, and especially 17 to 20:1.

[0068] The distribution width can also be represented by the difference between the D(v,0.9) and D(v,0.1) values. For fiber particles, the difference between the D(v,0.9) and D(v,0.1) values ​​is suitably 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.

[0069] The weight-average molecular weight of the fiber, preferably cellulose fiber particles, is preferably from 1,000 to 10,000,000, more preferably from 50,000 to 5,000,000, and especially from 100,000 to 2,000,000.

[0070] The amount of fibrous material, preferably cellulose fiber, in the seed coating composition is suitably 4 to 40% by weight of the total composition, preferably 8 to 25%, more preferably 11.0 to 18.0%, particularly 13.0 to 15.5%, and especially 14.0 to 14.5% by weight.

[0071] Suitable cellulose fibers are commercially available, for example from CreaFill Fibers Corp. of Chestertown, Maryland, USA, under the trademark CreaTech, or from J. Rettenmaier & Co. of Germany. GmbH of Rosenberg, trademark Arbocel.

[0072] The ratio of filler particles, preferably talc, to fibrous material, preferably cellulose fiber in the seed coating composition is suitably 0.2 to 30.0:1, preferably 0.5 to 15.0:1, more preferably 2.0 to 8.0:1, particularly 3.0 to 5.0:1, and especially 3.5 to 4.5:1 by weight.

[0073] Seed coating compositions may contain one or more bioactive ingredients, including plant enhancers, especially plant protection products (also known as PPPs). Suitable examples of active ingredients, especially plant enhancers, include fungicides, bactericides, insecticides, nematicides, molluscicides, biological products, acaricides or scabies mites, pesticides, and biocides. Other possible active ingredients include disinfectants, microorganisms, rodenticides, herbicides, attractants, (bird) repellents, plant growth regulators (such as gibberellin, auxins, or cytokinins), nutrients (such as potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, iron chelates), plant hormones, minerals, plant extracts, germination stimulants, pheromones, biological agents, etc.

[0074] The amount of active ingredient applied depends, of course, strongly on the type of active ingredient used and the seed type. However, the typical range for one or more active ingredients is 0.001 to 200 g per kg of seed. Technicians can determine the appropriate amount of active ingredient based on the type of active ingredient used and the seed type. Technicians often use and follow the recommendations of active ingredient suppliers (e.g., BASF, Bayer, Syngenta, DuPont, etc.) in practice, such as using technical data sheets and / or following their recommendations.

[0075] Typical fungicides include captan (N-trichloromethyl) thio-4-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboximide and thiram tetramethylthioperoxydicarbonamide (commercially available as Proseed). TMMetalaxyl (methyl-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N-(methoxyacetyl)-d,l-alanine salt), fludioxonil (4-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxane-4-yl)-1-H-pyrrole-3-onitrile; commercially available as a blend with metalaxyl, Maxim). TM XL), difenoconazole (commercially available as Dividend) TM 3FS), carbendazim and iprodione (commercially available as Rovral) TM ), styrax (commercially available as Rancona of Arista, formerly Agriphar or Chemitura), metalaxyl (commercially available as Apron) TM The fungicides include XL), tebuconazole, carbendazim, thiamethoxam, azoxystrobin, prochloraz, prothioconazole (commercially available as Redigo from Bayer), sedaxane (commercially available as Vibrance from Syngenta), cymoxanil (1-(2-cyano-2-methoxyiminoacetyl)-3-ethylurea), fludioxonil, a mixture of metalaxyl, cymoxanil and fludioxonil (commercially available as Wakil from Syngenta), and oxadiazon (N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2-methoxy-N-(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)acetamide). The fungicides can be included in the seed coating composition in an amount of 0.0001 to 10% of the total weight of the coated seeds.

[0076] Typical bactericides include streptomycin, penicillins, tetracyclines, ampicillin, and quinacrine.

