Seed Coating Additives

Abstract

A seed coating composition for coating plant seeds. The coating composition comprises a polymeric binder and / or resin and a hydrolyzed protein. The seed coating composition optionally comprises a pesticide active agent and / or nutrients, and the composition is used to improve the physical properties of the seeds, particularly the ability of the seeds to withstand drought or poor water conditions and / or high salinity conditions. Methods for making the formulation and methods for treating seeds or bulbs with the seed coating formulation are also provided.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seed coating composition for use in coating seeds to maintain and improve drought and salinity tolerance of the seeds and plants germinating therefrom, a method of forming and coating the coating composition on seeds, and the coated seeds. [Background technology]

[0002] Plant seeds are often coated before sowing, for example, to protect the seeds from damage during handling and / or to improve handling characteristics. Seeds are often coated to provide the seeds and seedlings with useful substances (active ingredients) during germination, such as plant nutrients, growth stimulants, and plant protection products. Typical seed coating methods include film coating, pelleting, and enrobing.

[0003] The present invention contemplates providing a seed coating composition that provides desired drought and salinity tolerance to seeds coated with the formulation and to plants formed from the coated seeds.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a seed coating composition comprising a polymeric binder and / or resin and a hydrolyzed protein.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a seed coating composition comprising combining an aqueous composition preblend comprising a polymeric binder and / or resin with a hydrolyzed protein preblend.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of seed coating comprising the step of applying to a seed a seed coating composition comprising a polymeric binder and / or resin and a hydrolyzed protein.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a seed having a coating comprising a polymeric binder and / or resin and a hydrolyzed protein.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a seed coating composition comprising a polymeric binder and / or resin and a hydrolyzed protein to increase the drought and salinity tolerance of seeds coated with said composition.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided use of a seed coating composition comprising a polymeric binder and / or resin and a hydrolyzed protein to increase drought and salinity tolerance of a plant formed from a seed coated with said composition.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a two-component system comprising a first component which is a polymeric binder and / or resin, and a second component which is a hydrolyzed protein, suitable for combining to form a seed coating composition according to the first aspect.

[0011] The seed coating composition of the present invention can be used to improve the physical properties of seeds, particularly the ability of the seeds to withstand drought or poor water conditions and / or high salinity conditions. Advantageous properties are found to be present for seeds coated with the composition and for plants formed from the coated seeds.

[0012] As used herein, the terms "for example," "for instance," "such us," or "including" are meant to introduce examples that further clarify a more general subject matter. Unless otherwise stated, these examples are provided only as an aid in understanding the applications described in this disclosure and are not intended to be limiting in any manner.

[0013] The term "seed" as used in this application is meant to refer in particular to the mature ovule of gymnosperms and angiosperms, which contains an embryo surrounded by a protective covering. In particular, the term covers crop seeds, vegetable seeds, and grain kernels. The protective covering may include a testa. Some seeds contain a pericarp or fruit coat around the seed coat. The term "seed coat" as used in this application is meant to include the caryopsis or achene. The term "seed" includes everything that can be planted to produce a plant in agriculture, including pelleted seeds, true seeds, plant seedlings, rootstocks, regenerable and plant-forming tissues, and tubers or bulbs.

[0014] The term "coating" as used in this application is meant to refer to the application of a substance to the surface of a seed, for example as a layer of a substance around the seed. Coating includes film coating, pelleting, and enrobing, or a combination of these techniques known in the art. The coating is preferably applied over substantially the entire surface of the seed, such as 90% or more of the surface area of ​​the seed, to form a layer. However, the coating may be complete or partial, for example 20% or more, or 50% or more of the surface area of ​​the seed.

[0015] The term "seed coating composition" as used in this application is meant to refer to a composition for use in coating seeds.

[0016] The term "drought stress" as used in this application is meant to refer to stress resulting from abiotic factors affecting the environment in which the plant lives, in particular drought and osmotic stress. The term "salt stress" may similarly relate to stress occurring to the plant due to high levels of salt in the surrounding soil and environment. The "tolerance" of a plant refers to the ability of the plant to withstand said stress without undergoing substantial alterations in metabolism, growth, productivity and / or survival rate.

[0017] The seed is a plant seed, such as a field crop seed, a vegetable seed, an herb seed, a wild flower seed, an ornamental plant seed, a grass seed, a tree seed, or a shrub seed.

[0018] Preferably, the plant seed is an agricultural crop seed. The seed can be of monocotyledonous or dicotyledonous variety. Suitable seeds include soybean, cotton, corn, peanut, maize, wheat, barley, oat, rye, mustard, oilseed rape (or canola), sunflower, sugar beet, safflower, millet, chicory, flax, buckwheat, tobacco, hemp seed, alfalfa, signal grass, clover, sorghum, chickpea, bean, pea, vetch, rice, sugarcane, guayule, or linseed. Examples of suitable plants include asparagus, chives, celery, leeks, garlic, beetroot, spinach, beets, curly kale, cauliflower, broccoli sprouts, savoy cabbage, white cabbage, red cabbage, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, turnip, endive, chicory, watermelon, melon, cucumber, gherkin, mallow, parsley, fennel, peas, beans, radish, black salsify, eggplant, sweet corn, popcorn, carrots, onions, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, snap beans, cucurbits, scallions, broccoli, rapeseed, and Brussels sprouts.

[0019] Preferably, the seed of said plant is selected from the group consisting of maize, sunflower, wheat, lettuce, and onion, preferably maize.

[0020] Preferably, the seeds of said plants are capable of germination. Optionally, the seeds may have had the shell removed (so-called shelled or dehulled seeds).

[0021] The term "hydrolyzed protein" is used herein to include polypeptides, peptides, amino acids and / or peptones. Polypeptides, peptides and amino acids may be produced, for example, by acid, alkaline and / or enzymatic hydrolysis of native proteins. Enzymatically hydrolyzed proteins are preferred. In one embodiment, hydrolyzed wheat proteins are preferred, especially those produced by enzymatic hydrolysis. The hydrolyzed protein component may include starch, for example the hydrolyzed wheat protein may include wheat starch.

[0022] The hydrolyzed proteins may be formed from individual amino acids or from amino acids contained within a longer peptide chain derived from a hydrolyzed protein. Preferably, the hydrolyzed proteins may be amino acid chains formed from hydrolyzing a protein.

[0023] The hydrolyzed proteins present in the seed treatment composition used in the present invention may be derived from either animal or vegetable sources or may be derived by fermentation. Examples of suitable proteins include collagen, elastin, keratin, casein, wheat protein, wheat starch, potato protein, soy protein and / or silk protein. Wheat protein and / or potato protein are particularly preferred, especially wheat protein.

[0024] The hydrolyzed proteins can also be chemically modified, for example, when the proteins are covalently reacted with functional groups, such as silanes, quaternary ammonium compounds and / or acid chlorides.

