Compositions and methods for repelling birds away from plants and plant propagation material

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bird repellent composition, in particular a bird repellent composition comprising a compound that activates at least one bird taste receptor selected from the group consisting of Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5 and Tas2r7, to the use thereof in a method for repelling birds away from plants and plant propagation material. The invention further relates to a seed treatment formulation and its use in preventing or reducing damage of birds to plants or plant propagation material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to compositions, formulations, and methods for repelling birds from plants, and more particularly for preventing or reducing bird damage to plant reproductive materials (especially seeds). introduce

[0002] Given the significant economic losses that bird damage can cause, protecting plant crops (including their propagation material) from bird predation is a critical concern for farmers. While birds play a vital role in controlling harmful insects and rodents, they can also cause damage during sowing, seedling, and maturity stages, leading to sharp declines in crop yields. In addition to reduced yields, bird damage can also result in poor crop appearance and increased susceptibility to other pests, such as fungal diseases.

[0003] To mitigate these problems, farmers employ a variety of bird deterrence techniques, including visual deterrence (such as scarecrows, lasers, or reflective strips) and auditory deterrence (including propane cannons and sonic or ultrasonic scare devices). Crop growers have also long used bird repellents to treat crops and scare away predatory birds. The idea of ​​applying bird repellents to plants or their reproductive material (such as seeds) is appealing because, as the name suggests, these agents are non-lethal to birds and are delivered directly to the target pests—the birds that feed on the plants or seeds.

[0004] Unfortunately, there are very few reliable bird deterrent solutions available at present.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for new compositions and methods for controlling or preventing damage to plants, particularly plant propagation material, caused by birds. Therefore, the object of this invention is to provide new compositions and methods for repelling birds from crop plants and plant propagation material (especially seeds).

[0006] A particular object of the present invention is to provide a seed-applied bird repellent that prevents birds from consuming newly planted crops (such as corn, sunflowers and cereal crops).

[0007] Another objective is to provide bird repellent compositions and formulations that are easy to apply, non-lethal to birds, and environmentally friendly. Summary of the Invention

[0008] It has now been surprisingly discovered that certain compounds are highly effective in preventing birds from consuming plants and their reproductive materials. More specifically, certain compounds and compositions containing these compounds have been found to render plants and their reproductive materials unpalatable or repulsive to birds by activating one or more specific avian taste receptors associated with bitterness.

[0009] Therefore, in a first aspect of the invention, a bird repellent composition is provided comprising a compound (A) that activates at least one avian taste receptor selected from Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5, and Tas2r7. Surprisingly, when applied to crop plants and plant propagation materials (particularly their seeds), the compound activating at least one of these specific bitter taste receptors in birds causes these birds to cease consuming the crop plants and plant propagation materials. Advantageously, the compounds and compositions of the present invention teach birds not to eat crops treated with them, even preferring to starve rather than consume them.

[0010] In some instances, compound (A) activates two, preferably three, preferably four, and more preferably all avian taste receptors selected from Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5, and Tas2r7. In some embodiments, these compounds are cholic acids or cholic acid derivatives. In other specific embodiments, the compound activating multiple avian taste receptors selected from Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5, and Tas2r7 is a compound containing at least one tryptophan (Trp) and up to six tryptophan moieties (such as tritryptophan).

[0011] In a particular aspect, the present invention relates to a bird repellent composition comprising cholic acid (A-1).

[0012] ,

[0013] Glycinecholic acid (A-2):

[0014] ,

[0015] Taurol lithocholic acid (A-3):

[0016] ,

[0017] Or tritryptophan (A-4):

[0018] Or a combination thereof.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a seed treatment formulation comprising a bird repellent composition as described herein.

[0020] The present invention also covers methods for preventing or reducing bird damage to plants and plant propagation material (particularly seeds), wherein said methods include treating the plants or plant propagation material with compositions as disclosed herein.

[0021] The present invention further relates to the use of compounds and compositions as defined herein for repelling birds from plants and plant propagation materials.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention relates to plant propagation materials, particularly seeds, treated with the compositions of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The compositions and methods described herein are designed to prevent birds from consuming plants and their reproductive materials. These compositions and methods can be applied to many types of plants and reproductive materials.

[0024] One or more active ingredients of the present invention are compounds (A) that activate at least one avian taste receptor selected from Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5, and Tas2r7, or combinations thereof. Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5, and Tas2r7 are members of the T2R (TAS2R or Tas2r) family of bitter taste receptors, which has been found in a variety of species. The TAS2R gene encodes bitter taste receptors, which are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) located primarily on the surface of taste bud cells on the tongue. These receptors allow humans and other animals to detect and respond to bitter substances, a feature considered an evolutionary protective mechanism to prevent the ingestion of potentially toxic substances—many of which have a bitter taste. It has previously been determined that different animal species respond differently to individual bitter compounds.

