Seed Coating Composition

Abstract

A novel seed coating composition is provided. The coating comprises a wax emulsion, a polymeric binder, a fibrous material, and a filler having a bulk density of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL. Specifically, the coating is selected from polyethylene or Fischer-Tropsch wax emulsion, a polyvinyl binder, talc, and cellulose fibers. When applied to seeds, the seed coating composition provides water permeability, good abrasion resistance, low dusting, short drying time, good flowability and plant performance, low clumping, good aesthetics and / or coverage, greater capacity for adding an increased number of desirable nutrients and seed and plant protection agents, and / or increased seed size for plantability. Uses of the seed coating composition for coating seeds, methods for forming coated seeds using the composition, and the resulting coated seeds are also provided.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seed coating composition, a method of forming and coating a seed coating composition on a seed, and to a coated seed. [Background technology]

[0002] Plant seeds are often coated before sowing, for example, to protect seeds from damage during handling and / or improve handling properties.Seeds are often coated to provide seeds and seedlings with useful substances (active ingredients) during germination, such as plant nutrients, growth stimulants and plant protection products.The important advantage of providing active ingredients in seed coating is that it allows accurate and controlled release and dosage for each seedling.

[0003] The advantages of coating seeds may include increased size, increased chemical loading capacity, abrasion resistance, smooth surface, low dust, high plantability and good durability.Typical seed coating methods include film coating, pelleting and encapsulating the seeds. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention seeks to provide a seed coating composition that offers improved properties as described above and has reduced drying requirements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a medicament for the treatment of a medicament comprising: Wax emulsion, a polymer binder; a filler selected from those having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL; Fiber materials and The present invention relates to a seed coating composition comprising:

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a seed coating composition comprising the steps of: a dry or substantially dry composition preblend comprising a filler and a fibrous material selected from those having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL; a liquid preblend comprising a wax emulsion and a polymer binder; A method is provided which includes combining:

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of coating seeds, the method comprising applying a seed coating composition comprising a wax emulsion, a polymeric binder, a filler selected from those having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL, and a fibrous material.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seed having a coating comprising a wax emulsion, a polymeric binder, a filler selected from those having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL, and a fibrous material.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a seed coating composition comprising a wax emulsion, a polymer binder, a filler selected from those having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL, and a fibrous material, for reducing the drying time when the composition is coated on seeds. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The seed coating compositions of the present invention can surprisingly provide a wide range of desirable seed coating properties, such as water permeability, good abrasion resistance, low dusting, short dry time, good flowability and plant performance, low clumping, good aesthetics and / or coverage, greater capacity for adding an increased number of desirable nutrients and seed and plant protection agents, and / or increased seed size for plantability.

[0011] As used herein, the terms "for example," "for example," "such as," or "including" are meant to introduce examples that further clarify the general subject matter. Unless otherwise specified, these examples are provided solely as an aid in understanding the application set forth in this disclosure and are not meant to be limiting in any way.

[0012] The term "coating" as used in this application is meant to refer to the application of a material to the surface of a seed, for example, as a layer of material around the seed. Coating includes film coating, pelleting, and encapsulation, or a combination of these techniques, as known in the art. The coating is preferably applied over substantially the entire surface of the seed, such as over 90% or more of the surface area of ​​the seed, to form a layer. However, the coating can be complete or partial, for example, over 20% or more or over 50% of the surface area of ​​the seed.

[0013] The term "seed coating composition" as used in this application is meant to refer to a composition used to coat seeds, optionally after being combined with a plant protection product formulation, a diluent such as water, nutrients and / or an inoculant such as a beneficial fungus or bacterium. Thus, the term includes both compositions that contain a plant protection product formulation and compositions that do not contain a plant protection product formulation.

[0014] The term "plant enhancer" as used herein is meant to refer to any ingredient that is directly or indirectly beneficial to a plant or plant seed, for example, by virtue of a biological effect on the plant, the seed, or organisms harmful to the plant, such as fungi, pests, and insects. Plant enhancers include plant protection products, safeners, growth promoters, growth regulators, nutrients, and the like.

[0015] The term "different locations" as used in this application means in different mixing vessels, preferably in different buildings or lots, more preferably at least 5 miles apart. Thus, in one embodiment, the aqueous composition preblend and powder preblend defined herein are prepared separately by mixing their respective individual components, then packaged, stored and / or transported, only thereafter combined at a different location along with any other components, e.g., biologically active ingredients, to form the seed coating composition.

[0016] The term "dry or substantially dry" as used in this application means a composition that is free or substantially free of liquid. This term is intended to mean that the composition preferably contains less than 5% by weight, more preferably less than 3% by weight, even more preferably less than 2% by weight, even more preferably less than 1% by weight, and in particular less than 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition may not contain any liquid.

[0017] The seed coating composition comprises a wax emulsion.

[0018] The wax emulsion may be selected from the group consisting of natural waxes, mineral waxes and synthetic waxes or combinations thereof.

[0019] Preferably, the wax emulsion is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene wax, carnauba wax, paraffin wax, polypropylene wax, oxidized polyethylene wax, montan wax, ceresin wax, ozokerite, peat wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, amide wax, ethylene acrylic acid wax, polyolefin wax, ethylene bisstearamide wax, beeswax, lanolin wax, sugarcane wax, palm wax and vegetable waxes.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the wax is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene waxes, Fischer-Tropsch waxes and carnauba waxes.

[0021] It is also possible for a mixture of two or more waxes to be present in the seed coating composition of the present invention.

[0022] The wax emulsion may be anionic, nonionic, or cationic wax. Most preferably, the wax may be anionic or nonionic. Cationic waxes may cause clumping problems when the seed coating composition is combined with anionically stabilized active ingredients.

[0023] The wax emulsions used herein suitably have a molecular weight (weight average) in the range of from 1,000 to 40,000, preferably from 5,000 to 20,000, more preferably from 9,000 to 11,000, especially from 9,500 to 10,500 and especially from 9,800 to 10,200.

[0024] The molecular weight (weight average) of the wax emulsions described herein may be determined by techniques well known in the art such as light scattering, size exclusion HPLC or mass spectrometry, preferably mass spectrometry.

[0025] The pH of the wax emulsion may be in the range of 5 to 10. More preferably, it is in the range of 6 to 9. Even more preferably, it is in the range of 7 to 9. Most preferably, it is in the range of 7.5 to 8.5.

[0026] The seed coating composition comprises a polymeric binder such that one or more polymeric binders are present in the seed coating composition of the present invention.

[0027] The at least one polymeric binder is preferably an organic polymeric binder, more preferably a synthetic polymeric binder.

[0028] The polymer binder may be selected from the group consisting of, for example, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, polyurethane, cellulose (including ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxymethylpropyl cellulose), polyvinylpyrrolidone, dextrin, maltodextrin, starch, polysaccharides, fats, oils, proteins, gum arabic, shellac, vinylidene chloride, vinylidene chloride copolymers, calcium lignosulfonate, polyacrylates, acrylic copolymers, polyvinyl acrylate, zein, casein, gelatin, chitosan, pullulan, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, acrylamide polymers, acrylamide copolymers, polyhydroxyethyl acrylate, methylacrylamide polymers, poly(N-vinylacetamide), sodium alginate, polychloroprene, and syrup. These binders may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Preferred binders may be selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyacrylates, especially polyvinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl acetate copolymers and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0029] In one embodiment, the polymeric binder in the coating composition comprises polyvinylpyrrolidone, and suitably more than 30 wt %, preferably more than 50 wt %, based on the total weight of the polymeric binder present is polyvinylpyrrolidone.

