Organic emulsions for sun filter applications

Abstract

To provide an agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and parts thereof.SOLUTION: Provided is a composition of the present invention comprising at least one wax, at least one lignin, at least one emulsifier, water, optionally calcium carbonate, and optionally a solvent, wherein the ratio of wax:lignin in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200 based on the dry weight of the wax and the lignin, and further referring to the use of such an agricultural composition for UV-A and / or UV-B protection of plants and parts thereof as well as to the use of the combination of at least one wax and at least one lignin as UV-A and / or UV-B protecting agent, wherein the ratio of wax:lignin is from 100:1 to 100:200 based on the dry weight of the wax and the lignin.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts, the composition comprising at least one wax, at least one lignin, at least one emulsifier, water, optionally calcium carbonate, and optionally a solvent, wherein the wax:lignin ratio in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin. The present invention also relates to the use of such an agricultural composition for UV-A and / or UV-B protection of plants and plant parts, as well as the use of a combination of at least one wax and at least one lignin as a UV-A and / or UV-B protectant, wherein the wax:lignin ratio is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin. [Background technology]

[0002] Solar energy, primarily the ultraviolet portion of the solar spectrum, is widely known to have damaging effects on plants and plant parts. In particular, ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation in the 280-320 nm range and ultraviolet A (UV-A) radiation in the >320-400 nm range both cause sunburn to plants and plant parts. Plants and plant parts, and especially fruit, can be damaged by sunburn, particularly when the air temperature in the shade exceeds a temperature of approximately 30°C. This "fruit sunburn" results in fruit damage and a reduction in total production yield, with economic impacts primarily during hot summer months.

[0003] Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to protect at least some plants and plant parts, especially fruits exposed to sunlight, from UV-B and UV-A radiation. Several attempts have been made in the art to provide such UV protection.

[0004] For example, China Utility Model Registration No. 203538002 refers to a pomegranate growing bag capable of preventing sunburn, one side of which is reflective and the other side is transparent. During hot seasons, the reflective side of the pomegranate growing bag facing the sun covers the pomegranates, reflecting most of the sunlight during the day to prevent the pomegranates from sunburn, and some of the sunlight reflected by the reflective plastic film is irradiated onto the leaves on the shady side of the fruit trees, increasing photosynthesis throughout the orchard. However, this procedure is complicated, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, as every plant or fruit must be individually handled by hand.

[0005] Another option for reducing the possibility of sunburn is to use mineral particles, usually clay or calcium carbonate, which form a thin film on plants and plant parts that reflects / blocks damaging UV radiation. Such sunscreen compositions for application to plants are known; for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0052187 A1 refers to a sunscreen composition containing titanium dioxide (TiO), zinc oxide (ZnO), silicon dioxide (SiO), surfactants, wetting agents, dispersants (SWD), and water. This composition forms a suspension concentrate when mixed, which, when diluted in water, provides a solution that provides uniform coverage using conventional spray equipment.

[0006] WO 2010 / 008476 A1 relates to a method for increasing crop yields, which comprises controlling stress in plant tissue by at least partially coating the plant tissue with a composition comprising an agricultural sunscreen formulation and a second pesticide, the agricultural sunscreen formulation comprising 40-80% by weight calcium carbonate, 1-5% by weight bicarbonate, and 15-59% by weight water.

[0007] However, a major drawback of such particulate films is the "whitewashed" appearance of treated plants and fruits. Such white to grayish films on plants and fruits are unappetizing and are rejected by consumers.

[0008] A potential alternative to such "whitewash" films is a wax-based product, such as carnauba wax, which appears substantially transparent after application. Such wax-based sunscreens are known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,455 B2, which describes a method and composition for inhibiting cracking, stem browning, and moisture loss in fruits or vegetables, such as cherries. The method includes applying to the fruit or vegetable an amount of a wax emulsion containing about 0.125% to about 25% by weight of carnauba wax, about 0.1% to about 16% by weight of oleic acid, about 0.03% to about 6% by weight of morpholine, and about 53% to about 99.7% by weight of water.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 4,946,694 B2 relates to a system for coating sticky fruit, the system comprising a first composition containing a vegetable wax, a vegetable oil, and a humectant, and a second composition containing a protein, the first composition being applied to the fruit before the second composition, the first and second compositions being applied in amounts sufficient to render the fruit no longer sticky. The vegetable wax can be, for example, carnauba wax.

[0010] In such compositions, vegetable waxes such as carnauba wax are usually the primary active ingredient against sun damage. However, while some waxes filter out a significant portion of UV-B radiation, they are less effective against UV-A radiation.

[0011] Thus, there is a continuing need in the art for suitable formulations or compositions that provide sufficient or improved UV-B and / or UV-A protection to plants and plant parts. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide agricultural compositions for providing sufficient or improved UV-B and / or UV-A protection to plants and plant parts, especially fruit. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide agricultural compositions that are translucent or that at least provide only a thin film or a faint sheen to plants and plant parts treated with such compositions. It is a further object of the present invention that the compounds used in these agricultural compositions are non-toxic to humans, have no harmful effects on the environment, and are preferably approved by food regulations for use on plants and plant parts, especially fruit. Another object of the present invention is that these compositions should be easy and rapid to produce, inexpensive, and especially easy to handle. It is particularly preferred that these compositions be sprayable, and that they adhere to plants and plant parts and are not easily washed away by rain. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] These and other objects of the present invention are solved by an agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts as described herein and as defined in the claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts, the composition comprising at least one wax, at least one lignin, at least one emulsifier, water, optionally calcium carbonate, and optionally a solvent, wherein the ratio of wax:lignin in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin.

[0015] The present inventors have surprisingly found that the above-described agricultural compositions provide sufficient or improved UV-B and / or UV-A protection to plants and plant parts, particularly fruit. In particular, the present inventors have surprisingly found that agricultural compositions provide improved UV-B and / or UV-A protection to plants and plant parts when at least one wax is used in combination with at least one lignin, and the wax:lignin ratio in the composition is between 100:1 and 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin. Furthermore, the agricultural compositions of the present invention are translucent, or at least impart only a thin film or a faint sheen to plants and plant parts treated with such compositions. The compounds used in these agricultural compositions are non-toxic to humans, generally speaking, do not have a harmful effect on the environment, and are preferably approved by food regulations for use on plants and plant parts, particularly fruit. Furthermore, the present inventors have surprisingly found that the compositions of the present invention are easy and rapid to produce, inexpensive, and, particularly, easy to handle. Due to the consistency of the agricultural compositions of the present invention, they are sprayable and they adhere to plants and plant parts and are not easily washed away by rain.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the agricultural compositions of the invention are used for UV-A and / or UV-B protection of plants and plant parts.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a combination of at least one wax and at least one lignin is used as a UV-A and / or UV-B protection agent, wherein the wax:lignin ratio is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin.

