Seed treatment compositions and methods of use thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a seed composition for use as a seed flow lubricant, the composition comprising a powder component, a powder protein component, a dust suppressant additive component, a lubrication additive component, or any combination thereof. Methods of using such seed compositions for agricultural applications are presented herein.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a seed composition for use as a seed flow lubricant, the composition comprising a flour component, a powder protein component, a dust suppressant component, a lubrication additive component, or any combination thereof. Methods of using such seed compositions for agricultural applications are presented herein. [Background technology]

[0002] Seed flow lubricants are materials added to the seed drill box to improve seed flow within the drill. Such lubricants are typically added when the seeds are loaded into the drill box, or they may be added quantitatively during sowing. Because seed flow lubricants are generally powders, a significant amount of lubricant dust can become airborne during sowing. Commonly used seed flow lubricants include talc and graphite, both of which can cause irritation to the nose, throat, eyes, and skin. Furthermore, the use of graphite or talc as a seed flow lubricant tends to abrade the seed surface and generate seed dust. Dust from untreated seeds primarily consists of naturally occurring components of the seed, such as rice husks and seed shells, while dust from treated seeds additionally contains seed treatment ingredients (e.g., fungicides, insecticides, etc.). Seed dust becomes airborne and can be harmful to humans, animals, and insects. This is because the dust contains agricultural chemicals that typically coat seeds, raising concerns about environmental and human safety. The most common, low-cost seed lubricant products are talc and / or graphite-based lubricants. However, talc / graphite products are known to pose risks to human health and the environment.

[0003] Therefore, there is a great need to develop seed flow lubricants that are environmentally friendly and less toxic. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a seed treatment composition comprising a grain flour, a powdered protein, a lubricant additive, and optionally a dust suppressant additive. One exemplary seed treatment composition comprises the grain flour present in an amount of about 40% to about 70% by weight, the powdered protein present in an amount of about 20% to about 50% by weight, and the lubricant additive present in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition.

[0005] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for reducing the formation of plant seed dust and / or improving the flowability of plant seeds, said method comprising contacting plant seeds with a seed treatment composition as disclosed herein.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of making the seed composition disclosed herein, said method comprising mixing flour with powdered protein to obtain a homogenous powdered flour-protein mixture and contacting the homogenous powdered flour-protein mixture with a lubricating additive to coat the particles of the homogenous powdered flour-protein mixture and obtain the seed composition disclosed herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a graph showing DustView II (Palas GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany) dust number results from a mixture of 75 g soybean seeds and 1 g of lubricant product, where the lubricant product can be T&G (talc and graphite 80:20), soy protein powder, wheat flour, Blend 1, Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. [Figure 2A] 1 is a graph showing DustView II (Palas GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany) dust number results from a mixture of 75 g of corn seeds and 1 g of lubricant product, where the lubricant product can be T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 4, Blend 5, or Blend 6. [Figure 2B] 1 is a graph showing DustView II (Palas GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany) dust number results from a mixture of 75 g of corn seeds and 1 g of lubricant product, where the lubricant product can be T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 8, Blend 9, Blend 10, Blend 11, or Blend 12. [Figure 3] 1 is a graph showing flowability results from a flow cone for soybean seeds treated with different lubricant products, including T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 1, Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. The product treatment rate was 1 oz / 50 lbs. [Figure 4] 1 is a graph showing flowability results from a flow cone for soybean seeds treated with different lubricant products, including T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. The product treatment rate was 2 oz / 50 lb. [Figure 5] 1 is a graph showing flowability results from flow cones of corn seed treated with different lubricant products, including T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 4, Blend 5, or Blend 6. The product treatment rate was 2 oz / 50 lb. [Figure 6] 1 is a graph and photographs showing the caking results of Blend 7 and the same composition without the lubricity additive product after 24 hours of storage at 95% relative humidity (RH). Photograph A shows the caked product of Blend 7, and Photograph B shows the uncaked product. Photograph C shows the caked product of Blend 7 without the lubricity additive, and Photograph D shows the uncaked product. [Figure 7A] 1 is a graph showing the results of the target population percentage (%) of corn seeds (large flat) measured on a seeder using different lubricant products such as T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. [Figure 7B]1 is a graph showing the results of the percentage of target population of corn seeds (small round) measured on a seeder using different lubricant products such as T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. [Figure 8A] 1 is a graph showing the results of the percentage of single seed sowing of corn seeds (large flat) measured on a seeder using different lubricant products, such as T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. [Figure 8B] 1 is a graph showing the results of the percentage of single seed sowing of corn seeds (small round) measured on a seeder using different lubricant products such as T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. [Figure 9A] 1 is a graph showing the results of the percentage of multi-seed corn seeds (large flat) measured on a seeder using different lubricant products, such as T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. [Figure 9B] 1 is a graph showing the results of the percentage of multi-seed corn seeds (small round) measured on a seeder using different lubricant products, such as T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. [Figure 10A] 1 is a graph showing the percentage of seed breakthrough results for large, flat corn seeds measured on a planter using different lubricant products, including T&G (talc and graphite mixed at an 80:20 ratio), Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. [Figure 10B] 1 is a graph showing the results of the percent seed breakthrough of corn seeds (small round) measured on a seeder using different lubricant products, including T&G (talc and graphite mixed in a ratio of 80:20), Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. [Figure 11A]1 is a graph showing the results of the percent target population of soybean seeds (2600 seeds / pound) measured on a seeder using different lubricant products, such as T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. [Figure 11B] 1 is a graph showing the results of the target population percentage (%) of soybean seeds (3000 seeds / pound) measured on a seeder using different lubricant products such as T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. [Figure 12A] 1 is a graph showing the results of the percentage of soybean seeds (2600 seeds / pound) measured on a seeder using different lubricant products, such as T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. [Figure 12B] 1 is a graph showing the results of the percentage of soybean seeds (3000 seeds / pound) measured on a seeder using different lubricant products, such as T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. [Figure 13A] 1 is a graph showing the results of the percent seed breakthrough of soybean seeds (2600 seeds / pound) measured on a seeder using different lubricant products, including T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. [Figure 13B] 1 is a graph showing the results of the percentage of seed breakthrough of soybean seeds (3000 seeds / pound) measured on a seeder using different lubricant products, such as T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. [Figure 14A] 1 is a graph showing the results of the percentage of multi-seed soybean seeds (2600 seeds / pound) measured on a seeder using different lubricant products such as T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. [Figure 14B]1 is a graph showing the results of the percentage of multi-seed soybean seeds (3000 seeds / pound) measured on a seeder using different lubricant products, such as T&G (talc and graphite mixed 80:20), Blend 2, Blend 3, or Blend 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The subject matter of the present disclosure is described more fully below. However, many modifications and other embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure described herein will occur to those skilled in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description. It is therefore to be understood that the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. In other words, the subject matter described herein encompasses all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. In the event that one or more of the incorporated documents, patents, and similar materials differ from or conflict with this application (including, but not limited to, defined terms, term usage, described techniques, etc.), this application shall control. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0009] Large seed sowing machines typically use a vacuum to transfer crop seeds from the sowing machine box (or seed hopper) to each planting row in the ground. During this process, dust is released due to abrasion of the seed's surface. This dust typically contains agricultural chemicals coated on the seeds, raising concerns about environmental and human safety. The most common and low-cost lubricant products are talc and / or graphite-based lubricants. However, talc and / or graphite-based products are known to pose risks to human health and the environment. Therefore, there is a need for seed lubricant products that release less dust into the environment.

[0010] Advantageously, the seed treatment compositions, formulations, and methods described herein have been shown to provide desirable properties such as: (a) reduced dust emissions during sowing compared to currently commercially available talc-containing and non-talc-containing products, (b) improved lubricity and minimized seed-to-seed abrasion, thereby minimizing pesticide loss from pre-treated seeds, and / or (c) minimized impacts to human health and the environment compared to conventional talc-based lubricants. Other aspects described herein include seed compositions, formulations, and methods of using the disclosed seed treatment compositions in a sower box to reduce plant seed dust formation, improve seed flowability, reduce caking of seeds and other ingredients, and / or promote overall plant health.

[0011] It has been unexpectedly discovered that seed lubricant compositions comprising a powder component, a powder protein component, and a lubricant additive component as disclosed herein exhibit various beneficial properties as described above. Similarly, it was unexpected and surprising to discover that lubricant compositions comprising an anti-dust component and a lubricant additive component as disclosed herein also exhibit some of the beneficial properties described above. Surprisingly, these seed lubricant compositions performed better in the field than talc- and / or graphite-based products. This is particularly important considering that most, if not all, of the components of the compositions are naturally derived, thereby exhibiting more favorable properties for humans and the environment.

[0012] II. Definition Throughout this specification and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprises," and "comprising," unless the context otherwise requires, are used in an open-ended sense and are synonymous with "including," "containing," or "characterized by," meaning that they are open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0013] As used herein, the transitional phrase "consisting of" excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim.

[0014] As used herein, the term "about," when referring to a value, is meant to encompass variations from the specified amount of, in some embodiments, ±5%, in some embodiments, ±2%, in some embodiments, ±1%, in some embodiments, ±0.5%, and in some embodiments, ±0.1%, where such variations are appropriate for performing the disclosed methods or using the disclosed compositions.

[0015] As used herein, the term "fertilizer" refers to a compound applied to promote plant and fruit growth. Fertilizers are typically applied either through the soil (for uptake by plant roots) or through foliar application (for foliar uptake). The term "fertilizer" can be subdivided into two major categories: a) organic fertilizers (composed of decayed and undecayed plant and animal matter) and b) inorganic fertilizers (composed of chemicals and minerals). Organic fertilizers include manure, slurry, earthworm castings, peat, seaweed, sewage, and guano. Green manure crops are also regularly grown to add nutrients (especially nitrogen) to the soil. Manufactured organic fertilizers include compost, blood meal, bone meal, and seaweed extract. Further examples are enzymatically digested protein, fish meal, and feather meal. Decomposed crop residues from the previous year are another source of fertility. Naturally occurring minerals, such as mine phosphate rock, sulfate of potash, and limestone, are also considered inorganic fertilizers. Inorganic fertilizers are typically produced through chemical processes (e.g., the Haber-Bosch process) and by using naturally occurring deposits and chemically altering them (e.g., concentrated triple superphosphate). Naturally occurring inorganic fertilizers include Chilean sodium nitrate, rock phosphate ore, and limestone.

[0016] As used herein, the term "seed" includes all kinds of seeds, such as, for example, corn seeds, fruits, tubers, seedlings and similar forms. The seeds used may be seeds of the useful plants mentioned above, but may also be seeds of transgenic plants or plants obtained by conventional breeding methods.

[0017] As used herein, the term "pesticides" refers to substances intended to control pests. The term pesticide includes all insecticides (which may include insect growth regulators, termiticides, etc.), nematicides, molluscicides, piscicides, bird killers, bactericides, insect repellents, animal repellents, antibacterial agents, and fungicides.

[0018] As used herein, the term "insecticide" refers to any substance used to kill insects.

[0019] As used herein, the term "larvicide" refers to an insecticide that specifically targets the larval life cycle of an insect.

[0020] As used herein, the term "antiseptic" refers to any substance used to kill bacteria.

[0021] As used herein, the term "acaricide" refers to any substance used to kill members of the arachnid subclass Acari, which includes ticks and mites.

[0022] As used herein, the term "nematicide" refers to any substance used to kill nematodes.

[0023] As used herein, the term "molluscicide" refers to any substance used to kill mollusks.

[0024] As used herein, the term "acaricide" refers to any substance used to kill mites.

[0025] Additional definitions may follow:

[0026] III. Seed Treatment Compositions The seed treatment compositions disclosed herein comprise a powder component, a powder protein component, a dust control additive component, a lubricant additive component, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the seed treatment composition comprises a powder component, a powder protein component, and a lubricant additive component. In some embodiments, the seed treatment composition disclosed herein comprises a dust control additive component and a lubricant additive component (e.g., a fatty acid and / or a synthetic wax). In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein comprise flour, a powder protein, a lubricant additive, and optionally a dust control additive component. In some embodiments, the optional dust control additive component is present. In some embodiments, the dust control additive component is not present. In some embodiments, the seed treatment composition disclosed herein comprises a powder component, a powder protein component, a dust control additive component, a lubricant additive component, and may further comprise a dust control additive component. It was surprising and unexpected to discover that the disclosed seed treatment compositions exhibit the following advantages: (a) minimized impacts on human health and the environment compared to conventional talc-based lubricants; (b) reduced dust emissions during sowing compared to currently available talc-containing and non-talc-containing products; and (c) minimized pesticide loss from pre-treated seeds by improving lubricity and minimizing seed-to-seed abrasion.

[0027] The amount of each component present in the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein can vary. In some embodiments, the flour component and the powder protein component are present in the seed treatment composition in a weight ratio of about 1:100 to about 100:1, about 1:75 to about 75:1, about 1:50 to about 50:1, about 1:25 to about 25:1, about 1:20 to about 20:1, about 1:15 to about 15:1, about 1:10 to about 10:1, about 1:8 to about 8:1, about 1:5 to about 5:1, about 1:3 to about 3:1, about 1:2 to about 2:1, or about 1:1.

[0028] In some embodiments, the lubricant additive component as disclosed herein and the powder or powder protein component are present in the seed treatment composition in a weight ratio of about 1:100 to about 1:75, about 1:75 to about 1:50, about 1:50 to about 1:25, about 1:25 to about 1:15, or about 1:15 to about 1:5. In some embodiments, the lubricant additive component as disclosed herein and the powder or powder protein component are present in the seed treatment composition in a weight ratio of about 1:75 to about 1:4, about 1:50 to about 1:4, about 1:25 to about 1:4, about 1:13 to about 1:4, about 1:12 to about 1:4, about 1:11 to about 1:4, about 1:10 to about 1:4, about 1:9 to about 1:4, about 1:8 to about 1:4, about 1:7 to about 1:4, or about 1:6 to about 1:4.

[0029] In some embodiments, the lubricant additive component and the dust control additive component as disclosed herein are present in the seed treatment composition in a weight ratio of about 1:100 to about 100:1, about 1:75 to about 75:1, about 1:50 to about 50:1, about 1:25 to about 25:1, about 1:20 to about 20:1, about 1:15 to about 15:1, about 1:10 to about 10:1, about 1:8 to about 8:1, about 1:5 to about 5:1, about 1:3 to about 3:1, about 1:2 to about 2:1, or 1:1.

[0030] In some embodiments, the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein do not contain talc. In another embodiment, the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein do not contain graphite or graphite-based blends. In yet another embodiment, the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein do not contain talc and / or graphite, i.e., the seed treatment compositions do not contain graphite and / or talc blends. In another embodiment, the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein contain trace amounts of talc or graphite (i.e., an amount less than 0.1% by weight based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition). In another embodiment, the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein contain less than about 0.5% by weight, less than about 1% by weight, less than about 5% by weight, less than about 10% by weight, less than about 20% by weight, less than about 20% by weight, less than about 30% by weight, less than about 40% by weight, or less than about 50% by weight of talc, graphite, or a combination of talc or graphite, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition.

[0031] A. Powder ingredients The flour ingredient included in the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein can be derived from grains, legumes, nuts, vegetables, or combinations thereof.

[0032] In some embodiments, the flour component comprises / consists of flour derived from a cereal grain. Exemplary flours include, but are not limited to, amaranth flour, barley flour, rice flour, buckwheat flour, corn flour, millet flour, quinoa flour, rye flour, spelt flour, wheat flour, sorghum flour, oat flour, einkorn flour, emmer flour, khorasan flour, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the flour is selected from the group consisting of wheat flour, corn flour, rice flour, barley flour, oat flour, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the flour is wheat flour.