[0030] In one embodiment, the coating composition suitably comprises, based on the total weight of polymeric binders in the coating composition, (i) in the range of 60 to 98 wt. %, preferably 70 to 95 wt. %, more preferably 80 to 92 wt. %, particularly 87 to 91 wt. % and especially 88 to 90 wt. % of polyvinylpyrrolidone, and (ii) in the range of 2 to 40 wt. %, preferably 5 to 30 wt. %, more preferably 8 to 20 wt. %, particularly 9 to 13 wt. % and especially 10 to 12 wt. % of a polymeric binder other than polyvinylpyrrolidone.

[0031] The polyvinylpyrrolidone used herein suitably has a molecular weight (weight average) in the range of 1,000 to 40,000, preferably 5,000 to 20,000, more preferably 9,000 to 11,000, particularly 9,500 to 10,500 and especially 9,800 to 10,200.

[0032] Optional polymer binders other than polyvinylpyrrolidone may be selected from the other polymer binders described herein, particularly from the group consisting of vinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. Suitable vinyl acetate copolymers include vinyl acetate-Veova (or vinyl versatate) copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl acetate-(meth)acrylic / (meth)acrylate copolymers, particularly vinyl acetate-Veova copolymers. Veova™ is a vinyl ester (vinyl versatate) of various highly branched synthetic carboxylic acids sold by Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc.

[0033] In one embodiment, the polymeric binder in the coating composition comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a mixture of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, and a vinyl acetate copolymer, preferably a vinyl acetate-Veova copolymer.

[0034] The ratio of vinyl acetate copolymer, preferably vinyl acetate-Veova copolymer, to polyvinyl alcohol present in the coating composition is suitably in the range 0.1 to 10.0:1 by weight, preferably 0.3 to 3.0:1, more preferably 0.6 to 2.0:1, especially 1.0 to 1.2:1 and especially 1.05 to 1.15:1.

[0035] The polyvinyl alcohol suitably has a molecular weight (weight average) in the range of 2,000 to 100,000, preferably 25,000 to 60,000, more preferably 35,000 to 45,000, especially 38,000 to 41,000 and particularly 39,000 to 40,000.

[0036] The vinyl acetate copolymer, preferably vinyl acetate-Veova copolymer, suitably has a molecular weight (weight average) in the range of 2,000 to 100,000, preferably 20,000 to 70,000.

[0037] The molecular weight (weight average) of the polymeric binders described herein can be determined by techniques well known in the art, such as light scattering, size exclusion HPLC or mass spectrometry, preferably mass spectrometry.

[0038] The amount of polymeric binder in the seed coating composition is suitably in the range 3 to 40 wt.%, preferably 6 to 25 wt.%, more preferably 8 to 12 wt.%, especially 9.4 to 9.9 wt.% and especially 9.6 to 9.7 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0039] The seed coating composition includes a filler selected from those having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 mg / L. It is contemplated that the use of a low bulk density filler will provide the advantages described for the seed coating composition.

[0040] The bulk density of the filler may be preferably in the range of 0.10 to 0.70 mg / L, more preferably in the range of 0.15 to 0.60 mg / L, and even more preferably in the range of 0.20 to 0.50 mg / L, and even more preferably in the range of 0.25 to 0.45 mg / L.

[0041] Unless otherwise specified, the bulk density values ​​stated herein refer to loose bulk density, which is determined in accordance with International Standard ASTM D7481-18, (2018), "Standard Test Methods for Determining Loose and Tapped Bulk Densities of Powders using a Graduated Cylinder."

[0042] The filler component of the seed coating composition can be any suitable organic or inorganic material. As used herein, the filler component excludes any fibrous material. A suitable organic filler material is corn starch powder. Suitable inorganic filler materials include at least one selected from the group consisting of talc, mica, kaolin, diatomaceous earth, pumice, perlite, calcium carbonate, silica, silicates, barium sulfate, titanium dioxide, calcium silicate, and calcium sulfate, preferably talc and calcium silicate.

[0043] The filler component may comprise a mixture of two or more of the suitable fillers described herein, preferably a combination of two.

[0044] The filler preferably comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of talc and calcium silicate.

[0045] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the filler is selected from talc or calcium silicate or a combination thereof, and the bulk density of the filler is in the range of 0.25 to 0.45 mg / L.

[0046] The filler is preferably in particulate form and may be, for example, irregularly shaped, spherical, approximately spherical, discoid, platelet, needle-like, or rod-like. The filler is preferably plate-like or needle-like in particle shape. The filler component is non-fibrous.

[0047] In one embodiment, the filler, preferably talc, suitably has a median particle size in the range of 0.1 to 50 μm, preferably 1 to 25 μm, more preferably 1.5 to 10 μm, particularly 2 to 8 μm and especially 3 to 5 μm, as determined by x-ray sedimentation using a Sedigraph III Plus particle size analyzer.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the filler, preferably calcium silicate, suitably has a median particle size in the range of 2 to 30 μm, preferably 4 to 20 μm, more preferably 6 to 18 μm, especially 10 to 16 μm and especially 12 to 14 μm, as determined by x-ray sedimentation using a Sedigraph III Plus particle size analyzer.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the filler may comprise two fillers of different particle sizes. In particular, the combination may comprise fillers of each particle size of the embodiments described herein.

[0050] The filler particles preferably have a diameter in the range of 10 to 40 nanometers, preferably 12 to 35 nanometers, more preferably 15 to 25 nanometers.

[0051] The individual particles suitably have an average aspect ratio d1:d2 (where d1 and d2 are the length and width of the particle, respectively) in the range of from 3 to 50:1, preferably from 5 to 25:1, more preferably from 7 to 15:1, especially from 8 to 12:1 and especially from 9 to 11:1.

[0052] The average length by number of the particles is suitably in the range of 20 to 1,000 μm, preferably 50 to 500 μm, more preferably 200 to 400 μm, particularly 260 to 340 μm and especially 280 to 320 μm. The average width by number of the particles is suitably in the range of 5 to 100 μm, preferably 10 to 50 μm, more preferably 20 to 40 μm, particularly 26 to 34 μm and especially 28 to 32 μm.

[0053] The size of particles can be determined by measuring the length and width of selected particles from photographic images obtained using a transmission electron microscope. At least 1,000 particles can be measured to ensure a statistically accurate average value.

[0054] The seed coating composition comprises a fibrous material. The fibrous material may comprise any suitable organic or inorganic fiber or fiber particle. The fiber may be of natural and / or synthetic materials. Suitable fibers include plant fibers, wood fibers, and animal fibers.

[0055] Plant fibers are typically cellulose, often in combination with lignin. Suitable examples include cotton, bamboo, hemp, jute, flax, ramie, sisal, bagasse and banana.