[0018] Advantageous embodiments of the above aspects are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the composition consists of at least one wax, at least one lignin, at least one emulsifier, water, optionally calcium carbonate, and optionally a solvent.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the wax:lignin ratio in the composition is from 100:5 to 100:180, preferably from 100:10 to 100:150, most preferably from 100:30 to 100:100, based on the dry weight of wax and lignin.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one wax is selected from the group consisting of carnauba wax, beeswax, paraffin wax, shellac wax, candelilla wax, ouricle wax, sugarcane wax, soy wax, bayberry wax, petroleum wax, laurel wax, rice bran wax, and mixtures thereof, preferably carnauba wax.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one lignin is selected from the group consisting of native lignin, Klason lignin, hydrolyzed lignin, ground lignin (ground wood lignin), soda lignin, organosolv lignin, kraft lignin, alkaline lignin, sulfonated lignin, and mixtures thereof, preferably sulfonated lignin.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one emulsifier is selected from the group comprising PEG compounds, PEG-free emulsifiers, silicone-based emulsifiers, silicones, fatty acids, and mixtures thereof.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one wax and the at least one lignin are each present in the composition in an amount of 0.1 to 45% by weight relative to the total weight of the agricultural composition, preferably in an amount of 0.5 to 40% by weight, even more preferably in an amount of 0.8 to 30% by weight, and most preferably in an amount of 1 to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the agricultural composition.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one emulsifier is present in the composition in an amount of 0.1 to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the agricultural composition, preferably in an amount of 1 to 15% by weight, most preferably in an amount of 2 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the agricultural composition.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the present invention, calcium carbonate is present in the agricultural composition, preferably in an amount of 0.1 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the agricultural composition, more preferably in an amount of 0.3 to 3% by weight, even more preferably in an amount of 0.5 to 2% by weight, and most preferably in an amount of 0.8 to 1.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the agricultural composition.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the calcium carbonate is selected from the group consisting of ground calcium carbonate (GCC), preferably marble, limestone, chalk, and / or nano-GCC; precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), preferably vaterite, calcite, and / or aragonite; and mixtures thereof, most preferably the calcium carbonate is ground calcium carbonate.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the invention, a solvent is present in the agricultural composition, preferably the ratio of solvent:lignin in the composition is from 5:1 to 100:1, preferably from 10:1 to 20:1, most preferably from 12:1 to 16:1, based on the dry weight of solvent and lignin.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one lignin is a water-soluble lignin, preferably a sulfonated lignin, and no solvent is present in the agricultural composition.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the composition is in liquid form.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the plants and plant parts are fruits, vegetables, trees, seeds, leaves, wood, nuts, agricultural crops, crop plants, and flowering plants.

[0032] For purposes of the present invention, the following terms shall be understood to have the following meanings:

[0033] "Agricultural compositions" in the sense of the present invention are aqueous compositions used in agriculture, in particular on plants and plant parts.

[0034] "UV-A protection" and "UV-B protection" in the sense of the present invention refer to protection from ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation in the range of 280-320 nm and ultraviolet A (UV-A) radiation in the range >320-400 nm, both of which cause sunburn in plants and plant parts.

[0035] The "melting point" of a substance in the sense of the present invention is the temperature at which the state changes from solid to liquid. At the melting point, the solid and liquid phases exist in equilibrium. The melting point of a substance is pressure dependent and is defined at standard pressure of 1 atmosphere or 100 kPa.

[0036] The "density" of a substance in the sense of the present invention, or more precisely the "volume mass density", is its mass per unit volume, specified at a standard pressure of 1 atmosphere or 100 kPa and a temperature of 25°C.

[0037] A "water-insoluble" material is defined as a material that, when mixed with 100 g of deionized water and filtered at 20° C. under atmospheric pressure on a 0.2 μm pore size filter to recover the liquid filtrate, provides 0.1 g or less of recovered solid material after evaporation of 100 g of the liquid filtrate at 95-100° C. under ambient pressure. Accordingly, a "water-soluble" material is defined as a material that, when mixed with 100 g of deionized water and filtered at 20° C. under atmospheric pressure on a 0.2 μm pore size filter to recover the liquid filtrate, provides 0.1 g or more of recovered solid material after evaporation of 100 g of the liquid filtrate at 95-100° C. under ambient pressure.

[0038] The "particle size" of the particulate material in this specification refers to the particle size d x where the value d xis the weight percent of particles in x This refers to the diameter of the hole, e.g., d 20 A value of d means that 20% by weight of all particles are smaller than that particle size. 50 The values ​​are weight median particle diameters, i.e., 50% by weight of all particles are larger than this particle diameter and the remaining 50% by weight are smaller than this particle diameter. For the purposes of this invention, particle diameters are referred to as weight median particle diameter d unless otherwise specified. 50 Identified as d 98 is the particle size below which 98% of all particles by weight are smaller. 98 Values ​​are also specified as "top cut." Particle size was determined using a Sedigraph® 5100 instrument from Micromeritics Instrument Corporation. This method and instrument is known to those skilled in the art and is commonly used to determine particle size of fillers and pigments. Measurements were made in an aqueous solution of 0.1 wt% Na4P2O7. Samples were dispersed using a high-speed stirrer and sonication.

[0039] The "specific surface area (SSA)" of a calcium carbonate-containing filler material in the sense of the present invention is defined as the surface area of ​​the calcium carbonate-containing filler material divided by its mass. The specific surface area is measured by nitrogen gas adsorption using the BET isotherm (ISO 9277:2010) and is expressed as m 2 It is specified as / g.

[0040] The term "dry" material is understood to be a material having less than 1.0% by weight of water relative to the weight of the material. The % of water (equal to the total remaining water content) is determined according to the coulometric Karl Fischer method, in which the material is heated to 220°C, the water content released as steam and isolated using a nitrogen gas flow (100 ml / min) is measured in a coulometric Karl Fischer apparatus.

[0041] Where the terms "comprising" or "containing" are used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "consisting of" is considered to be a preferred embodiment of the term "comprising". Hereinafter, when a group is defined to include at least a certain number of embodiments, this is to be understood as also disclosing a group that preferably consists only of these embodiments.

[0042] Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, e.g. "a", "an" or "the", this includes a plural of that noun unless otherwise stated.

[0043] Terms such as "obtainable" or "defined" and "obtained" or "defined" are used interchangeably. For example, this does not mean that the term "obtained" indicates that, for example, an embodiment must be obtained by the sequence of steps that follows the term "obtained," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, but that such a limited understanding is always included in the terms "obtained" or "defined," as a preferred embodiment.

[0044] Details and preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below: Embodiments that refer to agricultural compositions also relate to embodiments of the use of agricultural compositions and combinations of at least one wax and at least one lignin, and embodiments that refer to the use of agricultural compositions and combinations of at least one wax and at least one lignin also relate to embodiments of agricultural compositions.

[0045] According to the present invention, there is provided an agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts, the composition comprising at least one wax, at least one lignin, at least one emulsifier, water, optionally calcium carbonate, and optionally a solvent, wherein the ratio of wax:lignin in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin.

[0046] At least one wax According to the present invention, at least one wax is present in the agricultural composition.

[0047] The term "at least one" wax in the sense of the present invention means that the wax comprises one or more waxes, preferably consists of one or more waxes.

[0048] In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one wax in the agricultural composition comprises, and preferably consists of, one wax. Alternatively, the at least one wax comprises, and preferably consists of, two or more waxes. For example, the at least one wax comprises, and preferably consists of, two or three waxes.

[0049] Preferably, the at least one wax in the agricultural composition comprises one wax, more preferably consists of one wax.

[0050] A "wax" in the sense of the present invention is defined as an organic compound that is a lipophilic, malleable solid at room temperature, e.g., 25°C. Waxes melt at temperatures above 25°C to give a low-viscosity liquid. Waxes according to the present invention are insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar organic solvents.

[0051] The waxes may be natural waxes, synthetic waxes, microcrystalline waxes, silicone waxes, and combinations thereof, which may be selected from waxes typically used in the field of sunscreen and agricultural compositions and are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0052] The wax(es) may be selected from vegetable waxes such as carnauba wax, candelilla wax, and alpha wax, montan wax, polyethylene wax, paraffin wax, oxidized paraffin wax, ozokerite, shellac wax, ouricle wax, and olive tree wax; floral absolute waxes such as rice wax, sugarcane wax, rice bran wax, laurel wax, soy wax, bayberry wax, petroleum wax, hydrogenated jojoba wax, or blackcurrant flower essential wax sold by Bertin (France); animal waxes such as beeswax or modified beeswax (cerabellina); other waxes or primary waxy materials; marine waxes such as the wax sold by Sophim under the name "M82®," natural or synthetic ceramides, or polyethylene waxes. Other synthetic waxes include, but are not limited to, silicone waxes, including "Silky Wax 10®" sold by Dow Corning. Synthetic waxes can include, but are not limited to, clear synthetic waxes, including "Uniclear 80®" and "Uniclear 80V®" sold by Arizona Chemical Co. Vegetable waxes such as carnauba (extract of Copemrica Cerifera), candelilla (extract of Euphobies Cerifera and Pedilanthus pavonis), and alpha (extract of Stipa tenacissima) are commercially available products.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wax is a natural wax selected from the group consisting of carnauba wax, beeswax, paraffin wax, shellac wax, candelilla wax, ouricle wax, sugarcane wax, soy wax, bayberry wax, petroleum wax, laurel wax, rice bran wax, and mixtures thereof.