[0025] The term "protein" is used herein to include both native (or chemically unmodified) and hydrolyzed proteins, and includes naturally so-called proteins, as well as polypeptides, peptides, amino acids, and / or peptones, all of which can be classified as hydrolyzed proteins. Hydrolyzed proteins, which can be produced, for example, by acid, alkaline, and / or enzymatic hydrolysis of native proteins, are preferred, especially polypeptides and peptides. Acid-hydrolyzed proteins are preferred. In one embodiment, hydrolyzed keratin proteins, especially those produced by acid hydrolysis, are preferred.

[0026] Chemically modified and / or hydrolyzed proteins may also be employed, for example where the protein has been covalently reacted with functional groups such as silanes, quaternary ammonium compounds and / or acid chlorides.

[0027] The protein component is understood to be a mixture of amino acids and short protein chains, small peptides.

[0028] The molecular weight (weight average) of the protein component starting material (before hydrolysis) can vary over a wide range, for example, ranging from 100 to 500,000 Daltons. It is understood that the molecular weight average is a measure of the value over the entire range of amino acid containing compounds in the seed coating composition.

[0029] The molecular weight (weight average molecular weight) of the hydrolyzed protein may vary over a wide range, for example in the range of 50 Da to 50,000 Da, preferably in the range of 100 Da to 5,000 Da, more preferably in the range of 150 Da to 1,500 Da. In one embodiment, the hydrolyzed protein may have an average molecular weight in the range of 500 Da to 2,500 Da, preferably in the range of 1,000 Da to 2,000 Da, in particular in the range of 1,250 Da to 1,750 Da, for example about 1,500 Da. In a further embodiment, the hydrolyzed protein may have an average molecular weight in the range of 50 Da to 250 Da, preferably in the range of 100 Da to 200 Da, in particular in the range of about 150 Da.

[0030] In one embodiment, the individual hydrolyzed protein segments may contain on average in the range of 1.5 to 200, preferably 5 to 100, more preferably 8 to 50, especially 10 to 25 amino acids. In a further embodiment, the individual hydrolyzed protein segments may contain on average in the range of 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 5, more preferably 1 to 3, especially 1 to 2 amino acids.

[0031] The hydrolysis carried out is to the extent necessary to achieve the desired molecular weight and chain length of the hydrolyzed protein. The extent of hydrolysis can be varied by varying the temperature, pH, the concentration and type of enzyme used, and the time required.

[0032] The hydrolyzed protein may be filtered and treated to remove undesirable materials.

[0033] In one hydrolysis, the protein or polypeptide contains, on average, in the range of 2 to 15, preferably 4 to 12, more preferably 6 to 10 amino acids.

[0034] Preferably, the hydrolyzed protein component is capable of forming a solution in water.

[0035] It is preferred that the amount of free amino acids in the hydrolyzed protein is less than 60% by weight, more preferably less than 55% by weight, it being understood that a low level of free amino acids is desirable due to their low solubility.

[0036] One or more polymeric binders are present in the seed coating composition of the present invention. The at least one polymeric binder is preferably an organic polymeric binder, more preferably a synthetic polymeric binder. The polymer binder may be selected from the group consisting of, for example, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, polyurethane, cellulose (including ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxymethylpropyl cellulose), polyvinylpyrrolidone, dextrin, maltodextrin, starch, polysaccharides, fats, oils, proteins, gum arabic, shellac, vinylidene chloride, vinylidene chloride copolymers, calcium lignosulfonate, polyacrylates, acrylic copolymers, polyvinyl acrylate, zein, casein, gelatin, chitosan, pullulan, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, acrylamide polymers, acrylamide copolymers, polyhydroxyethyl acrylate, methylacrylamide polymers, poly(N-vinylacetamide), sodium alginate, polychloroprene, and syrup. These binders may be used alone or in combination of two, three, or more.

[0037] Preferred binders may be selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polysaccharides (other than starch), proteins, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and polyacrylates.

[0038] The binder preferably used in this specification has a molecular weight (weight average molecular weight) in the range of 1,000 to 40,000, preferably 5,000 to 20,000, more preferably 9,000 to 11,000, particularly 9,500 to 10,500, and especially 9,800 to 10,200.

[0039] Preferred polymer binders are copolymers of acrylic acid and alkyl methacrylates or styrene having a molecular weight less than 20,000 and a Tg greater than 30°C.

[0040] The acid-base monomers of the polymeric binder may be selected from a broad group of monomers including acids such as carboxylic acid monomers, sulfonic acid monomers, and phosphonic acid derivatives. The selection of monomers allows the polymer to be water soluble when in neutralized form and when copolymerized with hydrophobic monomers.

[0041] The polymer binder has a weight ratio of carboxylic acid to hydrophobe of 10-90:90-10, preferably 12-50:88-50, more preferably 15-40:85-60, and most preferably 20-30:80-70.

[0042] The acid-base monomer of the polymeric binder may be selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, crotonic acid, sulfuric acid derivatives of (meth)acrylic acid, sulfonic acid monomers such as AMPS, phosphonic acid derivatives such as styrene sulfonic acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, allyl sulfonic acid, vinyl phosphonic acid, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, it is acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. More preferably, the monomer is methacrylic acid.

[0043] In an alternative embodiment, the polymeric binder may be a homopolymer of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which may be 70% or more hydrolyzed.

[0044] The hydrophobic monomer may be a vinyl monomer or a vinyl aromatic monomer, or the vinyl aromatic monomer may be replaced by other suitable monomers, such as methyl methacrylate, or other suitable alternatives.

[0045] Suitable vinyl aromatic monomers may preferably contain from 8 to 20 carbon atoms, most preferably from 8 to 14 carbon atoms. Examples of vinyl aromatic monomers include styrene, including substituted styrenes, 1-vinylnaphthalene, 2-vinylnaphthalene, 3-methylstyrene, 4-propylstyrene, t-butylstyrene, 4-cyclohexylstyrene, 4-dodecylstyrene, 2-ethyl-4-benzylstyrene, 4-(phenylbutyl)styrene, α-methylstyrene, and halogenated styrenes.

[0046] The vinyl aromatic monomer may be styrene itself or a substituted styrene, particularly a hydrocarbyl, preferably alkyl, substituted styrene, preferably where the substituents in the substituted styrene are on the vinyl group or aromatic ring of the styrene, such as α-methylstyrene and vinyltoluene.

[0047] The styrene monomer may be a styrene monomer containing a strong acid, particularly a sulfonic acid, substituent. When such a strong acid modified monomer is present, the styrene monomer is usually formed in an amount of 1 to 30 mol%, more preferably 2 to 20 mol%, and desirably 5 to 15 mol% in the copolymer.

