Seed Coating Composition

Abstract

Disclosed herein are one or more aqueous seed coating compositions comprising (i) a binder comprising a modified starch and (ii) an active ingredient, which perform at least as well as or better than aqueous seed coating compositions containing synthetic polymers, and surprisingly, perform better than aqueous seed coating compositions containing unmodified starch. The binder comprising modified starch is water-soluble, compatible with the active ingredient, and more cost-effective than using primarily synthetic polymers as binders in aqueous seed coating compositions. Additionally, one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein provide superior seed coating characteristics, including demonstrating good flowability, reduced dust-off, and uniform coating application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (i) A binder comprising a modified starch, and (ii) an active ingredient, are disclosed herein, and the composition functions at least as well as or better than an aqueous seed coating composition containing a synthetic polymer, and, surprisingly, functions better than an aqueous seed coating composition containing unmodified starch. The binder containing the modified starch is water-soluble, compatible with the active ingredient, and is more cost-effective than primarily using a synthetic polymer as the binder in an aqueous seed coating composition. Additionally, the one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein provide excellent seed coating characteristics, including demonstrating good flowability, reduced dust-off, and uniform coating applications.

Background Art

[0002] Farming farmers are constantly seeking to improve crop yields in order to address the increasing demand for food. One approach used by the agricultural industry is seed treatment (seed coating), where seeds are treated / coated with one or more active ingredients including, for example, insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, nutrients, plant growth hormones, and beneficial microorganisms to protect the seeds from diseases, fungi, and / or insects when planted. During the seed coating process, a seed coating binder is used to add the active ingredient slurry to the surface of the seeds. These seed coatings make it possible to deliver one or more active ingredients to the seeds or seedlings during germination, providing a healthy root mass for excellent emergence and strength, thereby resulting in higher crop yields. An important advantage of delivering one or more active ingredients through a seed coating is that the seed coating enables an accurate and controlled release dosage of the one or more active ingredients to each individual seedling.

[0003] Seed coatings also protect seeds from damage during handling, thereby improving seed handling characteristics. For example, coated seeds typically come into contact with other objects and surfaces, as well as with each other. This can lead to friction-shedding (dust-off) of the seed coating. Friction-shedding refers to the movement of portions of the coating from the coated seeds to surfaces of non-seed objects, such as seed bags, seed containers, and seed handling equipment. Friction-shedding can result in the loss of active ingredients in the form of dust (dust-off). In the case of coated seeds planted or sown by workers, friction-shedding in the form of dust-off can raise health and safety concerns. Moreover, seed coatings that exhibit friction-shedding tend to be sticky, increasing the risk of inaccurate planting and blockage of seed planter equipment. Additionally, by minimizing friction-shedding (dust-off), coated seed products have an improved visual appearance.

[0004] The most widely used aqueous seed coating compositions in agriculture contain natural or synthetic polymer materials as binders, with polymer blends such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and polyvinyl acetate being the most commonly used binders or coating materials. Seed coating compositions containing polymer-based materials as binders have limited biodegradability and contribute to microplastic environmental pollution. As a result, there remains a need for biodegradable, bio-based, and biorenewable aqueous seed coating compositions that are cost-effective, more environmentally friendly than the widely used aqueous seed coating compositions containing synthetic polymers, and at least perform similarly to the less environmentally friendly seed coating compositions containing synthetic polymer materials. [Overview of the project]

[0005] One or more aqueous seed coating compositions are disclosed herein, each comprising (i) a binder containing modified starch, and (ii) an active ingredient. Surprisingly, one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein perform better as seed coating binders than aqueous seed coating compositions containing unmodified starch versus modified starch. Furthermore, modified starch functions at least similarly to conventional synthetic polymers and can be used in combination with or instead of synthetic polymers to provide aqueous seed coating compositions. The use of the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein for coating seeds is also disclosed herein. Moreover, coated seeds comprising one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein are disclosed herein. Further disclosed herein is a method for coating one or more seeds, comprising (i) mixing a binder containing modified starch with an active ingredient to form an aqueous seed coating composition, and (ii) applying the composition to one or more seeds.

[0006] In one embodiment, one or more aqueous seed coating compositions include a binder comprising one or more modified starches, which include any natural starch, including chemically, enzymatically, or physically modified amylose, amylopectin, or any combination thereof (e.g., dent starch). In some embodiments, the one or more modified starches contained in the one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein are selected from, for example, cross-linked starch, acetylated and similarly esterified starch, ethylated starch (e.g., hydroxyethylated and hydroxypropylated starch), phosphorylated starch, cationic, anionic, nonionic, and zwitterionic starch, dextrin, and modified dextrin, as well as succinic acid and substituted succinic acid derivatives. Procedures for modifying starch are well known and are described, for example, in Modified Starches: Properties and Uses, Ed. Wurzburg, CRC Press, Inc., Florida (1986).

[0007] In another embodiment, one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein do not contain synthetic or conventional seed coating polymers. In yet another embodiment, one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain a binder comprising one or more modified starches and one or more synthetic seed coating polymers. In yet another embodiment, one or more aqueous seed coating compositions contain one or more synthetic seed coating polymers in fewer than one or more modified starches. In yet another embodiment, one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein may further include, but are not limited to, additional binders, fillers, nutrients, wetting and dispersing additives (sometimes also referred to as pigment dispersants), solvents, plasticizers, emulsifiers, thickeners, colorants, defoamers, biocides, surfactants, and / or pigments.

[0008] The aqueous seed coating compositions described herein can be prepared by blending various components together, or by adding them separately during the seed coating process.

[0009] In another embodiment, one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein further comprise one or more active ingredients. In a further embodiment, the one or more active ingredients include insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, fungicides, bacteriostatic agents, insecticides, nematicides, insecticides, triazines, sulfonylurea, uracil, urea, acetanilide, organophosphonates, nitriloxime fungicides, azoleimidazole fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, phenylpyrrole fungicides, phenylamide fungicides, carboxamide fungicides, triazole fungicides, sulfur enamides These include fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, neonicotinoid insecticides, acylamine fungicides, chlorinated aromatics, dichloroaniline fungicides, carbamate insecticides, organic thiophosphate insecticides, perchlorinated organic insecticides, acaricides, propynyl sulfite, triazapentadiene acaricides, chlorinated aromatic acaricides, tetradiphan, dinitrophenol acaricides, binapacrylic, adjuvants, surfactants, fertilizers, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, one or more active ingredients are biopesticides of plant or microorganism origin, or biologically living beneficial microorganisms from the genus Bacteria or Fungi.

[0010] Further embodiments described herein relate to one or more methods for preparing coated seeds, comprising providing one or more seeds, providing one or more aqueous seed coating compositions comprising one or more binders comprising one or more modified starches, and bringing the aqueous coating compositions into contact with the seeds to coat all or part of the seeds.

[0011] Further disclosed herein are compositions and methods relating to seedling establishment for improving crop yields, as well as agricultural and horticultural plants, shrubs, trees, grasses, etc. In one embodiment, the compositions and methods described herein relate to the prevention of agricultural compounds such as pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides that are lost due to runoff or drainage (wherein such agricultural compounds are unusable for grasses and plants when lost due to runoff or drainage). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1A] Two graphs are shown showing the results of tests measuring the dust-off levels of corn seeds coated with seed compositions containing modified starch (OSA-modified starch (Samples 3 and 10), PO-modified starch (Samples 4 and 11), and cationic starch (Sample 9)) compared to untreated seeds (Samples 1 and 7), with corn seeds coated with seed compositions containing synthetic polymers (Samples 2 and 8) or unmodified starch (corn starch, Samples 5, 6, and 12). The seed coating compositions also contained blends of active ingredients. Figure 1A shows the results for one variety of corn seeds (Samples 1-6). Figure 1B shows the results for another variety of corn seeds (Samples 7-12). Both figures show that modified starch provided seed coating compositions with dust-off levels equal to or less than those provided by synthetic polymers, and that modified starch provided significantly lower dust-off levels than those provided by unmodified starch. [Figure 1B] Two graphs are shown showing the results of tests measuring the dust-off levels of corn seeds coated with seed compositions containing modified starch (OSA-modified starch (Samples 3 and 10), PO-modified starch (Samples 4 and 11), and cationic starch (Sample 9)) compared to untreated seeds (Samples 1 and 7), with corn seeds coated with seed compositions containing synthetic polymers (Samples 2 and 8) or unmodified starch (corn starch, Samples 5, 6, and 12). The seed coating compositions also contained blends of active ingredients. Figure 1A shows the results for one variety of corn seeds (Samples 1-6). Figure 1B shows the results for another variety of corn seeds (Samples 7-12). Both figures show that modified starch provided seed coating compositions with dust-off levels equal to or less than those provided by synthetic polymers, and that modified starch provided significantly lower dust-off levels than those provided by unmodified starch.

[0013] [Figure 2]A schematic diagram of the fluidity funnel used in the test in Example 2 is shown.

