Seed coating composition combining dye and pigment

Abstract

The invention relates to a seed coating composition, comprising from 3 wt.% to 25 wt.% of pigment and from 1 wt.% to 20 wt.% of dye. Moreover, the invention relates to the use of said seed coating composition, seeds coated with said coating composition and methods for coating seeds and improving abrasion resistance in coated seeds.

Description

[0001] Seed coating composition combining dye and pigment

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a seed coating composition, wherein the seed coating composition combines at least one pigment in a specific amount and at least one dye in a specific amount, seeds colored with said seed coating composition, a method for coating seeds with said seed coating composition and a method for improving abrasion resistance in coated seeds.

[0004] Technical Background

[0005] Seeds are commonly treated before sowing, for example to coat them with active ingredients, such as plant protection products. During the steps of the treatment of the seeds, the transportation of the treated seeds and the sowing, the coated seeds are submitted to different mechanical stresses that can damage the coating of the seeds and result in the loss of active ingredients. These losses would trigger a release of harmful substances into the environment, which has a detrimental impact, notably on human health. On top of that, these losses will decrease the resulting efficacy of the active ingredient for the seed. The mechanical constraints applied to the seeds before sowing also negatively impacts the visual appearance of the seeds.

[0006] Usually, pigments are added to the seed coating composition to ensure a good visual appearance of the treated seeds with a full coverage of the surface of the seeds. Common seed coating compositions comprising different kinds of pigments are known in the art, as for example disclosed in US2017 / 0127670A1, wherein different seed coating compositions relying on wax are described. US2007 / 105717 discloses film coating compositions relying on different colorant composition, comprising either pigment or dyes. However, in case of high abrasion the pigment is not sufficient to provide a satisfactory visual appearance of the treated seeds.

[0007] Thus, there is a need to improve the resistance to the abrasion of the treated seeds, notably the visual aspect of the treated seeds after abrasion while preserving the usual important properties of the seed coating (low dust emission, good flowability of treated seeds, good plantability).

[0008] Summary of the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a seed coating composition, ensuring improved coverage of the seeds even after abrasion, while maintaining desirable seed coating properties such as water-permeability, good abrasion resistance, low dust emissions, short drying time, good flowability and plantability, low clumping. Another object of the invention is to provide a method for improving abrasion resistance in coated seeds.

[0010] The inventors surprisingly found that by combining a pigment and a dye, advantageously in specific amounts, in a seed coating composition, improvement of color intensity of the seeds can be achieved before and after abrasion, and that abrasion resistance can be enhanced.

[0011] In particular, the inventors of the present invention found that the combination of pigment and dye, in specific amounts, within a seed coating composition plays a key role to ensure a good visual appearance of treated seeds after treatment ensuring a perfect coverage of the seeds. When applying only pigments, the visual appearance of the treated seeds after abrasion is not satisfactory. The mechanical constraints applied during the abrasion test significantly degrades the coating at the seed surface, the coverage of the seeds is not optimal. Compositions comprising dye (and no pigment) significantly improved the visual appearance of the seeds after abrasion with a good coverage of the seeds, however the initial aspect of the seeds is not satisfactory, notably the color intensity of the treated seeds.

[0012] The combination of pigment and dye in specific amounts in a seed coating composition advantageously permits to combine both advantages, a good visual appearance of the treated seeds is obtained before and after abrasion.

[0013] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention refers to a seed coating composition, comprising at least one pigment and at least one dye, wherein the at least one pigment is present in an amount of from 3 wt.% to 25 wt.% with respect to the total weight of the seed coating composition and the at least one dye is present in an amount of from 1 wt.% to 20 wt.% with respect to the total weight of the seed coating composition.

[0014] In a second aspect the invention refers to the use of the seed coating composition according to first aspect for coloring and / or coating seeds.

[0015] In a third aspect, the invention refers to a seed, coated with the seed coating composition of the first aspect.

[0016] In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for coating seeds, the method comprising the step: coating seeds with a seed coating composition according to the first aspect.

[0017] In a fifth aspect, the invention refers to a method for improving abrasion resistance in coated seeds, the method comprising the step: coating seeds with a seed coating composition according to the first aspect. In a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a method for preparing a seed coating composition, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (i) Combining at least one pigment and at least on dye, wherein the at least one pigment is present in an amount of from 3 wt.% to 25 wt.% with respect to the total weight of the seed coating composition and wherein the at least one dye is present in an amount of from 1 wt.% to 20 wt.% with respect to the total weight of the seed coating composition, (ii) Adding one or more biologically active ingredients; and (iii) Adding water.

[0018] Thus, the present invention is based on the finding that coating seeds with a composition comprising at least one pigment and at least one dye in specific amounts according to the present invention results in two technical effects, namely improved seed coating results and an enhanced abrasion resistance, while maintaining the usual important properties of the seed coating (low dust emission, good flowability of treated seeds, good plantability).

[0019] Brief description of the drawings

[0020] Figure 1 : Color intensity and resistance to abrasion notations for five seed coating formulations (Fl-1, Fl-2, Fl-3, Fl-4 & Fl-5) with fungicide slurry 1 applied to seed variety A

[0021] Figure 2: Dust emission of seeds treated with seed treatment slurries comprising no seed coating formulation and three seed coating formulations (Fl-1, Fl-2 & Fl -4) with fungicide slurry 1 applied to seed variety A

[0022] Figure 3: Flowability of seeds treated with seed treatment slurries comprising no seed coating formulation and three seed coating formulations (Fl-1, Fl-2 & Fl -4) with fungicide slurry 1 applied to seed variety A

[0023] Figure 4: Color intensity and resistance to abrasion notations for three seed coating formulations (F2-1, F2-2 & F2-3) with fungicide slurry 1 applied to seed variety B

[0024] Figure 5: Dust emission of seeds treated with seed treatment slurries comprising no seed coating formulation and three seed coating formulations (F2-1, F2-2 & F2-3) fungicide slurry 1 applied to seed variety B

[0025] Figure 6: Flowability of seeds treated with seed treatment slurries comprising no seed coating formulation and three seed coating formulations (F2-1, F2-2 & F2-3) with fungicide slurry 1 applied to seed variety B Figure 7: Color intensity and resistance to abrasion notations for three seed coating formulations (F3-1, F3-2, F3-3) with fungicide slurry 1 applied to seed variety A

[0026] Figure 8: Dust emission of seeds treated with seed treatment slurries comprising no seed coating formulation and three seed coating formulations (F3-1, F3-2 and F3-3) with fungicide slurry 1 applied to seed variety A

[0027] Figure 9: Flowability of seeds treated with seed treatment slurries comprising no seed coating formulation and three seed coating formulations (F3-1, F3-2 and F3-3) with fungicide slurry 1 applied to seed variety A

[0028] Figure 10: Color intensity and resistance to abrasion notations for two seed coating formulations (F4-1, F4-2) with insecticide slurry 1 and fungicide slurry 2 applied to seed variety C

[0029] Figure 11 : Dust emission of seeds treated with seed treatment slurries comprising no seed coating formulation and seed coating formulation F4-1 & F4-2 with insecticide slurry 1 and fungicide slurry 2 applied to seed variety C

[0030] Figure 12: Flowability by texturometer of seeds treated with seed treatment slurries comprising no seed coating formulation and seed coating formulation F4-1 & F4-2 with insecticide slurry 1 and fungicide slurry 2 applied to seed variety C

[0031] Figure 13: Flowability by funnel test of seeds treated with seed treatment slurries comprising no seed coating formulation and seed coating formulation F4-1 & F4-2 with insecticide slurry 1 and fungicide slurry 2 applied to seed variety C

[0032] Figure 14: Plantability of seeds treated with seed treatment slurries comprising no seed coating formulation and seed coating formulation F4-1 & F4-2 with insecticide slurry 1 and fungicide slurry 2 applied to seed variety C

[0033] Figure 15: Color intensity and resistance to abrasion notations for seven seed coating formulations (F5-1, F5-2, F5-3, F5-4, F5-5, F5-6 & F5-7) with fungicide slurry 1 applied to seed variety D

[0034] Figure 16: Dust emission of seeds treated with seed treatment slurries comprising no seed coating formulation and seven seed coating formulations (F5-1, F5-2, F5-3, F5-4, F5-5, F5-6 & F5-7) with fungicide slurry 1 applied to seed variety D Figure 17: Flowability by texturometer of seeds treated with seed treatment slurries comprising no seed coating formulation and seven seed coating formulations (F5-1, F5-2, F5-3, F5-4, F5-5, F5-6 & F5-7) with fungicide slurry 1 applied to seed variety D

[0035] Figure 18: Plantability of seeds treated with seed treatment slurries comprising no seed coating formulation and seven seed coating formulations (F5-1, F5-2, F5-3, F5-4, F5-5, F5-6 & F5-7) with fungicide slurry 1 applied to seed variety D

[0036] Figure 19: Color intensity and resistance to abrasion notations for eight seed coating formulations (F6-1, F6-2, F6-3, F6-4, F6-5, F6-6, F6-7 and F6-8) with fungicide slurry 1 applied to seed variety D

[0037] Detailed description of the invention

[0038] In a first aspect, the invention refers to a seed coating composition, comprising at least one pigment and at least one dye, wherein the at least one pigment is present in the amount of from 3 wt.% to 25 wt.%, and wherein the at least one dye is present in the amount of from 1 wt.% to 20 wt.% with respect to the total weight of the seed coating composition.