[0048] Preferably, the vinyl aromatic monomer is styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, or a combination thereof.

[0049] When the vinyl aromatic monomer is a mixture of styrene and substituted styrene, the monomer mixture may contain in the range of 80-95% by weight styrene and 5-20% by weight substituted styrene.

[0050] Preferably, the polymeric binder may be a styrene-based (meth)acrylic acid copolymer, where the repeat units in the copolymer are appropriately considered to be residues of the monomeric components.

[0051] In the water-dispersible styrene (meth)acrylic copolymer used in the present invention, the molar ratio of (meth)acrylic acid monomer residues to styrene monomer residues is usually 20:1 to 1:5, more preferably 10:1 to 1:2, and particularly 3:1 to 1:1.

[0052] Generally correspondingly, the proportions of monomer residues by weight are typically from 93% to 10% by weight, more typically from 87% to 25% by weight, and especially from 67% to 40% by weight of (meth)acrylic acid monomer, and from 7% to 90% by weight, more typically from 13% to 75% by weight, and especially from 33% to 60% by weight of styrene monomer.

[0053] The (meth)acrylic acid monomer may further include a monomer that is a derivative of (meth)acrylic acid. The derivative of (meth)acrylic acid may include a strong acid, especially a strong acid that contains a sulfuric or sulfonic acid group (or a salt thereof). Examples of said monomers include acrylamidomethylpropylsulfonate (AMPS) and (meth)acrylic acid isethionate.

[0054] When such strong acid modified monomers are present, they typically form 1 to 30 mole %, more typically 2 to 20 mole %, and desirably 5 to 15 mole % of the acrylic acid monomer in the copolymer.

[0055] Other monomers may be included, for example acidic monomers such as itaconic acid or maleic acid or anhydride; strongly acidic monomers such as methallylsulfonic acid (or salts); or non-acidic acrylic monomers such as acrylic acid esters which may be alkyl esters, particularly C1-C6 alkyl esters, such as methyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate or butyl acrylate, or hydroxyalkyl esters, particularly C1-C6 hydroxyalkyl esters, such as hydroxyethyl methacrylate or hydroxypropyl methacrylate; or vinyl monomers such as vinyl acetate. The weight proportion of other monomers is typically about 30% by weight or less, usually about 20% by weight or less, more usually about 10% by weight or less.

[0056] The polymer may be a single styrene-acrylic acid copolymer or a blend containing two or more such copolymers. In particular, when the polymeric dispersant contains strong acid residues, the dispersant may be a blend of a copolymer containing strong acid residues and a copolymer not containing such residues. In such blends, it is generally desirable that the ratio of such copolymers is 1:10 to 10:1, more typically 5:1 to 1:5, by weight. In particular, it is desirable that the proportion of copolymers containing strong acid residues is at least 25%, more usually at least 40%, by weight of the polymer.

[0057] By incorporating a monomer having a strongly acidic substituent into the polymer dispersant, it is possible to provide improved dispersibility of solid components in a formulation, such as solid granular pesticide active ingredients.

[0058] The polymers may be used as free acids or salts. In practice, the form present in the formulation is determined by the acidity of the formulation. Desirably, the formulation is close to neutral, with the majority of the acidic groups present as salts. The cations in any of the salts may be alkali metals, especially sodium and / or potassium, ammonium, or amines, including alkanolamines such as ethanolamine, especially triethanolamine. In particular, the sodium or potassium salt form of the stabilizer polymer is preferred.

[0059] Neutralization with at least 80% sodium is preferred, preferably 90%, and most preferably 95% sodium.

[0060] The polymer used in the formulation of the present invention may be entirely styrene (meth)acrylic copolymer or may contain other dispersant materials such as the conventional dispersants mentioned above, for example, naphthalenesulfonic acid formaldehyde condensates, lignosulfonates, maleic anhydride copolymers, and condensed phenolsulfonic acids and their salts. When used in such combinations, the weight ratio of the styrene (meth)acrylic copolymer to the conventional dispersant is usually 16 to 2:1, more typically 12 to 4:1, and especially 10 to 6:1, respectively.

[0061] The amount of the acrylic acid monomer present in the polymer binder may range from 10% to 70% by weight, preferably from 20% to 60% by weight, more preferably from 25% to 50% by weight, and most preferably from 30% to 40% by weight.

[0062] The amount of vinyl aromatic monomer present in the polymer binder may range from 90% to 30% by weight, preferably from 80% to 40% by weight, more preferably from 75% to 50% by weight, and most preferably from 70% to 60% by weight.

[0063] The pH of the polymer binder may be in the range of 5 to 10. More preferably, it is in the range of 6 to 9. Even more preferably, it is in the range of 7 to 9. Most preferably, it is in the range of 7.5 to 8.5.

[0064] The polymeric binder may be prepared by the use of a free radical polymerization initiator, such as a peroxide or redox initiator, of the constituent monomers, especially solution polymerization, optionally together with a chain transfer agent such as an alkyl mercaptan, which acts to control the molecular weight of the polymer. Suitable methods are described, for example, in EP 0 697 422.

[0065] The polymeric binder may also be made by a solvent exchange process in a hydrophilic solvent mixture, such as an IPA / water mixture, where a monomer feed is added along with an initiator, the monomers are reacted, distilled and neutralized.

[0066] The molecular weights (weight average) of the polymeric binders described herein may be determined by techniques well known in the art, such as light scattering, size exclusion HPLC, or mass spectrometry, preferably by mass spectrometry.

[0067] The "resin" according to the present invention is preferably a rosin resin or a rosin ester, which is any molecule in which at least two rosin acid or rosin acid derivative units are linked by at least two ester bonds. Any molecule with at least two hydroxyl groups can be used to provide the ester bonds between the at least two rosin acid units. Common non-limiting examples include glycerol esters, pentaerythritol esters, and (triethylene) glycol esters.

[0068] It is understood that the term "rosin acid" according to the present invention includes mixtures of various rosin acid molecules. Such mixtures, which are readily available and occur naturally, include, but are not limited to, tall oil rosin, gum rosin, or wood rosin. These natural mixtures may contain various amounts of abietic and / or pimaric type rosin acids, such as abietic acid, palustric acid, neoabietic acid, levopimaric acid, pimaric acid, isopimaric acid, or dehydroabietic acid. In addition to rosin acids with one carboxylic acid functional group, rosin acids with two or more carboxylic acid functional groups are also considered rosin acids within the meaning of the present invention.

[0069] A "rosin acid derivative" according to the present invention is any molecule having a rosin acid backbone that has been modified in at least one of the following ways: in one embodiment, at least one double bond is hydrogenated; in another embodiment, at least one of the rings of the rosin and backbone is dehydrogenated to produce an aromatic ring; yet another embodiment includes additions to the conjugated double bonds of the rosin acid backbone, particularly the addition of maleic anhydride in a Diels-Alder type reaction. The resulting adduct is considered a type of rosin acid derivative according to the present invention.