[0014] [Figure 3] The graph shows the results of flowability tests on corn seeds coated with aqueous seed coating compositions containing synthetic polymers (Sample 8), or modified starches such as Sample 9 (cationic modified starch), Sample 10 (OSA modified starch), and Sample 11 (PO modified starch). The flowability data for seeds coated with modified starch-containing coatings showed significantly better seed flowability than that of seeds coated with aqueous seed coating compositions containing unmodified corn starch (Sample 12). The seed coating compositions also contained blends of active ingredients.

[0015] [Figure 4A] Two graphs are shown showing the plantability of corn seeds coated with aqueous seed coating compositions containing modified starches, such as Sample 9 (cationic modified starch), Samples 3 and 10 (OSA modified starch), and Samples 4 and 11 (PO modified starch). Samples 1 and 7 are uncoated seeds. Samples 2 and 8 show plantability data for seeds coated with synthetic polymers. The seed coating compositions also contained blends of active ingredients. Figure 4A shows the results for one variety of corn seeds (Samples 1-6). Figure 4B shows the results for another variety of corn seeds (Samples 7-12). The figures show that all samples provided similar singularity%. Modified starch provided seed coating compositions with plantability comparable to that provided by synthetic polymers and modified starch. [Figure 4B]Two graphs are shown showing the plantability of corn seeds coated with aqueous seed coating compositions containing modified starches, such as Sample 9 (cationic modified starch), Samples 3 and 10 (OSA modified starch), and Samples 4 and 11 (PO modified starch). Samples 1 and 7 are uncoated seeds. Samples 2 and 8 show plantability data for seeds coated with synthetic polymers. The seed coating compositions also contained blends of active ingredients. Figure 4A shows the results for one variety of corn seeds (Samples 1-6). Figure 4B shows the results for another variety of corn seeds (Samples 7-12). The figures show that all samples provided similar singularity%. Modified starch provided seed coating compositions with plantability comparable to that provided by synthetic polymers and modified starch.

[0016] [Figure 5] The graph shows the results of tests measuring the dust-off level of soybean seeds coated with aqueous seed coating compositions containing modified starches, such as Sample 14 (OSA-modified starch), Sample 15 (PO-modified starch), and Sample 16 (a blend of OSA and PO-modified starch), and soybean seeds coated with a seed coating composition containing a blend of OSA and PO-modified starch and a plasticizer (Sample 17), compared to soybean seeds coated with a seed coating composition containing a synthetic polymer (Sample 13). The seed coating compositions also contained a blend of active ingredients. This figure shows that the modified starch provided a seed coating with a dust-off amount at least equivalent to or greater than that provided by the synthetic polymer.

[0017] [Figure 6]The graph shows the plantability of soybean seeds coated with seed coating compositions containing synthetic polymer (sample 13), OSA-modified starch (sample 14), PO-modified starch (sample 15), a blend of OSA and PO-modified starch (sample 16), and a blend of OSA and PO-modified starch with a plasticizer (sample 17). The seed coating compositions also contained blends of active ingredients. This figure shows that modified starch provided seed coating compositions with plantability (singulation%) equivalent to that provided by synthetic polymers.

[0018] [Figure 7] The graph shows the results of dust-off level tests for corn seeds coated with aqueous seed compositions containing modified starch and plasticizers (samples 18-22) versus synthetic polymers (sample 23). The seed coating compositions also contained blends of active ingredients.

[0019] [Figure 8] A graph is shown illustrating the plantability of corn seeds coated with an aqueous seed coating composition containing modified starch and a plasticizer (samples 18-22) or a synthetic polymer (sample 23) versus uncoated corn seeds (sample 24). The seed coating compositions also contained a blend of active ingredients. This figure shows that a specific combination of modified starch and a plasticizer provided a seed coating composition that offered superior plantability (singulation%) compared to that provided by the synthetic polymer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] To provide a complete understanding of various embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth herein. However, unless otherwise indicated or implied from the context, these details are intended as examples and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Additionally, features described in relation to various or specific embodiments are not to be construed as not being suitable for use in relation to other embodiments disclosed herein, unless such exclusivity is explicitly stated or not implicit from the context.

[0021] All technical terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit in any manner or scope. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" can include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, all units, prefixes, and symbols can be described in their SI-approved form. Numerical ranges recited herein include numbers within the defined ranges. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects are presented in range format. The description in range format is merely for convenience and simplicity and should not be construed as a rigid limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, a range description should be considered to have specifically disclosed all possible subranges and individual numerical values within that range (e.g., 1 - 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

[0022] To enable a more rapid understanding of the present invention, certain terms are first defined. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the invention pertain. Many methods and materials similar to, modified from, or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the implementation of the embodiments without undue experimentation. In the description of the embodiments and the claims, the following terms can be used according to the definitions set forth below.

[0023] As used in this application, the term "seed" specifically means a mature ovule of gymnosperms and angiosperms that contains an embryo surrounded by a protective cover. The protective cover can include a seed coat (testa). Some seeds include a pericarp or fruit coat around the seed coat. Particularly when this layer is closely adhered to the seed, in some cases, such as in cereal kernels, it is referred to as a caryopsis or achene.

[0024] In practical terms, the term "seed" includes, but is not limited to, things that can be planted in agriculture to produce plants such as pelleted seeds, applicant seeds, plant seedlings, rhizomes, renewable and plant-forming tissues, and tubers or bulbs.

[0025] As used in this application, the term "coating" means, for example, applying a material to the surface of a seed as a layer of material around the seed. Coating includes film coating, pelleting, and cutinization, or combinations of these techniques. Pellets obtained by pelleting are also known as seed pills. The coating is preferably applied over substantially the entire surface of the seed, such as covering more than 90% of the surface area of the seed, to form a layer. However, the coating can be complete or partial and can be, for example, 20% or more, or 50% or more of the surface area of the seed.

[0026] As used in this application, the term "seed coating composition" means an aqueous composition used for coating seeds.

[0027] As used in this application, the term "pre-blend" means an aqueous composition that is formed (i.e., in a stable emulsion and / or dispersion form) before adding other components of the aqueous seed coating composition. The pre-blend is preferably formed at a different location from the aqueous seed coating composition.

[0028] As used in this application, the term "active" means any component that is directly or indirectly beneficial to a plant or plant seed, for example, through a biological effect on the plant, the seed, or on organisms harmful to plants, such as fungi, pests, and insects. Examples of plant enhancers include plant protection products, toxicity mitigators, growth promoters, and growth regulators.

[0029] As used in this application, the term "hydrophobic and / or water-insoluble" primarily refers to materials that are nonpolar and exhibit limited solubility in water or insolubility in water. However, such materials may be suspended in water as molecules or particles.

[0030] The term "alkoxy" means an -OR radical or group, where R is an alkyl group as defined above, e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, or 2-propoxy, n-, iso-, or tert-butoxy. In certain embodiments, the preferred alkoxy groups of the present invention have 1 to 6 carbon atoms. In other embodiments, the preferred alkoxy groups of the present invention have 3 or more carbon atoms, preferably 4 to 6 carbon atoms. The alkoxy groups may be optionally substituted, if permissible by the available valence. Examples of substituted alkoxy groups include trifluoromethoxy, hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, and alkoxyalkyl groups (such as methoxymethyl, methoxyethyl, polyoxoethylene, polyoxopropylene, and similar groups). Unless otherwise specifically stated as "unsubstituted," references to chemical parts herein are understood to include substituted variants.

[0031] The term “alkyl” means, for example, a saturated linear or branched hydrocarbon chain having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, alkyl groups include “C1-C6 alkyl” groups, including methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, pentyl, n-pentyl, tert-pentyl, neo-pentyl, iso-pentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, hexyl, n-hexyl, tert-hexyl, neo-hexyl, isohexyl, and sec-hexyl. In certain embodiments, preferred alkyl groups of the present invention have 1 to 6 carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, preferred alkyl groups of the present invention have 3 or more carbon atoms, preferably 4 to 6 carbon atoms. Alkyl groups may be optionally substituted, where permitted by available valence. Unless specifically stated as “unsubstituted”, references to chemical parts herein are understood to include substituted variants.

[0032] The term "combination" or "combinations" refers to a mixture of two or more compounds (or other reference components). A combination may include, but is not limited to, one or more compounds of formula (I), or combinations of their bioacceptable salts, derivatives, diastereomers, or enantiomers, or one or more additional sweeteners.

[0033] As used herein, the terms “not containing,” “not present,” “substantially absent,” or “substantially absent” refer to a composition, mixture, or component that does not contain a particular compound or has not had a particular compound or a compound containing a particular compound added to it. If a particular compound is present in the least amount of a composition, mixture, or component through contamination and / or use, the amount of the compound shall be less than about 3% by weight. More preferably, the amount of the compound shall be less than 2% by weight or less than 1% by weight, and most preferably, the amount of the compound shall be less than 0.5% by weight or 0.0% by weight.