[0025] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a bird repellent composition comprising a compound (A) that activates at least one avian taste receptor selected from Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5, and Tas2r7. Not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that upon consumption of crop plants or propagation material treated with this composition, at least one TAS2R gene is activated, and birds perceive bitterness; therefore, this composition can be used as a bird deterrent or repellent. More specifically, the binding of a particular compound to Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5, and / or Tas2r7 receptors is thought to trigger a series of cellular events that transmit a bitter taste perception signal; in addition to the possible immediate physiological response to the perception of bitterness (i.e., cessation of consumption (or even vomiting) of the treated plant material), a subsequent aversion to consuming the plant material may develop.

[0026] For it to be an effective bird repellent composition, the composition comprises a compound (A) that activates at least one of the aforementioned bird taste receptors. However, it is preferred that the compound activates at least two, preferably three, preferably four, and more preferably all of the receptors selected from Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5, and Tas2r7.

[0027] Therefore, in some embodiments, the composition comprises a compound (A) that activates two of the following avian taste receptors: Tas2r1 and Tas2r3; Tas2r1 and Tas2r4; Tas2r1 and Tas2r5; Tas2r1 and Tas2r7; Tas2r3 and Tas2r4; Tas2r3 and Tas2r5; Tas2r3 and Tas2r7; Tas2r4 and Tas2r5; Tas2r4 and Tas2r7; or Tas2r5 and Tas2r7.

[0028] In some embodiments, the composition comprises a compound (A) that activates three of the following avian taste receptors: Tas2r1, Tas2r3, and Tas2r4; Tas2r1, Tas2r3, and Tas2r5; Tas2r1, Tas2r3, and Tas2r7; Tas2r1, Tas2r4, and Tas2r5; Tas2r1, Tas2r4, and Tas2r7; Tas2r3, Tas2r4, and Tas2r5; Tas2r3, Tas2r4, and Tas2r7; or Tas2r4, Tas2r5, and Tas2r7.

[0029] In some embodiments, the composition comprises a compound (A) that activates four avian taste receptors: Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4 and Tas2r5; Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4 and Tas2r7; Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5 and Tas2r7; Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r5 and Tas2r7; or Tas2r1, Tas2r4, Tas2r5 and Tas2r7.

[0030] In some embodiments, the composition comprises compound (A) that activates all five avian taste receptors Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5, and Tas2r7.

[0031] In particular, compounds containing 1 to 6 tryptophan moieties have been found to be active against avian Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5, and / or Tas2r7 receptors. Furthermore, cholic acids and cholic acid derivatives have been found to be active against avian Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5, and / or Tas2r7 receptors.

[0032] In the context of this invention, the term "cholic acid derivative" means that one or more of the A, B, C, and D rings of the cholic acid sterol skeleton may have one or more functional groups, such as hydroxyl, halogen, (halo)alkyl, or aminoalkyl, and / or the heptanoic acid functional group is modified by, for example, an ester, aminoalkyl, amide alkyl, or alkylsulfonic acid functional group.

[0033] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a bird repellent composition comprising a compound (A) that activates at least one avian taste receptor selected from Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5 and Tas2r7, wherein compound (A) is a compound containing 1 to 6 tryptophan moieties.

[0034] Therefore, in the embodiments, the present invention relates to a bird repellent composition comprising a compound (A) that activates at least one avian taste receptor selected from Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5 and Tas2r7, wherein compound (A) is a cholic acid or a cholic acid derivative.

[0035] In addition, certain compounds containing 1 to 6 tryptophan moieties, as well as cholic acid and cholic acid derivatives, have been found to be independently active against more than one Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5 and / or Tas2r7 receptors in birds.

[0036] Examples of bile acid derivatives that are independently active against multiple Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5 and / or Tas2r7 receptors in birds are glycocholic acid and taurolic acid.

[0037] Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention relates to a bird repellent composition comprising cholic acid (A-1).

[0038]

[0039] or its derivatives.

[0040] In a particular aspect, a bird repellent composition is provided, the bird repellent composition comprising glycocholic acid (A-2):

[0041] .

[0042] In another specific aspect, a bird repellent composition is provided, the bird repellent composition comprising taurol lithocholic acid (A-3):

[0043] .

[0044] In another specific aspect, a bird repellent composition is provided that comprises a cholic acid derivative, different from A-1, A-2, and A-3, such as lithocholic acid (A-3'):

[0045] .

[0046] An example of a tryptophan-containing compound that is independently active against multiple Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5 and / or Tas2r7 receptors in birds is tritryptophan (A-4):

[0047] .

[0048] Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention relates to a bird repellent composition comprising tritryptophan.

[0049] Various aspects of the present invention also relate to a bird repellent composition comprising a combination of two or more of compounds A-1, A-2, A-3 and A-4.