[0054] Carnauba wax, also known as Brazil wax or palm wax, is the wax from the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera (carnauba palm), a naturally occurring palm plant native to northeastern Brazil. In its pure form, it usually takes the form of hard, yellow-brown flakes. Carnauba wax is obtained by collecting and drying carnauba palm leaves, beating them to loosen the wax, and then refining and bleaching the wax. As a food additive, its E number in the European Union is E903. Carnauba consists mostly of aliphatic esters, diesters of 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, ω-hydroxycarboxylic acids, and fatty alcohols. It typically has a density of about 0.98 kg / L and a melting point of 80-90°C.

[0055] Beeswax (cera alba) is a natural wax produced by honeybees. Eight wax-producing glands in the abdominal segments of worker bees form the wax into flakes, which they then discard into the hive or nest. Chemically, beeswax consists primarily of esters of fatty acids and various long-chain alcohols. Its main components are palmitate, palmitoleate, and oleate esters of long-chain (30-32 carbon) fatty alcohols. Beeswax is edible, has negligible toxicity similar to vegetable waxes, and is approved for food use in most countries, including the European Union, where it is approved under the E-number E901. Beeswax has a melting point range of 60-70°C and a density of approximately 0.95 kg / L at 15°C.

[0056] Petroleum waxes are derived from petroleum, including paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, and petroleum jelly. Paraffin wax is a soft, colorless solid derived from petroleum, coal, or shale oil, and is mostly a by-product of lubricating oil refining. It consists of a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules containing 20 to 40 carbon atoms. This differs from kerosene and other petroleum products, which are sometimes called paraffins. Its melting point is approximately 40 to 70°C, and its density is approximately 0.900 kg / L.

[0057] Shellac wax is a resin secreted by female lac scale insects on trees in the forests of India and Thailand. Shellac occurs in many warm colors, ranging from very light blonde ("platinum") to very dark brown ("garnet"), with many varieties of brown, yellow, orange, and red in between. The color is influenced by the sap of the tree on which the lac scale insects live and the time of harvest. The main components of shellac wax are hydroxycarboxylic acids, such as arachidonic acid or sherolic acid, which are unsaturated acids containing aldehyde groups or present in esterified form. Its melting point is approximately 65-85°C, and its density is approximately 0.950 kg / L.

[0058] Candelilla wax is a wax derived from the leaves of the small candelilla shrub, Euphorbia cerifera and Euphorbia antisyphilitica, native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is yellow-brown, hard, brittle, fragrant, and opaque to translucent. Candelilla wax consists primarily of hydrocarbons (chains of 29 to 33 carbon atoms), high-molecular-weight esters, free acids, and resins, primarily triterpenoid esters. This high hydrocarbon content distinguishes it from carnauba wax. As a food additive, candelilla wax has the E number E902 and is used as a glazing agent. Its melting point is 68 to 73°C, and its density is approximately 0.988 kg / L.

[0059] Ouricle wax is a brown wax obtained by scraping the leaves of the Brazilian feather palm, Syagrus coronata. It has a greenish-brown color that is difficult to bleach. Ouricle wax contains approximately 6% triterpenes. Its melting point is 75-85°C and its density is approximately 0.970 kg / L.

[0060] Sugarcane wax is a wax extracted from sugarcane. During sugar production, a residue called bagasse remains. Sugarcane wax is obtained from this residue. During this process, plant residues and chlorophyll are separated from the sugarcane. Sugarcane wax consists of approximately 70% long-chain hydrocarbon alcohols with chain lengths of C18 to C32, wax acids with chain lengths of C18 to C32, ω-hydroxycarboxylic acids, and aromatic carboxylic acids, but fatty alcohols (wax alcohols) and diols also constitute the alcohol component. Sugarcane wax can be used in the food industry, for example, in chewing gum. Its melting point is 65 to 85°C, and its density is approximately 0.850 kg / L.

[0061] Soy wax is a vegetable wax made from soybean oil. After harvesting, the beans are cleaned, split, dehusked, and formed into flakes. The oil is then extracted from the flakes and hydrogenated. Its melting point is between 40 and 85°C, and its density is approximately 0.850 kg / L to 0.950 kg / L.

[0062] Bayberry wax is an aromatic green vegetable wax. It is removed from the surface of the fruit of bayberry (bayberry) shrubs (e.g., Myrica cerifera) by boiling the fruit in water and skimming the wax from the surface. It consists primarily of esters of lauric, myristic, and palmitic acids. Its melting point is 35-55°C, and its density is approximately 0.977-0.995 kg / L.

[0063] Laurel wax is a vegetable wax obtained from the fruit of Myrica pubescens, commonly known as laurel wax. This wax is usually extracted with water and is greenish-white in color. It is a hard wax with a low melting point range and a high saponification value, with a melting point of 35-45°C and a density of approximately 0.8-0.9 kg / L.

[0064] Rice bran wax is a vegetable wax extracted from the bran oil of rice (Oryza sativa). Its main components are aliphatic acids (wax acids) and higher alcohol esters. Rice bran wax also contains free fatty acids (palmitic acid), squalene, phospholipids, and other components. Its melting point is 75-90°C, and its density is approximately 0.970 kg / L.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one wax is a mixture of two or more waxes, preferably a mixture of two waxes, such as a mixture of carnauba wax and a further wax, such as soy wax or paraffin wax.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one wax consists of only one wax, preferably consisting of only one wax selected from carnauba wax, beeswax, paraffin wax, shellac wax, candelilla wax, ouricle wax, sugarcane wax, soy wax, bayberry wax, petroleum wax, laurel wax or rice bran wax, most preferably consisting of only carnauba wax.

[0067] According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one wax has a melting point above 25°C, preferably above 30°C and below 120°C, even more preferably between 35°C and 100°C, most preferably between 40°C and 90°C.

[0068] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one wax has a density of about 0.700 kg / L to 1.100 kg / L, preferably about 0.750 kg / L to 1.050 kg / L, and most preferably about 0.800 kg / L to 1.000 kg / L.

[0069] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one wax is present in the composition in an amount of 0.1 to 45% by weight, based on the total weight of the agricultural composition, preferably in an amount of 0.5 to 40% by weight, even more preferably in an amount of 0.8 to 30% by weight, and most preferably in an amount of 1 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the agricultural composition.

[0070] At least one lignin According to the present invention, at least one lignin is present in the agricultural composition.

[0071] The term "at least one" lignin in the sense of the present invention means that the lignin comprises one or more lignins, preferably consists of one or more lignins.

[0072] In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one lignin in the agricultural composition comprises, and preferably consists of, one lignin. Alternatively, the at least one lignin comprises, and preferably consists of, two or more lignins, for example, the at least one lignin comprises, and preferably consists of, two or three lignins.

[0073] Preferably, the at least one lignin in the agricultural composition comprises, more preferably consists of, one lignin.

[0074] "Lignin" in the sense of the present invention is defined as an organic biopolymer obtained from wood and plants. Lignin is a cross-linked polymer with a molecular weight of more than 10,000 u. Lignin is rich in hydrophobic, aromatic subunits, and mainly contains a cross-linked network of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylpropane, 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenylpropane, and 4-hydroxyphenylpropane.