[0039] The term "seed coating composition" is meant to refer to a composition to be used for coating of seed, possibly after combination of the composition with other compositions, such as plant protection products, diluents such as water and / or other biologically active ingredients such as plant nutrients or growth stimulating agents. Hence, the term includes both compositions that do and do not contain plant protection products.

[0040] The term “seed” as used herein is to be understood as the ripened ovule of gymnosperms and angiosperms, which contains an embryo surrounded by a protective cover. In particular, the term covers cereals kernels. The protective cover can comprise the seed coat (testa). Some seeds comprise a pericarp or fruit coat around the seed coat. In particular, when this layer is closely adhered to the seed, as in cereal kernels, it is in some cases referred top as a caryopsis or an achene. The “seed” can be a plant seed, for example a seed of an agricultural crop, a vegetable seed, a herb seed, a wildflower seed, an ornamental seed, a grass seed, a tree seed, or a bush seed. Moreover, the term “seed” includes, but is not limited to, anything that can be planted in agriculture to produce plants, including pelleted seeds, true seeds, plant seedlings, rootstock, regenerable and plant forming tissue and tubers or bulbs.

[0041] Preferably, the plant seed is of an agricultural crop. The seed may be of the order of Monocotyledoneae or of the order of Dicotyledoneae. Suitable seeds include, but are not limited to those, soybean, cotton, corn, peanut, maize, wheat, barley, oat, rye triticale, mustard, oil seed rape (or canola) sunflower, sugar beet safflower, millet, chicory, flax, rapeseed, buckwheat, tobacco, hemp seed, alfalfa, signal grass, clover, sorghum, chick pea, beans, peas, vetch, rice, sugar cane, linseed. Also included are vegetable seeds such as asparagus, chives, celery, leek, garlic, beetroot, spinach, beet, curly kale, cauliflower, sprouting broccoli, savoy cabbage, white cabbage, red cabbage, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, turnip, endive, chicory, water melon, melon, cucumber, gherkin, marrow, parsley, fennel, pea, beans, radish, black salsify, eggplant, sweet corn, pop-com, carrot, onion, tomato, pepper, lettuce, snap bean, cucurbit, shallot, broccoli, Brassica and Brussels sprout.

[0042] Preferably, the plant seed is capable of germinating. Optionally, the seed may be deprived of husk (so-called husked seed or de-hulled seed). The seed may be primed or not primed (having been subjected to a treatment to improve the germination rate, for example osmopriming, hydropriming, matrix priming).

[0043] The term “coating” is to be understood as applying material to a surface of a seed, for instance as a layer of a material around a seed. Coating includes, but is not limited to, film coating, pelleting, end encrusting or a combination of these techniques as already known in the art. Film coating refers to a concentrated composition which can be diluted and formed into a slurry with other components added (such as agrochemical actives, in order to make a “seed coating”, which is then applied to the seeds).

[0044] “Coating” preferably comprises that the composition is applied over substantially the entire surface of the seed, such as over 90% or more of the surface area of the seed, to form a layer. However, the coating may be complete or partial, for instance about 80%, about 70%, about 60%, about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, about 20%, about 10% or less of the surface area of the seed.

[0045] “About” as used herein means ±5% of the specified numeric value, preferably ±2% and most preferably ±1%.

[0046] The “pigment” used within the context of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, all kinds of pigment available in the art. Preferably, the pigment is selected from the group consisting of: pigment red 112 (CAS No. 6535-46-2), pigment red 2 (CAS No. 6041-94-7; 4-[(2,5-dichlorophenyl)diazenyl]-3-hydroxy- N-phenyl-2-naphthamide), pigment red 48:2 (CAS No. 7023-61-2; calcium 4-[(5- chloro-4-methyl-2-sulfonatophenyl)diazenyl]-3-hydroxy-2-naphthoate), pigment blue 15:3 (CAS No. 147-14-8; copper polyphthalocyanine), pigment green 36 (CAS No.14302-13-7; [l,3,8,16,18,24-hexabromo-2,4,9,10,l l,15,17,22,23,25- decachloro-29H,31H-phthalocyaninato(2-)-kappa~2~N~29~,N~31~]copper), pigment green 7 (CAS No. 1328-53-6; [1,2,3,4,8,9,10,11,15,16,17,18,22,23,25- pentadecachloro-5,26-dihydro-29H,31H-phthalocyaninato(2-) kappa~2~N~29~,N~31~] copper) , pigment yellow 74 (CAS No. 6358-31-2; 2- [(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)diazenyl]-N-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxobutanamide), pigment yellow 1 (CAS No. 2512-29-0; 2-[(4-Methyl-2-nitrophenyl)azo]-3-oxo- N-phenylbutyramide), pigment orange 5 (CAS No. 3468-63-1; l-[(2,4- di nitrophenyljdi azenyl ]-2-naphthol), pigment orange 13 (CAS No. 3520-72-7; 4,4'-[(3,3'-dichlorobiphenyl-4,4'-diyl)didiazene-2,l-diyl]bis(5-methyl-2-phenyl- 2,4-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one)), pigment violet 23 (CAS No. 6358-30-1; 8,18- dichloro-5,15-diethyl-5,15-dihydrocarbazolo[3',2':5,6][l,4]oxazino[2,3- b]indolo[2,3-i]phenoxazine), pigment black 7 (CAS No. 97793-37-8), pigment white 6 (CAS No. 98084-96-9), pigment red PR254 (CAS 84632-65-5 ; Diketo- pyrrolo-pyrrole), pigment blue 15: 1 (CAS 12239-87-1), pigment blue 15:2 (CAS 12239-87-1), pigment yellow 184 (CAS 14059-33-7), pigment yellow 13 (CAS 5102-83-0), pigment yellow PY83 (CAS 5567-15-7), pigment orange 34 (CAS 15793-73-4) and combination thereof.

[0047] The total amount (e.g. of the pigment) is to be understood with respect to the total weight of the seed coating composition.

[0048] The total amount of the pigment is in the range from 3 wt.% to 25 wt.% (% solid content).

[0049] In one embodiment, the at least one pigment is present in an amount of from

[0050] 3.5 wt.% to 25 wt.%, for example from 3.5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, or from 3.5 wt.% to 10 wt.%.

[0051] In another embodiment, the at least one pigment is present in an amount of from 4 wt.% to 25 wt.%, for example from 3.5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, or from 3.5 wt.% to 10 wt.%.

[0052] In one embodiment, the at least one pigment is present in an amount of from

[0053] 4.5 wt.% to 25 wt.%, for example from 4.5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, or from 4.5 wt.% to 10 wt.%.

[0054] The total amount of the pigment can be in the range from 5 wt.% to 25 wt.%, in particular from 5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, for example from 5 wt.% to 15 wt.%, or even from 5 wt.% to 15 wt.%.

[0055] The “dye” used within the context of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, all kinds of dyes available in the art. Preferably, the dye is selected from the group consisting of: anthraquinone, and combinations thereof, triphenylmethane, phthalocyanine, derivatives thereof, nitro dyes, xanthene derivatives, acridine derivatives, pyronin derivatives, fluorone, diazo derivatives, azine, carotenoid, diarylmethane, thiazin derivatives, oxazin, triphenylmethane, coumarin, anthanthrone stillbene, nitrodiphenylamine, cyanine, quinoline, benzanthrone, azo derivatives, triarylmethane dye, derivatives thereof and / or combinations thereof. A derivative (e.g. a xanthene derivative) is a compound that is produced from an original compound (e.g. xanthene) by a chemical reaction, with the replacement of one atom or group of atoms.

[0056] The “dye” used in the present invention can be for example anthraquinone dyes, triphenylmethane dyes, phthalocyanine dyes, nitro dyes, fluorine dyes, azine dyes, carotenoid dyes, diarylmethane dyes, thiazin dyes, oxazin dyes, triphenylmethane dyes, coumarin dyes, anthanthrone stilbene dyes, nitrodiphenylamine dyes, cyanine dyes, quinolone dyes, benzanthrone dyes, triarylmethane dyes, and / or combinations thereof. The total amount (e.g. of the dye) is to be understood with respect to the total weight of the seed coating composition.

[0057] The total amount of the dye is in the range from 1 to 20% wt.%..

[0058] In one embodiment, the at least one dye is present in an amount of from 1.9 wt.% to 20 wt.% (for example from 1.9 wt.% to 10 wt.%), preferably from 2.5 wt.% to 20 wt.% (for example from 2.5 wt.% to 10 wt.%), in particular from 3 wt.% to 20 wt.% (for example from 3 wt.% to 10 wt.%).