[0050] The compounds cholic acid (CAS 81-25-4), glycocholic acid (CAS 475-31-0), taurol lithocholic acid (CAS 516-90-5), lithocholic acid (CAS 434-13-9), and tritryptophan (CAS 59005-82-2) and their synthesis are known in the art.

[0051] Bird repellent compositions may contain one or more adjuvants and / or diluents and / or additional active ingredients, as will be described in more detail below.

[0052] The bird repellent composition according to the invention is used in methods for treating crop plants and plant propagation material to prevent or reduce damage to plants and their propagation material (especially seeds) caused by birds.

[0053] As used herein, the term “treated” or “treating” a plant or plant propagation material can refer to the application of a composition according to any one of the embodiments of the invention to a plant, or a part or site of a plant, or its propagation material, or to a process of covering, coating, applicating, applying or coating.

[0054] In the context of this disclosure, the term “damage to plants and plant propagation material” can refer to any of the following harms caused by birds: direct consumption of seeds; seedling damage caused by uprooting and eating seedlings; root damage caused by digging in the soil to eat insects or roots; stripping mature grains; eating flowers or buds; pecking at fruits and vegetables; pecking at nut shells; bird droppings; and spreading diseases.

[0055] In addition to reduced yields, these adverse events can make crops more susceptible to other harmful organisms, such as fungal diseases.

[0056] In a particular aspect, the bird repellent composition is used to treat plant propagation material, more particularly seeds. Therefore, in another aspect, a seed treatment formulation is provided comprising the bird repellent composition according to the invention.

[0057] In this invention, the term "plant propagation material" can be understood to refer to all reproductive parts of a plant, such as seeds, which can be used for plant propagation, including plant-based materials such as cuttings. Seeds (in the strict sense), roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, and parts of a plant can be mentioned as plant propagation material. Before sowing or planting the plant propagation material, the material can be treated with one or more active ingredients of this invention. Alternatively, the plant propagation material can be treated with one or more active ingredients of this invention during sowing or planting. Furthermore, one or more active ingredients of this invention can be applied to the previously treated propagation material before or during planting. One or more active ingredients of this invention can be applied during seed sowing. One or more active ingredients can also be used for plant propagation material from greenhouse-grown plants and / or plant propagation material during transplantation. More preferably, the plant propagation material is plant seeds.

[0058] Seeds may also still exist on the plants that produced them, for example, when they are mature but not yet harvested. Such seeds can be naked, such as grains or sunflower seeds, or they can be borne or embedded in fruits. The present invention relates to two types of seeds. According to a particular embodiment, the seeds according to the invention are seeds that exist in the field, are placed in the field awaiting growth, or have already grown in the field; in the latter case, the seeds exist on mature plants.

[0059] Therefore, in one aspect, the invention also relates to a field containing seeds treated with the composition according to the invention.

[0060] Typically, the compounds and compositions according to the invention can be used in combination with other active ingredients, including pest control agents such as insecticides, herbicides, acaricides, nematicides, fungicides, or agents that enhance the activity of the compositions according to the invention, for example, in chemical treatment or pest control projects. This combination can have additional, unexpected advantages.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the bird-repelling composition of the present invention forms part of a pest-killing composition comprising one or more pest-killing compounds, such as insecticides, herbicides, acaricides, nematicides, and / or fungicides.

[0062] In another exemplary embodiment, the bird repellent composition of the present invention may optionally be applied alone to plants or plant propagation material before and / or after the application of other active ingredients.

[0063] In some embodiments, the bird repellent composition of the present invention comprises compound (B) as an additional active ingredient, wherein compound (B) Selected from: aramacin-s-methyl, metalaxyl-M, metalaxyl, tetrazolium pyraclostrobin, fluoxadixyl acetonide, thiamethoxam, fludioxonil, azoxystrobin, thiabendazole, difenoconazole, tebuconazole, styraclostrobin, chlorfluazol, prothioconazole, cymoxanil, fluoxadixyl, indapoxanil, fluoxadixyl aniline, fluopyram, fluoxadixylamide, fluoxadixyl hydroxylamine, triflupyridamole, thiamethoxam, isoxaflutole, isopropoxyfenozide, thiamethoxam, benzo[a]fluoroquinolones, pyridaben, cymoxanil, phosphonates, silthiamethoxam, pyraclostrobin, isothiamethoxam, triflumethoprim, fluoxadixyl quinolones, tetrazolium acetonide, pyridabenamide, pyridabenamide, fluopyram, fluoxadixyl acetonide, fluoxadixyl sulfonate, bromoxynil Benzyl bisamide, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, bromocyanamide, chlorantraniliprole, tetrazolium amide, fluoxazolamide, pyrimethanil, dimethomorph, pyrimethanil, flufenoxuron, trifluralin, oxazolidinyl sulfadiazine, dichlorvos, pyrimethanil, hymexazol, pyrimethanil, cyclophosphamide, toluene-methyl, copper, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, abamectin, heptafluthrin, pyrimethanil, methoxyfenozide, amino oligosaccharide, Melaleuca alternifolia, thiamethoxam, benzymidine, chlorpyrifos, fluthiamethoxam, trifluralin, spirotetramat, dispiren, fluazinam, indazole, thiophanate-methyl, benzymidine, flupyraclostrobin, pyrimethanil, tetrachlorantraniliprole, bifenthrin, and emamectin or combinations thereof.