[0075] Lignin is known to those skilled in the art and is commercially available, for example, from Domsho under the trade name Domsho Lignin DS10.

[0076] Plant lignins can be broadly divided into three types: coniferous (gymnosperm) lignin, broad-leaved (angiosperm) lignin, and grass or annual (grass) lignin. Three different phenylpropane units, or monolignols, are responsible for lignin biosynthesis. Guaiacyl lignin is primarily composed of coniferyl alcohol units, while guaiacyl-syringyl lignin contains coniferyl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol monomer units. Generally, guaiacyl lignin is found in conifers, while guaiacyl-syringyl lignin is found in broad-leaved trees. Grass lignin is primarily composed of p-coumaryl alcohol units. Lignin polymerization is initiated by oxidation of the phenolic hydroxyl group of phenylpropane. Stabilization of the radical occurs by coupling to another radical at any position of the unpaired electron.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one lignin is selected from the group consisting of native lignin, Klason lignin, hydrolyzed lignin, ground lignin, soda lignin, organosolv lignin, kraft lignin, alkaline lignin, sulfonated lignin, and mixtures thereof.

[0078] Natural lignin is the lignin present in plant tissues and is also known as native lignin.

[0079] Klason lignin is the acid-insoluble lignin content of natural lignin. Klason lignin is obtained by prehydrolyzing natural lignin in H2SO4, hydrolyzing the mixture at high temperature, and filtering. The residue contains Klason lignin. The Klason process is known to those skilled in the art.

[0080] Hydrolyzed lignin can be obtained by refluxing lignin or lignocellulose with HCl in a dioxane / water composition. This treatment results in the decomposition of lignin with the formation of significant amounts of allylpropane, with the majority of the acid-decomposed monomers being derived from allylglycerol β-aryl ether structures.

[0081] Ground lignin (or ground wood lignin; MWL), also known as Bjoerkman lignin, is obtained by grinding wood flour in a ball mill, either dry or in the presence of a non-swelling solvent, such as toluene, where the cellular structure of the wood is destroyed. A portion of the lignin can be obtained from the suspension by extraction with a dioxane-water mixture. The Bjoerkman process is known to those skilled in the art.

[0082] Kraft lignin is lignin obtained from the Kraft process, also known as Kraft pulping or sulfate processing. This process is known to those skilled in the art for converting wood into wood pulp, which consists of nearly pure cellulose fibers, the main component of paper. The Kraft process involves treating wood chips with a hot mixture of water, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and sodium sulfide (NaS), known as white liquor, to break the bonds connecting lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose. This technique involves several steps, both mechanical and chemical.

[0083] Lignosulfonates, also known as sulfonated lignins, are water-soluble anionic polyelectrolyte polymers. They are obtained from wood by treating the wood at high temperatures with solutions containing sulfur dioxide and / or bisulfite ions. This process is known to those skilled in the art.

[0084] Alkaline lignin is obtained by treating wood with alkaline species such as NaOH or with a mixture of NaOH and Na2SO4.

[0085] Soda lignin is obtained from the soda process, which involves heating fibrous wood material in a pressurized reactor to 140-170°C in the presence of 13-16% sodium hydroxide (i.e., soda), also known as cooking liquor. In this process, the lignin separates from the cellulose and is suspended in a liquid phase called black liquor. The black liquor therefore contains lignin and sodium hydroxide (soda) and is known as soda lignin.

[0086] Organosolv lignin is obtained by the organosolv process, which typically involves extracting lignin from lignocellulosic biomass using an organic solvent in the presence of an acid catalyst. Organosolv lignin does not contain sulfur or sulfonate groups and has a molecular weight of about 1000-2000 g / mol.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one lignin is a mixture of two or more lignins, such as a mixture of two lignins, such as a sulfonated lignin and a further lignin, such as a mixture of a sulfonated lignin and a kraft lignin or a native lignin.

[0088] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one lignin consists of only one lignin, preferably selected from native lignin, Klason lignin, hydrolyzed lignin, ground lignin, soda lignin, organosolv lignin, kraft lignin, alkaline lignin or sulfonated lignin, most preferably consisting of only sulfonated lignin.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one lignin is water-soluble. According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one lignin is water-insoluble. Preferably, the at least one lignin is water-soluble, and most preferably, the at least one lignin is a water-soluble sulfonated lignin.

[0090] According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one lignin has a molecular weight of more than 10,000 u, preferably between 15,000 and 1,000,000 u, even more preferably between 50,000 and 800,000 u, most preferably between 100,000 and 500,000 u.

[0091] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one lignin is present in the composition in an amount of 0.1 to 45 wt. %, based on the total weight of the agricultural composition, preferably in an amount of 0.5 to 40 wt. %, even more preferably in an amount of 0.8 to 30 wt. %, and most preferably in an amount of 1 to 20 wt. %, based on the total weight of the agricultural composition.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one wax and the at least lignin are each present in the composition in an amount of 0.1 to 45% by weight based on the total weight of the agricultural composition, preferably in an amount of 0.5 to 40% by weight, even more preferably in an amount of 0.8 to 30% by weight, and most preferably in an amount of 1 to 20% by weight based on the total weight of the agricultural composition.

[0093] The ratio of wax to lignin in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of wax and lignin. Preferably, the ratio of wax to lignin in the composition is from 100:5 to 100:180, more preferably from 100:10 to 100:150, and most preferably from 100:30 to 100:100, based on the dry weight of wax and lignin. The inventors have surprisingly found that the combination of at least one wax and at least one lignin in the agricultural composition of the present invention provides sufficient or improved UV-B and / or UV-A protection to plants and plant parts.

[0094] at least one emulsifier According to the present invention, at least one emulsifier is present in the agricultural composition.

[0095] The term "at least one" emulsifier in the sense of the present invention means that the emulsifier comprises one or more emulsifiers, preferably consists of one or more emulsifiers.

[0096] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one emulsifier in the agricultural composition comprises one emulsifier, preferably consists of one emulsifier. Alternatively, the at least one emulsifier comprises two or more emulsifiers, preferably consists of two or more emulsifiers. For example, the at least one emulsifier comprises two or three emulsifiers, preferably consists of two or three emulsifiers.

[0097] An "emulsifier" in the sense of the present invention is a chemical substance that comprises a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic portion. Preferably, the emulsifier comprises a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail. The emulsifier is used to prepare a stable emulsion or dispersion of a hydrophilic liquid and a hydrophobic liquid, preferably water and at least one wax.

[0098] The at least one emulsifier of the present invention may be any available emulsifier capable of providing a stable agricultural composition according to the present invention. A "stable" agricultural composition in the sense of the present invention is a dispersion or emulsion that resists changes in its structural properties for at least 5 minutes, preferably at least 30 minutes, more preferably at least 1 hour, even more preferably at least 10 hours, and most preferably at least 1 day.

[0099] Those skilled in the art will know how to select an appropriate emulsifier based on the wax(es) and lignin(s) used, as well as any calcium carbonate(s) and any solvent(s).

[0100] The at least one emulsifier can be an ionic emulsifier, or a non-ionic emulsifier, or an amphoteric emulsifier. If the at least one emulsifier is ionic, it can be cationic or anionic. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one emulsifier is non-ionic.

[0101] The at least one emulsifier may be of natural plant origin, for example fatty acids such as polyglycerol esters, or synthetic.

[0102] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one emulsifier is selected from the group comprising PEG compounds, PEG-free emulsifiers, silicone-based emulsifiers, silicones, fatty acids, and mixtures thereof.