[0034] As used herein, the term “substituted” means that a group may be substituted by one or more independent substituents, examples of which include alkyl, alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxy, alkoxy, cycloalkyoxy, heterosilooxy, oxo, alkanoyl, alkylcarbonyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, alkanoyloxy, cyano, azide, amino, alkylamino-S(0)20H, arylamino, aralkylamino, cycloalkylamino, heterocycloamino, monosubstituted and disubstituted amino (where two substituents on the amino group are selected from alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkanoylamino, aroylamino, and alkanoylamino), substituted alkanoylamino, and substituted aryl. Examples include, but are not limited to, ethylaminos, substituted alkanoylaminos, thiols, alkylthios, arylthios, heterocyclothios, aralkylthios, cycloalkylthios, alkylthionos, arylthionos, aralkylthionos, alkylsulfonyls, arylsulfonyls, aralkylsulfonyls, oxygen, sulfonamides (e.g., -S02NH2), substituted sulfonamides, nitros, carboxys, carbamyls (e.g., -CONH2), substituted carbamyls (e.g., -CONHalkyl, -CONHaryl, -CONHaralkyl, or examples (where there are two substituents on the nitrogen selected from alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl)), alkoxycarbonyls, aryls, substituted aryls, guanidinos, and heterocyclos (e.g., indolyl, imidazolyl, furyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, pyrrolidyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, etc.).

[0035] As used herein, the terms "weight percent," "wt.%,," "percent by weight," and "% by weight," and their variations, mean the concentration of a substance as the weight of the substance obtained by dividing it by the total weight of the composition and multiplying by 100. As used herein, "percent," "%," etc., are intended to be understood to be synonymous with "weight percent," "wt.%," etc.

[0036] Methods and compositions may include, essentially consist of, or comprise the components and ingredients described herein, in addition to other components. As used herein, “essentially consisting of” means that methods and compositions may include additional steps, components, or ingredients, provided that such additional steps, components, or ingredients do not substantially alter the basic and novel features of the claimed method and composition. Modified starch

[0037] Starch typically possesses good thickening properties due to its high molecular weight polymer components. Typically, in applications utilizing high starch (i.e., solids) content, such as adhesives, candies, and food coatings, common practice is to use modified starch. Modification processes result in starch products with altered physical or chemical properties, including, but not limited to, water dispersibility, lower or higher viscosity, shear resistance, freeze / thaw stability, anionic or cationic charge, viscosity stability during storage, and hydrophobic or lipophilic behavior. Modified starch can also be transformed by chemical, enzymatic, or physical means to reduce the molecular weight of the starch molecules and exhibit reduced viscosity. Similarly, modified starch can also be transformed into a water-dispersible or water-soluble state by additional chemical, enzymatic, thermal, and physical means, meaning the final product does not require cooking to produce a dispersed paste. These processes are often referred to as pre-gelatinization, and common processes include, but are not limited to, slurry extrusion, drum drying, or spray drying. Modified starch can also be provided in paste form, ready for use in liquid solutions or dispersions, or it can be modified by a dextrinization process, which may be referred to as dextrin. Dextrins as a group represent various levels of modification, resulting in different levels of solubility, molecular weight, viscosity, color, and solution stability. Different dextrin classifications include white dextrin (low conversion, low solubility, and poor solution stability) and canary dextrin (high conversion, very high solubility, and high solution stability).

[0038] In some embodiments, modified starch is provided in powder form. In other embodiments, modified starch is provided in liquid form. When modified starch is provided as part of an aqueous coating or in liquid form, it must have high solution stability. Solution-stable materials do not have significant precipitation, gelation, viscosity increase, or changes in composition or texture during extended storage. Storage ready for use in liquid is typically measured in months, and solution-stable materials will have stability for at least several months. In one embodiment, an aqueous coating starch binder would be stable for 6 to 12 months. Modifications that enhance solution stability are required for most starches provided ready for use in liquid, and these include esters, ethers, and other branched modifications. Certain base starches also improve solution stability, such as waxy or pure amylopectin starch. In the case of dextrins, only canary dextrin will provide the solubility and solution stability required for use in liquid, as white dextrin does not provide adequate stability without additional chemical derivatization. Similarly, unmodified starch lacks water solubility and solution stability.

[0039] All starches and wheat flours (hereinafter, "starch") may be suitable for use as base starches in this specification and may be derived from any natural source. The natural starches used herein are those found in nature. Starches derived from plants obtained by standard breeding techniques, including any other method of genetic or chromosome manipulation, including crossbreeding, translocation, inversion, transformation, or modification thereof, are also suitable. Furthermore, starches derived from plants grown from artificial mutations, and variations of the above general compositions that can be produced by known standard methods of mutation breeding, are also suitable for use as base starches in this specification.

[0040] Typical sources of base starch are cereals, tubers, roots, legumes, and fruits. Natural sources may include corn, peas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, barley, wheat, rice, sago, amaranth, tapioca, arrowroot, canna, or sorghum, and their waxy or high-amylose varieties. As used herein, the term “waxy” is intended to include starch or flour containing at least about 95% by weight of amylopectin, and the term “high-amylose” is intended to include starch or flour containing at least about 30% by weight of amylose.

[0041] Modified starch is defined as natural starch containing amylose, amylopectin, or a combination of both (dent starch) that has been modified using chemical, enzymatic, or physical modification. Examples of modified starch using any of the following categories include, but are not limited to, oxidation (adding carbonyl or carboxyl groups to starch using any oxidizing agent), phosphate (monophosphate anionic or diphosphate crosslinking), other crosslinking (adipate, epichlorohydrin), esterification (succination such as OSA octenyl succinate with or without aluminum salts), etherification (ethylation, propylation, carboxymethyl, or cationic), and combinations such as cationic and anionic (amphoteric) or crosslinked propylation. Starch can also be hydrolyzed with acids, enzymes, or oxidizing agents to reduce its molecular weight, and may have different basic chemistry or structure from its source material (waxy, 100% amylopectin, natural anionic phosphate, etc.). Starch can also be dextrinized (dry roasted under acidic conditions) or gelatinized (dispersible in hot or cold water).

[0042] Some examples of modified starch are acid hydrolysate-2-hydroxypropyl ether, hydrogen dextrin octenylbutanediate, hexadiate acetate, and 2-hydroxyl-3-(trimethylamino)propyl ether chloride. In some embodiments, the modified starch is not cationic modified starch.

[0043] The most common conversion methods used in the starch industry include acid hydrolysis, oxidation, thermal conversion, and enzymatic conversion. Except for enzymatic conversion, granular starch is used in a denaturation process to facilitate recovery. This recovery process generally involves a suspension of the final starch product in water, neutralization of the pH, and then filtering the starch product and washing the product with water. Such processes generally remove salts and charged particles, including smaller molecular weight by-products generated during the conversion.

[0044] The use of aqueous methods for denaturing and transforming starch using the recovery methods described above is well known and is described in publications such as "Starch: Chemistry and Technology," Second Edition, edited by Roy L. Whistler et al., Chapter X; Starch Derivatives: Production and Uses by MWRutenberg et al., Academic Press, Inc. 1984.

[0045] Modified starch components are a renewable source and are environmentally friendly compared to synthetic binders. As more "active ingredients" are added to seeds, more polymer blends need to be added to the seed coating mixture. Currently, in the seed coating industry, synthetic polymer binders are used to coat insecticides, fungicides, nutrients, and other active ingredients. The modified starch contained in the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein provides a coating with a smooth, uniform coverage of the "active ingredients" without stickiness. After the coated seeds are planted, the modified starch also provides a food source for beneficial microorganisms coated on the seed surface, accelerating microbial colonization on the roots. Thus, starch can offer a dual function as both a coating material and a food source for beneficial microorganisms. Seed coating composition

[0046] Some embodiments relate to aqueous seed coating compositions comprising a binder containing modified starch and an active ingredient. In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein comprise a binder containing modified starch, an active ingredient, and one or more additional components selected from a second binder, fillers, nutrients, wetting additives and dispersing additives or pigment dispersants, solvents, plasticizers, emulsifiers, thickeners, colorants or pigments, defoamers, biocides, surfactants, mica, titanium dioxide, or any combination thereof. Binder

[0047] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein include an aqueous seed coating binder comprising one or more modified starches. In another embodiment, the modified starch in the aqueous seed coating binder comprises about 2% to about 70% by weight of solid starch. In yet another embodiment, the modified starch in the aqueous seed coating binder comprises about 10% to about 50% by weight of solid starch.

[0048] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain about 1% to about 99% by weight of a binder, based on the weight of the seed coating composition, or about 1% to about 90% by weight, 1% to about 80% by weight, 1% to about 70% by weight, 1% to about 60% by weight, 1% to about 50% by weight, 1% to about 40% by weight, 1% to about 30% by weight, 1% to about 20% by weight, or about 1% to about 10% by weight of a binder, based on the weight of the seed coating composition. In preferred embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain about 1% to about 50% by weight of a binder, or about 1% to about 40% by weight, or about 1% to about 30% by weight, based on the weight of the seed coating composition. In other embodiments, the seed coating compositions described herein contain about 3% to a maximum of about 15% by weight of a binder, based on the total weight of the seed coating composition. In yet another embodiment, the seed coating composition described herein contains about 4% to a maximum of about 10% by weight of a binder, based on the weight of the seed coating composition. In yet another embodiment, the seed coating composition described herein contains about 6% to a maximum of about 8% by weight of a binder, based on the weight of the seed coating composition.