[0056] Wood fiber is distinguished from plant fiber in that it is derived from woody sources. Forms include groundwood, lacebark, thermomechanical pulp (TMP), and bleached or unbleached kraft or sulfite pulps. Lignin is removed in the kraft and sulfite-type pulping processes.

[0057] Animal fibers are primarily protein-based, and examples include silkworm silk, spider silk, tendons, catgut, sheep's wool, sea silk, and hair, such as cashmere wool, mohair, and angora, and fur, such as sheepskin, rabbit, mink, fox, and beaver.

[0058] The individual fiber particles suitably have an average aspect ratio d1:d2 (where d1 and d2 are the length and width of the fiber, respectively) in the range of 3 to 50:1, preferably 5 to 25:1, more preferably 7 to 15:1, particularly 8 to 12:1 and especially 9 to 11:1. The average length by number of fibers is suitably in the range of 20 to 1,000 μm, preferably 50 to 500 μm, more preferably 200 to 400 μm, particularly 260 to 340 μm and especially 280 to 320 μm. The average width by number of fibers is suitably in the range of 5 to 100 μm, preferably 10 to 50 μm, more preferably 20 to 40 μm, particularly 26 to 34 μm and especially 28 to 32 μm.

[0059] The size of fiber particles can be determined by measuring the length and width of selected fibers from photographic images obtained using a transmission electron microscope. At least 1,000 fiber particles can be measured to ensure a statistically accurate average value.

[0060] The fibrous materials used in the present invention preferably comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of cellulose fibers. The cellulose fibers may be natural or manufactured (i.e., formed into a pulp and then extruded), preferably natural. The cellulose fibers may be in their natural chemical form or chemically modified, preferably non-chemically modified.

[0061] The cellulose fibers preferably comprise, consist essentially of or consist of substantially non-chemically modified and / or non-chemically derivatized cellulose. Preferably, at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 98% by weight, especially at least 99% by weight of the cellulose fibers is of non-modified and / or non-derivatized cellulose.

[0062] Cellulose is a compound made up of repeating monomers (C6H 10 O5) nwhere each glucose monomer unit is linked to an adjacent monomer via a glycosidic β(1→4) bond.

[0063] Cellulose fibers can be homogeneous in that they are composed of only one particular type of cellulose, e.g., all having the same molecular weight. In alternative embodiments, cellulose fibers can be heterogeneous in that they comprise a mixture, such as a mixture of fibers having different molecular weights.

[0064] The cellulose is, of course, preferably derived from natural sources (e.g., wood pulp cellulose, cotton-derived cellulose, or bamboo-derived cellulose), and thus the cellulose fibers so derived will contain multiple similar components depending on the source. The cellulose fibers are preferably derived from wood pulp. Cellulose fibers derived from hardwoods may be preferred.

[0065] The cellulose fibers used in the present invention may comprise cellulose containing monomer units in the range of 500 to 20,000, preferably 1,000 to 15,000, and more preferably 2,000 to 10,000.

[0066] Cellulose fibers can include several known types of cellulose, such as alpha-cellulose (α-cellulose), beta-cellulose (β-cellulose), and gamma-cellulose (γ-cellulose).

[0067] In one embodiment, the cellulose fibres suitably comprise a high α-cellulose content, preferably greater than 70% by weight, more preferably greater than 80% by weight, particularly greater than 90% by weight and especially greater than 98% by weight.

[0068] The carboxyl content of the cellulose fibers may be less than 5 mole %, preferably less than 1 mole %.

[0069] The cellulose fibres may preferably have a low ash content of less than 1% by weight, more preferably less than 0.75% by weight, especially less than 0.5% by weight.

[0070] The cellulose fibers preferably have a bulk density in the range of 20 to 200 g / L, more preferably 40 to 100 g / L, and particularly preferably 60 to 80 g / L.

[0071] The particle size (or any other non-spherical shape) of a fiber can be normalized or converted to the spherical diameter of said fiber. In the form of a particle size distribution, the fiber particles have a median volume particle size value. It will be understood that the median volume particle size refers to the spherical equivalent diameter corresponding to the point on the distribution that divides the population exactly in half. It is the point corresponding to 50% of the volume of all fiber particles as read on a cumulative distribution curve relating volume percentage to particle diameter, i.e., 50% of the distribution is above this value and 50% is below. This value is referred to as the "D(v,0.5)" value and is suitably determined as described herein.

[0072] Additionally, reference may also be made to the "D(v,0.9)" and "D(v,0.1)" values, which are the spherical equivalent diameters corresponding to 90% or 10%, respectively, of the volume of all fiber particles as read on a cumulative distribution curve relating volume percentage to particle diameter, i.e., they are the points where 10% or 90% of the distribution is above this value and 90% or 10%, respectively, is below this value.

[0073] The fiber particle size values ​​used to determine the D(v,0.5), D(v,0.1) and D(v,0.9) values ​​are preferably measured by a technique based on dynamic light scattering analysis, preferably using the specific methods described herein.

[0074] It has been found that the median size and / or size distribution of the fibers, preferably cellulose fibers, can be an important parameter in obtaining a seed coating composition with desired properties.

[0075] The fibres, preferably cellulose fibre particles, suitably have a D(v,0.5) value in the range of 10 to 120 μm, preferably 30 to 100 μm, more preferably 45 to 75 μm, especially 55 to 65 μm and especially 58 to 62 μm.

[0076] The fibre particles suitably have a D(v,0.9) value of less than 700 μm, preferably less than 500 μm, more preferably less than 400 μm, especially less than 350 μm and especially less than 300 μm.

[0077] Suitably, the fibre particles have a D(v,0.9) value of more than 70 μm, more preferably more than 150 μm, especially more than 230 μm and especially in the range of 250 to 290 μm.

[0078] The fibre particles suitably have a D(v,0.1) value of less than 25 μm, more preferably less than 20 μm, especially less than 18 μm and especially less than 17 μm.

[0079] Suitably, the fibre particles have a D(v,0.1) value greater than 5 μm, more preferably greater than 8 μm, especially greater than 12 μm and especially in the range 14 to 16 μm.

[0080] The ratio of the D(v,0.9) to D(v,0.1) values ​​represents the width of the particle size distribution and therefore how the distribution is defined around the median particle size value. The ratio of D(v,0.9) to D(v,0.1) values ​​of the fiber particles is preferably in the range of 5 to 40:1, more preferably 10 to 30:1, especially 15 to 25:1 and especially 17 to 20:1.

[0081] The width of the distribution can also be expressed by the difference between the D(v,0.9) and D(v,0.1) values ​​of the fiber particles. The difference between the D(v,0.9) and D(v,0.1) values ​​is suitably in the range of 50 to 600 μm, preferably 120 to 400 μm, more preferably 180 to 330 μm, especially 220 to 290 μm and especially 240 to 270 μm.

[0082] The weight average molecular weight of the fibers, preferably cellulose fiber particles, is preferably in the range of 1,000 to 10,000,000, more preferably 50,000 to 5,000,000, and especially 100,000 to 2,000,000.