[0103] For example, emulsifiers include PEG compounds, such as PEG-8 myristate, PEG-30 glyceryl cocoate, PEG-80 glyceryl cocoate, PEG-15 soyamide / IPDI copolymer, PEG-40 sorbitan peroleate, PEG-150 stearate, and mixtures thereof; PEG-free emulsifiers, such as carbomer, carboxymethylcellulose, ceresin (also known as mineral wax), diethanolamine (DEA), isopropyl stearate, isopropyl laurate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl oleate, polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 80, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitan Stearate, Sorbitan Laurate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Sorbitan Oleate, Steareth-20, Triethanolamine (TEA), Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Wheat Bran Glycoside, Cetearyl Wheat Straw Glycoside, Decyl Glucoside, Lecithin, Vegetable Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Coco-Glucoside, Coconut Alcohol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Stearic Acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0104] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one emulsifier is a PEG-free emulsifier, preferably selected from the group consisting of triethanolamine (TEA), stearic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0105] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one emulsifier in the agricultural composition comprises one emulsifier, preferably consists of one emulsifier. For example, the at least one emulsifier is a PEG-free emulsifier, preferably triethanolamine or stearic acid. Alternatively, the at least one emulsifier comprises two or more emulsifiers, preferably consists of two or more emulsifiers. For example, the at least one emulsifier comprises two emulsifiers, preferably consists of two emulsifiers. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one emulsifier is a mixture of triethanolamine and stearic acid.

[0106] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one emulsifier is present in the composition in an amount of 0.1 to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the agricultural composition, preferably in an amount of 1 to 15% by weight, most preferably in an amount of 2 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the agricultural composition.

[0107] water According to the present invention, water is present in the agricultural composition.

[0108] The water of the present invention can be selected from drinking water, process water, demineralized water, distilled water, rainwater, reclaimed water, river water, and mixtures thereof. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water present in the agricultural composition is drinking water.

[0109] Potable water, also known as drinking water, is water that is safe for drinking or use in food preparation. Rainwater / river water is obtained from rainwater / river. Reclaimed water is recycled water that can be used for agriculture. Process water is water that is not considered suitable for drinking and is primarily used in connection with industrial plants, industrial processes, and manufacturing facilities. Demineralized water is specially purified water that has had most or all of its mineral and salt ions removed, such as calcium ions, magnesium ions, sodium ions, chloride ions, sulfate ions, nitrate ions, and bicarbonate ions. Demineralized water is also known as deionized water. Distilled water is water that has been boiled to form steam and then condensed back into a liquid in a separate vessel.

[0110] According to one embodiment of the present invention, water is present in the composition in an amount of 10 to 99.9% by weight, preferably in an amount of 30 to 95% by weight, even more preferably in an amount of 40 to 90% by weight, and most preferably in an amount of 50 to 85% by weight, based on the total weight of the agricultural composition.

[0111] calcium carbonate According to the present invention, calcium carbonate is optionally present in the agricultural composition.

[0112] It is understood that the amount of calcium in the calcium carbonate is at least 50 mol%, preferably at least 70 mol%, more preferably at least 90 mol%, and most preferably at least 99 mol%, based on the total amount of calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate may contain further alkaline earth compounds such as Mg.

[0113] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the calcium carbonate is selected from the group consisting of ground calcium carbonate (GCC), preferably marble, limestone and / or chalk, and / or nano-GCC; precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), preferably vaterite, calcite, and / or aragonite; and mixtures thereof.

[0114] GCC is understood to be a naturally occurring form of calcium carbonate, mined from sedimentary rocks such as limestone or chalk, or from metamorphosed marble rocks, and subjected to processing such as crushing, screening and / or fractionation in wet and / or dry form, for example by cyclone or classifier. In one embodiment of the present invention, the GCC is selected from the group comprising marble, chalk, limestone and / or nano-GCC, and mixtures thereof.

[0115] "Nano-ground calcium carbonate" (nano-GCC) in the sense of the present invention refers to ground calcium carbonate in the form of particles in the nanometer size range, i.e. in the unbound state or as aggregates or agglomerates, in which 50% of the particles in the number size distribution have one or more external dimensions in the size range from 50 nm to 950 nm. Preferably, 60% or more of the particles, more preferably 80% or more of the particles, and most preferably 99% or more of the particles in the number size distribution have one or more external dimensions in the size range from 50 nm to 950 nm.

[0116] In contrast, PCC type calcium carbonates include synthetic calcium carbonate products obtained by carbonating lime or calcium hydroxide slurries, commonly referred to in the art as milk of lime slurries resulting from finely divided calcium oxide particles in water, or by precipitation from ionic salt solutions. PCC may be rhombohedral and / or scalenohedral and / or aragonitic, with preferred synthetic or precipitated calcium carbonates comprising aragonite, vaterite, or calcite mineralogical crystal forms, or mixtures thereof.

[0117] In one preferred embodiment, the at least one calcium carbonate is ground calcium carbonate, preferably marble.

[0118] The optional calcium carbonate is preferably in the form of a granular material and may have a particle size distribution as conventionally employed for materials involved in the type of product being manufactured. Typically, the optional calcium carbonate will have a weight median particle size d in the range of 0.1 to 20 μm. 50 For example, at least one calcium carbonate preferably has a weight median particle size d of 0.25 μm to 10 μm, preferably 0.5 μm to 8 μm. 50 It has.

[0119] Additionally or alternatively, at least one calcium carbonate has a top cut (d 98 For example, at least one calcium carbonate has a top cut (d 98 )

[0120] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one calcium carbonate has a nitrogen content of 0.5 to 100 m as measured by the BET nitrogen method. 2 / g. For example, the at least one calcium carbonate has a BET specific surface area of ​​0.5 to 50 m / g as measured by the BET nitrogen method. 2 / g, more preferably 0.5 to 35m 2 / g, most preferably 0.5 to 10m2 / g specific surface area (BET).

[0121] According to another embodiment, the at least one calcium carbonate is ground calcium carbonate, preferably nano-GCC.

[0122] If any calcium carbonate is nano GCC, the nano GCC is preferably in the form of a granular material and can have a particle size distribution as conventionally employed for materials involved in the type of product being manufactured. Generally, nano GCC has a weight median particle size d in the range of 50 to 950 nm. 50 For example, nano GCC preferably has a weight median particle size d of 150 nm to 800 nm, preferably 200 nm to 600 nm. 50 It has.

[0123] Additionally or alternatively, the nano-GCC may have a top cut (d 98 For example, nano-GCC has a top cut (d) of ≦800 nm, preferably ≦700 nm, and most preferably ≦600 nm. 98 )

[0124] Additionally or alternatively, the nano GCC may have a molecular weight of 0.5 to 100 m, as measured by the BET nitrogen method. 2 For example, Nano GCC has a BET specific surface area of ​​0.5 to 50 m / g as measured by the BET nitrogen method. 2 / g, more preferably 0.5 to 35m 2 / g, most preferably 0.5 to 10m 2 / g specific surface area (BET).

[0125] The optional GCC can be added as a dry material or in a wet form. For example, the optional GCC can be added in a wet form, such as in the form of a slurry. In that case, the amount of water in the agricultural composition must be adjusted based on the solids content of the GCC slurry. Alternatively, the optional GCC can be added as a dry material. The optional calcium carbonate is preferably a dry-ground material, a wet-ground and dried material, or a mixture of the aforementioned materials. Generally, the grinding step can be carried out using any conventional grinding device under conditions where refinement occurs primarily as a result of impact with secondary objects, i.e., in one or more of a ball mill, rod mill, vibratory mill, roll crusher, centrifugal impact mill, vertical bead mill, attrition mill, pin mill, hammer mill, crusher, shredder, declamper, knife cutter, or other such device known to those skilled in the art.