[0049] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain, based on the weight of the seed coating composition, one or more modified starches as binders in an amount of about 1% to about 99% by weight, or, based on the weight of the seed coating composition, one or more modified starches as binders in an amount of about 1% to about 90% by weight, 1% to about 80% by weight, 1% to about 70% by weight, 1% to about 60% by weight, 1% to about 50% by weight, 1% to about 40% by weight, 1% to about 30% by weight, 1% to about 20% by weight, or about 1% to about 10% by weight. In preferred embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain, based on the weight of the seed coating composition, one or more modified starches as binders in an amount of about 1% to a maximum of about 40% by weight, or about 1% to about 30% by weight. In other embodiments, the seed coating compositions described herein contain, based on the weight of the seed coating composition, one or more modified starches as binders in an amount of about 3% to a maximum of about 15% by weight. In other embodiments, the seed coating composition described herein contains one or more modified starches as binders in an amount of about 4% to a maximum of about 10% by weight, based on the weight of the seed coating composition. In yet another embodiment, the seed coating composition described herein contains one or more modified starches as binders in an amount of about 6% to a maximum of about 8% by weight, based on the weight of the seed coating composition.

[0050] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain, based on the weight of the binder, about 1% to a maximum of about 99% by weight of unmodified starch, or about 1% to a maximum of about 90% by weight, 1% to a maximum of about 80% by weight, 1% to a maximum of about 70% by weight, 1% to a maximum of about 60% by weight, 1% to a maximum of about 50% by weight, 1% to a maximum of about 40% by weight, 1% to a maximum of about 30% by weight, 1% to a maximum of about 20% by weight, or about 1% to a maximum of about 10% by weight of unmodified starch. In preferred embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain, based on the weight of the binder, about 1% to a maximum of about 40% by weight of unmodified starch, or about 1% to a maximum of about 30% by weight. In some embodiments, the seed coating compositions described herein contain, based on the weight of the binder, up to about 90%, up to about 80%, up to about 70%, up to about 60%, up to about 50%, up to about 40%, up to about 30%, up to about 20%, or up to about 10% unmodified starch.

[0051] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain, based on the weight of the binder, about 1% to a maximum of about 99% by weight of synthetic polymer, or about 1% to a maximum of about 95% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 90% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 80% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 70% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 60% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 50% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 40% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 30% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 99% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 20% by weight, or about 1% to a maximum of about 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain, based on the weight of the binder, up to 95% by weight of synthetic polymer.

[0052] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain, based on the weight of the binder, about 1% to a maximum of about 99% by weight of enzymatically converted starch, or about 1% to a maximum of about 95% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 90% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 80% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 70% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 60% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 50% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 40% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 30% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 99% by weight, about 1% to a maximum of about 20% by weight, or about 1% to a maximum of about 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain, based on the weight of the binder, up to 99% by weight of enzymatically converted starch.

[0053] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein are used for approximately 294.0 to 887.4 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, approximately 443.7 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, approximately 473.3 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, approximately 502.8 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, approximately 532.4 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, approximately 562.0 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, approximately 591.6 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, or approximately 621.2 g / 45.36 kg of seeds. This applies to seeds in the following proportions: g of seeds, approximately 650.8g / 45.36kg of seeds, approximately 680.3g / 45.36kg of seeds, approximately 708.0g / 45.36kg of seeds, approximately 739.5g / 45.36kg of seeds, approximately 769.1g / 46.36kg of seeds, approximately 798.7g / 46.36kg of seeds, approximately 828.0g / 45.36kg of seeds, approximately 857.8g / 45.36kg of seeds, and approximately 887.4g / 45.36kg of seeds.In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein are used for approximately 2.84 to 284 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, approximately 5.68 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, approximately 14.2 to 284 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, approximately 28.4 to 99.4 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, approximately 42.6 to 95.2 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, approximately 56.8 to 85.2 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, approximately 56.8 to 71 g / 45.36 kg of seeds, or approximately 5 0.68g / 45.36kg of seeds, approximately 14.2g / 45.36kg of seeds, approximately 21.3g / 45.36kg of seeds, approximately 28.4g / 45.36kg of seeds, approximately 42.6g / 45.36kg of seeds, approximately 56.8g / 46.36kg of seeds, approximately 71g / 46.36kg of seeds, approximately 85.2g / 45.36kg of seeds, approximately 99.4g / 45.36kg of seeds, approximately 113g / 45.36kg of seeds, approximately 127.8g / 45.36kg of seeds , approximately 142g / 45.36kg of seeds, approximately 170.4g / 45.36kg of seeds, approximately 198.8g / 45.36kg of seeds, approximately 227.2g / 45.36kg of seeds, approximately 255.6g / 46.36kg of seeds or approximately 284g / 45.36kg of seeds or approximately 5.68g / 45.36kg of seeds or more, approximately 14.2g / 45.36kg of seeds or more, approximately 21.3g / 45.36kg of seeds or more, approximately 28.4g / 45.36kg of seeds or more, The treatment is applied to seeds in proportions of approximately 42.6g / 45.36kg or more, approximately 56.8g / 46.36kg or more, approximately 71g / 46.36kg or more, approximately 85.2g / 45.36kg or more, approximately 99.4g / 45.36kg or more, approximately 113g / 45.36kg or more, approximately 127.8g / 45.36kg or more, or approximately 142g / 45.36kg or more, or approximately 284g / 45.36kg or more.

[0054] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein do not contain unmodified starch. In other embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain (i) a binder comprising modified starch, synthetic polymer, enzymatically converted starch (e.g., maltodextrin, polysaccharide mixture, or a combination thereof), unmodified starch, or a combination thereof, and (ii) an active ingredient. In yet another embodiment, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain (i) a binder comprising modified starch, synthetic polymer, enzymatically converted starch (e.g., maltodextrin, polysaccharide mixture, or a combination thereof), or a combination thereof, and (ii) an active ingredient. In yet another embodiment, the binder contained in the aqueous seed coating composition described herein contains up to 95% by weight of synthetic polymer, based on the weight of the binder. In yet another embodiment, the binder contained in the aqueous seed coating composition described herein contains up to 99% by weight of enzymatically converted starch, based on the weight of the binder. In further embodiments, the binder contained in the aqueous seed coating composition described herein comprises up to 40% by weight of unmodified starch, based on the weight of the binder. In some embodiments, one or more binders used to prepare the aqueous seed coating composition described herein may be in liquid or powder form.

[0055] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein do not contain polymer binders, such as synthetic polymer binders.

[0056] Polymer binders used in seed coating compositions are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, water-soluble polymers such as polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyurethane, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium alginate, polyurethane, polyacrylate, casein, gelatin, pullulan, polyacrylamide, polyethylene oxide, and poly(N-vinylacetamide).

[0057] For example, waxes such as carnauba wax, paraffin wax, polyethylene wax, and polypropylene wax can be used as binders or as extra fluidizing additives. Ethylene vinyl acetate can also be suitably used as a binder. Dispersion additive

[0058] In another embodiment, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein further comprises wetting additives and dispersing additives (sometimes referred to as pigment dispersants). Suitable wetting and dispersing additives include, but are not limited to, ionic and nonionic products, solutions of organically modified polyacrylates, polyacrylates, sodium polyacrylate, polyurethanes, phosphate esters, star polymers, modified polyethers, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein comprises about 1 to 20% by weight or more of wetting and dispersing additives based on the total weight of the seed coating composition. plasticizer

[0059] In any embodiment, one or more aqueous seed coating compositions include plasticizers such as glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, low DE (dextrose equivalent) corn syrup, or other plasticizers used in the art of seed coating, and combinations thereof. In further embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein include, based on the total weight of a binder containing modified starch, about 1% to about 20% by weight of plasticizer, or about 1% to about 10% by weight of plasticizer, or about 1% to about 5% by weight of plasticizer, or about 5% to about 20% by weight of plasticizer, or about 5% to about 10% by weight of plasticizer. solvent

[0060] In another embodiment, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain about 1% to about 5% by weight of a solvent, based on the total weight of the seed coating composition. Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, alcohols, butyl glycol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerol, texanol ((3-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethylpentyl)2-methylpropanoate), and combinations thereof. Thickening agent

[0061] In another embodiment, the aqueous seed coating composition described herein contains about 0.05% to about 2% by weight of a thickener based on the total weight of the seed coating composition. Suitable thickeners include, but are not limited to, agar, carboxymethylcellulose, carrageenan, chitin, fucoidan, ghati, gum arabic, karaya, laminaran, locust bean gum, pectin, arginate, guar gum, xanthan gum, tragacanth gum, bentonite clay, HEUR (hydrophobic modified, ethoxylated urethane) thickeners, HASE (hydrophobic modified, alkali-swelling emulsion) thickeners, polyacrylates, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the thickener is gum. Coloring agents