[0033] In some embodiments, the powder ingredient comprises / consists of bean flour derived from a legume. Exemplary legumes include, but are not limited to, chickpeas, peanuts, soybeans, lentils, beans, peas, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, legumes from which the bean flour is derived include black beans, pinto beans, Appaloosa beans, scarlet runner beans, red beans, rattlesnake beans, pink beans, Anasazi beans, adzuki beans, fava beans, goat's eye beans, green lentils, Puy lentils, crimson lentils, Castelluccio lentils, brown lentils, Bergamot lentils, red lentils, red split lentils, and ivory lentils. Examples of bean flours include, but are not limited to, chickpea flour, green pea flour, red lentil flour, rice flour, pinto bean flour, mung bean flour, fava bean flour, galfava flour, white bean flour, yellow pea flour, or any combination thereof.

[0034] In some embodiments, the powder ingredient comprises / consists of nut flour derived from nuts, including but not limited to almonds, chestnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, pecans, tiger nuts, walnuts, pistachios, or combinations thereof.

[0035] In some embodiments, the powder component comprises / consists of vegetable flour derived from vegetables, including but not limited to beets, beetroot, carrots, broccoli, spinach, green peas, kale flour, yams, potatoes, or combinations thereof.

[0036] In some embodiments, the flour ingredient comprises / consists of wheat flour, potato flour, maize (corn) flour, rice flour, barley flour, oat flour, or combinations thereof.

[0037] The amount of powder component present in the seed treatment composition can vary depending on the source of the powder, and one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize this and adjust the amount accordingly. In some embodiments, the amount of powder component present in the seed treatment composition is about 0.1% to about 99% by weight, about 1% to about 90% by weight, about 10% to about 80% by weight, about 15% to about 75% by weight, about 20% to about 70% by weight, about 25% to about 65% by weight, about 35% to about 65% by weight, about 45% to about 65% by weight, about 45% to about 63% by weight, or about 45% to about 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition. In some embodiments, the amount of powder component present in the seed treatment composition is from about 1% to about 75% by weight, from about 25% to about 70% by weight, from about 30% to about 70% by weight, from about 40% to about 70% by weight, from about 45% to about 65% by weight, from about 47% to about 65% by weight, or from about 47% to about 63% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition. In some embodiments, the amount of powder component present in the seed treatment composition is less than about 99% by weight, less than about 95% by weight, less than about 90% by weight, less than about 85% by weight, less than about 80% by weight, less than about 75% by weight, less than about 70% by weight, less than about 65% by weight, less than about 60% by weight, less than about 55% by weight, less than about 50% by weight, less than about 45% by weight, less than about 40% by weight, less than about 35% by weight, less than about 30% by weight, less than about 25% by weight, less than about 20% by weight, less than about 15% by weight, less than about 10% by weight, or less than about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition.

[0038] B. Powdered Protein Ingredients The powder protein component included in the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein is derived from plant and / or non-plant sources.

[0039] The seed treatment composition disclosed herein comprises a powder protein component.Various powder proteins are suitable for use in the seed treatment composition.In some embodiments, the powder protein component comprises one or more powder proteins obtained from plant protein, animal protein, fungal protein, bacterial protein, or a combination thereof.

[0040] In some embodiments, the powdered protein ingredient comprises / consists of plant protein. Non-limiting examples of suitable plant proteins include, but are not limited to, soy protein, corn protein, oat protein, wheat protein, pea protein, rice protein, nut protein, algae (e.g., spirulina) protein, or kelp protein.

[0041] In some embodiments, the powdered protein ingredient comprises / consists of plant proteins derived from legumes, grains, nuts, nightshades, seeds, squash, or any combination thereof.

[0042] In some embodiments, the powdered protein component comprises / consists of a powdered protein powder derived from a legume. Exemplary legumes include, but are not limited to, beans (e.g., cocoa beans), chickpeas, lentils, peas, soybeans, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the powdered protein component comprises soy protein powder.

[0043] In some embodiments, the powdered protein ingredient comprises / consists of a protein powder derived from grains. Exemplary grains include, but are not limited to, whole grain, barley, wheat, buckwheat, quinoa, kamut, rye, spelt, oats, rice, bulgur, corn, or combinations thereof.

[0044] In some embodiments, the powdered protein component comprises / consists of powdered protein derived from a solanaceous plant. Exemplary solanaceous plants include, but are not limited to, potato, peppers (e.g., bell peppers, including jalapeños, and chili peppers), eggplant, goji berries, tomato, or combinations thereof.

[0045] In some embodiments, the powdered protein component comprises / consists of powdered protein derived from nuts. Exemplary nuts include, but are not limited to, peanuts, almonds, pine nuts, hazelnuts, cashews, or combinations thereof.

[0046] In some embodiments, the powdered protein component comprises / consists of powdered protein derived from seeds. Exemplary seeds include, but are not limited to, sunflower, rapeseed, sesame, cottonseed, wheat germ, or combinations thereof.

[0047] In some embodiments, the powdered protein component comprises / consists of powdered protein from squash. Exemplary squashes include, but are not limited to, pumpkin, acorn squash, butternut squash, zucchini, or combinations thereof.

[0048] In some embodiments, the powdered protein component comprises / consists of animal protein. In some embodiments, the powdered protein component is derived from eggs, poultry, meat, or combinations thereof. Examples of suitable animal proteins include, but are not limited to, whey protein, casein protein, egg protein, egg white protein, blood meal protein, bone meal protein, fish protein, shellfish protein, or plankton protein.

[0049] In some embodiments, the powdered protein component comprises / consists of a fungal protein selected from brewer's yeast protein (i.e., Saccharomyces cerevisiae) or probiotic yeast protein (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces boulardii, or Kluyveromyces lactis).

[0050] In some embodiments, the powder protein component comprises / consists of bacterial protein. For example, the bacterial protein may be derived from probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, or Bacillus.

[0051] In some embodiments, the powdered protein comprises / consists of protein powder derived from sunflower, soybean, corn, peanut, grain, egg, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the powdered protein comprises soybean powder after oil extraction. In some embodiments, the powdered protein component is soy protein powder.

[0052] The amount of powder protein component present in the seed treatment composition may vary depending on the source of the powder protein, and one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize this and adjust the amount accordingly. In some embodiments, the amount of powder protein component present in the seed treatment composition is in the range of about 0.1% to about 99% by weight, about 1% to about 95% by weight, about 10% to about 85% by weight, about 15% to about 80% by weight, about 20% to about 75% by weight, about 25% to about 70% by weight, about 30% to about 65% by weight, about 35% to about 60% by weight, or about 40% to about 55% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition. In some embodiments, the amount of powdered protein component present in the seed treatment composition ranges from about 1% to about 75% by weight, from about 5% to about 70% by weight, from about 10% to about 65% by weight, from about 15% to about 60% by weight, from about 20% to about 55% by weight, from about 20% to about 50% by weight, from about 30% to about 50% by weight, from about 40% to about 50% by weight, or from about 45% to about 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed composition. In some embodiments, the amount of powder protein present in the seed treatment composition is less than about 99% by weight, less than about 95% by weight, less than about 90% by weight, less than about 85% by weight, less than about 80% by weight, less than about 75% by weight, less than about 70% by weight, less than about 65% by weight, less than about 60% by weight, less than about 55% by weight, less than about 50% by weight, less than about 45% by weight, less than about 40% by weight, less than about 35% by weight, less than about 30% by weight, less than about 25% by weight, less than about 20% by weight, less than about 15% by weight, less than about 10% by weight, or less than about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition.

[0053] C. Dust-proof additive ingredients The dust control additive component present in the seed treatment composition disclosed herein is a polyanionic polymer. The polyanionic polymer can be naturally derived (i.e., found in nature) or synthetically prepared. Exemplary naturally derived polyanionic polymers include, but are not limited to, alginic acid (found in brown algae) and its salts (e.g., sodium alginate), guar gum (extracted from guar beans), and the like. Exemplary synthetically prepared polyanionic polymers are polymers comprising copolymers containing two or more different repeating units. As used herein, "copolymer" refers to a polymer having at least two different monomers or repeating units, and thus encompasses terpolymers, tetrapolymers, and even higher copolymers. These different types of copolymers are described separately as "Polymer I" and "Polymer II."

[0054] Polymer I Broadly speaking, the Polymer I compositions disclosed herein are in the form of copolymers containing at least two of maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate moieties or repeat units, although such copolymers may also contain other repeat units, such as different dicarboxylates and / or sulfonates. Specific examples of Polymer I copolymers are identified below as Class I copolymers, Class II copolymers, and Class IIA copolymers. These copolymers are typically used in the form of partial salts in aqueous dispersions or solutions having a pH level of about 0.5 to 8, more preferably about 3.5 to 6.5.

[0055] Class I Copolymers Containing Maleic Acid-Based Repeating Units and Itaconic Acid-Based Repeating Units Broadly speaking, this class of polyanionic copolymers is of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,043,995, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The copolymers contain maleic acid-based repeat units and itaconic acid-based repeat units, and optionally other repeat units, such as the B and C repeat units described below. All repeat units may be randomly distributed throughout the copolymer chain.

[0056] In particular, the repeating unit B includes maleic acid-based repeating units, but has a broader meaning and can be represented by the general formula: [ka] The repeating unit C includes repeating units of itaconic acid type, but is broader and has the general formula [ka] wherein each R7 is H, OH, C1-C 30 linear, branched, and cyclic alkyl or aryl groups, C1-C 30 Linear, branched, and cyclic alkyl or aryl formates (C0), acetates (C1), propionates (C2), butyrates (C3), etc. 30 R' is independently selected from the group consisting of an ester group, an R'CO2 group, an OR' group, and a COOX group, 30 X is selected from the group consisting of H, alkali metals, NH4, and C1-C4 alkylammonium groups; R3 and R4 are selected from the group consisting of H, C1-C4 alkylammonium groups; 30 R, R, R are each independently selected from the group consisting of linear, branched, and cyclic alkyl or aryl groups 10 and R 11are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, an alkali metal, NH4, and a C1-C4 alkylammonium group; Y is Fe, Mn, Mg, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Mo, V, W, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, or a polyatomic cation containing any of the foregoing (e.g., VO +2 ), amines, and mixtures thereof, and R8 and R9 are each independently selected from the group consisting of nothing (i.e., no group present), CH2, C2H4, and C3H6.

[0057] As can be appreciated, Class I copolymers typically have different types and arrangements of repeat units. For example, a Class I copolymer containing B and C repeat units may contain all three types of B repeat units and all three types of C repeat units, as long as the copolymer contains maleic acid-based repeat units and itaconic acid-based repeat units. For Class I copolymers composed primarily of B and C repeat units, R5, R6, R 10 and R 11 are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, an alkali metal, NH4, and a C1-C4 alkylammonium group.

[0058] Class I copolymers can have a wide range of repeat unit concentrations. For example, Class I copolymers with different B:C ratios (e.g., 10:90, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, and 90:10) are contemplated and encompassed by the present invention. Such copolymers are produced by varying the amounts of monomers in the reaction mixture that ultimately produces the final product, and the B and C type repeat units can be arranged in a random order or in an alternating pattern in the copolymer backbone. The aforementioned B:C ratios also apply to preferred Class I copolymers that consist essentially or entirely of maleic acid-based repeat units and itaconic acid-based repeat units.

[0059] The molecular weight of Class I copolymers can also vary widely, for example, from 500 to 5,000,000 Da, but more usually the molecular weight is from about 2,000 to 15,000 Da, and more preferably from about 2,500 to 10,000 Da.

[0060] Preferred Class I copolymers are typically synthesized using dicarboxylic acid monomers and their precursors and derivatives. For example, copolymers containing mono- and dicarboxylic acid repeat units with vinyl ester repeat units and vinyl alcohol repeat units are contemplated. However, copolymers composed primarily of dicarboxylic acid repeat units are preferred (e.g., at least about 85%, more preferably at least about 93%, of the repeat units are of this character).

[0061] The Class II copolymers may be readily complexed with salt-forming cations using conventional methods and reactants. Usable cations can be simple, such as sodium, but more complex cations, such as cations containing the metal atom and other atom(s), e.g., vanadyl cations, can also be used. Preferred metal cations include those derived from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and transition metals. The cation may also be an amine (as used herein, "amine" refers to primary, secondary, or tertiary amines, monoamines, diamines, and triamines, as well as ammonia, ammonium ions, quaternary amines, quaternary ammonium ions, alkanolamines (e.g., ethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine), and tetraalkylammonium species). The most preferred type of amine is alkylamine, in which the alkyl group(s) have a linear or branched configuration with 1 to 30 carbon atoms. Such amines should essentially be free of aromatic rings (no more than about 5 mole percent, more preferably no more than about 1 mole percent). A particularly suitable alkylamine is isopropylamine. These potential secondary cations should react with no more than about 10 mole percent of the repeat units of the copolymer.

[0062] Class II copolymers containing sulfonate repeat units The Class II polyanionic copolymers disclosed herein also contain maleic or itaconic acid repeat units (or both) and sulfonate repeat units, and are at least quaternary copolymers, i.e., composed of at least four different repeat units. Thus, in addition to the maleic and / or itaconic acid repeat units and sulfonate repeat units, these copolymers may contain additional repeat units selected from the group consisting of Type B', Type C', and Type G repeat units, and mixtures thereof. However, Class II copolymers encompass copolymers having more than four different repeat units, where the additional repeat units are selected from the group consisting of Type B', Type C', and Type G repeat units, and mixtures thereof, as well as other monomers and repeat units that are not Type B', Type C', or Type G repeat units. Class II copolymers are described in WO 2015 / 031521, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0063] Preferred Class II copolymers contain at least one repeat unit from the B' or C' repeat units and at least one repeat unit of type G. Particularly preferred copolymers contain a single repeat unit of type B, a single repeat unit of type C, and two different repeat units of type G, or two different repeat units of type B, a single repeat unit of type C, and one or more different repeat units of type G.

[0064] However constructed, preferred Class II copolymers contain at least about 90 mole percent (more preferably at least about 96 mole percent) of repeat units selected from the group consisting of repeat units of types B', C', and G (i.e., the copolymer should contain no more than about 10 mole percent (preferably no more than about 4 mole percent) of repeat units not selected from types B', C', and G).

[0065] The Class II copolymers are easily converted to partially saturated or fully saturated salts by simple reaction with appropriate salt-forming cation compounds, and the types of cations that can be used are the same as those described above in connection with the Class I copolymers.

[0066] 1. Type B' repeating unit Type B' repeat units encompass maleic acid-based repeat units, but more broadly, as used herein with reference to Type B' repeat units characterized as dicarboxylate repeat units derived from monomers of maleic acid and / or its anhydride, fumaric acid and / or its anhydride, mesaconic acid and / or its anhydride, substituted maleic acid and / or its anhydride, substituted fumaric acid and / or its anhydride, substituted mesaconic acid and / or its anhydride, mixtures of the foregoing, and isomers, esters, acid chlorides, and partial or complete salts of the foregoing, "substituted" species refers to alkyl substituents (preferably C1-C6 straight or branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures) and halo substituents (i.e., about 5 mole percent or less of either ring structures or halo substituents, preferably about 1 mole percent or less of either), the substituents typically being attached to one of the carbon-carbon double bond carbons of the employed monomer(s). In a preferred embodiment, the total amount of Type B' repeat units in the Class II copolymers of the present invention should range from about 1 to 70 mole percent, more preferably from about 20 to 65 mole percent, and most preferably from about 35 to 55 mole percent, where the total amount of all repeat units in the Class II copolymer is 100 mole percent.