[0126] If the calcium carbonate is wet-ground, the grinding step can be carried out under conditions such that autogenous grinding occurs, and / or by horizontal ball milling and / or other such processes known to those skilled in the art. The wet-processed ground calcium carbonate thus obtained can be washed and dewatered by well-known processes, such as flocculation, filtration, or forced evaporation, before drying. The subsequent drying step can be carried out in a single step, such as spray drying, or in at least two steps, for example, by subjecting the calcium carbonate to a first heating step, thereby reducing the associated moisture content to a level not exceeding about 1% by weight, based on the total dry weight of the calcium carbonate. The residual total moisture content of the filler can be measured by Karl Fischer coulometric titration by desorbing moisture in an oven at 195°C and continuously passing the filler through a KF coulometer (Mettler Toledo Coulometric KF Titrator C30 in combination with a Mettler oven DO 0337) at 100 ml / min for 10 minutes using dry N2. The residual total moisture content can be determined using a calibration curve and can also take into account a blind 10-minute gas flow rate without a sample. The residual total moisture content can be further reduced by applying a second heating step to the calcium carbonate. If this drying is carried out by more than one drying step, the first step can be carried out by heating in a hot air stream, while the second and further drying steps are preferably carried out by indirect heating, where the atmosphere in the corresponding container contains a surface treatment agent. It is also common for calcium carbonate to undergo beneficiation steps (e.g., flotation, bleaching, or magnetic separation steps) to remove impurities.

[0127] In one embodiment of the present invention, the optional calcium carbonate comprises dry ground calcium carbonate. In another preferred embodiment, the optional calcium carbonate is a material that has been wet ground in a horizontal ball mill and subsequently dried by using the well-known process of spray drying.

[0128] The optional calcium carbonate may comprise one or more calcium carbonates, for example two or three calcium carbonates. According to a preferred embodiment, the optional calcium carbonate comprises only one calcium carbonate, preferably ground calcium carbonate, most preferably marble.

[0129] According to one embodiment of the present invention, calcium carbonate is preferably present in the agricultural composition in an amount of 0.1 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the agricultural composition, more preferably in an amount of 0.3 to 3% by weight, even more preferably in an amount of 0.5 to 2% by weight, and most preferably in an amount of 0.8 to 1.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the agricultural composition.

[0130] solvent According to the present invention, a solvent is optionally present in the agricultural composition. Preferably, a solvent is present when a water-insoluble lignin is used.

[0131] A solvent in the sense of the present invention is any compound capable of dissolving at least one lignin, preferably a water-insoluble lignin. The solvent is different from water.

[0132] According to a preferred embodiment, the solvent is miscible with water in any ratio, preferably the ratio of water:solvent is 100:0.1 to 100:200, preferably 100:1 to 100:150, more preferably 100:5 to 100:120, and most preferably 100:10 to 100:100, based on the weight of water and the dry weight of solvent.

[0133] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the solvent is selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, ethyl acetate, glycerol, gamma-valerolactone, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

[0134] Ethylene glycol, also known as ethane-1,2-diol, is an organic compound with the chemical formula: (CHOH). Ethylene glycol is an odorless, colorless, sweet-tasting, viscous liquid.

[0135] Ethyl acetate is an organic compound with the formula CH3-COO-CH2-CH3. It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic sweet odor. It is the ester of ethanol and acetic acid.

[0136] Glycerol, also known as glycerin or propane-1,2,3-triol, is a simple polyol compound. Glycerol is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is sweet-tasting and non-toxic. Glycerol has the chemical formula: CH2OH-CHOH-CH2OH.

[0137] γ-Valerolactone is an organic compound with the formula C5H8O2. This colorless liquid is chiral but is usually used as a racemate. γ-Valerolactone is easily obtained from cellulosic biomass and is a potential fuel and green solvent.

[0138] Polyethylene glycol is a polyether compound with many applications, from industrial manufacturing to pharmaceuticals. PEG is also known as polyethylene oxide (PEO) or polyoxyethylene (POE), depending on its molecular weight. The structure of PEG is generally H-(OCH2-CH2). n It is represented by -OH.

[0139] Polypropylene glycol or polypropylene oxide is a polymer of propylene glycol. Chemically, it is a polyether. The structure of PPG is generally H-(O-CHCH3-CH2) n It is represented by -OH.

[0140] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solvent is ethylene glycol.

[0141] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the solvent is preferably present in the agricultural composition in an amount of 0.1 to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the agricultural composition, more preferably in an amount of 1 to 35% by weight, even more preferably in an amount of 2 to 30% by weight, and most preferably in an amount of 3 to 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the agricultural composition.

[0142] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a solvent is present in the agricultural composition, preferably the ratio of solvent:lignin in the composition is from 5:1 to 100:1, preferably from 10:1 to 20:1, most preferably from 12:1 to 16:1, based on the dry weight of ethylene glycol and lignin.

[0143] Agricultural composition According to one embodiment of the present invention, an agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts comprises at least one wax, at least one lignin, at least one emulsifier, and water, wherein the ratio of wax:lignin in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin.

[0144] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts comprises at least one wax, at least one lignin, at least one emulsifier, and water, wherein the wax:lignin ratio in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin.

[0145] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts comprises at least one wax, at least one lignin, at least one emulsifier, water, and calcium carbonate, wherein the ratio of wax to lignin in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin.

[0146] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts comprises at least one wax, at least one lignin, at least one emulsifier, water, and calcium carbonate, wherein the ratio of wax to lignin in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin.

[0147] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts comprises at least one wax, at least one lignin, at least one emulsifier, water, and a solvent, wherein the ratio of wax:lignin in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin.

[0148] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts comprises at least one wax, at least one lignin, at least one emulsifier, water, and a solvent, wherein the wax:lignin ratio in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin.

[0149] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts comprises at least one wax, at least one lignin, at least one emulsifier, water, calcium carbonate, and a solvent, wherein the ratio of wax:lignin in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin.

[0150] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts comprises at least one wax, at least one lignin, at least one emulsifier, water, calcium carbonate, and a solvent, wherein the ratio of wax to lignin in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin.

[0151] The present inventors have surprisingly found that the aforementioned agricultural compositions provide sufficient or improved UV-B and / or UV-A protection to plants and plant parts, especially fruit. In particular, the present inventors have surprisingly found that the agricultural compositions provide sufficient or improved UV-B and / or UV-A protection to plants and plant parts when at least one wax is used in combination with at least one lignin, and the wax:lignin ratio in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin.

[0152] UV-B and / or UV-A protection can be measured by measuring transmittance and absorbance. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy or ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and near-infrared spectroscopy (UV-Vis or UV / Vis and NIR) refers to absorbance, transmission, or reflectance spectroscopy in the ultraviolet-visible and near-infrared spectral regions. This means that the method uses light in the visible and adjacent regions. Absorption, transmission, or reflection in this range directly affects the perceived color of the chemicals involved. In this region of the electromagnetic spectrum, atoms and molecules undergo electronic transitions. As used herein, transmittance and absorbance are measured using a double-beam PerkinElmer Lambda 950 UV / Vis / NIR spectrometer equipped with a 150 mm integrating sphere and a PMT-InGaAs detector.

[0153] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the agricultural composition of the present invention has improved UV-B and / or UV-A protection for plants and plant parts, in particular fruit, compared to the same agricultural composition comprising only at least one wax or at least one lignin.

[0154] "Identical agricultural composition" in the sense of the present invention refers to an agricultural composition that consists of the same ingredients in the same amounts as the agricultural composition of the present invention, except that the composition does not contain the combination of at least one wax and at least one lignin, but only contains one ingredient, the missing ingredient being replaced by water.

[0155] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the agricultural composition of the present invention has improved transmittance and absorbance in the range of 280 nm to 320 nm or >320 nm to 400 nm, most preferably in the range of 280 nm to 400 nm, compared to the same agricultural composition containing only at least one wax or at least one lignin.

[0156] The inventors have surprisingly found that the agricultural compositions of the present invention are sprayable and adhere to plants and plant parts and are not easily washed away by rain.