[0077] Typical insecticides include pyrethroids, organophosphates, carbamoyl oximes, pyrazoles, amitraz, halogenated hydrocarbons, neonicotinoids, and carbamates and their derivatives. Particularly suitable insecticides include organophosphates, phenylpyrazoles, and pyrethroids. Preferred insecticides are those named terbufos, chlorpyrifos, fipronil, oxychlorpyrifos, fenflurphos, carbofuran, imidacloprid, and tebupirimfos. Commercially available insecticides include imidacloprid (commercially available as Gaucho) TM ), and thiamethoxam (commercially available from Bayer, Poncho) TM Thiamethoxam (commercially available from Syngenta, a Cruiser) TM ), thiamethoxam (commercially available as Bayer's Sonido), cypermethrin (commercially available from Chemitura, Langis) TM Methionol (commercially available as Bayer's Mesurol), fipronil (commercially available from BASF, is Regent's) TMChlorantraniliprole (also known as rynaxypyr, 5-bromo-N-[4-chloro-2-methyl-6-(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl]-2-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl)pyrazol-3-carboxamide, commercially available as Coragen from DuPont) TM ) and cyantraniliprole (also known as cyazypyr, 3-bromo-1-(3-chloro-2-pyridyl)-4'-cyano-2'-methyl-6'-(methylcarbamoyl)pyrazole-5-carboxylaniline).

[0078] Commercially available nematicides include abamectin (available from Syngenta, a brand of Avicta). TM ), sulfadiazine (available commercially from Bayer, is an Aeris product). TM ).

[0079] Typical molluscicides include metaldehyde (commercially available from Lonza, a Meta-based drug). TM ) or siloxane (available commercially from Bayer, it is Bayluscide) TM ), Cyazypir and Rynaxypir (available from DuPont).

[0080] Examples of suitable biological products include Bacillus, Trichoderma, and rhizobium (nitrogen fixation), which have been identified as seed treatment substances that protect plants and / or enhance their health and / or productivity.

[0081] These are not exhaustive lists; new active ingredients are constantly being developed and can be incorporated into seed coating compositions.

[0082] The seed coating composition of the present invention may also contain one or more optional pigments, which function to provide an aesthetic effect when coating seeds. The pigments are preferably inorganic materials and may be, for example, effect pigments and / or colored pigments known in the art.

[0083] Examples of suitable effect pigments include pearlescent pigments with different particle sizes. Effect pigments with particle sizes of 60 μm or less, or 15 μm or less, can be used. The particle size of the effect pigment is preferably no greater than 200 μm, more preferably no greater than 100 μm. Typically, the particle size of the effect pigment is 1 μm or more. Another effect pigment can be aluminum. Effect pigments can be used to create an attractive appearance on seeds.

[0084] 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 pigments is preferably no greater than 100 μm, more preferably no greater than 50 μm. Typically, colored pigments have a particle size of 25 μm or larger.

[0085] In addition to or as alternatives to colored pigments, dyes such as anthraquinone, triphenylmethane, phthalocyanine and its derivatives, and diazonium salts can be used.

[0086] The amount of pigment in the seed coating composition is suitably 0 to 15% by weight of the total composition, preferably 1.0 to 8.0%, more preferably 2.0 to 5.0%, particularly 2.5 to 3.5%, and especially 2.8 to 3.2% by weight.

[0087] One advantage of the seed coating compositions of the present invention is that desired or improved seed coating properties can be obtained with compositions having relatively low moisture content, which enables significantly less drying to be required and improves the efficiency of the seed coating process. The amount of water in the seed coating composition is suitably less than 30% by weight of the total composition, preferably less than 25%, more preferably less than 20%, particularly 14.0 to 17.0%, and especially 15.0 to 16.0% by weight.

[0088] The seed coating compositions of this invention may also contain surfactants such as wetting agents, dispersants, and / or emulsifiers. Surfactants can help mix / emulsify / disperse wax and / or pigment particles in the premix and seed coating composition. Suitable surfactants include ionic and nonionic products and include solutions of organically modified polyacrylic acids, sodium polyacrylate, polyurethane, phosphate esters, star polymers, and / or modified polyethers.

[0089] The seed coating composition of the present invention may contain further components such as one or more selected from the following: solvent, thickener, defoamer, preservative, and lubricant additive.