[0083] Suitable cellulose fibers are commercially available, for example, from CreaFill Fibers Corp. (Chestertown, Maryland, USA) under the trademark CreaTech or from J. Rettenmaier & Soehne GmbH (Rosenberg, Germany) under the trademark Arbocel.

[0084] The seed coating composition may optionally include other ingredients. These other ingredients may be selected from those including: diluents, absorbents or carriers, such as carbon black, talc, diatomaceous earth, kaolin, aluminium, calcium or magnesium stearate, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium tetraborate, sodium sulphate, sodium, aluminium and mixed sodium aluminium silicates and sodium benzoate, Wetting agents, such as alcohol ethoxylate and alcohol ethoxylate / propoxylate wetting agents, Dispersants, such as sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensates and acrylic copolymers, such as comb copolymers with polyethylene glycol side chains capped onto a polyacrylic acid backbone; emulsifiers, such as alcohol ethoxylates, ABA block copolymers or castor oil ethoxylates, a defoaming agent, such as a polysiloxane defoamer, typically in an amount of 0.005% to 10% by weight of the formulation; viscosity modifiers, such as commercially available water-soluble or miscible gums, e.g., xanthan gum and / or cellulose derivatives, e.g., carboxy-methyl, ethyl or propyl cellulose, and / or Preservatives and / or antimicrobial substances, for example organic acids or their esters or salts, such as ascorbic acid, e.g. ascorbyl palmitate, sorbic acid, e.g. potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, e.g. benzoic acid and methyl and propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, propionic acid, e.g. sodium propionate, phenols, e.g. sodium 2-phenylphenate, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one or formaldehyde as such or paraformaldehyde or inorganic materials, such as sulfite and its salts, typically in an amount of 0.01% to 1% by weight of the formulation.

[0085] The seed coating composition of the present invention may also include surfactants such as wetting agents, dispersing agents, and / or emulsifiers. Surfactants may aid in mixing / emulsifying / dispersing the pigment particles in the preblend and seed coating composition. Suitable surfactants include ionic and nonionic products, including organically modified polyacrylates, polyacrylates, polyacrylates, sodium polyacrylates, polyurethanes, phosphate esters, star polymers, and / or modified polyethers.

[0086] The seed coating composition of the present invention may include additional ingredients such as one or more selected from solvents, thickeners, antifoaming agents, preservatives, and lubricants.

[0087] Suitable thickeners include agar, carboxymethylcellulose, carrageenan, chitin, fucoidan, ghatti, gum arabic, karaya, laminaran, locust bean gum, pectin, alginate, guar gum, xanthan gum, diutan gum and tragacanth, bentonite clay, HEUR (hydrophobically modified, ethoxylated urethane) thickener, HASE (hydrophobically modified, alkali swellable emulsion) thickener and polyacrylate. Gums are generally preferred due to their low cost, availability and excellent ability to improve the physical properties of the resulting coated film.

[0088] Examples of suitable antifoaming agents include polyethylene glycol, glycerin, mineral oil antifoams, silicone and non-silicone antifoams (such as polyethers, polyacrylates), dimethylpolysiloxane (silicone oil), arylalkyl-modified polysiloxanes, polyether siloxane copolymers containing fumed silica. The antifoaming agent may be present in some embodiments of the seed coating composition in an amount of at least 1 ppm by weight or 0.1 to 0.3% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed coating composition.

[0089] The seed coating composition may further comprise one or more solvents other than water. The solvent may be selected from the group consisting of alcohols and hydrocarbons. Mixtures of solvents can also be used. The solvent is preferably liquid at 20°C and 1 atmosphere. Examples of suitable solvents include glycols and their esters and ethers, particularly ethylene and propylene glycol and their esters and ethers, such as esters and ethers with C1-C6 alkyl and / or aromatic groups, e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, benzyl, and phenyl ethers (including mono- and di-alkyl ethers), and esters of these ethers, e.g., acetate, and ethylene and propylene glycol esters, e.g., esters of fatty acids, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol and their esters, especially esters with fatty acids, butyl cellosolve, butyl carbitol, polyethylene glycol, N-methylpyrrolidone, glycerin, and alkyl alcohols having up to 10 carbon atoms, e.g., ethanol, propanol, and butanol. Other examples of solvents include dipropylene glycol methyl ether and propylene glycol methyl ether. An important solvent is ethylene glycol. Further examples include propylene tetramer and synthetic ester oils, such as lactate esters, especially ethyl lactate, and benzoate esters, such as isopropyl or 2-ethylhexyl benzoate. Aromatic hydrocarbons such as xylene, aliphatic and paraffinic solvents, and vegetable oils can also be used as solvents. Aromatic solvents are less preferred.

[0090] The seed coating composition may also contain components with a plasticizing effect, such as surfactants or antifreeze agents. Common surfactants include amphiphilic organic compounds, usually containing branched, linear, or aromatic hydrocarbon, fluorocarbon, or siloxane chains as tails and containing hydrophilic groups. Some types of surfactants include nonionic, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants, as well as organic silicone and organic fluorosurfactants. Some examples of surfactants include polyoxyethylene glycol and polyoxypropylene ethers and esters, particularly their alkyl, aryl, and alkylaryl ethers, and sulfate, phosphate, and sulfonate compounds of such ethers; glucoside (alkyl) ethers; glycerol esters such as alkyl and fatty acid esters; sorbitan (alkyl) esters; acetylene compounds; cocamide compounds; and block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Further examples of surfactants include alkylamine salts and alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, such as betaine-type surfactants, amino acid-type surfactants, and polyhedral alcohols; fatty acid esters, particularly C 12 ~C 18 Included are fatty acids such as those of polyglycerin, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, sorbitan and sucrose, polyhydric alcohol alkyl ethers, fatty acid alkanolamides and propoxylated and ethoxylated compounds such as fatty alcohol ethoxylates, polyethoxylated tallow amines and alkylphenol ethoxylates. Some examples of anionic surfactants include carboxylic acids, copolymers of carboxylic acids, sulfates, sulfonic acid compounds and phosphates, such as lignin sulfonates and (linear) alkylaryl sulfonates.

[0091] Antifreeze agents include, for example, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and glycerin, with preferred glycols being ethylene glycol and propylene glycol.

[0092] The seed coating compositions of the present invention may also contain one or more optional pigments, which when coated on seeds provide an aesthetic effect or function to identify which seeds have been treated. The pigments are preferably inorganic materials and may be, for example, effect pigments and / or color pigments known in the art.

[0093] Examples of suitable effect pigments include pearlescent pigments of various particle sizes. Effect pigments having a particle size of 60 μm or less or 15 μm or less can be used. The particle size of the effect pigment is preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less. Typically, the particle size of the effect pigment is 1 μm or more. Another effect pigment can be aluminum. Effect pigments can be used to create an attractive aesthetic appearance on the seeds.