[0157] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the agricultural composition of the present invention is in liquid form, preferably in the form of an aqueous dispersion or emulsion. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the agricultural composition of the present invention is in liquid form, preferably in the form of an aqueous suspension or slurry. "Aqueous" in the sense of the present invention means that the composition comprises water and optionally a solvent as defined above.

[0158] A "dispersion" in the sense of the present invention refers to a system in which discrete particles of one material are dispersed in a continuous phase of another material. An "emulsion" in the sense of the present invention refers to a mixture of two or more liquids that are normally immiscible, one liquid being dispersed in the other.

[0159] A "suspension" or "slurry" in the sense of the present invention comprises undissolved solids and water, and optionally further additives, and typically contains a large amount of solids and may therefore be viscous and denser than the liquid from which it is formed.

[0160] Furthermore, the inventors have surprisingly found that the agricultural compositions of the present invention are translucent or at least impart only a light film or faint shimmer to plants and plant parts treated with such compositions.

[0161] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, calcium carbonate is not present in the agricultural composition. In this case, the agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts comprises at least one wax, at least one lignin, at least one emulsifier, water, and optionally a solvent, wherein the wax:lignin ratio in the composition is 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin. In this case, the agricultural composition of the present invention is translucent and does not cause optical damage to plants and plant parts. Alternatively, the agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts comprises at least one wax, at least one lignin, at least one emulsifier, water, and optionally a solvent, wherein the wax:lignin ratio in the composition is 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin, provided that calcium carbonate or other non-solvent particulate material is not present in the composition.

[0162] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, calcium carbonate, preferably ground calcium carbonate, such as marble or nano-GCC, is present in the agricultural composition. In this case, the agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts preferably comprises, and preferably consists of, at least one wax, at least one lignin, at least one emulsifier, water, calcium carbonate, preferably ground calcium carbonate, such as marble or nano-GCC, and optionally a solvent, wherein the wax:lignin ratio in the composition is 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin. Nano-GCC is a very fine particulate matter that is barely detectable by the human eye; therefore, the agricultural composition of the present invention is translucent and reduces optical clutter for plants and plant parts.

[0163] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one lignin is a water-soluble lignin, preferably a sulfonated lignin, and no solvent is present in the agricultural composition.

[0164] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one wax is carnauba wax and / or the at least one lignin is a water-soluble lignin, preferably a sulfonated lignin.

[0165] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts preferably comprises, and preferably consists of, carnauba wax, at least one lignin, preferably a sulfonated lignin, at least one emulsifier, water, optionally calcium carbonate, and optionally a solvent, wherein the ratio of carnauba wax:lignin in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the carnauba wax and lignin.

[0166] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts preferably comprises, and preferably consists of, carnauba wax, sulfonated lignin, at least one emulsifier, and water, wherein the ratio of carnauba wax to sulfonated lignin in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the carnauba wax and sulfonated lignin.

[0167] The compositions of the present invention are easy and fast to prepare, inexpensive and particularly easy to handle. More precisely, the agricultural compositions of the present invention can be easily prepared by mixing the components of the compositions of the present invention sequentially in any order or simultaneously.

[0168] In one embodiment, the mixing is carried out at a temperature in the range of 15 to 120° C., more preferably 20 to 110° C., most preferably 30 to 100° C. According to a preferred embodiment, the mixing is carried out at a temperature above the melting point of at least one wax.

[0169] Preferably, the mixing is performed sequentially and / or at a temperature above the melting point of the at least one wax, e.g., the at least one wax is heated above its melting point and then mixed with the at least one emulsifier, followed by adding water to the mixture while mixing, and finally adding the lignin under mixing conditions.

[0170] When calcium carbonate is present in the agricultural composition, it can be added at any stage in preparing the agricultural composition, and is preferably added as the last component to the mixture.

[0171] If a solvent, such as ethylene glycol, is present in the agricultural composition, it can be added at any stage in preparing the agricultural composition, and preferably is premixed with the lignin, and then this mixture can be added at any stage in preparing the agricultural composition.

[0172] Mixing can be carried out under normal mixing conditions. Those skilled in the art will adapt these mixing conditions (such as the configuration of the mixing pallet and the mixing speed) according to their own process equipment. It is understood that any mixing method suitable for forming an agricultural composition can be used.

[0173] Use of agricultural compositions The agricultural compositions of the present invention are used for UV-A and / or UV-B protection of plants and plant parts.

[0174] This can be easily achieved by applying the agricultural composition of the present invention to the plants and plant parts by any suitable method known to those skilled in the art, such as spraying, painting, or dipping. According to a preferred method, the agricultural composition of the present invention is sprayed onto the plants and plant parts. Equipment for spraying agricultural compositions is known to those skilled in the art and is commercially available.

[0175] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the plants and plant parts are fruits, vegetables, trees, seeds, leaves, wood, nuts, agricultural products, crop plants, and flowers, in particular fruits such as apples, oranges, citrons, cherries, pears, plums, bananas, or mangoes.

[0176] As already explained above, the inventors have surprisingly found that the agricultural compositions described above provide sufficient UV-B and / or UV-A protection for plants and plant parts, in particular for fruit. In particular, the inventors have surprisingly found that when at least one wax is used in combination with at least one lignin, and the wax:lignin ratio in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin, this agricultural composition provides improved UV-B and / or UV-A protection for plants and plant parts.

[0177] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a combination of at least one wax and at least one lignin is used as a UV-A and / or UV-B protection agent, the wax:lignin ratio being between 100:1 and 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin.

[0178] Preferably, the wax:lignin ratio is from 100:5 to 100:180, more preferably from 100:10 to 100:150, and most preferably from 100:30 to 100:100, based on the dry weight of wax and lignin.

[0179] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one wax is carnauba wax and / or the at least one lignin is a water-soluble lignin, preferably a sulfonated lignin.

[0180] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one wax and at least one lignin are used as UV-A and / or UV-B protection agents, and the wax:lignin ratio, based on the dry weight of the wax and lignin, is 100:1 to 100:200, preferably 100:5 to 100:180, more preferably 100:10 to 100:150, and most preferably 100:30 to 100:100, wherein the at least one wax is carnauba wax and the at least one lignin is a sulfonated lignin.

[0181] The scope and benefits of the present invention can be better understood based on the following examples, which are intended to illustrate certain specific embodiments of the invention and are not limiting. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0182] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an absorbance measurement with a sample placed inside an integrating sphere. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of transmittance measurement using an integrating sphere. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows the absorbance of agricultural compositions having 0%, 0.5%, 1.5%, 2%, 3%, and 5% lignin by weight. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the absorbance of the agricultural composition at 300 nm and 360 nm as a function of lignin concentration. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows the permeability of agricultural compositions containing 5 wt.% wax only, 5 wt.% lignin only, a combination of 5 wt.% wax and 5 wt.% lignin, and a combination of 5 wt.% wax, 5 wt.% lignin, and 1.5 wt.% calcium carbonate. [Example]

[0183] 1.Measurement method The measurement methods used in the examples are described below.

[0184] Transmittance and absorbance measurements Transmittance and absorbance measurements are performed using a double beam Perkin Elmer Lambda 950 UV / Vis / NIR spectrophotometer equipped with a 150 mm integrating sphere with a PMT-InGaAs detector.

[0185] For absorbance analysis, the agricultural composition to be tested is diluted 1:80 by volume with deionized water. The agricultural composition is poured into a quartz cuvette with a 1 cm path length and placed inside the integrating sphere using a centrally mounted holder as shown in Figure 1. This arrangement allows both the transmittance (T) and reflectance (R) of the sample to be measured simultaneously, and therefore the absorbance (A) can be derived from one single measurement as follows: A=-log(T+R)

[0186] Deionized water is used for the reference measurement. The spectrophotometer scans from 280 nm to 400 nm in 2 nm steps. Two replicate samples of each diluted agricultural composition are prepared and measured, and the average absorption spectrum is calculated.