[0062] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain about 1% to about 50% by weight of a colorant based on the total weight of the seed coating composition. Suitable colorants include, but are not limited to, dyes or pigment colorants. Suitable dyes include, but are not limited to, anthraquinones, triphenylmethane, phthalocyanines and their derivatives, diazonium salts and combinations thereof. The colorants may contain pigments such as, for example, Pigment Red 112 (CAS No. 6535-46-2), Pigment Red 2 (CAS No. 6041-94-7), Pigment Red 48:2 (CAS No. 7023-61-2), Pigment Blue 15:3 (CAS No. 147-14-8), Pigment Green 36 (CAS No. 14302-13-7), Pigment Green 7 (CAS No. 1328-53-6), Pigment Yellow 74 (CAS No. 6358-31-2), Pigment Orange 5 (CAS No. 3468-63-1), Pigment Purple 23 (CAS No. 6358-30-1), Pigment Black 7 (CAS No. 97793-37-8), Pigment White 6 (CAS No. 98084-96-9), and combinations thereof. defoaming agent

[0063] In further embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain about 0.05% to about 0.3% by weight of an antifoaming agent based on the total weight of the seed coating composition. Suitable antifoaming agents include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol, glycerin, mineral oil antifoaming agents, silicone antifoaming agents, and non-silicone antifoaming agents (such as polyethers and polyacrylates), dimethylpolysiloxane (silicone oil), aryl alkyd-modified polysiloxanes, polyethersiloxane copolymers containing fumed silica, and combinations thereof. Effective pigments

[0064] In further embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein include effect pigments. Suitable effect pigments include, but are not limited to, pearlescent pigments, aluminum, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the effect pigment has a particle size of 15 μm or less, or 60 μm or less. In other embodiments, the particle size of the effect pigment is 200 μm or less, or 100 μm or less. In yet another embodiment, the particle size of the effect pigment is 1 μm or more. All effect pigments are generally used to create a good cosmetic appearance for the seeds.

[0065] In further embodiments, titanium dioxide is used as an effect pigment to improve the gloss of the coated seeds. In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain effect titanium dioxide. In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain about 1% to about 10% by weight of titanium dioxide based on the total weight of the seed coating composition, or about 1% to about 5% by weight, preferably about 5% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed coating composition. emulsifier

[0066] In more further embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein include emulsifiers. Suitable emulsifiers for use in aqueous seed coating compositions include, for example, polysorbates such as Tween 80, diglycol laurate, glyceryl oleate, 2-amino-2-methylol-1,3-propanediol stearate, stearyl glutamic acid, and triethanolamine stearate. Other emulsifiers are also typically used in the art for preparing agricultural formulations and compositions.

[0067] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein contain an emulsifier in the range of about 1% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed coating composition, or an emulsifier in the range of about 1% to about 5% by weight, preferably about 5% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed coating composition. biocides

[0068] In further embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein include a biocide. The biocide is typically included in the aqueous seed coating composition to extend its shelf life before it is applied to seeds, for example, when stored. active ingredient

[0069] In one embodiment, one or more active ingredients contained in the aqueous seed coating composition described herein are insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, fungicides, bacteriostatic agents, insecticides, nematicides, insecticides, triazines, sulfonylurea, uracil, urea, acetanilide, organophosphonates, nitriloxime fungicides, azoleimidazole fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, phenylpyrrole fungicides, phenylamide fungicides, carboxamide fungicides, The active ingredients are selected from triazole fungicides, sulfur enamide fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, neonicotinoid insecticides, acylamine fungicides, chlorinated aromatics, dichloroaniline fungicides, carbamate insecticides, organic thiophosphate insecticides, perchlorinated organic insecticides, acaricides, propynyl sulfite, triazapentadiene acaricides, chlorinated aromatic acaricides, tetradiphan, dinitrophenol acaricides, binapacrylics, adjuvants, surfactants, and fertilizers. In addition, one or more active ingredients may be any biopesticides of plant or microbial origin, and / or any biologically living beneficial microorganisms from the genus Bacteria or Fungi, and any combination thereof. In another embodiment, one or more active ingredients contained in the aqueous seed coating composition described herein are selected from insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, biopesticides, biological preparations containing bacteria or fungi, fungicides, bacteriostatic agents, insecticides, nematicides, insecticides, or any combination thereof.

[0070] In some embodiments, one or more active ingredients may further include adjuvants, surfactants, fertilizers, or any combination thereof. Coated seeds

[0071] Some embodiments involve one or more seeds coated with one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein. In other embodiments, the one or more seeds are agricultural seeds, vegetable seeds, herb seeds, wildflower seeds, ornamental seeds, grass seeds, tree seeds, shrub seeds, or any combination thereof.

[0072] In further embodiments, the plant seeds are agricultural seeds. The seeds may belong to the monocotyledonous order or the dicotyledonous order. Suitable seeds include, but are not limited to, soybeans, cotton, corn, peanuts, maize, wheat, barley, oats, rye, mustard, sunflower, sugar beet, safflower, millet, chicory, flax, rapeseed, buckwheat, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, alfalfa, signal grass, clover, sorghum, chickpeas, beans, peas, vetch, rice, sugarcane, linseed, and combinations thereof. Suitable vegetable seeds include, but are not limited to, asparagus, leeks, celery, chives, garlic, beet root, spinach, beets, curly kale, cauliflower, sprouting broccoli, Savoy cabbage, white cabbage, red cabbage, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, turnip, endive, chicory, watermelon, melon, cucumber, gherkin, mallow, parsley, fennel, peas, beans, radish, black salsify, eggplant, corn, carrots, onions, tomatoes, pepper, lettuce, cucurbits, scallions, broccoli, rapeseed, Brussels sprouts, and combinations thereof.

[0073] Preferably, the plant seeds are capable of germination. Optionally, the seeds may be dehulled (so-called hulled or peeled seeds). The seeds may or may not be primed (treated to improve germination rate, e.g., osmopriming, hydropriming, matrix priming). Coating method

[0074] In some embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein are applied to seeds in a single application step. In other embodiments, the aqueous seed coating compositions described herein are applied in multiple application steps.

[0075] Some embodiments relate to a method for coating seeds, comprising (i) mixing a binder containing modified starch with an active ingredient to form a seed coating composition, and (ii) applying the composition to one or more seeds.

[0076] Seeds may be coated with one or more aqueous seed coating compositions described herein by applying the composition directly to the seeds. In some embodiments, seeds may be overtreated with one or more active ingredients. In other embodiments, seeds may be treated indirectly, for example, by treating the environment or conditions to which the seeds are exposed. Conventional treatment methods may be used to treat the environment or growing area, including immersion, spraying, fumigation, chemical solution irrigation, misting, spraying, brushing, shank, or injection.

[0077] In some embodiments, the active ingredient, a colorant, and a binder containing modified starch can be added separately to a seed coating device using an atomizer or a rotating disk device to apply a uniform coating of the composition to one or more seeds.