[0067] Maleic acid, methylmaleic acid, maleic anhydride, methylmaleic anhydride, and mesaconic acid (alone or in various mixtures) are the most preferred monomers for producing Type B' repeat units. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the utility of converting the anhydride to the acid in situ within the reaction vessel, either immediately prior to or even during the reaction. However, it is also understood that if the corresponding ester (e.g., maleic or citraconic acid ester) is used as a monomer during the initial polymerization, this should be followed by hydrolysis (acid or base) of the pendant ester groups to produce a final carboxylated copolymer that is substantially free of ester groups.

[0068] 2. Type C' repeating unit Type C' repeat units encompass itaconic acid-based repeat units, but are more broadly characterized as being derived from monomers of itaconic acid and / or its anhydrides, substituted itaconic acids and / or its anhydrides, and isomers, esters, acid chlorides, and partial or full salts of any of the foregoing. Type C' repeat units are present in preferred Class II copolymers of the invention at levels of about 1 to 80 mole percent, more preferably about 15 to 75 mole percent, and most preferably about 20 to 55 mole percent, where the total amount of all repeat units in the copolymer is 100 mole percent.

[0069] The itaconic acid monomers used to form Type C' repeat units have one carboxyl group that is not directly attached to the unsaturated carbon-carbon double bond used to polymerize the monomer. Thus, preferred Type C' repeat units have one carboxyl group directly attached to the copolymer backbone and another carboxyl group separated from the copolymer backbone by a carbon atom. The definitions and explanations of "substitution," "salt," and useful salt-forming cations (metals, amines, and mixtures thereof) for Type C' repeat units are the same as those set forth for Type B' repeat units.

[0070] Unsubstituted itaconic acid and itaconic anhydride, alone or in various mixtures, are the most preferred monomers for producing Type C' repeat units. Also, when itaconic anhydride is used as the starting monomer, it is usually useful to convert the itaconic anhydride monomer to its acid form in the reaction vessel just prior to or even during the polymerization reaction. Any remaining ester groups in the copolymer are usually hydrolyzed, so that the final carboxylated copolymer is substantially free of ester groups.

[0071] 3. Type G repeat unit Type G repeat units are derived from substituted or unsubstituted sulfonate group-containing monomers having at least one carbon-carbon double bond and at least one sulfonate group, in the form of the acid, partial salt, complete salt, etc., and are substantially free of aromatic rings and amide groups (i.e., about 5 mole percent or less of either the aromatic ring or the amide group, preferably about 1 mole percent or less of either). Type G repeat units are preferably selected from the group consisting of C1-C8 linear or branched alkenyl sulfonates, substituted forms thereof, and any isomers or salts of any of the foregoing, with alkenyl sulfonates selected from the group consisting of vinyl, allyl, and methallyl sulfonic acids or salts being particularly preferred. The total amount of Type G repeat units in the Class II copolymers of the present invention should range from about 0.1 to 65 mole percent, more preferably from about 1 to 35 mole percent, and most preferably from about 1 to 25 mole percent, where the total amount of all repeat units in the Class II copolymer is taken as 100 mole percent. The definitions and explanations regarding "substitution," "salt," and useful salt-forming cations (metals, amines, and mixtures thereof) for repeat units of Type G are the same as those set forth for repeat units of Type B'.

[0072] Vinyl sulfonic acid, allyl sulfonic acid, and methallyl sulfonic acid, either alone or in various mixtures, are believed to be the most preferred monomers for producing Type G repeat units. The alkali metal salts of these acids have also been found to be highly useful as monomers. In this regard, it has been unexpectedly discovered that the presence of mixtures of alkali metal salts of these monomers with their acid forms during the polymerization reactions leading to the copolymers of the present invention does not inhibit the completion of the polymerization reaction.

[0073] One preferred Class II copolymer is the partial sodium salt, has a pH of about 1, and has a molar composition of repeat units of 45 mole percent maleic acid, 50 mole percent itaconic acid, 4 mole percent methallylsulfonic acid, and 1 mole percent allylsulfonic acid. This particular copolymer is designated "T5" copolymer.

[0074] Class IIA copolymer Class IIA copolymers contain both dicarboxylate and sulfonate functional groups, but do not necessarily require maleic or itaconic acid-derived repeat units, as do Class II tetrapolymers and higher copolymers. However, terpolymers consisting of maleic, itaconic, and allyl sulfonic acid repeat units, which are known in the prior art, function as the polyanionic copolymer component of the compositions of the present invention. Thus, Class IIA copolymers are typically copolymers and terpolymers, advantageously containing repeat units independently selected from the group consisting of Type B, Type C, and Type G repeat units, without the need for any additional repeat units. Such copolymers can be synthesized by known methods, for example, as described in WO 2015 / 031521.

[0075] The Class IIA copolymers preferably have at least one maleic acid-derived or itaconic acid-derived repeat unit with the same molecular weight range and specific parameters (e.g., pH and copolymer solids loading) as described above with respect to the Class II copolymers, and may be converted to partial or full salts using the same cations and techniques as described with reference to the Class I and II Polymer 1 copolymers.

[0076] Polymer II The polymer II products disclosed herein are preferably in the form of copolymers having substantially alternating repeat units derived from the polymerization of maleic and olefinic repeat unit precursors. Maleic anhydride or maleic acid may be reacted with one or more olefins and additional optional repeat unit precursors to obtain the polymer II products. Thus, the olefinic repeat units are not limited to a single type; for example, polymers containing a significant proportion of ethylene and propylene olefinic repeat units may also be used.

[0077] These products preferably contain at least about 85% by weight maleic and olefinic repeat units, and more preferably consist essentially of maleic and olefinic repeat units. Generally, usable olefinic repeat units should have about 2-8 carbon atoms, more preferably about 2-4 carbon atoms, and only one olefinically unsaturated carbon-carbon double bond in the repeat unit precursor. In one embodiment, the olefinic repeat units are selected from the group consisting of ethylene and isobutylene repeat units, and mixtures thereof.

[0078] Polymer II copolymers are typically in the form of a full or partial salt and should be substantially free of amide and anhydride groups (i.e., about 5 mole percent or less of each, more preferably about 1 mole percent or less of each). Such copolymers may be conveniently prepared by hydrolyzing available maleic anhydride-olefin copolymers (e.g., maleic anhydride-ethylene), although this is not required. Useful salt-forming cations include alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, as defined herein, and / or amines, particularly those having a carbon to nitrogen atom ratio not exceeding about 15:1 molar ratio. Mixtures of such cations may also be used if desired. Polymer II products may alternatively be obtained by conventional polymerization of selected monomers followed by formation of their partial or full salts.

[0079] The molecular weight of the Polymer II copolymer should be up to about 70,000 Da, more preferably about 5,000-15,000 Da. Higher molecular weight products (having a molecular weight of at least about 200,000 Da, more preferably about 300,000-450,000 Da) can impart desirable rheological properties to the overall composition, which can be beneficial for dust control when employed as a dust control additive in the compositions disclosed herein. In such applications, higher molecular weight Polymer II products are used in combination with lower molecular weight Polymer II products, with the lower molecular weight product typically outweighing the higher molecular weight product.

[0080] In some embodiments, the anti-dust additive component comprises one or more Polymer I products and one or more Polymer II products, and the weight ratio of Polymer I product to Polymer II product in the multianionic polymer component should range from about 1:19 to about 19:1, more preferably from about 1:3 to about 3:1, with a single, most preferred composition having a weight ratio of about 1:1. Both the Polymer I product and the Polymer II product in the composition are typically in the form of a partial salt or a full salt.

[0081] Generally, the low molecular weight Polymer II product should have a molecular weight of about 5,000 to 15,000, while the high molecular weight Polymer II product should have a molecular weight of about 300,000 to 400,000. The ratio of low molecular weight Polymer II product to high molecular weight Polymer II product typically ranges from about 5:1 to 20:1.

[0082] In some embodiments, the anti-dust additive component comprises a commercially available polyanionic polymer. Exemplary commercially available polymers include, but are not limited to, ISOBAM600 (maleic acid-isobutylene copolymer).

[0083] In some embodiments, the seed treatment composition disclosed herein comprises a dust control additive component in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 90% by weight, from about 1% to about 80% by weight, from about 5% to about 75% by weight, from about 10% to about 70% by weight, from about 15% to about 65% by weight, from about 20% to about 60% by weight, from about 25% to about 55% by weight, from about 30% to about 50% by weight, from about 35% to about 45% by weight, or from about 40% to about 45% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition.

[0084] D. Lubricant additive components The lubricity additive present in the seed treatment composition disclosed herein comprises at least one lipid selected from the group consisting of wax, fatty acid alcohol, fatty acid, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the fatty acid alcohol can be selected from saturated fatty acid alcohol, unsaturated fatty acid alcohol, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the fatty acid can be selected from saturated fatty acid, unsaturated fatty acid, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the fatty acid or fatty acid alcohol is esterified.

[0085] In some embodiments, the lubricity additive component comprises a wax. In some embodiments, the wax is a soft wax and / or a flexible wax. In some embodiments, the wax is an emulsifying wax. In some embodiments, the wax is naturally derived. In some embodiments, the wax is selected from the group consisting of beeswax, carnauba wax, sumac wax, paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, soy wax, sunflower wax, rice bran wax, ceresin wax, ozokerite wax, candelilla wax, Fumei wax, emulsifying wax, and combinations thereof.

[0086] In some embodiments, the wax is not naturally occurring. In some embodiments, the wax is synthetic. In some embodiments, the synthetic wax comprises a linear saturated high carbon alkane having a molecular weight ranging from about 100 to about 2,500 g / mol, about 250 to about 2,000 g / mol, about 300 to about 1,500 g / mol, about 500 to about 1,000 g / mol, or about 500 to about 750 g / mol. In some embodiments, the synthetic wax is selected from the group consisting of Fischer-Tropsch wax, fatty acid amide wax, polyolefin wax, polyethylene wax, paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, and any combination thereof.

[0087] In some embodiments, the synthetic wax is a fatty acid amide wax (e.g., a saturated fatty acid amide wax and / or an unsaturated fatty acid amide wax). In some embodiments, the saturated fatty amide wax is a compound of formula (I). [ka] wherein each m, r, and p is independently selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20.

[0088] In some embodiments, m and p are integers independently selected from 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. In some embodiments, m and p are integers independently selected from 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16.

[0089] In some embodiments, r is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. In some embodiments, r is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. In some embodiments, r is 2.

[0090] In some embodiments, the synthetic wax is a first fatty acid chain C1; a second fatty acid chain C2; and an amine linker.

[0091] In some embodiments, the first fatty acid chain C1 and the second fatty acid chain C2 each independently comprise at least one olefin. In some embodiments, the first and second fatty acid chains each independently comprise from about 4 to about 32 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the amine linker comprises from about 2 to about 10 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, C1 and C2 are independently selected from linear C16 alkyl chains.

[0092] Exemplary unsaturated fatty acid amide waxes include, but are not limited to, the following waxes: [ka]

[0093] In some embodiments, the synthetic wax is a polyolefin wax. In some embodiments, the polyolefin wax is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene wax, polypropylene wax, polybutylene wax, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the polyolefin wax comprises an oxidized polyolefin.

[0094] In some embodiments, the polyolefin wax comprises a polyolefin having a molecular weight ranging from about 100 to about 35,000 g / mol, from about 500 to about 32,000 g / mol, from about 1,000 to about 30,000 g / mol, from about 5,000 to about 28,000 g / mol, from about 10,000 to about 25,000 g / mol, or from about 12,000 to about 20,000 g / mol.

[0095] In some embodiments, the wax is commercially available. Exemplary commercially available synthetic waxes include, but are not limited to, fatty acid amide wax, synthetic jojoba wax, or a combination thereof.

[0096] In some embodiments, the lubricant additive component comprises a fatty acid alcohol or ester thereof. In some embodiments, the fatty acid alcohol contains from about 4 to about 34 carbon atoms, from about 10 to about 34 carbon atoms, from about 14 to about 34 carbon atoms, from about 14 to about 26 carbon atoms, or from about 16 to about 26 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the fatty acid alcohol or ester thereof is saturated. In some embodiments, the fatty acid alcohol or ester thereof is unsaturated.

[0097] In some embodiments, the fatty acid alcohol is tert-butyl alcohol, tert-amyl alcohol, 3-methyl-3-pentanol, 1-heptanol (enanthic alcohol), 1-octanol (caprylic alcohol), pelargonic alcohol (1-nonanol), 1-decanol (decyl alcohol, capric alcohol), undecyl alcohol (1-undecanol, undecanol, hendecanol), lauryl alcohol (dodecanol, 1-dodecanol), tridecyl alcohol (1-tridecanol, tridecanol, isotridecanol), myristyl alcohol (1-tetradecanol), pentadecyl alcohol (1-pentadecanol, pentadecanol), cetyl alcohol (1-hexadecanol), palmitoleic alcohol (cis-9-hexadecen-1-ol), heptadecyl alcohol (1-n-heptadecyl alcohol), or the like. decanol, heptadecanol), stearyl alcohol (1-octadecanol), oleyl alcohol (1-octadecenol), nonadecyl alcohol (1-nonadecanol), arachidyl alcohol (1-eicosanol), heneicosyl alcohol (1-henicosanol), behenyl alcohol (1-docosanol), erucyl alcohol (cis-13-docosen-1-ol), lignoceryl alcohol (1-tetracosanol), seryl alcohol (1-hexacosanol), 1-heptacosanol, montanyl alcohol (cruityl alcohol, or 1-octacosanol), 1-nonacosanol, myricyl alcohol (melissyl alcohol, or 1-triacontanol), 31-dotriacontanol (raceryl alcohol), geddyl alcohol (1-tetratriacontanol), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the fatty acid alcohol is selected from the group consisting of lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol (1-hexadecanol), stearyl alcohol (1-octadecanol), and / or esters and / or combinations thereof.

[0098] In some embodiments, the lubricant additive component comprises a fatty acid or ester thereof. In some embodiments, the fatty acid or ester thereof is saturated. In some embodiments, the fatty acid or ester thereof is unsaturated. In some embodiments, the saturated or unsaturated fatty acid or ester thereof contains from about 3 to about 40 carbon atoms, from about 10 to about 40 carbon atoms, from about 14 to about 38 carbon atoms, from about 14 to about 32 carbon atoms, or from about 14 to about 26 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the saturated or unsaturated fatty acid or ester thereof contains from about 4 to about 34 carbon atoms, from about 8 to about 34 carbon atoms, from about 12 to about 30 carbon atoms, from about 16 to about 26 carbon atoms, or from about 16 to about 20 carbon atoms.

[0099] In some embodiments, the saturated fatty acids are propionic acid (propanoic acid), butyric acid (butanoic acid), valeric acid (pentanoic acid), caproic acid (hexanoic acid), enanthic acid (heptanoic acid), caprylic acid (octanoic acid), pelargonic acid (nonanoic acid), capric acid (decanoic acid), undecylic acid (undecanoic acid), lauric acid (dodecanoic acid), tridecylic acid (tridecanoic acid), myristic acid (tetradecanoic acid), tetradecanoic ... decanoic acid), pentadecylic acid (pentadecanoic acid), palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid), margaric acid (heptadecanoic acid), stearic acid (octadecanoic acid), nonadecylic acid (nonadecanoic acid), arachidic acid (eicosanoic acid), heneicosanoic acid (henicosanoic acid), behenic acid (docosanoic acid), tricosanoic acid (tricosanoic acid), lignoceric acid (tetracosanoic acid), pentacosanoic acid ( pentacosanoic acid), cerotic acid (hexacosanoic acid), carboseric acid (heptacosanoic acid), montanic acid (octacosanoic acid), nonacosylic acid (nonacosanoic acid), melissic acid (triacontanoic acid), hentriacontylic acid (hentriacontanoic acid), racheroic acid (dotriacontanoic acid), cylic acid (tritriacontanoic acid), gedic acid (tetratriacontanoic acid), celloplastic acid (pentatriacontanoic acid), hexatriacontylic acid (hexatriacontanoic acid), heptatriacontylic acid (heptatriacontanoic acid), octatriacontylic acid (octatriacontanoic acid), nonatriacontylic acid (nonatriacontanoic acid), tetracontylic acid (tetracontanoic acid), and any combination and / or ester thereof. In some embodiments, the saturated fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid, and any combination thereof, hi some embodiments, the saturated fatty acid is stearic acid (octadecanoic acid).