[0094] Examples of colored pigments include Pigment Red 112 (CAS No. 6535-46-2), Pigment Red 2 (CAS No. 6041-94-7), Pigment Red 48:2 (CAS No. 7023-61-2), Pigment Blue 15:3 (CAS No. 147-14-8), Pigment Green 36 (CAS No. 14302-13-7), Pigment Green 7 (CAS No. 1328-53-6), Pigment Yellow 74 (CAS No. 6358-31-2), Pigment Orange 5 (CAS No. 3468-63-1), Pigment Violet 23 (CAS No. 6358-30-1), Pigment Black 7 (CAS No. 97793 37 8), and Pigment White 6 (CAS No. 98084-96-9). The particle size of the color pigment is preferably 100 μm or less, more preferably 50 μm or less, and usually 25 μm or more.

[0095] Dyes such as anthraquinone, triphenylmethane, phthalocyanine, their derivatives and diazonium salts may be used in addition to or instead of colored pigments.

[0096] The amount of pigment in the seed coating composition, if present, is suitably in the range of 0.1 to 15 wt. %, preferably 1.0 to 8.0 wt. %, more preferably 2.0 to 5.0 wt. %, especially 2.5 to 3.5 wt. % and especially 2.8 to 3.2 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0097] The seed coating composition further comprises flakes of a translucent polymer film on an inert carrier (a carrier that, in the amounts present, has no detectable detrimental effect on the environment, particularly the seed or the growing plant) to provide a light-reflective appearance to the seed, such as those described in WO 03 / 003812. Preferably, the translucent polymer film comprises light-reflective particles.

[0098] Biocides may be included in some embodiments of the seed coating composition, for example, as a preservative, to extend the shelf life of the seed coating composition before application to seeds, e.g., during storage. Examples of suitable biocides include MIT (2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; CAS No. 2682 20-4), BIT (1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one; CAS No. 2632-33-5), CIT (5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one), bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitro-propane-1,3-diol), and / or combinations thereof.

[0099] The seed coating composition may contain one or more biologically active ingredients (including plant promoters, in particular plant protection products (also referred to as PPPs)). Suitable examples of active ingredients, in particular plant promoters, are fungicides, bactericides, insecticides, nematicides, molluscicides, biological preparations, acaricides or miticides, repellents, and biocides. Further possible active ingredients include disinfectants, microorganisms, rodenticides, herbicides (weed killers), attractants, (bird) repellents, plant growth regulators (such as gibberellic acid, auxins, or cytokinins), nutrients (such as potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, iron chelators), plant hormones, minerals, plant extracts, germination stimulants, pheromones, biological preparations, etc.

[0100] Naturally, the amount of active ingredient applied depends strongly on the type of active ingredient and the type of seed used. However, typically, the amount of one or more active ingredients ranges from 0.001 to 200 g per kg of seed. Those skilled in the art can determine the appropriate amount of active ingredient depending on the active ingredient and the type of seed used. It is common practice for those skilled in the art to use and follow the recommendations of active ingredient suppliers (e.g., BASF, Bayer, Syngenta, DuPont, etc.), such as by using technical data sheets and / or following recommendations.

[0101] Typical fungicides include captan (N-trichloromethyl)thio-4-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboximide), thiram tetramethylthioperoxydicarboxylic acid diamide (sold commercially as Proseed™), metalaxyl (methyl N(2,6 dimethylphenyl)-N(methoxyacetyl) d,l-alaninate), fludioxonil (4(2,2 difluoro-1,3 benzodioxol-4-yl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile; sold in blends with mefonoxam as Maxim™ XL), difenoconazole (sold commercially as Dividend™ 3FS), carbendazim iprodione (sold commercially as Rovral™), ipconazole (sold commercially as Rancona by Arista, formerly Agriphar or Chemtura), and thiram tetramethylthioperoxydicarboxylic acid diamide (sold commercially as Proseed™). commercially available), mefonoxam (sold commercially as Apron™ XL), tebuconazole, carboxin, thiabendazole, azoxystrobin, prochloraz, prothioconazole (sold commercially as Redigo by Bayer), sedaxane (sold commercially as Vibrance by Syngenta), cymoxanil (1(2-cyano-2-methoxyiminoacetyl)-3-ethylurea), fludioxonil, metalaxyl, a mixture of cymoxanil and fludioxonil sold commercially as Wakil by Syngenta, and oxadixyl ((N(2,6 dimethylphenyl)-2-methoxy-N(2 oxo-3 oxazolidinyl) acetamide). The fungicide may be included in the seed coating composition in an amount of 0.0001 to 10%, based on the total weight of the coated seeds.

[0102] Typical bactericides include streptomycin, penicillin, tetracycline, ampicillin, and oxolinic acid.

[0103] Typical insecticides include pyrethroids, organophosphates, caramoyl oximes, pyrazoles, amidines, halogenated hydrocarbons, neonicotinoids, and carbamates and their derivatives. Particularly suitable classes of insecticides include organophosphates, phenylpyrazoles, and pyrethroids. Preferred insecticides are those known as terbufos, chlorpyrifos, fipronil, chlorethoxyphos, tefluthrin, carbofuran, imidacloprid, and tebupirimfos. Commercially available insecticides include imidacloprid (commercially available as Gaucho™) and clothianidin (commercially available from Bayer as Poncho™), thiamethoxam (commercially available from Syngenta as Cruiser™), thiacloprid (commercially available from Bayer as Sonido), cypermethrin (commercially available from Chemtura as Langis™), methiocarb (commercially available from Bayer as Mesurol), fipronil (commercially available from BASF as Regent™), and thiacloprid (commercially available from Chemtura as Langis™). commercially available from DuPont as Coragen™), chlorantraniliprole (also known as rynaxypyr, 5-bromo-N-[4-chloro-2-methyl-6(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl]-2-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide, and available from DuPont as Coragen™), and cyantraniliprole (also known as cyazypyr, 3-bromo-1-(3-chloro-2-pyridyl)-4'cyano-2'-methyl-6'-(methylcarbamoyl)-pyrazole-5-carboxanilide).

[0104] Commercially available nematicides include abamectin (available from Syngenta as Avicta™) and thiodicarb (available from Bayer as Aeris™).

[0105] Typical molluscicides include metaldehyde (commercially available from Lonza as Meta™) or niclosamide (commercially available from Bayer as Bayluscide™), ciazypyr and rynaxypyr (available from DuPont).

[0106] Examples of suitable biological agents include bacilli, Trichoderma, rhizobia (for nitrogen fixation), etc., which have been identified as seed treatment materials to protect plants and / or enhance their health and / or productivity.

[0107] These lists are not exhaustive and new active ingredients are continually being developed and may be incorporated into seed coating compositions.

[0108] Nutrients may be present in addition to or in place of the pesticide active. In such formulations, the nutrients are typically in dry form.

[0109] The nutrients may preferably be solid-phase nutrients. Solid nutrients are understood in the present invention to mean substances with a melting point above 20°C (at standard pressure). Solid nutrients may also include insoluble nutrients, i.e., nutrients that are soluble in water such that a significant amount of solids is present in the concentrate after addition.

[0110] Nutrients refer to chemical elements and compounds that are desired or necessary to promote or improve plant growth. Suitable nutrients are generally described as macronutrients or micronutrients. Suitable nutrients for use in the concentrate according to the present invention are all nutritional compounds.