[0078] The subject matter intended by this disclosure is described in the following numbered embodiments. 1. An aqueous seed coating composition comprising a binder containing modified starch and an active ingredient, An aqueous seed coating composition comprising, optionally, modified starch, amylose, amylopectin, or any combination thereof. 2. Modified starch is selected from grains, tubers, roots, legumes, fruits, or any combination thereof. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the modified starch is optionally selected from corn, peas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, barley, wheat, rice, sago, amaranth, tapioca, arrowroot, canna, or sorghum, waxy or high-amylose varieties thereof, or any combination thereof. 3. Modified starch is etherified, oxidized, methylated, ethylated, propylated, alkoxylated, carboxymethylated, cationic, esterified, acylated, succinated, propylated, and phosphate crosslinked, dextrinized, or any combination thereof. Optionally, modified starch is hydrolyzed with acids, enzymes, oxidizing agents, and / or physically to reduce its molecular weight. Optionally, the modified starch is acid hydrolyzate-2-hydroxypropyl ether, dextrin hydrogen octenylbutanediate, hexadiate acetate, or 2-hydroxyl. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the modified starch is optionally waxy, 100% amylopectin, a natural anionic phosphate, gelatinized, or any combination thereof. 4. The active ingredient is (i) insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop drying agents, fungicides, biopesticides, biological preparations containing bacteria or fungi, fungicides, bacteriostatic agents, insecticides, nematicides, insecticides, or any combination thereof, (ii) Insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, fungicides, bacteriostatic agents, insecticides, insect repellents, triazines, sulfonylurea, uracil, urea, and organophosphonates, nitriloxime fungicides, azoleimidazole fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, phenylpyrrole fungicides, phenylamide fungicides, carboxamide fungicides, triazole fungicides, sulfur enamide fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, neonicotinoid insecticides, acylamine fungicides, chlorinated aromatics, di A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a chloroaniline fungicide, a carbamate insecticide, an organic thiophosphate insecticide, a perchlorinated organic insecticide, acaricide, propynyl sulfite, triazapentadiene acaricide, a chlorinated aromatic acaricide, tetradiphan, a dinitrophenol acaricide, binapacrylic, an adjuvant, a surfactant, a fertilizer, a biopesticide of plant or microorganism origin, or a biologically living beneficial microorganism from a genus of bacteria or fungi, or any combination thereof. 5. Further comprising a second binder, filler, nutrient, wetting additive and dispersing additive or pigment dispersant, solvent, plasticizer, emulsifier, thickener, colorant or pigment, defoamer, biocide, surfactant, mica, titanium dioxide, or any combination thereof, The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the binder optionally further comprises a synthetic polymer, enzyme-converted starch, or a combination thereof. 6. The binder contains up to 95% by weight of synthetic polymer, based on the weight of the binder. Optionally, the composition may contain up to 99% by weight of enzyme-converted starch, based on the weight of the binder. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the composition optionally does not contain unmodified starch. 7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the binder further comprises up to 40% by weight of unmodified starch, based on the weight of the binder. 8. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for coating seeds. 9. Coated seeds comprising the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8. 10. The seeds are agricultural seeds, vegetable seeds, herb seeds, wild flower seeds, ornamental seeds, grass seeds, tree seeds, shrub seeds, or any combination thereof. The seeds are selected at will from soybeans, cotton, corn, peanuts, maize, wheat, barley, oats, rye, mustard, sunflower, sugar beet, safflower, millet, chicory, flax, rapeseed, buckwheat, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, alfalfa, signal grass, clover, sorghum, chickpeas, beans, peas, vetch, rice, sugarcane, flaxseed, and any combination thereof. Coated seeds according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the vegetable seeds are optionally selected from asparagus, leeks, celery, chives, garlic, beet root, spinach, beets, curly kale, cauliflower, sprouting broccoli, Savoy cabbage, white cabbage, red cabbage, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, turnip, endive, chicory, watermelon, melon, cucumber, mallow, parsley, fennel, peas, beans, radish, black salsify, eggplant, corn, carrots, onions, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, cucurbits, scallions, broccoli, rapeseed, Brussels sprouts, and any combination thereof. 11. A method for coating one or more seeds, (i) Mixing a binder containing modified starch with the active ingredient to form an aqueous seed coating composition, (ii) applying the composition to one or more seeds, A method wherein the modified starch optionally comprises amylose, amylopectin, or any combination thereof. 12. Modified starch is derived from grains, tubers, roots, legumes, fruits, or any combination thereof. The method according to claim 11, wherein the modified starch is optionally corn, pea, potato, sweet potato, banana, barley, wheat, rice, sago, amaranth, tapioca, arrowroot, canna, sorghum, waxy or high-amylose varieties thereof, or any combination thereof. 13. Modified starch is modified through one or more of the following: oxidation, phosphate addition, crosslinking, esterification, etherification, dextrinization, or any combination thereof. Optionally, modified starch is hydrolyzed with an acid, enzyme, and / or oxidizing agent to reduce its molecular weight. Optionally, the modified starch may be waxy, 100% amylopectin, a natural anionic phosphate, gelatinized (dispersible in hot or cold water), or any combination thereof. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the modified starch is optionally an acid hydrolyzate-2-hydroxypropyl ether, octenyl butanediate hydrogen dextrin, hexadiate acetate, 2-hydroxyl-3-(trimethylamino)propyl ether chloride, canary dextrin, or any combination thereof. 14. The seed coating composition further comprises one or more active ingredients, the active ingredients are (i) insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop drying agents, fungicides, biopesticides, biological preparations containing bacteria or fungi, fungicides, bacteriostatic agents, insecticides, nematicides, insecticides, or any combination thereof, (ii) Insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, fungicides, bacteriostatic agents, insecticides, insecticides, triazines, sulfonylureas, uracil, urea, and organophosphonates, nitriloxime fungicides, azoleimidazole fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, phenylpyrrole fungicides, phenylamide fungicides, carboxamide fungicides, triazole fungicides, sulfur enamide fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, neonicotinoid insecticides, acylamine fungicides Agents, chlorinated aromatics, dichloroaniline fungicides, carbamate insecticides, organic thiophosphate insecticides, perchlorinated organic insecticides, acaricides, propynyl sulfite, triazapentadiene acaricides, chlorinated aromatic acaricides, tetradiphan, dinitrophenol acaricides, binapacrylic, adjuvants, surfactants, fertilizers, biopesticides of plant or microorganism origin, or biologically living beneficial microorganisms from the genera Bacteria or Fungi, or any combination thereof. Optionally, the seed coating composition further comprises a binder, filler, nutrients, wetting additives and dispersing additives or pigment dispersants, solvents, thickeners, colorants or pigments, defoamers, biocides, surfactants, mica, titanium dioxide, or any combination thereof. The method according to claim 11, wherein the binder optionally further comprises a synthetic polymer, enzyme-converted starch, or a combination thereof. 15. The binder contains up to 95% by weight of synthetic polymer, based on the weight of the binder. Optionally, the composition may contain up to 99% by weight of enzyme-converted starch, based on the weight of the binder. Optionally, the composition may not contain unmodified starch. The composition according to claim 14, wherein the binder optionally further comprises up to 40% by weight of unmodified starch, based on the weight of the binder. Examples

[0079] Embodiments of the present invention are further defined by the following non-limiting embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments, while illustrating specific embodiments of the present invention, are provided for illustrative purposes only. From the above discussion and these embodiments, those skilled in the art can identify the essential features of the present invention and make various changes and modifications to the embodiments of the present invention to adapt them to various uses and conditions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, various modifications to the embodiments of the present invention, in addition to those shown and described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Example 1: Corn seed coating Equipment: Exemplary seed coating compositions were applied to seeds using transparent plastic bags or a Continuous Batch Treating System (Gustafson CBT-200, Bayer Crop Science).

[0080] For the flow rate test, a galvanized metal funnel was used. For the dust-off test, a Heubach Dustmeter (Heubach, Salzburg, Germany) was used to assess planting suitability, and a John Deere vacuum planter was used.

[0081] Materials and Chemicals: Commercially available active ingredient blends commonly used in seed coating compositions are listed in Table 1 (hereinafter referred to as "Active Ingredient Blend I"). Active Ingredient Blend I listed in Table 1 is used in the seed coating compositions described in Examples 1 and 2. [Table 1]

[0082] Seeds used to prepare the coated seeds in Table 2: XL-corn seeds (round variety) (Beck's Hybrids, Atlanta, Indiana).

[0083] Seeds used to prepare the coated seeds in Table 3: Corn seeds, variety S-2338 (Ingredion Inc., Westchester, IL).

[0084] Coloring agent: Chromatint® Red 40 (Chromatech, Inc., Canton, MI).

[0085] Mica: Pyrisma (registered trademark) F80-51 SW Ferric red (Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany).

[0086] Coating material: Commercially available Precise 1006 synthetic polymer binder (saxagristin hydrochloride / dapagliflozin propanediol polymer) (Bayer Crop Science, Research Triangle Park, NC). Commercially available starch: liquid cationic starch, amylopectin, 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether chloride, liquid modified starch, hydrogenated octenylbutanediote (octenyl succinate (OSA) modified starch), liquid modified starch, amylopectin, acid hydrolysis, 2-hydroxypropyl ether (hydroxypropyl (PO) modified starch), and waxy amylopectin (unmodified starch), corn starch (unmodified starch) (Ingredion Inc., Westchester, IL). The above-mentioned starches and modified starches were present in the seed coating composition in a range of 1 to 50 weight percent of the coating material, or in a range of 30 to 40 weight percent of the coating material.

[0087] Method for preparing coated seeds in Table 2: Active ingredient blend I shown in Table 1 was prepared. Subsequently, the seed coating composition was prepared by combining 50.6 g / 45.36 kg of active ingredient blend I with 7.9 g / 45.36 kg of Chromatint® Red 40, 383.5 g / 45.36 kg of water, and 148 g / 45.36 kg of the above coating material. XL-corn seeds were coated with the seed coating composition by adding the seeds and seed coating composition to a transparent plastic bag, which was then blown with air and shaken for 50 seconds. After 50 seconds, 1.0 g of dry mica powder was added to the bag, and then shaken for an additional 10 seconds to provide uniformly coated dry seeds.

[0088] The seeds were processed in 0.45 kg batches, and five batches of seeds were coated. The five 0.45 kg seed batches were combined, and the sample numbers were assigned to a 2.25 kg batch of the composite. For each 0.45 kg bag of seeds, 5.9 g of the above seed coating composition was used for coating the seeds. The seed coating compositions for each composite batch are listed in Table 2. [Table 2]

[0089] Method for preparing the coated seeds shown in Table 3: Active ingredient blend I shown in Table 1 was prepared. Subsequently, various seed coating compositions were prepared by combining 50.6 g / 45.36 kg of active ingredient blend I with 7.9 g / 45.36 kg of Chromatint® Red 40, 383.5 g / 45.36 kg of water, and 148 g / 45.36 kg of each of the above coating materials. Subsequently, S-2338 corn seeds were coated with the seed coating compositions described in Table 3 via a continuous batch processing system. For each batch of 135 kg of seeds, 1756 g of the seed coating composition was used for seed coating. [Table 3]

[0090] To evaluate the delivery efficiency of the coating composition, coated seed samples prepared in Table 3 were analyzed for the presence of active ingredients (insecticides and fungicides in active ingredient blend I). The results are shown in Table 4. [Table 4]

[0091] The data demonstrated that seeds coated with commercially available synthetic binders, as well as seeds coated with both modified and unmodified starch, provided uniform coating of the active ingredients on the treated seeds, while efficiently delivering the active ingredients to the seed surface (see Table 4). The recovery rates of total active ingredients (91–103%) on the coated seeds demonstrate that modified and unmodified starch coatings on seed samples (samples 9–12) provided uniform coating and efficient delivery of the active ingredient blend, at least as good as or better than coatings containing commercially available synthetic polymer binders (sample 8). Seed coatings containing modified starch (samples 9–11) contained equivalent or greater amounts of total active ingredients compared to seed coatings containing unmodified starch (sample 12). Surprisingly, some seed coatings containing modified starch (e.g., samples 9 and 10) provided complete recovery of the applied active ingredient blend.