[0070] The "resin dispersant" according to the present invention is a dispersant for rosin resin entities, and the solvent is generally water or an aqueous solution. However, mixtures of water and non-aqueous solvents, especially organic solvents, may also be suitable, as long as they do not adversely affect the foaming properties or other dispersion properties. Mixtures of water and other water-soluble solvents may also be used in the same way.

[0071] Suitably, any rosin resin or any rosin resin material conventionally used in resin dispersions is suitable for use according to the present invention. For example, suitable types of resins include rosin esters, rosin resins, pentaerythritol, glycerol, triethylene glycol esters of rosin, or mixtures thereof.

[0072] Suitable rosin-based resins include, but are not limited to, esters of natural and modified rosins, and their hydrogenated derivatives. Mixtures of two or more of the above-mentioned resins may be suitable for use in some embodiments.

[0073] Suitably, in other embodiments, the rosin can be unmodified or modified rosin. There are many different ways to modify rosin. For example, rosin can be esterified. In some embodiments, the rosin is a glycerol, pentaerythritol, or triethylene glycol ester of rosin acid. Suitably, in other embodiments, any low molecular weight compound containing multiple hydroxyl groups can be used to make rosin esters.

[0074] Rosin resins suitable for the aqueous resin dispersions of the present invention include rosin acids and rosin derivatives. Rosin acids are produced from wood, gum, or tall oil rosin. Wood rosin is harvested from tree stumps. Gum rosin is collected from tree sap in areas such as China and Brazil. Tall oil rosin is a by-product of the Kraft paper process. The distribution of rosin acid isomers varies within each of these sources. Rosin acids may be partially or fully hydrogenated or disproportionated.

[0075] Rosin derivatives may be dimerized or polymerized from rosin acid. Rosin derivatives also include rosin esters, which are the reaction products of rosin acid with monofunctional or polyfunctional alcohols. Aromatic and aliphatic alcohols suitable for synthesizing rosin esters include, but are not limited to, pentaerythritol, glycerol, triethylene glycol, and methanol. Rosin derivatives may be modified with phenol, maleic acid, fumaric acid, or other suitable polar compounds. Rosin acids may be partially or fully hydrogenated or disproportionated.

[0076] The rosin resin may be characterized by a ring and ball softening point in the range of about 10° C. to about 150° C. and have a molecular weight of 300 to 10,000 g / mol. More preferably, the resin has a softening point in the range of about 10° C. to about 100° C. and a molecular weight of 300 to 3,000 g / mol.

[0077] Rosin-based resin dispersions suitable for the present invention consist of aqueous dispersions of rosin-based resin containing 20-80% resin, preferably 30-70% resin, and more preferably 40-60% resin.

[0078] It is understood that the seed coating composition can be provided as a combined system with the polymer binder and / or resin and the hydrolyzed protein already combined. In an alternative embodiment, a two-component system can be provided that includes separate components, which can be combined by the end user to form the seed coating composition. In said alternative embodiment, a two-component system can be provided, including a first component being the polymer binder and / or resin and a second component being the hydrolyzed protein. This two-component system is suitable for combining to form a seed coating composition according to the first aspect.

[0079] The seed coating composition may also contain other ingredients as desired. These ingredients may be selected from those including: diluents, absorbents or carriers, such as carbon black; talc; diatomaceous earth; kaolin; aluminium, calcium, or magnesium stearate; sodium tripolyphosphate; sodium tetraborate; sodium sulphate; sodium, aluminium, and mixed sodium aluminium silicates; and sodium benzoate, · Wetting agents such as alcohol ethoxylate and alcohol ethoxylate / propoxylate wetting agents; Dispersants such as sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensates and acrylic copolymers, e.g. comb copolymers having polyethylene glycol side chains capped onto a polyacrylic backbone; · Emulsifiers such as alcohol ethoxylates, ABA block copolymers, or castor oil ethoxylates; a defoamer, such as a polysiloxane defoamer, typically in an amount of 0.005% to 10% by weight of the formulation; waxes, such as natural, mineral and synthetic waxes or combinations thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of polyethylene waxes, carnauba wax, paraffin wax, polypropylene wax, oxidized polyethylene wax, montan wax, ceresin wax, ozocerite, peat wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, amide wax, ethylene acrylic acid wax, polyolefin wax, ethylene bisstearamide wax, beeswax, lanolin wax, sugarcane wax, palm wax and vegetable waxes; viscosity modifiers, such as commercially available water-soluble or miscible gums, e.g. xanthan gum, and / or celluloses, e.g. carboxy-methyl, ethyl or propyl cellulose; and / or Typically in an amount of 0.01% to 1% by weight of the formulation, preservatives and / or antimicrobial agents such as organic acids, or their esters or salts, e.g. ascorbic acid such as ascorbyl palmitate, sorbic acid such as potassium sorbate, benzoates such as benzoic acid, and phenols such as methyl and propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, propionic acids such as sodium propionate, sodium 2-phenylphenate; 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one; or formaldehyde, either by itself or as paraformaldehyde; or inorganic materials, e.g. sulfuric acid and its salts.

[0080] The seed coating composition of the present invention may also include surfactants, such as wetting agents, dispersing agents, and / or emulsifying agents. Surfactants may aid in the mixing / emulsifying / dispersing of wax and / or pigment particles in the preblend and seed coating composition. Suitable surfactants include ionic and non-ionic products, including solutions of organically modified polyacrylates, polyacrylates, sodium polyacrylates, polyurethanes, phosphate esters, star polymers, and / or modified polyethers.

[0081] The seed coating composition of the present invention may include additional ingredients, such as ingredients selected from one or more of solvents, thickeners, antifoaming agents, preservatives, and lubricants.

[0082] Suitable thickeners include agar, carboxymethylcellulose, carrageenan, chitin, fucoidan, ghatti, gum arabic, karaya, laminaran, locust bean gum, pectin, alginate, guar gum, xanthan gum, diutan gum, tragacanth, bentonite clay, HEUR (hydrophobically modified, ethoxylated urethane) thickener, HASE (hydrophobically modified, alkali swellable emulsion) thickener and polyacrylate.Gums are generally preferred due to their low cost, availability and excellent ability to enhance the physical properties of the resulting coating film.

[0083] Examples of suitable defoamers include polyethylene glycol, glycerin, mineral oil defoamers, silicone defoamers, and non-silicone defoamers (e.g., polyethers, polyacrylates), dimethylpolysiloxane (silicone oil), arylalkyl-modified polysiloxanes, polyether siloxane copolymers with fumed silica. The defoamer may be present in some embodiments of the seed coating composition in an amount of at least 1 ppm by weight, or 0.1 to 0.3% by weight, based on the total weight of the seed coating composition.