[0111] Micronutrients typically refer to trace metals or trace elements, and are often applied in lower doses.Suitable micronutrients include trace elements selected from zinc, boron, chlorine, copper, iron, molybdenum and manganese.Micronutrients can be in soluble form or can be included as insoluble solid, and can be salt or chelated.

[0112] Macronutrients typically refer to those containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and include fertilizers and water conditioners such as ammonium sulfate. Suitable macronutrients include fertilizers and other nitrogen-, phosphorus-, potassium-, calcium-, magnesium-, sulfur-containing compounds, and water conditioners.

[0113] Suitable fertilizers include inorganic fertilizers that provide nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, or sulfur. Fertilizers can be included in diluted formulations at relatively low concentrations or as more concentrated solutions, which can include solid fertilizers and solutions at very high levels.

[0114] It is expected that nutrient inclusion will depend on the particular nutrient, with micronutrients typically being included in lower concentrations, while macronutrients will typically be included in higher concentrations.

[0115] Biostimulants may enhance metabolic or physiological processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, nucleic acid uptake, ion uptake, nutrient delivery, or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of biostimulants include seaweed extracts (e.g., ascophyllum nodosum), humic acids (e.g., potassium humate), fulvic acid, myo-inositol, glycine, and combinations thereof.

[0116] The wax emulsion is suitably present in the seed coating composition at a concentration in the range 0.5 to 25% by weight, preferably 2 to 18% by weight, more preferably 5 to 15% by weight, especially 8 to 12% by weight.

[0117] A particular advantage of the present invention may be that the resulting seed coating composition may have a lower level of polymeric binder than may be found in existing seed coating compositions. Typically, prior seed coatings include polymeric binders, particularly those based on polyvinyl or polyacrylate type chemistries.

[0118] The seed coating composition may contain the polymeric binder in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 20% by weight, preferably from 1 to 10% by weight, and more preferably from 2 to 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0119] The amount of filler in the seed coating composition is suitably in the range 20 to 90 wt.%, preferably 35 to 80 wt.%, more preferably 45 to 70 wt.%, especially 51 to 63 wt.% and especially 55 to 59 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0120] The amount of fibrous material in the seed coating composition, if present, is suitably in the range of from 4 to 40 wt.%, preferably from 8 to 25 wt.%, more preferably from 11.0 to 18.0 wt.%, especially from 13.0 to 15.5 wt.% and especially from 14.0 to 14.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0121] The ratio of filler particles, preferably talc, to fibrous material (if present) present in the seed coating composition is suitably in the range of 0.2 to 30.0:1 by weight, preferably 0.5 to 15.0:1, more preferably 2.0 to 8.0:1, especially 3.0 to 5.0:1 and especially 3.5 to 4.5:1.

[0122] In one embodiment, the composition may be made in a "one-pot" method in which all components are added.

[0123] In an alternative method or embodiment, the powder formulation or dry pre-blend and the aqueous or liquid pre-blend are formed separately and then mixed together to form the seed coating composition of the present invention.

[0124] The dry preblend and aqueous preblend may be formed at a location different from where the seed coating composition is formed and preferably kept separate until the time of application of the seed coating composition to the seed to form the coated seed.

[0125] The seed coating composition is preferably formed by combining the dry preblend and aqueous preblend with any other optional ingredients, such as biologically active ingredients, and applying the same to the seeds simultaneously or immediately thereafter, for example, within 5 hours, preferably within 30 minutes. The seed coating process can range from a few seconds, for example, 15 seconds, to several hours, for example, up to 8 hours, depending on the type of seed, the seed coating composition, the required buildup level, and other variables. The dry preblend, aqueous preblend, and other ingredients are preferably added to the seeds simultaneously for at least a portion of the time during the seed coating process.

[0126] The dry preblend is preferably a substantially anhydrous, free-flowing solid material comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of filler and fibrous materials as defined herein.

[0127] The aqueous preblend preferably comprises a wax emulsion and a polymeric binder as defined herein. The aqueous preblend may also comprise a pigment as defined herein and any other seed coating composition component as defined herein. The aqueous preblend may also contain one or more of the biologically active materials described herein. Additionally or alternatively, one or more biologically active materials may be added separately when the dry preblend and the aqueous preblend are mixed together to form the seed coating composition of the present invention.

[0128] The aqueous composition preblend suitably comprises (i) wax emulsion in the range of 10 to 70 wt.%, preferably 20 to 60 wt.%, more preferably 25 to 55 wt.% and especially 35 to 45 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition; (ii) wax emulsion in the range of 1 to 20 wt.%, preferably 4 to 16 wt.%, more preferably 6 to 14 wt.% and especially 8 to 12 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition; (iii) pigment in the range of 0 to 40 wt.%, preferably 2 to 25 wt.%, more preferably 5 to 15 wt.%, especially 9 to 12 wt.% and especially 10 to 11 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition; and / or (iv) water in the range of 20 to 75 wt.%, preferably 35 to 70 wt.%, more preferably 45 to 65 wt.%, especially 50 to 60 wt.% and especially 54 to 57 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0129] The dry preblend comprises, consists essentially of or consists of (i) filler in the range of 30 to 99 wt.%, preferably 50 to 95 wt.%, more preferably 70 to 90 wt.%, particularly 75 to 85 wt.% and especially 72 to 82 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, and / or (ii) fiber particles in the range of 1 to 50 wt.%, preferably 5 to 35 wt.%, more preferably 10 to 30 wt.%, particularly 15 to 25 wt.% and especially 16 to 20 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0130] In one embodiment, the seed coating composition according to the present invention is formed by combining or mixing together (i) an aqueous preblend as defined herein and (ii) components comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a dry preblend as defined herein, suitably in a ratio by weight in the range of 0.05 to 3.0:1, preferably 0.10 to 1.0:1, more preferably 0.25 to 0.60:1, particularly 0.35 to 0.45:1 and especially 0.40:1, and optionally (iii) one or more biologically active ingredients as defined herein.

[0131] The term "seed" as used in this application is meant to refer, in particular, to the mature ovule of gymnosperms and angiosperms, which comprises an embryo surrounded by a protective covering. In particular, this term encompasses crop seeds, vegetable seeds, and cereal kernels. The protective covering may include a seed coat (testa). Some seeds include a pericarp or fruit skin around the seed coat. As used in this application, the term "seed coat" is meant to include the caryopsis or achene. The term "seed" includes anything that can be planted agriculturally to produce a plant, including, for example, pelleted seeds, true seeds, plant seedlings, rhizomes, regenerable and plant-forming tissues, and tubers or bulbs.

[0132] The seed is a plant seed, such as an agricultural or field crop seed, a vegetable seed, an herb seed, a wildflower seed, an ornamental plant seed, a grass seed, a tree seed or a shrub seed.