[0064] In some embodiments, the bird repellent composition of the present invention comprises a compound (A) as defined herein and a compound (B) selected from metalaxyl-M, tetrazolium acetonide, fludioxonil, cypermethrin, thiamethoxam, isoxaflutole, triflupyridine, bromocyanamide, chlorantraniliprole, fluazinam, and prothioconazole or combinations thereof.

[0065] Typically, the weight ratio of compound (A) to compound (B) is in the range of 1:500 to 500:1, preferably 1:100 to 100:1, and more preferably 1:10 to 10:1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of compound (A) to compound (B) is 25:1, 20:1, 16:1, 10:1, 8:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3.2:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1.5:1, 1.25:1, 1:1, 1:1.25, 1:1.5, 1:2, 1:3, 1:3.2, 1:4, 1:5, 1:8, 1:10, 1:16, 1:20, or 1:25.

[0066] The compositions and formulations may additionally contain a certain amount of inactive ingredients. For example, the compositions and formulations may include surfactants, solvents (such as water and / or other solvents), thickeners, preservatives (including bactericides and other biocides), humectants, antifreeze ingredients, defoaming ingredients, and (if appropriate) colorants or other additives.

[0067] The application rates of the bird repellent compounds, compositions, and formulations of the present invention can vary widely and depend on soil properties, application method (pre- or post-emergence, seed dressing, application to seed furrows, no-till application, etc.), crop species, major climatic conditions, and other factors governed by the application method, application time, and target crop.

[0068] When used for seed treatment, the composition or formulation containing the composition of the present invention is typically applied at a ratio corresponding to: 0.01 to 2 mg of compound (A) / plant propagation material (e.g., seeds), and preferably 0.2 to 1 mg of compound (A) / plant propagation material (e.g., seeds).

[0069] In some instances, the application rate is between 0.0005 and 150 g of compound (A) / kg of seed, preferably between 0.005 and 100 g of compound (A) / kg of seed, and more preferably between 0.05 and 50 g of compound (A) / kg of seed. In specific instances, the application rate is between 0.5 and 10 g of compound (A) / kg of seed.

[0070] When used for soil application or furrow application, the composition or formulation containing the composition of the present invention is typically applied at a ratio of 100 g to 4000 g / ha of compound (A), and preferably 500 g to 1000 g / ha of compound (A).

[0071] The present invention also relates to a coated plant propagation material, preferably seeds, wherein the coating comprises a composition as described in any one of the embodiments according to the present invention.

[0072] In one aspect of the invention, the composition and preparations comprising such a composition are repellent and / or unpalatable to birds whose diet consists partly or entirely of plants and their reproductive material (particularly seeds). Such birds are commonly referred to as seed-eating birds or grain-eating birds. According to such embodiments, the invention is most useful to birds that feed on crop seeds.

[0073] Examples of birds that feed on crop seeds include, but are not limited to,

[0074] - The family Corvidae, and more specifically, the genus Corvus, including species such as the house crow (Corvus splendens), the ruddy-nosed crow (Corvus frugilegus), the small-billed crow (Corvus corone), and the jackdaw (Corvus monedula).

[0075] - The family Columbidae, and more specifically, the genus Columba, including species such as the Wood Pigeon (Columbapalumbus), the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), and the Grey Dove (Streptopelia decaocto).

[0076] - Pheasant family (Phasianidae), more specifically, Pheasant genus (Phasianus), such as the pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), or Partridge genus (Perdix), Grey partridge (Perdix perdix).

[0077] - Turdidae, and more specifically, Turdus, such as the Eurasian Black Thrush (Turdus merula);

[0078] - Purple-winged Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), Common Myna (Quiscalus quiscula)

[0079] - The family Anatidae, and more specifically, the genus Anas, such as the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), and the genus Anser, such as the greylag goose (Anser anser).

[0080] In some respects, the compositions and preparations of the present invention are used to repel blackbirds (Eurasian blackbirds), crows (crocodile species), false mynas (Quiscalus species), pheasants (pheasant species), and / or starlings (purple-winged starlings).