[0092] Regarding the recovery of individual active ingredient components from active ingredient blend I, seed coatings containing either modified or unmodified starch (samples 9-12) produced amounts of individual active ingredients equal to or greater than those of seed coatings containing commercially available synthetic polymer binders (sample 8). Surprisingly, most of the modified starch provided large amounts of at least one active ingredient (e.g., clothianidin).

[0093] Unmodified starch provided excellent coverage and recovery rates of the total active ingredient; however, the generated data indicated that seeds coated with the seed coating composition containing unmodified starch exhibited insufficient dust-off and flow characteristics. Dust-off analysis. Dust-off measurements were performed to determine the amount of dust shed by the coated seeds when subjected to handling. For each batch of coated seeds prepared in Example 1, a Heubach Dustmeter was used to analyze the dust-off of the seed coating. For each batch of seeds, 100 g of the coated seed sample was added to the drum of the Heubach Dustmeter. Dry air at 20 liters / min was passed through the drum while rotating at 30 RPM for 2 minutes. The dust was collected on filter paper and weighed. The dust-off measurements were quantified by weight difference. Seed counts were performed to determine the average grams of dust per 100,000 seeds. Two copies were performed for each sample, and the results were averaged across the plots. The results are shown in Figures 1A and 1B. It is desirable to generate the minimum possible amount of dust in the pool of coated seeds.

[0094] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, which illustrate the results for two types of corn seeds, uncoated corn seeds (samples 1 and 7) produced the least amount of dust. Corn seeds coated with seed coating compositions containing synthetic polymers (samples 2 and 8) produced more dust than uncoated corn seeds (samples 1 and 7), while seed coating compositions containing unmodified starch (samples 5, 6, and 12) produced the maximum amount of dust.

[0095] Corn seeds coated with seed coating compositions containing modified starch (samples 3, 4, and 9-11) produced a lower amount of dust-off compared to corn seeds coated with seed coating compositions containing unmodified starch (samples 5-6 and 12). Surprisingly, corn seeds coated with seed coating compositions containing modified starch (OSA-modified starch (samples 3 and 10), PO-modified starch (samples 4 and 11), and cationic starch (sample 9)) produced the same or less amount of dust as corn seeds coated with seed coating compositions containing synthetic polymers (samples 2 and 8).

[0096] Planting performance test. The planting performance device provides a simulation of a planter device that determines how many times a single seed is successfully picked up and fed into the seed tube, whether multiple seeds are delivered, or whether seeds are not delivered into the seed tube. The planting performance device measures singulation%, skips, and misses. Seeds were pre-conditioned at 25±0.6℃ and 74-75% relative humidity, and the same temperature and humidity were used for the planting meter test. A Precision Planting meter eSet with a John Deere vacuum planting head was used. The planting meter was set to a setting with a seed / acre count of 35,000, a speed of 4.1 mph, and a vacuum speed of 18.1 psi. The vacuum planting unit simulates planting in a field, using air pressure to attach seeds to a disc. The machine records information such as skips, multiple seed deposits, and losses / acre. Approximately 1000 grams of seeds were used in each test (amount to fill the hopper). The planting results for coated corn seeds are shown in Figures 4A and 4B. Ideally, the highest possible singulation %, or single seed delivery, is desirable. Seeds coated with a seed coating composition containing a starch binder showed comparable or slightly better singulation % compared to seeds coated with a seed coating composition containing a synthetic polymer binder.

[0097] Flowability test. Flowability refers to the ability of individual seeds in a seed population to flow to or pass through each other as particles. The flowability of coated corn seeds was measured using a metal funnel. Ten copies of each sample were measured. 2.7 kg of each sample was passed through the funnel, and the amount of time elapsed before all seeds passed through the funnel was recorded. A schematic diagram of the flowability funnel is shown in Figure 2. A talc powder rate of 56.8 g / 45.36 kg of seeds was added to each sample for flowability measurement. Seeds were processed in 4.5 kg batches to perform the flowability test, and the results are shown in Table 5. A shorter elapsed time indicates better flowability. [Table 5]

[0098] Figure 3 shows a plot of the average elapsed time obtained as a result of the fluidity data. As shown in Table 5 and Figure 3, the results indicate that seeds coated with compositions containing modified starch (i.e., samples 9, 10, and 11) had comparable average fluidity times to seeds coated with compositions containing synthetic polymers (sample 8). The results also indicate that seeds coated with compositions containing modified starch (i.e., samples 9, 10, and 11) had significantly better fluidity (e.g., provided a lower average fluidity time) compared to seeds coated with compositions containing unmodified starch (sample 12). Example 2: Soybean seed coating

[0099] Commonly used commercially available active ingredient blends in seed coating compositions are listed in Table 6 (hereinafter referred to as "Active Ingredient Blend II"). Active Ingredient Blend II listed in Table 6 is used in the soybean seed coating composition described in this example. [Table 6]

[0100] Seeds used to prepare the coated seeds in Table 7: Soybean seeds, Asgrow® AG27X0 (Montsanto).

[0101] Coloring agent: Chromatint® Red 40 (Chromatech, Inc., Canton, MI).

[0102] Coating material: Commercially available Precise 1006 synthetic polymer binder (saxagristin hydrochloride / dapagliflozin propanediol polymer) (Bayer Crop Science, Research Triangle Park, NC). Commercially available starch: liquid cationic starch, amylopectin, 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether chloride, liquid modified starch, hydrogenated octenyl butanediote (octenyl succinate (OSA) modified starch), hydrogenated octenyl butanediote (octenyl succinate (OSA) modified starch), liquid modified starch, amylopectin, and acid hydrolysis, 2-hydroxypropyl ether (hydroxypropyl (PO) modified starch), low DE corn syrup (Ingredient, Westchester, IL).

[0103] Method for preparing the coated seeds shown in Table 7: Active ingredient blend II shown in Table 6 was prepared by mixing the active ingredients together. Subsequently, the seed coating composition was prepared by combining 72.8 g / 45.36 kg of active ingredient blend II with 7.9 g / 45.36 kg of Chromatint® Red 40, 29.6 g / 45.36 kg of water, and 90.7 g / 45.36 kg of the above coating material. Each batch of 2.25 kg of seeds, as shown in Table 7, was coated using a Hege 11 seed coater (Wintersteiger Inc.). For each batch of 2.25 kg of seeds, 30 g of the seed coating composition was used for seed coating. [Table 7]

[0104] Dust-off and plantability of coated soybean seeds. Analysis to evaluate the dust-off and plantability characteristics of coated soybean seeds was performed using the method described in Example 1. The results of the dust-off analysis are shown in Figure 5, and the results of the plantability test are shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 5, all coated seed samples provided very low levels of dust (≤0.06 g / 100,000 seeds) compared to coated soybean seeds. Figure 6 shows that all coated soybean seed samples provided comparable levels of plantability (singulation%). Example 3: Seed coating with plasticizer

[0105] A commercially available active ingredient blend commonly used in seed coating compositions is listed in Table 8 (hereinafter, "Active Ingredient Blend III"). This Active Ingredient Blend III is considered to provide a larger delivery of the active ingredient to the seeds compared to Active Ingredient Blends I and II. Active Ingredient Blend III provides delivery of the active ingredient at a rate of approximately 1100 ug / seed and delivery of a high level of clothianidin at a rate of approximately 710 ug / seed, although the level of clothianidin delivered can be adjusted to 600-1250 ug / seed. [Table 8]

[0106] Seeds used to prepare the coated seeds in Table 8: Corn seeds, variety S-2338 (Ingredion Inc., Westchester, IL).

[0107] Coloring agent: Chromatint® Red 40 (Chromatech, Inc., Canton, MI).

[0108] Coating material: Commercially available Precise 1006 synthetic polymer binder (saxagristin hydrochloride / dapagliflozin propanediol polymer) (Bayer Crop Science, Research Triangle Park, NC). Commercially available starch: liquid cationic starch, amylopectin, 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether chloride, liquid modified starch, hydrogenated octenylbutanediote (octenyl succinate (OSA) modified starch), hydrogenated octenylbutanediote (octenyl succinate (OSA) modified starch), liquid modified starch, amylopectin, and acid hydrolysis, 2-hydroxypropyl ether (hydroxypropyl (PO) modified starch).

[0109] Plasticizers: Glycerol (Rita, Crystal Lake, IL), Titanium dioxide (Brenntag, Plainfield, IL), Low DE corn syrup (Ingredion, Westchester, IL), and Sorbitol (Ingredion, Westchester, IL).

[0110] Emulsifier: Tween 80 (Croda, Inc., Edison, NJ).