[0090] Suitable thickeners include agar, carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, chitosan, fucoidan, gum arabic, gum arabic, kelp, laminarin, carob gum, pectin, alginate, guar gum, xanthan gum, diutan gum, and tragacanth gum, bentonite clay, HEUR (hydrophobically modified, ethoxylated urethane) thickener, HASE (hydrophobically modified, alkali-swellable emulsion) thickener, and polyacrylic acids. Gum is generally preferred due to its low cost, availability, and excellent ability to enhance the physical properties of the resulting coating film.

[0091] Examples of suitable defoamers include polyethylene glycol, glycerin, mineral oil defoamers, silicone defoamers, and non-silicone defoamers (such as polyethers and polyacrylic acids), dimethylpolysiloxane (silicone oil), arylalkyl-modified polysiloxanes, and polyether siloxane copolymers (containing vapor-deposited silica). The defoamer may be present in some embodiments of the seed coating composition at 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.

[0092] Biocides can be included in certain embodiments of the seed coating composition, for example, as preservatives, thereby extending the shelf life of the seed coating composition before application to seeds, such as during storage. Examples of suitable biocides include MIT (2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; CAS No. 2682-20-4), BIT (1,2-benzisisothiazolin-3-one; CAS No. 2632-33-5), CIT (5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one), bromonitol (2-bromo-2-nitro-propane-1,3-diol), and / or combinations thereof.

[0093] In embodiments, the seed coating composition further comprises a translucent polymer film sheet on an inert carrier (a carrier whose presence, in any amount, has no harmful effect on the environment, particularly on the seed or the growing plant) to provide a reflective appearance to the seed, such as described in WO-A-03 / 003812. Preferably, the translucent polymer film comprises reflective particles.

[0094] The seed coating composition may also contain one or more solvents other than water. The solvent may be selected from alcohols and hydrocarbons. Mixtures of solvents can also be used. Preferably, the solvent is liquid at 20°C and 1 atm. Examples of suitable solvents include glycols and their esters and ethers, especially ethylene glycol and propylene glycol and their esters and ethers, such as esters and ethers having C1-C6 alkyl and / or aromatic groups, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, benzyl, and phenyl ethers, including mono- and dialkyl ethers, and esters of these ethers, such as acetates, and ethylene glycol and propylene glycol esters, such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol esters of fatty acids; polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol and their esters, particularly esters with fatty acids; butyl cellol, butyl carbitol, polyethylene glycol; N-methylpyrrolidone, glycerol, and alkyl alcohols with 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. Ethyl glycol is an important solvent. Other examples include propylene tetramers and synthetic ester oils such as lactates, particularly ethyl lactate, and benzoates such as isopropyl or 2-ethylhexyl benzoate. Aromatic hydrocarbons such as xylene, aliphatic and alkane solvents, and vegetable oils can also be used as solvents. Aromatic solvents are less preferred.

[0095] Seed coating compositions may also contain plasticizing components, such as surfactants or antifreeze agents. Surfactants generally include amphiphilic organic compounds, typically containing branched, linear, or aromatic hydrocarbons, fluorocarbons, or siloxane chains as tails and hydrophilic groups. Some types of surfactants include nonionic, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants, as well as organosilicon and organofluorine surfactants. Some examples of surfactants include polyoxyethylene glycol and polyoxypropylene ethers and esters, especially their alkyl, aryl, and alkylaryl ethers, and sulfate, phosphate, and sulfonic acid compounds of said ethers, glucoside (alkyl) ethers, glycerides such as alkyl and fatty acid esters, sorbitol (alkyl) esters, acetylene compounds, cocamidoyl compounds, and block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Other examples of surfactants include alkylamine salts and alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, such as betaine-type surfactants, amino acid-type surfactants; and polyhydroxy alcohol fatty acid esters, especially C64-hydroxyl fatty acid esters. 12 -C 18 Fatty acid esters, such as fatty acid esters of polyglycerol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, dehydrated sorbitol, and sucrose; polyhydroxy 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, carboxylic acid copolymers, sulfates, sulfonic acid compounds, and phosphates, such as lignin sulfonates and (linear) alkyl aryl sulfonates.

[0096] Antifreeze agents include, for example, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, hexanediol, diethylene glycol, and glycerol, with ethylene glycol and propylene glycol being preferred diols.