[0084] The seed coating composition may further comprise one or more solvents other than water. The solvent may be selected from the group consisting of alcohols and hydrocarbons. Also mixtures of solvents may be used. Preferably, the solvent is liquid at 20° C. and 1 atm. Examples of suitable solvents include glycols and their esters and ethers, especially ethylene and propylene glycol and their esters and ethers, such as esters and ethers with C1 C6 alkyl groups and / or aromatic groups, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, benzyl and phenyl ethers, including mono- and dialkyl ethers, and esters of these ethers, such as acetates, and ethylene and propylene glycol esters, such as fatty acids; polyethylene glycols (PEG) and polypropylene glycols and their esters, especially with fatty acids; butyl cellosolve, butyl carbitol, polyethylene glycol; alkyl alcohols with up to 10 carbon atoms, such as N-methylpyrrolidone, glycerin, ethanol, propanol and butanol. Other examples of solvents include dipropylene glycol methyl ether and propylene glycol methyl ether. An important solvent is ethylene glycol. Further examples include propylene tetramer and synthetic ester oils, such as lactate esters, especially ethyl lactate, and benzoate esters, such as iso-propyl or 2-ethylhexyl benzoate. Aromatic hydrocarbons such as xylene, aliphatic and paraffinic solvents, and vegetable oils can also be used as solvents. Aromatic solvents are less preferred.

[0085] The seed coating composition may also include ingredients with a plasticizing effect, such as surfactants or antifreeze agents. Common surfactants include amphiphilic organic compounds, usually containing branched, linear or aromatic hydrocarbons, fluorocarbons or siloxane chains as tails and hydrophilic groups. Some surfactant types include nonionic, anionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants, as well as organosilicon and organofluorine surfactants. Some examples of surfactants include polyoxyethylene glycol and polyoxypropylene ethers and esters, especially alkyl, aryl and alkylaryl ethers, as well as ethers such as sulfates, phosphates and sulfonates, glucoside (alkyl) ethers, glycerol esters, such as alkyl and fatty acid esters, sorbitan (alkyl) esters, acetylene compounds, cocamide compounds, block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Further examples of surfactants include alkylamine salts and alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, such as betaine type surfactants, amino acid type surfactants; polyhedral alcohols, fatty acid esters, especially C12C18 fatty acids, such as polyglycerol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, sorbitan, and sucrose, polyhydric alcohol alkyl ethers, fatty acid alkanolamides, and propoxylated and ethoxylated compounds, such as fatty alcohol ethoxylates, polyethoxylated tallow amines, and alkylphenol ethoxylates.Some examples of anionic surfactants include carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid copolymers, sulfates, sulfonic acid compounds, and phosphates, such as lignin sulfonates and (linear) alkylaryl sulfonates.

[0086] Antifreeze agents include, for example: ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3 butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and glycerin, with the preferred glycols being ethylene glycol and propylene glycol.

[0087] The seed coating composition of the present invention may also include one or more optional pigments that function to provide an aesthetic effect when coated on a seed. The pigments are preferably inorganic materials and may be, for example, effect pigments and / or color pigments known in the art.

[0088] Suitable effect pigments include pearlescent pigments of different particle sizes. Effect pigments can be used with a particle size of 60 μm or less, or with a particle size of 15 μm or less. The particle size of the effect pigment is preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less. Typically, the particle size of the effect pigment is 1 μm or more. Another effect pigment can be aluminium. Effect pigments can be used to give the seed an attractive cosmetic appearance.

[0089] Examples of colored pigments include Pigment Red 112 (CAS No. 6535-46-2), Pigment Red 2 (CAS No. 6041-94-7), Pigment Red 48:2 (CAS No. 7023-61-2), Pigment Blue 15:3 (CAS No. 147-14-8), Pigment Green 36 (CAS No. 14302-13-7), Pigment Green 7 (CAS No. 1328-53-6), Pigment Yellow 74 (CAS No. 6358-31-2), Pigment Orange 5 (CAS No. 3468-63-1), Pigment Violet 23 (CAS No. 6358-30-1), Pigment Black 7 (CAS No. 97793 37 8), and Pigment White 6 (CAS No. 98084-96-9). The particle size of the color pigment is preferably 100 μm or less, more preferably 50 μm or less, and usually 25 μm or more.

[0090] Dyes such as anthraquinone, triphenylmethane, phthalocyanine, their derivatives, and diazonium salts may be used in addition to or as an alternative to the colored pigments.

[0091] The amount of pigment in the seed coating composition, if present, is suitably in the range 0.1 to 15% by weight, preferably 1.0 to 8.0%, more preferably 2.0 to 5.0%, particularly 2.5 to 3.5% by weight, and especially 2.8 to 3.2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0092] Biocides can be included in some embodiments of the seed coating composition, for example as a preservative, to extend the shelf life of the seed coating composition before it is applied to the seed, such as when it is stored. Examples of suitable biocides include MIT (2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; CAS No. 2682 20-4), BIT (1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one; CAS No. 2632-33-5), CIT (5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one), Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol) and / or combinations thereof.

[0093] The seed coating composition may include one or more bioactive ingredients, including plant enhancers, particularly plant protection products (also called PPPs). Examples of suitable active ingredients, particularly plant enhancers, are fungicidal agents, bactericidal agents, insecticidal agents, nematicides, molluscicides, biological agents, acaricides or miticides, pesticides, and biocides. Further acceptable active ingredients include disinfectants, microorganisms, rodent killers, herbicides (weed killers), attractants, (bird) repellents, plant growth regulators (e.g., gibberellic acid, auxins or cytokinins), nutrients (e.g., potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, iron chelates), plant hormones, minerals, plant extracts, germination stimulants, pheromones, biological agents, etc.

[0094] The amount of active ingredient applied will of course depend strongly on the type of active ingredient and the type of seed used. Usually, however, the amount of one or more active ingredients will be in the range of 0.001 to 200 g per kg of seed. The skilled person will be able to determine the appropriate amount of active ingredient depending on the active ingredient and the type of seed used. The skilled person will usually follow the advice of the active ingredient supplier (BASF, Bayer, Syngenta, DuPont, etc.), e.g. by using technical data sheets and / or the following recommendations:

[0095] Typical fungicidal agents include Captan (N-trichloromethyl)thio-4-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboximide), Thiram tetramethylthioperoxydicarbonamide (Proceed) TM (commercially available as Maxim), metalaxyl (methyl N(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N(methoxyacetyl) d,l-alaninate), fludioxonil (4(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carbonitrile; Maxim TM XL), difenoconazole (Dividend TM 3FS), carbendazim iprodione (Rovral TM ipconazole (sold by Arista as Rancona, formerly Agriphar or Chemtura), mefonoxam (Apron TMXL), tebuconazole, carboxin, thiabendazole, azoxystrobin, prochloraz, prothioconazole (commercially available from Bayer as Redigo), sedaxane (commercially available from Syngenta as Vibrance), cymoxanil (1(2 cyano-2-methoxyiminoacetyl) 3-ethylurea), fludioxonil, a mixture of metalaxyl, cymoxanil, and fludioxonil, commercially available from Syngenta as Wakil, and oxadixyl (N(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2-methoxy-N(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)acetamide).