[0081] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for preventing or reducing damage to plants or plant propagation materials (particularly seeds) by birds, wherein the method comprises treating the plant propagation material with a composition according to any one of the embodiments of the invention.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the method for preventing or reducing damage to plant propagation material by birds covers preventing birds from eating newly planted crops.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the method for preventing or reducing damage to plant propagation material by birds covers preventing birds from eating newly sown seeds.

[0084] The present invention also relates to the use of a compound that activates at least one avian taste receptor selected from Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5 and Tas2r7 as a bird repellent.

[0085] In one aspect, the present invention relates to the use of compounds selected from cholic acid (CAS 81-25-4), glycocholic acid (CAS 475-31-0), taurol cholic acid (CAS 516-90-5), and tritryptophan (CAS 59005-82-2) or combinations thereof as bird repellents.

[0086] In the embodiments, the above uses and methods do not include treating a human or animal body by surgical or therapeutic and diagnostic methods performed on the human or animal body.

[0087] Birds can cause damage to a variety of crops. The extent of the damage may vary depending on the bird type, crop growth stage, and region. Examples of crops that can be treated with the compositions of this invention include:

[0088] - Cereals, such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, rice, corn, sorghum, millet, and black wheat;

[0089] - Legumes, such as common beans, lentils, peas, and soybeans;

[0090] - Oilseed crops, such as rapeseed (canola), mustard, poppy, olive, sunflower, coconut, castor bean, cocoa bean, peanut and peanut;

[0091] Cucurbits, such as pumpkins, cucumbers, and melons; fiber plants, including cotton, flax, hemp, jute, and sisal;

[0092] - Grasses, such as Bermuda grass, bluegrass, benther grass, centipede grass, cowgrass, ryegrass, St. Augustine grass, and zoysia grass;

[0093] - Palm plants, such as oil palm;

[0094] - Ornamental plants, including flowers, shrubs and trees;

[0095] - Vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cabbage, carrots, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, garlic, zucchini, okra, squash, and rhubarb. Additionally, vines such as grapes are also suitable target crops.

[0096] Crops should be understood as those that exist naturally, are obtained through conventional breeding methods, or are obtained through genetic engineering. These include crops with so-called output traits, such as improved storage stability, higher nutritional value, and improved flavor.

[0097] The term "crop" should be understood to also include crop plants that have been transformed using recombinant DNA technology to enable them to synthesize one or more selectively acting toxins, such as those known to originate from toxin-producing bacteria, particularly those of the genus Bacillus.

[0098] In one embodiment, the seeds treated as described herein include corn, cereals (such as wheat, barley, oats, rye, and spelt wheat), soybeans, rapeseed, rice, sugar beets, cotton, millet varieties such as sorghum, sunflowers, beans, peas, oilseed plants (such as canola, rapeseed, and soybeans), cabbage, tomatoes, eggplants (or aubergines), peppers, and other plants and spices, as well as ornamental shrubs and flowers. Suitable target crops also include genetically modified crop plants of the aforementioned types. In one embodiment, the seeds are derived from corn, sunflowers, or cereals, particularly wheat or barley.

[0099] Seed treatment can occur on unsown seeds, and the term "unsown seeds" is intended to include seeds at any time between seed harvest and sowing in the land (for the purpose of plant germination and growth). Treatment of unsown seeds is not intended to include practices such as the application of pesticides to the soil, but rather to include any application practices performed on seeds during the sowing / planting process.

[0100] The treated plant propagation material of this invention can be treated in the same way as conventional plant propagation material. The treated plant propagation material can be stored, treated, sown, and cultivated in the same way as any other material treated with pesticides.

[0101] In this invention, as used herein, the term "site" means a field in which or on which plants grow, or a field in which seeds of cultivated plants are sown, or a field in which seeds are to be placed in soil. It includes soil, seeds and seedlings, and established vegetation.

[0102] According to the invention, compositions and formulations comprising one or more active ingredients as defined herein can advantageously be in the form of a soluble concentrate (SL), a flowable concentrate (FS) for seed treatment, or a suspension concentrate (SC), and more preferably a seed treatment slurry to be applied to seeds. Slurries for seed treatment applications are well known in the art. For example, the slurry may contain one or more active ingredients (in the form of a commercially available product or a non-commercially available product), which are mixed with water and optionally with at least one polymer as described in the invention to optimize adhesion around the plant propagation material.

[0103] Preferred formulations may have the following composition (by weight%):

[0104] Flowable concentrate for seed treatment :

[0105]

[0106] Suspension concentrate:

[0107]

[0108] soluble concentrate :

[0109]

[0110] The following examples further illustrate (but do not limit) the invention.