[0097] In one embodiment, a powder formulation or premix and an aqueous composition premix are formed separately and then mixed together to form the seed coating composition of the present invention. The powder premix and the aqueous composition premix may be formed at a location different from where the seed coating composition is formed, and preferably remain separate until the seed coating composition is applied to the seeds to form coated seeds. The seed coating composition is suitably formed by combining the powder premix, the aqueous composition premix, and any other optional components, such as bioactive ingredients; and simultaneously applying it to the seeds or subsequently immediately, for example, within 5 hours, preferably within 30 minutes. The seed coating process can last from several seconds, for example 15 seconds, to several hours, for example up to 8 hours, depending on the seed type, the seed coating composition, the desired accumulation level, and other variables. The powder premix, the aqueous composition premix, and other components are preferably added to the seeds simultaneously and continue for at least a portion of the time during the seed coating process.

[0098] Powder premixes are suitably free-flowing solid substances that are substantially anhydrous and contain, consist substantially of, or consist of fillers and fibrous substances as defined herein.

[0099] The aqueous composition premix preferably contains a polymer binder as defined herein. The aqueous composition premix may also contain pigments as defined herein, and any other optional seed coating composition components as defined herein. The aqueous composition premix may also contain one or more biologically active substances described herein. Additionally or alternatively, one or more biologically active substances may be added separately when mixing the powder premix and the aqueous composition premix together to form the seed coating composition of the present invention.

[0100] The aqueous composition premix suitably comprises (i) 5 to 70%, preferably 15 to 60%, more preferably 22 to 50%, particularly 27 to 40%, and especially 32 to 35% by weight of polymeric binder based on the total weight of the composition; (ii) 0 to 40%, preferably 2 to 25%, more preferably 5 to 15%, particularly 9 to 12%, and especially 10 to 11% by weight of pigment based on the total weight of the composition; and / or (iii) 20 to 75%, preferably 35 to 70%, more preferably 45 to 65%, particularly 50 to 60%, and especially 54 to 57% by weight of water based on the total weight of the composition.

[0101] The powder premix comprises (i) 30 to 99%, preferably 50 to 95%, more preferably 70 to 90%, particularly 75 to 85% and especially 78 to 82% by weight of the total composition; and / or (ii) 1 to 70%, preferably 5 to 50%, more preferably 10 to 30%, particularly 15 to 25% and especially 18 to 22% by weight of the total composition, substantially consisting of, or consisting of.

[0102] The ratio of filler particles, preferably talc, to fibrous material, preferably cellulose fiber in the powder premix is ​​suitably 0.5 to 15.0:1, preferably 2.0 to 8.0:1, more preferably 3.0 to 5.0:1, especially 3.5 to 4.5:1, and especially 4.0:1 by weight.

[0103] In one embodiment, the seed coating composition according to the invention is formed by combining or mixing components together, said components comprising (i) an aqueous composition premix as defined herein and (ii) a powder premix as defined herein, in a suitable ratio of 0.05 to 3.0:1, preferably 0.10 to 1.0:1, more preferably 0.25 to 0.60:1, particularly 0.35 to 0.45:1 and particularly 0.40:1 by weight, and optionally (iii) one or more biologically active ingredients as defined herein, substantially comprising, or comprising of, these components.

[0104] The amount of one or more active ingredients in the seed coating composition is suitably 0 to 5.0% by weight of the total composition, preferably 0.1 to 2.5%, more preferably 0.2 to 1.0%, particularly 0.3 to 0.8%, and especially 0.4 to 0.6% by weight.

[0105] In one embodiment, no artificial layer, such as an underlayer containing an adhesive like a polymer, is provided to the seeds prior to application of the seed coating composition of the present invention. Accordingly, the seed coating composition is preferably applied directly to the natural outer surface of the seed. Nevertheless, the seed surface may have undergone surface treatment prior to application of the seed coating composition. It is possible that the surface treatment does not require the provision of an artificial layer, but involves physical changes or modifications to a portion or the entire surface of the seed. For example, surface treatment may involve increasing the surface roughness of the seed, such as selectively removing a portion of the seed coat, selectively deforming the seed coat, or a combination thereof. Generally, treatment may involve introducing micro-roughness into the seed surface. The seed surface may also undergo surface treatments that do involve providing an artificial layer, such as applying a primer coating layer to the seed surface. Other suitable surface treatments include, for example, plasma surface treatment, contacting the seed with an abrasive, exposure to hot and humid air, flame treatment, laser treatment, and electron beam surface treatment.