[0096] Typical bactericidal agents include streptomycin, penicillin, tetracycline, ampicillin, and oxolinic acid.

[0097] Typical insecticidal agents include pyrethroids, organophosphates, caramoyl oximes, pyrazoles, amidines, halogenated hydrocarbons, neonicotinoids, carbamates and their derivatives. Particularly suitable classes of insecticides include organophosphates, phenylpyrazoles and pyrethroids. Preferred insecticides are those known as terbufos, chlorpyrifos, fipronil, chlorethoxyphos, tefluthrin, carbofuran, imidacloprid, and tebupirimfos. Commercially available acaricides include imidacloprid (Gaucho TM (available commercially as Poncho from Bayer); TM thiamethoxam (available from Syngenta as Cruiser TM thiacloprid (commercially available from Bayer as Sonido), cypermethrin (commercially available from Chemtura as Langis TM methiocarb (available commercially as Mesurol from Bayer); fipronil (available commercially as Regent from BASF); TMchlorantraniliprole (also known as rynaxypyr, 5-bromo-N-[4-chloro-2-methyl-6(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl]-2-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide, available from DuPont as Coragen TM (commercially available as CI) and cyantraniliprole (also known as cyadypyr, 3 bromo-1-(3-chloro-2-pyridyl)-4'cyano-2'-methyl-6'(methylcarbamoyl)pyrazole-5-carboxanilide).

[0098] Commercially available nematicides include abamectin (available from Syngenta under the tradename Avicita TM Thiodicarb (available commercially as Aeris from Bayer) TM (commercially available as

[0099] Typical molluscicides include metaldehyde (Metaldehyde from Lonza); TM (commercially available as Bayluscide from Bayer) or niclosamide (commercially available as Bayluscide from Bayer) TM (commercially available as serotonin), chazypyr and rynaxypyr (available from DuPont).

[0100] Examples of suitable biological agents include Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma, Rhizobia (for nitrogen fixation), etc., which have been identified as seed treatment materials to protect plants and / or enhance their health and / or production performance.

[0101] These lists are not exhaustive and new active ingredients are continually developed and can be incorporated into the seed coating compositions.

[0102] Nutrients may be present in addition to, or as an alternative to, the pesticide active agent. In such formulations, the nutrients are typically in dry form.

[0103] The said nutrients are preferably solid nutrients. In the present invention, solid nutrients are to be understood as meaning substances with a melting point of 20° C. or higher (at standard pressure). Solid nutrients also include insoluble nutrient components, i.e. nutrient components whose solubility in water is such that after addition there is a significant solid content in the concentrate.

[0104] Nutrients refer to chemical elements and compounds that are desirable or necessary to promote or improve plant growth. Suitable nutrients are generally described as macronutrients or micronutrients. Suitable nutrients for use in the concentrates described in the present invention are all nutritional compounds.

[0105] Micronutrients typically refer to trace metals or trace elements, and are often applied in low doses.Suitable micronutrients include trace elements selected from zinc, boron, chlorine, copper, iron, molybdenum, and manganese.Micronutrients can be in soluble form or can be included as insoluble solid, and can be salt or chelated.

[0106] Macronutrients typically refer to those containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, including fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate, and water conditioners. Suitable macronutrients include fertilizers and other nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur-containing compounds, and water conditioners.

[0107] Suitable fertilizers include inorganic fertilizers that provide nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium or sulfur. The fertilizers may be included in relatively low concentrations or as more concentrated solutions in dilute formulations, which may include solid fertilizers as well as solutions at very high levels.

[0108] It is expected that nutrient inclusions will depend on the particular nutrient, with micronutrients typically being present in lower concentrations while macronutrients typically being present in higher concentrations.

[0109] Biostimulants may enhance metabolic or physiological processes, such as respiration, photosynthesis, nucleic acid uptake, ion uptake, nutrient delivery, or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of biostimulants include seaweed extracts (e.g., Ascophyllum nodosum), humic acids (e.g., potassium humate), fulvic acid, myo-inositol, glycine, and combinations thereof.

[0110] The hydrolysed protein is suitably present in the seed coating composition at a concentration in the range 0.5 to 25% by weight, preferably 2 to 18% by weight, more preferably 5 to 15% by weight, especially 8 to 12% by weight.

[0111] The polymeric binder in the coating composition is polyvinylpyrrolidone suitably present in an amount of 5 to 40%, preferably in the range of 8 to 30%, and most preferably in the range of 10 to 25% by weight based on the total weight of the polymeric binder present.

[0112] In one embodiment, the coating composition suitably comprises (i) 60-98 wt.-%, preferably 70-95 wt.-%, more preferably 80-92 wt.-%, particularly 87-91 wt.-%, and especially 88-90 wt.-% polyvinylpyrrolidone, and (ii) 2-40 wt.-%, preferably 5-30 wt.-%, more preferably 8-20 wt.-%, particularly 9-13 wt.-%, and especially 10-12 wt.-% of a polymeric binder other than polyvinylpyrrolidone; both based on the total weight of the polymeric binder in the coating composition.

[0113] The amount of polymeric binder in the seed coating composition is suitably in the range 3 to 40% by weight, preferably 6 to 25% by weight, more preferably 8 to 12% by weight, particularly 9.4 to 9.9% by weight, and especially 9.6 to 9.7% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0114] In one embodiment, the hydrolyzed protein preparation or preblend and the aqueous binder composition preblend are formed separately and mixed together to form the seed coating composition of the present invention. The aqueous composition preblend preferably comprises a polymeric binder as defined herein. The aqueous composition preblend may also comprise a pigment as defined herein, and any other seed coating composition component as defined herein. The aqueous composition preblend may also comprise one or more bioactive materials as described herein.

[0115] In an alternative embodiment, the composition may be made in a "one-pot" process where all components are added.

[0116] Coating includes film coating, pelleting, and enrobing, or combinations of these techniques known in the art. It is envisaged that the present invention applies to all of the above coating types, preferably film coating.

[0117] The seed coating composition of the present invention can be applied to seeds in a conventional manner.

[0118] Seeds may be primed or unprimed (treated to improve germination rate, e.g. osmopriming, hydropriming, matrix priming).