[0111] Suspension concentrate (SC)

[0112]

[0113] The finely ground compound is tightly mixed with adjuvants to produce a suspension concentrate, from which a suspension concentrate can be diluted with water to obtain a suspension of any desired dilution. Using such a dilution, living plants and plant propagation material can be treated and protected from microbial contamination by spraying, watering, or immersion.

[0114] Flowable concentrate (FS) for seed treatment

[0115]

[0116] The finely ground compound is tightly mixed with adjuvants to produce a suspension concentrate, from which a suspension concentrate can be diluted with water to obtain a suspension of any desired dilution. Using such a dilution, living plants and plant propagation material can be treated and protected from microbial contamination by spraying, watering, or immersion.

[0117] Soluble concentrate (SL)

[0118]

[0119] Solutions with any required dilution that can be used in plant protection can be obtained by diluting this concentrate with water.

[0120] Each active ingredient can be applied separately to plant propagation material from different compositions, or these active ingredients can be aggregated in the same composition (a ready-to-use composition diluted with water). The composition may contain one or more active ingredients in amounts from about 0.001% to about 99% by weight of the total composition. Suitablely, the composition contains one or more active ingredients in amounts from about 0.001% to about 50% by weight of the total composition. More suitablely, the composition contains one or more active ingredients in amounts from about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of the total composition. More suitablely, the composition contains one or more active ingredients in amounts from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the total composition. If the formulation is in concentrate form and requires dilution with water before use, it will contain a higher amount of active ingredient than a composition that is ready to use without dilution.

[0121] Solid carriers can be natural or synthetic solid materials that are insoluble in water. Such carriers are typically inert and acceptable in agriculture, particularly for treated seeds or other propagation materials. Examples include clay, diatomaceous earth, natural or synthetic silicates, titanium dioxide, magnesium silicate, aluminum silicate, talc, pyrophyllite clay, silica, attapulgite clay, diatomaceous earth, chalk, limestone, calcium carbonate, calcium montmorillonite, bentonite, bleaching clay, cottonseed hulls, wheat flour, soybean flour, pumice, wood flour, ground walnut shell powder, lignin, etc.

[0122] Therefore, one or more active ingredients of the present invention, and more preferably one or more compositions containing one or more active ingredients, can preferably adhere to reproductive materials (such as seeds).

[0123] While the method of the present invention is considered applicable to seeds in any physiological state, it is preferred that the seed be in a sufficiently stable state to be undamaged during the treatment. Typically, the seeds are those harvested from the field; removed from the plant; and separated from any rachis, stem, husk, and surrounding pulp or other non-seed plant material. The seeds are also preferably biologically stable to ensure that the treatment does not cause biological damage. It is believed that the treatment can be applied to the seeds at any time between seed harvesting and sowing, or during the sowing process (directed application of seeds).

[0124] The compositions and formulations according to the invention may be referred to as seed dressing compositions, which relate to liquid compositions that can be used to at least partially or completely cover and / or moisten plant propagation material (and more preferably seeds).

[0125] The compositions and formulations according to the invention are particularly suitable for seed dressing of plant propagation materials (especially seeds).

[0126] Seed treatment application techniques are well known to those skilled in the art, and they can be readily applied in the context of this invention.

[0127] Conventional processing techniques and machinery, such as fluidized bed technology, drum milling methods, rotostatic seed treatment machines, and drum coating machines, can be used to apply the compositions and formulations according to the invention to seeds. Other methods, such as spray beds, can also be useful. Seeds can be pre-sized before coating. After coating, the seeds are typically dried and then transferred to a sizing machine for sizing. Such procedures are known in the art and are described in more detail below.

[0128] The compositions and formulations of the present invention can be applied to seeds as slurries or soaking solutions. It may also be mentioned, for example, film coating or encapsulation. Coating methods are well known in the art, and film coating or encapsulation techniques are used for seeds, or impregnation techniques for other propagation products. More specifically, treatment can vary from a thin film (where the initial size and / or shape is identifiable) of a formulation containing the compositions of the present invention on plant propagation material (such as seeds) to a thick film (such as a coating or granules having many layers of different materials (such as a carrier, e.g., clay; different formulations, such as active ingredients; polymers; and colorants)) (where the initial shape and / or size of the seeds is no longer identifiable).

[0129] A method of applying the compositions and formulations according to the invention encompasses spraying or wetting plant propagation material with an aqueous liquid formulation, or mixing the plant material with such a liquid formulation. Furthermore, prior to application, the compositions of the invention can be diluted with water by simple mixing at ambient temperature to prepare on-farm seed treatment formulations.

[0130] Typically, tank-mixed products for seed treatment application contain 0.25% to 80%, particularly 1% to 75% by weight, one or more active ingredients, and 99.75% to 20%, particularly 99% to 25% by weight, solid or liquid adjuvants (including, for example, solvents such as water), wherein these adjuvants may be surfactants, in amounts of 0% to 40%, particularly 0.5% to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the tank-mixed product.