[0059] In another embodiment, the at least one dye is present in an amount of from 4.9 wt.% to 20 wt.%, in particular from 4.9 wt.% to 10 wt.%.

[0060] In another embodiment, the at least one dye is present in an amount of from 4.5 wt.% to 20 wt.% (for example from 4.5 wt.% to 10 wt.%), in particular from 5 wt.% to 20 wt.% (for example from 5 wt.% to 10 wt.%), or from 5.0 wt.% to 9.0 wt.%.

[0061] It has been also noted that the use of a too high amount of dye, in particular higher than the maximum amount as mentioned above (20% wt.%), can lead to a too significant (and thus disadvantageous) increase of the viscosity and to a degradation of the performances on seeds.

[0062] The present invention is particularly related to a seed coating composition wherein any range amount of pigment as previously mentioned is combined with any range amount of dye as previously mentioned.

[0063] In a particular embodiment, the composition according to the invention further advantageously comprises a wax. The wax used in the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of natural wax, mineral wax and synthetic wax or a combination thereof. Preferably, the wax is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene wax, modified polyethylene wax, polytetrafluoroethylene, fatty alcohols, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, carnauba wax, paraffin wax, polypropylene wax, oxidized polyethylene wax, montan wax, ceresin wax, ozocerite, peat wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, amide wax and derivatives, ethyleneacrylic acid wax, polyolefin wax, ethylene bis stearamide wax, bees wax, lanolin wax, sugar cane wax, palm wax, carnauba and vegetable wax. It is also possible that mixtures of two or more waxes are present in the seed coating composition. In a preferred embodiment, the wax is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene wax, paraffin wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, and vegetable wax. The wax can be an anionic wax, a non-ionic wax or a cationic wax.

[0064] The waxe(s) may be present, according to the present invention, in a total amount of about 1 - 60% with respect to the total weight of the seed coating composition.

[0065] Preferably, the total amount of the wax is in the range from 1 wt.% to 60 wt.% with respect to the total weight of the seed coating composition. In one embodiment, the total amount of the wax is in the range from 1 wt.% to 5 wt.%. In one embodiment, the total amount of the wax is in the range from 5 wt.% to 10 wt.%. In one embodiment, the total amount of the wax is in the range from 10 wt.% to 15 wt.%. In one embodiment, the total amount of the wax is in the range from 15 wt.% to 20 wt.%. In one embodiment, the total amount of the wax is in the range from 20 wt.% to 25 wt.%. In one embodiment, the total amount of the wax is in the range from 25 wt.% to 30 wt.%. In one embodiment, the total amount of the wax is in the range from 30 wt.% to 35 wt.%. In one embodiment, the total amount of the wax is in the range from 35 wt.% to 40 wt.%. In one embodiment, the total amount of the wax is in the range from 40 wt.% to 45 wt.%. In one embodiment, the total amount of the wax is in the range from 45 wt.% to 50 wt.%. In one embodiment, the total amount of the wax is in the range from 50 wt.% to 55 wt.%. In one embodiment, the total amount of the wax is in the range from 55 wt.% to 60 wt.%. In one embodiment, the total amount of the wax is above 60 wt.%. In one embodiment, the total amount of the wax is below 1 wt.%.

[0066] In another embodiment, the composition further comprises a thickener. Suitable “thickeners” in the context of the present invention include, but are not limited to those, agar, carboxy methyl-cellulose, hydroxy ethylcellulose, cellulose, carrageen, chitin, fucoidan, ghatti, gum Arabic, karaya, laminaran, locust bean gum, pectin, alginate, guargum, xanthan gum, diutan gum, and tragacanth, bentonite clays, HEUR (hydrophobically modified, alkali-swellable emulsion) thickeners, acrylic co-polymer emulsion, and polyacrylates. Gums are generally preferred because of their low cost, availability and superior ability to enhance the physical characteristics of the resultant film. Preferably, the thickener is a water- soluble polymer.

[0067] Thickeners, according to the present invention, may be present in a total amount of about 0.05-10%.

[0068] In another embodiment, the composition further comprises a binder. The binder can be any suitable binder approved for agricultural use. One such list of suitable binders can be found in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Title 40, Part 180.960 (referred to hereafter as 40CFR180. 960). Included in this list approved binders are acrylic polymers composed of one or more of the following monomers: acrylic acid, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate hydroxybutyl acrylate, carboxyethyl acrylate, methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, hydroxy butyl methacrylate, lauryl methacrylate, and stearyl methacrylate; with none and / or one or more of the following monomers: acrylamide, N-methyl acrylamide, N,Ndimethyl acrylamide, N-octyl acrylamide, maleic anhydride, maleic acid, monoethyl maleate, diethyl maleate, dibutyl maleate, monooctyl maleate, dioctyl maleate, and their corresponding sodium, potassium, ammonium, isopropylamine, triethylamine, monoethanolamine, and / or triethanolamine salts. Other suitable binders from this list include: copolymers of methyl vinyl ether with maleic anhydride or monoalkyl esters of maleic anhydride (e.g. Agrimer(R) VEMA line of products from ISP); polyvinylpyrrolidone; copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone with vinyl acetate (e.g., Agrimer VA line of products from ISP); copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone with vinyl alkyl s (e.g. Agrimer(R) AL line of products from ISP); polyvinyl acetate; ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymers (e.g. Atlox(R) SemKote E product line from Uniqema); vinyl acetate acrylic copolymers (e.g., Atlox(R) Semkote V product line from Uniqema); A-B block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; A-B-A triblock copolymers of EO-PO-EO (e.g. Pluronics(R) line from BASF); polyvinyl alcohol, styrene acrylic polymers and vinyl acetate-versatate polymers. Suitable “binders” can be selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl alcohols, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, polyurethane dispersion, anionic aliphatic polyester-polyurethane, polysaccharides, proteins, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidones, and polyacrylates. Suitable “binders” can also be selected from the group consisting of starch-polyester alloys, starch and derivatives, starch-PCL blends; polylactic acid (PLA)-starch blends, polylactic acid, poly(lactic acid-glycolic acid) copolymers; PCL, polysioprene, polysaccharide, polygalactomannans, such as derivatized or non-derivatized guars, vegetable gums, proteins, gelatine, cellulose esters, cellulose fibrils, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate, starch esters; starch ester-aliphatic polyester blends, modified corn starch, polycaprolactone, poly(namylmethacrylate), ethyl cellulose, wood rosin, polyanhydrides, polyvinylalcohol (PVOH), polyhydroxybutyrate-valerate (PHBV), biodegradable aliphatic polyesters, and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB).

[0069] Binders, according to the present invention, may be present in a total amount of about 1-60%.

[0070] In another embodiment, the composition further comprises a biologically active ingredient.

[0071] The amount of the biologically active ingredient applied, of course, generally depends on the type of active ingredient and the type of seed used. Usually, however, the amount of one or more active ingredients is in the range of about 0.001-200 g per kg of the seed. The person skilled in the art is able to determine suitable amounts of active ingredient depending on the active ingredient and the type of seed used. It is common practice for the person skilled in the art to use and follow the advice of the active ingredient suppliers (e.g., BASF, Bayer, Syngenta, Corteva), such as by using technical data sheets and / or follow recommendations.

[0072] In one embodiment, the biologically active ingredient can be any one of: plant nutrients, growth stimulating agent and plant protection products. According to the invention, the term “plant nutrient” includes any nutrient such as a micronutrient or macronutrient. 'Nutrient" as used herein can refer to an additive or substance utilized by plants, grasses, shrubs for plant, grass, and shrub growth, respectively. Macronutrients can be utilized in larger amounts by plants, grasses, etc. in proportionally larger amounts relative to micronutrients. Nutrients include but are not limited to manganese, boron, copper, iron, chlorine, molybdenum, and zinc, potassium, nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur, among others. Compositions of the present invention can include various combinations and relative amounts of individual macronutrients. According to the invention, the term “growth stimulating agents” includes biological additives, such as inoculants type bacteria or fungi, as well as plant biostimulants. Plant biostimulants are usually components other than fertilizers that affect plant growth and / or metabolism upon foliar application or when added to soil or the seeds. Plant biostimulants generally fall within one of three categories: hormone-containing products, aminoacid-containing products and humic acid containing products. Plant biostimulants are used to treat crops in a commercial setting in view of their ability to, for example, increase growth rates, decrease pest plant growth, increase stress tolerance, increase photosynthetic rate, and increase disease tolerance.

[0073] According to the invention, the term “plant protection product” (also known as PPP) includes fungicidal agents, bactericidal agents, insecticidal agents, nematicidal agents, molluscicial agents, biologicals, acaricides, miticides, pesticides, herbicides, attracting agents, repellent agents, biocides, minerals, plant extracts, or pheromones.