[0187] For transmittance analysis, samples are prepared by spraying the agricultural composition onto a quartz plate (50 x 50 x 3 mm). The coated plate is allowed to dry in the dark for 1 h. As shown in Figure 2, the as-prepared plate is placed at the entrance of an integrating sphere, and transmittance measurements are performed in 2 nm steps in the range of 280 nm to 400 nm. Four repeats are performed for each sample at different sample positions obtained by rotating the sample 90° around the axis of the incident light beam. The average transmittance spectrum of the sample is then calculated. Finally, the average transmittance spectrum of the sample is normalized to the average transmittance of the bare quartz plate.

[0188] Particle size distribution Median particle size by weight d 50 The particle size distribution (wt) was measured by the sedimentation method, which is an analysis of sedimentation behavior in a gravitational field. The measurement was performed using a Sedigraph® 5100 from Micromeritics Instrument Corporation, USA. This method and instrument are known to those skilled in the art and are commonly used to determine particle size distribution of fillers and pigments. The measurement was performed in an aqueous solution of 0.1 wt% Na4P2O7. The sample was dispersed using a high-speed stirrer and ultrasonic treatment.

[0189] 2. Materials used in the examples Wax: Carnauba wax No. 1 Yellow (CAS: 8015-86-9) commercially available from Sigma Aldrich under the number 243213-250G Lignin: Sodium sulfonated lignin (sodium lignosulfonate) commercially available from Domsjoe Fabriker under the trade name Domsjoe Lignin DS10 Emulsifier: stearic acid (CAS: 57-11-4) in powder form, commercially available from Sigma Aldrich under the number S4751, and triethanolamine (CAS: 102-71-6) in liquid form, commercially available from Sigma Aldrich under the number T58300-25G. Water: Distilled water Calcium carbonate: Marble-type ground calcium carbonate with a calcium carbonate content of more than 97.5% by weight; the ground calcium carbonate has a particle size of less than 2 μm in an amount of 52-62% by weight and a median particle size d 50 is in the range of 1.2 to 2.2 μm.

[0190] 3. Exam The following agricultural compositions were prepared: 11 g of carnauba wax was added to a heated round-bottom flask (95°C) and slowly mixed to melt the solids. 5 g of stearic acid was added and solubilized with mixing. 5 g of triethanolamine was then added to the mixture and held for 15 minutes. 180 g of boiling water was added to the mixture and held for 30 minutes. Finally, different amounts of water-soluble lignin were added to the composition so that the composition contained 0 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, or 5 wt% lignin, based on the total weight of the agricultural composition. Therefore, the wax:lignin ratios in these compositions were 100:0, 100:10, 100:30, 100:40, 100:60, and 100:100.

[0191] Optionally, calcium carbonate is added to these compositions under mixing conditions in an amount of 1.5% by weight based on the total weight of the agricultural composition.

[0192] Absorbance test 01 The absorbance of the agricultural composition prepared above is measured, and as can be seen from Figure 3, the combination of at least one wax and at least one lignin within the claimed range results in improved absorbance in the UV-A and UV-B ranges.

[0193] Absorbance test 02 The absorbance of the agricultural compositions prepared above at 300 nm in the UV-B range and at 360 nm in the UV-A range was calculated from Figure 3 and is shown as a function of lignin concentration. Figure 4 shows that the absorbance increases linearly with increasing lignin concentration. Thus, the combination of at least one wax and at least one lignin results in improved absorbance in the UV-A and UV-B ranges.

[0194] Transmittance test 01 The transmittance of three agricultural compositions containing only wax (5 wt%), only lignin (5 wt%), or a combination of wax and lignin (both 5 wt%) was measured. As can be seen from Figure 5, lower UV-A and UV-B transmittance was achieved by the combination of both wax and lignin. Therefore, such agricultural compositions containing both wax and lignin could be used as sunscreens with improved performance compared to agricultural compositions containing only wax or only lignin.

[0195] The transmittance of the agricultural composition prepared above, containing both 5% by weight of wax and 5% by weight of lignin in combination with 1.5% by weight of CaCO3, was also measured. The inclusion of CaCO3 in the agricultural composition further reduced UV-A and UV-B transmittance.

Claims

1. 1. An agricultural composition for providing UV-A and / or UV-B protection to plants and plant parts, comprising: at least one wax; at least one lignin; at least one emulsifier; water; optionally calcium carbonate; and optionally a solvent; wherein the ratio of wax to lignin in the composition is 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and the lignin; Agricultural composition.

2. 10. The agricultural composition of claim 1, comprising: at least one wax; at least one lignin; at least one emulsifier; water; optionally calcium carbonate; and Optionally a solvent.

3. 3. An agricultural composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio of wax:lignin in the composition is from 100:5 to 100:180, preferably from 100:10 to 100:150, most preferably from 100:30 to 100:100, based on the dry weight of the wax and the lignin.

4. 4. An agricultural composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one wax is selected from the group consisting of carnauba wax, beeswax, paraffin wax, shellac wax, candelilla wax, ouricle wax, sugarcane wax, soy wax, bayberry wax, petroleum wax, laurel wax, rice bran wax, and mixtures thereof, preferably carnauba wax.

5. 5. The agricultural composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one lignin is selected from the group consisting of native lignin, Klason lignin, hydrolyzed lignin, ground lignin, soda lignin, organosolv lignin, kraft lignin, alkaline lignin, sulfonated lignin, and mixtures thereof, preferably sulfonated lignin.

6. 6. The agricultural composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one emulsifier is selected from the group comprising PEG compounds, PEG-free emulsifiers, silicone-based emulsifiers, silicones, fatty acids, and mixtures thereof.

7. 7. The agricultural composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one wax and the at least one lignin are each present in the composition in an amount of 0.1 to 45% by weight relative to the total weight of the agricultural composition, preferably in an amount of 0.5 to 40% by weight, even more preferably in an amount of 0.8 to 30% by weight, and most preferably in an amount of 1 to 20% by weight relative to the total weight of the agricultural composition.

8. 8. The agricultural composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one emulsifier is present in the composition in an amount of 0.1 to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the agricultural composition, preferably in an amount of 1 to 15% by weight, most preferably in an amount of 2 to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the agricultural composition.

9. 9. The agricultural composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the calcium carbonate is present in the agricultural composition in an amount of preferably 0.1 to 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the agricultural composition, more preferably 0.3 to 3% by weight, even more preferably 0.5 to 2% by weight, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.5% by weight relative to the total weight of the agricultural composition.

10. 10. The agricultural composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the calcium carbonate is selected from the group consisting of ground calcium carbonate (GCC), preferably marble, limestone, chalk, and / or nano-GCC; precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), preferably vaterite, calcite, and / or aragonite; and mixtures thereof, most preferably the calcium carbonate is ground calcium carbonate.

11. 11. The agricultural composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solvent is present in the agricultural composition, preferably in a solvent:lignin ratio in the composition of from 5:1 to 100:1, more preferably from 10:1 to 20:1, most preferably from 12:1 to 16:1, based on the dry weight of the solvent and the lignin.

12. 11. The agricultural composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one lignin is a water-soluble lignin, preferably a sulfonated lignin, and no solvent is present in the agricultural composition.

13. The agricultural composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the composition is in liquid form.

14. Use of the agricultural composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for UV-A and / or UV-B protection of plants and plant parts.

15. 15. The use according to claim 14, wherein the plants and plant parts are fruits, vegetables, trees, seeds, leaves, wood, nuts, agricultural crops, crop plants, and flowering plants.

16. 1. Use of a combination of at least one wax and at least one lignin as a UV-A and / or UV-B protection agent, wherein the wax:lignin ratio is from 100:1 to 100:200, based on the dry weight of the wax and the lignin.

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