[0100] In some embodiments, the fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of lauric acid (dodecanoic acid), tridecylic acid (tridecanoic acid), myristic acid (tetradecanoic acid), pentadecylic acid (pentadecanoic acid), palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid), margaric acid (heptadecanoic acid), stearic acid (octadecanoic acid), nonadecylic acid (nonadecanoic acid), arachidic acid (edecanoic acid), margaric acid (heptadecanoic acid), stearic acid (octadecanoic acid), nonadecylic acid (nonadecanoic acid), arachidic acid (eicosanoic acid), heneicosanoic acid (heneicosanoic acid), behenic acid (docosanoic acid), and any combination and / or ester thereof.

[0101] In some embodiments, the fatty acid or ester thereof is an unsaturated fat. In some embodiments, the unsaturated fatty acid and / or ester thereof contains at least one -C=C- double bond. In some embodiments, the unsaturated fatty acid or ester thereof contains about 4 to about 34 carbon atoms, about 10 to about 34 carbon atoms, about 14 to about 34 carbon atoms, about 14 to about 26 carbon atoms, or about 16 to about 26 carbon atoms.

[0102] In some embodiments, the unsaturated fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of crotonic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, gadoleic acid, eicosenoic acid, erucic acid, nervonic acid, linoleic acid, eicosadienoic acid, docosadienoic acid, linolenic acid (e.g., α-linolenic acid, γ-linolenic acid), pinolenic acid, eleostearic acid (e.g., α-eleostearic acid, β-eleostearic acid), mead acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, stearidonic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, adrenic acid, bosseopentaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, osbondo acid, sardine acid, tetracosanolpentaenoic acid, cervonic acid, herring acid, and any combination thereof and / or esters thereof. In some embodiments, the unsaturated fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, linoleic acid, linoelaidic acid, rumenic acid, α-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, erucic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of oleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, rumenic acid, vaccenic acid, myrisoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, lauric acid, stearic acid, α-linolenic acid, and combinations thereof.

[0103] In some embodiments, the lubricating additive component comprises / consists of emulsifying wax, cetyl alcohol, palmitic acid, stearic acid, or a combination thereof, hi some embodiments, the lubricating additive component comprises / consists of fatty acids, synthetic waxes, or a combination thereof.

[0104] The amount of lubricant additive component present in the seed treatment composition can vary depending on the type of lubricant additive, and one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize this and adjust the amount accordingly. In some embodiments, the amount of lubricant additive component present in the seed treatment composition is about 0.1% to about 50%, about 1% to about 40%, about 1% to about 25%, about 1% to about 10%, about 1% to about 7.5%, about 1% to about 6%, about 1% to about 5%, about 1% to about 2.5%, about 2.5% to about 7.5%, about 2.5% to about 5%, or about 5% to about 7.5% by weight based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition. In some embodiments, the amount of lubricant additive component present in the seed treatment composition is about 0.1% to about 25%, about 0.1% to about 20%, about 0.1% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about 10%, or about 1% to about 10% by weight based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition. In some embodiments, the amount of lubricant additive component present in the seed treatment composition is less than about 50% by weight, less than about 45% by weight, less than about 40% by weight, less than about 35% by weight, less than about 30% by weight, less than about 25% by weight, less than about 20% by weight, less than about 15% by weight, less than about 12% by weight, less than about 10% by weight, less than about 9% by weight, less than about 8% by weight, less than about 7% by weight, less than about 6% by weight, less than about 5% by weight, less than about 4% by weight, less than about 3% by weight, less than about 2% by weight, less than about 1% by weight, less than about 0.5% by weight, or less than about 0.1% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition.

[0105] In some embodiments, the lubricant additive component reduces the amount of caking of the seed treatment composition. In some embodiments, the lubricant additive component disclosed herein reduces the caking of the seed treatment composition by at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, or at least about 98%, compared to a seed treatment composition that does not include a lubricant additive component as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the lubricant additive reduces the amount of caking of the seed treatment composition by an amount ranging from about 90% to about 99%, from about 90% to about 98%, from about 92% to about 98%, from about 92% to about 96%, or from about 94% to about 96%, compared to a seed treatment composition that does not include a lubricant additive component as disclosed herein.

[0106] In some embodiments, a seed treatment composition as disclosed herein comprises a powder component (e.g., cereal flour) present in an amount of about 45% to about 65% by weight, a powder protein component present in an amount of about 30% to about 50% by weight, and a lubricant additive component present in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition. In such compositions, the powder component is wheat flour, the powder protein component is soy protein powder, and the lubricant additive component is selected from stearic acid, emulsifying wax, cetyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. Exemplary seed treatment compositions are shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0107] In some embodiments, the seed treatment composition as disclosed herein comprises a powder component (e.g., cereal flour) present in an amount of about 40% to about 50% by weight, a powder protein component present in an amount of about 40% to about 50% by weight, a lubricant additive component present in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight, and an anti-dust additive component present in an amount of about 1% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition. In such compositions, the powder component is wheat flour, the powder protein component is soy protein powder, the lubricant additive component is beeswax, and the anti-dust additive component is selected from polyanionic T5 polymer, ISOBAM600 polymer, sodium alginate polymer, and combinations thereof. Exemplary seed treatment compositions are shown in Table 1.1 below. [Table 1.1]

[0108] In some embodiments, the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein can be used as a plant seed flow lubricant to improve the flowability of plant seeds. In some embodiments, the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein improve the flowability of plant seeds by at least about 10% or more, about 12% or more, about 15% or more, about 20% or more, or about 25% or more compared to the flowability of untreated plant seeds. In some embodiments, the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein improve the flowability of plant seeds by about 10% to about 25%, about 10% to about 16%, or about 10% to about 12% compared to the flowability of untreated seeds.

[0109] In some embodiments, the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein improve the flowability of plant seeds by at least about 3% or more, at least about 5% or more, at least about 6% or more, at least about 7% or more, at least about 8% or more, at least about 9% or more, or at least about 10% or more compared to a talc-based lubricant composition. In some embodiments, the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein improve the flowability of plant seeds by about 2% to about 10%, about 3% to about 8%, about 3.5% to about 7.5%, about 4% to about 7.5%, about 5.5 to about 7.5%, about 5.5 to about 7.0%, about 5.5% to about 6.5%, about 6% to about 7.5%, about 6.5% to about 7.5%, or about 6.5% to about 7% compared to a talc-based lubricant composition, such as a commercially available talc-based lubricant composition containing an 80:20 mixture of talc and graphite.

[0110] In some embodiments, the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein improve the flowability of plant seeds by at least about 3% or more, at least about 5% or more, at least about 8% or more, at least about 10% or more, at least about 11% or more, at least about 12% or more, at least about 13% or more, at least about 14% or more, or at least about 15% or more, compared to an untreated seed composition (i.e., seed alone). In some embodiments, the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein improve the flowability of plant seeds by about 2% to about 20% by weight, about 5% to about 15% by weight, about 10% to about 15% by weight, about 11% to about 15% by weight, about 12% to about 15% by weight, about 13% to about 15% by weight, about 13.5% to about 15% by weight, about 14% to about 15% by weight, or about 14.5% to about 15% by weight, compared to an untreated seed composition (e.g., seed alone).

[0111] In some embodiments, the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein reduce the formation of plant seed dust in plant seeds by at least about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or at least about 92% or more compared to a talc-based lubricant composition. In some embodiments, the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein reduce plant seed dust formation in plant seeds by about 30% to about 95%, about 40% to about 95%, about 50% to about 95%, about 60% to about 95%, about 65% to about 92%, about 65% to about 90%, about 65% to about 86%, about 65% to about 80%, about 65% to about 78%, about 65% to about 76%, about 65% to about 70%, about 70% to about 92%, about 75% to about 92%, about 78% to about 92%, about 86% to about 92%, about 89% to about 92%, or about 70% to about 90%, compared to a talc-based lubricant composition, such as a commercially available talc-based lubricant composition comprising an 80:20 mixture of talc and graphite.

[0112] Those skilled in the art will recognize that seed flow rate and / or seed dust may vary depending on the type of seed being used.

[0113] IV. Formulations The disclosed seed treatment compositions can be used in their original, unmodified form (e.g., raw), or can be formulated into formulations containing the disclosed seed treatment compositions. In some embodiments, the formulations include the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein (referred to as seed treatment formulations) and at least one material selected from an inert material, an inert agent, and / or a solid lubricant material.

[0114] In some embodiments, the seed treatment composition further comprises at least one or more inert materials. Blending the disclosed seed treatment composition with such inert materials is performed to improve the handling and / or packaging of the seed treatment composition. Exemplary inert materials include, but are not limited to, silica, starch (natural and derived), clay, minerals, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the seed treatment composition is formulated to include at least one inert material selected from silicon dioxide, starch, oil (synthetic or naturally occurring), starch glycolate, bentonite, diatomaceous earth, kaolin, cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, stearates (e.g., magnesium stearate or calcium stearate), colorants, dyes, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the inert material is soybean oil.

[0115] In some embodiments, the seed treatment formulation further comprises at least one inert agent selected from preservatives, anti-caking agents, antioxidants, surfactants, stabilizers, pH adjusters, solid carriers, and combinations thereof. Blending the disclosed seed treatment compositions with such inert agents is performed to improve the shelf life and / or shelf life of the seed treatment compositions. In some embodiments, at least one inert agent is in solid form. Those skilled in the art will recognize suitable inert agents for use in the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, at least one inert agent is a solid carrier. Exemplary solid carriers include, but are not limited to, talc, titanium dioxide, pyroferrite clay, silica, attapulgite clay, kieselguhr, limestone, calcium carbonate, bentonite, calcium montmorillonite, cottonseed hulls, wheat flour, soybean flour, pumice, wood flour, ground walnut shells, lignin, and similar materials.

[0116] In some embodiments, the seed treatment composition further comprises at least one additional solid lubricant material. Blending the disclosed seed treatment composition with such a solid lubricant material is carried out to improve / enhance the lubrication properties of the seed treatment composition disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize suitable solid lubricant materials and their application methods in the seed treatment composition disclosed herein. Exemplary solid lubricant materials include, but are not limited to, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon), graphite, boron nitride, calcium fluoride, cerium fluoride, tungsten disulfide, and combinations thereof.

[0117] The amount of each of such materials (e.g., inert materials, inert agents, and / or solid lubricant materials) present in the seed treatment formulation can vary. In some embodiments, the amount of such materials (individually or combined) present in the seed treatment formulation may be less than about 50%, less than about 40%, less than about 30%, less than about 20%, less than about 10%, less than about 5%, less than about 2.5%, less than about 1%, less than about 0.3%, less than about 0.1%, or less than about 0.03% by weight of the seed treatment formulation.

[0118] In some embodiments, the formulations disclosed herein do not contain talc. In another embodiment, the formulations disclosed herein do not contain graphite or graphite-based blends. In yet another embodiment, the formulations disclosed herein do not contain talc and / or graphite, i.e., the seed formulations do not contain graphite and / or talc blends. In another embodiment, the formulations disclosed herein contain trace amounts of talc or graphite (i.e., less than 0.1% by weight based on the total weight of the formulation). In another embodiment, the formulations disclosed herein contain less than about 0.5% by weight, less than about 1% by weight, less than about 5% by weight, less than about 10% by weight, less than about 20% by weight, less than about 20% by weight, less than about 30% by weight, less than about 40% by weight, or less than about 50% by weight of talc, graphite, or a combination of talc or graphite, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition.

[0119] V. Seed composition Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a seed composition comprising a plurality of plant seeds and any of the seed treatment compositions detailed above in sections (III) and / or (IV). In some embodiments, the plant seeds that can be used in combination with the disclosed seed treatment compositions are selected from the group consisting of cereal plant seeds, legume plant seeds, cereal grass seeds, herbaceous plant seeds, vegetable plant seeds, oilseeds, cottonseeds, and any combination thereof.

[0120] In some embodiments, the plant seeds may be seeds of grass cereals. Exemplary grass cereal seeds include, but are not limited to, rice, barley, wheat, spelt, einkorn wheat, emmer wheat, durum wheat, barley, sorghum, millet, oat, rye, corn, triticale, quinoa, and buckwheat seeds.

[0121] In some embodiments, the plant seed may be any vegetable plant seed. Exemplary vegetable seeds include, but are not limited to, artichoke, arugula, asparagus, beans (all), beets, broccoli, broccoli rabe, rapini, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chicory, collard greens, corn, cucumber, eggplant, endive, fennel, garlic, gourd, kale, kohlrabi, leek, leafy greens, lettuce, melon, mustard, okra, onion, parsnip, peas, hot peppers, sweet peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, radicchio, rutabaga, rhubarb, shallots, spinach, sprouts, squash, Swiss chard, tomatillo, tomato, turnip, watermelon, wheat, or combinations thereof.

[0122] In some embodiments, the plant seeds are legume seeds. Examples of legume seeds include, but are not limited to, soybeans, lentils, peanuts, chickpeas, cowpeas, lima beans, adzuki beans, green beans, haricot beans, mung beans, winged beans, yard long beans, runner beans, kidney beans, alfalfa, clover, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the legume seeds are selected from the group consisting of chickpeas, peanuts, black beans, green peas, lima beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, navy beans, great northern beans, pinto beans, soybeans, lentils, adzuki beans, lupin, alfalfa, and combinations thereof.

[0123] In some embodiments, the plant seeds may be grass seeds for turf, pasture, forage, cover crop, and turf applications. Suitable grass seeds include ryegrass (e.g., annual ryegrass, perennial ryegrass, winter ryegrass, Italian ryegrass, hybrid ryegrass), bluegrass (e.g., Kentucky), and fescue (e.g., red fescue, fescue, meadow fescue, tall fescue, lucerne fescue).

[0124] In further embodiments, the plant seeds may be cottonseed (Gossypium hirsutum), oilseeds from the Brassicaceae family (e.g., canola (B. campestris) and B. napus) and other Crucifer seeds (e.g., seeds from plants in the B. oleraceae family, such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi), as well as Allium seeds (e.g., onion, leek, and garlic). Other suitable field crop seeds include cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and other vegetables. Examples of vegetables include: cucumbers, cantaloupe, summer squash, pumpkin, butternut squash, tropical squash, calabaza, winter squash, watermelon, lettuce, zucchini, eggplant, beet, carrot, parsnip, rutabaga, turnip, sugar beet, celeriac, Jerusalem artichoke, artichoke, bok choy, celery, Chinese cabbage, horseradish, cantaloupe, parsley, radish, spinach, linseed, sunflower, safflower, sesame, carob, coriander, mustard, grapes, flax, dika, hemp, okra, poppy, castor, and jojoba.