[0133] Preferably, the plant seeds are seeds of agricultural crops or agricultural products. The seeds can be seeds of the order Monocotyledoneae or seeds of the order Dicotyledoneae. Suitable seeds include soybean, cotton, corn, peanut, maize, wheat, barley, oat, rye, triticale, mustard, rapeseed (or canola), sunflower, sugar beet, safflower, millet, chicory, flax, rapeseed, buckwheat, tobacco, hemp seed, alfalfa, signal grass, clover, sorghum, chickpea, kidney bean, pea, vetch, rice, sugarcane, guayule, and linseed. Examples of suitable vegetable seeds include asparagus, chives, celery, leeks, garlic, beetroot, spinach, beets, curly kale, cauliflower, broccoli sprouts, savoy cabbage, white cabbage, red cabbage, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, turnip, endive, chicory, watermelon, melon, cucumber, gherkin, marrow, parsley, fennel, peas, kidney beans, radish, black salsify, eggplant, sweet corn, popcorn, carrot, onion, tomato, bell pepper, lettuce, green beans, cucurbits, shallot, broccoli, Brassica, and Brussels sprouts.

[0134] Preferably, the plant seed is selected from the group consisting of maize, soybean and rice, especially maize.

[0135] Preferably, the plant seeds are capable of germinating. Optionally, the seeds may be dehusked (so-called dehusked or dehusked seeds).

[0136] Coatings include film coating, pelleting and encapsulation, or combinations of these techniques, as are known in the art, and it is envisaged that the present invention applies to all of the above coating types, preferably encapsulation.

[0137] The seed coating composition of the present invention can be applied to seeds in conventional manner.

[0138] The seeds may be primed or unprimed (subjected to a treatment to improve germination rate, e.g. osmopriming, hydropriming, matrix priming).

[0139] In one embodiment, before applying the seed coating composition of the present invention, seeds are not provided with an artificial layer, for example, a primer layer containing a binder such as a polymer.Therefore, the seed coating composition is preferably applied directly to the natural outer surface of seeds.Nevertheless, the seed surface can be subjected to surface treatment before applying the seed coating composition.

[0140] Preferably, the seed coating composition is applied as a liquid composition, and / or emulsion, and / or dispersion, and / or latex composition, which is then solidified (including hardened and / or dried) to form the seed coating. As used in this application, the term "liquid coating composition" is meant to include coating compositions in the form of suspensions, emulsions, and / or dispersions, preferably dispersions.

[0141] Conventional means of coating can be used to coat the seeds. A variety of coating machines are available to those skilled in the art. Some well-known techniques include the use of drum coaters, fluidized bed techniques, rotary coaters (with and without integrated drying), and spouted beds. Preferably, the seed coating composition is applied to the seeds by a rotary coater, rotary dry coater, pan coater, or continuous treatment equipment.

[0142] When seeds are encapsulated, the amount of water in the seed coating composition is suitably less than 30 wt. %, preferably less than 25 wt. %, more preferably less than 20 wt. %, especially in the range 14.0 to 17.0 wt. % and especially 15.0 to 16.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0143] In an alternative embodiment in which the seeds are film coated, the amount of water in the seed coating composition is suitably in the range of 20% to 80%, preferably in the range of 30% to 70%, more preferably in the range of 40% to 60%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0144] Typically, the amount of seed coating composition applied to the seeds may be in the range of 10 to 1,000 g dry weight per kg of seed, for example 30 to 650 g dry weight per kg of seed, 100 to 400 g dry weight per kg of seed, or 150 to 250 g dry weight per kg of seed.

[0145] The seed coating composition may be applied by, for example, encapsulating, film coating, spraying, dipping, or brushing the seed coating composition. Optionally, it is applied at a temperature of 2 to 50°C, e.g., 5 to 35°C, more often at room temperature, such as 15 to 30°C, e.g., 18 to 25°C. Preferably, the seed coating composition is applied to the seeds by encapsulation. The seed coating may be suitably applied by spraying a liquid aqueous composition preblend onto the seeds, typically while the seeds are moving through a coating device, while also applying a powder preblend. Preferably, the method includes applying the seed coating composition to form an encapsulation layer.

[0146] The seed coating composition is suitably applied to the seed so that the ratio of dry coating layer to seed is suitably in the range of 0.001 to 20:1 by weight, preferably 0.05 to 10:1, more preferably 0.01 to 1.0:1, especially 0.05 to 0.5:1 and especially 0.1 to 0.2:1.

[0147] Seed coating typically involves forming a securely adherent, moisture-permeable coating on the surface of a seed, and the method typically involves applying a liquid seed coating composition to the seed before planting.

[0148] Additional film coat layers may optionally be applied over the coating layer, preferably the encapsulation layer, of the present invention to provide additional benefits including, but not limited to, aesthetics, coverage, actives, nutrients and processing improvements such as faster drying, seed flowability, durability, etc.

[0149] A particular advantage of the present invention can be that the film and resulting seed coating composition may be free or substantially free of microplastics and / or microplastic particles.

[0150] The terms "microplastic" and "microplastic particles" as used in this application are meant to refer in particular to a material consisting of solid polymer-containing particles to which additives or other substances may be added, with more than 1% w / w of the particles having dimensions between 1 nm and 5 mm, or fibers having lengths between 3 nm and 15 mm and a length to diameter ratio greater than 3. Said polymers would not include those that occur naturally, that are not chemically produced.

[0151] The seed coating compositions defined herein may exhibit desirable properties such as good abrasion resistance, freeze-thaw resistance, good aesthetic appearance, good coating durability and faster coating set times.

[0152] In particular, the seed coating composition may provide the ability to encapsulate or coat seeds with a lower layer size, thereby providing greater thickness with less coating composition, which may allow for the use of lower levels of polymeric binder for the seed coating.

[0153] All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination. [Example]

[0154] In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, reference is now made, by way of example, to the following description, in which it will be understood that all tests and physical properties listed are determined at atmospheric pressure and room temperature (i.e., 25° C.) unless otherwise stated herein or in the referenced test methods and procedures.

[0155] Several liquid binder formulations were formulated according to Table 1. All formulations were prepared in a high speed disperser equipped with a Cowles Blade.

[0156] [Table 1]

[0157] All values ​​are expressed as weight percent.

[0158] The powder formulations were blended according to Table 2. All powder formulations were mixed in a ribbon blender until homogeneously blended.

[0159] [Table 2]

[0160] Test Method The following test method was used to determine the performance of the enveloped seed bodies.

[0161] Wet wear Wet abrasion to the encapsulation occurs during the application of seed encapsulation due to the large amount of binder and powder applied to the seed. If the coating does not have sufficient strength and durability while still wet, the coating will become uneven or build up on the walls of the seed treater due to the force of the seed pushing the coating away. This results in encapsulated seeds that are unacceptable in terms of seed performance and appearance.

[0162] Wet abrasion scores are assessed after seed coating and drying to visually quantify the abrasion of the coating during encapsulation application. Seed wet abrasion was assigned a scale of 0 (high abrasion resistance / high quality seeds) to 5 (low abrasion resistance / low quality seeds).

[0163] dry fluidity The low friction of treated / coated seeds is important in seed treatment facilities and during sowing by farmers. The lower the friction between seeds, the better the efficiency at various stages. Typically, adding PPP and conventional film coats to seeds significantly slows down the seed flow, which is not a desired characteristic. This can be improved by incorporating a flow agent or lubricant into the film coat formulation. Flow agents are typically wax-based additives that reduce friction and improve the appearance of seeds.