[0106] Preferably, the seed coating composition is applied as a liquid composition and / or emulsion and / or dispersion and / or latex composition and subsequently solidified (including curing and / or drying) to form a seed coating. The term "liquid coating composition" as used herein is intended to include coating compositions in the form of suspensions, emulsions and / or dispersions, preferably dispersions.

[0107] Conventional coating methods can be used to coat seeds. Those skilled in the art can use various coating devices. Some well-known techniques include the use of drum coaters, fluidized bed technology, rotary coaters (with and without simultaneous drying), and spray beds. Suitably, the seed coating composition is applied to the seeds using a rotary coater, a rotary dryer, a disc coater, or a continuous processor.

[0108] Generally, the amount of seed coating composition applied to the seeds can be 10 to 1,000 g dry weight per kg of seeds, such as 30 to 650 g dry weight per kg of seeds, 100 to 400 g dry weight per kg of seeds, or 150 to 250 g dry weight per kg of seeds. The seed coating composition can be applied, for example, by crusting, film coating, spraying, dipping, or brushing. Optionally, the application temperature is 2 to 50°C, for example 5 to 35°C, more typically 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 crusting. Seed coating can suitably be applied by spraying a liquid aqueous composition premix onto the seeds, or, where a powder premix is ​​also applied, generally while the seeds are moving in a coating device. Preferably, the method includes applying the seed coating composition to form a crust layer.

[0109] The seed coating composition is suitably applied to the seeds such that the ratio of the dry coating layer to the seeds is suitably 0.001 to 20:1, preferably 0.05 to 10:1, more preferably 0.01 to 1.0:1, particularly 0.05 to 0.5:1, and especially 0.1 to 0.2:1 by weight.

[0110] Additional film coating layers may optionally be applied over the coating layer, preferably the crust layer, of the present invention to provide additional benefits, including but not limited to improvements in appearance, coverage, active ingredients, nutrients, and treatment such as faster drying, seed flow, and durability.

[0111] The following experimental method was used to determine the particle size values ​​of the fibrous material described in this paper, specifically the D(v,0.5), D(v,0.1), and D(v,0.9) values. These values ​​were determined by dynamic light scattering analysis using a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 equipped with a Hydro 2000SM attachment, running at 2,100 rpm on a water bath. The refractive index of the material was set to 1.53, and the absorbance to 0.1. 12,000 snapshots were taken over 12 seconds to obtain data. The final particle size was determined using an average of three replicates. The D(v,0.5), D(v,0.1), and D(v,0.9) values ​​were readily determined from the obtained particle size values. Detailed Implementation

[0112] The present invention is illustrated by the following non-limiting embodiments.

[0113] Example 1

[0114] The premixed formulations were prepared according to Table 1.

[0115] Table 1: Formulations of Aqueous Premixes and Powder Premixes

[0116]

[0117] A PPP (Plant Protection Product) mixture containing 20.77% Cruiser 5FS (insecticide, exSyngenta) and 6.0% Maxim Quattro (fungicide, exSyngenta) was used. Corn seeds were coated with a mixture of 0.7 wt.% PPP mixture, 30.5 wt.% aqueous premix, and 68.8 wt.% powder premix; the application rate was such that 200 g of dry film coating was applied per kg of seeds. The coated seeds were dried in warm air for 10 minutes.

[0118] Example 2

[0119] The drying rate of the seeds prepared in Example 1 was measured using cotton indicators. After leaving the coater, the coated seeds were collected in a flat tray, and a timer was activated. Drying was checked as follows: a fresh cotton indicator was placed on the surface of each new seed in the seed tray every 10 seconds. The timer was stopped and the time recorded when no color transfer from the seed to the cotton indicator was observed.

[0120] Seed agglomeration / bridging occurs when moistened seeds leave the coater and are collected in the storage hopper, and are then compacted by subsequent seeding. This presents challenges to seed processing facilities in terms of equipment blockage, labor, and time.

[0121] After 10 seconds, no color transfer was observed to the cotton indicator, and the coated corn seeds were immediately dry to the touch, non-sticky, and did not show any clumping.