[0125] In some embodiments, the plant seeds may be untreated seeds, i.e., seeds that have not been treated using chemical, biological, or physical methods. In other embodiments, the plant seeds may be treated plant seeds, i.e., seeds that have been treated or coated with one or more active ingredients. Suitable active ingredients include fertilizers, plant growth regulators, fungicides, insecticides, or combinations thereof. The seed treatment or coating may further include a synthetic polymer combined with the active ingredient(s). Examples of polymers used to coat plant seeds include petroleum-based polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol (also known as PVOH), polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polyvinyl, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethane, polyurethane-acrylic, polyester, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide; cellulose-derived polymers such as methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, or hydroxypropylethylcellulose, combinations thereof, or copolymers of any of the foregoing.

[0126] In some embodiments, the seeds of the seed composition are selected from the group consisting of alfalfa, barley, oats, rye, corn, cotton, milo, millet, sorghum, peanuts, rice, soybeans, sugar beets, sunflowers, wheat, and combinations thereof.

[0127] The amount of the seed treatment composition present in the seed composition can and will vary depending on the ingredients in the seed treatment composition and the type of seed. Generally, the amount of the seed treatment composition present in the seed composition can range from about 0.0001% to about 10% by weight, from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, from about 0.01% to about 2% by weight, or from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed composition. In some embodiments, the amount of the seed treatment composition present in the seed composition can range from about 0.005% to about 0.01% by weight of the seed composition (e.g., about 1 to 10 ounces per 50 pounds of seed).

[0128] In some embodiments, the disclosed seed treatment compositions comprise a weight ratio of seed composition to plant seed ranging from about 0.0001:1 to about 0.01:1.

[0129] V. Agricultural composition In some embodiments, the seed treatment composition may further comprise at least one active ingredient. Suitable active ingredients include micronutrients, macronutrients, biostimulants, biologicals, biocontrol agents, rhizobia inoculants, fertilizers, pesticides (such as insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc.), or combinations thereof.

[0130] A. Micronutrients and / or Macronutrients In some embodiments, the seed treatment composition may further comprise at least one micronutrient and / or macronutrient. In some embodiments, the at least one micronutrient is selected from the group consisting of boron (B), cobalt (Co), chlorine (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn). In some embodiments, the at least one macronutrient is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), and combinations thereof.

[0131] The amount of each micronutrient and / or macronutrient present in the seed treatment composition can vary. In some embodiments, the amount of each micronutrient present in the seed composition is from about 0.0001% to about 20% by weight, from about 0.0001% to about 15% by weight, from about 0.0001% to about 10% by weight, from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight, from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight, or from about 1% to about 2.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition.

[0132] B. Biostimulants In some embodiments, seed treatment compositions can further comprise biostimulants.As used herein, the term " biostimulants " refers to compounds that stimulate plant nutritional processes independently of the compound's nutritional content, and are primarily intended to improve one or more of the following plant characteristics: nutrient utilization efficiency, resistance to abiotic stress, crop quality, and the processing or availability of nutrients trapped in soil in the rhizosphere.

[0133] Other exemplary classes of biostimulants include, but are not limited to, protein hydrolysates (e.g., amino acid and peptide mixtures obtained by chemical and enzymatic protein hydrolysis from both plant sources and animal waste), humic and fulvic acid-containing compositions (e.g., any organic acids naturally occurring in soil resulting from the decomposition of plant, animal, and microbial residues), pyroglutamic acid, seaweed extracts and plant components, chitosan and other biopolymers, inorganic compounds (e.g., minerals such as silica, selenium, and cobalt that promote plant growth, plant product quality, and resistance to biological stress), various phenolic compounds, keto compounds, phyto compounds, and / or beneficial bacteria and fungi (e.g., Bacillus and Rhizobium). See Jardin et al., “Plant biostimulants: Definition, concept, main categories, and regulation,” Scientia Horticulturase, 2015, 196:3-14 (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

[0134] The amount of biostimulant present in the seed treatment composition can vary. In some embodiments, the amount of biostimulant present in the seed composition is from about 0.0001% to about 20%, from about 0.0001% to about 15%, from about 0.0001% to about 10%, from about 0.01% to about 10%, from about 0.1% to about 10%, from about 0.5% to about 5%, or from about 1% to about 2.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition.

[0135] C. Biologic Agents In some embodiments, the disclosed seed treatment composition may further comprise at least one biological agent. As used herein, "biological agent" refers to various microorganisms that can regulate nutrients in the soil. Exemplary biological agents include, but are not limited to, nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, etc. In some embodiments, the biological agent can be any combination of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, mycorrhizal fungi, etc.

[0136] In some embodiments, the biological agent is a nitrogen-fixing microorganism. As used herein, the term "nitrogen-fixing microorganism" refers to an organism that regulates nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen fixation is a chemical process by which molecular nitrogen with strong triple covalent bonds in the air is converted to ammonia or related nitrogen compounds, typically in soil. Exemplary nitrogen-fixing microorganisms include those of the genera Azotobacter, Azoarcus, Bacillus, Beijerinckia, Clostridium, Derxia, Ensifer, Frankia, Klebsiella, Azospirillum, G. These include, but are not limited to, the genera luconacetobacter, Herbasprillum, Bradyrhizobium, Poaceae, Anabaena, Nostoc, Rhizobium, Methanobacterium, or any combination thereof.

[0137] In some embodiments, the biological agent is a phosphate-solubilizing microorganism. As used herein, the term "phosphate-solubilizing microorganism" refers to a microorganism that can solubilize inorganic phosphorus from insoluble compounds. Exemplary phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms include, but are not limited to, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Bacillus, Pseudonomas, Micrococcus, Fusarium, Paenibacillus, Pantoea, Rhizobium, Mesorhizobium, Arthrobotrys, Trichoderma, or combinations thereof.

[0138] In some embodiments, the biological agent is a mycorrhizal fungus. As used herein, "mycorrhizal fungus" refers to fungi that are beneficial to plant roots, spreading through the soil and collecting nutrients and water for the plant, thereby providing the fungus with sugars to transport to its roots. The term mycorrhizae can refer to both the fungus' role in the plant's root system, breaking down nutrients for plant availability, and the fungus itself. Mycorrhizal fungi are typically found in soil or soilless media, which are more conducive to fungal colonization than hydroponic environments, although some mycorrhizal fungi have been specifically engineered for hydroponic cultivation. Mycorrhizae literally translate to "fungal root." Mycorrhizae refer to the (generally) mutually beneficial relationship between plant roots and the fungi that live on them. In many plants, mycorrhizae grow inside the plant's roots (endomycorrhizae) or on the surface of the roots (ectomycorrhizae). Plants and fungi have a mutually beneficial relationship, with the fungus facilitating the plant's absorption of water and nutrients, and the plant providing the fungus with food and nutrients produced by photosynthesis. This exchange is an important component of nutrient cycling and plant ecology, evolution, and physiology.

[0139] In some embodiments, the mycorrhizal fungi disclosed herein can be ectomycorrhizal or endomycorrhizal fungi. In some embodiments, the mycorrhizal fungi disclosed herein are endomycorrhizal fungi selected from the group consisting of arbuscular mycorrhizae, ericoid mycorrhizae, arbutoid mycorrhizae, monotropoid mycorrhizae, and orchid mycorrhizae. In some embodiments, the mycorrhizal fungi disclosed herein are arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. In some embodiments, the AM fungi are selected from the species of the genera Glomus, Gigaspora, Scutellospora, Acaulospora, Entrophospora, Rhizophagus, Clalordeoglomus, and combinations thereof.

[0140] D. Biological Control Agents In some embodiments, the disclosed seed treatment composition may further comprise at least one biological control agent. As used herein, the term "biological control agent" refers to a microbial strain that can suppress the population of another pest, fungus, or disease. In some embodiments, the biological control agent is selected from the group consisting of fungi, bacteria, nematodes, or combinations thereof.

[0141] In some embodiments, the biocontrol agent is a fungus. Exemplary fungi include species of the genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Candida, Ampelomyces, Anthracocystis, Beauveria, Cordyceps, Metarhizium, Lagenidium, Penicillium, Pi, Examples of suitable microbial organisms include, but are not limited to, species of the genus Pichia, Talaromyces, Paraphaeosphaeria, Clonostachys, Fusarium, Phlebiopsis, Trichoderma, Purpureocillium, or Verticillium.

[0142] In some embodiments, the biocontrol agent is a bacterium. Exemplary bacteria include those of the genus Bacillus (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus popilliae, Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus mycoides), Lysinibacillus sphaericus, Paenibacillus, Brevibacillus (e.g., Brevibacillus laterosporus), and Clostridium (e.g., Clostridium spp.). Examples of suitable bacterial strains include, but are not limited to, species of the genera Clostridium bifermentans, Photorhabdus, Xenorhabdus, Serratia, Yersinia (e.g., Yersinia entomophaga), Burkholderia, Chromobacterium, Streptomyces, or Saccharopolyspora (e.g., Saccharopolyspora spinosa).

[0143] In some embodiments, the biocontrol agent is a nematode. Exemplary nematodes include, but are not limited to, Steinernema carpocapsae, Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema riobrave, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Heterorhabditis marelatus, or Heterorhabditis megidis.

[0144] E. Pesticides In some embodiments, the disclosed seed treatment composition may further comprise at least one pesticide. As used herein, "pesticide" refers to any agent having pesticidal activity (e.g., herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, and / or acaricide), preferably selected from the group consisting of insecticides, herbicides, and mixtures thereof, but generally excluding materials that are claimed to have plant fertilizing effects, such as sodium borate and zinc compounds such as zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, and zinc chloride. For an unlimited list of pesticides, see Farm Chemicals Handbook 2000, 2004 (Meister Publishing Co., Willoughby, OH), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0145] Exemplary herbicides include acetochlor, alachlor, aminopyralid, atrazine, benoxacor, bromoxynil, carfentrazone, chlorsulfuron, clodinafop, clopyralid, dicamba, diclofop-methyl, dimethenamid, fenoxaprop, flucarbazone, flufenacet, flumeptoslam, flumiclorac, fluroxypyr, glufosinate ammonium, glyphosate, halosulfuron-methyl, imazamethabenz, imazamox, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazethapyr, isoxaflutole, quinclorac, MCPA, MCP a amine, MCP esters, mefenoxam, mesotrichlor, metolachlor, s-metolachlor, metribuzin, metsulfuron-methyl, nicosulfuron, paraquat, pendimethalin, picloram, primisulfuron, propoxycarbazone, prosulfuron, pyraflufen-ethyl, rimsulfuron, simazine, sulfosulfuron, thifensulfuron, topramezone, tralkoxydim, triallate, trisulfuron, tribenuron, triclopyr, trifluralin, 2,4-D, 2,4-D amines, 2,4-D esters, and the like.

[0146] Exemplary insecticides include 1,2-dichloropropane, 1,3-dichloropropene, abamectin, acephate, acequinocyl, acetamiprid, acetione, acetoprole, acrinathrin, acrylonitrile, alanycarb, aldicarb, aldoxycarb, aldrin, allethrin, allosamidin, allyloxycarb, alphacypermethrin, alphaecdysone, amidithione, amidoflumet, aminocarb, amiton, amitraz, anabasine, arsenic suboxide, azidathion, azadirachtin, azamethiphos, azinophos ethyl, Azinphosmethyl, azobenzene, azocyclotine, azotoate, barium hexafluorosilicate, barthrin, benclothiaz, bendiocarb, benfuracarb, benoxafos, bensultap, benzoximate, benzyl benzoate, beta-cyfluthrin, beta-cypermethrin, bifenazate, bifenthrin, binapacryl, bioallethrin, bioethanomethrin, biopermethrin, bistrifluron, borax, boric acid , bromfenvinphos, bromo-DDT, bromocyclen, bromofos, bromophosethyl, bromopropylate, bufencarb, buprofezin, butacarbo, butathiophos, butocarboxim, butonate, butoxycarboxim, cadusafos, calcium arsenate, calcium polysulfide, camphechlor, carbanolate, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, carbophenothione, carbosulfan, cartap, sinomethionate, chlorantraniliprole, chlorbenside, chlorbicyclen, chlordane, chlorde Benzyl alcohol, chlordimeform, chlorestoxyphos, chlorfenapyr, chlorphenetole, chlorfenson, chlorfensulfide, chlorfenvinphos, chlorfluazuron, chlormephos, chlorobenzilate, chloroform, chloromebuform, chloromethiron, chloropicrin, chloropropylate, chlorphoxim, chlorprazofos, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, chlorthiophos, chromafenozide, cinerin I, cinerin II, simetryn, cloethocarb, clofentezine, clozantel, clothianidin,Copper acetoarsenate, copper arsenate, copper naphthenate, copper oleate, coumaphos, coumithoate, crotamiton, crotoxyphos, cruentaren A and B, crufomate, cryolite, cyanofenphos, cyanophos, cyanthoate, cyclethrin, cycloprothrin, cyanopyrafen, cyflumetofen, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cyhexatin, cypermethrin, cyphenothrin, cyromazine, cythioate, d-limonene, dazomet, DBCP, DCIP, DDT, decarbofuran, deltamethrin, demefion, demefion O, demefion S, Demeton, Demeton methyl, Demeton O, Demeton O methyl, Demeton S, Demeton S methyl, Demeton S methyl sulfone, diafenthiuron, dialifos, diamidaphos, diazinon, dikapton, diclofenthion, dichlofluanid, dichlorvos, dicofol, dicresyl, dicrotophos, dicyclanil, dieldrin, dienochlor, diflobidazin, diflubenzuron, dilol, dimefluthrin, dimefox, dimethane, dimethoate, dimethrin, dimethylvinphos, dimethiran, Zinex, Zinobuton, Dinocap, Dinoca 4, Dinocap 6, Dinoctone, Dinopenton, Dinoprop, Dinosam, Dinosulfone, Dinotefuran, Dinotervon, Diofenolan, Dioxabenzophos, Dioxacarb, Dioxathion, Diphenylsulfone, Disulfiram, Disulfoton, Dicyclophos, DNOC, Dofenapine, Doramectin, Ecdysterone, Emamectin, EMPC, Empenthrin, Endosulfan, Endothion, Endrin, EPN, Epofenonane, Eprinomectin, Esfenvalerate, Etaphos, Ethiofencarb, Ethion, Ethip rol, methyl ethate, ethoprophos, ethyl DDD, ethyl formate, ethylene dibromide, ethylene dichloride, ethylene oxide, etofenprox, etoxazole, etrimphos, EXD, fanfur, fenamiphos, fenazaflo, fenazaquin, fenbutatin oxide, fenchlorphos, fentacarb, fenfluthrin, fenitrothion, fenobucarb, fenothiocarb, fenoxacrim, fenoxycarb, fenpyrithrin, fenpropathrin, fenpyroximate, fenthone, fensulfothion, fenthion,Fenthion ethyl, fentrifanil, fenvalerate, fipronil, flonicamid, furacripyrim, flaguron, flabenzimid, flabenzimin, fucofuron, flucycloxuron, flucythrinate, fluentyl, flufenerim, flufenoxuron, flufenprox, flumethrin, fluvenside, fluvalinate, fonofos, formetanate, formothion, formparanate, fosmetiran, fospirate, fosthiazate, fostietan, fosthietan, furathiocarb, freslin, furfural , gamma cyhalothrin, gamma HCH, havenprox, halofenozide, HCH, HEOD, heptachlor, heptenophos, heterophos, hexaflumuron, hexythiazox, HHDN, hydramethylnon, hydrogen cyanide, hydroprene, hikincarb, imicyafos, imidacloprid, imiprothrin, indoxacarb, iodomethane, IPSP, isamidophos, isazophos, isobenzan, isocarbophos, isodrin, isofenphos, isoprocarb, isoprothiolane, isothioate, isoxathion, ivermectin Jasmolin I, Jasmolin II, Jodofenphos, Juvenile hormone I, Juvenile hormone II, Juvenile hormone III, Keleban, Kinoprene, Lambda-cyhalothrin, Lead arsenate, Lepimectin, Leptophos, Lindane, Lilimphos, Lufenuron, Ricidathion, Malathion, Malonoben, Magidox, Mecarbam, Mecarfone, Menasone, Mesfolan, Mercuric chloride, Mesulfen, Mesulfenphos, Metaflumizone, Metam, Methacrifos, Methamidophos, Methidathion, Methiocarb, Metoclotophos, Methomyl, Methoprene, Methoxchlor Methoxyfenozide, methyl bromide, methyl isothiocyanate, methyl chloroform, methylene chloride, metofluthrin, metolcarb, metoxadiazone, mevinphos, mexacarbate, milbemectin, milbemycin oxime, mipafox, mirex, MNAF, monocrotophos, morphothion, moxidectin, naphthalophos, nalade, naphthalene, nicotine, nifluridide, nikkomycin, nitenpyram, nithiazine, nitrilcarb, novaluron, noviflumuron, omethoate, oxamyl, oxydemeton methyl,Oxydeprophos, oxydisulfoton, paradichlorobenzene, parathion, parathion methyl, penfluron, pentachlorophenol, permethrin, fencapton, fenothrin, phenthrate, phorate, phosalone, phospholane, phosmet, phosniclor, phosphamidon, phosphine, foscarb, phoxim, phoxim-methyl, pyrimetaphos, pirimicarb, pirimiphos-ethyl, pirimiphos-methyl, potassium arsenite, potassium thiocyanate, pp'DDT, prallethrin, precocene I, precocene II, precocene III , Primidophos, Proclonol, Profenofos, Profluthrin, Promacyl, Promecarb, Propaphos, Propargite, Propetamphos, Propoxur, Protidathion, Prothiophos, Prothoate, Protrifenbut, Pyraclofos, Pyrafluprole, Pyrazophos, Pyresmethrin, Pyrethrin I, Pyrethrin II, Pyridaben, Pyridalyl, Pyridaphenthion, Pyrifluquinazon, Pyrimidifen, Pirimitate, Pyriprole, Pyriproxyfen, Quassia, Quinalphos, Quinalphos, Quinalphos-methyl, Quinothione , lafoxanide, resmethrin, rotenone, ryania, sabadilla, shladan, selamectin, silafluofen, sodium arsenite, sodium fluoride, sodium hexafluorosilicate, sodium thiocyanate, sofumid, spinetoram, spinosad, spirodiclofen, spiromesifen, spirotetramat, sulcofuron, sulphiram, sulphuramide, sulphotep, sulphur, sulphuryl fluoride, sulprofos, taufluvalinate, tazimcarb, TDE, tebufenozide, tebufenpyrad, tebupirimfos, teflubenzuron, Tefluthrin, temephos, TEPP, teralethrin, terbufos, tetrachloroethane, tetrachlorvinphos, tetradifon, tetramethrin, tetranactin, tetrasul, tetasipermethrin, cyacloprid, thiamethoxam, cyclofos, thiocarboxim, thiocyclam, thiodicarb, thiofanox, thiometon, thionazine, thioquinox, thiosultap, thuringensin, tolfenpyrad, tralomethrin, transfluthrin, transpermethrin, triatene, triazamate, triazophos, trichlorfon,These include, but are not limited to, trichlormethaphos-3, trichloronat, tripenofos, triflumuron, trimethacarb, triplen, vamidothion, vaniliprole, XMC, xylylcarb, zetacypermethrin, and zolaprofos.