[0119] In one embodiment, the seed is not provided with an artificial layer, for example a primer layer containing a binder such as a polymer, before applying the seed coating composition of the present invention.Therefore, the seed coating composition is preferably applied directly onto the outer surface of natural seeds.However, the seed surface may be subjected to a surface treatment before applying the seed coating composition.

[0120] Preferably, the seed coating composition is applied as a liquid composition and / or emulsion and / or dispersion and / or latex composition, which is then solidified (including cured and / or dried) to form the seed coating. The term "liquid coating composition" as used in this application is intended to include coating compositions in the form of suspensions, emulsions, and / or dispersions, preferably dispersions.

[0121] Conventional coating means can be employed to coat the seeds. A variety of coating machines are available to those skilled in the art. Some well-known techniques include the use of drum coaters, fluidized bed techniques, rotary coaters (with or without integrated drying), and spouted beds. Preferably, the seed coating composition is applied to the seeds by a rotary coater, a rotary dry coater, a pan coater, or a continuous treater.

[0122] If the seeds are coated, the amount of water in the seed coating composition is suitably less than 30%, preferably less than 25%, more preferably less than 20%, particularly in the range of 14.0 to 17.0%, and especially 15.0 to 16.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0123] In an alternative embodiment in which the seeds are film coated, the amount of water in the seed coating composition is suitably in the range of 20% to 80% by weight, preferably in the range of 30% to 70% by weight, more preferably in the range of 40% to 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0124] The seed coating composition may be applied, for example, by film coating, spraying, dipping, or brushing the seed coating composition. Optionally, it is applied at a temperature of 25°C to 50°C, for example 5°C to 35°C, more frequently at room temperature such as 15°C to 30°C, for example 18°C ​​to 25°C. Preferably, the seed coating composition is applied to the seed by film coating. Film coating can be suitably applied, typically by spraying a liquid coating composition onto the seed while the seed is falling or flowing through a coating device. Preferably, the method includes film coating of the seed, where the seed coating composition is applied in the form of a film coating composition.

[0125] Preferably, the method includes applying a seed coating composition to form a film or seed coating layer.

[0126] Seed coating typically involves forming a tightly adherent, moisture-permeable coating on the surface of a seed. The process typically involves applying a liquid seed coating composition to the seed prior to planting.

[0127] Additional film coat layers may optionally be applied over the coating, the layers of the present invention including, but not limited to, cosmetics, coverings, active ingredients, nutrients, and process improvements such as faster drying, seed feeding, durability, etc.

[0128] All of the features described in this specification can be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination. EXAMPLES

[0129] In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference is now made, by way of example, to the following description.

[0130] It is understood that all tests and physical properties described were determined at atmospheric pressure and room temperature (i.e., 25° C.) unless otherwise noted herein or in the referenced test methods and procedures.

[0131] The following test methods were used to determine the performance of the drought additives.

[0132] Moisture Stress Testing of Paper

[0133] The hydrolyzed protein products were evaluated using various germination test methods. The germination test was performed using a moisture stress test on paper where the water density was manipulated by PEG (polyethylene glycol).

[0134] To test the abiotic stress factor of reduced water availability, paper moisture stress tests were performed on the subjects. The moisture stress test consisted of performing germination tests with controlled moisture stress via polyethylene glycol (PEG). Lighting combined with a solution of PEG has a negative effect on plant development. All PEG tests were performed in a phytotron with a 9-hour long light and 15-hour dark cycle with a white paper sheet placed over the germination container to shield the plants from direct light. Germination without light results in elongated plants.

[0135] Plant development was classified using the evaluation method as shown in Table 1. This classification was used to indicate leaf development after germination, with class A representing good development and class D representing poor development.

[0136] [Table 1]

[0137] Sunflower subjects were assessed by measuring root length.

[0138] Water stress test in soil

[0139] Three sowings were performed per subject, the trays were filled with 60cc potting soil, 25 wheat seeds were sown and covered with 30cc potting soil. Watering with 100cc water was performed after sowing. Irrigation was performed every 3, 7 or 14 days depending on the subject. Compared to the maize water stress test, differences in plant development could not be expressed by length measurements or green tip counts.

[0140] An identification of developmental stages for wheat plants has been developed and is shown in Table 2, with stage 2 indicating good development and therefore good moisture stress tolerance and stage 0 indicating poor development and therefore poor moisture stress tolerance.

[0141] [Table 2]

[0142] Soil moisture and salinity stress test

[0143] Salinity trials were conducted on wheat subjects. Heat gradient tables were filled with 5,000cc of potting soil (nutrient rich). 100g of seeds were sown per subject per block. Each block covered 1 / 3 of the heat gradient table and covered the full temperature range from 15 to 35°C. The seedbeds were covered with 1,000cc of potting soil.

[0144] The thermal gradient caused water to evaporate at a rate that correlated with the gradient in temperature. This created a drought gradient throughout. All tables were watered twice with 5 liters of 0.01 M NaCl solution during the first 2 weeks, then watered weekly with 5 liters of 0.4 M NaCl solution (seawater is 0.6 M NaCl) for 5 weeks. Assessment was done visually.

[0145] Tests were performed on seeds from sunflower, corn, wheat, lettuce and onion. The seeds were coated with a film coat enriched with hydrolyzed protein products synthesized or derived from organic matter from pea, potato, soybean, cotton or wheat. The type of water stress test varied from crop to crop.

[0146] material

[0147] The effect of hydrolyzed protein was evaluated on maize, sunflower and wheat. The selection of this crop allowed for a wide representation of different seed and plant types.

[0148] The origins of the hydrolyzed proteins used in the test subjects and additives are listed below.

[0149] Hydrolyzed protein products used in the study: Additive 1 (A1) – Hydrolyzed wheat protein Additive 2 (A2) – Hydrolyzed pea protein Additive 3 (A3) – Hydrolyzed potato protein Additive 4 (A4) – Hydrolyzed soy protein Additive 5 (A5) – Hydrolyzed Cotton Protein

[0150] Application of hydrolyzed protein to seeds was via a film coat which varied from crop to crop. During mixing, hydrolyzed protein was added to a commercial film coat resulting in a film coat "composition" consisting of 10% of hydrolyzed protein, which will be referred to as the film coat in all subsequent references. Prior to application to the seeds, the film coat was diluted with water, with a 50 / 50 film coat / water ratio varying slightly from crop to crop.

[0151] Drought Tolerance Results

[0152] In Table 3, the total germ count is not affected by the addition of film coat or hydrolyzed protein. The percentage of green tips from the coleoptile is positively affected by the addition of hydrolyzed protein. This indicates that under moisture stress induced by a density of 1.024, seedling / plant development is less adversely affected when the seeds are coated with hydrolyzed protein incorporated in the film coat.