[0074] Typical fungicidal agents include Captan (N-trichloromethyl)thio-4- cyclohexane- 1 ,2-dicarboximide), Thiram tetramethylthioperoxy dicarbonic diamide (commercially available as Proseed™), Metalaxyl (methyl-N-(2,6- dimethylphenyl)-N-(methoxyacetyl)-d, 1-alaninate), Fludioxonil (4-(2,2-difluoro- l,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)-l-H-pyrrol-3-carbonitril; commercially available in a blend with mefonoxam as Maxim™ XL), difenoconazole (commercially available as Dividend™ 3FS), carbendazim iprodione (commercially available as Rovral™, ipconazole (commercially available as Rancona from Arista, formerly Agriphar or Chemtura), mefonoxam (commercially available as Apron™ XL), tebuconazole, carboxin, thiabendazole, azoxystrobin, prochloraz, prothioconazole (commercially available as Redigo from Bayer), sedaxane (commercially available as Vibrance from Syngenta), cymoxanil (l-(2-cyano-2- methoxyiminoacetyl)-3 -ethylurea), fludioxonil, a mixture of metalaxyl, cymoxanil and fludioxonil commercially available as Wakil from Syngenta, and oxadixyl (N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2-methoxy-N-(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl) acetamide). A fungicide can be included in the seed coating composition in an amount of about 0.0001-10% by total weight of the coated seeds.

[0075] Typical bactericidal agents include streptomycin, penicillins, tetracyclines, ampicillin, and oxolinic acid.

[0076] Typical insecticidal agents include pyrethroids, organophosphates, caramoyloximes, pyrazoles, amidines, halogenated hydrocarbons, neonicotinoids, and carbamates and derivatives thereof. Particularly suitable classes of insecticides include organophosphates, phenylpyrazoles and pyrethoids. Preferred insecticides are those known as terbufos, chlorpyrifos, fipronil, chlorethoxyfos, tefluthrin, carbofuran, imidacloprid, and tebupirimfos. Commercially available insecticides include imidacloprid (commercially available as Gaucho™), and clothianidin (commercially available from Bayer as Poncho™), thiametoxam (commercially available from Syngenta as Cruiser™), thiacloprid (commercially available as Sonido from Bayer), Cypermetrin (commercially available from Chemtura as Langis®), methiocarb (commercially available as Mesurol from Bayer), fipronil (commercially available from BASF as Regent™), chlorantraniliprole (also known as rynaxypyr, 5-bromo-N-[4-chloro-2-methyl-6- (methylcarbamoyl)phenyl]-2-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide, commercially available as Coragen® from DuPont) and cyantraniliprole (also known as cyazypyr, 3-bromo-l-(3-chloro-2-pyridyl)-4,-cyano-2,-methyl-6,- (methylcarbamoyl) pyrazole-5-carboxanilide).

[0077] An additional class of insecticidal agents includes RNAi (RNA interference) type of molecules which have been shown, for example, to control insect pests upon ingestion of specific RNAi molecules.

[0078] Commercially available nematicidal agents include abamectin (commercially available from Syngenta as Avicta™) thiodicarb (commercially available from Bayer as Aeris™).

[0079] Typical molluscicidal agents include metaldehyde (commercially available from Lonza as Meta®) or niclosamid (commercially available from Bayer as Bayluscide®), Cyazypir and Rynaxypir (available from DuPont).

[0080] Examples of suitable “biologicals” include Bacillus spp., Trichoderma spp., Paenibacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacter spp., Azospirillum spp., rhizobia (for nitrogen fixation) and the like, which have been identified as seed treatment materials to protect plants and / or enhance their health and / or productive capacity. The use of seed coating compositions of the invention can result in improved viability of these biologicals.

[0081] A biocide can be included in some embodiments of the seed coating composition for instance as preservative, in order to prolong the shelf life of the seed coating composition before being applied to a seed, such as when being stored. Examples of suitable biocides include MIT (2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3- one; CAS No. 2682-20-4), BIT (l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one; CAS No. 2634-33-5), CIT (5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one), 5-Chloro-2-methyl-4- isothiazolin-3-one mixture with 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one CAS No. 55965- 84-9, Bronopol (2-Bromo-2-nitro-propane-l,3-diol) and / or a combination of these.

[0082] The above lists are explicitly not exhaustive, new active ingredients are continuously developed and can be incorporated in the seed coating composition.

[0083] In another embodiment, the seed coating composition is an aqueous solution, an emulsion and / or a dispersion. Preferably, the seed coating composition is an aqueous dispersion.

[0084] In a second aspect the invention refers to the use of the seed coating composition according to the invention for coloring and / or coating seeds. “Coloring” as used within the context of the present invention refers to that the seed coating composition is applied over substantially the entire surface of the seed, such as over 90% or more of the surface area of the seed, to form a coloring layer, the color depending on the pigment and the dye that is applied. However, the coloring may be complete or partial, for instance about 80%, about 70%, about 60%, about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, about 20%, about 10% or less of the surface area of the seed.

[0085] In a third aspect, the invention refers to a seed coated with the seed coating composition of the first aspect. According to the above, the coating is applied over substantially the entire surface of the seed, such as over 90% or more of the surface area of the seed, to form a coating layer. However, the coating may be complete or partial, for instance about 80%, about 70%, about 60%, about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, about 20%, about 10% or less of the surface area of the seed.

[0086] In a particular embodiment, the seed is of an agricultural crop, preferably wherein the seed is a corn or soybean seed.

[0087] In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for coating seeds, the method comprising the step: coating seeds with a seed coating composition according to the first aspect.

[0088] “Method for coating seeds” as disclosed herein refers to all conventional methods, which are known in the art. That is, the coating can be performed directly on the natural outer surface of the seed. Nevertheless, it is possible that the seed surface has undergone a previous surface treatment before applying the seed coating composition. It is possible that such surface treatment does not entail the provision of an artificial layer but involves a physical change or modification of the surface of part of the seed or the entire surface of the seed. For example, the surface treatment may involve increasing the surface roughness, such as by selective removal of parts of the seed coat, selective deformation of the seed coat or a combination thereof.

[0089] Conventional coating means may be employed for coating the seeds. Different coating machines are available in the art and well-known to the person skilled in the art. Well-known techniques include, but are not limited to those, drum coaters, tumbling drums, fluidized bed techniques, rotary coaters and spouted beds.

[0090] Typically, the amount of seed coating composition applied to the seed can be in the range of about 0.3-30 g per kg seed, such as about 0.5-20 g per kg seed, or about 0.8-20 g per kg seed.

[0091] The seed coating composition is suitably applied to the seed such that the ratio of the dried coating layer to seed is suitably in the range from 0.05 to 10: 1, preferably from 0.05 to 1.0: 1, even more preferably from 0.05 to 0.5: 1. It can be 0.008: 1, or 0.0001 : 1 by weight. In an embodiment, the ratio of the dried coating layer to seed is 1 to 5: 1. In an embodiment, the ratio of the dried coating layer to seed is 2 to 4: 1. In an embodiment, the ratio of the dried coating layer to seed is 6 to 9: 1. In an embodiment, the ratio of the dried coating layer to seed is 7 to 8: 1.

[0092] The seed coating composition can, for instance, be applied by film coating, spraying, dipping, or brushing of the seed coating composition. Optionally, it is applied at a temperature of -25 °C to 50 °C, for instance of -15 °C to 35 °C, more often of -10 °C to 30 °C, for instance at room temperature, such as 18 °C to 25 °C. Preferably, the seed coating composition is applied to the seed by film coating. The film coating may suitably be applied by spraying the liquid coating composition onto the seed, typically while the seeds fall or flow through a coating apparatus. Preferably, the method comprises film coating of the seed to apply the seed coating composition in the form of a film coating composition.

[0093] In one embodiment, the method of the fourth aspect comprises the steps: combining at least one (generally one) seed coating composition according to the invention with other component(s), e.g. biologically active ingredient(s) and / or water (preferably biologically active ingredient(s) and water), possibly plant nutrients, growth stimulating agents and / or a different seed coating composition which does usually not contain a pigment, finally applying the obtained composition on seeds. Another option is to co-apply the different products (at least one (generally one) seed coating composition according to the invention and other component(s), e.g. biologically active ingredient(s) and / or water (preferably biologically active ingredient(s) and water), possibly plant nutrients, growth stimulating agents and / or a different seed coating composition which does usually not contain a pigment) directly on seeds without any pre-mix of the seed coating composition with the other component(s). “Pre-mixing” as used within the context of this application means that the seed coating composition according to the invention is mixed with optional component(s) before applying to the seeds to be coated.

[0094] For both options, fluency powder can be applied at the end of the process as a dry powder applied on seeds. The seed coating composition can also be used in a pelleting or encrusting process. In this case, large amounts of powder are added in parallel to increase the volume of the seeds and potentially modify its aspect.

[0095] In one embodiment of the method, one or more layers can be added to coat the seed or agglomeration. Outer layers can be introduced sequentially to the rotating drum. In another embodiment, agglomerators or agglomerator devices may also be utilized. Coating is performed within a rotary coater by placing seeds within a rotating chamber, which pushes the seeds against the inside wail of the chamber. Centrifugal forces and mixing bars placed inside the coater allow the seed to rotate and mix with a coating layer. Seed coating compositions can be pumped into the proximate center of the coater onto an atomizer disk that rotates along with the coating chamber. Upon hitting the atomizer disk, liquid adhesive is then directed outward in small drops onto the seed.