[0147] Exemplary fungicides include acibenzolar, acyl amino acid fungicides, acipetic, aldimorph, aliphatic nitrogen fungicides, allyl alcohol, amide fungicides, ampropylphos, anilazine, anilide fungicides, antibiotic fungicides, aromatic fungicides, aureofungin, azaconazole, aditiram, azoxystrobin, barium polysulfide, benalaxyl, benalaxyl-M, benodanil, benomyl, benquinox, bentallon, benthiavalicarb, benzalkonium chloride, benzsamacryl, benzamide fungicides, benzamide fungicides, benquinox, bentaluron, benthiavalicarb, benzalkonium chloride, benzsamacryl, benzamide fungicides, benquinox ... Zuamorph, benzanilide fungicides, benzimidazole fungicides, benzimidazole precursor fungicides, benzimidazolylcarbamide fungicides, benzohydroxamic acid, benzothiazole fungicides, bethoxadin, binapacryl, biphenyl, bitertanol, bithionol, bixafen, blasticidin-S, Bordeaux mixture, boric acid, boscalid, bridged diphenyl fungicides, bromuconazole, bupirimate, Burgundy mixture, buthiobate, sec-butylamine, calcium polysulfide, captapol, captan, carbame Carbohydrate fungicides, carbamorph, carbanilate fungicides, carbendazim, carboxin, carpropamid, carvone, Chess-shunt mixture, chinomethionate, clobenthiazone, chloraniformethane, chloranil, chlorphenazole, chlorodinitronaphthalene, chloroform, chloroneb, chloropicrin, chlorothalonil, chloroquinox, chlozolinate, ciclopirox, climbazole, clotrimazole, conazole fungicides (imidazoles), conazole fungicides (triazoles), copper acetate ( II), copper(II) carbonate, basic, copper fungicides, copper hydroxide, copper naphthenate, copper oleate, copper oxychloride, copper(II) sulfate, copper sulfate, basic, copper zinc chromate, cresol, cupraneb, cuprobam, cuprous oxide, cyazofamid, cyclafuramid, cyclic dithiocarbamate fungicides, cycloheximide, cyflufenamid, cymoxanil, cypendazole, cyproconazole, cyprodinil, dazomet, DBCP, debacarb, decafentin, dehydroacetic acid, dicarboximide fungicides, dichlofluanid, dichloron, dichlorophen,Dichlorophenyl, dichlozolin, diclobutrazol, diclocymet, diclomedine, dicloran, diethofencarb, diethylpyrocarbonate, difenoconazole, diflumetrim, dimethirimol, dimethomorph, dimoxystrobin, diniconazole, diniconazole-M, dinitrophenol antifungals, dinobuton, dinocap, dinocap-4, dinocap-6, dinocton, dinopenton, dinosulfone, dinotervone, diphenylamine, dipyrithione, disulfiram, ditalimfos, dithianon, dithiocarbamate antifungals , DNOC, dodemorph, dodicin, donatozine, donatozine, drazoxolone, edifenphos, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, ethem, ethaboxam, ethirimol, ethoxyquin, ethylene oxide, ethylmercuric 2,3-dihydroxypropyl mercaptide, ethylmercuric acetate, ethylmercuric bromide, ethylmercuric chloride, ethylmercuric phosphate, etridiazole, famoxadone, fenamidone, fenaminosulf, fenapanil, fenarimol, fenbuconazole, fenfuram, fenhexamid, fenitropan, fenoxanil, fenpi Clonil, fenpropidin, fenpropimorph, fentin, felban, ferimzone, fluazinam, fluconazole, fludioxonil, flumetobir, flumorph, fluopicolide, fluoroimide, flutrimazole, fluoxastrobin, fluconazole, flusilazole, flusulfamide, flutolanil, flutriafol, fluxapyroxad, folpet, formaldehyde, fosetyl, fuberidazole, furalaxyl, furametpyr, furamide fungicides, furanilide fungicides, flucarbanil, fluconazole, flu Conazole-cis, furfural, flumecyclox, furofanate, gliodin, griseofulvin, guazatine, halacrinate, hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorobutadiene, hexachlorophene, hexaconazole, hexylthiophos, hydralgafen, hymexazole, imazalil, imibeconazole, imidazole fungicides, iminoctadine, inorganic fungicides, inorganic mercury fungicides, iodomethane, ipconazole, iprobenfos, iprodione, iprovalicarb, isopropyl alcohol, isoprothiolane, isovaldione,Isopyrazam, kasugamycin, ketoconazole, kresoxim methyl, lime sulfur mixture (lime sulfur), man-copper, mancozeb, maneb, mebenil, mecarbinzide, mepanipyrim, mepronil, mercuric chloride (obsolete), mercuric oxide (obsolete), mercurous chloride (obsolete), metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M (also known as mefenoxam), metam, metazoxolone, metconazole, metasulfocarb, metofloxam, methyl bromide, methyl isothiocyanate, methylmercuric benzoate, methylmercuric dicyandiamide, methylmercuric pentachlorophenoxide, metiram, metomi Nostrobin, metrafenone, metsulfovax, milneb, morpholine fungicides, myclobutanil, myclozolin, N-(ethylmercury)-p-toluenesulfonanilide, nabam, natamycin, nystatin, β-nitrostyrene, nitrothalisopropyl, nuarimol, OCH, octhilinone, ofurase, oprodione, organic hydrogen sulfide fungicides, organophosphate fungicides, organotin fungicides (old type), orthophenylphenol, orysastrobin, oxadixyl, oxathiin fungicides, oxazole fungicides, oxine copper, oxo Conazole, oxycarboxin, pefurazoate, penconazole, pencycuron, pentachlorophenol, penthiopyrad, phenylmercuric urea, phenylmercuric acetate, phenylmercuric chloride, phenylmercuric derivatives of pyrocatechol, phenylmercuric nitrate, phenylmercuric salicylate, phenylsulfamide fungicides, phosdifen, phosphites, phthalides, phthalimide fungicides, picoxystrobin, piperalin, polycarbamates, polymeric dithiocarbamate fungicides, polyoxins, polyoxorim, polysulfide fungicides, potassium azide , polysulfides, potassium thiocyanate, probenazole, prochloraz, procymidone, propamocarb, propiconazole, propineb, proquinazide, prothiocarb, prothioconazole, pyracarbollide, pyraclostrobin, pyrazole fungicides, pyrazophos, pyridine fungicides, pyridinnitrile, pyrifenox, pyrimethanil, pyrimidine fungicides, pyroquilon, pyroxchlor, pyroxiflur, pyrrole fungicides, quinacetol, quinazamide, quinconazole, quinoline fungicides, quinomethionate, quinone fungicides,Quinoxaline fungicides, quinoxyfen, quintozene, rabenzazole, salicylanilide, silthiofam, silver, simeconazole, sodium azide, sodium bicarbonate[2][3], sodium orthophenylphenoxide, sodium pentachlorophenoxide, polysulfides, spiroxamine, streptomycin, bistrolin fungicides, sulfonanilide fungicides, sulfuryl fluoride, sultropene, TCMTB, tebuconazole, tecloftalam, tecnazene, tecoram, tetraconazole, thiabendazole, thiadifluor, thiazole fungicides, ticyclofen, thifluzamide, thymol, triforine, thiocarbamate fungicides, thiochlorfenfim, thiomersal, thiophanate, thiophanate-methionine These fungicides include, but are not limited to, thiophene fungicides, thioquinox, thiram, tiadinil, tioximide, thibedo, triclofos-methyl, tolnaftate, tolylfluanid, tolylmercuric acetate, triadimefon, triamiphos, triarimol, triazbutyl, triazine fungicides, triazole fungicides, triazoxide, tributyltin oxide, triclamide, tricyclazole, tridemorph, trifloxystrobin, triflumizole, triforine, triticonazole, unclassified fungicides, undecylenic acid, uniconazole, uniconazole-P, urea fungicides, validamycin, valinamide fungicides, vinclozolin, voriconazole, zaliramide, zinc naphthenate, zineb, ziram, and / or zoxamide.

[0148] Exemplary classes of acaricides include botanical acaricides, bridged diphenyl acaricides, carbamate acaricides, oxime carbamate acaricides, carbazic acid acaricides, dinitrophenol acaricides, formamidine acaricides, isoxaline acaricides, macrocyclic lactone acaricides, avermectin acaricides, milbemycin acaricides, milbemycin acaricides, mite growth regulators, organochlorine acaricides, organophosphate acaricides, organothiophosphate acaricides, phosphonate acaricides, phosphoacaricides, and the like. These include, but are not limited to, lumidothiolate acaricides, organomethyl acaricides, phenylsulfonamide acaricides, pyrazolecarboxamide acaricides, pyrethroid ether acaricides, quaternary ammonium acaricides, eurethroid ester acaricides, pyrrole acaricides, quinoxaline acaricides, methoxyacrylate strobilurin acaricides, telonic acid acaricides, thiazolidine acaricides, thiocarbamate acaricides, thiourea acaricides, and unclassified acaricides. Examples of acaricides in these classes include botanical acaricides (carvacrol, sanguinarine), bridged diphenyl acaricides (azobenzene, benzoximate, benzil, benzoic acid, bromopropylate, chlorbencide, chlorphenetole, chlorfenson, chlorfen sulfide, chlorobenzilate, chloropropylate, cyflumetofen, DDT, dicofol, diphenyl, sulfone, dofenapine, fenson, fentrifanil, fluorbenside, genit, hexachlorophene, fenproxide, proclonol, te Trazifon, Tetrasulf), carbamate acaricides (benomyl, carbanolate, carbaryl, carbofuran, methiocarb, metolcarb, promacyl, propoxar), oxime carbamate acaricides (aldicarb, butocarboxim, oxamyl, thiocarboxim, thiofanox), carbazate acaricides (bifenazate), dinitrophenol acaricides (binapacryl, dinex, dinobuton, dinocap, dinocap-4, dinocap-6, dinocton, dinopenton, dinosulfone, dinoterbone, DNOC),Formamidine acaricides (amitraz, chlordimeform, chlormebuform, formetanate, formparanate, medimethicone, semiamitraz), isoxazoline acaricides (afoxolaner, fluralaner, lotilaner, sarolaner), macrocyclic lactamicides (tetranactin), avermectin acaricides (abamectin, doramectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin, selamectin), milbemycin acaricides (milbemectin, milbemycin, oxime, moxidectin), mite growth regulators (clofentezine, Cyromazine, diflobidazine, dofenapine, fluazuron, flubenzimine, flucycloxuron, flufenoxuron, hexythiazox), organochlorine acaricides (bromocyclen, camphechlor, DDT, dienochlor, endosulfan, lindane), organophosphate acaricides (chlorfenvinphos, crotoxyphos, dichlorvos, heptenophos, mevinphos, monocrotophos, naled, TEPP, tetrachlorvinphos), organothiophosphate acaricides (amidithion, amiton, azinphos-ethyl, azinphos-methyl, azotoate) , Benoxafos, Bromophos, Bromophos-ethyl, Carbophenothion, Chlorpyrifos, Chlorthiophos, Coumaphos, Cyanthoate, Demeton, Demeton-O, Demeton-S, Demeton-methyl, Demeton-O-methyl, Demeton-S-methyl, Demeton-S-methyl sulfone, Dialifos, Diazinon, Dimethoate, Dioxathion, Disulfoton, Endothion, Ethion, Ethoate-methyl, Formothion, Malathion, Mecabam, Methacrifos, Omethoate, Oxydeprophos, Oxydisulfoton, Parathion, Fencapto phos, phorate, phosalone, phosmet, phostin, phoxim, pirimiphosmethyl, prothidathion, prothoate, pirimitate, quinalphos, quinthiofos, sofamid, sulfotep, thiometon, triazophos, triphenofos, vamidothion), phosphonate acaricides (trichlorfon), phosphoramidothioate acaricides (isocarbophos, methamidophos, propetamphos), phosphorodiamide acaricides (dimefox, mipafox, shradan), organotin acaricides (azocyclotin, cyhexatin, fenbutatin, oxide,Phenylsulfamide acaricides (dichlofsin), phthalimide acaricides (dialifos, phosmet), pyrazole acaricides (cyenopyrafen, fenpyroximate), phenylpyrazole acaricides (acetolol, fipronil, vaniliprole), pyrazolecarboxamide acaricides (piflubumid, tebufenpyrad), pyrethroid ester acaricides (acrinathrin, bifenthrin, broflusulinate, cyhalothrin ... Permethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, flucythrinate, flumethrin, fluvalinate, tau-fluvalinate, permethrin), pyrethroid ether acaricides (halfenprox), pyrimidinamine acaricides (pyrimidifen), pyrrole acaricides (chlorfenapyr), quaternary ammonium acaricides (sanguinarine), quinoxaline acaricides (quinomethionate, thioquinox), methoxyacrylate Isostrobilin acaricides (Bifjunji, Fluacrypyrim, Flufenoxystrobin, Pyriminostrobin), Sulfite acaricides (Aramite, Propargite), Tetronic acid acaricides (Spirodiclofen), Tetrazine acaricides (Clofentezine, Diflobidazine), Thiazolidine acaricides (Flubenzimine, Hexythiazox), Thiocarbamate acaricides (Fenothiocarb), Thiourea acaricides (Chlormethiuron, Diazolidinone) Fenthiuron), unclassified acaricides (acequinocyl, acinonapyr, amidoflumet, arsenic, oxide, clenpirin, closantel, crotamiton, cycloplate, cymiazole, disulfiram, etoxazole, fenazaflor, fenazaquin, flueneethyl, mesulfen, MNAF, nifluridide, nikkomycin, pyridaben, sulfiram, sulfuramide, sulfur, thuringiencin, triatene).