[0122] Example 3

[0123] A duplicate 4-minute Heubach test was performed on 100g of coated corn seeds prepared in Example 1, and the results were averaged as the total dust amount per 100,000 seeds. For corn, the dust reference value for treated corn seeds developed by ESA is a maximum of 0.75g of dust per 100,000 seeds. With the coated corn seeds from Example 1, the dust level was reduced to 0.12 to 0.14g per 100,000 seeds. Abrasion on the corn seeds was visually observed after the dust test in the Heubach apparatus. The abrasion score is a visual quantification of seed quality, evaluated after 4 minutes of treatment in the Heubach apparatus (closely simulating industrial processing conditions). Abrasion scores were assigned from 1 (high abrasion resistance / good quality seeds) to 5 (low abrasion resistance / poor quality seeds). The coated corn seeds had an abrasion score of 1.

[0124] Example 4

[0125] The flow of coated seeds is important in seed treatment facilities and as they flow through growers on farms. Lower friction between seeds results in better efficiency at each stage. Generally, the addition of PPPs and conventional film coating to maize seeds significantly slows seed flow, which is not a desirable characteristic. To test the flow of the coated maize seeds prepared in Example 1, 1 kg of seeds were placed in a stoppered funnel. The stopper was opened and a timer was started simultaneously. The time it took for the last seed to leave the funnel was recorded as the flow rate, in s / kg. The coated maize seeds had a flow rate of 6.39 s / kg, compared to 6.18 s / kg for uncoated maize seeds, meaning that the coated maize seeds allowed for almost the same rapid flow as the untreated seeds.

[0126] The above embodiments illustrate the improved properties of the seed coating composition and coated seeds according to the present invention.

Claims

1. A seed coating composition comprising a polymer binder, a filler, and a fibrous material.

2. The seed coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the fibrous material comprises cellulose fibers.

3. The seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the filler comprises talc.

4. The seed coating composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer binder comprises at least one polymer selected from polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyacrylate.

5. The seed coating composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer binder comprises polyvinylpyrrolidone.

6. The seed coating composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising less than 20% by weight of water.

7. The seed coating composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of filler particles to fibrous material is 0.5 to 15.0:1 by weight.

8. The seed coating composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising 8 to 12% by weight of a polymer binder.

9. The seed coating composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein more than 50% by weight of the polymer binder is polyvinylpyrrolidone.

10. A seed coating composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer binder comprises polyvinylpyrrolidone, and vinyl acetate copolymer and / or polyvinyl alcohol.

11. A method for forming a seed coating composition, comprising combining an aqueous composition premix containing a polymer binder with a powder premix containing fillers and fibrous materials.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the powder premix comprises 70 to 90% by weight of filler and / or 10 to 30% by weight of fibrous material.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein the polymeric adhesive comprises polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or the filler comprises talc and / or the fibrous material comprises cellulose fibers.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the aqueous composition premix comprises (i) 22 to 50% by weight of a polymeric binder, (ii) 45 to 65% by weight of water, and optionally (iii) 5 to 15% by weight of a pigment.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the ratio of the aqueous composition premix to the powder premix is ​​0.25 to 0.60:

1.

16. A method for coating seeds, comprising applying a seed coating composition comprising a polymeric binder, a filler, and a fibrous material to seeds.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the polymeric adhesive comprises polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or the filler comprises talc and / or the fibrous material comprises cellulose fibers.

18. The method according to any one of claims 16 and 17, wherein a crust layer is formed.

19. Seeds with a coating containing polymer binders, fillers and fibrous materials.

20. The seed of claim 19, wherein the polymer binder comprises polyvinylpyrrolidone and / or the filler comprises talc and / or the fibrous material comprises cellulose fibers.

21. The seed according to any one of claims 19 and 20, wherein the ratio of coating layer to seed by weight is 0.05 to 0.5:

1.

22. The seed according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the seed is corn, soybean, or rice.

23. Use of cellulose fibers in seed coating compositions for reducing the drying time required when coating the composition onto seeds.

24. The use according to claim 23, wherein the cellulose fibers are used in combination with polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Images