[0111] Pigment: Titanium dioxide (Brenntag, Plainfield, IL, USA).

[0112] Method for preparing the coated seeds in Table 9: Active ingredient blend III, as shown in Table 8, was prepared by carefully weighing and mixing the components to form a high-active ingredient corn seed coating slurry. Subsequently, various seed coating compositions were prepared by combining 353.4 g / 45.36 kg of active ingredient blend III with 7.9 g / 45.36 kg of Chromatint® Red 40, 68 g / 45.36 kg of water, and 148 g / 45.36 kg of each of the above coating materials.

[0113] Corn seeds were treated using a Hege 11 seed coater (Wintersteiger Inc., Ankeny, Iowa, USA). 30 g of the above seed coating composition was used for seed coating in each 2.25 kg batch of seeds. The coater was run for 45 seconds. [Table 9]

[0114] Except for using a temperature of 30±0.6°C and a relative humidity of 78-79% to evaluate the dust-off and plantability characteristics of coated corn seeds with plasticizers, analyses were performed as described in Example 1. These parameters were selected to simulate the worst-case conditions for plantability in the field. Note that talc / graphite lubricants, which are typically used by farmers, were not used in this example. The results of the dust-off analysis are shown in Figure 7, and the results of the plantability test are shown in Figure 8.

[0115] As shown in Figure 7, sample 18 (OSA-modified starch) and sample 23 (synthetic polymer) yielded comparable results. All other samples (samples 19-22) provided a relatively high level of dust-off compared to all other samples. We provide dust-off levels considered acceptable within industry standards (e.g., the European Seed Trade Association (ESTA) which specifies standard acceptable limits for dust-off of 0.75 g / 100,000 seeds or less). As shown in Figure 8, and as expected, the uncoated seeds (sample 24) showed the highest degree of singulation (≥99%). All samples except the uncoated sample (sample 24) showed relatively lower singulation percentages (below the acceptable limit of 99%) than the uncoated seeds. The reason for the low singulation percentages in these samples was that they were tested in a worst-case scenario approximating extreme environmental conditions with high temperature (30 ± 0.6°C) and high humidity (78–79%) without the use of talc / graphite lubricants. Surprisingly, sample 23 (with a seed coating containing synthetic polymer) provided a relatively low singulation percentage (93.5%) compared to all the other coated samples in Figure 8.

[0116] It should be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not to limit the scope of the attached claims. Other embodiments, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. Features expressed in the foregoing specification, or the following claims, or in terms of means for appropriately carrying out the disclosed functions or methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results, can be used individually or in any combination of such features to realize the present invention in various forms.

Claims

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

2. the modified starch is derived from a cereal, tuber, root, legume, fruit, or any combination thereof; 10. The composition of claim 1, optionally wherein the modified starch is corn, pea, potato, sweet potato, banana, barley, wheat, rice, sago, amaranth, tapioca, arrowroot, canna, or sorghum, waxy or high amylose varieties thereof, or any combination thereof.

3. the modified starch is etherified, oxidized, methylated, ethylated, propylated, alkoxylated, carboxymethylated, cationic, esterified, acylated, succinated, propylated and phosphate crosslinked, dextrinized, or any combination thereof; Optionally, the modified starch has been hydrolyzed with acids, enzymes, oxidizing agents, and / or physically to reduce molecular weight; Optionally, the modified starch is acid hydrolyzed-2-hydroxypropyl ether, dextrin hydrogen octenyl butanedioate, acetate hexadioate, 2-hydroxyl; 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, optionally wherein the modified starch is waxy, 100% amylopectin, natural anionic phosphate, pregelatinized, or any combination thereof.

4. The active ingredient is (i) insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, biopesticides, biological preparations containing bacteria or fungi, bactericides, bacteriostats, insecticides, nematicides, insect repellents, or any combination thereof; or (ii) Insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, bactericides, bacteriostats, insecticides, insect repellents, triazines, sulfonylureas, uracil, urea, and organic phosphonates, nitrilooxime fungicides, azole imidazole fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, phenylpyrrole fungicides, phenylamide fungicides, carboxamide fungicides, triazole fungicides, sulfur enamide fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, neonicotinoid insecticides, acylamine fungicides, chlorinated aromatics, di 4. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, which is a chloroaniline fungicide, a carbamate insecticide, an organothiophosphate insecticide, a perchlorinated organic insecticide, a miticide, propynyl sulfite, a triazapentadiene miticide, a chlorinated aromatic miticide, tetradiphane, a dinitrophenol miticide, binaplakryl, an adjuvant, a surfactant, a fertilizer, a biopesticide of plant or microbial origin, or a biologically living beneficial microorganism from the genus bacteria or fungi, or any combination thereof.

5. further comprising a second binder, a filler, a nutrient, a wetting and dispersing additive or pigment dispersant, a solvent, a plasticizer, an emulsifier, a thickener, a colorant or pigment, an antifoaming agent, a biocide, a surfactant, mica, titanium dioxide, or any combination thereof; 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the binder optionally further comprises a synthetic polymer, an enzyme-converted starch, or a combination thereof.

6. the binder comprises up to 95 wt. % of a synthetic polymer, based on the weight of the binder; Optionally, the composition comprises up to 99% by weight of enzyme-converted starch, based on the weight of the binder; 6. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, optionally wherein the composition does not contain unmodified starch.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the binder further comprises up to 40% by weight of unmodified starch, based on the weight of the binder.

8. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for coating seeds.

9. A coated seed comprising the composition of any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the seed is an agricultural seed, a vegetable seed, an herb seed, a wild flower seed, an ornamental seed, a grass seed, a tree seed, a shrub seed, or any combination thereof; Optionally, the seeds are selected from soybean, cotton, corn, peanut, maize, wheat, barley, oat, triticale, mustard, sunflower, sugar beet, safflower, millet, chicory, flax, rapeseed, buckwheat, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, alfalfa, signal grass, clover, sorghum, chickpea, bean, pea, vetch, rice, sugarcane, linseed, and any combination thereof; 11. The coated seed of claim 10, optionally wherein the vegetable seed is selected from asparagus, chives, celery, leeks, garlic, beetroot, spinach, beets, curly kale, cauliflower, sprouting broccoli, savoy cabbage, white cabbage, red cabbage, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, turnip, endive, chicory, watermelon, melon, cucumber, mallow, parsley, fennel, peas, beans, radish, black salsify, eggplant, corn, carrot, onion, tomato, pepper, lettuce, cucurbits, scallions, broccoli, rapeseed, Brussels sprouts, and any combination thereof.

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

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

13. the modified starch is modified through one or more of oxidation, phosphate addition, cross-linking, esterification, etherification, dextrinization, or any combination thereof; Optionally, the modified starch has been hydrolyzed with an acid, an enzyme, and / or an oxidizing agent to reduce the molecular weight; Optionally, the modified starch is waxy, 100% amylopectin, natural anionic phosphate, pregelatinized (hot or cold water dispersible), or any combination thereof; 13. The method of claim 11 or 12, optionally wherein the modified starch is acid hydrolyzed 2-hydroxypropyl ether, hydrogen dextrin octenyl butanedioate, acetic acid hexadioate, 2-hydroxyl-3-(trimethylamino)propyl ether chloride, canary dextrin, or any combination thereof.

14. The seed coating composition further comprises one or more active ingredients, wherein the active ingredients are (i) insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, biopesticides, biological preparations containing bacteria or fungi, bactericides, bacteriostats, insecticides, nematicides, insect repellents, or any combination thereof; or (ii) insecticides, plant growth regulators, crop desiccants, fungicides, bactericides, bacteriostats, insecticides, insect repellents, triazines, sulfonylureas, uracil, urea, and organic phosphonates, nitrilooxime fungicides, azole imidazole fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, phenylpyrrole fungicides, phenylamide fungicides, carboxamide fungicides, triazole fungicides, sulfur enamide fungicides, dithiocarbamate fungicides, neonicotinoid insecticides, acylamine fungicides acaricides, chlorinated aromatics, dichloroaniline fungicides, carbamate insecticides, organic thiophosphate insecticides, perchlorinated organic insecticides, acaricides, propynyl sulfite, triazapentadiene acaricides, chlorinated aromatic acaricides, tetradiphanes, dinitrophenol acaricides, vinapacryl, adjuvants, surfactants, fertilizers, biopesticides of plant or microbial origin, or biologically live beneficial microorganisms from the genus bacteria or fungi, or any combination thereof; Optionally, the seed coating composition further comprises a binder, a filler, a nutrient, a wetting and dispersing additive or pigment dispersant, a solvent, a plasticizer, a thickener, a colorant or pigment, an antifoaming agent, a biocide, a surfactant, mica, titanium dioxide, or any combination thereof; 14. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein optionally the binder further comprises a synthetic polymer, an enzyme-converted starch, or a combination thereof.

15. the binder comprises up to 95 wt. % of a synthetic polymer, based on the weight of the binder; Optionally, the composition comprises up to 99% by weight of enzyme-converted starch, based on the weight of the binder; Optionally, the composition does not comprise unmodified starch; 15. The composition of claim 14, wherein the binder optionally further comprises up to 40% by weight of unmodified starch, based on the weight of the binder.

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