[0149] In some embodiments, the acaricide also includes abamectin, acephate, acequinocyl, acetamiprid, aldicarb, allethrin, aluminum phosphate, aminocarb, amitraz, azadirachtin, azinphos-ethyl, azinphos-methyl, Bacillus thuringiensis, bendiocarb, beta-cyfluthrin, bifenazate, bifenthrin, bomil, buprofezin, calcium cyanide, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, chlorfenvinphos, chlorobenzilate, chloropicrin, chlorpyrifos, clofentezine, chlorfenapyr, clothianidin, coumaphos, crotoxyphos, cloxyphos plus dichlorphos, cryolite, flucitrilite, cyromazine, cyperme Thorin, DEET, Deltamethrin, Demeton, Diazinon, Diclofenthion, Dichloropropene, Dichlorvos, Dicofol, Dicrotophos, Dieldrin, Dienochlor, Diflubenzuron, Zika (fungicide + acaricide), Dimethoate, Dinocap, Dinotefuran, Dioxathion, Disulfoton, Emamectin Benzoate, Endosulfan, Endrin, Esfenvalerate, Ethion, Ethoprop, Ethylene Dibromide, Ethylene Dichloride, Ethylene Toxazole, Famflu, fenitrothion, fenoxycarb, fenpropathrin, fenpyroximate, fensulfothion, fentethion, fenvalerate, flonicamid, flucythrinate, fluvalinate, fonofos, formetanate hydrochloride, gamma-cyhalothrin, halofenozide, hexakis, hexythiazox, hydramethylnon, hydrated lime, indoxacarb, imidacloprid, kerosene, kinoprene, lambda-cyhalothrin, lead arsenate, Lindane, malathion, mefolane, metaldehyde, meta-sodium, methamidophos, methidathion, methiocarb, methomyl, methoprene, methoxychlor, methoxyfenozide, methyl bromide, methyl parathion, mevinphos, maxacalvert, milky disease spors, nalade, naphthalene, nicotine sulfate, novaluron, oxamyl, oxydemeton-methyl, oxythioquinox, paradichlorobenzene, parathion, PCP, permethrin, petroleum, phorate, phosalone, phospholane, phosmet, phosphamidon, phoxim, piperonyl butoxide, pirimicarb, pirimiphos-methyl, profenofos, propargite, propetamphos, propoxol, pymetrozine, pyrethroids - synthetic: (see) allethrin, permethrin, fenvalerate, resmethrin, pyrethrium, pyridaben, pyriproxyfen, resmethrin, rotenone, s-methoprene, soap, insecticides, sodium fluoride, spinosad, spiromesifen, sulfotep, sulprofos, temephos, terbufufos, tetrachlorvinphos, tetrachlorvinphos + dichlorvos, tetradiphon, thiamethoxam, thiodicarb, toxafine, tralomethrin, trimethacarb and tebufenozide.

[0150] The amount of pesticide in the pesticide / seed treatment dual composition can vary, and in some embodiments, the amount of pesticide is present at a level of about 0.05-10% by weight (more preferably about 0.1%-4% by weight, and most preferably about 0.2-2% by weight), based on the total weight of the pesticide / seed treatment-containing composition, taken as 100% by weight.

[0151] F. Fertilizer In some embodiments, the agricultural product is a fertilizer. The fertilizer can be a solid fertilizer, such as, but not limited to, granular and / or prill-like fertilizer, and the seed treatment composition and / or formulation can be mixed therewith. The fertilizer can also be in a semi-solid form (e.g., manure), and the seed treatment composition and / or formulation can be mixed therewith.

[0152] In some embodiments, the fertilizer is or contains urea and / or ammonia, including anhydrous ammonia fertilizer. In some embodiments, the fertilizer can be selected from the group consisting of starter fertilizers, phosphate-based fertilizers, nitrogen-containing fertilizers, phosphorus-containing fertilizers, potassium-containing fertilizers, calcium-containing fertilizers, magnesium-containing fertilizers, boron-containing fertilizers, chlorine-containing fertilizers, zinc-containing fertilizers, manganese-containing fertilizers, and / or copper-containing fertilizers. In some embodiments, the additional fertilizer contains plant-available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, or micronutrients. In some embodiments, the fertilizer contains micronutrients. Micronutrients are essential elements required by plants in small amounts. In some embodiments, the fertilizer contains metal ions selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, Mg, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Mo, V, and Ca. In some embodiments, the fertilizer includes gypsum, a member of the xerite group, potassium products, magnesium potassium sulfate, elemental sulfur, or magnesium potassium sulfate. Such fertilizers can be granular, liquid, gaseous, or a mixture (e.g., a suspension of solid fertilizer particles in a liquid material). In some embodiments, the additional fertilizer is an NPK fertilizer.

[0153] When the described seed treatment composition, or a formulation thereof, is applied in conjunction with the application of one or more fertilizers, the seed treatment composition can be applied before, after, or simultaneously with the application of the fertilizer(s).

[0154] VI. Method In some embodiments, the seed treatment composition is used directly. In other embodiments, the seed treatment composition is formulated in a way that makes it convenient to use in the context of productive agriculture. The seed treatment composition used in these methods includes the powder component, the powder protein component, and the lubricant additive component as described above. The seed treatment composition can be used in the following ways: A. Methods for improving seed flowability B. Methods for Reducing Plant Seed Dust C. Methods of Improving Plant Growth and / or Increasing Crop Yield D. Methods of Manufacturing Seed Treatment Compositions

[0155] A. A method for improving the flowability of plant seeds comprises contacting the seeds with the seed treatment composition disclosed herein. In such a method, the flowability of the plant seeds is improved by at least about 3% or more, at least about 5% or more, at least about 6% or more, at least about 7% or more, at least about 8% or more, at least about 9% or more, or at least about 10% or more compared to the flowability of plant seeds treated with a talc-based lubricant composition. In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein improve the flowability of plant seeds by about 2% to about 10%, about 3% to about 8%, about 3.5% to about 7.5%, about 4% to about 7.5%, about 5.5 to about 7.5%, about 5.5 to about 7.0%, about 5.5% to about 6.5%, about 6% to about 7.5%, about 6.5% to about 7.5%, or about 6.5% to about 7%, compared to the flowability of plant seeds treated using these methods with a talc-based lubricant composition, such as a commercially available talc-based lubricant composition comprising an 80:20 mixture of talc and graphite.

[0156] In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein improve the flowability of the plant seeds by at least about 3% or more, at least about 5% or more, at least about 8% or more, at least about 10% or more, at least about 11% or more, at least about 12% or more, at least about 13% or more, at least about 14% or more, or at least about 15% or more, compared to the flowability of untreated plant seeds (i.e., seeds alone). In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein improve the flowability of the plant seeds by about 2% to about 20%, about 5% to about 15%, about 10% to about 15%, about 11% to about 15%, about 12% to about 15%, about 13% to about 15%, about 13.5% to about 15%, about 14% to about 15%, or about 14.5% to about 15%, compared to the flowability of untreated plant seeds.

[0157] B. A method for reducing plant seed dust includes contacting a seed with a seed treatment composition disclosed herein, wherein the plant seed exhibits at least about 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or at least about 92% or greater reduction in plant seed dust formation compared to plant seed dust produced from plant seeds treated with a talc-based lubricant composition. In some embodiments, the plant seed dust of the plant seeds reduces plant seed dust formation from the plant seeds by about 30% to about 95%, about 40% to about 95%, about 50% to about 95%, about 60% to about 95%, about 65% to about 92%, about 65% to about 90%, about 65% to about 86%, about 65% to about 80%, about 65% to about 78%, about 65% to about 76%, about 65% to about 70%, about 70% to about 92%, about 75% to about 92%, about 78% to about 92%, about 86% to about 92%, about 89% to about 92%, or about 70% to about 90%, compared to plant seed dust produced from seeds treated with a talc-based lubricant composition, for example, a commercially available talc-based lubricant composition comprising an 80:20 mixture of talc and graphite.

[0158] C. Methods for improving plant growth and / or crop yield can also be achieved by contacting seeds with a seed treatment composition or formulation as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the disclosed seed treatment composition is contacted with the plant seed in a weight ratio ranging from about 0.0001:1 to about 0.01:1.

[0159] In these embodiments, the seed coating provides the seed treatment composition in close proximity to the seed at the time of planting, so that the seed treatment composition can exert its beneficial effect in the environment where it is most needed. That is, the seed treatment composition provides an environment that helps improve plant growth in the area where the effect can be localized around the desired plant. For example, the seed treatment composition disclosed herein improves the chances of seed germination, subsequent plant growth, and improved plant nutrient availability. Thus, the method disclosed herein provides the following benefits to seeds contacted with the seed treatment composition disclosed herein: (a) improved seed plantability; (b) increased plant emergence; and / or (c) increased crop yield compared to plant seeds that are not contacted with the seed treatment composition.

[0160] D. A method for producing a seed treatment composition as disclosed herein includes mixing a powder component with a powder protein component to obtain a homogeneous flour-powder protein mixture, and contacting the homogeneous flour-powder protein mixture with a lubricant additive component to coat particles of the homogeneous flour-powder protein mixture to obtain a seed composition as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the contacting step includes heating the flour-powder protein mixture. In some embodiments, the contacting step is carried out at an elevated temperature ranging from about 70°C to about 85°C, or from about 75°C to about 80°C. In some embodiments, the mixing step includes agitating, stirring, or tumbling. In some embodiments, the mixing step includes hand mixing, mechanical grinding, or a combination thereof.

[0161] In some embodiments, a method of making a seed treatment composition as disclosed herein comprises mixing a dust control additive component with a lubricant component to obtain a seed treatment composition as disclosed herein.

[0162] In some embodiments, the above methods A and B include a contacting step that can occur within a seed planter (e.g., within a seed planter box or hopper). For example, the seeds may be added to the seed planter box, and then the seed treatment composition may be added to the seeds in the seed planter box. The seed treatment composition may be actively mixed with the seeds, or the seed treatment composition may be passively mixed with the seeds by gravity and the movement of the seeds within the box. In another embodiment, the seed treatment composition may be added to the seed planter box, and then the seeds may be added to the seed treatment composition in the seed planter box.

[0163] In other embodiments, the contacting step may occur before the seeds are added to the seed sower box. For example, the seeds and the seed treatment composition may be mixed and packaged before shipping to the sowing site. Alternatively, the seeds may be mixed with the seed composition at the sowing site before the seed / seed treatment composition mixture is added to the seed sower box.

[0164] The seed sower may be a vacuum sower, a high-speed sower, an air sower, a plate sower, a plateless sower, a finger pick-up sower, a row sower, a vegetable sower, or any other suitable sower. The seed treatment composition may be added to the seed sower manually or mechanically (e.g., by a mechanized metering system).

[0165] The amount of seed treatment composition disclosed herein contacted with a seed can and will vary depending on the seed treatment composition and the type of seed. Generally, the weight ratio of seed treatment composition to seed may range from about 0.0001:1 to about 0.5:1. In certain embodiments, the weight ratio of seed treatment composition to seed may range from about 0.005:1 to about 0.01:1. In other embodiments, about 28.35 to 56.7 grams (i.e., about 1 to 2 ounces) of seed treatment composition may be contacted with about 22.68 kg (i.e., 50 pounds) of soybean or corn seeds.

[0166] Contacting seeds with the seed treatment compositions disclosed herein improves seed flowability or seed lubrication in a seed sower, preventing clumping and bridging of seeds in the seed sower. Seed flowability (or dry flowability) can be measured using the funnel flow test described in detail below.

[0167] Particular embodiments of the subject matter described herein include the following.

[0168] 1. A seed treatment composition comprising a cereal flour, a powdered protein, a lubricity additive, and optionally an anti-dust additive component.

[0169] 2. The seed treatment composition of embodiment 1, wherein the cereal flour is selected from the group consisting of amaranth flour, barley flour, rice flour, buckwheat flour, corn flour, millet flour, quinoa flour, rye flour, spelt flour, wheat flour, sorghum flour, oat flour, einkorn flour, emmer flour, khorasan flour, and any combination thereof.

[0170] 3. The seed treatment composition of embodiment 2, wherein the flour is selected from the group consisting of wheat flour, corn flour, rice flour, barley flour, oat flour, and any combination thereof.

[0171] 4. The seed treatment composition of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the powdered protein is derived from sunflower, soybean, corn, peanut, grain, egg, or any combination thereof.

[0172] 5. The seed treatment composition of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the lubricious additive comprises at least one lipid selected from the group consisting of waxes, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and any combination thereof, and / or esters thereof.

[0173] 6. The seed treatment composition of embodiment 5, wherein the wax is selected from the group of soft and flexible waxes consisting of beeswax, carnauba wax, sumac wax, paraffin wax, sunflower wax, rice bran wax, candelilla wax, ceresin wax, Fumei wax, ozokerite wax, emulsifying wax, microcrystalline wax, and combinations thereof.

[0174] 7. The seed treatment composition of embodiment 5, wherein the fatty alcohol is selected from the group consisting of lauryl alcohol (1-dodecanol), myristyl alcohol (1-tetradecanol), cetyl alcohol (1-hexadecanol), stearyl alcohol (1-octadecanol), and any combinations and / or esters thereof.

[0175] 8. The seed treatment composition of embodiment 5, wherein the fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of lauric acid (dodecanoic acid), tridecylic acid (tridecanoic acid), myristic acid (tetradecanoic acid), pentadecylic acid (pentadecanoic acid), palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid), margaric acid (heptadecanoic acid), stearic acid (octadecanoic acid), nonadecylic acid (octadecanoic acid), arachidic acid (eicosanoic acid), heneicosylic acid (heneicosanoic acid), behenic acid (docosanoic acid), and any combination and / or esters thereof.

[0176] 9. The seed treatment composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the optional dust control additive component is a polyanionic polymer.

[0177] 10. The seed treatment composition of embodiment 9, wherein the polyanionic polymer component is naturally derived.

[0178] 11. The seed treatment composition of embodiment 9, wherein the polyanionic polymer component is commercially available.

[0179] 12. The seed treatment composition of any one of embodiments 9-11, wherein the polyanionic polymer component comprises a copolymer having at least two repeat units selected from the group consisting of maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat units, or having maleic and olefinic repeat units.