[0153] [Table 3]

[0154] Plant stage assessment of corn 14 days after sowing at a moisture density of 1.024 was classified using Table 1.

[0155] Similar results were seen for sunflower seeds in terms of drought resistance in general germination performance and are shown in Table 4.

[0156] [Table 4]

[0157] The plant stage assessment of sunflower seed germination on paper 14 days after sowing was a moisture density of 1.008.

[0158] Water stress testing of wheat in soil

[0159] A controlled drought stress test in soil was performed on wheat. The stages presented in Table 2 were used to explain the results as shown in Table 5. Initial results showed different responses for each hydrolyzed protein used mainly in general plant development.

[0160] The results presented in Table 5 show that irrigation intervals affect plant development. Overall germination is not affected by drought as all subjects received the same amount of water to initiate. Untreated wheat subjects appear to be consistent in plant development and demonstrate less or no negative response to water deficit (i.e., insufficient irrigation) compared to the film-coated controls.

[0161] [Table 5]

[0162] Salt tolerance

[0163] The results were obtained via the method described above. Table 6 shows the percentage of wheat plants that were viable under saline conditions.

[0164] [Table 6]

[0165] Wheat plants evaluated on potted soil were irrigated with 0.4M NaCl.

[0166] The results in Table 6 show a very clear and significant improvement in salt resistance for the coating of the present invention.

[0167] A positive effect on growth and plant development can be seen in all hydrolyzed protein coated corn moisture stress tests, with all hydrolyzed protein coated wheat moisture conditioned plant type tests, and plant type tests on a heat gradient table showing similar positive effects. In general, under drought stress, a positive effect of the drought tolerance additives on young plant development is seen, thereby demonstrating improved drought stress tolerance.

[0168] It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of the above-described embodiments, which are given by way of example only. Any variations are permissible.

Claims

1. 1. A seed coating composition for increasing drought and salinity tolerance of a seed and / or a plant formed from the seed comprising 6-25 wt. % of a polymeric binder and / or resin and 2-18 wt. % of a hydrolyzed protein, The molecular weight (weight average) of the hydrolyzed protein is in the range of 100 Da to 5,000 Da; The seed coating composition, wherein the hydrolyzed proteins are selected from collagen, elastin, keratin, casein, wheat protein, wheat starch, potato protein, soy protein and / or silk protein.

2. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the hydrolyzed protein present is derived from either animal or vegetable sources or is derived by fermentation.

3. 3. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the hydrolyzed protein comprises amino acid chains formed from hydrolyzing a protein.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hydrolyzed protein is hydrolyzed wheat protein produced by enzymatic hydrolysis.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the molecular weight (weight average) of the hydrolyzed protein is in the range of 50 Da to 50,000 Da.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hydrolyzed protein contains an average of 2 to 15 amino acids.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the amount of free amino acids in the hydrolyzed protein is less than 60% by weight.

8. 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polymeric binder is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, polyurethane, cellulose (including ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxymethylpropyl cellulose), polyvinylpyrrolidone, dextrin, maltodextrin, starch, polysaccharides, fats, oils, proteins, gum arabic, shellac, vinylidene chloride, vinylidene chloride copolymers, calcium lignosulfonate, polyacrylates, acrylic copolymers, polyvinyl acrylate, zein, casein, gelatin, chitosan, pullulan, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, acrylamide polymers, acrylamide copolymers, polyhydroxyethyl acrylate, methylacrylamide polymers, poly(N-vinylacetamide), sodium alginate, polychloroprene, and syrup.

9. 9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the polymeric binder is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polysaccharides (excluding starch), proteins, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and polyacrylates.

10. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the polymeric binder has a molecular weight (weight average) in the range of 1,000 to 40,000.

11. 11. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the polymer binder is a copolymer of acrylic acid with an alkyl methacrylate or styrene having a molecular weight of less than 20,000 and a Tg of more than 30°C.

12. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the resin is a rosin resin or a rosin ester.

13. 1. A method of forming a seed coating composition for increasing drought and salinity tolerance of a seed and / or a plant formed from the seed, comprising combining an aqueous composition preblend comprising 6-25 wt. % of a polymeric binder and / or resin with 2-18 wt. % of a hydrolyzed protein preblend, The molecular weight (weight average) of the hydrolyzed protein is in the range of 100 Da to 5,000 Da; The process, wherein the hydrolyzed proteins are selected from collagen, elastin, keratin, casein, wheat protein, wheat starch, potato protein, soy protein and / or silk protein.

14. 1. A seed coating method for increasing drought and salinity tolerance of the seed and / or a plant formed from the seed, comprising the step of applying to a seed a seed coating composition comprising 6-25 wt. % of a polymeric binder and / or resin and 2-18 wt. % of a hydrolyzed protein, The molecular weight (weight average) of the hydrolyzed protein is in the range of 100 Da to 5,000 Da; The process, wherein the hydrolyzed proteins are selected from collagen, elastin, keratin, casein, wheat protein, wheat starch, potato protein, soy protein and / or silk protein.

15. 1. A seed having a coating for increasing drought and salinity tolerance of the seed and / or a plant formed from the seed, the coating comprising 6-25 wt. % polymeric binder and / or resin and 2-18 wt. % hydrolyzed protein, The molecular weight (weight average) of the hydrolyzed protein is in the range of 100 Da to 5,000 Da; 13. A seed having said coating, wherein said hydrolyzed proteins are selected from collagen, elastin, keratin, casein, wheat protein, wheat starch, potato protein, soy protein and / or silk protein.

16. 16. The seed having the coating of claim 15, wherein the seed is selected from the group consisting of corn, sunflower, wheat, lettuce, and onion.

17. 1. Use of a seed coating composition comprising 6-25 wt. % of a polymeric binder and / or resin and 2-18 wt. % of a hydrolyzed protein to increase the drought and salinity tolerance of seeds coated with said composition, comprising The molecular weight (weight average) of the hydrolyzed protein is in the range of 100 Da to 5,000 Da; The use, wherein the hydrolyzed proteins are selected from collagen, elastin, keratin, casein, wheat protein, wheat starch, potato protein, soy protein and / or silk protein.

18. 1. Use of a seed coating composition comprising 6-25 wt. % of a polymeric binder and / or resin and 2-18 wt. % of a hydrolyzed protein to increase the drought and salinity tolerance of a plant formed from a seed coated with said composition, comprising The molecular weight (weight average) of the hydrolyzed protein is in the range of 100 Da to 5,000 Da; The use, wherein the hydrolyzed proteins are selected from collagen, elastin, keratin, casein, wheat protein, wheat starch, potato protein, soy protein and / or silk protein.

19. 13. A two-component system used in combination to form a seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a first component being a polymeric binder and / or resin and a second component being a hydrolyzed protein.

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