[0164] To test the dry flow of treated seeds, 1 kg of seeds is placed in a funnel equipped with a 35 mm diameter stopper. The stopper is opened and a timer is started simultaneously. The dry flow of the seeds is measured based on the time it takes for the entire seed to flow through the funnel. Measurements are performed in triplicate 24 hours after treatment. Results are normalized to untreated seeds (untreated control or UTC) and UTC% is reported.

[0165] Seed Coating Weight The seed coating weight of the treated seeds was obtained by comparing the thousand seed weight (TSW) of different samples. Count 1000 seeds and weigh the seeds to obtain the TSW (g / 1000 seeds).

[0166] Sample coating weight (TSW sample / TSW untreated seeds) * Calculate by 1000 to get the coating weight (g / kg seeds).

[0167] Dust generation and dry wear Dust data for film-coated or encapsulated corn seeds was obtained by the following industry standard: 100 grams of seeds were subjected to two 2-minute Heubach tests and the results were averaged to obtain the total amount of dust generated per 100 kg of seeds.

[0168] Corn seed abrasion was observed visually after a 10 minute abrasion test in a PharmaTest PTF20E friability drum rotating at a speed of 25 rpm.

[0169] The abrasion score is a visual quantification of seed quality after subjecting the seeds to this abrasion test which closely simulates handling conditions in industry.

[0170] An abrasion score was assigned from 0 (high abrasion resistance / high quality seeds) to 5 (low abrasion resistance / low quality seeds). Tests are performed after 3 days of drying to determine the dry abrasion score.

[0171] The results show the dust (g / 100,000 seeds) of various film-coat formulations tested on corn as well as the abrasion score (0: high abrasion resistance; 5: low abrasion resistance) determined after a 10-minute abrasion test.

[0172] These results show that the novel composition allows for a good reduction of both dust and abrasion values ​​in corn.

[0173] particle size The following test methods were used: - The particle size values ​​used to determine the D(v,0.5), D(v,0.1) and D(v,0.9) values ​​of the fibrous materials herein were determined by dynamic light scattering analysis by using a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 equipped with a Hydro 2000SM attachment operating on water set at 2,100 rpm.

[0174] The refractive index of the material was set to 1.53 with an absorbance of 0.1. Data were acquired over 12 seconds with 12,000 snaps. The average of three runs was used to determine the final particle size. From the resulting particle size values, the D(v, 0.5%), D(v, 0.1%), and D(v, 0.9%) values ​​were easily determined.

[0175] formation Seed coatings were prepared in a batch rotary seed coater by first applying 8% Syngenta Vibrance Cinco plant protection product (PPP) cocktail, 39% Syngenta Cruiser 5FS, 3% red colorant, 34% binder (from Table 1), and 16% water, such that 14 g PPP cocktail / kg seed and 4.22 g binder / kg seed were applied.

[0176] After applying the binder and powder combination to the seeds, the total coating (g coating / kg seed) was obtained as outlined in Table 3.

[0177] A film-coat-only reference was prepared by using only the PPP cocktail and DISCO AG Clear L-650 as the binder, so that 4.22 g of L-650 was applied per kg of seed. After application of the PPP, binder, and powder, the seeds were dried with warm air for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.

[0178] [Table 3]

[0179] All values ​​are expressed as weight percent.

[0180] result After 24 hours of curing, the prepared seeds were evaluated for total coating weight gain and the results are shown in Table 4.

[0181] The theoretical coating weight is calculated as follows: Coating weight (g / kg seeds) = (% solids in binder) *It is calculated by (g of binder applied) + (g of powder applied).

[0182] Nearly all seed samples achieved a coating weight similar to the theoretical value, indicating that the majority of the binder and powder was applied to the seed.

[0183] [Table 4]

[0184] The coated seeds were tested for dusting (g / 100 kg of seeds), abrasion resistance and dry flowability and the results are shown in Table 5.

[0185] Many of the coatings have better abrasion resistance than the film-coated control and untreated seeds. The coatings of the present invention exhibit good abrasion resistance over a wide range of coating weights from 50-200 g / kg seed.

[0186] Dusting for most seed coatings is similar to or slightly higher than L-650. As coating weight increases, dusting also increases; more water is introduced into the binder and dusting of the coating increases due to the lower amount of binder in the formulation.

[0187] All coatings had similar flow properties to the film-coated reference, indicating that the coatings maintain good flow properties across a range of formulations and coating weights.

[0188] [Table 5]

[0189] It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of the above embodiments, which have been given by way of example only, as many variations are possible.

Claims

1. 1. A seed coating composition comprising: Wax emulsion, a polymer binder; a filler selected from those having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL; Fiber materials and 1. A seed coating composition comprising:

2. 2. The seed coating composition of claim 1, wherein the wax emulsion is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene wax, carnauba wax, paraffin wax, polypropylene wax, oxidized polyethylene wax, montan wax, ceresin wax, ozokerite, peat wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, amide wax, ethylene acrylic acid wax, polyolefin wax, ethylene bisstearamide wax, beeswax, lanolin wax, sugarcane wax, palm wax, and vegetable waxes.

3. 3. The seed coating composition of claim 1, wherein the wax emulsion has a molecular weight (weight average) in the range of 1,000 to 40,000.

4. 4. The seed coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the polymeric binder is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyacrylates, in particular polyvinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl acetate copolymers and polyvinyl alcohol.

5. 5. The seed coating composition of claim 4, wherein the polymeric binder in the coating composition comprises polyvinylpyrrolidone, and greater than 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymeric binders present, is polyvinylpyrrolidone.

6. 6. The seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the amount of polymeric binder in the seed coating composition is in the range of 3 to 40 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

7. 7. The seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the filler is an inorganic filler material selected from the group consisting of talc, mica, kaolin, diatomaceous earth, pumice, perlite, calcium carbonate, silica, silicates, barium sulfate, titanium dioxide, calcium silicate and calcium sulfate.

8. 8. The seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the filler is selected from talc or calcium silicate.

9. 9. The seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the filler is in particulate form, the particles having a diameter in the range of 10 to 40 nanometers.

10. The seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fibrous material comprises cellulose fibres.

11. 11. The seed coating composition of claim 10, wherein the cellulose fibers comprise cellulose in the range of 500 to 20,000 monomer units.

12. 12. The seed coating composition of claim 10 or 11, wherein the cellulose fibers comprise a high alpha-cellulose content of more than 70% by weight.

13. 13. The seed coating composition according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the cellulose fibres have a D(v,0.5) value in the range of 10 to 120 μm.

14. 1. A method of forming a seed coating composition comprising: a dry or substantially dry composition preblend comprising a filler and a fibrous material selected from those having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL; a liquid preblend comprising a wax emulsion and a polymer binder; The method includes combining

15. 1. A method of coating seeds, comprising applying a seed coating composition comprising a wax emulsion, a polymeric binder, a filler selected from those having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL, and a fibrous material.

16. Seeds having a coating comprising a wax emulsion, a polymeric binder, a filler selected from those having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL, and a fibrous material.

17. 1. Use of a seed coating composition comprising a wax emulsion, a polymer binder, a filler selected from those having a bulk density in the range of 0.05 to 0.80 g / mL, and a fibrous material to reduce the drying time when the composition is coated on seeds.

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