[0096] In one embodiment, seed coating techniques include, for example, including seed(s) in a rotating pan or drum. The seed is then mist with water or other liquid and then gradually a fine inert powder, e.g., diatomaceous earth, is added to the coating pan. Each misted seed becomes the center of a mass of powder, layers, or coatings that gradually increases in size. The mass is then rounded and smoothed by the tumbling action in the pan, similar to pebbles on the beach. The coating layers are compacted by compression from the weight of material in the pan. Seed coating compositions often are incorporated near the end of the coating process to harden the outer layer of the mass. Seed coating compositions can also reduce the amount of dust produced by the finished product in handling, shipping and sowing.

[0097] In a fifth aspect, the invention refers to a method for improving abrasion resistance in coated seeds, the method comprising coating of the seeds with the seed coating composition according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0098] In a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a method for preparing a seed coating composition, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (i) Combining at least one pigment and at least on dye, wherein the at least one pigment is present in an amount of from 3 wt.% to 25 wt.% with respect to the total weight of the seed coating composition and the at least one dye is present in an amount of from 1 wt.% to 20 wt.% with respect to the total weight of the seed coating composition, (ii) Adding one or more biologically active ingredients; and (iii) Adding water.

[0099] The seed coating composition of the invention may for example further comprise a surfactant such as a wetting, dispersing and / or emulsifying agent. The surfactant may aid in mixing / emulsifying / dispersing the wax and / or pigment particles, and / or filler particles, and / or effect pigment particles in seed coating composition. Suitable surfactant include ionic and non-ionic products and include solutions of organo-modified polyacrylates, polyacrylates, sodium polyacrylate, EO / PO block copolymers, acrylic comb copolymer, ammonium polyacrylate, sorbitan ester ethoxylated, polyurethane, phosphoric acid ester, star polymers, and / or modified polyethers. Common surfactants include amphiphilic organic compounds, usually comprising a branched, linear or aromatic hydrocarbon, fluorocarbon or siloxane chain as tail and a hydrophilic group. Some types of surfactants include non-ionic, anionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants, and organosilicone and organofluorine surfactants. Some examples of surfactants include polyoxyethylene glycol and polyoxypropylene ethers and esters, in particular alkyl, aryl and alkylaryl ethers thereof, and sulphates, phosphates and sulphonic acid compounds of such ethers, glucoside (alkyl) ethers, glycerol esters, such as alkyl and fatty acid esters, sorbitan (alkyl) esters, acetylene compounds, cocamide compounds, block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Further examples of surfactants include alkylamine salts and alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, for example betain type surfactants, amino acid type surfactants; and polyhedric alcohols, fatty acid esters, in particular C12-C18, fatty acids, for instance of polyglycerin, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, sorbitan, and sucrose, polyhydric alcohol alkyl ethers, fatty acid alkanol amides, and propoxylated and ethoxylated compounds such as fatty alcohol ethoxylates, polyethyxlated tallow amine and alkylphenol ethoxylates. Some examples of anionic surfactants include carboxylic acids, copolymers of carboxylic acids, sulphates, sulphonic acid compounds and phosphates, for example lignin sulphonates and (linear) alkylaryl sulphonates.

[0100] The composition may further comprise components such as one or more selected from a filler, an effect pigment (e.g. mica), a resin, a solvent, one or several nutrients, a biostimulant, an anti-foaming agent, an anti-freeze agent, a preservative and / or a second or more pigment(s) and / or a second or more dye(s).

[0101] The seed coating composition may further comprise one or more solvents other than water. Solvents may be selected from the group consisting of alcohols, and hydrocarbons. Also, mixtures of solvents can be used. It is preferred that the solvent is liquid at 20° C. and 1 atm. Examples of suitable solvents include glycols and their esters and ethers, in particular ethylene and propylene glycols and their esters and ethers, for instance, esters and ethers with Cj-Cg alkyl groups and / or aromatic groups, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, benzyl and phenyl ethers, including mono ethers and dialkyl ethers, and esters of these ethers, such as acetates, and ethylene and propylene glycol esters, for instance of fatty acids; polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol and esters thereof, especially with fatty acids; butyl cellosolve, butyl carbitol, polyethylene glycol; N- methylpyrrolidone, glycerine, 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. An important solvent is ethylene glycol. Further examples include propylene tetramer and synthetic ester oils such as lactate esters, particularly ethyl lactate and benzoate esters e.g. isopropyl or 2-ethylhexyl benzoates. Aromatic hydrocarbons such as xylene, aliphatic and paraffinic solvents and vegetable oils can also be used as solvent.

[0102] Examples of suitable antifoaming agents include mineral oil defoamers, silicone defoamers, and non-silicone defoamers (such as polyethers, polyacrylates), dimethylpolysiloxanes (silicone oils), arylalkyd modified polysiloxanes, polyether siloxane copolymer containing filmed silica, aqueous emulsion of polyorganosiloxanes The antifoaming agent may be present in some embodiments of the seed coating composition in an amount of at least 1 ppm by weight, or about 0.1-1.0% by total weight of the seed coating composition.

[0103] The seed coating composition may further comprise an anti-freeze agent. Anti-freeze agent may be selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3- butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and glycerin, with the preferred glycol being ethylene glycol and propylene glycol and / or combinations thereof. The seed coating composition may further comprise nutrients. Nutrients may be selected from the list of nitrogen, copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, cobalt, sulfur, sodium, boron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron.

[0104] The seed coating composition may further comprise a filler. Fillers may be selected from clay, graphite, silicate, kaolin, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide.

[0105] The seed coating composition may further comprise one or several effect pigments. Examples of suitable effect pigments include pearlescent pigment in different particle sizes, notably mica group minerals, metal oxides, metallic pigment, TiO2 coated mica particles. Effect pigments having a particle size of 15 pm or less, or a particle size of 60 pm or less may be used. The particle size of the effect pigment is preferably not more than 200 pm, more preferably not more than 100 pm. Usually, the particle size of the effect pigment is 1 pm or more. Another effect pigment can be aluminium. Effect pigments can be used to create an attractive cosmetic look on the seeds.

[0106] The seed coating composition may further comprise a resin. Resin may be selected from the list of wood resins, rosin acids, terpene resins, rosin acid derivatives, rosin resins or rosin esters.

[0107] Further, a second or more pigment(s) can be included within the seed coating composition. That is, differently colored pigments can for example be used together in the context of the present invention.

[0108] Further, a second or more dye (s) can be included within the seed coating composition. That is, differently colored dyes can for example be used together in the context of the present invention.

[0109] The seed coating composition for coating can be applied as a liquid or aqueous composition and / or emulsion and / or dispersion. Preferably, the coating is applied in an aqueous dispersion form.

[0110] Examples

[0111] Different compositions were applied on seeds in combination with standard pesticide recipe and the performances of the treated seeds were evaluated with the following standard tests: visual appearance of treated seeds, abrasion resistance, visual appearance of treated seeds after abrasion, dust emission (Heubach test), flowability of treated seeds, plantability of treated seeds. Example 1

[0112] Seed coating formulations were prepared according to the composition detailed in 5 Table 1. Seed treatment slurries were then prepared by mixing by magnetic agitation the seed coating formulation (Fl-1, Fl -2, Fl -3, Fl -4 or Fl -5) with water and a fungicide slurry 1. The mixtures were prepared to obtain the following application dose rate on seeds:

[0113] • Seed coating formulation: 2 mL / kg seeds

[0114] 10 • Fungicide slurry 1 : 15 mL / 50.000 seeds

[0115] • Water: added to reach 13 mL / kg seeds in total

[0116] The different seed treatment slurries obtained were applied on corn seeds of the variety A (TKW=279). Seeds were also treated without the addition of any seed coating formulation as a reference.

[0117] 15

[0118] Table 1 : Composition of formulas evaluated in the Example 1

[0119] 20 The color intensity of the treated corn seeds was visually noted. The color intensity notation is a visual quantification of the intensity of the color of the treated seeds. The color intensity notation is ranging from 0 (very light coloration) to 3 (intense red coloration). The resistance to abrasion of treated seeds is visually evaluated after the application of a strong mechanical stress on treated seeds (abrasion test). Treated seeds are introduced in a glass flask. The closed flask is then submitted to 3D rotation for 10 minutes at 92 rpm (Turbula apparatus). This abrasion test is simulating hard handling conditions in the seed industry. The resistance to abrasion notation is a visual quantification of the quality of the seeds coverage after subjecting them to the abrasion test. The resistance to abrasion notation is ranging from 0 (low abrasion resistance) to 3 (high abrasion resistance). Figure 1 shows color intensity and resistance to abrasion notations for the five seed coating formulations (Fl-1, Fl-2, Fl-3, Fl-4 & Fl-5) applied with the fungicide slurry 1.