[0131] Typically, premixed products for seed treatment application contain 0.5% to 99.9%, particularly 1% to 95% by weight of one or more active ingredients, and 99.5% to 0.1%, particularly 99% to 5% by weight of solid or liquid adjuvants (including solvents such as water), wherein these adjuvants may be surfactants, in amounts of 0% to 50%, particularly 0.5% to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the premixed product.

[0132] In an embodiment, the formulation is a flowable concentrate (FS) formulation for seed treatment, comprising 10 wt% to 60 wt%, preferably 40 wt% to 50 wt% of one or more active ingredients by weight of the total formulation.

[0133] Commercial products will preferably be formulated as concentrates (e.g., premixed compositions (formulations)), while end users will typically use diluted formulations (e.g., barrel-mixed compositions).

[0134] Biological examples

[0135] Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5, and Tas2r7 receptors were isolated from blood samples of the rook (Corvus frugilegus). Bitter taste receptors can be functionally expressed in mammalian cell lines to characterize their activation profiles (Meyerhof W, Töle J, Born S, Behrens M. Rezeptortestverfahren zum Auffinden von Geschmacksmodulatoren. [Receptor Assays for Identifying Taste Modulators] Aktuel. Ernaehrungsmed. [Contemporary Nutritional Medicine] 2013;38:30-36). To achieve cell surface expression, the receptor's cDNA was cloned into an expression vector containing the first 45 amino acids encoding the rat somatostatin receptor subtype-3 sequence (sst3-tag) (Ammon C, Schäfer J, Kreuzer OJ, Meyerhof W. Presence of a plasma membrane targeting sequence in the amino-terminal region of the rat somatostatin receptor 3. Arch Physiol Biochem. 2002;110:137-45). This sequence was added to the 5' end of the receptor cDNA and used as an export epitope (Bufe et al. 2002). Furthermore, the expression vector contained a herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D epitope, which was added to the 3' end and could be used for immunofluorescence detection of the receptor. To enable effective coupling between receptors and intracellular calcium signaling cascades, cells have been engineered to constitutively express the chimeric G protein Gα16gust44 (Ueda T, Ugawa S, Yamamura H, Imaizumi Y, Shimada S. Functional interaction between T2R taste receptors and G-protein alpha subunits expressed in taste receptor cells [J Neurosci. 2003;23:7376-80]).The cell line HEK 293T-Gα16gust44 was kindly provided by J. Slack (Givaudan Inc.).

[0136] The compounds tested were cholic acid (Calbiochem), glycocholic acid (Sigma-Aldrich), taurolcholic acid (Cayman Chemical), and tritryptophan (Bachem).

[0137] Functional experiments were conducted as previously reported (e.g., Lang T, Lang R, Di Pizio A, Mittermeier V, Schlagbauer V, Hofmann T, Behrens M. Numerous compounds orchestrate coffee's bitterness. J. Agric. FoodChem. 2020; 68:6692-6700; Lang R, Lang T, Dunkel A, Ziegler F, Behrens M. Overlapping activation pattern of bitter taste receptors affect sensory adaptation and food perception. Front. Nutr. 2022;9:1082698). For the experiments, cells were plated on 96-well plates (black, transparent bottom) treated with 10 µg / mL poly-D-lysine to increase adhesion and incubated overnight under normal conditions. Cells were then transiently transfected using Lipofectamine 2000 (0.3 µL Lipofectamine 2000 + 150 ng plasmid DNA / well). An empty expression vector was transfected as a negative control (dummy) in addition to the receptor cDNA. After 5 h, transfection was stopped by replacing the medium with standard growth medium, and cells were incubated for approximately 24 h under standard culture conditions. The next day, cells were loaded with the calcium-sensitive dye Fluo4-am in the presence of 2.5 mM probenecid and kept in the dark for 30 min. Cells were then washed with C1 buffer using a BioTek cell washer and subsequently stored in the dark at room temperature for 30 min. After a second wash with C1 buffer, the 96-well plate was placed in a fluorescence imaging plate reader (FLIPR). TETRAIn this assay, the test compound is automatically administered using the plate reader, and changes in fluorescence are monitored after administration. A second administration of somatostatin-14 serves as a vitality control. Data were simulated and subtracted using Screenworks 4.2 software and exported to Microsoft Excel for preliminary calculation of relative fluorescence change (ΔF / F). If a complete dose-response relationship was measured, EC was calculated using SigmaPlot software. 50 -concentration.

[0138] The results are summarized in Table 1 below. “X” indicates an activated receptor. Threshold concentrations (defined as the lowest concentration of a substance that produces a statistically significant response in cells expressing the receptor compared to cells transfected with an empty expression vector) are provided in µM (micromoles) in parentheses.