[0180] 13. The seed treatment composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the polyanionic polymer component has an average molecular weight of about 1,500 to 500,000 Da.

[0181] 14. The seed treatment composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flour is present in an amount of about 1% to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition.

[0182] 15. The seed treatment composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the powdered protein is present in an amount of about 1% to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition.

[0183] 16. The seed treatment composition of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the lubricating additive is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition.

[0184] 17. The seed treatment composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lubricant additive and the flour are present in a weight ratio of about 1:20 to about 1:5.

[0185] 18. The seed treatment composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cereal flour is present in an amount of about 40% to about 70% by weight, the powder protein is present in an amount of about 20% to about 50% by weight, and the lubricant additive is present in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition.

[0186] 19. A seed treatment formulation comprising the seed treatment composition of any one of the preceding embodiments and at least one material selected from an inert material, a deactivator, and / or a solid lubricating material.

[0187] 20. The seed treatment formulation of embodiment 19, wherein the solid lubricating material is selected from the group consisting of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; Teflon), graphite, boron nitride, calcium fluoride, cerium fluoride, tungsten disulfide, and combinations thereof.

[0188] 21. The seed treatment composition or formulation of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the seed treatment composition or formulation does not comprise talc.

[0189] 22. An agricultural seed treatment composition comprising the seed treatment composition or formulation of any one of the preceding embodiments and at least one additional active agent selected from the group consisting of a micronutrient, a macronutrient, a biostimulant, a biological agent, a pesticide, a fertilizer, or a combination thereof.

[0190] 23. The seed treatment composition of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the composition improves the flowability of the plant seed by at least 10% compared to the flowability of an untreated plant seed.

[0191] 24. The seed treatment composition of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the composition improves the flowability of the plant seeds by at least 4% compared to the flowability of plant seeds treated with a commercially available talc-based lubricant composition.

[0192] 25. The seed treatment composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition reduces the formation of plant seed dust in the plant seeds by at least about 40% compared to plant dust seeds produced from plant seeds treated with a commercially available talc-based lubricant composition.

[0193] 26. A method of reducing the formation of plant seed dust and / or improving the flowability of plant seeds, comprising contacting the plant seeds with a seed treatment composition of any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0194] 27. The method of embodiment 26, wherein said contacting occurs in a seed sower box.

[0195] 28. The method of embodiment 26 or 27, wherein said contacting occurs before adding said plant seeds to a seed sower box.

[0196] 29. The method of any one of embodiments 26-28, wherein the contacting step comprises agitating, spraying, or tumbling.

[0197] 30. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the seed treatment composition is contacted with the plant seed in a weight ratio range of about 0.0001:1 to about 0.01:1.

[0198] 31. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plant seed is selected from the group consisting of cereal plant seeds, legume plant seeds, cereal grass plant seeds, herbaceous plant seeds, vegetable plant seeds, oilseeds, cottonseeds, and any combination thereof.

[0199] 32. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plant seed is a legume seed selected from chickpeas, peanuts, black beans, green peas, lima beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, navy beans, great northern beans, pinto beans, soybeans, lentils, adzuki beans, lupin, alfalfa, and combinations thereof.

[0200] 33. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the formation of plant seed dust is reduced by at least about 40% compared to plant seed dust resulting from a commercially available talc-based lubricant composition.

[0201] 34. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flowability of the plant seeds is improved by at least 5% compared to the flowability of the plant seeds exhibited by a commercially available talc-based lubricant composition.

[0202] 35. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flowability of the plant seed is improved by at least 10% compared to the flowability of the plant seed exhibited by an untreated plant seed.

[0203] 36. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plant seed contacted with the seed treatment composition of any one of the preceding embodiments has at least one or more of: (a) improved seed plantability; (b) increased plant emergence; and / or (c) increased crop yield, compared to a plant seed not contacted with the seed treatment composition.

[0204] 37. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein plant seeds contacted with the seed treatment composition of any one of the preceding embodiments have at least one or more of: (a) improved seed plantability; (b) increased plant emergence; and / or (c) increased crop yield, compared to plant seeds contacted with a commercially available seed treatment composition.

[0205] 38. A method for producing the seed composition of embodiment 1, said method comprising: mixing flour with powdered protein to obtain a homogeneous powdered flour-protein mixture; contacting the homogenous powdered flour-protein mixture with a lubricating additive to coat particles of the homogenous powdered flour-protein mixture to obtain the seed composition of embodiment 1.

[0206] 39. The method of embodiment 38, wherein the contacting step comprises heating the homogeneous powdered flour-protein mixture and the lubricating additive.

[0207] 40. The method of embodiment 38 or 39, wherein the mixing step comprises agitating, stirring, or tumbling.

[0208] 41. The method of any one of embodiments 38 to 40, wherein the cereal flour is selected from the group consisting of amaranth flour, barley flour, rice flour, buckwheat flour, corn flour, millet flour, quinoa flour, rye flour, spelt flour, wheat flour, sorghum flour, oat flour, einkorn flour, emmer flour, khorasan flour, and any combination thereof.

[0209] 42. The method of any one of embodiments 38-41, wherein the powdered protein is derived from sunflower, soybean, corn, peanut, grain, egg, or any combination thereof.

[0210] 43. The method of any one of embodiments 38 to 41, wherein the lubricious additive comprises at least one lipid selected from the group consisting of emulsifying wax, fatty alcohol, fatty acid, and any combination thereof, and / or esters thereof. [Example]

[0211] Example 1: Dust generation measurements of experimental blends 1-4 75 g of untreated seeds were mixed with 1 g of product, and dust generation was measured using a dust analyzer (Palas DustView II, Karlsruhe, Germany). The results in Figure 1 show that mixing a conventional mixture of talc and graphite (80:20 ratio, w / w) with soybean seeds generated very high dust (dust value 52.6), whereas the dust values ​​for the raw soy protein powder and wheat flour were 15.76 and 12.71, respectively. Dust generation from experimental blends 1–4 was reduced by up to 89% compared to a commercial talc-based lubricant. Similarly, the results in Figure 2 show that dust generation from experimental blends 4, 5, and 6 was reduced by up to 87% compared to an 80:20 blend of talc and graphite mixed with corn seeds.

[0212] Example 2: Seed flowability measurements of experimental blends 1-4 Dry soybean seeds (800 g) were treated with 1 g or 2 g of product (1 g product / 800 g seeds is equivalent to 1 oz / 50 lb) and passed through a tapered funnel. The time it took for the seeds to flow was recorded. The funnel dimensions were: height = 14.3 cm, opening diameter = 2.3 cm, tapered diameter = 3.2 cm, top diameter = 19.0 cm. The results, shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, indicate that Blends 1-4 improved seed flowability by up to 15.5% compared to the untreated control and up to 7.1% compared to a talc-based lubricant.

[0213] Example 3: Caking measurements of experimental blends under high humidity. Caking was determined by storing 5 g of product at 95% RH for 24 hours and then air-drying. The air-dried product was gently sieved through a 35-mesh sieve. Material that did not pass through the sieve was considered cake. The results in Figure 6 show that caking of Experimental Blend 7 (wheat flour + soy protein powder + lubricating additive) was reduced by 95.6% compared to the same blend without the lubricating additive.

[0214] Example 4: Plantability measurements of experimental blends. For corn and soybean seed, percent target population, percent singulation, percent multi's, and percent skips were measured with three different planters: a John Deere E-Set, a Case IH Vacuum, and a Kinze Finger Pick Up. All planters were set at 5 mph for corn, while the speeds of the three planters for soybean seed were 5, 1.5, and 2.2 mph, respectively. Target seed yields were 33,000 seeds / acre for corn and 160,000 seeds / acre for soybeans. The results in Figures 7A-14B show that the target population percentage (the desired number of seeds planted in a manner consistent with planter specifications, %), single seeding percentage (the percentage of seeds spaced apart and scattered in a manner consistent with planter specifications, %), multiple seeding percentage (the percentage of seeds planted multiple times, %), and seed failure percentage (the percentage of seeds not planted in a manner consistent with planter specifications, %) for corn and soybean seeds treated with experimental blends 2, 3, and 4 were similar to or improved upon those for a conventional talc and graphite blend (80:20, w / w).

Claims

1. A seed treatment composition comprising flour, a powdered protein, a lubricity additive, and optionally a dust control additive component.

2. 2. The seed treatment composition of claim 1, wherein the cereal flour is selected from the group consisting of amaranth flour, barley flour, rice flour, buckwheat flour, corn flour, millet flour, quinoa flour, rye flour, spelt flour, wheat flour, sorghum flour, oat flour, einkorn flour, emmer flour, khorasan flour, and any combination thereof.

3. 3. The seed treatment composition of claim 2, wherein the cereal flour is selected from the group consisting of wheat flour, corn flour, rice flour, barley flour, oat flour, and any combination thereof.

4. 10. The seed treatment composition of claim 1, wherein the powdered protein is derived from sunflower, soybean, corn, peanut, grain, egg, or any combination thereof.

5. 2. The seed treatment composition of claim 1, wherein the lubricity additive comprises at least one lipid selected from the group consisting of waxes, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and any combination thereof, and / or esters thereof.

6. 6. The seed treatment composition of claim 5, wherein the wax is selected from the group of soft and flexible waxes consisting of beeswax, carnauba wax, sumac wax, paraffin wax, sunflower wax, rice bran wax, candelilla wax, ceresin wax, Fumei wax, ozokerite wax, emulsifying wax, microcrystalline wax, and combinations thereof.

7. 6. The seed treatment composition of claim 5, wherein the fatty alcohol is selected from the group consisting of lauryl alcohol (1-dodecanol), myristyl alcohol (1-tetradecanol), cetyl alcohol (1-hexadecanol), stearyl alcohol (1-octadecanol), and any combinations and / or esters thereof.

8. 6. The seed treatment composition of claim 5, wherein the fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of lauric acid (dodecanoic acid), tridecylic acid (tridecanoic acid), myristic acid (tetradecanoic acid), pentadecylic acid (pentadecanoic acid), palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid), margaric acid (heptadecanoic acid), stearic acid (octadecanoic acid), nonadecylic acid (octadecanoic acid), arachidic acid (eicosanoic acid), heneicosylic acid (heneicosanoic acid), behenic acid (docosanoic acid), and any combination and / or esters thereof.

9. 10. The seed treatment composition of claim 1, wherein the optional dust control additive component is a polyanionic polymer.

10. 10. The seed treatment composition of claim 9, wherein the polyanionic polymer component is naturally derived.

11. 10. The seed treatment composition of claim 9, wherein the polyanionic polymer component is commercially available.

12. 10. The seed treatment composition of claim 9, wherein the polyanionic polymer component comprises a copolymer having at least two repeating units selected from the group consisting of maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeating units, or having maleic and olefinic repeating units.

13. 10. The seed treatment composition of claim 9, wherein the polyanionic polymer component has an average molecular weight of about 1,500 to 500,000 Da.

14. 10. The seed treatment composition of claim 1, wherein the flour is present in an amount of about 1% to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition.

15. 10. The seed treatment composition of claim 1, wherein the powdered protein is present in an amount of about 1% to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition.

16. 10. The seed treatment composition of claim 1, wherein the lubricant additive is present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition.

17. 10. The seed treatment composition of claim 1, wherein the lubricant additive and the flour are present in a weight ratio of about 1:20 to about 1:

5.

18. 2. The seed treatment composition of claim 1, wherein the flour is present in an amount of about 40% to about 70% by weight, the powder protein is present in an amount of about 20% to about 50% by weight, and the lubricant additive is present in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed treatment composition.

19. A seed treatment formulation comprising the seed treatment composition of claim 1 and at least one material selected from an inert material, a deactivator, and / or a solid lubricant material.

20. 20. The seed treatment formulation of claim 19, wherein the solid lubricant material is selected from the group consisting of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; Teflon), graphite, boron nitride, calcium fluoride, cerium fluoride, tungsten disulfide, and combinations thereof.

21. The seed treatment composition of claim 1 , wherein the seed treatment composition is talc-free.

22. 10. An agricultural seed treatment composition comprising the seed treatment composition of claim 1 and at least one additional active agent selected from the group consisting of a micronutrient, a macronutrient, a biostimulant, a biological agent, a pesticide, a fertilizer, or a combination thereof.

23. 10. The seed treatment composition of claim 1, wherein the composition improves the flowability of plant seeds by at least 10% compared to the flowability of untreated plant seeds.

24. 10. The seed treatment composition of claim 1, wherein the composition improves the flowability of plant seeds by at least 4% compared to the flowability of plant seeds treated with a commercially available talc-based lubricant composition.

25. 10. The seed treatment composition of claim 1, wherein the composition reduces the formation of plant seed dust in plant seeds by at least about 40% compared to plant dust seeds produced from plant seeds treated with a commercially available talc-based lubricant composition.

26. 10. A method for reducing the formation of plant seed dust and / or improving the flowability of plant seeds, comprising contacting the plant seeds with the seed treatment composition of claim 1.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein said contacting occurs in a seed planter box.

28. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein said contacting occurs prior to adding said plant seeds to a seed sower box.

29. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the contacting step comprises agitating, spraying, or tumbling.

30. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the seed treatment composition is contacted with the plant seed in a weight ratio range of about 0.0001:1 to about 0.01:

1.

31. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the plant seed is selected from the group consisting of cereal plant seeds, legume plant seeds, cereal grass seeds, herbaceous plant seeds, vegetable plant seeds, oilseeds, cottonseeds, and any combination thereof.

32. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the plant seed is a legume seed selected from chickpeas, peanuts, black beans, green peas, lima beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, navy beans, great northern beans, pinto beans, soybeans, lentils, adzuki beans, lupin, alfalfa, and combinations thereof.

33. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the formation of plant seed dust is reduced by at least about 40% compared to plant seed dust resulting from a commercially available talc-based lubricant composition.

34. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the flowability of the plant seeds is improved by at least 5% compared to the flowability of the plant seeds exhibited by a commercially available talc-based lubricant composition.

35. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the flowability of the plant seed is improved by at least 10% compared to the flowability of the plant seed exhibited by an untreated plant seed.

36. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the plant seed contacted with the seed treatment composition of any one of the preceding embodiments has at least one of: (a) improved seed plantability; (b) increased plant emergence; and / or (c) increased crop yield, compared to a plant seed not contacted with the seed treatment composition.

37. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the plant seeds contacted with the seed treatment composition of any one of the preceding embodiments have at least one of the following: (a) improved seed plantability; (b) increased plant emergence; and / or (c) increased crop yield, compared to plant seeds contacted with a commercially available seed treatment composition.

38. 10. A method for producing the seed composition of claim 1, comprising: mixing flour with powdered protein to obtain a homogeneous powdered flour-protein mixture; and contacting said homogeneous powdered flour-protein mixture with a lubricating additive to coat particles of said homogeneous powdered flour-protein mixture to obtain the seed composition of claim 1.

39. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the contacting step comprises heating the homogenous flour-protein mixture and the lubricity additive.

40. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the mixing step comprises agitating, stirring, or tumbling.

41. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the cereal flour is selected from the group consisting of amaranth flour, barley flour, rice flour, buckwheat flour, corn flour, millet flour, quinoa flour, rye flour, spelt flour, wheat flour, sorghum flour, oat flour, einkorn flour, emmer flour, khorasan flour, and any combination thereof.

42. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the powdered protein is derived from sunflower, soy, corn, peanut, grain, egg, or any combination thereof.

43. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the lubricious additive comprises at least one lipid selected from the group consisting of emulsifying wax, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, and any combination thereof, and / or esters thereof.

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