[0120] The seed coating formulation Fl-1 presents a satisfactory color intensity (notation of 2) but a limited resistance to abrasion (notation of 1). The addition of red dye while removing the pigment improves the resistance to abrasion of the treated seeds but is not sufficient to have a nice intensity of coloration on seeds (formulations Fl -2 & Fl -3). The addition of red dye at a concentration of 7.0%w / w while keeping some pigment in the formula (formulation Fl-4) significantly improves the color intensity of the treated seeds as well as the resistance to abrasion even with a lower pigment concentration than in the seed coating formulation Fl-1. The addition of a lower dye concentration (2.8%w / w, formulation Fl -5) still significantly improves the resistance to abrasion compared to the formulation Fl-1.

[0121] Dust emissions and flowability of the treated seeds are also evaluated with the following methods. Dust emissions of treated corn seeds are evaluated with a Heubach dustmeter equipment. The principle of Heubach test is the following: the treated seeds are submitted to a mechanical stress inside a rotating drum. The drum is connected to a glass bottle and a filter unit. A vacuum pump creates a flow of air through the rotating drum, the bottle and the filter support unit. Thanks to this air flow, the “heavy” particles are collected in the bottle while the fine particles are deposited on the filter. The Heubach dust value is calculated as the ratio of the weight difference of the filter unit after and before the test and the weight of treated seeds. The test is performed twice, the final result is the mean of the two measurements expressed as total amount of dust per 100,000 seeds. The settings of the Heubach equipment are set as follows: rotation speed 30 rpm (revolutions per minute), rotation time 120 seconds, seed quantity 100 g and airflow rate 20 L / min.

[0122] Flowability of treated seeds is evaluated with a texturometer apparatus. A probe is immersed in a beaker filled with the treated seeds, the force required to extract the probe from the seeds is measured. This force measured during the ascent determines the capacity of the seeds to flow. The lower is the force, the higher is the flowability of the treated seeds. The results for dust emission and flowability of the seeds treated with seed treatment slurries comprising no seed coating formulation and three of the five seed coating formulations Fl-1, Fl-2 & Fl-4 are respectively presented in Figure 2 and Figure 3. The three seed coating formulations and the seeds treated without any seed coating present comparable results in terms of dust emission. The formula without pigment, dye only (formulation Fl -2), has a better flowability than the others. The addition of a dye in the formulation containing a pigment has no impact on the flowability (formulation Fl-4 comparable to Fl-1). The addition of a dye significantly improves the color intensity and resistance to abrasion of the treated seeds while maintaining the same level of performance for dust emission and flowability. Nevertheless, the addition of a pigment is necessary to have a nice coverage of seeds and a strong intensity of color.

[0123] Figures 1 to 3 and data of example 1 show that addition of a dye to a composition comprising only pigment significantly improves the color intensity and resistance to abrasion of the treated seeds while maintaining desirable characteristics such as dust emission and flowability.

[0124] Example 2

[0125] Seed coating formulations were prepared according to the composition detailed in Table 2. Seed treatment slurries were then prepared by mixing by magnetic agitation the seed coating formulation (F2-1, F2-2 & F2-3) with water and a fungicide slurry 1. The mixtures were prepared to obtain the following application dose rate on seeds:

[0126] • Seed coating formulation: 2 mL / kg seeds

[0127] • Fungicide slurry 1 : 15 mL / 50.000 seeds

[0128] • Water: added to reach 13 mL / kg seeds in total

[0129] The different seed treatment slurries obtained were applied on corn seeds of the variety B (TKW=272). Seeds were also treated without the addition of any seed coating formulation as a reference.

[0130]

[0131] Table 2: Composition of formulas evaluated in the Example 2

[0132] The color intensity of the treated corn seeds was visually noted. The color intensity notation is a visual quantification of the intensity of the color of the treated seeds. The color intensity notation is ranging from 0 (very light coloration) to 3 (intense red coloration). The resistance to abrasion of treated seeds is visually evaluated after the application of a strong mechanical stress on treated seeds (abrasion test). Treated seeds are introduced in a glass flask. The closed flask is then submitted to 3D rotation for 10 minutes at 92 rpm (Turbula apparatus). This abrasion test is simulating hard handling conditions in the seed industry. The resistance to abrasion notation is a visual quantification of the quality of the seeds coverage after subjecting them to the abrasion test. The resistance to abrasion notation is ranging from 0 (low abrasion resistance) to 3 (high abrasion resistance). Figure 4 shows color intensity and resistance to abrasion notations for the three seed coating formulations (F2-1, F2-2 & F2-3) applied with the fungicide slurry 1.

[0133] The seed coating formulation F2-1 presents a satisfactory color intensity (notation of 2) but a limited resistance to abrasion (notation of 1). The addition of a red dye while removing the pigment improves the resistance to abrasion of the treated seeds but is not sufficient to have a nice intensity of coloration on seeds (formulation F2-2). The addition of a red dye while keeping a pigment in the formula (formulation F2-3) significantly improves the color intensity of the treated seeds as well as the resistance to abrasion even with a lower pigment concentration than in the seed coating formulation F2-1. Thanks to this example, we can conclude that the observations are the same on two different seedlots.

[0134] Dust emissions and flowability of the treated seeds are also evaluated with the following methods. Dust emissions of treated corn seeds are evaluated with a Heubach dustmeter equipment. The principle of Heubach test is the following: the treated seeds are submitted to a mechanical stress inside a rotating drum. The drum is connected to a glass bottle and a filter unit. A vacuum pump creates a flow of air through the rotating drum, the bottle and the filter support unit. Thanks to this air flow, the “heavy” particles are collected in the bottle while the fine particles are deposited on the filter. The Heubach dust value is calculated as the ratio of the weight difference of the filter unit after and before the test and the weight of treated seeds. The test is performed twice, the final result is the mean of the two measurements expressed as total amount of dust per 100,000 seeds. The settings of the Heubach equipment are set as follows: rotation speed 30 rpm, rotation time 120 seconds, seed quantity 100 g and airflow rate 20 L / min. Flowability of treated seeds are evaluated with a texturometer apparatus. A probe is immersed in a beaker filled with the treated seeds, the force required to extract the probe from the seeds is measured. This force measured during the ascent determines the capacity of the seeds to flow. The lower is the force, the higher is the flowability of the treated seeds. The results for dust emission and flowability of the seeds treated with seed treatment slurries comprising no seed coating formulation and the three seed coating formulations F2-1, F2-2 & F2-3 are respectively presented in Figure 5 and Figure 6.

[0135] The three seed coating formulations and the seeds treated without any seed coating present comparable results in terms of dust emission and flowability. The addition of a dye significantly improves the color intensity and resistance to abrasion of the treated seeds while maintaining the same level of performance for dust emission and flowability. Nevertheless, the addition of a pigment is necessary to have a nice coverage of seeds & a strong intensity of color.

[0136] Figures 4 to 6 and data of example 2 show that addition of a dye to a composition comprising only pigment significantly improves the color intensity and resistance to abrasion of the treated seeds of the variety B, while maintaining desirable characteristics such as dust emission and flowability.

[0137] Example 3

[0138] Seed coating formulations were prepared according to the composition detailed in Table 3 with two pigment dispersions with different color indexes. Seed treatment slurries were then prepared by mixing by magnetic agitation the seed coating formulations (F3-1, F3-2, F3-3) with water and a fungicide slurry 1. The mixtures were prepared to obtain the following application dose rate on seeds:

[0139] • Seed coating formulation: 2 mL / kg seeds • Fungicide slurry 1 : 15 mL / 50.000 seeds

[0140] • Water: added to reach 13 mL / kg seeds in total

[0141] The different seed treatment slurries obtained were applied on corn seeds of the variety A (TKW=279). Seeds were also treated without the addition of any seed coating formulation as a reference.

[0142] Table 3: Composition of formulas evaluated in the Example 3

[0143] The color intensity of the treated corn seeds was visually noted. The color intensity notation is a visual quantification of the intensity of the color of the treated seeds.

[0144] The color intensity notation is ranging from 0 (very light coloration) to 3 (intense red coloration). The resistance to abrasion of treated seeds is visually evaluated after the application of a strong mechanical stress on treated seeds (abrasion test). Treated seeds are introduced in a glass flask. The closed flask is then submitted to 3D rotation for 10 minutes at 92 rpm (Turbula apparatus). This abrasion test is simulating hard handling conditions in the seed industry. The resistance to abrasion notation is a visual quantification of the quality of the seeds coverage after subjecting them to the abrasion test. The resistance to abrasion notation is ranging from 0 (low abrasion resistance) to 3 (high abrasion resistance). Figure 7 shows color intensity and resistance to abrasion notations for the three seed coating formulations (F3-1, F3-2, F3-3) applied with the fungicide slurry 1.

[0145] The seed coating formulation F3-1 presents a satisfactory color intensity (notation of 2) but a limited resistance to abrasion (notation of 1). The addition of a red dye (formulations F-3-2 & F3-3) significantly improves the color intensity of the treated seeds as well as the resistance to abrasion even with a lower pigment concentration than in the seed coating formulation F3-1. We can conclude that the observation is the same with a different red pigment color index (Formula F3-2 comparable to F3-3), same positive impact of the addition of a red dye to a red pigment dispersion.