[0139] Table 1: Receptor Response of the Bald-nosed Crow

[0140] .

Claims

1. A method for preventing or reducing damage to plants or plant propagation material by birds, wherein the method comprises applying a bird repellent composition to the plant propagation material, the bird repellent composition comprising a compound (A) that activates at least one avian taste receptor selected from Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5, and Tas2r7.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein compound (A) activates two, preferably three, preferably four, and more preferably all avian taste receptors selected from Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5, and Tas2r7.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein compound (A) activates avian taste receptors Tas2r1 and Tas2r3; Tas2r1 and Tas2r4; Tas2r1 and Tas2r5; Tas2r1 and Tas2r7; Tas2r3 and Tas2r4; Tas2r3 and Tas2r5; Tas2r3 and Tas2r7; Tas2r4 and Tas2r5; Tas2r4 and Tas2r7; or Tas2r5 and Tas2r7.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein compound (A) is cholic acid or a cholic acid derivative.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein compound (A) is a compound containing at least one tryptophan (Trp) moiety.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein compound (A) is selected from: Bile acids (CAS 81-25-4) Glycinecholic acid (CAS 475-31-0) Taurol lithocholic acid (CAS 516-90-5) and Tritryptophan (CAS 59005-82-2) Or a combination thereof.

7. A method for preventing or reducing bird damage to plants or plant propagation material, wherein the method comprises applying to the plant propagation material a composition comprising a compound selected from (A): Bile acids (CAS 81-25-4) Glycinecholic acid (CAS 475-31-0) Taurol lithocholic acid (CAS 516-90-5) and Tritryptophan (CAS 59005-82-2) Or a combination thereof.

8. The method of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the bird repellent composition comprises compound (B) as an additional active ingredient, wherein compound (B) Selected from: aramacin-s-methyl, metalaxyl-M, metalaxyl, tetrazolium pyraclostrobin, fluoxadixyl acetonide, thiamethoxam, fludioxonil, azoxystrobin, thiabendazole, difenoconazole, tebuconazole, styraclostrobin, chlorfluazol, prothioconazole, cymoxanil, fluoxadixyl, indapoxanil, fluoxadixyl aniline, fluopyram, fluoxadixylamide, fluoxadixyl hydroxylamine, triflupyridamole, thiamethoxam, isoxaflutole, isopropoxyfenozide, thiamethoxam, benzo[a]fluoroquinolones, pyridaben, cymoxanil, phosphonates, silthiamethoxam, pyraclostrobin, isothiamethoxam, triflumethoprim, fluoxadixyl quinolones, tetrazolium acetonide, pyridabenamide, pyridabenamide, fluopyram, fluoxadixyl acetonide, fluoxadixyl sulfonate, bromoxynil Benzyl bisamide, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, bromocyanamide, chlorantraniliprole, tetrazolium amide, fluoxazolamide, pyrimethanil, dimethomorph, pyrimethanil, flufenoxuron, trifluralin, oxazolidinyl sulfadiazine, dichlorvos, pyrimethanil, hymexazol, pyrimethanil, cyclophosphamide, toluene-methyl, copper, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, abamectin, heptafluthrin, pyrimethanil, methoxyfenozide, amino oligosaccharide, Melaleuca alternifolia, thiamethoxam, benzymidine, chlorpyrifos, fluthiamethoxam, trifluralin, spirotetramat, dispiren, fluazinam, indazole, thiophanate-methyl, benzymidine, flupyraclostrobin, pyrimethanil, tetrachlorantraniliprole, bifenthrin, and emamectin or combinations thereof.

9. Use of the composition as defined in any one of claims 1-8 for repelling birds from plants and plant propagation material.

10. The method of any one of claims 1-8 or the use as described in claim 9, wherein the plant propagation material is a seed, preferably a corn seed, a rice seed or a cereal seed.

11. The method of any one of claims 1-8 or 10, or the use as described in claim 9, wherein the composition is applied at a ratio corresponding to: 0.01 to 2 mg compound (A) / plant propagation material, and preferably 0.2 to 1 mg compound (A) / plant propagation material.

12. The method of any one of claims 1-8, 10 or 11 or the use as described in claim 9, wherein the bird is selected from the blackbird (Turdus merula), crow (Corvus species), pheasant (Quiscalus species), pheasant (Phasianus species) and / or starling (Sturnus vulgaris).

13. A seed treatment formulation comprising a bird repellent composition as defined in any one of claims 1-8.

14. A coated plant propagation material, preferably a coated seed, wherein the coating comprises the composition defined in any one of claims 1-8.

15. Use of the compound as a bird repellent as defined in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the compound activates at least one avian taste receptor selected from Tas2r1, Tas2r3, Tas2r4, Tas2r5 and Tas2r7.

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