[0146] Dust emissions and flowability of the treated seeds are also evaluated with the following methods. Dust emissions of treated corn seeds are evaluated with a Heubach dustmeter equipment. The principle of Heubach test is the following: the treated seeds are submitted to a mechanical stress inside a rotating drum. The drum is connected to a glass bottle and a filter unit. A vacuum pump creates a flow of air through the rotating drum, the bottle and the filter support unit. Thanks to this air flow, the “heavy” particles are collected in the bottle while the fine particles are deposited on the filter. The Heubach dust value is calculated as the ratio of the weight difference of the filter unit after and before the test and the weight of treated seeds. The test is performed twice, the final result is the mean of the two measurements expressed as total amount of dust per 100,000 seeds. The settings of the Heubach equipment are set as follows: rotation speed 30 rpm, rotation time 120 seconds, seed quantity 100 g and airflow rate 20 L / min. Flowability of treated seeds is evaluated with a texturometer apparatus. A probe is immersed in a beaker filled with the treated seeds, the force required to extract the probe from the seeds is measured. This force measured during the ascent determines the capacity of the seeds to flow. The lower is the force, the higher is the flowability of the treated seeds. The results for dust emission and flowability of the seeds treated with seed treatment slurries comprising no seed coating formulation and the three seed coating formulations F3-1, F3-2 and F3-3 are respectively presented in Figure 8 and Figure 9.

[0147] The three seed coating formulations and the seeds treated without any seed coating present comparable results in terms of dust emission & flowability. The addition of a dye significantly improves the color intensity and resistance to abrasion of the treated seeds while maintaining the same level of performance for dust emission and flowability. The same level of color intensity or resistance to abrasion was obtained using a pigment dispersion of red 112 or of red 48:2.

[0148] Figures 7 to 9 and data of example 3 show that addition of a dye to a composition comprising only pigment significantly improves the color intensity and resistance to abrasion of the treated seeds of the variety A, while maintaining desirable characteristics such as dust emission and flowability, independent of the type of pigment.

[0149] Example 4

[0150] Seed coating formulations were prepared according to the composition detailed in Table 4. Seed treatment slurries were then prepared by mixing by magnetic agitation the seed coating formulations (F4-1, F4-2) with water, an insecticide slurry 1 and a fungicide slurry 2. The mixtures were prepared to obtain the following application dose rate on seeds:

[0151] • Seed coating formulation: 2 mL / kg seeds

[0152] • Insecticide slurry 1 : 60 mL / 50 000 seeds

[0153] • Fungicide slurry 2: 1 mL / kg seeds

[0154] • Water: added to reach 13 mL / kg seeds in total

[0155] The pesticide slurry comprising the insecticide slurry 1 and the fungicide slurry 2 is well known to generate a large amount of dust in the Heubach test. The different seed treatment slurries obtained were applied on corn seeds of the variety C (TKW=318). Seeds were also treated without the addition of any seed coating formulation as a reference.

[0156]

[0157] Table 4: Composition of formulas evaluated in the Example 4

[0158] The color intensity of the treated corn seeds was visually noted. The color intensity notation is a visual quantification of the intensity of the color of the treated seeds. The color intensity notation is ranging from 0 (very light coloration) to 3 (intense red coloration). The resistance to abrasion of treated seeds is visually evaluated after the application of a strong mechanical stress on treated seeds (abrasion test). Treated seeds are introduced in a glass flask. The closed flask is then submitted to 3D rotation for 10 minutes at 92 rpm (Turbula apparatus). This abrasion test is simulating hard handling conditions in the seed industry. The resistance to abrasion notation is a visual quantification of the quality of the seeds coverage after subjecting them to the abrasion test. The resistance to abrasion notation is ranging from 0 (low abrasion resistance) to 3 (high abrasion resistance). Figure 10 shows color intensity and resistance to abrasion notations for the two seed coating formulations (F4-1, F4-2) applied with the insecticide slurry 1 and the fungicide slurry 2.

[0159] The seed coating formulation F4-1 presents a satisfactory color intensity (notation of 2) but a limited resistance to abrasion (notation of 1). The addition of a red dye (formulation F4-2) significantly improves the color intensity of the treated seeds as well as the resistance to abrasion even with a lower pigment concentration than in the seed coating formulation F4-1. The benefits of adding a dye on top of a pigment dispersion is confirmed on a different phytosanitary products recipe.

[0160] Dust emissions, flowability of the treated seeds thanks to two different methods and plantability are also evaluated with the following methods. Dust emissions of treated corn seeds are evaluated with a Heubach dustmeter equipment. The principle of Heubach test is the following: the treated seeds are submitted to a mechanical stress inside a rotating drum. The drum is connected to a glass bottle and a filter unit. A vacuum pump creates a flow of air through the rotating drum, the bottle and the filter support unit. Thanks to this air flow, the “heavy” particles are collected in the bottle while the fine particles are deposited on the filter. The Heubach dust value is calculated as the ratio of the weight difference of the filter unit after and before the test and the weight of treated seeds. The test is performed twice, the final result is the mean of the two measurements expressed as total amount of dust per 100,000 seeds. The settings of the Heubach equipment are set as follows: rotation speed 30 rpm, rotation time 120 seconds, seed quantity 100 g and airflow rate 20 L / min.

[0161] Flowability of treated seeds is evaluated with a texturometer apparatus. A probe is immersed in a beaker filled with the treated seeds, the force required to extract the probe from the seeds is measured. This force measured during the ascent determines the capacity of the seeds to flow. The lower is the force, the higher is the flowability of the treated seeds. The second method to measure flowability uses a Niklas funnel test with a diameter reducer of 50mm. A pressure of 5 bars is applied on the seeds. 4kg of corn seeds are placed in the funnel and the quantity of seeds fallen in 1.5 sec is weighed. The test is performed twice and the hatch is closed during 20 seconds between each replication.

[0162] Plantability of treated seeds is measured thanks to a sowing bench. 1.5 kg of seeds are placed in the planter. A corn sowing disc is used. The rotation speed of the disc is chosen regarding the sowing density required (30 rpm). By image analysis, 2 cameras will give the percentage of the seeds well sowed, the missed seeds & the double seeds on the sowing bench in comparison to a theory (4000 seeds).

[0163] The results for dust emission, flowability by texturometer, flowability by funnel test & plantability of the seeds treated with seed treatment slurries comprising no seed coating formulation and the seed coating formulation F4-1 & F4-2 are respectively presented in Figures 11, 12, 13 and 14.

[0164] The seeds treated with the two seed coating formulations present comparable results in terms of dust emission and are significantly better than the seeds treated without any seed coating. The seeds coated without any seed coating formulation or with F4-1 & F4-2 present comparable results in flowability by texturometer or by funnel test. The seeds coated with formulations F4-1 & F4-2 are equivalent in plantability and better than the seeds treated without any seed coating. The addition of a dye significantly improves the color intensity and resistance to abrasion of the treated seeds while maintaining the same level of performance for dust emission, flowability and plantability. The same level of performance on seeds of the coating formulation comprising a dye and a pigment is obtained on two different phytosanitary recipes, including a recipe well-known to generate a high level of dust (Examples 3 and 4).

[0165] Figures 10 to 14 and data of example 4 show that addition of a dye to a composition comprising only pigment significantly improves the color intensity and resistance to abrasion of the treated seeds of the variety C, while maintaining desirable characteristics such as dust emission and flowability.

[0166] Example 5

[0167] Seed coating formulations were prepared according to the composition detailed in Table 5. Seed treatment slurries were then prepared by mixing by magnetic agitation the seed coating formulations (F5-1 to F5-7) with water, and a Fungicide slurry 1.

[0168] The mixtures were prepared to obtain the following application dose rate on seeds:

[0169] • Seed coating formulation: 2 mL / kg seeds

[0170] • Fungicide slurry 1 : 15 mL / 50.000 seeds

[0171] • Water: added to reach 13 mL / kg seeds in total

[0172] The different seed treatment slurries obtained were applied on com seeds on the variety D (TKW=297). Seeds were also treated without the addition of any seed coating formulation as a reference.

[0173]

[0174] Table 5: Composition of formulas evaluated in the Example 5

[0175] The formula F5-8 containing 150g / L of red pigment and 350g / L of red dye was too viscous at TO (viscosity»1500cP, Brookfield, 60rpm, 20°C) and could not be applied on seeds.

[0176] The color intensity of the treated com seeds was visually noted. The color intensity notation is a visual quantification of the intensity of the color of the treated seeds. The color intensity notation is ranging from 0 (very light coloration) to 3 (intense red coloration). The resistance to abrasion of treated seeds is visually evaluated after the application of a strong mechanical stress on treated seeds (abrasion test). Treated seeds are introduced in a glass flask. The closed flask is then submitted to 3D rotation for 10 minutes at 20 rpm (Turbula apparatus). The resistance to abrasion notation is a visual quantification of the quality of the seeds coverage after subjecting them to the abrasion test. The resistance to abrasion notation is ranging from 0 (low abrasion resistance) to 3 (high abrasion resistance). Figure 15 shows color intensity and resistance to abrasion notations for the seven seed coating formulations (F5-1 to F5-7) applied with the Fungicide slurry 1.

[0177] The seed coating formulations F5-1 & F5-2,with dye only, present a satisfactory color intensity (notation of 1,5 or 2) but a limited resistance to abrasion (notation of 1). The formulations F5-3 & F5-4, with pigment only or with a limited concentration of dye (0.1%w), present a limited color intensity (notation of 1) and a limited resistance to abrasion (notation of 1 also). The mix of a red dye and a pigment (formulation F5-5, F5-6 & F5-7) significantly improves the color intensity of the treated seeds as well as the resistance to abrasion when the dye quantity is sufficient. The comparison of the results obtained for F5-3, F5-4 and F5-5 indicates that the addition of the dye in the formulation has a significant positive impact for the concentrations of at least 1%, in particular of at least 1.9%. The benefits of adding a dye on top of a pigment dispersion is confirmed again thanks to this experiment on a light-colored phytosanitary recipe, Fungicide slurry 1.

[0178] Dust emissions, flowability by texturometer of the treated seeds and plantability were also evaluated with the methods presented for the example 4.

[0179] The results for dust emission, flowability by texturometer and plantability of the seeds treated with the seed treatment Fungicide slurry 1 comprising no seed coating formulation and the seed coating formulation F5-1 to F5-7 are respectively presented in Figure 16, 17 and 18.

[0180] The seeds treated with the seven seed coating formulations present comparable results in terms of dust emission. The seeds coated without any seed coating formulation or with the formulas F5-1 to F5-7 present comparable results in flowability by texturometer. The seeds coated with formulations F5-1 to F5-7 are equivalent in plantability and equivalent to the seeds treated without any seed coating or to the naked seeds. The mix of a dye and a pigment, added in the right proportions, significantly improves the color intensity and resistance to abrasion of the treated seeds while maintaining the same level of performance for dust emission, flowability and plantability.

[0181] Example 6

[0182] The seed coating formulations were prepared according to the composition detailed in Tables 6 and 7. The seed treatment slurries were then prepared by mixing by magnetic agitation the seed coating formulations (F6-1 to F6-8) with water, and a Fungicide slurry 1.

[0183] The mixtures were prepared to obtain the following application dose rate on seeds:

[0184] • Seed coating formulation: 2 mL / kg seeds

[0185] • Fungicide slurry 1 : 15 mL / 50.000 seeds • Water: added to reach 13 mL / kg seeds in total

[0186] The different seed treatment slurries obtained were applied on corn seeds on the variety D (TKW=297). The seeds were also treated without the addition of any seed coating formulation as a reference.

[0187]

[0188] Table 6: Composition of formulas F6-1 to F6-5 evaluated in the Example 6

[0189]

[0190] Table 7: Composition of formulas F6-6 to F6-8 evaluated in the Example 6

[0191] The color intensity of the treated corn seeds was visually noted. The color intensity notation is a visual quantification of the intensity of the color of the treated seeds. The color intensity notation is ranging from 0 (very light coloration) to 3 (intense red coloration). The resistance to abrasion of treated seeds is visually evaluated after the application of a strong mechanical stress on treated seeds (abrasion test).

[0192] Treated seeds are introduced in a glass flask. The closed flask is then submitted to 3D rotation for 10 minutes at 20 rpm (Turbula apparatus). The resistance to abrasion notation is a visual quantification of the quality of the seeds coverage after subjecting them to the abrasion test. The resistance to abrasion notation is ranging from 0 (low abrasion resistance) to 3 (high abrasion resistance). Figure 19 shows color intensity and resistance to abrasion notations for the eight seed coating formulations (F6-1 to F6-8) applied with the Fungicide slurry 1. We can observe (through the Figure 19) that the seed coatings formulations F6-2 to F6-4 present good or even very good performances of color intensity and resistance to abrasion. The formula F6-1 presents a poor level of performance regarding color intensity & resistance to abrasion (notation 1 for both), while the formula F6-2, with a higher amount of pigment (4%w / w instead of l%w / w) presents a better performance in color intensity and resistance to abrasion.

[0193] We can also observe that the seed coatings formulations F6-6 and F6-7 show good or even very good performances in color intensity and resistance to abrasion, while the formulations F6-5 (5% pigment + 0.5% dye) and F6-8 (2% pigment + 2% dye) have poor performances in color intensity or resistance to abrasion (notation of 1 (or even less than 1) for both parameters).

[0194] All these examples show that the simultaneous presence of pigment and dye and the use of specific amounts of such pigment and dye are necessary to achieve good performances in intensity of color and at the same time in resistance to abrasion. In particular, to obtain such good performances specific minimum amounts of dye and of pigment must be carried out, without using too high quantities which would further lead to too high viscosity.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A seed coating composition, comprising- at least one pigment, and- at least one dye, wherein the at least one pigment is present in an amount of from 3 wt.% to 25 wt.% with respect to the total weight of the seed coating composition and wherein the at least one dye is present in an amount of from 1 wt.% to 20 wt.% with respect to the total weight of the seed coating composition.

2. The seed coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pigment is present in an amount of from 3.5 wt.% to 25 wt.%, in particular from 4 wt.% to 25 wt.%, for example from 5 wt.% to 25 wt.% or from 5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, with respect to the total weight of the seed coating composition.

3. The seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the at least one dye is present in an amount of from 1.9 wt.% to 20 wt.%, preferably from 2.5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, in particular from 3 wt.% to 20 wt.%, for example from 4.9 wt.% to 20 wt.%, or 4.9 wt.% to 10 wt.%, with respect to the total weight of the seed coating composition.

4. The seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the at least one dye is present in an amount of from 4.5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, in particular from 5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, for example from 5 wt.% to 9 wt%, with respect to the total weight of the seed coating composition.

5. The seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pigment is selected from the group consisting of pigment red 112, pigment red 2, pigment red 48:2, pigment blue 15:3, pigment green 36, pigment green 7, pigment yellow 74, pigment yellow 1, pigment orange 5, pigment orange 13, pigment violet 23, pigment black 7, pigment white 6, pigment red PR254,pigment blue 15: 1, pigment blue 15:2, pigment yellow 184, pigment yellow 13, pigment yellow PY83 and pigment orange 34 and combinations thereof.

6. The seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dye is selected from the group consisting of anthraquinone, and combinations thereof, triphenylmethane, phthalocyanine, derivatives thereof, nitro dyes, xanthene derivatives, acridine derivatives, pyronin derivatives, fluorone, diazo derivatives, azine, carotenoid, diarylmethane, thiazin derivatives, oxazin, triphenylmethane, coumarin, anthanthrone, stilbene, nitrodiphenylamine, cyanine, quinoline, benzanthrone, and azo derivatives, triarylmethane dye, derivatives thereof and / or combinations thereof.

7. The seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the composition further comprises one or more of the following: a binder, a wax, a resin, a solvent, a thickener, mica, an anti-foaming agent, a surfactant, an anti-freeze agent, one or several nutrients, a biostimulant, a filler, a biocide, and / or a second or more pigment(s), and / or a second or more dye and / or a combination thereof.

8. The seed coating composition according to any one of claim 1 to 7, wherein the composition further comprises a wax.

9. The seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the composition further comprises a biologically active ingredient, preferably wherein the biologically active ingredient is a plant nutrient, growth stimulating agent or a plant protective product, wherein the plant protection product is selected from the group consisting of fungicidal agents, bactericidal agents, insecticidal agents, nematicidal agents, molluscicial agents, biologicals, acaricides, miticides, pesticides, herbicides, attracting agents, repellent agents, biocides, minerals, plant extracts, or pheromones and / or combinations thereof.

10. The seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the seed coating composition is an aqueous solution, an emulsion and / or a dispersion.

11. Use of the seed coating composition according to anyone of claims 1 to 10 for coloring and / or coating seeds.

12. A seed, coated with the seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The seed according to claim 12, wherein the seed is of an agricultural crop, preferably wherein the seed is a corn or soybean seed.

14. A method for coating seeds, the method comprising the step: coating seeds with the seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the method comprises: combining the seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11 with other component(s), e.g water and biologically active ingredient(s), and then applying on seeds the obtained composition; or applying on seeds the seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10 with other component(s), e.g. water and biologically active ingredient(s), without pre-mixing.

16. A method for improving abrasion resistance in coated seeds, the method comprising the step: coating seeds with the seed coating composition according to claims 1 to 10.

17. A method for preparing a seed coating composition, wherein the method comprises the following steps:(i) Combining at least one pigment and at least on dye, wherein the at least one pigment is present in an amount of from 3 wt.% to 25 wt.% with respect tothe total weight of the seed coating composition and wherein the at least one dye is present in an amount of from 1 wt.% to 20 wt.% with respect to the total weight of the seed coating composition;(ii) Adding one or more biologically active ingredients; (iii) Adding water.

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